BATTLEMENT

Well, how could I have missed this prog gem for so long? In fact, a few weeks ago I´d say I had never heard of them. Thanks to PA I got to know the band and bought this CD. Now I can say it´s truly a lost album that any 70´s prog fan should discover too. It is unfortunate that those guys released only one LP (and in 1979 - worst timing for a prog release ever!). But this interesting combo from Germany still managed to do a great job.

Ok, the first impression is the similarities they have from early Genesis, especially the opening track Loafer Jack. It could have come from Nursery Cryme! I was amazed by how french singer Frédéric Joos can sound exactly like Peter Gabriel: in fact, it could really be him! Good song, good interpretation, but also highly derivative. Fortunatly, the next tracks are quite different and show a band that obviously had a strong Genesis influence but also had a knack for writing good tunes and was developing a personality of its own. The title song, for exemple, owns it´s structure more to Jethro Tull than to Gabriel & co (thanks to the flute breaks and also to the bassist vocals on this track). All band members are of course very skilled and the production was perfect for this type of music. In fact, it was actually better than some of their idols albums! Great guitar and keyboards runs, nice acoustic breaks and a dynamic rhythm section are the trademarks of this tight band. The songs are varied, with lots of shifting moods, good vocals, strong hooks. No fillers anywhere.

The reissue includes the good track Midsmmer Day, that was recorded at the same time as the original LP, but it was not released. The remastering was very well done, I must say: you can hear every instrument and voice. Which, of course, enhances their outstanding musicanship even more. Musea did a fine job on the booklet too including liner notes, lyrics and a brief, but well written history of the group with some pictures. Of historical interest: Scorpions drummer at the time, Hermann Rarebell, played on one track.

If you´re into 70´s classic prog music in general - and early Genesis in particular - you should not miss this one. A great work of a band that surely could deliver much more, if only they had come out earlier (or much later). But Battlement is still an excellent addition to any prog music collection. 4 stars.