TUTANKHAMON

Debut album from one of the most unfairly forgotten spanish prog bands of the 70!

And unlike their posterior releases which are clearly more jazz oriented, Tutankhamon was a lovable attempt from this band to create a prog-rock album in the vein of Yes, Camel with a touch of King Crimson. So, it's nothing really new or truly original to be heard in this record, but it's surely worth your time nevertheless if you are into this kind of music.

The album opens with Tebas, a Little instrumental track with beautiful melodies which are very Yes influenced. After this track Prólogo introduces some powerful guitars and the fine vocals from Ángel Riba, who sings in a very passionate and solid style giving the band an extra amount of personality.

Sacerdotes has another great riff at the beginning and curious saxophone which contribute with some extra symphonic elements. The lyrics are sadly a bit ridiculous, but that's the weakest point of the band anyway. But this problem is not to be find in Amarna, an instrumental composition with some wah wah guitars, mellotron and a fine dark atmosphere.

Lying on the Sand has an enigmatic beginning and slow verses, and that's a good 70's standard prog-rock song excepting the lousy English pronunciation of Ángel... In my opinion, this mixture of Spanish and English lyrics was a mistake. They should have made the whole album at Spanish and after this experience is not a surprise that they became totally instrumental on their second release Coses Nostres.

Amenphis is another instrumental song with some Syberian Kathru influences while Himno al Sol is one of the centerpieces of the album, this time with even interesting lyrics and excellent guitars. And also, an excellent guitar and keyboards playing is to be find in La Muerte, a good instrumental ruined by a boring drums solo.

Close to God is a song that could have been recorded by The Flower Kings years later, being an obvious influence for this great Swedish band. And his beautiful and dreamy track is perfectly linked to Too Young to Be a Pharaoh, the best track of the album with a killer riff, great vocal interpretation and a guitar which could have been played by Steve Howe himself. After his adrenaline discharge, a reprise from Tebas closes the album in a fine way.

Conclusion: in a land so complicated for prog-rock like Spain, Iceberg managed to release a very solid 70's prog album which works almost like a single track. Coherent, well written and with very solid instrumental skills by the whole band.

Is was by no terms groundbreaking or truly original, with influenced that are a bit too obvious, but it will surely please you if you like the typical 70's prog rock made from the heart. Recommended!

Best Tracks: Tebas, Himno al Sol, Close to God, Too Young to be a Pharaoh.

My rating: ***