PURGATORIO

I was not really enthusiast about the first leg of this trilogy ("Inferno"). I have to say that I'm much more confident with this "Purgatorio" which is closer to what a TD fan might expect (at least during the first CD).

Of course, the vocal parts do provide of theatrical angle (but not too much), and it adds some nice perspectives. There are even some parts sung in Spanish! The whole of this album sounds much less classic as "Inferno" and needless to say, that this aspect is not to discourage myself.

Some great synth lines from the past ("Sun Son's Seal") are even back! Very pleasant to listen to of course. But the whole of this album is quite a decent offering even if the past grandeur is not fully met. But, we all know that it is almost impossible to achieve any longer, so I guess that what is available on this double CD set is the best to be expected by the band in the naughties.

Vocals are aerial, and the only disturbance is the synthetic kind of drumming which I have never really appreciated. On the other hand, what I really do appreciate is the splendid and almost early TD music represented during the wonderful "Steps To Heaven". I almost got there! I would have loved more of this type.

The second CD sounds a little weaker: more opera oriented ("Death Of Medusa") and sounds more like "Inferno" even if during the second part of "Sun Son's Seal", the beat starts more upbeat an the same nice old TD feel is again on board at times (but less than during Part I). My fave from the second CD is the closing "Spirit Spiral". It is sung in French and is fully Boléro- oriented.

In all, this is a good album (but mostly thanks to the first part) and as such, Irate it with three stars. A bit longish maybe?