TALES OF ARDOUR & DECEIT

This album shows two faces of ETC: The first, a strong symphonic band with some GENESIS influences doing an agressive, changing and magnificent piece, the long suite "The Song of Marsh Stig". Altough at few moments this composition is close to metal rythms, it's the pearl of the album.

After the suite, the second face of ETC appears: most of the music is now atmospheric and even very relaxing, with long guitar driven soundscapes reminding me CAMEL, specially at the seventh track, the short and beautiful "The Exit". Some moments could be a little bit boring, but -generally- the music remains interesting.

"Tales of Ardour & Deceit", maybe, isn't the most creative progressive work, but it's nice and pleasant to the listener. A good album to check out.