PERPETUUM KARMA

Let me begin by admitting: I did not particularly care for the voice of Mariele Gonzales. My introduction to NEXUS was on the Coossus/Musea Records collaborative effort entitled "Odyssey: The Greatest Tale." Their contribution to "Odyssey" was one of the three or four best. So, I started going back into their other music. "Metanoia" came first. I was so turned off by the vocals that I did not pursue any further for two years. Then I read the reviews of "Perpetuum" and decided to try it. My first impression was less than favorable: too bombastic (the same reason I've never been able to get into ELP). Over the past few months I have given "Perpetuum several dedicated listens (it takes 70 minutes of attentive listening). I am now won over. I am truly impressed with and full of praise for Lalo Huber's keyboard work and with the guitar playing of Carlos Lucena. Huber may be the most impressive keyboard player in current prog rock. The songs sometimes go on without making any truly memorable melodies or themes (thus, the "symphonic" label it truly deserves), and the drums do somehow feel somehow weak (especially in comparison to the keys and gtrs), but I like the vocals (what little there are). I love the "En ese viento" and "Del abismo al sol" (5 stars each), very much enjoy the first two songs, "Mirar hacia el centro" and the title song (the 'Emerson tribute'), "Perpetuum Karma" and "Cruces y sombres" (4 stars each). Which leaves, IMO, only one weak song.

An excellent addition to any prog lovers' music collection.