VISIONARY

After reading several mixed reviews here on Prog Archives, some negative, some positive, some indifferent, I wasn't sure if I wanted to purchase this new album from Eloy, the first in about a decade. But having nearly everything in Eloy's discography, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I include it into my regular purchasing routines. I received it in the mail quite a while ago and it sat there, and sat there, and sat there... Other albums in my pile of "things I need to listen to" were taking higher priority and I have to admit that it was the negative reviews that were keeping me from it. But one day I had the "urge." And I popped it into my CD player with an open mind thinking some of this is likely to be good, some of it might cause me to hit the "next" button on my player...

Well, I was pleasantly surprised. No, this doesn't quite sound like Ocean 2 or The Tides Return Forever, nor does it sound like Floating or Dawn or Slient Cries and Mighty Echoes. And no, it really doesn't sound like Ra or Destination. So what exactly does it sound like? Well, it's really balanced for a change. It isn't keyboard-dominant, or guitar-dominant. It clearly sounds like a mix of all of Eloy's past into one, but with better songwriting sensibilities and not overdone regarding any of Eloy's leaning to one style over another. Further, not one of the songs I would consider bad. Their all pleasant and enjoyable listens. Bornemann's lyrics still focus on the future and learning from past mistakes, plus their well-written; possibly the best lyric writing of his career.

A very enjoyable album and a much-welcomed comeback. The only fault I would find with this album is it needs some more keyboard and guitar solos, something traditionally part of Eloy's history. Overall, a respectable four stars.