FORCE MAJEURE

4,5*. The only reason to take the fifth star would be the last 5-10 minutes (I haven't measured, it sure SEEMS too long time) where the music gets totally stuck. Yes, it fits to the title 'Through Metamorphic Rocks' but the same thing goes on and on and then it just ceases without any conclusion to the track which started wonderfully. A nasty ending to otherwise marvelous album.

Anyway, even with that fault this is definitely my TD favourite (with Cyclone) and the one that is - I guess - most likely enjoyed by a PROG fan who wants more than sonic strangeness of the early TD albums or who dislikes technical coldness - and dullness - of later TD style. Here's almost anything you could hope to hear in an instrumental prog work. Not only keyboards and synths are excellent and inspired; Froese plays also acoustic and electric guitars deliciously, and Klaus Krueger's sophisticated drums are very crucial especially in the epic 18-minute title track. It's an exciting, very progressive composition with not a single boring moment. Perhaps on the latter half it sounds a bit naive and Jarre-like momentarily, but not too much. And then 'Cloudburst Flight', the best TD track under 10 minutes. What an atmosphere! Others seem not to complain about the ending of 'Metamorphic', so all in all Force Majeure is highly recommended, even if you're new to Tangerine Dream.