MARCH OF GHOSTS

As with most of Gazpacho's music, I find their indolent approach to progressive rock excellent for background listening. While it is usually pleasant (and in some instances wonderful), the band fails to engage me as a listener in general. However, I highly doubt fans of the band will be disappointed in the least.

'Monument' Like the opening of a dramatic film, this prelude moves with dark chords and a bittersweet violin.

'Hell Freezes Over I' After a clean guitar bit trickles in, so does a methodical rhythm section. The recognizable voice of Jan-Henrik Ohme oozes in thereafter. The strings provide beauty to a despondent piece.

'Hell Freezes Over II' This second part carries on in much the same vein, tinged only by the slightest grunge and met with the kiss of the bagpipes later on.

'Black Lily' 'Black Lily' is definitively Gazpacho through and through, in poignant vocal melody, that ponderous yet redolent musicianship, and their overall ghostly style.

'Gold Star' Adopting slightly Celtic flavors initially, this song is more acoustic-based, growing heavier after a time, and reminding me very much of Phideaux.

'Hell Freezes Over III' This quiet vocal interlude is minimally rendered, with soft piano and violin, though a deep bass and tranquil drums enter later on, building the music to an inspiring level.

'Mary Celeste' Once again, I am reminded of Phideaux in many respects, as this album mixes gorgeous piano and violin with straightforward vocal rock sections, culminating in an Irish jig.

'What Did I Do?' Another peaceful moment, this time enhanced by vocal harmony glissandi.

'Golem' Following yet another slow introduction, the band finally cranks up the amplifiers, offering a simplistic lead guitar over a far more interesting hard rock rhythm.

'The Dumb' I enjoy the light interlude in the middle, which is bookended by further murky and moderate rock.

'Hell Freezes Over IV' As though they had been saving all their energy (or perhaps the distortion pedals were low on batteries), the band finally delivers a heavy rock bit to rouse any sleeping listeners. The very end is like a receding ray of light.