Showing posts with label Progressive Rock Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Progressive Rock Reviews. Show all posts

1/22/2019

Progressive Rock Review: 3.2-The Rules Have Changed

Release Date: August 10, 2018
Label: FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL

If you remember the album The Power of 3(1988) then you will find familiarity with The Rules Have Changed. I remember the album but what really left an impression on me was Robert Berry. I interviewed Robert in March of 1999 in conjunction with the ELP Tribute Encores, Legends and Paradox. I still treasure all of those prog tribute CDs Magna Carta released. It was an exciting time with fond memories.

Robert and Keith Emerson were discussing reforming 3 and ideas were formulating. The unfortunate passing of Emerson put everything into a different perspective for Robert, as one would suspect. Indeed, The Rules Have Changed. After Emerson’s death in 2016, he was left with the keyboard legends final musical ideas for the project. Everything from old cassette tapes, keyboard parts written over the phone and long discussions between the two friends about style, the framework of the album were set and ready to be produced. 

I thought providing some of the back stories would be interesting. I also listened to an interview with Robert discussing everything and what I found was more than a multi-talented musician, but an honest and caring man that lost a dear friend. He was speechless when he visited Emerson’s grave. I can understand why.
So, Robert decided to move forward with the project in dedication to Emerson and in the true spirit of the music decided to create the 3.2 version of the band. The end result is a fantastic eight-track album. Robert said he could feel Keith while he was playing. I do not doubt that for a second. As I was listening, I was asking myself “Which part is Keith playing” not realizing the entire story and that Robert actually played all the parts!
The Rules Have Changed is an excellent recording from beginning to end in my humble opinion. It was not hard for me to appreciate it being a big ELP fan and admirer of Keith’s solo works and Robert’s as well. I saw this listening opportunity as a can’t miss experience. And it most certainly proved to be so.

“Powerful Man” is about Keith being a father from a distance with his son. And on the flip side, his son watching his father on stage and becoming inspired by the power of the music he was creating. I thought it was a great choice for a title and the words are inspirational and uplifting and the music is as well. I watched the video (included here) and got chills.

Two of the more interesting and entertaining tracks are “The Letter,” which starts with an acoustic guitar and Robert singing in uncharacteristic gruff tone (think whiskey-soaked blues like) and then the song continues to build and change into what you would come to expect in a Berry song.

“Your Mark on The World” is a track that I am sure Keith would have loved. It is a crazy prog rock track with a circus-like atmosphere. It made me think of one thing. Who can forget (if you were alive at the time) Keith spinning around in the air at ELP’s performance at the first California Jam? Man, that was unbelievable, but then again so was ELP and Mr. Emerson.

After hearing The Rules Have Changed, I felt inspired to write about it as soon as I could. I felt joy, elation, and some sadness while listening. But after all isn’t that what music is all about, people, the human condition. 

Thank you, Robert Berry, for a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest ivory ticklers the world has had the pleasure to enjoy. The beauty of the memories will carry on forever thanks to what he left behind.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 22, 2019

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks:
1. One by One
2. Powerful Man
3. The Rules Have Changed
4. Our Bond
5. What You’re Dreaming Now
6. Somebody’s Watching
7. This Letter
8. Your Mark on The World
 

11/19/2018

Progressive Rock Review: Circuline-Circulive::Majestik DVD

Release Date: May 18, 2018
Label: Independent

After getting primed with the CD version of the latest Circuline album Circulive::Majestik I was now ready to view the DVD version. This was my chance to finally enjoy this progressive rock band in a visually setting.
The group members are Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), Natalie Brown (lead vocals), William “Billy” Spillane (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Beledo (lead guitar).

The DVD is a high-quality video for sight and sound. I would recommend checking it out it on a big screen, 45 to 65 inches with a surround sound bar system will do. Everything comes through nicely with this simple system and these days it affordable to go that route.

The thing I learned by watching this band perform live was just how focused they all are. And the one thing I did not take note of on the CD was the fantastic bass playing of Harold Skeete (of the instrumental band Ad Astra). He is a serious player and the fact he had only been with the band for two weeks when this was recorded at RosFest 2016 is another reason to give him well-deserved kudos. He is so intense and totally into his instrument. That kind of commitment most certainly made this a more entertaining concert.

Also, my hat is off to Beledo. He is another recently added member of the group, he also was only with the other band members for two weeks. He is an excellent lead guitar player and covers some ground bordering on jazz fusion at times. 

This is straight-ahead progressive rock, no frills. This kind of presentation does not have anything to pull your attention away from what is going on with the musicians, which I did appreciate. When you are actually there at a live event you can appreciate the lights, videos, and the crowd reactions. With a sit-down video at home its all about the music and nothing else. I realize some folks may want all those extras however with music like this you need to watch the people that are presenting it, so they did it right.

I do love prog rock done well, and this concert was. Circuline offers all the sudden stops and starts and change of direction in their songs, a trademark of prog. They are complex and give the audience a superb representation of their catalog of recordings.  The added bonus of the track “New Day” is on the DVD and Blu Ray only and an entire bonus section of videos for three tracks from their studio recordings are included. It is a nice package for anyone that appreciates prog rock and was not aware of this great band Circuline, and if you are a fan it’s a no brainer.

Recorded live at The Majestic Theater
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 7th, 2016
13th International Rites of Spring Festival

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 17, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks:

** "New Day Bonus" - Track DVD Only**

01. Who I Am (live) 07:48
02. Return (live) 05:00
03. Forbidden Planet (live) 06:36
04. Hollow (live) 10:06
05. Stereotypes (live) 04:53
06. Inception (live) 05:12
07. America the Beautiful (live) 01:23
08. Nautilus (live) 05:54
09. One Wish (live) 06:14  
10. Summit (live) 10:11  
11. Stay (live) 06:12  
12. Silence Revealed (live) 07:25



Progressive Rock Review: Circuline-Circulive::Majestik DVD

Release Date: May 18, 2018
Label: Independent

After getting primed with the CD version of the latest Circuline album Circulive::Majestik I was now ready to view the DVD version. This was my chance to finally enjoy this progressive rock band in a visual setting.
 
The group members are Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), Natalie Brown (lead vocals), William “Billy” Spillane (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Beledo (lead guitar).

The DVD is a high-quality video for sight and sound. I would recommend checking it out it on a big screen, 45 to 65 inches with a surround sound bar system will do. Everything comes through nicely with this simple system and these days it affordable to go that route.

The thing I learned by watching this band perform live was just how focused they all are. And the one thing I did not take note of on the CD was the fantastic bass playing of Harold Skeete (of the instrumental band Ad Astra). He is a serious player and the fact he had only been with the band for two weeks when this was recorded at RosFest 2016 is another reason to give him well-deserved kudos. He is so intense and totally into his instrument. That kind of commitment most certainly made this a more entertaining concert.

Also, my hat is off to Beledo. He is another recently added member of the group, he also was only with the other band members for two weeks. He is an excellent lead guitar player and covers some ground bordering on jazz fusion at times. 

This is straight-ahead progressive rock, no frills. This kind of presentation does not have anything to pull your attention away from what is going on with the musicians, which I did appreciate. When you are actually there at a live event you can appreciate the lights, videos, and the crowd reactions. With a sit-down video at home its all about the music and nothing else. I realize some folks may want all those extras however with music like this you need to watch the people that are presenting it, so they did it right.

I do love prog rock done well, and this concert was. Circuline offers all the sudden stops and starts and change of direction in their songs, a trademark of prog. They are complex and give the audience a superb representation of their catalog of recordings.  The added bonus of the track “New Day” is on the DVD and Blu Ray only and an entire bonus section of videos for three tracks from their studio recordings are included. It is a nice package for anyone that appreciates prog rock and was not aware of this great band Circuline, and if you are a fan it’s a no brainer.

Recorded live at The Majestic Theater
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 7th, 2016
13th International Rites of Spring Festival

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 17, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks:

** "New Day Bonus" - Track DVD Only**

01. Who I Am (live) 07:48
02. Return (live) 05:00
03. Forbidden Planet (live) 06:36
04. Hollow (live) 10:06
05. Stereotypes (live) 04:53
06. Inception (live) 05:12
07. America the Beautiful (live) 01:23
08. Nautilus (live) 05:54
09. One Wish (live) 06:14  
10. Summit (live) 10:11  
11. Stay (live) 06:12  
12. Silence Revealed (live) 07:25



11/11/2018

Progressive Rock Review: Circulive::Majestik

Release Date: May 18, 2018
Label: Independent

Circuline's newest release, CircuLive::Majestik, was released in May 2018. The CD captures the spontaneity and exciting prog rock sound of the band at the 13th International Rites of Spring Festival, otherwise known as the RoSfest. This is CD/DVD set; however, I am going to focus on the CD first and savor the visual version later.

I covered their 2016 release Counterpoint and can clearly remember being quite impressed. They were as good as any other top prog band I had recently heard. I also recently covered keyboard player Andrew Colyer’s release Christmas Time-Piano Improvisations, which is a big step away from the world of prog rock.
This new release really cuts to the bone in regards to their mastery of prog rock and their talents. The group members are Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), Natalie Brown (lead vocals), William “Billy” Spillane (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Beledo (lead guitar).

Once again, as I pointed out a few years ago, “Hollow” is their all-out prog rocker clocking in at 10:06. Hearing the live version really shows how this band can shine without the studio technologies to help. It is straightforward and what I would refer to as their epic track. Good to know that my tastes and recognition of that track has not changed. The perception of something played live is always different and hopefully in a good way, and it does not disappoint, it is a superb listen. This gets me really excited about viewing the DVD of this performance.

I like the combination of the male and female vocals It is the Ying and Yang of rock ‘n’ roll and there is a delicate balance there that must be just right for it to work, particularly in a live setting. Billy sounds reminiscent of Michael Sadler of Saga. When Billy and Natalie sing together it reminded me of the classic combo of Grace Slick and Marty Balin (R.I.P.). Those are some heavy-duty comparisons to make to be sure however they are deserving. “Nautilus” is a great track to check out and see if you can hear those influences or similarities in the vocals. In any event, all that conjecture is meant to be positive and a compliment.

CircuLive::Majestik is a great tribute to the Circuline body of work and their awesome sound. They can flat out rock, get softer or do both within one track, which is commonplace actually, and a wonderful thing. If you appreciate the changing tides of prog rock and the excellent musicianship presented then this set is a must-have.

Special Guests Include:
Harold Skeete (Ad Astra) - bass
Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius) - electric violin

Recorded live at The Majestic Theater
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 7th, 2016
13th International Rites of Spring Festival

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 11, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Who I Am (live) 07:48
02. Return (live) 05:00
03. Forbidden Planet (live) 06:36
04. Hollow (live) 10:06
05. Stereotypes (live) 04:53
06. Inception (live) 05:12
07. America the Beautiful (live) 01:23
08. Nautilus (live) 05:54
09. One Wish (live) 06:14   
10. Summit (live) 10:11   
11. Stay (live) 06:12   
12. Silence Revealed (live) 07:25

 

Progressive Rock Review: Circulive::Majestik

Release Date: May 18, 2018
Label: Independent

Circuline's newest release, CircuLive::Majestik, was released in May 2018. The CD captures the spontaneity and exciting prog rock sound of the band at the 13th International Rites of Spring Festival, otherwise known as the RoSfest. This is CD/DVD set; however, I am going to focus on the CD first and savor the visual version later.

I covered their 2016 release Counterpoint and can clearly remember being quite impressed. They were as good as any other top prog band I had recently heard. I also recently covered keyboard player Andrew Colyer’s release Christmas Time-Piano Improvisations, which is a big step away from the world of prog rock.
This new release really cuts to the bone in regards to their mastery of prog rock and their talents. The group members are Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), Natalie Brown (lead vocals), William “Billy” Spillane (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Beledo (lead guitar).

Once again, as I pointed out a few years ago, “Hollow” is their all-out prog rocker clocking in at 10:06. Hearing the live version really shows how this band can shine without the studio technologies to help. It is straightforward and what I would refer to as their epic track. Good to know that my tastes and recognition of that track has not changed. The perception of something played live is always different and hopefully in a good way, and it does not disappoint, it is a superb listen. This gets me really excited about viewing the DVD of this performance.

I like the combination of the male and female vocals It is the Ying and Yang of rock ‘n’ roll and there is a delicate balance there that must be just right for it to work, particularly in a live setting. Billy sounds reminiscent of Michael Sadler of Saga. When Billy and Natalie sing together it reminded me of the classic combo of Grace Slick and Marty Balin (R.I.P.). Those are some heavy-duty comparisons to make to be sure however they are deserving. “Nautilus” is a great track to check out and see if you can hear those influences or similarities in the vocals. In any event, all that conjecture is meant to be positive and a compliment.

CircuLive::Majestik is a great tribute to the Circuline body of work and their awesome sound. They can flat out rock, get softer or do both within one track, which is commonplace actually, and a wonderful thing. If you appreciate the changing tides of prog rock and the excellent musicianship presented then this set is a must-have.

Special Guests Include:
Harold Skeete (Ad Astra) - bass
Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius) - electric violin

Recorded live at The Majestic Theater
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 7th, 2016
13th International Rites of Spring Festival

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 11, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Who I Am (live) 07:48
02. Return (live) 05:00
03. Forbidden Planet (live) 06:36
04. Hollow (live) 10:06
05. Stereotypes (live) 04:53
06. Inception (live) 05:12
07. America the Beautiful (live) 01:23
08. Nautilus (live) 05:54
09. One Wish (live) 06:14   
10. Summit (live) 10:11   
11. Stay (live) 06:12   
12. Silence Revealed (live) 07:25

 

2/25/2018

Progressive Rock Review: Royal Architect-Et In Arcadia Ego (LP)

Release Date: August 19, 2017
Label: Independent

Royal Architect released their debut Et In Arcadia Ego in August last year. The band is led by Matthew Graboski (guitars/pianos/vocalist). His musical history runs deep with the band OHO, who have several releases to their credit. While OHO is hailed as Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd on the band's website, the latest band has yet to form an identity.

Jason Butcher (drums,vox), Ryan Finnerin (bass) and Tim Yungwirth (guitars, RTG, percussion) round out the band. Additional musicians include Denny Finnerin (vox), Kelly Butcher(vox) and Christopher Freeland (percussion).

The title means the following: Et in Arcadia ego (also known as Les bergers d'Arcadie or The Arcadian Shepherds) is a 1637–38 painting by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). It depicts a pastoral scene with idealized shepherds from classical antiquity clustering around an austere tomb.  

In this case, however, the meaning is different for the band…

Matthew Explains: I took the title from the book Blood Meridian. The phrase is engraved on the main antagonist's rifle and is a reference to a specific notion "even in your paradise I (death) am near. This character fashions himself a regular harbinger of death.

So right out the gate, the album becomes a cerebral entity with the title and names of the songs. But that is ok with me, I had something to learn. The bonus is the band sent me the high-quality vinyl pressing of the album. This was greatly appreciated as I have been amassing vinyl at an alarming rate the past few years. It seems many others have as well around the world and that is a good thing for bands and music business overall.

Graboski reminded me of Widespread Panic's John Bell. That is a compliment from where I sit as I think they are an amazing band. His vocals have that whiskey soaked vocal style that you hear in the blues quite often. There is one big difference however, this is progressive rock. The music comes at you fast. It is very interesting, and at times complex and I know it must be difficult to play by any stretch. Most notably I found the guitar playing at very high level consistent throughout the listen.

It is definitely progressive as the opener "Draco Volans," another word I was unfamiliar with, sets the pace. In case you were interested, Draco Volans is the common flying dragon, a species of lizard prevalent in Southeast Asia. Its skin allows it to fly very similarly to the flying squirrel. So, needless to say, I have some interesting thoughts going through my head at this point. I listened to the album first before venturing into the unknown so I am not sure if any of that information would have made more sense to me if I had the knowledge prior to listening. 

None of that matters to me because what I heard I really enjoyed. This is very good music. I heard elements of many genres swirling around Graboski's vocals including blues, rock, and jazz. It is comparable to having a full course meal then sprinkling pepper all over each dish to give it that extra flavor, in this case, oomph. The word eclectic is appropriate when discussing the output of Royal Architect. "This Cloak," which clocks in at 6:33, leads off the B side of LP. It clearly defines what prog rock is all about. It is a variable kaleidoscope of sounds. After hearing that one track I see where this band can develop further and reach new heights.

If you are wondering about the colorful cool cover? The artist is Graboski's 3-year-old daughter Delilah. I guess you have to start them young and provide encouragement. Talent for the arts is either in the genes or it isn't. It looks like this young lady is off to a good start with her color schemes.

There is a lot of good music on this album to digest. It is never cut and dried due to the variances in pace and instrumentation. That is a good thing in my estimation if you are attempting, and this case succeeding, to record something progressive and ultimately different. Et In Arcadia Ego is a solid and consistent rocking group of songs. This band should be very encouraged to get in the studio and record again soon.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 25, 2018
Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk


Tracks:
 

1. Draco Volans 
2. As Above So Below   
3. Echoes from the Cleft in Bedlam 

4. Afternoon Phantoms
5. Dentes Ventus
6. This Cloak
7. Vespers
8. Let the Knives Sing    
9. Ignis Est In Sanguine Meo

 

Progressive Rock Review: Royal Architect-Et In Arcadia Ego (LP)

Release Date: August 19, 2017
Label: Independent


Royal Architect released their debut Et In Arcadia Ego in August last year. The band is led by Matthew Graboski (guitars/pianos/vocalist). His musical history runs deep with the band OHO, who have several releases to their credit. While OHO is hailed as Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd on the band's website, the latest band has yet to form an identity.

Jason Butcher (drums,vox), Ryan Finnerin (bass) and Tim Yungwirth (guitars, RTG, percussion) round out the band. Additional musicians include Denny Finnerin (vox), Kelly Butcher(vox) and Christopher Freeland (percussion).

The title means the following: Et in Arcadia ego (also known as Les bergers d'Arcadie or The Arcadian Shepherds) is a 1637–38 painting by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). It depicts a pastoral scene with idealized shepherds from classical antiquity clustering around an austere tomb.  

In this case, however, the meaning is different for the band…

Matthew Explains: I took the title from the book Blood Meridian. The phrase is engraved on the main antagonist's rifle and is a reference to a specific notion "even in your paradise I (death) am near. This character fashions himself a regular harbinger of death.

So right out the gate, the album becomes a cerebral entity with the title and names of the songs. But that is ok with me, I had something to learn. The bonus is the band sent me the high-quality vinyl pressing of the album. This was greatly appreciated as I have been amassing vinyl at an alarming rate the past few years. It seems many others have as well around the world and that is a good thing for bands and music business overall.

Graboski reminded me of Widespread Panic's John Bell. That is a compliment from where I sit as I think they are an amazing band. His vocals have that whiskey soaked vocal style that you hear in the blues quite often. There is one big difference however, this is progressive rock. The music comes at you fast. It is very interesting, and at times complex and I know it must be difficult to play by any stretch. Most notably I found the guitar playing at very high level consistent throughout the listen.

It is definitely progressive as the opener "Draco Volans," another word I was unfamiliar with, sets the pace. In case you were interested, Draco Volans is the common flying dragon, a species of lizard prevalent in Southeast Asia. Its skin allows it to fly very similarly to the flying squirrel. So, needless to say, I have some interesting thoughts going through my head at this point. I listened to the album first before venturing into the unknown so I am not sure if any of that information would have made more sense to me if I had the knowledge prior to listening. 

None of that matters to me because what I heard I really enjoyed. This is very good music. I heard elements of many genres swirling around Graboski's vocals including blues, rock, and jazz. It is comparable to having a full course meal then sprinkling pepper all over each dish to give it that extra flavor, in this case, oomph. The word eclectic is appropriate when discussing the output of Royal Architect. "This Cloak," which clocks in at 6:33, leads off the B side of LP. It clearly defines what prog rock is all about. It is a variable kaleidoscope of sounds. After hearing that one track I see where this band can develop further and reach new heights.

If you are wondering about the colorful cool cover? The artist is Graboski's 3-year-old daughter Delilah. I guess you have to start them young and provide encouragement. Talent for the arts is either in the genes or it isn't. It looks like this young lady is off to a good start with her color schemes.

There is a lot of good music on this album to digest. It is never cut and dried due to the variances in pace and instrumentation. That is a good thing in my estimation if you are attempting, and this case succeeding, to record something progressive and ultimately different. Et In Arcadia Ego is a solid and consistent rocking group of songs. This band should be very encouraged to get in the studio and record again soon.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 25, 2018
Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk


Tracks:
 

1. Draco Volans 
2. As Above So Below   
3. Echoes from the Cleft in Bedlam 

4. Afternoon Phantoms
5. Dentes Ventus
6. This Cloak
7. Vespers
8. Let the Knives Sing    
9. Ignis Est In Sanguine Meo

 

1/12/2018

Classic Rock/Progressive Rock Review: Styx-Pieces of Eight-SACD Ltd. Numbered Ed.

Release Date: September 29, 2017
Label: Audio Fidelity

Styx has always been one of my favorite bands, they still are and always will be. So, what is it like to be a lifetime fan of a band and you are still listening to their music? It holds some meaning for folks like myself. The music never sounds old or outdated and you are not expecting anything different…well sometimes it does happen. 

Consider this point, what is like for a music fan to hear the music they have been listening to for the last 30 to 40 years and suddenly it all sounds crisper, brighter, and clearer than ever before? Well, I can tell you it can be a revelatory experience to hear this music in the SACD format. 

The SACD release by Audio Fidelity last September of Pieces of Eight rocks and I heard things I have never heard before. This is what this format is intended to accomplish. I am here to tell you the job was well done (again) by Audio Fidelity. I am little late to the party but nevertheless I am reporting in to all of the respective lifetime rockers and audiophiles.

Pieces of Eight was a multiplatinum release and with good reason. The music offered radio friendly rock at the time and it was also a nod to the progressive elements of the band. The prog sounds came through loud and clear for this listener, however when I first heard it as a teenager I thought it just rocked. Which it did and still does, I just became older and more educated somewhere along the way.

Pieces of Eight is a very strong release right up there with the high echelon of prog rock releases like Grand Illusion but it rocked a bit harder. So, dare I say more metal this time around? It is there, all of it in its raging glory - rock, metal and prog. Anyone that liked to crank up the tunes can appreciate all of those genres coming together in an explosion of sound. 

That felt good to get all that off my chest and let y’all know how I really feel about this music. So, get yourself a copy before they run out again, even if you have all the other formats, you need to hear this SACD!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 11, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: 
01. Great White Hope
02. I'm O.K.
03. Sing for the Day
04. The Message
05. Lords of the Ring
06. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
07. Queen of Spades
08. Renegade
09. Pieces of Eight
10. Aku-Aku


1/11/2018

Classic Rock/Progressive Rock Review: Styx-Pieces of Eight-SACD Ltd. Numbered Ed.

Release Date: September 29, 2017
Label: Audio Fidelity

Styx has always been one of my favorite bands, they still are and always will be. So, what is it like to be a lifetime fan of a band and you are still listening to their music? It holds some meaning for folks like myself. The music never sounds old or outdated and you are not expecting anything different…well sometimes it does happen. 

Consider this point, what is like for a music fan to hear the music they have been listening to for the last 30 to 40 years and suddenly it all sounds crisper, brighter, and clearer than ever before? Well, I can tell you it can be a revelatory experience to hear this music in the SACD format. 

The SACD release by Audio Fidelity last September of Pieces of Eight rocks and I heard things I have never heard before. This is what this format is intended to accomplish. I am here to tell you the job was well done (again) by Audio Fidelity. I am little late to the party but nevertheless I am reporting in to all of the respective lifetime rockers and audiophiles.

Pieces of Eight was a multiplatinum release and with good reason. The music offered radio friendly rock at the time and it was also a nod to the progressive elements of the band. The prog sounds came through loud and clear for this listener, however when I first heard it as a teenager I thought it just rocked. Which it did and still does, I just became older and more educated somewhere along the way.

Pieces of Eight is a very strong release right up there with the high echelon of prog rock releases like Grand Illusion but it rocked a bit harder. So, dare I say more metal this time around? It is there, all of it in its raging glory - rock, metal and prog. Anyone that liked to crank up the tunes can appreciate all of those genres coming together in an explosion of sound. 

That felt good to get all that off my chest and let y’all know how I really feel about this music. So, get yourself a copy before they run out again, even if you have all the other formats, you need to hear this SACD!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 11, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: 
01. Great White Hope
02. I'm O.K.
03. Sing for the Day
04. The Message
05. Lords of the Ring
06. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
07. Queen of Spades
08. Renegade
09. Pieces of Eight
10. Aku-Aku