ELOY – The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre. Part 1 (2017)

German cult progressive rock band ELOY are releasing their 18th studio album “The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre. Part 1“, a pretty fascinating concept work with some amazing musicianship.
Formed in the late 60s, Eloy released a string of successful albums, mostly released in Europe only, and were often dubbed ‘The German Pink Floyd’.
In the ’80s the sound was modernised (much in the same way Yes did), and over the years their brand of progressive rock dipped into symphonic waves. And through a number of line-up changes, these have included Fritz Randow (Saxon) and Jürgen Rosenthal (Uli Jon Roth, Scorpions).

Eloy ’80s albums are highly respected – and in my case, loved – by many AOR fans as their music was extremely melodic, polished, with a lush production and that supreme ‘proggy AOR’ feel.
At the end of the Nineties, things became silent with Eloy not being present as band / project. Still fans have not given up and constantly demanded new Eloy releases which led to two live albums that have seen the light of day between then and now, also leading to a next studio release in 2009.
This studio album paved the way for the new achievement since it created even more attention among very loyal fans.

Fronted by founder guitarist, vocalist and sole permanent member Frank Bornemann (who has also worked as a producer of a number of name bands), “The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre Part 1” is the first album since that 2009’s effort, and it’s as good as ever.
This album is starting a new chapter that brings back the big soundscapes that are so typical for this band. It’s the life of Jeanne d’Arc as the chosen theme that stands connects the various tracks to one bigger total.

Bornemann had the idea about such a longplayer already in the Nineties but could never realize it – up to date. Now it’s part 1 of “The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre” that will be a delight for Eloy fans and enthusiasts of melodious, pristine and accessible progressive rock music.
Opener ‘The Age Of The Hundred Years’ War’ kicks off atmospherically and builds into some crunchy space rock. ‘Domremy On The 6th January 1412’ is the first of several shorter tracks that add atmosphere and also add to the lyrical concept.

‘Early Signs’, with a gentle start, hints to some of the ’80s work, and builds nicely also giving room for rocking guitars and supreme synths. It’s some kind of Alan Parsons, and I love it.
‘The Call’ is a chunkier number and classic Eloy, the keyboards and guitars work well together for another dynamic number with some catchiness.

This is part 1 of the concept, something that Frank Bornemann has researched in depth.
Thirteen tracks, a couple of 1-2 minute bridges, a couple at six minutes and one epic at 10, and musically there’s a nod to both ‘Performance’ (1983) and ‘Metromania’ (1984), two of my favorite Eloy albums.
Not only is this a wonderful listen, it is also a grower, and one you can go back to and listen to completely. Musically and lyrically a journey well worth exploring for all lovers of stylish proggy melodic (Alan Parsons, Arena, early Marillion, etc).
HIGHLY Recommended

 

01 – The Age of the Hundred Years’ War
02 – Domremy on the 6th of January 1412
03 – Early Signs… From a Longed-For Miracle
04 – Autumn 1428 at Home
05 – The Call
06 – Vaucouleurs
07 – The Ride by Night… Towards the Predestined Fate
08 – Chinon
09 – The Prophecy
10 – The Sword… The Dawning of the Unavoidable
11 – Orleans
12 – Les Tourelles
13 – Why?

Frank Bornemann – guitar, vocals
Michael Gerlach – keyboards, synths
Hannes Folberth – keyboards
Klaus-Peter Matziol – bass
Kristof Hinz – drums

 

BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/dp/B01N63XLY1
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