|
|
|
|
|
Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium |
|
|
|
|
|
Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium |
|
|
|
IXION: Talisman |
| Cover |
Release |
Style |
 |
2006-06-23 | neo progressive / symphonic rock |
| Label | ||
| self-released | ||
| Website | ||
| http://www.ixion-music.com/ | ||
| Contact | ||
| info@adayswork.nl | ||
| Playing Time | Cat. N° | |
| 68:04 | IMCD0602 | |
| Review by | Rating | |
| Edwin | 7,5/10 | |
| nederlands | Review | |
|
Progressive rock bands in general were never averse to making concept albums. You won’t hear me complain: I love it when a story is built around some great music (or the other way around). Here’s another good one, by Dutch band IXION. The story starts in AD 33, when Judas betrays Jesus, while under the influence of a mysterious object, the talisman. We follow this evil object through history – where it leaves a trail of blood, destruction and sorrow. It is, for example, a driving power behind the death of King Arthur, the inquisition, and the destruction of the Inca [sic] civilization (The Incas never lived in Mexico, Mr. Braam, and they were defeated by Pizarro, not Cortez. You probably meant the Aztecs?). Anyway, IXION is not so much a band as a project. It is the brainchild of bassist/keyboard player Jankees Braam (SANGAMO), who wrote the concept ánd all the music and lyrics for Talisman. As on IXION’s first album, CryoGenesis, Braam called in the help of a number of guest vocalists and musicians, among which vocalists Michael Hos (ULYSSES), Esther Ladiges (ILLUMION), Maaike Breijman (ENTROPY) and Gerton Leijdekker (S.O.T.E.), who also plays some excellent guitar parts. There’s also a notable Hammond solo by KNIGHT AREA’s Gerben Klazinga, and some fine piano playing by Martijn Bos. Music-wise, it is very clear where Jankees Braam has taken his cues: the influences of concept masters AYREON and CLIVE NOLAN (ARENA, SHADOWLAND and his collaborations with Oliver Wakeman) are obvious. IQ, old MARILLION and MAGENTA also come to mind. Highlights are opener ‘The Crimson Puppeteer’, which has some metal influences, similar to the more recent ARENA albums, the highly diverse ‘The Abyss’, and ‘Sea Of Cortez’, which stands out with its use of the Spanish guitar and all-around Spanish influences. The use of the many different instruments fits the epic scope of the concept very well – the cello and the choirs in particular make for a fitting, moody atmosphere. The vocalists are all quite good, although none of them really delivers a stunning performance – maybe this album could have used a bit of that? Another nod of approval to Braam for the design of the booklet. Beautiful work. This is a great album, with some very strong moments on it. The only real gripe I have with it, is that it never builds up to a real climax, which you would expect on a concept album like this. Still, this is highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story and some fine progressive music. | ||
|
Musicians | ||
| Michael Hos: Vocals (2, 6, 7, 11), backing vocals Gerton Leijdekker: Guitars, guitar synthesizer, backing vocals Esther Ladiges: Vocals (3, 4, 9), choir on 7 Maaike Breijman: Vocals (8, 11), backing vocals Jankees Braam: Bass, keyboards and programming, backing vocals, choir on 7 Emile Boellaard: Drums, percussion, choir on 7 Peter Boer: Stick, double bass, choir on 7 Linde Faber: Cello Gerben Klazinga: Hammond solo on 4 Martijn Bos: grand piano, spinet, choir on 7 | ||
| Tracklist | ||
| ||
| Discography | ||
| CryoGenesis (2004) Talisman (2006) | ||
|
Website in order to promote progressive rock to a broader audience in Flanders but also in the entire world. No part from this website may be used in any other publication whether in print or on the world wide web without the editor's consent - all material is exclusive to Prog-Nose and copyright protected. |
|
Last updated: 30
september 2006
. |
.gif)
