Music Reviews 3:
Eloy's "The Vision, The Sword and The Pyre" ( Part 1 ):
First part of Eloy's two-part work on the life of Joan of Arc . -Review by Michael W. Belcher
Eloy's long anticipated album is now available! The result of many long hours of research, intense studio sessions ( -that included recording period instrumentalists, voice-over parts and additional singers ), "The Vision, The Sword and The Pyre" ( Part 1 ) has garnered rave reviews from the Europe's rock music press. In this album review, long time Eloy afficianado Michael W. Belcher gives his take on the album.
The Review:
Well folks, it has been a long wait and for sure, well worth the wait for the new ELOY release. The production is outstanding, true sonic imagery. This is ELOY's best work to date. You MUST listen to this from start to finish the first time, as it tells a story, the story of Jeanne d' Arc ( Joan of Arc ) part one.
The vocals are amazing!!!! The voice of Jeanne d' Arc is very American sounding, a first for any Eloy work my ears have heard. There are so many parts to this work, very complex and yet flows like a stream. It is very hard to pick a best track as all are very connected to one another as in a play or opera.
Eloy's founder Frank Bornemann ( right ) and engineer during the recording sessions for "The Vision, The Sword and The Pyre".
Bass players and best tracks
Klaus-Peter Matziol is outstanding on bass, as a bassist myself -Klaus is in my top 5 best bassists of the last thirty years, right up there with John Entwistle and Michael Peter Balzary ( Flea ). This new album is awesome from start to finish.
My top three tracks are: "The Call". Love this track. "The Ride By Night" -you can hear the horses running, and "Chinon" sensational overload, outstanding. "The Vision, The Sword
and The Pyre" is powerful, moving and a true masterpiece.
Frank in good spirits. And from the reception the European music press has given "The Vision", Frank has every reason to be happy! It has been compared to the Who's rock-opera "Tommy" and Pink Floyd's "The Wall". Comparisons any rock musician should be quite pleased with!
Summing up....
With every work that Frank Bornemann releases you can hear the progression, the spirit, the power, the true passion. All of Eloy's works are great, each one is better than the one before. This is the best yet!
-MICHAEL W. BELCHER
Beyond research, Frank has provided a flowing narrative to Jean d' Arc's story ( -taking listeners through her unfolding story ). As Mike mentions above, Klaus-Peter Matziol's bass work is truly impressive throughout this album. Credit is also due to the singers and "period instrument" musicians ( - like Volker Kuinke on recorder ) who set the "atomosphere" for Frank's storytelling.
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My take:
I agree with Mike's review. This is a very complex work. It almost demands repeated listenings in order to glean all of it's "hidden gems".
Like Mike, I also rate "The Call", "The Ride By Night" and "Chinon" as the album's best ( -and most "radio-friendly" ) tracks. Special mention should be made of Frank's exemplary storytelling and narration skills. His compelling narration paints vivid images. He effectively ties the many parts of the story into a cohesive "work of art". Nicely done!
Watch the album teaser video ( below ):
If you'd like to get a "taste" of the new album ( -and see Frank in the studio talking about it ), be sure to check out the album teaser video below:
"The Vision, The Sword and The Pyre" teaser video.
*NOTE: To read my review of Eloy's "The Vision, The Sword and The Pyre" Part 2 -click on the highlighted link.