Eloy - The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre (Part II)

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Some bands would never receive the recognition they deserve in form of commercial success. In Progressive Rock from the 70’s, although all the eyes were turned to names as PINK FLOYD, JETHRO TULL, YES, GENESIS, and some others from England, there were many others that deserves praise for their works. And one name that rarely can be seen is from the legendary German quintet ELOY, who was extremely famous in the Progressive Rock scenario in the second half of the 70s. But as Progressive Rock declined in the beginning of the 80’s, the band’s fame decreased. But since 2009 they’re back on the road, and now, they’re releasing “The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre (Part II)”.

This is a conceptual album, the second part of an Opera Rock that deals with the history of the French heroine Jeanne d'Arc. To be honest, is a Progressive Rock Opera, and the musical work of the band still holds the traditional insight of the genre, with the same elements. Of course any fan could ask if the musical content of the album is somewhat outdated, but the answer is no. Time didn’t erode the band’s musicality, and as the band’s mastermind Frank is a fine musical producer, all sounds great: melodic, tender, minimalistic, rich on musical ambiances, but always charming and melodic. Yes, it’s really an excellent work. The sound quality of “The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre (Part II)” is excellent, with everything sounding in the way the songs demands. But for those younger fans, one thing must be state: this is the way a 70’s band would like today, because the music is the same from the past, but the sonority is actual, modern and loud!

One of the most interesting features of “The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre (Part II)” is the choice for smaller time spams of the songs, all evading to transcend the five minutes limit. And to become introduced to ELOY’s art, the energy and minimalism of “An Instant of Relief… Still the War Rages On”, the excellent dynamics between bass guitar and drums during “Patay” (a song filled with energy and a touch of musical weight), the accessible ambiance of “Joy” (excellent keyboards’ parts), the Progressive Rock travels presented on “Reims… The Coronation of Charles VII” and “Résumé”, the silk rough touch of “Armistice or War?”, the dramatic atmosphere of “Abandoned”, and the grandiosity and aggressiveness of “Rouen” are the best ones.

To see (and hear) that ELOY is alive and making music at such a high level is excellent, so get your copy of “The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre (Part II)”, this fine piece of art in form of music.

Musicianship: 9
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 8
Production: 10