Fifteen years after Galahad's gig at the famous Loreley Festival in Germany their show is finally released and without much further ado I can say that this is a wonderful record, a watershed in Galahad's history, as it was to be bass player Neil Pepper's final performance with the band. Alive At The Loreley is a fantastic classic Galahad gig with vocalist Stu Nicholson in top form and six wonderful tracks that celebrate the life of Pepper, as well as the beautiful music of this impressive prog rock band. Sleepers, the title track of Galahad's 1995 album opens this amazing set, and this live version, clocking in over thirteen minutes is real prog heaven bliss indeed. Follow up Empires Never Last is a wonderful mix of synthesizers, guitar, and Nicholson's powerful voice, while Richelieu's Prayer, from the 1991 album Nothing Is Written, truly reminds me of Marillion and the solos here are musical prog rock bliss indeed. Next up is Bug Eye from the Following Ghosts album (1998) and here the dominant keyboard walls set the tone for this marvellous song. Seize The Day was a new, unknown song then, as it was released two years later on the Battle Scars album, and here Dean Baker highlights his keyboard playing technique at full force. Finally, the audience was treated to Termination, a song also from the Empires Never Last album, and this one features special guest guitar player Mark Spencer ( the bands current bass player). Termination stands out due to the expressive and heartfelt vocals of Nicholson and it ends this wonderful gig in a fantastic way indeed. Conclusion: Galahad: Alive At The Lorely is a MUST have album for Galahad fans but also for lovers of magical British classic prog rock!!! **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
