The USA formation Hermetic Science is a musical project by Edward Macan, best known as the author of the awesome prog book Rocking The Classics. Hermetic Science released 6 studio albums since their eponymous debut album from 1997, their latest entitled Deliria: A Chronicle Of 2020 (see review) is from 2023. And now, late 2025, here is this live 2-CD that was recorded on November 15th, 2024, at the Gilman House, Innsmouth, Massachusetts, during the Hermetic Science American Carnage tour. The band plays as a trio featuring Edward Macan (keyboards), Jeffrey Ruiz (bass guitar and voice) and Travis Strong (drums and percussion). On CD-1 the trio presents a huge variety and a blend of several styles. The one moment Keith Emerson inspired virtuosic play on the Grand piano (Deliria 1 Prelude - Main Theme), an experimental and ominous sound with organ and hints from King Crimson (The Mighty MAGA March Of Doom) or spacey with sound effects (Deliria 5 - Kyrie Eleison). The other moments are more focussed on Old School prog with vintage keyboards. Like in Deliria 4 - The Great COVID-19 Rave Of 2020 (from tender classical piano to ELP 'Fanfare' synthesizer sound), Deliria 6 - Armageddon Warm (ELP inspired Grand piano and sumptuous keyboard outbursts), Deliria 7 - Minneapolis 05-25-20 (a mid-tempo with Hammond organ, a powerful rhythm-section and a keyboard solo with a growling bass) and the captivating highlight Deliria 8 - In The Dark Shadow Of The Big Lie (bombastic organ, a swelling and dark sound, embellished with Mellotrons violins, in an avant-garde atmosphere). CD-2 is also varied and eclectic but featuring more moments with keyboard driven prog, like in Against The Grain - Part Four (a mid-tempo with powerful rhythm-section and majestic Hammond organ), En Route (tender end sparkling Grand piano and powerful Hammond, fuelled by a growling bass) and the varied and dynamic The Second Coming (lots of impressive Mellotron choirs and strong work on the Hammond organ, in the end a great build-up and climax). My highlight is the composition Against The Grain - Part Three (awesome Mellotron and Hammond sound, great interplay, lots of dynamics and breaks). Remarkable is the use of the vibraphone in several tracks. If you are up to a huge variety (from Old School prog and classical to atmospheric and avant-garde) this is an interesting album, with wonderful work on the Hammond, Mellotron and Grand piano. ***+ Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
