LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

1 - The Song Of Marsh Stig (I. Premonition/II. Deceit/III. Despair/IV. Outlaw) (16'27) 2 - Songs (4'11) 3 - Kentish Suite (8'17) 4 - The lady Of Castela (I. Ines De Castro/II. Dom Pedro) (7'40) 5 - The Ghost Of Yang - Part One (I. Ardour/II. Nepotism/III. War And Escape) (3'58) 6 - The Exit (11'37) 7 - The Ghost Of Yang - Part Two (3'42)
The history of Progressive rock proves there were few bands coming from Denmark. Between the veterans of SAVAGE ROSE and the heavy-metal orientated ROYAL HUNT, there was a big place left for a first-rate band. It seems we've found it: ETCETERA ! Multi-instrumentist Frank CARVALHO, drummer Johnnie McCOY and their guests had enchanted us with their first album "Fin De Siecle" (1998), "Tales Of Ardour And Deceit" (2003) is much more than a confirmation ! This band has now a really personal style, even if some influences remain, like keyboards sequences ala Keith EMERSON or Tony BANKS. The symphonic pieces are generally long and sophisticated, a bit like YES ones. Moreover, if you think Scandinavia, as far as Progressive rock is concerned, you automatically refer of ANGLAGARD or ANEKDOTEN, and then KING CRIMSON... But the whole stuff is perfectly strong, original, solid: one more essential album !