Crucible

crucible

Track Listings

1. Parasitic

2. Dark

3. Twisted

4. Mind Healers

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Gothic Hard Rock EP/CD

Crucible,Ameilia Terry,Gutbang Entertainment/Silo Goth Music

Crucible

Average customer rating:

Another great studio album from the Metal God!
Resurrection is better
A kick in the teeth that feels good
A metal must have
To all the old guys who are stuck in 1986

Crucible
Halford
Manufacturer: Metal-Is
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Resurrection
Live Insurrection
Small Deadly Space
War of Words
Jugulator

ASIN: B000068QXS
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Park Manor
Crucible
One Will
Betrayal
Handing Out Bullets
Hearts Of Darkness
Crystal
Heretic
Golgotha
Wrath Of God
Weaving Sorrow
Sun
Trail Of Tears
she
Fugitive

Amazon.com

Rob Halford's 2000 comeback album, Resurrection, won over even the most jaded metalhead, and Crucible is likely to do the same. Paying no attention to current trends and sell-out bandwagons, the former Judas Priest frontman and his mighty crew stay true to traditional heavy metal, yet they never come across as dated. Guitar duo Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak swap monstrous riffs and fluid solos that are as solid as a brick wall, while Halford himself is in top form, able to reach high notes with an ease that could put youngster metal shriekers to shame. Even when he belts out the disc's only ballad, the bonus track "She" (found on initial pressings, along with the cut "Fugitive"), it's with unsurpassed conviction. The album is a nonstop metallic assault complete with anthems ("One Will"), speed metal ("Betrayal"), and accessible midtempo rockers ("Sun"), as well as dark and moody moments, such as "Crystal" (which deals with the dangers of crystal-meth addiction). Looks like this metal god is going to be with us for a long time. --Gail Flug

Customer Reviews:

Another great studio album from the Metal God!.......2007-05-27

Halford and his new band rule metal, nuff said. Killer songs awesome riffs and incredable vocals, well obviously it's Halford.

Resurrection is better.......2006-12-30

This album excited my curiosity after buying Resurrection,but I wasn't very excited when I listened to it.The only tracks worth listening to are all at the end:Sun, She, and Fugitive.These last tracks are so much more like those on Resurrection;and Halford's voice is so much better on these,that I'm wondering if they were perhaps recorded at the time that Resurrection was recorded,and not put[or wouldn't fit]on it.It's like listening to another album.War of Words [Fight]is probably better than this album if you want more of Halford.Don't touch the albums from his band "TWO" either.This is only my opinion.You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.Go for Resurrection.

A kick in the teeth that feels good.......2006-10-23

Rob Halford delivers another success, but not as widely appreciated as his first album Ressurection. It seems the average tracks were put at the front and the end with the creme of the crop sandwiched right in the middle - it is what it is. Here's the track listings:

1. Park Manor - (10/10) Good scorching solo effort to start us off
2. Crucible - (6/10) Wait....for it
3. One Will - (6/10) Killer guitar work but the chorus is awful....
4. Betrayal - (7/10) Getting closer.........ditch the squeeky painkiller vocals
5. Handing Out Bullets (9/10) Ah, the cd begins. A true Halford classic. Sounds like Zakk Wylde's guitar and Dimebag's guitar emerge as one; this is what we came for. Start handin' em' out Rob.
6. Hearts Of Darkness (8/10) More killer guitar work
7. Crystal (10/10) Amazing vocals; the guitar work is intoxicating. 2nd best on the album.
8. Heretic (8/10) Your thrashier single.
9. Golgotha (10/10) We are back for more hellraising.
10. Wrath Of God (8/10) Your speedier/thrashier single.
11. Weaving Sorrow (9/10) This is Rob Halford's definite high point for this cd as he screams bloody 80's all over again to sparkling perfection.
12. Sun (10/10) The best song on the album. The guitars and vocals are very hypnotic and flow in a spiritual way. Something very different for Halford; perhaps his most unique.
13. Trail Of Tears (5/10) And something very unoriginal. This was to be expected.
14. she (5/10) Second ballad in a row. Looks like the cd is over. We want more!!!
15. Fugitive (7/10) Here's more. But not quite what I had in mind.

In comparison to Halford's first cd, you can find just as many good songs if not more. Plenty of variety here for those with different views, although probably could of been cut to ten tracks like most bands and polished to perfection. Halford seems more intent on delivering the goods without knowing exactly what those "goods" are. But if you like the songs One will, and She than I probably can't tell you either.

A metal must have.......2006-07-30

When I first got this when it came out I didn't like it at all. Nothing grabbed me so I got rid of it. I just picked it up this week after listening to "Angels of Retribution" (another fantastic album) and it is incredibly good. Every song...real metal. The guitars are totally different than the first album. There are hardly any solos. All of the focus is on the songwriting which is much more intricate than the first album. The guitars on the first album were good but really cliche (nothing original) and there was overkill on the guitar dubs, dual solos, etc. The guitar screeching on the first album was prevalent throughout. This is hard hitting and Rob worked extremely hard. I love this album. A lot of different beats. It feels more down to earth than the first one. There aren't semi-silly lyrics like "Cyberworld" or "Locked and Loaded". These lyrics are straight from Rob's soul. And the drums kick. It's great in the car turned up loud. Couple ballads here. Good variety of songs. Everything came together on this album and Rob said the same thing when it was released.

To all the old guys who are stuck in 1986.......2006-05-17

Its time to move on! I like priest from the 80's and i really like Resurrection but Crucible destroys anything that Rob has ever done before! You just can fault this disc... what he has done is take modern heavyness and blend it with melody and my god does it work!! My favorites are the whole disc!! every song is excellent :-) Buy this now kids!!

The Crucible: Original Soundtrack Recording

Average customer rating:

Works Well in Movie; A little bland on CD; Strong ending
Fitting for the Film!

The Crucible: Original Soundtrack Recording
George Fenton
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Crucible
Quiz Show (1994 Film)
The Crucible (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection)
In Search of History - Salem Witch Trials (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000003G6Y
Release Date: 1996-11-26

Tracks:

Salem, 1692: The Crucible Front Titiles: Dancing In The Forest
Salem, 1692: John Proctor
Salem, 1692: The Village
The Witch Hunt Begins: Reverend Hale
The Witch Hunt Begins: Meeting At The Inn
The Witch Hunt Begins: Tituba's Confession
The Witch Hunt Begins: Judge Danforth Arrives
The Witch Hunt Begins: Vengeance
Accusation: Elizabeth Accused
Accusation: Hale Leaves The Village
Accusation: Taking Elizabeth
Accusation: Interrogation
Accusation: The Hanging
Accusation: Abigail Disappears
Resolution: The Beach
Resolution: Proctor Confesses
Resolution: Forgive Us (End Credits)

Customer Reviews:

Works Well in Movie; A little bland on CD; Strong ending.......2006-04-25

George Fenton does well here. Reading the CD booklet you understand the research and thought he put into this score, using period instruments (viols and sackbuts).

But it is perhaps unfortunate that the score is little bland in my headphones. Allow me to explain. Most tracks serve merely to accentuate and emphasize certain scenes. Notice the deep base strike when Elizabeth lies for her husband in "The Interrogation of Elizabeth" track. When she says no, the base strikes. Just one example. And for another, moments later when Abigail pretends to see a "yellow bird" the orchestra vigorously strikes to create suspense and shock.

But these moments, while obvious action cues, are actually quite effective if you have a passion for the story and you realize the important moments accompany the score here and there. But other tracks such as "Reverand Hale" and "The Village Meeting" just drag on in quiet underscore. Rather boring, because you can't quite pinpoint where the movie is and you can't quite recall certain classic lines being spoken here. Just bland underscore in certain tracks.

HOWEVER,

The strongest tracks are heartwrenching. "The Beach" and "Proctor Confesses" and "The Crucible End Titles (Forgive Us)". These tracks are SOOOOO sad. "The Beach" creates the tragically sweet reconciliation of Elizabeth and John. And we see the paper being ripped and the three innocent souls approach the scaffold in "Proctor Confesses" The last track serves as a strong excersise in thematic writing. The motif clearly portrays the tragic ending and tugs at my heart. These three are the strongest tracks and if you have any love for the story, the play, the movie, they are worth the entire CD alone. At least for me. I share a strong partnership and experience with this story.

My high school theatre department has worked diligently for three months in creating this story. And Fenton's music has been used througout to create and accentuate acting and emotion.

I love this story and the last three tracks capture it, in my opinion. Hauntingly Beautiful.

Fitting for the Film!.......2004-07-26

The score in and of itself is very unique in that it blends the rythem of the time (1692 Salem, Mass.) and the feel of the culture into one pot. Its a very acceptional score and Fenton's work fits the film amazingly! If you like period scores this is a must buy as it will remind much of 17th century New England with a little bit of an erie side to it. I give it a thumbs up as it is a well composed score and AN EVEN MORE AWESOME PLAY/MOVIE! Check that out too. Peace.

Average customer rating:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company
Soaring majesty!
a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance

Robert Ward: The Crucible

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Floyd: Of Mice and Men

ASIN: B0000049L5
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Act l: Beginning - Gloria Wynder/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks/Naomi Farr/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern
Act l: 'Gently, Sirs, Gently' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Spiro Malas/Joyce Ebert
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks
Act l: 'For Much In the World' - Joyce Ebert.John Macurdy/Naomi Farr/Eunice Alberts/Patricia Brooks/Gloria Wynder/Spiro Malas...
Act l: 'Oh, How Many Times Mr. Parris' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy/Patricia Brooks
Act II: Beginning - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin
Act II: 'I've Forgotten Abigail' - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible
Act II: 'But, Oh, The Dreams' - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster
Act II: 'For Sarah Good Confessed' - Nancy Foster/Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Richard Krause
Act II: 'You Will Go To That Court' - Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster

Tracks:

Act III: Beginning - Patricia Brooks/Chester Ludgin
Act III: In The Courtroom - Richard Krause
Act III: 'Open Thou, My Lips, O Lord' - Jack DeLon/Richard Krause/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert
Act III: 'These Girls Never Saw A Spirit' - Chester Ludgin/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Nancy Foster/Patricia Brooks/Jack DeLon/New York City Opr...
Act III: 'No, No, It Is A Natural Lie To Tell' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Patricia Brooks/Nancy Foster
Act IV: Beginning - Gloria Wynder//Richard Krause/Patricia Brooks
Act IV: 'But Sir, You Stir Rebellion' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/Frances Bible
Act IV: 'What Word Of The Children - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Jack DeLon/Eunice Alberts
Act IV: 'God Does Not Need My Name' - Chester Ludgin/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/John MacurdyEurnice Alberts/Frances Bible.

Customer Reviews:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company.......2003-10-04

I became familiar with this recording of the "The Crucible" back in the 60's when it was available on the old CRI label. It was an exciting piece then and it remains one now. It has been a puzzle to me why such an opera has not been taken up and presented regularly by major companies. The music is appealing--and frequently more than that; the drama is potent and never fails to captivate; it offers wonderful opportunites to a cast of singing actors. So what's the problem?! Granted some of the liberties taken with the Arthur Miller text render certain moments dramatically unclear and the Gershwinesque strains that accompany the slave Tituba's character are certainly a mistake. Still, the work as a whole is an exciting one. Hightlights abound, with the whole of the last act being especially moving.

This is still the only recording available and, overall, it is excellent. The leads perfectly embody the roles of John and Elizabeth Proctor, while the balance of the cast, a few vocal duds notwithstanding, competently fill in the many character roles.

The CD sound is very good and far superior to my old vinyl disks.

If you've never heard "The Crucible," give this recording a chance. It is well worth your time.

Soaring majesty!.......2001-12-19

This performance is a gem. Just the soaring majesty of Frances Bible is well worth the experience. What a sadly underrated artist. The final duet with Bible and Ludgin is a lesson in passionate, searing drama and full-out singing.

a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance.......1999-03-23

I had the privilege of being part of a cast of this opera at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the late 70's, directed by the avuncular Herbert Wildeboor (since deceased). I've always loved the 7/8 hymn at the end of the first act. However, this performance is very uneven, including generally unfortunate singing by female leads, and bad acting (at least) by the person singing Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale and John Proctor are consistently good. And the orchestra parts, very demanding, are well handled. It astounds me that there is no new recording in all these years. I've since seen it done in Pittsburgh and know it's being done somewhere on the West Coast. While Mr. Ward's music is considered cliche by some, I prefer it much to, for example, Moore's Ballad of Baby Doe. Perhaps my affection for it is due to having the opportunity to perform it.

Average customer rating:

Halford, halford, halford....

Crucible
Halford
Manufacturer: Jvc Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Resurrection

ASIN: B000065EFA
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

Park Manor
Crucible
One Will
Betrayal
Handing Out Bullets
Hearts of Darkness
Crystal - Heretic
Heretic
Golgotha
Wrath of God
Weaving Sorrow
Sun
Trail of Tears
Rock the World Forever
In the Morning

Album Description

Japanese edition of 2002 album includes two bonus tracks, 'Rock The World Forever' & 'In The Morning'.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Two Bonus Tracks: 'rock the World', and 'in the Morning'.

Customer Reviews:

Halford, halford, halford...........2002-09-05

Il metal god è tornato, dopo il buonissimo "Resurrection", con un album pronto a frantumarvi le orecchie. Chi si aspettava un ridimensionamento del suono di Halford in seguito ad alcuni episodi più introspettivi di Resurrection come "Silent Scream" rimarrà deluso, Crucible è un album molto forte, potente, dotato di un'ottima produzione, di un lavoro magistrale dietro le pelli, e di un netto miglioramento tecnico dei due axe-man. Il songwriting è adesso più maturo, anche se il lavoro per essere apprezzato a pieno necessita di svariati ascolti. Trovereti alcuni pezzi che attingono a piene mani dal classico metal americano, altre che riporteranno alla mente suoni tipicamente nu-metal. Il grande Halfors dopo 30 anni di attività dimostra di non aver ancora perso un colpo, e sfoggia un prova di altissimo livello! Che dire... Compratelo, non ne rimarrete delusi!

Average customer rating:

Judas Who
Judas Who?
One of the best metal CDs in 2002
Great Metal album

Crucible
Rob Halford
Manufacturer: Sanctuary
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Resurrection
Voyeurs

ASIN: B000067FR9

Tracks:

Park Manor
Crucible
One Will
Betrayal
Handing Out Bullets
Hearts Of Darkness
Crystal
Heretic
Golgotha
Wrath Of God
Weaving Sorrow
Sun
Trail Of Tears
She (Bonus)
Fugitive (Bonus)

Album Description

Limited slipcase edition of 2002 album includes two bonus tracks, 'Fugitive' & 'She'.

Customer Reviews:

Judas Who.......2003-11-01

I drive alot on the job.....and I have listened to this cd over and over again....sober and drunk.....this is a hardcore soundtrack of Life.
Vocals scream and the music tears the night....
buy it...

Judas Who?.......2003-11-01

I sometimes feel that all the Light of God is shining on one person....Halford.....Let me tell you this is the cd that breaks the mold...if you are a Priest fan ok....this cd...rules////
I listened to the old live cd Unleashed In the east...then this one...His vocals are better...damn,

One of the best metal CDs in 2002.......2003-03-07

I would rate this CD one of the best metal music in 2002. This "Crucible" CD has the power and speed of the modern metal music. The "Crucible" CD gives the metal fans and the metal musicians a fresh new look in today metal music. The "Brave new world" of Iron Maiden set a new standard in 2000. The "Demolition" of Judas Priest represented the benchmark in 2001. The "Crucible" pushed the metal music to another level. The song "She" is a great song in every aspect. Find out yourself and enjoy the trills.

Great Metal album.......2003-03-01

Very heavy album, much heavier than Judas Priest. Is a good cd if you're a metal head. The "crucible" is not as good as "resurrection" his 2000 release. But, if you like Priest, Halford and metal go out and get it.

Average customer rating:

Nikolais: Electronic Dance Music

Manufacturer: Composers Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005TW3
Release Date: 1994-06-13

Tracks:

Revels: Dance 3
Ten Legs: Dance 1
Mechanical Organ: Dance 2
Mechanical Organ: Dance 4
Frail Demons: Dance 1
Tribe: Dance 2
Pierrot: Dance 2
Blank on Blank: Excerpt
Pierrot: Dance 3
Aviary: Dance 1
Aviary: Dance 2
Graph: Overture
CHIMERA: Dance 1
Styx: Styx (Excerpt)
Gallery: Overture
Frail Demons: Dance 2
Aviary: Dance 3
Graph: Dance 3
Contact: Contact (Excerpt)
Blank on Blank: Blank on Blank (Excerpt)
Crucible: Crucible (Excerpt)

Average customer rating:

very good album
One of my favorites
Amazing Debut Album
Sandra McCracken is Currently Unknown...but a Great Buy!!

Crucible
Sandra McCracken
Manufacturer: Same Old Dress
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best Laid Plans
Gypsy Flat Road
Gravity | Love

ASIN: B00004WFJW
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Eve
Let It Go
New Shiny Shoes
Enough
In Between
Judas Kiss
Sunday Morning
Justified
Plenty
Escape
Nameless Places
Road to Memphis

Customer Reviews:

very good album.......2003-02-26

In my mind, this is the better of McCracken's two albums (the other being Gypsy Flat Road). This is an easy album to pop in and listen to, has a couple of really good songs ("Eve" and "Judas Kiss"), and should be a mainstay in any Christian music collection. McCracken is probably better known for songwriting for Caedmon's Call and is also married to a member of that band.

One of my favorites.......2002-01-26

Sandra is an awesome person!! I first heard her at a Caedmon's Call concert and wasn't sure what to expect. After the first song I new I would love her! She has an incredible voice and her style is great. If you are a fan of Caedmon's Call you are sure to love her! I am looking forward to seeing a lot more of Sandra! Buy it, this is GOOD music!!

Amazing Debut Album.......2000-12-13

This album is incredible, especially considering how young Sandra McCracken is. Her voice and lyrics have unusual maturity and depth, and her musical talent comes through in each song. Some of her songs appear simple on the surface, others are more complex. But each one is touching in a way that reveals the thoughts and emotions of the songwriter while touching your own heart, forcing you to take a close look at your own faith and relationship with God. Her voice reminds me of Patty Griffin and some of her piano playing is even reminiscent of Tori Amos. I particularly recommend the tracks "Eve," "Sunday Morning," and "Plenty." Check this CD out!

Sandra McCracken is Currently Unknown...but a Great Buy!!.......2000-09-21

When I heard that Sandra was going to be performing at my college campus a few weeks ago, I was like: "Eh, I'll go...why not?" I am SO glad I did. Sandra, who is engaged to Derek Webb of Caedmon's Call, put on a great show through her simple yet poignant lyrics and beautiful voice. She reminds me of a mellow Jennifer Knapp, maybe along the lines of Sarah MacLachlan. I bought the cd, and have been listening to it ever since. Definitely a great buy for Caedmon fans, or anyone into mellow acoustic Christian music!!!

Average customer rating:

A unique combination of various 1970's progressive sounds.
One Of The Best Prog Albums Of The 90's
Superb, 70s-Style Progressive Rock
Tall Tales
Righter:3stars,1/2,as an excessive ref. to Wind&Wuthering

Tall Tales
Crucible
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000HZ6J
Release Date: 1998-10-01

Tracks:

Over the Falls
The Poet Liar
Find the Line
Lords and Leeches
In Ancient Tongue
The Salamander
Land For Sale
An Imps Tale

Album Description

Classic/Progressive rock with the sounds of the 70's Melodic keyboards with great vocals

Band members:
Tim Horan
Chris Vescera
Bill Esposito
Dan Esposito
Tony Cappellina

Customer Reviews:

A unique combination of various 1970's progressive sounds........2007-05-17

Start with a sound foundation of Gabriel-era Genesis, substitute the vocals with Triumph's Rik Emmett (with little or no vocal harmonies by the way), sprinkle in some Kansas-like guitar riffing, add some Jethro Tull flute, and finish it all with a much crisper modern sounding production, and you have the basic feel of Crucible's hard-to-find "Tall Tales". But more than merely "derivative" of early prog, this album succeeds by throwing in a lot of different atmospheres and instrumental changes from song to song, along with the usual time signature changes and complex arrangements we've come to expect from classic prog. Occasional comparisons to Rush also emerge with the Emmett-like vocalist singing lyrics in the storytelling tradition of Rush's "Trees"; but I did not find the lyrics as interesting or magical as the classic standby stuff (sometimes dealing with modern day things like...mortgages and deli meat?!). Great drumming on the album though, and you'll find yourself humming along on some of the better refrains after just a few listens. I wish they hadn't made such blatant rip-offs of various sections of Genesis' "Supper's Ready" during their own 20-minute epic "An Imp's Tale"; but overall, this is an enjoyable album on which most traditional prog fans should find many moments of real enjoyment.

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 8.4/10; Performance = 8.6/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 8.7 ("4 stars")

One Of The Best Prog Albums Of The 90's.......2007-01-04

"Tall Tales" is one of my favorite prog albums of the 90's. I remember seeing this band live at ProgDay 97 right after this album had been released. They totally blew me away and I picked up the album at the show. The band's sound is similar "Wind And Wuthering / Trick Of The Tail" era Genesis. The band definitely fits into the neo prog vein, but they do the style as well as any of our current modern day prog bands. Every member of the band stands out on their respective instruments with keys man Tim Horan and drummer Tony Cappellina especially shining throughout. The vocals are provided by Bill Esposito, and what a vocalist he is. His vox soars throughout the disc with a sound that I find similar to Rick Emmet from Triumph. The songwriting is all top notch. The first half of the album features shorter songs all of them great. "Over The Falls", "Poet Liar", "Find The Line", "Lords And Leaches", and "Land For Sale" all are highlights. The real meat of the album though, is found in the 20 plus minute epic finale, "An Imps Tale". It all comes together on this one with great lyrics, music, and vocals. There is really nothing I can find negative to say about this album. The bottom line is that if you are at all into neo prog, this is one of the best albums of the genre you will find.

Superb, 70s-Style Progressive Rock.......2006-04-25

If you like 70s-style symphonic prog, you need to get this album. It's excellent: the writing, musicianship, and engineering are all terrific.

The best comparison would be mid-70s Genesis, in particular the mellower end of 'Trick of the Tail' and 'Wind and Wuthering'. While it's not quite as good as those albums, it also doesn't have those albums' low points, such as "Your Own Special Way," etc.

A couple comments from other reviewers that I must simply correct: first, some criticize this album for being derivative. So what. Derivative is a negative word. The fact is this album is 70s-style progressive rock, and it does it very well. Would someone criticize a classical composer for being derivative of 18th century Germanic composers? No! It's simply a style of music, and Crucible is masterful in its genre.

Second, the band is compared to Kansas and Styx - very dangerous. There is no "Babe" or "Play the Game Tonight" here. Any comparison to Kansas or Styx is tangential at best, and must be limited to their earliest, most proggy work.

Finally, it's also dangerous and misleading to compare the singer to Geddy Lee of Rush. The main difference: Lee has a lousy voice that is screechy and goat-like. While Bill Esposito's voice has some similarities to Lee's, it's only favorably, and Esposito also has hints of Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel, and others.

Bottom line: if you like 70s-style Prog rock, chances are you'll love this album.

Tall Tales.......2004-02-15

5 stars aren't even enough for this masterpiece.

I have been listening to prog. rock for over 30 years, and have searched, mostly in vain, for a "new" progressive band that would serve the ARTISTS of the seventies (you know 'em, Genesis, YES, ELP, Gentle Giant, etc.) I've bought and listened to the Flower Kings, Glass Hammer, etc., etc. but, they always fall short of the mark.

Well, good things come to those who wait (and that can find this CD!)

This is a "landmark" CD for those seeking deep, moving, and expressive ART rock. No week links in the Crucible line-up. Incredible drums, vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass.

One important thing to keep in mind, as with any music at this level of complexity and performance, it takes SEVERAL listens to really begin to appreciate the song writing here. This is not a "back ground" or casual listening CD.

Tall Tales really "peaked" with me at about my 40th listen, and it just keeps getting better and better with each listen, as new subtleties are continuely exposed.

These guys should be proud to join the ranks of the revered super-prog groups of our time. Fantastic!

Righter:3stars,1/2,as an excessive ref. to Wind&Wuthering.......2003-03-12

Well the singer doesn't resemble the style of the vocalists from Genesis,instead the music structure is often in the vein of "Wind & Wuthering", expecially into the last suite "An imps tale". The other songs are very melodic, by means of 70's keyboards and some music passages reminding me of Kansas,but according to a diverse approach, very similar to that one of Spock's Beard! There's a certain passion in the execution, but the songs are not so amazing ... it depends on our tastes naturally, but of course I prefer for example Babylon as a derivative band ... well make your choice !!

Average customer rating:

Not metal enough/ not exactly prog either
bean o rama
Like a wet afternoon
It is so different!
This is a serious grower!!!!!

The Cross & The Crucible
Pallas
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Dreams of Men
Beat the Drum
Milliontown
Out of Myself
Photoplay

ASIN: B00005LMOQ
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Big Bang
Cross and The Crucible
For the Greater Glory
Who's to Blame
Blinding Darkness
Towers of Babble
Generations
Midas Touch
Celebration!

Album Description

Pallas are a legendary progressive rock act that formed in Scotland in 1979. This new CD features 9 new tracks of bombastic, cinematic progressive delight and mark Pallas's return to its roots. 2001 Century Media release.

Customer Reviews:

Not metal enough/ not exactly prog either.......2005-09-19

My first impression of this band was, "Is this prog?" Pallas seems to be more evocative of late '70s/early '80s arena rock than they are of neo-prog. In fact, some of these songs bear a strong resemblance to the '80s rock band Dokken, like 'For The Greater Glory'. Another song, 'Who's To Blame' is very good, but isn't what I'd call prog either. "Celebration' is also a good song and is remeniscent of '90s YES, which may or may not be a compliment.

The writing is better than you might find on an '80s metal album. Its more imagination based and not relationship based, which is a plus for me. But the music isn't challenging or intricate, and the musicianship is competant, but not spectacular. Some songs though, are a tad corny in places.

These guys may, at times, remind me of '90s Marillion or IQ, but aren't equal to them in terms of writing and performance. Performance wise, I wished the music had more balls to it. Don't get me wrong, I like keyboards (If I didn't, I'd hate prog), but the guitar was so distant on this album. Whether its that way all the time I don't know, since this is my first Pallas CD. A stronger guitar presence would have given this somewhat fanciful material some much needed teeth. Given that it sounded like a keyboard driven album, it wasn't as melodic as say, Spock's Beard or IQ.

I'm not saying that there is no place for Pallas in prog music. It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to listen to these guys. The vocals are easy on the ear and aren't the aquired taste that some prog vocalists are. Its just that my interest in this style of music waned about 15 years ago. There were (and are) too many bands out there who do this style of music better.

bean o rama.......2004-11-30

THIS MUSIC IS AWESOME. NEO PROG LIVES ON. MARILLION CAN GO ON MAKING CRAPPY HOGARTHIAN SAP. AT LEAST WE HAVE BEAN AND THE GANG CARRYING ON THE TRADITION. MAN, E.T. IS GREAT ON THE KEYS!!! I ALMOST TOOK OFF ONE STAR FOR STEALING BITS FROM AWAKEN. BUT WHO CARES! A GREAT LISTEN.

Like a wet afternoon.......2003-04-28

I am always on the look out for new prog. This looked promising. After reading a review from someone that seemed to share my tastes, I gave it a try. Pallace is.... How should I put it. Lucky to have found a label. I spent my evening going through this CD for the 7th time in hopes to find something I enjoyed. Occasionally I found a passage here and there that I liked. More often than not, I am bored listning to this. It smacks hard of a band that badly wants to be prog, and imitates those who have done it correctly. All I can say in closing, put on I.Q.'s Seventh House and listen to the title track. I'm not one for lables, but if you want excellent neo-prog, put I.Q. on. It;s imaginative and interesting. PALLAS sounds slapped together and forced. I tried, lord knows I tried to like it.

It is so different!.......2003-03-08

Metal symphonic or progressive? It is all that but softened by ambient sounds. I think it is more in the genre of Arena (the Immortal). This album is supported by excellent lyrics.

Singer (Alan Reed)has so much presence, his voice is a criss-cross between Mark Hollis (talk Talk) and Demis Roussos (oups! what a comparaison! not as harmonic as Demis).

My favorite song is "Towers of babble" particulary when the organ solo starts and after. It is an excellent buy.

This is a serious grower!!!!!.......2003-02-01

I can't see what the knockers are on about... This is a stunning album on any level! Yes, there are nods in the direction of Rush, Peter Gabriel, Yes, et al, BUT surely that does not detract from the overall beauty of this album? I agree with the reviewer who said that Midas Touch was the best track, but I also like Towers of Babel, Big Bang (with its allusion to Mozart), and the title trac (CATC)... The whole point is, it's easy to say that such-and-such a band is NOT Genesis, or Marillion, or whoever... but to say that is to miss the point! This IS Pallas... and they are charting a course that a multitude of bands are no longer sailing... you are allowed to think they are derivative, BUT they are brilliant... There are only 12 notes in music... it is the order that one re-arranges them that matters, and I happen to like this re-arrangement!
I am not stupid (?)... "Who's to blame" needs to change key/chords in the chorus... it is the weakest song on the album by a mile (or kilometer)... but the rest of the CD more than makes up for this... You will not regret buying this album. Yes, it has flaws... but it also has immense beauty, power and majesty - what more do you want in a progressive album? I love it!

Average customer rating:

I bought this CD looking for Goth - Guess what? I got GOTH
Gut Punching Hard Rock

Crucible
Ameilia Terry
Manufacturer: Gutbang Entertainment/Silo Goth Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000X5G8I
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Parasitic
Dark
Twisted
Mind Healers

Album Description

Gothic Hard Rock EP/CD

Customer Reviews:

I bought this CD looking for Goth - Guess what? I got GOTH.......2004-05-01

Ameilia Terry is one of the few CD's I bought looking for Goth music and actually got GOTH. This is a very nice CD with very nice true Gothic music. If you are a true Goth fan then this CD will please you very much. If you just like hard rock it will do the trick as well. All in all I bought this CD having never heard any of the songs and am pleased that my money was well spent.

Gut Punching Hard Rock.......2003-11-27

This record is amazing!!!Truely unique...the combination of traditional heavy metal and Goth is a powerful vehicle used to expose the "shake 'em up to wake 'em up" approach of the lyrics and graphics!
Musically, comparable to Black Sabbath with bouncy guitar rythems reminicent of Pearl Jam's early days, these songs stir the subconcious...very exciting and melodic! There are few if any female singers that can outshine this one! A huge dynamic range, mysteriously evocative and powerful!

Music:

Music

music