Tarot ~ Australia

Reflections (2016)

Tarot's first album (or the compilation of cassette EP's as it were) was a great opener that had a unique blend: The music of the early 80s epic metal bands as played by 1971 era Uriah Heep.

Reflections sounds like 1974 era Uriah Heep. Period. End of story. Not the best period of that fine band now is it?

I'm all for the newer bands recreating the past, with history on their side to filter out only the best parts that have aged well to modern ears. But we don't necessarily need to rehash the past verbatim either. Is the third album going to be straight AOR, followed by a disco album, and then synth-pop maybe?

OK, I'm sure that isn't going to happen. And this is a very good album without context. But I was hoping for more dynamic output. Reflections is a bit ordinary to be honest. Interestingly, I found the vocals to be an improvement on the debut. They had to do something, though as I've read elsewhere, not everyone agrees with the execution.

Former ownership: 2016 Heavy Chains (CD). Acquired in 2016.

12/29/16 (review)

The Warrior's Spell (2015)

Tarot's first full album compiles three cassette EP's from 2014 onto one album, and adds two new tracks in the middle for good measure. The songwriting is epic metal similar to Mark of the Beast era Manilla Road (1981) as played by 1971 Uriah Heep (mellotron, Hammond organ, hard guitar). So this is what is now known as "heavy rock" but with the spirit of a metal band. I wish the vocals to be more dynamic, and they tend to be a bit monotone (at least he sings and doesn't growl or grunt!). A small quibble really. I'm not sure I can hear enough bands who sound like this. I want more. Lots more.

Ownership: 2015 Heavy Chains (CD). Acquired in 2015.

4/27/15 (review); 3/25/16

4/27/15 (new entry)