Brainticket - Celestial Ocean. 1973 Switzerland

If I were to be entirely objective, I would submit that Celestial Ocean best represents who Brainticket really were. It has both the psychotic nature of the debut with the measured progressive rock of Psychonaut. And honestly this may very well be my favorite album by the band. But they never go to the first division, always coming back to that solid Gnosis 11. There's just enough doubt on every listen for me not to list it as a favorite. Not sure what that magic ingredient is, but Brainticket doesn't have it, despite their radical approach to music. 

Ownership: LP: 1973 RCA (Italy). Gatefold with poster. Online acquisition (2015). Awesome package. 

Former Ownership: CD: 2003 Cleopatra. Cardboard gatefold.

My first copy was a cheap bootleg CD (1991) followed by the above Cleopatra CD (2003). 

1991 (first listen); 2003; 2/15/23 (review / new entry)

Zao - Z=7L. 1973 France

---Mar 2006 

Zao's first and, arguably, best album. The first and last tracks are the most challenging, especially when considering the operatic scat vocals, which can be a soprano shriek or a frightening guttural growl. They're a bit more abrasive and experimental on these bookend tracks than what is found on the rest of the album. Joel Dugrenot shows off his bass chops worthiness here and gives Top / Paganotti / Moze a run for their money. My-Troung is outstanding behind the kit trying to keep up. Cahen and Seffer can carry any melodic line, and it's just this characteristic that makes the album special.

---2/14/23

Last night I heard this for the first time in 17 years and Z=7L continues to impress. Also it occurred to me while listening that this album sounds like Embryo (especially with Maria Archer) trying their hand at Zeuhl.

 It's been said that the title Z=7L is a play on the word Zeuhl.

Ownership: LP: 1973 Vertigo. Gatefold. Online acquisition (2020). 

CD: 1993 Musea. Fine reissue that includes historical liner notes, though no bonus tracks.

My first copy was the single sleeve Cryonic reissue purchased back in 1987, which was replaced by the CD above.

1987 (first listen); 1995; 3//06 (review); 2/14/23 (update/new entry)

Free System Projekt (& related) ~ Netherlands

Gent (2007)

---6/3/07

The Dutch collective Free System Projekt have long been considered one of the finest groups playing in the Berlin School revivalist style. Raging sequencers, mellotron overlays, and analog synthesizer soloing are the order of the day.

---4/14/23

And that's exactly what this album brings. I really do own too much of this kind of thing. I loaded up throughout the 2000s for whatever reason. It's a great example of the style, but not the very best (including from Free System Projeck themselves). And I have plenty of the latter to keep me happy.

Ownership: 2007 private (CD). Acquired in 2007.

6/3/07 (notes); 2/3/23 (update)

Free System Projekt & Dave Brewer - Okefenokee Dreams (2000)

There are few bands that emulated Tangerine Dream's mid 70s years as effective as Free System Projekt. At this point FSP was just Marcel Engels, and on the first Okefenokee gathering, he's joined my American electronic musician Dave Brewer.  They go about creating 73 minutes of sequencer based Berlin School music. No surprises here at all. Honestly I have too much of this kind of music, but I have a soft spot for this title, as it was one of the earliest revival CDs I had picked up (real time when it was released). For the next 6 years or so, I loaded up on dozens of titles like it. I have already begun to shed some of those titles, selling to an audience still hungry for anything and everything Tangerine Dream like. But I won't do that with Okefenokee Dreams. Not so much because it's that much better (it's not), but rather its place in my personal history.

Ownership: 2000 Groove Unlimited (CD). Booklet with a photo. Acquired in 2001.

2001; 4/19/20 (review)

Protoavis (2004)

The hard part about reviewing any Free System Projekt album, at least from this era, is trying to come up with something new to say. I suppose figuratively one could make a similar claim about FSP - that is, musically they have nothing new to say. But nothing new, while still being great, are not mutually exclusive comments. On Protoavis, Free System Projekt have completely zoned in on the 1974-1975 era of Tangerine Dream, where the sequences remind one of Phaedra and the overall atmosphere and style are more toward Rubycon. This is my personal favorite years of Tangerine Dream, so of course I'm going to enjoy Free System Projekt. Not enjoyment at the same level mind you - one cannot replace the magic of initial discovery in one's youth - but the familiarity makes it comfortable. A safe place to cuddle up in.

Former ownership: 2004 Quantum (CD). Acquired in 2007. Downsized in 2017.

6/1/07; 9/24/17 (review)

Atmospheric Conditions (2002)

Atmospheric Conditions is a two CD set compiled of various outings from 2001 and 2002, including live stints in the USA and England. The Dutch collective Free System Projekt have long been considered one of the finest groups playing in the Berlin School revivalist style. Raging sequencers, mellotron overlays, and analog synthesizer soloing are the order of the day. Though the various tracks are all improvised, the sound is remarkably consistent, and the end result seem like variations on Tangerine Dream's Rubycon. In my mind, that is T. Dream's finest moment, so any group who can emulate that same composition style are much welcome here.

From Discogs: Instruments used: Access Virus A, Arrick Synthesizers.com modular system, Yamaha A 3000 sampler/w Mellotron set, Yamaha A 4000 sampler/w Mellotron set, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 sequencers (2x), Clavia Nord Modular, Clavia Nordlead II, Eminent Solina Strings, Elka Rhapsody 610, EMS Synthi A, Arp Pro Soloist, Roland JP 8080, Korg MS-20, Korg MS 2000R, Yamaha S-30, Yamaha TG 500, Boss CE-1, Boss SE-50, Boss SE-70, Ensoniq DP/2, Lexicon MPX 100, MXR Phase 100

Track 1-1 played live at the Gathering, Ocober 13th, 2001.
Track 1-2 played live at Jodrell Bank, March 30th, 2002.
Track 1-3 played live at WDIY EMUSIC, October 12th, 2001.
Track 1-4 played live at Hampshire Jam, October 27th, 2001.
Track 2-1 played live at Ruud Heij's studio during the sessions of summer 2001.
Track 2-2 played live at Star's End radioshow, October 14th, 2001.
Track 2-3 played live at Ruud Heij's studio during the sessions of summer 2001.
Track 2-4 played live at Jodrell Bank, March 30th, 2002.
Track 2-5 Echoes feature: Free System Projekt's Spontaneous Creations. Produced for Echoes, the radio program of ambient and world fusion music heard on stations across the United States.

Ownership: 2002 Quantum (2xCD). Acquired in 2003.

2003; 9/14/16 (review)

Moyland (2005)

Free System Projekt is yet another band we're featuring here that comes from the Tangerine Dream retro movement, that is found more predominantly in the UK, but also has a huge following in the Netherlands as well. When Tangerine Dream moved in a different direction following their "Virgin" years after 1983, no one really took the baton and ran with it. Now that doesn't mean electronic music died. Not even close. There were tons of other artists operating in this field, almost all of them solo acts, and none had the massive amount equipment that Tangerine Dream possessed (other than maybe Klaus Schulze of course). And as any fan of classic Tangerine Dream will tell you, it's a style of music that has many possibilities. The key to success is not only a large amount of both old and new keyboard toys, but it also helps to have more than one band mate - for the synergy of ideas that multiple people can create.

The big names in the Tangerine Dream renaissance are the British bands: Radio Massacre International, Redshift, AirSculpture, Under the Dome, Arc and many more. And the main representative in Holland is Free System Projekt. And truth be told, FSP are probably the most sycophantic to the original T. Dream sound (especially the Baumann trio years). But it's still highly original music within the confines of the style. It's as if someone uncovered numerous more Tangerine Dream recordings from 1974-1977. You can't wrong with a Free System Projekt album, at least of the ones I've heard, and that's most of them. Moyland is but only one great example. If you love complicated sequences, with mellotron overlays and wild synth soloing - the Free System Projekt is for you.

Ownership: 2005 Quantum (CD). Acquired in 2010.

2/15/10 (review)

Also own: Okefenokee Dreams 2001; Hampshire Jam Preserved

2/15/10 (new entry)

Mekong Delta ~ Germany

The Principle of Doubt (1989)

About a dozen years ago I did a complete retrospective on Mekong Delta, easily one of my favorite progressive thrash bands. But I left this one out. I think I was planning on selling it. Glad I didn't. This is their 3rd album, but unfortunately it went back to the production of the debut. It's just terrible really. But a close listen demonstrates all of those endearing Mekong Delta traits. Complex music but dirty and grimy. None of that effeminate Dream Theater stuff here! lol.

Ownership: 1989 Aaarrg (CD). Booklet with lyrics. Acquired in 1993.

1993; 2010; 2/2/23 (review)

In a Mirror Darkly (2014)

After 27 years, Mekong Delta keeps going at a high standard with In a Mirror Darkly, an album that sounds like a cross between its two studio predecessors Lurking Fear and Wanderer on the Edge of Time. The hyper complex technical thrash returns, but with a strong dash of accessible material as well. The opening two instrumentals recall their 2010 opus, as does the complex instrumental 'Inside the Outside of the Inside'. And there are a couple of more accessible vocal oriented progressive metal tunes here like 'The Sliver in Gods Eye' and 'Janus'. But for those looking for the heavier, more murky and mysterious trademarked Mekong Delta material, then 'The Armageddon Machine', 'Hindsight Bias', and 'Mutant Messiah' will certainly delight. As with Lurking Fear, these tracks should be heard on headphones only, as there are lot of ideas thrown out that will be only picked up with careful listen. There isn't any of the jaw dropping greatness of a track like 'The Apocalypt - World in Shards', but overall the album is an impressive listen. Mekong Delta, since their reformation, may have not regained the heights of their early 90s formation - but they have proven to be more consistent in their wizened old age. Let's hope they continue and ultimately surpass what they accomplished over 20 years ago.

Ownership: 2014 Steamhammer (CD). Acquired in 2014.

8/27/14 (review)

Lurking Fear (2007)

After 13 years of dormancy, Mekong Delta return with Lurking Fear. Or I should say founder Ralf Hubert returned with a whole new crew in tow - all experienced and talented metal warriors (you know a band's been around the block when the "youngster" is 37 years old). Unlike progressive rock bands from the 70s, most metal groups' reunion efforts tend to be very good. I've long held the belief this is because the metal groups (many who came about in the sordid underground of the 1980s) understood their core client base far more than the bands from the 70s who were still aimlessly looking for radio hits. Not only did Mekong Delta take a long vacation, but so did the entire technical thrash movement they helped invent. So it turns out Mekong Delta's reunion also ushered back in a most welcome style of music, that has since gone on to be popularized more so than ever by a once obscure Phoenix area band known as Vektor (whose 2009 debut is considered the 3rd highest ranked album according to RYM for all albums (yes, that's right, from a technical thrash band!!)). So exactly where did Mekong Delta look for inspiration for their comeback? Of course I would have hoped for Dances of Death, but instead they chose The Music of Erich Zann, which is certainly not a bad choice at all. This is gritty stuff. Highly complex music, with some orchestrations, that is also deadly in the thrash department. The riffs are solid, and are given just enough space to stand out among the insane amount of ideas thrown around. There are even some real melodies here, which is something of an accomplishment in this field of music. I'm telling you folks, this is headphone music only. I tried listening to it in the car recently, and I just couldn't give it the focus it requires - and it sounded like a big pile of goo. Sitting down with a real stereo and listening intently with headphones (and a craft Imperial IPA of course), really opens this one up. Lurking Fear is not to be missed.

Ownership: 2007 Locomotive (CD). Acquired in 2010.

12//10; 8/26/14 (new entry)

Visions Fugitives (1994)

Visions Fugitives followed the excellent Kaleidoscope, and it seemed the band just went off into the ether afterward. Even back then, the album received little promotion or accord, and few paid much attention to it. I managed to secure a reissue CD copy many years after the original release on the German label Zardoz (mind you I was a fan of the band at the time - so perhaps that underscores what I'm saying about how obscure the original release was). The first opening two tracks could have easily been on Kaleidoscope, and 'Imagination' adds a very interesting psychedelic element here, not a sound commonly associated with aggressive metal. This is followed by the six part, 21 minute orchestrated suite. If you look back on Mekong Delta's career to this point, it would almost seem obvious this would be the conclusion of where they were headed. And while many fans shake their head in disgust, I think it's a fine addition to their catalog. I appreciate that the classical music isn't based on standards, but rather all the compositions are originally charted for this album. The Swedish band Therion would later take this concept to more grandiose heights, but Mekong Delta were pioneering this concept all the way back to the late 80s (sure, many a rock band did the same in the late 60s - but not in the thrash metal field had this been a common practice). Now one criticism that I also will get behind - is that there isn't really an orchestra! Oh for crying out loud - you write something for an orchestra than at least have one to perform it! Synthesizers aren't going to get it done. Oh well - I still appreciate the effort applied here, at least from a compositional perspective. Even if the long suite doesn't satisfy, Visions Fugitives closes nicely in the same fashion as the opening, complete with a psychedelic overtone added to the vocals, and acoustic guitar interludes. After this, Mekong Delta appeared to call it a day, seemingly accomplishing everything they had set out to do.

Ownership: 2002 Zardoz (CD). Acquired in 2002.

2002; 8/25/14 (review)

Kaleidoscope (1992)

Kaleidoscope is a great follow up disc to Dances of Death. Mekong Delta were at their creative peak by this point, with a jaw dropping cover of Genesis' 'Dance on a Volcano' (Progressor of Uzbekistan (RIP) once said "maybe the best metal cover ever"). Also a fascinating version of Khachaturian's 'Sabre Dance'. I don't typically go for classical covers, but Mekong Delta tend to do them better than the rest. As for the other 40 minutes of original material, it's an extension of Dances of Death, but more refined and slightly less chaotic. Dances of Death is the 'Manticore' of progressive metal stretched over an entire album and still remains my favorite progressive thrash album ever. This may well be their next best then.

Ownership: 1993 Intercord Japan (CD). Acquired in 1994.

1994; 2004; 2010; 8/24/14 (review)

Dances of Death (1990)

On their 4th album, Dances of Death, Mekong Delta laid down the progressive thrash album for the ages. The title track is like the instrumental segments of Emerson Lake and Palmer's Tarkus stretched to 20 minutes. It just keeps going and going... and going. At neck breaking speed. Meter change after complex meter change. If you're not seeing a chiropractor after listening to this then... you're just not listening to this! Doug Lee hits all the high notes while Ralf Hubert propels the whole thing along via his gymnastic bass. Uwe Baltrusch's guitars are just insane. And the playing is tight, tight, tight! And what amazes me most? It's a 20 minute composition that clearly is one composition. Not eight different songs under the banner of a suite (cough, cough.... Fates Warning, Dream Theater). What a ride. The two shorter pieces are great, similar to what you would hear on The Music of Erich Zann. This leads into the de facto version 'Night on a Bare Mountain'. Yep, that's right - that old classical piece and progressive rock cover chestnut. This is the definitive version. You'll never hear the composition the same again. In fact, you won't hear a thrash metal album again the same. What a monster of an album.

Ownership: 1991 Aaarrg Japan (CD). Acquired in 1996.

First copy: 1990 Aaarrg (LP). Acquired in 1993.

1993; 1996; 5/14/06; 8/23/14 (review)

  

The Music of Erich Zann (1988)

The Music of Erich Zann is a huge improvement on their muddled debut. The music is still raw, but the production gives the instruments clarity. And when you play as complex and fast as Mekong Delta does, then this aspect of their overall sound is highly important. Perhaps 'True Lies' is the ultimate example of this era of Mekong Delta. Complicated, thrashy, yet melodic. In control. 'Interludium' was my initial introduction to the band, as it was played - perhaps unbelievably - on a local radio station in Dallas back in 1988 (!!). It was one of their first collaborations with orchestra and highly successful at that. And the Dead Can Dance styled closer 'Epilogue' is disarming. Overall, a definitive statement in the progressive thrash genre. Definitely a good place to start with this excellent band.

Ownership: 

1988 Steamhammer (LP). Acquired in 1988.

2002 Zardoz (CD). Acquired in 2010.

1988; 11/27/10; 8/20/14 (review)

Wanderer on the Edge of Time (2010)

One of the challenges in appreciating Mekong Delta is that their relentless complexity can be difficult to penetrate, especially on albums where the production isn't crisp (their early days in particular). What if Mekong Delta dialed back the intensity and mathematics, while still maintaining their heavy symphonic approach, but with a crystal clear production? Wanderer on the Edge of Time is the answer to that question. Mekong Delta always had a penchant for blasting out thrashy, but complex progressive rock oriented, instrumental interludes ('Intermezzo' being the highlight of the nine (!) instrumentals here). This is no doubt an homage to Ralf Hubert's fascination with ELP's Tarkus suite among other Emersonian classical interpretations / original compositions. Here they intersperse these interludes with more song oriented material. The latter represents somewhat of a departure for the band - something they explored briefly on Kaleidoscope. But fear not, as the band performs perhaps their best progressive thrash metal track to date with 'The Apocalypt - World in Shards'. If Lurking Fear is the successor to The Music of Erich Zann, then Wanderer on the Edge of Time would be the inheritors of the Dances of Death / Kaleidoscope era with a bit more melodic consideration. Another excellent addition to the Mekong Delta legacy.

Ownership: 2010 Aaarrg (CD). Acquired in 2011.

7/25/11 (review); 8/19/14

7/25/11 (new entry)