Kev Rowland
This is the third album from melodic rockers Eternal Flight, the band formed by singer Gérard Fois in 2001 after the split of Dream Child with whom he had recorded two albums. He also provides bass, keys and acoustic guitars, wrote all the songs and was at the production helm on ‘Diminished Reality, Elegies and Mysteries’ (to give it it’s full name). He also managed to secure some special guests Brazilian drummer Ricardo Confessori (Angra, Shaman) Mark McGee (ex Vicious Rumors), Chris Caffery (Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage) and Rob Love Magnusson (Dynazty). The band line-up itself came together during the recording of the album, although they only worked together on a couple of songs, namely Julien Racine (drums), Adrien Zoni (bass) and Chris Gojon (guitars).
To be honest, it does sound much more like a solo project than a band recording, and also sounds self-produced in the sense that although the instruments are captured well there is a lack of a guiding hand to bring this all together. There are bits that are very good indeed, but sadly these are few and far between. The introduction of “Fantasea” is classic Heep and really gets the listener interested but sadly the rest of the song doesn’t match the beginning. There are times when it seems that there is a hole in the sound, just waiting for more keyboards or guitars, and this definitely detracts. There is no doubt at all that Gérard is a wonderful singer, with a great voice for power metal, but whether this is the right vehicle for him is another matter. www.yesterrock.com