Abbing: Symphonic Improvisations

Advantages: amazing piano improvisation
Disadvantages: not for people who don't appreciate improvisation

...One of the most respected pianists of our time, Keith Jarrett, gives with the "Koln concert" a good definition of what improvisation is. Innovation, creativity, the feeling of uncertainty. Keith Jarrett is the kind of pianist that emerged during the 60's deeply influenced by Bill Evans and got mixed up with all sorts of jazz styles: fusion, bop, funk, avant garde and even classical music. In this recording you can find all his musical influences, concentrated in an improvisational way, unfolding in front of your eyes, or maybe ears. The result is quite amazing, if you think that Keith Jarrett wnated to actually cancel this concert because the piano that he was provided with, was not of top quality. For people who love piano and moreover improvisation in general, this is certainly a priority choice.... Read review

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Advantages: Atmospheric, war metal
Disadvantages: Perhaps laughable at some riffs and production

...Well well well, Bal-Sagoth have done it again. Being totally original on this release, the album Chthonic Chronicles being delayed for a very long time perhaps took an edge off of its final hearing but never the less it is the British acts finest piece to date, conquering death metal, symphonic and classical genres, black metal all perfectly to one out of the ordinary sound, the band started in the south side of York in Sheffield in 1993 And releasing there first album in 1994 and now were in the glorious 2006 with a spanky nwe album. This is truely amazing the album spans evrything they have managed to cover previously and so much more, while still struggling to find a drummer they hit the studios and did there recording at Waylands Forge (jonny's*keyboardist* home studio) So while keeping a clean sound and production tight... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Epic feeling, high production values, targets what fans want
Disadvantages: Will gain few new fans, phantasy lyrics aren't for everybody

...Triumph Or Agony is another great CD from Rhapsody of Fire, formerly known as Rhapsody. This album makes use of a diverse range of sounds, from 50-piece choirs to large orchestras and even Christopher Lee's voice. The epic 'film-score' sound one expects from Rhapsody of Fire is being paraded here again, and it is in great form. The album contains, as per usual, a variety of songs, from fast power metal songs to their slower, more symphonic variants, and as appears to be becoming a pattern, there's a long song which changes its style many times during its 15+ minutes duration If you've liked previous Rhapsody albums, this is a sound purchase, featuring all of the epic symphonic power metal we have become used to enjoying. However, due to the inevitably smaller market associated with the genre, to many people this will be more of an Agony... Read review

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