Customer Reviews

Iluvatar

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The debut album from some of the brightest lads in the new wave of progressive rock. While elements of the classic "prog" bands are evident (primarily Genesis and Yes), Iluvatar has managed to distil a sound that is immediately recognizable as their own. Tracks range from complex multi-thematic ("Iluvatar" and "In the Eye") to exemplary mainstream ("Eagle" and "New Found Key"). Amazing work from an amazing band; along with Spock's Beard and Dream Theater, they rank among the best of contemporary progressive rock.

PS: Their second CD, "Children", is every bit as good as their first. If Amazon does not carry it, try contacting Kinesis Records directly. Believe me, there is NO way that you could be disapointed by this band!

This album has always held a bit of a special place for me. All through the late 80's and early 90's I pretty much thought progressive rock was dead and gone. With the exception of a few prog metal bands I was not aware of anyone doing this type of music. Then a friend of mine stumbled upon this album in a CD store that carried a small progressive rock section. He called me up saying "man, you've got to come over and hear this album". I did, and what I heard blew me away. From this album and the Internet I soon discovered that there was a whole progressive rock underground out there waiting to be explored. Iluvatar's debut CD was a breath of fresh air, and held all of the qualities of a great prog rock album. The material is generally neo prog in nature, and comparisons to Genesis are obvious, but I have always thought they sounded unique and they remain one of my favorite of the 90's era prog rock bands. Vocalist Glenn McLaughlin has a great voice and really does not sound like anyone else. Keys man Jim Rezek is a master at his craft and along with guitarist Mick Trimble create a lush melodic sound that has become patented Iluvzatar. Drummer Gary Chambers and bassist Dennis Mullin round out a formidable rhythm section for the band. I like every song on this disc and it is still a marvelous debut album. If you like melodic progressive rock with great vocals, lyrics and music you can't do much better than this creation from Iluvatar.

Excellent band residing in the where are they now files. I wish they would come back with a new CD. All of their albums are worth looking into. They kind of sound like Genesis because they have the same melodic approach. The singer is fabulous and the keyboard player is Tony Bankish. One of the best American neo prog bands.

Marillion's inspired band but what they do is quite different. Their best feature is the melodies they come out with, they are so beautiful. They also use a lot of natural elements like rain, wind and storm for my great pleasure. "Eagle" song is the best exemple and the nicest song on this album or maybe it's "Exodus" or maybe they are all good. It think singer's voice goes well with the melodies.

A talented band

Take a weak Geddy Lee wannabe and team him up with a group of Marillion wannabe's (which is ironic since the era of Marillion that these guys are aping is the time that Marillion was a PG era Genesis wannabe), but water down the material to the point of bordering on total schlock and you have Iluvatar. Sure it's melodic, but is it interesting? No.