Customer Reviews

Nostradamus

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you like "concept" or "rock opera" type albums, with classical influences and orchestra, along with a hard rock core, plus wonderful love songs... you must RUN --not walk-- to get this new 2 CD set!!! Pick one or more of the following adjectives to describe it: AMAZING, PHENOMINAL, UNBELIEVABLE, UNREAL. Glenn Hughes & Joe Lynn Turner's voice on this are simply INCREDIBLE! ALL of the singing on this is TERRIFIC! The best duets I've EVER heard! This one definitely falls in the "MUST OWN CD's" category! I cannot recommend it highly enough! This will be stuck in my disc player for a LONG TIME to come! Bravo Nikolo, you have created a MASTERPIECE!

Nostradamus is a very strong project in the rock vein with Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple, Malmsteen) on led vocals and a 35 piece orchestra. It is the story of Nostradamus' life told out in a play/theater type way but in a rock format. Alana Myles playes the Queen of France and does a very good job as well. It's a concept 2 disc story, very well written, produced, and told. It's good for rock lovers as well as theaters lovers. In a world of bubble gum artists and 3 and a half minute radio singles this is a pure gem. Dont miss this one you'll enjoy this for years to come.

Wayne Edwards

What a great and unique cd. I bought it primarily for Joe Lynn Turner and secondarily for Glenn Hughes. I figured that even if the cd wasn't good, I'd enjoy hearing them sing. I was quite pleasantly surprised with the recording. The music is a beautiful blend of orchestra (which brings the listener into the historical era of Nostradamus) and rock/metal (which carries much of the emotion).
Now that I've listened to it many times, I have certain songs to which I gravitate. Turner and Hughes delivered, as usual. What was a surprise to me was Jorn Lande. I had never heard of this fellow (not too amazing, as I'm from the US), but his voice really affected me. Embodying the Inquisitor, he carries such hatred and anger in his voice.
The only thing that confused me a little was the chronology in the album. I felt it switched eras a little too much, but this is a minor complaint because it really doesn't affect the quality of the music at all. Overall, this is a great album. If you have an open mind, give it a shot. If you're a fan of Deep Purple, Rainbow, and/or HTP (Hughes Turner Project), definitely give it a listen.

Nostradamus

In keeping with recent tendencies of writing reviews of foreign artists I have picked the rock opera, Nostradamus by Nikolo Kotzov. Nikolo is a guitarist and violinist who in the past has been associated with the rock groups Baltimoore and Brazen Abbot. Having one foot in rock music and the other in classical music gave Nikolo an excellent background to compose and produce a rock opera.

Nikolo was born in Bulgaria but he lives in Finland since 1989. He composed and produced this album in 2001 and it was released on Steamhammer records a division of European giant SPV.

Nostradamus is one hour and forty-one minutes long and is recorded on two discs. It consists of three Acts of which 13 tracks are on disc 1 and 8 tracks on disc 2. Nostradamus is packaged in a inch thick jewel case containing the two discs and a forty page booklet, describing the participants, with photos, listings of the various songs and lyrics along with a little history of the subject event before each song and the requisite Credits and Thank Yous.

To perform this rock opera, Nikolo supposedly recruited an all-star cast. The only one I have heard of, however, is ole "Black Velvet" herself Alannah Myles, who plays Anne Gemelle but these are European artists, afterall. Other artists are listed below:

Joe Lyne Turner.......Nostradamus
Glen Hughes...........Henry II, King of France
Sass Jordan...........Catherine de Medici, Queen of France
Coran Edman...........Soldier and Ghost
Jorn Lande............The Inquisitor
Doogie White..........Storyteller

Band members
Nikolo Kotzev...Guitar, violin, keyboards, percussion
Jan Haugland....Drums
Mic Michaeli....Organ
Jon Leven.......Bass

The thirty-five piece orchestra was conducted by Nelko Kolarov. In addition two choirs were utilized.

Since there are twenty-one tracks and we are attempting to write a laconic review, I'll describe only those songs which I feel are the ten best songs.

"Desecration" is apparently sung by the soldier who legend has it desecrated Nostradamus' grave and was cursed for eternity. It is a catchy mid paced number with lush instrumentation including guitar work and multiple singers. Exceptional song.

"Henriette" Is a love song where Nostradamus sings to the love of his life, his future wife and mother of his two children. It is basically a slow very romantic song but it does really pick up the pace in the middle where Nikolo performs a wild violin solo. Great song

"The Eagle" Nostadamus sings about his prediction, which believe foretold the coming of Napolean. This song has a very familiar classical melody which I can't place but is very catchy. The choirs are used very nicely here and this song has a feeling resembling a couple songs from Jesus Christ Superstar.

"Inquisition" is about Notradamus being called before the Inquisitor where apparently the Queen intervenes, thus saving his life. Our mystery melody returns in this medium paced high powered number featuring three emotional singers plus the choirs. Exceptional song.

"War of Religions" after undergoing a trial for witchcraft and being persecuted, Nostradamus preceded to compose his future predictions in code. Another song that reminds me of JC Superstar. Medium slow paced blusey number with lots of different things happening. Orchestra, choirs, backing singing. Great song

"Inquisitors Rage" really a continuation of "War of Religions", different singer similar melody and presentation but slightly faster. Great song

"World War II" is about his famous World War II prediction. Classical - Operatic sounding with the full complement of choir and orchestra and guest singers in a highly melodic song. Exceptional song.

"World War III" Nostradamus predicts the coming of the Third Antichrist. A medium fast paced song with a very perky harmony, which if it wasn't for the subject matter could be top forty material.

"The End of the World" Nostradamus predicts the end of the world in 3797. Very symphonic, heavy choirs, great melodies. It's close with some other songs but this is my vote for best song.

"I'll Remember You" a very pretty romantic, highly emotional song. A very nice closing number. I can picture the curtains closing on this number. excellent song

CONCLUSION

Nostradamus is a very good rock opera and this has some very nice songs in it. If it ever plays the stage here in Phoenix I'd definitely give if a go.

I'm not that much into rock operas, so that's why I don't sound more effusive. I tried to rate the album on the obvious quality and not let my preferences get involved.

I will say this, everything is very well put together and the cast did a fantastic job. This had some of the most emotive singing I can remember this side of Tom Englund and Joe Cocker and most of the songs had a mainstream feel which should appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners. My Final Rating 4 1/2 stars

I think it's safe to assume that most people that are reading this never heard of Nikolo Kotzev. I wasn't aware of him, and bought this cd just because Glenn Hughes is one of the singers. I am glad that I did. Nikolo is not just a great composer, but a great guitar player too. Every and each song is fresh and original, and, as always, Glenn Hughes is KILLER! Great performances by the other singers, like Joe Lynn Turner and Goran Edman. Now, that Jorn Lande really surprised me. I was not aware of him too, and it's a shame that such a great singer is relatively unknown. If you like 70's rock with a twist of prog, Rainbow, Deep Purple, or even Malmsteen, you will certainly like it.

this one is a rock opera in the way "Jesuschrist Superstar" or "Rent" is. A REAL rock opera. Superlative composition, superlative sense of melody, powerful playing and inspired singing. Classic instruments fit really well with rock ones, they get into the music, not "fly over it", as usual in this kind of works.

NIKOLO KOTZEV is absolute genius! This is the best rock opera ever made! Nostradamus is a fascinating combination of powerful rock music mixed with orchestral elements involving a full blown symphonic orchestra as well as some of the most respected voices/talents in rock, Alannah Miles, Goran Edman, Glenn Hughes & Joe Lynn Turner.

If you like classic heavy rock like Purple, Rainbow, etc... this is your album. The best singers you can find in the world are here. It is the most complete CD I've ever heard, every time you hear it it's better and better. If you like this and you find something so good as this, please, tell me.

Nikolo Kotzev's Nostradmaus is an absolutely tremendous work on the life of prophet/vissonary Nostradamus with a 35 piece orchestra set as a rock opera starring Joe Lynn Turner on vocals and a strong supporting cast. It is a great stride in music by not only combing great rock music, an orchestra, and musicinship but smart and breath taking performances in a bubble gum world. A must have. 10 out of 10 score.

Wayne Edwards

Several years before metal icons Judas Priest decided to record a double-album based on the famed prophet Nostradamus, Bulgarian songwriter/guitarist Nikolo Kotzev took on the subject. A veteran of Swedish melodic rock band Baltimoore and the driving force behind Brazen Abbot, Kotzev assembled an impressive supporting cast to make his ambitious project come to life. Kotzev, who handled guitars, violins, and keyboards for this project, is aided musically by Jon Leven, Mic Michaeli and Ian Haughland, all past or present members of the band Europe. There is also a 35-piece symphonic orchestra and an impressive array of vocalists who breathe life into these characters.

The cast includes:

Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen) as Nostradamus
Alannah Myles (solo artist) as Anne Gemelle
Sass Jordan (solo artist) as Catherine, Queen of France
Goran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Kharma, Street Talk) as Ghost
Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) as Henry II, King of France
Jorn Lande (ex-Ark, Masterplan, Millenium) as Inquisitor
Doogie White (ex-Rainbow, Cornerstone) as Storyteller

My expectations were high going into this one, and I'm happy to say that Kotzev and company do not disappoint. Musically, the songs on Nostradamus have the same melodic rock style as the Brazen Abbot albums, and they stand on their own as songs apart from the greater concept album (which is no mean feat). The album manages to maintain an epic, high concept feel while totally working as a rock & roll album. The vocal performances are as impressive as you'd expect. Turner, Edman, and especially Lande are all favorites of mine, and they all deliver powerful performances. Even Myles, whose hit "Black Velvet" is one of the most annoying songs in the universe, does a good job here.

It's nothing like the (also impressive) Judas Priest concept album, but it's easy to see how Nostradamus's story appealed to these artists. Fans of melodic rock, Brazen Abbot, Jorn Lande, Joe Lynn Turner, and/or Glenn Hughes should all find plenty to enjoy in this ambitious 2-disc set.