'Crystal Palace' is a German band born in the 90's and which released their 8th album 'Scattered Shards'. They evolve in a neo-progressive rock in the line of groups like 'Arena' (see here), 'Pendragon' or 'RPWL' (see here). The theme refers to the Greek myth of Pandora and the box in which all the evils of humanity were locked up: men are often dependent on their daily lives as if they were locked in a box (the first title 'Inside The Box ') with the intention of trying to escape (the last title' Outside The Box '). We are thus immersed in a neo-progressive style between rock and atmospheric with rhythm and atmosphere breaks where electric and acoustic instruments cohabit beautifully as in the eponym track of the album that begins smoothly and contains a double crescendo with a powerful final supported by guitar riffs. We can also note a use of electronic sounds in keyboards (including 'Inside Your Dreams' and 'Sici') that fit perfectly because they are only there to accompany the whole and strengthen the aerian side. In summary, 'Scattered Shards' is a dense and varied album that necessarily requires repeated listenings to enjoy and with this latest album, the Germans of 'Crystal Palace' show that they have acquired a level of maturity that puts them in same plan as the current major groups of neo-progressive... | |
