Secrets Of Astrology

Album review

Lana Lane has a spectacular voice. Honestly, a review of any CD by her could at least start with, if not consist almost entirely of, that statement. However, that really does not paint the full picture. On this album, Lane has surrounded herself with some incredible musicians, and the music is both powerful and all over the spectrum in terms of style. You will find songs on this disc that are quite definitely prog metal, but the majority of the disc is hard-edged prog. That said, there are softer songs that are just plain prog, minus the hard edge. The lyrical content of the CD is emotional and comes across as very honest; the vocals and music both add to those perceptions. The other interesting thing to point out is this: although much of the disc is influenced primarily by the harder-edged prog bands and prog metal outfits, there are moments on the album that come across as a harder version of progressive rock heroes Renaissance. In looking at all these facts, it is obvious to see that this CD is a well-rounded and dynamic progressive rock release with both stunning vocal work and musical performances. Lane's central co-contributor on the CD is Erik Norlander (Rocket Scientists). She is also joined by Arjen Anthony Lucassen, David Victor, Tony Franklin, Ed Warby, Cameron Stone, Novi Novog, Istvan Szeker, Mark McCrite, and Robert Soeterboek.
© Gary Hill /TiVo