VERSUS X - PRIMORDIAL OCEAN - 2008

German outfit Versus X have made a really strong album with their 2008 release Primordial Ocean.

4 long epic tunes, all of them complicated and quirky affairs, with a multitude of segments constantly evolving and moving; but with an emphasis on symphonic elements and strong melodies. Long instrumental passages is a key feature here, with sweeping and at times grandiose segments dominated by multi-layered synths just as dominant as more mellow passages with piano only and more driving parts with guitar riffs and organ taking the lead.

The only weakness I came across were the vocals, which seems to have a hard time following the slightly quirky melody lines in some passages.

Apart from that, this is a killer release for most people fond of bands like Genesis and Yes, and the level of complexity might make this one of interest to fans of Gentle Giant as well.
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