EAST - A SZERELEM SIVATAGA - 1988

East biography
EAST is one of the most beloved prog acts from Hungary (if not the most). While the rest of the world was into New Wave, Marillion carried the prog torch for Great Britain and points west. Guitarist János Varga, keyboardist Géza Pálvölgyi, singer Miklós Zareczky, bassist Péter Móczán and percussionist István Király decided to pick up the prog banner for Eastern Europe.

In 1981, they released their debut album "Játékok." The English translation is games. Oddly, they did release an English version, but it was titled "Blue Paradise." It was a well-received debut, and is still highly regarded. However, it is the sophomore effort, 1982's "Hüség" (Faith), that seems to capture more hearts.

The first two albums were more symphonic inspired, but they felt the need (or perhaps pressure) to pursue a more mainstream approach. This led to replacing lead singer Miklós Zareczky, with József Tisza on "Rések a Falon" (Cracks in the Wall). While the third album is not the darling of prog fans, it was a great commercial success. The next outing, 1984's "Az Áldozat (Szodoma)" (The Victim (Sodom)) saw them dumping vocals altogether. It is completely instrumental, and has been described as a rock ballet. This could also be considered the last true EAST studio album. There was a four-year gap until "A Szerelem Sivataga" (The Desert of Love) came to be, and everyone except Péter Móczán had left the ranks. It is also interesting that this album enlisted the biggest lineup (eight in all) to bear the name EAST.

I wish I could have done a better job with this one, but most of the information about this band is in Hungarian. Being a typical American, English is the only language I speak.
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