PYRAMID - GAUDI'S LEGACY - 2002

Over a decade ago the Alan Parsons Project recorded their album Gaudi, which was largely inspired by, and dedicated to, Antonio Gaudi's work. The world reknowned architect lived from 1852 to 1926, and this record goes to prove that his work (Like the magnificent Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona) is still admired by many.

I am deeply fond of said Alan Parsons album, but I fear I cannot say the same about Pyramid's "Gaudi's Legend". Musically I am impressed enough, but even after a couple of spins I haven't got used to Javier Gespedes and his nasal vocals. As long as he's singing in a - for him - comfortable key, there's no problem, but if he rises an octave (or 2) the sound of his voice changes into something quite obnoxious. Huge pity that.

More so, because the music is very interesting! Tony Valles (lead and rhythm guitars), Santi Leal (lead / rhythm guitars and keyboards), Manu Garcia (bass) and Roger Guardia (drums and percussion) do a good job, and have even managed to pull of a few tricks new to my ears, like the bell sounds on the instrumental opener "Born Gaudi". Nice touch.

On the whole, the keyboards were used sparsely and wisely. Truly adding to the effect and atmosphere. The interaction between both guitarists is excellent, and the rhythm section is pretty straight-forward, with some excellent cymbal work by Roger Guardia.

The music in general is the kind of progressive metal we get to hear tons of these days. I am starting to feel that there are *to* many bands out there going at this at the moment. I wish some of them would take a little step back, and move towards more sophisticated ground, like Karmakanic did recently.

Bottom line: instrumentally an interesting record, but spoiled by some of the vocals. Thankfully the instrumental passages are more than worthwhile, so that makes up for some of the loss.

And what the hell is an intro like the one to "Sister Sona" soing on an album such as this? Sorry guys, I am all for originality, but please focus those aspirations on the material in its entirity, instead of one silly intro.