From the Hungarian band Solaris, "Martian Chronicles Live" released in 2015. This is a recording of a concert filmed in Hungary in 2014, following the release of the album "Martian Chronicles II". The CD version (included in the same box set) is the same as the DVD, but lacks the drum solo and two tracks, "Duo" and "Beyond."
The Band:
For those unfamiliar with Solaris, they are a band that has made symphonic rock its raison d'être. Founded by some schoolmates in 1980, their name derives from the title of a book by science fiction writer Stanislaw Lem. After a series of local releases, they were invited to the 1995 Progfest in Los Angeles, where they received a standing ovation and achieved fame. Sadly, guitarist Cziglan died of an incurable disease in 1998, so the following year, Solaris released their third album, "Nostradamus," featuring works by Cziglan. Then, in 2014, they released "Martian Chronicles II", Their follow-up, "Martian Chronicles III: I Or A.I.", was released in 2024, and I still consider it one of the best releases of that year.
The album/concert:
In short, Impressive:
Synthesizers, Moog, a mix of rock and classical music, typical of the band's experiences, flute, piano solos, an exceptional rhythm section, synthesizer, guitar, and flute solos simultaneously, sudden accelerations and dreamy atmospheres, solos between two keyboardists and two guitarists, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Attila Kollar switching from electric guitar to flute in a flash, a beautiful drum solo, a wonderful duet (titled "Duo") between flute and acoustic guitar, a moving piece with projections on the screen in which a mime expresses pain, anger, desperation, illness, struggle, and finally death, all set to music with Cziglan's guitar, a dreamy flute (this concert is dedicated to the late Cziglan).
During this mostly instrumental concert lasting about two hours, Solaris demonstrate their immense prowess in progressive rock.
I hope I've convinced you; this album not only boasts exquisite music, but also a lot of heart. Highly recommended!
Tracklist
DVD
1. Marsbéli Krónikák I/1.
2. Marsbéli Krónikák I/2-3.
3. Marsbéli Krónikák I/4-6.
4. M'ars poetica
5. Dobszóló
6. Duo
7. Beyond
8. Ellenpont
9. Solaris
10. Marsbéli Krónikák II/1. tétel
11. Marsbéli Krónikák II. / 7. tétel
12. Apokalipszis
13. Ha felszáll a köd
14. Legyőzhetetlen
15. E-moll concerto
16. Mickey Mouse
CD (on DVD+CD edition)
1. Marsbéli Krónikák I/1. (5:56)
2. Marsbéli Krónikák I/2. (9:11)
3. Marsbéli Krónikák I/3. (13:40)
4. M'ars Poetica ( 6:50)
5. Ellenpont ( 4:29)
6. Solaris ( 5:18)
7. Marsbéli Krónikák II/1. (6:57)
8. Marsbéli Krónikák II/7. (6:27)
9. Apokalipszis (4:02)
10. Ha felszáll a köd (4:53)
11. Legyőzhetetlen (3:20)
12. E-moll concerto allegro con molto (5:02)
13. Micky Mouse (3:46)
Duration 79:51
LineUp
- Róbert Erdész - keyboards
- Attila Kollár - flute, block, synthesizer, tambourine
- Csaba Bogdán - guitar
- István Cziglán - guitar (from recordings)
-Attila Seres/bass
- Ferenc Raus/drums
- László Gömör - drums
- Vilmos Tóth - drums (from recordings)
Guest musicians:
- Zsuzsa Ullmann - vocals
- Tünde Krasznai - vocals
-Ferenc Muck/saxophone
- Péter Gerendás - acoustic guitar
- Tamás Erdész - guitar
- Balázs Szendőfi - bass
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
