Martian Chronlicles (Marsbeli Kronikak) by Solaris, an entirely instrumental album from 1984, became famous only after Solaris played at Progfest '95, when the (prog) world discovered this Eastern European gem.
Arguably one of the greatest symphonic prog albums of all time.
Fantastic keyboards, incredible flute, bass, and guitar, supported by very precise and quite complex drums.
An album that evokes many moods through some of the most beautiful instrumental pieces I've ever heard.
The intro features alien, childlike voices that create a feeling of great unease: it's an epic track titled "The Martian Chronicles Parts 1-6" that blends Klaus Schulze-style synth work with melodic interplay between piano, guitar, and flute.
But the album also features Moog and metal guitar riffs.
It's the first album in a trilogy that culminates in the third album released in 2024 and also includes a beautiful live album.
A classic, I'm sure all lovers of symphonic prog will appreciate it.
Tracklist
1. Martian Chronicles II Suite (22:26) :
- a) 1st Movement (6:12)
- b) 2-6th Movement (12:44)
- c) 7th Movement (3:30)
2. Voices From The Past :
- a) 1st Movement (2:05)
- b) 2nd Movement (5:33)
3. The World Without Us (4:03)
4. The Pride Of Human Insects (3:04)
5. Impossible, 'We are An Impossibility In An Impossible Universe' Ray Bradbury (4:12)
6. Alien Song (4:03)
Duration 45:26
LineUp
- Csaba Bogdán - guitars
- Róbert Erdész - keyboards
- Attila Kollár - flute, tambourine, whistle, synthesizer
- Attila Seres - bass (1.3)
- László Gömör - drums, percussion
- Ferenc Raus - drums (4.6)
With:
- Tamás Erdész - guitar, producer
- Péter Gerendás - acoustic guitar
- Balázs Szendőfi - bass
- Ferenc Muck - saxophone
- Edina Szirtes - violin, vocals
- Zsuzsa Ulmann - vocals
- Tünde Krasznai - vocals
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
