Glass Hammer's first DVD is a jam-packed 122 minutes of live concert footage, behind the scenes video, rehearsal scenes (including a very intimate setting in the bands hotel suite prior to their set at NEARFest in 2003), and footage from their CD release party. It all makes for fun viewing, but the 67 minute live set from September 2003 in Tennesse is especially rewarding, as this symphonic prog band, who normally would be considered more of a studio group, prove that they are really hitting their stride as a live powerhouse. Augmented by stellar guitarist/vocalist Walter Moore, nimble drummer Matt Mendians, vocalists Susie Bogdanowicz, Bethany Warren, and Flo Paris, and acoustic guitarist Eric Parker, Steve Babb (bass/keyboards/vocals) and Fred Schendel (keyboards/vocals/guitar) are in fine company, and show why they are considered one of the best progressive rock bands going today.
A majority of songs from Lex Rex are covered, including "Tales of the Great Wars", "One King", "Further Up, Further In", "Cup of Trembling" and the symphonic "When We Were Young", plus two songs from Chronometree and one from Perelandra. Live, Glass Hammer is a different beast, as the hard rock/metal styles of Moore and Mendians take the band to new heights, and Schendel really is a monster keyboard player. His arsenal of keyboards invokes sounds of vintage Moogs, Hammond, and Mellotron, creating lush soundcapes and textures as well as laser-light precision on his many blinding solos. Vocally, this band excels at multi-part harmonies, not only with the tandem of male vocals featuring Moore, Schendel, & Babb, but the three lovely ladies add a unique element as well, giving the band a very melodic & distinct, yet complex approach, somewhat like a contemporary version of Gentle Giant.
So pick up a copy of this fine DVD, and see what all the fuss is about. Glass Hammer has worked hard to become one of the best progressive rock bands in existence today, and this document is proof positive that their efforts have paid off.
Track Listing
1) Chronotheme
2) Tales of the Great Wars
3) One King
4) Further Up, Further In
5) Cup of Trembling
6) Chronos Deliverer
7) When We Were Young
8) Heaven
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