Hermetic Science: Deliria - A Chronicle of 2020

Hermetic Science is a project formed and led by keyboardist Edward Macan. Besides being a musician Macan is also an author having written two books on progressive rock: Rocking the Classics �" English Progressive Rock and Endless Enigma �" A Musical Biography of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. His musical project began in the latter half of the ‘90s with the self-titled debut released in 1997. Keith Emerson is clearly a main influence and Macan uses piano, synths, and organ to get his point across. The latest album titled Deliria �" A Chronicle of 2020 is the band’s first in fifteen years with its concept delving into the chaos that was the year 2020, touching on the pandemic, the extremism in our current political landscape, and the global climate crises.

Keyboard fans should find value here and if you like darker elements and melancholic themes this will be even more up your alley. The disc is broken into nine sections beginning with “Deliria I�, a classical inspired piece encompassing progressive rock and fusion with a huge keyboard sound. With “Deliria II� the trio tackles darker elements, with slow builds, subtle drum work, and a heavy nod towards chamber music. Some nice bass work on this one as well. The drums and organ highlight the darker depths of despair invoked in the eye opening “Deliria III �" The Mighty MAGA March of Doom�. Really, the title says it all. On “Deliria IV�, a gorgeous piano melody gradually builds until a full-on prog assault ensues. The intensity level fluctuates throughout the track, as the drama unfolds before your ears. A huge sweeping keyboard arrangement and lone piano lines highlight the majestic “Deliria VI�, the trio’s tight musicianship on display.

While the band is not breaking new ground in the progressive realm, this is still an enjoyable work, both melodic and challenging, giving this extra staying power. Recommended.

The players:
Edward Macan (keyboards)
Jeffrey Ruiz (bass guitar, vocal effects)
Travis Strong (drums, percussion)

Discography:
Hermetic Science (1997)
Prophesies (1999)
En Route (2001)
These Fragments I Have Shored Against My Ruins (2008)
Deliria - A Chronicle of 2020 (2023)

Track Listing:
1. Deliria I (Prelude - Main Theme) (2:46)
2. Deliria II (Poison Seeds Parts One and Two) (6:26)
3. Deliria III (The Mighty MAGA March of Doom) (4:43)
4. Deliria IV (The Great COVID -19 Rave of 2020) (4:29)
5. Deliria V (Kyrie Eleison) (1:22)
6. Deliria VI (Armageddon Warm: Song for a Dying Planet) (6:54)
7. Deliria VII (Minneapolis 05-25-20) (3:32)
8. Deliria VIII (In the Dark Shadow of the Big Lie) (10:38)
9. Deliria IX (Agnus Dei - Main Theme Reprise) (1:51)

Added: July 30th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Facebook
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Language: english

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