 | Inside (1973)Genres: progressive rock, space rock |
review by thomas
The first track sets the scene, lots of gorgeous organ together with heavy guitar bits, a steady bass and fine drumming; this is the four tracks of “Inside” for you. The overall sound is of very high class, especially on the first track, “Land of No Body”. That song is a killer! Although Eloy’s later albums may be more original and closer to the “Eloy sound”, this is an album of good craftsmanship, even if many of the ideas and themes have been heard and done before. But that doesn’t really matter since they make it good and enjoyable. And some of the “clichés” are just so damn good that it doesn’t matter how many times it’s done, I’m thinking of the part (you will know upon hearing it) that Deep Purple and Black Widow - to name a few - have done on their songs “Child In Time” and “Sacrifice” respectively.
For those of you who have hard times with accents you should be aware of Frank Bornemann’s heavy German sounding voice, well heavy and heavy, heavy is perhaps too strong a word. Anyway, I guess it’s an acquired taste – I for one have no problems with it. If the late seventies Eloy often are compared to Pink Floyd, the Eloy of the first half of the seventies can be compared to Deep Purple and Omega, only Eloy is more progressive. Also some strong psychedelic and space-rock influences. A very good album, easily recommended.
 | Floating (1974)Genres: progressive rock, space rock |
review by thomas
Hmm…what can be said about ”Floating” that I haven’t already said on the ”Inside” review? In fact I see these two records as something closely knitted; twin albums if you will. So when all comes down “Floating” is in large parts like “Inside”, particularly the overall sound are the same and the line-up as well, the albums artwork gives further truth to the twin album “theory”.
The only major difference between the albums (of course the songs are not one and the same, I realize that!) is that the songs on “Floating” are a tad weaker, side two being the weakest. The title track on the other hand is very good and refreshing. So then, if you like “Inside” the chance is overwhelming that you, at least, will find this good. I know I did. Start with getting “Inside” first and then get this one if you like that one.
 | Ocean (1977)Genres: progressive rock, space rock, hard rock, progressive metal |
review by thomas
A concept album about the Atlantis myth based on Plato's works. The band was at the time a four-piece playing the usual guitar, bass, vocals, drums and keyboards as well as flute, xylophone and an arsenal of percussion instruments (kettle-drums, Morse key, temple blocks and so on). The singer Frank Bornemann, also the guitarist, doesn't possess the greatest of voices, he also sings with a very distinct German accent and these features can be a draw-back for some (as you can guess Eloy sings in English).
The four tracks are all in the 8-15 minutes vein, with the opener "Poseidon's Creation" as the highlight. Also featured on the album are the over the top title "Atlantis' Agony at June 5th 8498, 13 P.M. Gregorian Earthtime" (phew!). Although the keyboards include Hammond organ, mellotron, mini-Moog, ARP synthesizers and RMI keyboard computer (urk!) the emphasis is on the two latter - too bad, too sad. It destroys some of the album. The drums and percussion work sometimes reminds me of Neil Peart (Rush) but sometimes they are more questionable. The guitars are good throughout the record as is the bass. In the end there's both better and worse Eloy albums out there but if you like your prog long, floating and Pink Floyd-ish, only harder, more majestic, you should definitely get this record.
