Cathedral - "The Bridge" Review

Artist/ Band: Cathedral
Title: The Bridge
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Back in 1978, Cathedral (USA band) released their debut album 'Stained Glass Stories', which has been considered over the years as a ‘must-have‘ by many progressive rock collectors. Now after almost 30 years the band returns with a follow-up called 'The Bridge', which has some shoes to fill and in my humblest opinion it succeeds from start to finish. 'The Bridge', like the debut album can be compared to the likes of King Crimson, Genesis, Yes, and Gentle Giant.

In 2003, four out of the five original members, Paul Seal (vocals), Fred Callan (bass), Mercury Catonia IV (drums), and Thomas Doncourt (keyboards) were joined with new guitarist David Dolg (replacing Rudy Perrone), resurrected the band from it’s long slumber to make a new album and the result is the 2007 album, 'The Bridge'. A modern sound emerged combined with what they started with back in 1978. Unlike some bands that reunited from the 1970’s, the music wasn’t done in a way to compete with the newer bands.

Two of the main highlights for me are the opening track "Monsterhead Suite: parts 1, 2, & 3" (13 minutes) and the ending track “The Secret” (11minutes) show case the band in an extended mode. “Monsterhead Suite” reminds me of stuff King Crimson made between 1972-74, whereas “The Secret” has a more dreamy gothic feel. One of the other highlights I enjoy is "Angular World" which lives up to it’s name. It reminds me of modern King Crimson but without the chaotic metallic guitar sound.

In closing, ‘The Bridge’ is a fine prime example of what a reunion album should sound like. Let’s hope the next album will arrive in short time. If you enjoyed “Stained Glass Stories’, you should embrace “The Bride’ with the same enthusiasm. I would highly recommend this album to even fans of newer bands. This is easily one of my favorite releases of 2007.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 21st, 2007

Tracks:

1. The Monsterhead Suite

2. Satellite

3. Hollins

4. Kithara Interludium

5. Angular World

6. The Lake

7. The Secret