Orion's Beethoven - Superangel & Tercer Milenio (Reissue) (1973-77/2006)

Orion's Beethoven formed in Argentina in the late 60's, but it took them over four years to release their debut album. 'Superangel' eventually came out in 1973, and was a good progressive effort, influenced in parts by The Nice and ELP with the inclusion of classical excerpts in the music. Guest musicians provide sax and percussion, and the sound is complex enough to please most progressive rock fans. The second track is a twelve minute suite which incorporates acoustic and hard rock sections, as well as a fine sax solo from Chachi Ferreyra. The final track 'Hijo Del Relampago' has a harder rock edge that much of what has gone before, and this could be the starting point for the direction that the band took for their second album.

After another four year break the band produced 'Tercer Milenio' - a more rock orientated album. Opener 'Amistades Desparejas' is a great hard rock track with some stunning guitar, and the band sound like a completely different entity on this song. 'Ella y Los Colores' is a slower, but no less powerful song, but it seems that when they try to emulate their first album - as on the title track 'Nino Del Tercer Milenio' - with a more progressive offering it comes off less well in the context of the album. The heavy guitars are still there, and the guitar solo is pretty good, but the tune seems to have evaporated. 'Cancion Del Lobo' is a lengthy blues-based track, which gives guitarist Adrian Bar scope for one of his best solos. Album closer 'Hermano Silencio' is a hard rocker which is the equal of the first track, and so they bookend this release with some tasty heavy rock...