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Power Play Magazine - june/july 2009
 Based near Rotterdam, Ulysses is a symphonic progressive rock band that was formed back in 1998 by keyboardist Ron Mozer and guitarist Sylvester
Vogelenzang de Jong. Inevitably, the band had some quick line-up changes in the first few years of activity, but the band remains a five-piece to this day. Their debut album "Symbioses" was released independently through their production company Eclectic Productions in 2003; previously they had released a three-track demo called "Eclectic". And now
"The Gift of Tears" is finally unleashed. The fact is Ulysses are an excellent band. Their musicianship is exemplary and their obvious passion for music shines through on every track, especially the lengthy "Guardian Angel" and the indulgent "Anat-. There are some rockin' tracks like "Family Portrait" which is led by a solid riff and some topnotch vocals. It's only a seven-track album but the songs are quite long, especially the aforementioned "Anat" which crosses three musical acts. Typical of the genre, there are lots of production effects and layers of guitars and keys. Much of the album reminds me of the great bands like Dream Theater, Rush, Spock's Beard and Versus X although it has to be said that at times it sounds like Ulysses are trying too hard to be like Dream Theater. The harmonies are wonderfully composed and very melodic; and Michael Hos' vocals are superbly in key with the music. Hos' replaces Raymond Jansen who look a lot of criticism for his vocals on "Symbioses", so it did not come as a surprise that the band replaced him with another singer. Same of the riffs are quite aggressive and the song structures are intricate, if a little contrived. The band has an obvious chemistry and lots of ideas. "The Gift Of Tears" is a wonderfully composed album, creative and enjoyable. it's a huge step forward from their first album. POWERPOINTS: 8 NEIL DANlELS |
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