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Posted by Follower of Dreams...:
Many people have this band's widely acclaimed debut album that featured Michael Romeo guitar prodigy of Symphony X, Coleman "Colie" Brice on lead vocals from Gemini, NJ drumming legend Bob Nelson, Eric Walz,on bass, and the Phantom founder Jack Young - who started the band in 1969! Alec Jon Such from BonJovi appears on this album as well (Alec & Tico were in PHANTOM's OPERA before the joined Bon Jovi).
What people don't know is that the band whent on to record THREE more albums & counting. 1997's "So Long To Broadway" featured Karl Cochran on lead guitar (stints with Ace Frehley, Joe Lynn Turner, Arcara, Sebastian Bach).
SLTB had great tunes but the production quality was lacking. After nailing a deal with Victor/JVC of Japan the band was finally able to produce a stunning, major label quAlity recording that was co produced by famed engineer/producer Steve Evetts @ NJ's legendary TRAX EAST. They also brought on yet ANOTHER guitar player - Bob Gilmartin (ROSENBERGS, MYSTERY BLOOM, & currently NEW MACHINE). The result?
A powerful addendum to the vernacular of Rock & Roll history. . . Rarely does a band produce an album where sound quality, performance quality, and songwriting/music composition ALL come together. These guys did it! It's alll there. It's a monster album that rocks, has soul, depth & MAGNITUDE! Following Dreams has a mesmerizing , cohesive quality that engulfs thhe listener from start to finish. It is jubilant and somber, bombastic & delicate, Colie Brice rages with a plethora of intense , emotions that live up to his nick name of "the Chameleon", Nelson pounds like Bonham in one moment & the technical finesse of Peart in another, Gilmartin slices through & more than holds his own in an intimidating gig for lesser men, Walz in the lineman of this band, the steady hand that balances the EXTREMES of Jack & Colie's grappling yet harmonizinng polarities. There are obvious credence given to the Beatles , Led Zep & Queen, but the distuinguised listener will here hints of Rush, the Allman Brothers, the Stones, Styx & other classic rock icons. Yet there is an ethereal, dramatic, ghastly, melancholy, almost gothic tinge that is uniquely their own. Do yourself a favor, buy this record, it is genuinely collectable, but who cares - you'll actually wear it out as you follow your own dreams.....
Posted by Act IV:
Damn! Another great album from Phantom's Opera - the songs are KILLER!
But what's with this band, why does everybody quit? Gilmartin is back, wow a guitar player who actually stuck it out for two albums in this band & the man is on fire. The production has the DIY, sloppiness of 97's "So Long To Broadway", but there is enough genuine R&R vibe that the band steals through the at times brittle sound quality. Young, who isn't so young anymore must have the stamina of a demi god as he exudes a verve three times that of any other mortals in the band. Then there's the new gun in town - Terry Brock (KANSAS, Michael Bolton). No doubt about it... THIS GUYS CAN SING HIS BALLS OFF! Yet I can see why it took the band nearly five years to replace Brice - there is a distinct lack of emotional depth and spiritual fortitude that is unique to Brice's inclusion with this band. Yes, it's still Phantom's Opera - a band with this much talent can survive even the most serious of blows - witness the departure of Michael Romeo to form Symphony X, but somehow the Opera isn't complete without key members of the choir. . .
Posted by John Bongiovi:
Literally the best AOR album debut to come out of NJ. Imagine the overwhelming exhuberance of BON JOVI's "Slippery When Wet" meeting the sheer heart felt attack of QUEEN's "Night At The Opera" with a little help from friends like the BEATLES, STYX, DREAM THEATER, & more.
Opening track "Lie Laura" leaps through your speakers like a lioness in heat pouncing upon her prey - ultrasonic, bombastic, big, fat, hit your [butt] over the head song with a searing guitar solo from guitar DEMON Michael Romeo (SYMPHONY X), sultry vox by Colie Brice, HUGE keyboard WIZARDY by the Phantom himself JACK YOUNG & the pounding bombastic fury of Nelson (drum) & Walz (bass). And this is just the first freaking track folks :)
I could go on kids, but trust me, if you dig this kind of music BUY the freaking album - mp3s availalable at the band's web site: [website]
It's a downright shame other flavour du jour bands of the era made millions while these true masters of melodic metal dwell in the shadows of obscurity.
Posted by Colie:
Bridgett RULZ!
Colie the Chameleon
NewAgeBlues.com
Posted by Bridgett Daniels:
I agree that this band is awesome, but Terry Brock is Not legendary . . . Collie Brice is!Q!Q
Posted by Phantastic!:
Its cool seeing these guys get their story out there. The band has a remarkable history or trajedy & DRAMA, but their music is awesome. Currently on their 4th album with legendary singer Terry Brock.
