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Hexameron is one of the best symphonic progressive rock albums I have ever heard.
It starts out in grand manner with "Singularity", a piece very close to classical music and in the tradition of music found on albums from The Enid. The Hackett brothers are featured together on this one, respectively on flute and guitar.
Second track "Dancing on the Waters" is the perfect follow up. It starts out in a similar manner to it's predecessor, featuring the angelic voice of Clare Brigstocke. The intensity and emotional mood then rises, in part because of the rythmic section being provided by a beautiful keyboard loop and some delicate percussions. The third part of "Dancing on the Waters" has a Steve hackett feel to it and the ending brings us back to the original mood.
With "Marduk" we fall right into Neo. This is the first track that relies heavily on vocals. Partly because of Tony Patterson's singing (but also of the music), I am reminded of IQ and the epic tracks from the trio version of Genesis. Clare Brigstocke singing is quite different here, much more jazzy and sensual
The next two tracks I consider to be an interlude. "Sophia's Song" is a celtic ballad that could easily find it's way on a Loreena McKennit album while "Double Helix" is a short classical instrumental reminding me of the collaborations between Steve and John Hackett.
"Brother Sun Sister Moon" would have made a very nice Camel song. Pete Hicks' voice being close to Andy Latimer's, this only adds to the illusion.
Finally the album ends in a similar manner to it's beginning with two very beautiful symphonic rock pieces : "Seven Hands of Time" and "The Power of Reason". On both, Steve hackett does some of his best guitar work ever.
Well, what can I add. Hexameron is a CD that won't be leaving my player for weeks and will find it's way back for years to come. It is a "must buy" for any lover of symphonic progressive rock.
(Marc Roy, www.proGGnosis.com)