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Adventure hail from Norway and play good old fashioned heavy/progressive rock not unlike 1970s Uriah Heep.
Didn’t know anything about them until hearing a track from Tales of Belle – and though it so good I immediately ordered the CD….!
Tales of Belle Part 1: Across the Ocean was released earlier this month (March 2022) and as the title suggests, there’s a Part 2 to come. What we have here is part 1 of a concept album based on the story of Belle Gunness.
Belle was a Norwegian woman who found her way to America in the 1880s to stay with her sister and became a mass murderer.
Whilst dealing with a topic of such darkness, the music is generally upbeat (if that’s not a contradiction).
The lyrics tell the tale very well. Musically it sways between those 1970s Heep style leanings with lovely Hammond organ swell and synths mixing with crisp driving riffs and Mick Box-style solos.
Add to that some beautifully haunting vocals (particularly when portraying the character of Belle) and it’s an excellent listen as the album tells the first part of the story of how Belle get to America to begins her career of murderous mayhem and insurance fraud.
Take the opener for example – Hell’s Bells. A strong number with all the Heep influences coming in to it. Have a listen:
Too Far is quite similar and as the album unfolds it brings in some nice short instrumental interludes and in places some well-placed gentle piano-based stuff which adds much to the general atmosphere and feel of proceedings.
Yes – the Heep influence is everywhere. However Adventure stand on their own two feet and with such a well composed and performed album dealing with a tricky subject more than show they have the chops to pull it off in style.
If like me you grew up on the classic 1970s heavy/prog stuff then you’ll surely go for Adventure and this album in a big way. As you will if you enjoy the classic sound with a modern twist.
Hope Part 2 isn’t too long in coming.
In the meantime – check out Part 1. Ordered my copy from Burning Shed:
https://burningshed.com/adventure_tales-of-belle-part-1_cd
In quick NWOBHM-related news…….The new albums from Quartz and Tysondog are due soon. Have both on order with reviews to follow after they arrive.