The -98 released album from Pallas. With the extremely emotional Alan Reed on vocals. The introducing track "Call To Arms", features Alan in a very similar vocal style that John Wetton used to have in Asia. In fact Alan's voice even sound like John's sometimes. However, this first track is one of the best of the album, maybe just because it's one of the up tempo rockers. The title track is also really good, "Beat The Drum". A bit more different parts in this one, which really is just a good thing. Pallas can deal with both progressive sounds and the AOR parts. All musicians in the band are great. They all do what's necessary for the music to get around. Very good to put it right. Pallas is a band everybody should take a closer look at at.

This is Pallas follow up to their 1986 release "The Wedge", quite some time to wait. Pallas is most known for their 1984 release "The Sentinel". Unfortunately this is the first Pallas album I've ever heard. And unfortunately is the right word to use, as this is a brilliant album.

Their music is neo-symphonic rock that sometimes is closer to AOR than symphonic rock. The songs have a lot of good melodies, catchy choruses and strong musicianship. Some reminiscences might be Pink Floyd and Yes. The highlights are "Beat The Drum", "Insomniac", "Spirits", "Ghosts", "Blood And Roses" and "Fragments of the Sun".

Except for a few tracks, this is one of the best albums of 1999 so far, and one that you just has to have in your collection.