THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(9-TRACKS)
1-ANTHEM OF THE SEVENTH DAY
2-THE PROMISELAND
3-SWORD GOLIATH
4-HOLY SPIRIT FIRE
5-PSALM 61
6-WHAT KIND OF LOVE
7-THE HIGHWAY
8-FOREVER I AM
9-ON THE THRESHOLD OF ETERNITY
AJALON-LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL-1996
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(13-TRACKS)
1-THE ILLUSION OF PERMANENCE
2-SPIRITUAL FIRE
3-GIRL ON A SWING
4-A DIEFT IN THE NIGHT
5-TO FLY WITH YOU
6-COMMONWEALTH
7-LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
8-THE LONG ROAD HOME
9-SO IT'S COME TO THIS
10-FAMOUS LAST WORDS
11-BRUSH WITH LIFE
12-FREE AT LAST
13-THE LONG ROAD HOME
Progressive rock band that caught the ears of Yes keyboardist, Rick Wakeman, who signed them to his own record label, Hope Records, on which their debut album was released. The name of the band comes from Joshua 10:12.
In the Spring of 1994, three Seattle area musicians started to write songs and put together the music that would become a new Christian progressive rock band called Ajalon. Aptly named because of its sublime connotation as explained in the Bible, Ajalon?s music is at once hard hitting and grand in it's design. Two years later, rock keyboard legend Rick Wakeman, formerly of Yes fame, heard a tape of Ajalon. What he heard was a wide range of dynamic expression that ranges from the momentous rock symphony to the clement acoustic ballad. Knowing that this was something special, Rick signed Ajalon to his label Hope Records and thus released their first CD, Light at the End of the Tunnel.
REVIEW FOR THE ALBUM: LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL:
Ajalon are a 3-piece Seattle band who break the mould that has constrained so many Christian artists in the past. "Light At the End Of The Tunnel; is their first album and is released on Rick Wakeman's Hope label (the first non-RW product on Hope, to boot). Take AOR, add a liberal pinch of progressive (good quality European) and finally add a touch of a classic wordsmith/songwriter (Randy Stonehill or Larry Norman) and you might be getting close to the mix that makes Ajalon so good. Well written and performed songs with lyrics so sharp that they almost hurt. All I can really say about the album is that it is the best Christian album that I have heard in years. It's so good that I had to convince my wife that it was a Christian album and not an album by a major secular band. Okay, there are a few sounds that don't sit too well in the mix such as the "organ" on the otherwise stunning "To Fly With You", which incidentally is the only track that comes in under five minutes in length (and then only by a second). There is also a "crowded" feel to the sound of some of the songs, which is probably a result of too little money and time whilst recording. Let's be realistic, it's not perfect but I can't remember when 1 last heard a debut album of this cadre. If you appreciate good rock, Ajalon will NOT disappoint you.http://www.ajalon.net/music.htm
REVIEW FOR THE ALBUM ON THE THRESHOLD OF ETERNITY:
This is the follow up to 'Light At The End Of The Tunnel' (if follow up is the right phrase considering 'End Of The Tunnel' was issued back in 1996). This US band got a little publicity by being "discovered" by former Yes man, Rick Wakeman. Not bad when you think that Ajalon member Randy George cites Yes as being his favourite band. Ajalon consist of Wil Henderson On Lead Vocals and Dan Lile on Drums (Henderson also plays Bass Guitar, Guitar and Irish whistle on some of the tracks) and multi-instrumentalist George on Bass, keyboards, Bodhran, and lead and Acoustic Guitars. The style of the music is unashamedly Progressive Rock, but it would be a shame if the label put people off listening, because this is basically rock music of the highest order which should appeal to a wider audience. From the Folky Instrumental of "Anthem Of The Seventh Day" through to the 16 minute title track, brace yourself for a wonderful musical ride. This is not just for men in anoraks! Prepare to be singing along! There are many highlights, but to me the standout is "The Promised Land" with a swirling guitar sound reminiscent of "Wurm" from Yes's 'Starship Trooper' which then leads into a magnificent guitar solo from George. "Holy Spirit Fire" features an excellent guest vocal from Phil Keaggy. Indeed the guests on the album are another enjoyable feature. On "What Kind Of Love", a song inspired by the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999 (although also poignant in the light of the London bombings), Wakeman himself lends a hand with two trademark Keyboard Solos. The title track benefits also from the vocal talents of the incomparable Neal Morse. My own impression is that this album is a huge leap forward from its predecessor, with its rich sounds, virtuoso musicianship, strong vocals and uncompromising but thoughtful lyrics. Go get! Oh - and there's a Moody Blues cover as a bonus track.
Ajalon, c'est le groupe de Randy George que l'on retrouve aux côtés de Neal Morse depuis qu'il a entamé sa carrière solo. "On The Threshold Of Eternity" est leur deuxième album. Le premier, "Light At The End Of The Tunnel", était sorti en 1996 déjà sur le label de Rick Wakeman. C'est dire si les opus d'Ajalon sont rares. On y retrouve Randy George (Cuitares, Claviers et Basse), Wil Henderson (chant, Guitare et Basse) et Dan Lile (batterie).Comme pour tout ce qui tourne autour de Neal Morse, un certain côté mystique apparaît. Mais, n'entrons pas dans la controverse et occupons-nous de la musique. Bien entendu, il s'agit ici de rock progressif. On y trouve aussi des éléments de folk. L'introduction instrumentale "Anthem of the Seventh Day" allie bien ces deux tendances avec succès. La flûte irlandaise y est jouée par Wil Henderson.D'une manière générale, on se situe dans les environs de ce que fait Neal Morse en solo. Ce CD devrait donc attirer les fans de ce dernier. Le chant est cependant plus doux et la musique plus mélodique avec notamment des influences provenant des Moody Blues et de Genesis.Tiens, une apparition... non deux! Quand je vous disais qu'on baignait dans un certain mysticisme. C'est Monsieur Rick Wakeman lui-même qui fait honneur à deux morceaux. Il s'occupe des solos de Moog et d'orgue sur "What Kind of Love", morceau inspiré par la tragédie de la Columbine High School (Littleton, Colorado) en 1999, et des solos de claviers sur "Forever I Am".Un des plus beaux titres est "The Highway" aux tendances plus acoustiques et au chant d'une grande douceur. Les backing vocals de Lisa Green sont superbes. Et puis, il y a la pièce maîtresse "On The Threshold Of Eternity" qui nous révèle une nouvelle apparition. Attention, c'est la troisième. Cela pourrait relever du miracle. En tout cas, voici le mythique Neal Morse qui vient donner un coup de cordes vocales et même partager le chant avec Wil Henderson. Du long de ses seize minutes, ce titre laisse du temps au groupe pour les développements musicaux. Tantôt énergique, tantôt mystérieux et doux, ce titre est sans aucun doute le meilleur.En bonus, Ajalon nous offre la reprise du morceau "You and Me" des Moody Blues. Ce titre figurait sur l'album "Seventh Sejourn" sorti en 1972 chez Threshold Records (tiens tiens). Mais, avouons que cette cover est plus que dispensable.Ce second opus de Ajalon est un bon album de rock progressif sans être une révélation. Les tendances mélodiques de l'ensemble, les passages folk et les interventions de Rick Wakeman en séduiront plus d'un. Mais, c'est avant tout le morceau titulaire qui retient l'attention(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
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