Keyboardist/composer Zoltán Gerots is the leader of this Hungarian trio(?), which also includes Christine von Fáy on bass, 12-string, and cello and Sultan MCT (see below) on drums. The twelve tracks on this 46-minute CD are prime examples of all-instrumental keyboard-heavy symphonic prog. General comparisons to other keyboard-led trios (ELP, Triumvirat, Gerard, etc.) are appropriate, but GSG’s dark and classically-influenced sound probably comes closest to that of Ars Nova. Needless to say, keyboards are the main instrument here, and most tracks feature frenzied, and at times panicked-sounding, high-speed minor-chord leads from Gerots, backed by equally frenetic bass and drum lines. There are a few exceptions to the frantic pace, however, including the dark anthems “Grave” and “Miserere” (the latter is evocative of Goblin) and two jazzier tracks, including the Mahavishnu-inspired bass/drums duet “Túlélóharc / Fighting for Survival”. Individually speaking, the compositions are engaging, well developed, and show impressive playing all around. The songs, however do suffer somewhat from an overall lack of variation in terms of timbre and tone. The same edgy synth sounds are used again and again, and there’s a very artificial, synthetic sound to the bass and drums on every track as well. (In fact, before I read the liner notes, I thought the bass lines were synthesized/sampled— and I’m still not sure whether Sultan MCT is actually a human being or a good-sounding drum machine). Still, this is a solid effort that ought to be of interest to fans of keyboard-led instrumental symphonic rock.

Jim Chokey