(Neo-Prog) [WEB] Pallas - The Edge of Time (Compilation) - 2019, FLAC (tracks), lossless

With such an extensive and varied back catalogue, it was fitting that these anthology CD’s would not just be re-mastering or slight remixing exercises but a deeper exploration of the band’s varied trademark sounds.
The first of these retrospective anthology CD’s is entitled ‘The Edge Of Time’
The band has always featured both atmospheric and cinematic moments on albums throughout their history and this collection of new versions sets out to explore that element of the band further.
Niall Graeme and Ronnie have been involved in film music side projects and have brought added cinematic elements to some tracks, whilst others follow a more atmospheric interpretation. The overall chilled and laid back concept of the album harks back to the days of plugging in the headphones and immersing yourself in a soundscape.
Initially, the CD will only be available directly through the band’s Bandcamp site, which also includes downloads in many formats including lossless, complete with a selection of alternate versions.
The featured tracks encompass the whole of the band’s recorded career and are:
1. GHOSTDANCERS
The album gets off to a relatively familiar start with the least stripped down of the featured tracks. Much of the original instrumentation of Ghostdancers, from The Dreams of Men, remains but the main focus is given to the violin parts contributed by the acclaimed Traditional Scottish fiddler Paul Anderson.
2. VIOLET SKY
After a linking section of ambience the atmospheric Violet Sky, originally on 'XXV', features new Spanish guitar from Niall Mathewson over a lush atmospheric background.
3. NEW LIFE
The atmospheric vibe continues with a stripped-down haunting version of New Life originally from the 'wearewhoweare' album this mix features a gentle acoustic guitar in place of the original solo.
4. JUST A MEMORY
A new interpretation of Just A Memory, originally on ‘The Wedge’, continues the laid back atmosphere with a mellow cello taking the main melody part over a mixed percussion bed.
5. IN COLD BLOOD
A radical re-interpretation of In Cold Blood, from ‘wearewhoweare’, carries us into an imagined soundtrack for a modern-day horror movie.
6. ARK OF INFINITY
Delving back to ‘The Sentinel’ period the album enters an orchestral territory with a full-blown cinematic treatment of Ark of Infinity. Originally titled after a Dr Who story the space exploration motif is continued with some parts sounding like potential Star Trek or Star Wars themes, which could only be hinted at with the technology available at its original recording.
7. THE BLINDING DARKNESS OF SCIENCE
Continuing the orchestral section of the album, The Blinding Darkness Of Science, originally from ‘The Cross and Then Crucible’ has a sense of urgency in tune with the increasing pace of technology.
8. SOMETHING IN THE DEEP
Both atmospheric and cinematic, Something In The Deep a track originally on 'XXV', features a new end section complete with sirens calling the unwitting to the deep.
9. THIS HAUNTED LAND
Somewhere between the Deep and the Edge of Time lies a haunted land of shimmering orchestras and ethereal voices. This Haunted Land is a track from keyboard player Ronnie Brown and his collaborator Bill Marshall which lends a special orchestral atmospheric ambience as an extended link piece to the final track.
10. STRANGER ON THE EDGE OF TIME
Starting life in the early 80s as the experimental B side to the original ‘Arrive Alive’ single, the album concludes with this special 21st-century re-imagining of its’ keyboard pulse and mellotron quirkiness, with Paul Mackie adding some spacey vocals, with the track finally fading away into infinity.
credits
released November 28, 2019