The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies
By Mandalaband
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Track listing
- A1 The Eye of Wendor 4:43
- A2 a. Florian's Song 3:10
- b. Ride to the City 2:50
- A3 Almar's Tower 1:54
- A4 Like the Wind 2:41
- A5 a. The Tempest 1:10
- b. Dawn of a New Day 4:02
- B1 Departure From Carthilias 2:55
- B2 Elsethea 2:44
- B3 Witch of Waldow Wood 4:35
- B4 Silesandre 3:26
- B5 a. Ænord's Lament 1:53
- b. Funeral of the King 1:27
- c. Coronation of Damien 2:25
- Total length: 39:55
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10 Issues
- Release view [combined information for all issues]
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies [p] 33 rpm
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies Bonus Tracks
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1994
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies Bonus Tracks, Remastered
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies Bonus Tracks, Remastered2004
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies CD Sized Album Replica, Limited Edition, Remastered
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies CD Sized Album Replica, Limited Edition, SHM
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The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies Digital file, Streaming
13 Reviews
Even more ambitious effort than their S/T first LP. The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies continues the solid and pretty enjoyable symphonic prog style found on their debut. The songs are also shorter on this second album of theirs. Most of the time this beautiful record sounds nice and there's nothing major I need to complain about.
If you enjoy their debut you'll most likely enjoy this second LP as well. It's even more symphonic prog oriented than their first album. If you're a fan of the genre these two Mandalaband albums are worth checking out. This second LP is slightly better than it's predecessor.
If you enjoy their debut you'll most likely enjoy this second LP as well. It's even more symphonic prog oriented than their first album. If you're a fan of the genre these two Mandalaband albums are worth checking out. This second LP is slightly better than it's predecessor.
Published
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Wow
How can this not be well-known? As concept prog it's up there with Jeff Wayne's War of The Worlds or The Wall. I'm quite blown away that it was possible to just suddenly 'stumble upon' an album of this grandeur.Published
Originally Mandalaband were never destined to exist since the great first album, but, while going to work at Indigo Sound in Manchester in 1976, Rohl was asked to write the soundtrack for a film version of The Lord of the Rings.This movie never appeared in the industry, but, as Rohl had already started working on its music, he finished his composing work around 1978.Without a supporting group he asked his close friends to help him out with the recordings of the so called ''The eye of Wendor'', that ended up to be a fantasy story by Rohl with a Tolkien-esque atmosphere.The result was a line-up of more than 30 musicians/singers, including Woolly Wolstenholme, John Lees, Justin Hayward to name a few, for a process that took place at Strawberry Studios in Stockport.The album was released in 1978 on Chrysalis.
While not exactly moving away from the style of the masterful debut, ''The eye of Wendor'' can be regarded better as an Orchestral Rock album, delivered as a symphony of multiple variations, somewhere in the middle of BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST smooth, melodic orchestrations and THE ENID's more grandiose and Classical-influenced style.No long epics in here, this album consists of 14 very short movements, that are tighly connected to offer a long symphonic-oriented work, where a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere is evident throughout.Plenty of string sections, wind instruments and choirs produce a trully cinematic feeling, perfect for the needs of a similar movie.A few cuts are rather close to sound effects than structured musicianship and the extreme dose of orchestral textures may annoy the traditional prog listener.On the other hand Rohl's ability to create majestic soundscapes is undoubtful with all these nice piano interludes, beautiful, romantic vocal arrangements and Classical sections.Guitars and synthesizers are really measured, used where Rohl thought they should, but definitely adding the work an excellent power.A couple of more GENTLE GIANT-like quirky passages are also present, but seem to be a bit far from an otherwise very atmospheric and at moments dramatic work.Again though, at the end remains a bittersweet taste of the sporadically used guitars of Steve Broomhead, who managed to deliver some amazing melodies.
Absolutely far from the extraordinary compositions of ''Mandalaband'', this albums is a real stunner for all fans of cinematic Art Rock or melodic semi-Symphonic Rock of the BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST school.Still among these short pieces every listener will find plenty of beautiful arrangements with a rockin' attitude.Recommended.
While not exactly moving away from the style of the masterful debut, ''The eye of Wendor'' can be regarded better as an Orchestral Rock album, delivered as a symphony of multiple variations, somewhere in the middle of BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST smooth, melodic orchestrations and THE ENID's more grandiose and Classical-influenced style.No long epics in here, this album consists of 14 very short movements, that are tighly connected to offer a long symphonic-oriented work, where a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere is evident throughout.Plenty of string sections, wind instruments and choirs produce a trully cinematic feeling, perfect for the needs of a similar movie.A few cuts are rather close to sound effects than structured musicianship and the extreme dose of orchestral textures may annoy the traditional prog listener.On the other hand Rohl's ability to create majestic soundscapes is undoubtful with all these nice piano interludes, beautiful, romantic vocal arrangements and Classical sections.Guitars and synthesizers are really measured, used where Rohl thought they should, but definitely adding the work an excellent power.A couple of more GENTLE GIANT-like quirky passages are also present, but seem to be a bit far from an otherwise very atmospheric and at moments dramatic work.Again though, at the end remains a bittersweet taste of the sporadically used guitars of Steve Broomhead, who managed to deliver some amazing melodies.
Absolutely far from the extraordinary compositions of ''Mandalaband'', this albums is a real stunner for all fans of cinematic Art Rock or melodic semi-Symphonic Rock of the BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST school.Still among these short pieces every listener will find plenty of beautiful arrangements with a rockin' attitude.Recommended.
Published
Great conceptual-album.
Classical-rock of best kind.
Classical-rock of best kind.
Published
Mandalaband: The Eye Of Wendor (remaster)
From the pastoral openings of the first song all the way through this oft called rock opera, there can be no denying that "The Eye Of Wendor" was a minor classic just waiting for reissue on CD. Oozing with warmth, clever arrangements, plenty of variety thanks to the diverse background and musical influences of those involved with the song writing, gorgeous melodies and some very memorable songs, they don't make them like this in the new millennium anywhere near often enough.
Sporting an all-star cast of thousands; all right, then, billions, the inclusion of highly talented musicians such as Maddy Prior, Noel Redding, Justin Hayward, Barclay James Harvest, 10cc, and others makes this is a brilliant journey of rediscovery.
This album was conceived by producer, David Rohl and was recorded at Strawberry Studios between 1976 and 1977. Although originally reissued on CD in 1992, this version has undergone a proper digital remastering process resulting in an outstanding sound that still holds up exceptionally well. Instrumentally, the sound is so fresh and alive, you would swear you were inside the recording studio; such is the accuracy of the remastering process on this disc. Needless to say, the enormous variety of instrumentation used allows each musician to contribute their respective songs without any of them sounding alike. There can be no denying the hallmark qualities of the singers assembled here, whose other work may be familiar to traditional symphonic progressive rock fans. 10cc, Maddy Prior, Wooly Wolstenholme and Justin Hayward never sounded so good.
Maddy Prior contributes the ethereal sounding "Like The Wind" while Justin Hayward contributes a brilliant song right out of "The Moody Blues" scrap book of classics that never managed to grace one of their own albums. "Witch of Waldow Wood" is probably the most accessible song presented here as its anthemic style embraces plenty of catchy hooks and some great fuzz guitar throughout. "Aenord's Lament" features some inspired piano sections with violin accompaniment and although beginning softly, runs the full gamut of styles and includes some great sax work to introduce the final song of the original album, "Coronation Of Damien".
How lucky can one be when you are sent the very same disc to review as the one you had included in a long list of titles that you had proposed to upgrade from vinyl to CD.? It looks like I've been saved the trouble. Along with the debut, self titled disc I recently traded, my Mandalaband CD collection is finally complete. If you have yet to discover this band and enjoy works from some of the aforementioned bands and singers, this reissue serves as a meaningful reminder that the well trodden musical styles so often used to great effect in the 70's will never lose their overall popularity.
Track Listings:
1. The Eye Of Wendor (Feat BJH)
2. Florian's Song (Feat 10cc)
3. Ride To The City (Feat Noel Redding)
4. Almar's Tower
5. Like The Wind (Feat Maddy Prior)
6. The Tempest
7. Dawn Of A New Day (Feat Justin Hayward)
8. Departure From Carthilias
9. Elsethea (Feat 10cc)
10. Witch Of Waldow Wood (Feat 10cc & BJH)
11. Silesandre (Feat Sad Café)
12. Aenord's Lament
13. Funeral For A King (Feat Noel Redding)
14. Coronation Of Damien
Previously Unreleased Bonus Track:
15. Dawn Of A New Day (Alternate Mix)
Original review posted by myself at www.seaoftranquility.org and used with permission.
From the pastoral openings of the first song all the way through this oft called rock opera, there can be no denying that "The Eye Of Wendor" was a minor classic just waiting for reissue on CD. Oozing with warmth, clever arrangements, plenty of variety thanks to the diverse background and musical influences of those involved with the song writing, gorgeous melodies and some very memorable songs, they don't make them like this in the new millennium anywhere near often enough.
Sporting an all-star cast of thousands; all right, then, billions, the inclusion of highly talented musicians such as Maddy Prior, Noel Redding, Justin Hayward, Barclay James Harvest, 10cc, and others makes this is a brilliant journey of rediscovery.
This album was conceived by producer, David Rohl and was recorded at Strawberry Studios between 1976 and 1977. Although originally reissued on CD in 1992, this version has undergone a proper digital remastering process resulting in an outstanding sound that still holds up exceptionally well. Instrumentally, the sound is so fresh and alive, you would swear you were inside the recording studio; such is the accuracy of the remastering process on this disc. Needless to say, the enormous variety of instrumentation used allows each musician to contribute their respective songs without any of them sounding alike. There can be no denying the hallmark qualities of the singers assembled here, whose other work may be familiar to traditional symphonic progressive rock fans. 10cc, Maddy Prior, Wooly Wolstenholme and Justin Hayward never sounded so good.
Maddy Prior contributes the ethereal sounding "Like The Wind" while Justin Hayward contributes a brilliant song right out of "The Moody Blues" scrap book of classics that never managed to grace one of their own albums. "Witch of Waldow Wood" is probably the most accessible song presented here as its anthemic style embraces plenty of catchy hooks and some great fuzz guitar throughout. "Aenord's Lament" features some inspired piano sections with violin accompaniment and although beginning softly, runs the full gamut of styles and includes some great sax work to introduce the final song of the original album, "Coronation Of Damien".
How lucky can one be when you are sent the very same disc to review as the one you had included in a long list of titles that you had proposed to upgrade from vinyl to CD.? It looks like I've been saved the trouble. Along with the debut, self titled disc I recently traded, my Mandalaband CD collection is finally complete. If you have yet to discover this band and enjoy works from some of the aforementioned bands and singers, this reissue serves as a meaningful reminder that the well trodden musical styles so often used to great effect in the 70's will never lose their overall popularity.
Track Listings:
1. The Eye Of Wendor (Feat BJH)
2. Florian's Song (Feat 10cc)
3. Ride To The City (Feat Noel Redding)
4. Almar's Tower
5. Like The Wind (Feat Maddy Prior)
6. The Tempest
7. Dawn Of A New Day (Feat Justin Hayward)
8. Departure From Carthilias
9. Elsethea (Feat 10cc)
10. Witch Of Waldow Wood (Feat 10cc & BJH)
11. Silesandre (Feat Sad Café)
12. Aenord's Lament
13. Funeral For A King (Feat Noel Redding)
14. Coronation Of Damien
Previously Unreleased Bonus Track:
15. Dawn Of A New Day (Alternate Mix)
Original review posted by myself at www.seaoftranquility.org and used with permission.
Published
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A very beautiful and epic symphonic album, made with the help of a lot of musicians of various bands. Unfortumately, my vinyl version lacks the original innersleeve with the storyboard of the music.
I think a overlooked, and maybe now almost forgotten recording. But what a musical gem !! A must have for every symphonic music lover.
I think a overlooked, and maybe now almost forgotten recording. But what a musical gem !! A must have for every symphonic music lover.
Published
Davy Rohl almost made a masterpiece with this symphonic and epical album. This CD version has tracks from the first album added. It has also extensive liner notes about the history of the Mandalaband and extentensive "who played what" lists on every track.
Great album, and much overlooked.
Great album, and much overlooked.
Published
RPM 105 CD (1992)
In 1992 German record company Line meritoriously re-released the classic second Mandalaband album _The Eye Of Wendor: Prophecies_, which was recorded between 1976 and 1978. All four members of Barclay James Harvest, all four members of the original 10cc, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span, Noel Redding (ex-The Jimi Hendrix Experience) plus lots of other musicians were involved, although leader of the pack was David Rohl, who wrote and produced the album and played the master of the keyboards.
Melodic art rock in the just established tradition of The Alan Parsons Project with beautiful kitschy bombastic tunes galore.
A lengthy piece named "Om Mani Padme Hum", which originally made up one half of the first Mandalaband output, was added to fill up the CD.
Melodic art rock in the just established tradition of The Alan Parsons Project with beautiful kitschy bombastic tunes galore.
A lengthy piece named "Om Mani Padme Hum", which originally made up one half of the first Mandalaband output, was added to fill up the CD.
Published
RPM 105 CD (1992)
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Catalog
5 Feb 2024
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A1
The Eye of Wendor
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A2
a. Florian's Song
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A3
Almar's Tower
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A4
Like the Wind
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A5
a. The Tempest
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B1
Departure From Carthilias
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B2
Elsethea
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B3
Witch of Waldow Wood
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B4
Silesandre
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B5
a. Ænord's Lament
17 Jan 2024
19 Nov 2023
6 Nov 2023
30 Sep 2023
21 Aug 2023
26 Jul 2023
18 May 2023
6 Apr 2023
27 Jan 2023
23 Nov 2022
17 Sep 2022
14 Aug 2022
25 Jul 2022
14 Apr 2022
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