$6.99

CLIFFHANGER is a modern line-up that comes directly from the Netherlands. If this country is mainly known for its Gouda, its neo Progressive rock, its windmills, AYREON, its tulips, THE GATHERING and its canals, it also has now a real heavy contender on the international Seventies Progressive rock scene, in the category: long ambitious and symphonic compositions… I call: CLIFFHANGER ! This band is also the first one of Dutch label SI Music to sign on Musea for the issue of “Not To Be Or Not To Be” (1996). This second album showed great improvement as far as maturity is concerned: their neo-Progressive rock style is still obviously influenced by MARILLION (Especially the vocals), while the compositions have become much more ambitious. They don’t disdain any more the long and complex developments full of contrasted ambiences, sometimes even evoking VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR. “Mirror Site” (1998) is about impressionist Progressive rock and develops melodies with nostalgic and soft ambiences. The virtuoso keyboards parts blend with guitar solos to build a luxurious symphonic music that evokes Mike OLDFIELD. The band can also perform quiet ballads before going into anguishing parts in a KING CRIMSON style. Last album by this band that split up in 1998, “Hope And Despair” includes live tracks from 1994 as well as a previously unreleased track. Excellent surprise in 2001, CLIFFHANGER got together again… Just enough time to record the excellent “Circle” on the Musea label !