6 - After Crying

After Crying is not so much a band as an ensemble, really, although they utilise many elements from prog rock at times, so for simplicity's sake, I'll refer to them as a prog rock band. These guys are from Hungary, and basically combine contemporary classical music with a rock band, intertwining elements from both. Simply put, an awesome combination. They've been around since 1986, and have put out 14 albums since their debut in 1989. Probably their most varied, yet consistent record in my opinion is their ninth album from 1997, simply titled "6".

6 is split up into five sections, akin to classical movements. Very proggy indeed. The content itself also reflects these classical inclinations - the album is rife of classical sections, even opera at parts. However, the rock band half of the ensemble isn't forgotten - it is present in many of the tracks. Now, for the single songs themselves.

1. Save Our Souls (2:49)

The albums starts with something that sounds almost like something Stravinsky would write - melikes. Some lead guitar comes in around halfway, but doesn't draw attention to itself, unlike what many bands would consider conventional. The track ends on a rather morbid note; a rather strange choice of mood to end on, considering the the next track.
8.6/10

2. Panem et Circenses (29:31)

a) Fun Fair Land Open (4:33)

This almost feels like a soundtrack to a 70s detective film at the start. In fact, the whole song has a real Zappa flair to the whole thing. The end of the song brings back the orchestra, yay.
7.8/10

b) Providence (Dance With The Sleep-Walker Marionettes) (2:44)
This song is beautiful. The opera singing isn't overdone, and not similar to the stereotypical image/sound of opera. Really, I'm only calling it that because of the elements used with the singing - it's more akin to normal singing, albeit a bit more asthetically pleasing than most. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not generally a fan of opera. However, this is just a beautiful song.
8.7/10

c) Salto Mortale II (Trash Flow) (8:46)
And now the prog band comes in, bringing some epic strings with them. To me, personally, this reminds me of a boss theme from an RPG or something - just the feel of the whole track. We also get some normal singing - ie. singing we would expect from a prog band. And also some crazy genre hopping, as we would expect from a prog band - there's even some honkytonk playing somewhere in there. Just a little overlong, I find.
7.6/10

d) Sleepin' Chaplin (2:40)
Some synths open this track. Very atmospheric. Then some flutes come in, giving this a very ethnic feel. Although I am not entirely sure what ethnicity...
7.9/10

e) Madrigal Love Part Four (Casanova) (4:13)
For some reason I can't explain, this song reminds me of some of Nick Drake's material. Perhaps it's the orchestration, or the particular inflection of singing that both use, but meh, it echoes of Nick Drake to me. For those of you who actually know what I'm talking about, compare this to Way To Blue, and I think you should see what I'm talking about. Although, this certainly is a bit more lush, I think.
8.0/10

f) Final (Big Evil Fun Fair Finale) (6:26)
The chord changes in this really give a feel of a movie soundtrack. Really, that's all I have to say about this one - definitely a song that would great to have in the background of some movie. Preferably an epic, I think. Steampunk, methinks. You have to hear this song to understand how I come to that conclusion.
7.7/10

3. Intermezzo (2:49)
I love this. Lovely melodies abound in this short little song. Some jazz influences detectable here as well, but it's pretty accessible stuff.
8.4/10

4. Farewell to 20th Century (27:58)

a) Viacuct (4:36)
And now our second massive track starts with a creepy electronic theme. This album will make sure you never forget it - it's repeated countless times throughout this song.
7.2/10

b) Salto Mortale I (Helpless) (3:33)
The creepy theme continues here. More despair here - personally, I find it gets a bit much.
7.0/10

c) Enigma II (5:41)
Thankfully, this is a different tone. Acoustic guitar - a first for this album so far. And I quite frankly love it. Probably my favourite song on the whole album, so it makes up for the first two parts of this song. Reminds me of soft King Crimson. Great stuff.
9.0/10

d) Struggle For Life (9:12)
This song is probably the height of how creepy this album can get - wow, those synths seriously belong in a horror game or movie. Then, later on, some spoken word takes place in Hungarian. Probably deep stuff, but I have no clue what they're saying. Standardish prog rock affair after that.
7.6/10

e) The Man And The Rock (American Express) (4:56)
This track is mostly just atmosphere - not much happening here, musically, apart from a reprise of an earlier theme from the album towards the end of the song.
6.7/10

5. Conclusion (A Tribute To Keith Emerson) (10:46)
Last song on the album starts with some very pleasant piano, quite unlike anything else on the album up to this point. The accent on the vocals is a little distracting at first, but you get used to it after a few repeated listens. Some great arrangements in this one. This song is actually a tribute to Lake, Emerson and Palmer, as evidenced by the title, and their influence shows throughout.
8.1/10

So, this isn't for everyone - vocals can help there, for those without open minds. :P
Not saying they are tuneless, but people can be very particular about accents. After Crying are definitely a great new find for me, though, personally. Refreshing.

Overall album score: 7.9/10