Eloy: Ra

Eloy was a rather late discovery for me. When I was discovering music in the mid-70s for some reason Eloy never entered my listening realm. The last few years I have made up for that slight oversight, becoming much more familiar with the band starting with The Vision, The Sword And The Pyre, Parts 1 and 2 and a few other earlier discs from the ‘70s and ‘80s. By the time of their 1988 album Ra, the band was reduced to leader Frank Bornemann and keyboardist Michael Gerlach. In 2023 MIG Music re-released the album, the focus of this review. Joining Bornemann and Gerlach are:

Tommy Newton (guitars - track 2)
Achim Gieseler (keyboards - tracks 4 and 5)
Paul Harriman (bass- track 2)
Darryl Van Raalte (fretless bass - track 3)
Stefan Höls (bass - track 4, backing vocals - tracks 3 and 5)
Udo Dahmen (drums - track 4)
Annette Strangenberg (lead vocals - track 1)
Sue Wist (vocal intro - track 1)
Diana Badey (whispering - track 3)

I found this to be quite a refreshing work, especially when taken in context. Remember, the year was 1988, not 1975. For those expecting Eloy of the previous era they were no doubt disappointed. Sure, the band employs some classic rock tropes but the essence of the band remained; the spacey synths and keyboards and Bornemann’s skillful fretwork. Another plus is the lead vocals. I think Bornemann sounds great and the use of choirs, even supplying some lead vocals, is exceptionally well done.

The disc starts with “Voyager of the Future Race�, a keyboard drenched tune with a crystalline sheen and sci-fi leanings. For some reason I thought of Star Trek while listening. It boasts a cool pulsating groove and heavy rock guitar. Bornemann sounds great here. With “Sensations� the sound is more rock than prog but the guitar work and wonderful synths shine through. Next is the excellent “Dreams�, featuring a more space rock approach, where the brilliant use of choirs and synths give an otherworldly vibe. Ambient washes of keyboards begin the progressive “Invasion of a Megaforce� which turns into one of the more majestic pieces featuring colourful synths and Bornemann’s clean fretwork. The band channel their classic rock leanings with the pretty “Rainbows�, quite a lovely ballad before ending the album with “Hero�, featuring Floydy lead vocals and moody guitar rhythms. Bornemann’s guitar playing is a highlight here.

Although many will disagree, I found Ra to be highly enjoyable with the synths, guitar and vocals particularly noteworthy. Overall, an excellent listen.

Track Listing:
1. Voyager of the Future Race (9:05)
2. Sensations (5:16)
3. Dreams (8:11)
4. Invasion of a Megaforce (7:47)
5. Rainbow (5:25)
6. Hero (6:57)

Added: April 8th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 126
Language: english

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