Traumhaus: Das Geheimnis

Traumhaus are a German progressive rock band with three albums to their credit, their latest being Das Geheimnis. Translated in English it means The Secret Part I. In the band are Tobias Hampl (guitars), Alexander Weyland (keyboards, vocals), Sebastian Klein (bass), Stefan Hopf (drum loops) and Jimmy Keegan (drums). Some of you may know Jimmy Keegan as the most recent addition to Spock's Beard.

The album's first track "Das Geheimnis Teil 1 (The Secret Part 1)" starts with dramatic synth choirs and marching guitar rhythm. The band have a grandiose symphonic sound at times getting fairly heavy but never entering metal territory. The lead vocals (in German) may acquire some getting used to as I would not consider them great, although Weyland does have a fairly unique voice. The band's strength clearly lies in its instrumental prowess. They do an excellent job across the board.

The album's epic track is the twenty-seven minute "Das Vermächtnis (The Legacy)", a song of massive proportions. Winding synth violins begin the tune in earnest, before heavier riffage unfolds and a pretty cool synth solo carries the melody. The guitar and keyboards provide some excellent soloing throughout as the song ventures from gentler passages to heavier symphonic prog.

The band slow it down with the nicely orchestrated ballad "Wohin der Wind Dich Trägt (Where the Wind Carries You)", carrying a melancholic tone with poignant vocals and excellent guitar work.

The last track "Das Geheimnis Teil 2 (The Secret Part 2)" ends the album on a dramatic note. Lots of great guitar riffage and winding keyboard solos to be had with excellent drumming as well. This might be Keegan's best performance on the disc.

My review copy came as a digipack with nice artwork and lyrics in German and English.

Symphonic prog fans should find plenty of substance here. If you don't mind heavily accented German vocals, Das Geheimnis will certainly suit your fancy. Released on Progressive Promotion Records.

Track Listing:
1. Das Geheimnis Teil 1 (The Secret Part 1) (4:29)
2. Dasvermächtnis (The Legacy) (27:12)
3. Wohin der Wind Dich Trägt (Where the Wind Carries You) (6:24)
4. Frei (Free) (5:45)
5. Das Geheimnis Teil 2 (The Secret Part 2) (12:37)

Added: October 24th 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2113
Language: english

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