Reviews of "Nostradamus"

 
NIKOLO KOTZEV - Nostradamus (Steamhammer/SPV)
Does the name Nikolo Kotzev ring a bell with you? Well, I can’t say that I knew him either, so it was a bit of luck I guess that this Double CD came with a small biography, from which I learned that this man was born in Bulgaria and now lives in Finland. Besides playing guitar the man is also a gifted violist, and has in the past been working as a session and studio musician, and in the meantime was member of Baltimoore and Brazen Abott. Through the years Nikolo has made lots of musical friends, and that comes in quite handy with his latest project, ‘Nostradamus’. In 1998 Nikolo began writing this musical adventure about the medieval French doctor and fortune teller Nostradamus. These writings resulted in a Rock Opera, which in a way is comparable with the work of Ayreon, but is more melodic Hardrock orientated. This double album tells the story of Nostradamus’ life in three parts, and the most important people in his life all have a role in this, like Nostradamus himself, Henry II (King of France), Anne Gemelle (Nostradamus’ wife), Catherine (Queen of France). The vocalists who Nikolo hired for the job are all but amateurs : Allanah Miles, Sass Jordan, Glenn Hughes, Göran Eman, Doogie White and Joe Lynn Turner are guarantee for a rich vocal diversity, regularly supported by a grand choir. Musicwise it’s just as good. Like I said an emphasis on Melodic Hardrock, with a supporting role for the 35 man strong symphonic orchestra, which means a lot of bombastic parts (just the way I like it). Nikolo Kotsev is on charge of the keyboards, guitars, violin and percussion, the drums are in the secure hands of Ian Haugland, the professional on the Hammond organ is Mic Michaeli and on bassguitar it’s John Leven. The songs on the album vary from up-tempo rockers to ballads and everything that fits in between. And maybe is this like kicking in open doors, but the production is superb, just like the wrapping of the album, an nice sturdy old fashioned double CD case complete with a thick inlay with the complete story and relevant information. I’m afraid I’ve got another one for my yearlist 2001… Rating : 9.1

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