Gary Hughes is back with his first real solo album since 1998's Precious Ones (not counting his excellent medieval endeavor, Once and Future King). Veritas is much like Precious Ones in style and the way that great songs stand side by with some not so great ones.
Musically Veritas is very much like
Ten (Hard rock with highly melodic and slightly epic undertones) but the solo material is more toned down, with shorter songs, less experiments and softer music overall.
Gary Hughes' spellbinding voice is the main attraction. His voice is still superb with a deep, full aura of softness surrounding it. When he nails certain notes it hits you right in the stomach.
The first six songs are highlights.
The title track opens with force, being the heaviest song on the album it sets things off to a promising start.
See love through my eyes has a superb chorus and quickly makes an impression. Gary's voice gives the ultra melodic
In My head a special relaxed, held back vibe that suits it.
I pray for you is a personal favorite. I'm a sucker for these extremely melodic songs. The keyboard lays down some very catchy notes here and Gary's voice plays along perfectly. Simple but effective.
Time to pray is a good example of a superbly melodic chorus that instantly gets under the skin. It gives the song a very relaxed and laid back vibe.
Ballads include
Wide awake in dreamland which feels like the perfect invitation to find a soft bed, and that is meant in a good way. The song has a soothing effect and is best listened to with eyes closed. The marching drums at the end feel a bit out of the way though.
The Everlasting Light is a typical
Gary Hughes ballad, but it doesn't reach the heights of his best. You're in my heart,
Valentine and Through the fire will forever be classics in that area.
With the last half the album looses some of its impact. The 8 minute
Synchronicity doesn't hold enough variation to warrant the long playing time and by the end I get a primal urge to frag the children's choir. The last five songs all range between ok and good.
None of them are particularly impressive or memorable, failing to woo yours truly. The up-tempo
I know it's time and
The emerald sea are the best of this pack.
Truth be told, Veritas is not original in any way, but it is a well done and overall enjoyable piece of melodic rock.
Written by
Steen Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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