Band : Sleepy Hollow
Album title : Legend
Label : Own Release
Distributor : /
Release date : 2010
Review : 2CD

For their 10-year anniversary, Sleepy Hollow releases an album gathering songs spanning from their formative years to new material improvised in the studio. Throughout the span of this double album, Joe Dell, Matt Schwartz and Gary Rinaldi sends us through jazz, folk, medieval, classical, prog rock, metal, psychedelia,blues,,…All of this is paired up with some ‘we have here music that demands creativity’ from the listener. That means that you need to give this a dedicated listen to really appreciate it.

Acoustic, classical and electric guitars, drums, piano, organs and bass are present throughout, but flute, folk harp, harpsichord, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, violin, and who-knows-what-else drift in and out each adding their own flavours and nuances. The music, therefore, is both strangely familiar, yet undeniably inventive, a good blend of instrumental and female/male vocal segments that are densely layered. There are moments of fiery guitar and powerful metal rhythms alternated with introspective cinematic atmospherics and idyllic classical piano, dark melodies. This is very unique, with wide-ranging influences, all served up in an inventive mix of moods and styles that pleases on many levels. Yeah, sure there's a couple of tracks that didn't quite hit the mark but then most double albums (20 tracks) ever written are like that so it's a pretty shallow criticism.

It’s a challenge to absorb and fully understand Sleepy Hollow’s brand of progressive acid metal music that will be appreciated by fans of Jethro Tull, Yes, Iron Maiden,  Aphrodite’s Child, VanderGraaf Generator, Marillion, King Crimson, ELP, Pavlov’s Dog, Manilla Road, Orne, Genesis, BigElf, Phideaux, Ayreon, Bo Hansson,… It will not be to everyone's liking but if you have the concentration and dedication to sit down and listen you will find a highly enjoyable album here.

95/100

Cosmicmassseur.