DICE – Dice (Marilla, 1978) / The Four Riders of the Apocalypse (Belle Antique, 1992; recorded 1977)

English vocals, instrumental

International relevance: ***/***

Dice's was originally released on illustrious character Hans Edler's Marilla label, known for its stylistic diversity. ”Dice” is probably the only symphonic effort on the label though. It bears the band's Yes influences on its sleeve (not literally meant) with dashes of Focus, Gentle Giant and Egg. Complex and competent tracks with quite a few guitar leads to go with the abundant keyboards. A very accomplished work only marred by insufficient vocals. Not my cup of tea, but certainly a lot more lively than most of what Kaipa did (another relevant comparison) and a must for symph heads.

”Dice” was reissued by Japanese label Belle Antique in the late 80's, and they also released the archival ”The Four Riders of the Apocalypse” a couple of years later. Recorded before their first and only proper album, it lets us have a peak into their progress. Dice's ambitions were high but their compositional skills not yet fully developed. It sounds as if they wanted to prove everything at once, making the pieces overcomplicated and directionless (which of course could be said of quite a few symph rock albums...) Although I don't like Robert Holmin's vocals on ”Dice”, but the instrumental ”Four Riders of the Apocalypse” feels unfinished without them.

Belle Antique has also released two albums with material from Dice's live archive, including one show recorded for Swedish Radio in 1977, also partly found in "Progglådan".

Dice full album
The Four Riders Of The Apocalypse full album

Tonkraft 1977 full album playlist (tracks 7-11)