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 albumThe Four Riders Of The Apocalypse full album
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