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Talking about a band that totally reinvented their selves without ever having the need to be reinvented. To keep using words starting with RE <Insert the Jeopardy tune>, it's totally safe to say that Pendragon is a band that I rediscovered. I was blown away by "Pure" and now I'm blown away by their new DVD "Concerto Maximo".
"Pure" might just be the best thing that Pendragon ever released. Though I have a hard time choosing between "The Masquerade Overture" and "Pure". Right on the trail of their new landmark record, the band releases a concert DVD filmed on their "Pure" tour. For the third time the band has chosen the Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice, Poland. It might have something to do with the label being Polish! Practice makes perfect obviously as Metal Mind Productions has perfected their way of visually registering concerts. Great care has been taken of the quality of both the sound and the visuals for this release. Same goes for the artwork, which is in the same vein as the artwork for "Pure". To provide the DVD with some extra baggage the mandatory bonus material has been added. The interview is great and shows Nick Barrett in a somewhat casual way, which is great! "Look! He's just as normal as the very next person!".
Something you don't see on every music DVD is a biography and complete discography. Then again, this DVD is somewhat of a 30th anniversary release, so it doesn’t come as a surprise. These two added extras give this - already great - release that extra boost and makes it essential for fans of progressive rock and Pendragon in particular. You'll need some spare time though as the concert registration has a running time of almost 3 hours. Those 3 hours never get boring though, because we’re witnessing a band on a roll. Drummer Scott Higham doesn’t just fit in musically, but you never get the feeling that he’s the new kid in town. He fits in seamlessly. Highlight songs on this DVD are "The Voyager", "Eraserhead" and the full 20 minutes of their classic song "Queen of Hearts".
This DVD is worth every penny of it. This is without the doubt the best DVD that Pendragon has ever released. It might even be one of the best progressive rock concert DVD's out there. Go get it now! |
