Search - Wishbone Ash :: Power of Eternity

Another classic

R.J.N. | Illinois United States | 12/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another great album in the long line of great albums by Wishbone Ash.

For a band that has been through many changes over the years they just keep on putting out quality material, thanks to the great Andy Powell.

For those who have not kept up with these guys Andy is the glue that has kept it all together, he is the one who has never left. Both Martin and Ted Turner (not related by the way) have come and gone and come back again and left again, but not Andy, he justs keeps on keeping on.

It is actually kind of funny that at this time Martin is touring around the UK with a band he is calling Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, do not confuse them with Wishbone Ash, they are not the same band, Martin has kind of got a retro thing going on, no original material what so ever, while Andy keeps putting out original material while still giving the long time fans a dose of the old stuff when you see Wishbone Ash in concert.

Now that that is out of the way onto the newest effort, it is chock full of great songs, keeping up the classic twin lead guitar attack that made these guys famous. The other guitar player besides Andy is a guy named Muddy Manninen, he is absolutely awesome. A star in his own right in his native Finland. I saw these guys last weekend and Muddy is the perfect compliment to Andy, in my opinion maybe the best ever, and that is saying something because there have been some good ones.

I can not recommend this album enough, and I would also recommend "Live in Hamburg" , a recent live album from early 2007 .

The Power of Eternity is a 5 star album, if you love great guitar work and finely crafted songs you will like this for sure.

"

The Wishbone Ash story continues

Wallace Phillips | Hamilton OH | 12/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a Wishbone Ash fan of 30+ years I am greatly pleased they are still releasing new and vital music and playing well over 100 dates a year around the globe.



Power of Eternity hooked me on about the second or third listen. It features Andy Powell's arguably best vocal work, his voice has mellowed with age and he has obviously worked at improving.



As always the twin lead guitars are back and better than ever, with Finnish player Muddy Manninen doing the guitar work with Powell laying down brilliant well constructed melodies. Muddy has been with the band for three years now and as he has become more comfortable and confident, he and Andy's styles are really gelling.



It begins with The Power, a pulsing rocker that begs to be heard in a live setting.



Driving a Wedge has a catchy funky beat, showing Wishbone Ash is not afraid to explore new musical ground, even after 37 years.



In Crisis is a driving rocker that at almost 7 minutes could be considered an epic. It is destined to be a Wishbone Ash classic (along the lines of Living Proof) with its soul-baring lyrics, catchy melody and two stunning guitar solos by Andy and Muddy.



Dancing with the Shadows, a Mannimen composition, is a trip into the darker side of the soul. Muddy apparently has spent some time contemplating the world during some long Finnish nights. The song has a unique and enjoyable melody and rhythm structure along with the thoughtful lyrics.



Happiness is my second favorite tune on this disc, with an infectious bouncy guitar riff that is, well, "happy".



Northern Lights is an acoustic guitar instrumental that ranks right there with their other classic songs such as Candlelight and Lullaby.



Your Indulgence is a love song with a very nice chorus.



Growing Up is another favorite of mine with some sweet twin lead guitars, up-tempo pace, nice melody, and great lyrics.



The album ends on a strong note with Hope Springs Eternal, which has a lush rhythm guitar section bringing it in, and then escalating with arguably the best drum work on the album.



With the Power of Eternity, Wishbone Ash hits a harsh blow to any critics of the bands newest line up, it is the first album to feature Joseph Crabtree on drums but he already fits in so well with the rest of the band, most probably due to extensive touring he has done with the band since joining. The twin guitar melodies created by Powell and Manninen are some of the best I've ever heard from Wishbone Ash, and it's done even better live on both old and new songs. And as always, since joining the band Bob Skeat puts down an excellent rhythm throughout the whole album.



This record is a very enjoyable listen from start to finish and a worthy addition to the Wishbone Ash legacy. I gave it four stars.





"

Missing Martin

Doc | Canada | 05/04/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Andy Powell is an excellent guitarist, but his releases come up short of the Wishbone Ash tradition, with the exception of 1996's Illuminations. Most obviously lacking on Power of Eternity and other Ash albums from the mid-80s era and following the post-Mk I Ash reunion era of the late 80s and early 90s is the lack of Martin Turner's songwriting, singing, bass and production. I might give this album another star if it weren't being released as a Wishbone Ash album, or perhaps if it were released as Andy Powell's Wishbone Ash."