Album Reviews Click on links to read full reviews Across The Line WWW.SEAOFTRANQUILITY.ORG Through it all, a near-perfect blend of prog and AOR recalls vintage Asia and Peter Gabriel, tempered by more-contemporary elements from such artists as Neal Morse and RPWL. Like Cycles, Across the Line was recorded across the miles but still sounds seamless. Some bands don't manage to be this good even when all of their members are in the same studio. WWW.IMHOTEP.NO Ghost Circus typify the current outlook of the genre- unafraid to take chances, putting all their collective wares on the table and exhibiting a superb full length for their labor. Dense in subtleties, "Across the Line" won me over immediately and I think all AOR and progressive rock mavens will need to buy this album at some point this year. WWW.PROG-NOSE.ORG The music of Ghost Circus is almost impossible to categories. It contains elements of AOR, Prog, Metal, Symphonic/Classic and alternative rock. That quite a mix all right. But fortunately this doesn't mean their music is chaotic; in fact, all songs have a very good structure. Another pleasant aspect is the high production quality of the music. From the instrumental intro "Reflection" till the (also instrumental) last song "Across The Line" the listener gets constantly amazed including the 25 minute highlight "Through The Light (part 1-7)". People who enjoy good music with substance should put this album on their shopping list. They will most certainly enjoy this CD. WWW.PROGRESSIVEMUSIC-GINFRESS.BLOGSPOT.COM This isn't just prog. Take a blender, put in some AOR, Prog, Metal and Classic rock, put the blender on for a few minutes then pour Ghost Circus out of it. From the first acoustic riff on "Reflection" until the last notes from "Across the line" this album will pull you away from reality. I can't wait for their next step. WWW.MUSICSTREETJOURNAL.COM The truth is, though, prog purists will want to avoid this like the plague. There is a lot of metal here. For those who like their neo-prog leaning close to heavy metal, this is definitely recommended. While I wouldn’t put it too near the top of the pack, it’s definitely in the upper half. These guys have produced an ambitious concept album (a disc about the crossing over into the after life has to be ambitious by definition) that’s got some great moments and quite a bit of above average material. I have to say that the multi-track epic is brilliant. STRUTTER MAGAZINE 'Across the line' is without a doubt a great follow-up, showing the band's Melodic heavy guitar riff driven Progressive Metal style that somehow reminds me of THRESHOLD, yet a bit rawer here and there and also sometimes drifting into classic 80s MARILLION type of Symphonic Progressive Rock ("To be" and "Losing time"). All together a very nice album mixing 80s Sympho with modern day Prog. (Points: 8.3 out of 10) WWW.HARDROCKHOUSE.COM Ghost Circus certainly made quite an impression with Across The Line and if you're a fan of the pop song orientated Genesis, Marillion or Asia and want to step up to a slightly more heavier level of progressive rock Ghost Circus deserve attention without delay. Highly recommended. WWW.HOME-OF-ROCK.DE With the follow-up "Across the line" they've stepping it up a notch. Naturally they derive from a Prog Rock background, but they dare to use catchy Melodies. These are so good (but nevertheless not overused/repeated in a very short time), that the listener becomes speechless quite a few times. Those who think they're offering "soft and nice" Neo Prog are off the mark. This is rather a masterly mix of atmospheres, melodic rock, partly hard, dark riffs from the New Art rock and a pinch of Alternative. The complete thing arrives in such an easy and groovy way at the listener's ear that it cheers one up and on the whole evolves to a musically treat. The instruments generally reach the right intensity and align to each other. So the sound never gets "mushy" and the production ends up clean on the fan's table. I am impressed and give my absolute buy-recommendation. Out of a few releases these days, "Across the line" steps into the light, being a masterpiece. Recommendation! Cycles WWW.AARDSCHOK.COM This is a band that plays with full devotion/dedication. You can simply hear they're having fun making music together, despite the fact that there's an ocean between them. We hope they keep on going for many years creating this kind of attractive progressive rock. Way to go! Verdict: 90 out of 100 WWW.SEAOFTRANQUILITY.ORG Pristine production and elegant packaging add to the enjoyment of Cycles. Indeed, Cycles flits from AOR to progressive rock to technical metal effortlessly, and both Brown and Wahle play with precision and finesse, wrapping sprawling melodies and savvy hooks around Brown's smart, hopeful lyrics about living in a world on the brink.Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars WWW.PROG4YOU.COM The production is surprisingly spotless. Either the software has gotten this good or they are plugged into The Matrix. Aside from that, I can't explain how anybody could make any album over the Internet that's this pristine. WWW.DVDIVAS.NET I am ever so grateful to come across gems like this. Ghost Circus is the type of CD release that is satisfying in so many ways. It's one of those CD's that just sounds great anytime you put it on. While it's not the most complex it's certainly one of the most enjoyable. Cycles is definitely one of my favorites for 2006. It gets my utmost recommendation. WWW.PROGGNOSIS.COM In the end, we get the vivid impression that, more than having the urge of creating ear-friendly and tight music, these guys are having fun with this experience… and this may well be the best thing of all. On top of that, the listener ends up having fun too, fully enjoying the result. A good AOR/Prog album that will be visiting my CD player (especially in my car) a good number of times, no doubt! WWW.PROGWERELD.ORG Since the first day the CD fell into our mailbox it felt good. Both guys really know how to play their instruments as well as writing good songs. It's a blessing for both guys they met each other; for their sake but also for the listeners.