Avalon Rising – Avalon Rising

Avalon Rising’s first CD predates their second by nearly a decade, so it’s not too surprising that this self-titled CD is a slightly different beast. There is some of the Anglo-Celtic folk-rock that would carry forward to the later albums, but much of the material is more atmospheric and psychedelic/progressive, like a blend of Loreena McKennitt, Popol Vuh, Jade Warrior, Dead Can Dance, and early Strawbs. A beautiful and sometimes mesmerizing album, as accomplished as the work of any of those artists mentioned as reference points.