Review Summary: It's the only real progressive and conceptual album ever devised in Portugal. The album features seven tracks of the most pure and complex compositions ever done in the progressive rock scene.
On May 15th 1978 José Cid releases one of the most unique records ever done in the progressive world, entitled
10000 Anos Depois Entre Vénus e Marte. Most of José Cid's successes are not progressive tracks, quite the contrary, all of his hits are pop songs related to life, love and commitment. His early work with
Quarteto 1111 and some of his early work as a solo artist is inspired in some of the greats such as
Pink Floyd,
The Moody Blues,
King Crimson or
Emerson, Lake & Palmer. In 1978 he was able to release the only real progressive and conceptual album ever devised in Portugal.
Although not being an underrated masterpiece internationally, it is clearly underrated here in Portugal. In spite of the several awards and recognition received internationally, this album doesn't seem to attract the attention of the Portuguese audience. Even the Portuguese rock and metal audiences aren't aware of its existence, clearly due to the lack of music culture we (Portuguese) have. Alongside Ramon Galarza (drums), Zé Nabo (bass, eletric guitar, 12-strings guitar and acoustic guitar) and Mike Sargeant (eletric guitar), Cid releases an essential album and a true masterpiece of rock music. Its concept is based on science fiction, the concept is that, 10000 years after the self destruction of mankind, one man and a woman return to Earth to repopulate it again. The tracks are emotional and full of contemplation about the mistakes of the past made by mankind. Most of the tracks were composed by José Cid alongside with Ramon Galarza and Mike Sargeant. The record is mainly dominated by the sweet sound of the Mellotron; the magical agressiveness and at the same time smoothness of the guitar; and the very well composed and integrated bass solidifying the quality of this album.
It's by far one of the most complete and exquisite space voyages a listener can have, and it's indeed an essential album for those who appreciate progressive rock mixed with the cosmic/space rock styles. The entire album is an highlight!! The album features seven tracks of the most pure and complex compositions ever done in the progressive rock scene. Although released in 1978, it's a breakthough in the music world, mainly due to its concept that is quite creative in its essence. The group performance is world class and it is at the level of any of the giants of the genre. Its production is one of the best ever made in Portugal. Not even nowadays something as progressive and conceptual has been done in Portugal, it's in my opinion an unique album in the Portuguese music industry. From 0 to 5 I give it a 5 without any doubt, it's one of the few albums in the music world that is perfect. In every field possible the group delivers an exemplary job: amazing performance, creative concept, great production, technically perfect and originality. It's heavy but also melodramatic when necessary, and also not to forget the fact that it was a very risky release in a country that not even today appreciates progressive rock or even rock music. The portuguese audience completely ignored this release, at the time, explaining perhaps why it's so underrated and it was the last progressive effort made by this great artist, José Cid.
All in all, it's almost 40 minutes of pure excellence with some of the most iconic compositions of the 70's. Independently of being a Portuguese album,
10000 Anos Depois Entre Vénus e Marte is a true masterpiece and should be acknowledged for its value. It has the excellence of
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway of
Genesis; the creativeness of the
Dark Side Of The Moon and
The Wall of
Pink Floyd; the intelligence of
2112 and
A Farewell To Kings of
Rush; the emotion of
In The Court of the Crimson King of
King Crimson; and the smoothness of
Emerson, Lake & Palmer. It's a mandatory album for any fan of good music!!!
