Format: CD Release Date: 9/30/2003 UPC: 82942110022 Item ID: 552196 Studio: FRIDAY MUSIC ProductID: FRIM1002.2 Barry Palmer (Vocals) Brenda Bitterlich (Art Direction, Design) Drew Raison (Digital Remastering) Geoff Emerick (Mixing Engineer) Hans Bathelt (Group Member) Helmut Köllen (Group Member) Helmut Rüssmann (Tapes) Joe Reagoso (Digital Remastering, Liner Notes, Reissue Coordinator, Reissue Producer, Reissue Research) Jurgen Fritz (Group Member, Keyboards, Producer, Synthesizer) Pete Henderson (Tapes) Triumvirat (Main Performer) Wolfgang Thierbach (Engineer)
1. The Capital of Power - 3:13 2. The School of Instant Pain: Proclamation/The Gladiator's Song/Roman ... - 6:22 3. The Walls of Doom - 3:56 4. The Deadly Dream of Freedom - 3:54 5. The Hazy Shades of Dawn - 3:08 6. The Burning Sword of Capua - 2:42 7. The Sweetest Sound of Liberty - 2:35 8. The March to the Eternal City: Dusty Road/Italian Improvisation/First ... - 8:46 9. Spartacus: The Superior Force of Rome/A Broken Dream/The Finale - 7:39 10. The Capital of Power [Live][#][*] - 3:37 11. The Deadly Dream of Freedom [Live][#][*] - 5:01 12. The March to the Eternal City: Dusty Road/Italian Improvisation/First ... - 12:07 13. Late Again [#][*] - 7:20 14. Take a Break Today [#][*] - 3:34 Editorial Reviews: Spartacus may not be as progressively strong as 1973's Illusions on a Double Dimple album, but it still stands as this German outfit's second-best release. Based on the famous Roman gladiator who led the rebellion against his homeland, the music supports the album's concept quite solidly, with the better tracks coming in the form of the sporadic "School of Instant Pain" and the nine-minute "March to the Eternal City," which gathers a menacing conglomeration of bass guitar riffs and pointed keyboard work. The music becomes effectively motivational toward the concept at the proper times, enabling the band's idea to remain fresh and colorful as the music is played out. Jurgen Fritz's Hammond organ and Moog intervention gives Spartacus a genuine progressive air, culminating as it should on the final track. Although Triumvirat's staunch, stern notes and articulate keyboard meandering can easily be compared to Emerson, Lake & Palmer's style, it's balanced quite impressively with Helmut Köllen's electric and acoustic guitar work. This album has a slight edge over 1976's Old Loves Die Hard because the synthesizers are put to better use, while the overall sound and flow of Spartacus contains greater instrumental animation. [There is also an extended deluxe edition available.] ~ Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide