Clive Nolan – The Mortal Light | Progressive Rock Central.com

Clive Nolan has returned in 2026, to release one of his biggest and most important music projects of the year. On February 15^th, Clive Nolan will release the third part of the Alchemy Trilogy, The Mortal Light. When I say large it will be a 4-CD box set accompanied by three lavish booklets. The release will be spearheaded by his record label, Crime Records and We Låve Rock.

The Moral Light, has a core band made up of: Clive Nolan, on keyboards, percussion, orchestration, and chorus; Scott Higham, on drums; Arnfinn Isaksen, on bass; and Mirko Sangrigoli, on guitar.

In addition, Clive will include a chorus to bring to life this vivid and soaring epic. They include: The Tenors: Clive Nolan, Jan-Jaap de Haan, Ross Andrews, Vincent Dortal, and Terje Craig. The Altos: Caron Morgan, Christine Piontek, Elen Cath Hopen, Hayley Wilson, and Joy-Amy Avery. The Sopranos: Ejen Cath Hopen, Emily Morgan, Gemma Ashley, Magdalena Grabias, Natalie Barnett, Yvain Walker, Marijke Groenendaal-van Der Schaal. And the Bass: Clive Nolan, Mark Spencer, Terje Craig.

Principals and actors for this epic tale include:

Clive Nolan, as Professor Samuel King
Gemma Ashley, as Eva Bonaduce
Robbie Gardner, as Tom Worthy
Christine eke berg, as Alice Hyde
Natalie Barnett, as Lady Agatha Gill
Ryan Morgan, as Father Caleb, Tovenaar
Andy Sears, as Lord Henry Jagman
Chris Lewis, as Edwin Deeks
Laura Liazzai, as Makaria
Guy Barnes, as William Gardelie
Verity White, as Dr. Josephine Kendrick
Ross Andrews, as Master of Ceremonies

This third part of the Alchemy trilogy details the fabulous and epic adventures of Professor Samuel King. He will face danger and countless trials as he encounters and duels with a mighty demigod from Norway, Makaria.

Clive Nolan has already proven he can create epic music and powerful storylines from all his work with his bands, Pendragon, Arena, and Shadowland. Each of these dynasties have volumes of back catalogs, full of rich and entertaining music. In addition, Clive Nolan has also created multi – CD packages of stories and full action plays, including: Strangers on a Train, and Caamora. His work is celebrated globally, and it is produced from the mind of a classically – trained musician, full of the ability to tell magnificent stories, pulled from the annals of history. So, it is no surprise that this new release is up to the magic and composition level of Clive’s entire back-catalog of music.

Clive Nolan says of the new release, “Writing and recording The Mortal Light was a huge challenge. Four years of writing, recording, and coordinating dozens of singers, musicians, and actors. But finally, Professor King’s latest adventure is ready to be heard. I hope fans enjoy this latest adventure with Professor King and his colorful associates.”

The Mortal Light, is a wonderland of British humor and wonderful musical storytelling. It has an updated Wicked soundtrack feel to it, making it more appealing to current and future generations. There is great mystery and dramatic flair throughout this epic story.

Part I of the story begins with the wedding of principle characters William Gardelie and Dr. Josephine Kendrick.

In order to bring down the nasty and savage reign of Makaria, the wicked ruler of this story; Professor Samuel King wants to bring Lord Henry Jagman, for assistance. Unfortunately, Henry is currently dead, living in Purgatory. That means a very dangerous trip through the veil between life and death, Purgatory. They travel to the church, where Lord Henry Jagman opened the portal between life and death.

The keyboard playing during the track, “Calvary,” is some of my favorite music on this first album. It has very warm, almost pipe – organ – like sounds. The electric guitar soloing is also very extraordinary. The soft and warm guitar which follow on, reminds me so much of early Genesis. Yes, most of the album up until now has been background music to the wonderful acting story. However, this song definitely stands out.

Professor Samuel King strolls across the wasteland in search of Lord Henry Jagman, while eerie choirs and music fill the soundscape. Everything you would expect in Purgatory, a place beyond the living. Heavy drums, bass, and keyboards, along with all the souls locked inside this dreadful midway path between life and death. “Fade,” is the antithesis of “Calvary.” From powerful, fight-ready valor, to deep, desolate despair.

Professor Samuel King explains to Lord Henry Jagman the plan to use his abilities to walk by the all-seeing eyes of Makaria. The Professor promises that if Henry cooperates, it may help him avoid his fate in Purgatory. “Escape,” is a much more positive song than was “Fade.”

With “Guardians,” Clive unleashes the pipe organ, accompanied with beautiful strings and orchestration. One of my favorite parts of Act I. They sing, “It’s all the world may have now – these guardians of the light…”

The final destination approaches, at Makaria’s Fortress at Hamningberg, in the farthest reaches of Norway. And so the journey begins.

Makaria is being tended to by her attendants, as she anticipates the arrival of Samuel King. She recognizes the weakness and divided world she controls and Laura Liazzai, so boldly sings her character to life. She sings, “I am fate, I am fortune. I am judge, I am jury. And for you my friend. I am death!” “Makaria,” is another of the most powerful tracks on this album. The keyboards and regal music that surrounds Makaria’s realm is the perfect closing to Act I!

Act II opens with a visit to “The Port.” The Port is the life-blood of the nation of Norway, like many countries. It is where new citizens arrive to begin new lives. It is also a center of commerce with merchants arriving regularly. The Professor and his employs search for the supplies they will need to help sack Makaria.

With the supplies gathered Eva moves on. But Spies are everywhere, and they find Eva and warn her plenty. The ‘allies’ gather and join together on the D S Reinen steamboat. But it is a perilous journey full of thunder, dark skies, and rain. This reality can make you feel like a grain of sand, passing through an hourglass.

Jagman and Samuel King decide to help deflect the travelers fears, by providing a show for them all. It turns into a verbal debate over critical thinking and decision making.

“Witch,” is full of harpsichord like keyboards as Samuel King tells the story of the witches trial in Vardo, from centuries ago, back in 1662. One of witches escaped death. Kari was her name and no matter how they tested her and tried to kill her, she still disappeared.

The allies make way for the portal, in a camp near Hamningberg, near where Makaria’s fortress lies, in the dark. Dark keyboards, drums, bass, and guitars form the dark soundscape.

The “Wings, and Threat,” section all have a wonderful Sound of Music, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, or Mary Poppins feeling to it. A very enjoyable section of this theatrical musical production.

With the “Arrival,” Samuel King enters the fortress and finds his way to Makaria’s Throne Room. Jagman enters the main gates, undetected, while Makaria obsesses herself with killing Samuel King, like a spider with her prey in her web.

Norwegian Viking horns sound the beginning of the final chapters of the story. Makaria surprises the King with the option of joining her in sharing the kingdom. As Samuel King keeps Makaria entranced with the possibility of their union, Henry Jagman, William, Eva, Tom, and father Caleb remain undetected and move closer towards setting the charges to bring down the fortress.

Tovenaar, the brother of Makaria, has the secret weapon, The Mortal Light! Makaria and Tovenaar are engaged in a dance of death. One must perish. As the Throne Room drama continues between brother and sister, The Professor and his team are ready to light the fuse to blow up the fortress. Meanwhile Makaria’s army lies blocked behind the massive doors of the fortress. They rush the gate, trying to break through. Jagman offers to light the fuse and stay behind to blow up the fortress.

Jagman lights the wick and the explosion destroys the fortress, just as Makaria’s armies have broken through the gate and the dead are flowing in to take Jagman back to Purgatory.

The Explosion is incredible, filled with mighty drums and crumbling sound effects.

“Sunset,” is full of harp like sounds and soft guitar. Professor Samuel King is notified that the Queen has been kidnapped…opening what could be the door to the next adventure.

What else can you say, about Clive Nolan’s latest theatrical masterpiece, The Mortal Light? A wonderful adventure of theatrical storytelling, set to classical and progressive rock music. A story full of English flair and wisdom used to outwit the evil Makaria. This is a 4 CD set that you can treasure and listen to and share on cold winter nights as well as by warm summer campfires. Clive Nolan continues his epic history of storytelling, and provides us something magical to enjoy with our spare time. Clive Nolan Musicals vs Laura Piazzai, acting and singing their way into your thoughts. What more could you want? An entertaining mortal light for all, indeed.

The Mortal Light’s album track lists:

CD 1: Act 1 (Total Time: 01:10:11)

Wedding (05:19)
Overture (01:41)
Demigod (06:33)
Prophecy (04:22)
Magician (06:06)
Decisions (10:28)
Cavalry (05:53)
Fade (05:11)
Escape (03:32)
Guidelines (04:26)
Conversation (01:44)
Guardians (04:21)
Promise (01:36)
Unbowed (03:37)
Makaria (05:16)

CD 2: Act 2 (Total Time: 01:09:24)

16. Port (03:33)
17. Confession (03:41)
18. Crime (03:41)
19. Spy (03:54)
20. Thunder (02:55)
21. Agreement (04:42)
22. Witch (07:31)
23. Portal (04:31)
24. Wings (03:25)
25. Threat (01:44)
26. Satisfactory (01:46)
27. Justice (04:36)
28. Arrival (02:02)
29. Seduction (06:50)
30. Tovenaar (04:13)
31. Siege (02:46)
32. Trust (02:28)
33. Convergence (01:18)
34. Explosion (00:56)
35. Sunset (02:42)