Journey’s End (Operation Seraphim, 2012)
Even though this album by the Enid originally came out in 2010, the 2012 edition includes many changes. Journeys End 2012 is called the Jason version in the band’s website and listed as the “EMI” version in the liner notes. It was re-mixed and re-mastered with new guitar parts and features two bonus tracks with new band member Joe Payne on vocals and keyboards.
Journeys End is a concept album about the life of a tree. It contains a mix of pop-influenced layered vocals, soaring electronically processed guitars and Robert John Godfrey’s signature symphonic arrangements and beautifully constructed melodies. Robert John Godfrey is deeply influenced by English classical music romanticism and has an optimistic perspective. It’s a breath of fresh air at a time when so many other progressive rock acts have taken a dark and aggressive direction.
Album favorites include ‘Terra Nova’, a majestic piece that features mesmerizing ambient drones, hauntingly beautiful vocals and dreamy keyboard and guitar melodies. This track was composed in great part by guitarist Jason Ducker. The combination of Godfrey’s and Ducker’s sensibilities is superb and points to exciting new directions in The Enid’s music.
Other highlights are the epic ‘Malacandra’ and ‘The Art of Melody – Journey’s End’ which present symphonic rock at its best with Godfrey’s impressive orchestrations. They will please fans of The Enid’s early classic albums.
The bonus tracks are ‘Here Comes Summer,’ a song that combines late Beatles influences with symphonic rock. Imagine what could have happened if John Lennon recorded with The Enid.
The second bonus track is the popular anti-nuclear classic ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes.’
The lineup on the album includes Robert John Godfrey on keyboards, Max Read on vocals, Jason Ducker on guitar, Dave Storey on drums and percussion, Nick Willes on bass, timpani and percussions, and Joe Payne on vocals and keyboards.
Buy the 2012 edition directly from the band: Journey’s End
Buy the 2010 original edition: Journey’s End