RSS Feed


GILGAMESJ
Another Daybreak

No Dust (2023)
Rating: 8/10

I doubt very much that many of you heard these Dutch rockers first time round when they formed in 1975. Considering the guys marched into the 90s it’s unfortunate that they never released a full-length album during that period. After splitting in 1995 Gilgamesj returned in 2009, but Another Daybreak is the first thing they’ve recorded since then.

Original vocalist Frank van Stijn continues to lead Gilgamesj, a sextet which also feature guitarists Gerrie den Hartog and Sylvester van Leeuwen, bass player René Sterk, drummer Rob Boshuijzen and keyboardist Chris van Hoogdalem.

With this debut full-length the band serves up a rich tone bolstered by Hoogdalem’s keyboard work, epitomised by the opening track ‘Down Like Rain’ which has a Uriah Heep vibe. Another Daybreak unravels like some rainy New Wave Of British Heavy Metal record once forgotten to time but now resurrected and revitalised. The slow burning and soulful title track is rich and warm with its reflective musicianship and heartfelt vocals.

Gilgamesj are not hesitant to inject subtlety into their songs; ‘Lost Horizon’, ‘In My Dreams’ and ‘Where Is The Love’ sizzle and steam with a fragility. Fans looking for harder moments will no doubt relish the stony percussion on ‘Right Here Right Now’ and the busy axe work on ‘Down The Road’, but for the most part this record focuses on the lighter side.

The return of Gilgamesj shouldn’t be overlooked as this is a wonderful rock record, the sort that would have taken the scene by storm had it been released in the 80s. Hopefully, it will cause a few waves today.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share