Cathedral-Stained Glass Stories (1978)

"Stained Glass Stories" is considered one of the landmark works of American avant-garde rock, an album created by Cathedral (not to be confused with other bands of the same name that have emerged throughout history). Hailing from Long Island, Cathedral was formed in the mid-70s from the ashes of the psychedelic band Odyssey, which included Fed Callan (bass) and Tom Doncourt (keyboards). Along with drummer Mercury Caronia, singer Paul Seal, and guitarist Rudy Perrone, they completed the lineup of Cathedral. Recorded on the independent label Syn Phonic, in 1978 they released "Stained Glass Stories", showcasing a style far removed from their psychedelic past, delving into intense sounds of excellent progressive musicianship clearly influenced by early 1970s British symphonic rock. Intricate guitar and bass riffs, a spectacular Mellotron, and masterful drumming drive this brilliant album, as demonstrated by the excellent tracks "Introspect", "Gong", "The Search", "The Crossing", and "Days and Changes". Despite being recorded in the later years of the progressive rock genre, "Stained Glass Stories" has achieved cult status and is considered essential for understanding the rich evolution of late 1970s American symphonic-progressive rock. Although the album enjoyed considerable commercial success, Cathedral would later disband until many years later, when they reappeared with their second album, "The Bridge" (2007).