Even without hearing any of the CD, the keyboard list gives an indication of the sound - Hammond organ, mellotron, moog synthesisers, electric and grand piano. From the opening bars of From the Purple Skies the classic sound of the early days of Uriah Heep is predominant. By mid song we are deep into early Deep Purple territory with a stunning Hammond solo coming after a fine guitar solo. But is it not all sturm und drang. There's a more laid back manner with prominent mellotron contributions with driving drumming and strong melodic elements. All the musicians are on top form and combine to produce one hell of a glorious racket. For fans of '70s rock, particularly fanatics of keyboard dominated music and Hammond organ aficionados, this album is a must.

After listening to the first couple of tracks, many references came into mind. Some of them are early Pink Floyd because of the psychedelic and atmospheric sounds, early Kansas because of the characteristic vocals (especially the combination with backing vocals) and the orchestral arrangements and The Doors because of the typical drumming. The thing I like most of Wicked Minds is the fact that they did not only show respect to the rock giants they were obviously inspired by, but also to the traditional way in which the album was recorded. No over the top production here, no use of high tech instruments, the music is brought back to the basics of the '70s, resulting in a mix of melancholy and nostalgia without getting old fashioned. From the Purple Skies is an exciting album that can be considered a melting pot of early seventies progressive and symphonic rock.