Fish - 'Weltschmerz'

And so, “Weltschmerz”, which Google translate tells me means “World Pain”. This is a passionate record. Ever since it was first conceptualised a few years ago Fish has been adamant that if this is his final record then it would be one of his best. Over the last few months, several tracks have been released to keep interest in the project high, either as direct to streaming tracks or on the “Parlay with Angels” EP. So, the album is not a total unknown for Fishheads.

There are nods here and there to Fish’s past. Some lines ring with familiarity, and I hear in the album ties back to “Vigil In The Wilderness of Mirror”, Fish’s first solo album. So, in a very Fish like way it feels like we have come full circle. For example, “Garden of Remembrance” hints back to “A Gentleman’s Excuse Me”, and the title track echoes “Vigil in the Wilderness of Mirrors”. Again, the sense of a circle closing is here, “Vigil” opens the album of that name and “Weltschmerz” closes this one.

Some of the topics touched upon will be familiar ones. The futility of war is touched on in “Rose of Damascus”, raging against the machine in “Weltschmerz”. Fish also finds ways to draw us into tales of mortality, “This Party’s Over” and “The Grace of God” touching on this theme. “Waverley Steps (End of the Line)” is a karmic tale, as is “Man with a Stick”.

While “Weltschmerz” is without doubt a prog rock album there is a heavy folk influence to be heard in the playing. There are shades of Jethro Tull (“This Party’s Over” particularly) and Fairport Convention, which should be no surprise. Fish covered Sandy Denny’s “Solo” on his covers album “Songs from the Mirror”. The prog influences still linger clearly, hints of early Genesis are never too far away, and in some of Doris Brendel’s backing vocals you can hear hints of Pink Floyd circa “Dark Side of the Moon”.

All of the playing on the album is first rate. Steve Vantsis (bass), Robin Boult (Guitars), and Foss Paterson (keyboards) are long time side men for Fish. Messrs Boult and Vantsis also carry most of the co-credits with Fish on the song writing and deserve praise for the wide range of styles and instruments they bring along for the ride. The production by Callum Malcolm and Steve Vantsis is crisp and clear. The music is punchy where it needs to be.

It’s also worth mentioning the packaging of the album. Three formats - standard CD; deluxe Book bound Triple disc set (2 CD album and a Blu-ray of videos and interviews, 5.1 surround sound album); and double vinyl. All beautifully designed and put together with artwork on all packages predominantly by Mark Wilkinson as usual. Particular mention should go to the book bound edition. Delivered in a sturdy slipcase the book is full of additional art, lyrics and copious notes by Fish.

So, Fish has achieved his aim. Weltschmerz is without doubt one of his best albums, either solo or with Marillion, to this listener.

The Jester is dead. Long live the Jester.