CLIVE NOLAN – The Mortal Light (Album Review)

As a primary member of Arena and Pendragon, keyboardist/composer Clive Nolan has been an instrumental force in neo-prog for over 40 years. That said, even those projects hint at the kind of rock opera/musical theatre foundation that’s dominated Nolan’s own career since at least 2013’s Alchemy. Therefore, only those who’re unfamiliar with his solo work will be surprised at the direction Nolan takes on The Mortal Light, a nearly two-and-a-half-hour Broadway-esque spectacle reminiscent of Ayreon’s Transitus and Gandalf’s Fist’s The Clockwork Fable.

In fact, both musically and narratively, The Mortal Light is the direct follow-up to Alchemy and 2017’s King’s Ransom (hence the similar artwork). Nolan describes it as continuing “the ongoing journey of [Samuel] King and his friends as they navigate the dangers and challenges of this colourful Steampunk Victorian ‘Universe.’” Specifically, “old allies” and “old enemies” return as King and company fight to conquer “his biggest threat yet,” Makaria, “a malevolent demigod” who lives in Norway.

Supported by major or minor contributions from dozens of people – such as drummer Scott Higham; vocalist Laura Piazzai; and modern prog legends John Mitchell, Peter Jones, and Damian Wilson– The Mortal Light is a damn good addition to Nolan’s catalog. It can feel a bit repetitive and extraneous at times (which, let’s be honest, is partially inherent to the style), and misguided listeners looking for something traditionally [prog] rock might bail before long. Yet, those who know what they’re in for and can give the LP the time and attention it deserves will find plenty to enjoy.

By its nature, “Overture” is a highlight from an instrumental perspective, with its radiantly complex and majestic vibe cascading over you as traditional and symphonic rock timbres collide. In a sense, it’s what might happen if you merged Songs from the Wood era Jethro Tull with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and its imaginative cinematic empowerment will surely put a smile on your face.

Of course, the rest of the disc upholds that core DNA, with many other tracks (including “Crime,” “Threat,” “Escape,” and “Siege”) falling under the same umbrella in either more robust and intricate – or more subtle and nuanced – ways. Elsewhere, “Cavalry,” “Escape,” and “Convergence” tap the most into Nolan’s keyboard-driven prog rock past, and multiple tunes (such as “Wedding,” “Magician,” and “Tovenaar”) enhance the immersion with operatic narration and scene-setting ambiance.

The album isn’t without conventionally engrossing melodies and song structures, either. For instance, it’s easy to get hooked on the intersecting male/female verses and angelic harmonies of the brooding “Fade,” just as the jovial folksiness of “Guidelines” and the catchy chaos of “Makaria” can’t help but appeal even to those who’re otherwise not into the overarching musical theatre aesthetic.

On that note, and despite being intentionally histrionic, The Mortal Light is a lot to take at once. That’s true not only because of its extensive length but also because of its frequent (and at times, meandering) over-the-top vocals and production. Like Dream Theater’s The Astonishing, it can feel self-indulgent and monotonous, with singers singing and players playing in the same ways across the set (to the point that it becomes difficult to differentiate which song is which). Admittedly, you kind of sign up for those elements when you listen to an album like this, but it’s hard to deny that the LP would benefit from wider-ranging blueprints and a shortened runtime.

Those gripes aside, The Mortal Light undeniably accomplishes its goals with flying colors, further cementing Nolan as a master of his craft who can still charm fans of this style. Whether it tops the other two entries in the “Alchemy” trilogy is debatable, but it certainly earns its place alongside them by continuing the storyline(s) and genres that made them so beloved by fans. If you’re already a fan of this sort of thing, The Mortal Light is sure to delight, and even followers of Nolan’s other endeavors will get some enjoyment out of it.

Release Date: February 15th, 2026
Record Label: Crime Records / We Låve Rock
Genre: Rock Musical

Musicians:

• Clive Nolan / Keyboards, orchestration, additional percussion
• Scott Higham / Drums
• Arnfinn Isaksen / Bass
• Mirko Sangrigoli / Guitar

Cast:

• Clive Nolan / Professor Samuel King
• Gemma Ashley / Eva Bonaduce
• Robbie Gardner / Tom Worthy
• Christine Ekeberg / Alice Hyde
• Natalie Barnett / Lady Agatha Gill
• Ryan Morgan / Father Caleb/Tovenaar
• Andy Sears / Lord Henry Jagman
• Chris Lewis / Edwin Deeks
• Laura Piazzai / Makaria
• Guy Barnes / William Gardelle
• Verity White / Dr. Josephine Kendrick
• Ross Andrew / Master of Ceremonies

The Mortal Light Track-list:

Act One:

1. Wedding
2. Overture
3. Demigod
4. Prophecy
5. Magician
6. Decisions
7. Cavalry
8. Fade
9. Escape
10. Guidelines
11. Conversation
12. Guardians
13. Promise
14. Unbowed
15. Makaria

Act Two:

1. Port
2. Confession
3. Crime
4. Spy
5. Thunder
6. Agreement
7. Witch
8. Portal
9. Wings
10. Threat
11. Satisfactory
12. Justice
13. Arrival
14. Seduction
15. Tovenaar
16. Siege
17. Trust
18. Convergence
19. Explosion
20. Sunset

Order The Mortal Light here