TRACE

Trace was a Dutch progressive rock supergroup formed in 1974 by keyboardist Rick van der Linden following his departure from Ekseption. The band's identity was defined by van der Linden's conservatory-trained virtuosity and his massive collection of keyboards, which included rare EMI synthesizers and traditional church organs.

Their sound is characterized by a 'classical-rock' formula that integrated baroque counterpoint and romantic-era harmonic structures into a high-energy power trio format. The original lineup included bassist Jaap van Eik and Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, creating a rhythm section capable of navigating van der Linden's complex time signatures and rapid-fire transitions. Critically, Trace is often compared to Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Triumvirat, though they are noted for a more rigorous adherence to classical forms and a wider palette of keyboard textures. Despite their technical brilliance and three well-received albums - Trace (1974), Birds (1975), and Ladies (1976) - the band struggled to maintain a stable lineup and dissolved in the late 1970s. They remain a cornerstone of the Dutch 'Golden Age' of progressive rock, celebrated by collectors for their uncompromising technicality and lush analog production.