A time before this is a concept album by English progressive rock band Julian’s treatment. The album is the only one that the band ever recorded, but the mastermind behind this band, Julian Jay Savarin, did record a another album couple of years later, called Waiters on the dance. When the album was first released by the Young Blood -label on double-lp, it didn’t receive almost any commercial success. But now it’s a different story, and the first pressing of this album reaches three-figure numbers.
Julian’s treatment is a musical experiment of sci-fi-writer and poet Julian Jay Savarin, so to lyrics of the album lean heavily on Savarins other texts. This album shares its storyline with Savarins first novel, Waters on the Dance. The lyrics tell a story of the last man of Earth, and his adventures on another galaxy. In that galaxy, a war is raging between two rival woman, Alda and Altarra. On the dark side Alda, the dark lady, is trying to seize the throne from the princess Altarra, the ruler of Alkon. If you listen to this and the other Savarin album, it becomes pretty clear which side the man of Earth choses. The man will eventually fall in love with one of the competing leaders, become her ally and helps to vanquish the other one. But I’m not going to tell which one, you have to listen to both of the albums yourself and make your own conclusions.
Musically this album focuses heavily on the Savarins organ and on the female vocals. The drumming is also exceptional, and the guitar and bass work has nothing to complain to. The dramatic, almost like operatic singing hooks you in excitement on the Aldas song, and then the soft and melodic singing and organ playing shifts you in trance on the next Altarras song. This is an album that will hook you in with the first notes, keep you in its power and leave wanting for more.
I would honestly recommend this album to almost anyone, especially if for those who like sci-fi, dramatic stories, organ playing or prog rock. If you don’t give this album a go, you are going to regret it.

01. First Chapter: First Prophecy 'First Oracle'
02. Second Chapter: 'The Coming Of The Mule'
03. Third Chapter: 'Phantom City'
04. Fourth Chapter: 'The Black Tower'
05. Fifth Chapter: 'Alda, Dark Lady Of The Outer Worlds'
06. Sixth Chapter: 'Altarra, Princess Of The Blue Women'
07. Seventh Chapter: Second Prophecy 'Second Oracle'
Eight Chapter
08. Part One: Twin Suns Of Centauri
09. PartTwo: Alkon, Planet Of Centauri
10. Ninth Chapter: The Terran
11. Tenth Chapter: Fourth From The Sun
12. Eleventh Chapter: Strange Things
13. Twelfth Chapter: Epilogue 'A Time Before This'
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – See For Miles Records Ltd.
Copyright © – See For Miles Records Ltd.
Bass – John Dover
Drums – Jack Drummond (2) (tracks: 1 to 13)
Lead Guitar, Flute – Del Watkins (tracks: 1 to 13)
Liner Notes – Bevis Frond*
Producer – Miki Dallon
Vocals – Cathy Pruden (tracks: 1 to 13)
Written-By, Directed By, Organ – Julian J. Savarin*