HOPE DIES LAST

Twenty-five-year career in Prog and still going strong, I see Millenium in my imagination like a company of the famed winged hussars, ready to charge fearlessly into battle with courage and determination. This is their 18th studio albums of which I proudly own twelve, and all are pretty consistently tasty throughout, supplying a thoroughly honed neo prog style. The line-up has remained centred around keyboardist Ryszard Kramarski, with Peter Plonka on guitars, bassist Krzysztof Wyrwa and Grzegorz Bauer taking control of the percussive kit. Longtime singer Lukasz Gall has left a while ago, as this is his replacement David Lewandoski's second album on the lead vocals. Needless to state these are a highly polished crew (excuse the obvious pun) that have tremendous feel for their craft. Many of the song titles reflect on the country's legendary painful history, a collective/personal trait I particularly enjoy and can relate to.

The oddly titled opener "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters" settles in with a comfortably numb groove that confidently prepares the stage for a story, expertly sung by Lewandoski, where swirling keyboards, slashing riffs and a tight rhythmic propulsion keeps things attractive and tight. The fretboard solo is a tortured rant, beseeching and pleading in desperation, definitely a highlight, as the piece fades into the horizon, a fluttering flute and serene keyboard orchestrations wave goodbye, surely a reference to the evocative covert art. No holding back a second on the limber follow up "To Err is Human," a teeming saxophone leading the advance, suave piano tinkling moving in and out of focus, and another Plonka flurry. The guzzling organ repeats the theme with authority when deemed necessary. An acoustic guitar introduces the vocal, elevating the song to a comfort level, as the instrumental prowess is uncontested. "A Man is a Wolf to Another Man" is simply structured, strait- laced with a hummable chorus and a classic extended e-guitar solo that opens up like a parachute. Mastering melancholia on the piano is a Polish characteristic and "Memento Mori" does the reputation justice, a sorrowful lament with a sensitive multi-tiered vocal, sumptuous flute and a solemn rhythmic surge, quite the gorgeous ballad adorned by a persuasive melody, as well as an imperative guitar solo. Lovely track indeed. Time has the authority to provide twists of fate, whereby something can be lost through defeat, only to resurrect at a later date, if the resolve to never surrender remains strong. "Rise Like a Phoenix from the Ashes" is an appropriate essay on changing fortunes and the unwillingness to kneel before forfeit. Survival is the main instrument, faith, and courage, not far behind. A battle cry anthem, in triumphal body armour, impervious to weakness.

The title track is a piano/vocal duet at first, a love song that recounts the 'story of my life' and as such segues nicely with the previous track, the deliciously serpentine Wywra bass doing wonders, as it massages the heart and seduces the ears. Midway through, the symphonics kick in, offering rolling toms, prickly guitar picking and a profound emotional release as the serenity takes over the dread, fear replaced by fortitude. The melody if off the charts exquisite, searing deep into the soul. Seizing the day, "Carpe Diem" follows suit, urging the will to battle, a hymn to never let go. Lewandoski really shines throughout this album, but also his tone is utterly convincing. The powerfully tragic "What Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger" shines a sorrowful light on the plight of thousands of needless casualties, have we not yet learned that war solves nothing. Borders waver, eventually returning to their original places, and in the meantime, way too may have died for nothing, families forced onto a 'Ship of Fools.' Senseless, useless, and stupid. Soldiers killed by deadly toys. This magnificent track hits the mark. The JFK snippet is food for thought.

As a senseless three-year war continues to rage nearby in the eastern borders of Europe, the suffering just needs to end now.

4.5 epochs of optimism