...CYKL OBRACA SIę, NARODZINY, DZIECIńSTWO PEłNE DUSZY, UśMIECHÓW NIEWINNYCH I ZDRADY...

I discovered this Polish band almost four years ago, and I was quite impressed with their second album. But this one does not stand shy.

Their music is rather complex, hard at times. It was also a surprise for me to find out that Polish lyrics could perfectly fill their role with rock music (even if I can't grab any words). Their songs are melodic, with lots of theme changes and I have to confess that I like very much the voice and personal style of their lead vocalist Adam Łassa.

He is emotional, has power but at the same time reaches very high notes. Really pleasant. When you combine his talent with some vigorous drumming, strong backing keys as well as somptuous guitar work, you'll get a fantastic song as "Tarot". One of my fave from the album. But there are plenty very good ones.

"Dorian Gray" is almost symphonic and so poignant. Of course the character of Dorian Gray is such a great source of inspiration! It is a solid rocking piece. At times, Adam sounds like Lene Lovitch. The dark atmosphere of the novel can be felt in this song which on the edge of metal. But true prog metal (like another great Polish band : "Riverside").

The hard / metal style is also featured during the excellent "Kameleon". The instrumental middle-part features some great and difficult drumming. Bass is very complex as well and it is one of the many strong point of this band who shows a very strong musical foundation.

The musical style of "Abraxas" ranges from symphonic to prog metal. The introduction of "Alhambra" is almost classical and very pleasant. A great introduction to this beautiful and powerful song. Extremely diversified, it even reminds me of "Magazine" some times. Another highlight.

This album has little weaknesses and flows very easily from one track to the following one. Melody is often present in each song even if the handicap of the language prevents me to understand one single line of the lyrics. One can feel the passion from Adam and as far as I am concerned, I can cope with this. In this respect, "Ajudah" is very much convincing.

But even if their lead singer seems to raise the level of their music, "Abraxas" is not a one man band. The music you can discover in this very good album is much more than just a neo-prog album. Lots of genres are mixed as I have already said; and it makes this album even more appealing. When you'll have heard the sumptuous guitar solo during "De Profundis" you'll just be conquered.

Keys will be the main guest for "Tabula Rasa". It starts as a "Marillion" song which turns into an ocean of synthesizers. The instrumental portion is very powerful. It reminds me "Cinema Show" not because it is similar in sound; but just because it is almost as impressive as this wonderful song. So sweet acoustic guitar and flute combined with so theatrical vocals are just great. The guitar solo is again so sweet. This song is another highlight. A great song, my friends.

Two good bonus tracks (La Stradda which is a straight forward Marillion song and a more complex and refined "Gdy Wydaje...") to close this very good album which deserves four stars, and your attention.