THE WAITING SOLDIER

An intense concept album and listening experience.

Insert CD, turn on headphones. Here we go. The first track "Induction" begins. It sounds like Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull. My prog heart beats faster. But then the mood changes as the song progresses, metallic sounds emerge, an unusual vocal appears in the song and my first impression is renewed again and again. Well, that was roughly my first listening experience with the second studio album by Austrian band "Blank Manuskript", who don't just play symphonic prog on "The Waiting Soldier". Rather, the multi-member band presents us with a veritable firework display of different styles, ideas and influences that culminate in seven truly unique songs. In the second song we hear a rock influence, suddenly a Gentle Giant clavinet appears before the atmosphere develops further. Again, we are talking about just one song. Critics might claim that the band can't define itself stylistically. But in my opinion, this is exactly where the Austrians' greatest strength lies. In my opinion, this is the definition of outstanding prog music. A bit of jazz? No problem, listen to the third song "Kites to Sky" while the children's voice, the wind instruments and an elegiac guitar solo sweeten the moment. And as you delve deeper and deeper into the fascinating soundscapes of "Blank Manuskript" over the course of the album, you become increasingly aware of just how high-caliber the musicianship is here. In almost forty minutes, "Blank Manuskript" celebrate the progressive rock genre in all its facets. The song "Doubts" is a good example of this: the Gentle Giant clavinet appears once again, male operatic vocals are suddenly enthroned between rocking, groovy segments and are complemented by striking flute playing at the end. "The Night" is the longest song and the strongest song on the album. Elaborate spoken vocals, a juicy trombone, a floppy, RPWL- like basic atmosphere - great. The album closes with an almost schizophrenic sound collage that almost penetrates the subconscious.

The album is a clean in-house production, sounds absolutely transparent and adapts its sound to the album's thematic focus, as the concept album "The Waiting Soldier" refers to the loss of identity and alienation from society, a topic that could not be more topical, although the album does not define a specific point in time. The album is therefore also highly relevant on a thematic level.

The fact that "Blank Manuskript" have now performed at the legendary Night Of The Prog Festival comes as no surprise to me with such musical quality. With their second album, the Austrians have captured my full attention as a passionate prog listener, so I will now continue to work my way through their discography. To be continued...

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