CENTURIE

With already a fantastic album out and a steady line-up, the doors of success had opened for Abraxas, even if the Progressive Rock scene was just a small part of the whole music map.The group, besides their own concerts, played live next to important names such as Arena, Fish, Porcupine Tree, Colin Bass and Robert Plant/Jimmy Page.In search of a better distribution Abraxas also changed label, moving from Ars Mundi to Metal Mind, on which they released their second album ''Centurie'' in 1998.

Ok, it would have been a miracle if the band could top the masterful moments of their debut or even released an equal material, still ''Centurie'' is a great album, among the very good releases of 90's Polish Prog.Exploring the territories of extreme lyrical and passionate Neo Prog, ''Centurie'' is another nice offering by Abraxas, moving from sensitive pieces to more bombastic and dynamic moments, always supplied by great keyboard parts, electrifying solos and a nice dose of acoustic soundscapes, which have a very romantic sound.Even in these later cuts the unique vocals of Lassa and the ethereal keyboard parts make them far from syrupy and pale ballads.The rest of the material comes in a familiar Abraxas style.Majestic passages with grandiose synthesizers, delicate piano interludes and thrilling electric guitars, always supported by Lassa's personal singing approach.The longer ones contain nice variations with plenty of more symphonic vibes, excellent heavy riffs, haunting keyboards and of course nice shifting moods between laid-back passages and pounding instrumental work with a dramatic atmosphere.There is still something missing to reach the ultimate inspiration of ''Abraxas'', but the good moments in ''Centurie'' are more than enough.

The next year the album was released in its English version, containing also a cover on King Crimson's ''In the court of the Crimson King''.Preferably stick with the original Polish version, which has its own charm.Nevertheless, this is very good, atmospheric and well-executed Neo Prog with plenty of conveincing material.Strongly recommended...3,5 stars.