AMENTI'S COIN - SECRET PLACE PT. II

German band Cyril are back with their fourth album, a concept which builds on 'The Secret Place Pt. I', a lengthy song featured on their second album, 'Paralyzed'. There has been a change in the ranks in that they have a new drummer in Manuel Humpf, but apart from that it is the same core band who have been on all releases to date, namely Larry Br'del (vocals), Manuel Schmid (vocals), Ralf Dietsch (guitars, mandolin), Marek Arnold (keyboards, saxophone, clarinet) and Dennis Strassburg (bass). They have again collaborated with Guy Manning who not only provided the lyrics based on the story by Denis Strassburg but also provides some spoken words, while the guys also brought in Andrea Strassburg on additional vocals. I have long been a fan of any band which involves Marek Arnold, as his understanding of progressive rock combined with commercial elements always ensures the arrangements are spot on, and his musicianship allows bands to bring in his saxophone as well as keyboards which always provides an addition edge. In fact, the arrangement of 'Dessert Crossing' (an unfortunate typo on the CD as it is obviously supposed to be 'Desert Crossing') reminds me in many ways of The Artwork Project's 'Stay'.

This is a comfortable album, one to luxuriate in without many sharp edges or roughness, but as opposed to being cloying or overwhelming there is just enough vitality and life within it to keep it interesting throughout. This is a perfect example of crossover progressive rock, blending in commercial elements which allow it to appeal to people who possibly would not think of themselves as progheads but prefer a more softer rock style. When I first opened the digipak, I was somewhat disappointed to see there was no booklet containing the story, but when I removed the CD I discovered the QR code which when scanned takes us to the story and lyrics so one is able to better understand what is going on. It is not unusual for percussion to take a back seat, while the vocals are often multi-layered and harmonious, the bass is picked to provide a harder edge and bite when it is utilised, and the guitars are there to provide finesse and additional crunch when required, but the arrangements often defer to Marek in one form or another, and the harmony recorders on 'Caravan' are both simple and incredibly effective.

I felt their last album, 2019's 'The Way Through', was their weakest to date but this finds them back on form with a release that is enjoyable throughout.