PROPHECIES

ABRAXAS are a Neo-Prog band out of Poland who up until this album have failed to really click with me. Even this one I would rate as a low 4 star album, but there is enough here that makes this an enjoyable listen.This is basically the English version of their "Centurie" album. I must admit getting a real kick out of the bonus track which is a cover of KING CRIMSON's "The Court Of The Crimson King". Even if the vocals are with an accent that is such a majestic track.

"Spiritus Flat Ubi Vult" has an interesting intro with reserved but theatrical vocals along with a beat and synths. It's fuller 1 1/2 minutes in.Excellent sound here. Some fat bass too. I really like the vocals. "Michel De Nostre Dame-Mistrz Z Salon" opens with organ as synths, acoustic guitar and drums join in quickly then vocals. It gets fuller then settles back as contrasts continue. It kicks into an uptempo melody before 5 minutes then settles right down before 6 1/2 minutes to end it. "Velvet" is mellow with fragile vocals then it gets fuller with aboe joining in as well as bass. It settles right back with vocals. "Excalibur" opens with keyboards and reserved vocals. Aboe follows. It picks up 2 minutes in with some nice guitar to follow. Flute 3 1/2 minutes in then it settles with atmosphere and reserved vocals after 4 minutes. Flute too. It kicks in heavily after 6 1/2 minutes .Nice.

"Kuznia" is a short piece that is beat driven and vocals come in around a minute. "Czakramy" opens with gentle guitar and synths as reserved vocals join in.Some vocal melodies follow then the vocals return. It gets fuller after 2 minutes then settles back as contrasts continue. Some beautiful stuff here. It builds to a heavy sound late and I like the vocal expressions too. "Pokuszenie" kicks in beautifully before 1 1/2 minutes then settles back quickly with vocals. Flute after 3 minutes. A calm with whispered words before 5 minutes. It then kicks in heavily with guitar. It settles again and check out the soaring guitar that goes on and on. "Nantalomba" opens with synths and atmosphere. Aboe joins in then acoustic guitar. It's fuller 1 1/2 minutes in and vocals follow. Lots of atmosphere late.

Barely 4 stars but I wouldn't feel right giving it 3 stars so...