Record Reviews

AMAROK ~ AMAROK ARS MUNDI 029 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 This is the 1st album by Polish Prog group AmarokFind albums by this artist, which created quite a stir when it first arrived on the scene. The group is in fact multi-instrumentalist / composer Michal WojtasFind albums by this artist and a bunch of guest artists. Strongly influenced by Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist and Pink FloydFind albums by this artist (among many others), Wojtas manages to compose some great new music, which is very melodic and original in spite of the influences. He also plays many instruments, including all guitars and keyboards on this album, and there are a lot of these. Overall this is typical Prog stuff, which many listeners enjoy immensely and is definitely worth investigating. Recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMAROK ~ SOL DE MEDIANOCHE PROGROCK 265 (Barcode: 837792009573) ~ SPAIN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2006 Released: 2007 7th album by the excellent Spanish Prog group AmarokFind albums by this artist, definitely one of the most interesting ensembles active in contemporary Prog, which follows the direction the group initiated earlier to distant itself from the Symphonic Prog clichés and incorporating World Music influences into their music. With the incredible riches of the Spanish cultural background, which are all present here, the music also borrows from other Mediterranean and even Middle Eastern sources, creating a wonderful amalgam of musical traditions with modern music. Led by multi-instrumentalist / composer Robert SantamariaFind albums by this artist, Amarok also includes a great flute player Manel MayolFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mireia SisquellaFind albums by this artist and a superb vocalist Marta SeguraFind albums by this artist. Bassist Alan ChehabFind albums by this artist and drummer Renato Di PrinzioFind albums by this artist complete the lineup. In addition to the six group members ten guest musicians participate in the process of creating this great album, playing a plethora of different instruments. The overall effect is truly stunning and listeners with developed musical taste should enjoy this album immensely. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend