CROSSROAD

These guys prove how much the emergent russian prog scene is inspired and skilled.

I won't tell that 90's'Russian musical scene wasn't gifted, and in fact I'm not apt to judge of it because I don't know much about it, but I have to say that the new russian groups are amazing! Along with Disen Gage, The Gourishankar, Infront, , Apple Pie represent a fresh-wave in the world prog scene. In a handful of years they have produced some astonishing albums, and Crossroads belongs to those.

It's a very innovative album, which brings a new touch to neo progressive. I can't deny it's trully neo prog with powerful keyboards, but their use of heavy guitar riffs and harsh drums breaks sometimes make me think it's prog metal. At times it reminds me a bit Arena. But on the other side they have an interesting use of saxophones that brings a jazzy touch, which I find very noticeable. Very different compositions, alternating sweet prog with accoustic guitars, hard edged and swinging jazz parts. A real effort to renew the genre for a pleasant result. Some songs are better than others, but there is nothing to drop, everything has its place in this album. I would give it a 3.5 stars but indeed it deserves a 4 stars because it's a very promising first album.