FORCE OF PROGRESS

Since their second album, 'A Secret Place, Dominik Wimmer left the band, leaving behind Hanspeter Hess (The Healing Road - keyboards, synths), Chris Grundmann (Cynity ? guitars, keyboards, synths) and Markus Roth (Marquette, Horizontal Ascension ? keyboards, synths). The band wanted to continue so Markus suggested bringing in the Marquette rhythm section of Dennis Degen (drums) and Sebastian Schleicher (bass) which soon revitalised everyone, and with guest guitarists assisting on each track they were soon back with their third album (hence the title). Even though the three core members of the band are all keyboard players, this is actually quite a guitar heavy release with an emphasis on technical prog which often veers into tech/prog metal.

Utilising an already existing rhythm section is an excellent idea as they know how each other works, and Dennis in particular uses this as an opportunity to provide some interesting rhythms and patterns. With three keyboard players I expected more in terms of underlying intricacy or over the top bombast, but we don't get that and sonically there is little here to say there are multiple keyboard players involved, and that is due to the way these guys work, which is somewhat unusual to say the least. Looking at the booklet it appears that each keyboard player only plays on their own compositions, so Markus is on three, Chris on two and Hans on one. However, this does not sound like a collection of solo pieces, but something which is actually a band as opposed to a project. Interesting while never essential.

Force of progress is a new act in prog rock/prog metal scene, they are from Germany and the debut was released in 2017 named Calculated risk. The band is comprised from memebers from other bands like from The Healing Road, Marquette or Horizontal Ascension. The musicians done a good job here, this is an instrumental album with catchy enough moments to capture the listner from start to finish. This type of prog rock with infuses of prog metal elements in places and aswell with clear jazzy prog feel on couple of pieces, I really like, the musiciaship is more then ok blazing keyboards by Chris Grundmann and quite good guitar parts. Something between Liquid Tension Experiment, italians from Centrica, maybe in places with another italians Azure Agony (debut), maybe canadians from Spaced Out, etc. Pieces like Sole survivor with many top keyboards and guitars, intricate playing, the jazzy Ticket are examples of how good this band is, maybe they need a little more exposure to prog public. All in all a good towards great debut, worth some spins if you like this type of music. 3.5 stars for sure.