AUFBRUCH

This is the most recent album from the German band TRAUMPFAD. I would call them a heavy Neo-Prog band with vocals in German. For my tastes this would have come across a lot better if it was an all instrumental album. The guy can sing, no doubt but the German language for me is a little hard to digest sometimes.

"Sol" opens with piano before some excellent guitar joins in along with some not so excellent vocals. He sounds better when he's singing with some passion. I like when it turns heavier a minute in. Contrasts continue. Some crazy synths around 2 1/2 minutes. They are kicking butt 4 minutes in, a really good instrumental section that lasts to the end where it settles down and blends into "Vergebung". This is a song that reminds me of the Swedish band GALLEON with the tone of the vocals and riffs. Good tune. I like the start of "Auf Unserer Reise" as it builds with background synths, a beat, vocals and more. This is such a catchy tune. Another good instrumental section on this track as well that goes on for some time. It's synth led at times. These guys can play. "Angstfabrik" has a nice heavy sound to it to start but i'm not a fan of the vocals that join in quickly. Another good instrumental interlude on this one as well.

"Zu Viel" has some prominant bass along with plenty of keyboards and guitar. I like the guitar solo after 2 minutes. "Vater Und Sohn" is the first laid back tune with relaxed vocals that are the focus. Some female vocal melodies before 3 minutes to the end. Nice. "Der Neue Weg" is a vocal-led track i'm not into despite the guitar later on. "Der 100. Affe" has some passionate vocals with some kick ass instrumental work. Kind of a start, stop, start motif. Love the synths 2 minutes in. "Winterschlaf" is the longest song at over 12 minutes. Again not a fan of the vocals. The best part is the instrumental section after 3 minutes and later on. Lots of synths too. "Zwei Seelen" is my least favourite song, not a great way to end it. This has a laid back sound with reserved vocals. It does kick into gear without vocals which sounds a lot better. Back to the previous sound around 4 1/2 minutes.

I really enjoyed the way these guys play, the instrumental work is steller. 3 stars for this one.