THE OUTSIDER

Formed in 1992 with keyboardist Manuel Más and others, the veteran Spanish progressive/symphonic rock band disbanded in 2000 and reunited in 2013. Following the departure of vocalist César Alcaraz and guitarist Marcos Beviá in 2020, the band welcomed new vocalist Alba Hernández and guitarist Juanjo Herrera. Their new album, "The Outsider," released in 2025, is now available on Astronomy Recording Music in Spain.

This album, completed with a fresh start following a lineup change, is, as announced from the beginning, a conceptual rock opera spanning two CDs and almost 100 minutes in total. While previous works have focused on Marillion-style neo- prog-rock, leveraging César's vocal quality to portray subtle shifts in emotion, this album takes a radical turn, featuring Alba's natural, clear, and beautiful voice, evolving into a refreshing classic symphonic-melodic rock sound reminiscent of Magenta/Karnataka.

Occasional touches of electronica hint at the experimentalism of their debut and the current trend toward post-rock. Some tracks also feature live string and brass instruments performed by guests in addition to the band members. The acoustic arrangements and diverse keyboard work add a grand scale to Numen's signature sound, which intertwines melancholic melancholy and fantasy. Despite its length, the album never slows down, masterfully incorporating the contrast between light and dark to create a dramatic fluidity. Its well-crafted structure exudes the experience of a veteran, making it a masterpiece, undoubtedly representative of the symphonic progressive of 2025. Marillion's Steve Rothery also makes a guest appearance on "White Lies." An essential album.

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