THE OUTSIDER

Numen's fourth release represents a departure from "Cyclothymia." That album followed a very melodic neo-prog vein, albeit with a certain fondness for the British symphonic sounds of the 1970s.

"The Outsider" is a very distinctive album. In this nearly two-hour rock opera, through its main character, Paul, he tells us about a less spiritual and more materialistic human being, who fills his empty life with momentary and superficial satisfactions. All of his unresolved conflicts will lead him to a point of no return.

The music is tremendously varied, closer to the stylistic experimentation of their first album, "Samsara." Aside from the classic progressive rock lineup, we find a diverse array of instrumentation: flutes, oboes, trombones, string instruments, and much more. In addition, the addition of Alba Hernández's beautiful voice, which already represents a marked change from César Alcaraz. And, of course, the collaboration with Marillion's Steve Rothery is a plus.

An album I could define as a mix of "Subterránea," "Brave," "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway," and the band's first album, "Samsara." Many shifts in tone, light and dark, with beautiful orchestrations and elaborate arrangements. With some narration that gives context to the story and dense music that requires multiple listens to fully appreciate. Thus, we conclude that this is an essential album of 2025 and a triumph for Numen in this new era.

The Outsider, Numen's fourth studio album, is a bold and ambitious work that marks a significant evolution in the band's musical journey. Departing from the more melodic and neo-prog character of Cyclothymia, this two-disc rock opera embraces a richer, more experimental sound, reminiscent of their debut Samsara. Spanning nearly two hours, the album follows Paul, a man adrift in a superficial, materialistic world, whose unresolved conflicts push him toward a tragic point of no return.

Musically, The Outsider is a triumph of variety and sophistication. While rooted in classic progressive rock, the album expands its palette with flutes, oboes, trombones, strings, and layered orchestration, creating a lush and dynamic sonic landscape. The arrangements shift constantly between light and shadow, grandeur and intimacy, offering an emotional and thought-provoking experience that rewards repeated listening.

The addition of Alba Hernández as lead vocalist is a revelation. Her voice brings warmth, nuance, and emotional depth, marking a clear and refreshing contrast with former singer César Alcaraz. Alba doesn't just sing?she inhabits the character and becomes a vital force in the narrative.

Equally exciting are the guest appearances by Nacho Mañó (Presuntos Implicados), who adds elegance and musical sensitivity, and Steve Rothery (Marillion), whose iconic guitar work lends epic weight and poignancy to key moments. Their contributions feel organic, never gratuitous, enhancing the album's emotional arc.

With its compelling story, cinematic scope, and masterful performances, The Outsider is not only one of the essential prog releases of 2025, but arguably Numen's most accomplished and resonant work to date.

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.