PARTICLES

As I mentioned many Times in my previous reviews, every time I get a new album from a band that comes from Poland, it's something interesting, at least. The country is burning up with music all around. Osada Vida is a band that comes from Wrocław city and was formed way back in the late 90's. Many things has changed within the band since then and Particles (2013) is their 6th studio album (not counting their 2002's EP). Their actual line up is compressed of: Marek Majewski (vocals), Łukasz Lisiak (bass), Rafał Paluszek (keyboards), Bartek Bereska (guitars) and Adam Podzimski (drums).

Before going into their music I must take a moment and comment about the package that Particles (2013) has. A high quality digipack with a great booklet and graphics. As usual, like basically every CD released by Metal Mind Productions, their care with the artwork is flawless.

As soon as Particles (2013) starts Heavy Prog pours down from the speakers with 'Hard- Boiled Wonderland'. Heavy and clever guitars and a very good riff behind it. The moment Marek Majewski starts to sing the band enters a softer path, to match his voice. They remind me a bit of the German band RPWL here. 'Stronger' is a riff driven song. Łukasz Lisiak bass shines throughout it, a great bass sound. Bartek Bereska guitars have a Blues feeling, which fits the song. Particles (2013) has a modern approach when it comes to the instruments sounds and production. 'Fear' shows us this fact clearly.

The follow up 'Those Days' is a slow tempo song with great vocals (especially on the chorus) and mainly led by Rafał Paluszek's keyboards. 'Shut' almost fools the listener with its absolutely electronic beginning. But soon the guitars become heavy and the vocals (by Sivy)' guttural. Quite a change of pace. Besides being heavy and solid (thanks to Adam Podzinmski drums), Rafał's keyboards give the track some 'softness'.

Having the previous track so heavy it's weird when the instrumental 'David's Wasp' begins only with keyboards. But Łukasz's bass full of effects 'saves the day'. Bartek's guitars are right on the spot too. It's an interesting track, but a bit out of the context of Particles (2013). The next track 'Different Worlds' has a more complex tempo signature and this makes the song one of the most interesting on the album. In 'Until You're Gone' the 'I miss you' kind of lyrics almost ruin the song, but they redeem themselves on the chorus, which is a very good one.

Final track 'Mighty World' is heavy with a fast guitar riff and a mid tempo beat. It reminded me a bit what the English band Threshold does. A good track. As a bonus we have a completely modified and amazing version of Metallica's 'Master Of Puppets' song. This comes to show a bit of the band's influences. It's a great Jazz/Prog version, almost unbelievable.

Osada Vida shows in Particles (2013) why Poland grows stronger with every new album release we get from the country. Particles (2013) is a solid album , full of great moments. This is far enough to hold your attention for years to come, so why not give it a try? Recommended!

(Originally posted on progshine.net)