ANGELS AND DEMONS

I discovered the Russian band Algabas' debut album from their Bandcamp page (free download if you're reading) and having had mixed success in finding music on that site, I have to say this was one of the better downloads I came across.

Algabas is a quartet of Sergey Milyaev on bass and vocals, Ilya Frolov on keyboards, Vladimir Mikhailov on guitars, and Albert Pogosian on drums. They hail from the city of Vladimir, which is just east of Moscow. They've been around since 2007, but only released their debut on Bandcamp in 2013, with a CD version issued by MALS in 2014.

Although they have been classified as Heavy Prog on Prog Archives (as of October 2014), I feel they are more suited for the Neo-Progressive genre. Ahh, but there's the rub... Even though I say that, they aren't necessarily your typical neo prog band. They have elements of hard rock (alas, what PA leaned on in their decision), elements of symphonic prog (particularly of the Eastern European type, but surprisingly some RPI moments), and an energy that seems uncommon from most neo prog bands. It's like neo prog without the pretentiousness. There are the obvious nods to groups like IQ, Pendragon, and Clepsydra. Then there is the bass playing that is obviously influenced by the likes of Chris Squire and Dave Meros, and the energetic drumming that occasionally approaches Peart's style, and the Russian vocals approaching the theatrical qualities of RPI. Indeed, it's an unusual mix fused with a kind of quirky neo prog that gives the band a unique sound that's not instantly pinned down.

All of the tracks on this album are solid. No filler here. Some are quite exceptional (like The Madness Formula, The White House, and the instrumental Walking Around Jerusalem). A very enjoyable listen. Highly recommended!