SUPERNOVA

There seems to have been a very high interest in the Universe, space, science fiction and the depths of the galaxies in the eastern european (prog) community. Not so few a band have explained this, or communicated, through the medium of music. Solaris, being one of them. Ota Petrina another. Exodus is certainly one of those aswell. That is an aspect I appreciate alot. In particular since it is a subject very well suited for prog bands, especially those with a symphonic, spacey edge.

There is no denying that the music on Supernova is extremely harsh, metallic and aggressive for it's time. Because it is. It suits the "theme", as I percieve it, unable as I am to spek nor understand polish, very well. There is little room for relief in the more hard rocking songs. The abrasive edge is sort of frightening and relentless. It kicks and bites and forces it's way into you brain at an enormous, inhuman pace. This might sound unappealing but it is not. The anger or aggression on display is very listenable and intriguing. The vocals, all being in polish, are shouting in your face and comes across as urgent. (Again, I have no idea what the lyrics are all about. The point is simply the emotion it puts forth.)

There are, thankfully, some more gentle tracks that eases the pain, so to speak. Without them this album would be an entirely different, hard to digest entity. The relief they bring is a blessing. Just listen to the sombre, spacey beauty of "Plynacq Marzen Rzeka". That is one great track, if there ever was one. Very 80's in sound, not surprisingly.

Exodus was certainly one of the finest groups to stalk the communist lands in the 70's and 80's. This album, Supernova, is one highlight of the band and era. It shows the power and vision of the progressive rock groups behind the Iron curtain in a very potent and plain speaking way. I think it's a shame that Exodus remains such an anonymous band. The four albums they released are all very competent and enjoyable pieces of musical art. I think it is a great album, for the most part. The more solemn tracks are those I find the most appealing and I find myself retracing my steps, heading back to the Exodus camp for some more of "Jeszcze Czekam", "Piosenka Bez Sensu" and "Niedadawno Tak, Pewnego Dnia". I would also recommend you to grab a piece of "Powstanie Supernowej".

The greatness is certainly glorious but the flaws, such as in "Wielki Wyscig" or "Znów Slysze Wolanie" crashes tthe party and stains the table cloth. While not really awful, these songs are not all that great either. That renders this album, unfortunately, only three stars. The good parts are essential, however.