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Millenium - 44 Minutes CD (album) cover

44 MINUTES

Millenium

Neo-Prog

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rickdeckard
5 stars Millenium is a staple of the neo-prog genre, consistently churning out brilliant melodic rock year after year, closing in on 2 decade's worth (one of the few neo-prog bands whose ENTIRE back catalog is worth seeking out). The release of 44 Minutes is notable for an additional reason however, the last with long-time lead vocalist Łukasz Gałęziowsk. He's been amazing throughout, a pure talent, very sad to see him go. That said, the band shows zero sign of slowing down as they've quickly recruited new singer Mirek Smelkowski but for now, focus should be on the majesty that is this swan song release with Gałęziowsk on the mic.

In further proof that Millenium can do no wrong musically, this release additionally features the debut of new band member Dariusz Rybka on saxophone and does he ever deliver the goods! His work is liberally featured throughout the songs and all I can say after listening to this release many times is...more please. There is not a throwaway track to be found here, just excellent melodic prog from the first note to the last. This is beyond 5-star essential status if you truly love neo-prog as I do. Trust me it's not just a sax-prog album, all the lush guitar and synth barrages you crave are all here. It's still very much a classic Millenium release, albeit perhaps a bit more emotional and slightly downbeat, something I attribute to the mood of the band given the then-pending departure of Gałęziowsk. Neo-proggers will not be disappointed.

Report this review (#1825688)
Posted Wednesday, November 22, 2017 | Review Permalink
kev rowland
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Reviewer
4 stars Polish group Millenium are back with their twelfth studio album, and I think I've been fortunate enough to have reviewed eleven of them, with just the 1999 debut missing. At the time of their last release, 2014's 'In Search Of The Perfect Melody', they were moving from drummer Tomasz Paśko to Grzegorz Bauer, who is now a full-time member of the band. Also, saxophonist Dariusz Rybka who appeared as a guest on that album is also now a full member as the band have become a six-piece. They should actually have gone the whole hog and added one more as guest singer Karolina Leszko again had a major role to play, even taking some lead vocals as well as duetting with Łukasz "Gall" Gałęziowsk. Łukasz has of course been there since the very beginning, as has band leader Ryszard Kramarski who provides keyboards and acoustic guitar. The line-up is completed with Piotr Płonka (guitars) and Krzysztof Wyrwa (bass, Warr guitar).

It perhaps isn't surprising that a band which has been around as long as these guys, and has released so many albums, is packed full of confidence which really comes through in their music. They have long been one of my favourite Polish bands, and with this album they have turned up the quality just that little bit more. Łukasz has always been a great singer, while Ryszard knows what to write to get the best out of everyone, but here there has been quite a dramatic shift. Karolina has a wonderful voice, providing great harmonies or additional leads, while Dariusz definitely adds to the melodic sound of the band with some great sax. However, it isn't there all the time, but brought in at the right times, which means that it is always delivered with real impact.

There is quite a Floydian feel to some of this, and there is also a real affinity with Damanek. To my ears this is the highlight of their career to date, an album which is packed full of quality and wonderful music. Simply superb.

Report this review (#2079424)
Posted Thursday, November 29, 2018 | Review Permalink

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