Andrew Rousssak is a pianist, composer and keyboard player from Karlsruhe, Germany who offers Progressive sounds halfway between Rock and Metal. The new album “Crossing The Line” was released on November 05, 2021 via Melodic Revolution Records and contains 7 long-running tracks. All the pieces are entirely composed by Andrew, except for the final suite by J.Ph. Rameau, and the artist plays and programs all the instruments as well as takes care of the vocals. The opening track “Invisible Killer” begins with pompous orchestrations to which is added the rhythm session and massive guitar riffs. The keyboards are immediately protagonists with a synth solo, while the continuous tempo changes are an added value for the sound, of heavy Prog stempo with forays into Metal. The vocal alternates solo and other choral parts, and the track develops by exploring various horizons of the Prog. The keyboard solo inserts and the development of the instrumental sections are elaborated and add quality to the piece. The second is the title track “Crossing The Line” which begins with dreamy piano melodies, which are transformed into an intricate interweaving of keyboards and guitar. The rhythm is tight and the succession of keyboard and guitar solo inserts then enhance Andrew’s technique, between virtuosity and symphonic openings. A valuable track of Heavy Prog that flows into quality Metal, enriched by continuous tempo changes and elaborate and refined sounds. “Against The Tide” follows the Neo Prog sounds, with a good vocal rehearsal and the guitar in evidence in the first part. In the central part the track is constantly evolving alternating accelerations and a more symphonic section of piano and voice, to then increase the intensity in the final and close. We are in the central part of the album with “Nation For Sale” characterized by an ever-changing intricate structure. The more symphonic sounds blend with Andrew’s valuable virtuosity, giving life to an intense and entirely instrumental piece. The keyboards are at the center of the sound and the artist alternates them with ease and technique, with long solo textures and a good mixture with the guitar. A background keyboard and a softer guitar open “Daily Lies” and then evolve into a 70s-style prog with a vocal that alternates solo and choral passages. Good instrumental textures with the synth offering a solo at the beginning of the second part, the vocal returns for the last verses and the track closes with the acoustic guitar and keyboards. “Just One Life” after a short intro the track develops between accelerations and symphonic openings, with a warm and expressive and sometimes choral vocal. The second part of the piece is more incisive than the first, more elaborate and with involving passages and a good instrumental section. The album closes with the longest track “Suite en la Gavotte et six Doubles” composed by J.Ph. Rameau. A suite of classical music that the artist proposes in a modern key, managing to recreate the atmospheres of the time with a Progressive touch that recalls the tracks of the 70s. This version is very interesting, a refined choice that follows the progressive bands of the golden era that often re-proposed rearranged classical music suites. A good album, where Andrew’s keyboard technique is enhanced by the elaborate and very intense compositions. In my humble opinion the drum sounds are a little cold and less incisive than the other instruments that bind perfectly instead. Sung and instrumental tracks alternate pleasantly, making this listening pleasant from the beginning to the end, ending with an excellent suite of classical music in the Prog version. Halfway between Symphonic Prog and Prog Metal is a good album, which by enhancing the drumming more would increase its already good quality.
Tracklist
01. Invisible Killer (09:21)
02. Crossing The Line (07:26)
03. Against The Tide (06:48)
04. Nation For Sale (06:20)
05. Daily Lies (06:35)
06. Just One Life (07:27)
07. Suite en la Gavotte et six Doubles (11:08)
Lineup
All instruments were played or programmed by Andrew Roussak
Lead and backing vocals – Andrew Roussak
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