Aran Prog Project is a band based in Barcelona, Spain that offers Progressive Metal/Rock, with Fusion influences. On January 28, 2022 they released their debut album “EVO – A Progressive Journey” a concept album split into 6 tracks ranging from 5 to 7 minutes. The “Origin” opener begins with rock-hard guitar riffs that intertwine with the keyboards, with a solid and elaborate rhythm session. The singing enhances the dynamic voice of Silvia Antón that adapts well to the various situations of the piece. The tempo changes are an added value and the instrumental section offers good solo inserts, a track that immediately plunges us into the musical atmosphere of the album. This is followed by “The Expansion of Matter” which is the shortest in duration, still reaching almost 5 minutes. It begins with dreamy guitar arpeggios on a carpet of keyboards reminiscent of the ’70s. The massive guitar riffs give a Heavy touch to the song, characterized by a pure Prog Meta style drumming, pulled and intricate. A technical track, which offers continuous tempo changes and high-level instrumental inserts, with the male singing alternating solo parts and choral refrains. “Cambrian” binds to the previous one with an acoustic guitar arpeggiated intro, to which is added an insert of electric soloist with virtuosic traits. Between accelerations and continuous rhythm changes the track evolves an intricate sound full of very technical passages that will satisfy even the most demanding listeners. Energy, technique, the right dose of both Metal and Prog this is one of the best passages of the disc, entirely instrumental and that stands out all the instruments. A hypnotic bassline and Jazzy melodies open “Reptile Era” a softer but highly sought after passage, which has a massive dose of Jazz inside. This band has a lot of technique and this song confirms it, highlighting another facet of their sound. With “Human Coming Darkness” the band returns to harsher sounds of Prog Metal, with a dark atmosphere and a dark male voice. Good mixture of guitar and keyboard with the solid rhythm session enriched by tempo changes, proposing here a more modern sound. The guitar in the instrumental sections offers tight solos of fine workmanship and this piece is a burst of energy, engaging and very well executed, which in the final offers an excellent intertwining between guitar and keyboard. The album closes with the longest track “Modern Era” which opens with a frenetic bass line to which heavy guitar riffs are added that intertwine with the keys. An energetic, technical passage with very personal ideas that show how the band has a lot to say and to make us listen to. I was really excited to hear this latest piece and this album. A band that sets the stage for us to listen to lots of good music both now and in the future. Technique, energy, elaborate passages and high-level plots with the vocals at the height of the music. A listening that I recommend to all lovers of the harder sounds of Prog music with refined sounds and personal traits. I am convinced that even the most refined palates will find a welcome listening here, a quality album that shows how the Progressive sounds are alive and have excellent young exponents in bands like this one.
Tracklist
1. Origin (05:18)
2. The Expansion of Matter (04:54)
3. Cambrian (05:08)
4. Reptile Era (05:32)
5. Human Coming Darkness (05:03)
6. Modern Era (07:11)
Lineup
Massimiliano “MarFi” Gentilini / Bass player, Composer & Producer
Silvia Antón / Vocals
Xavi Alomar / Guitars
Rafa Rodríguez / Keyboards, Voice and Arrangement
Francesc Fontanet Juan / Drums
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