[Review] Mihrax – ROX

Since emerging from Germany’s vibrant Prog Scene, Mihrax have always worn their Neo‑Prog influences on their sleeves—but with “ROX,” released March 7, 2025, they refine that ’80s aesthetic into something unmistakably their own. Across eight expansive tracks, this quartet channels vintage keyboard textures, dramatic guitar melodies, and a modern production sheen to revisit classic prog themes without sounding nostalgic. At just under fifty minutes, “ROX” is both a tribute to the second wave of Neo‑Prog and a bold statement of contemporary identity. “Black Star,” the album opener and its longest suite, immediately plants the flag. Over richly layered keyboards—think early Marillion crossed with Pendragon—the guitars weave harmonic counter­points that recall the lush dual‑lead approach of Arena and IQ. Vocalist Lukas Müller navigates the twists between verse and instrumental passage with flair, his dynamic range carrying the tension upward at each chorus. The song’s shifting time signatures never feel forced; instead, they punctuate the emotional arc, driving the listener headlong into the world of “ROX.” With “Intoxication,” Mihrax tighten the screws. The riff—harder, more urgent—hooks you from the first beat, as punchy bass lines and gated synth pads evoke that quintessential ’80s sheen. Yet there’s no mere pastiche here: rhythmic stabs and syncopations give the track a modern edge. During the instrumental break, guitarist Jonas Richter rips into a solo that balances technical finesse with melodic sensibility, proving that retro tones and contemporary virtuosity can coexist. On “What You Gonna Do?” the band surprises by opening with an orchestral pseudo‑intro—flutes and strings synthesized but warm—before a hypnotic bass motif anchors the groove. A delicate arpeggiated keyboard melody leads into a vocal line that feels both nostalgic and fresh, as Müller’s delivery shifts from plaintive intimacy to robust conviction. Mid‑song, the arrangement blossoms into a layered bridge: cascading piano runs, restrained guitar harmonics, and hand‑clap percussion coalesce into a cinematic centerpiece. By its finale, the song morphs seamlessly back into its opening theme, leaving you eager to hit repeat. “Unknown Yet” offers respite: at just over three minutes, it’s the album’s briefest track, a pastoral interlude of clean guitar and atmospheric keys. Here, the band sheds the grandeur for introspection, trading virtuoso flourishes for a simple, memorable melody. It’s a well‑placed breather, demonstrating Mihrax’s compositional breadth and giving the listener time to reflect before the sonic onslaught resumes. “Stench” stomps back in with sinewy guitar riffs and a more straightforward rock orientation. The rhythm section—tight and menacing—drives the song forward, while icy synth lines inject a touch of menace. During the second half, the arrangement blossoms into a prog‑style tapestry: swirling keys, interlocking guitar motifs, and a thunderous drum fill that heralds a final, anthemic chorus. It’s a masterclass in pacing, building from raw power into a lush, expansive climax. “Hang It Up!” may wear its ’80s sensibilities on its sleeve—the glittering, electronic keyboard sounds and chorus‑laden vocals recall the heyday of neo‑prog—but the songwriting feels anything but dated. The verses are punchy and direct, the chorus so catchy it borders on Pop‑Prog, and the midsection guitar solo so righteous it belongs in any modern guitar hero’s repertoire. This track proves Mihrax aren’t afraid to have fun with their influences. The title “Stuck in a Maze” hints at complexity, and the music delivers. Alternating Heavy, riff‑laden passages with delicate, clean‑toned interludes, the song lives up to its name: you’re guided through twists and turns, never quite sure which corner will bring a gentle piano passage or a bombastic guitar duel. Guest keyboardist Anna Lechner adds vintage Mellotron textures that amplify the track’s labyrinthine feel, while the rhythm section locks into polymetric grooves that keep you guessing. Closing the album, “If the Music Dies” strips everything back to the essentials: acoustic guitar, a lone keyboard pad, and a heartfelt vocal. Yet in its restraint lies its power. The band builds intensity not by adding layers, but by letting each note breathe—Müller’s voice cracks with emotion on the refrain, and when the electric guitar finally enters in the song’s second half, its delicate solo feels like the first shaft of light breaking through a storm. It’s a poignant farewell gesture, underscoring the album’s themes of renewal and the enduring power of music itself. In “ROX,“ Mihrax have nailed the alchemy of past and present. The album’s production is crisp—each instrument clear in the mix—yet never sterile. Song structures balance familiarity and surprise, while performances brim with both passion and precision. For aficionados of Neo‑Prog, “ROX“ delivers all the hallmarks of the genre in a package that feels thoroughly current. And for newcomers, it offers a compelling gateway into the rich tapestry of Progressive Rock. Either way, Mihrax’s latest work stands as one of 2025’s most engaging prog releases—and a testament to this band’s ever‑evolving artistry.

Tracklist

01. Black Star (11:16)
02. Intoxication (07:00)
03. What You Gonna Do? (09:47)
04. Unknown Yet (04:32)
05. Stench (05:23)
06. Hang It Up! (06:45)
07. Stuck In A Maze (10:19)
08. If The Music Dies (05:30)

Lineup

Thomas Graef / Backing Vocals, Bass
Thorsten Schlüter / Lead Guitar
Andreas Wittwer / Drums
Tobias Graef / Keyboards

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