ProAge is a Polish Progressive Rock band initially formed in 1985 and without ever having released an album they disbanded in 1990 and then reformed in 2008. Since then, 2 EPs and 3 full-lengths have been released, the last of which is self-released “4.Wymiar” out on January 15, 2021. Containing 6 tracks of various lengths, it contains an epic suite of over 28 minutes, offering a very elaborate sound with the presence of many keyboards and the saxophone. The album opens with “System” which from the very first bars starts immediately strong, massive guitar riffs and intertwining keyboards with a proper Prog matrix. The tempo changes are continuous, evolving the theme with very well elaborated plots on which a good singing in the mother tongue is inserted. The keyboards dominate the melodies, the rhythmic session is solid and the atmospheres engaging, an impact opener that immediately catapults us into the Progressive sounds that permeate this work. Follows “W Cieniu Izolacji” is characterized by a good mixture of guitar and keyboards on a rhythmic session that alternates more taut parts with other softer ones. The track is developed on continuous changes of tempo and intensity, between more melodic and dreamy sections and harder ones where organ and guitar riffs intertwine. The vocal interprets the two phases well and the keyboards offer valuable solo insights in the instrumental section, positively dominating the scene. “Człowiek Z Wysokiego Zamku” begins with a more symphonic and dreamy atmosphere on a keyboard background on which the sax is inserted. The sounds are dilated in the first part, and then with a change they accelerate and become darker in the melodies with a hypnotic bass line. A particular and original track, which in the instrumental section in the second part offers a short keyboard solo, and then closes with the sax and atmospheric sound. The shortest track on the “Sensorium” album is an acoustic and delicate passage made up of guitar arpeggios and a warm and expressive vocal. A good interlude that leads us to the next long suite, softening the tones. Here we come to the 28+ minute epic suite “4th Dimension,” which is available with live studio video on the band’s YouTube channel. A supporting bass line, rock guitar riffs and finely crafted keyboard melodies characterize the first part. The guitar immediately offers a prolonged lead lead followed by the synth, all enriched by tempo changes and symphonic openings with the entry of the vocal. The references to the Prog of the ’70s are marked, but the band manages to give their personal style and modern touch to the sounds. All instruments perform throughout the suite in solo inserts, demonstrating high technique and having a wide range of sounds to draw upon. Accelerated, symphonic sections, more intricate moments, these 28 minutes run very pleasantly, making it the milestone of the disc. It doesn’t happen often to listen to Prog so well performed and with such a long duration exploited in its entirety by offering an excellent sound. Congratulations to the band for having created a masterpiece like this song, in which all the instruments are involved, with guitar and sax keyboards offering valuable solos and melodies. Closes this good work “Wyspa Czasu” which sees Janek Mitoraj guest and immediately begins with an engaging Prog theme with guitar and organ protagonists. A solid track halfway between the traditional Prog and the harder sounds, the keyboard cues that offer prolonged solos are very interesting, as well as the guest and his pleasant guitar solo. A good album, which certainly has its highest point in the long suite, with the other songs well composed and performed. The mixes of guitar and keyboard are well built and a rhythmic session that offers precise tempo changes. A band that shows clear ideas and a sound that projects the 70s into the present, offering a pleasant listening from the beginning to the end. A listening recommended for all lovers of Prog sounds with the leading keyboards, but where even the guitar carves out its important space. Good voice in Polish, warm and expressive, on the whole the evaluation is positive, in line with previous albums.
Tracklist
01. System (4:50)
02. W Cieniu Izolacji (4:52)
03. Człowiek Z Wysokiego Zamku (8:10)
04. Sensorium (3:34)
05. 4th Dimension (28:53)
06. Wyspa Czasu (7:11)
Lineup
Mariusz Filosek / Vocals
Sławomir Jelonek / Guitar
Krzysztof Walczyk / Keyboards
Roman Simiński / Bass
Bogdan Mikrut / Drums
Mariusz Rutka / Saxophone, Percussion
Guest:
Janek Mitoraj / Guitar (6)
Małgosia Łydka / Flute