Fans of German multi-instrumentalist Chris Engels are once again in for a treat with the music they can find on the new Cen-ProjekT album. Once again, you can enjoy what you hear on VEXLEY. Engels, together with bassist Wolfgang Kropf, has delivered a worthy successor to Carnival Of Lost Souls (2025, see review). As far as I do know is VEXLEY a kind of follow up album to predecessor Carnival Of Lost Souls. An album which for me personally belonged to the best albums released in 2025 and ended up in my top 10 of last year! VEXLEY is a dark journey through shadows, science, and madness that transport you into the world of Horatio Vexley. The soundtrack, written by Chris, for this new concept album takes you back to the era when progressive rock was the dominant music. This means you'll be treated to over an hour of seventies-inspired music. Once again, he's created a pleasant musical ensemble that never gets old. Of course, his new work is a continuation of his previous albums. Do I mind? No, of course not, because this is what most fans of this musical style want to hear. Myself included. Like with his last albums I reviewed, I'll briefly tell you what's happening in the 10 fantastic album tracks and what they resemble. The Legacy Begins - You can most of all enjoy early Genesis kind of music with Jon Anderson kind of lead vocals. Strong synthesizer and Melllotron parts are included! A very strong opener like most of us like to hear. Lucian's Essence - A strange opening with the sound of bagpipes which move into another song with Genesis kind of lead vocals. The strong flute and acoustic guitar parts give this composition a touch of folk music. I love it all the way! Free - Mellotron flutes starts the track. With again a sound which is early Genesis with Jon Anderson on lead vocals. Very well done if I may say so! The Cabin - You can enjoy a Pink Floyd (Shine On You Crazy Diamond) kind of synthesizer sound at the start of this compositions before it moves into the musical direction of early Genesis with beautiful Mellotron and synthesizer parts. A great combination! The First Offering - Nice up tempo tune with a great synthesizer solo and Yes kind of vocals. Even the Dutch band Kayak comes to mind for a moment. What a great up tempo tune this is! Torn - Most of all early Genesis is what you can hear music wise. Most of all you can enjoy excellent Genesis type organ parts, think about The Knife. I love it! Reminiscence - A short mellow instrumental track mainly performed on the acoustic guitar. Some keyboards can be heard towards the end. A bit of Steve Hackett. Beautiful done! Mary - Genesis kind of music with Peter Gabriel kind of vocals which later on gets company by some strong female vocals. Great guitar and keyboard parts are included! Again excellently done! The Hollow Sleep - Again the great Genesis sound of the seventies with a great synth solo and great guitar parts as well. A beautiful climax is included with excellent Mellotron parts which ends abruptly with the sound of the piano. Cleverly done! The Escape - A bombastic opening which sounds like a Lord Of The Rings soundtrack. Brass, flute, timpani and cellos samples makes it all possible. Excellent rock music follows which includes strong vocal parts next to strong synthesizer and Mellotron parts. Highlight of the song is without any doubt the scary and creepy voice of Horatio Vexley towards the end. Accompanied by some creepy music as well . What a way to end! Bravo! Once again Chris Engels did not let us down with his seventies inspired progressive rock music. This is what I and many others like to hear in our daily portion of prog. Not a single note too many, no superfluous tracks, and especially no fillers to fill out the album. Everything is perfectly under control, delivering the musical pleasure to the listener. This is how I and many others like to hear it. Most of all fans of early Genesis, who likes bits of Pink Floyd and Yes as well, will find a lot of musical satisfaction on VEXLEY. **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
