World Of Grey the previous album of The Aurora Project dates from 2016, so it has been a long time since this Dutch prog rock band has released new material. But now, nine years later The Aurora Project is back with a brand-new album called EVO512, which is the first of a two-album concept. The notorious band from Katwijk has returned to a six piece with the addition of guitar picker Alex Ouwehand and the sound of the band has not changed much, as it still is progressive rock metal, mixed with neo-prog inspired by Rush, Pink Floyd, The Gathering, Pallas, IQ and Arena. Opening track Slave City features lots of tempo and mood changes, an impressive chorus and is filled with bombastic chords and almost howling guitars, while the bass guitar leads the main melody. In other words, what a way to start an album indeed, as The Aurora Project takes the listeners by the balls right from the start! Follow up The Movement stands out with a fantastic groove and the formidable keyboard passages, but it is the next song that really is the milestone of EVOS12. Have Some Tea, the longest track of the album, is truly majestic and shows the band at its best, featuring Pink Floyd-like psychedelic passages and a furious wah-wah guitar solo in the veins of Robin Trower; love it indeed. The Traveller features another unbelievable melody, and the end of this song is again a musical whirlwind with heavy chords that blow your mind. Freedom Of Thought ends this album way too soon as the end of this track is again 100% pure prog metal at the highest level indeed. The Aurora Project has done it again as EVOS12 is a more than excellent album with lots of musical variety and profundity and I agree with Aad Bannink who reviewed their previous album who said: "Once more I am proud of our Dutch progressive rock scene, this album deserves the maximum score!" Play it LOUD and enjoy! Listening tip: Have Some Tea. ***** Martien Koolen (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
