2024 (OSKAR Records)
Amarok is a Polish band/project centered around multi-instrumentalist Michał Wojtas, who in the early years of this century released three albums featuring an excellent blend of progressive rock, folk, and ambient elements. After a twelve-year hiatus, Wojtas resumed his musical journey in 2017, immersing the music in an atmosphere-filled bath. Particularly strong is the 2021 release “Hero,” which not only exhibits increased power in certain passages but also expands the lineup by two members, resulting in music that sounds subtler and richer in tone due to its greater use of instruments. Now, fast forward to April 5, 2024, when their brand-new album “Hope” is released. With this review, I aim to demonstrate how Wojtas and company have continued the encouraging trajectory set by “Hero.”
Get ready. Wojtas, unafraid of a hefty production, truly blows you away. At times, there’s a Riverside-like metal melancholy that won’t please the neighbors. Pure bliss. Just listen to the ending of Insomnia, and your living room transforms into a prog-heaven of unparalleled ecstasy.
Actually, the album has you hooked from the opening track Hope Is. Fiery guitar work and pulsating keyboards provide the backdrop for the intriguing spoken word by Marta Wojtas (the wife of) and the lead vocals of Kornel Popławski. A pleading guitar solo concludes it all, solidifying the album’s art-rock essence. Amarok creates music that grabs you and keeps you engaged. Casual listening isn’t an option. Take Stay Human, for example, a track where not much spectacular happens on the surface. Yet, the flowing guitar, the powerful beat, and the creative nuances demand attention. Insomnia, as mentioned earlier, is a tonal rollercoaster. Initially, the guitar echoes Chris Rea’s style, while later, David Gilmour-esque expressions adorn the canvas. Equally tasteful is the dreamy sound of the electronic piano that closes the song after the intense prog-heaven segment. Trail is also of such intensity, with percussion driving the momentum, including an exhilarating guitar solo. Intense riffs in the last few minutes cause the song to explode. There’s so much dynamism in this album.
Then, Amarok presents two tracks not composed by Wojtas, and it shows. Kornel Popławski and Konrad Zieliński offer a style that’s more grim and less lush. In my opinion, that’s exactly what the album needs. A shift in musical perspective. However, don’t be mistaken. Wojtas and his lap steel are good companions in the track Queen.
After the thrilling Perfect Run, an instrumental piece with wordless vocals, Amarok delivers three pieces with a subdued signature, which is quite surprising. Don’t Surrender is nothing more than a standard ballad, a fairly decent track although the embellishments are somewhat lacking. Simple Pleasure is also subdued but more in Wojtas’ style, featuring guitar soundscapes and moody harmonium. In the closing track, Dolina, Wojtas again uses the harmonium, which complements the Polish lyrics well. This exceptional track is exactly what the album deserves.
As for whether Amarok has continued the trajectory of their previous album, I won’t state the obvious.
© Dick van der Heijde 2024