REVIEW: ABARAX - Blue Room

 

ABARAX - Blue Room

Cyclops Records

The second full‑length release from the German progressive rock outfit ABARAX arrives a few years after their debut, Crying of the Whales, again under Cyclops Records. The band’s core aesthetic remains rooted in the atmospheric, narrative‑driven tradition of PINK FLOYD, and Blue Room continues to build on that foundation with confidence.

The emotional weight of Andre Blaeute’s vocals stands out immediately—warm, expressive, and consistently aligned with the album’s introspective tone. Dennis Grasekamp’s guitar work complements this beautifully, offering melodic lines and textured passages that elevate the material without overwhelming it. The overall production is polished, giving the album a cohesive flow and a sense of purpose from start to finish.

While the record maintains a uniformly high standard, certain tracks rise to the surface. “Autumn Storm,” “Life,” and “Red Roses and Bullets” showcase the band’s ability to balance atmosphere, melody, and storytelling—arguably the strongest representation of what ABARAX aim to achieve artistically.

Within its genre, Blue Room stands as one of the most notable progressive rock releases of 2010, sharing that distinction with MYSTERY’s One Among the Living. Fans of the style may also appreciate PROPHECY’s debut Illusion of Time, which leans more heavily into progressive metal while still embracing the expansive, emotional qualities of prog rock.

For listeners already invested in progressive rock, Blue Room is an essential addition. Those outside the genre may find it less aligned with their tastes, but for its intended audience, ABARAX deliver a thoughtful, immersive, and well‑crafted album that rewards repeated listening.

Ioannis Kaskamanidis