Chris Angels - Gods (Remix) (2024) [Hi-Res]

Chris Engels, now well known to the regulars of ProgCritique actually performs under two different stage names: CEN-Projekt, rather oriented melodic prog, and Chris Angels, doing more on the heavy prog side. In practice, there are obviously many bridges, such as, for example, the almost systematic use of texts by poets for lyrics, the frequent use of the electronically filtered, somewhat robotic voice, sumptuous keyboards, ... In any case a style of his own!

It is only a few weeks after the release of the previous Wonderland that our German friend offers us the present Gods, of which we admire first of all the superb cover made by the musician himself with the help of a graphic AI. I quote Chris: "This concept album immerses you in the themes of faith, wishful thinking / magical thoughts, desires, and offers a captivating journey through different musical genres, from symphonic rock to progressive rock and ballads to heavy metal".
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To start the album "The Ocean" goes into heavy prog mode after an intro to the organ which plays a melody with oriental accents, before a very melodic sung passage. The immensity and agitation of the ocean are perfectly translated in this very beautiful opening piece. After a short peaceful intro, "Brahma" breaks loose and continues in the same removed and very melodic style.

We were talking about a ballad above, this is where it happens: "The Faith", with once is not customary, a text written by Chris. If the acoustic guitar is present, from time to time a majestic theme arises with synths (1’25, 2’45). "The Impulse", one of the most developed pieces of the album, is based on a very beautiful text of the same name by the American poet Robert Frost, in which Chris deploys all the facets of his musical arsenal by alternating dark and powerful passages with more aerial and hovering moments.

Does the Sphinx, now peacefully lying in front of the great pyramids of Giza, remember his air trips? "The Winged Sphinx" set to twirling music until a peaceful conclusion with an acoustic guitar and even a short passage on the violin. "The Dead Host's Welcome" unfolds on an alert tempo and a light atmosphere reminiscent of the distant "A Trick Of The Tail". "Fireflies" is not a cover of Kiss or Nazareth, as the angry intro riffs might suggest. Chris's suave and characteristic voice dispels doubts. The title, Fireflies, suggested a lighter musical style, but no, heavy metal is out.
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The conclusion "Gods" is a pretty mind-blowing piece. From the deconstructed sounds of the synth, J.S. Bach (*) appears without warning! A few bars of the magnificent counterpoint of the German master freely adapted, and a perfectly successful transition (around 2'15) between baroque and progressive rock, between minor and major keys, and "Gods" takes off. A beautiful tribute to the Greek Gods, but also to those of different cultures.

Gods is an album that will delight fans of symphonic prog willingly eyeing hard rock or prog metal. Faithful to his identifiable musical style, Chris Angels seems to me to have gained yet another extra dimension with this album of superior melodic and harmonic quality. The frequent use of the major mode multiplies the impact of the music. As for instrumental playing: guitars, keyboards, violin, ... it's quite impressive. In short, here is a vision of the Gods destined to dazzle the mere mortal listeners that we are!