Pospolite Ruszenie - Pospolite Ruszenie

Published Thursday 21st May 2015
Pospolite Ruszenie - Pospolite Ruszenie
Pospolite Ruszenie - Pospolite Ruszenie

STYLE: Rock
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 155436-22882
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Ian Webber

There cannot be many situations where heavy rock meets Polish Mediaeval, Renaissance and Baroque melodies. This is, however, a summary of the eclectic mix to be found on 'Pospolite Ruszenie'. Opening with a reflection on Psalm 29, a bagpipe drone is overtaken by authentic heavy rock riffs counterpointed with an almost jig-and-reel melody. Once you have your head around this union you are then greeted with a chorus of guttural growls. The next two tracks are a little lighter, featuring jazz and folk influences with violins prominent in the mix. A clean baritone vocal accompanies the music drawing the listener back to a bygone age. The group is clearly versatile and shifts from one style to another but not always without jarring. "Let Us Clap Our Hands In Harmony" is an example where every phrase fits together seamlessly and the heavy rock guitars sound at their most authentic, providing a progressive feel to the music. On other tracks the quirkiness is at times bizarre and I still have no idea what the horse hoof sounds add to the overall effect of "The Renowned Offspring Of Lech". This package is entirely recorded in Polish and with only the titles of the tracks being translated, it is difficult to follow the themes in what is a well-produced and professional package. I feel that this will be too challenging for all but a few niche fans of early Polish folk music who enjoy their music embellished with crunching European metal riffs.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Ian Hampson in Llandecwyn, North West Wales @ 13:25 on May 22 2015

I have followed Pospolite Ruszenie for a couple of years now, having found them via the WONDERFUL Illuminandi - the great Polish Christian prog-metal band. I am a prog and metal fan, but married to a cello player, so enjoy a broad range of music. I enjoy this music for its variation from the standard fare we are served up with, and find the musicianship excellent. If you do not know what to expect, imagine a combination of Silver Mount Zion and Blackmore's Knight!!



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