Polish Progressive Rock and Hard Rock band ANIMATE, formed in the early 2010s, returns with a new studio album. Titled “Laudanum,”
it was released on May 23, 2025, and features seven instrumental tracks
showcasing the band’s evolved sound and compositional maturity. The
album opens with the radio static introduction of “Broadcast 4 You,” which seamlessly transitions into the next track through an Ambient-textured finale. With “Spirit Of Curiosity,” ANIMATE immediately
immerses listeners in their distinctive sonic universe, blending the
solidity of Hard Rock with intricate Progressive textures. The track
features compelling interplay between Heavy riffs and keyboards, while
the rhythm section continuously evolves with dynamic tempo changes. The
band skillfully develops melodies and layered arrangements, enhanced by
guitar and keyboard effects and modulations, resulting in a modern yet
personal sound. “Cells” is a monumental composition
that introduces darker atmospheres within a contemporary framework,
enriched by lush keyboards and granite-solid riffs. The track weaves
Atmospheric keyboard textures with meticulously crafted tempo shifts and
a rhythm section in constant flux. After a collective ensemble-focused
opening, the guitar takes center stage with an intense solo, concluding
with a Heavy Prog section that highlights the band’s dynamic range. “Virgo Comet”
stands as another powerful piece, showcasing excellent guitar and
keyboard interplay alongside continuous tempo variations. Through a
succession of layered arrangements, solo passages, and ensemble moments,
the composition remains fluid, engaging, and elaborate, maintaining
high intensity until its conclusion. The title-track, “Laudanum,”
skillfully merges modern Electronic elements with vintage sounds,
alternating exquisite synthesizer work and impressive organ passages.
Solid guitar riffs and a steady rhythm section provide a foundation upon
which sophisticated phrasing and intense guitar solos develop the
piece. This track perfectly exemplifies ANIMATE‘s ability to bridge different eras of Progressive Music. “Arise From The Sand”
unfolds with gradually increasing intensity, incorporating heavier Rock
elements and robust riffs. The rhythm section is rich with continuous
tempo changes, balancing between Progressive Rock and Prog Metal
incursions that create an Atmospheric, immersive experience. The
instrumental arrangements are sophisticated, with a finale featuring
sampled voices that culminate in hard guitar riffs. As the album’s
longest track, its extended duration is expertly used to fully explore
the central theme. Closing the album, “Blue Dot” opens
with a granite-solid rhythm section and powerful guitar riffs that
intertwine Hard Rock and Prog Metal influences. The keyboards contribute
a progressive flair, accompanied by fluid tempo changes that evolve the
central theme through sumptuous metal passages, showcasing the band’s
versatility with refined compositional solutions. “Laudanum”
is a mature and compelling album presenting a modern instrumental sound
that bridges Progressive Rock with Hard Rock and Prog Metal elements.
The dynamic interplay between guitar and keyboards offers a broad sonic
palette, ranging from modern electronic textures to vintage-inspired
tones. Solid and evolving rhythm sections underpin each track,
effectively developing their full potential. This release is highly
recommended for fans of instrumental Progressive Music with Hard Rock
contaminations—an intense listening experience from start to finish that
confirms ANIMATE’s ongoing evolution and mastery of their craft.
source: Progressive Rock Journal Webzine