Founders and composers Andrzej Sesiuk (keyboards) and Artur Placzynsky (bass) have managed to keep the line-up almost the same. It is always the question whether a band can use the momentum and I can already give away, that's what these guys do. With regard to Illusions, a number of things have changed. For example, all tracks have vocals and they are again provided by Mikolaj Krzaczek and that is certainly a very good choice because it makes the tracks more complete. The second, and not unimportant, change is the choice of a permanent guitarist, Michal Kaszczyszyn, instead of several guests as on Illusions. This creates more consistency and that creates the feeling that you are listening to a real band, moreover, Michal is a very competent guitarist. There are also a few longer tracks on Universum and that means more variation and balance, so progress here too. Another change is the addition of a saxophonist on a number of songs and especially on the long instrumental bonus track, which is on a second included CD, this has a rather big influence. Wouldn't have been my choice, but for those who don't share my allergy to this instrument, it might be a very welcome change.

There are eight tracks on the basic album and the already mentioned bonus track completes this to nine. The style of Sic Mundus could be described as solid prog with a metal edge that sometimes gets the upper hand because the heavy guitar chords are numerous. Drummer Torsten Bugiel also has a clearly metal-leaning way of playing, so many thundering bass drums. You could say that compatriots Riverside can be mentioned as a reference, where there is another similarity, namely the prominent role of the bass guitar. Often in the intros but also through smooth runs interwoven in the tracks. However, the overall sound is a bit heavier than that of their fellow countrymen. Yet there are more than enough mellow parts to be heard and the variety in dynamics is very well chosen. What becomes particularly clear is that this band has developed its own style that is implemented quite consistently. The shorter tracks have a very recognizable signature that is quite song-like with choruses with beautiful, almost sing-along, melodies. However, there is room for fine guitar solos and the threatening keys serve as a dark background with a palpable tension. This menacing atmosphere is in line with the dark and often melancholic lyrics that deal with the challenges that people face in this society.

The vocals are often doubled and occasionally Krzaczek wants to lash out by screaming/grunting and you have to like that. If it is functional I think that's fine but too often it can get annoying, here it is sometimes on or sometimes just over the line.

After the first three tracks it's time for the first really long song, M.A.D. and there is quite a lot going on, it is heavy with occasionally beautiful melodies. Here the saxophone already passes by, but that is done in keeping with the atmosphere of the song. Digital Slave is also a heavier song and it should be clear what it is about. A chip in our brain, is that our future? The title track goes more towards a power ballad with another fine melody. There are actually no weak tracks on the album. Worth mentioning is certainly the last song Agartha, which needs more than eleven minutes to take you as a listener on a trip along everything Sic Mundus has to offer. A wonderful bass solo is included.  Very well done and for me the most beautiful song on the album, despite the saxophone part, can you imagine?

A Look into the inner Self is a more than eighteen minutes long, rather electronic track and is included as a bonus. In this, soundscape-like passages alternate with busier parts and the saxophone plays a very penetrating, rather jazzy, role. Apart from this, nice but no more than that.

Sic Mundus has grown and delivered a great album. As with Illusions, the artwork is really great and fits the concept perfectly. Yet I believe there is still more to come and can only give you the advice to listen to Universum.

Music 79

Cover 90