SBB-The Rock (2007)

After beginning their long journey in the early 1970s, the Polish group SBB released their first album in 1975, followed by a long succession of albums (ten in total) well into the 1980s. After that, there was a hiatus of more than 20 years before they returned with a new album in 2002, "Nástroje". By the time of its release, the band had changed drummers; Paul Wertico, formerly of the Pat Metheny Group, replaced Jerzy Piotrowski, while Józef Skrzek and Anthimos Apostolis remained the core members of SBB. Following another recording, "New Century" (2005), the group returned to the studio to record "The Rock", released several years later. This album featured a different drummer, Gabor Nemeth. "The Rock" lives up to its title, showcasing a solid style that ranges from hard rock to prog rock with neo-progressive influences. Tracks like the heavy rock anthems "Skala" and "Zug A Zene Mindenhol" demonstrate that the band has moved beyond its purely progressive past, while the reflective and atmospheric "Płonące myśli", the ethereal "In Heaven and Hell", the sober "My Paradise", and the subtle, Celtic-influenced "Pielgrzym" make up one of the most powerful works from this legendary Polish band.