Originally formed as a one man project back in 2001, Russian prog/fusion act Roz Vitalis has since morphed into a full fledged band, led by master keyboard player/composer Ivan Rozmainsky. Overcoming-Up was originally recorded in 2008, but is only now just seeing the light of day. With three keyboard players, guitar, bass, electronic drums/percussion, and flute, Overcoming-Up is much more on the lighter side of the prog spectrum, straying from the bombast and exploring more of a pastoral, even 'chamber' style. Huge beds of choral sounding keyboard washes permeate the stunning "Journey of Possible Forgiver", while the haunting "Thorns of Forgiving" offers up chilling electronic percussion and insistent keyboard passages that help fluctuate the track from upbeat to more atmospheric in nature. Of course, the centerpiece of the album is the 21-minute "Claws of Winter (Blizzard Paths)", probably the only tune here that sees the band dive into aggressive, bombastic progressive rock. Channeling vintage King Crimson and even Gentle Giant, here the electric guitars & keyboards are in your face, attacking from all angles with menacing intent. The song carries a tone that is sadly missing from most of the other tracks here, all of which are pleasant, but somewhat similar sounding. The production values also aren't great and it all sounds very low budget, which I'm sure it was, but still, there's a charm about Overcoming-Up that you can't deny. Overall, this is a fun look back in time in the musical career of Roz Vitalis, a little unreleased nugget that will be of interest to fans who have discovered this band through their later, more accomplished works.
Track Listing
1) Overcoming-Up
2) Madrigal
3) Journey of Possible Forgiver
4) Serene Light
5) Thorns of Forgiving
6) Claws of Winter (Blizzard Paths)
7) Overcome By Uplight
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