Apogee – Endurance of the Obsolete (Progressive Promotion Records, 2020)
Apogee has become one of the finest progressive rock bands in Germany’s current scene. The group is deeply influenced by the progressive rock giants of the 1970s like Yes and Genesis. Thankfully, it’s prog-metal free as well.
Apogee is the project of multi-instrumentalist Arne Schaefer who plays a wide range of musical instruments and also provides lead and backing vocals. What stands out is Schaefer’s masterful instrumental work on guitars and keyboards featuring wonderful guitars licks and majestic orchestrations, including the always popular mellotron sound, along with notable bass work. Schaefer is joined by a great drummer named Eberhard Graef who delivers creative drumming throughout the album.
Arne Schaefer’s vocals are fine enough, with English-language lyrics. However, Schaefer’s best moments are his vocal overdubs influenced by Gentle Giant.
Musicians: Arne Schäfer on lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, fretted and fretless bass guitars and orchestral arrangements; and Eberhard Graef on drums and percussion.