Mihrax – “Medley of a Life” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Mihrax, is a progressive rock band from Berlin, Germany. They recently released their latest album, Medley of Life, on July 16^th, of this year.

Mihrax is made up of band members: Boris Elfert on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Thorsten Schlüter on lead guitars; Tobias Graef on keyboards; Thomas Graef on bass and backing vocals; Andreas Wittwer on drums; and Jan Schöllhammer on saxophone for “Jigsaw of Life.”

In their press release, they state, “Mihrax made their start in mid-2016. Tobias Graef wrote an instrumental solo album called “Mihrax.” Here, the album story and the basic musical direction were developed and pressed onto two CDs via home recording. In the next step, a year later, a trio consisting of Tobias Graef (guitar, keyboards), Thomas Graef (bass) and Frank Zibner (drums, vocals) was formed to re-record the album. The album was mixed and produced by Frank Zibner. After the completion of the album, Frank left the band and the search for band members began – at the beginning of 2019 Thorsten Schlüter joined as guitarist and in autumn Andreas Wittwer joined as drummer. Since summer 2022 the band is complete again with Boris Elfert at the microphone.”

”Medley of a Life,” opens with the song, “First Steps,” which is full of the sounds of a baby making their first steps and sounds, after some cool synths, and soft orchestration. Then, the “orchestral,” instrumentation completely fills the soundscape with tremendous music. Boris Elfert sings his first lyrics, “I feel your heartbeat close to me. In tune with mine; in unity. And now you’re pushing me away. Don’t want to go. I want to stay. Somehow, I know that you’ll be there. You are the one whole, always care. Where do I go? Uncertainty. Don’t go away, please wait for me. I don’t even know yet who you are. In unity you carried me far. So far So far.” Boris’ voice reminds me a little of Mark King, from the 1980s pop band Level 42.

“Die Another Day,” is not a cover of the famous James Bond movie title track, performed by Madonna. No this one, opens with running synthesizers and cool instrumentation. The full orchestrated soundscape, full of synths and keyboards, erupts, before Boris sings the first lyrics, “I am still the center of your world. I know that well. The core of me is your affection that I felt. And now the time has come for breaking my own ground. Behind the door is a new world now that I found. I am so strong. I’m jumping up to grab the stars. No weights too heavy and no path can be too far.” The music keeps a good pace and beat as the over 8-minute song rocks on.

“Jigsaw of Life,” is full of great synths, heavier electric guitar, bass, drums, and a funkier beat. Very jazzy prog full of great instrumental performances. Tobias Graef’s keyboards, and Jan Schöllhammer’s finishing saxophone solo, are worth the wait. Thorsten Schlüter’s lead electric guitar solo is also grand.

“Closed Circle,” opens with more of Tobias Graef’s innovative keyboards. One of the best keyboard moments on the album, as a matter of fact. You will think Tony Banks took over; it is that good.

“Peace,” is the closing song on the album. It is full of a complete soundscape of bright-lit and shining keyboards, that sound perfect. Boris sings, (to the beat of a percussion metronome sound), “Your eyes they look like hers and mine. So much to say, but there’s no time. I’ll be around. I will be there. I hope you know. I always cared. If you’re missing my advice. Just go and look into your eyes. The mirror tells you what is true. I’m in your soul and I love you.”

Mihrax’s “Medley of a Life,’ is a keyboard fans’ kind of album. Tobias Graef’s innovative keyboards are a major highlight during all of the songs on this album. The lead electric guitar performances, from Thorsten Schlüter, are also a highlight throughout the album. Thomas Graef, on bass and backing vocals and Andreas Wittwer, on drums, do excellent work supporting the sound and keeping the beat on track. Yes, everything about this album is worth your time and listening pleasure. The “Melody of Life,” that Mihrax creates for you, is very professional sounding and well recorded. I suggest that you take the time to give this new album a listen.

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