Cross is the newest adventure by this (always) surprising and focused band. Sometimes heavier in their approach, but always tremendously emphasized in symphonic terms. In fact this last part of the previous sentence is really what this band is all about: Symphonic Progressive Rock!

The band is faithful to its mother language, which is something to be noted and praised, yet that same language most probably creates a huge barrier that not all prog lovers dare to accept and so a (probably) large slice of the possible listeners are unfortunately lost (for their own loss, really) and the true capability and brilliance of this Russian band is somehow underdogged , and this is a crime on its own…
As always, the band induces a major dose of classical reminiscences in their music, obviously and especially mused by the classic Russian composers. Then Little Tragedies add a symphonic tapestry that sometimes seems inspired in anglo-saxon leanings (from Genesis to Yes to England) and other times seems more Italian sympho school inspired. The result is always catchy and highly technical, imposing changes of rhythm (from heavier to very calm and melodic) abound. Each and every track interprets these principles, to which the band is always committed and faithful. The singing is eloquent and sometimes dramatic, though I cannot really follow when not accompanied by the translated to English booklet that the label has been kind enough to deliver (thanks for that MALS!!).