AUGUST LIFE play Heavy Progressive Rock. They got together in 2017 in the Netherlands and the band is the brainchild of guitarist Gert Nijboer and singer Bryan Ketelaars. The former is quite an active guitarist, as you might know him from bands like PICTURE, HIGHWAY CHILE/HELLOÏSE, VENGEANCE and the very underrated MISCHIEF. (If only he would release something with those guys again, that would be a dream come true.) With his songwriting prowess and Bryan's expertise in crafting vocal melodies and lyrics, the duo embarked on a creative journey that culminated in the release of their debut album "New Eternity" (2018, and I really like that album). After that a string of shows came up, and now, some seven years later, they have gotten together again to enhance our world with "Passage Of Time". From the EPK: Lyrically, the album is a journey through the elements: earth, air, water, and fire. In addition to uplifting messages, the album describes the current state of the world, where dark forces seek to transform humanity into artificial life. A flow of ingenious compositions and powerful progressive rockers will leave you gasping for air in the end! And I have to say, they do know how to tell a story. AUGUST LIFE is able to incorporate sounds like no other, and have the ability to sound as impressive when they tone it down as well as when they go for broke. Plus, how many bands do you know that have the audacity to start their album with a proper Progressive Heavy Rock song that lasts 12:29 minutes. Well, AUGUST LIFE have done just that with "Guidelines". And to say that it is a masterpiece is as close as I can get. Whether you are a lover of the more contemporary Progressive Rock bands or if you prefer the Old Masters, this song will grab you by the collar and draw you in. The rest of "Passage Of Time" might not be as impressive as the opening song, but they all still come very close and will most definitely make you take notice. All of the songs will undoubtedly have your ears at full attention, will have your brain at maximal working capacity and most likely make your body react very positive all the sounds being thrown your way. The heaviest song "Blackened Ground" is accompanied by a video, which you will find underneath this review. This song will make you think of RAINBOW, not only musically, but especially vocally, as Bryan Ketelaars has the same kind of gravelly tone as Graham Bonnet during this one. When you listen to the title track you will have to concur that AUGUST LIFE knows how to start slow and quiet before exploding into a very catchy Rock tune. And that is how "Passage Of Time" keeps surprising you as a listener. The last song I'll mention is "The Water". Just let me say; goosebumps. I will leave the rest of the songs for you to discover, but I can assure you one thing; you will not be disappointed.