KRAS

I was wondering around the Prog Archives Facebook page to find any interesting modern prog music. Somehow, a few clicks and another, I accidentally found this album. I have not heard of this band until a few days ago, through some brief album searching research. Out of curiosity - since I personally have a hard time finding good prog metal for my taste - I decided to see what this Czech band has in store for me.

By golly, was this a great album I had fell upon!

"Vypustek" is a great track with how it shoots you into the album. The first time I heard the vocals really surprised me. I am used to hearing decent vocals from newer prog experiments, but the sound and range was quite lovely. Great pitch. "Wolfsgrotte 1420" is really great, taking it's time to really flesh out. The 12 minute track really has some great progression.

My favorite track was easily "Cajovy Muz." All the songs are good, solid pieces, but - similarly to "Vypustek" - this track really stands out for me. I am a sucker for the jazz feel in prog music, hence my undying love for things like "Hemispheres" by Rush and "Red" by King Crimson. The drums and bass are unapologeticly in your face in the start of the song, as well as the thrilling keyboard work. The voice punches through while the drum fills keep hacking away. I was really impressed. Seriously, the bass and drums were really fantastic. Keyboards, guitars, and vocals were great overall. I especially love how the track "K Nejdelsimu Systemu" has a great in your face bass riff that seems to come out of no where. I love that.

Really, the only thing that sort of bothers me is the album cover. Maybe this is sort of tedious, but I find the album cover only sort of setting the tone of the album. Album covers are an aesthetic appeal to me. Not terrible by any means. Perhaps I am just being picky :)

It is good overall as an album and an great addition to any collection. I wanted to find a great metal prog band with a sound I can really connect with (since I have trouble liking the more mainstream metal prog bands, despite my appreciation towards their instrumental talents). This band took that with some cool jazz feel mixed in. More people should know about this album! 4 stars.