BLACK HOLE

4.5 stars. COSMOS FACTORY took their sound to a new level on this 1976 release. And what an impressive name for a psychedelic band. The previous two albums were good but this is great. More complex, heavier and darker. Less mellotron but I'm willing to sacrifice that for the quality album they recorded here. Some killer guitar on this album and the vocals are well done and in Japanese despite the English song titles. They are a four piece, and yes out of Japan and I'm giving this the same rating as Andy from Planet Mellotron who appreciates their debut a lot more than I do. We agree on this one though.

I can't express to you how incredible the opener is. That title track just has it all. A nasty start with guitar and a full sound before the mellotron comes storming in. A beat kicks in sounding amazing as the guitar grinds it out over top. So good! Organ before 2 minutes and I'm banging my head here, that rhythm just moves me. The vocals make an entrance as he rebel-yells it then the sound turns nasty again. Themes are repeated on this over 8 1/2 minute piece of dynamite. "The Vague Image" is just over a minute of organ. "The Hard Image" is almost 4 minutes long and a pretty good rocker with vocals. "Crystal Solitare" is the ballad-like tune early but it's not bad at all. Piano, vocals and atmosphere to start and it does build to a fairly powerful sound before 3 minutes then winds back down. Not bad at all.

"A Wandering Young Man" is also a top three with the title track. It's almost 9 minutes long beginning slowly with reserved vocals, bass, drums and floating organ. How about those James Bond harmonies that come and go. The guitar puts on a light show that requires sun glasses. On fire then the vocals and earlier sound return. The guitar is back before 7 1/2 minutes as themes are repeated. Mellotron on this one too. Lots of wordless vocal melodies on "Days In The Past" and synths too making this one a little different.

Last top three is the closer "Mirror Freak" clocking in at 8 minutes. Organ to start but it's drowned by the powerful atmosphere. A calm with relaxed guitar follows then mellotron and drums before the vocals arrive around 1 1/2 minutes. This is dark, almost gothic sounding. Some cool guitar expressions after 2 minutes as the vocals step aside. The guitar starts to solo ending around 3 1/2 minutes as the organ takes over with piano. Another calm with vocals and floating organ. Vocals stop as it kicks in at 5 minutes. Nice bass here and depth to the sound. I like the vocal harmonies at 7 1/2 minutes then it gets crazy, an assault to the end.

Man this is one of the best albums I've heard from 70's Japan. A great psychedelic record.