Time Signature More than just prog metal...

Genre: instrumental progressive rock/metal

The second album by German instrumental progsters A Cosmic Trail, "II: Mistral" is marketed by its label Pure Prog as a progressive metal album.

This is not completely wrong, but there is more to the album's seven tracks than pure progressive metal. Granted, there are plenty of metal elements in the form of chucking riffs and distorted guitars accompanied by punding drums. However, there are just as many atmospheric and mellow passages on the album as there are heavy ones, as A Cosmic Trail draws on other genres, such s jazz fusion and psychedelic rock as well as, of course, progressive rock. Much like the music on Yes' "Tales from "Tales from the Topographic Oceans", the tracks on "II: Mistral" have the form of massive auditive vistas with multiple layers and moods, ranging from the dark and bleak to the more uplifting.

This album is more than progressive metal, and it has just as much in common with the likes of Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson as it does with, way, Opeth or recent Enslaved. Still, there are enough metal elements on this album that, if you like progressive rock and also happen to be a metalhead, there should be plenty of good stuff for you on "II: Mistral".

Kev Rowland From the title it probably comes as no surprise to hear that this is the second album from this German instrumental prog act, following on from 2010’s ‘The Outer Planes’. Apparently that CD is now completely sold out, so if you want to hear their music you are going to have to plump for this one. The label characterises them as a progressive metal act, and although I can see why they are stating that, given that the guitars can riff and blast away at times, but for a large part of the album they are far more atmospheric and about the feel and emotion. They paint a fairly bleak soundscape, with little in the way of warmth, which is reflected in the black and white artwork to boot. Apparently they work to the mantra of producing music that is “widescreen cinema for your ears” and I get that, as this has a big sound it feels that it is out in the open landscapes as opposed to being constrained inside a tiny room.

Their music is obviously influenced by elements from rock, prog, metal, jazz, folk and soundtracks and they bring in twists and changes that create a distinctive atmosphere. However, there are times when one feels that they have slightly lost their sense of direction, and it isn’t as vibrant and compelling as it could have been. It is always interesting to hear a fully instrumental prog album, and while not essential it certainly contains enough elements and ideas to make it definitely worth seeking out. www.puresteel-records.com