Inspired by the sounds and work of Tool, Mastodon and A Perfect Circle among others Vancouver prog group KOSM have created their own musical H.P. Lovecraft influenced cosmic horror-sci-fi story. Their debut centers on a cosmonauts transformation through time and space, breaking the chains of earthy confines, ascending to an immaterial and omnipotent being. The work of Frank Herbert and Roger Zelazny inspired them to write what became the concept of Cosmonaut.
Jessie Grace’s performance proves a voice eliciting attention doesn’t have to be operatic or symphonic. Grace plays a searing word weaver, like a high priestess, trading clean vocals with growls bellowing lyrics about the physical, emotional transformation of a human in space. Grace plays narrator and screamer with guitarist’s Mike Slater and Erik Leonhard, bassist Michael ‘Pastrami’ Mastracci and drummer Sterling Paterson bringing their personally crafted musical prose to the interstellar heavens.
The songs exude the technical mastery of Death along with moments of Steve Vai and the work of Devon Townsend. They created songs, beats and riffs that build, approaching like footsteps. You can feel the music on Cosmonaut pushing you forward, nicely blending elements of prog, folk, metal and groove into their own sound sentiment. They’ve also made the ancient forest creepier and the galaxy more sinister on YouTube clip “Ancient Heart.”
“Space Mead” opens with prog companions Opeth and the sacred strings of Iron Maiden. The power of the cosmos awaits as guitars begin the story with harsh grunts, chugging along introducing elements of thrash and doom.
“Cosmonaut” gives off unique interplanetary interplay between words and guitars preceding the star filled journey, exploring space-cold new horizons. “Colossus” has a more subtle start, like a song slowly climbing steps escalating and ascending as guitars take flight. Elements of camp fire storytelling linger as the story’s passion and plot illuminate in the flames.
The subtle glistening acoustics of “Wolves Upon The Throne” accompany drums surrounding like a flash mob. “The Esoteric Order” is Rush on roids with intricate web weaving guitars playing a heavier tune.
“Ancient Heart” beats with ancient forest incantations, as ancient memories echo. A song that brings System of a Down and Jefferson Airplane together has to be memorable, going down the cosmic rabbit hole.
The short acoustic vibe of “Fiefdom in the Sky” is folky, bluesy and breezy while “Omnipresence” carries anger like spitting riffs out of a chainsaw through a tree. Guitar notes tangle and intertwine like DNA strands on “Umbrakinesis.”
Cosmonaut’s a unique listening experience and statement by a band unafraid to do something a bit different. Last year they played a handful of Canadian festivals, sharing diverse company with Sirenia, Threat Signal and Anarcheon among others. With more coming, they plan on continuing the story and journey around the universe.
