ALBUM REVIEW: Ad Undas – Kosmodome
KOSMODOME musters up the necessary cosmic energy to travel from the 1970s to 2024 with their second album Ad Undas. On this release, the Norwegian prog/psych rock explorers deliver an even spacier and more expansive sound, capturing the spirit of early prog rock while embracing sonic exploration over complexity for complexity’s sake. Drawing inspiration from bands like MASTER’S APPRENTICES, LEAF HOUND, and perhaps most notably KING CRIMSON, Ad Undas feels like a direct descendant of these pioneers, while establishing KOSMODOME as a band that values atmosphere and mood above all else.
One of the album’s strengths is its ability to guide listeners on a journey, asking them to relinquish control rather than engage in a mental workout. Where many modern prog bands focus on mind-bending technicality, KOSMODOME offer a more immersive experience, expanding the mind instead of challenging it. This is an album for those seeking a new psychedelic adventure, perfect for sinking into with a pair of headphones and allowing the music to transport you to far-off places. While the more passive listening approach may not appeal to all, those who enjoy cosmic soundscapes will find Ad Undas richly rewarding.
The album opens with Neophobia, setting the tone with spacy CRIMSON and FLOYD-esque sounds that immediately draw the listener in. This otherworldly atmosphere continues throughout the record, with tracks like Hyperion and Dystopia flirting with desert rock vibes, offering a touch of grit to their cosmic jams. Unlike many modern prog revivalists, KOSMODOME harken back to a time when progressive rock was more about creating sweeping emotional and atmospheric shifts than showcasing instrumental virtuosity.
A standout track, Obsternasig, clocks in at five-and-a-half minutes and is delightfully drenched in echoed, fuzzy guitar riffs by Sturle Sandvik and Erlend Nord. It’s a track where drummer Severin Sandvik truly shines, taking centre stage with a powerful, rhythmic performance. Turmoil follows, offering a haunting journey through the cosmos with the band embarking on a nonstop instrumental voyage. The interplay between the bass, guitars, and drums is masterful, creating a jam that feels both loose and purposeful, with each player making their instrument an integral part of the experience.
KOSMODOME close out Ad Undas with the aptly titled Fatigue, though ironically, the band show no signs of exhaustion. Instead, the album feels enduring, charming, and even a bit quirky. The tempos remain high, the guitars continue to wreak havoc, and the energy never lets up from start to finish. Designed to flow continuously, the record maintains a cohesive energy, with each track feeding into the next seamlessly.
Ad Undas offers a balanced mix of calm, proggy interludes, jazz-rock dreaminess and heavy psychedelia, creating a varied yet cohesive listening experience. KOSMODOME expertly balance their frantic, high-energy attack with moments of respite, resulting in an album that feels both familiar and fresh. With Ad Undas, KOSMODOME prove that they are a band capable of blending the best of vintage progressive rock with modern experimentation, crafting an album that will resonate with both old-school prog fans and new listeners alike.
Rating: 8/10
Ad Undas is set for release on October 11th via Stickman Records.
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