ISILDURS BANE & METAMORFOSI TRIO: MIND VOL. 3

This album departs significantly from the inertia built up in Mind Volumes 1 and 2, both of which I consider some of the best progressive music of recent years. Tracks alternate between the improvizational free jazz of the Metamorphosi Trio and the more familiar and wonderful Mats Johansson songs based on his synth and heavy basslines. Half of the album therefore seems to wander aimlessly through instrumental breakdowns and dead air. The goal of these songs seems to be as out of sync as possible with the rest of the group and to get the most outlandish sound out of his instrument. The other songs seem tentative as Mats tries to keep the interest of the Met Trio. Interesting sideline, but I hope they get back on track with Volume 4.