COSMOS

This is only the second album I have heard from Flor de Loto, but this is their tenth release, and I can certainly see why they are often heralded as being the best progressive band from Peru. When someone as renowned as Roy Z sings their praises, you know they have arrived, "Flor de Loto is what would have happened if Iron Maiden met Jethro Tull in the ruins of Mach Pichu". They have also brought in a couple of guests with both Ray Alder (Fates Warning) and Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot, ex-Masterplan) singing on a song each. I know they are often stated to be a prog folk band, and that may well be the case with the earlier albums (which I have not heard), but these days the word "metal" needs to be added somewhere in there, and one can certainly see where Roy Z is coming from with his statement, which is wonderfully accurate.

Most of the album is in Spanish, but one soon treats the vocals as an additional over the top instrument as the band crunches along, with the flute being an essential part of the overall sound as the band switches tempos and styles throughout, the result being an immersive attack as one never knows what is going to happen next. They can be metal guitar led at some points, acoustic at others, and there are times when the flute, keyboards and guitar are seamlessly following the same intricate melodies to create something quiet special. I am sure the addition of the two guest singers will bring more listeners to the table, but Alonso Herrera is a great singer with a nice edge, and I don't really feel the need for the guests. It is never challenging, always melodic and in your face, and while immediate is also a grower. For various reasons I ended up listening to this album far more than I normally would before writing a review and I am glad I did as it was those additional plays which really got me tuned into what is a wonderful piece of work which is well worthy of investigation by those into prog metal with folk elements.

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