Karmic Juggernaut is a project originally from New Jersey that incorporates elements of different genres and styles, including Prog Rock, Psychedelia and R.I.O. The new album “Phantasmagloria” was released on April 28, 2023 and contains 9 tracks ranging from 2 to over 6 minutes in length, with 2 guests on horns. The opener “WKRM Announcement” is the album’s shortest track and accompanies us as we listen with sampled vocals and effects modulations. An interplay of keyboards and guitar over a solid, elaborate rhythm section open “Flat Earthlings.” The vocals are dynamic and incisive and fit well into the context of the track, full of tempo changes and technical passages that show the different facets that make up the band’s modern and original style. Between Prog, R.I.O. and forays into heavy sounds, the song alternates between vocals and sophisticated instrumentals, resulting very intense from the beginning to the end. “Sun Puzzle” confirms the good things heard in the previous track, offering an original and refined style of Prog. Between classic and modern, the song develops with intense vocal parts and long instrumental textures that enhance the band’s compositional and performing technique. The rhythm section is always very elaborate and full of tempo changes, while the soplisti inserts bring the sound to a very high level. A short passage with more experimental features “Psaiko” features a percussive rhythm section. Energetic and engaging, this track takes us to the next one. The longest in duration, “Dream Machine,” exceeds 7 minutes in length and incorporates elements of Jazz Prog and an ethnic touch. The horns enrich the melodies, as do the tempo changes and dynamic vocal parts that alternate with the always technical and highly refined instrumental sections. A track that explores the different facets of the band’s sound, resulting in an excellent point of union between the classical and the modern thanks to the personal style of these artists. Softer openings alternate with more rhythmic passages in “Atomus Camera Obscura,” showing another side of the band. The tempo changes with accelerations and increased intesity allow them to combine Jazz, Fusion, R.I.O. and Progressive thanks to the band’s trademark: quality. Valuable solo cues make the long instrumental section technical and elaborate thanks to the use of numerous instruments and sounds. The interlude ‘Succumb to the Static’ is a short instrumental passage that softens the tone between the intense tracks of the disc. The title track “Phantasmagloria” offers a warm and expressive vocal over an elaborate structure in which the band enhances its compositional and performing technique. A fine interweaving of Prog, Heavy sounds and complex textures, always remaining accessible to the listener who is involved from start to finish by this alternation of vocal and instrumental parts of absolute value. Listening ends with “WKRM Credits,” which presents the band’s lineup in music. An album that confirms all the technique of these artists, skilled in bringing the best of classic Prog atmospheres into a fresh and modern context. Incursions into heavy, R.I.O. and a massive dose of jazzy Prog make up their sound, which is technical and very involving from start to finish. A recommended listen for all lovers of the more elaborate sounds of Prog, an excellent album, certainly among the best of 2023.
Tracklist
01. WKRM Announcement (01:47)
02. Flat Earthlings (04:03)
03. Sun Puzzle (06:08)
04. Psaiko (03:00)
05. Dream Machine (07:22)
06. Atomus Camera Obscura (06:09)
07. Succumb to the Static (01:02)
08. Phantasmagloria (05:45)
09. WKRM Credits (02:56)
Lineup
Kevin Grossman / Drums, percussion
Jake Hughes / Keyboards
James McCaffrey / Guitar
Cody McCorry / Bass and Theremin
Randy Preston / Guitar
Daimon Santa Maria / Vocals, Flute
Featuring:
Joe Gullace / Trumpet
Ian Gray / Trombone
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