Cosmic Vanguard

There have been times in which I've gone to a show and I've wondered why the headliner was the headliner of the bill. Is it their live sound? Theatrics? Is the music just that damn good? Space Vacation gave me their answer that night. I remember them playing their first number "More is More," and immediately I ran to the merchandise booth to grab some of their music. I picked out this album, Cosmic Vanguard, and looked at the cover art. It was the image you can see right now: an action-packed scene of speed and power that begged to be listened to. I knew right away that this was going to be a great choice, but not as great as I now realize it was. The sound that the four men create on this album is nothing short of spectacular and amazing, for Cosmic Vanguard is a true modern masterpiece. But before I run out of superlatives, let me tell all of you out there about just how bad-ass Cosmic Vanguard really is.

Every song on this record tells a story or has an original theme that makes it a refreshing listen. Whether it be the humor-laden "More is More," or the beautiful, sorrowful title track, there is always a unique concept in play on the lyrical front. Just about every subject that works for a metal song is here from space exploration, death, attending a concert, inner struggles, and even a nod to Yngwie Malmsteen and his guitar playing abilities. The lyrics sometimes match with the songs and sometimes don't. "Cosmic Vanguard's" lyrics for example, definitely do as they paint the picture of loneliness that that particular song is supposed to paint with its sad melodies. However, the lyrics to tracks like "Battle Jacket," seem to go to a song like "Overkill," or "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead interms of the music that plays on those two songs. They are instead paired with a triumphant, but over-dramatic number. But even this doesn't stop me from liking the song ideas, mainly because there are unusual subjects brought to light, and over-used subjects made refreshing again.

I'm starting to think that 'refreshing' is the word to go with when it comes to putting this album in a nut-shell. The note choice, and harmonization of not only the guitar, but also the vocals just sets this above and beyond other albums of the last few years. Although I know that guitarist, Kiyoshi Morgan backs up Scott Shapiro's vocals and harmonizes with him in a live setting, he does not play a vocal role on this album which is a bit disappointing, but what can you do? What's done by Scott Shapiro alone on this record is still very admirable. The vocal lines are placed well over the various melodies played by the band, and songs like "Say My Name," "Witch Wizard", and the brilliant "Cosmic Vanguard" showcase his range and the power of his voice. Bassist Mark Shapiro and Cubby Baumann make sure to compliment the guitar and vocal lines well will flowing and percussive patterns that not only lift up the parts of Morgan and Scott Shapiro, but provide a tasteful contrast to the melodic section. Every melody of each guitar intertwines as the drums encase them in a racous metal blast that is sure to please any listener.

One thing that Space vacation has above heavy metal groups of today is that they can bring back an old sound and make it hip (not to say that NWOBHM wasn't ever hip). This is something that try-hard retro-death metal groups or the endless list of newer retro-thrash groups should take a gander at. They are doing practically the same thing that Space Vacation is doing by bringing back a classic sound, so what makes Space Vacation so much better? Diversity, harmonies, unique melodies, and an original concept. If any of those bands would have at least three of these attributes, there would be a lot less generic thrash metal bands and boring new-school-plays-old-school death metal bands out there making mockeries and parodies of themselves.

From start to finish, Cosmic Vanguard is a masterpiece. One could name an aspect of a good album and I could go throughout the songs on this album and have lots of examples to pick and choose from. This is not a record that you buy for a few songs, or for the concept alone, even if the music isn't that spectacular. When you combine both expert songwriting skills, with talent up the wazoo, well, you get this band and this album. Space Vacation will take you on a journey with Cosmic vanguard; a journey through time, space, riff after riff, story after story and will lead you to your promised land of heavy metal glory.