Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: DARK KOSMONAUT; signed via High Roller Records, hailing from Swedish grounds - performing Heavy Metal, on their sophomoric release entitled: "Gravitas" (released 31st January, 2020).

Since formation in 2005 under the name as ASTRAKAAN until 2013; where they renamed under the monkier DOMKRAFT, rebranding themselves in 2014 as the DARK KOSMONAUT. 8 tracks ranging at around 45:45; the 5-piece quintet in question arrange an intricately designed formula of hard-hitting Heavy Metal developments. "Black Tongue Tar" begins the record; conveying an eerily daunting intro, ambiently upscaling with doom-esque instrumentation & heavy amplification. Embellishing on riveting adrenaline, boistrously bouncy crunchiness & a blistering barrage of punchy flamboyancy. Executing a borderline foundation of groovy fretworks, frolicking chugs & galloping meatiness. Meticulously revolved around a fluidly polished sound production ritual, relentless songwriting proficiencies & profusely robust musicianship ramifications.

Consisting of Pelle Gustafsson on vocals; the frontman excels with throaty pipes of clean, high-pitched lungs & rawly rough gnarliness. "Iscariot's Dream" demonstrates creatively detailed dynamism, as Pär Fransson & Fredrik Folkare (also on keyboards) on guitars implement an dextrous element of uniquely versatile vehemence & rapidly swift nimbleness. Oscilliating razor-sharp thunder, organic substance & wildly rushing rhythms while pondering with progressively technical keys in which varies an epic element of solidly vibrant snappiness. "Vanitatis Profeta" manifests with quirky outbursts of outrè panache, towering solos & melodious harmonies harnessing an enriching auroma of atmospheric constrast while swerving primitively momentous maelstroms of quintessential virtuosity.

Powerhouse drummer/additional keyboardist Henrik Johansson establishes a flanked yet sweeping pianist pattern that flows into an electrifying attribute of proggy rock sections, battering bombardments of sonically seamless trailblazing energy & dazzling firepower expertise. "The Spirit Divides" congregates a consistently complex conception of moody vibes while remaining zestfully volatile, salubriously rambunctious & audible injections of infectious bass hymns that pulsate with thumpy precision from Mattias Reinholdsson. Forging a hybrid dimension of steely rumbling, traditional old-school aesthetics and jarring yet thought provoking lyricisms lacerate with rip-roaring soars that majestically portray monolithic systematics...especially in the rocketing "Hell / Heaven" at a lengthy 11:25 minute mark.

The titular track conjures an immersive landscape to psychedelic & operatic metal perseverence, while persistently providing potent representations of scattering myriad styles which revel with smothering relishments of sublime subjugations that transcends mesmerizing tightness remarkably well. "Dead Kosmonaut - Part I" is another short prestige of weighty potential and astounding talent, while "Dead Kosmonaut - Part II" (at another large 11:31) overall concludes the record with organ pieces & distinctively distinguished èclat. Fuelled with modernized overtones, and easy-listening components in which varies with some melancholic soundscapes to kaleidoscopic harrowing while scampering with elegantly exquisite instrumentation & jumpy succession.

Bottom line; I am compelled to say that DEAD KOSMONAUT is indeed an enrichingly enjoyable experience, and is indefinitely a discovery that has an out of this world refreshment to it. "Gravitas" may not exceed all original expectations, but it does have some neat juxtapositions that require pursuits of rollicking rock splendidness. Band influences would suggest a brilliant culmination of BLACK SABBATH & IRON MAIDEN, mixed with ULRIAH HEEP & a healthy dose of OPETH immersivities. A great record that should be listened to at least once! Check it out.