I love experimental music, and one-man projects. What better way to catch a glimpse inside an artist's soul could there be? The project affords an artist the chance to create his/her own vision, in every way possible, free from the constraints of commercialism, sales, and even conflicting ideas from other band members. However, this can also be a double edged sword, as I have heard some strange experimental music that has been hard to connect with emotionally. Fortunately, James has been at this a long time; I had no idea that this was his seventh full-length release and a career spanning over twenty years. Loosely described as Experimental Metal but with several intertwining genres offered as side dishes, "Cosmic Man" contains eight new tracks, and a total running length of about 48 minutes.

The two-minute opening instrumental, "Quantum Eraser" opens the album. A soft and delicate but oh-so trippy sound is immediately established. Dissonant chord progressions, and eerie programming keep this far in left field. "Cold Souls" has a nasty and biting entrance, with some Death vocals and a psychedelic riff. But about a minute in, the mood improves and a melodious passage with clean vocals ensues. The stark lyrics in the chorus sum up the sound pretty nicely as "cold souls bear no fruit...trees of life cut at the roots." The track is ever-shifting. For the final two minutes it slows and keyboard notes that sound like bells ring in the background; a final lament for the lost souls. "Death is the Portal" is an eight-minute song. Do I pick up on a little Rob Zombie and Trent Reznor influence? It has that 70's classic feel at times and the rhythms are much more traditional. Those heavy vibrato-laden keys certainly support that ode as well. Like something from THE DOORS. The paradox of the title can be summed with the lyric line "death is the portal to become immortal." Some of the twin guitar harmonies over the riff have an IRON MAIDEN feeling to it. This song really has some depth.

"Neon Ghoul Ride" is about a mind trip of sorts...a journey through past and present full of your skeletons and your fears...or places of altered-perceptions. It definitely fits the theme of the album and the outer-word sound. With clean vocals and trippy keyboards, you'll hear no Black Metal here. It is dark, heavy, gloomy and frightening, but with a retro sound. The pacing is quick as well, which keeps the mystery of what is behind the "doors to perception" hidden. "Space Horse" is a seven-minute instrumental. You need look no further than the title to get a sense of the sound here. At first, it sounds like something you might have heard on an IRON MAIDEN album. The influence is noteworthy. But there is more going on here as the riffs change and the chords explore areas untouched so far. It's a thunderous piece that is compelling in many ways. It's not overly complex so the entire song from start to finish is just so enjoyable to listen to.

"Running away from the Circus" it a great metaphor for mediocre existence or a failed life. All of us have fears and doubts, routines that we sometimes wonder if they will ever matter in the long run. Being part of a circus is an inherent way finding solace with other cast-outs when you feel that way about yourself. Listen to the lyrics here and you will understand: "Every day is a nightmare...culminating in the show...the ringmaster cracks his whip (his top hat hiding his horns)...the performers laugh nervously...the crowd jeer in content...I envy the man who put his head in the hungry lion's mouth." That creeping darkness and feeling of hopelessness is reflected in the song very well. "Thief in the Sky" is perhaps a strong social commentary on the state of music affairs across the airwaves in modern times. With dual vocal harmonies and a softer approach, he croons "the man whole stole the music...he lives in the moon...like a thief stowing away...he hides in the pale light." Some heavy electronica accompanies the ominous line "he's coming down..." The two contrasting sounds combined with the odd but unique lyrics really shows even more character to the songwriting on the album.

"Time Traveling Medicine Man" closes the album, with a lumbering pace, and heavy, straightforward riffage. It has a doomy sound coupled with some psychotropic effects, like you are coming of the haze of a drug-induced trip. This album is quite good. It definitely has a retro feel like the aforementioned giants of yesteryear, but with modern day touches from an experienced, thoughtful and engaging songwriter. Eclectic and unique, "Cosmic Man" has something for everyone on this album.