Analysis. The 13-minute Zona De Illusiones is structurally polymorphous, multi-sectional in construction and is full of unusual features, showcasing the further increase of Cast's ambitions in the field of brave experiments. The quite peaceful interplay between piano and flute in the intro is soon replaced by an atmosphere of dark and cold created by threatening-sounding synthesizers. The next movement is a fuzzed-out guitar attack in conjunction with a wild sax improvisation akin to progressive Jazz Metal, which is followed by some beautiful melodic work in the band's more traditional symphonic style. Further events develop kaleidoscopically, always leaving the listener guessing where the music will turn from moment to moment. Aurally, there is plenty of what the title of this mind-blowing composition suggests, although Any Progressive Color You Like could have also been an apt title for it. Nihos De Cristal-1 finds Dino Brassea's at probably his most heartfelt. The instrumental canvas of the song's first half are painted with colors of quiet melancholy, but later on the music explodes like a volcano, the density of sound and the overall dramatic atmosphere bringing to mind a classic Van Der Graaf Generator, even though they've never played Prog-Metal. (Readers themselves please hit upon what remains unsaid in the last sentence.) The two parts of Nihos de Cristal are located on separate tracks, but there is no pause between them, as well as any significant distinctions. All in all, this is one monolithic work, wholly subsumed in a unified compositionally stylistic concept, which is a complex architecture made up of metal and symphonic constructions. The improvisational instrumental Cuerda Floia has common ground with Jupiter from the first disc, but is closer to modern Jazz-Fusion in sound. It's hard to believe these two came from the pen of Alfonso Vidales and are the works of Cast in general. Flapepo should probably be defined as a little concerto of Renaissance Classical music for analog keyboards and synthesizers. Somewhat similar episodes can be found on Rick Wakeman's "Wives" and "King Arthur". Adapted To Your Eyes is a heavy, yet quite melancholic thing, full of beautiful melodies. It could've been another potential hit, but it's only within the grasp of Prog lovers to appreciate it as it is, because the arrangements in the instrumental section are too complicated for a radio-friendly song. Effectual contrasts between louder passages and softer delicate interludes are the essence of Nueva Luz, a very emotional and affecting symphonic Space Rock instrumental with constantly shifting moods and lots of innovative keyboard and flute passages. Although short, the Arabic music-inflected Ara Imp is just compelling.

Conclusion. I have already mentioned that brilliant albums are presently falling as if from a cornucopia, but it would be ridiculous to merely note that "Mosaique" is no exception to this rule. A Masterpiece with a capital letter, I'd say this is the king of all kings to appear on the progressive horizon this year. Cast are currently flying high, much higher than most of their contemporaries from all over the world. The fact that each of the band's latest three albums have signified a change in their style, and thus was a landmark in their creation, is already something marvelous in itself. I will not dare even to imagine the depth of the new musical dimensions that Alfonso Vidales and his band mates might discover with their next effort.

VZ & VM: May 12-13, 2006