Cast - 2021 - Vigesimus

(76:38; Progressive Promotion Records)

Track list:
1. Ortni 5:31
2. Black Ashes and Black Boxes 6:18
3. The Unknown Wise Advice 9:43
4. Another Light 3:40
5. Manley 5:16
6. Location and Destination 7:52
7. Crossing 10:00
8. The March 7:21
9. Contacto 10:44
10. Dredging to the Higher Plane 10:13

Line-up:
Alfonso Vidales - keyboards
Claudio Cordero - guitars
Roberto Izzo - violin
Carlos Humaran - bass, backing vocals
Antonio Bringas - drums, percussion
Bobby Vidales - vocals
Lupita Acuna - vocals

Prolusion.
Mexican progressive rock band was formed way back in 1978, and since they started to release material in the 1990's they have developed into a quality provider of progressive rock. "Vigesimus" is their 20th studio album, and was released in the spring of 2021 through German label Progressive Promotion Records.

Analysis.
In my humble and subjective opinion, Mexican band Cast have possibly outdone themselves on this latest studio album of their. This is an album where my impression is that there's just more of everything, leading to thoughts and speculations about how a certain pandemic may have given the band more time to conjure magic in the recording studio. Be that as it may be, this 2021 studio edition of Cast is most impressive indeed. This is arguably one of the better symphonic progressive rock albums we will see released in 2021.

The compositions are spectacular, dynamic and expressive throughout. Just about all of them feature multiple arrangements, with both slow and faster song developments, interludes used to transport a song from one passage to the next as well as more sudden shifts in arrangements or lead motifs. Elegant wandering piano motifs is something of a mainstay, often used in a more subtle supporting role, and on top a plethora of standalone violin soloing and string arrangements are used alongside orchestral textures and effects. A wide array of keyboards complements and supports, and are occasionally given some time in the limelight as well. Varied and expressive use of the guitar comes with the territory here as well, from the humble acoustic guitar given both lead and supporting roles, guitar riffs serving as a dampened undercurrent for a firm foundation as well used for providers of darker, menacing and driving dominating motifs and of course both harmony support as well as leading, blazing solo runs. Intertwined solo sections between keyboards, the violin and the guitar also a presence very much present. Unless I'm much mistaken, Cast have also managed to tuck in a few folk music details here and there throughout the album. Whether these are planned or accidental, they are one of the numerous small details that in sum elevates this album experience to a top tier one.

This is an album sporting so many details and layers that I imagine fans can play this production over and over again, discovering new details as well as a growing number of more subtle features on each replay. Challenging and sophisticated music for sure, but made in a manner that isn't too taxing to listen to either, balancing the challenging aspects with the listener friendly ones in a fine and at times truly spectacular manner. Just about the only observation I have that isn't strictly positive is that I do find this to be an album with a limited reach beyond a progressive rock oriented crowd: Compositions with as many alterations, developments, layers and details that we find here just isn't universally appealing or material that will be easily understood by an audience not already familiar and positive to progressive rock. But seen from a progressive rock perspective, this is a superb production on just about all matters that can be measured.

Conclusion.
Veteran band Cast have spent the four years that have passed since their previous studio album very well indeed, and have crafted what might possibly be a career topping production as far as objective quality is concerned. One of the objectively best albums of symphonic progressive rock I have encountered in quite a bit, and a production that should have a very strong appeal within the progressive rock universe. Besides existing fans that can note down this as a very safe buy, I'd suggest that fans of a band like Kansas should seek this album out and give it a listen, especially those who haven't investigated any of Cast's earlier albums. My opinion is that many of them will find themselves a new band they want to investigate further if they do so.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, June 2021

Links:
https://www.castofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Progressive-Promotion-Records-106620749394991