In looking for new music to review for this site I spend a lot of time surfing Noisetrade to see what’s new.  One such expedition led me to Magnificent Applesauce.  The name alone made me want to listen.  In a happy case of judging the book album by it’s cover I struck prog rock genius.  The collective of Chad Kostella – Guitar/Lead Vocals, Jason Sims – Lead Guitar/Vocals, Leo Sauvignon – Bass, Riz Blanton – Drums/Persussion has created something that is truly unique.

The title song Mass of a Million Suns (M.O.A.M.S) is a dark metal wonder.  Chad Kostella‘s rough-edged vocals lead the way in this song.  I immediately flash to Black Hole Sun–this song has the same feel.  I am listening with \m/ proudly sported on my right hand; head bobbing in time with Jason Sims’ guitar.

The next song throws me completely off-balance–in a good way.  I hear an intro that’s part gospel keyboard, part slow blues jam guitar.  It’s indeed Smoother & I’m riding this beat. I get roughed up a bit with “Fall down & meet your Maker” & it’s like Korn or Disturbed jumped in to say hello.  As quick as it comes it’s gone again for that steamy blues riff.  Then at 1:55 is a scorching guitar progression that blows my mind.  There’s no doubt I’m crushing on the ‘Sauce.

Space is exactly where this track starts.  Floating on a futuristic keyboard & vocals snatched from a forgotten Gregorian chant I feel the stress of the holidays ebb away.  As I relax the guitars come in with a fast triplet progression that gets my blood pumping.

I have no idea what to expect for Hunting & that’s good because Magnificent Applesauce is here to shatter expectations.  A quiet, mellow opening that recalls Snow Patrol works its way into a slow prog ballad.

Where is our home?

This is the question that seems to have no answer as the pace of the song gains speed.  I can hear a little Foo Fighter’s & Bush as the melody gets darker & heavier to the end.

A little taste of Leo Sauvignon‘s bass teases into the rollicking Fight Night.  The guitar is on a mission; looking for trouble & determined to find it.  Riz Blanton‘s drums are egging on the brewing throw down.

Back to back we’re surrounded/we’re a circle of brothers/we won’t be defeated.  Back to back we’re surrounded/hold the line

Metal infused, fist-pumping rock with a wild guitar solo ending that will make you believe in the power of prog.  Truly a gift from the music gods.

Syncopated synth combined with the dark bass & a guitar progression that makes my feet pound the floor is A Song. I’ve lost the ability to even begin to identify the influences that I’m hearing.  The music washes over me & I’m transported to a darkened club, lights flashing & a mass of people moving as one to this song.  Chad Kostella’s deep vocals are hypnotizing

Before you run (you run away) A song is here to make you feel at home/before you cry (you cry  aloud) a song is here to make you feel alive.

This is by far my favorite song on the EP.  I listened to it on repeat for a long time.  The subtlety & nuance from every band member is on display here.

This is a MUST HAVE addition to any music collection.  It is indeed Magnificent Applesauce & I can’t wait to see what they serve up on their next album.