Blood is album number three from OSI, the ongoing occasional collaboration of keyboardist/singer KEVIN MOORE (formerly of DREAM THEATER) and guitarist JIM MATHEOS (longtime leader of FATES WARNING). What’s been interesting about this project is that, despite the co-conspirators’ progressive metal credentials, the work leans far more in the direction of atmosphere and melody (not unlike Moore’s CHROMA KEY project) than heavy histrionics. Blood is no different, with Moore’s electronic effects, keyboard sounds and warm voice taking the lead on nearly every track. As usual, special guests drop by; MIKAEL AKERFEDLT of OPETH lends his remarkable pipes to “Stockholm” and GAVIN HARRISON of PORCUPINE TREE provides the drums throughout. (Appropriately enough, as the Tree is definitely an influence here.) Blood isn’t exactly a sky-cracking achievement, but it’s a solid, finely-crafted, pleasing record that’s a reminder that contemporary prog has more to offer than technical virtuosity or pretentiousness.
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