Dr. Space is otherwise known as Scott Heller, and he's the main guy behind Øresund Space Collective. He's always been involved in other projects, too. This new CD (and yes, it's only available in CD format - as a physical media guy, I find that to be great) gathers up a number of songs from other artists to which he's contributed. If it weren't for the fact that I consider him to be a prog artist, I might have landed this under heavy metal because quite a bit of it fits. This is such a strong album no matter what you call it.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

I love the mellow space magic that opens this track. There is a cool melody and great retro prog texture to it. A more rock based jam threatens to take over after a time. This works into a powerhouse space jam that has plenty of retro stylings built into it. The song is one of the epic length numbers, running over 11 minutes. I really love some of the guitar sounds on this, but Dr. Space's synthesizer never fails to thrill. There is a dropped back movement around the half-way mark. Then a new section enters which has a real driving, almost metallic concept to it. That movement builds, getting so intense, before it shifts out to a new fast-paced retro prog jam. Space keyboards take over for a while, but the track eventually makes its way back to a more pure prog rock jam from there.

Even longer than the opener, this piece is over 12-and-a-half minutes long. Spacey elements bring this into being. There is a sound that actually does feel like a pounding sound one might make if trapped under ice. That concept begins to build and evolve into more of a full musical approach from there. This turns incredibly heavy as it continues. I'd consider this to be extreme metal, right down to the vocals. This thing is crazed and as hard rocking and heavy as it gets, Dr. Space's keys still manage to hold over the top of the arrangement. Space rock and driving metal really do merge on this thing. It's a great combination and a unique and powerful piece of music.

Killer and rather chaotic space rock jamming starts this live tune. The cut pounds out from there with some elements of shoegaze emerging. There are definitely hints of heavy metal on this screamer, too. This is a real powerhouse number.

Another live track, there is a killer hard rocking vibe as this comes out of the gate. Mean and metallic, this is a scorching hot piece.