Progressive Metal Double Review: Astra and Haken

Nagivating the endless web of the internet I crossed paths with a pair of progressive albums that meanader across the sonic landscape of progressive metal.  For me it was a throw back to a time I never experienced (the 70s) and simultaneously a rocket launch into the future.  Astra and Haken are both current US bands creating a pair of psychedelic rock albums that weave organs, keyboards, and amazing fretwork into spaced out harmonies and jam sessions that beg for multiple listens.  The vocals are sung cleanly, on both albums, and are most similar to heavy prog-masters Between the Buried and Me jazz sessions.  However there are no cookie monster freak out vocals on either albums, like BTBM.  Haken have the heavier tracks of the pair of albums but they have stylishly embedded it into their crazy prog kaledescope. Check out the Cockroach King to get the full experience of Haken's mastery of prog.  Haken: The Mountain.  Astra: The Black Cloud