Metal Underground.com

A newer Russian outfit, StarSoup is about as odd a group as the name would suggest. Likewise, “Bazaar of Wonders” is a fitting title for the band’s debut album, as there’s a hodgepodge of varying elements to be found all crammed together into one space. Although more rock overall than headbanging metal, the album does have a lot to offer for fans of prog bands like Haken or Dream Theater.

The album starts off promising with an aesthetic and sound that will appeal to progressive metal fans on “Angels,” and while it’s more of a ballad, there are some heavier sounds. Following track “Ain’t No Superman” shifts into radio hard rock, and then third offering “Try” morphs into melodic power metal with a prevalent piano element.

This is an album that doesn’t like to sit still and remain in the same sound spectrum for too long. When you think you’ve got it pegged down, “Bazaar of Wonders” changes the formula again. There are soulful parts, galloping guitar-driven segments, acoustic strumming, and even an a capella outing in “Voices of the Wind.” The album offers everything from wind instruments for a folk feel on “Rumors of Better Life” to energetic tracks like “Past Bites.”

On the less heavy side are songs like the straight rock ballad “The City and the Stars,” or the smoky and bluesy strumming of “Road to Sunset” that almost crosses into the dreaded realm of country. Oddly enough for a prog outing, the funky bass lines don’t show up until 11th track “Perfect Loser,” a song that brings to mind Freak Kitchen in its oddity. Of course the sax also makes an appearance on “Cradle of War,” along with some deeper and harsher vocals.

Varied and multi-faceted, “Bazaar of Wonders” offers a nice glimpse into what Russia has to offer in the realm of prog rock and metal. It’s not a perfect album by any means, as it frequently feels restrained and could have a bigger impact if it went a bit further into full heavy metal. But even though it’s not mind-blowing and won’t dethrone any of the prog gods, this debut album is entertaining and worth giving a spin or two.