After reading the long list of great names on the back of this CD, expectations are high. Gardner qualifies his latest album as difficult, and he is right; that title was well chosen. It’s an illusion to think it’s possible to write a profound review of this album after just three or four times listening. So here are the facts: “Raising the Mammoth” is the second album by the Explorers Club, a group of musicians gathered around prog dinosaur Trent Gardner (Magellan). This group is well selected. James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Terry Bozzio (Zappa) and Steve Walsh were among the musicians that were involved with Explorers Club 1998 debut Album “Leonardo”. Newcomers on this new CD are Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth), Kerry Livgren (Kansas) and Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery).

Although the name “Explorers Club” might suggest very experimental music, this is not exactly the case. As it is, the Club digs into the past and comes back up with a kind of progressive rock dinosaur. The only exploration is done by the individual members, outside of the original bands they are part of. It is clear that the Club had some difficulties breaking up the album in tracks. Eventually they chose to put 44 tracks on the disc, but they could just as easily have settled for just one. The diversity on this album is enormous, from classical concertos to metallic crunch and drum. It is a must-have for everyone interested in progressive rock.