The Explorers Club slipped in under the radar with its stealthy concealment of a host of world class talent that has combined forces to form a very unusual supergroup for the Raising the Mammoth release. The Explorers Club is comprised of some towering forces from rock, progressive, metal, and neoclassical, such as Steve Walsh (Kansas), Kerry Livgren (Kansas), Terry Bozio (Zappa), John Myung (Dream Theater), and neoclassical pioneer Marty Friedman (Cacophony, Megadeath).

Raising the Mammoth is a drastic departure from the roots of the progressive rock of Kansas. The integration of strongly accentuated outside harmonization, heavy, bone-crunching rhythms, and searing leadwork thrust the band into the forefront of modern progressive rock of the Derek Sherinian variety. The different members of the band bring some interesting sytlistic elements that are integrated into a unique sound that defies pinpointing the conglomerate style to any one specific member's influence. So, rather than the band being dominated by any one member, as oftentimes happens with a supergroup, each member contributes to the overall sound with their constituent stylistic contributions that are forged together to form a very unique fusion.

Though the complex style defies definition easily, I will attempt to describe it. The style has a compositional aspect that is reminiscent of ELP because of the epic feel that the arrangements convey. However, there are other elements that add to the sophistication of the style, such as the heavy guitar rhythms, exotic harmonization, and widely varying musical ideas and voicings. The strength of the style lies in the diversity of harmonization, musical ideas, and voicings that are articulated by different instruments and by different keyboard and guitar tones. The composition is not just complex in the harmonization that is utilized, but there is also complexity in the arrangement of very creative and diverse musical themes that are interwoven with superb craft that keeps the listener captivated. This is especially true for the final composition "Gigantipithicus" that is a masterpiece of modern progressive music, that makes the rest of the album seem secondary in comparison. Though abstract at times and complicated too, the overall musicality is appealing and strikes a tenuous balance between progressiveness and palatability.

Overall, I found Raising the Mammoth to be provocative and pretty cool. The distinctiveness of the soundscape and compositional style are noteworthy achievements in the anals of progressive music. Progressive fans should check this one out.