The August Engine

The August Engine pulls together the incomplete fragments of a concept album planned by band mastermind John Cobbett — which actually turns out fine, because the final product clocks in at a perfect 45 minutes. Although their entire discography bears visiting, the Bay Area-based prog metal act’s second album gives the most complete look at the many facets of their sound. From “Rainfall”’s folky Renaissance-style strumming to “Insect”’s NWOBHM shredding, from Lorraine Rath’s sweet singing to Mike Scalzi’s rough howl, from pastoral pieces to the doom-laden finale — it’s a real whirlwind journey through the story segments. This engine burns strong.