Space Odyssey

Among the assorted endeavors led by Swedish keyboard virtuoso Richard Andersson stands Space Odyssey, whose lineup further includes vocalist Patrik Johansson of Astral Doors, guitarist Magnus Nilsson from Talisman, bassist Marcel Jacob formerly of Rising Force, and drummer Zoltan Csorsz with the Flower Kings. Space Odyssey's first release, the 2004 album Embrace the Galaxy, largely sidesteps any scientific or cosmic themes in favor of ultra-technical neo-classical heavy metal modeled directly on Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force.