3 CDs Stephan Kaske has had a long career in electronic music, going back to 1969 when he joined two other musicians to form the group Mythos. In the 1990s he started to record under the moniker M.A.S.S, initially to put his own interpretation on the music of selected classical and modern composers. His latest release is a three CD set called Mysteria -- each consisting of five tracks -- which is best appreciated by those who have a Super Audio CD player. Not having heard any Mythos or M.A.S.S albums before I had no idea what to expect from Mysteria. I'd describe it as thinly layered synth pop ranging from some great tunes to somewhat boring ones. But across the CDs there's enough to keep the listener interested. On disc 1 the first but shortest track “Karakuri” is the highlight. Lush synth lines with a frisson like humming power lines combine with a skittering rhythm and an exotic style melody hinting at suppressed emotions. In some tracks there's a sensuousness lurking in the rhythms and melodies, and especially in “Metrosexual Zone” the aching ethnic and androgynous vocals bring out this aspect. Onto disc 2 and the sonics are familiar. Musically it's more dramatic and perhaps a little more melodic. By now there seems to be a pattern, at least for me, that the first track on each CD is the best. On “Adrenalin Hunters” it's not surprising that the music is upbeat with an infectious rhythm and melody of sparkling notes that sometimes reached an intensity like fireworks exploding in the sky. Apart from losing its way in parts this track is wonderful. By now you get the idea of how this disc set goes musically. I'd say that Mysteria fits into the well populated category of good but not great EM. Of the nearly three hours of music much of it is accessible and enjoyable enough, some is a bit boring, and a few tracks go on too long.