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RECORDING INFORMATION |
5th release by Mind's Eye, and concept story that also includes a comic book by artist Mattias Noren, some live band footage video and a full length cd on the Lion Music label.
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| COMMENTS & REVIEWS |
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MJBrady
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Published on: 3 Oct 2007
The fifth chapter of the Swedish progressive band Mind's Eye, is yet another continuation in what appears to be a musical evolution, like many bands, they have been through the growing pains of first albums, and have seen steady maturation in many ways from their promising onset. Some personal changes were proving grounds as to whether or not the band could not only endure them, but the larger challenge was going to be improving on what were some very solid recordings with former guitarist Fredrik Grunberger, now with two cds since Fredrik's departure, it is apparent that the band has all the necessary ingredients to continue to impress with their new identity.
After reading the press kit from Lion Music for this cd, I feel somewhat slighted that as a promotional cd, I am only getting a bare disc with which to offer a review, this being the fact that this cd is an elaborate story that is also enhanced with an additional comic book to provide a visual aspect to the concept of the story behind the disc, I also have no lyrics with which to follow, so the storyline to me is sketchy at best. There is also some video included with the package, which I also cannot comment on, as the cd I have is the musical portion of this advertised package. All that aside, this is a very interesting cd, I have found most of the bands music interesting, and each successive recording seems to find the band moving more into major production improvements, and perhaps a little less performance based.
Drummer/Keyboardist/Producer/etc. - Daniel Flores has developed a sound that is very unique, this is not progmetal, or progressive rock by conventional standards, but it is an interesting meeting of AOR likability, fusionesque musicianship, classic rock impressions, and the complexity and density of progressive music. So it's a real treat for the senses, and one that provides more than an aural experience, as the music was meant to provide a dramatic visual while listening. I have to comment that singer Andreas Novak is really sounding magnificent on this cd, he is a naturally gifted vocalist, and has been a great addition to the band since the "Waiting for the Tide" cd. Yet through the production, as well as a general maturing into the context of this being his band, he has settled into his role in a special way. He is a versatile, powerful and emotionally charged vocalist, a rare commodity for most any band these days.
Again Johan Niemann impresses as the bands' "new" guitarist, and it's nice to hear him stretching out more and more, my guess is by the next cd, he is going to be tearing through some wicked instrumentals and getting some recognition around the guitar world. Here his sound is even bolder and more confident sounding, I knew he was a solid bass playing, and have wanted to hear more of his presence on the music in that regard. Truth is, I am aware that all of these three guys are greatly talented, yet the way this music is created, the musicianship takes the second place of importance as it is very production based material. And that is a good thing, and a big reason why this band remains an unusual delicacy for fans of progressive music.
While I do not rate cds as a rule, I do recommend some a bit more passionately than others, and this cd gets my highest recommendation, even though I am a bit salty about not getting the full package, but I will be a good fan of the band and buy the disc at one of our fine progressive music online vendors, as now after getting to know this cd, I am very intrigued to see the full package.
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| TRACKS |
CREDITS
(click to view performer credits) |
PROGGNOSIS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
(click to view Release Page) |
CD
- Praying for Confession
- Seven Days
- Assassination
- Chaos Unleashed
- Hell's Invitation
- Feed My Revolver
- Ashes to Ashes (In Land Lullaby)
- The Hour of Need
- Red Winter Sirens
- Skin Crawl
- Graveyard Hands
- Say Goodnight
- Pandora's Musical Box
- Those Who Fear (Japanese Bonus Track)
DVD
- Feed My Revolver (Video Clip)
- Making of "A Gentleman’s Hurricane"
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