Pagan's Mind - God's Equation

Artist : Pagan's Mind
Record : God's Equation
Published : 2007 Limb Music

Ever since I was front row at Borgen Pub in Karmøy a couple of years ago , seeing Pagan's Mind performing from the bands brilliant second album , "Celestial Entrance" (2002) , I have been one of this bands biggest fans .

Third album , "Enigmatic Calling" (2005) only made me admire them even more. Can this continue . . ? In my opinion , no . Except for a song or two , the old magical atmosphere created by the Pagan's on both their previous releases is pretty much gone. Its not inteligent prog metal with flowing passsages and catchy choruses any more , its more straight forward space ?? power metal with agressive radio\space voice ?? vocals .
The skill of these guys can not be argued , but it has all taken a completly different direction.Perhaps this will give them new fans around the world (or in space.. eh . .) , I sure hope so . But this train has left the station for me , Im hoping for a change of direction again next time around.

Homepage : http://www.pagansmind.com/

4\10 ("Celestial Entrance" + "Enigmatic Calling" 10\10)

Novembers Doom - The Novella Reservoir

Artist : Novembers Doom
Record : The Novella Reservoir
Published : 2007 The End

This one hit me right between the eyes , acoustic guitars , brutal death growls , clean vocal , majestic passages , I love it !

So , if you like your death metal filled with progressive twists , clean vocal , acoustic guitars and superb production , well , this is as good as it gets ( If your band is not called Opeth that is . . .)

These guys has been making music since 1989 , so they have been around for quite a while . In my opinion they have never released a weak album , but This years release is in a class of its own . I think you get the picture , its simply a must buy for any fan of this genre

Homepage : http://www.novembersdoom.com

8\10

Riverside - Rapid Eye Movement

Artist : Riverside
Record : Rapid Eye Movement
Published : 2007 Inside out


Mariusz Duda and his Riverside returns with "Rapid Eye Movement" . Can these Polish prog metal wonderboys continue what they gave us on "Out of myself " and "Second life syndrom" ?

Yes and No . Its still great music , these guys know how to come up with inteligent , melodic and cathy prog metal.But to be honest I think their previous efforts are better than this years release.And with Porcupine Tree's new album in mind , Riverside end up being second best in class this time around . Its a good album , and it might grow and get better in time , but for now its a little disapointing .

If you are new to Riverside , I recommend you get "Out of Myself" and "Second life Syndrom" first .

Homepage : http://www.riverside.art.pl/eng/main.html

6\10 ("out of myself" 9\10 - "Second Life Syndrom" 9\10)

Winds - Prominence and demise

Artist : Winds
Record : Prominence and Demise
Published : 2007 The End Records


Complex prog music with experienced musicans sometimes leads to total overkill , "Lets pour out all we have on one album just to show how technical skilled we are" . . . .


And . . . it is damn good to hear that this is not the case at all here . Complex prog music , yes , but its done with both mind and heart , this album is catchy , melodic , interesting , suprising , its just simply great . Different vocalists \ vocalist styles also makes it even more interesting . And the great Dan Swanø also appears here (I know , I buy everything with his name on blindfolded . . . but dont let that scare you..)And Hellhammer sure know how to handle those drums . . . \m/


Recording Line-Up:

Lars E. Si (Age of Silence, ex-Khold, Tulus) - Vocals
Carl August Tidemann - Guitars
Andy Winter (Age of Silence) - Piano, keyboards
Hellhammer (Age of Silence, Arcturus, ex-The Kovenant, Mayhem) - Drums

Session members:

Four esteemed guests:
Agnete M. Kirkevaag – Soprano Voices (Madder Mortem)
Lars Nedland – Alto Voices (Age of Silence, Borknagar, Solefald)
Dan Swanö– Tenor Voices (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale, Second Sky, ex. Bloodbath)
Øystein Moe – Bass (ex. Tritonus, Ulver)

Also appearing from the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra:

Andre Orvik – First Violin
Vegard Johnsen – Second Violin
Dorthe Dreier – Viola
Hans Josef Groh – Cello

Go get it !

8\10

Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

Artist : Dream Theater
Record : Systematic Chaos
Published : 2007 Roadrunner

Lets face it , "Octavarium" was ok , but nothing more.So what about this years release from the American (+ 1 Canadian) gods of Prog Metal ?

Mike Portnoy stated the following before releasing the album : "This album will be full of what our fans enjoy, the big epics, crushing riffs and all the stuff that made Dream Theater big, this album will be enjoyed by all our fans." And . . . . . the best drummer in the world is absolutly correct , Dream Theater is back on track after 2005's "Octavarium" , wich was rather disapointing , it was ok , but I allways felt that they could do sooo much better , and they certainly could , this years album is solid proof of that ! Yes Sir , big epics (In the presence of enemies ) , crushing rifs (John Petrucci , Guitar hero of all guitar hero's , Yngvie who ?) , Insane Drumming (Mike Portnoy - this guy is unbelivable , and he can sing too) , Fantastic use of keyboards (Jordan Rudess is a pure genious , and he looks like one too....) Steady bass as allways (John Myung , quiet and laid back as allways , but in full control of his instrument) and last but not least , James Labrie , wich in my opinion sometimes has been the weak point of this great band , is doing a fantastic job , using his voice with passion and power to melt in with the flow of the album.

Highly recommended for all fans of music ! !

Homepage : http://www.dreamtheater.net/

9\10

Symphony X - Paradise Lost

Artist : Symphony X
Record : Paradise Lost
Published : 2007 Inside Out

After the intro , "Oculus ex inferni" , Symphony X goes to work and takes no prisoners , this is high class Prog metal with the Powerful voice of the mighty Russell Allen and the technical skills of Guitar hero Michael Romeo , Bring it on !

One great track is followed by the next , this album has no weak points at all . Great melody , killer riffs , Its heavy and dark , the drumming is insane and the keyboards are used to create a fantastic atmosphere , and if that is not enough , you have one of the best metal vocalist's around performing at his best.This is one of Symphony X's best releases up to this date , and its one of this years best prog metal albums , together with Circus Maximus.

And the artwork , fantastic , check out the homepage , link below.

Enough said , go get it !

Homepage : http://www.symphonyx.com/index2.html

8\10

Circus Maximus - Isolate

Artist : Circus Maximus
Record : Isolate
Published : Frontiers 2007

Circus Maximus debut album "the 1st chapter" from 2005 was in my mind the best prog metal debut since Dream Theaters "When dream and day unite". So what about the new release from our young Norwegian friends ?

Not very difficult to answer , the guys carry on from where they left with the first chapter , and makes a logical follow up . Heavy riffs , great drum beats and fantastic solo's , both guitar and keyboard .This together with the voice of Michael Eriksen , its simply Prog Metal at its best.

This music will instantly appeal to fans of Dream Theater,Symphony X,Shadow Gallery and Pagans Mind.

Homepage : http://www.circusmaximussite.com/

8\10 ("The 1st Chapter" 10\10)