MASTERMIND.. 'INSOMNIA'
(Lion Music) Reviewed 13th February 2010)
American prog rock band Mastermind were formed way back in 1986
when I was still wearing spandex (only joking) by the Berends
brothers, Bill guitar, synth, and Rich on drums. After 5 albums
as a power trio playing ELP type stuff, but with a guitarist
rather than an Emerson, they acquired a lady vocalist for their
last one, Angels of the Apocalypse in 2000. Now they are back
with the powerful gothic goddess Tracy Mcshane taking the mike
and Jens Johansson throwing the metaphorical knives at the
keyboards (don’t try this at home children). The album contains
a series of superb melodic rock/metal songs that will appeal to
anyone from Nightwish lovers to Rush fanatics. With ‘Piggy
World’ they even venture into rap metal! You can even dance to
the groovy ‘Nietzsche’. Both Fantastic Fun! The highlight for me,
although it is tough to choose, is the anthemic eastern
flavoured ‘Broken’, I nearly fell off me chair headbanging!
Finally, I rolled myself a smoke during the smouldering ‘Last
Cigarette’, and reflected on a wonderful album. It is perhaps
best to throw away any preconceptions about Mastermind and treat
them as a brand new band with a brand new sound, it’s only on
‘Night Flier’ they conform to type. So, if you’re having trouble
sleeping, have a Horlicks and order this magnificent medicant
from you favourite drug store when it’s released on the 19th of
Feb. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil) ravenheartmusic.com |
