| Mind's Eye - A Gentleman's Hurricane (9/10) - Sweden - 2007 |
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Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Lion Music
Playing time: 74:38
Band homepage: Mind's Eye
Tracklist:
-
Praying For Confession
-
Seven Days
-
AssassiNation
-
Chaos Unleashed
-
Hell’s Invitiation
-
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
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Sometimes, a cool album cover or album title is all it takes for me to like a band before I’ve even played the album. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily impact the score it receives, but it makes me a bit more eager to delve into the CD’s mysteries straightaway. Such is the case with MIND’S EYE and their sixth studio release, the impeccably titled “A Gentleman’s Hurricane”. One look at the cover art, which depicts a respectable old bloke calming walking towards a massive twister, and I muttered “that’s too awesome” and promptly got to reviewing.
Fortunately, MIND’S EYE aren’t just good for their cover art; their music is just as great. Taking cues from bands like QUEENSRźCHE and RUSH, MIND’S EYE have created an epic Prog Metal concept story in “A Gentleman’s Hurricane”. The story follows a wizened old assassin who, after years of carrying out kills on the Illuminati’s orders, is overcome by guilt. He seeks refuge in an old church, where he meets a retired priest and confesses to him. Over the course of the album, he recounts his bloody tales to the priest, who has a few of his own sins to share with the assassin. This unlikely friendship makes for a fascinating narrative, as the assassin has only seven days to clear his conscience before his next (and final) hit.
As with previous MIND’S EYE albums, nearly everything on “A Gentleman’s Hurricane” was handled by drummer Daniel Flores; in addition to drumming, he played keyboards, arranged strings, performed harmony vocals, wrote the story concept, wrote all the lyrics, wrote nearly all the music alone (bassist/guitarist Johan Niemann contributed on a few tracks), and handled all of the production and recording duties. He’s a busy fellow, but considering the excellent quality of nearly every facet of the album, it’s obvious that Flores excels at everything he does.
After a stirring intro, the album kicks into gear with “Seven Days”. Though MIND’S EYE firmly falls into the category of Progressive Metal, they have more of a gritty, mid-tempo Rock sound than, say, DREAM THEATER or label-mates SEVENTH WONDER. Much of the album fits this description, but there are a few surprises. From track to track, Niemann and Flores pound away at their instruments while singer Andreas Novak wails for all he’s worth, but all that gets thrown out the window on the semi-acoustic number “Graveyard Hands”. It’s a solemn, stirring song, and definitely an album highlight; it even has a flute and “warpipes” mixed in it.
Without a doubt, “A Gentleman’s Hurricane” is worthy of a buy. Hell, it may even end up being one of the best Prog releases of the year. Only time will tell, but for the time being, Flores and company have crafted a truly majestic listening experience. Prog Metal fans, you won’t be disappointed.
(Online October 13, 2007) |
www.metal-observer.com
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Tracklist
1. Praying For Confession
2. Seven Days
3. AssassiNation
4. Chaos Unleashed
5. Hell's Invitation
6. Feed My Revolver
7. Ashes To Ashes (In Land Lullaby)
8. The Hour Of Need
9. Red Winter Sirens
10. Skin Crawl
11. Graveyard Hands
12. Say Goodnight
13. Pandora's Musical Box
Line-up
Andreas Novak (lv)
Johan Niemann (b, g)
Daniel Flores (d, k, star, hv)
Review added
October 9, 2007
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MIND’S EYE
A Gentleman’s Hurricane
© 2007 Lion Music (LMC214)
progressive metal
studio album
13 tracks - TT 74:44
release date: September 14, 2007
http://www.roundrec.com |
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Do you remember my rave review of Mind’s Eye’s latest album “Walking On h2o”. Although it was released at the beginning of last year, I already called it one of the prog highlights of the year. Several of our registered visitors posted their opinion on the album and none of them rewarded it with less than 5 stars out of 6, which proved my opinion that this was a real highlight for Mind’s Eye as well as for Lion Music.
Andreas Novak, Johan Niemann and Daniel Flores are now back with album # 5, called “A Gentleman’s Hurricane”, and it may easily be called their most ambitious album so far. With this album, the band has delivered the world’s first cinematic metal triple pack, consisting of a CD, a comic book to illustrate the concept storyline and a DVD chronicling the making of the album, thus allowing the fans to get right inside the album’s concept and gain an insight into how the threesome worked in the studio.
RR HQ only got the CD for review and so I can’t write anything about the comic book nor the DVD, but one single spin of the CD was enough to convince me of the high quality Flores and his sidemen have delivered once again. Of course all the trademarks of Mind’s Eye’s earlier albums are here again, but as a whole this album is probably their heaviest one so far, with still more than enough emphasis on the melodies to assure the album’s overall accessibility. An album of such a high quality can only be enjoyed when you listen to it from the beginning till the end with the lyrics within reach. The biography that was sent to us together with the promo CD compares “A Gentleman’s Hurricane” with Queensr˙che’s “Operation: Mindcrime” and although I wouldn’t go that far, I have to admit that this is really an impressive piece of work. Absolutely recommended!!! ( CL) www.rockreport.be
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Mind’s Eye – A Gentlemen’s Hurricane
2007 Lion Music
You can’t really get more ambitious than this, as if Walking On H2O was a hard enough act to follow, A Gentlemen’s Hurricane is not only an elaborate musical project, but it adds something different; instead of being a mere cinematic ‘rock opera,’ the record comes with a comic book to narrate the story line, only enhancing the concept that states ”Twelve Murders in Seven days. So little time… So much to tell…”
With all of the progressive metal concept albums out there being force fed to us that go nowhere and offering really nothing new with too much production and arrangements, often lacking melody and hooks, Mind’s Eye know how to execute the perfect technical metal record, where like I have said before, you get into it and not get lost, for which Andreas Novak, Johan Niemann, & Daniel Flores know when to place the hooks and catchiness within the lush, layered arrangements; pushing the envelope when it comes to neo-classical/symphonic overtones, yet keeping the music highly accessible on the ears; never losing the fine art of what making music is all about in the first place - the riffage and of course, the melody.
Piece by piece the record unfolds; “Seven Days,” an articulately brooding track, complete with a strategically placed infectious hookline, sets the tone for what the rest of the record beholds. The abundance for other tunes like “Days…” is also found within hard driving numbers like “Chaos Unleashed,” “Feed My Revolver,” and “Red Winter Sirens” where there is no lack of precision based metallic glory. The more emotional edge if found within cuts such as “Graveyard Hands” and the ballad “The Hour of Need” putting the sophistication in with moodiness.
Like At Vance crossed with Sun Caged, the music is emphasized with the songs – complimented by the musicianship with sheer harmonic brilliance, Mind’s Eye have again outdone themselves both musically and artistically with their latest release. While some of the progressive metal forefathers have disappointed us with stale material lately, this trio proves that it’s time for some to just move over and let the new guard in.
Added: October 4th 2007
Reviewer: Tommy Hash www.ytsejam.com
Score:
Related Link: The official Minds Eye website |
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Mind's Eye: A Gentleman's Hurricane
 To me Mind's Eye has always been one of those progressive bands who have conssitently released solid albums; the only thing their catalog missed was a truly monster record from start to finish. With their previous output Walking on H2O, however, they started to show signs for really great things to come, and finally they have put out their magnum opus: A Gentleman's Hurricane.
Based on a storyline akin to that of Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime and perhaps also Dream Theater's Scenes from a Memory in that it deals with themes like murder, religion, and tragedy, A Gentleman's Hurricane is easily their most realized and complex work to date. For starters, the production of the band's brainchild Daniel Flores is mesmerizing, emphasizing numerous textures, thick soundscapes, and a remarkable mixing job. Daniel Flores, besides playing all drums and keyboards on the CD, is also responsible for the beautiful harmony vocals and the songwriting of pretty much the whole record. There are a few track he co-wrote with guitarist/bassist Johan Niemann though; these tunes also add substantially to the diversity of the record along with several guest musicians.
While the band chose to stay in more of prog-rock-meets-metal territory on earlier releases, they have decided to embark on a heavier disc overall with their new album. The bone-crunching rhythm guitar work exhibited on most of the songs is stupifying indeed. Songs such as "Seven Days" and "AssasiNation", both of which are graced by cinematic passages, also allow acoustic breaks and varied sound elements to come through, the latter laden with an infectious chorus by Andreas Novak who shifts between manipulated parts to rousing melodic sections in the blink of an eye. This album is his pinnacle from a performance standpoint, as he opts for as many vocal stylings as this record would allow, from the searing screams on "Feed My Revolver" to the more vocal-based "Chaos Unleashed" (complete with an 80's Rush-like synth arrangement), and the atmospherically dense "Ashes to Ashes (In Land Lullaby)", evoking Peter Gabriel's theatrical melody constructions post-Genesis and a terrific drum accompaniment by Flores to Novak's morose delivery. Also important is the dark vocalization of "Skin Crawl" -- those harmonies are gold.
Johan Niemann plays sledgehammer riffs on most of the album, reminding me of Henning Pauly's Frameshift project (think their second album). Niemann's melodic control and phrasing are also superior, as he successfully avoids falling into the trap of overdoing any of the instrumental parts. On the contrary, his soloing on the album is top-notch and very carefully planned. This album has some of the most amazing lead solos I've heard on a 2007 release. The killer guitar crescendo on the opener "Praying for Confession", a great piece laden with various sound collections (child's choir, footsteps, narration, creepy background noises, gorgeous synth voicings, et cetera), the utterly perfect melodic transition on "Chaos Unleashed", the godly guitar solo on the Threshold-like "Hell's Invitation", and the awe-inspiring playing on "Red Winter Sirens" are testimony to this guy's skills. If you watch the making-of video that comes together with this album, you'll see he nails the solo in one take, after Flores' instruction. He's not just the amazing bass player of Therion, but also a great guitar player and one of the best studio musicians as Flores claims. His rampaging bass work that stomps upon the recurring synth melody at the end is simply stunning.
Also note the dramatic duet "The Hour of Need", featuring female vocalist Mia Coldheart over moody synths; the superbly arranged "Graveyard Hands", littered with gentle flute melodies, a reverb-filled guitar solo that is emotionally draining, and marching drum syncopation. On the ten-minute "Pandora's Musical Box", the whole album is sort of summarised through a mix of leviathan guitar riffery, dismal acoustic guitars, excellent vocals, and Flores' atmospheric keyboards floating across the whole thing. It concludes with the same child's choir that opens the album, maintaining its unity.
The packaging of the album is superb too. It comes with a DVD documenting the making of the album and thus proving how terribly underrated an artist Daniel Flores is. There is also an interesting video of "Feed My Revolver", featuring wonderful animations and an intriguing story which fits the concept of the album.
With a successful array of guest artists personifying the characters, a thought-provoking concept, excellent production, great arwork by Mattias Noren, and on top of all killer songwriting, A Gentleman's Hurricane is one of the most essential progressive metal albums of the year.
Track Listing
- 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
Added: September 30th 2007
Reviewer: Murat Batmaz www.seaoftranquility.org
Score:  
Related Link: Mind's Eye website |
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Mind's
Eye - A
Gentleman's
Hurricane
Lion
Music
Rating -
8.5/10
Review
Paul
Williams
This new release from Mind’s Eye is touted as the world’s first triple pack release, coming as it does with the CD, a “making of” DVD and a comic which depicts the visual elements of what is a progressive metal concept album.
Mind’s Eye are Andreas Novak (whose solo album caused quite a stir in 2005), Johan Niemann (Therion) on bass and guitar and Daniel Flores on drums, keyboards and in charge of production.
The storyline behind the concept focuses on an assassin growing increasingly ill at ease with his own conscience but who is tasked with carrying out 12 high profile hits in just seven days. He confides in a parish priest who has plenty of shameful secrets in his own past…
The blurb which accompanies this release compares it to Operation Mindcrime and whilst I would not rate it anywhere near the class of Queensryche’s seminal opus, this is easily the second best concept album that I have ever heard. It is more typically progressive in approach than the harder rocking Mindcrime, with an abundance of keyboards far more prevalent throughout. One great trait it does share is that each song stands up on its own as well as within the context of the album / story.
Novak has a really good voice and the quality of both the songwriting and the playing around him is excellent.
After a spoken word / instrumental first track which sets the scene, the first real track “Seven Days” kicks in and leads to “AssassiNation” which is arguably the finest track on the whole album. An absolute belter. After the rocking “Chaos Unleashed” and darker “Hell’s Invitation” comes the magnificent “Feed My Revolver” which is a simply brilliant track from beginning to end.
The quality doesn’t let up during “Ashes To Ashes”, after which the tempo and mood are stripped back for the haunting duet with Mia Coldheart from Crucified Barbara. The pace picks up on “Red Winter Sirens” which builds from a vocal introduction and blossoms into another bass-driven rocker. The standard is maintained by “Skin Crawl” and another of the album’s real highlights, “Graveyard Hands”. “Say Goodnight” and “Pandora’s Musical Box” round things off in fine style, in keeping with the rest of the album.
The sound quality throughout the album is absolutely stunning, which really adds to the complex nature of the songs and arrangements.
In summary, if you are into progressive metal, then buy this. No question. You’ll love it. The album also has more than enough overall quality to cross over into other rock genres and garner Mind’s Eye a whole new (and well deserved) fanbase. Great job, guys.
www.hardrockhouse.com |
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Track Listing
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
Line Up
Andreas Novak - Vocals
Johan Niemann - Guitars/Bass
Daniel Flores - Drums/Keyboards |
Mind's Eye
'A Gentleman's
Hurricane'
© 2007 Lion
Music
Reviewed by Dave
Palmer
www.heavymetalresource.com
I think that
time comes in
every good
band's career
where they put
together an
album that will
be a definite
classic in the
genre and one of
the band's
finest moments.
With Mind's Eye
and the fact
that they seem
to have plenty
of fine moments,
to say this one
is even bigger
then usual
really says
alot. 'A
Gentleman's
Hurricane' is a
conceptual
masterpiece that
deals in
sinister plot in
some ways like
Queensryche's
'Operation:
Mindcrime'. What
this album has
in common with
Queensryche's
album is the
visual nature of
it. The music
translates very
well through the
tone and mood in
the way the song
was written. The
listener gets it
through lyric
and tempo. The
narration in the
storyline tends
to help out, but
with some of the
background
sounds and just
things that are
going on, it
isn't really
hard to figure
out. In a
nutshell, it's
delivered very
well. I think
this band should
be on larger map
due to this
record. I know
that there are a
fair amount of
fans that have
alot of respect,
but these guys
are really good.
It is hard to
really point out
what my favorite
tracks would be.
The album fits
tightly together
as one would
expect. That's
the whole idea
of this type of
album. If I had
to pick out one
track that I
like immensely,
it would be
'Feed My
Revolver'. I
like heavy
music. The
guitar sound and
the background
atmosphere of
this song is
absolutely
intense. The
atmosphere of
the album is one
of it's best
attributes.
Angry when it
needs to be and
somber when
necessary at the
other end of the
spectrum. This
album could be,
although not
sure if it will
be, one of those
albums which
others are
gauged against
for quality.
Mind's Eye is a
definite force
in progressive
and metal in
general. Those
who are fans
already know
this, and for
those that
don't, you need
to to check this
band out.
Overall
One of the years
best releases
without a doubt.
Mind's Eye keep
kicking things
up a notch with
each release.
They may have
kicked it up
much more then a
notch with 'A
Gentleman's
Hurricane'
however. This
album is special
and could go
down in rock
history as one
of the best. If
you haven't
checked out
Mind's Eye, but
do like the
heavier side of
progressive and
just great rock
and metal music,
it's a clear
winner!
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MIND'S EYE - A
GENTLEMAN'S
HURRICANE |
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September 14th
2007 / Lion
Music |
 Following
swiftly on
the back of
2006’s
lavishly
acclaimed
“Walking On
H2O”,
Swedish
progressive
metal
masterminds
MIND’S
EYE
return with
their most
ambitious
and
accessible
album to
date in
“A
Gentleman’s
Hurricane”.
Taking their
musical and
lyrical
vision
another step
on, the band
has
delivered
the
world’s
first
cinematic
metal triple
pack
consisting
of CD /
Comic Book
and ‘making
of DVD’
which
portrays the
bands latest
concept with
the
following
story
premise…
In a dark
and foggy
day in
September,
three shots
are heard in
the deep
dark woods
of “The
Mother Of
Presidents”
state of
Virginia.
Adam
Evangelista,
a 53 year
old top
assassin
whose ice
cold walls
have now
been worn
down by his
continuing
growing
guilt,
searches for
an answer to
it all.
Acknowledging
that he
can’t
continue
without
finding a
way to ease
his mind, he
seeks refuge
at the
town’s
church where
Adam meets
the now
retired head
priest
Father
Cavallero Di
Mori,
coincidently
visiting his
old church
and parish.
Adam tries
to get into
the depths
of his own
disturbed
but genius
mind.
Describing
his life and
assassinations
for his new
friend
Father
Cavallero
during
sessions of
confessions,
both men
reveal deep
secrets
unknown to
the outside
world - dark
secrets they
are both
ashamed of.
Adam’s sins
and stories
stretch from
Sweden,
Ireland,
Italy,
France, to
the former
USSR ,
Mexico and
the USA.
Taking
orders from
the well
known secret
society ‘The
Illuminati’,
Adam’s
“marks” are
some of the
most
important
people in
our time.
But there is
a catch;
only seven
days to poor
his heart
out before
his very
last job and
time is
running out.
Twelve
Murders in
Seven days.
So little
time… So
much to
tell…
Now normally
I don’t
really have
much time
for plots on
concept
albums as
they
generally
loose focus
and well for
the most
part are
plain
boring. But
this one
perked my
interest,
and really
is the only
one that has
since
Queensryche’s
“Operation:Mindcrime”
almost 20
years ago.
Anyone that
read my
review of
“Walking On
H2O” knows
that I
thought it
was killer,
nothing to
complain
about at all
so how can
the band go
about better
that? Well
simply said
they have
albeit in a
different
guise, the
decision to
make the
band heavier
has paid
dividends.
If “Walking
On H2O” was
prog rock,
“A
Gentleman’s
Hurricane”
is Prog
Metal or
maybe
Technical
Metal yet
still
retains all
the
infectious
vocal
melodies the
band can now
call a
trademark.
Whilst the
music when
placed under
the
spotlight is
not so
complex, or
maybe all
over the
place as say
Dream
Theater
there is
greater
attention to
detail in
the form of
orchestration,
sound
effects,
voice-overs,
and melody
lines that
are simply
divine.
Make no
mistake this
is one
seriously
good
sounding
album and
probably
done on a
twentieth of
the budget
that many of
the
so-called
big names
get so full
marks need
to go the
production
crew of the
bands own
Daniel
Flores and
Johan
Niemann.
Opener
“Praying For
Confession”
begins with
a
atmospheric
intro (see
the story
intro text
above)
reminiscent
of a dark
thriller
full of
eerie
orchestration,
sound
effects
before the
weary voice
of main
character
Adam
Evangelista
who gives us
an insight
into his
mind "...Death...
death comes
to us all",
this paves
way for
grand
orchestration
before a
child's
choir adds
more depth
before the
band enter
with simple
power
chords.
Immediately
fans of the
bands
previous
output will
feel at home
here, the
trademark
lush
textures,
expressive
vocals and
overall
uniqueness
paves way
for the
track to
greet the
listener
with
welcoming
arms. Johan
Niemann
delivers a
melodic
guitar solo
over which
the build up
continues
before we
hear Adam
Evangelista's
first time
in
confessional
leading to
the
addictive
"Seven Days"
which again
is not too
likely to
alarm fans
of the bands
that got
onboard with
"H2O". The
track is
home to a
simply
amazing
vocal
performance
from Andreas
Novak whose
power, pitch
and overall
delivery of
a line is
faultless.
The chorus
itself is
crystal meth
in aural
form and
will be
stuck in
your head
long after
the album
has finished
(and it
won’t be the
last). The
track then
takes a
brief
respite
before Johan
delivers
another solo
– perhaps
best known
as bassist
in Therion,
this guy has
some serious
guitar chops
and puts
himself with
the top
players in
the prog
metal genre
with his
performances
throughout
the album.
The track
then picks
up in tempo
with Flores
raising the
intensity on
the drums
which is
mimicked in
synchronisation
by the
orchestration
with the
last chorus
seeing the
track out.
“AssasiNation”
picks up in
intensity
where “Seven
Days” left
off, yet
once again
the melodic
content is
high. The
initial
first verse
is eerie
with a sense
of impending
doom before
the delivery
kicks into
high gear.
The track is
just a
winner from
start to
finish with
the band
seemingly
able to
throw in
virtuoso
musical
performances
(just check
out the
drumming
here) into a
viable,
accessible
musical
framework
that in
itself has
enough
commercial
appeal to
not sound of
place on the
radio during
a mainstream
top 40
chart.
Don’t let
this scare
you off,
it’s a
testament to
what Mind’s
Eye have
managed to
do with the
genre and
deserves to
be praised
to the
roof. “Chaos
Unleashed”
maintains
the sound
heard so far
yet with a
few new
twists in
the form of
a more
simplified
verse and a
complex
middle
instrumental
passage
which leads
into guitar
and keyboard
solos.
begins with
some more
character
dialogue
between Adam
Evangelista
and Father
Cavallero Di
Mori. The
tempo here
is dropped
back a
little which
allows the
chorus to
swoop and
dive to
glorious
effect
(great vocal
harmonies
here once
again). The
incessant
driving
verse riff
allows the
keyboards to
add more
depth, its
subtle but
once heard
will blossom
with each
listen, the
tempo picks
up for
Johann to
let fly with
some two
handed
tapping
before
smooth
legato
brings the
brief solo
to its
climax
before the
chorus once
again
delights.
The last 30
seconds of
the track
sees the
track
breakdown to
piano and
vocals with
a melody
that
(surprisingly)
reminded me
of the Pet
Shop Boys
hit “It’s A
Sin” albeit
in a rather
different
musical
setting.
This paves
way for the
voice of the
head of the
Illuminati
to be heard
for the
first time
before
arguably the
band’s
heaviest and
most intense
track to
date.
“Feed My
Revolver”
will blow
you away
with all the
power of a
bullet from
“Dirty
Harry”
Callahan’s
.44 Magnum!
Check out
the video to
get a feel
for the
track.
Suffice to
say all the
new Mind’s
Eye
ingredients
come
together
here in fine
style,
although its
Andreas
Novak’s
soaring
vocals which
are the
icing on the
cake for
me.
“Ashes To
Ashes (In
Land
Lullaby)”
sees the
tempo remain
high and the
dark feel
looming ever
larger yet
once again
there is a
commercial
appeal here
that makes
it very
accessible.
The track
has a
melodic
breakdown
for the
bridge
before the
chorus
crashes back
in with a
voracious
appetite
which paves
the way for
Niemann to
lay down
some more
smoking lead
lines with
the main
solo being a
screamer.
The verses
are
relatively
straightforward
in their
approach and
this gives
the track
more power
than if more
complex
rhythms were
used –
simply said
another
winner.
“The Hour Of
Need”
gives the
listener a
brief
respite
beginning
with
dialogue
between Adam
Evangelista
and a female
escort Norma
Jean. The
track is
delicate
piano and a
vocal duet
between
Andreas and
Crucified
Barbara
vocalist
Mia
Coldheart
whose strong
vocals
compliment
each other
extremely
well.
“Red Winter
Sirens”
begins with
more film
like scene
setting this
time with
the action
heading to
Russia which
then builds
with a piano
motif and
lone vocals
from Andreas
which then
build with
orchestration
and clean
guitar –
here the
production
really
shines – the
track then
kicks in
with a mix
between the
sound the
band have
now
established
on AGH as
well as with
traces
(albeit in a
heavier
guise) of
the previous
album
“Walking On
H2O”.
Around the
2:30 mark
the tracks
moves up
another gear
with another
great feel
where
guitars,
bass and
orchestration
combine
superbly
allowing
Andreas’
vocals to
soar to even
greater
highs.
“Skin Crawl”
has more
movie effect
intro’s
before
slipping
into a
deeply
addictive
groove over
which Novak
sings the
lyrics with
a glorious
venomous
spite.
Another
highly
addictive
chorus leads
up back into
the kicking
verse
rhythm. The
tracks key
to its
success in
its perfect
mix of
melody and
musicality.
“Graveyard
Hands”
sees a
Celtic
influence
enter the
musical
format. The
tempo is
more
mid-tempo
than the
majority of
the material
on offer and
gives the
listener a
chance to
reflect on
what has
taken place
before and
gear up for
the finale
of “Say
Goodnight”
and the 10
minute epic
“Pandora’s
Musical Box”.
The former
is another
turbo
charged
riffer with
eerie
keyboard
effects
which is
probably my
least
favourite
track on the
album
sounding a
little
disjointed
when
compared to
the other
tracks, yet
given a few
spins shows
itself to be
a
interesting
composition
in itself
with a
strong
chorus.
Album closer
“Pandora’s
Musical Box”
is a superb
closer to
the album
with a very
modern feel
yet with a
strong
progressive
framework
which harks
back in
places to
the bands
sound heard
on the
“Waiting For
The Tide”
album
yet with the
new found
heavier
delivery.
The band
seemingly
having saved
their most
expansive
instrumental
sections
until last
where the
interplay
between
guitars,
drums and
keyboards is
highly
impressive
yet coherent
maintaining
a sense of
direction
and
purpose.
The final 2
minutes of
the track
return to
the film
score and
dialogue as
heard on the
opening cut
giving a
strong sense
of closure
to the story
line with
Adam
Evangelista
taking his
final
revenge.
As if the
album wasn't
enough the
bonus
"Making Of A
Gentleman"
DVD is a
superb
insight into
the making
of the
album,
showing that
band mainly
work in a
jamming
sense. The
feel very
much is live
and for the
moment and
with the
addition of
the "Feed My
Revolver"
video (which
looks
stunning in
uncompressed
format) and
an insight
into the
making of
the video
makes this
one DVD you
will be
revisiting
again and
again. The
accompanying
inlay
booklet/comic
book is
visually
stunning
with superb
artwork by
Mattias
Nóren along
with full
album
lyrics. The
vision shown
in the
triple pack
is only to
be
applauded.
As you may
have
gathered
“A
Gentleman’s
Hurricane”
is in my
opinion
destined to
be
considered a
true classic
of the
progressive
genre. What
Mind’s Eye
have
delivered
has not only
exceeded my
expectations
but also
raised the
bar of what
can be done
in this
musical
field.
Being a
perfect
marriage of
music and
film
influences
the album is
not only
interesting
in its plot
development
but also
breadth of
musical
skill and
delivery.
The trio of
Andreas
Novak, Johan
Niemann and
Daniel
Flores
deserve to
be at the
very top of
the genre
with a
reputation
that should
see them
talked about
in the same
circles as
the genre’s
biggest
sellers for
this album
slays the
competition.
Album of
2007? I
cannot see
anything
surpassing
this for
many years
to come; in
one word –
Essential.
Rating -
100%
Web Links
http://www.roundrec.com
http://www.myspace.com/eyeofthemind
review from
VirtuosityOne.com
|
MIND’S EYE ‘A Gentleman’s
Hurricane’ Lion Music (2007)
www.lionmusic.com
The band’s 2006 album
‘Walking On H20’ was superb
but they have only gone and
bettered it on this new
album, a concept piece
following the story of an
assassin and his confessions
to a priest, who himself
hides some dark secrets…
Opening with a very
cinematic piece ‘Praying For
Confession’ (grab your
headphones for this album to
fully appreciated the sound
effects and dialogue)
complete with strings,
massed choirs – the works
basically. Mind’s Eye are
the masters of creating
complex yet highly addictive
tunes and vocals none more
so than ‘Feed My Revolver’,
a great piece of melodic
prog rock and the lead
single complete with video.
In fact only A.C.T. come
close to Mind’s Eye skill at
harmony filled progressive
rock music.
Vocalist Andreas Novak is
performing at the top of his
game here – just marvel at
his voc al delivery on
‘Seven Days’ or
‘AssassiNation’.
Drummer/producer/arranger
Daniel Flores deserves
special mention as he has
produced a masterpiece here
– lots going on musically
and great attention spent in
the arrangements and
storyline. Johan Nieman on
guitar adds solos as and
when needed plus adds metal
bombast when required. For
fans of female vocals there
is a lovely duet on ‘The
Hour Of Need’ where
Crucified Barbara’s vocalist
Mia Coldheart blends well
with Andreas Novak’s vocal.
The whole album and story is
one of the best I have heard
since ‘Operation
Mindchrime’, yes it really
is that good! Fans of
melodic rock and progressive
rock/metal should add this
to their shopping lists now.
*****
Jason Ritchie
Get Ready To Rock
Mind's Eye - Waiting For The
Tide (2006) Lion Music
www.lionmusic.com
This is an
album which I have tried
really hard to love but have
ended up just liking, having
given it a lot of plays over
a couple of weeks.
Swedish prog
rockers Mind's Eye are new
to me, but Waiting For The
tide is a reissue (with a
couple of added bonus
tracks) of their second
album from 2000.
There must be
something in the water in
Sweden for there's
definitely a vibrant and
inventive progressive rock
movement over there, judging
by the music of Mind's Eye
and the wonderful A.C.T.
I've seen
Mind's Eye referred to as
prog metal, a label which I
think is far too limiting
for them on this showing.
Yes, they do at times recall
Dream Theater and
Queensryche, but there's an
emotional depth on display
which sets them apart, an
addictive melancholy.
They happily
flow between genres, with
the odd AOR moment and a
jazzy, fusion feel to much
of the material. I'm often
reminded of some of Tony
Banks' and Mike Rutherford's
early solo work.
The opener
Frozen Tears sets the tone
superbly, an insistent,
rhythm over the intro and
verse which suddenly gives
way without notice to a
languid, swirling chorus.
the effect is unexpected and
startling, soul among the
sandstorm.
But what
follows surpasses even that.
Calling (Father To Son) is a
meditation on a broken
relationship, a father
pleading for communication
with his absent son.
Considering that most of the
band were in early 20s when
this was recorded, it is an
astonishing feat lyrically
and it is matched by the
music, which floats lighter
than air, pulsing and
beautiful, supporting
Andreas Novak's vocal as he
wrings out every bit of
emotion.
No surprise
to learn that he has toured
with Andrew Lloyd Webber's
musical Jesus Christ
Superstar, playing Judas.
His voice is a powerful and
emotive instrument.
A Pond Of
Thoughts picks up the pace
again, before leading to the
two-part Spirits In The Room
(Closer/In My Mind) which
over a powerful 13 minutes
recalls a bad repeating
dream which Novak can't
escape.
The first
five tracks of this album
are indeed something to
love. But for me things tail
off for a while half way
though. The next three
tracks certainly demonstrate
the superb ensemble playing
of guitarist Frederik
Grunberger, bassist Johan
Biemann and drummer/keyboard
player Daniel Flores, but
they can't match what has
gone before in terms of
depth, emotion and memorably
melodic music.
It takes the
penultimte track Circles In
The Sand to rescue the
situation, once again
recalling the stirring,
memorable first half of the
album, Novak's vocal
lifiting it back to the
heights.
The two bonus
tracks are a bit of an
oddity, changing the mood of
the CD as a whole. Endless
Passages features their
previous singer and shows
that it was a wise move
getting Novak on board,
while Spellbound is an
instrumental which, while
very clever, overstays its
welcome.
Waiting For
The Tide is an album I will
definitely return to and
explore further. More
importantly, I plan to track
down their other releases,
including this year's
Walking On H2O, and see if
Mind's Eye have fulfilled
some of the early promise
they showed on this outing.
***1/2
Review by Ian
Harvey
www.getreadytorock.com
Mind’s
Eye
–
Walking
on
H2O
2005 Lion Music
There is something to be said about the melodic gusto that progressive metal bands bring when they expound upon the more traditional approach of early Dream Theater & Queensryche; and even with Walking on H2O being a concept album, Mind’s Eye still expounds a ballsy, hard driving approach to the world of thinking man’s metal.
Like Vanden Plas (earlier records), Stride, Vox Tempus, and Sphere of Souls, the emphasis is on the melodies; melodies that grab you by the throat and literally rip out your heart with the sophisticated ear candy provided. With elements of AOR and the presence of Yes-ish harmonies among the hard driving axe attack, tracks such as “A Rabbit in a Hat” and “Umbrellas Under the Sun” offer up the technical crunch, while more melodically tinged tunes like “Mrs. Clair Voyance” and “The Nazca Lines” perfectly cross melodic rock with progressive rock, keeping the musical prowess within the accessible scheme of things. Of course, emotion rears it’s head on “Equally Immortal,” “Heal My Karma,” and the mystical “Sahara in an Hourglass;” so you never know what to expect from one song to the next.
Balancing equal endurance between the keyboards and guitars, as well as allowing the “jam sessions” to move around the songs, Walking on H2O finds itself in the class with many some of the best progressive metal out there, and all because these guys take the grass roots approach. No symphonies, no choirs, no overzealous jam sessions. With a tight groove and lush sound that Mind’s Eye provide, there is no need for them.
Added:
May
17th
2006
Reviewer:
Tommy
Hash
www.ytsejam.com
Score:
 
Related
Link:
Minds
Eye
Link |
|
|
|
Artist/
Band: Mind's Eye
Title: Walking On H2O
Label: Lion Music
Year of Release: 2006
Artist/ Band Link (click
for details/ ordering)
The
Review:
- The
first time I heard of
“Mind’s Eye” was in June
2005 because I knew that
Daniel Flores, drummer
on Hubi Meisel’s solo
albums, had also his own
band. Being a very
talented musician, I got
curious to hear more
about Flores’ work and
last autumn, I really
got in touch with their
music for the first time
on online radio station
www.loudmetal.com. Then,
I guess it’s not really
necessary to precise
that I got quite happy
when I got the album in
order to review it! Once
again, I had the
incredible luck to
discover an other
awesome band who does
wonderful work and whose
projects succeed to
hypnotize us completely
from the beginning till
the end. “Walking On
H2O” is the fourth album
of the band.
This
Swedish band is only
formed of 3 members, but
oh, so marvelous ones in
every respect! I had
never heard of Andreas
Novak before and I’m
really glad that it’s
now something done. This
guy has such a
beautiful, clear, pure
and crystalline voice.
He’s able to sing sort
of strong/heavy too, but
it never sounds
aggressive and that’s
something I really love.
And what to say about
Daniel Flores (I never
knew he could also play
keys!!!), who does
ALMOST everything on
“Walking on H2O” (I say
“almost” because Johan
Niemann also did more
than playing), from the
production and the
mixing to the song
writing. And apart from
all that and playing the
drums and keys, he also
arranged the album and
recorded it in his own
studio. Quite
impressive, isn’t it! I
was very surprised!
I
think this concept album
about human evolution is
very deep too, touching
important and realistic
topics such as science,
pollution and
immortality, sometimes
mixing a bit of futurism
and supernatural too,
and all this through
amazing melodies and
choruses, very strong
and present in almost
every song. I would call
it an “in the face”
album, haha. Very direct
about the visions of
humanity. Very special,
personal and original CD
for sure! It also mixes
progressive and old rock
styles (sometimes
reminding me a tiny
little bit in some parts
– not all the time, of
course! – of “Rush” and
“Yes”, especially in the
songs “A Rabbit in the
Hat” and “Equally
Immortal” and “Ayreon”
in the songs “Earth –
The Movie” and “Out of
my System”), never
really having the same
vibe all along the CD
nor having a clear
definition between these
musical styles, which is
very good I think,
because it gives them a
particular and
individual style. An
other very strong and
important aspect of
“Walking On H2O” is the
lyrics, which are of
absolutely amazing
quality and in which
talent in song writing
is very noticeable!!!!
The keyboards are very
present too and every
single part of it is
great!
Basically, this album is
awesome on every level:
lyrics, music, melodies,
vocals, choruses, solos,
concept idea. An other
piece of work
fantastically and
brilliantly well
organized that is worth
the perfect rate in my
opinion: not only I give
them 10/10 for the album
itself, but I give 10/10
for EVERY SINGLE part of
it! These guys really
won my heart and I guess
I’m not the only one,
haha! Now I really
understand why this
album was very well
rated everywhere.
My
favourite songs (for the
vocals, lyrics and
melodies) are: “When I
Whisper” (which is so
very sweet and on which
choruses simply make my
skin shivers, especially
from the middle of the
song till the end!!!),
“Heal My Karma”,
“Poseidon Says” and
“Sahara in an Hourglass”
(which has a perfect
Persian sound). This
album just leaves me
breathless!!! I like
every single track very
much. Strongest general
point in my opinion:
lyrics.
After
I heard “Walking on H2O”
from the beginning to
the end, I can say
without any hesitation
that this band is now
among my favourites and
I really will be looking
forward to hear their
next albums!
Keep a
close eye on them, it’s
NECESSARY! You’ll LOVE
that album from the
first hearing. And more
you listen it loud, more
it sounds good haha (at
least, seems like it to
me as it’s not really
heavy). I think after
Hubi Meisel’s work,
which is my favourite,
that of Mind’s Eye
reaches the second
position. I’m so
grateful that I
discovered their music.
:-))))
Reviewed by Vikie Martel
on May 13th, 2006
www.ProgNaut.com
Tracks:
- 1-
Earth – The Movie
- 2- A
Rabbit in the Hat
- 3-
Equally Immortal
- 4-
Mrs. Clair Voyance
- 5-
Sahara in an Hourglass
- 6-
Out of my System
- 7-
Umbrellas Under the Sun
- 8-
Sacred Rules
- 9-
The Nazca Lines
- 10-
Flight of the An.unna.ki
(Instrumental)
- 11-
Heal My Karma
- 12-
When I Whisper
- 13-
Poseidon Says
|
MIND'S EYE - WALKING ON H2O (A-/B+)
Lion Music, 2006
13 tracks, RT: 75:02
[
http://www.roundrec.com/ ]
[
http://www.lionmusic.com/mindseye_h2o.htm
]
[
http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Despite being impressed with the
last offering from Mind's Eye
(2002's A WORK OF ART), I couldn't
help thinking the band had only
scratched the surface of its
potential. Listening to WALKING ON
H2O, I find I was right. Mind's Eye
plays the kind of music that would
have been huge 20 years ago, a
seamless blend of progressive rock
and AOR that extracts the flair and
artistry of a wide variety of
influences, from Genesis and Styx to
Queensryche and Asia. "A Rabbit In
The Hat" is a good example of this
approach, with the lush production
driving very commercially accessibl
melodies, strong vocals and tight
musicianship. One of the highlights
arrives early in the form of
"Equally Immortal," which has
sensitive guitar, piano and< vocals
alternating with an energetic
arrangement. "Out Of My System" is
another one of those songs that
would have gone straight to the top
of the charts back in the early '80s
-- its infectious chorus reminds me
of great rock radio staples from the
past. Heavier prog elements can be
heard on the excellent "Sacred
Rules" and the instrumental "Flight
Of The An.unna.ki," with the awesome
"Poseidon Says" completing the
proceedings powerfully. WALKING ON
H2O is unmistakably a concept album;
the lyrics address such weighty
issues as evolution, religion,
unexplained phenomena and
immortality, and there's effective
use of interludes in the tradition
of albums like OPERATION: MINDCRIME
and THE WALL. Much of the credit for
the quality of the material must go
to principle songwriter Daniel
Flores -- his experience, knowledge
and attention to detail are evident
throughout -- although his realized
vision is ultimately due to the
caliber of the all the musicians. I
found WALKING ON H2O to be a perfect
example of a work that requires
repeated listens to really get into,
but I guarantee the effort will be
rewarded. Certainly near the top of
its game, Mind's Eye has produced
one of the best albums of its kind
to come along in quite awhile; I
urge you to experience it while we
wait for a resurgence of this classy
style of music, currently enjoyed by
far too few. - Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
|
Mind's Eye -
Walking On H20 (Lion
Music) Review by Steve
Green
www.live4metal.com
|
I've
re-written this review 3
times today. The album is
growing on me with each
listen and what bugged me
with the initial listens is
now sitting at ease with me.
Back in the early 80s I was
a sucker for a super smooth
dollop of AOR. Be it
heavyweights such as
Journey, REO Speedwagon or
more obscure bands such as
Touch (who played the 1st
ever Monsters of Rock
Festival and released the
classic Don't You Know What
Love Is) and Stingray, if my
memory serves me correctly
were South African. The big
difference between those
bands and this album, is the
accessibility factor.
Walking On H20 (Which I have
to say is a cheesy title)
has taken me an age to get
into, whereas someone like
Journey is easy to take in
on
the 1st
listen. My main gripe is
that ...H20 is too smooth,
too perfect. It's slicker
than the hair styles at an
Elvis convention. And the
multiple layers of melody
took me a long time to fully
appreciate. As did the
backing vocals. Too sugary
for me, but I've still
learnt to like them too...
begrudgingly.
Ultimately it's the simpler
tracks that do it for me
though: Out Of My System
rises head and shoulders
above everything else as the
stand-out track. For those
who still hark for the 80s,
this one sits comfortably
with the classics of the era
and the chorus is so
infectious it stays in your
head for days. Good shit.
Also high on the agenda is
Sacred Rules, which has a
more metallic edge, and thus
a wider appeal. Andreas
Novak's vocals are perfect
for this song, which makes
me wonder why I wanted to
hit the skip button on
earlier numbers. Before they
won me over that is.
If you pick this up and are
not a fan at first, I have
to advise you stick with it.
It'll be worth it in the
end.
www.lionmusic.com |
MIND'S EYE
Walking On h2o
FEBRUARY 2006 ALBUM OF THE
MONTH |
 |
LION MUSIC
Out Now
Cat: LMC162
EAN:
6419922001622 |
|
TRACK LISTING |
01. Earth -
The Movie.
02. A Rabbit In
The Hat.
03. Equally
Immortal.
04. Mrs. Clair
Voyance.
05. Sahara In An
Hourglass.
06. Out Of My
System.
07. Umbrellas
Under The Sun.
08. Sacred
Rules.
09. The Nazca
Lines.
10. Flight Of
The An.Unna.Ki.
11. Heal My
Karma.
12. When I
Whisper.
13. Poseidon
Says. |
|
MUSICIANS |
Andreas Novak
(Lead vocals)
Johan Niemann
(Bass / Guitars)
Daniel Flores
(Drums /
Keyboards) |
|
OFFICIAL WEBSITE |
|
http://www.roundrec.com |
|
Mind's Eye
return after a
hiatus of around 4
years with their
finest body of work
to date and an album
which is good enough
to be considered an
all time Progressive
classic. Walking
On h2o is the
name of the album
and its home to one
of the most original
progressive
offerings in some
time and is the
complete package.
Everything about
this release is or
as close to perfect
as you can get -
song writing /
production /
musicianship /
lyrical subject /
packaging and to
anyone that has been
following the bands
career will not be
surprised by this as
the growth shown
throughout the bands
first 3 albums
always suggested the
big one was
coming...well its
here.
The
album lyrically is
rich exploring the
evolution of man
according to Darwin,
it also looks into
conspiracy theories
(A Rabbit In The
Hat), Sept 11th
(Equally Immortal),
drug addiction (Out
Of My System)
amongst other topics
and theories.
Musically the band -
now down to just a 3
piece comprising of
Daniel Flores
(drums and
keyboards)
Andreas Novak
(lead vocals) and
Johan Niemann
(Bass/Guitars) evoke
the spirit of
Genesis after Peter
Gabriel left and
have created a big
rich sound that is
simply stunning.
This album sonically
has depth and width
and dazzles even on
the worst stereo
system. To compare
the band to others
is hard as there is
a very original
sound here, but
there are shades of
the aforementioned
Genesis, Yes, Rush
and to some extent
(vocally) Journey.
This is modern day
prog based on the
old masters, those
looking for heavy
riffing guitars may
be let down
slightly, by the
craft of song
writing and
performance more
than compensates for
the lack of any
perceived
heaviness.
Walking on h2o
begins with Earth
- The Movie
which is a totally
engaging
instrumental which
is very film score
like in its build
and contains many
nice touches such as
opening with a
teacher gaining the
attention of her
class (or us the
listener) to
speeches from JFK
about getting to the
moon at all costs,
you might think this
sounds slightly out
there but one listen
will have you
hooked. The track
then segues into
A Rabbit In The Hat
which has some
immense hooks and
sublime delivery
from all involved,
this 1-2 punch alone
is worth the price
of purchase.
Equally Immortal
sees a more
restraint mood enter
but which has
excellent dynamics
and structure, great
emotional vocals
here, the deft piano
touches under the
verse add to the
depth before the
more upbeat
pre-chorus and
chorus sees the
structures build and
here the
Journey-like touches
can be heard.
Mrs Clair.Voyance
is heavier in
approach and the
production really
shines here, Daniel
Flores drum sound is
particularly
impressive. The
track is again home
to great vocal hooks
and the chorus from
this one will stick
in your head for
days. Fans of prog
rock ala
Transatlantic
will find a lot to
enjoy here in
particular.
Sahara In An
Hourglass is as
the title may
suggest full of
eastern promise,
rich lush orchestral
textures combine
with restraint
acoustic guitar and
vocals for the
opening bars of each
verse before the
symphonic backing
builds to a
crescendo, flawless
stuff. Another
chorus hits all the
right buttons and is
certainly a
contender for album
highlight. Out
Of My System is
quite commercial in
its approach, by
that we get massive
vocal hooks in both
verse and choruses,
all backed up with
top notch
musicianship. The
track reminded me a
little of Genesis
circa Duke and the
ultra clear
production shines
like a beacon. The
vocal delivery of
Andreas Novak must
receive special
praise here as its
especially stunning.
Umbrellas Under
The Sun sees a
nice variation of
progressive
approaches from the
heavish opener to
the more melodic
waters of the
pre-chorus and the
totally classic prog
chorus. A nice
keyboard motif also
harks back to the
70's yet a more
modern sound is
apparent here which
creates a strong
blend. Sacred
Rules is as
heavy as the album
gets at the start,
pounding guitars
working well with a
keyboards which was
reminiscent of early
Queensr˙che to these
ears which also
serves as the
chorus. Any such
comparisons vanish
for the verse which
has a simple guitar
figure over which
keyboard
orchestrations help
build the tracks
density, the two
blend together
superbly. The
Nazca Lines was
given an early
preview on the bands
website (www.roundrec.com)
and its another
slice of pure prog
class, being a
master class in how
to build a track
through different
textures and shades
building all the
while yet retaining
an identifiable
sound of its own.
Next up is the first
true instrumental of
the album, the
magnificent
Flight Of The
An.unna.ki which
begins with more
film score type
introductions before
the pomp 70's vibe
kicks in hard
blending prime Yes
with early Rush.
Guitars and keyboard
intertwine perfectly
whilst bass and
drums power the
track along with
apparent ease yet
listen to those deft
drum fills and china
cymbal pangs -
glorious. My one
complaint is that at
3:20 is too short!
Heal My Karma
(cool title)
expresses more of
the bands by now
trademark blend of
melody and musical
enrichment that just
enwraps your ears.
When I Whisper
is a delicate
orchestrated piano
track that could
easily be at home on
the bands more
subdued release A
Work Of Art. Its
melancholy feel does
serve a purpose on
h20 however and its
helps provide an air
of calm reflection
to the previous 11
offerings and at the
end of 4 minutes
will be under your
skin well and truly
making it a surprise
key moment. So how
do you go about
closing an album of
this stature?
Simple add on a 11
minute epic entitled
Poseidon Says
which is a work of
art in itself.
Building from more
film score type
orchestration into
gentle timbres with
exquisite vocals
from Novak again
which work with
acoustic guitar
until around the 2
minute mark when the
pace picks up and
lush guitar layers
add a robustness to
the track. This
reminded me a little
of Rabin era Yes and
the vocal melody on
the verse around
this point will
please all
progressive fans
young and old. The
guitar and bass work
of Johann shows how
the same person
handling both roles
can be utilised to
fine the perfect
balance between
doubling, harmony
and counterpoint.
The track then goes
through a series of
loud and quite
moments before
building for the
climax which sees
more radio
broadcasts being
used at the end it
worked for Pink
Floyd 30 odd years
ago and its works as
well today, before a
nice vocal resolve
finishes the album
before an orchestral
swirl.
This
is one of the
longest reviews I
have written and for
good reason, this
album just has so
many talking points
that it seemed only
right to go
on....believe me it
could have been a
lot longer. At the
end of it all there
is only one way to
sum up Walking On
h20 and that is
that its an
essential purchase
for any rock fan new
or old, the
musicianship is
immense yet
melodically
restraint, the vocal
melodies are first
class, the overall
production is
flawless. Simply
Walking On h2o
is most likely
destined to be album
of the year and a
pinnacle reference
point in the
evolution of the
Prog rock genre -
stunning and
essential.
|
Hot Spots:
Pretty much the
whole thing |
|
Rating:
100%
www.viruosityone.com |
|
Walking on H20 is
one of those rare albums
that enchants you from the
moment you press play until
the final note decays in
your head - progressive
metal has never sounded
fresher and more vibrant in
a very long time.
Mind's Eye are
masters of their craft,
drawing upon a multitude of
musical styles to create a
synthesis of bright,
eclectic and just plain
brilliant progressive metal,
utilizing 80's super-melodic
hard rock, 70's prog rock,
modern power metal and is
influenced most prominently
by classic symphonic rock
such as the Electric
Light Orchestra, Queen
or even The
Sweet. The first
striking feature of
Walking on H20 is the
consistantly excellent
performance by tenor
vocalist Andreas Novak. Mr.
Novak sings the high
registers with a rich bassy
tone so effortlessly, it
makes James LaBrie look
positively amateur. Freddie
Mercury would even turn
green with envy. His
phrasing and tenor is
flawless - simply flawless -
and leads the oft-used
choral arrangements to
immerse the listener in a
rich, warm sphere of sound.
The songwriting is
undeniably magnificent.
Absolutely resplendent in
it's approach and execution.
The lyrical theme of human
evolution is original to a
point, but their most
outstanding attribute is the
attention to detail in their
songwriting, however not
wholly sacrificing the
traditional "progressive"
ideology of extreme
technicality in doing so.
A
Rabbit In The Hat
is the
perfect entrance to the
album - cheerful yet cool
vocals punctuate the song
while the sharp guitars give
it an 80's hard rock feel
with an epic grandeur.
Sahara in an Hourglass
blends rock with an middle
eastern exoticness where
Out of My System is a
simulacrum of a classic
ELO number
- vocoders, perky bass
lines, multi-genre inspired
riffs and keyboard hooks
permeate this track ever so
delightfully. Of course,
Novak and his choir strikes
gold again! Other tracks
infuse hammond organs and
other analog synthesizers in
it's softer moments, such as
the semi-balladic and
synth-driven Umbrellas
Under the Sun. Sacred Rules'
down tempo, anthemic
riffs build up into a
climactic crecendo until
release for the chorus -
everything fits together
seamlessly and pleasantly,
and reminds one of
Kamelot or
Symphony X -
especially the solo! The
Flight of the Anunnaki
is a Emerson, Lake
and Palmer-esque
jam-style song, Heal My
Karma a symphonic
joyride with some
theatrics
reminiscent of Dream
Theater or Shadow Gallery
that can be heard . There is
some overzealous use of
ill-chosen synthesizer
sounds at times, but are
only a minor complaint on an
otherwise excellent album.
When I Whisper is
of course, their ballad
track. It almost sounds like
a Disney movie score in it's
approach - Tim Rice would
probably be proud to put his
name to it, but then again,
no one else would. Avoid if
you're lactose intolerant.
The final epic Posiedon
Says showcases their
advanced muscianship as
their songwriting and string
arrangement abilities reach
a dramatic zenith. Some
nifty guitarwork, both
electric and acoustic. Mr.
Novak saves his creative
energy for last, pulling no
punches as he glides through
and belts out emphatically
until gracefully retiring to
a halt.
This disc
is pure class, almost never
wavering in it's radiance
and distinction. Some
metalheads might be turned
off by the constant "happy"
tone of the music, but i've
said it before and I'll say
it again - simply brilliant,
brilliant,
brilliant. (almost)
74 minutes of sonic bliss.
Rating: 9
/ 10
Standout
Tracks: All, except When
I Whisper
Tom Valcanis
http://www.harm.us |
Mind's Eye: Walking On h2o
 This stellar Swedish gang is back with a vengeance and their first new studio work in four years! Actually, there were some bonus tracks on the reissue of their last album, their first release with Lion Music, 2005’s A Work of Art (Click here to read our review ) (original release 2002). This however, is the first release featuring the newest configuration of the group which is now missing the adroit guitar stylings of Fredrik G. (Grunberger).
Despite what I perceived to be a huge loss (Fred), the result here is another slab of 75 minutes plus of majestic, intelligent, soaring melody and interesting hooks, storylines and riffs. The guitar work offered up by bass player Johan Niemann is confident and punchy, fitting in elegantly with the various musical themes and dare I say, at the end of the day his understated work enhances this particular work more than Fred’s over the top style may have done.
The real strength of this release is however the excellent song writing, all conceived and achieved within the theme and concept of mankind’s evolution and interaction with our earth. We are indeed walking on thin h2o. All but two songs (co-written with Niemann) are from musician extraordinaire Daniel Flores (keyboards, drums and backing vocals) who also recorded the album in his new home studio.
What Daniel has produced is a gorgeous sounding mix of symphonic prog and classic rock hooks featuring the excellent vocals of Andreas Novak. Although Daniel has been extremely busy over the past four years as one of the premier session drummers in Sweden (now having over 50 albums to his credit) the time that was obviously taken to craft this band release is evident in its quality. This is truly one of the very finest and most musically accomplished releases to ever surface from Lion and a superb way to start 2006 indeed.
Track List
1. Earth - The Movie
2. A Rabbit In The Hat
3. Equally Immortal
4. Mrs. Clair Voyance
5. Sahara In An Hourglass
6. Out Of My System
7. Umbrellas Under The Sun
8. Sacred Rules
9. The Nazca Lines
10. Flight Of The An.Unna.Ki
11. Heal My Karma
12. When I Whisper
13. Poseidon Says
Added: January 18th 2006
Reviewer: Mike Blackburn www.seaoftranquility.org
Score: |
|
|
|
|
Mind's
Eye - Walking On h2o
*=Staff's
pick |
Earth - The
Movie
A Rabbit In The
Hat*
Equally Immortal*
Mrs. Clair
Voyance
Sahara In An
Hourglass*
Out Of My System
Umbrellas Under
The Sun*
Sacred Rules*
The Nazca Lines*
Flight Of The
An.Unna.Ki
Heal My Karma
When I Whisper
Poseidon Says* |
|
Genre |
Progressive Rock |
Andreas
Novak
|
Vocals
|
|
Tracks |
13 |
Johan
Niemann
|
Guitar
|
|
Runningtime |
75 Min. |
-
|
Guitar
|
|
Label |
Lion Music
|
Johan
Niemann
|
Bass
|
|
Release |
20 Jan. 2006 |
Daniel
Flores
|
Drums
|
|
Country |
Sweden |
Daniel
Flores
|
Keyboards
|
|
Similar artists |
Yes, Rush,
Porcupine Tree |
|
The
Swedish band Mind's Eye
was founded 1992 under
the moniker Afterglow
when Daniel Flores
(drums and keyboards)
and Johan Niemann (bass)
met guitarist Fredrik
Grünberger. After
recording a
self-produced promotion
CD the band changed
their name to Mind's Eye
and in 1998 they finally
released their debut
album Into The Unknown.
Fourteen years later the
band is about to release
their fourth album and
this is the first one to
reach my ears. Some of
you might recognize the
name Niemann since Johan
and his brother Kristian
are members of Therion.
The main songwriter
Daniel Flores is a full
time session musician
with an impressive list
of where he has made
contributions. The
vocalist Andreas Novak
released his first solo
album 2004 which
received great response
around the world.
Walking
On h2o are an ambitious
concept album that deals
with subjects as human
evolution, religion,
earth pollution,
unexplained phenomena
etc. This fits perfectly
well with their brand of
progressive rock with
its intricate melodies
and fantastic
musicianship. The song
structures are a bit
complex but always
extremely accessible
with the melodies in
focus. The arrangements
are very well balanced
and it feels like every
single note has its
purpose and meaning. I
really liked the album
from the very beginning
but I could never
imagine that it would
turn out this good after
several spins.
After the
usual intro the album
starts with the catchy A
Rabbit In The Hat, a
song that deals with the
question if the moon
landing actually took
place or not, and what
an opener that is!
Equally Immortal starts
very calm with tasteful
guitar work and
beautiful vocals and
when the great chorus
sets in the time machine
has instantly brought us
30 years back in time.
Despite this fantastic
start the peaks of this
album are still to come.
Sahara In An Hourglass
is, despite the
competition, my
favourite composition
and I can tell you that
every single time I hear
this song I get goose
bumps all over. Just as
the title suggests we
have now travelled to
the Far East and the
track has every
ingredient to be genre
classic. When you're
already breathless after
the aforementioned
track, the melodic and
straight forward Sacred
Rules explodes in your
face, and still we
haven't mentioned the
absolutely marvellous 11
minute closer Poseidon
Says.
Well,
this is nothing but a
masterpiece my friends.
Sure, I get to here a
lot of fantastic records
every now and then but
it was a long time since
an album touched me as
deeply as this one did.
Despite the fact that
I've got a heap of new
albums just waiting,
Walking On h2o must have
its daily spin to make
me fully satisfied. This
must be considered as a
must buy for everyone
who's into the
progressive genre but I
believe that Mind's Eye
also have an audience
beyond that. I would say
that if you have an open
mind, love melodies and
great musicianship this
might be worth checking
out.
What a
fantastic way to start
this year. I wouldn't be
too surprised if Walking
On h2o will be found at
the very top of my
personal list when 2006
will be looked back
upon. Well done guys!
|
MIND’S EYE ‘Walking On H2O’ Lion
Music (2006)
www.lionmusic.com
Lion Music are
firmly established now as one of
the leading labels for all things
melodic and metallic and this new
one by Mind’s Eye further reinforces
this. The album is a concept piece
based on the band’s thoughts on
human evolution. After an intro of a
teacher talking about human
evolution we are off into one the
best songs on the album the glorious
‘A Rabbit In The Hat’ – lashings of
keys and guitars make for a very
enjoyable listen. Mind’s Eye
successfully merge pomp rock with
progressive rock and a dose of
melodic rock. ‘Equally Immortal’
again sees the band mixing prog rock
music with a very catchy, melodic
filled chorus. They really hit their
peak on the symphonic strains of
‘Sahara In An Hourglass’, this mixes
eastern music with more keys (the
keyboards on here a particular
delight!). For the real progressive
moment the final track ‘Poseidon
Says’ is a plethora of musical
styles and time changes. Vocalist
Andreas Novak is on fine form (his
solo album from last year on MTM is
well worth tracking down as well).
The production is faultless as you’d
expect from the experienced Daniel
Flores (he appears on many other
melodic rock album just check your
inlay sleeve credits).
Highly
recommended for lovers of melodic
rock and progressive rock – stands
up to repeated plays and then some.
****1/2
Jason Ritchie
Reviews Editor, Get Ready To Rock!
www.getreadytorock.com
 Minds
Eye – A Work of Art
2005 Lion
Music
Progressive metal does not need
to be all about improvisational
soloing, overtly technical
musical passages, mathematically
complicated time signatures, and
elaborate concepts, maybe that
is why Sweden’s Minds Eye has
created a record that
encompasses a more refined
approach to prog metal,
providing the song oriented
approach of neo-progressive
bands such as Marillion and
Anyone’s Daughter but yet having
the hard edged guitar attack
present evenhanded with synth
pads and pianos rather than
Moogs and prophets going all
over the place.
With that and mind, the melodies
on the record shows
sophistication with hard-edged
pastures such as ‘Courage
Within,’ ‘The Shape of
Salvation,’ and ‘An Eye of an
Eye,’ where hints of Savatage,
Dream Theater, and late period
Rush are present in the mix. But
‘A Work of Art’ is not an all
out crunch laden album, cuts
such as ‘Roll The Dice,’ ‘My
Kindred Soul,’ and ‘I Will
Remember’ complete albums
balance of heaviness that is met
with atmospheric sub balladry
where the pop melodies and
catchy riffs/hooks are present
throughout the disc; and that is
what is important, the songs.
These guys have no problem
melding melodies with
technicalities, they do in their
own way where they have created
a reord worthy of the title
itself.
Added: October 4th 2005
Reviewer:
Tommy Hash
www.ytsejam.com
Score:
Mind's Eye: A Work of Art
Swedish
melodic prog rock/metal band
Mind's Eye was put on hold after
their third and last album A
Work of Art released on
German label Rising Sun Records
in 2002. They were a great band
playing a mix of melodic rock,
AOR, 70's prog, and 80's metal
in a style that could be likened
to Rush, Queensryche, Journey,
and many others.
Now they are back. This is their
reissued version of A Work of
Art through their new label Lion
Music. The songs are not remixed
or anything though, the CD
sounds exactly as the original
version, but contains two bonus
tracks, one of them being their
highly acclaimed cover of
Queensryche's "I Will Remember",
a song they originally recorded
for a Ryche tribute album titled
Warning: Minds of Raging
Empires back in 2000. Those
who haven't heard any Mind's Eye
songs before are going to
discover a 75-minute disc that
contains ambitious songs
punctuated with melodic riffs,
huge vocal harmonies, excellent
arrangement, and good
songwriting. The original album
also has a theme to it, as some
of the songs are only 1-minute
long and filled with spoken
passages, car accidents, someone
pleading for his life, etc.
"Room With a View" is one of
these cuts, as it begins with
what seems to be a car crash (a
bit like the one on Ayreon's
The Human Equation), then an
ambulance arrives to help the
victim. The nice piano melody
begins to take the lead as
vocalist Andreas Novak duets
briefly with a female singer.
Albeit short, it's a very
beautiful song.
"Courage Within" has a classic
rock song feel to it and stands
out with its neat arrangement
and catchy vocal harmony. This
would be right up there with the
likes of Journey and Toto
actually. The musicianship is
impressive as well. Fredrik
Grunberger is definitely from
the Shawn Lane meets Neal Schon
school of 80's rock and his
tapping lick on this song is
simply gorgeous. The songs are
generally midtempo-paced, laced
by nifty acoustic guitars and
vivid keyboard lines that are
almost AOR-ish in style. The
songs are filled with
multi-chorus vocal melodies as
on "Eye for an Eye", a great
piece with a bass intro and
melodic guitar. The guitarist is
particularly impressive on the
more proggy numbers "The Shape
of Salvation" and "Hands of
Time". Both songs have a solid
main riff and are filled with
interesting synth textures, even
some electronic elements, and
jazzy interplay.
Hopefully Lion Music will get
Mind's Eye the attention that
has escaped them all these
years, and I already look
forward to their new disc
Walking on H2O.
Track Listing
-
Prologue: Lullaby
-
Courage Within
-
Moment of Honor
-
Roll the Dice
-
Room With a View
-
Shallow Water
-
My Kindred Soul
-
Shape of Salvation
-
These Open Arms
-
Eye for an Eye
-
Hands of Time
-
Your World
-
Epilogue: Domino
-
I Will Remember (bonus)
-
End of the Line (bonus)
Added:
September 25th 2005
Reviewer:
Murat Batmaz
Score:
www.seaoftranquility.org
MIND'S EYE - A WORK OF ART (REISSUE)
(B) Lion Music, 2005
15 tracks, RT: 75:23
[
http://www.roundrec.com/ ]
[
http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Lion steps outside their usual "shred
guitar" milieu for a reissue of
A WORK OF ART, originally released
in 2002. Mind's Eye plays what
could be classified as progressive
AOR, a deft mixture of '70s and
'80s influences recalling elements
from Toto and Journey to Saga and
Vandenberg. Following the short
intro "Prologue - Lullaby," A WORK
OF
ART takes off with the excellent
track "Courage Within," featuring a
lush arrangement with great vocals
and a cool melodic guitar line. "A
Moment Of Honor" follows and
presents us with one of the best
tracks
on the CD, with excellent vocal
harmonies and subtle but effective
dynamics. "Roll The Dice" is another
winner with effective piano and
acoustic guitar, although things do
begin to get a little too mellow
at this point. "Shallow Water"
attempts to pick up the pace but the
verse sections once again fall into
relaxed territory. More strong
songwriting with excellent
musicianship follow, but at 75
minutes the
disc gets a bit repetitive
stylistically; it would have been
nice to
hear these guys turn it up a notch
and crank out some harder edged
material. The production is somewhat
flat but adequate and included
are two bonus tracks, a decent cover
of Queensryche's "I Will
Remember" and the uncharacteristic
prog metal splash of "End Of The
Line." Overall a good album that
shows Mind's Eye to be a very
promising band in the progressive
rock arena; with the appropriate
attention paid to production and a
better balance of heavy and mellow
material this band has the
capability to release a real
masterpiece.
I'm looking forward to hearing their
upcoming album of new material. -
Neal Woodall (MysticX10@msn.com)
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
|
Mind’s Eye -
A Work Of Art (Lion
Music) Review by: Joe
Florez |
 |
I have
actually heard of this prog
rock drummer that is Daniel
Flores. No, he isn’t related
to me. The last letter in
his last name is an (s)
while mine has a (z). His
work can be heard on the
Hubi Meisel solo project
“EmOcean” which is a
fantastic piece of work if
you can get your hands on
it. Well, it seems like Lion
Music is taking it upon
himself to re-release
records that have been
either out of print or just
lost in the shuffle from
other labels big or small.
In this case, this was
originally pressed and sent
to the masses back in 2001
by German label Rising Sun,
but they hit the skids soon
enough. In that case, no one
got to hear this because
that label had such piss
poor distro. Now, we get a
second chance at this
|
and I have to
say that this is some cool
music. The opening to
“Courage Within” is lead by
harmony vocals that are
Beatle-esque before diving
into modernized prog rock
with hints at 70’s
influences and metallic
riffs. The solos on here are
melodic, but performed with
passion. Keyboards continue
to be played out in their
usual way during a
performance of this genre
and are sprinkled throughout,
but never dominating
everyone else and drowning
them out for that matter.
The time changes and complex
writing are clearly shown
here, but there is still an
easy and catchy beat that
can be followed along as you
are struck in awe at their
craftsmanship. The guys
decide quickly they want a
smoother sound and strike
gold during “A Moment Of
Honor.” I wouldn’t exactly
call this a ballad of any
kind, but it’s relaxing, mid
to slow paced, and still
contains a loud and heavy
solo. Some exciting moments
are also thrown in just to
keep you wide awake. “Roll
The Dice” exercises
beautiful acoustic licks
combined with a beautiful
rhythm section thanks to the
percussions and bass lines.
What makes these gentlemen
stand out from the rest of
the batch is that they don’t
compete with the hard and
faster side of the
progressive movement.
Instead, they go for the
more laid back and calm
approach and show their
emotions either through
vocals or music and this
suits them perfectly. Don’t
be mislead that this is all
about being slow and boring
because it’s not. They spike
their songs with energy when
the time is seen fit and if
you wait the payoff is worth
it. Since this is a
re-release and LM doesn’t
want you to feel ripped off,
they have added two bonus
tracks for you to consume.
The first off is from a
Queensryche tribute CD and
they do a phenomenal
rendition of “I Will
Remember” which has been
re-worked to a degree, but
when you hear it you will
have goose bumps. It’s
amazing. The final extra
goodie is “End Of The Time”
which happens to be a bit
heavier than the rest of the
disc. What I like about this
piece is that while they
kick it into high gear, they
still remain in control and
never go overboard. All I
have to say is that if you
are a Beatles, old Genesis,
and Yes fan, then this is
essential. They didn’t title
this record appropriately
for nothing.
www.lionmusic.com |
www.roundrec.com |
|
