Mindcage - Encapsulation

Year of Release: 2000
Label: Perpetual Motion
Catalog Number:
Format: CD
Total Time: 38:56:00

Ok fans of progressive metal be prepared for the upcoming release of Encapsulation from the San Francisco band Mindcage; it's a winner. This is not one to start singing melodies to right out of the box. This is a very progressive effort. From the first guitar riff I had a gut feeling it was going to have some great rhythms. I was not dissapointed in this aspect (nor any other). That said, it did take quite a few listens to get the tunes into my head.

Guitars are riff oriented with some crunchiness, and mesh together to create some great harmonies. Some good solos too. The vocals remind me of Divine Regale's Dwight Hill in many parts. For those who do not have DR's CD either, I would describe both singers as clean vocalists, neither high nor low pitched. Though not everything I want in a vocalist, Mike Gray delivers a fine performance here. The band is original enough with their sound that I was beginning to worry about how to describe their sound. So some rough references here: towards the middle of the tape I heard a heavier version of Grace Under Pressure sound ala Rush, and throughout the album I hear some toys (ie, WD&DU = car starting) that connect some songs together. I really like when songs are linked together, and it is well done here.

I would have liked to have heard a few more catchy melodies, but given time maybe those that are present will do just fine. Thanks to Dietrick who sent this to me. I wish him well with Mindcage. Visit the band at The Mindcage Web Site.

This review courtesy Jeff Keifling, and originally appeared (I believe) at the Perpetual Motion board; we acquired it from AudioVision which PW absorbed in 1999. -ed.

Tracklisting:
Outrage / Between The Worlds / Chains Of Freedom / No More / A Turn Of Events / GoodBye

Musicians:
Brian Howell - bass and backing vocals
Jon Crowther - drums, percussion, and backing vocals
Dietrick Hardwick - guitar and backing vocals
Mike Gray - lead and backing vocals

Discography:
Mindcage (1997) (demo)
Encapsulation (2000)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: July 25th 1999
Reviewer: Jeff Keifling

Artist website: www.mindcage.com
Hits: 2460
Language: english