Pagan's Mind - Celestial Entrance

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Limb Music Products
Catalog Number: LMP 0211-046
Format: CD
Total Time: 71:42:00

Norwegian band Pagan's Mind (formerly known as Silverspoon) is ready with their second album, the first to be released on their new home Limb Music. The band consists of Thorstein Aaby (Guitars), Stian Kristoffersen (Drums), Nils K. Rue (Vocals), J?rn Viggo Lofstad (Guitars), Steinar Krokmo (Bass) and Ronny Tegner (Keyboards).

I was very pleased with the debut album Infinity Divine, but I was caught totally off guard with this new album. First off, I have to say the band has practically improved on every level since the debut. Whatever loose ends back then is in perfect place this time around. The band has clearly matured.

Musically we are still talking PowerProg with references to Crimson Glory, Trivial Act, Dream Theater, Tad Morose etc. Rue's high pitched vocals have improved a lot and he delivers a fantastic performance, reaching notes with effortless ease. Wonderful! The band has a stellar rhythm section where Aaby and Lofstad's intricate guitars and Tegner's subtle keys are up front.

This is a very varied and dynamic album, constantly challenging the listener. Technically there are lots of details to discover with each spin of this album. However, it is the melodies that are in focus here. The band has clearly emphasized on writing strong melody-lines and has fully succeeded at that. This is songwriting on a grand scale. Although full of intricate themes, the melodies are accessible and addictive. Just listen to the opener "Through Osiris Eyes," which is a magnificent example of tech combined with melody. Furthermore "Entrance Stargate," "Dimension Of Fire" and the epic 10 minute track "Prophecy Of The Pleiades," with more than a hint of Dream Theater, are all a few examples of many killer tracks to be found. And to top it all, the production by Fredrik Nordstr?m (Hammerfall, Synergy etc) is rich, powerful, crystal clear and simply perfect for these songs.

Pagan's Mind is rising to become a personal favorite of mine, and with this album I am sure they will gain loads of fans worldwide. This album is one of the best metal albums ever to come out of Norway and one of the best albums of 2002. And knowing this album was finished 6 months ago and that the band already has many songs written for the next album, I am thrilled to see what's coming next. In the meantime we can all enjoy this wonderful CD and hopefully see them on tour. A must-have!

Similar bands: Crimson Glory/DreamTheater/Trivial Act

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site; on July 24, 2007 Thorstein Aaby passed away after a long illness; he was 35 -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Approaching (2:48) / Through Osiris Eyes (6:09) / Entrance: Stargate (6:01) / Of Epic Questions (6:10) / Dimensions Of Fire (7:29) / Dreamscape Lucidity (6:40) / The Seven Sacred Promises (6:29) / Back To The Magic Of Childhood: Part 1 - Conception (2:46) / Part 2 - Exploring Life (9:18) / In Brilliant White Light (2:45) / Aegean Shores (5:14) / The Prophecy Of Pleiades (9:53)

Musicians:
Stian Kristoffersen - drums
Steinar Krokmo - bass
Ronny Tegner - keyboards
Thorstein Aaby - guitars
Jorn Viggo Lofstad - guitars
Nils K. Rue - vocals

Discography:
Infinity Divine (2000/2004)
Celestial Entrance (2002)
Enigmatic: Calling (2005)
God's Equation (2007)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin NO

Added: January 17th 2005
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.pagansmind.com
Hits: 3079
Language: english