Search - Magellan :: Impending Ascension

An acquired taste

Shane Carey | Phoenix, AZ USA | 02/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Magellan is one of the more controversial artists on the Magna Carta label, due to the fact that, although they truly have all the hallmarks of progressive rock, a lot of true prog fans just don't like them. As has been said, Trent Gardner has a very distinct style. On the first album, "Hour of Restoration", they sounded like Dream Theater doing an impression of 70s Genesis, plus lyrics whose themes might have come from a high school textbook. On this disc, the vocals come to the forefront, and the songwriting has matured a little, but otherwise, the analogy holds. The result, as always, is some really innovative work that thrills a lot of prog fans and leaves lots of others cold.My advice regarding all Magellan work: try "Age of Impact", by Explorer's Club, first. It's the essence of all that Trent Gardner has worked toward, but played by musicians whose playing is already enjoyed by prog-metal fans worldwide. If the songwriting style turns you off, Magellan won't please you; if not, then give this and the other two a try."

Progmania!

music man | claycity, ky United States | 02/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll begin saying that i'm dumbfounded at the negative reviews of this cd.This is what true prog-rock is all about.I've been into prog since the early 70's and this is one of the best prog-rock cds i own.I sometimes wonder is their a real understanding in the masses of good music.Trent and Wayne Gardner have got it going on!Great muscians with real talent drawing from the prog-bands of the past.Just think Doane Perry of Jethro Tull has a guest spot on this cd! I'll end with saying to any prog fan BUY THIS CD!It's great from start to finish! Excellent Lyrics,Excellent Music!What more could you ask for?"

Magellan - Their Best Album

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 09/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back when I first "re-discovered" progressive rock back in the mid 90's Magellan was one of the first of the modern era bands that I explored. At the time I thought they were incredible. Over the years I have had more mixed reactions to some of the band's latter albums, but this one still remains one of my favorites. Magellan is pretty typical of the progressive rock label Magna Carta's stable of bands in the 90's. Mixing 70's style progressive rock with bombastic modern metal the band (mainly brothers Trent and Wayne Gardner) whip up a fine album of great music and lyrics. There are three really great tracks on the disc, and they all top the 10 minute mark. The opener "Estadium Nacional", the 2nd track "Waterfront Weirdoes" and track number 6 "Storms And Mutiny" which tells the story of the band's namesake, the explorer Magellan. The short instrumental "No Time For Words" is also good. The rest of the album, "Songsmith", "Virtual Reality" and the short closer "Under The Wire" are all pretty much filler. If you like bombastic metallic prog rock with lots of vocal harmonies and historical / topical lyrics this album might be for you. Personally I think it is the best album that Magellan has put out."