Search - Magellan :: Test of Wills

Still an acquired taste

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

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As I said in my review for "Impending Ascension", Trent Gardner's style is not for everyone. Listen to "Age of Impact", by Explorer's Club, and if the style turns you off, then Magellan won't be your thing. Otherwise, give it a shot -- and this may or may not be the disc to start with.On this disc, the brothers Gardner are joined by drummer Brad Keiser, putting to the test many critics' assertion that the biggest problem with Magellan's first two releases was the synthesized drums. It's still got Trent Gardner's unmistakeable style, and it's still going to be just as loved or hated. In addition to live drums, Trent has added two new and controversial elements that are used again in "Age of Impact": the use of repeated phrases to give thematic continuity to an otherwise disparate collection of songs, and a trombone solo. The latter demonstrates that (1) Gardner can really play that thing; (2) he's actively looking for ways to illuminate and shatter the boundaries that exist even around progressive rock....The material leans a little more to the prog-metal side than on the previous two releases. Trent's Genesis influence shows through so strongly on "Bully Pulpit" and "Preaching the Converted" that you can actually hear Phil Collins singing them. The former also has a flute solo that pays homage to his Jethro Tull influence. The title track is the most odd, with a vocal track that sounds like Ozzy Osbourne complementing the aforementioned trombone solo. Ultimately, it's much more diverse along multiple dimensions, showing Trent's growth as a songwriter, and that diversity is what makes it my favorite of Magellan's three discs. A very rewarding listen -- but only, as always, if you're first able to pass the Explorer's Club challenge."

AMAZING

Ryan T. Sessions | Savannah, Georgia United States | 12/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have read that some people prefer the first two albums by Magellan to the third. That's just crazy. When i first heard this album, I was floored. "A Social Marginal" kept me obsessed with the drum part. I had to try and learn it. Thank God they added more distortion. It makes it more exciting, "Walk fast, look worried" has a beautiful tone to it, and the title track just grooves throughout. Gardner has amazing writing abilities, and the drummer, Brad Kaiser, is an amazing force behid the kit. This album is oe of my all time favorites"

What a great new experience!

Unknown Dude | MI, USA | 06/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I bought Kansas' new album there was the insert for the Magna Carta lineup. I listened to a few samples on Amazon, and bought Test of Wills. What a great disc! I cannot stop listening to it, especially the title track. Take Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP/King Crimson, and throw in a trace of Metallica flavoring and you get this disc. Very interesting musically. You will never think the same way about the trombone again! (Only in one song-- nothing is overdone here). The ballad "Walk Fast, Look Worried" is prophetic, bringing tears to my eyes about the world in which our children must grow up.If you like mid-seventies "classic rock," give this a listen. Why can't I hear this fresh sound on the radio?"