Another Tour De Force by Pagans Mind
D. Crain | NJ United States | 01/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just don't know what makes these guys tick. Must be something in the water in Norway. Maybe I should move there. This record is simply remarkable again... I don't know where their ideas keep coming from, but another superb collection of hammering, punishing, yet melodic and symphonic music that is unparalleled in this genre.
These guys continue to be the stars of this space. Their playing is total teamwork, no grandstanding, just playing off each other, enjoying what they do, and making grand, huge and exciting music.
Saw them last year at ProgPower, they brought down the house, and I was not disappointed to say the least. I hope they tour to support God's Equation. Fantastic.
This album is in fact somewhat less approachable than the previous 2 efforts, but after a few listens, it definitely sinks in. Listen to Spirit Starcruiser, Gods Equation or Osiris Triumphant Return to hear what these guys are capable of."
"Hallo Spaceboy"
Prog-Rev-Elation | ALLover | 01/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pagan's Mind deliver another strong effort. This release moves forward with a little more of the melodic than the crunch, although there is plenty of crunch to enjoy. The band certainly seems to be getting tighter in their performance and unique chemistry.
One thing stands out to me on this disc is an outstanding effort on vocal variety. The singer sounds like a combination of Geoff Tate, David Coverdale (believe it or not, if you listen closely you'll hear some Coverdale moments), and David Bowie - on the Bowie cover "Hallo Spaceboy." - a song which I have never heard before. Not only did I enjoy their version of the song, I also consider it one of the disc's highlights. The singing is somewhat Bowie-ish, only far better. Overall the singing on this album has hit a much higher level than their previous releases.
One weak point is the mix. For the most part everything sounds good, except I like to be able to hear each instrument without having to strain. On this disc, the Bass playing is difficult to pick out. The exception to this is on the bonus disc. The live cut and the studio demo's all are good with each instrument easily heard. If you are planning on buying this release, I recommend you get the Limited Edition - the extra songs are well worth it.
Bottom line, this is a high quality, very enjoyable progressive metal release.
"
Another Great album from PM almost perfect!
Michael A. Carra | bronx, new york | 01/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"well where to start with god's equation...
the album itself turns more to a heavy edge. Its defidently pagans mind's heavyest album to date. it starts off with a beauitiful mellow guitar intro and that leads you into the blistering title track "god's equation" wich is by far the best song on the album. a great mix off their agressive side and mellow side. all the songs are very good except the cover of david bowes "hello spaceboy" wich is a awful track that i always skip. my other complaint is the guitar playing. dont get me wrong his playing is still amazing, but i gotta say his playing on the last 2 albums stuck out much more. he stiill has a couple of amazing solos on here though! it just seemed like a few tracks in the middle were not as good as the rest, and that kept me from giveing the album 5 stars.
but now back to the good. there are extemely ctachy songs on here, and the drum playing is top notch too. Painted skies, and Evolution exceed are absolutely amazing! they remind me of the Enigmatic: Calling album. and another one of my favs on the album is "Osiris' triumphant return" that is a excellent song with incredible musicianship!
so the album itself is very strong, not quite as strong as the last 2 albums but almost there!"