MIND KEY ‘Journey Of A Rough Diamond ’
Frontiers Records (2004)
Another month, another progressive metal band - another Dream Theater
clone - or maybe not?
Mind Key is a five piece from the Italian city of Napoli featuring MarK
Basile (vocals), Emanuele Colella (guitars), Dario De Cicco (piano, keys),
Lele Castaldo (bass) and Andrea Stipa (drums). They started out in 1999
honing their skills in the clubs of their hometown. A four-song demo
'Welcome to Another Reality' followed in 2000, which led to their eventual
signing by Frontiers for the recording of this, their debut album.
Listening to the album does bring Dream Theater to mind in places - but more
their earlier, less self-indulgent output. The opening track 'Secret Dream'
starts off sounding like something off DT’s debut album 'When Dream and Day
Unite' (personally one of my favourites) but then progresses into a style of
its own.
The songs on the album all feature a variety of styles from epic progressive
numbers to the shorter ballads, such as the delicate 'Without Ann'. Songs
move fluidly from just piano and vocals to guitar shredding workouts to even
what can best be described as 'jazzy interludes'.
The only real off putting thing has to be the occasional high pitched
keyboard 'squeaks' during 'Lord of the Flies' which detract from an
otherwise excellent epic number.
It’s good to see Frontiers signing a high quality progressive metal band
such as Mind Key rather than Inside Out having a monopoly on this type of
band. In summary, a highly competent debut that bodes well for their future.
***¸
Review by Phil Berisford
Album review
|
