MIND ODYSSEY

Rage guitarist Victor Smolski proves to be one of the driving forces behind German band Mind Odyssey and along with guitar playing duties is also responsible for much of the songwriting and keyboards on this release. Excluding a best of, ‘Time To Change It’ is the band's 5th album to date with their 1st dating back to 1993. The production and performance is first class. This release has a melodic intensity and is dominated by some crunchingly heavy riffs that remind me of Dream Theater and features great vocal lines throughout. The album retains an accessible sound even though it's slightly experimental in places with the keyboards/piano giving it a proggy edge. The first two tracks kick off the album in style with the second track ‘Enemy Daggers’ being particularly excellent. ‘Higher Ground’ is the album's outstanding track, a fine slice of melodic rock with a brooding, menacing rhythm providing the main backbone and features a mind blowing chorus. The keyboards/piano interlude are an absolute joy as they are on ‘Storm Warning’. ‘Under The Moonlight’ is the closest the band get to a ballad with the acoustic guitar particularly impressing. As much as the whole band are clearly fine musicians, I'd like to single out Mario Le Mole's outstanding vocals who proves to be incredibly versatile with a style that ranges from Mike Patton to James LaBrie and is achieved with such consummate ease. Fans of prog metal and melodic rock should find plenty to enjoy on this excellent album.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

Album

TIME TO CHANGE IT

Review by Dave Crewe

RUNNING TIME:

44:10

RELEASE DATE:

2nd March 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Riding and Ruling
2) Enemy Daggers
3) I Want It All
4) Face In The Rain
5) Final Fight
6) Higher Ground
7) Storm Warning
8) Time To Change It
9) Raven and Swan
10) Under The Moonlight

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Germany

"The album retains an accessible sound even though it's slightly experimental in places with the keyboards/piano giving it a proggy edge."