*** Mastermind -- Volume Two "Brainstorm"
Mastermind makes music that crosses Emerson, Lake and Palmer with progressive metal. That pretty much sums them up, and I would have to say that if you're interested in them, the fourth album, Until Eternity is definitely the one you want to pick up, as it provides a more polished feel to the unique style. This album, the band's second, includes two suites, six run of the mill tracks and two classical pieces redone (does that sound familiar?) -- Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyrie" and Rossini's "William Tell Overture" (the Long Ranger song). This isn't quiet music intended for introspective moments, but some very complex headbanging stuff that keeps things moving along at a pretty good pace. Almost everything here is Bill Berends (his brother Rich is behind the drum kit,) an amazing feat, as musically every instrument is played to its full potential. The fact that everything but bass and drums is done on guitar (normal and with a MIDI synth) makes it all the more interesting.
Reviews by A. D. Jensen
