This Norwegian prog band has been wowing fans for more than a decade with their big and melodic keyboard and guitar-driven sound. This set was recorded in Atlanta in 2014 during the band's appearance at the ProgPower USA Festival, and the audience got a real treat as Pagan's Mind began their show with the playing of the 2002 fan favorite Celestial Entrance album in its entirety and in order. Excellent camera work catches all the action without lingering on one player too long, like singer Nils K. Rue hitting the high notes on "Through Osiris' Eyes," keyboard wizard Ronny Tegner's dazzling play on the two-part "Back to the Magic of Childhood" suite, Stian Kristoffersen's drum intro to "Entrance Stargate" and Steinar Krokmo's rumbling 6-string bass runs throughout. Of course guitarist Jorn Viggo Lofstad gets lots of attention too, shredding like he's a member of Queensryche on songs like "The Seven Sacred Promises" one minute and channeling David Gilmour the next. This is thoroughly modern prog with a bit of a metal edge but one listen to cuts like "In Brilliant White Light" makes it clear that the band has listened to its share of early Genesis too. After Celestial Entrance is finished the guys play a set of favorites that draw primarily from the Heavenly Ecstasy, God's Equation and Enigmatic: Calling records, highlighted by the ominous, Black Sabbath-influenced "New World Order," killer guitar shredding from Lofstad on "Enigmatic Mission" and an impressive take on David Bowie's "Hallo Spaceboy." Here's an excellent opportunity for the uninitiated to get hip to what Pagan's Mind is all about.
Pagan's Mind
Rating:
Share this article
Holiday Gift Guide: Early Edition
Quick Flicks: Todd Rundgren and Billy Preston
Live: Debbie Gibson Acoustic Youth Tour Closes in Chicago
Live: Iron Maiden Rocks Chicago On The Future Past World Tour
America - Live from the Hollywood Bowl 1975
Asking Alexandria, We Came As Romans Lead Additions To Welcome To Rockville
Alien Ant Farm Singer Punched In The Face By CKY Frontman
Foreigner's Lou Gramm Says Rock Hall Pulled 'Fast One' With Induction Ceremony
Lynyrd Skynyrd Plan To Release Gary Rossington's Final Concert
Doves Plot Intimate Live Dates
The Plot In You Share 'Spare Me' Video As New EP Arrives
Make Them Suffer Share 'Small Town Syndrome' Visualizer
Saint Blonde Take On Casual Dating With New Song 'Prowl'