IN NOMINE

"Mythos" is the 2005 cd from the Spanish band In Nomine. I was drawn to this cd by claims that it sounded similar to Echolyn (one of my favorite bands), and some of the sound samples here sure supported that position. The band is tight and hugs the curve of rapid time changes; the keyboards have that modern feel; and the guitarist intones a classic Brett Kull sound throughout most this cd. If only this were an all-instrumental cd...

Mind you, the vocals are not bad. But they represent a weaker link for this band, at least on this cd. Shallow and awkward lyrics do not help. Perhaps they would have been better served if they had sung in Spanish? There is also some clumsy (to me) talking at certain points in a couple of songs.

That's a shame, because there is so much cool music here that is very well played, and the guitarist is truly a treat. I guess I would have preferred less of the vocal stumbles and interruptions, and more (MUCH more, considering the short 44 minute length of this cd!) of the progressive jazz sound that they toy with. I guess there's always Echolyn to fall back on...

As much as I was impressed with Mutatis Mutandis, now, with Mythos, I am disappointed. I gave Mutatis 5 stars, I really was stunned (I still am) with that album. But Mythos? It is a total different sound, to me it's does not sound like the same band. Allow me to say - it's very personal of course - I think of Mythos as a waist of my money. So... back to Mutatis, with a lot of pleasure, I still recommend (and re-recommend) Mutatis to all those who are in favour of great symphonic Neo Prog Rock.

This Spanish five piece band made a fine impression with their third album entitled "Mutatis mutandis". On this new album Mythos is obvious less influenced by IQ than on that third album. In general they made modern and pleasant sounding, often dynamic neo-prog featuring strong and fiery electric guitarplay, tasteful keyboards and a tight rhythm- section (sometimes a bit too). The English vocals are the weak point, not bad but mediocre without the usual Spanish expression. The highlight is the long final track "Sisyphus" that starts and ends with wonderful Spanish guitar and contains lots of good interplay between guitar and keyboards and some fine soli. A fine album but I advice In Nomine to sing in Spanish.

www.progwalhalla.com

This Spanish band has the Marillion/IQ sound down pat. Right off the bat, "Beetles Of Concrete" screams IQ with their guitars and keyboards reminding you of Mike Holmes and Martin Oldford. The lead singer may not sound like Peter Nichols, but I'm reminded of him. The lyrics are also of the IQ variety, obtuse and gothic. The track "No Deal" has vocal harmonies that remind me, of all bands, Starcastle! A bit of a basic Neo-song with nice guitar and that Starcastle harmony towards the end. Very strange, indeed. My only complaint about the album is the keyboards. On track "Spiritless Fellow" it reminds me too much of the cheesy '80's sound. In fact, the 80's sound runs through much of the album. The savior is the guitar. It has a nice Hackett/Holmes sound, especially on the most prog sounding song, "Le Cadavre Exquis", the longest track. At 16 minutes, it runs the gamut of sounds, from Genesis to IQ to Marillion to Yes/Starcastle. Time signatures abound, there's more color and the guitar is wonderful. Very good! There is a short song, "Snowly" that's a bit comical and a song called "Panem & Circenses" (Bread & Circuses) with the cheesy 80's synth at the start but then kicks in with that nice guitar. If you are a fan of Neo-prog and like nice guitar work, this album is for you. The keyboards are okay, but the guitar dominates. A good but not essential album. 3 stars!

This is a new Spanish prog rock band but I cannot trace anything Spanish. On their album "Mutatis Mutandis" (from 2000) IN NOMINE sounds in general as the Spanish version of IQ and they do it very good. The six compositions (between 2 and 16 minutes) have varied and lush climates delivering many strong and exciting soli on guitar (howling and sensitive) and keyboards (flashy and bombastic). The short track "Snowly" contains beautiful classical guitar and some harpsicord. But the absolute highlight is the epic composition "Le cadavre exquis" (almost 16 minutes): it starts with twanging electric guitar and pleasant vocals, some hard-edged guitar and then lots of changing climates featuring church organ sound and many compelling electric guitar and keyboard work, including interplay and soli in the best IQ tradition. In Nomine doesn't sound very original but if you love bands like the early IQ, PENDRAGON and CLEPSYDRA, this CD will delight you for sure!

www.progwalhalla.com

Never heard of this band, untill I learned from them throughout Prog Archives. And as already happened several times in the past, I became very interested in what Prog Archives mentioned about their music. Furthermore, I read the review by Mr Meeuws, and next I bought this CD. It is so damned good - pardon me my French - but, this is superb Neo Prog Rock. Fascinating music!! Being a great NPR-lover I started to admire Arena, Collage, Clepsydra, Illuvatar, IQ, Pendragon and all those other outstanding bands thank to this site. In Nomine is a band that has recently become one of my favourites. Highly recommended to all those who love the bands I mentioned above. Great music, very powerfull, very mature NPG. I am indeed looking out for their next masterpiece. Congratulations to all the members of the band... excellent work.