ANGELS OF THE APOCALYPSE

Mastermind are certainly not a band content to sit on their previous achievements and are yet again moving off into pastures new. Last year they brought in keyboard wizard Jens Johannson (Stratovarius) and recorded an instrumental album. This year the Berends brothers have managed to retain Jens but have brought in a female vocalist, Lisa Bouchelle. Considering that up to last year Rich Berends provided drums and Bill everything else (with a bassist added for live work), it is quite a move to take. When I saw them at The Orange a few years ago I was amazed by their virtuosity and they seem to have taken on e anew life since then.

Opener "The End Of The World" (over ten minutes) moves from driving rock track to a jam, where Bill really lets loose on the guitar. Rich shows why he is one of the top drummers in the world with some amazing fills, and Jens fits in well without being overpowering. Each of the ten tracks is a gem, and they even cover a number form ELP, "The Endless Enigma". Mastermind really are progressing and this is an album that all progheads should rush and get straight away. Just superb.