MUTATIS MUTANDIS

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!