MIND VOL. 4 - PASS

MIND = music investigating new dimensions. This volume includes vocal-oriented art rock and thus probably differs the most from other albums by this Swedish band. The album feels very conceptual and structured: each track title is one short word and tracks are divided into subdivisions in 4x4 structure.

I'm already a third one to say this but I strongly associated this music with PETER GABRIEL's later output (albums Us and Up). The biggest - but not the only - reason was that the vocals of Christof Jeppson sound a lot like Gabriel's. There are also a couple of female vocalists but their voices remain in a small role. Music is rich in sound, dark-toned, modern and exciting, at times quite technical and edgy, just like Peter Gabriel can be. Also in PG's discography this album would be convincing, but still ISILDURS BANE have a style of their own. The later King Crimson could be another comparison.

This is an album that takes a tight hold on the listener and doesn't necessarily reveal all of its secrets at once. On the other hand it's emotionally cold, tense and slightly disturbing album to listen to and really doesn't suit for harmless background music. Some warmer and more relaxed moments would have done good. 3½ stars.