IMAGO MUNDI

It's been over six years since a written review was done for this record. This is their fourth studio album released in 1993. Again there is a MARILLION flavour here but a fair amount of heaviness as well. I still feel that "Arkana" is their high water mark and I rated it a very low 4 stars. This one isn't as good in my opinion. It's a concept album by the way. I'm just using the first half of the album titles.

"Transmigration" is led by riffs until the vocals arrive after 1 1/2 minutes. Ripping guitar before 3 minutes. It sounds like mellotron coming and going along with those riffs. This is my favourite track. "Justice" kicks in quickly with vocals. This sounds like Power-Metal light. Not a fan. "Violence 1" is short but very good. This is slower but heavy but it does pick up some. "Violence 2" is uptempo and again in the light Power-Metal style. "Virtue" puts the focus on the vocals for the most part, although there are some good instrumental sections. "Fortitiude" sounds like part 2 of the previous song. "Serenity" is an upbeat listen with vocals. Flute late ending with children's laughter.

"Disharmony" kicks in hard after a minute with vocals. "Courage" is one i'm not a fan of at all with those fast paced vocals and backing vocals helping out. "Imagination" is heavy as vocals join in. It turns lighter a minute in. Contrasts continue. "Vulgarity" kicks in quickly with vocals. An uptempo track that settles 1 1/2 minutes in but not for long. "Nobility" features what sounds like strings and reserved vocals. A tasteful guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in. "Egoism" has a good heavy intro. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in in an uptempo but not so heavy soundscape. Later it seems like each member gets a chance to solo. Good stuff.

A good album that just doesn't do a lot for me overall.