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DELUSION RAIN

Mystery

Neo-Prog


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Mystery Delusion Rain album cover
4.00 | 294 ratings | 7 reviews | 33% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
prog rock music collection

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Studio Album, released in 2015

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Delusion Rain (10:04)
2. If You See Her (6:11)
3. The Last Glass of Wine (6:47)
4. The Willow Tree (19:30)
5. Wall Street King (6:39)
6. A Song for You (12:35)

Total Time 61:46

Line-up / Musicians

- Jean Pageau / lead vocals, keyboards, flute
- Michel St-Père / electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards, producer
- Sylvain Moineau / electric guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar
- Benoît Dupuis / keyboards
- François Fournier / bass, Taurus pedals, keyboards
- Jean-Sébastien Goyette / drums

With:
- Antoine Michaud / guitars
- Sylvain Descôteaux / piano

Releases information

Artwork: Leszek Bujnowski

CD Unicorn Records - UNCR 5110 (2015, Canada)

Thanks to MasterOfPuppets for the addition
and to Quinino for the last updates
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MYSTERY Delusion Rain ratings distribution


4.00
(294 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(33%)
33%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(43%)
43%
Good, but non-essential (14%)
14%
Collectors/fans only (6%)
6%
Poor. Only for completionists (4%)
4%

MYSTERY Delusion Rain reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by rdtprog
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Heavy, RPI, Symph, JR/F Canterbury Teams
3 stars The band music has improve a lot since their debut. This time, they have a new singer, Jean Pageau. What strikes me at first listening to this album is the prefect production. The sound is clear and loud which each instrument bursting in the speakers. After a Pink Floyd intro, the self-titled song see the emergence of the acoustic and electric guitar succeeding each other with plenty of guitar solos of the master of his instrument, Michel St-P're. The heavy bass sound and the overall music remind me of the Neo-Prog band Pallas, influence that reoccur at some place throughout this album. In the song "If You see Her", there is some nice keys/guitar interplay and the pattern of the first song is repeated. The epic "The Willow Tree" is the highlight of the cd with a song that start as a ballad, then shift to a fast tempo and a long instrumental passage. The same themes are repeated like the ballad and the acoustic part, it's a back and forth of acoustic and electric moments. Before the end, I felt that some parts were too stretched out. In the last two songs we have the two opposite moods of the cd, the Pink Floyd delicate sound and the heavy sound of Pallas. There's some impressive musicianship here and the production make it well worth listening, but nothing new in this style of music and I always have the same impression after listening to a Mystery release, the songs are missing that spark or inspiration that could elevate the band to the level of the great bands.
Review by BrufordFreak
COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars If Neo Prog has to be over-the-top bombastic, let it be like this band, Mystery, and this album, Delusion Rain, their best to date. Simply the best sound, best song construction, best lead vocalist, best tempos and best lyrical topics I can think of in the Neo Prog realm. So what if they sound like 80s hair bands WHITESNAKE, SKID ROW, QUEENSRYCHE, GREAT WHITE, DEF LEPPARD or BON JOVI. They have a clarity and consistency, a masterful command of melody and chord progressions and a solid confidence that puts them in your face but in an emotional, sympathetic way.

1. "Delusion Rain" (10:04) A solid song that just never elevates itself into heavenly standards of memorability. (8/10)

2. "If You See Her" (6:11) A prog ballad by the numbers but done to perfection. The keyboard embellishments and restrained guitar soli (especially in the fifth minute) are wonderful. (9/10)

3. "The Last Glass of Wine" (6:47) Great pacing, great singing and lyrics, incredibly engaging chord progressions and melodic hooks, amazing sound and instrumental clarity, and hugely chunky bass, and yet nothing over-the-top or overdone. This is about as good Neo Prog can get. (10/10)

4. "The Willow Tree" (19:30) A few choices misfire and a few opportunities were missed--and it may drag on a bit longer than it needs to, but, still, overall, another beautiful and wonderfully restrained presentation. "Have you seen your eyes" is definitely a brainworm. (9/10)

5. "Wall Street King" (6:39) Despite the cogent topic and pleasant opening, this is the only dud on this otherwise stunning album. (7/10)

6. "A Song for You" (12:35) is a little on the cliché bombastic side, but I cannot argue with the gorgeous melodies, heart-wrenching chord progressions, tasteful guitar soli and amazing synth soli. Change the first 6:15 a bit and you have an outright masterpiece. (8/10)

Sorry, Thomas, but this, Delusion Rain, is the greatest Neo Prog album ever made. (Just kidding. That honor would go to either Moonshine or Seven.) If all Neo Prog were like this, I might like more of it. Also, whoever is doing the lead guitar work in this album is amazing--one of the top ten or twenty working in the business today.

Review by tszirmay
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Canadian prog band Mystery continues on its merry way, regularly releasing spirited albums that hover the zone between neo-prog and symphonic. Their last three albums were extremely well-received and critically applauded. Beneath the Veil of Winter's Face (2007), One Among the Living (2010) and The World is a Game (2012) were all truly intense albums, showcasing a series of talents that define their music. Tremendous melodies, sweeping atmospherics, superb instrumental prowess and the special voice of Benoit David (who went on to a brief career with Yes). On this ultra-smooth release, the lead vocalist slot is now taken over by Jean Pageau, who does not disappoint at all, fitting in very nicely. Michel St-Pere, lead guitarist and leader is a seasoned pro who does not seek to reinvent the wheel, or even progressive rock, for that matter. His forte is to keep focused on pieces of music that are emotionally powerful and expressive, loaded up with dynamic rhythms that are never overtly mellow or sugary, succinct soloing and laying homage to the ebb and flow of the highly melodic arrangements. Oh, and before I forget, great singing! Adventurous? Maybe not. Pioneering? No. Entertaining? Absolutely! Bombastic? Oh Yeah!

The title track wastes no time in getting Pageau settled with the mike stand, as he belts it out with the best of them, not really that distant from David. No shock the monkey here, as the melody is massive and immediately expressive, as if one had heard this many times before, boldly soaring above the slippery guitars, the walloping symphonic keys and the steady rhythmic duo. A tremendous 10 minute opener indeed. Felling slightly romantic? How about a sublimely simple love ballad, acoustic guitars weaving the sad story and a voice that urges the pain forward. "If You See Her" is a conveniently personal tune, fresh and puerile, yet engrossed within a special gloss, blending in crystalline guitar and solid propulsion. Once again, that typical Mystery impression of 'vaguely familiar' strikes the listener, proving that this band knows how to impact the jaded listener by seeking out their attention, not by some exultant soloing display but by recalling the simply accessible beauty that surrounds us , in all sensorial forms. If you are looking for angular, obscure and intrepid forms of progressive rock creativity that boldly goes beyond the norm, you are definitely in the wrong galaxy.

"The Willow Tree" is also in the 6 minute range, a hustling track that combines pastoral chiming and raunchier riffs, with Pageau modulating his voice to better match the storyline, as the shimmering electric guitar carves forward unafraid. Punchy drums, booming bass and screeching keyboards all contribute to keep things panting and thrilling. Here Pageau's voice reminds me of Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, though in a heavier, more bombastic setting.

The big boy here is the gargantuan 19 minute epic "The Last Glass of Wine" , which shows the Quebec band taking their sweet time in developing a mood and a structure that will sweep the listener into a trippy affair in which to lose oneself, chock full of delicacy, strength, power and detail, never boring and always with purpose. Mystery can do languid too, with stunning choir work and truly, some of the best vocal work anywhere. Special mention must go to both Francois Fournier on bass and Jean-Sebastien Goyette on the drum kit, who really beef up the rhythmic pulse, while keyboardist Benoit Dupuis challenges the dual guitars of Sylvain Moineau and leader St-Pere who do some serious Wishbone Ash style duelling guitar stuff that will dazzle and subdue the audience into submission. This is where the band gets to let their hair down and liberate some expressive soloing into the mix, a trait that is both admirable and pleasing. Great piece of work!

Prog is not just for history and literature buffs but can also relate to current affairs (and should more often), so they decide to tackle "Wall Street King" and the subject of corporate greed and uncontrolled wealth. Brash and grandiloquent, the bluesy guitar coils like a snake, ready to strike like some feverish cobra, the elevated chorus is highly expressive and the mood rumbles along unchecked with a booming bass shoving the money bag along, 'before the fall'.

"A Song for You" kicks off with some labyrinthine stops and turns, getting very technical and almost hyperventilating before a huge synth melody overtakes the deal, sounding like old-school Yes and a pastoral segue with gentle flute then enters the room. Pageau turns on the emotional jets with an aching ballad that keeps building up to some imaginary crescendo where "you let the heart rule the mind". The second half has a burping bass, clanging guitar swipes, churning organ and tectonic drum fills to hurl the song forward, at breakneck speed and intent. "Let the music float through your mind". Indeed! A scorching St-Pere sizzle settles this one down for the night.

Consistently appealing prog music that while not ground breaking, still remains totally cool and hyper-professional with exceptional playing and sensational singing. Ideal introductory band to the unaware music fan wanting to learn more about prog. No mystery with Mystery but I like it.

4 Illusionary deluges

Review by Aussie-Byrd-Brother
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Canadian band Mystery bounce back from the departure of long-term band member and lead vocalist Benoit David with `Delusion Rain' in 2015, a confident and pleasingly consistent work that should greatly appeal to both fans of the group and curious newcomers. Newly instated singer Jean Pagaeu effortlessly fits into the band and surprisingly doesn't sound unlike David, delivering the same deeply warm and relatable vocal tone his predecessor offered, so the transition between vocalists is more or less seamless. The six pieces on offer here again remind that Mystery are one of the best examples of a band that successfully crosses over between progressive and accessible (almost radio-friendly) rock, who always place the importance of an actual strong and melodic tune well before lengthy drawn-out soloing, even though they carefully execute those elements in plenty of restrained and effective moments throughout the hour long album as well.

The dramatic and serious ten-minute opener is almost a protest song, warning of politician's lies with Pagaeu's placid and wounded voice rising in strength for a pleading chorus. Bluesy Pink Floyd- ian slow burn electric guitar grandness and big heavy plodding drumming build the tension, and veils of Benoît Dupuis's brooding symphonic synths carefully take flight in the backdrop growing constantly in power. `If You See Her' is warmer and more obviously romantic, just the kind of track Mystery does so well. Guitars chime behind a sweetly affectionate lead vocal presenting a lovely wistful tune, and icy sleek Neo-flavoured synth interludes might remind some listeners briefly of I.Q. `The Last Glass of Wine' bristles with sleek electric guitar lines, as electric piano and shimmering synths perfectly convey the dream-like surreal lyrics.

The standout moment of the disc is the almost twenty-minute `The Willow Tree'. It truly is a showcase for both guitarists Sylvain Moineau and Michel St-Père who deliver all manner of sublime electric and acoustic passages, and this extended piece presents Mystery wholly embracing their prog credentials with the most frequent instrumental passages of the album. A perfect balance of winning vocal sections and instrumental flights that catch fire with a gutsiness of harder-driving guitars, whirring colourful synth-runs and Jean-Sébastien Goyette's rumbling drums that lift the piece to the heavens, and the slick direction and time-changes all effortlessly transition with great skill. This grand epic moment is sure to become a live concert favourite from the band, and it must rank as one of the best Mystery pieces ever, everything that the band does right falling expertly into place.

Despite as always focusing on the actual tune, `Wall Street King' is one of the heavier moments where some of the more bombastic sections wouldn't have sounded out of place on one of Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Ayreon project albums, François Fournier's bass grumbling suitably thick and upfront in the instrumental passage in the middle. Album closer `A Song for You' initially retains the heaviness of the previous track, opening with gothic-like dark symphonic themes with manic organ and electric guitar wildness, perhaps not unlike British Neo-proggers Arena. It quickly tones down amongst breezes of flute wafting in and out of soaring guitar soloing, winning synth motifs and a high-energy instrumental stretch in the middle, and there's no doubting the sincerity when Pageau repeats the inspirational credo of "Leave all your fear behind, let your heart rule your mind, allow your dreams to come alive..."

Does this album maintain Mystery's momentum and offer another strong set of reliable and classy songs - for sure. At this point in their career with several albums behind them, could the band be taking a few more risks - absolutely. With their next studio album, it might be time for the band to change things up a little, maybe attempt a concept album, or even strip back the production polish for something a little more subdued and intimate - in other words move out of their comfort zone just a little. Mystery are now well and truly established with a strong fanbase of loyal followers, so they shouldn't be worried that being a little more daring (without sacrificing their melodic qualities) will scare off their audience. If anything, prog rock fans will only embrace them more than ever, and it might even bring in new listeners who sometimes dismiss the band as being a little lightweight or bland (none of which is true though!).

But `Delusion Rain' is still a very successful and pleasing album from a hugely talented band, perhaps Mystery's strongest release to date in many ways, that's sure to be warmly embraced by their fanbase, and it's another victory for song-based melodic prog-rock.

Four stars.

Review by kev rowland
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Reviewer
5 stars When Mystery returned with their sixth studio album, 'Delusion Rain', in 2015 it was with a brand new band with the only survivor from 2012's 'The World Is A Game' being Michel St-P're (electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards). Ex-Yes singer Beno't David had been replaced by Jean Pageau, Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard, BBT) had passed the drum stool over to Jean-S'bastien Goyette while bassist Antoine Fafard (Spaced Out) had made room for Fran'ois Fournier. The band had also expanded to a second guitarist in Sylvain Moineau, and a keyboard player in Beno't Dupuis, who of course had been with the band back in the early days.

The difference between this and the more recent albums, was that the band were again a band, touring and playing live as opposed to Michel bringing together additional musicians to record, and it really shows. There is a continuity and huge sound that was somehow missing from before, with swathes of keyboards and guitars coming together with a strong fretted bass and wonderful vocals. Mystery have had a few singers over the years, but it is possible that in Pageau they have the perfect foil to the music, which has moved into a more symphonic mode that from the neo-prog they are often tagged with. The word that kept going through my mind while playing this was 'maturity', as here is a band that isn't rushing through the music but instead has put together solid arrangements that enthral the listener who just wants to keep playing this again and again.

Michel's guitar is as strident and powerful as ever, while everyone is relaxed and in the mode, coming together in a fashion that only ever really happens when a band have been touring successfully. 20 years ago, Michel was the first person in the world I ever had an email conversation with, moving on from the postal service. I can see I need to send him another, congratulating him on an amazing piece of work, which should be in every proghead's collection.

Latest members reviews

3 stars 3,5 stars !!! How I've said in my last review posted in P A (review (#1595101 in 2016-8-5 ) ; "I really think which this band is capable of better moments... ", this is a good example. In spite isn't a perfect album without weak moments, in my point of view this last studio album from MISTERY i ... (read more)

Report this review (#1595786) | Posted by maryes | Sunday, August 7, 2016 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Before the year finishes, we have the pleasure to hear this great canadian band through its last work ¨Delusion Rain¨. A spectacular production by the lead guitarist Michel St-pere with the new voice of the group Jean Pageau. A disc of high inspiration, with outstanding melodies and instrum ... (read more)

Report this review (#1496812) | Posted by pepe saco | Saturday, December 5, 2015 | Review Permanlink

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