PANTOMMIND

PANTOMMIND, formerly known as Lavender Haze is a Bulgarian progressive metal band from Gabrovo that made some waves in the mid-2000s when they released a couple albums and played with popular bands like Fates Warning and Helloween. The band was formed all the way back in 1993 but didn't release this debut album SHADE OF FATE until 2005, however they did release a demo titled "Farewell" in 1999 in their native Bulgaria. SHADE OF FATE however was released on Sensory Records, one of the world's excellent prog labels and launched this band to a much larger international audience. The band was also well known at the ProgPower Festival that took place in Baarlo, Netherlands and garnered a minor following after a couple of strong albums that were released separately and then again as a combo package.

While gestated in the far Eastern section of Europe, PANTOMMIND was obviously gazing westward for its inspiration and having formed in 1993, it's obvious that Dream Theater and Fates Warning were clearly at the top of the list. Upon first listen, SHADE OF FATE may sound like any other Dream Theater clone band trying to check off the progressive metal attributes in perfect form and to be fair, there is much in common such as the Tony Ivans' distinct operatic vocals that fly into perfect form and sail high into the heavens above and back. Also on board are the twin guitar attacks of Pete Christ and Peter Vichew who simultaneously offer chunky staccato riff attacks with atmospheric almost neo-prog wizardry with the occasional virtuosic soloing skills of a gifted neoclassical stalwart.

Perhaps the most distinct factor is the keyboard work of Sunny X who paints a more ethereal picture by adopting the styles of bands like Vanden Plas and Sun Caged. The band displays an excellent command of the progressive metal compositional style which nurtures highly addictive melodic drives into meticulously designed progressive constructs that showcase the more intricate influences of bands like Savatage, Crimson Glory and Psychotic Waltz. While not as musically adventurous as bands like Dream Theater, PANTOMMIND rather prefers to keep things well balanced without any long periods of virtuosic wankery. Strewn about the harmonic and melody rich soundscapes are crunchy guitar riffs, rich tapestries of time signature workouts, keyboard rich tone clusters and the chugging polyrhythmic bass grooves of Dido with the power drumming prowess of Drago to match.

Upon first listen i was expecting a much heavier sound similar to bands like Symphony X or even early Queensryche since there is much mellowness interspersed between the heaviest metal displays of bombast. After a few spins though, i was hooked. What PANTOMMIND lacks in overt originality they more than make up for with extremely strong and consistent compositions that take the best aspects of the progressive metal sound and dress them all up with excellent instrumental interplay accompanied by an outstanding production and mixing job that allows the instruments to complement each other to perfection. Add to that the perfect progressive metal vocal performances of Tony Ivan and it's no wonder why PANTOMMIND captured the hearts of so many upon the release of this debut, no doubt because this is a brilliant interpretation of Western prog metal in the most passionate display of bravado.

Not sure why my CD has two extra tracks titled "Forgiving Tears" and "Virtual Ghost" which don't appear on most databases but these bonus features are actually more creative and more dynamic than the 11 tracks that precede it so i highly recommend obtaining SHADE OF FATE as a single album with these extra gems rather than obtaining the combo pack of SHADE OF FATE and the following "Lunasense." Despite nothing really jumping into any sort of experimental originality here, SHADE OF FATE is impeccable in how each track seamlessly flows into the next and balances the heavier and softer passages so well. Perhaps Bulgaria isn't the world's foremost bastion of progressively infused rock and metal but they sure did good by exporting PANTOMMIND to the rest of the world.

Bulgarian band PANTOMMIND was formed back in 1993, and as they are still active as of 2014 they should probably be described as a veteran band at this stage. Their output have been rather limited however, with one demo and two full length albums issued to date and a third album in the works. "Shade of Fate" is their debut album, and was released through Laser's Edge subdivision Sensory Records back in 2005.

As far as placing Pantommind within a musical context goes, that is an easy task. Progressive metal is the name of the game here, and a variety of it that most likely can be described as belonging to the Dream Theater school of this stylistic expression. Powerful and emotional compositions with room for gentler escapades just as much as for sequences where the musicians can showcase their technical skills, and while the compositions may not be quite as quirky as Dream Theater may be the sound, mood and overall atmosphere is one with distinct similarities to this highly influential band. Which may or may not be incidental, as Pantommind's stated influences does reference bands and artists of a rather different stature altogether.

Be that as it may be, we're still dealing with music sharing many similar qualities. Staccato riff constructions or slower, drawn out riffs in majestic arrangements with distinct keyboards contrasting tonal range and supplementing harmonies, occasional sequences with dampened guitar sounds giving more room for the keyboards to soar and vice versa, and plenty of instrumental sections where the guitarists and keyboardist all get to showcase their skills as providers of atmospheric motifs just as much as technically challenging solo runs. Quirky instrument details are given room as well, and there's also room for compositions exploring gentler and even ethereal landscapes on this production. A strong lead vocalist with a finely controlled melodic delivery fits in beautifully in this context, and as far as delivery goes you won't find much to criticize on this disc, if anything at all.

Well made classic progressive metal, well performed, but perhaps a tad too predictable in nature. That is a challenge for any specific style heavily explored I guess, to continue making music of that kind that carries an element of surprise or that has been so perfectly made and executed that it gobsmacks you. So while any specific weaknesses are hard to find here, the details that makes this album one you must buy rather than one you should explore are just as difficult to track down. The brief instrumental Spectastral is the sole composition I'd point to for the latter, due to some truly haunting keyboard moods as the detail elevating the total experience of that particular song.

Still, if you have a soft spot for classic era progressive metal, Pantommind's debut album is one that quite clearly warrants an inspection. As long as you enjoy that type of music in general and the bands most commonly described as belonging to the Dream Theater school of progressive metal bands in general "Shade of Fate" is a production you should enjoy from the onset until the final track ebbs out. Just about the only weak spots you'll find are the two bonus tracks, and that is due to mix and production of these two compositions not being at the same level as the rest of this CD.

After the stunning first full length record "Shade Of Fate", the Bulgarian progressive metal band Pantommind didn't only try to copy its first album but tried out a couple of new things on this second album. While this progression seems very positive at first sight, there are still a few little reasons why I prefer their first output.

"Lunasense" sounds heavier and straighter than the first album. It includes more unpredictable and unexpected changes of style, some fast and sharp guitar solos and the band sounds even more versatile and open-minded than on the first output. The vocals have also changed and remind me less of Dream Theater or Fates Warning but rather of a mixture of X Japan and Symphony X. This new ambitious diversity has though a little negative effect. Sometimes, the vocals sound too forced and not as natural and emotional as they could. Sometimes the heaviness of the music and the new degree of diversity suffocate the magic melodies and profound atmosphere that dominated the first album and that are still but logically less present in some parts of this follow-up. Sometimes the different new and old influences of the band harm the coherence and flow of the record that sounds a little bit more twisted and complicated than the one before. "Lunasense" is without a doubt an intriguing and diversified record and I honour the courage of the band to move on but I personally prefer the laid back sounds of "Shade Of Fate" where the band excelled. Sometimes less can be more in the progressive rock or metal genre.

But there are though many positive things that justify my high rating. This album may seem bulky at a first try but it opens the more and more you listen to it. You always get something new to discover and have new favourite tracks depending on your mood and taste of the moment. A good example for this kind of phenomenon and a track that represents well the new face of the band is the song "Blank". It starts with a slow and very catchy riff to turn into a heavier riff that picks up the main melody. The verses sound like epic power metal while the bridge has many breaks and focuses on a dark atmosphere featuring a discordant guitar solo with some Arabian folk vibes. The song fades though out with some eerie futuristic keyboard vibes. Already the opener "Erasable Tears" is after one out of two great short instrumental songs a track that defines the new directions of the band. It features some really sharp riffs, energizing, versatile but maybe a little bit too high pitched vocals, weird sound effects and a healthy dose of speed that hasn't be present on the band's first strike. This track is maybe the hardest and most complex track the band has ever written.

While these tracks are enjoyable but less directly addicting, there are still songs like the calm, epic and very atmospheric "Sandglass" with its oriental vibes or the keyboard orientated early Dream Theater homage "Letter To No One". These tracks might on the other hand please very much to fans of the first record and prove that the band's changes have not been too radical and permanent. The progression is perpetual, easy to digest and logical after all. Even if they add nothing new to the formula with these songs, they happen to be my favourite ones on the album because they have so much soul and such a warm vibe that a fan of progressive music simply can't criticize these lost pearls.

In the end, the band equally and almost perfectly mixes the sound of its first record with new influences. I prefer the vibes of "Shade Of Fate" but I'm also able to enjoy the new face of the band, too. Some tracks like "Wolf" or "To The Days Of Old" also mix both sides and help to create the transition between both sides of the band's musical medal. The new one is definitely technically interesting, musically diversified and adds a surprising and changing touch to the record. This new style needs some time to grow without a doubt but the songs in fact improved as time went by and I happen to discover more and more shiny facets and interesting elements in the band's sound even if the tracks are only slightly more complex than the material they have written before. That's why this record is also quite close to perfection and in the end a surprisingly worthy follow-up of the maybe unbeatable masterpiece that has been "Shade Of Fate". I only cut off five little points because this record that we have here is less easy to approach and doesn't have a perfect flow as the first strike but there are still no real stinkers on this output so you should definitely check this band and its music out if you haven't done so yet. I wish these guys would be more recognized for the great work they have done over the years in hard conditions and in an exotic country.

Originally published on www.metal-archives.com on January 10th of the year 2012.

Patommind are a very calm, chilling and talented progressive rock or metal band from Bulgaria and I stumbled over their two albums by pure coincidence. The band sounds a little bit like early Dream Theater and also reminds a little bit of Yes or Pendragon. The band focuses on the melodies and instruments and sometimes the songs could have made it on a movie score without the glimpse of a doubt. The mood of the record is a dreamy melancholy but everything sounds so light and positive that this record will still put a smile on your face.

The sound is dominated by very warm keyboard sounds that create a magic atmosphere in connection with the melodic and soft vocals, the beautiful guitar harmonies, a smooth but present bass guitar and a laid back drumming. Shade Of Fate is the perfect soundtrack to escape from reality, dream and fall asleep in peace. This is a refreshing alternative to all those technically perfect but emotionally dumb fast paced progressive metal bands. As highlights, I might point out the two epic tracks "The Final Line" that could have been on Dream Theater's legendary Images And Words as well as the catchy and "Why" that has a very atmospheric space middle part reminding me of Ayreon and a completely crazy metal guitar solo. The Bulgarian band even beats its own idols as every song on this record is interesting and follows a clear structure and musical mood. This is the kind of record you have to listen to as a whole and where it's hard to pick out any songs.

In the end, metal maniacs may have some problems to approach this calm and atmospheric record but they should invest some time and patience as this album is definitely a grower. Fans of Dream Theater don't have the choice to hail this record. Progressive rock fans may even like this release more and should be satisfied that this kind of magic music still exists nowadays. This record is definitely one of my luckiest choices in the last months and has gained a very special place in my collection. I'm deeply impressed by this profound record and even if it presents nothing really new after all it is simply perfectly executed and touches my soul like almost no other album. This was love at first sight for me and proves me that there are still many outstanding bands to be discovered in the world of rock and metal music after so many years.

Originally published on www.metal-archives.com on January 9th of the year 2012.

Pantommind's second album from 2009 named Lunasense is a kick in the face release, this is solid as rock prog metal, hardly I've belived that they will come with a second offer so inspired and so excelent played. From the opening track , the instrumental Transmission Part I , the listner knows what to expect from this great bulgarian band. To tell the truth and with my hand on heart this album is even better then the first who was already a very strong prog metal album, this Lunasense kick ass on every single piece. The musicianship is very good and very skillful arrangements, with some passges being simply amazing like the 1 and half min intro on the second piece Erasable Tears, man the sound of the guitar from here is mindblowing , really, what a piece, what a guitarist, top notch for sure. The album goes like this on every piece, Wolf and then Sandglass being my fav from here, excellent. The voice is brilliant for this kind of prog metal, Tony Ivan has a powerfull voice who is very influenced by another Tony - Tony Martin the one from Black Sabbath fame, very similar in tone of voice. Is not a bad thing because I love that period from Black Sabbath albums like Headless cross or Cross purposes are among my fav BS albums, Lunasesnse is very much in same cathegory, musical speaking not only on vocal department. Crafted passges with keybords being mainly as suported instrument but in some parts has some magnificent moments like on Sandglass or Wolf, really solid album overall. In the end a recommended album for sure, this is one of the most pleasent prog metal albums in last years offered by a band from Eastern Europe. These bulgarians did it big time, 4 stars easy. They need a wider recognition, Pantommind really knows to creat brilliant prog metal, better then most of the well known bands from this field. Great cover art for sure.

Well, three very positive reviews on our site for this debut from Bulgarian Pantommind. That causes high expectations of course and I have to say this Balkan prog metalband delivers clearly here. Excellent vocals that remind me of Pagan's Mind though a little lower I'd say. And the vocals are not the only positive thing about Pantommind.

The instrumental handling and sort of compositions are of the same level as my previous discovery Cloudscape. This means also excellent and even the production is very good. Hard to find points of criticism; personally I love epics and these are not to be found on this release nor are any true highlights or stand out songs. On the other hand there aren't any weak tracks either, even the shorter songs are very good.

The only right outcome is going to be 4 stars for me but rather rounded down than up, some 4,25 I would say. It's a pity they made just one follow up at this point and I think I will try to find it somewhere. For sure this band deserves more attention from prog metal fans. Highly recommended.

PANTOMMIND are back ! It's been four years since their masterpiece "Shade Of Fate" was released, this their second album is titled "Lunasense". Cool cover art by the way.

"Transmission Part I" is the opening instrumental. Orchestral sounding keys to start before the heaviness kicks in.The guitar takes the lead before a minute. After 2 minutes a female says "Transmission complete" then it kicks in harder. "Erasable Tears" kicks in fairly quickly. The guitar is lighting it up big time. Vocals before a minute are welcomed. He seems to sing in a higher range than on the first album. It settles before 2 minutes with spoken words. It kicks back in with ripping guitar. Vocals return. "Wolf" is a top three for me. It opens with church bells as the wind blows. Riffs follow then keyboards join in. Vocals after a minute. Great sound. Some crunch to this one. Blistering guitar before 3 1/2 minutes. What a vocal performance though. "Sandglass" is another top three. Gentle guitar to open. Restrained vocals join in. It kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes. How catchy is this ! Contrasts continue. "Letter To No One" kicks in quickly with vocals. It settles before 2 minutes and keyboards join in. Nice guitar solo a minute later. It's fairly powerful the rest of the way. "To The Days Of Old" opens with keyboards before we get some heaviness with synths. It settles with vocals. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. Excellent tune. It's heavy with synths to end it.

"Blank" opens with deep bass sounds as the guitar comes in. It's heavy before a minute then the tempo picks up. Vocals follow. I like this one a lot. "Transmission Part II" is also an instrumental like the opening track. Piano to start as synths join in. That's what we get throughout. "My Home (Into Infinity)" opens with synths as the heaviness joins in. Vocals follow as the tempo continues to shift. Tasteful guitar 3 minutes in that goes on and on. "I'll Never Be The Same" is my final top three. This really reminds me of FATES WARNING early. Lots of atmosphere before the vocals arrive a minute in even sounding like Adler. It picks up after 2 minutes before settling back as themes are repeated. Thanks for that song guys.

So a really good album but one that pales when compared to the debut in my opinion. Still worth 4 stars though.

This album surpassed every expectation I had for it, in fact it contains everything that I love about Prog-Metal. This 6 piece band is from Bulgaria of all places, but the vocals are in English and they sound amazing. Check out the creepy album cover ! The band thanks ("for education and inspiration") Devon Graves, PSYCHOTIC WALTZ, FATES WARNING, CRIMSON GLORY, DREAM THEATER and SAVATAGE. Hey there's even some mellotron and moog on this album.

"Shade Of Fate" opens with a powerful and crunchy soundscape with background synths. Vocals before a minute. Amazing sound here. So beautiful when it settles after 2 minutes and later after 4 minutes. "Follow Me" opens with keys as drums then a full sound joins in quickly. Vocals and a lighter sound follows. It kicks back in with some crunch the rest of the way. I like the synths before 3 minutes. "Closer To You" opens with keys as well then kicks in quickly. Passionate vocals follow. Slow heavy riffs take over as the guitar grinds it out before 4 1/2 minutes. A calm follows but not for long. "Trace To Find" is such a cool 2 minute atmospheric track. "Spectastral" opens with guitar as synths and riffs follow. Kicking ass 2 minutes in before fading out to end it. "The Final Line" features lots of tempo changes and it starts with keys and more crunch. Synths and vocals follow before it kicks back in. Riffs with keys after 4 1/2 minutes. Great sounding vocals with heaviness follows. Ripping guitar before 6 minutes. A killer sound after 6 1/2 minutes. What a song ! "Why" has this incredible intro before it settles around 3 minutes to this dreamy soundscape. All hell breaks loose 4 minutes in. Hell ya ! I'm moved 5 1/2 minutes in then we get this experimental ending.

"Mindtrip" opens with synths before this larger than life atmosphere takes over. "Knocking On My Door" is laid back with guitar and vocals to start. It gets mnore powerful a minute in, then heavier before 2 minutes. "After Rain" is mellow to open, it sounds gorgeous after 2 minutes. Heavy 4 minutes in. Incredible ! "Orpheus Whisper" opens with acoustic guitar as reserved vocals join in. Synths too. It turns dreamy a minute in to the end.

Hats off to Ken Golden from the "Sensory" label for picking this outstanding band up. I had my review ready for last week but kept putting it off so I could keep listening to this masterpiece of Prog-Metal. There is nothing about this record I would change.

This is not a Black Sabbath album, but looks like a lot!

Lunasense is the second album by bulgarian progressive metal band Pantommind from Gabrovo. These my compatriots show really big potential with this release. Lunasense is one very well produced album in classic progressive metal manner. This adorable album is full of surprises and tempo changes. It is without analogue in Bulgaria. One of the main thoughts I want to share is the fact, that this album looks like quite much so. Especially, Tony Martin fronted line-up of Black Sabbath. The voice of the vocalist is much similar to Tony Martin's. Pantommind sites Black Sabbath as main influence and you can feel that in most of the songs.

Of course, this means the album contains strong heavy metal taste, too! The musicianship is excellent and the songwriting is strongly above average. I am sure this album can please most of the metal fans (I mean heavy, progressive, power metal fans) and of course, highly recommended for Black Sabbath fans . It probably can please fans of eclectic, symphonic and heavy prog subgenres of progressive rock. The best song on Sunasense is My Home (Into Infinity) . It is real masterpiece of progressive metal music with an appropriate folky motif. The other very good songs are Transmission part I and II , Sandglass and Letter to No One . All other songs are good, without any weak. This album is suitable for frequent use. Probably, the best bulgarian album here on PA! 3.75 stars

What a surprise was for me when i heared for the first time this band from Bulgaria. Just great album full of great pieces, twists and time signatures of the highest calibre. They play prog metal in vein of Dream Theater or Symphony X, Fates Warning in places, but i don't think they copy these bands, more are influenced by them. So this band proves that even in countries with no history in prog music are good bands and albums, one of them are Pamtommind with their album entitled Shade of fate from 2005. One of the most enjoyble prog metal albums that i heared in the last year. The progressive elements are all over the album with some stunning pieces like Sade of fate, good opening track, the superb and very smooth Trace to find and the longest one from here The Final Line. It's a shame that they released only this album, because is one of the best prog metal albums from east Europe. I will give 4 stars because they desearve. If you area fan of prog metal give this album a try will not be deseppointed for sure.