CELESTIAL ENTRANCE

4.5 stars. PAGAN'S MIND are picking up where fellow Norwegians CONCEPTION left off. This borders on Power- Metal at times but really this is heavy, melodic and powerful Prog-Metal. The singer Nils K Rue is unbelievable, he's got great range and his voice is easy on the ears. What a talent ! Twin lead guitarists here although sadly Thorstein Aaby passed away at 35 years of age after a lengthy illness back in 2007. The synths are excellent and often in the background. I have to mention how good this album sounds.The production and sound quality are perfect.This is partly a concept album inspired by the theories of Erich Von Daniken.

"Approaching" opens the album with lots of cool sounding atmosphere. Here we go 1 1/2 minutes in ! A killer soundscape come crashing in. It blends into "Through Osiris Eyes" which is very crunchy with synths as vocals come in for the first time. His vocals border on growls at times as he spits out the words in anger. Mostly though they are simply strong and powerful. Check out the guitar solo after 3 minutes.This is one of my top 3 tracks and maybe the best track on here. Incredible ! "Entrance:Stargate" opens with fast paced riffs before it settles with synths and some deep bass, then vocals before a minute. Heaviness comes and goes. What a great singer this guy is ! Themes are repeated. I like the calm 4 minutes in, and it ends with some intensity. "...Of Epic Questions" opens with synths as the heaviness arrives and the tempo picks up. Very heavy sound before the vocals come in. Deep spoken words come and go on this one. Double bass drumming is all over this tune. Keyboard flurries after 3 1/2 minutes.The vocal melodies that come and go are so good.

"Dimensions Of Fire" is heavy duty to start out but it settles when the vocals come in. The contrast continues throughout. This is so uplifting at times. Some evil sounding vocals followed by double bass drumming after 4 1/2 minutes. Nice guitar solo follows then synths. It ends as it began. "Dreamscape Lucidity" builds quickly and the double bass drumming sounds like a stampede, then a guitar melody comes in. Vocals are next in this uptempo barn-burner. Love his vocals. Check him out 4 1/2 minutes in especially.The tempo continues to shift in this one. Fantastic tune ! "The Seven Sacred Promises" is another top 3 track for me. Mainly because this song really reminds me of FATES WARNING, especially the guitar that grinds away like Jim Matheos does it. What a feel good song this is. Some thunder 3 minutes in with a ripping guitar solo to follow. "Back To the Miracle Of Childhood" is a two part instrumental that is my fourth favourite track. Simply gorgeous acoustic guitar to open. Electric guitar comes in after a minute with drums as it builds. Great sound ! Some riffs late which continue into part two. The second part is over 9 minutes of heavy and light instrumental work with synths as well. "In Brilliant White Light" is a ballad-like tune with piano, synths and almost spoken vocals. Yikes !

"Aegean Shores" is a good uptempo track with heavy drums. Check out the guitar after 3 minutes followed by a synth solo. Another uplifting track. "The Prophesy Of Pleiades" is the other top 3 song for me. So yes it ends in style. Experimental and spacey intro gives way to heavy and slow riffs a minute in. Vocals a minute later, they will eventually soar after 3 minutes.The heaviness comes and goes.Themes are repeated. Love the background synths too.

If you like heavy and melodic Prog-Metal this is essential.