SHADE OF FATE

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.