Pagan’s mind – Heavenly Ecstacy

Final verdict: 85/100
Recommended Song: Walk away in Silence
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It seems to be a good prog metal year. Earlier this month, I reviewed the new album by Credo and the debut album by Mayan, now it’s time for a new album by an already well established band: Pagan’s Mind. For those that don’t know this band, a quick bio.

Pagan’s Mind was formed during summer by 2000 by Nils K. Rue (vocals), Stian Kristoffersen (drums) and Thorstein Aaby (guitar). They all played together in a 80’s metal inspired band, Silverspoon. They added bass player Steinar Krokmo and guitar player Jorn Viggo Lofstad, who both played in the prog metal band Trivial Act. After playing the keys on their debut album Infinity Divine, keyboard player Ronny Tegner also joined the band. The band has released 4th full length albums, and Heavenly Ecstasy is their fifth.

The album starts with the instrumental intro Contact which transgresses into the first real song Eyes of Fire. It’s Pagan’s mind as we know them, with a bit more synth influences. I like that, though. On the new Hammerfall album, they try almost the same, which in that case doesn’t really work out. (See my review on that album over here). One of the great things about Pagan’s mind is the vocal lines. Really simple to sing along, and therefore they get stuck in your head (which is a good thing). The chorus to Intermission is even better, though.

Eeeeeeeeeend of the line *hums along*

With 13 songs to fill the album, you’d expect there to be a few highlights, and a few lows. But here’s the thing: I can’t really point out where the low’s or highs are on this album. All songs are equally good, and get better every time I listen to them. Of course, there’s a ballad on the album, which I wouldn’t listen to twice but that’s because I don’t really ballads (gets me to emotional). It’s a beautiful song though, very small with Nils at it’s best. On the rest of the songs: I really like the chordprogressions, the riffs, the combo between synths and guitar, and above all the vocal lines. Nils has a great voice for this kinda music. The song I like the least is The master’s voice, maybe because it’s not what I’d expect from Pagan’s Mind. It’s a almost thrashlike song, with screaming in the chorus. It’s not a bad song, but it takes getting used to.

If I’d highlight ONE song, it’d be Walk away in silence because even though it’s an emotional song (and I often don’t wanna listen to those) it’s beautiful, great riffs, interesting vocal line, great lyrics. But I could have just as well picked any other song on the album, since they’re all great!

Final Verdict: 85/100
I love the new album by Pagan’s Mind, it’s exactly as I’d expect it to be. Can’t wait to see them live at Dokkum Open Air!!! (will write a review of their performance as well!)

Line Up
Steinar Krokmo       Bass
Stian Kristoffersen Drums
Jørn Lofstad `         Guitars
Ronny Tegner          Keyboards
Nils K. Rue                 Vocals

Tracklisting
Contact
Eyes of Fire
Intermission
Into the Aftermath
Walk Away in Silence
Revelation to the End
Follow Your Way
Live Your Life Like a Dream
The Master’s Voice
Never Walk Alone
When Angels Unite