MMX

Belgian progrock formation Mindgames was rooted in 1997 but not until 2002 the band released their debut CD entitled International Daylight, in 2006 followed by the CD Actors In Play, in 2010 MMX and in 2015 Paradox Of Choice. Meanwhile the band went through several changes in the line-up, with Bart Schram (vocals and acoustic 12- string guitar) as the prime mover and constant factor. This review is about Mindgames their third album, during that time I witnessed the band on a Duch progrock festival. I was delighted about their music and bought this one.

The producer on this third album (and also their second effort) is electronic musician Frank Van Bogaert, he also produced other Belgian progrock band Neo-Prophet their stunning album Monsters. Listening to MMX. I am not surprised about that because there are strong similarities between Neo-Prophet and Mindgames on their new CD MMX: both bands blend symphonic rock, melodic rock and neo-prog with hints of Seventies Saga and Styx.

Most of the seven compositions deliver a song oriented approach with very tasteful work on guitar and keyboards, pleasant vocals and flowing shifting moods.

A dynamic and bombastic sound with lush keyboards an powerful guitar in The Source.

A beautiful build-up from dreamy with warm vocals and tender piano to a compelling final part with howling guitar and Mellotron choir sound in Glory Of Night.

From mellow with acoustic guitar and soaring keyboards to a slow rhythm with moving wah-wah guitar and Hammond organ in In My Humble Opinion.

Sensitive electric guitar, sensational synthesizer flights and in the end bombastic Hammond and a fiery guitar solo in the varied Travels.

From tender piano to powerful wah-wah guitar in the wonderful Outside The Gloom.

And exciting work on guitar and keyboards in the catchy Destination Sky.

We can listen to the band in its full splendor during the alternating and compelling epic final composition The Pendulum: after a spacey intro Mindgames presents an excellent balance of mellow, more dynamic and bombastic parts. From a tight rhythm with fiery guitar leads to a beautiful interlude with warm classical guitar and soaring keyboards, culminating in a strong conclusion featuring a very moving guitar solo with howling runs and majestic keyboards (Mellotron choir sound and Hammond organ), this is Prog Heaven!

If you are up to Seventies Saga and Styx, neo-prog in the vein of Clepsydra or recent progrock like Knight Area, this is a band to discover.

My rating: 3,5 star.