TEST OF WILLS

Magellan is a great band, and this - their 3rd outing - is a fine effort, heavier than the first two. For the uniniated, Magellan is a bit like a head-on collision between ELP, Queen and Rush. A critic's nightmare, but a prog-fan's delight.

"Test of Wills" features massive keywords, tricky and tasty drumming, and big wall of sound Queen-like choruses. The tempo and time signatures change CONSTANTLY - so you never know what's next. And Trent Gardner writes great lyrics - he somehow manages to be cynical and optimistic at the same time, and ever a great social critic.

Highlights: "Gameface," "A Social Marginal," and "Critic's Carnival." Check it out.