HALF WAY DOWN

In 1993, propably the best rock/metal journalist in Europe,Xaris Karaolides of the greek Metal Hammer,wrote that Mind Over Four is possibly the best band in the world. Very few were aware of this band at the time and I really wonder how many know them now.It's a pity because MOF still are one of the greatest ''unknown'' bands in the history of progressive metal. ''Half Way Down'' was released in 1993 and it is definitely their masterpiece. It is almost impossible to describe their sound,in fact MOF created their own musical style. I assume we call it progressive because it can't be categorised elsewhere. Of course, MOF's music was very technical-enough to be labelled as prog- but there were countless other elements that made them unique. There was anger in their music, there was a raw street attitude, even hardcore vibes, combined with metal harmonies, high class musianship and funky/jazz grooves. Especially the rhythm section was far ahead of its time, (don't forget that modern mathcore bands were going to school back then), while Spike Xavier's bizarre vocals ranged from power metal highs to punk screams and Mike Jensen's guitar riffs sounded almost mystical-hugely influenced by Alex Lifeson. If you can imagine something between Faith No More, Rush, Queensryche and Suicidal Tendencies, you will start to have an idea about MOF's art. It is obvious that this band was a victim of the early '90's. Too progressive for the alternative masses, too weird for metallers. They dissolved in 1995 after a quite confused album (Empty Hands) but fortunately they managed to leave their mark as true pioneers of hard progressive music.