TEST OF WILLS

For their third effort 'Test of Wills', Magellan expanded their sonic pallet by reinforcing their heavy rock side, specially when it comes to the increase of loud guitar riffs that come to the fore almost all the time (perhaps anticipating Explorer's Club?) and powerful rhythm patterns. The latter factor is decissively instilled by the presence of a human drummer/percussionist, an excellent Brad Kaiser. The opening track is a perfect example of this main direction: the thing goes on in 'A Social Marginal' and the namesake track. The three of them are in my opinion the highlights of this album. To a somewhat lesser degree, the same hard rock drive is preserved in the catchy 'Crucible' and the closing number 'Critic's Carnival' (maybe an uncredited flute part by Ian Anderson?). Having described the most prominent tone, let me add that there's still room for other sonic sources. 'Walk Fast, Look Worried' is acoustically based, in an overall folky/almost bluesy ambience. 'Bully Pulpit' is a weird brief instrumental that serves as an effective prelude to the symphonic piano based number 'Jacko'. 'Preaching the Converted' kind of lifts off from where Phil Collins' 'Take Me Home' got stucked, refurbishing it in a genuine prog manner: this would have made an impressive single, actually, but again, let's not forget that prog rock is a genre doomed to remain marginalized in the big market and uncleverly managed by most music businessmen. Well, in a few words, 'Test of Wills' is an amazing prog recording. On a personal note, I must confess that an extra dose of appreciation comes from teh fact that this recording was my fiest Magellan experience.