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Mindsplit: Charmed Human Art of Significance

Progressive Rock/Metal

4.0/5.0

Lion Music
www.myspace.com/mindsplitse
www.mindsplit.se
By Craig Hartranft,  09.13.2010

New on the Lion Music label is the debut work, Charmed Human Art of Significance (C.H.A.o.S.) from Scandinavian band Mindsplit. The core of the band revolves around guitarist Matthias Holm and vocalist H.B. Anderson who have known each other since the 80's, but have been collaborating more recently since 2003. The lyrical germ of C.H.A.o.S. comes from the fictional ledgers of one Professor Xanadau, supposedly a therapist from the 19th century and a distant relative Anderson. Exploring both mind and memory, C.H.A.o.S., therefore, is somewhat of a concept album.

As a progressive musical work, C.H.A.o.S. is deceptively intriguing. Undercurrents of pure melodic metal, classic rock, and subtle hints of fusion inform the entire work. Through the course of the disc, songs can be heavy invoking the prog metal side as on Battle of the Mind, or more closer to prog rock as on Silhouettes or Visual Minds. Mostly the songs are developed with varying degrees of both motifs, while adding fundamental elements of sensible melody and accessibility as found within The Traveller. Mindsplit even sneaks in some saxophone during a Pink Floyd like segue within A Purpose of Circumstance. Simplicity and quiet majesty inform Through the Eyes of a Child, a song that proves that Anderson is much more than a metal singer. One of the more profound characteristics of C.H.A.o.S. is Mindsplit's lack of dependence on power metal which is so predominant in European prog metal. This thought alone makes C.H.A.o.S. worth more than a simple nod.

Mindsplit's Charmed Human Art of Significance (C.H.A.o.S.) is not your typical Scandinavian prog metal. It has more depth and creativity than meets the ear. Several spins are required form maximum effect and enjoyment. Recommended!

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Mindsplit's Charmed Human Art of Significance (C.H.A.o.S.) is not your typical Scandinavian prog metal. It has more depth and creativity than meets the ear. Several spins are required form maximum effect and enjoyment.

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