Mind Key is what will probably be called as the next big thing in Progressive metal. Hailing from Italy, the band was recently established, somewhere around 1999, thanks to keyboard player Dario De Cicco and guitar player Emanuele Colella. Having absorbed like a sponge any existing and bedazzling musical beauty from the blinding shine of bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X (mainly) and Royal Hunt, they decided that their time to strike had arrived.
I would swear that the last thing in the music world to be expected is an Images & Words (Dream Theater - 1992) No2 or a sequel for The Divine Wings Of Tragedy (Symphony X - 1997). These are colossal albums that changed the course of our music during the 90s and were a source of inspiration and guidance for many, many bands. Don't be in a hurry to impose that Mind Key achieves the impossible, though Journey Of A Rough Diamond offers moments of splendor and even more promises for its sequel.
Songs masterly performed with lyrical beauty and diffusive feelings, which prove that Progressive Metal isn't yet a down-and-out situation. Every single thing we adored from albums like the aforementioned, plus The Damnation Game (Symphony X - 1995), Awake (Dream Theater - 1994), Falling Into Infinity (Dream Theater - 1997) and others, can be found in this release. Though not as straightforward as the others, its charm is easily adopted after three or four listenings.
I absolutely guarantee you that you won't be able to resist songs like the opener, Love Remains The Same and Lord Of The Flies. Marco Basile has an extraordinary vocal width and impressively supports all the compositions. I must admit that it's been a long time since I've heard such an interesting voice which is a big plus for the band. Another thing I enjoyed during the listening was the guitar's intense presence and the keyboard's considerate but catalytic role. No instrument outmatches any of the others. Probably the most perfectly balanced newcomer band I've heard in a long time.
Progressive's regeneration? Possibly. Who's to argue about this after listening to Eldritch's , Threshold's and Mind Key's new material? And let me tell you one thing; Mind Key has nothing to fear of a possible competition. They are top class and if they'll manage to sound more approachable and ear catchy, I'm sure they'll create history.