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Mastermind IV - Until Eternity

Artist:	Mastermind IV
Title:	Until Eternity
Label:	Cyclops, CYCL 043
Length(s):	53 minutes
Year(s) of release:	1996
Month of review:	11/1996

Line up

Bill Berends - everything but,
Rich Berends - drums
Phil Antolino - bass

Tracks

1)	Under The Wheels	6.45
2)	Inferno	4.00
3)	Dreaming	3.40
4)	The Tempest	9.30
5)	As It Is In Heaven	4.30
6)	Jubilee	4.00
7)	Too Much To Ask For	6.35
8)	Until Eternity	13.40

Summary

Mastermind is a band inspired by ELP, especially in the early daze, but now with a definite own sound. Having been very positive about "their" third one, I was of course curious about their 4th album. Here it is then.

The music

Little has changed since the golden days of Tragic Symphony and that's good. It starts off with the dark Under the Wheels, about criminality and the bad state of world in general. The first part is built on a terrific guitarmelody, and after a while this gives ground to a more "plodding" part with a haunting atmosphere. The lyrics are spoken here. Then the singing part starts and the vocals of Bill are still the same, not very good or captivating, but a good fit with the music, although in the lower echelons he seems to have some trouble sometimes.

Inferno is a great instrumental with a lot "piano" and rather friendly at first glance, although the guitar is allowed to make its heavy statement along the way.

The next one up is rather flowing, with repetitive guitar and the drums give that heaving effect, like waves hitting the beach. The song works itself to a climax as Bill relates his opinion on some people and on the whole, the song is rather optimistic. (hey?)

Only on the Tempest do we hear the first signs of the bombastic sound that is so typical of Mastermind. It brings us first chaos and than a euphoric outburst and a eyewink to the previous album. A long intro passes before the singing starts and again I notice that the higher vocals are easier for Bill. The track ends on a positive note.

As it is in Heaven is a ballad typical of Mastermind, with a clear acoustic guitar sound, but the vocal melody is a little too familiar.

Jubilee is a typical Mastermind instrumental in the ELP vein, a little on the merry side (as far as that is possible with this band) and the drums are allowed their solo as well.

Too Much To Ask For is a driven song with good drumming against the grain and a few good fast solo's. The guitar melody is a little Easternish.

As always the band finishes off with a long track, an instrumental like on the previous album. That last track on the previous album is probably my favourite of the band. The beginning of this one is almost classical and at first rather slow. Then we get into more threatening waters and the track is subjected to numerous mood changes and in the middle there's even some more or less free style jamming on guitar.

Conclusion

A very good album, and although I like one song better than the other, most of this album is really good listening. To be bought blind by people who liked Tragic Symphony, and for everyone else: high time you tried either this one or Tragic Symphony, especially if you are into bombastic "super symphonic" progressive.