PAGAN’S MIND – Full Circle

Pagan’s Mind is a band from Norway that sets the gold standard for others to follow when it comes to Progressive and Progressive Power Metal. For those unfamiliar with Pagan’s Mind, they have one of the world’s best guitarists in Jorn Viggo Lofstad, and one of the world’s best vocalists in Nils K. Rue. Their song topics typically delve deep into metaphysical and celestial powers and mysteries, and their music is equally as expansive, innovative, and downright catchy. Pagan’s Mind got their first exposure to America via the ProgPower Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, only to be invited back several times due to overwhelming audience response. On September 11, 2014, they played a special show at ProgPower, which was fully recorded  and is now coming out in LP, CD, DVD, and Blu-ray formats (DVD review to be published by Metal Express Radio at a later date).

For persons new to the band, this CD is an excellent place to start, and for fans of the band, it’s an essential piece to have in your collection. Some Progressive Metal bands sound great in the studio, but lack that certain flare when having to push through their bells and whistles in a live setting. Pagan’s Mind isn’t one of those bands. Instead, the band thrives in a live setting, and listening and watching their stellar musicianship is a true treat amid the electric energy that a live audience brings. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Full Circle.