Looking around you can discover many bands that you might have missed along the way, during a trip around the sun. That is what happened to me when I found Rockshots Records’ latest discovery, MindAheaD. They have released their sophomore album, 6119 – Part 1, (back on October 28th). It is a rich symphonic/progressive metal album build on a concept, which “is a continuation of the previous work on Reflections, (their debut), which will tell the story of ‘6119’, the main character, through a surreal, oneiric journey, always poised between physical space and the realm of the mind. Trapped in this dreamlike kaleidoscope, he proceeds heedless of the consequences, hoping to find at the end of the journey, (the “Part II,” currently in production), the reason why all this is happening to him”.
MindAheaD is a symphonic/progressive metal band formed in Pisa, Italy, (known for its ‘leaning tower’), back in 2010. Its members include the beautiful voice of Kyo Calati; the raging lead electric guitars of Nicola D’Alessio and Guido Scibetta; the bass of Matteo Prandini; and the pounding drums of Matteo Ferrigno. Sandro Macelloni sings male lead vocals to balance the band’s vocal sound.
The band further explains the concept of the album, “This album is a concept realized with the aim of telling a story that straddles the line between dystopian science fiction and the psychological investigation of the human mind, so the music and lyrics were created in order to reach these goals. We would like the listening experience to be completely immersive. We would like the listener to be able to take a break from the real world and step into another dimension, one that is distant but at the same time well known, not alien, but almost familiar. The listener should passionately follow the events of ‘6119’ in its inner and outer search for reality, in a story that began in the previous album, Reflections, and will end in the band’s next release, so as to complete a narrative trilogy”.
What they are telling you subtly, I will state loudly, “PUT ON YOUR DAMN HEADPHONES”, for this one! It is a dreamscape like Dream Theater and Queensrÿche, and bands of that era used to make. This is a great journey, and must be experienced uninterrupted by outside noise interference.
“Prologue”, was my first introduction to the music of MindAheaD. It is a wonderful mix between a progressive and symphonic metal sound, that Dream Theater and Queensrÿche made famous. The orchestration and keyboard work is brilliant. After a drift back in time from their last album, Reflections’ lyrics, which are sung so softly by Kyo Calati, complete with violin and stringed orchestration; they venture into the present. In Italian, a computerized robotic voice states, “The reflections are behind you. You’re a traveler, moved by sensations and emotions. You’re now free. Follow the crumbs”.
“Burning Horizon”, opens the album with a power surge! Drums, orchestration, lead electric guitar and bass. Then, Kyo Calati’s voice enters, singing, “Now I face what those voices say. Cables connected to my veins”. Sandro Macelloni joins to balance the vocals along with Kyo, “Open my eyes in this photogram. Do you remember them. Tears of a war that I will know”. Power is the best description of this opening track, along with vicious male vocals backing up the sound. In unison, Calati and Macelloni sing, “What I need is to find myself and fight! What I need is to uncover the lies. Show me another way! Erase my fears, no time to die!” The ending guitar solo will almost bring tears to your eyes, remembering the kind of music Dream Theater and Queensrÿche, left behind.
“Dancing in the Desert”, is an early favorite of mine. Then again, I love journeys through the desert, in dreams. Also, it is the longest song on the album. The character ‘6119’, (Macelloni), sings, “The desert…There’s only the desert in front of me. A dancing moth? It’s…It’s almost as she’s talking to me…” Calati, (The Moth), responds, “6119, follow the trail and dance in the desert. Look for sleeping giants. And there you will find the key that opens all the doors”. Then, a beautiful, beginning as Arabian, then later traditional, electric guitar solo, as ‘6119’ crosses the desert. Yes, you can get absolutely immersed in this story, if you let yourself.
Later the vocal duet sing, “Follow the eye of the crimson king. Chase the tear that will fall from the sky. Dance in the desert and you will find the nine doors. There your plot will be complete”. Calati sings a mind-bending vocal, taking you back to “The Great Gig in the Sky”, and many other solo female vocal performances, you may remember, since. And they did throw in that reference to the crimson king to hook you, and make you think, but it is a crimson eye, more like Hal from 2001, A Space Odyssey. The acoustic guitar journey near the end, along with the spacey orchestration is just how Dream Theater and Queensrÿche would have augmented a song, in their glorious past. Calati, starts the final phase of this epic, along with its wonderful acoustic ending with spectacular vocals, “Eyes please don’t betray me. Hands don’t deceive me. Legs don’t surrender, take me away from that place. She seems saying me to follow her. On her back there’s like a crimson eye. Remember the voice, remember the droid. Remember the crimson king”. Together the duet sings, “Mother protect me. Father, give me strength”. What an epic!
“What You Are”, is the first single off 6119 – Part 1. And it is a beauty. Together, Calati and Macelloni keep pace with the wonderful orchestration and dreamy music surrounding. Calati’s soft sung solos make each of these tracks stand out even more. Watch the music video, it encapsulates the message well. The storyline of the track is dedicated to the search for “Emerald Eyes”, the female figure that ‘6119’ encounters on the first album, Reflections.
“The Last Tide”, describes ‘6119’ standing on the seashore with beautiful piano and orchestration, watching the waves and the sunset. He reflects on nature, and the way waves, and the surroundings of the world, that are constantly changing. He remembers the female figure he saw in the desert. Macelloni sings, “Seems like everything’s changing shape. Like the sea waves I see. She’s the only still image. While the horizon burns. With every wave. I’m taken away”. He recognizes it as a moment of independent thought, free from the reigns of the crimson eye. But soon the eye restores control over his consciousness.
“Beautiful Mistake”, is ‘6119’s further reflection of what just happened. The duet sings, “Gentle breeze touches my brain. Melting me”. This is a feisty track, full of metal guitars, pounding drums, evil male vocals and massive metal rock. A real pounder indeed.
“Innocence”, is my third favorite track on the album. Just like it used to be. A wonderful two-and-a-half-minute piano solo. Why can’t more bands do this?
“At the Gates of Night Part I (The Old Poet) & II (At the Gates)”, opens with Calati speaking in Italian, “Oh, if you have seen the sunrise that these eyes have contemplated”. Beautiful piano and two great vocalists bouncing lyrics off each other, telling the final chapters of this part of the story. Macelloni sings, “Tell me, oh night, where can I flee. When the day, your brother, comes? Tell me, oh night, what should I do, when the end will veil the stars?” The rest of the song is a great blending of softer symphonic music, before the heavier music begins, complete with pounding drums, deep bass, and electric guitars blazing. Some great lyrics from past albums, like A-Ha’s “East of the Sun, West of the Moon”. “Love and death, as life and machines. One door, the last choice. And cycles that remain. Waiting for the end of the day. To see you again until the end of the lies of this world…”
“At the Gates of Night Part III (Lost in the Loop)”, ends the album, with a beautiful acoustic and deep strings interlude. This is my second favorite track on the album. Thank you for this contemplative moment. The crimson king rears his head, once again, at the end; he sings, “The last door is closed now. Now it’s time. Keep following the crumbs. Step by step. Door after door. Again, and again”, in Italian.
MindAheaD – 6119 – Part I, is an incredibly wonderful surprise, this late in the year. This album is a must, if you like symphonic progressive metal at the level of Dream Theater and Queensrÿche. 6119 – Part I, will rate high on my favorite albums of the year. I just hope logistics allow me to get the CD before January. Please get this metal symphonic, progressive, masterpiece, concept album. Listen to it like we used to, with headphones on, please. Enjoy every note as it should be enjoyed. Cheers! I know I will return for the final part of this trilogy. I hope you give it a chance as well.
Track List:
1. Prologue
2. Burning Horizon
3. Dancing in the Desert
4. What You Are – 1st single
5. The Last Tide
6. Beautiful Mistake
7. Innocence
8. At the Gates of Night Part I (The Old Poet) & II (At the Gates)
9. At the Gates of Night Part III (Lost in the Loop)
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/mindahead_official/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/mindahead/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mindahead/1154633908
https://revalverecords.bandcamp.com/album/reflections-2
Music Videos:
https://www.facebook.com/rockshotsrecords/videos/841560236729311/