I was fortunate enough to review Wonder’s debut album, Fragments of Wonder, back in 2021. Now Wonders have returned with the follow-up Beyond the Mirage; which was released June 16, 2023. The cover artwork on Fragments of Wonder, compelled me to check out their music. The music did not disappoint. Beyond the Mirage, has another outstanding album cover, and again, the music is compelling. It has expanded beyond the incredible sound of the debut.
The band is still made up of: Marco Pastorino, (Even Flow, Temperance, and Fallen Sanctuary), on lead vocals and choirs; Bob Katsionis, (Stray Gods, Warrior Path, and Serious Black), on keyboards; Pietro Paolo Lunesu, (Attractive Chaos and Even Flow), on lead guitars; Luca Negro, (Temperance, Even Flow, and The Ritual), on bass guitar; and Giorgio Lunesu, (Even Flow), on drums.
The album was produced by Bob Katsionis, he also did the arrangements, engineered and mixed the album. He also produced the wonderful cover art for Beyond the Mirage, and Fragments of Wonder. The album was recorded at Sound Symmetry Studio, in Athens, Greece. It was mastered by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions, Greece. The Executive Producers are: Pietro Paolo Lunesu and Giorgio Lunesu.
This band has a distinctive sound, which combines the best of Dream Theater with Queensrÿche, to create their own European version of the sound of progressive metal for their audience.
Every track on this album is a winner, from the brilliant drums, keyboard and guitar opening of “One Million Miles”, to the epic closer, “Confidence in You”. Marco Pastorino’s vocals are up to the dynamic and powerful sound of this metal material. He does not have the dynamic vocals of either James LaBrie or Jeff Tate, but who does these days. He does deliver a powerful, distinguished vocal sound. It is clear and consistent.
The guitar work throughout the album is intricate and innovative. Both the thumping bass and the glorious rocketing lead electric. “One Million Miles”, is one of those songs that allows the lead electric guitar work to soar. The power of the drums is over the top…kick ass.
“Breaking the Chains” has an accompanying video, which is part performance and part animated, visuals. The song is a powerful reach out to a loved one, to try to build communication and companionship. The rising guitar and Dream Theater – like keyboard solos are wonderful.
Masterful drumming barrages make “Here I Go Again” another of the better tracks on the album. Long live the innovation and inspiration of Mike Portnoy. Giorgio Lunesu summons his power at will on this track. Excellent! Marco Pastorino also has a high note roar on this track that is very memorable.
“Hold Me, Save Me”, opens with powerful metal grinding lead electric guitar. This one is a speedier metal track complete with bouncing drums.
“Coming Home”, almost has some “Tubular Bells”-like keyboards sounds at the opening, and that is fantastic!
“All My Dreams”, is the best song on the album. A ballad, at its opening, full of great lyrics and dreams of the future. Pastorino’s best vocals, by far. They need more of this on future albums to break up the structured speed metal monotonous sound. The keyboard innovations and guitar solos are magnificent!
The keyboards at the opening of “Into the Light” are hypnotizing. Then the metal thunder roars. Pastorino’s best metal vocals. A powerful metal rocker that follows a beautiful song. A more dispersed beat, not so rhythmic. Then, a perfect instrumental segment that raises the level of the production significantly.
“Confidence in You”, closes this album perfectly with some great orchestration which adds to the magnificent glory of the instrumental segments of this album.
The second half of the album is much better than the first, starting with “Coming Home”. They diversify the sound and add more instrumental segments, orchestration and dynamic changes to the flow and rhythm of the album. Get this one, it is a great metal progressive rocker!
Track List:
- One Million Miles – 3:54
- Breaking the Chains – 4:53
- Here I Go Again – 4:37
- Hold Me, Save Me – 4:23
- Once Upon a Time – 4:07
- In and Out of Time – 3:58
- Coming Home – 4:15
- All My Dreams – 5:16
- Into the Light – 5:48
- The Time of Your Life – 4:04
- Come On – 4:08
- Confidence in You – 4:36
Website and Social Media:
https://wonders-metal.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/wondersfragment/
YouTube and Music Videos: