How do you approach a band like Mythosphere? This quartet does, after all, consist of three quarters of Pale Divine, one of my all-time favourite bands. Two of the members also played in the excellent Beelzefuzz. Well, to answer that question, I simply pressed play and let the music work it's magic on me.
Originating on the basis of the desire to keep going after Pale Divine laid down it's sword and shield, singer/ guitarist Dana Ortt worked on new songs and together with drummer Darin McCloskey realized they had something very special on their hands. Intent on not letting these compositions come to nothing, which leans towards a blend of Beelzefuzz and brilliant, proper heavy metal,they drafted their old compadre Ron feZZy McGinnis on bass guitar and lead guitarist Victor Arduini from Entierro and Arduini/Balich, and formerly of Fates Warning. Dana and Victor had already discussed working on something together but decided Mythosphere is what they wanted to do. And the new-formed band didn't rest on their laurels but cultivated the strong material at hand the best possible way. You don't believe me? Just listen to 'Pathological' and you know I'm right!
Starting off with a brief mesmerizing intro, 'Ashen Throne' opens up. It is mid-tempo with a strong use of the excellent rhythm section, as well as some pretty great guitar playing, both electric and acoustic. And as always Dana's magical voice reels you in, in case you weren't already hooked. 'King's Call To Arms' is next and has a slightly slower pace, yet it is bone-crushingly heavy amidst the melodic approach. And it unleashes a dreamy, spacey feel. Did I say the riffing is killer? 'For No Other Eye' follows in it's predecessor's footsteps but ups the pace a touch. Combined with the fantastic guitars it brings a mysterious Middle Eastern feel. And the solos, man, the solos are brilliant! The title track 'Pathological' is next and this is a composition which really hearken back to Beelzefuzz. Mythosphere really buckle down and rock while projecting that intergalactic feeling Beelzefuzz did but in a natural progressive way. As always throughout the album the rhythm section crushes it. And, in case you missed it, that solo again!
The Beelzefuzz legacy continues on 'Walk In Darkness' but being more heavy metal infused. A bit slower in parts than 'Pathological' but still has the same approach. It gradually builds up towards a much faster ending. 'Star Crossed' is old school heavy metal in a modern fresh way. Think Ronnie James Dio solo, or fronting Black Sabbath or Rainbow. The band is flying out of the starting blocks and never let up. A great song, indeed! It continues the same way on 'No Halo' which is free-flowing and no holds barred. A bloody brilliant composition, if there ever was one. Album closer 'Through The Night' slows down the pace a little bit as well as bringin back the Beelzefuzz vibes.
'Pathological' is a master piece, pure and simple and that pleases me immensely. I missed Beelzefuzz when they folded and knowning Pale Divine probably has run it's course is heartbreaking. That's why Mythosphere's brilliance is so rewarding because the members haven't let their talents fizzle out. Instead, they created a beast albeit with hints of the past, is going forward unshackled and absolutely stunning. What pleases me the most is that the drums and the bass guitar have been pushed to the front with a rich, full sound. Having followed Darin McCloskey's career for a long time through some truly groundbreaking albums, his drum sound has always taken a background role. But here, producer Noel Mueller has put all instruments equally into the mix and this enhances Mythosphere's sound immensely. So to hear both McCloskey and McGinnis at full true strength shows what a rhythm section should be! Even moresince it allows Arduini and Ortt to experiment while everything is kept cohesive, structuralized yet it's all free-flowing. Wonderful, you hear, absolutely wonderful!
- Swedebeast
