I remember reviewing “Infinity Divine” – the debut of Pagan’s Mind – some months ago for a different publication, and I also recall liking it much more than the usual power metal release. After all, power metal and I don’t exactly have the best relationship, but my lovable editors see fit to assign me with it every so often. Australia’s Dungeon and Norway’s Pagan’s Mind almost make me want to admit that I do like the subgenre. Almost.

You’re definitely getting your money’s worth with “Enigmatic: Calling.” The aforementioned is over an hour in length, and has a slew of songs that reach upwards of seven minutes each. This album probably won’t give you that ten or fifteen minute fix you crave; however, this release accompanies concentration quite nicely without being overly demanding or awash in pseudo-intellectual bullshit. Things commence strongly with the opener, namely “The Celestine Prophecy.” Predictably, the requisite elements have all been fluffed and placed at the appropriate spots. The heavy riffage lifts the composition off the ground while keyboards are thrown in to accentuate the atmosphere. Rue’s vocals – though talent-filled – are perhaps a tad unusual. And, I’m still severely conflicted about whether I like them or not. Guitar leads and progressive breakdowns frequent “Enigmatic Mission,” and “Supremacy, Our Kind” has a hefty attitude, especially considering that it came from Pagan’s Mind.

The instrumental “Coming Home” has a Dream Theater vibe, but “Celestial Calling” begins with perturbed riffing. Oftentimes, the midsections of songs boast incredible breakdowns and unparalleled musicianship. Consequently, that’s where “Enigmatic: Calling” piqued my interest. “Taken” is another long one, and Rue’s voice sure traverses the vocal scale while double-bass riddles certain passages. Pagan’s Mind continue to chug along through numbers such as “Resurrection (Back in Time),” “Appearance” (another instrumental), “Search for Life,” and “New World Order.” The latter is both the closer and the longest piece on the record.

Ultimately, the band have bested their prior releases with “Enigmatic Calling,” and inadvertently thrust themselves into the power metal limelight. Sometimes the aforementioned seems formulaic, but the bulk of material is so well-written and so well-played that it doesn’t matter. Pagan’s Mind have a helluva record on their hands, and it’s one that I suspect you’ll be listening to soon.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]

Distributed in Denmark and kindly suplied by Target