UNIVERSAL MIND PROJECT - The Jaguar Priest

April 30, 2016, 7 years ago

(Inner Wound Recordings)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review heavy metal universal mind project

UNIVERSAL MIND PROJECT - The Jaguar Priest

Progressive power metal band, Universal Mind Project, is the brainchild of guitarist and composer Michael Alexander. What began as a collaborative project between musicians across the globe has transformed into a full-fledged band with the addition of vocalists Elina Laivera and Henrik Båth (Darkwater, Waken Eyes) and drummer Alex Landenburg (Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody). On its debut album, The Jaguar Priest, the band combines energetic modern progressive/power metal with the vibrant diversity of male and female vocals on its ten tracks. The band is joined by a slew of talented and unique guests including Nils K Rue (Pagan’s Mind), Mark Jansen (Epica, Mayan), Charlie Dominici (ex-Dream Theater), Mike Lepond (Symphony X) and more. 

Opener “Anthem For Freedom” combines vibrant keyboard melodies, soaring vocal harmonies and some tasty fretwork from Alexander. Keyboardist Emanuele Casali also gets some quality time throughout the disc with his lightning-quick finger style. Some tasty growls by Mark Jansen (Epica, Mayan) who also appears on “Truth” and “Dreamstate,” adds a great dynamic to the melodic song structures. Nils K Rue nails it on “Bargain of Lost Souls,” delivering an impassioned and vivacious performance. Laivera’s angelic voice mixes well with the soaring male vocals, and she shines on “Awakened By The Light (Universal Mind)” with emotive, dramatic vocals, while showing her soft side on ballad “A World That Burns.” The Jaguar Priest’s diverse elements and stellar guest stars should appeal to a wide range of metal fans.



Featured Video

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

Latest Reviews