Images and words by Mark Gromen

Norway’s PAGAN’S MIND were fresh off a triumphant ProgPower USA gig that was universally lauded as “best” of the multi-band offerings on day two. Now it was “the big time,” New York City. The Nokia Theater, just off Times Square, was the site. Afforded just a short support slot, the prog-metallers were limited in the number of songs, but no matter. The underrated Nils K. Rue showing his impressive range (and piercing screams) throughout numbers like ‘Through Osiris’ Eyes’, the punky staccato closer ‘Alien Kamikaze’ and their rendition of David Bowie’s ‘Hallo Spaceboy’ (with Rue shimmy across the stage).

Sporting new guitarist Matias Kupiainen, rejuvenated Finns STRATOVARIUS kicked into high gear from the start, beginning with a run of ‘Destiny’, ‘Hunting High & Low’ and ‘Speed Of Light’. Wow, Hell of a start! Bassist Lauri Porra, takes a larger role, both in terms of stage presentation alongside blond singer Timo Kotipelto, but with backing vocals. With bandana, sunglasses, beard and having dropped considerable wait, jovial drummer Jorg Michael was nearly unrecognizable. For some reason a mosh pit broke out? ‘Legions’ Kotipelto dedicated to “Fans who supported us throughout the years.” Dating back to ’95, ‘Twilight Symphony’ was the oldest track, its lengthy instrumental passage giving Kupiainen a spotlight for his emotive style. The ballad ‘Winter Skies’ was begun by composer/keyboardist Jens Johansson. Later, Porra and Kupiainen had a jam/separate solo spots, both utilizing beer cans for slide guitar. ‘Eagle Heart’ saw Kotipelto kneeling to meet the crowd, while the encore (racing against a midnight curfew) featured the speedy double bass driven ‘Father Time’ and ‘Black Diamond’. The band looked to be having fun onstage, an improvement from the recent past, so here’s hoping they come back again, soon.

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