MKIII – Aliens in Wonderland
You know the feeling; you’re pottering about and you come across something that really intrigues you and you just have to investigate. Well, that very same thing happened to me today when I came across Mind Key and their album ‘MKIII – Aliens in Wonderland’. With a title like that, I just had to have a listen.
Well, aren’t I glad I did! Not knowing Mind Key, I had no idea what to expect and I’m sure you are wondering too; allow me to enlighten you. Mind Key are an Italian Prog Metal band who formed back in 1999. The band is Aurelio Fierro Jr on Vocals, Dario De Cicco on Piano & Keyboards, Emanuele Colella on Guitars, Lucio Grilli on Bass and Mirko De Maio on Drums.
After an unexpected hiatus that lasted near on nine years, the band are now back together and have produced a truly brilliant third album. Opening with the albums title track, it begins with an electronic synthetic keys, leaving you thinking you’ve put the wrong CD in, then all of a sudden, a distorted heavy metal guitar comes in and a fantastic scream, confirming this is prog metal at its best. The song grows, complete with synth, the chorus is great, with chugging guitars and keys and Aurelio’s vocal performance is stunning.
The second track ‘Hank (The Blazing Eyes)’ begins with a speedy guitar riff, think typical speed metal. Just when you think that you’re in for a typical, normal song, the pace slows right down. Cue some synth harp and piano, and a lovely bit of interplay between Aurelio and Emanuele. But then almost as quick as things have slowed down, the pace is picked up again and is rocketed to the end of the song.
‘Angry Men’ is another treat for the ears. Starting with a single acoustic guitar then snapping in a fast paced electric guitar riff. Aurelio’s vocals are great on this and then you consider the layering of string synths. It is a really full dynamic sound and I love it. Then, there is a great guitar solo and synth solo too. This is possibly a contender for single… if they were to release one. It’s certainly my favourite track on the album.
Other highlights include the very 80’s feeling ‘Oblivion’. With its drum beat straight out of a Lionel Richie song. Did I just say that in a rock review? Yes, I did and yes it works perfectly. This is a slow build, leaning more on the straight AOR sound, and it’s really a showcase of Aurelio’s powerful voice too.
Overall, what Mind Key have done here, aside from having a glorious album title, is fuse two genres together, almost seamlessly! That heavy chugging guitar infused metal with the synth heavy AOR sound. And, they do it so well. It’s the kind of album that will keep surprising you even after you’ve listened and listened and listened to it. Just brilliant and I’m so glad I came across it
Released By Frontiers S.R.L
Released on 12th July 2019
