Pagan’s mind- Norwegian progressive metal band
aaamusic | On 06, Apr 2011
Norwegian melodic power metallers Pagan’s Mind have inked a worldwide deal with SPV / Steamhammer to release their stunning fifth studio album, ‘Heavenly Ecstasy’, on May 23rd, and will tour the UK to coincide. Dates are:-
May 20th – London Underworld
May 21st – Manchester Satan’s Hollow
May 22nd – Wakefield The Snooty Fox
May 23rd – Grimsby Yardbirds
May 24th – Nottingham Bensons
May 25th – Birmingham The Roadhouse
‘Heavenly Ecstasy’, the follow-up to 2007’s highly acclaimed ‘God’s Equation’ studio album, is a masterful, exceptional progressive metal opus, which totally exemplifies the best of both musical worlds. Singer Nils K. Rue says “There is no doubt it sounds like Pagan’s Mind, as I believe we have a very distinct sound. It’s heavy, melodic and at times intricate – but on the other hand we have shaken off some of the most extreme progressive elements, setting songwriting and melody in total focus. It’s atmospheric, very catchy, very heavy, very good.”
Guitarist and producer Jorn Viggo Lofstad states that “After considering offers from various labels, we decided to be a part of the new SPV family. Signing with such a respected label gave us the spark to come up with what we think is the most cohesive album we have done, and probably our best offering so far.”
‘Heavenly Ecstasy’, which contains eleven brand new songs, was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein, Europe, Within Temptation, Bon Jovi etc) at Toytown Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. ‘Heavenly Ecstasy’ will also be available as a high class limited edition digipak with 2 bonus tracks + poster, and as a double gatefold coloured vinyl LP with 2 bonus tracks.
Pagan’s Mind have built a major live following all over Europe and America since forming in 2000, in ‘the land of unaffordable alcohol”. The band have graced the stages of every major Scandinavian Festival, let alone many more around the rest of Europe. They have played at ProgPower USA in 2003, 2007 and in 2009, when they were welcomed back as ‘returning heroes’ at the end of a joint USA and Canadian tour with Stratovarius. They headlined their first ever UK tour in 2006, when they also brought the house down at the inaugural ProgPower UK festival, and then won over even more converts when they were special guests on Sonic Arctica’s UK and European tour in 2008. Now ‘Heavenly Ecstasy’, a pure example of progressive metal at its finest, looks all set to elevate Pagan’s Mind’s profile even higher, let alone win over a horde of new fans of this excellent, impressive ensemble.
