Customer Reviews

Impending Ascension

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Magellan is one of the more controversial artists on the Magna Carta label, due to the fact that, although they truly have all the hallmarks of progressive rock, a lot of true prog fans just don't like them. As has been said, Trent Gardner has a very distinct style. On the first album, "Hour of Restoration", they sounded like Dream Theater doing an impression of 70s Genesis, plus lyrics whose themes might have come from a high school textbook. On this disc, the vocals come to the forefront, and the songwriting has matured a little, but otherwise, the analogy holds. The result, as always, is some really innovative work that thrills a lot of prog fans and leaves lots of others cold.

My advice regarding all Magellan work: try "Age of Impact", by Explorer's Club, first. It's the essence of all that Trent Gardner has worked toward, but played by musicians whose playing is already enjoyed by prog-metal fans worldwide. If the songwriting style turns you off, Magellan won't please you; if not, then give this and the other two a try.

I'll begin saying that i'm dumbfounded at the negative reviews of this cd.This is what true prog-rock is all about.I've been into prog since the early 70's and this is one of the best prog-rock cds i own.I sometimes wonder is their a real understanding in the masses of good music.Trent and Wayne Gardner have got it going on!Great muscians with real talent drawing from the prog-bands of the past.Just think Doane Perry of Jethro Tull has a guest spot on this cd! I'll end with saying to any prog fan BUY THIS CD!It's great from start to finish! Excellent Lyrics,Excellent Music!What more could you ask for?

Back when I first "re-discovered" progressive rock back in the mid 90's Magellan was one of the first of the modern era bands that I explored. At the time I thought they were incredible. Over the years I have had more mixed reactions to some of the band's latter albums, but this one still remains one of my favorites. Magellan is pretty typical of the progressive rock label Magna Carta's stable of bands in the 90's. Mixing 70's style progressive rock with bombastic modern metal the band (mainly brothers Trent and Wayne Gardner) whip up a fine album of great music and lyrics. There are three really great tracks on the disc, and they all top the 10 minute mark. The opener "Estadium Nacional", the 2nd track "Waterfront Weirdoes" and track number 6 "Storms And Mutiny" which tells the story of the band's namesake, the explorer Magellan. The short instrumental "No Time For Words" is also good. The rest of the album, "Songsmith", "Virtual Reality" and the short closer "Under The Wire" are all pretty much filler. If you like bombastic metallic prog rock with lots of vocal harmonies and historical / topical lyrics this album might be for you. Personally I think it is the best album that Magellan has put out.

I really like this disc. The lyrics are interesting and range from history to homelessness without being preachy. Since this is an older disc, it may sound a little dated to someone looking for a newer prog sound but for someone who enjoys a big keyboard sound with layers of vocal arrangements, this disc is for you! Matter of fact, the vocal arrangements are awesome and could easily fall into the Queen category for quality and style. So, if you are a fan of prog, this is a great disc to give a spin.

I bought their debut by chance and was hooked. My very first heavy prog purchase. So I had high hopes for Impending. Well after a few listens I nearly dumped it, but gradually the material began to come through. Estadium Nationale, Waterfront Wierdos at 11 minutes each exceed the quality on thier debut. Storms & Mutiny (the other epic) is more difficult to get into, but is a great song after the first frenetic few minutes. Songsmith and Under The Wire are forgettable. I can see why Magellan gets such polarized opinions. You either love them or hate them. Subsequently, Test Of Wills and 100 Year Flood are not to my taste.

I strongly disagree that Gardner is a bad songwriter. I think the only problem is that the electronic drums are too trebly and distract from some interesting melodic changes. The middle section of "Waterfront Weirdos" is particularly good. Some songs aren't quite as strong ("Under the Wire" is practically worthless) but most of them have powerful vocal harmonies and complex, intricate changes. And it is surprisingly catchy in places. If electronic drums drive you nuts, don't buy this, but if you can look past that, it's well worth the money.

On this one Trent Gardners voice is sounding like John Anderson
on steroids and the drum machine pounds away sounding like
angry barking dogs but this is still a very good solid CD.
You will need to put some hours in at your local library
to know what the songs are about and it has a steep listening
curve but all in all I like it.

I started listening to Magellan because they were a source of progressive rock that I hadn't already exhausted, and which was available in stores. That was really before internet shopping took off. Now I don't have to listen to them any more. Half the time the lyrics are like a book report, half the time like a request for donations from some leftish organization. And can't they find a real drummer?

One star for guitars, one for keys.

Hey man, don't knock it if you can't do it. Magellan can do it! They can groove, rock, and jam....so, what's the big beef? Imitation is the best compliment, as it were, but I don't think Magellan is really imitating anyone. I think they are the inheritors of Gentle Giant, more than YES. They are and original group, and do quite well on their own. This was the first recording I had been exposed to of theirs, as a result of the tribute to yes cd performance(a friend had turned me on to them, again, my buddy Boone). It took me a few listenings to get into it.....and my favorite track is "storms and mutiny", as it couples my passion for music with my passion for history. I also like "Waterfront Weirdos" as well.....as it points out the injustice and tragedy of homeless people.

Hey, it's a good effort.....4 out of 5 stars.

--JZ

Oke, well. You can say we've heard it all before and it sounds like a mix from Yes/ELP/King Crimson and Dream Theater but what the hell. These 3! guys make bombastic, heavy keyboard dominated sympho rock. The lyrics are not that great and sometimes didn't seem to fit in, but the whole album itselff gave me no bad feeling and was very interesting to listen to. It's the first time I heard an album of them but I will certainly look for more. The mechanical drumming didn't bother me, but it would be nice i've they tried to find one of flesh and blood. It will sure add a more humanly touch to their music. I rate 3 stars. They have to try to find a more identity of themselves.