Customer Reviews

Test of Wills

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As I said in my review for "Impending Ascension", Trent Gardner's style is not for everyone. Listen to "Age of Impact", by Explorer's Club, and if the style turns you off, then Magellan won't be your thing. Otherwise, give it a shot -- and this may or may not be the disc to start with.

On this disc, the brothers Gardner are joined by drummer Brad Keiser, putting to the test many critics' assertion that the biggest problem with Magellan's first two releases was the synthesized drums. It's still got Trent Gardner's unmistakeable style, and it's still going to be just as loved or hated. In addition to live drums, Trent has added two new and controversial elements that are used again in "Age of Impact": the use of repeated phrases to give thematic continuity to an otherwise disparate collection of songs, and a trombone solo. The latter demonstrates that (1) Gardner can really play that thing; (2) he's actively looking for ways to illuminate and shatter the boundaries that exist even around progressive rock....

The material leans a little more to the prog-metal side than on the previous two releases. Trent's Genesis influence shows through so strongly on "Bully Pulpit" and "Preaching the Converted" that you can actually hear Phil Collins singing them. The former also has a flute solo that pays homage to his Jethro Tull influence. The title track is the most odd, with a vocal track that sounds like Ozzy Osbourne complementing the aforementioned trombone solo. Ultimately, it's much more diverse along multiple dimensions, showing Trent's growth as a songwriter, and that diversity is what makes it my favorite of Magellan's three discs. A very rewarding listen -- but only, as always, if you're first able to pass the Explorer's Club challenge.

I have read that some people prefer the first two albums by Magellan to the third. That's just crazy. When i first heard this album, I was floored. "A Social Marginal" kept me obsessed with the drum part. I had to try and learn it. Thank God they added more distortion. It makes it more exciting, "Walk fast, look worried" has a beautiful tone to it, and the title track just grooves throughout. Gardner has amazing writing abilities, and the drummer, Brad Kaiser, is an amazing force behid the kit. This album is oe of my all time favorites

When I bought Kansas' new album there was the insert for the Magna Carta lineup. I listened to a few samples on Amazon, and bought Test of Wills. What a great disc! I cannot stop listening to it, especially the title track. Take Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP/King Crimson, and throw in a trace of Metallica flavoring and you get this disc. Very interesting musically. You will never think the same way about the trombone again! (Only in one song-- nothing is overdone here). The ballad "Walk Fast, Look Worried" is prophetic, bringing tears to my eyes about the world in which our children must grow up.

If you like mid-seventies "classic rock," give this a listen. Why can't I hear this fresh sound on the radio?

I bought this cd after listening to another piece by the same writer, trent gardner. I was extremely pleased with the other piece's time changes and complexity and depth to the writing(Age of Impact, by Explorer's club). I bought Test of Wills hoping for the same. What I got was a slightly scaled down version of the original. The strange time is all there, and even a bit in excess, but it's got fun grooves and cool drum patterns that make you wish Terry Bozzio was playing on this one of Gardner's treats like he was on Explorer's Club. Overall, it's a quality album, and if you're new to Magna Carta Records this isn't a bad place to start.

The way all music is and should be...some will get it and some won't. In the case of Magellan's music, I count myself as one of those that "get it".
The proof is always in the pudding I say so I suggest checking Magellan out for yourself. How many bands for instance would have a wild trombone solo (and some harmony too) during a heavy, almost thrash metal section during the song 'Test of Wills? T.O.W. also incorporates massive vocal harmonies, original arrangments, extrememly tight performances, and unusual lyrics. To me that's the very defintion of progressive rock!
Oh well, I guess some "music fans" prefers hippie style lyrics ala Yes, tortured poets like Fish, laughable costumes ala early Genesis, and moog versions of classical music. All of those bands were pioneers of the genre and Magellan more than tips their hats to them. However this is 2006, not 1976. Saving whales, LSD trips, and psychedelic backdrops during 20 minute keyboard solos doesn't cut it anymore...
Unless you're a "music fan" of course...

Hard to understand the critics of this album - perhaps they were listening to another album, or more likely, they've been freebasing dirty gym socks.

Magellan is a great band, and this - their 3rd outing - is a fine effort, heavier than the first two. For the uniniated, Magellan is a bit like a head-on collision between ELP, Queen and Rush. A critic's nightmare, but a prog-fan's delight.

"Test of Wills" features massive keywords, tricky and tasty drumming, and big wall of sound Queen-like choruses. The tempo and time signatures change CONSTANTLY - so you never know what's next. And Trent Gardner writes great lyrics - he somehow manages to be cynical and optimistic at the same time, and ever a great social critic.

Highlights: "Gameface," "A Social Marginal," and "Critic's Carnival." Check it out.

OK so there is some vintage prog influences to be found here
but this acts main man is Trent Gardner (MR MAGNA CARTA)
he in himself is a melting pot of ideas, fresh and original
and has worked with many greats like STEVE HOWE and STEVE WALSH
to many others to mention here. The bottem line is
this is a great CD, music for musicians ,cutting edge progressive
also very much suited to the thinking person, however it is a tad
bombastic. 9.5/10

OK so there is some vintage prog influences to be found here
but this acts main man is Trent Gardner (MR MAGNA CARTA)
he in himself is a melting pot of ideas, fresh and original
and has worked with many greats like STEVE HOWE and STEVE WALSH
to many others to mention here. The bottem line is
this is a great CD, music for musicians ,cutting edge progressive
also very much suited to the thinking person, however it is a tad
bombastic. 9.5/10

Magellan's first two releases ('Hour of Restoration' and 'Impending Ascension') are among my alltime favorites. However, I was somewhat dissapointed with the different direction of this release. First of all, the addition of drummer Brad Kaiser was a great move (the first two cd's had programmed drums). However, bass player Hal Imbrie has been replaced by guitarist Wayne Gardner who doubles on bass. In general, I don't like the shift of focus from a texture-rich keyboard-dominated sound to a riff-rock guitar-dominated sound. There are way too many ridiculous spots where every instrument seems to be playing the melody in unison (think early Black Sabbath). Keyboardist/Vocalist Trent Gardner - who composes all the material - is seemingly out of his element (actually he does a much better job of writing in this genre on Magna Carta's 'Age of Impact' cd). I wish Magellan would go back to the sound that they became known for - except keep Brad Kaiser and bring back Hal Imbrie.

I love this album! Heavy guitars, exotic time signatures, killer harmonies,drums in your face and just great songwriting and insightful, intelligent lyrics. Heck, there are even trombone and flute solos(thanks Ian!). It's definitely the thinking musicians album and will very easily go over a mainstreamers head. I highly reccomend it to any real prog metal head!