MYSTERY – Unveil The Mystery (2014)

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We have presented sometime ago at 0dayrox one the of the best progressive bands from Canada; MYSTERY, and one of the most criminally ignored by the rock community in general. The group has been together for twenty years, but there’s two clear phases in the band’s history; the 90s with original singer Gary Savoie, and their new millennium Neo Prog era with vocalist Benoit David (in YES as well).
The album posted here was a retrospective of the early years, now Mystery is presenting “Unveil The Mystery”, covering the recent period starting in 2007.

Mystery’s progressive style is strongly impregnated by Melodic Rock / AOR waves, turning more ‘easy’, neo-prog with the material included into this CD.
Over the years, the band leaded by talented guitarist and composed Michel St-Pere has evolved from melodies inspied by Styx and Asia to more adventurous neo prog like that of Rush, Saga and even Journey, but featuring delicate acoustic passages not normally heard from these two.

Mystery won’t dazzle you with technical prowess but you will appreciate their strong melodies, elegant arrangements and attention to detail.
And we have the velvety vocals of Benoit David. In 2008 David became the lead singer of Yes (as well as Mystery) filling in for Jon Anderson. This helped the band reach a wider audience. Not in vain Yes chosen Benoit David as vocalist, he steals the show here on many of the songs.

There’s not a single weak song on this disc, always interesting and propelled by heavenly melodies.
One of my favorites is the prog pageantry of “Pride”. The piece runs the gamut from reflective to rocking enhanced with soaring guitar leads throughout.
“Dear Someone” is expansive and expressive with engaging changes and strong solos. “Time Goes By” is stark at first then builds up to the catchy hook and continues to ebb and flow in its sentiments and speeds.

Musically, Mystery is an incredibly very well balanced band that can be enjoyed by any audience. There’s something for everyone here; elegance, hooks, beautiful acoustic passages and excellent vocals.
“Unveil The Mystery” is a proper compendium of one of the most underrated and ignored Melodic Neo Prog bands from Canada (perhaps because they are from the ‘French side’ of the country).
The ideal way to discover the music and passion of Mystery.
Strongly Recommended.

01 – As I Am
02 – Wolf
03 – Dear Someone
04 – Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face
05 – Pride
06 – The Sailor and the Mermaid
07 – One Among the Living
08 – Time Goes By
09 – Travel to the Night
10 – Sailing on a Wing

Michel St-Pere – Guitars, Keyboards
Benoit David (Yes) – Vocals
Dean Baldwin – Guitar
Antoine Fafard (Spaced Out) – Bass, Acoustic Guitar
Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard), Steve Gagné – Drums
Benoit Dupuis – Keyboards
François Fournier – Bass, Taurus pedals
Claire Vezina – Backing Vocals

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HEP800G
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