MINDSPLIT – Charmed Human Art Of Significance

Mindsplit has been a musical project in the making for the past several years. They are much more than just another European Prog Metal Band, and their debut album Charmed Human Art Of Significance (C.H.A.O.S.) is much more than just another concept album. This album combines musical storytelling and science to a degree that is rarely seen. Though musically it may be tough to swallow at first for the unprepared listener, these guys actually pull it off quite well.

This Swedish group has been actively working on C.H.A.O.S. since 2006. The concept of the album is based on vocalist H.B. Anderson’s great-great grandfather, Xerxes Anderson (a.k.a. Prof. Xandau) notes on human psychological behavior. The notes provide constant narration throughout the album and help explain the ideas behind most of the songs.

The fourteen track album is divided up into seven “chapters,” if you will. Each chapter delves into different subject matter of Prof. Xandau’s notes. Musically, this band is extremely talented. They present a very typical Prog Metal lineup of vocalist, guitarist, bass, keyboard, and drums. However, there are many aspects of Mindsplit differentiating them from other generic Prog Metal artists. The most obvious being vocalist H.B. Anderson whose tough and gritty vocals help define the band’s musical direction. Anderson’s vocals are very reminiscent of David Draiman from the American Metal band Disturbed. Other Hardcore elements are also evident in the work of guitarist Mathias Holm. Most of the tracks are entirely riff-driven, and Holm provides some very intense and almost Thrash-like qualities. Although the keyboards are present in each track, they are never overused. This is a Classic Guitar Metal album through and throughout.

From a timing perspective, some of the tracks do go a little long (there are two tracks over ten minutes). However, many of the tracks are seamless and continuous. One of the bright spots are the songs “…elsewhere?” and “Inside The Heart Of Silence” (two separate tracks which are really one extended song). It begins with a very haunting acoustic guitar and vocal sequence transcending into a melodic, powerful piece with some outstanding guitar riffs and vocals.

Some of the narration within the album does come off as cheesy and tacky — somewhat like the Queensrÿche Operation: Mindcrime series. However, the brilliant musical content allows you to overlook those moments. C.H.A.O.S. is not intended for the faint of heart, or for the amateur listener. This is a very serious album both lyrically and musically. It may take a few listens to fully appreciate the genius which is Mindsplit, but it will be worth it. You are also bound to discover something new with each listen.