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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

Jaugernaut A.D.- "Contra Mantra"

Reviewed by: Jason Carzon
Genre: Prog Rock
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 57:06
Release Date: 8/12/05
Label:
Prog Rock Records
Band Members: Jim Johnston / almost all instruments Jim Branner / guitar
  Marty Prue / guitar (4 & 7)  
   
Track Listing: 1.)-Anthem (Salt in a wound, Overture, The Lightbringer's Lament, Art Of Deception) (12:32)  
  2.)- The Damage Is Done (4:59)  
  3.)- Better Living Thru Anarchy (5:19)  
  4.)-Doing It The Hard Way (Creatio Ex Nihilo, The hard Way, The Shepherd, The Hard Way Reprise) (14:51)  
  5.)- Vanity (6:28)  
  6.)-A Different World (5:43)  
  7.)-All I See Is Gray (7:12)  
     
The Review

Jaugernaut were another obscure outfit from the 80's returning to unfinished business in the 21st Century. I believe that this is actually the band's third album, and though once a standard 'band', Jaugernaut is now pretty much down to a solo project situation for one Jim Johnston, who handles everything except a few guest guitar spots. I assume Jim also handles vocals. What we have here is some decent progressive-drenched AOR rock music leaning heavy on strong vocal leads and guitarwork with a little modern edge and atmospheric embellishments.***

CONTRA MANTRA has elements of progressive metal without much distorted guitar textures whatsoever, elements of prog-rock without wearing any of it on their sleeves. This is more akin to 80's AOR/pomp rock but with a modern edge. Well worth checking out.***

Tracks include:

ANTHEM: this starts with some orchestrated and somewhat synclavier-like tones(think Zappa's 'Perfect Stranger') which give way to a lengthy instrumental intro to this multi-sectioned epic track. The atmospheric verses carry prog-metal vocal leads with some almost World Trade/Sherwood-era Yes-like harmonies. But just before you write this off as a mellow track, some heavy organ and rhythm bring it uptempo.***

THE DAMAGE IS DONE: this is some fine AOR-laced rock music with some almost Rush or Queensryche-like guitar. Vocals are strong.***

BETTER LIVING THROUGH ANARCHY: another similar rocker with that classic AOR double-tracked guitar sound and expressive vocals.***

DOING IT THE HARD WAY: slightly less effective than the first epic on this album, but still possessing some good instrumentation. Modern beats and synths open the gate for several disjointed sections(atmospherics, an acoustic movement) before the actual song begins. Keyboards and acoustic guitar are more prominent on this track.***

VANITY: the most mainstream of the batch, with a Billy Squire rock vibe. The track ends oddly with modern rhythm ambience.***

A DIFFERENT WORLD: another rock extravaganza with a slight whisper of a Styx and Rush aura- some very decent rock.***

ALL I SEE IS GREY: last cut on the album is an anthem-ballad with a hint of Yes.***

Credit to Jim Johnston for having the scope for making this record sound like his entire band himself rather than a 'solo' project. Fans of AOR who like a little bit of atmospheric flair should take note of Jaugernaut. I have no idea what the sales figures for something like this is doing, but I'm sure that those who have this are enjoying it quite a bit.***

 

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