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Review: Magellan – Impossible Figures (Promotional CD)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Record company: Insideout Records  (Copyright 2003)
More information: www.insideout.de
By:  Doug Millaway

This collection of nine compositions is a rather intriguing venture 
into the world of progressive rock.  The very first observation I made as 
I listened was how in the world did two guys think all this stuff up?

Magellan features the dynamic vocals of Trent Gardner.  He has a 
powerful voice that is enhanced by excellent harmony structure.  In addition 
to providing vocals, Trent also contributes keyboards, and trombone.  
(To be honest, I think he should have left his trombone at home because 
all of the other instrumentation just wipes it out.)

Magellan’s other member is Wayne Gardner.  Wayne provides the high 
quality guitar and bass work as well as pitching in on vocals.  The range 
of tones that Wayne brings to the table really sends much of the 
material to another level.  You can tell that Wayne is both the bassist and 
the guitarist, because the two instruments compliment each other 
throughout the CD.

Personally, I thought the initial tracks of the CD were a bit slow in 
developing.  Track two is titled Killer of Hope, and it lasts for just 
over 10 minutes.  I’m not sure we needed that much time to get the 
point, but some folks will see it differently I’m sure.

It wasn’t until track four that I started to get really interested.  
Late For Church is where this CD begins to take on a life of its own.  
This is a great piece with excellent musicianship and vocals to match.  
Listening closely to the lyrics will certainly allow you to begin to 
understand the conceptual framework of the project.

Confessor’s Overture (track 5) could almost pass as a modern day YES 
track.  It is a very accomplished piece with fine playing throughout.  
Trent’s keyboard work in this piece is quite interesting.

The following two tracks entitled Hymn for a Heathen and A World Groove 
combine to form an extremely dynamic 9:45 of music.  These two songs 
alone are worth the price of the CD in my opinion.  A World Groove in 
particular presents an accomplishment in production and mixing that is 
second to none.  Some of the guitar and bass licks will astound you.

Most bands don’t like comparisons, but Counterpoints (track 8) sure 
shows the influence that Queen had on this band’s development.  Still, the 
Gardners spin their own magic and create a tune that stands on its own.

Overall, I think this CD is a winner.  If this band continues to 
improve in the future, we are in for a real treat.  My recommendation is just 
buy it.  You won’t be disappointed.

Ratings:
8 out of 10  for musicianship (instrumental, vocals, programming)
10 out of 10 for production (arranging, engineering)
8 out of 10 for presentation (song order, packaging, etc.)




Artist: Magellan
Title: Impossible Figures
Genre: Rock/Progressive, Metal 
Label: Inside Out/SPV-www.insideoutmusic.com
Website: www.magellanweb.com

What a great name for a group, Magellan, and what stunning, colorful, thought provoking artwork for 
an album cover. So what is inside you say? There is more to this band than a name and images…oh 
yes, so much more. I am very impressed with this group's musical endeavors. They personify the word 
progressive. 

The Gardner brothers Trent (keyboards, vocals) and Wayne (bass, guitar, vocals), are the clock that 
makes Magellan tick. They get a special hand this time around with their new album Impossible 
Figures from musical genius Robert Berry, Jeff Curtis with the brass arrangements, and guest 
musician Jason Gianna on drums, other than that, it's the world of the Gardner's brought to you 
through musical soundscapes that challenge and mesmerize you in each track.

This kind of music I have to listen to over and over again to gather my thoughts, there is just so much 
going on its mind-boggling at times. I know I say that frequently about prog-rock but that is 
commonplace when it comes to taking in this type of music. When you think about two men putting 
together their talents to come up with this awesome knock out sound, it really blows your mind. "Killer 
of Hope" is a testament to their worthiness as world-class musicians and writers of complex 
compositions. The catch all in their music is the way it changes so quickly. Trent will play a beautifully 
classical passage on his keyboards, quickly it shifts to Wayne banging out sweeping and crushing 
blows from his six-string, then suddenly it all comes together creating a supernova of musical bliss. It is 
like watching a volcano flowing from far away, it looks like its moving slow, then you find yourself 
standing right at the edge of the opening at the top of the mountain were the explosion is forcing out 
the hot molten lava from the center of the earth incredibly fast. That is what Magellan's music is like. 
Now that is powerful. 

Does this sound exciting? Is it something you think that you would like? If you can envision music 
sounding like this then you will get off on this album time after time, I certainly did. Like progressive 
rock? This band is one of very best in the world so get this CD.

©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
November 12, 2003

1.    Gorilla With a Pitchfork - 1:24 
2.    Killer of Hope - 10:03 
3.    Bach 16  - 2:46 
4.    Late for Church - 6:15 
5.    Confessor's Overture  - 2:24 
6.    Hymn for a Heathen - 3:15 
7.    A World Groove - 6:30 
8.    Counterpoints - 5:59 
9.    Feel the Cross - 6:36 

Rating- 5 / 5

Credits:

Robert Berry  -  Drum Sound Supervision, Guest Appearance 
Trent Gardner  -  Trombone, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer 
Wayne Gardner  -  Bass, Guitar, Vocals (bckgr)
Jeff Curtis  -  Brass Arrangement

Guest Musician:
Jason Gianni - Drums