MORGANA X Misunderstood CD. Self-produced- 2003 mid- to late-80s Rush qualities Fish.

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“Misunderstood” (Self-produced; 2003)
Wow. Netherlands-based Morgana-Xs four track self-produced EP “Misunderstood” was quite a nice surprise. In fact, it is one of the best surprises in the nearly four years that I’ve been afforded the opportunity to critique various metal bands from around the globe.

Morgana-Xs progressive leanings are not of the garden variety. Rather, Morgana-X are symphonic without being overbearing, progressive without being too technical, experimental without being too weird. I instantly recognized a lot of mid- to late-’80s Rush influences in the way that the band balances all the instruments especially on the last track “Bad Religion.” Vocalist Eddy Borremans doesn’t sound a lick like Geddy Lee however.

“Misunderstood” was a joy to listen to; it will be featured in my future listening choices when progressive rock/metal is my mood of the moment. In fact, the four tracks featured on “Misunderstood” are not enough to satisfy my appetite to hear more. I am eagerly awaiting more material from Morgana-X.

Fans of Pain Of Salvation, Vanden Plas, and other melodic progressive heavyweights will all find something to like in Morgana-Xs “Misunderstood.”

“Misunderstood” was produced by Morgana-X.

Morgana-X is Eddy Borremans on vocals, Wouter Wamelink on guitars, Ruben Viets on keyboards, Jeroen van Maanen on bass, and Martijn Peters on drums.

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Morgana-X comes from Arnhem (Holland). Misunderstood is their promo-CD with four excellent songs. The band plays atmospherically metal with a prog edge. It is remarkable how this band that is only together for two years, succeeded to create a sound of their own. Shining centre during the gig and on the CD is Eddy Borremans, the charismatic vocalist of Morgana-X. He has a special and warm voice, which is reminiscent to Fish.

The promo opens with The Rider a metal song with heavy guitars and a clean piano. In spite of the haunted drums, the peace is kept by the vocals. The second song Eternal Life is a beautiful moody song, which due to the vocal harmonies gives me the idea the band is the metal-brother of old Marillion. A Path Of Daggers and Bad Religion are simply two superb songs, with a perfect balance between aggression and emotion. I dare to say this band could become the Dutch Pain Of Salvation.

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Tracklist:
The Rider (03:57),
Eternal Life (05:23),
A Path of Daggers (04:54),
Bad Religion (05:29)
Coming from Arnhem in Holland, Morgana-X is a new band quickly building a reputation as an outfit capable of bringing a welcome breath of fresh air to the Progressive Rock/Metal scene. And on the evidence here, I can more than see why. Just 18 months after the release of a live rehearsal demo, this is their first full-blown promo, and boy does it reveal a band with a lot of potential.

Morgana-X deal in high-quality Progressive Metal, but have developed a somewhat unique style – taking the normal structure of the genre but adding an unusual combination of driving melody and some very, very soulful vocals. Think Pain of Salvation and Enchant but mixed with a pop sensibility of say Marvellous 3 – indeed Butch Walker is stated as an influence of vocalist Eddy Borremans.

Within a couple of days of its release this CD had secured the band a place on the Headway Festival in Amsterdam, where I had the good fortune to catch their high-energy performance just a week ago. From that, I can certainly tell you that the potential shown on this disc is more than enhanced by their stage show.

Of the songs, there is nothing of a poor quality here. Opener The Rider is the most straightforward – built on a solid, rolling riff with some nice keyboard touches. Next up, Eternal Life is where Eddy’s vocals are at their most dynamic and soulful while A Path Of Daggers is currently my favourite – probably because of its moody and metallic vibe and the fact that it possesses a killer chorus. The disc ends with a case of Bad Religion – the most atmosphere and progressive track, with the bonus of another good melodic line that reminds me of fellow Dutch progsters Ricocher.

Of course this is a demo, so the production isn’t crystal clear. I also think greater attention should be made to some of the backing keyboards and guitars. To these ears, they tend to sound a bit deep and sludgy and do lack that edge and variety that would really give the songs an extra element. But anyway, unusually for me with demos, I get to the end of Misunderstood and the only real disappointment, is that there isn’t another four tracks.

Thankfully a full album is underway and from the evidence so far, this is a band to watch very closely. A visit to their website will also provide some good video footage and full downloads of their original demo. A bargain! To ensure there is no way that I be misunderstood, let me just say one thing – I love it.

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