Happy New Year everybody!

2010 was a great year for Mastermind because we finally saw the release of the long awaited Insomnia album by Lion Music. As is customary at the end of the year, critics, DJ’s, etc compile their “best of the year” lists. We are pleased to know Insomnia made at least a few of these lists! Music critic Chris Latta, who wrote a very nice review at suite101.com, included Insomnia in his Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2010 saying…

“Mastermind’s newest album is dramatically different when compared to their prog metal past. While the band does occasionally show off some technicality, the songwriting on this album is much more accessible and has a really modern feel thanks to the vocals of Tracy McShane. In a perfect world, this album would be a massive hit and one can only hope that the band will build up some momentum with this release.”

Yes, we can only hope!! Thanks Chris. Also, Delicious Agony Radio’s “Rickter Scale” show hosted by Rick Dashiell lists Insomnia track “Desire” in his Top 40 of the Year… nice! Thanks Rick. So we are pleased to know at least a few people are enjoying the album. If you visit the reviews page here on this site you will see there are quite a few others that seem to appreciate the album as well. Thank you all! Now if only the rest of the world would catch on.

If you haven’t heard the album yet we encourage you to go have a listen.

Otherwise, we are still hoping to get Mastermind live off the ground sometime this year if possible, and news about other projects such as The Berends Brothers Band can be found on guitarist Bill Berends newly updated website; billberends.com

Best wishes to all for the new year… here’s to more music on 2011!

An impressionistic music video by Krype Malisque for “Night Flier”, an instrumental track on the new Insomia album… a marvelous interpretation! Very cool. Thanks Krype, nice work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LFGh9_Q_7Q (stop by and give it a thumbs up!)

Then check out this thoughtful new Mastermind Insomnia review at suite101.com. Very nice.

And finally, for those who haven’t picked up a copy of the new album (yet), head on over to our youtube page for a preview (let the playlist run – and maybe subscribe while you’re there too – more videos to come). Then come on back and stop by the Mastermind store to grab a copy (or three, it just might make a nice Christmas present for someone!). Thanks!

Enjoy.. and spread the word!

Now the Insomnia album has been out for six months, a lot of nice reviews have come in. We’re very pleased by the latest from Exposé Magazine, one of the original prog-rock magazines printed on real paper… “this is Mastermind’s best album to date. – Peter Thelen” Very cool! Thank you Peter. More review links can be found on our review page and thanks also to the many journalists & critics who have taken the time to write a thoughtful review.

Also, many thanks to everyone who has purchased a copy (something special in this day and age)! We know for a fact Peter actually purchased his copy for this wonderful review, and we suspect (have been told) some of the less than kind reviews are based on Lion Music not giving out free CD’s for review – only digital downloads – which really annoys some reviewers accustomed to getting free stuff (and quite often reselling it ebay). Hey, it’s a digital age.

In any case, we thank you all for listening and for those who haven’t purchased their CD yet please visit our online store to get yours. Reviewers interested in obtaining a digital copy for review, please contact promo@lionmusic.com. Thanks!

The first Insomnia review is in and it is a good one! We hope this indicative of how everyone will receive the album, but for the moment this is a wonderful way to get things rolling. The album release date is February 19th, 2010 from Lion Music (Finland).

http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9095929&aid=9069486

For those too lazy to click…

“some of the most original and innovative music the world needs to hear”

Nice.

As mentioned below, reviewers, journalists, DJ’s etc. wishing to get an advance copy of the album for review, please contact “promo (at) lionmusic.com” for information. Thanks.