Helsinki, Finland based OVERHEAD founded in 1999 musically inspired by prog-rock giants and adding refined melodies close to melodic rock, a clear and powerful voice, and RUSH, DREAM THEATER and FLOYDean breaks.
Thy are also influenced by the ’80s style of the genre when more accessible, instant, catchy songs were the rule.
That’s all what you’ll hear on their new album ”Telepathic Minds”, a double CD with a lot of crossover prog moments mixed with commercial, at places AORish melodies we all love.
Disc I opens with “War to End All Wars”, a sympho hard prog intro that moves, just enough to give vocal space to Alex Keskitalo smooth voice; it goes up, it breaks on voice-overs, it has an instrumental section on organ à la DEEP PURPLE, very old-school, before returning to the central air and Jaakko Kettunen who releases a moving solo on the border of hard rock with a bluesy touch.
“Ghosts from the Future” has a riff reminiscent of BLUE OYSTER CULT where the keyboard also twirls.
“The Pilot’s Not Fit to Fly” is a melodic ballad with an AOR smell however also proggy, with a little flute to embellish. The second part highlights the fabulous Jaakko solo. “Sleep Tight Sweetheart” has a western spaghetti vibe, slide guitar sweetness and a retro pop vibe; as you see, this band isn’t afraid to try different things.
Disc II begin with the title track “Telepathic Minds” divided in 5 parts, a conceptual piece but very very catchy mixing melodic rock, prog rock, some prog metal and even electronics / synths. There’s a lovely Gary MOORE-style guitar solo as well.
“Tuesday That Never Came” is straight melodic rock, FM ready midtempo tune some kind of a mix between ’90s BON JOVI and TEN. Next “Planet of Disorder” change things drastically via a ’70s-like RAINBOW guitar riff and Jethrotullian flutes where Alex’s vocal performance shines.
“Sheep Stay Silent” adds some Eastern feeling and a more prog-metal approach – yes, OVERHEAD never bore you. “Almost Always Near the End” concludes this captivating double set with juicy, symphonic synths; melodic guitars, strings, and strong vocals.
OVERHEAD is that kind of bands that never gets you tired. I wouldn’t say they surprise you as all the genres they mix here are well known, but amuse how they deliver the whole thing. It’s very impressive.
”Telepathic Minds” is a fantastic journey from all the mentioned rock genres, never forced, always natural, melodic, and entertaining.
A welcomed surprise this year.
1.War To End All Wars 08:43
2.Ghosts From The Future 12:40
3.Sail Across The Universe 08:21
4.The Pilot's Not Fit To Fly 09:18
5.Sleep Tight Sweetheart 05:49
6.Telepathic Minds 17:17
7.Tuesday That Never Came 04:03
8.Planet Of Disorder 07:18
9.Sheep Stay Silent 07:45
10.Almost Always Near The End 07:45
Overhead's new double album Telepathic Minds is their magnum opus. Available as a Double CD digipack, a gatefold Double Vinyl LP and digital download & streaming.
Telepathic Minds is musically Overhead's strongest album so far, featuring progressive and aural landscapes and long epic tracks with strong melodies, driving riffs and catchy choruses. Lyrically the album echoes the turbulent times in which it was created in the midst of the pandemic and the war in Europe, a time of intense global turmoil and reflection.
Overhead – Telepathic Minds 2023
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