Search - John West :: Mind Journey

A great metal debut CD from John West!

Infiltrator | Radec | 08/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the BEST album I own! If you are a fan of metal, but dislike incoherent lyrics/singers, you'll love this up & coming artist. John West belts out amazing vocal range similar to Glenn Hughes, while guitarist George Bellas (who has since formed his own band) delivers guitar similar to that of Gary Moore/Yngwie Malmsteen. Barry Sparks sets the bass afire, and rounding out the lineup is Matt Guillory with spectacular keyboard playing and Mike Terrana, (who seems to need a third bass drum) pedaling the driving beat home. Pick this one up now, you won't be dissapointed because EVERY song is excellent, and "EASTERN HORIZON" is a trademark! :FEB 16, 2005 It has been 6 years since my last review of this CD, and I am shocked to see 2 reviews of this CD that are so low. One review mentions Deep Purple has done this stuff before. Excuse me? Deep Purple would never come close to being able to play the stuff on this CD. Still the best CD in my collection after 8 years, only rivaled by some Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, and UFO material. :MAR 16, 2007 Yet another 2+ years since my last review of this CD and John West has released another great solo CD "Long Time, No Sing," however, Mind Journey still sounds as fresh as it did 10 years ago when I purchased it over the phone (no internet) for $29.99. Since then, everyone who played on that CD has had a great career (West, Bellas, Sparks, etc...) This was definitely a monumental album in what you'd call "INDIE METAL" although it's terrible that you don't hear stuff like this on the radio!"

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Mehran Zandi | canada | 03/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is perfection. I need to be careful to contain my enthusiasm about this album or my review will be nothing but a maudlin glorification heavy on superlatives but low on actual, uh, 'reviewing'.

first appreciated John West only after growing into modern progressive rock, having been stuck in 70s and 80s progressive rock for more than two decades. I was stunned and fascinated by John West strong Vocal and band line up and the songs compositions.

Regardless of the strength and number of influences, this album deals with less weighty topics than "Inner Turbulence" and is more of a "fun" album than "Inner Turbulence."



The CD begins with a simple, plain keayboard solo song "Eastern Horizon." , the spirited guitars,Bass, percussion and vocals generate catchy hooks that make you want to sing along, or at least hum along when you are unable to remember the words.

lead guitarist George Bellas solo's and rhythem's and Barry Sparks six string Bass, Mike terrana Drum's and matt Guillory keaybord's have never blown me away until now. This album deals with great poetry also.



John west Voice is mixer of " Don Dokken or Ian Gillan" The music, likewise, is remarkable, and the blend of heavy riffs and plaintive acoustic strumming resonates the protagonist's disposition. If you aren't excited after listening to the first song, check your pulse.Proof positive that one can be a virtuoso musician and also have heart, john west and his band are in impressive form on this album, arguably their best. They do it by never allowing technical flash to overwhelm their songs; there's substance under the style, in the form of ear-catching riffs and aggressive rhythms."