U.S.A. REVIEWS - BEOWULF

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"To put this music out into the world, it has a power to it; there is a spiritual thing with music - especially a song like "Wasape", it's powerful stuff. You're the minstrels of the world, it's the soundtrack for our existence. It's pretty special stuff. I'm proud to get it out there!"

"Fans of progressive rock should check out the new PANGÆA Rock album BEOWULF. Pangaea bases its sound on the classic rock and prog-rock of the past while utilizing  modern sounds and styles. They mix memorable melodies; rich harmonies  & powerful rhythms into compact song structures."

"What a great album! Seven songs! And what I love about it is you definitely get that old-school PANGÆA vibe to it but at the same time it's very modern, ... but it's timeless, like all of their music. It doesn't sound specific to a certain time and it's very expansive.

It's one of those albums that as soon as you put it on you're entrenched, you're sucked into this cool, Pangaea world, this amazing sonic journey."

"The album kicks off in fine style on the near nine minute AOR prog/folk/rock opus Necromancer and then brings us the the piano-driven Show Me the Way, a veritably pop-nuanced Masquerade, the forceful, yet intricately woven nine minute Wasape, the recording rounding out on the free flowing, pleasingly mid-tempo AOR of Tomorrow Will Come, the beautiful orchestral swoon that ebbs throughout What Am I Without You?, closing on a rather, well, I think the best word to describe it would be vaudevillian finale of A Month of Sundays."

"The band’s tight, melodic ensemble playing, highly proficient level of musicianship and excellent songwriting and singing, is reminiscent of prog rock’s classic era while also showcasing the band’s modern era sensibilities."

“BEOWULF,” is an adventurous work of neo-prog featuring varied arrangements and instrumentation guaranteed to thrill fans of late ’70s Genesis. They’re doing it for the love of the work, so, as long as the inspiration is there, their battle will continue to rage on."

"Highlights are Necromancer", "Tomorrow Will Come", and "Show Me the Way".

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars 

"Pangaea have come back from the dead and produced an album which sounds as if they have never been away and I, for one, am absolutely delighted. Just one thing guys, don't wait so long for the next one! If you enjoy melodic prog then this is a delight from beginning to end."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

".... eighteen years after the ensemble’s original line-up shared the same room, the musicians discovered they could easily pick up at the point of leaving off and, with Berry and graphic designer Rainer Kalwitz back onboard, delivered another album. Hence “Beowulf” whose epic scope is perfectly balanced out by focus on memorable songs and alluring riffs .... the collective never pull their punches, building momentum from the very start – with the simmering contrast between acoustic strum and electric lines of opener “Necromancer” which slowly unfolds its folk-flecked tapestry to flesh out initial balladry by adding dynamic heft to lush vocal harmonies and organ shimmer and projecting the drama onto a power-metal screen."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

"The new single "Tomorrow Will Come" does seem to showcase how melody is at the heart of the songwriting, the chorus hook and the memorable tune. It shows the importance of melody in the band's material. 

Let's also note the great covers by the band for their album."

"PANGÆA have a capable ear for the creation and exploration of classic era rock and hard rock though, with a little bit of AOR making the occasional appearance, and those fond of music within those parameters that enjoy these landsacpes being given a light progressive rock seasoning strikes me as just about the perfect audience for this album."

"Their current work is called “BEOWULF”. The Americans remain musically true to themselves and present their style mix of classic rock, melodic rock, AOR, heavy metal and neo prog in the usual way, with a good pinch of “British” progressive rock. Here and there memories of Journey or the Brits from Arena are awakened, and there are also approaches that are reminiscent of Styx or Starcastle. Nevertheless, PANGÆA can definitely be seen as an independent formation that does not want to sound like some of the more successful representatives of the progressive rock genre."

"With exceptional musicianship and high-quality compositions, PANGÆA fuses the essence of classic progressive rock with modern sensibilities. Their sound is characterized by memorable melodies, rich harmonies, and tight song structures that incorporate elements of both powerful rhythms and contemporary musical styles."

"I've been listening to the new album and will DEFINITELY be putting the band on my schedule."

“Incredible! All I can say is, ‘where have they been all my life?’ PANGAEA are incredible, combining the very finest of Progressive and Melodic Rock in the best possible way”.’”

“I like your new album very much. I think it is your best album. The opener ("Something Happened Yesterday") is a monster track and one of the best I have heard in the last years."

“"Beyond the Prism" reminds one of Rick Wakeman’s symphonic overtures, while "Hollow Life" revives late Queen. In addition to this mellower side, the band approaches music with plenty of hard rock and metal elements. There are no pointless, ‘just-to-be-complicated’ parts, while great melodies remain an important aspect of the music. They are a well-built machine burning the oil as hot as hellfire. One is guaranteed to pay attention!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 10 stars 

“After their first two releases, they reaffirm their style and prepare for the apotheosis A Time And A Place (2003). This gem of precision fills the listener of enthusiasm for their themes, both immediately catchy and complex in their developments. Their music goes without problems from typically Neo-Progressive sequences to pure moments of ambient bliss (something the great Pink Floyd probably wouldn't have objected to), a touch of Heavy Metal here, some blazing percussion there. This CD is a KEEPER!”

“It is comprised of a huge amount of catchy melodies entwined by long ear-friendly guitar solos, in the vein of David Gilmour. The keyboards provide a sense of profundity in certain occasions, while in others can elevate it to more epic purpose. A special word for the drums/percussion work, which is really very good in this album, improving the sound in a noticeable way. A Time & A Place is a good start to jump into Progressive music, demonstrating full capacity by its musicians.”

""Something (Happened Yesterday)" … is a strong opener, immediately reaffirming the patent PANGAEA sound, a highly polished, modern blend of American style Neo-Prog. Fusing elements of Styx, Kansas and Starcastle with AOR/Stadium rock touches and an undeniable Pink Floyd air to the lead guitar. An inventive arrangement and plenty of mood changes help keep up the interest throughout the length of the song. ... Whatever the future holds, this album is a keeper!"

“Number three for PANGAEA reinforces the group's already clear Neo-Prog sound. PANGAEA’s strengths lie in its tasteful use of keyboards, its vocal harmonies (strongly reminiscent of '80s/'90s YES), and the pleasant voice of STEVE OSBORN. …the opening and closing tracks are very convincing. "Something Happened Yesterday" evokes Anderson-Bruford-Wakeman-Howe with a stronger rock momentum, while "The Human Condition" pairs Rush-like instrumental runs with a catchy simple chorus. On A Time and a Place, PANGAEA convinces listeners.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

"On their third album, PANGAEA  plays like a very experienced band capable performing a high-quality  Progressive Rock. Recommended not only to all the lovers of Classic Symphonic Art-Rock, but also those into Symphonic Space Rock in general  and such hallmark bands of the genre as Pink Floyd and especially Eloy  in particular."

“Coming from Houston (Texas), PANGAEA could well be the new revelation of  American neo-Progressive rock. This quartet clearly means it. The  proofs are their true personality (Comparisons with other bands don't  come to mind easily), their technical level and a remarkable  instrumental cohesion, as well as the hiring of famous Robert BERRY  (Former member of THREE and indispensable member of label Magna Carta  for many years: A name synonym of quality!) for their first  self-produced album (The Rite of Passage) in 1996. This gives then a  powerful sound and a flawless production, something constant in this  band's complete discography. Issued two years later on the Angular  label, Welcome to the Theatre reaffirms their style and prepares for the  apotheosis A Time And a Place (2003). Again created by the brothers  Corey and Andy SCHENCK (Accompanied by the ever-present Robert BERRY),  this gem of precision fills the listener of enthusiasm for their themes,  both immediately catchy and complete.”

“A lot of very smooth vocal harmonies, led by singer STEVE OSBORN, bringing to mind some of the vocal overdubs of Freddie Mercury in Queen or Todd Rundgren in Utopia... with Neo-Prog leanings and a guitarist (MASINGALE) who obviously likes David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)’s guitar style, since his solos are frequently in the same vein (the actually do a cover of Floyd’s "Time" on this album).”

"Since their last album Welcome To The Theatre... was already five years ago, not every mere mortal prog listener had PANGÆA from Houston on their screens. It is all the more gratifying that the successor A Time & A Place is also a successful piece of prog rock, which also strikes a new chord in the music of PANGÆA: In addition to the Pink Floyd influences, one can now especially in the early part of the disc features Crosby, Stills & Nash style vocal harmonies that suit the style of PANGÆA perfectly."

“This ("Time") is the best tribute I have ever heard. The sound quality is absolutely superior and deserves a listen. Forget all other tributes. This is it!” 

"An interesting band name for a great band. PANGAEA have this distinctive American-Prog sound. A sound we rarely hear anymore.

The album was produced by Robert Berry, so that’s also a great plus. Robert Berry played with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer of ELP on an album called To the Power of Three, by their band 3. He also replaced Steve Hackett in GTR. He also has a prolific solo career.

So the production of the album is brilliantly executed.

This is a band that goes into many mood changes and tempo changes throughout. Although a pain for a drummer, the results are always impressive. And they are too, on this album.

A very good album (beautiful artwork, too) which flows well throughout."

“This is a wonderful album which I think is the best I received during the last several months. PANGAEA is ready to follow their powerful debut with another well-balanced, well-orchestrated, and worthwhile creation. Welcome To The Theatre!”

“Bassist POULSEN’s "Cry For You" is a lush rock ballad where PANGAEA show power and creativity - occasional discord in the keyboards to heighten the pain and complex guitar chording where another band might have played a straight E minor. "The Fall of Rome" reverts to the rock roots of the band. There is a catchy chorus, but COREY’s lyrics are much deeper, drawing a parallel between modern society and the ancient civilisation. This is quite an impressive song, with DARRELL really powering out the vocals.”

“...high octane all the way. ... This is a well crafted album. PANGAEA are proficient musicians, the result is a very polished CD. Well-crafted songs...versatile arrangements, meter changes, memorable melodies, and intriguing harmonic qualities...can be listened to on many levels. The result is something I could imagine the likes of Cream producing if they were recording (today). If you have time to get to the heart of what PANGAEA are doing, you are richly rewarded.” 

“I think Welcome to the Theatre is a great step forward...the music is very mature and sounds fresh and interesting. The whole album is great and I will tell it to my listeners on Radio Alfa Krakow.”

“"The Hobo, The Dog and the Moon" is pure class. It leaps around like a mad dog on acid!”

“A very fine album!”

“They build instrumental sections with a good ear for space and dynamics ("Crimson"), and craft catchy choruses ("Dark Room" and "Autumn Monsoon") and even lift a rhythmic figure from Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps for variety...viscerally satisfying.” 

“Lots of big keyboards (COREY) and guitar (DARRELL) and pointedly direct drumming from ANDI give PANGAEA the essential sounds of Prog-Rock. DARRELL gets a lot out of his Gibson and not surprisingly sounds (Steve) Howe-like in parts.”

“PANGAEA is ready to follow up their powerful debut with another well-balanced and well-orchestrated quality creation.”

"The album really impressed me!"

"Classic progressive rock! Somewhere between Camel and Kansas."

"The whole band (including keyboardist COREY SCHENCK and bassist RON POULSEN) demonstrates their talent on "Fanfare For One World," an instrumental track that tips its hat to Emerson, Lake & Palmer without ripping them off.”

“Their crunching brand of Power-Prog is viscerally satisfying, my favorite cut is "The White Shaman", written by drummer ANDI SCHENCK, a gutsy, percussion-driven track that may remind some listeners of Peter Gabriel’s more ritualistic pieces.”

“Vocalist/guitarist DARRELL MASINGALE is at his finest on tracks like "The White Shaman," featuring a solid, Native American-influenced rhythm from drummer ANDI SCHENCK."

"Very cool group, I enjoy all their music. I really like "White Shaman""

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

"The sound is interesting and unique from beginning to end. "The White Shaman" being perhaps the most interesting song. It relies heavily on traditional North American Indian music (in the drums especially) without actually sounding like an Indian song."

"Very interesting music, I enjoyed this CD. The group has a unique sound."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

"A promising debut from the Lone Star State proggers, a breed rare yet strong. Robert Berry produces – a sign."

"Progressive rock from Texas? It’s rather statement than joke but there’s no bravado in what PANGAEA do. Tight and hot, South-way, their music is, “Time Syndrome” bouncing off the spacious aural landscape into the roll of uplifting harmonies led by DARRELL MASINGALE, and there’s a fantastic rhythmical connection between adventurous keyboards and drums – played by SCHENCK brothers, COREY and ANDI, the main composers. Perhaps all those ties are what makes The Rite so solid for the first album, so deep and moody, Although an obligatory epic, three-part “The Traveler”, is present, obvious influences are none, save for an odd Gabrielism in vocals department and Bach in fugue of “A Gift”, not a crime by no means.

Clever and pleasant, such a balance becomes less and less often nowadays, especially when a band dare to seem as playful as worried in “The Winds” and pacifying with “Beggar’s Hand”. Emotions flow resolving the rebus of the title: the rite of passage is about compassion."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

“...a step ahead on the growth curve, they obviously have talent...deliberately pushes all the right buttons, including a three-part, 13-minute epic, "The Traveler", which provides some tasty classically inspired keyboard/guitar lines and creative arranging. Keyboardist COREY SCHENCK is the band’s centerpiece and does a nice job!” 

“Undoubtedly one of the most interesting bands I had the opportunity to hear. Songs such as "Time Syndrome", "Trilogy", "September Park", (and) "Beggar’s Hand" are absolutely brilliant. I recently became a big fan of the band!”

“...modern, tight, and very polished, balanced by the use of old keyboards like Hammond organ and Moog synths...beautiful, sparkling piano play, strong and flowing guitar, and nice musical ideas...a lot of variety in their compositions and the solos are great (listen to the long and sensitive guitar solo on "The Ship", the church organ on "Declaration", and the biting guitar on "Lonely is a Place")! In the long "Trilogy-The Traveler", the Neo-Prog feel on the album is the strongest; there is a strong guitar and synthesizer duet in "Theme & Fugue". This is a great album by a promising band, scouting the borders between old and new Prog-Rock.”

“Prog-Rock lives. RON POULSEN guides the swirling keys, grandiose guitars, and requisite Tolkien-inspired imagery with a sure hand."

“One concludes from this tranquil oasis that makes one want to get up, that this is one of the best quality of FM Prog. You surprisingly find yourself humming the songs. It makes one think of the epic premier album by Asia. This is very successful. One is pleased to listen with a lot of pleasure to this album with no pretensions, but with a lot of charm.”

“… fantastic, brilliant The Rite of Passage!!! Splendid work! Incredibly powerful impression! PANGAEA was invaluable important discovery for us. We were proud and grateful to find such extremely bright interesting music.”

“I will add it into rotation and will see that it receives the airplay it deserves. After reviewing, I found the album to be very exceptional as will our DJ’s I’m sure.”

“Melodic, guitar prog-rock in the styles of Pink Floyd and Pendragon. This gem of precision fills the listener of enthusiasm for their themes,  both immediately catchy and complex in their developments. Their music  goes without problems from typically Neo Progressive sequences to pure  moments of ambient bliss (something the great Pink Floyd probably  wouldn't have objected to.”

“...a lot of cool stuff on it...touches of Rush...I do like the orchestration, the intelligent lyrics, the polyphony, and the different moods that are created throughout the CD...definitely a talented band and I urge fans of prog-rock to pick up a copy.”

“Like Asia? Like Saga? Like PANGAEA! With strong connections to Kansas, David Gilmour and some contemporary Prog acts, PANGAEA shows that they have the potential to grow, and apparently the means to do it!”

"If you have a friend who don't like progressive rock, and you want to get him into it, this could be a good album to start with. A progressive album for the masses!"

“Excellent early, alternate versions before they were the PANGAEA we know."

“...masterful guitar work, intense percussion, and various time signature changes...tinged with sounds of YES, Dream Theater and Relayer.” 

“This band delivers!!! An excellent EP with hints of Rush, YES, 70's era King Crimson, and Pink Floyd. "Navigator" is the stand-out track and explores a variety of styles. DARRELL MASINGALE is an outstanding guitarist who should be in conversations with Steve Howe, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Page.  An essential addition to any prog-rock or prog-metal listener's collection.” 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

“Redefining progressive rock that takes you to new heights and depths...full of sounds to expand your appreciation of music for the mind."

“It’s been a long time since a band has stood up and created a sound

that will change rock history, just a bit. they offer progressive rock

that has been long missing from the scene. This 12-song CD is mind

expanding and entertaining. A journey back to the 70’s that delivers the 

listener into the Year 2000.”

“This ARTICA CD is a rare gem for collectors and music enthusiasts alike. With 12 songs, The Guild First Pressing CD from 1994 is a must-have addition to any music library. The album showcases the talents of ARTICA and features the instruments of bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums. The rock prog metal genre will not disappoint, and the English language adds to the appeal of this CD.”

“An ultimate melodic-progressive-metal band."

“This is a rare find for music lovers! The ARTICA Grey CD from the 1990s contains 13 songs that will transport you to a different era. The album features a unique blend of rock, prog, and metal genres"

"PANGAEA creates a unique sound all their own ... great guitar riffs and vocals, not to mention awesome drums!"

“A very interesting blend of different styles are blended into each song... the guitars are reminiscent of the sound of 60’s bands like Strawberry Alarm Clock; the vocals sound like something YES would’ve done ten years ago. The overall sound comes very close to the Alan Parsons Project. There is definitely some art created here.”

“Oh my, what a band!!! Fabulous vocals, musicianship, Pangaea in the house! Don't miss this one...Great Rock band! Prog Rock Lives!!”

“They look like YES. They play like YES. They must be YES! No, it’s America’s version of the latest vestiges of Prog-Rock! ... Live, they don’t play a single cover. In fact, they adamantly refuse! And if that seems pretentious, hold your judgement until you hear these guys. Who, indeed, would these guys cover?... Someday, Alan Parsons will pass them the torch, and then - only then - will we boast of them!”

“They played at the Yucatan Liquor Stand. These guys gave us an outstanding show. I hope you enjoy these guys’ show as much as we did.” 

“You guys sound great…I noticed the nuances and rhythmic changes, could really tell you’re all good musicians. Best musicians I’ve heard all week – stage performance is on.  Best band we’ve seen here.”

“I will come see you guys in LA - you have a lot going on!”

“"The Winds (Behind The Door)" is a great opener with its intensity and energy...”

 “an art-rock band that has a huge repertoire of highly original music and an arsenal of Peavey gear”. 

“Your singer is very confident and sings in key and pitch. I will listen to this (CD in hand). I can’t tell if the songs are a million dollar hit, but you never know what will become a hit.”