Test of Wills
Magellan · 1997
55 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
Intricate arrangements blend complex time signatures with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a cerebral experience that challenges conventional progressive metal norms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gameface — Opening with energetic instrumentation and intricate melodies, this track sets the tone for the album, showcasing the band's technical prowess and lyrical depth.
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Test of Wills — The title track offers a lengthy exploration of conflict and perseverance, combining haunting melodies with shifting time signatures that exemplify Magellan's progressive roots.
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Critic’s Carnival — This track critiques societal expectations and the pressures of public opinion, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and mood that highlight the band's compositional skills.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements, making it a notable entry in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Each track incorporates intricate arrangements with multiple sections, often transitioning smoothly between contrasting musical ideas.
- Lyrical themes address social issues, with verses that are densely packed and require careful attention to unpack their meanings.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Preaching the Converted
The verses delve into themes of disillusionment while contrasting with an uplifting chorus that invites change.
The juxtaposition between despair in the verses and hopefulness in the chorus captures a complex emotional landscape, reflecting the struggles of personal transformation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Gameface 4:30
- 2 A Social Marginal 7:28
- 3 Walk Fast, Look Worried 5:54
- 4 Test of Wills 11:28
- 5 Bully Pulpit, Part 1 2:01
- 6 Jacko 4:23
- 7 Crucible 4:59
- 8 Preaching the Converted 5:30
- 9 Critic’s Carnival 9:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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