MASTERMIND

MASTERMIND is a US progressive rock and progressive metal group from New Jersey, active since 1986. The band is built around brothers Bill and Rich Berends. Rich Berends plays drums, while Bill Berends handles music, vocals, guitar, bass and faux-keyboards through a guitar-controlled MIDI setup. Their earlier work is described as guitar-based, melodic, and in the style of energetic, bombastic progressive rock with an Emerson, Lake & Palmer influence.

Style and development

The group’s sound develops across its third and fourth releases, when it begins to move away from a 1970s prog rock sound towards progressive metal. On the fifth album, Excelsior!, Jens Johansson joins the group and the release appears on Inside Out, marking its first album on a major label. That record also includes jazzy influences. With Angels of the Apocalypse, the band adds a female vocalist and the shift towards progressive metal becomes complete.

Line-up

The listed members are Jens Johansson, Lisa Bouchelle, Phil Antolino, Bill Berends and Rich Berends.

Releases

The band releases the EP Broken in 2005. Earlier albums include Excelsior! and Angels of the Apocalypse, which are both important in the group’s move from progressive rock towards progressive metal.