Mystery

Mystery is a French-Canadian progressive rock group from Canada, active from 1986 to the present. It begins as a six-member project led by guitarist, lyricist and producer Michel St-Père. The band’s line-up includes Michel St-Père, Ray Savoie, Stéphane Perreault, Benoît Dupuis, Gary Savoie, Michel Painchaud, Patrick Bourque, Steve Gagné and Benoît David.

History and releases

The group releases its self-titled debut album in 1992 and attracts interest across Canada. In 1993, drummer Stéphane Perreault loses the use of both legs, but continues to play by performing from a wheelchair without pre-programmed sequences, becoming an early example of that approach. St-Père later founds Unicorn Records in 1995, and Mystery issues Theater of the Mind on the label. That album receives airplay in North America and Europe.

In 1998, the band releases Destiny?, described as its most progressive album, with six guest musicians. A compilation album follows in 2000 and marks the end of a chapter in the band’s history. It includes vocalist and long-time associate Gary Savoie, who has left by that point.

Style

Mystery’s music develops from AOR into a more adventurous progressive and art-rock style. The band’s sound places St-Père’s guitar work at the centre, with keyboards kept in the background. Its songs are marked by strong melodies, detailed arrangements, prominent vocals and occasional delicate acoustic passages. The group is associated with progressive rock, neo progressive, AOR, hard rock and symphonic rock.