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Jaugernaut were another obscure outfit from the 80's
returning to unfinished business in the 21st Century. I believe
that this is actually the band's third album, and though once
a standard 'band', Jaugernaut is now pretty much down to a
solo project situation for one Jim Johnston, who handles everything
except a few guest guitar spots. I assume Jim also handles
vocals. What we have here is some decent progressive-drenched
AOR rock music leaning heavy on strong vocal leads and guitarwork
with a little modern edge and atmospheric embellishments.***
CONTRA MANTRA has elements of progressive metal without
much distorted guitar textures whatsoever, elements of prog-rock
without wearing any of it on their sleeves. This is more akin
to 80's AOR/pomp rock but with a modern edge. Well worth checking
out.***
Tracks include:
ANTHEM: this starts with some orchestrated and somewhat
synclavier-like tones(think Zappa's 'Perfect Stranger') which
give way to a lengthy instrumental intro to this multi-sectioned
epic track. The atmospheric verses carry prog-metal vocal
leads with some almost World Trade/Sherwood-era Yes-like harmonies.
But just before you write this off as a mellow track, some
heavy organ and rhythm bring it uptempo.***
THE DAMAGE IS DONE: this is some fine AOR-laced rock music
with some almost Rush or Queensryche-like guitar. Vocals are
strong.***
BETTER LIVING THROUGH ANARCHY: another similar rocker
with that classic AOR double-tracked guitar sound and expressive
vocals.***
DOING IT THE HARD WAY: slightly less effective than the
first epic on this album, but still possessing some good instrumentation.
Modern beats and synths open the gate for several disjointed
sections(atmospherics, an acoustic movement) before the actual
song begins. Keyboards and acoustic guitar are more prominent
on this track.***
VANITY: the most mainstream of the batch, with a Billy
Squire rock vibe. The track ends oddly with modern rhythm
ambience.***
A DIFFERENT WORLD: another rock extravaganza with a slight
whisper of a Styx and Rush aura- some very decent rock.***
ALL I SEE IS GREY: last cut on the album is an anthem-ballad
with a hint of Yes.***
Credit to Jim Johnston for having the scope for making
this record sound like his entire band himself rather than
a 'solo' project. Fans of AOR who like a little bit of atmospheric
flair should take note of Jaugernaut. I have no idea what
the sales figures for something like this is doing, but I'm
sure that those who have this are enjoying it quite a bit.***
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