Review Summary: "Live Equation" is even better than "God's Equation".
Performance:
It would be an understatement to say that Pagan’s Mind is a talented band, and it would even be an understatement to say that they’re wizards at their respective instruments. I can say this because I’ve watched
Live Equation and I’ve seen just how immensely talented Pagan’s Mind is. Unlike certain bands (Dragonforce), Pagan’s Mind is not just good in the studio, and can translate their recordings into an actual live performance. In the case of
Live Equation, every mind-bogglingly impressive riff in their previous album,
God’s Equation, is played effortlessly – the same perfection is displayed by the bass guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, and even their lead singer, Nils K. Rue. If you ever wanted to see the band live but could never get tickets, or could not be bothered to fly to a possibly far away country, this is the album for you.
Sound:
You haven’t heard Pagan’s Mind until you’ve heard them live. The live album (DVD/CD) is of stunning sound quality and effectively provides distinction for each played instrument. Take the bass guitar, for instance, which has its thumping sounds clearly audible even as the electric guitar rips along with fiery metal violence. Feedback issues or any other sound issues while the guitars thrash are not even present, technical issues are not a part of the album. My only gripe is that the lead vocalist often sings to close to the mike and annoyingly, whenever he sings “s” sounds they’re absurdly loud – his puffs of breath are also much too audible.
As far as the place of recording goes, they could not have picked a better place. You can hear the lead vocals echoing throughout the room; you can hear the permeating snare drum and cymbals; you can hear the melodious guitar as its sounds carry with power. Most notable is the keyboard with which its atmospherics completely flood and penetrate every spot in the room.
Live Equation not only shows off the band’s talents, but with its encompassing sound and vibrant intensity, it feels as if you are actually there in the audience. A run of the mill live DVD plays songs with minimal tension, but this one completely drags you in.
Visuals:
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the music, it certainly helps that the visuals are eye-popping. In Rockefeller Music Hall, OSLO, cool blue and green lights light up the band providing a scene that looks and feels spacey or aquatic. Changing color and moving with care, the lights continuously bathe the area and are rather soothing. Even the quickly flashing lights are nice (but not overwhelming) as they, surprisingly, go on in time with the music when fitting. All in all, the light-show aspect of the performance is brilliantly executed and quite stunning.
As far as the cinematography goes, it couldn’t be much better. Every band member gets their fair share of exposure to the video camera. The scene is in constant motion as the camera shifts from band members to the audience in every way imaginable. It feels like the entire room is filled with tiny flying vessels zipping around with cameras, I dare say the performance is captured even better than any sports game in recent memory. Nothing is captured boringly either, the cameras keep you engaged at all times – add a notch to entertainment level.
Overall:
Live Equation showcases the definitive live performance of Pagan’s Mind and may very well be one of the best live DVD’s I’ve ever watched.
