(13 April 2001) The latest album by the Canadian progressive rock bandMystery, At The Dawn Of A New Millennium (Unicorn Records (Canada) UNCR 2040, 2000) is actually a compilation of 'best of' tracks from the band's earlier albumsspanning the period from 1992 through 1999. Produced by Michel St-Père, the album lacks female vocals but blends orchestral textures of Rush and Yes incorporating Jon Anderson-like heavenly vocals by male singer Gary Savoie and is therefore not out ofplace at Musical Discoveries. The album struck us from first play and rated a mustlisten not long after being placed in heavy rotation at our headquarters. The band's albums Theatre Of The Mind (UNCR 2020) and Destiny (UNCR 2030) are now in hand; our reviews will be integrated with a band interview in a forthcoming feature.

Mystery's lineup on the album includes one of the best progressive rock singers, Gary Savoie (vocals), Michel St-Père (electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards), Patrick Bourque (fretted and fretless bass) and Stéphane Perreault (drums, synthesizers). This compilation is meant to conclude the chapter of the band's history with Gary Savoie. Mystery is reported to be hard at work on their next album with their new vocalist, Benoît David.

The title track from the band's latest album "Destiny?" opensthe compilation and is followed by the the title track of their second album "Theatre Of The Mind" is a moderate-paced progressive rocker blending dynamic, almost metal-edged, guitars with orchestral keyboards and soaring vocal layers. Somewhat more delicate in its construction, "Before The Dawn" begins with ballad-like verses but develops into a more robust and dynamic piece. "In My Dreams," a mainly acoustic ballad, illustrates Savoie's vocal virtuousity; orchestral keyboards provide additional texture as thetrack comes to its climax.

Faster paced with woodwinds provididing orchestral textures underly the highly accessible Rush-like rocker "Black Roses." The fluteparts are absolutely outstanding. "The Inner Journey-Part II" is a dramatic progressive ballads; Savoie's vocals are evocatively sung soaring above the lovelyorchestral arrangements. Driving guitars, lush keyboards dominate the arrangements of the highly accessible epic "Cinderella" with its lush layers of Savoie's vocals. "The Mourning Man" blends ballad like textureswith more agressive progressive variations, soaring vocals and crisp percussion.

Two epic progressive tracks bring the album to a conclusion. "Submerged," from Destiny?, begins slowly with an acoustic arrangementbut builds vocal intensity and adds further instrumentals--including flute--as the song develops. A highly dynamic fourteen+ minute track entitled "Shadow of the Lake," also taken from Destiny? wraps upthe compilation. A high degree of variation between the differentmovements; symphonic keyboard textures and agressive metal-edged guitar parts contribute to a tremendous arrangement.

Mystery immediately caught our attention and piqued ourinterest in exploring their earlier albums in total. Enthusiasts of Yesand/or Rush will most likely find the band's music interesting and worthyof further exploration. Dramatic song construction, excellent musicianshipand arrangements and well sung vocals characterise their sound. Certainlyworth a journey, and available from progressive rock dealers this compilation--At the Dawn of a New Millennium--is a very nice listen!