Mastermind's line-up on this album consists of the brothers Bill (guitar) and Rich (drums) Berends and the well-known keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson. All involved skillfully play their instruments through 51 minutes of powerful driving progressive rock. The release provides songs with a wide spectrum of tempos and moods.

'Excelsior!' starts out with a fast up-tempo track called 'On the Road'. It moves on with 'The Approaching Storm', which is more dark and dramatic. The following five songs are like the two first very innovative compositions. The final track is 13 minutes long.

The negative thing about 'Excelsior!' is the production. Somewhat blurred, but still not bad. This release from Mastermind really shows what they made of. 'Excelsior!' is a must for all progressive/symphonic rock addicts.

An all instrumental symphonic progressive metal album from Mastermind, a band that was founded in 1986. Mastermind's latest effort has the Swedish keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson in the new lineup. Jens is known from a numerous of albums and bands, most notably Yngwie Malmsteen and Stratovarius. Just listen to "Decide for yourself" and you'll hear that Jens is a great technician on his instrument. You'll also hear that the guitar player Bill Berends is a true virtuoso too as well as the drummer Rich Berends.

Mastermind's music is a mix between Progressive and symphonic rock, Progressive Metal, Power Metal and Jazz-Fusion. There are a lot of tempo and mood changes, and it has got a lot of emotion, atmosphere and beauty. The highlight besides "Decide for yourself" is "Sky Dancer" and "When the Walls fell".

If you don't mind all instrumental music, I suggest that you get yourself a copy of this CD, press "repeat" on your CD player and enjoy!