JAUGERNAUT (A.D.)
Contra-Mantra
Self-Released 2005
www.jaugernaut.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
The first release for the group in almost 20 years is the first installment of a story on the origins of evil. Bassist-vocalist Jim Johnston is almost entirely responsible for everything you’ll hear on the CD. He had some assistance some of the guitar solos.

Genre
Progressive rock / hard rock / symphonic metal

The Good
The sound/production on the CD is actually quite adept. This may be an independent release, but it doesn’t sound like a rough amateurish job that one might be expecting. The sound is clear, the progressive nature of the music shines through. I really liked “The Damage Is Done.” It’s got a great catchy melody. If this was the 70’s, it could very well be a radio hit. The same can be said for the song “Vanity.” Both tracks feature some outstanding guitar work and some fine vocal work. The music is lively and entertaining. It never feels like it’s bogged down and repetitive like can happen with a lot of the 70’s progressive rock giants. The closing ballad “All I See Is Gray” is quite nice, instead of yet another love song that’s been done a million times before, it actually spends it’s time contemplating the meaning in one’s life.

The Bad
The main thing that bugged me initially was the lack of lyrics in the CD booklet. It’s hard to follow a story when you don’t have the lyrics in front of you. However, it’s marginally offset by the fact you can go to the band’s website to view the lyrics. There are a couple of moments when Johnston’s voice is really straining to reach the upper vocal register called for in the music.

The Verdict
Jim Johnston has crafted a superb album. I’ll admit to having missed the band the first time around, but I’d venture to say that if he can continue to turn out music as good as this, he’ll be having Jaugernaut on the lips of every progressive rock fan for years to come. The music is almost defiantly set in the 1970’s, but don’t for a moment think this is some antiquated release looking for one last shot at glory. Contra-Mantra stands out as one of the better releases of 2005.

Did You Know?
The band got it’s start in the 1970’s under the moniker “Joint Effort.” The band’s name is pronounced “Jogger-not.” The majority of the material on Contra-Mantra was written in 1995.

Rating: out of 5

-- Jay Roberts