Frontiers Records Set to Release Italian Prog Metal Mind Key

Frontiers Records announces the return of the Italian Prog Metal hopes MIND
KEY with the release of the band’s second studio album entitled “Pulse for a
Graveheart” on July 3rd in Europe, August 11th in the USA with a Japanese
release to follow on King Records.

Mind Key debuted in 2004 with Journey Of A Rough Diamond, an album that
showed the excellent potential of the Neapolitan combo. With a colourful
sound, akin to Prog Metal giants such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, Evergrey
and Pain of Salvation Mind Key’s music also leaned towards a more mature
and song oriented approach inspired by 80/90’s Hard Rock. Right before the
release of the album the original singer Mark Basile left the group and in
preparation of the tour dates, the guys met for the first time Aurelio
Fierro Jr. a singer with a vast experience especially in theatres. He was
able to give some splendid performances especially in the gigs that the band
landed as support of Dream Theater for the Italian “Train Of Thought Tour
2004″. Mike Portnoy said: “These guys sound really excellent!”

Mind Key played then more live dates in support of Vision Divine and
Pendragon and also appeared at the Progpower Europe Festival with shows in
Poland, Switzerland, Holland, Germany and France. During the Polish dates, a
Live DVD was recorded “Habemus Poland”, with Giorgio Adamo as frontman.
However he soon left to make space for the return of Aurelio Fierro.
Founding member and keyboardist Dario De Cicco explains: “We decided to go
for Aurelio at the end of the songwriting sessions. Note after note, chord
after chord we realized that the songs begged for Aurelio’s voice and it
seemed almost a necessary decision to make. I think we did the right choice
as only with his astonishing performances we were able to reach what we
really wanted from the new material”.

The band began the recording of the second album “Pulse for a Graveheart”,
simplifying their songwriting and giving the chance to Fierro to showcase
his immense vocal potential which can be described as a powerful mix of
Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale and Jorn Lande. The album was later mixed
and mastered by none other than Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Angra, Krokus,
Place Vendome etc.) to ensure the best sounding quality. According to
guitarist Emanuele Colella “We knew from the beginning that Dennis was the
right choice! Since the first communication together a perfect synergy was
built. He could understand our need and desire to combine a modern melodic
metal sound with our progressive roots and an heavier edge. He could totally
deliver what we and the music needed, he’s just great”.

“Pulse for a Graveheart” also features some amazing guest musicians
appearing such as Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper), who plays a
keyboard solo on “Citizen of Greed”, Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger) on “Now
Until Forever” and Tom Englund from Evergrey, dueting with Elio Fierro on
“Graveheart”. Mind Key’s line-up now includes: Aurelio Fierro on vocals,
Emanuele Colella on guitars, Dario De Cicco on keyboards and Andrea Stipa on
drums.

“Pulse for a Graveheart” introduces to the fans a completely re-designed
band, with a mature attitude and astonishing songwriting. “I hope the new
record will give Mind Key the chance to get rid of the label of band in the style of....> and bring us to a different status. We aim to be a
Metal band – still staying true to our diverse influences ranging from
progressive to hard and melodic rock – but with a personal and trademark
sound” concludes Andrea Stipa. Get ready for one the Prog Metal revelations
of 2009!