In 2003 did put M!ndgames Belgium back on the prog map with their debut International Daylight. For several years, no Belgium band had made an album which contained such high quality progressive rock music on it until this band made their appearance on the scene. Three years later, the band came out with their follow up album Actors In A Play-an even stronger album, possibly a true masterpiece. The outside world would from now on take them seriously. Also, on stage they presented a very professional live unit. Therefore I was glad they were booked for last year's ProgFrog Festival (see review) at 't Blok in Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel. Unfortunately,

Bart Schram

only one week before the actual date they had to withdraw because of personal circumstances but as a once famous Dutch football player said 'every disadvantage has its advantage' because the people of ProgFrog gave the band a second chance. This chance allowed the band to present the Dutch audience their brand new album Paradox Of Choice (2015, see review) during a concert at the same venue the festival was held at last year. This would also mean they could play a longer set than was planned one year earlier!
  It was rather obvious that during the hour and a half they were on stage, the band mainly would perform songs taken from their latest release. This happened right from the start with The Whistle Blower and the follow up tune The Age Of Plenty. Maybe it was a bit strange they did not use the spoken intro which was used on the album intro (mentioned as Prologue) before they launched right in with The Whistle Blower. Well even without the quotes from Aristoteles it was a fun time all the way. Even if the sound had to be adjusted

The Wizard

during the opening piece, the band made clear they would kick ass on Dutch soil. To do this they used some visual aspects to entertain their fans even more. For example, during Revenge Of The Wizard the band's excellent lead singer Bart Schram was dressed up as a true wizard. He even made a stroll through the crowd in front of him. Trying to get them in his spell. Also for Dramatis Persona he put on some special clothing. Dressed up as a real business man he was reading the papers through his dark glasses. Only too bad that one of his earlier creations was not done this time around. I am referencing his role during Royalty In Jeopardy where he was playing a king who throws chocolate money into the audience. As for the musicians who were playing the music on which he could shine I can be very positive only. They deserve one big complement for showing true craftsmanship on the instruments they played on. Starting off with Tom Truyers who sat behind his stack of keyboards like a real Belgium version of Tony Banks (Genesis) playing tasteful synthesizer

Sandro Starita

solos and wonderful piano and keyboard chords on which you can dream away on...just like you can do by listening to the excellent parts performed by the brilliant Italian guitarist Sandro Starita. The person in the band who had grown music wise the most is without doubt bassist Maximilian von Wüllerstorff. October 2010 I witnessed probably his first concert with the band at the Starsound Studios in Utrecht (see review). At the time he didn't impress me that much. But now several years later his playing has become an important role in the total sound of the band. I guess the biggest complement goes out to drummer Benny Petak. The just-married musician walked with crutches due to problems with his knees. It didn't prevent him from playing a steady set using his feet to hit the double bass drums and hi-hats like it was business as usual.

Besides performing almost the entire new album Paradox Of Choice, they only left out Context? Anyone? and the earlier mentioned Prologue and songs from their other album releases were done as well. Even from their earlier mentioned debut, a track could be enjoyed namely Beggars Breakfast, which was done during the encores. The other encore Both Sides Of The Show was one of the two pieces taken from their earlier mentioned masterpiece. The other one from Actors In A Play was the earlier mentioned Dramatis Persona. Strangely enough only one track was done from MMX (2010, see review): Destination Sky.

After the band's brilliant performance, the musicians went outside the venue to have a meet and greet with their fans and the Progfrog crew. Pictures were taken and the bands merchandise was signed. It was the perfect ending to another well organized ProgFrog concert! I guess you couldn't ask for anything more on a sunny Sunday afternoon!

Henri Strik (edited by Robert James Pashman)