Hailing from London, Aeon Zen is the brainchild of Richard Hinks and Lloyd Musto, and in collaboration with some guest musicians and vocalists create an amazing debut release. A mind's Portrait has everthing you could want from a prog album, great musicianship,songs that will stick in your head for days, soft and heavier tracks appealing to everybody, it really does run through the gamut of emotions.

Considering this is their debut they were able to get some amazing talent on board, which say's alot for the future of the band. I really can't pinpoint who they sound like, i suppose they sound like Aeon Zen!! Standout tracks are the title track and Hopes Echo part 1, 2 , i am such a sucker for the amazing vocalist from Mind's Eye  Andreas Novak, his voice is so pure and emotive.

I think Richard and Lloyd do a great job sharing the main vocal duties and must have been seriously happy to work with such talent!! The final and heaviest track features Elyes Bouchoucha of Myrath, He really is a dead ringer vocally for Russel Allen of Symphony X. Personally i can't fault this release and it will take something special to beat it for the album of 2009.Well done guys.                                                    

Note another great album cover from Mathias Noren!!