So, for those of you who haven't been paying attention, Blind Ego is the side project of RPWL guitarist Kalle Warner. For Mirror, which is their debut album, he has roped in some of progs biggest names and brightest stars. Arena boys Lord John Mitchell and Sir Clive Nolan are onboard as well as ex'ers John Jowitt and Paul Wrightson. RPWL bandmate Yogi Lang chips in as well.

Musically, I'd say that this is more in the style of an improved Arena than RPWL, with heavier tracks such as Obsession and Don't Ask Me Why, which are sung by Mitchell along side the softer and more epic tracks, like Moon and Sun and Black Despair which sees Wrightson's welcome return to the microphone, as well as a great and emotive guitar solo from Wallner at the end.

Stand out tracks are the opener Obsession, Moon & Sun, Black Despair, Don't Ask Me Why, Moorland and the closing track, the epically grandiose Forbidden To Remain. But the songs are varied, and there is not a duff track upon it. Even the "bonus track" - Artiste Manque, by proto-RPWL band Violet District holds the attention well enough.

Considering that I'm no big fan of Arena, I was surprised by how much I liked this album. Enough even to travel to Holland to catch the live show in May.

The band are touring in May (see gig guide) and have announced some UK dates with Kramer and Pallas in September (see gig guide again!).

9 May 2007 - Spirit of 66, Verviers, Belgium
10 May 2007 - Schwimmbad Musik Club, Heidelburg, Germany
12 May 2007 - de Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Holland
13 May 2007 - Zentrum Altenberg, Oberhausen, Germany
14 July 2007 - Art Rock Festival, Reichenbach, Germany
1 August 2007 - Oakwood Centre, Rotherham
2 August 2007 - The Dome, London