Mystery

A project of French Canadian guitarist/lyricist/producer Michel St-Père, MYSTERY took form in 1986 as a six-member outfit. They released a self-titled album in 1992 that generated quite some interest across Canada. Unfortunately, a year later, their drummer Stéphane Perreault lost the use of both his legs; but his strong determination and passion for his craft inspired him with a new and unique approach to drumming: he became one of the first drummers to play from a wheelchair without the help of any pre-programmed sequences. In 1995, St-Père founded label Unicorn Records under which the band released a second album titled «Theater of the Mind» and which boasted airplay both in North America and Europe. In 1998, they released their last and most progressive album todate titled «Destiny?», which features six guest musicians. In 2000, a compilation CD was released that marked the end of a chapter in the band’s history, as it also features their vocalist and long-time buddy Gary Savoie who has now left the band.

Over the years, MYSTERY’s style has evolved from AOR (STYX, ASIA) to more adventurous art rock like that of RUSH and SAGA, but featuring delicate acoustic passages not normally heard from these two. Their music is based on St-Père’s guitar play, which is well executed yet appropriately restrained, while the keyboards remain in the background. MYSTERY won’t dazzle you with technical prowess but you will appreciate their strong melodies, outstanding vocals (Gary Savoie is often compared to JOURNEY’s Steve Perry), elegant arrangements and attention to detail. Their compilation CD «At the Dawn of a New Millenium» is made up of remastered tracks of their three albums and is a fairly good sampler of their répertoire for those wanting to get acquainted with the band.

Recommended to fans of SAGA, KANSAS, JOURNEY, RUSH and to fans of melodic rock in general.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :

Since 1986, Canadian band MYSTERY has forged themselves worldwide recognition. It all started with the release of their first CD in 1992, but it would take another four years before the Prog-AOR world discover what MYSTERY is all about. With the release of their first full length CD THEATRE OF THE MIND in 1996, MYSTERY took the Prog-AOR world by surprise. The album being divided in two parts, The Dream and the Reality, delivers great music, strong harmonies and melodies. Critics from all around the world were praising this album.

With the release of DESTINY? in 1998, MYSTERY has placed themselves as one of the best new artist in the Prog-AOR world. The critics were unanimous; MYSTERY had created something of their own and was here to stay. From the title track Destiny? To the 14 minute epic Shadow of the Lake, MYSTERY created the perfect balance between Progressive Rock and AOR, Between Acoustic and Electric, between Analogue and Digital.

The new Millennium arrived with the release of a compilation CD - AT THE DAWN OF A NEW MILLENNIUM- Featuring the best songs released in the 90’s all re-mastered. At the Dawn of a New Millennium is a turning point for MYSTERY, like the end of a chapter, and the beginning of a new era.

Nine years after the release of the world acclaimed album DESTINY? Mystery is finally back with a new album called Beneath the Veil of Winter s Face. The Album is the first full length album featuring new singer Benoit David. Benoit had joined MYSTERY not too long after Gary Savoie left the band and had participated in the recording of Hey You! Performed by Mystery on the Pink Floyd tribute album Signs of Time, released in Germany on the Eclipsed Magazine Label and the song Visions of Paradise, also performed by Mystery on the Moody Blues tribute album Higher and Higher released on the Italian label Mellow Records.

Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face was recorded and mixed by Michel St-Pere at Studio illusion III in Mirabel Quebec, mastered by Richard Addison at trillium Sound Studios and featuring the beautiful pictures of Julien Roumagnac and graphic designs of Xinema’s drummer, Jonas Eckman. The Band now consisted of Benoit David on vocals, Steve Gagné on drums, Patrick Bourque ( Now living in Nashville and a full time member of the Country band Emerson Drive) on bass and Michel St-Pere on Guitars, Bass and Keyboards. The CD also features Spaced Out’s Antoine Fafard as well as Benoit Pepin on Bass.

The Album was voted Album of the Year on the prestigious Dr.Music website and was in the top 10 best prog album in many magazines and radio shows. While Mystery is preparing the release of the 10th anniversary Edition of the album Destiny and start recording the new album due for the summer of 2009. Singer Benoit David joined legendary prog band YES for the In the Present Tour 2008-2009. MYSTERY also prepares to hit the road in 2009 with an appearance at the Montreal Progressive Rock Festival FMPM2009 with SAGA.

The 2009 Line-up is now a six-piece, with Michel St-Père on guitars, Benoît David on vocals, Steve Gagné on drums, the return of Benoît Dupuis on keyboards, and two new members, Dean Baldwyn on guitar and François Fournier on bass.

On the first of May 2010 the new album One Among the Living was released with a memorable performance atThe Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, PA. USA on the ROSfest opening night.