Relax..it's authorized.
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/progpower-usa/777320-circus-maximus-nine-my-review.html
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/progpower-usa/777320-circus-maximus-nine-my-review.html
I got my CD today and given it a couple of plays. I probably need longer to let it fully sink in, but here is my initial reaction:
The Good
- Mikes vocals are as amazing as ever.
- The rhythm section sounds astounding; it has real punch. Im not expert but it doesnt sound quite as loud as some modern CDs.
The Bad
- There a fewer catchy melodies and great choruses.
- Im not a fan of the ringing guitar sound on this CD and the keyboards are virtually nonexistent which means half of the songs sound like progressive pop-rock and not prog metal.
The Ugly
- Mike is one of the best singers around, so why on earth did they decide to mask his voice with some horrible effect on Namaste?
Overall its not a bad album, but its not the album I was expecting or hoping for. It will be easy to get into a debate as to whether it would be better for the band to write The Third Chapter/Isolate 2 or to develop their sound, but this album is a little too much of a departure from their earlier sound for my liking.
Not sure which album you are listening to...but I think:
- There are plenty of catchy melodies and choruses. I am already "replaying" parts of several songs in my head when I am not listening. Maybe you just need to hear it a few more times. :Spin:
- The ringing guitar sound is called "bright".....and I rather like that tone
- Keyboards are prevalent in every song. They might not dominate, but they enhance the sound to just the right amount. Additionally, I find it interesting that you equate the lack of keys (as you perceive it) in this case as being more metal than without. I would venture to say most feel just the opposite.
But thats only picking up on the negative points of what I said. I agree that it is in no way a bad album and there are many aspects I really like; my two positive points were much more general than the negative points. But it is a big departure in sound and that is always likely to disappoint some fans. I guess I am kind of stuck into a progressive metal bubble.