Virtual Scott said:
Secondly, I agree with the fact that there was so obvious a lack of vocal melody, chorus's that grab your attention and other elements that were far more obvious on their last CD (the vastly under-rated AFM) - which is the downfall of much prog metal in my opinion.
Downfall, you say? And in the rest of the post you continually harp on a lack of "repeating vocal melodies." I'll admit ZH is not a band that repeats themselves in a traditional sense. And that's a GOOD thing. That's a real aspect of PROGRESSIVE music - unusual and non-repetitive song structures, even in vocal parts. It's not supposed to be 'catchy,' it's supposed to make you think, force you to keep up with it. Challenging material simply doesn't consist of easy to recognize, easy to hum stuff. Of course there is a spectrum of how repetitive music is, from pop songs with endless choruses (GAG ACK YUCK) to free jazz and ultra-modern symphonic music (GAG ACK YUCK). In the middle is still a huge range, and Zero Hour just have picked a place that is less repetitive than most other metal bands choose. That doesn't make the material weaker or stronger, just DIFFERENT, as you acknowledge:
To what degree this is a weakness, if indeed a weakness at all, is a matter of personal perspective. In my case, it's fairly large one considering the new vocalist they have and his vocal prowess... and the fact that they've shown themselves capable of it.
I have no idea how long they worked with Chris on vocals. Maybe it was rushed. I really like what I hear on the CD, though, and I don't hear anything 'missing.' The last CD was totally LACKING in what I look for from the vocal component of ZH: INTERESTING melodies, compelling lyrics, and a lack of dull repetition. I think they themselves recognized that the vocal style didn't really work the way they wanted; they certainly could have encouraged Chris to sing choruses over and over again, but they didn't.
I probably should invest in flame-retardant materials starting with this post! ;-)
Nah. You want ZH to be something they aren't, more like old Queensryche or Dream Theater or something. Instead, they go a way that is less well-travelled, regardless of how the majority of people might want. Those are the most memorable artists in the end: the ones that go their own way and sound unique. As Shrike mentioned, there are great parallels to iconoclastic acts like King Crimson and Tool in the music of ZH, but in general they don't even sound like those bands - they just take a similar approach to writing and making music.
I thought they were AMAZING on Saturday, despite some problems with the guitar sound, and I can't wait for next month to see them headline in Houston!
lmjh
... Really? I actually think Specs has the best vocal melodies of any ZH release, and not just because I think Chris has an amazing voice. Maybe you just need a couple more listens? If that doesn't do it, then I guess that's just the way of opinions...
