I had an extra double treat, along with the many wonderful moments at ProgPower 7. 
I purchased Zero Hour's new album, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, while I was at the ProgPower 7 pre-show party. I was able to hear the album in bits and pieces on my iPOD during the weekend, before I saw the band play on Saturday night.
And I just heard it on the airplane, and again on the long drive from the PHL airport out to rural PA where I am on a project this week. I even went back to the rental car company to get a different car that had a better stereo (Hertz Gold President's Circle status sure helps ;-) so I could crank it for the road.
So I played it again in its entirety on the road, on the dark highway, mesmerized once again. And, I love it! I think it is their best effort to date. Of course, Towers of Avarice will always have a special place in my heart. Is it better than Towers? Yes, no, you be the judge. Just don't be afraid to come down from "The Towers." ;-)
I hear a band that has progressed, and is still making compelling statements through music. There is a lot to digest on the new album. Many tasty bits and some jaw dropping playing. I'll leave the exhaustive review to more capable reviewers but I'll comment on the tracks that show what this band is all about.
The new singer, Chris Salinas (ex of another great band, Power of Omens,) is fantastic. To hear his full range of capabilities check out tracks, 1, 2 and 6. He does full blown Tate-style operatic, whispers, mid range warmth, nearly spoken parts too. I think he fits the band very well, and adds a new dimension to their sound.
Track 1, Face the Fear, is a typical Zero Hour classic, like they are letting us know they are the same band... insane drumming, Morse code guitar, and real bass guitar magic. ;-) Chris establishes his vocal chops here.
Track 2, Falcon's Cry, is a beautiful piece of work. It starts heavy, then slows and changes at about 3 minutes in, with some amazing bass lines, and then finishes up heavy. And the lyrics - about an old man who takes a final trip up the mountain, and sees the vista and a falcon below - are very moving. It is a truly beautiful song!
Track 3, Embrace, is gentle acoustic/electric with some fine, distant singing from Chris.
Track 4, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, is back into heavy playing, wonderful stuff. Then Track 5, Zero Hour, starts with some tasty bass before launching into that style that sounds like Zero Hour.
Track 6, I Am Here another chiming acoustic/electric Chris singing mid range spoken, near whispers beautiful.
Track 7, Evidence of The Unseen a didgeridoo at the beginning! A cool track with lots of tasty bits and great drumming. It takes them all over the map ending with a didgeridoo!!
The whole album is great music that is fresh and different.
Their performance at PP 7 was excellent. I was down in the pit and could hear the monitors, and it sounded great to me. I heard from some people that it didn't sound well mixed from up in the seats. So, I was glad I was on the floor. When they did Falcon's cry and went into the slow part, with Chris excellent singing, I looked up at Troy and thought, "this new song is so beautiful, and Troy is doing some amazing work on the bass!" ... with Jasun gently chiming in the background.
I was in awe, not fanboy awe, just pure appreciation for some great ART. And it was fun watching the faces of others in the audience with the same appreciation for the band.
Their set was a mix of new and old. Too bad it was only 40 minutes. But they rocked!
If you are new to the band, give them a chance to sink in. If you're into Frank Zappa, Tool, King Crimson, Cynic, Watchtower, etc. then you might like them. Is it metal? Prog rock? I don't know!
They are in that class of artist that doesn't follow trends but carve their own path amid a sea of musical mediocrity.
Rawk! \m/\m/
I purchased Zero Hour's new album, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, while I was at the ProgPower 7 pre-show party. I was able to hear the album in bits and pieces on my iPOD during the weekend, before I saw the band play on Saturday night.
And I just heard it on the airplane, and again on the long drive from the PHL airport out to rural PA where I am on a project this week. I even went back to the rental car company to get a different car that had a better stereo (Hertz Gold President's Circle status sure helps ;-) so I could crank it for the road.
So I played it again in its entirety on the road, on the dark highway, mesmerized once again. And, I love it! I think it is their best effort to date. Of course, Towers of Avarice will always have a special place in my heart. Is it better than Towers? Yes, no, you be the judge. Just don't be afraid to come down from "The Towers." ;-)
I hear a band that has progressed, and is still making compelling statements through music. There is a lot to digest on the new album. Many tasty bits and some jaw dropping playing. I'll leave the exhaustive review to more capable reviewers but I'll comment on the tracks that show what this band is all about.
The new singer, Chris Salinas (ex of another great band, Power of Omens,) is fantastic. To hear his full range of capabilities check out tracks, 1, 2 and 6. He does full blown Tate-style operatic, whispers, mid range warmth, nearly spoken parts too. I think he fits the band very well, and adds a new dimension to their sound.
Track 1, Face the Fear, is a typical Zero Hour classic, like they are letting us know they are the same band... insane drumming, Morse code guitar, and real bass guitar magic. ;-) Chris establishes his vocal chops here.
Track 2, Falcon's Cry, is a beautiful piece of work. It starts heavy, then slows and changes at about 3 minutes in, with some amazing bass lines, and then finishes up heavy. And the lyrics - about an old man who takes a final trip up the mountain, and sees the vista and a falcon below - are very moving. It is a truly beautiful song!
Track 3, Embrace, is gentle acoustic/electric with some fine, distant singing from Chris.
Track 4, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, is back into heavy playing, wonderful stuff. Then Track 5, Zero Hour, starts with some tasty bass before launching into that style that sounds like Zero Hour.
Track 6, I Am Here another chiming acoustic/electric Chris singing mid range spoken, near whispers beautiful.
Track 7, Evidence of The Unseen a didgeridoo at the beginning! A cool track with lots of tasty bits and great drumming. It takes them all over the map ending with a didgeridoo!!
The whole album is great music that is fresh and different.
Their performance at PP 7 was excellent. I was down in the pit and could hear the monitors, and it sounded great to me. I heard from some people that it didn't sound well mixed from up in the seats. So, I was glad I was on the floor. When they did Falcon's cry and went into the slow part, with Chris excellent singing, I looked up at Troy and thought, "this new song is so beautiful, and Troy is doing some amazing work on the bass!" ... with Jasun gently chiming in the background.
I was in awe, not fanboy awe, just pure appreciation for some great ART. And it was fun watching the faces of others in the audience with the same appreciation for the band.
Their set was a mix of new and old. Too bad it was only 40 minutes. But they rocked!
If you are new to the band, give them a chance to sink in. If you're into Frank Zappa, Tool, King Crimson, Cynic, Watchtower, etc. then you might like them. Is it metal? Prog rock? I don't know!
They are in that class of artist that doesn't follow trends but carve their own path amid a sea of musical mediocrity.
Rawk! \m/\m/
