I've been a bit of a break from regular listens to metal I must admit, and when I say break, I mean I've been totally avoiding anything overly \m/ for the last 10-12 months. Chalk it up to overload or just interest in other styles like fusion, but metal just wasn't rocking my boat for a while.
Having said that, I fell off the wagon last weekend with some binge Symphony X listening and haven't been able to take tDWoT and V out of my car. They've been travelling with me all week.
Now, I've heard both of these albums a bazillion times, but it suddenly struck me yesterday how impressed I am with the enthusiasm that oozes from their playing. It's so obvious they love doing what they do and letting you know it, more obvious to these ears than some of the artists that have influenced SymX in the past but are just not trying anymore (you know who you are!). How that comes across in the music I can't really explain, but that's just my observation.
Anyway, this is more of a rant than a discussion, but feel free to add your thoughts. Maybe you can rattle off a few names of artists you think sound really enthusiastic and ambitious in their music. I for one am way more insterested in hearing someone like that than another legend surviving on past glories.
Having said that, I fell off the wagon last weekend with some binge Symphony X listening and haven't been able to take tDWoT and V out of my car. They've been travelling with me all week.
Now, I've heard both of these albums a bazillion times, but it suddenly struck me yesterday how impressed I am with the enthusiasm that oozes from their playing. It's so obvious they love doing what they do and letting you know it, more obvious to these ears than some of the artists that have influenced SymX in the past but are just not trying anymore (you know who you are!). How that comes across in the music I can't really explain, but that's just my observation.
Anyway, this is more of a rant than a discussion, but feel free to add your thoughts. Maybe you can rattle off a few names of artists you think sound really enthusiastic and ambitious in their music. I for one am way more insterested in hearing someone like that than another legend surviving on past glories.
Maybe I'm getting psyched about the upcoming US tour.
) But when it comes to metal, I hold a high respect for talented players, because, IMO, this is where much (OK, most) of the true talent is evident in this period of time. Unfortunately, it has not (yet) really caught on. It's much too intense and intricate for many people, but I'm actually happy to see an honest and dedicated fanbase for talented metal bands/artists. As "limited" as it may seem for now, at least every fan truly appreciates them for what they are and what they offer, this surely applies to you too, Chris. Aside from the big money in arena tours, platinum CD sales, etc., the personal rewards of realizing that the results of creating and performing for honest and enthusiastic fans must be incredible. This contributes to longevity and creative growth. A lot of good bands and talented musicians fell apart due to the distractions and feeding frenzy of the big money machine.
