DEMONSPELLS SONGS TO WATCH
BIRTHDAYS EVE EDITION
Written October 18, 2001
Greetings, devoted readers! I know that writing recommendations may seem trivial in these days of bombing raids and anthrax scares, but Im trying my hardest not to let my fears over current events interfere with my column, and more importantly my studies have some tests coming up next week, whose impact on my plans will appear later on. Tomorrow is my twenty-second birthday, hence the title. Im not getting CDs except with my own money because I dont want any clueless relatives and friends buying my albums. This weeks column should have a good balance between prog and extreme metal, as always. And now, the songs
Anathema Underworld, Dont Look Too Far: A little bit of new and old to celebrate this bands recent addition to our forums. The latter track, available at www.colorsofsound.com, is one of the best from Judgement , while the latter is very indicative of their latest album A Fine Day To Exit and its mostly successful attempts to expand on their sound.
Antithesis The Web, Consequence: This band has been frequently described as an eighties throwback, but I prefer to think of them as a traditional heavy metal act with both prog and thrash tendencies, which are prominent in the former track which possesses a great chorus (lyrically owed to Dream Theater!). The latter track from Dying For Life has some excellent solos
Edguy Nailed To The Wheel: I chose to spotlight only one song from Mandrake, maybe because I havent received it yet, maybe because advance single Painting On The Wall sucks, but also maybe because this track does a lot to distinguish itself, being the heaviest song they have recorded (following an acoustic intro) and having a kickass chorus.
Therion Midgard, In Remembrance: Again, I elect to showcase both old and new in this entry. Despite advance press suggesting a return to their earlier sound, the former song from Secret Of The Runes could have easily fit on Deggial (thats a good thing!). The excellent latter song is one of two non-instrumental originals from the interim release Arab Zaraq and features a great contribution from Dan Swano.
Emperor Empty, Depraved: The release of Prometheus and the expected retirement from the black metal pioneers is finally upon us, and very few are disappointed. Even skeptical listeners like me (I dont care for about half of their catalogue) were very impressed with the power of these songs. Video for the latter is available at www.digitalmetal.com
And Oceans Tears Have No Name, Halo Of Words: This enigmatic Finnish act is one of the more overlooked and innovative bands in extreme metal. The former song from this years AMGOD has one of the most addictive chorus I have ever heard in this genre, along with some great keyboards. The latter song from their debut is as good as anything from their most recent album.
Balance Of Power Searching For The Truth, Hard Life: Melodic rock act that manages to frequently rise above the limitations of its genre, particularly on the energetic former track which closes their most recent album. The latter song adds some much-needed heaviness to their sound
Tristania Wormwood, Selling Out: Aside from some slight electronic elements, the title of the latter song from this years World Of Glass is an inaccuracy, not a warning and one of the best songs of this highly praised operatic doom acts career, featuring an accomplished arrangement. Fans worried about Mortens departure should be impressed with both tracks
Digital Ruin Their Secrets, Of The Hand: While this progressive metal acts debut Listen suffers from bad production and isnt quite as impressive as last years excellent Dwelling In The Out, these songs do have the same dark atmosphere and powerful instrumentation. Unfortunately, their singer left the band and the newer material Ive heard is disappointing
Arcturus Deception Genesis, The Bodkin And The Quietus: Perhaps the strangest black metal act ever. The former song hails from their controversial Disguised Masters album (which I havent heard save this song) and is a very interesting and disturbing listen. The latter track features another odd arrangement and unsettling vocals
Leviathan Turning Up Broken, Mindless Game Control: Prog act I dont know too much about, but these songs are impressive enough to gain inclusion. The former eleven-minute track has some great instrumental sections, while the latter song has an effective chorus and keyboard accompaniment.
Mastermind Perchance To Dream, A Million Miles Away: Progressive act featuring a three-guitar lineup, an impressive female vocalist (at least on Angels Of The Apocalypse, only one of theirs Ive heard), and keyboards from Jens Johansson, whom I neglected to mention his participation in the next Ayreon project in the last news report.
Sieges Even Epigram For The Last Straw, The Vacuum Tube Processor: Obscure yet influential technical metal act. The former track from 1991s A Sense Of Change is one of the more beautiful pieces I have heard in the genre, and the latter song from the album Steps is almost as impressive, with some great drumming from Alex Holzwarth. Both contain some extremely intelligent lyrics.
Into Eternity Torn, Holding Onto Emptiness: Canadian prog metal act who has opened a few shows for Nevermore in their native country, and who were in the Progpower Europe lineup. These songs are definitely worth your attention, as they have some sharp riffs and effectively incorporate heavier elements.
Rakoth Dying Realm, Planeshift: Reader suggested extreme metal act from Russia. The latter song has one of the best atmospheric breaks I have heard in the genre, featuring a great extended piano part. The heavier sections are just as good, and the former eight-minute song indicates that this band deserves more attention. Both songs available at www.mp3.com
Pan-Thy-Monium Behrial, The Battle Of Geeheeb: The most bizarre of the Dan Swano projects that Ive heard (and there are at least 8-10 I havent). The latter track is a twelve-minute epic that perfectly lives up to its albums title, Khaos and Konfusion. The former song, available at www.666metal.com, is an ambient-leaning instrumental betraying Dans prog tendencies.
Reading Zero Mirage, Strategy: Reader suggested progressive metal act. Both of these songs from their album The Actual are very impressive, especially the intro and arrangement of the latter, available at www.mp3.com. The former has some great riffs and a strong chorus.
Condition Red Life Is Now, Learning To Live: Yet another progressive metal project boasting a Dream Theater connection, Derek Sherinian appearing on the nine-minute former song, which has both male and female vocals. The latter song is impressive and catchy, but may disappoint some by not being a cover of the DT classic.
In The Woods Child Of Universal Tongue, Empty Room: Avant-garde leaning extreme metal band who has received some Opeth comparisons, which are well justified by the complex arrangements and alterantion between clean and harsh vocals on both of these songs. Both songs from the EP compilation Three Times Seven On A Pilgrimage.
Majestic Voodoo Treasure, The Breath Of Horus: Swedish progressive metal act who has received frequent Symphony X comparisons. The former song, available at their official site, is especially reminiscent of them, while the latter is a slower, less bombastic track. Keyboardist Richard Andersson appears on Adagios excellent Sanctus Ignis.
McGill-Manring-Stevens Purging Mendels Beasts, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vinci: This has been a great year for instrumental albums, and this fusion trios Addition By Subtraction is one of the best. The latter track rises above its dumb title by having a progressive rock edge, while the former features insane bass playing from Michael Manring.
Opeth Credence, Karma, Epilogue: Everybody knows Opeth, so why include them? Because its my birthday and they are one of my three favorite bands. These are three of the more overlooked songs in their catalogue, all from My Arms Your Hearse. One is a great acoustic track, one is a typically strong Akerfeldt composition, and one is an instrumental with some incredible melodies. And heres an epilogue of my own
Thus ends this chapter. Next week, I intend to concentrate entirely on special content, which is long overdue considering I havent done one besides the news reports in two months. One will be an in-depth analysis of the new Blind Guardian epic And Then There Was Silence, which has begun to circulate on the Internet. I intend to post it separately so readers (particularly those who are planning on attending Progpower USA) can avoid spoilers if they wish. The other is a Halloween special, in which Ill include songs that I find to have disturbing, frightening, or otherwise scary, and are in the spirit of this column. I encourage readers to provide their own suggestions, following these guidelines:
The song should be relatively recent and from a non-mainstream artist.
Songs that have already appeared in this column are acceptable.
The songs scary feel should be owed at least equally to the music than the lyrics.
BIRTHDAYS EVE EDITION
Written October 18, 2001
Greetings, devoted readers! I know that writing recommendations may seem trivial in these days of bombing raids and anthrax scares, but Im trying my hardest not to let my fears over current events interfere with my column, and more importantly my studies have some tests coming up next week, whose impact on my plans will appear later on. Tomorrow is my twenty-second birthday, hence the title. Im not getting CDs except with my own money because I dont want any clueless relatives and friends buying my albums. This weeks column should have a good balance between prog and extreme metal, as always. And now, the songs
Anathema Underworld, Dont Look Too Far: A little bit of new and old to celebrate this bands recent addition to our forums. The latter track, available at www.colorsofsound.com, is one of the best from Judgement , while the latter is very indicative of their latest album A Fine Day To Exit and its mostly successful attempts to expand on their sound.
Antithesis The Web, Consequence: This band has been frequently described as an eighties throwback, but I prefer to think of them as a traditional heavy metal act with both prog and thrash tendencies, which are prominent in the former track which possesses a great chorus (lyrically owed to Dream Theater!). The latter track from Dying For Life has some excellent solos
Edguy Nailed To The Wheel: I chose to spotlight only one song from Mandrake, maybe because I havent received it yet, maybe because advance single Painting On The Wall sucks, but also maybe because this track does a lot to distinguish itself, being the heaviest song they have recorded (following an acoustic intro) and having a kickass chorus.
Therion Midgard, In Remembrance: Again, I elect to showcase both old and new in this entry. Despite advance press suggesting a return to their earlier sound, the former song from Secret Of The Runes could have easily fit on Deggial (thats a good thing!). The excellent latter song is one of two non-instrumental originals from the interim release Arab Zaraq and features a great contribution from Dan Swano.
Emperor Empty, Depraved: The release of Prometheus and the expected retirement from the black metal pioneers is finally upon us, and very few are disappointed. Even skeptical listeners like me (I dont care for about half of their catalogue) were very impressed with the power of these songs. Video for the latter is available at www.digitalmetal.com
And Oceans Tears Have No Name, Halo Of Words: This enigmatic Finnish act is one of the more overlooked and innovative bands in extreme metal. The former song from this years AMGOD has one of the most addictive chorus I have ever heard in this genre, along with some great keyboards. The latter song from their debut is as good as anything from their most recent album.
Balance Of Power Searching For The Truth, Hard Life: Melodic rock act that manages to frequently rise above the limitations of its genre, particularly on the energetic former track which closes their most recent album. The latter song adds some much-needed heaviness to their sound
Tristania Wormwood, Selling Out: Aside from some slight electronic elements, the title of the latter song from this years World Of Glass is an inaccuracy, not a warning and one of the best songs of this highly praised operatic doom acts career, featuring an accomplished arrangement. Fans worried about Mortens departure should be impressed with both tracks
Digital Ruin Their Secrets, Of The Hand: While this progressive metal acts debut Listen suffers from bad production and isnt quite as impressive as last years excellent Dwelling In The Out, these songs do have the same dark atmosphere and powerful instrumentation. Unfortunately, their singer left the band and the newer material Ive heard is disappointing
Arcturus Deception Genesis, The Bodkin And The Quietus: Perhaps the strangest black metal act ever. The former song hails from their controversial Disguised Masters album (which I havent heard save this song) and is a very interesting and disturbing listen. The latter track features another odd arrangement and unsettling vocals
Leviathan Turning Up Broken, Mindless Game Control: Prog act I dont know too much about, but these songs are impressive enough to gain inclusion. The former eleven-minute track has some great instrumental sections, while the latter song has an effective chorus and keyboard accompaniment.
Mastermind Perchance To Dream, A Million Miles Away: Progressive act featuring a three-guitar lineup, an impressive female vocalist (at least on Angels Of The Apocalypse, only one of theirs Ive heard), and keyboards from Jens Johansson, whom I neglected to mention his participation in the next Ayreon project in the last news report.
Sieges Even Epigram For The Last Straw, The Vacuum Tube Processor: Obscure yet influential technical metal act. The former track from 1991s A Sense Of Change is one of the more beautiful pieces I have heard in the genre, and the latter song from the album Steps is almost as impressive, with some great drumming from Alex Holzwarth. Both contain some extremely intelligent lyrics.
Into Eternity Torn, Holding Onto Emptiness: Canadian prog metal act who has opened a few shows for Nevermore in their native country, and who were in the Progpower Europe lineup. These songs are definitely worth your attention, as they have some sharp riffs and effectively incorporate heavier elements.
Rakoth Dying Realm, Planeshift: Reader suggested extreme metal act from Russia. The latter song has one of the best atmospheric breaks I have heard in the genre, featuring a great extended piano part. The heavier sections are just as good, and the former eight-minute song indicates that this band deserves more attention. Both songs available at www.mp3.com
Pan-Thy-Monium Behrial, The Battle Of Geeheeb: The most bizarre of the Dan Swano projects that Ive heard (and there are at least 8-10 I havent). The latter track is a twelve-minute epic that perfectly lives up to its albums title, Khaos and Konfusion. The former song, available at www.666metal.com, is an ambient-leaning instrumental betraying Dans prog tendencies.
Reading Zero Mirage, Strategy: Reader suggested progressive metal act. Both of these songs from their album The Actual are very impressive, especially the intro and arrangement of the latter, available at www.mp3.com. The former has some great riffs and a strong chorus.
Condition Red Life Is Now, Learning To Live: Yet another progressive metal project boasting a Dream Theater connection, Derek Sherinian appearing on the nine-minute former song, which has both male and female vocals. The latter song is impressive and catchy, but may disappoint some by not being a cover of the DT classic.
In The Woods Child Of Universal Tongue, Empty Room: Avant-garde leaning extreme metal band who has received some Opeth comparisons, which are well justified by the complex arrangements and alterantion between clean and harsh vocals on both of these songs. Both songs from the EP compilation Three Times Seven On A Pilgrimage.
Majestic Voodoo Treasure, The Breath Of Horus: Swedish progressive metal act who has received frequent Symphony X comparisons. The former song, available at their official site, is especially reminiscent of them, while the latter is a slower, less bombastic track. Keyboardist Richard Andersson appears on Adagios excellent Sanctus Ignis.
McGill-Manring-Stevens Purging Mendels Beasts, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vinci: This has been a great year for instrumental albums, and this fusion trios Addition By Subtraction is one of the best. The latter track rises above its dumb title by having a progressive rock edge, while the former features insane bass playing from Michael Manring.
Opeth Credence, Karma, Epilogue: Everybody knows Opeth, so why include them? Because its my birthday and they are one of my three favorite bands. These are three of the more overlooked songs in their catalogue, all from My Arms Your Hearse. One is a great acoustic track, one is a typically strong Akerfeldt composition, and one is an instrumental with some incredible melodies. And heres an epilogue of my own
Thus ends this chapter. Next week, I intend to concentrate entirely on special content, which is long overdue considering I havent done one besides the news reports in two months. One will be an in-depth analysis of the new Blind Guardian epic And Then There Was Silence, which has begun to circulate on the Internet. I intend to post it separately so readers (particularly those who are planning on attending Progpower USA) can avoid spoilers if they wish. The other is a Halloween special, in which Ill include songs that I find to have disturbing, frightening, or otherwise scary, and are in the spirit of this column. I encourage readers to provide their own suggestions, following these guidelines:
The song should be relatively recent and from a non-mainstream artist.
Songs that have already appeared in this column are acceptable.
The songs scary feel should be owed at least equally to the music than the lyrics.
