DEMONSPELLS SONGS TO WATCH
View life as a mission, for truth and purity in vision
Issue 65 August 11-13, 2003
www.mp3.com/stations/songstowatch - recent additions:
Forgotten Silence Diamonds Of The Night
Labyrinth The Prophet
Primordial The Heretics Age
Nevermore Enemies Of Reality overview
Agathodaimon - Near Dark, Tristetea Vehementa: German black metal act who has released three albums to date, both of these offerings are from their debut Blacken The Angel. The former track is a sixteen-minute opus that incorporates elements of doom and symphonic touches, and sustains the same dark mood throughout. The latter track contains some powerful riffing and a similar feel.
Antimatter - Lights Out, Terminal: Formed after Duncan Patterson left Anathema because he felt they were heading in a commercial direction, their second release Lights Out is pure dark ambience. The use of acoustic guitars and female vocals adds to the beauty of these compositions, but doesnt detract from the sadness of the music. The closing former track is a bleak and minimalist instrumental, which would be perfectly suited as the backdrop to a film.
Arch Enemy We Will Rise, Instinct: The title of the former track, a fairly standard Gothenburg romp, sounds more like a boast than a statement of purpose, as the Amott brothers have become increasingly visible (and marketable thanks to Angela) despite the fact that Wages Of Sin was a step back IMO. The latter track, available at www.metalexpress.no, is a decent midtempo track with more dynamics than usual.
As I Lay Dying Forever, 94 Hours: A much hyped recent signing to Metal Blade, a label short on credibility as of late, this is decidedly metalcore, a genre in which I have found very few bands to my liking. This is an exception however, and the riffs on both tracks are crushing and the song structures dont sound rushed. The vocals, as expected, are of the shouted variety, but they dont distract from the music too much. Both songs available at www.mp3.com
Atmosfear - Inside The Atmosphere, Zephaniah: German progressive metal act who made an appearance at the inaugural Headway festival and has received some positive reviews. Both of these tracks are lengthy and have structures reminiscent of Dream Theater, but the heavier guitars and keyboard use remind me more of Evergrey and avoid being overly derivative, especially on the latter. The former title track contains a memorable chorus.
The Black Dahlia Murder - The Blackest Incarnation, Funeral Thirst: This bands press photos, logo, and to a lesser extent origin would suggest nu-metal, but this bands clear inspiration lies elsewhere: melodic death and thrash. Both of these songs and others that Ive heard are early Swedish melodeath workouts, nothing more nothing less, delivered with force and little conern for the fact youve heard it all elsewhere. Music available at www.mp3.com
Blood Red Throne A Dream Of Death, Malediction: A side project for Green Carnation mastermind Tchort, the titles and cover art on this suggest old school death mayhem, and for the most part this delivers. The latter track contains some insane riffing, and along with the three entirely different GC releases shows Tchorts willingness to change subgenres at will.
Bumblefoot - Day To Remember, Brooklyn Steakhouse: The recording pseudonym of Ron Thal, a gifted guitarist with a manic sense of humor and predilection for offbeat displays of his talent, in similar fashion to Mattias Eklundh, although these tracks contains less shred and are more eclectic than Freak Kitchens albums. And like Mattias, he has an often annoying voice.
Canvas Solaris Camera Obscura, Self-Reproducing Inflationary Universe: Considering the band name and the fact that the latter song title is about a dozen words longer than shown here, it should be obvious that this is in the prog realm. This is an excellent debut EP of instrumental tech-metal, both tracks full of the expected impossible time changes and manic instrumentation, but it also contains a darker feel than most instrumental prog. One of those teasers that leaves you demanding a full-length right away
Ensiferum - Token Of Time, Battle Song: The former track on this Viking metal debut is self-explanatory, but of course all the others sound like battle songs as well. Which is not to say that theyre repeating themselves on each track, just that they all have some unifying elements, the most common of which would be the folkish elements, incorporated especially well on the former track, and an energy that makes for addictive listening.
Epica - The Phantom Agony, Illusive Consensus: Previously known as Sahara Dust and featuring an eighteen year old vocalist, this is the band formed by Mark Jansen after leaving After Forever. Of the songs on their debut, the latter bears the most resemblance to his sisters band, relying on the same symphonic and gothic touches. However, the epic former track, available at the official site, heads further into classical stylings, especially with its extended operatic coda.
Forgotten Silence Diamonds Of The Night, Saqqara: Hailing from the Czech Republic, this ambitious act borrows from a variety of genres and musical traditions on these tracks, flowing effortlessly from death metal (with both growls and female operatic vocals) into Middle Eastern motifs, even featuring a percussive breakdown on the latter track. Definitely an avant-garde act that defies simple description, both songs available at www.mp3.com
Kaipa End Of The Rope, Otherworldly Brights: Insanely prolific and insufferably pretentious are two pairs of words that can describe Roine Stolts output, and this second reformation project heads toward the latter, although as usual there are moments where his undeniable talent (and that of his bandmates) shines, and Ritual vocalist Patrik Lundstrom does a good job on the warm melody of the latter track.
Kalmah - Bird Of Ill Omen, The Third The Magical: The melodic death merchants emerge from the primordial swamp once again for their third album, which builds upon their two previous releases. Evidence of this can be found on the latter track, with its extended keyboard intro and chanted chorus distinguishing itself, and the former is one of many enjoyable scorchers populating this album.
Labyrinth - Living In A Maze, Terzinato: Travis Smiths cover for this album suggests changes from previous releases, and while this first release on Century Media isnt significantly heavier than the older albums, it is far from a retread of them. Both of these tracks lean more toward prog than power, especially the latter, but the former tracks chorus is memorable enough that the bands site identifies it as the pivotal track on the album.
Man On Fire Wasted Time, Clouds In The Sun: This Atlanta-based bands album The Undefined Design, the second release on the Progrock Records label, has received some great reviews, and with good reason. These songs are highly progressive and sound very modern, and the keyboard layering and fretless bass playing on this album are often stunning. Anything but a waste of time, as the refrain on the hypnotic former track says.
Melechesh Apkallu Counsel, Incendium Between Mirage And Time: Featuring noted black metal drummer and mythology freak Proscriptor, this band explores Mesopotamian lore in their lyrics and the music on both songs have a highly pronounced Middle Eastern slant to them. The latter track balances the native elements with death metal to great effect, and the former is similarly powerful.
Mercenary Rescue Me, Bloodrush: Following in the footsteps of Nightingale and Devin Townsend as potentially polarizing wildcards at Progpower USA, this Danish acts album Everblack has won praise for its balance between careful songcraft and undaunted aggression, the latter of which the latter track has a huge supply of. The former track suggests a direction that In Flames should have pursued with its melodic guitar runs and precise performances.
Mnemic - Mechanical Spin Phenomenon, Tattoos: This bands debut has received considerable advance press and promotion from Nuclear Blast, who has linked a video from their front page. The songs Ive heard from it remind me of Meshuggah and Soilwork, though not as technical as the latter. Altogether a not entirely successful effort, but the musicianship is impressive and this is definitely a band with promise.
Mors Principium Est - Inhumanity, Another Creation: The name translates to death is the beginning, and this debut has received much attention and has been heralded as a bright spot in the increasingly stagnant melodic death genre. Both of these tracks fall on the heavier and more dynamic side of the equation check out the crushing riffs on the former track. Latter track available on official site.
Nightrage Circle Of Pain, The Glow Of The Setting Sun: This years melodic death supergroup, originally a project of power metal guitarist Gus G and Marios Illiopoulos, has released their debut on Century Media. While this isnt a side project turned innovative band in its own right, it is above average melodic death. The former track kills, and the former track features the best contrast between the two vocalists: Tom Englund and Tomas Lindberg.
Novembre Sirens In Filth, Swim Seagull In The Sky: What could have been an unnecessary indulgence, rerecording the rare debut album, instead produced great results and simultaneously reveals their origins and charts the progress this progressive death act has made. Both tracks are full of dynamics, the latter making great use of acoustics and the former develops from an atmospheric intro into searing death metal before closing things up with a gorgeous piano solo. And in Guiseppe Orlando, this band possesses one of the most underrated drummers in metal.
Nuclear Rabbit Alone With My Clone, Truths Ugly Head: The fact that the eight songs available on this bands mp3.com page are each listed under a different genre should give you an idea that this is a band that revels in the atypical. The former track goes through at least a dozen tempo changes in less than five minutes, and the latter is surprisingly accessible, based on an awesome bassline and effective vocal interplay.
Pineapple Thief Part Zero, We Subside: A one-man project turned full band, this British progressive acts Variations On A Dream album has received some enthusiastic press, and a few comparisons with that other British band with the same initials. The former track is excellent prog rock, highly emotional and featuring a great instrumental section, while the latter, available at the official site, builds to a powerful crescendo.
Rapture The Vast, Gallows: While the frequent comparisons this band receives with Katatonia arent misleading (the same hypnotic guitar lines that Anders Nystrom employs are in abundance here), they shouldnt obscure the fact that last years Songs For The Withering is a great album in its own right. And the melancholic former track, one of three with clean vocals only, suggests that they make take a different direction in the future.
Second Sufis Improvs from Nearfest: File under self-indulgent. Recording between sets at the prestigious prog festival, these are a combined forty-five minutes in length and employ a variety of exotic instruments. However, they do create an intoxicating atmosphere and dont descend into aimless jamming, and the expansive soundscapes here are remarkable, especially when you consider that this is a two-man band.
Section A - Killing Fields, Nightmare: Power/prog project put together by guitarist Torben Enevoldsen that has received many positive reviews in prog circles. While this is far from groundbreaking, this is a very solid album for its genre, and the latter track contains some great instrumental sections. Guests on the album include Derek Sherinian and Gunther Werno.
Silent Edge For Ancient Times, The Curse I Hold Within: The latest release on the DVS label, which has built a good track record with their first ten or so albums. While the majority of this is progressive metal in the traditional sense, these tracks do manage to distinguish themselves: the former being an expertly arranged epic with Middle Eastern touches, and the latter ballad contains a stirring vocal performance.
Static Limit Encoded, Unfamiliar Light: Another unsigned act to start taking notes on. Both of these tracks are mostly instrumental tech-metal of a very high caliber, and the production is excellent for a self-financed demo. The former builds from a great pacesetting intro into musically adventurous territory, while the latter features a monolithic bassline in its first half and the textures capture your attention throughout. Both songs available on official site.
Textures Polars, Transgression: Fans of Meshuggah and progressive death take note, this technically adept Norwegian acts debut should satisfy your desires. Shorter compositions like the manic latter track never let up on the aggression, and the former title track, clocking in at 18:30, shows the full range of this bands ambition, throwing in quite a few ambient patches between the mathematically precise heaviness.
Thirteen of Everything - Flying East, Sleepdance: Promising indie-prog act introduced to me by the good folks at Delicious Agony. Both of these lengthy tracks contain impressive arrangements and skillful playing, and particular standouts would be the melodic guitar lines in the former and the dark atmosphere created by the keyboard and whispered intonations in the latter. Music available at www.mp3.com
Thyrane - Firework, Glamorama Demystified: Formerly a fairly standard black metal act and newly signed to Century Media, these Finns take an abrupt shift toward industrial tinged BM on their new one. Sort of a guilty pleasure on my part as this is a potentially disastrous turn (i.e The Kovenant), but these songs are addictive in a strange way, and the programming isnt too intrusive.
Virgin Black Velvet Tongue, Cult Of Crucifixion: This one demands patience. Often overwhelmingly mournful, featuring baroque arrangements and a classically-trained vocalist, 75 minutes in length Rowan has set extremely high aspirations for his second opus. And more often than not, it delivers, the tracks listed are only two that are highly emotional in nature, and the latter in particular contains some affecting contrasts between the stark and beautiful moments.
Voyager - Cosmic Armageddon pt. 1, This Bitter Land: As of this writing, this Australian progressive metal act is still unsigned, although a few labels have expressed interest and their album Element V has generated strong buzz around the net. And with good reason, as these songs are dark progressive metal that avoids obvious comparisons, and the former opus incorporates heavier elements with much success.
Zyklon Psyklon Aeon, An Eclectic Manner: From the heavily anticipated (and increasingly important in the wake of Emperors split) second album Aeon, Zamoth and company offer up more first class black metal. The anthemic former track, premiered by Digital Metal last week, finds his guitar work as insane as ever, while the latter track lives up to its title.
View life as a mission, for truth and purity in vision
Issue 65 August 11-13, 2003
www.mp3.com/stations/songstowatch - recent additions:
Forgotten Silence Diamonds Of The Night
Labyrinth The Prophet
Primordial The Heretics Age
Nevermore Enemies Of Reality overview
- Enemies Of Reality: The prerelease mp3, I dont need to describe this one musically, but it introduces the more visceral and raw sound of this album, and of course the scaled down (some would say hopelessly amateurish) production that has generated heated debate all over this site. OK, I will offer my opinion on the song: it absolutely rules, especially the solos.
- Ambivalent: This one sounds a bit rushed and underdeveloped, and doesnt benefit from the lower clarity, but the assault of Jeff Loomis guitars and Van Williams chaotic drumming is more often deadly than not on this album.
- Never Purify: Horror of horrors, this one begins with a chorus! Dont worry, as there is not a hint of commerciality anywhere on this album. This one reminds me of the dark moods on Dreaming Neon Black, and the aforementioned chorus is a standout.
- Tomorrow Turned Into Yesterday: An archetypical Nevermorian ballad, Jeffs guitar is highly passionate here and it provides breathing space on an otherwise manic display of power.
- I, Voyager: In a word, killer. This is Nevermore at their most focused, and combined the craft of Dead Heart with the primal intensity of the earlier albums, especially Politics. Warrel puts on a commanding performance, and this song features some of his best lyrics, always a strength with this band, to date.
- Create The Infinite: In sharp contrast, this stands as the most disjointed track on EOR, and one where the production works to the disadvantage of the music. But this band doesnt write throwaways, or at least doesnt include them on albums: The slashing lead riff drives the verses, and the middle section is haunting.
- Who Decides: Another track that reminds me of DNB, and the acoustic guitars and pained vocals evoke a feeling of overwhelming despair. The transitions between the heavier parts and the body of the song could have been improved, though.
- Noumenon: The weirdest track on the album, it begins with a spoken monologue than descends into a cacophonous montage of swirling guitars and Warrel wailing over a menacing chant (there is no stronger drug than reality). A creepy piece of post-psychedelic atmosphere that ties into the next song
- Seed Awakening: This track prematurely closes the album (a disappointing running time of 41 minutes) with this stomper, built around savage riffing that most death metal acts would envy. There are hints of the bands thrash origins here, but in an entirely modern context. The slower parts are thrown in perfectly and Warrel delivers another outstanding chorus. A brutal highlight of a flawed but often brilliant release.
Agathodaimon - Near Dark, Tristetea Vehementa: German black metal act who has released three albums to date, both of these offerings are from their debut Blacken The Angel. The former track is a sixteen-minute opus that incorporates elements of doom and symphonic touches, and sustains the same dark mood throughout. The latter track contains some powerful riffing and a similar feel.
Antimatter - Lights Out, Terminal: Formed after Duncan Patterson left Anathema because he felt they were heading in a commercial direction, their second release Lights Out is pure dark ambience. The use of acoustic guitars and female vocals adds to the beauty of these compositions, but doesnt detract from the sadness of the music. The closing former track is a bleak and minimalist instrumental, which would be perfectly suited as the backdrop to a film.
Arch Enemy We Will Rise, Instinct: The title of the former track, a fairly standard Gothenburg romp, sounds more like a boast than a statement of purpose, as the Amott brothers have become increasingly visible (and marketable thanks to Angela) despite the fact that Wages Of Sin was a step back IMO. The latter track, available at www.metalexpress.no, is a decent midtempo track with more dynamics than usual.
As I Lay Dying Forever, 94 Hours: A much hyped recent signing to Metal Blade, a label short on credibility as of late, this is decidedly metalcore, a genre in which I have found very few bands to my liking. This is an exception however, and the riffs on both tracks are crushing and the song structures dont sound rushed. The vocals, as expected, are of the shouted variety, but they dont distract from the music too much. Both songs available at www.mp3.com
Atmosfear - Inside The Atmosphere, Zephaniah: German progressive metal act who made an appearance at the inaugural Headway festival and has received some positive reviews. Both of these tracks are lengthy and have structures reminiscent of Dream Theater, but the heavier guitars and keyboard use remind me more of Evergrey and avoid being overly derivative, especially on the latter. The former title track contains a memorable chorus.
The Black Dahlia Murder - The Blackest Incarnation, Funeral Thirst: This bands press photos, logo, and to a lesser extent origin would suggest nu-metal, but this bands clear inspiration lies elsewhere: melodic death and thrash. Both of these songs and others that Ive heard are early Swedish melodeath workouts, nothing more nothing less, delivered with force and little conern for the fact youve heard it all elsewhere. Music available at www.mp3.com
Blood Red Throne A Dream Of Death, Malediction: A side project for Green Carnation mastermind Tchort, the titles and cover art on this suggest old school death mayhem, and for the most part this delivers. The latter track contains some insane riffing, and along with the three entirely different GC releases shows Tchorts willingness to change subgenres at will.
Bumblefoot - Day To Remember, Brooklyn Steakhouse: The recording pseudonym of Ron Thal, a gifted guitarist with a manic sense of humor and predilection for offbeat displays of his talent, in similar fashion to Mattias Eklundh, although these tracks contains less shred and are more eclectic than Freak Kitchens albums. And like Mattias, he has an often annoying voice.
Canvas Solaris Camera Obscura, Self-Reproducing Inflationary Universe: Considering the band name and the fact that the latter song title is about a dozen words longer than shown here, it should be obvious that this is in the prog realm. This is an excellent debut EP of instrumental tech-metal, both tracks full of the expected impossible time changes and manic instrumentation, but it also contains a darker feel than most instrumental prog. One of those teasers that leaves you demanding a full-length right away
Ensiferum - Token Of Time, Battle Song: The former track on this Viking metal debut is self-explanatory, but of course all the others sound like battle songs as well. Which is not to say that theyre repeating themselves on each track, just that they all have some unifying elements, the most common of which would be the folkish elements, incorporated especially well on the former track, and an energy that makes for addictive listening.
Epica - The Phantom Agony, Illusive Consensus: Previously known as Sahara Dust and featuring an eighteen year old vocalist, this is the band formed by Mark Jansen after leaving After Forever. Of the songs on their debut, the latter bears the most resemblance to his sisters band, relying on the same symphonic and gothic touches. However, the epic former track, available at the official site, heads further into classical stylings, especially with its extended operatic coda.
Forgotten Silence Diamonds Of The Night, Saqqara: Hailing from the Czech Republic, this ambitious act borrows from a variety of genres and musical traditions on these tracks, flowing effortlessly from death metal (with both growls and female operatic vocals) into Middle Eastern motifs, even featuring a percussive breakdown on the latter track. Definitely an avant-garde act that defies simple description, both songs available at www.mp3.com
Kaipa End Of The Rope, Otherworldly Brights: Insanely prolific and insufferably pretentious are two pairs of words that can describe Roine Stolts output, and this second reformation project heads toward the latter, although as usual there are moments where his undeniable talent (and that of his bandmates) shines, and Ritual vocalist Patrik Lundstrom does a good job on the warm melody of the latter track.
Kalmah - Bird Of Ill Omen, The Third The Magical: The melodic death merchants emerge from the primordial swamp once again for their third album, which builds upon their two previous releases. Evidence of this can be found on the latter track, with its extended keyboard intro and chanted chorus distinguishing itself, and the former is one of many enjoyable scorchers populating this album.
Labyrinth - Living In A Maze, Terzinato: Travis Smiths cover for this album suggests changes from previous releases, and while this first release on Century Media isnt significantly heavier than the older albums, it is far from a retread of them. Both of these tracks lean more toward prog than power, especially the latter, but the former tracks chorus is memorable enough that the bands site identifies it as the pivotal track on the album.
Man On Fire Wasted Time, Clouds In The Sun: This Atlanta-based bands album The Undefined Design, the second release on the Progrock Records label, has received some great reviews, and with good reason. These songs are highly progressive and sound very modern, and the keyboard layering and fretless bass playing on this album are often stunning. Anything but a waste of time, as the refrain on the hypnotic former track says.
Melechesh Apkallu Counsel, Incendium Between Mirage And Time: Featuring noted black metal drummer and mythology freak Proscriptor, this band explores Mesopotamian lore in their lyrics and the music on both songs have a highly pronounced Middle Eastern slant to them. The latter track balances the native elements with death metal to great effect, and the former is similarly powerful.
Mercenary Rescue Me, Bloodrush: Following in the footsteps of Nightingale and Devin Townsend as potentially polarizing wildcards at Progpower USA, this Danish acts album Everblack has won praise for its balance between careful songcraft and undaunted aggression, the latter of which the latter track has a huge supply of. The former track suggests a direction that In Flames should have pursued with its melodic guitar runs and precise performances.
Mnemic - Mechanical Spin Phenomenon, Tattoos: This bands debut has received considerable advance press and promotion from Nuclear Blast, who has linked a video from their front page. The songs Ive heard from it remind me of Meshuggah and Soilwork, though not as technical as the latter. Altogether a not entirely successful effort, but the musicianship is impressive and this is definitely a band with promise.
Mors Principium Est - Inhumanity, Another Creation: The name translates to death is the beginning, and this debut has received much attention and has been heralded as a bright spot in the increasingly stagnant melodic death genre. Both of these tracks fall on the heavier and more dynamic side of the equation check out the crushing riffs on the former track. Latter track available on official site.
Nightrage Circle Of Pain, The Glow Of The Setting Sun: This years melodic death supergroup, originally a project of power metal guitarist Gus G and Marios Illiopoulos, has released their debut on Century Media. While this isnt a side project turned innovative band in its own right, it is above average melodic death. The former track kills, and the former track features the best contrast between the two vocalists: Tom Englund and Tomas Lindberg.
Novembre Sirens In Filth, Swim Seagull In The Sky: What could have been an unnecessary indulgence, rerecording the rare debut album, instead produced great results and simultaneously reveals their origins and charts the progress this progressive death act has made. Both tracks are full of dynamics, the latter making great use of acoustics and the former develops from an atmospheric intro into searing death metal before closing things up with a gorgeous piano solo. And in Guiseppe Orlando, this band possesses one of the most underrated drummers in metal.
Nuclear Rabbit Alone With My Clone, Truths Ugly Head: The fact that the eight songs available on this bands mp3.com page are each listed under a different genre should give you an idea that this is a band that revels in the atypical. The former track goes through at least a dozen tempo changes in less than five minutes, and the latter is surprisingly accessible, based on an awesome bassline and effective vocal interplay.
Pineapple Thief Part Zero, We Subside: A one-man project turned full band, this British progressive acts Variations On A Dream album has received some enthusiastic press, and a few comparisons with that other British band with the same initials. The former track is excellent prog rock, highly emotional and featuring a great instrumental section, while the latter, available at the official site, builds to a powerful crescendo.
Rapture The Vast, Gallows: While the frequent comparisons this band receives with Katatonia arent misleading (the same hypnotic guitar lines that Anders Nystrom employs are in abundance here), they shouldnt obscure the fact that last years Songs For The Withering is a great album in its own right. And the melancholic former track, one of three with clean vocals only, suggests that they make take a different direction in the future.
Second Sufis Improvs from Nearfest: File under self-indulgent. Recording between sets at the prestigious prog festival, these are a combined forty-five minutes in length and employ a variety of exotic instruments. However, they do create an intoxicating atmosphere and dont descend into aimless jamming, and the expansive soundscapes here are remarkable, especially when you consider that this is a two-man band.
Section A - Killing Fields, Nightmare: Power/prog project put together by guitarist Torben Enevoldsen that has received many positive reviews in prog circles. While this is far from groundbreaking, this is a very solid album for its genre, and the latter track contains some great instrumental sections. Guests on the album include Derek Sherinian and Gunther Werno.
Silent Edge For Ancient Times, The Curse I Hold Within: The latest release on the DVS label, which has built a good track record with their first ten or so albums. While the majority of this is progressive metal in the traditional sense, these tracks do manage to distinguish themselves: the former being an expertly arranged epic with Middle Eastern touches, and the latter ballad contains a stirring vocal performance.
Static Limit Encoded, Unfamiliar Light: Another unsigned act to start taking notes on. Both of these tracks are mostly instrumental tech-metal of a very high caliber, and the production is excellent for a self-financed demo. The former builds from a great pacesetting intro into musically adventurous territory, while the latter features a monolithic bassline in its first half and the textures capture your attention throughout. Both songs available on official site.
Textures Polars, Transgression: Fans of Meshuggah and progressive death take note, this technically adept Norwegian acts debut should satisfy your desires. Shorter compositions like the manic latter track never let up on the aggression, and the former title track, clocking in at 18:30, shows the full range of this bands ambition, throwing in quite a few ambient patches between the mathematically precise heaviness.
Thirteen of Everything - Flying East, Sleepdance: Promising indie-prog act introduced to me by the good folks at Delicious Agony. Both of these lengthy tracks contain impressive arrangements and skillful playing, and particular standouts would be the melodic guitar lines in the former and the dark atmosphere created by the keyboard and whispered intonations in the latter. Music available at www.mp3.com
Thyrane - Firework, Glamorama Demystified: Formerly a fairly standard black metal act and newly signed to Century Media, these Finns take an abrupt shift toward industrial tinged BM on their new one. Sort of a guilty pleasure on my part as this is a potentially disastrous turn (i.e The Kovenant), but these songs are addictive in a strange way, and the programming isnt too intrusive.
Virgin Black Velvet Tongue, Cult Of Crucifixion: This one demands patience. Often overwhelmingly mournful, featuring baroque arrangements and a classically-trained vocalist, 75 minutes in length Rowan has set extremely high aspirations for his second opus. And more often than not, it delivers, the tracks listed are only two that are highly emotional in nature, and the latter in particular contains some affecting contrasts between the stark and beautiful moments.
Voyager - Cosmic Armageddon pt. 1, This Bitter Land: As of this writing, this Australian progressive metal act is still unsigned, although a few labels have expressed interest and their album Element V has generated strong buzz around the net. And with good reason, as these songs are dark progressive metal that avoids obvious comparisons, and the former opus incorporates heavier elements with much success.
Zyklon Psyklon Aeon, An Eclectic Manner: From the heavily anticipated (and increasingly important in the wake of Emperors split) second album Aeon, Zamoth and company offer up more first class black metal. The anthemic former track, premiered by Digital Metal last week, finds his guitar work as insane as ever, while the latter track lives up to its title.
