Srontgorrth
Member
I haven't gotten any new cds but in the past couple weeks I've seen Wolves In The Throne Room, Suffocation, Immolation, Skinless, Neurosis and Minsk live, and also got a couple band shirts. Thassabout it though
new CD's!!!! anyone else???
- Thread starter Diabolik
- Start date
Knulla
Member
I had the miss that Suffocation/Skinless show cause it was a Monday... how was it? I hate that I had to miss it... I had to miss Suffocation last year too.
Srontgorrth
Member
Skinless wasn't as great as they had been at Necrophagist and Cryptopsy last year, but they played some good old stuff. Immolation was pretty damn good, I didn't know much of their stuff but it sounded great and they played for around an hour (Skinless only played like 30 min) and then after that came Suffocation and they were fucking great, played some fucking awesome stuff too.
Heres some pics too: http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w47/Chasoth/Unmerciful Reign/
Heres some pics too: http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w47/Chasoth/Unmerciful Reign/
Knulla
Member
The Metro doesn't seem like a good venue for Skinless. Logan Square was perfect for them. I'd like to see them at a place like Stage 83, where we saw Municipal Waste... no security or anything.
Srontgorrth
Member
Yeah, it definitely wasn't really a good venue for a band like them, and it would be awesome to see them at Stage 83, that was fun.
Jasonic
Doom On!
metalprof
Ken Luther
So this is the third place I've posted this now, but since there's a thread here about new CDs and a dearth of actual musical discussion, I figured I'd try to help. Thoughts on some recent acquisitions of the more cheesy variety, starting with the oldest one first:
POWER QUEST - WINGS OF FOREVER. Well, anyone who called Power Quest a Dragonforce clone on this first CD would be wrong. They are actually identical twins, separated at birth. They even share a guitarist. I was used to the Neverworld sound for Power Quest, since that's the one I heard first, so this disc was quite a surprise. It turns out I prefer the Neverworld sound much better. The speedy bass and drums get a little tired on Wings of Forever. It's funny, I don't have the same reaction from Dragonforce, mostly because their choruses are so much more interesting, I guess. They try hard but it doesn't click for me here. I'm glad they let Dragonforce go with the hyperactive metal, and themselves went the slower, poppier keyboard-laden path of power metal. Or else we wouldn't have For Evermore, or Children of the Dream, my favorite Power Quest songs. But my favorite PQ songs are not on Wings of Forever. NOT RECOMMENDED.
FREEDOM CALL - DIMENSIONS. I have always been on the fence with Freedom Call. They're a band I probably should like, but have never really enjoyed that much. But I did find myself liking Circle of Life the more I listened to it, so I decided to give this CD a try. Let's just say that I still like Circle of Life
I don't find this CD interesting at all. The vocals are pretty weak, and the guitar tone is stripped of most of its "heaviness", it's almost an XTC-like guitar sound at times. The best songs are the two last ones, and by then it's too late. In too many songs, manly "Whoa-oh-oh" choruses substitute for well written melodies, and nothing catchy ever develops. NOT RECOMMENDED.
RIDE THE SKY - NEW PROTECTION. If you like the Masterplan sort of thing, then this should make you at least a little happy. I like this one better than MK II, but not more than either of the Jorn Masterplan CDs. I noticed that I like every other song on this disc - I like tracks 2,4,6,8 ...then the pattern breaks, because I like track 9, too. So it's good for a drive in the car, but there are better CDs of its ilk out there. MILDLY RECOMMENDED.
THUNDERSTONE - EVOLUTION 4.0. A band that started out in the Strato-clone subgenre finds itself now grounded firmly in Nocturnal Rites territory. And you know, that's not a bad thing. There's less speedy guitar and keyboard widdling, and more songs based on powerful chords and riffs. And many of the songs on this CD have great sing-along choruses. I don't know that there's a standout "anthem" song on this one like on some others (Without Wings, for example, off Tools of Destruction), but the songs are all of pretty high caliber. RECOMMENDED.
ICED EARTH - FRAMING ARMAGEDDON. I have to listen more times to decide how much I like it for certain, but at the least I can say that it's my favorite Iced Earth CD since the original Something Wicked. I still think the Gettysburg CD is the best work of the Tim Owens era, but Framing Armageddon has some juicy work on it. Songs like Ten Thousand Strong or The Domino Decree really add some zip back into the Iced Earth pantheon. What I don't like so much are the many interludes on the CD, they drag the disc out unnecessarily. And the concept may get old after another CD (there will be three, right?). But still, my faith in the band is restored. RECOMMENDED.
EPICA - THE DIVINE CONSPIRACY. I was ambivalent about Epica before their PP VII performance, which blew me away. I went into this disc with caution, worried that I would not like it, and my newfound awe of the band would be diminished. But no worries, this is by far their best disc. It is a bit long in the tooth, and it slows down during the middle third (The Embrace That Smothers suite), but just the first five tracks alone are worth the price of admission. Seeing them live recently for a second time, and seeing them perform some of this material, puts Epica solidly in as a "Ken Luther Approved Band". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NIGHTWISH - DARK PASSION PLAY. As most others, I was suspicious of this CD before it came out. But damn, if it isn't one of the best CDs of the year! Sure, it's sad that Tarja's gone, and I imagine Anette has trouble with singing older material, but conversely, Tarja just would not do justice to some of the songs on this CD - which are clearly written or adapted for Anette. Just like I can't imagine Anette trying to do Creek Mary's Blood, I can't imagine Tarja pulling off the angelic sing-song vocals in Amaranth, for example. And the orchestration in this CD is just off the charts, starting with full out bombast in the opening track and evolving to a Celtic flair at the end. I love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
POWER QUEST - WINGS OF FOREVER. Well, anyone who called Power Quest a Dragonforce clone on this first CD would be wrong. They are actually identical twins, separated at birth. They even share a guitarist. I was used to the Neverworld sound for Power Quest, since that's the one I heard first, so this disc was quite a surprise. It turns out I prefer the Neverworld sound much better. The speedy bass and drums get a little tired on Wings of Forever. It's funny, I don't have the same reaction from Dragonforce, mostly because their choruses are so much more interesting, I guess. They try hard but it doesn't click for me here. I'm glad they let Dragonforce go with the hyperactive metal, and themselves went the slower, poppier keyboard-laden path of power metal. Or else we wouldn't have For Evermore, or Children of the Dream, my favorite Power Quest songs. But my favorite PQ songs are not on Wings of Forever. NOT RECOMMENDED.
FREEDOM CALL - DIMENSIONS. I have always been on the fence with Freedom Call. They're a band I probably should like, but have never really enjoyed that much. But I did find myself liking Circle of Life the more I listened to it, so I decided to give this CD a try. Let's just say that I still like Circle of Life
I don't find this CD interesting at all. The vocals are pretty weak, and the guitar tone is stripped of most of its "heaviness", it's almost an XTC-like guitar sound at times. The best songs are the two last ones, and by then it's too late. In too many songs, manly "Whoa-oh-oh" choruses substitute for well written melodies, and nothing catchy ever develops. NOT RECOMMENDED.RIDE THE SKY - NEW PROTECTION. If you like the Masterplan sort of thing, then this should make you at least a little happy. I like this one better than MK II, but not more than either of the Jorn Masterplan CDs. I noticed that I like every other song on this disc - I like tracks 2,4,6,8 ...then the pattern breaks, because I like track 9, too. So it's good for a drive in the car, but there are better CDs of its ilk out there. MILDLY RECOMMENDED.
THUNDERSTONE - EVOLUTION 4.0. A band that started out in the Strato-clone subgenre finds itself now grounded firmly in Nocturnal Rites territory. And you know, that's not a bad thing. There's less speedy guitar and keyboard widdling, and more songs based on powerful chords and riffs. And many of the songs on this CD have great sing-along choruses. I don't know that there's a standout "anthem" song on this one like on some others (Without Wings, for example, off Tools of Destruction), but the songs are all of pretty high caliber. RECOMMENDED.
ICED EARTH - FRAMING ARMAGEDDON. I have to listen more times to decide how much I like it for certain, but at the least I can say that it's my favorite Iced Earth CD since the original Something Wicked. I still think the Gettysburg CD is the best work of the Tim Owens era, but Framing Armageddon has some juicy work on it. Songs like Ten Thousand Strong or The Domino Decree really add some zip back into the Iced Earth pantheon. What I don't like so much are the many interludes on the CD, they drag the disc out unnecessarily. And the concept may get old after another CD (there will be three, right?). But still, my faith in the band is restored. RECOMMENDED.
EPICA - THE DIVINE CONSPIRACY. I was ambivalent about Epica before their PP VII performance, which blew me away. I went into this disc with caution, worried that I would not like it, and my newfound awe of the band would be diminished. But no worries, this is by far their best disc. It is a bit long in the tooth, and it slows down during the middle third (The Embrace That Smothers suite), but just the first five tracks alone are worth the price of admission. Seeing them live recently for a second time, and seeing them perform some of this material, puts Epica solidly in as a "Ken Luther Approved Band". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NIGHTWISH - DARK PASSION PLAY. As most others, I was suspicious of this CD before it came out. But damn, if it isn't one of the best CDs of the year! Sure, it's sad that Tarja's gone, and I imagine Anette has trouble with singing older material, but conversely, Tarja just would not do justice to some of the songs on this CD - which are clearly written or adapted for Anette. Just like I can't imagine Anette trying to do Creek Mary's Blood, I can't imagine Tarja pulling off the angelic sing-song vocals in Amaranth, for example. And the orchestration in this CD is just off the charts, starting with full out bombast in the opening track and evolving to a Celtic flair at the end. I love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I agree, Ken, I think it was a great move getting Anette, their sound
will certainly appeal to a much wider audience, and I think the songs
are generally very well done! I dig it!
Jasonic
Doom On!
I agree with your assessment of Power Quest.
They did come more into their own with Neverworld, adopting more of a softer, lighter power metal sound.
Some call them the "Van Halen" of power metal, which I guess I can see at times.
They did come more into their own with Neverworld, adopting more of a softer, lighter power metal sound.
Some call them the "Van Halen" of power metal, which I guess I can see at times.
Vegetaman
Jagdpanzer
I almost bought that CD. I own their release before that, Tools of Destruction, and I really like it. Bought it on a whim; and am still pleased with it.
Knulla
Member
I don't know if it's by the Fireside Bowl, but it's a pretty good venue for death metal bands. I've only been there twice, both for Necrophagist. It's just a huge room. No bullshit $3 water either... they gave me a few bottles for free.
I tihnk Freedom Call - Dimensions was one of the better disc out this year! I am a huge Freedom Call fan. Didnt like Circle of Life though.
Vegetaman
Jagdpanzer
metalprof
Ken Luther
and a few more for Thanksgiving!
STEEL ASSASSIN - WAR OF THE EIGHT SAINTS. Solid retro metal, treading no new ground but running in place pretty darn well. If you like the throwback sounds of Wolf, you should enjoy this, too. The usual suspects in terms of influence show up here, and my favorite track (Hill of Crosses) displays some serious Saxon worship. Having said all that, listening to this disc is sort of like going to a strip club wearing dirty glasses. There's stuff here that *should* be giving my a big musical stiffy, but I just can't quite see it clearly, and it just doesn't grab me and pull me in for that last "oh yeah". It's good stuff, but it leaves me a bit cold. MODERATELY RECOMMENDED.
CANDLEMASS - KING OF THE GREY ISLANDS. Starts off with a trememdous track (Emperor of the Void) and then from there I like every second or third song. I can't figure out my connection to doom. When I like it, I like it a lot, but it can easily leave me feeling somewhat disconnected. While I appreciate that this is a good CD and Robert Lowe sounds great, it doesn't have the majesty that Ancient Dreams or Nightfall have. I know I shouldn't compare every doom release to those two, but I do. This could be the best Candlemass CD since the early Messiah days (it's better than the recent s/t), but there's still quite a gap between those monsters and this one. MODERATELY RECOMMENDED.
MINDWARP CHAMBER - SKEPTIC'S EYE. This is called an EP, and has only 5 tracks, but it totals over 38 minutes; it's not an EP so much as a short CD. This is dark, crunchy tasty prog. The first time I ever saw them live, the music seemed a bit chaotic, but I think that was just my unfamiliarity with the material. Upon seeing them more and hearing this EP, there is quite a lot of melody in there too, particularly in the choruses. My favorite track on the EP is Closing the Chapter, which is just called "Bonus Track" on the cover. My second favorite is the 10-minute beast called "Return to Dust". I defy anyone to not sing along with a snarl on your face while singer Scott Huffman belts out, "There’s only so much cross I can bear!" Awesome stuff. Mindwarp Chamber is working on a full length for release in (hopefully!) early 2008. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you haven't checked them out yet, see http://www.myspace.com/mindwarpchambermusic
AMON AMARTH - WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE. I remember hearing an Amon Amarth disc several years ago, and not hating it. Then I got their DVD "Wrath of the Norsemen" through my Blockbuster queue, and it didn't suck. So I decided what the hell, and picked up their most recent CD. And damn, it rules! There are not many Ken Luther Approved Death Metal Bands, but Amon Amarth seems to be one of them - particularly since the vox are of the growled-but-understandable variety, much like those in Novembers Doom. I don't know how many other Amon Amarth CDs I'll need to own, but I'm sure to pick up at least one more to see how much variety there is from disc to disc. My favorite track is Gods of War Arise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
STEEL ASSASSIN - WAR OF THE EIGHT SAINTS. Solid retro metal, treading no new ground but running in place pretty darn well. If you like the throwback sounds of Wolf, you should enjoy this, too. The usual suspects in terms of influence show up here, and my favorite track (Hill of Crosses) displays some serious Saxon worship. Having said all that, listening to this disc is sort of like going to a strip club wearing dirty glasses. There's stuff here that *should* be giving my a big musical stiffy, but I just can't quite see it clearly, and it just doesn't grab me and pull me in for that last "oh yeah". It's good stuff, but it leaves me a bit cold. MODERATELY RECOMMENDED.
CANDLEMASS - KING OF THE GREY ISLANDS. Starts off with a trememdous track (Emperor of the Void) and then from there I like every second or third song. I can't figure out my connection to doom. When I like it, I like it a lot, but it can easily leave me feeling somewhat disconnected. While I appreciate that this is a good CD and Robert Lowe sounds great, it doesn't have the majesty that Ancient Dreams or Nightfall have. I know I shouldn't compare every doom release to those two, but I do. This could be the best Candlemass CD since the early Messiah days (it's better than the recent s/t), but there's still quite a gap between those monsters and this one. MODERATELY RECOMMENDED.
MINDWARP CHAMBER - SKEPTIC'S EYE. This is called an EP, and has only 5 tracks, but it totals over 38 minutes; it's not an EP so much as a short CD. This is dark, crunchy tasty prog. The first time I ever saw them live, the music seemed a bit chaotic, but I think that was just my unfamiliarity with the material. Upon seeing them more and hearing this EP, there is quite a lot of melody in there too, particularly in the choruses. My favorite track on the EP is Closing the Chapter, which is just called "Bonus Track" on the cover. My second favorite is the 10-minute beast called "Return to Dust". I defy anyone to not sing along with a snarl on your face while singer Scott Huffman belts out, "There’s only so much cross I can bear!" Awesome stuff. Mindwarp Chamber is working on a full length for release in (hopefully!) early 2008. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you haven't checked them out yet, see http://www.myspace.com/mindwarpchambermusic
AMON AMARTH - WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE. I remember hearing an Amon Amarth disc several years ago, and not hating it. Then I got their DVD "Wrath of the Norsemen" through my Blockbuster queue, and it didn't suck. So I decided what the hell, and picked up their most recent CD. And damn, it rules! There are not many Ken Luther Approved Death Metal Bands, but Amon Amarth seems to be one of them - particularly since the vox are of the growled-but-understandable variety, much like those in Novembers Doom. I don't know how many other Amon Amarth CDs I'll need to own, but I'm sure to pick up at least one more to see how much variety there is from disc to disc. My favorite track is Gods of War Arise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The Invisible Guest
Member
Ken, I'm with you on the Amon Amarth. I'm not a big death metal fan, but I really took a liking to With Oden On Our Side. It's a great disc. Two others from them you might also like are their previous two .. Fate Of Norns, and Versus The World. Both discs contain Amon Amarth staples ... Fate Of Norns has Pursuit Of Vikings, and Versus The World has Death In Fire. They've finished many a show with either of those tunes. Both discs are quite good overall, but WOOOS is my favorite. It's probably their most accessible as well.
Britt
Britt
Well I'm very glad you guys took the chance and listened to Amon Amarth. Sometimes it ticks me when people who only listen to "clean" vocals never give some of the death metal bands a chance. There are SOOO many good bands out there and yet some people miss out 'cause they don't even bother listening to a complete cd.
Amon Amarth is a great band and I can't wait for the Dec. 8th show.
Amon Amarth is a great band and I can't wait for the Dec. 8th show.
you forget....people who like clean / power metal vocals only like the death vocals when Glen from ProgPower tells them the band is good. then they will like it.
the only thing new I got this past week was two early Mago De Oz disc....both of which are great. I am really enjoying the "Belfast" disc....I was really surpised when the singer for Astral Doors/Wuthering Hieghts did one song.
Jasonic
Doom On!
I will add to this thread later, as I hauled from The End and Half.Com this week.
I am expecting the following:
Black Sabbath - The Eternal Idol
Black Sabbath - Never Say Die (LP replica package)
Doomsword - Not the newest, but the one before it
Turisas - The Virginian Way (Ha! I know that's not the exact title)
Tyr - Shit, can't remember which one!!
Nocturnal Rites - 8th Sin
I am expecting the following:
Black Sabbath - The Eternal Idol
Black Sabbath - Never Say Die (LP replica package)
Doomsword - Not the newest, but the one before it
Turisas - The Virginian Way (Ha! I know that's not the exact title)
Tyr - Shit, can't remember which one!!
Nocturnal Rites - 8th Sin
Jasonic
Doom On!
That one rules!!
Their earlier stuff is truly amazing.
I didn't appreciate the band when I first heard them in the late 90s (from Bob).
It was only in the past couple years that they started clicking.
Screw the naysayers. Even Symphony of Enchanted Lands II is solid, IMHO.
The Rhapsody of Fire album, unfortunately though, is rubbish.
I don't think I have been able to ever listen to it straigh through.
Oh, and if you don't have it, the Live in Canada disc is great.
Good setlist and great sound quality.
