Official Off Topic Thread

[Iced Dog]

Haha, it's all good. Now to Swab's point, he said they were "pretty damn good", and that doesn't equal mediocre...so thank you Swabs And yes, compared to Therion they are not symphonic (not too many are in that regard), but the new album certainly has much more of an orchestral angle than the debut, which is why I added the symphonic tag. To the point of not offering anything new, if a band plays a style I really like, and they do it extremely well, that's good enough for me.

 

[Phanto]

Hey I dig that. Otherwise I wouldn't be listening to music at all

Actually my liking and search for "unique" bands have gone a little too far I think... Currently exploring 60-70s folk prog that aren't British or Swedish. There's some quirky shit out there I tell you. Currently listening to some Chilean stuff with flutes and classic foreign "aaaeeeeee" singing. It's good though; Los Jaivas - La Poderosa Muerte. But some of the bands I find...

Actually I was wondering if anyone know of any cool non-British 60s/early 70s folk/prog bands?

 

[Iced Dog]

That's cool, I can't help ya though...I've probably gone the opposite direction. Ever since I started getting into "underground" metal bands a few years back, that's pretty much been my entire musical diet I still enjoy some non-metal, I just don't actively listen to it much anymore...I basically get everything I need from the varied range of genres and styles within metal, which is considerable nowadays

 

[Kenneth R.]

I'll have to re-check them out then. I don't remember if that post was sarcastic.

 

[Iced Dog]

Maybe someone hacked into your account and posted in random threads? Then again, if I had over 15,000 posts here in the last 4 years, I might be in the same boat

 

[Kenneth R.]

maybe my post wasn't in jest. I'd forgotten about Serenity though, so that's not a good sign.

I'm watching the video for Velatum, and this guy wants to be Roy Khan so bad. Decent song, better than Kamelot's last album, pretty generic though. I'm ambivalent. I lean slightly towards I like it, but love it... maybe not lol.

 

[Iced Dog]

I get the Roy Khan comparison, at least in terms of video facial expressions

 

[ABQShredHead]

Dog, where do you live in Michigan?

 

[Iced Dog]

Hastings...it's about a half-hour southwest of Grand Rapids

 

[ABQShredHead]

Cool. Like it there? I'm from a mile-high desert (though I did live for three years in Brussels when I was young), and wondering how the climate is up there. Any insights?

 

[Swabs]

maybe my post wasn't in jest. I'd forgotten about Serenity though, so that's not a good sign.

I'm watching the video for Velatum, and this guy wants to be Roy Khan so bad. Decent song, better than Kamelot's last album, pretty generic though. I'm ambivalent. I lean slightly towards I like it, but love it... maybe not lol.

... Naaahh.

 

[Wander]

Hey, I have to do a little essay sort of thing for school for which I thought you Americans could help!

So... What is this U.S.A bank crisis exactly about? What are the reasons behind it etc...

I haven't really followed this shit at all, but I think it has something to do with people taking mortgage, but being unable to pay back? ... And this sort of thing has led many banks there in trouble?

Help needed, really!

Any websites would be helpful too.

 

[greenaxer]

I found this video on the ABC News web site. Go to Top Videos and click 'More,' and view the video "An animated look at the credit crunch." It explains generally what has happened to the banks as a result of the country's mortgage problems. Hope this helps.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN

 

[Iced Dog]

Cool. Like it there? I'm from a mile-high desert (though I did live for three years in Brussels when I was young), and wondering how the climate is up there. Any insights?

The climate in Michigan is all about change...there's a saying here that if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes A bit of an exaggeration, but you definitely have variety. That said, it's a pretty "average" temperate climate...you get your 4 basic seasons, which is nice, but winter can drag on too long, my only major complaint. If you're living in Livonia, at least you won't have to worry about heavy "lake effect" snow that the western edge of the state gets. The humidity is hit & miss, but coming from an arid region you may find it more annoying. Autumn is a great time here, fantastic color. And I can't speak much for the east side of the state, but the shores along Lake Michigan are very cool...some nice beaches and dunes along what is essentially a fresh water ocean...check out Grand Haven and Holland. As for Grand Rapids, it's a cool mid-size city (about 200,000 pop.)...you'll have more advantages for concerts & sporting events near Detroit however. Anyway, hope this little ramble helps...if you have any more questions, let 'em fly

 

[Wander]

I found this video on the ABC News web site. Go to Top Videos and click 'More,' and view the video "An animated look at the credit crunch." It explains generally what has happened to the banks as a result of the country's mortgage problems. Hope this helps.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN

Thanks... I'm getting something on paper now... Not much, but something. Maybe it'll do.

 

[ABQShredHead]

Thanks for the info!

 

[rockyracoon]

If by mediocre you mean talented, top of the genre (prog/power/symphonic), with an amazing vocalist, then I agree with you.

I agree with this assessment. I don't consider them anything close to just power metal. Latest album incorporates more symphonic elements which is fine, though I prefer their first album. Vocals are indeed amazing.


There's no doubt that Serenity isn't paving any new ground. But sadly, I don't come across many bands of their ilk that do what they're doing much better.


On another note, Serenity canceling their ProgPower performance this year greatly contributed to my not attending. It was a weak lineup for my tastes, and they were gonna be one of the only highlights. Oh well.

 

[rockyracoon]

but winter can drag on too long, my only major complaint. If you're living in Livonia, at least you won't have to worry about heavy "lake effect" snow that the western edge of the state gets.some nice beaches and dunes along what is essentially a fresh water ocean...check out Grand Haven and Holland.

For the midwest, Michigan has some cool ski options. I really enjoy the Holland/Saugatuck area.

 

[greenaxer]

Thanks... I'm getting something on paper now... Not much, but something. Maybe it'll do.

I think you'll find this one a bit more substantial.

http://www.thedeficits.com/usa_economic_crisis_video.htm

 

[ABQShredHead]

Frickin' Cubs.