RE Redemption
This might seem like a really weird gripe but IMO the album is too long.
While I agree it's a long disc, I don't think that, in and of itself, is my issue with it. That said, I do think the length argument is a bit like the chicken and the egg debate. If the disc felt more compelling, it would also feel shorter, don't you agree?
I don't get this. I've said it before and I'll say it again on here...I absolutely HATE this disc. I felt that it was completely uninspired and just dull, unlike their debut which I thought was brilliant.
To date, I haven't spent much time with the debut. I checked them out when they were announced, thought enough of the music to buy it, but for whatever reason shelved it almost immediately.
I do have a question for you though Zod. What is so lackluster about Sacrament. I found it to be one of their best if not their best. Was it just too polished for your liking?
I'm an Andy Sneap fanboy, so polish is never my issue (with the possible exception of Black Metal). I can't point to any one characteristic and say, that's the reason why. For whatever reason, the songs didn't grab me. Perhaps I felt it was a backwards step from
Ashes. I think I need to revisit.
Tried listening to this one when Glenn mentioned it. I don't get it, but everyone has different tastes.
Yeah... this is an instant listen. Given its nature, it's either going to be in your homerun swing for Power Metal or not. For me, it just works. But I'm not at all surprised that it doesn't for others.
Interesting you think that. I find this to be their best disc. There's just something about the atmosphere on this disc that hits the right note for me.
The one common theme with my "disappointments", is that none of them were bad discs. Unlike a
Monday Morning Apocalypse, which I thought was complete shit, each of these releases were quality releases. And if these discs were debuts, they likely would have been in my Top 10. However, each of these bands have begun to repeat themselves in a big way. I can't see myself ever reaching for any of these discs, when I'm in the mood for any of these bands.
As always, excellent write up. You have a great feel for the music coupled with a way with words.
Thanks for the kind words.
Voyager's disc keeps finding it's way back to my player. Great music.
Yeah... it's just a fun, well done piece of music.
I really like Future's End at PP. I went and bought the CD. Yet, I haven't given it enough listens. I'll rectify that.
Definitely.
A couple of things that you left off the list:
Bloodbound - Tabula Rasa. Urban singing. Catchy songs. What's not to like?
Not a bad disc, just not in my Top 20. Urban, as always, sounds awesome.
Illusion Suite - Final Hour. Again, nothing spectacularly new, but very well done. I put this right up with Voyager.
As you said, nothing new. However, for me, the songs just don't do it. I'm sure I'll revisit before the fest.
Mastodon - Crack The Skye I still haven't been bitten by this band, but CtS isn't a bad disc. However, the way everyone else has raved about it, I figured it would make it to your top list.
If the list went to 25, this would have made it. I was very high on it upon its release, but it faded for me quickly.
re: MDB conversation - Yeah,totally can be split into percentages. I think I said it before that doom may be at the core, but when you get into overall instrumentation and lyrics, it extends far beyond doom.
Agreed.
re: ND - You know I am close to these boys, so I can not really get into specifics. I am sure if you were to open this for discussion on the ND forum, the guys would probably speak freely on this subject. I do know that their primary focus isn't really on the US these days, given their recent success in Europe.
Understood. I'll post something over there.
