Coheed And Cambria, The Afterman: Ascension, 2012
Ever since I first started listening to Coheed And Cambria, I have been caught. Not only with the music, but also with the fact that a guy (Claudio Sanchez) comes up with a storyline, and is able to fill a whole bunch of albums based on that. And even adding a comic to go with that. As it also is a kind of SciFi theme, there is a faint resemblance to the Star Wars Saga in terms of conceiving a story and start telling it. Yeah I am a bit of a geek.
So now the band is back with The Afterman Saga. In between getting this and writing the post, the successor has already been released, so no rest for the wicked I guess. What I don´t understand is the emo tag C&C sometimes get. To me this is progressive music with some alternative touches. Okay, some people might find it hard to get into Claudio´s voice, but I am loving this. Be it on the more explosive tracks like Mothers Of Men or Holy Wood The Cracked, or the more contemplative stuff like The Hollow, The Afterman or Substraction, I always enjoy the musicianship on offer. Good songs, good melodies and especially in the lighter stuff some chilling moments due to the beautiful arrangements.
So no doubt that new album will find it’s way into the collection as well. Great stuff as always!
Umphrey´s McGee, The Bottom Half, 2007
There are some things in life you just cannot prepare for. For instance, let´s take this double disk. The band had been showing off and on on my musical radar but managed to somehow slip away every time. Some time ago my eye was caught by this one, and as it was cheap, I thought “what the heck” and bought the thing. Finally came around to give it a spin and found myself captured immediately. I think I must have held my breath for ages, such was the impact.
So been reading the booklet and found out it was a collection of leftovers… Man, how good are their regular albums gonna proof? So I am a bit overwhelmed here, seems I have been missing out on a very good band. Which brings me to the obvious question, why am I so attracted to this album?
Well for starters it is undoubtedly intelligent music with quality players, yet manages to avoid sounding clever. Does that make sense? It is mainly the numerous styles and changes which all sound effortlessly and still the songs have a charm I find difficult, if not impossible to resist. Songs can groove, they can rock, they play fusion typed licks, they use various instruments and sometimes even shred the hell out of it.
To sum it up, I could be jealous for what is brought to me here, but in reality I just want to visit a shop and buy all their albums. Never knew what a Jam band was, but if this is the average level, I am a fan. Man, this is good stuff!
Violet Sun, Loneliness In Supremacy, 2011
Violet Sun are a new name, but main songwriter and instrumentalist Dario Grillo (guitars, vocals, synths, bass, etc.) is far from the new kid on the block. Together with (his brother?) Allesandro on drums and the talented Alexandra Amata on vocals and piano, the trio surprise with a heavy power rock album that is firmly influenced by the Progressive and Gothic scene. And again brought to us by the MelodicRockRecords label. From all the recent reviewed releases by that label, by far the most complex and heavy outfit, proving that MRR is going to delve in deep in the rock scene to bring us quality music.
And while the albums’ title might suggest that they stand alone in this, I do think Violet Sun are a welcome addition to the roster of bands operating in this field. I have said before that it is hard to write original sounding songs and that it is best to deliver quality and develop over time. Here again, an unique angle is not present.
That is not saying this is a copycat. I do think the band came up with 12 songs that are worth listening to. Melodic, complex at times, well produced with a lot of power. And the vocal interplay between Alexandra and Dario works well. The occasional classical sounding choirs add a lot of drama to the sound. Something I tend to like by the way. So if the mentioned genres tickle your interest, again something worth picking up! And you are supporting a young label as well….
Jolly, The Audioguide To Happiness, 2011
When I found out that the incredible Jolly (as they like to call themselves) had a new album out, there was no doubt in my mind I had to have it. The first one I really, really liked (read about that here), so this had to be tasted! And to jump to the conclusion: if you like alternative rock, which stretches out into metal and progressive rock, this is one to listen to! Put simple, anyone liking bands like Tool, Muse, Porcupine Tree, all of them, or just one, or whatever band circling these styles, make sure you own this.
There is a warning inside that the disk contains binaural tones. And I don´t know if those are responsible for it, but for me this is a disk that is impossible to resist. I am caught when things kick off, and when the CD is done I wanna hear it again. Such is the energy throughout, that I am in serious addiction risk. The way they play with groove, riffs and dynamics, I am dumbstruck. From soft and gentle to heavy and loud. All with confidence and style. Man, I am jealous of these guys. What a band. On the first album I already hinted at their sense of humour. Plenty of that to be found here as well. Disguised as scientific documentation, or is it?
And the best news? According to the cover this is part one of two. Oh yes, can´t wait!
Degreed, Life Love Loss, 2010
Another MelodicRockRecords release and man, am I glad I got this one! Coming from out of nowhere for me, this bunch surely took me by surprise. Degreed are a five piece band consisting of Robin Ericsson on bass and vocals, Mats Ericsson on drums, Daniel Johansson and Jesper Adefelt on guitars and backing vocals and Mikael Jansson on keyboard.
To describe their music think this: progressive metal married with AOR and got some children who write damn fine catchy short tunes, but put some more technical stuff in, just because they can. And without it becoming a blur, no, they just intensify the performance!
I know, sounds kinda odd, but this was the feeling I got listening to this. Packed to the brim with energy, opener B.O.D. is a prime example of what I said before. Very melodic and rocking, yet arranged with a lot of solo keyboards that give that progressive idea. And still the song hits home hard. Actually every song here is killer. Very fresh and impressive. and I don’t know who plays those guitar solos, but I want what they have been feeding that guy. Awesome playing throughout!
So I am not going to spend more words on this, essential buy. (one small remark, next time please no black letters on a dark background…)
Classic: Nme Within, Science Krucifikktion, 1997
Alas this is the only full length album of Nme Within I am aware of. From the day I heard it, this has always been an album I present as an example of how metal can be mixed with other styles (industrial, techno, progressive, trash) and still work.
Yes you read it right, the type of genres I mention may seem at odds, but this is a nifty little thing that grabs your attention from the first few seconds. I think for the most part the attraction originates from 2 things: the grooves and the melodies. The grooves because every track is a monster in its own right. Heavy maybe, but filled to the brim with energy. And the melodies attract big time. Every chorus is a winner. And all this without becoming cheesy or delivering something you have already heard a million times before.
A special mention must go to the song titles (all in consequent wrong spelling, as in the CD title, for example Illushuns Of Grandeur) and especially all the humour involved. Be it in the interludes (squeal like a pig boy) or in the hilarious texts in the booklet, the boys leave no stone unturned to prove they don`t take themselves all too seriously. Gotta love them for that alone.
So if you like a little adventure in your music and don’t own this already, try to lay your hands on it, it is so much worth the effort! At least listen to tracks like Retaliation, Dining with Theotokos, Bellikose Hamlet or I-con if you get the chance. Timeless and still relevant!
Therion, Sitra Ahra, 2010
Therion are a pretty recent discovery to me. And I must confess that the combination of classical music, metal, vocals in the vein of Orff’s Carmina Burana, Gothic and orchestrations really manages to stir me up. And in a good way!
Mastermind Christofer Johnsson let more people in the current line up contribute to the song-writing. So we can hear tunes by the great Thomas Vikström and Snowy Shaw as well.
As expected, there is a lot of variety on board. But the melodies and arrangements are striking as always. I think a lot of work must go into thinking this out and recording the little symphonies. Lot´s of detail and piecing things together I am guessing. But as said, the result is intriguing to say the least. Maybe not for everyone, but for people into Gothic, Classical music and or metal, this is something you have to delve into!
As I am not familiar with Therion’s complete back catalogue, I am not sure how the vocals on older material sounded. On this disk we sometimes hear more screaming parts and those are new to me. Yet I think they only add colour to this already beautiful palette. Kudos to Therion, they did it again!
Helloween, Unarmed, 2010
Despite a policy of not discussing Live or Best Of albums, in this case I want to make an exception. In previous posts I already stated that many metal heads are pretty peculiar about their favourite music and fave bands. And a lot of them think bands should obey to certain rules. So it is of little wonder that this “compilation” of Helloween has been met with great criticism when it was released. And you know what: that is a huge mistake!
Like the cover already hints at: Unarmed is a special kind of compilation. The boys have chosen 11 songs from their back catalogue and gave them an unique treatment. Accompanied by instruments like piano, violins, cello’s, horns and so on, they recreated their magical moments. And in all honesty, without knowing their whole output, I think this is a brilliant effort! These songs really live in these arrangements and make me keep hitting the play button. I find this CD a testament of stunning beauty. The feeling this gives me is awesome. High praise to Helloween for having the guts and quality to pull this off. So I can only recommend you give this an unbiased listen and predict you too will be touched by it’s sheer brilliance.
Vanderhoof, Same, 1997
Vanderhoof is of course the band with Kurt Vanderhoof (Metal Church guitarist) on board. This outfit will later be named Presto Ballet (see an earlier post here). Truth be told, I don´t know much about the regular dayjob of mister Vanderhoof, but I like his side projects very much. And some more attention will not hurt.
Vanderhoof is just like Presto Ballet firmly rooted in seventies music, from both progressive and hard rock origin. Think Hammond, guitars, melodies, and songs with depth and variation. Hence the progressive tag.
The quality of the playing is without question and I would like to mention the sound of the drums, which is very natural and especially the kick drum has a lot of click in the sound which I happen to like very much.
Although I feel that Presto Ballet is even more adventurous and perhaps in some aspects better (after all, they are older and wiser now), this is still a great album that easily withstands continuous play. So look out for it and pick it up. There are 2 albums under this name, this self titled and A Blur In Time. Very worth your money and time.
Grimmstine, Self Titled, 2009
Singer Steve Grimmett teamed up with axe slinger Steve Stine and they decided to call their new band (or project?) GrimmStine. With the help of Hat on bass and Dave Johnson on drums, they delivered this self titled album in 2009.
Opening with the wonderful little acoustic guitar intro Memory, which is little testament of what is to come. Following track 911 makes it clear that this is gonna be a metal album with no prisoners taken. Heavy riffing, the raspy voice of Grimmett, it almost borders in new metal territory. Happily next track Supernatural puts more emphasis on melody, while retaining that metal feel.
And this phenomenon happens more, with one track stressing the heavy guitars, and the other being more melodic and progressive if you will. Nothing overly complex, but a lot of ideas anyway.
Only with repeated play the album discloses it´s potency and pulls you in. The vocal lines start to make more sense and you start noticing the little details and breaks.
But for lovers of guitar based metal, there is a lot on offer. With 16 tracks and a playing time of over 77 minutes, it is value for money as well. Though maybe with a couple songs less, it would have made a bigger impact.
Personal play tips: Supernatural, To Catch A Killer,You´ll Never Know.
