Thank you Claus, I appreciate it...and yes, I always try to shorten my reviews but end up making them longer. I think I'll always be a long review guy!
Search found 42 matches
- Fri May 22, 2020 6:12 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
- Replies: 6
- Views: 986
Re: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
- Fri May 22, 2020 6:01 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Haken - Virus - my review & interview with Ross Jennings
- Replies: 0
- Views: 725
Haken - Virus - my review & interview with Ross Jennings
Hello Everyone, I hope you're all safe & sound? In a minute, you'll wish you weren't because here's my extra-detailed review of Haken's new album, 'Virus' as well as my 2-part interview with Ross Jennings - just in case you have 3 hours to burn!! Take care everyone & I hope those brave enough to rea...
- Wed May 13, 2020 11:21 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
- Replies: 6
- Views: 986
Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
Hi Everyone, I am desperately trying not to spam you all on this board with my waffle, but I really hope you'll be interested in my take on the brand new Caligula's Horse record that's out later this month. It's a pretty long review (about 1400 words), but I hope it provides an insight into what's t...
- Tue Apr 21, 2020 7:59 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Anyone heard of Cryptex? German prog/art-rock
- Replies: 0
- Views: 637
Anyone heard of Cryptex? German prog/art-rock
Hi All, I hope everyone is well & surviving this blasted lockdown ok... After a very quiet few weeks from a prog point of view, I have just discovered a new band called Cryptex and I thought some of you might like their style. They are very original, although I hear echoes occasionally of A.C.T and ...
- Mon Feb 17, 2020 5:11 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Altesia- Paragon Circus
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2366
Re: Altesia- Paragon Circus
7 minutes into the album "yeah it's pretty good I guess"... Sax break around 8 minutes into track 2, bought the album. The very reason I will struggle with this record!! I generally dislike brass in metal, with only a very few exceptions. But I'll give this a try nonetheless given the glowing refer...
- Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:33 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: New Demons & Wizards anyone?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1174
Re: New Demons & Wizards anyone?
Spoiler alert: not as good as either BG or IE, but decent nonetheless :) Also clearly the worst of their three albums. It doesn't even really sound like Demons & Wizards, which after fifteen years is the least I was expecting. Personally, I find it better than 'Touched...' but there's too much fill...
- Mon Feb 17, 2020 3:21 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: New Demons & Wizards anyone?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1174
New Demons & Wizards anyone?
Hi All, Not sure of the fanbase around these parts for Demons & Wizards, but I thought I'd throw forward my review of their long-awaited third album, err, 'III', just in case! Spoiler alert: not as good as either BG or IE, but decent nonetheless :) https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/02/17/demons-wizard...
- Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:19 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Thoughts Factory- Elements
- Replies: 28
- Views: 5647
Re: Thoughts Factory- Elements
This is turning into a very interesting thread. It's difficult to comment though too much, because I can see (and subscribe to) both sides of the argument. At the end of the day, if the band is original and quality, I will enjoy it. And if the band is unoriginal but quality, I will enjoy it. Music i...
- Sun Feb 16, 2020 8:35 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Into The Open - quality prog featuring members of Knight Area & Ayreon
- Replies: 0
- Views: 1547
Into The Open - quality prog featuring members of Knight Area & Ayreon
Hi All, Not sure if this band is on anyone's radar, but if not, I think it might find favour with several of you on this board. It took a bit of time to appreciate it, but it is an undeniably great album from a group of Dutch musicians who know exactly what they are doing! I hope you like it. As alw...
- Sun Feb 16, 2020 8:32 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
- Replies: 33
- Views: 6706
Re: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
Finally reviewed this one - spoiler alert, I like it. Not flawless, but I like it...
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/02/10/p ... um-review/
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/02/10/p ... um-review/
- Sun Feb 16, 2020 8:30 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Thoughts Factory- Elements
- Replies: 28
- Views: 5647
Re: Thoughts Factory- Elements
Big fan of this release - it isn't particularly original but it is quality and memorable, two things I want in my music!
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/01/08/t ... um-review/
Cheers,
Matt
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/01/08/t ... um-review/
Cheers,
Matt
- Mon Jan 27, 2020 11:24 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
- Replies: 2
- Views: 702
Re: Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
Just thought I'd mention Temperance in case there are any fans or interested onlookers here...their new album 'Viridian' dropped today & I must say, I'm mightily impressed. Think Amaranthe & Sonata Arctica in a blender, with a touch of Serenity and a pinch of Delain perhaps. I like it! I like it, b...
- Mon Jan 27, 2020 11:19 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Serenity - The Last Knight
- Replies: 3
- Views: 917
Serenity - The Last Knight
Hi All, One of my favourite melodic symphonic metal bands returns on 31 Jan with their new album, 'The Last Knight'...anyone else a fan? Spoiler alert: it's not their best, at least, not in my opinion - a bit hit & miss if I'm honest :( But i'll be interested if anyone vehemently disagrees... As alw...
- Fri Jan 24, 2020 4:38 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
- Replies: 2
- Views: 702
Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
Hi Everyone, Just thought I'd mention Temperance in case there are any fans or interested onlookers here...their new album 'Viridian' dropped today & I must say, I'm mightily impressed. Think Amaranthe & Sonata Arctica in a blender, with a touch of Serenity and a pinch of Delain perhaps. I like it! ...
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:04 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Serious Black - Suite 226...
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1227
Re: Serious Black - Suite 226...
Hi All,
For anyone interested, here's my review of this record...
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/01/14/s ... um-review/
Cheers,
Matt
For anyone interested, here's my review of this record...
https://manofmuchmetal.com/2020/01/14/s ... um-review/
Cheers,
Matt
- Fri Jan 10, 2020 4:04 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: What's everyone looking forward to in 2020?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1227
What's everyone looking forward to in 2020?
Happy New Year Everyone! As the title states, what is everyone looking forward to hearing the most in 2020? For me, there are lots, covering a number of genres. But if I could pick out a few, it'd be: Pain Of Salvation (can they top ITPLOD) Caligula's Horse (can they equal their last two or get even...
- Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:34 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
- Replies: 33
- Views: 6706
Re: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
If ever an artwork could make you look forward to an album even more, this is it! Such a beautiful artwork and it 110% screams Psychotic Waltz!!! Never been a PW fan & they were bleeding awful at PPEU this year (I lasted 2 songs), but I agree, this artwork is very nice & for that reason alone, I'll...
- Mon Dec 16, 2019 3:49 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: My Top 10 of 2019
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1655
Re: My Top 10 of 2019
Argh, what am I missing? I really like the new Darkwater disc, I really do. But I just cannot get quite as enthused as you guys...I don't know why and it's really irritating me! It's not just you. I said the same thing when it first came out. To me, the biggest drawback is that they need a little b...
- Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:12 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: My Top 10 of 2019
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1655
Re: My Top 10 of 2019
Argh, what am I missing? I really like the new Darkwater disc, I really do. But I just cannot get quite as enthused as you guys...I don't know why and it's really irritating me!
- Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:10 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: The discs that didn't make my Top 10 .......
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1517
Re: The discs that didn't make my Top 10 .......
Each to their own Larry, each to their own...but I can't agree about Voyager or Odd Logic :wink: :) . Admittedly, I probably haven't listened to as much music as you during 2019 (in fact, for my standards, I didn't listen to as much as I'd normally do - nowhere near!). But, for my tastes, these were...
- Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:01 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: My top 10 of 2019
- Replies: 1
- Views: 444
My top 10 of 2019
Hi Everyone I can't compete with Glen's amazing top 50 & you'll be pleased to know that I am not doing my day-by-day top 30 countdown this year (stop cheering at the back, please!) But I have put together a list of my top 10 this year - I hope you find plenty within it to agree/disagree with :D :win...
- Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:30 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Soen - Lotus
- Replies: 41
- Views: 9243
Re: Soen - Lotus
Better late than never, I have finally managed to arrange my thoughts on this record (despite having it in my collection for several months) - spoiler alert, I really like it!! https://manofmuchmetal.com/2019/12/02/s ... um-review/
- Fri Nov 29, 2019 5:15 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Mother of Millions- Artifacts
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1736
Re: Mother of Millions- Artifacts
Absolutely loving this disc...I may be late to the party, but better late than never...the atmospheres, the melodies, the vocals...the everything...What a cracking disc this is. I can't wait to see them at PPEU 2020, it proves to be a wonderful experience. Full review: https://manofmuchmetal.com/201...
- Thu Nov 28, 2019 2:22 am
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Port Noir - The New Routine
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5859
Re: Port Noir - The New Routine
Nothing even remotely close to this album in 2019 for me. By far the best album of the year and probably of entire decade... I ended up buying it multiple times (iTunes, Amazon music, CD, vinyl, and a few times as gifts for friends + I bought the shirt, created an iPhone cover and a pop socket with...
- Wed Nov 27, 2019 4:56 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1104
Re: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
I agree - very disappointing - they are a fabulous band, with their earlier/mid era material ranking among my favourites within the genre. Gods Equation is sensational and received my first ever 10/10 score! Haha, I remember reviewing their debut years ago and giving it a 1 out of 10 review :) Need...
- Wed Nov 27, 2019 4:03 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1104
Re: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
I agree - very disappointing - they are a fabulous band, with their earlier/mid era material ranking among my favourites within the genre. Gods Equation is sensational and received my first ever 10/10 score!
- Wed Nov 27, 2019 3:54 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Port Noir - The New Routine
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5859
Re: Port Noir - The New Routine
Wow, this has surprised me - a bit like Larry, I didn't think this would be my kinda thing...but wow, I was wrong. And I don't mind admitting it either! Some killer hooks & melodies here & it just works. As always, I have more to say! https://manofmuchmetal.com/2019/11/08/port-noir-the-new-routine-a...
- Fri Nov 22, 2019 1:00 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: I'm back...again!
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2252
Re: I'm back...again!
Ooops, sorry!!Sir Exar Kun wrote: ↑Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:01 amDude, you certainly have hit the ground running here..... Glad to see you back. The board hasn't seen this much activity in AGES.
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:19 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Voyager - Colours in the Sun
- Replies: 4
- Views: 857
Re: Voyager - Colours in the Sun
Unashamed fanboy right here. It took a little longer to hit the mark but now that it has...Woah, it's great! First heard it in the bar at PPEU a few months ago but it wasn't conducive for a proper listen & came away underwhelmed. But after properly listening, it's a cracking disc and the magic that ...
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:14 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Noveria / Aequilibrium ........ wow !!!!!!
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1339
Re: Noveria / Aequilibrium ........ wow !!!!!!
Damnit, I missed this one - BRB!!
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:13 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Ray Alder solo album
- Replies: 22
- Views: 4167
Re: Ray Alder solo album
Pleasantly surprised by this disc, I must admit. I've never been the biggest Alder fan in the world, although I do really like his voice (I prefer it with Redemption over FW...ok, so shoot me!! :) ) The fact that the songs are shorter, punchier and more straightforward, really allows Alder's voice t...
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:07 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Odd Logic / Last Watch of the Nightingale.......
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1362
Re: Odd Logic / Last Watch of the Nightingale.......
Abslutely love this band, but I agree that they are criminally underrated and doomed to failure if they don't get someone in their corner working hard for them. It's amazing how often Sean returns with killer music for just the 25 of us that know about them to enjoy :lol: :lol: For me, I find this s...
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:00 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Leprous - Pitfalls
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2185
Re: Leprous - Pitfalls
Absolutely bowled over by this album. If I'm completely and utterly honest, Leprous are one of those bands that I admire and enjoy, but don't full-on love. 'Coal' was brilliant and I really liked 'Malina' but I've never held them in the same regard as others within prog. Not to say that they aren't ...
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:54 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: Vanden Plas "The Ghost Xperiment"
- Replies: 22
- Views: 4281
Re: Vanden Plas "The Ghost Xperiment"
Big VP fan here but...I struggle with this one a little. For me, the final three songs are where they are strongest, whilst the first three are a little too predictable and lacking the 'wow' factor. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, I don't know. But I do know that I'm not going back to it anywhere near ...
- Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:45 pm
- Forum: PM: Core
- Topic: I'm back...again!
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2252
Re: I'm back...again!
Thanks so much everyone for all the kindness - I really REALLY must get myself over to PPUSA one of these years before it's too late!