Search found 42 matches

by Man Of Much Metal
Fri May 22, 2020 6:12 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
Replies: 6
Views: 985

Re: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review

introclaus wrote:
Wed May 13, 2020 5:01 pm


Great review Matt as always - albeit extremely long!

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!
by Man Of Much Metal
Fri May 22, 2020 6:01 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Haken - Virus - my review & interview with Ross Jennings
Replies: 0
Views: 719

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Wed May 13, 2020 11:21 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Caligula's Horse - Rise Radiant - my review
Replies: 6
Views: 985

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Tue Apr 21, 2020 7:59 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Anyone heard of Cryptex? German prog/art-rock
Replies: 0
Views: 633

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 ...
by Man Of Much Metal
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...
by Man Of Much Metal
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...
by Man Of Much Metal
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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:19 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Thoughts Factory- Elements
Replies: 28
Views: 5642

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
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: 1545

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Sun Feb 16, 2020 8:32 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
Replies: 33
Views: 6637

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/
by Man Of Much Metal
Sun Feb 16, 2020 8:30 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Thoughts Factory- Elements
Replies: 28
Views: 5642

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
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Jan 27, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
Replies: 2
Views: 701

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Jan 27, 2020 11:19 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Serenity - The Last Knight
Replies: 3
Views: 916

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Fri Jan 24, 2020 4:38 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Any fans of Temperance? New album is pretty cool!
Replies: 2
Views: 701

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! ...
by Man Of Much Metal
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
by Man Of Much Metal
Fri Jan 10, 2020 4:04 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: What's everyone looking forward to in 2020?
Replies: 7
Views: 1222

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:34 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Psychotic Waltz...I get it now
Replies: 33
Views: 6637

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Dec 16, 2019 3:49 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: My Top 10 of 2019
Replies: 10
Views: 1649

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:12 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: My Top 10 of 2019
Replies: 10
Views: 1649

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!
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:10 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: The discs that didn't make my Top 10 .......
Replies: 11
Views: 1514

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:01 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: My top 10 of 2019
Replies: 1
Views: 441

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:30 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Soen - Lotus
Replies: 41
Views: 9175

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/
by Man Of Much Metal
Fri Nov 29, 2019 5:15 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Mother of Millions- Artifacts
Replies: 8
Views: 1725

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 28, 2019 2:22 am
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Port Noir - The New Routine
Replies: 35
Views: 5829

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Wed Nov 27, 2019 4:56 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
Replies: 7
Views: 1098

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Wed Nov 27, 2019 4:03 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Whatever happened to.... Pagan's Mind???
Replies: 7
Views: 1098

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!
by Man Of Much Metal
Wed Nov 27, 2019 3:54 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Port Noir - The New Routine
Replies: 35
Views: 5829

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Fri Nov 22, 2019 1:00 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: I'm back...again!
Replies: 14
Views: 2246

Re: I'm back...again!

Sir Exar Kun wrote:
Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:01 am
Dude, you certainly have hit the ground running here..... Glad to see you back. The board hasn't seen this much activity in AGES. :)
Ooops, sorry!! :oops:
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:19 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Voyager - Colours in the Sun
Replies: 4
Views: 854

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 ...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:14 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Noveria / Aequilibrium ........ wow !!!!!!
Replies: 11
Views: 1338

Re: Noveria / Aequilibrium ........ wow !!!!!!

Damnit, I missed this one - BRB!! :lol: :lol:
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Ray Alder solo album
Replies: 22
Views: 4159

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:07 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Odd Logic / Last Watch of the Nightingale.......
Replies: 9
Views: 1356

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...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:00 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Leprous - Pitfalls
Replies: 11
Views: 2182

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 ...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:54 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: Vanden Plas "The Ghost Xperiment"
Replies: 22
Views: 4276

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 ...
by Man Of Much Metal
Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:45 pm
Forum: PM: Core
Topic: I'm back...again!
Replies: 14
Views: 2246

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!