New stuff Friday ...

[introclaus]

WITHERFALL - Curse of Autumn
What a disc. This is undoubtedly a serious contender for a top 5 spot once the year is over. This is how I like my heavy metal: fast, heavy, amazing vocals, thundering drums, insane bass, and a guitar player who should be recognized as one of the best in this genre today. Music has lots of progressiveness, lots of power and a ton of melody. The production is spot on and helps lift each instrument. I can't say enough good things about this album. Check it out if you like anything remotely connected with Nevermore, Sanctuary, Helstar, King Diamond, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen ... well, if you like METAL in general, and especially of the proggier kind.

OK..... Yngwie? I hear a bit of all the others mentioned (most especially Iced Earth), but not any Yngie in here. Did you just add that to see who's reading???

I do enjoy this though! It's not my standard cup of tea, but it works for me. Heavy, but super melodic still. I swear I checked out their last one and wasn't overly impressed, but may have to go back and revisit.

The guitar soloing is like a mix of LaRoque, Malmsteen and Romeo... in my opinion at least.

I actually realized this morning that there’s a bit of Mercenary (mainly due to some of the vocal melodies) as well, so you can add that to the list

[jhallum]

Yeah, I picked up Witherfall and the Iotunn last week. It was a really good week.

[introclaus]

Yeah, I picked up Witherfall and the Iotunn last week. It was a really good week.

Wonderful albums for sure!!!

[introclaus]

This Friday:

Gary Hughes - Waterside
New album by Ten frontman Gary ... typical of his solo stuff it's more leaning towards AOR than hard rock, but if you love his voice and song writing as much as I do, it's an instant purchase.
https://youtu.be/WAgwrHdrvYA

Gary Hughes - Decades
A 29 song compilation of Gary's solo stuff over the years. There's some killer tunes here, and also some less interesting ones ...
https://youtu.be/6KEMy4U09mo

Ronnie Atkins - One Shot
Solo release from Pretty Maids vocalist Paul Christensen. It's a bit softer than Pretty Maids, but still showcase his wonderful vocals well. Sad to think this might be his last release - fuck cancer!
https://youtu.be/PATpPLxsor4

Marianas Rest - Fata Morgana
Greet Finnish doom/goth/melo-death, not too far from Swallow the Sun in style. Been listening pretty much non stop to this over the weekend.
https://youtu.be/3NVyo4bzesQ

A few new singles from:

• Vola (sounds like expected from these Danish "Mew-shuggah" dudes) - https://youtu.be/23V1j_cp-_k

• Hanging Garden (loved their last album, and this is another winner - Finnish melancholy done right for fans of Amorphis or Swallow the Sun) - https://youtu.be/b9HZDfOeInE

• Subterranean Masquerade (somehow I missed the release a month ago - I love this band and their prog meets middle eastern vibe - absolutely fantastic!!!) - https://youtu.be/fGX8b3Fz7b4

[jhallum]

A couple of newer releases that I caught last week.

Turbulence -- Frontal

This is a Frontiers release. They are continuing to pick up prog metal bands from around the world on their label. Turbulence is a Lebanese band, and the vocals are mid range, and the music is prog metal, maybe not as melodic as it could/should be. It is still quite intricate and technical though.

Madness Unforeseen is the standout track on my first listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J8T2_vHZ9I

Warrior Path -- The Mad King

After using Apollo from Firewind on their 2019 release, this Greek Power Metal band tap former Lost Horizon vocalist Daniel Heiman on this release. Picking up where Lost Horizon left off, this is top shelf melodic power metal. This definitely doesn't break out much new ground, but if you liked Heimann's work in Lost Horizon, you'll dig this one.

Beast of Hate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fan4beDY4Ds

I skipped the latest Magnus Karlsson project Heart Healer this week, and the newest Secret Sphere. Maybe this week if nothing else catches my eye.

[introclaus]

A couple of newer releases that I caught last week.

Turbulence -- Frontal

This is a Frontiers release. They are continuing to pick up prog metal bands from around the world on their label. Turbulence is a Lebanese band, and the vocals are mid range, and the music is prog metal, maybe not as melodic as it could/should be. It is still quite intricate and technical though.

Madness Unforeseen is the standout track on my first listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J8T2_vHZ9I

Warrior Path -- The Mad King

After using Apollo from Firewind on their 2019 release, this Greek Power Metal band tap former Lost Horizon vocalist Daniel Heiman on this release. Picking up where Lost Horizon left off, this is top shelf melodic power metal. This definitely doesn't break out much new ground, but if you liked Heimann's work in Lost Horizon, you'll dig this one.

Beast of Hate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fan4beDY4Ds

I skipped the latest Magnus Karlsson project Heart Healer this week, and the newest Secret Sphere. Maybe this week if nothing else catches my eye.

I need to pick up Turbulence as well. Guess I forgot...

The Warrior Path album didn’t do it for me. Too generic. Heimann was absolutely insane in his prime. I still have a demo of him trying out for Beyond Twilight which was mind melting.

I picked up the White Void “Anti” album as well. It’s kind of laid back prog / rock with a bit of retro-heavy to it. Don’t know if anyone here would be interested but it’s the Solefald vocalist playing something in between Pink Floyd, alternative rock (think Green Carnation around A Blessing in Disguise/The Quiet Offspring) and a tiny bit of Ghost.

[introclaus]

I need to pick up Turbulence as well. Guess I forgot...

On second thought, I don’t need to pick it up. Listened to it today in full and it bored me to sleep, sorry.

[Guillaume]

Warrior Path -- The Mad King

After using Apollo from Firewind on their 2019 release, this Greek Power Metal band tap former Lost Horizon vocalist Daniel Heiman on this release. Picking up where Lost Horizon left off, this is top shelf melodic power metal. This definitely doesn't break out much new ground, but if you liked Heimann's work in Lost Horizon, you'll dig this one.

Beast of Hate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fan4beDY4Ds

I really enjoy this new album. As you say, nothing new, but really well done melodic heavy/power, not too speedy overall, which is great for me.
BTW, it was not Apollo on their first one in 2019 who sang, but Yannis Papadopoulos from Beast in Black.

[jhallum]

Today, the new Dvne Eteman Aenka is knocking my socks off. Sludgy prog in the line of Mastodon, but...better?

https://youtu.be/ZcndNZFhlaA

Also, Nine Treasures released a greatest hits disk from their last three, remastered and re-recorded. This is scratching an itch in the vein of The Hu, except more metal. (Less abrasive than the former Tengger Cavalry too).

https://ninetreasures.bandcamp.com/albu ... rom-dukkha

Discovered a nifty prog metal instrumental disc from December that has a little JSS vocals to make it sound really pretty. Probably going to hold off on this one til next week, trying to hold to a two album a week limit (and failing so far).

https://octavision.bandcamp.com/album/coexist

[introclaus]

Today, the new Dvne Eteman Aenka is knocking my socks off. Sludgy prog in the line of Mastodon, but...better?
https://youtu.be/ZcndNZFhlaA

I'll check it out. I'm not a Mastodon fan at all (I only like one of their discs), but I'll try it out since you say it's that good.

Also, Nine Treasures released a greatest hits disk from their last three, remastered and re-recorded. This is scratching an itch in the vein of The Hu, except more metal. (Less abrasive than the former Tengger Cavalry too).
https://ninetreasures.bandcamp.com/albu ... rom-dukkha

Not for me.

Discovered a nifty prog metal instrumental disc from December that has a little JSS vocals to make it sound really pretty. Probably going to hold off on this one til next week, trying to hold to a two album a week limit (and failing so far).
https://octavision.bandcamp.com/album/coexist

I liked it, but not enough to buy.

[introclaus]

My purchases this week:

LUNAR SHADOW - Wish to Leave
It's kind of gothic "black" metal, not too far removed from Tribulation, but w/o the black metal vocals. Very melodic, and sometimes the solo parts go all into rock territory and leaves the metal behind. Perhaps Idle Hands would be a good comparison as well. I'm digging the originality aspects here, and will keep listening more.
https://youtu.be/-xbqB8KsRys

• Additional Notes after a couple more spins through the album: The singer severely drags this down. His voice is just not good enough for the music. Bummer, as I like the idea of someone playing the style of Tribulation w all-cleans. Oh well...

PARADISE LOST - Gothic Live at Roadburn 2016
One of the best doom-death albums ever, played in its entirety a few years ago. The album is only available through Bandcamp, and for some reason they've not even cared to divide the tracks up, so it's one 45 minute long song ... oh well. Musically this is pure gold, and if you're a PL fan you have to get this. It also comes with a link to watch the video recording of the show.
https://youtu.be/LqgvPMccRuA


RISE TO THE SKY - Let Me Drown with You
Doom-death metal with a melodic sense, a funeral doom back bone, and occasional dips into gothic territory. I hear hints of early My Dying Bride, Saturnus and Ahab. I actually ended up purchasing the entire back catalogue through Bandcamp for only $13.
https://youtu.be/quiqzPfCXXs

[introclaus]

Today, the new Dvne Eteman Aenka is knocking my socks off. Sludgy prog in the line of Mastodon, but...better?

I gave the album a good spin, and I really appreciate the progressiveness of it. However, the "crunch/sludge" factor just becomes too much and is almost migraine-inducing to me. There are certain bands that has that effect on me (Mastodon, Gojira, a.o.), where the noise takes over and fills up the audio-space, and my enjoyment of the melodies just disappear. I'll admit, there's a lot of greatness going on here, and I will revisit when my heads in a better place haha.

[jhallum]

Today, the new Dvne Eteman Aenka is knocking my socks off. Sludgy prog in the line of Mastodon, but...better?

I gave the album a good spin, and I really appreciate the progressiveness of it. However, the "crunch/sludge" factor just becomes too much and is almost migraine-inducing to me. There are certain bands that has that effect on me (Mastodon, Gojira, a.o.), where the noise takes over and fills up the audio-space, and my enjoyment of the melodies just disappear. I'll admit, there's a lot of greatness going on here, and I will revisit when my heads in a better place haha.

I can dig that, it's a different sound, I was surprised how much I liked it. While I have 3 of the last four Mastodon albums, I don't LOVE them. This one I put on, got work done, and enjoyed and worked at the same time, not many bands I can do that with, sooner or later it sucks me in a little.

[introclaus]

A few singles I picked up this week:

POETS OF THE FALL - Stay 4ever
This is a new rendition of the song "Stay" from their 2005 "Signs of Life" album, and it's great as always with these guys.
https://youtu.be/ADrIcHpkIJA

HAIL THE SUN - Made Your Mark
Third single from upcoming release. This might be my least favorite of the three, but honestly, it's still a phenomenal song, and I love this band so much that there really isn't anything bad to say about it.
https://youtu.be/2b7g_nPvtzg

A.C.T. - Checked Out + The Breakup
I finally had to bite the bullet and buy these singles on their own, as it seems like A.C.T. still haven't gotten their "act" together and are able to time releases across all platforms. Apparently the "Heatwave" EP was only released in physical formats in February (and it's sold out from A.C.T.'s own webstore), and while the two singles were put out on iTunes, it's still a let down. Well, I purchased the two singles AND I found a copy of the album on CD through Amazon, so I've got that to look forward to. As for the two new songs? These might be THE best prog metal tunes we'll get all year - it's been a long time since a prog metal song (of the classic school) has hit me as hard as "The Breakup". What I love about A.C.T. is how they write about everyday events, and aren't trying to be all pretentious (PoS anyone?) - as someone who've gone through a divorce I can 100% relate to the song and the video is heartbreaking in that way. This band is pure genius in my book.
https://youtu.be/3Br0VsmAvkM (video for "The Breakup" - absolutely amazing!)
https://youtu.be/yU54iv0fSB8 (video for "Checked Out" - Larry will hate the video as it's typically goofy stuff from A.C.T.)

[introclaus]

WHEEL - Resident Human
I had listened to it quite a good deal already, so obviously it was pre-ordered and sitting nicely in my iTunes inbox in the morning. Gave it another two spins Friday and it's the same "Tool-worship" as a lot of other bands (Soen, Poem, Mother of Millions...), and while it's not original in any way, it's just really well done. I really disliked the previous album, could not get into it at all, but it definitely flows much better here, and I appreciate it for what it is.
https://youtu.be/KsHmfhzCjik

On a related note: next week the "real" WHEEL release their new album, (German epic doom metal), and judging by the first 2 songs out there already, it's gonna be a monster!

A.C.T - Heatwave
Finally on iTunes (took a damn month since official release)! I know my CD is supposed to arrive in the next few days, but I wanted the album NOW, so ... It's A.C.T, and if you don't like them by now, you won't like this either. However, for those of us that do like this band, this is just flat out phenomenal. Unfortunately it feels really short (well, it's an EP), so I have had to push the play button a few times to get onto another listen (ok, I actually just used the repeat function, but you know what I mean ...).
https://youtu.be/ntlpqBvo8WQ

RODY WALKER - Shark's Fly
A fun little EP from Protest the Hero frontman Rody Walker. This isn't metal - it's punk rock, with a slight singer/songwriter approach to it. Rody voice and vocal melodies are what carries it for me, not his lyrics. I've said it before, he just doesn't write good lyrics - it's this whole first person perspective every time and it is very corny and bland for my taste (the three songs deals with (1) him being a Taylor Swift fan, (2) him being a Stephen King fan, and (3) him thinking back to when he was young, and how he now prefers his life with wife and daughter). All that aside, there's something really refreshing and heartfelt about this EP, and I already pre-ordered the full album coming next month.
https://youtu.be/sNIzrCnhlmA

[gazinwales]

SILVER LAKE By Esa Holopainen - Storm
https://youtu.be/wTQBfqxi4cc

Side project from Amorphis guitarist, not what I was expecting, stunning video and beautiful melodic song.
Album is out late May, already pre-ordered.

[introclaus]

SILVER LAKE By Esa Holopainen - Storm
https://youtu.be/wTQBfqxi4cc

Side project from Amorphis guitarist, not what I was expecting, stunning video and beautiful melodic song.
Album is out late May, already pre-ordered.

That song is really awesome. Love Amorphis and love Nordmann, so the combination of the two works perfect.

[jhallum]

Only one release day album this week, that's the A.C.T everyone already gushed over. I'll just agree, I really like this one (pretty much like I've loved everything they've done since Silence).

I did get the Octavision record from last December and that really scratches the prog metal instrumental itch until the LTE comes out. I don't get many instrumental disks, but this one's pretty damn good.

Also picked up the Heart Healer disk from a few weeks back, but I'm not sure this ones' going to penetrate too far. I'm not sure how he made so many of these female vocalists seem like they sound the same.

[Nos]

The collaboration between Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen came out on Friday, too. It's bluesier, and maybe a bit more laid back than expected, but it's still great. Tons of guitar playing, and nice melodies. I never would have thought to put the two of them together, but it works.

[introclaus]

WHEEL - Preserved in Time
Doom metal somewhere between the epic sounds of Candlemass/ Solitude Aeturnus and the more classic sound of St. Vitus and Count Raven. Of the two WHEEL albums released within the last week, this one is the clear winner in my book.
https://youtu.be/AnldQFB7RCQ

NANGA PARBAT - Downfall & Torment
This was actually released last Friday, but I didn't pick this up until middle of this week. Tech-death with tons of melodies. Very deep growls, pounding rhythms, and insane musicianship. I hear Cynic, Obscurity, Persefone and Opeth, there's some Fleshgod Apocalypse to the more symphonic arrangements, and I even hear something "folksy" along the lines of Vintersorg. This is an amazing album!!
https://youtu.be/vN8J816Qj28

HELLOWEEN - Skyfall
What can I say about this? It's obviously fantastic. I've been a Helloween fan since the mid 80's and I still am. This sounds exactly like I had hoped and expected - Michael Kiske is just a fantastic singer, and Kai Hansen just brings the thunder with the parts where he takes over the lead vocals. Also, kudos on the video; definitely an expensive video of which you don't see many these days.
https://youtu.be/gLV530n3kMw

ROBIN MCAULEY
I pre-ordered the upcoming album, and the first two singles are out now. They are both really really good. Last year my favorite "melodic rock/hard rock" album was the Black Swan disc, and of the hard rock albums I've heard in 2021 it looks like Mr. McAuley could take the prize again this year (in close competition with Inglorious). These two tracks are very much in the vein of his classic albums with MSG back in the 80's.
https://youtu.be/AXlp_H4fDco
https://youtu.be/8KqwVXmWFu8

[introclaus]

Not a lot of new stuff this week ...

TERRA ODIUM - The Clouded Morning
First single from this "all star" band featuring ex Spiral Architect/Manitou members as well as Steve DiGiorgio that's been in making for a while now. Couldn't pass this one by. It's interesting how these guys (Bollie and Øyvind) have kept the Fates Warning sound from their old Manitou band, but instead of stealing w arms & legs from "No Exit", this sounds more like Arch-era Fates. Oh, and Øyvind definitely also borrows heavily from Buddy Lackey's way of singing (not that's anything new, considering how he sang on Spiral A). Good stuff, very excited about this one.
https://youtu.be/txV0URgea5s
https://youtu.be/SJbamBHNjt8 (this one was uploaded a few years ago ...)

HANGING GARDEN - Kuura
Second single from upcoming album. Amorphis and Swallow the Sun fans take note!
https://youtu.be/1TELjlo9A2U

[jhallum]

That Terra Odium hopefully will be amazing. That first track is promising. Super excited about it too.

I picked up the prog metal Wheel (Resident Human) this week, and i"m digging it a lot. Great Soen/Tool vibe going on. Needs some digestion.

But I also got the Lucid Planet II disk from last fall, and holy cow is that fun to listen to. Bonkers album. I'm sure late to this party...

[introclaus]

Not a lot of big releases week, but I still ended up with a bunch of stuff (not just Friday, but throughout the week):

ANEKDOTEN - From Within
This is the Swedish prog rock band's 3rd album from 1999 that was recently (2020) remastered onto vinyl. I found it new at a local record store and couldn't pass up the opportunity. Great band, love their first 2 the most, but all of their discs are great. Also picked up a few old (second hand) releases from Jethro Tull, Tori Amos and a Foreigner disc for my son (who's totally into classic rock these days).
https://youtu.be/_aAaJ5HjfMw

CAST - Vigesimus
Larry already talked up and down about this one here on the forum, but I'll just second his opinion. By far the best prog rock / neo prog album I've heard this year so far. Kansas / Arena / Shadow Gallery in one happy mix! Can't believe I never heard of the band. Also bought their 2017 album "Power and Outcome" and placed an order for their 2018 Live BluRay.
https://youtu.be/SkHPXqaFf9I

MERCURY CIRCLE - You Open Up the Earth (single)
Finnish all star band featuring people from Hanging Garden, Children of Bodom and Swallow the Sun. It sounds like a more "world music" version of StS, but still with a doomy backbone. Really awesome. Can't wait for the full album soon ...
https://youtu.be/5QbcJP1QpJU

TILIAN - Factory Reset
Okay, so the album isn't out yet, but 3 of the singles are, and when pre-ordering on iTunes you'll get those right away. All 3 are wonderful! I'm pretty certain most here won't like it, but it's really brilliant pop/alternative/indie-rock with a slight post-hardcore touch, and something of a proggy edge to it. Tilian Pearson is the lead singer (clean) for Dance Gavin Dance, who I absolutely have come to adore in the past year, and I blindly will purchase anything they put out.
https://youtu.be/Y0BvPTIYW00 (that middle-part sounds like a Kate Bush tribute)

DROPKICK MURPHY'S - Turn Up That Dial
Another guilty pleasure of mine, and another pre-order, which provided 5 (!) singles.I always had a soft spot for celtic folk music, and compared to their last album which went too far into the poppier realm that I would have wanted, the Dropkicks have turned the dial up (pun intended) for the folksy moments here. Still lots of punk attitude.
https://youtu.be/NEqniZcaU6Y

HEAVY FEATHER - Mountain of Sugar
This basically sounds like a mixture between Blues Pills and Greta van Fleet, so bluesy "hard" rock somewhere in between Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. Not original in any way (heck, their record label calls it "roots rock") but it's very well done and I'm looking forward to many roadtrips with this one blasting.
https://youtu.be/GT5S1_Z24b8

I wanted to get the new THE VINTAGE CARAVAN album as well, but something went wrong on iTunes with this, and only 3 of the songs are available to purchase even if album officially came out this week. I've listened to it through Amazon Music and it sounds really great. I'm a sucker for retro-hard rock, and this is great stuff. Oh well, I guess I'll wait another week on this.

and finally ...

HAIL THE SUN - New Age Filth
This has top 5 candidate written all over it. Just absolutely amazing. I knew / expected that already, as all 3 singles released up to the album release were phenomenal. It's a very short album (only 34 minutes), and that's the only "annoying" thing about it; all 10 songs are killer though! I love Donovan's voice and his drumming is insane ... how he can do both at the same time blows my mind. Musically it's progressive post-hardcore, so it you have no interest in that genre, stay away
https://youtu.be/xGQYE_epZG4

[Mardoch]

HAIL THE SUN - New Age Filth
This has top 5 candidate written all over it. Just absolutely amazing. I knew / expected that already, as all 3 singles released up to the album release were phenomenal. It's a very short album (only 34 minutes), and that's the only "annoying" thing about it; all 10 songs are killer though! I love Donovan's voice and his drumming is insane ... how he can do both at the same time blows my mind. Musically it's progressive post-hardcore, so it you have no interest in that genre, stay away
https://youtu.be/xGQYE_epZG4

Not a huge fan of that style of vocal (very high with seemingly no bottom range in sight) though his are tolerable for me, but the rest of the package fuckin rules.

[Mardoch]

ARCHITECTS - For Those That Wish To Exist
One of those metal core bands I had only followed sporadically over the years, and found their earliest releases their most interesting when they had a blend of that UK djent style that bands like Sikth were so good at. Over the years they got more mellow and this new disc (and their previous one a few years ago actually) is really sweet in that sense. Lots of “drama” in it, almost like a metal core musical.
https://youtu.be/jdWhJcrrjQs

A new friend got me into Architects by way of this album. The last two tunes are massive kicks in the gut for me. There's a ton of drama and emotion and technicality blended into the metalcore here and it really frickin works for me.

[introclaus]

ARCHITECTS - For Those That Wish To Exist
One of those metal core bands I had only followed sporadically over the years, and found their earliest releases their most interesting when they had a blend of that UK djent style that bands like Sikth were so good at. Over the years they got more mellow and this new disc (and their previous one a few years ago actually) is really sweet in that sense. Lots of “drama” in it, almost like a metal core musical.
https://youtu.be/jdWhJcrrjQs

A new friend got me into Architects by way of this album. The last two tunes are massive kicks in the gut for me. There's a ton of drama and emotion and technicality blended into the metalcore here and it really frickin works for me.

This is one of those that has been climbing higher and higher up my list with repeated listens and is currently in top 10 of the year so far. Really wonderful album and the only thing I can say about it negatively is that it is a lot to consume (a long album with a ton of stuff going on - very intense), so you kind of have to be in the mood for it. But yeah this is exactly as you said “drama, emotion, technicality”.

[introclaus]

FROZEN CROWN - Winterbane
Somewhat of a disappointment, and I can't really figure out why. It was released yesterday, and my iTunes purchased version obviously was in my inbox, however, I've had the promo a few weeks by now and listened quite a few times, and while I love (!!!) everything Federico Mondelli puts out, this just doesn't quite blow me away like I had hoped. The music is great, pure power metal with lots of fast drums, great guitar work, and Giadra Jade is a wonderfully gifted female vocalist. Yet, it just doesn't reach the heights of the first two albums - there are too many "loose ends" and songs that sounds half-finished. Perhaps Federico has been too busy with his other projects (Voltarian, Be the Wolf) and the fact that the first two Frozen Crown albums were that good, might have put unreasonable pressure on this one. That said, it's still a great disc and I'll continue listening for sure.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5 ... c2_X5OSSR8

RODY WALKER - Home Made
Not quite as "blunt" of a punk rock effort as the EP (Sharks Fly), instead this goes more into singer-songwriter territory, and some of it almost sounds like something you'd expect from Zac Brown or even Dave Matthews (both of whom I think are pretty far removed from Rody's influences). In one of the songs he is playing a melody that reminds me of that "She got hit by a truck" song from Anthrax's "b-sides" album back in the late 80s, and once I heard that, I just couldn't unhear it ... There are plenty of references to Rody's main band, Protest the Hero, but it's through the lyrics, and not through the music. There's nothing "progressive" about this at all, but it's a very honest album and one of the few where I actually listen to the message (agree or disagree, doesn't matter) and not as much to the music. Interesting effort, but obviously far from PtH.
https://youtu.be/nE4XLQen2Jc

TILIAN - Factory Reset
Okay, so I mentioned this earlier when I got a couple of the pre-release singles, and entire album follows well within that style. It's more "experimental" than his previous solo albums, and I think his DGD background actually shines through more here than the other albums. I love it, and I'm sure it'll be a stable around here as my son also loves listening to it. It's still a far cry from metal, and while I hear a lot of "progressive rock" influences creep in, I think it overall will appeal more to an alternative pop or electronic rock (yup, not alternative rock or electronic pop) audience, than most around here. Oh, and Tim from Polyphia guests on one tune, which immediately makes it sound like his own band - man, that dude is incredible, and matching these two guys is magic!
https://youtu.be/b-6m3QZAsbE
https://youtu.be/E5CfdRtJHSI (this is the one w Tim Henderson - total Polyphia ...)

[introclaus]

The past two Friday's have been pretty "low" on quality new releases, so I only picked up a few:

ROBIN MCAULEY - Standing on the Edge
I had this one pre-ordered and I liked the first few singles. After last years awesome Black Swan and his great performances on the Michael Schenker Fest albums, it's been awesome seeing one of the greatest voices of melodic metal/hard rock in the 80s return to the frontlight, and overall "Standing on the Edge" is a good album. Robin sounds great, and I'd say that ~40-50% of the songs are quite strong. The biggest problem is that I'm not a fan of Alessandro del Vecchio's song writing - a lot of it ends up sounding the same, and as a songwriter he just bores me. Nevertheless, when he does find a good melody, he is spot on, and like I said, almost half the album is killer.
https://youtu.be/6dLHkzKlNGY

CANDLEMASS - Green Valley / Live during Lockdown
I'm probably one of the biggest Candlemass-apologists there are ... I don't think they can do anything really wrong, and while I might not love every single album they've done, I own each and every single one of them and many of them in multiple versions. So, this live album recorded w/o an audience as a live stream last year, is the first official live album w Johan Langquist back in the band, and as a fanboy I had to buy on release day. I obviously adore all the classic tunes, but unfortunately this album feels "flat" without audience participation, and Johan sounds "old" and not in any good shape to be honest. He also starts several songs off wrong, and it just feels like they should have stuck with either Mats Leven (who is a phenomenal live vocalist) or have begged Messiah to return, rather than someone who might have been part of their history, but clearly doesn't have the chops needed to sing live.
https://youtu.be/e2IQkE22MCs

NIGHTSHADOW - Strike them Dead
A little rant, which I'm sure the band doesn't care about, but I wanted to purchase this album on release day as it's music I enjoy (kind of US Power Metal with a bit of euro influence - think early Iced Earth, Omen or Witherfall with a bit of teutonic balls and some neoclassical shred in there), however, the band only had CDs for sale on Friday through their bandcamp account, and they were actually all sold out when I got on there. So, I had to wait till Saturday morning before it actually was available on iTunes and Bandcamp for digital purchase. Ugh, that sucks - way to loose potential sales and not indicative of a band that care about their "fans".
https://nightshadowofficial.bandcamp.co ... -them-dead

WITHERFALL - Long Time (long version)
Just flat out incredible - this cover tune (Boston) is amazing. Nuff said.
https://youtu.be/xlRHpPixO8U

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA - White Jeans
Video of the year! The song is great as well - sounds like a Foreigner tune
https://youtu.be/rhkllJN3SUk

A few other new songs from pre-ordered albums:
Terra Odium, Vola, Silver Talon, Hanging Garden ...

[introclaus]

Started off with a pair of releases that are from bands who both used to be managed by yours truly, and are both supplied by our favorite album-pusher (Ken Golden / Sensory Records);

SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE - Mountain Fever
Long overdue, but man it's amazing. Have been playing the shit out of this since Friday morning, and it's just what the doctor ordered! Great middle-eastern folk influenced prog metal that ventures out to all corners of the music world - simply put, there should something for everyone here, but probably also too much of a mixture of genres to appeal to people like Larry who only likes one very narrow style of music (just yanking your chain bro! ).
https://youtu.be/ReVpOY-lEEg (this is not really super representative of the album, as the growls here are way more at the forefront than rest of album)
https://youtu.be/fGX8b3Fz7b4 (very melodic song, wonderful wonderful wonderful ... strong contender for favorite tune of the year so far)

WOLVERINE - A Darkened Sun
Yes, this is the music that was performed in their "pay-to-view" video half a year ago, and as mentioned back then (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11543) it's brilliant.
https://youtu.be/aLjE8GmXck0 (full video)

Also got a few "pre-orders" put in:

BORN OF OSIRIS - Angel or Alien
This came w the first two singles now, and both sounds really great. This is progressive metal core with a djenty touch and an electronic touch as well. The mixture works, and I'm digging it.
https://youtu.be/8rvZSm2dXMg

PARADISE LOST - At the Mill
Yeah, this is another of those "let's record a live album with no audience, since we're in COVID-lockdown" releases, which can either give us a superb result (Katatonia) or something disappointing (Candlemass). Based on the first song, I'm leaning towards this being awesome ... let's hope the rest follows suit.
https://youtu.be/A7KNP78xiMY

[jhallum]

WITHERFALL - Curse of Autumn
What a disc. This is undoubtedly a serious contender for a top 5 spot once the year is over. This is how I like my heavy metal: fast, heavy, amazing vocals, thundering drums, insane bass, and a guitar player who should be recognized as one of the best in this genre today. Music has lots of progressiveness, lots of power and a ton of melody. The production is spot on and helps lift each instrument. I can't say enough good things about this album. Check it out if you like anything remotely connected with Nevermore, Sanctuary, Helstar, King Diamond, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen ... well, if you like METAL in general, and especially of the proggier kind.

Oh yeah, I love this album, Definitely a top fiver for sure. It sucks that we had three really good albums come out backto back in March (Epica, Evergrey and Witherfall), and after that it seems kinda slow.


For me this week I got the Subterranean Masquerade. Outstanding disk on first listen, looking forward to giving it more shots.

[introclaus]

WITHERFALL - Curse of Autumn

Oh yeah, I love this album, Definitely a top fiver for sure. It sucks that we had three really good albums come out backto back in March (Epica, Evergrey and Witherfall), and after that it seems kinda slow.

I don’t agree with that statement, (well at least not about those specific three albums being the best ones - except Witherfall), although it does seem like the stronger albums of 2021 came really early. I’m very optimistic for rest of the year though as I’m sure there’s a lot more coming that we didn’t expect, simply for the fact that lots of bands have had been forced to write/record in the past year instead of touring.

For me this week I got the Subterranean Masquerade. Outstanding disk on first listen, looking forward to giving it more shots.

Such a great and original disc. Even with the change of vocalist they still sound like no one else.

[AllMediaReviews]

Ours - Ours
https://oursmusic.bandcamp.com/album/ours

76 minutes, 17 tracks. Epic as fuck.

[introclaus]

Ours - Ours
https://oursmusic.bandcamp.com/album/ours

76 minutes, 17 tracks. Epic as fuck.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard about this band before. I’m getting a U2 vibe (especially in the vocals) but more “progressive” in a Muse or Radiohead sense. Perhaps I’m all off on those comparisons, but that’s what I hear in it after just a short 15 minute listen to a few songs. I’m gonna spend some time with it for sure as I’m digging what I hear so far.

[gazinwales]

Second single from Esa Holopainen, this time with Leprous whiner Einar Solberg on vox.
https://youtu.be/deipFVjm2Qk
Normally Leprous are unlistenable for me due to the vox, but this one is just bearable

[introclaus]

Ours - Ours
https://oursmusic.bandcamp.com/album/ours

76 minutes, 17 tracks. Epic as fuck.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard about this band before. I’m getting a U2 vibe (especially in the vocals) but more “progressive” in a Muse or Radiohead sense. Perhaps I’m all off on those comparisons, but that’s what I hear in it after just a short 15 minute listen to a few songs. I’m gonna spend some time with it for sure as I’m digging what I hear so far.

Man ... I've been playing this a bunch of times now - super cool find. No idea why I've never heard of this before... There's some Queen in there as well.