New stuff Friday ...

[introclaus]

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

I like (not love) this, mostly BECAUSE of Einar, whereas the song itself is fairly unmemorable in my opinion. The first single (with Nordman) was better.

[jhallum]

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

I like (not love) this, mostly BECAUSE of Einar, whereas the song itself is fairly unmemorable in my opinion. The first single (with Nordman) was better.

The whole album just dropped early for radio folks. It's very much Amorphis lite musically with different singers. I like it, but like the Subt Masq, need to listen more.

[AllMediaReviews]

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.

that's very cool for you discover them. U2 is a frequently used, but still a reasonable comparison.

Ours is a huge favorite of mine, and Jimmy Gnecco their singer is a favorite singer of mine. The guy can wail like a banshee.

If you are enjoying this as much as you sound like, you certainly could go down the rabbit hole and check out some of their other music.

Mercy from 2008 and Distorted Lullabies from 2001, are often considered favorites, although in my fanboy opinion, every album they've put out is excellent.

[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

I like (not love) this, mostly BECAUSE of Einar, whereas the song itself is fairly unmemorable in my opinion. The first single (with Nordman) was better.

The whole album just dropped early for radio folks. It's very much Amorphis lite musically with different singers. I like it, but like the Subt Masq, need to listen more.

While I can't comment on the rest of the album, the first two singles sound nothing remotely like Amorphis.

[Norén]

6:33 - Act like an animal
Finally something new from this fantastic crazy band from France.
https://youtu.be/eui_qc7s1GQ

If you haven't heard them before, here are a few favourites to check out.

I'm a nerd
https://youtu.be/mK8FxrdzeBA

Black widow
https://youtu.be/bxpYW4VgBAs

I like it
https://youtu.be/c-2Qw17BITw

[Mardoch]

Thew new VOLA - Witness, is very good and out today.

https://volaband.bandcamp.com/album/witness

[RickyRock]

Just discovered Vola last year and they quickly became a band that I just had to grab everything they have available. This new record Witness I’ll have to say is my fave by them and my top so far this year. These Danes have grooves and choruses that push all the right buttons for me. Like I said before Witness is my fave but just barely scooting aside Applause of a distant crowd which is damn brilliant also. Of course this is according to my musical mind but this music is way too good and I just have to shout it out loud….VOLA!!! Jump on board and ‘Witness’ the rise of this incredible quartet.

[introclaus]

VOLA - Witness
As mentioned here by others, this is a brilliant disc. I liked their previous albums, but never "loved" them. This one did the trick though and I now will go as far as to state that these "mewshuggah" dudes are a good pointer for the future of prog and djent.
https://youtu.be/u9L17C8pnds (lyric video for "Napalm")
https://youtu.be/XdJ4_cJWz8E (off video for "These Black Claws")
https://youtu.be/23V1j_cp-_k (off video for "24 Light Years)

HANGING GARDEN - Skeleton Lake
Anyone who likes Amorphis, Swallow the Sun and mid-period Anathema should check this band out. Their last albums were stunning, and they've gone another step forward with this one.
https://youtu.be/-98YlHRhrgQ (off video for "Skeleton Lake")
https://youtu.be/b9HZDfOeInE (off video for "Winter's Kiss")

OBSIDIOUS - Iconic
Great tech-death in the vein of Obscura, Beyond Reality, Alkaloid, etc. (it's actually 3 ex-Obscura members behind this). Unfortunately only a stand-alone single, but man, it's killer. The clean vocals are better than 99% of the ones normally used in the genre. Thanks to Glenn for pointing them out to me.
https://youtu.be/DLwV4C2GRrA (off video for "Iconic")

HOODED MENACE - The Tritonus Bell
I pre-ordered the new Hooded Menace. Always been one of those bands that I found "okay" but never truly reached their potential, but their new single kicks all kinds of butt in the genre (doom/death - think early Paradise Lost with a hint of Candlemass epicness and even some King Diamond guitar riffing).
https://youtu.be/qpRQvaRnJLM (lyric video for "Blood Ornaments")

FRACTAL UNIVERSE - Symmetrical Masquerade
The second single from this release dropped this week as well. Makes me look even more forward to the disc. Well-done proggy tech-death.
https://youtu.be/Ry9R3HAGCmo (off video for "Symmetrical Masquerade")

[introclaus]

6:33 - Act like an animal
Finally something new from this fantastic crazy band from France.
https://youtu.be/eui_qc7s1GQ

If you haven't heard them before, here are a few favourites to check out.

I'm a nerd
https://youtu.be/mK8FxrdzeBA

Black widow
https://youtu.be/bxpYW4VgBAs

I like it
https://youtu.be/c-2Qw17BITw

Never heard of them before, but this description from their website had me laughing out loud:
6:33, the deformed mutant child of Tim Burton raping Devin Townsend and Mr Bungle in a deserted asylum ...
That's just effing funny!

I definitely hear a lot of Mike Patton styling in the vocals, so I guess the Mr Bungle comparison isn't off. Lots of "fun" stuff going on here, which obviously harken to the Devin Townsend or Diablo Swing Orchestra style of prog, but there's also something "serious" about it, that more reminds me of Shaolin Death Squad or Native Construct. I'll have to check this out some more, as I really like both the new song as well as the "Black Widow" tune you posted.

[gazinwales]

Amorphis - House of Sleep - Live At Helsinki Ice Hall
https://youtu.be/GV01J7jqCf0

[LarryD]

Never heard of them before, but this description from their website had me laughing out loud:
6:33, the deformed mutant child of Tim Burton raping Devin Townsend and Mr Bungle in a deserted asylum ...
That's just effing funny!

I definitely hear a lot of Mike Patton styling in the vocals, so I guess the Mr Bungle comparison isn't off. Lots of "fun" stuff going on here, which obviously harken to the Devin Townsend or Diablo Swing Orchestra style of prog, but there's also something "serious" about it, that more reminds me of Shaolin Death Squad or Native Construct. I'll have to check this out some more, as I really like both the new song as well as the "Black Widow" tune you posted.

****This is one of those that you can't take seriously, but you have to respect. When I first heard them many years ago, I thought to myself, " who wants to make this kind of music, and who actually can " ...... what is the purpose of it ? Then a group of us got silly drunk while listening to it ...... and one the guys said " this is the best disc I've ever heard " ..... hehehehe ..... well, in a drunken state I couldn't agree with that but I could see why someone would say it ....... the talent level is on another level, but you realyl have to have an open mind for this sort of thing, and I'm not sure which target audience actually goes back to listen to this over and over ...... still, if you want different, you found it.

[introclaus]

SILVER TALON - Decadence and Decay
Having been very positively taken by the first 3 singles released from this album (much better than their self financed debut EP from, which suffered from bad production), I was really looking forward to the full album. While I enjoy the throwback to the days of early Sanctuary and especially Helstar (think "Nosferatu"), I feel the album ends up suffering from bland vocal melodies, which really is shocking as vocalist Wyatt Howell can scream with the best of them (he hits some notes that Rivera, Dane and even Diamond would have been proud of), but his vocal melodies just aren't there for a full album. Not enough innovation in how he uses his voice, and it gets boring really fast. Add to that the fact that the 3 singles by far are the best songs, the album just doesn't reach the heights I had hoped for. There's a couple of other strong albums in same genre this year with both Witherfall and Nightshadow delivering better results than this. What a shame...
https://youtu.be/a5qkZp2ZCrY

ESA HOLOPAINEN - Silver Lake
Here's an album that wants to accomplish a lot in a short time - from folk-infused rock songs, to gothic-tinged atmospheric ones, to songs crossing into the melodic-death sphere, there are a lot of things happening here, but all tied together really well, resulting in one impressive progressive metal (yes, that's what this is if you ask me) album. The production is superb, the vocal performances are incredible with such notable guests as Einar (Leprous), Tomi (Amorphis), Speed (Soilwork, tNFO), Anneke van Ginsbergen, Håkan Hemlin (Norrman) and Jonas (Katatonia) all delivering top-notch performances, incredible guitar solos (Esa's tone and sense of melody is incredible), and I honestly can't say anything negative about this disc. The two songs with Jonas Renkse from Katatonia are the strongest here, and would fit right in with his own band. Esa has created a clear top 10 disc here, and I dare say I like this better than any Amorphis disc in 25 years.
https://youtu.be/YZb-TFnLmis (full album stream)

[Random Axe]

Sucks on the Silver Talon. I was kinda pumped for that one based on the singles I heard. Looks like they front-loaded their marketing and kept their weaker songs back till release day. I'll still probably get this but may youtube stream before purchase to make sure. I'm not a huge Nevermore fan and I'm not at all familiar with Sanctuary, I just know of them and a little history.

[gazinwales]

ESA HOLOPAINEN - Silver Lake
Here's an album that wants to accomplish a lot in a short time - from folk-infused rock songs, to gothic-tinged atmospheric ones, to songs crossing into the melodic-death sphere, there are a lot of things happening here, but all tied together really well, resulting in one impressive progressive metal (yes, that's what this is if you ask me) album. The production is superb, the vocal performances are incredible with such notable guests as Einar (Leprous), Tomi (Amorphis), Speed (Soilwork, tNFO), Anneke van Ginsbergen, Håkan Hemlin (Norrman) and Jonas (Katatonia) all delivering top-notch performances, incredible guitar solos (Esa's tone and sense of melody is incredible), and I honestly can't say anything negative about this disc. The two songs with Jonas Renkse from Katatonia are the strongest here, and would fit right in with his own band. Esa has created a clear top 10 disc here, and I dare say I like this better than any Amorphis disc in 25 years.
https://youtu.be/YZb-TFnLmis (full album stream)

Glad your enjoying this mate, I've been hyped for this for a while now, Esa is a great song writer and guitarist.
I rate it pretty solid 8/10 and probably higher with a few more listens.
Trouble is the songs with Jonas are brilliant but remind me too much of Katatonia and the Joutsen one sounds like an Amorphis leftover track.
The rest of very good, love the Speed song, his voice has gotten better with age.
BUT, your comment better than any Amorphis in 25 years, not even close to the brilliance of Queen Of Time, or Red Cloud

[introclaus]

ESA HOLOPAINEN - Silver Lake
Here's an album that wants to accomplish a lot in a short time - from folk-infused rock songs, to gothic-tinged atmospheric ones, to songs crossing into the melodic-death sphere, there are a lot of things happening here, but all tied together really well, resulting in one impressive progressive metal (yes, that's what this is if you ask me) album. The production is superb, the vocal performances are incredible with such notable guests as Einar (Leprous), Tomi (Amorphis), Speed (Soilwork, tNFO), Anneke van Ginsbergen, Håkan Hemlin (Norrman) and Jonas (Katatonia) all delivering top-notch performances, incredible guitar solos (Esa's tone and sense of melody is incredible), and I honestly can't say anything negative about this disc. The two songs with Jonas Renkse from Katatonia are the strongest here, and would fit right in with his own band. Esa has created a clear top 10 disc here, and I dare say I like this better than any Amorphis disc in 25 years.
https://youtu.be/YZb-TFnLmis (full album stream)

Glad your enjoying this mate, I've been hyped for this for a while now, Esa is a great song writer and guitarist.
I rate it pretty solid 8/10 and probably higher with a few more listens.
Trouble is the songs with Jonas are brilliant but remind me too much of Katatonia and the Joutsen one sounds like an Amorphis leftover track.
The rest of very good, love the Speed song, his voice has gotten better with age.
BUT, your comment better than any Amorphis in 25 years, not even close to the brilliance of Queen Of Time, or Red Cloud

Haha I didn’t say it was better, I said that “I like it better”. I’m a fan of the first 4 Amorphis releases primarily, although I have most of their catalogue. Not very typical for our group here, I know…

[gazinwales]

Haha I didn’t say it was better, I said that “I like it better”. I’m a fan of the first 4 Amorphis releases primarily, although I have most of their catalogue. Not very typical for our group here, I know…

As much as love 'Elegy', 'Queen Of Time' for me is the best prog metal album of the past 5 years, it's light years ahead of the competition in ever facet.
The big difference between modern Amorphis and most bands pimped here, Amorphis play prog as well as being progressive.

[introclaus]

.
The big difference between modern Amorphis and most bands pimped here, Amorphis play prog as well as being progressive.

Ssssshhhhssss … don’t tell Larry ….

[GaetanL]

Neo-Prog band Nine Skies from France

Copy paste from the EPK:
The new album is called “5.20” and will be released the 4th June 2021.
Achraf El Asraoui joins the band to record this new album. It is an acoustic opus including a string quatuor.
Steve Hackett (Genesis, Steve Hackett Band...), John Hackett and Damian Wilson (Arena, Ayreon,
Threshold, Adam Wakeman, Headspace...) are announced as guests.

“Porcelain Hill” (feat. Damian Wilson):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQW_shndJs

Their debut album "Return Home" still have a special place in my heart...

[jhallum]

I did swing a digital copy of the new Edu Falaschi disk this week and after the first spin, he's definitely trying to be Rebirth era Angra. If you like that sort of thing check it out. He's not quite the singer he was 10 years ago, he reaches some on this disk and maybe shouldn't, but by and large is not too bad if you like that era of Angra.

[introclaus]

Neo-Prog band Nine Skies from France

Copy paste from the EPK:
The new album is called “5.20” and will be released the 4th June 2021.
Achraf El Asraoui joins the band to record this new album. It is an acoustic opus including a string quatuor.
Steve Hackett (Genesis, Steve Hackett Band...), John Hackett and Damian Wilson (Arena, Ayreon,
Threshold, Adam Wakeman, Headspace...) are announced as guests.

“Porcelain Hill” (feat. Damian Wilson):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQW_shndJs

Their debut album "Return Home" still have a special place in my heart...

A co-worker who is bigtime into Hackett told me about this one the other day. It sounds pretty darn nice - obviously anything with Damien is worth investigating Will definitely check out the album when released next week.

[introclaus]

I did swing a digital copy of the new Edu Falaschi disk this week and after the first spin, he's definitely trying to be Rebirth era Angra. If you like that sort of thing check it out. He's not quite the singer he was 10 years ago, he reaches some on this disk and maybe shouldn't, but by and large is not too bad if you like that era of Angra.

I'll have to check it out. Here's the full stream: https://youtu.be/F0qSMi6_vS0

I used to manage Edu and Almah, so obviously I have a special place in my heart for his voice, but you're absolutely right that he sometimes reaches for high notes that he shouldn't (he has always done so). "Temple of Shadows" still fights over 2nd best Angra with "Holy Land" in my book (1st will always be "Angels Cry"), so there's that... Oh dang, just realized that Aquiles Priester plays the drums here and Fabio Laguna the keyboards ... this really is a throwback to the good ol' days. Now I'm intrigued.

Btw, am I the only one who finds it hilarious that the official website is 100% in Portuguese? There's not even (at least from what I could see) a way to get an English version of the site. I guess his market is 99% at home, and he is fine with that.

c.

[jhallum]

I did swing a digital copy of the new Edu Falaschi disk this week and after the first spin, he's definitely trying to be Rebirth era Angra. If you like that sort of thing check it out. He's not quite the singer he was 10 years ago, he reaches some on this disk and maybe shouldn't, but by and large is not too bad if you like that era of Angra.

I'll have to check it out. Here's the full stream: https://youtu.be/F0qSMi6_vS0

I used to manage Edu and Almah, so obviously I have a special place in my heart for his voice, but you're absolutely right that he sometimes reaches for high notes that he shouldn't (he has always done so). "Temple of Shadows" still fights over 2nd best Angra with "Holy Land" in my book (1st will always be "Angels Cry"), so there's that... Oh dang, just realized that Aquiles Priester plays the drums here and Fabio Laguna the keyboards ... this really is a throwback to the good ol' days. Now I'm intrigued.

Btw, am I the only one who finds it hilarious that the official website is 100% in Portuguese? There's not even (at least from what I could see) a way to get an English version of the site. I guess his market is 99% at home, and he is fine with that.

c.

Yeah, I think he just has decided Brazil is the way to go here. Not sure why, he's still got some ability, but maybe he's just happy staying in SA...

[Sir Exar Kun]

As much as love 'Elegy', 'Queen Of Time' for me is the best prog metal album of the past 5 years, it's light years ahead of the competition in ever facet.
The big difference between modern Amorphis and most bands pimped here, Amorphis play prog as well as being progressive.

Love this take..... Not sure I can 100% get behind it being the best prog metal of the last 5 years, but I am firmly entrenched that this is Amorphis's best album to date..... Which is staggering, when you think how rare it is to have a band getting BETTER this deep into their career.

I haven't checked out the Esa album, but will have to soon.

[gazinwales]

Ssssshhhhssss … don’t tell Larry ….

Larry doesn't reply or even acknowledge my posts, I think he might he might even have me on ignore.
No idea why either

[LarryD]

Ssssshhhhssss … don’t tell Larry ….

Larry doesn't reply or even acknowledge my posts, I think he might he might even have me on ignore.
No idea why either

****I read every one of your posts ....... I didn't jump in on this one because I'm not a big of an Amorphis fan outside of the main discs we usually talk about so I can't speak much about them...... I have several and enjoy them all especially the live dvd ......

I also didn't budge as Claus was baiting me and I wasn't biting ...........

[introclaus]

I also didn't budge as Claus was baiting me and I wasn't biting ...........

Haha

[introclaus]

Picked up quite a few things this week:

CROSS VAULT - As Strangers We Depart
This was actually released previous Friday, but didn't pick it up in time for writing anything constructive last weekend. It's a doom metal album somewhere between Bathory's viking era, the light-black approach of Primordial, the sloooooooooooow epicness of Warning and perhaps a touch of early Trouble. I like this, but it's one of those that'll take many many listens to really immerse myself in.
https://youtu.be/dZAPKu0GWTA (full album stream)

HANNES GROSSMAN - To Where the Light Retreats
Tech-death somewhere between Obscura and Alkaloid, which shouldn't come as any surprise seeing the line-up here. There's a bit of "groove" to it, which works really well in adding a different take on the genre, and also a really interesting way of singing from V. Santura (who plays guitar in Triptykon, but here delivers a screaming, almost black metal style singing).
https://youtu.be/EbAo6OjayRY (full album stream)

VOLBEAT - Wait A Minute My Girl / Dagen Før
A double-single here from my favorite rock-n-roll metallers! It's a fun summer-single with two light-hearted, nice little songs, that aren't steering away from the style laid out on the last many albums. You know what you get ...
https://youtu.be/ENPzwcwQQ1s (official video - Wait A Minute)
https://youtu.be/Vy1hkuafppQ (official lyric video - Dagen Før)

CONCEPTION - Cry
Single release of live version of the song "Cry" from "Flow". It's a very laid back song, so an odd choice for a single, but I'll take it as I'm a fanboy
https://youtu.be/YDuLddsfp_o (official audio)

ALCATRAZZ - Turn of the Wheel
Man, I was on the fence about this one ... Last year the band delivered a brilliant come-back album, just to be split into two camps right after, leaving band main man Graham Bonnett on one side and the other members on the other. Well, I was going to support Graham and say "screw the other guys", until I read an interview with Graham saying that he was just fine w the other guys keeping the name and putting out new music w Doogie White on vocals, since the world should be big enough for both. He even went as far as wishing them best of luck and stating he is close with Doogie and considers him a dear friend. So, if Mr. Bonnett can be so overbearing, then so can I! And, well, this song is quite nice - it continues the style from last album, with Doogie delivering a performance like we're used to from him - powerhouse vocalist for sure. Now I can't wait to see what Graham comes up with next.
https://youtu.be/bdn8ppUCVBQ (official video)
and finally ...

FLOTSAM & JETSAM - Blood in the Water
This is the game changer - the one that not only rocks the boat on my top 5 of the year, but also makes me think that this is the very best thrash metal album of the past 20 years. I've made no secret of the fact that to me the best thrash metal albums of the past few decades were Kreator's "Phantom Antichrist" (2012) and especially "Gods of Violence" (2017), Death Angel's "Humanicide" (2019) and Testament's "The Formation of Damnation" (2008), with most everything else being at a level or several below what was released in the 80's and '90's. However, "Blood in the Water" challenges all of those, including the original classics, and is one of the best damn albums you'll hear not just this year but in a very long time. I'm loving every second of it, and have listened to it pretty-much non-stop since Friday morning. Every single song is a hit in its own.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBzB ... nXShY_hKVA (full album stream)

[Locust0311]

I did swing a digital copy of the new Edu Falaschi disk this week and after the first spin, he's definitely trying to be Rebirth era Angra. If you like that sort of thing check it out. He's not quite the singer he was 10 years ago, he reaches some on this disk and maybe shouldn't, but by and large is not too bad if you like that era of Angra.

I really dig this. It definitely recalls the Temple of Shadows/Holy Land sound, which means to my ears it sounds more like Angra than the current Angra.

[gazinwales]

Night Flight Orchestra - Burn For Me
https://youtu.be/sHZZyDGKfZU

Back to their brilliant best with this little ditty.

[introclaus]

A couple of singles, and only two full albums this week;

POWERWOLF - Demons are a girls best friend
New version of the "hit" from their previous album, but this time with Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) growling her way through the entire song. Well, I like the music of Powerwolf, but never been the biggest fan of Attila's voice, so this actually works for me. Such a fun tune and it gets an extra punch with these vocals.
https://youtu.be/lDZ7p7WAG2o (w Alissa)
https://youtu.be/jhK2ev_O-pc (original - just for comparison)

MERCURY CIRCLE - Black mirrors
Another new tune from their upcoming full length debut due in September I think. Sounds like a mixture of everything great from the Finnish goth scene: HIM, Sentenced, Swallow the Sun, Amorphis, To/Die/For ... Which honestly isn't a surprise, since the band members have been part of most of those bands. I'm really looking forward to the full album.
https://youtu.be/U2Iq8UYvIOQ

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA - Burn for me
Already mentioned above by Gazinwales, this is yet another nice little tune that hits on the best parts of what this band is about. Classic rock done the right way! Considering my son's favorite band is Foreigner, no wonder that tNFO gets a lot of playing time around my house.
https://youtu.be/sHZZyDGKfZU

RISE TO THE SKY - Per aspera ad astra
A little (~9 minutes) teaser for what's to come from the next album by the hardest working one-man band in all of Chile. Back in March Sergio released the awesome "Let me drown with you" and now he is ready with the next album - incredible. Just a reminder that ALL of his discography (4 full lengths, 2 EPs and some singles) are available for only $17 on bandcamp - it's a steal! Musically this is doom death along the lines of early My Dying Bride, with a slight touch of funeral doom and an epicness to boot. In fact, this tune is so damn epic that if it hadn't been for the growls it would have fit in on a Warning or a While heaven Wept album.
https://youtu.be/jaJkHvezwEM

MAJESTICA - Above the sky in Tokyo (live)
Why this is only a 2-song single, rather than a full live album, I just don't understand, but nevertheless here is the cheesiest of all cheesy power metal band at their most cheesy. And it's rather great - duh!
https://youtu.be/lDlCFRa0DHI

TERRA ODIUM - Ne plus ultra
Okay, so let's get the main thing out of the way - besides the first two singles hinting at this being a technical wank-fest similar to Spiral Architect's 20 year old masterpiece "A Sceptic's Universe", this is much closer to an old school progressive metal album than tech-metal. And honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. The Fates Warning vibe is strong with this one, not just in Øyvind's voice but also in the melodies - there's also a ton of Psychotic Waltz atmosphere all over the album - and interestingly enough there's some "epic" or semi-symphonic touches here and there that I'm currently having a hard time putting my finger on and saying "oh, that's from this or that band" ... It's a very solid debut, several years in a the making, and I'm looking forward to spending more time with it.
https://youtu.be/txV0URgea5s

INTERLOPER - Search Party
While their debut EP was leaning more towards the more "aggressive/djenty" side of progressive metalcore (think Erra, Veil of Maya) the full length debut is much more melodic, fitting in with recent outputs from Between the Buried & Me, Born of Osiris or perhaps a few hints of the technicality of long-gone cult-act The Human Abstract but in a more understated way. And there's even some of the modern next-gen prog to it (think Caligula's Horse) in a few places. I've been listening to "Search Party" probably 6-7 times in full, as well as loving the first 3 singles before album was released, and with each listen it gets better and better. The real gem is the last song though, which is a cover of Duran Duran's "Rio". That song was the tune of my childhood, and it brings me right back to 1982 when I was 11 years old. This cover version stays true to the original, but has a touch of Interloper's own sound on top of it. Brilliant.
https://youtu.be/Xc5gBDvXfeE (newest single - album opener "Pathkeeper")
https://youtu.be/WhSAUnHK-AA (titlesong - ultra melodic, crossing over to next-gen prog)
https://youtu.be/FEylVoK_eTE ("Rio" cover - amazing!)

[jhallum]

That Terra Odium is the bees knees. I finally got a listen today and I love it after buying it on Friday.

I listened to the Flotsam and Jetsam while out mowing the lawn, and I thought it was pretty darn good. I have to give it another listen.

I finally also picked up Burning Witches a couple of weeks ago, and I was surprised how much I liked it. High energy, and anthemic, hitting a bit of a sweet spot for me.

I also picked up the Acolyte that Glenn recommended. A bit of a slow grower, it didn't immediately grab me, but I plan to listen to it more...

Next week, the new Helloween, and I don't think I'll get to listen to it for a while (vacation), but hopefully I'll get some time.

[gazinwales]

Well there's only one release on my radar today and it's Helloween.
A much anticipated release for many months for me and a tonne of hype.
I have to say it's brilliant, it's classic Helloween!

Best Time https://youtu.be/L-wSs3o0ab8
Fear Of The Fallen https://youtu.be/P95N5j2i2yw

[introclaus]

A few titles this past week:

ARTEM ILLUSIO - Artem Illusio
Really strong debut from this Swiss progressive power metal band. They come across as a mixture of Vanden Plas, Kamelot, Evergrey and even tiny hints here of there of Threshold and Sorcerer. The bands I find them closest to are Ascendia and Pyramaze in expression, although they seem to have their own sound which is great for a debuting band. The album is well-produced and it's short-and-to-the-point with ~40 minutes of material, making you want more. I have listened to it quite a lot by now, and I'm really digging it. Very curious to keep an eye on these guys in the future.
https://youtu.be/K5SyQ6SbMcU - "In Vain" lyric video
https://youtu.be/l1JhoMFbN2c - full album stream

PHARAOH - The Powers That Be
This seem to be the year for US Power Metal (well, Power Metal from the US, at least). Pharaoh have always been sitting somewhere between classic heavy metal, US Power Metal, European Power Metal and prog metal, and this disc is no different. There are plenty of Iron Maiden'esque moments, one tune that sounds like straight out of Rock'n'Rolf's notebook ("Freedom"), some serious Nevermore/Sanctuary influences and a bit of proggy noodling as well. The blend is great, super well performed, nice production, and my biggest complain is honestly gonna be that vocalist Tim Aymar has started to show his age. He has never been the best singer (I went back and relistened to the previous albums as well just to be sure I wasn't all crazy), but he has always been able to work well with what he had, and there's no denying that his performance on that brilliant Control Denied album 22 years ago was out-of-this-world. But today he sounds old and "gritty", and it honestly is holding the music back to the extent that what should have been an album I'd love, I only end up liking...
https://youtu.be/K_3PxoQgvtA - "Lost in the Waves" lyric video
https://youtu.be/oOrIzmi7z_I - full album stream

HELLOWEEN - Helloween
What can be said that hasn't already been said? Is this a true return to form? Well, Hell(oween) Yeah! I've seen people say this sounds like the band has in the past twenty years, and I won't disagree with them, but I've also seen those that says that it sounds exactly like the band sounded in the mid-to-end of the 80's, and that's true as well. This album perfectly bridges the two (which honestly haven't been that different from each other if you ask me), and the end result is a great Helloween album that should satisfy all fans, either of new or of old. Those who won't like it, well, they weren't Helloween fans to begin with, so their opinion doesn't matter one bit to me. Having spent the past month with this album, I've gotten to know it by heart, and the release yesterday gave me an additional two songs to listen to from the bonus edition - both of which are good, with the Kiske showcase "Golden Times" just as great as anything on the actual album itself.
https://youtu.be/gLV530n3kMw - "Skyfall" official video
https://youtu.be/E5Bu5kckO-Y - full album stream

DEATHLESS LEGACY - Legion of the Night / Your Blood is Mine
Over the past few weeks Italian heavy metal band Deathless Legacy have released two singles, both with great videos to accompany them, and both featuring a guest appearance from Steve Sylvester (yes, he of classic horror metal band Death SS). Deathless Legacy blew me away less year with their "Saturnalia" album, which was a brilliant mixture of King Diamond, Symphony X, Kamelot and classic heavy metal fronted by a female singer with "balls" ... Well, these two new singles are equally great, albeit less proggy and more gothy, which isn't a bad thing. I'm digging this and hoping for a new full length soon.
https://youtu.be/GYB8poTXJ4E - "Your Blood is Mine" official video
https://youtu.be/0MEIn3R3UyI - "Legion of the Night" official video

[Guillaume]

A few titles this past week:

ARTEM ILLUSIO - Artem Illusio
Really strong debut from this Swiss progressive power metal band. They come across as a mixture of Vanden Plas, Kamelot, Evergrey and even tiny hints here of there of Threshold and Sorcerer. The bands I find them closest to are Ascendia and Pyramaze in expression, although they seem to have their own sound which is great for a debuting band. The album is well-produced and it's short-and-to-the-point with ~40 minutes of material, making you want more. I have listened to it quite a lot by now, and I'm really digging it. Very curious to keep an eye on these guys in the future.
https://youtu.be/K5SyQ6SbMcU - "In Vain" lyric video
https://youtu.be/l1JhoMFbN2c - full album stream

I like this quite a bit. Do you know the previous band of singer Max Morton (named "Morton")? They released a very good melodic metal power metal album in 2011.
https://youtu.be/TRAtS7ZbKOA
https://youtu.be/hi8dDpbTOYo

PHARAOH - The Powers That Be
This seem to be the year for US Power Metal (well, Power Metal from the US, at least). Pharaoh have always been sitting somewhere between classic heavy metal, US Power Metal, European Power Metal and prog metal, and this disc is no different. There are plenty of Iron Maiden'esque moments, one tune that sounds like straight out of Rock'n'Rolf's notebook ("Freedom"), some serious Nevermore/Sanctuary influences and a bit of proggy noodling as well. The blend is great, super well performed, nice production, and my biggest complain is honestly gonna be that vocalist Tim Aymar has started to show his age. He has never been the best singer (I went back and relistened to the previous albums as well just to be sure I wasn't all crazy), but he has always been able to work well with what he had, and there's no denying that his performance on that brilliant Control Denied album 22 years ago was out-of-this-world. But today he sounds old and "gritty", and it honestly is holding the music back to the extent that what should have been an album I'd love, I only end up liking...
https://youtu.be/K_3PxoQgvtA - "Lost in the Waves" lyric video
https://youtu.be/oOrIzmi7z_I - full album stream

Excellent album and the vocals are not a problem at all for me. Always liked Aymar and didn't find he lost a lot.

HELLOWEEN - Helloween
What can be said that hasn't already been said? Is this a true return to form? Well, Hell(oween) Yeah! I've seen people say this sounds like the band has in the past twenty years, and I won't disagree with them, but I've also seen those that says that it sounds exactly like the band sounded in the mid-to-end of the 80's, and that's true as well. This album perfectly bridges the two (which honestly haven't been that different from each other if you ask me), and the end result is a great Helloween album that should satisfy all fans, either of new or of old. Those who won't like it, well, they weren't Helloween fans to begin with, so their opinion doesn't matter one bit to me. Having spent the past month with this album, I've gotten to know it by heart, and the release yesterday gave me an additional two songs to listen to from the bonus edition - both of which are good, with the Kiske showcase "Golden Times" just as great as anything on the actual album itself.
https://youtu.be/gLV530n3kMw - "Skyfall" official video
https://youtu.be/E5Bu5kckO-Y - full album stream

Well, you're wrong about some thing. I don't really care about this new album but I'm a Helloween fan since the beginning, save for the Kiske era. I never really cared for his voice and the Keepers are not my fave albums, which are The Dark Ride, Master Of The Rings and the s/t EP. This new album has too much double-bass speedy stuff with his high vocals and it seems Deris wants to challenge him and is higher than usual. Not enough Hansen on vox too. I don't say it's bad, fans of Kiske and the speedy happy stuff will love it, it was just not what I wanted to hear.

DEATHLESS LEGACY - Legion of the Night / Your Blood is Mine
Over the past few weeks Italian heavy metal band Deathless Legacy have released two singles, both with great videos to accompany them, and both featuring a guest appearance from Steve Sylvester (yes, he of classic horror metal band Death SS). Deathless Legacy blew me away less year with their "Saturnalia" album, which was a brilliant mixture of King Diamond, Symphony X, Kamelot and classic heavy metal fronted by a female singer with "balls" ... Well, these two new singles are equally great, albeit less proggy and more gothy, which isn't a bad thing. I'm digging this and hoping for a new full length soon.
https://youtu.be/GYB8poTXJ4E - "Your Blood is Mine" official video
https://youtu.be/0MEIn3R3UyI - "Legion of the Night" official video

Good find, thanks for the tip, didn't know or remember them.

[introclaus]

ARTEM ILLUSIO - Artem Illusio
I like this quite a bit. Do you know the previous band of singer Max Morton (named "Morton")? They released a very good melodic metal power metal album in 2011.
https://youtu.be/TRAtS7ZbKOA
https://youtu.be/hi8dDpbTOYo

I'll have to check those out, thank you for the heads up. He is from Ukraine, so he has a little bit of an accent, but it doesn't bother me much.

PHARAOH - The Powers That Be
Excellent album and the vocals are not a problem at all for me. Always liked Aymar and didn't find he lost a lot.

For me he is the weak link here, and the reason it's unlikely it'll end up in the top half of my end-of-year list.

HELLOWEEN - Helloween
Well, you're wrong about some thing. I don't really care about this new album but I'm a Helloween fan since the beginning, save for the Kiske era. I never really cared for his voice and the Keepers are not my fave albums, which are The Dark Ride, Master Of The Rings and the s/t EP. This new album has too much double-bass speedy stuff with his high vocals and it seems Deris wants to challenge him and is higher than usual. Not enough Hansen on vox too. I don't say it's bad, fans of Kiske and the speedy happy stuff will love it, it was just not what I wanted to hear.

Ahh, a "Kiske-denier" ...
I agree that there aren't enough of Hansen's vocals. Everytime he joins in, it lifts it even more.
I'm loving this one - easily their best (in my opinion) since late 90's and perhaps even earlier.
Btw, I prefer both "Time of the Oath" and "Better than Raw" over "The Dark Ride" and "Master of the Rings", so perhaps that's why I love the new one and you don't.

DEATHLESS LEGACY - Legion of the Night / Your Blood is Mine
Good find, thanks for the tip, didn't know or remember them.

Glad you liked them. I enjoy some throwback to classic heavy metal, and especially when they infuse it with great gothic-tinged melodies and some epicness. Her voice is just rough enough around the edges to where it reminds me of the classic days on Ann Boyleen, Leather Leone, Doro, etc, yet probably still could appeal to those that prefer modern day female vox in metal.