New stuff Friday ...

[introclaus]

Cloud Cult - Metamorphosis

Never heard of them before, but checked it out, and I wasn't really into it. Definitely not a style of music I normally would listen to - what is it even? Singer / songwriter with a folky approach? Reminds me a bit of The Lumineers perhaps ...

Marillion - An Hour Before It's Dark

I had forgotten about this coming out so it took me a few days to get around to it. But yeah, it's very good, and one of the best post-Fish albums. I'd probably rank it on level with "Seasons End" and even "Afraid of Sunlight". It's not as good as "Brave" (duh) or "Fear" but it's really strong, and I especially love "Sierra Leone" and "Reprogram the Gene".

Ty Tabor - Shades

Didn't check it out, but in general most King's X solo material has always felt very underwhelming to me.

[introclaus]

Singles:

SATAN - From Second Sight
Perfect mixture of NWOBHM and thrash metal. Sounds like this band has always sounded and nothing wrong with that. Always loved these guys.
https://youtu.be/H1wH80v9wXw

LORD OF THE LOST - Not My Enemy
Song written by Chris Harms as a reaction to the horrific events going on right now in Ukraine. Musically it's not the best LotL tune ever, but this is about supporting people in need, so ...
https://youtu.be/bXrIiLxNzJ4

EPs:

DEAD LORD - Dystopia
An interesting EP of "in-between-albums" material. Two of the songs were on the previous disc, although one of them here is in it's native-tongue (Swedish) language version. And then there's a bunch of cover songs, from Rory Gallagher's "Moonchild", ""Ace in the Hole" by Winterhawk, "Hands Down" by Moon Martin, and "Sleeping My Day Away" from Disneyland After Dark (D-A-D). It fulfills my Thin Lizzy-styled music cravings, so all is good here
https://youtu.be/ipumKicT3Kw

Full Album:

GAZPACHO - Fireworking at St. Croix
Live album with a great blend of current and old material. It's (as this band in general is) very laid back, sorta Muse (hehe, I mean come on, these guys are the Norwegian Muse), sorta Radiohead ...
https://youtu.be/64N5qaQ7CSo

GHOST - Impera
I had not expected this to be THAT good, but man, this is perhaps the very best Ghost album so far. Very nice blend of rocking tracks, some more somber things and then obviously melodies galore. I wasn't expecting much as the singles hadn't grabbed me at first, but now it all comes together and I don't find one tiny weak spot on the album. The production is also killer and has to be highlighted, as it really lift the music from being "classic rock"/"70's hard rock" to being much more contemporary. Love it!
https://youtu.be/nQ-pxlKgiTI


-----


Things I dismissed:

KONVENT - Call Down the Sun
I wanted to like this as it's (1) a Danish band, (2) a band made up solely of women, (3) it's a mix of Doom Metal and Black Metal. But, all good intentions aside, this fares pretty much like their debut album, in that it's just bland.
https://youtu.be/jayArlch6LU

THE MIDGARD PROJECT - The Great Divide
This basically sounds like the last Michael Romeo solo album or any of the last 3 Symphony X albums. It's really well done, and Stu Block (yes, he of ex-Iced Earth and Into Eternity fame) delivers quality vocals. But, I just really don't need it. That said, Larry D should be all over this one as it has his name written in capital letters on the front cover (well ...)!
https://youtu.be/mfzrw8MW5mI

ARKAIK - Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts
Hyper-speed tech death metal, which in theory should be right up my alley, but tends to underwhelm me. Perhaps the annoying drum sound contributes to that, perhaps it's the lack of memorable hooks ...
https://youtu.be/QjPE_7WFjCI



-----


Haven't purchased yet, but might ... :

CLOVEN HOOF - Time Assassin
I really enjoyed their last disc (and obviously some of the early 80's material) so I'll give this a spin in the coming days.
https://youtu.be/9p-Cup0pAEM

[Mardoch]

THE MIDGARD PROJECT - The Great Divide
This basically sounds like the last Michael Romeo solo album or any of the last 3 Symphony X albums. It's really well done, and Stu Block (yes, he of ex-Iced Earth and Into Eternity fame) delivers quality vocals. But, I just really don't need it. That said, Larry D should be all over this one as it has his name written in capital letters on the front cover (well ...)!
https://youtu.be/mfzrw8MW5mI

I was in it for this one until that chorus hit with the stereotypical power metal non-stop double bass major sounding happy shit. I cannot STAND that trope anymore. Maybe it's just cause all of my extreme metal bitterness (or regular life bitterness, your pick) is piling up, but that super happy sounding power metal just kills me nowadays. My loss, ultimately, I'm sure.

ARKAIK - Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts
Hyper-speed tech death metal, which in theory should be right up my alley, but tends to underwhelm me. Perhaps the annoying drum sound contributes to that, perhaps it's the lack of memorable hooks ...
https://youtu.be/QjPE_7WFjCI

From the start with that almost-microtonal dissonance play I was super hooked. They did a good job of keeping it musical despite this genre tending to forget that's generally a part of the criteria. I can see the lack of memorable hooks complaint, but I think it's a winner for me. Gonna look into these folks more.

[AllMediaReviews]

Cloud Cult - Metamorphosis

Never heard of them before, but checked it out, and I wasn't really into it. Definitely not a style of music I normally would listen to - what is it even? Singer / songwriter with a folky approach? Reminds me a bit of The Lumineers perhaps ...

Marillion - An Hour Before It's Dark

I had forgotten about this coming out so it took me a few days to get around to it. But yeah, it's very good, and one of the best post-Fish albums. I'd probably rank it on level with "Seasons End" and even "Afraid of Sunlight". It's not as good as "Brave" (duh) or "Fear" but it's really strong, and I especially love "Sierra Leone" and "Reprogram the Gene".

Ty Tabor - Shades

Didn't check it out, but in general most King's X solo material has always felt very underwhelming to me.

I wouldn't compare Cloud Cult to The Lumineers really. The new album is a little more acoustic and stripped down I suppose, but they're more of a Chamber/Baroque Orchestral rock band really. Some people like to compare them to Radiohead or say Modest Mouse. I also don't follow those comparisons much.

To me, they are a lot closer to bands like The Dear Hunter or The Decemberists, and actually some of their earlier work, dredg and Porcupine Tree. There's even 1 or 2 songs by them I have heard similarities to Pain of Salvation. I believe it is "The Taming of the Beast" from In the Passing Light of Day, the riff has an eery similarity to the Gang Vocals from "Sleepwalker" off Love.

I mean sure, they have a lot of songs that come across as "Singer/songwriter" types, but that's really just a fraction of their sound. Especially since The Meaning of 8 which I found they improved the production style and songwriting approach, by featuring more instrumentation and including a lot of bigger choruses at times. Their album "Light Chasers" is really a big epic concept album which seems much in line with many modern Prog albums, and a lot people into Prog got into.

The new Marillion album I like, although like you, I am not enjoying it as much as FEAR or some others at this point. "Sierra Leone" is the stand out track for me.

The new Ty Tabor record I actually am liking more than I expect. I'm like you, where I often struggle to latch onto the King's X members other work, sans for a couple of exceptions. I haven't really enjoyed a Ty Tabor record as much as "Shades" since maybe "Moonflower Lane." It's kind of less-is-more in some ways I guess. The songs have enough, but don't go on too long.

This past week, Norway's Team Me released their 1st album in 8 years, "Something in the Making." Which I happen to be a big fan of this band who are very Mew-like, but in a good way.

Also Norway's Major Parkinson released "A Night at the Library" which was a wonderful COVID-time live record they did a stream for back in 2020 that I paid to see. Just listening to it again brings me back.

[Hearing Aid Man]

A couple new songs out...

New James LaBrie song had me super excited. However, I didn't think it had the heavier edge I remember from the other 3 releases. Maybe the rest will have it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDfh5Mvd0o

New Dynazty song. Sounds typical. Their releases are always super solid, well done stuff and end up higher on my list than I would guess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7eEwnnvtIE

[prog_powermetal99]

A couple new songs out...

New James LaBrie song had me super excited. However, I didn't think it had the heavier edge I remember from the other 3 releases. Maybe the rest will have it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDfh5Mvd0o

New Dynazty song. Sounds typical. Their releases are always super solid, well done stuff and end up higher on my list than I would guess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7eEwnnvtIE

I think the new Dynazty single. It's one of their stronger songs in a long time. Amazing catchy vocal lines and even a bit of an original riff in the middle of the song that I haven't heard from them before. Not to mention the Absolute God like vocals of Nils..... Man, that guy just gets stronger every album....

[Mardoch]

New James LaBrie song had me super excited. However, I didn't think it had the heavier edge I remember from the other 3 releases. Maybe the rest will have it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDfh5Mvd0o

This was my same reaction. It's a fine tune, but it's more of a rock piece, and I don't generally go in for rock. His solo material for the last few albums has been really chunky and enjoyable, so I hope that heft is present in the rest of the album.

Speaking of heavy, I think I missed mentioning this a couple weeks ago, but the new Buried Realm single is some great throwback ~2000's era Gothenburg sound, and I'm all over that.
https://buriedrealm.bandcamp.com/track/spectral-light

[Hearing Aid Man]

Those into tech metal instrumental music should check out Void - Haunted Shores.
Really cool stuff. Sort of reminds me of a mix of Messhuggah/Opeth with some atmosphere of Wolverine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcP1AHL ... tE&index=1

[introclaus]

Took a trip to New York w "mini-me". The drive up only took us 9.5 hours (from Raleigh, NC to Danbury, CT), but going home ended up being 14+ hours thanks to multiple accidents on the road and constant rain. Given the long drive PLUS the fact that we went into NYC each morning and back home at night (2h 15m on train each way), gave me plenty of opportunity to listen to a lot of music. Primarily I focused on a selection of the already purchased 2022 releases such as Hath, Sin Starlett, Allegaeon, ARD, Ten, Sleepwulf, Girish & the Chronicles, Amorphis, Persefone and Voivod, but I also found time to go back to a few older classics here and there.

New stuff:

IBARAKI - Ronin
Newest single from Matt Heafy's "black metal" project. Once again, this is a far from trve kvlt BM, but instead a very original proggy take on it. And the inclusion of Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance (!!!!! WTF !!!!!) is definitely an interesting choice. I'm really looking forward to the full album.
https://youtu.be/v7rn2BhWHAg

BLIND GUARDIAN - Secrets of the American Gods
Another new single, and while I enjoyed the previous one, this one is absolutely slaying. I must have listened to it 25 times already. This is the BG I love so much - like "Imaginations..." meets "Nightfall...". Melodies, melodies, melodies.
https://youtu.be/ReaFJ_MD2cs

CIRCA SURVIVE - A Dream About Death
This is an EP (I guess a continuation to last years "A Dream About Love" EP), and it's honestly super disappointing. Sure, Anthony Green is a brilliant singer, but the music is very laid back, poppy and lacks bite. There was a time when these guys could do no wrong ... not so much now.
https://youtu.be/X3dmhS6Fj6Y

RONNIE ATKINS - Make It Count
This is more like it - I enjoyed last years first solo album from Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins, but found it a bit too light and not "metal" enough. This time around the song writing stands sharper and there are a few really hard rocking tunes, not too far removed from current Pretty Maids (well, 2000 and forward). It's not perfect, but much better than I had expected considering the direction of "One Shot".
https://youtu.be/1lem5akVNxc (kind of a ballad, but it's great)

BLACKSLASH - No Steel No Future
German retro heavy metal, somewhere lodged between old school NWOBHM (Saxon, Maiden, Priest), US Power Metal (Riot, Jag Panzer) and a bit of classic/true teutonic power (Grave Digger, Hammerfall). In places this combination reminds me of US band Widow (who I love), with its simplistic approach and full-on attitude.
https://youtu.be/N2ylP-lnx-Y

ARCHITECTS - For Those That Wish to Exist (at Abbey Road)
Superb live album recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London - with the use of a full classical orchestra. There's obviously no getting around the fact that this more than hints at Metallica's approach from the S&M albums, but I truly feel that last years "For Those That Wish to Exist" album was written with this in mind, as it's the most epic and symphonic metalcore album ever, and damn it just works wonderfully here.
https://youtu.be/5zU58KkEjPc

PREHISTORIC ANIMALS - The Magical Mystery Machine (Chapter Two)
Stefan Altzar and his band is back with the second part of this progressive hard rock concept album. It's less immediate than Chapter One in my opinion, but still retain all the parts that made the previous album so interesting; a mixture of Pink Floyd, Muse, Saga, ACT, The Beatles, Ayreon, Marillion, Pain of Salvation ... I've only been through the full album ~5 times so far, so there's still a lot yet to discover.
https://youtu.be/3E1B_jWBqeU

PORT NOIR - Cuts
Album of the year ... yeah, I just don't see anything topping this one for me. By far the band in the last decade that consistently have been defining to me what good music is all about. They've yet to let me down, and "Cuts" doesn't disappoint. Brilliant next-gen progressive "metal" with more than a hint of R'n'B, alternative rock, dark pop, and even shades of hip hop. I'll save all the big words for my annual write-up
https://youtu.be/PHJO1jQCTuc

[Norén]

PREHISTORIC ANIMALS - The Magical Mystery Machine (Chapter Two)
Stefan Altzar and his band is back with the second part of this progressive hard rock concept album. It's less immediate than Chapter One in my opinion, but still retain all the parts that made the previous album so interesting; a mixture of Pink Floyd, Muse, Saga, ACT, The Beatles, Ayreon, Marillion, Pain of Salvation ... I've only been through the full album ~5 times so far, so there's still a lot yet to discover.
https://youtu.be/3E1B_jWBqeU

I enjoy this one a lot more than Chapter one. Great stuff!

[introclaus]

PREHISTORIC ANIMALS - The Magical Mystery Machine (Chapter Two)
Stefan Altzar and his band is back with the second part of this progressive hard rock concept album. It's less immediate than Chapter One in my opinion, but still retain all the parts that made the previous album so interesting; a mixture of Pink Floyd, Muse, Saga, ACT, The Beatles, Ayreon, Marillion, Pain of Salvation ... I've only been through the full album ~5 times so far, so there's still a lot yet to discover.
https://youtu.be/3E1B_jWBqeU

I enjoy this one a lot more than Chapter one. Great stuff!

I'm still undecided. I like both, but felt the other was more immediate and had a better flow to it. There are some killer strong songs here, so I'm sure with time I'll grow to like it as much, if not more, than the previous one.

[introclaus]

Busy week;

I tried the MICHAEL ROMEO once more and just have to realize it does absolutely nothing for me ... it's missing the Pinella touch to be as good as SymX, and the "angry-Russ-emulator" in Dino doesn't cut it either.

I also gave the new NEKROGOBLIKON a spin, mainly because I liked both singles they had put out for the album. However, the overall result was just too messy and too focused on being a "circus-style Devin Townsend meets melo-death" thing aimed at the hipster crowd.

I tried a few other things that came out in the past couple of weeks that I somehow had missed, and found some interesting things. Some of which I'm probably going to pick up, including TY MORN (Pyramaze meets Gamma Ray style, with a great vocalist on top), and FRIENDS OF HELL (old school doom metal in the Sabbath meets St.Vitus style).

These are the ones that made the cut this week however;

Singles:

SEVENTH WONDER - Warriors
First single from "The Testament", and while it's a bit less proggy / more power-metallic than I had hoped for, it still sounds like SW and I'm digging it.
https://youtu.be/qZkIS4i5F8g

POETS OF THE FALL - Requiem for My Harlequin
Brilliant new song. Very much a typical dramatic cinematic alt-rock/pop song with everything expected from these guys. I own all their albums and most of their singles, and this is a very nice addition to the collection.
https://youtu.be/SWLReEoxjFk

Full albums:

STRAY GODS - Storm the Walls
Classic Iron Maiden style (borderlining copy-cat) played by a band helmed by Bob Katsionis (ex-Firewind) and the great vocalist Artur Almeida from Spanish Attick Demons. This sounds like the album that Maiden could have put out in 1990 and it would have been a better choice than "No Prayer for the Dying".
https://youtu.be/D509RgGJwwA

WOLF - Shadowland
Powerful Swedish retro-heavy metal with a sound lodged somewhere between Judas Priest and King Diamond. The guitar solos on this disc are to die for - totally LaRoque worship! Niklas Stålvind's voice is in top shape and I've been spinning this quite a lot more than expected already.
https://youtu.be/TlkOou7y80Y

EVIL INVADERS - Shattering Reflection
Belgium speedsters, stepping all over the place from classic heavy metal (think WASP meets Priest) to full on thrash metal (think Exodus, Slayer, Overkill). Vocalist in places is a dead-ringer for Mike Howe (RIP!) which makes this quite similar to Metal Church in places, which is just great.
https://youtu.be/qTln7HpjWdk

SATAN - Earth Infernal
Always loved these guys, and this is another quality release. Haven't spent enough time with it yet to fully digest, but it's unmistakably Satan.
https://youtu.be/oo_1aycngUY

[introclaus]

A few things over the past couple of weeks:

DESTRUCTION - Diabolical
This is in my opinion their best since "The Antichrist" and "All Hell Breaks Loose" (2001, 2000 respectively), which isn't really saying much, as most of their outputs in this century has been below the standard they set in the 80's on their first 4 albums. When Destruction are on fire, which they are pretty much all throughout this disc, they are very strong and there's no denying why they are considered one of the masters of the thrash genre.
https://youtu.be/NY5xXrVPi9M

UNLUCKY MORPHEOUS - XIII (live at Toyosu Pit)
A live album from these high-energy Japanese power metallers. This sounds like Angra meets Malmsteen meets Symphony X meets ... well you get the picture ... great stuff with incredible musicianship and lots of violin (!!!), superb guitar solos and a good mixture between soft female and harsh male vocals.
https://youtu.be/YujGZll4Pu4

MONUMENTS - In Stasis
A few years since last album, and with a new line-up (new vocalist, main guitarist gone, and original drummer rejoining the band) UK's Monuments are back with their 4th and arguably their best album so far. Very melodic in places, very progressive in others, and then once in a while all hell breaks loose with core-breakdowns and insane screaming. When these guys stick to the djent style they are one of the very best (and actually remind me of the first couple of Tesseract albums), but when they crossover into metalcore they sound mediocre. I'd love for them to one day create a full-on masterpiece, as I feel they have it in them, but they aren't there yet.
https://youtu.be/VEViBL1LN-0

HÄLLAS - Isle of Wisdom
The perfect mixture of retro hard rock, space rock and progressive rock with a slight metal edge. Imagine Uriah Heep, Yes, Hawkwind and Rush playing together, and this is what you'd get. It's brilliant and I LOVE this band. The vocalist is a love-him-or-hate-him kind of singer, and oftentimes it's almost like he isn't singing real lyrics, but just mumbling on. For me, this is top 10 candidate for sure. Oh, and this first tune ("Birth/Into Darkness") is a total homage to Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time"!
https://youtu.be/piwq5EZApa8

KREATOR - Strongest of the Strong
Second single from upcoming album and it's another killer. Where the aforementioned Destruction has been delivering mediocre outputs throughout the past 20 years, Kreator has kept the teutonic thrash metal alive and kicking with quality outputs.
https://youtu.be/N0hi1UqRvHI

NESTOR - Signed in Blood
New single, and quite a disappointment compared to how absolutely asskicking the debut album was. This is lackluster at best. Oh well ...
https://youtu.be/T2Pj0plh5bE

MOTHER OF MILLIONS - No Light, No Light
One of the best modern prog metal bands to come out of Greece in recent years. After tragically losing their keyboard player two years ago they now return with an EP called "Orbit" due next month. This first single is a meant as a tribute to their keyboardist, and it's a cover song of a Florence and the Machine tune. Really moving!
https://youtu.be/Sdf4CIP9iH8

MUSE - Compliance
Second single from upcoming "Will of the People" album. This is another winner for me. I love Muse.
https://youtu.be/QP3zRBtgvJo

[Mardoch]

MONUMENTS - In Stasis
A few years since last album, and with a new line-up (new vocalist, main guitarist gone, and original drummer rejoining the band) UK's Monuments are back with their 4th and arguably their best album so far. Very melodic in places, very progressive in others, and then once in a while all hell breaks loose with core-breakdowns and insane screaming. When these guys stick to the djent style they are one of the very best (and actually remind me of the first couple of Tesseract albums), but when they crossover into metalcore they sound mediocre. I'd love for them to one day create a full-on masterpiece, as I feel they have it in them, but they aren't there yet.
https://youtu.be/VEViBL1LN-0

Century took their sweet time shipping mine (and their website couldn't tell that the email I put into it was the exact same one they'd just emailed to say I could download a copy lol, good work Century) so I'm only just listening to it today and it's all I've listened to. I disagree with your assertion about their dips into metalcore being mediocre. Honestly this is going to be one of my favorite albums this year unless a string of absolutely unbelievable releases happen. Their first album with Andy on vocals (and without Olly on guitars) may be their best one yet and given how much I love all of their output that's a hell of a feat.

MONUMENTS - In Stasis
MOTHER OF MILLIONS - No Light, No Light
One of the best modern prog metal bands to come out of Greece in recent years. After tragically losing their keyboard player two years ago they now return with an EP called "Orbit" due next month. This first single is a meant as a tribute to their keyboardist, and it's a cover song of a Florence and the Machine tune. Really moving!
https://youtu.be/Sdf4CIP9iH8

I love these folks and this is an excellent cover. I'll be happy to snap up their EP when it comes out.

[introclaus]

MONUMENTS - In Stasis
A few years since last album, and with a new line-up (new vocalist, main guitarist gone, and original drummer rejoining the band) UK's Monuments are back with their 4th and arguably their best album so far. Very melodic in places, very progressive in others, and then once in a while all hell breaks loose with core-breakdowns and insane screaming. When these guys stick to the djent style they are one of the very best (and actually remind me of the first couple of Tesseract albums), but when they crossover into metalcore they sound mediocre. I'd love for them to one day create a full-on masterpiece, as I feel they have it in them, but they aren't there yet.
https://youtu.be/VEViBL1LN-0

Century took their sweet time shipping mine (and their website couldn't tell that the email I put into it was the exact same one they'd just emailed to say I could download a copy lol, good work Century) so I'm only just listening to it today and it's all I've listened to. I disagree with your assertion about their dips into metalcore being mediocre. Honestly this is going to be one of my favorite albums this year unless a string of absolutely unbelievable releases happen. Their first album with Andy on vocals (and without Olly on guitars) may be their best one yet and given how much I love all of their output that's a hell of a feat.

Yeah I think you and I disagree on what is good and bad metalcore LOL

This album could definitely have been a killer from start to finish IF it didn't have those metalcore moments. For now it's a great, but not perfect album.

But yes, definitely their best yet.

MONUMENTS - In Stasis
MOTHER OF MILLIONS - No Light, No Light
One of the best modern prog metal bands to come out of Greece in recent years. After tragically losing their keyboard player two years ago they now return with an EP called "Orbit" due next month. This first single is a meant as a tribute to their keyboardist, and it's a cover song of a Florence and the Machine tune. Really moving!
https://youtu.be/Sdf4CIP9iH8

I love these folks and this is an excellent cover. I'll be happy to snap up their EP when it comes out.

Brilliant band, and George is one the best vocalists in Greece right now (I absolutely adore him in POEM as well).

[Mardoch]

Polyphia - Playing God
Not terribly metal, but holy shit is it good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5NoQg8LdDk

Soilwork - Övergivenheten
It's modern day Soilwork. A bit more aggression than we've seen recently. Very good if it's something you already like, but unlikely to make any new converts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lnviIWjliE

[AllMediaReviews]

Gospel - The Loser
https://gospel.bandcamp.com/album/the-loser

Super bombastic Prog Punk. Their 1st album in 17 years and it's a massive deal for the fans of their debut album "Moon is a Dead World."
It's already #2 on rateyourmusic.com's Chart in fact.

https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2022/#pos2

@The Mars Volta fans.

[jhallum]

Two weird albums of note recently. If you aren't into death or black vox, these are probably not your thing.

Kardashev -- Liminal Rite

They call themselves deathgaze, but its just atmospheric blackened death metal with enough clean vox to make it interesting. The disappointing mix tends to hide what is an interesting album. Silvered Shadows and Compost Grave-Song are tracks to start with.

https://kardashev.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-rite

White Ward -- False Light

https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/album/false-light

This Ukrainian band calls it self blackened death with a side of darkjazz, probably a pretty apt description. Like Liminal Rite, also a concept album, and the jazzy interludes break up what is a pretty intense album. I'd just dive into the first track, Leviathan on this one. It sets the tone, if you don't like it, you'll probably not like the rest of the album.

[Mardoch]

I'm dying for my ear to clear up. That White Ward sounds really interesting and I'm really wanting to dig into the Kardashev, too. I'm really happy to see Kardashev's name circulating right now, though.

[introclaus]

Two weird albums of note recently. If you aren't into death or black vox, these are probably not your thing.

Kardashev -- Liminal Rite

They call themselves deathgaze, but its just atmospheric blackened death metal with enough clean vox to make it interesting. The disappointing mix tends to hide what is an interesting album. Silvered Shadows and Compost Grave-Song are tracks to start with.

https://kardashev.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-rite

White Ward -- False Light

https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/album/false-light

This Ukrainian band calls it self blackened death with a side of darkjazz, probably a pretty apt description. Like Liminal Rite, also a concept album, and the jazzy interludes break up what is a pretty intense album. I'd just dive into the first track, Leviathan on this one. It sets the tone, if you don't like it, you'll probably not like the rest of the album.

Both albums are absolutely incredible - love them both and have been listening to both a heck of a lot since I got them.

The production on Kardashev is wonderful - the best they’ve ever sounded and it lifts the album up way above their other stuff. I don’t understand what you don’t like about it ???

Yes, blackjazz or dark jazz would be fittingly for White Ward, although less “busy” and chaotic than with Shining and more like a slow brush across ab abstract painting here if that makes sense.

[jhallum]

Two weird albums of note recently. If you aren't into death or black vox, these are probably not your thing.

Kardashev -- Liminal Rite

They call themselves deathgaze, but its just atmospheric blackened death metal with enough clean vox to make it interesting. The disappointing mix tends to hide what is an interesting album. Silvered Shadows and Compost Grave-Song are tracks to start with.

https://kardashev.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-rite

White Ward -- False Light

https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/album/false-light

This Ukrainian band calls it self blackened death with a side of darkjazz, probably a pretty apt description. Like Liminal Rite, also a concept album, and the jazzy interludes break up what is a pretty intense album. I'd just dive into the first track, Leviathan on this one. It sets the tone, if you don't like it, you'll probably not like the rest of the album.

Both albums are absolutely incredible - love them both and have been listening to both a heck of a lot since I got them.

The production on Kardashev is wonderful - the best they’ve ever sounded and it lifts the album up way above their other stuff. I don’t understand what you don’t like about it ???

Yes, blackjazz or dark jazz would be fittingly for White Ward, although less “busy” and chaotic than with Shining and more like a slow brush across ab abstract painting here if that makes sense.

IMO, it's mostly the vocals sounding like they are coming from the end of the hall not more upfront, especially the cleans. The music, I agree is remarkably clear for the genre. I'm sure that's what they were aiming for with the vox, but it bugs me a bit.

[Mardoch]

Ascendia - This War
Whoa, a new single outta nowhere?! It's really good. It's pretty much picking up where they left off despite the time that's passed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLsRZjlX5wU

Erra - Pull From the Ghost
This one's from last week actually, but whatever. Some new sounscapes from the boys that I'm really enjoying, but mostly it's Erra being Erra, which is always good news to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz3EdPbFEg

Voyager - Submarine
The silliest video they've ever put out? Yes. A great tune? Also yes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWrcdYp7W-0

Circles - Sleepwalking
Another Aussie prog outfit! These folks were some of my favorite djenters from early in the scene. They always had a lot of focus on the melodic side, and that's still there, but with some more electronic stuff (not my favorite, but it works here).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBwtdTrpUnI

[introclaus]

Ascendia - This War
Whoa, a new single outta nowhere?! It's really good. It's pretty much picking up where they left off despite the time that's passed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLsRZjlX5wU

Erra - Pull From the Ghost
This one's from last week actually, but whatever. Some new sounscapes from the boys that I'm really enjoying, but mostly it's Erra being Erra, which is always good news to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz3EdPbFEg

Voyager - Submarine
The silliest video they've ever put out? Yes. A great tune? Also yes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWrcdYp7W-0

Circles - Sleepwalking
Another Aussie prog outfit! These folks were some of my favorite djenters from early in the scene. They always had a lot of focus on the melodic side, and that's still there, but with some more electronic stuff (not my favorite, but it works here).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBwtdTrpUnI

Ascendia - it's okay, but not blowing me away like the debut did. It's a bit too "safe" and perhaps even "modern".

Erra - the band I really wish I could like/love but just seem to escape me each time.

Voyager - can't stand that band.

Circles - will definitely be interesting to hear entire album. As a first single this is great. Solid releases throughout their career, although I still think their debut EP ("Prelude") was their best, and stupidly I passed up on the opportunity to sign them back then .. ugh!

Btw, you need to check out THE WIND COVENANT from Italy, who just released their debut EP "Conjuration". While it's only a 27 minute of playtime, it feels like a short album, and I'm really digging it. It has the djenty riffing, a few core break downs and is really progressive with huge melodies; progressive djent-core? https://youtu.be/ChG9YP-Hjys

[introclaus]

Just returned from a few weeks of vacation visiting family in Denmark. Went to a couple of record stores, but didn't find much of interest, so only purchased:

Crimson Glory - Crimson Glory, 2022 re-release on silver vinyl in limited edition (2000 numbered copies)
Helloween - Dr. Stein, Limited edition vinyl with pop-up mask in cover
Celtic Frost - I Won't Dance, vinyl EP

Interesting fact - one of the record stores I went to was Badstue Rock (https://www.facebook.com/badstuerock/) which was one of the first stores I ever bought my music at back in the day. I was probably 14 or so (that's 36 years ago) when I started coming there frequently. It was the place where I bought my first Voivod album, AND when I walked in there last week they were actually playing Voivod over the speakers ... what the heck?!

I also got a few things on CD from my brother that he somehow had managed to secure himself multiples of over the years - one of these was the Danish pop-rock/alternative pop band Her Personal Pain, which I liked quite a bit back in the early 90s, but somehow lost when I got rid of my cassette collection. Now I have their one and only album "Songs from Cinema Cafe" again, and I must say that it's aged really well for an album in that style. Here's their hit (the title song "Cinema Cafe"): https://youtu.be/9L2NK1RvTlU

[introclaus]

New stuff from the past couple of weeks or month (yeah, I know it's been a while since I've contributed to this thread);

Books:

Fates Warning - Destination Onward, the story of Fates Warning
Jeff Wagner's book, which I'm super thrilled about. Can't wait to read it. His other two books ("Soul on Fire" about Pete Steele, and "Mean Deviation" about the prog metal movement) were amazing reads.
https://radicalresearch.org/product/des ... ff-wagner/

40 År Med Pretty Maids
Jan Eriksen has written this book (in Danish) about the history of Pretty Maids, with the help of Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer.
https://books.google.com/books/about/40 ... JMEAAAQBAJ

We Came to Rock - the official Pretty Maids Journals
Written by Ozzie Adenborg (in English) ... lots of pictures and interviews; kind of a coffee table book in size.
https://www.prettymaidsjournals.se/


Individual Songs / Singles:

John Norum - Sail On
John Norum - Voices of Silence
Two new singles from the Swedish/Norwegian guitar player best known for Europe. This is brilliant hard rock very much in line with where the last couple of Europe albums were headed (Purple, Rainbow), but perhaps with an extra blues element (think Led Zep, Gary Moore) added.
https://youtu.be/yaLH6TtOXas
https://youtu.be/ADN3VVs5Pp8

Threshold - Silenced
First single from upcoming album and I love it. A bit darker than last album, and sounds epic and grande, yet manages to keep it all within just four-and-a-half minute. Classic sounding prog metal for sure.
https://youtu.be/XszH7l4Xf4E

Trial (Swe) - Sulphery
New single from upcoming album of these Swedish metal heads. Music is somewhere between early Fates Warning, early (pre-Kiske) Helloween, and perhaps a tiny bit of old-school Iced Earth. Their last album had a different vocalist and was a bit more proggy in sound, but this isn't bad at all - curious to see how it turns out on a full album.
https://youtu.be/0prWROoYqpg

Time, The Valuator - Black Water
First single, and it's great melodic metalcore with a proggy, semi-djenty touch to it. I loved their debut album and their singles following that one. This is first sign of life after they've changed vocalists and it promises really well for the next disc.
https://youtu.be/eT_uhTunpfw

Architects - Tear Gas
Architects - When We Were Young
Two singles from the upcoming album. Unfortunately I feel that these tunes are too melodic / simple to really hit me as much as the last album did. It's almost as if the band rushed to get a new disc together to ride high on the success of "For those that wish to exist", and somehow forgot to add in the progressive and cinematic elements that made "For those..." one of (if not THE) the best metalcore albums of all time. That said, both the songs are great, but just doesn't reach the heights I had hoped for.
https://youtu.be/X45uvccd5rA
https://youtu.be/1yOaxGQ-CYI


Full Albums:

The Wind Covenant - Conjuration
Okay, this is probably only an EP, but it feels like a real album. Very impressive debut from this Italian djent/prog-metalcore band, somewhere in the same style as The Human Abstract, Born of Osiris (although, less aggressive) or Within the Ruins.
https://youtu.be/tf1LmXMv450

Atomic Symphony - Hybris
Great female fronted progressive metal of the old-school ... lots of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Epica, etc to their sound.
https://youtu.be/Or8p5oD8fCc

Actually ... I've got quite a lot of other stuff over the previous month, and don't have time to write all of it, but these are amongst my favorites;
Kreator (thrash metal), White Ward (progressive post-black), Coheed & Cambria (prog alternative rock), Kardashev (progressive black metal), Exocrine (technical death), Darkane (gothenburg style melo-death with a tech-thrash edge), Sarayasign (melodic prog / heavy metal)

Other interesting releases that I really enjoy:
Deep Sun (female fronted symphonic metal), Circle of Silence (power metal), Wind Rose (epic symphonic metal), Evil Conspiracy (power metal)

[Mardoch]

Time, The Valuator - Black Water
First single, and it's great melodic metalcore with a proggy, semi-djenty touch to it. I loved their debut album and their singles following that one. This is first sign of life after they've changed vocalists and it promises really well for the next disc.
https://youtu.be/eT_uhTunpfw

Architects - Tear Gas
Architects - When We Were Young
Two singles from the upcoming album. Unfortunately I feel that these tunes are too melodic / simple to really hit me as much as the last album did. It's almost as if the band rushed to get a new disc together to ride high on the success of "For those that wish to exist", and somehow forgot to add in the progressive and cinematic elements that made "For those..." one of (if not THE) the best metalcore albums of all time. That said, both the songs are great, but just doesn't reach the heights I had hoped for.
https://youtu.be/X45uvccd5rA
https://youtu.be/1yOaxGQ-CYI

Just saw Tear Gas this morning, it's good but pretty safe for them. I liked When We Were Young more, personally. I imagine this is an album I'll preorder.

Time, The Valuator - Black Water
First single, and it's great melodic metalcore with a proggy, semi-djenty touch to it. I loved their debut album and their singles following that one. This is first sign of life after they've changed vocalists and it promises really well for the next disc.
https://youtu.be/eT_uhTunpfw

These folks have yet to disappoint me. Also you may have missed (or forgotten, it was pre-plague) Vibrant, which was post-vocalist-change and also incredible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UlqHUVfn8c

[Mardoch]

Ascendia - it's okay, but not blowing me away like the debut did. It's a bit too "safe" and perhaps even "modern".

I can agree with safe, but I don't agree that modern is potentially a problem.

Circles - will definitely be interesting to hear entire album. As a first single this is great. Solid releases throughout their career, although I still think their debut EP ("Prelude") was their best, and stupidly I passed up on the opportunity to sign them back then .. ugh!

Their debut EP has no business being as strong as it is, man. But yeah they're solid and consistent and it's a shame how underexposed they are.

Btw, you need to check out THE WIND COVENANT from Italy, who just released their debut EP "Conjuration". While it's only a 27 minute of playtime, it feels like a short album, and I'm really digging it. It has the djenty riffing, a few core break downs and is really progressive with huge melodies; progressive djent-core? https://youtu.be/ChG9YP-Hjys

Whoa that single fuckin smoked. The cleans are a really nice counterpoint to the crushing heaviness. Definitely looking up that EP today.

[introclaus]

Time, The Valuator - Black Water
First single, and it's great melodic metalcore with a proggy, semi-djenty touch to it. I loved their debut album and their singles following that one. This is first sign of life after they've changed vocalists and it promises really well for the next disc.
https://youtu.be/eT_uhTunpfw

Architects - Tear Gas
Architects - When We Were Young
Two singles from the upcoming album. Unfortunately I feel that these tunes are too melodic / simple to really hit me as much as the last album did. It's almost as if the band rushed to get a new disc together to ride high on the success of "For those that wish to exist", and somehow forgot to add in the progressive and cinematic elements that made "For those..." one of (if not THE) the best metalcore albums of all time. That said, both the songs are great, but just doesn't reach the heights I had hoped for.
https://youtu.be/X45uvccd5rA
https://youtu.be/1yOaxGQ-CYI

Just saw Tear Gas this morning, it's good but pretty safe for them. I liked When We Were Young more, personally. I imagine this is an album I'll preorder.

Yeah both are good but nowhere near the class of “For those….” (Btw, I actually think the live symphonic CD of that album might be my most listened to album this year so far … really a feat in itself since I typically don’t care much for live albums).

Time, The Valuator - Black Water
First single, and it's great melodic metalcore with a proggy, semi-djenty touch to it. I loved their debut album and their singles following that one. This is first sign of life after they've changed vocalists and it promises really well for the next disc.
https://youtu.be/eT_uhTunpfw

These folks have yet to disappoint me. Also you may have missed (or forgotten, it was pre-plague) Vibrant, which was post-vocalist-change and also incredible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UlqHUVfn8c

Yup, but “Vibrant” (which I have, as well as the single they made with the Billy Eilish cover tune) was with their old singer. “Black Water” is their first with the new singer.

[Guillaume]

Claus, thanks for the tip on Sarayasign. Cool band I had never heard about.

Also about the new Evil Conspiracy, didn't know they had a new one out.

[introclaus]

Claus, thanks for the tip on Sarayasign. Cool band I had never heard about.

Also about the new Evil Conspiracy, didn't know they had a new one out.

I wish I could take credit for SARAYASIGN but it was actually another thread in this forum that lead me to check it out. Love that album!

[Random Axe]

Claus, thanks for the tip on Sarayasign. Cool band I had never heard about.

Also about the new Evil Conspiracy, didn't know they had a new one out.

I wish I could take credit for SARAYASIGN but it was actually another thread in this forum that lead me to check it out. Love that album!

I accidently stumbled on them a couple of months ago from one of my prog boards. It has AOR leanings but also has some solid hard rock as well. The singer is a combo of Jorn, JSS and Jimi Jamison. Freakin powerhouse. It's going to end up high on my list this year.

[Harvester]

The singer is a combo of Jorn, JSS and Jimi Jamison. Freakin powerhouse. It's going to end up high on my list this year.

He is a Kent Hilli clone. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujuFpvgieOw )

And that's an awesome thing.

[introclaus]

The singer is a combo of Jorn, JSS and Jimi Jamison. Freakin powerhouse. It's going to end up high on my list this year.

He is a Kent Hilli clone. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujuFpvgieOw )

And that's an awesome thing.

Except that the singer from Sarayasign released his first album (https://www.discogs.com/release/5353613 ... n-The-Game) when Kent Hilli was still in diapers

[introclaus]

So much great stuff released yesterday … I bought way too much … oh well. I’ll try to get back and list ‘em all later but let me just start with this one:

CATS IN SPACE - Kickstart the Sun
Yet another clear winner from the UK pomp rockers. There’s Queen, Supertramp, ELO, Sweet, Rod Steward, Slade etc all over this. Just flat out brilliant. I put it on in the car and within 10-15 seconds my son (he is 11 years old) said “that’s Cats in Space”. Damn! No one does this as good as they do it - I’d go as far as saying that when it comes to poppy 70’s classic rock redux I’d prefer these guys over TNFO - it’s that great!
https://youtu.be/tfxPatEHeiY (“Poke the Witch” single)

[introclaus]

Singles:

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA - Black Stars and Diamonds
Obviously this band can do no (or at least not much) wrong in my book, and this single is another great tune. However, it suffers from being released on the same day as the new Cats in Space album, which is stylewise pretty close (CiS is more pomp rock, tNFO is more classic rock, but ... same difference), and honestly just smokes this one by miles.
https://youtu.be/hSJIwhU48sM

OBSIDIOUS - Devotion
Once more a single from this technical death metal band formed by a bunch of ex-Obscura members. It's super melodic, and reminds me of Trivium (I guess this is what Trivium would sound like if they were tech-death). It might be one of the most commercial sounding bands in this genre I've ever heard, and if they had signed with a major label they could become huge. For some strange reason though, it looks like they will be releasing their debut album "Iconic" on their own soon. Perhaps they are just holding out for that really big pay-day / offer to come from a major label.
https://youtu.be/uO0h6D3-Z-U

BLIND GUARDIAN - Violent Shadows
Another single from the upcoming album. These dudes have definitely not mellowed down with time, as this is the angriest/thrashiest they've sounded since the mid nineties if not earlier.
https://youtu.be/vUpF6VjIC-8

Albums:

GATHERING OF KINGS - Enigmatic
Third album, and a big step up from the previous one (which actually made it to # 73 on my 2020 list) in both songwriting, cohessiveness and performances. Four or five vocalists on one album always have this tendency to end up sounding a bit unstructured, but with strong songwriting and a clear vision (as proven by Ayreon and Avantasia) it is possible to make it sound like one unified effort, and that's what this does. Great melodic hard rock / AOR with lots of big sounding songs such as "How the Mighty Have Fallen" (Rick Altzi who I'm always giving a hard time, actually sounds awesome here), "Here Be Dragons" (Alexander Frisborg on vocals), "Clone Trooper" (Apollo for the win!) and "Long Kiss Goodnight" (Altzi again) are my favorites here, but honestly all the songs are great.
https://youtu.be/LKz7XMLW8as

DANCE GAVIN DANCE - Jackpot Juicer
When the year is over and done, I have a feeling this might be a top 3 to 5 album for me, but it is going to take a lot of plays to really get into it. There's a lot (!!!) going on, and with 18 songs (yup, I said eighteen) it's not just a quick listen. There's some turmoil going on within the band these days that does leave a sour taste in my mouth, and takes away a bit of the enjoyment from what could be DGD's very best album ever, but if I try hard to focus on just the music, then this band is the absolute best the progressive post-hardcore scene has to offer in 2022.
https://youtu.be/LHRp9dRauw8