New stuff Friday ...

[Mardoch]

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

This is really cool and interesting. It's kinda...jarring...to hear clean vocals against what's effectively tech death instrumentation, but I like it. I'm definitely snagging this one when it drops.

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

Thrash is not my favorite style of metal so I'm kind of waffley on how much I'll like this new BG since a lot of it's very throwback thrashy, but it's impossible to deny how strong these folks continue to be. Hansi is sounding possibly the best he's ever sounded these days.

[Sir Exar Kun]

This is really cool and interesting. It's kinda...jarring...to hear clean vocals against what's effectively tech death instrumentation, but I like it. I'm definitely snagging this one when it drops.

I dunno.... There's enough growl in the chorus to still keep one foot solidly in the tech death realm...... This absolutely works. I dig the different vocal styles.

Standout for me here is the fretless bass. Count me in!

[introclaus]

Not a lot this week;

Singles:

TIME, THE VALUATOR - Ivy
New single which sounds really great. Reminds me more of their album than what the "Black Water" single did. I do like the new singer, so it'll be very interesting to hear the full album.
https://youtu.be/dqpbtXaFjug

THE OFFERING - Wasp
Super interesting "progressive metal/core/djent" band. I enjoyed their debut album "Home" for what it is (more interesting than great), but it's not one I find myself going back to often, but there's something about this new single that hits a lot of right spots for me. It's chaotic but in a controlled fashion if that makes sense. I hear some Devin Townsend in it (which should throw me far off course, but somehow it works), I hear Periphery, I hear BtBaM and the guitar craziness in the last three-and-a-half minute of the song reminds me of a Steve Vai on speed. I'm looking forward to hearing the full album, but it could very easily be another of those albums that's just "too much" - I hope they can keep all their ideas in control and fine a common theme with it.
https://youtu.be/Mdc3odh3pCk

Full album:

TOXIK - Dis Morta
I love (!!!!) the first two albums (1987's "World Circus" and 1989's "Think This") but not sure yet what to think of this one ... it'll need a lot more time for sure. It's still thrashy, it's still proggy ... but not sure if it's Toxik like I want them to sound like. I'll need much more time with this one before forming a real opinion on it.
https://youtu.be/sj_TQwKnaCU

[gazinwales]

STRATOVARIUS - Firefly
Another killer song from their upcoming album released in September
https://youtu.be/nkkcKQN5ntU

[introclaus]

STRATOVARIUS - Firefly
Another killer song from their upcoming album released in September
https://youtu.be/nkkcKQN5ntU

None of the three new songs are doing it for me - don't know what they are missing, but something just doesn't feel right with them. Glad you like it though, and hopefully entire album will meet your expectations.

[Sir Exar Kun]

TOXIK - Dis Morta
I love (!!!!) the first two albums (1987's "World Circus" and 1989's "Think This") but not sure yet what to think of this one ... it'll need a lot more time for sure. It's still thrashy, it's still proggy ... but not sure if it's Toxik like I want them to sound like. I'll need much more time with this one before forming a real opinion on it.

I bought the "Works III" (?) set a few years back and was VERY underwhelmed, as it pretty much catered strictly thrash, with none of the proggy aspects of "Think This". Very much NOT what I wanted them to sound like.

[introclaus]

TOXIK - Dis Morta
I love (!!!!) the first two albums (1987's "World Circus" and 1989's "Think This") but not sure yet what to think of this one ... it'll need a lot more time for sure. It's still thrashy, it's still proggy ... but not sure if it's Toxik like I want them to sound like. I'll need much more time with this one before forming a real opinion on it.

I bought the "Works III" (?) set a few years back and was VERY underwhelmed, as it pretty much catered strictly thrash, with none of the proggy aspects of "Think This". Very much NOT what I wanted them to sound like.

If I remember correctly “Works III” was the two EPs with bonus tracks as well as a disc of re-recorded songs from “Think This” and “World Circus” with current line up. I didn’t care to check it out though as neither of the EPs were any good.

New album is definitely proggy and thrashy all at the same time, but still not sure what to think.

[Mardoch]

TIME, THE VALUATOR - Ivy
New single which sounds really great. Reminds me more of their album than what the "Black Water" single did. I do like the new singer, so it'll be very interesting to hear the full album.
https://youtu.be/dqpbtXaFjug

Really digging this tune, but it does feel...safe? Not sure that's even a criticism to note here, but I just didn't feel bowled over by it, which I have been by nearly everything else they've done.

THE OFFERING - Wasp
Super interesting "progressive metal/core/djent" band. I enjoyed their debut album "Home" for what it is (more interesting than great), but it's not one I find myself going back to often, but there's something about this new single that hits a lot of right spots for me. It's chaotic but in a controlled fashion if that makes sense. I hear some Devin Townsend in it (which should throw me far off course, but somehow it works), I hear Periphery, I hear BtBaM and the guitar craziness in the last three-and-a-half minute of the song reminds me of a Steve Vai on speed. I'm looking forward to hearing the full album, but it could very easily be another of those albums that's just "too much" - I hope they can keep all their ideas in control and fine a common theme with it.
https://youtu.be/Mdc3odh3pCk

This is very interesting. Super chaotic, but out not of control. The melodic section they break into around 3:30 is really good. I'm curious to hear more from them for sure.

[introclaus]

TIME, THE VALUATOR - Ivy
New single which sounds really great. Reminds me more of their album than what the "Black Water" single did. I do like the new singer, so it'll be very interesting to hear the full album.
https://youtu.be/dqpbtXaFjug

Really digging this tune, but it does feel...safe? Not sure that's even a criticism to note here, but I just didn't feel bowled over by it, which I have been by nearly everything else they've done.

Yes, exactly my thought - compared to the other single, this is more akin to the debut, which was great, but it would have been nice if they had tried something new.

THE OFFERING - Wasp
Super interesting "progressive metal/core/djent" band. I enjoyed their debut album "Home" for what it is (more interesting than great), but it's not one I find myself going back to often, but there's something about this new single that hits a lot of right spots for me. It's chaotic but in a controlled fashion if that makes sense. I hear some Devin Townsend in it (which should throw me far off course, but somehow it works), I hear Periphery, I hear BtBaM and the guitar craziness in the last three-and-a-half minute of the song reminds me of a Steve Vai on speed. I'm looking forward to hearing the full album, but it could very easily be another of those albums that's just "too much" - I hope they can keep all their ideas in control and fine a common theme with it.
https://youtu.be/Mdc3odh3pCk

This is very interesting. Super chaotic, but out not of control. The melodic section they break into around 3:30 is really good. I'm curious to hear more from them for sure.

Same!

[gazinwales]

Soilwork – Övergivenheten
New album from the Swedish melodic death metal progsters.
Yes I said prog, they are superb MDM, but also throwing in some prog bits, but always keeping things fresh and interesting.

[jhallum]

Empress -- Fateweaver


For a First album, this does a LOT of things right. Still a bit rough in places, but they don't have too far to improve. Caught their set on the stream on Mad With Power last night, and it was really quite good.

Check it out on their bandcamp. https://empresslegion.bandcamp.com/

[introclaus]

Unprocessed - Gold
The next generation of prog metal bands are ready to take over, and this is going to be one of those at the front. This album is blowing my mind … so amazing! I liked the last album of theirs but on “gold” they’ve stepped it up a hundred notches. Incredible!
https://youtu.be/wmQ4SJQwcrY

[gazinwales]

Threshold - King Of Nothing
https://youtu.be/fOx_pudo2aU
Once again a superb slice of melodic metal with keyboards, aka 'prog metal'.

[introclaus]

STRATOVARIUS - Firefly
Another killer song from their upcoming album released in September
https://youtu.be/nkkcKQN5ntU

None of the three new songs are doing it for me - don't know what they are missing, but something just doesn't feel right with them. Glad you like it though, and hopefully entire album will meet your expectations.

I will go on record and state that I was wrong. Those three songs are great, as is entire album. You'll enjoy it for sure once it's released.

[introclaus]

Threshold - King Of Nothing
https://youtu.be/fOx_pudo2aU
Once again a superb slice of melodic metal with keyboards, aka 'prog metal'.

Heck yes, both singles are indicative of a step up from "Legends of the Shires". Can't wait for this album.

[introclaus]

Lots of good stuff in the past couple of weeks;

UNPROCESSED - Gold
Already mentioned these guys, but DAMN it's amazing. The next generation of progressive metal is right here, right now.
https://youtu.be/XvHQDcpaM8Q

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE How to Shroud Yourself with Night
Gothic "doom" metal in the 90's vein like Sentenced, Tiamat, Type O, Moonspell but with a modern "open-mindset" that sees band pull hints of black, death and occassionally core into their sound. Still rooted in the gothic sound though, and pretty dang awesome at that.
https://youtu.be/N9vj9y7tJn8

SIGH - Shiki
I havent' had enough time with this yet, but I already enjoy it more than the last album. 2012's "In Somniphobia" is my favorite Sigh album, and I hear a few things in "Shiki" that hints at that album. As always it's a crazy ride when listening to this band. Avantgarde progressive 70's rock with neoclassical metal stylings, black metal and general weirdness ... in Japanese!
https://youtu.be/ikER7txirXQ

MACHINE HEAD - Of Kingdom and Crown
Shoot me, I like this stuff! I went to plenty of MH concerts back in the day, always on frontrow with the stage divers jumping right over my head. Groove metal / thrash is the name of the game now as back then. This is the best MH album in the last 15 years.
https://youtu.be/mgSHazBbDNU

THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost
What can be said about this that hasn't already been said? If you miss early In Flames then this is it. Love it!
https://youtu.be/MDR52-9Zns4

SEVENTH STORM - Maledictus
Interesting mixture of gothic atmosphere, power metal, some death and black and lots of mediterranean folk stylings (Evergrey meets Moonspell?). It's not a perfect album, but there's plenty of good stuff to think that these guys can come up with a brilliant release down the road.
https://youtu.be/dg5Odd63FT8

ROYAL CODA - To Only a Few At First
Gosh, I really like this album, but man did they not do themselves any favors of releasing it just a few weeks after the newest Dance Gavin Dance, as it's their biggest comparison (given that it's former DGD vocalist Kurt, and it's DGD band leader Will on guitar). Nevertheless, it's, so far, the second best album in the progressive post-hardcore genre this year
https://youtu.be/4IpyI0qM5zs

MUSE - Will of the People
UK Queen wannabe's are back with another masterpiece. Matthew Bellamy is one of the greatest songwriters of our time in my biased fanboy opinion. Pomp and plenty of circumstance.
https://youtu.be/oyu1WO0hRB0 (WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!)

Plus a bunch of great new singles:
Threshold - King of Nothing (melodic prog metal) - https://youtu.be/fOx_pudo2aU
Them - Welcome to Fear City (heavy metal/power/thrash with King Diamond atmosphere) - https://youtu.be/J5qkxlx7i6A
Green Carnation - Time in a Bottle (cover of Jim Croce's 1973 classic - killer!!!) - https://youtu.be/9CNeMbmhb_I
Electric Callboy - Hurrikan (metalcore goes German dance - that video is a total mind f***) - https://youtu.be/Vf3LqQluWag
Avatarium - Death, Where is Yoour Sting (doom metal goes 70's Heart ... or the other way around) - https://youtu.be/u-IGNzCsUx8
Candlemass - Scandinavian Gods (doom! total disappointment as Johan sounds horrible ... ugh ) - https://youtu.be/rIdEdZ9i-x8
Nova Charisma - Hollow People (Donovan is the best vocalist in progressive post-hardcore bar none - love it!) - https://youtu.be/4KqMmgdbpck

[Mardoch]

Soilwork – Övergivenheten
New album from the Swedish melodic death metal progsters.
Yes I said prog, they are superb MDM, but also throwing in some prog bits, but always keeping things fresh and interesting.

I love Soilwork. One of my top 5 favorite bands of all time. But...I don't like this album. It's like they've averaged Soilwork and NFO and the result is...bleh.

Unprocessed - Gold
The next generation of prog metal bands are ready to take over, and this is going to be one of those at the front. This album is blowing my mind … so amazing! I liked the last album of theirs but on “gold” they’ve stepped it up a hundred notches. Incredible!
https://youtu.be/wmQ4SJQwcrY

UNPROCESSED - Gold
Already mentioned these guys, but DAMN it's amazing. The next generation of progressive metal is right here, right now.
https://youtu.be/XvHQDcpaM8Q

Damn I didn't know they had a new album coming out. I'm stoked for this!

THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost
What can be said about this that hasn't already been said? If you miss early In Flames then this is it. Love it!
https://youtu.be/MDR52-9Zns4

This was...boring. I got real hyped for this group as a melodeath supergroup and the product is much less than the sum of the parts, imo. I didn't even make it all the way through the album.

[introclaus]

THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost
What can be said about this that hasn't already been said? If you miss early In Flames then this is it. Love it!
https://youtu.be/MDR52-9Zns4

This was...boring. I got real hyped for this group as a melodeath supergroup and the product is much less than the sum of the parts, imo. I didn't even make it all the way through the album.

I’m not gonna say you’re wrong, but I think I has to do with expectations… i went into this album expecting absolutely nothing, as these guys haven’t done anything that’s moved me for many many years, and I believe that helped me just enjoy it for what it is; a love declaration to the scene they came from, but with the skill set, the production techniques and the songwriting mindframe they are in now. Yeah, there are some songs that aren’t “classic melodeath”, but those actually brings a bit of freshness to the album if you ask me. That said, I’ve enjoyed perhaps a handful of melodeath albums in the last ~15 years, so this one works wonders in my collection.

Then again, I know how easily it is to get pumped for a supergroup only to be disappointed… A-Z being the latest example for me.

[introclaus]

Unprocessed - Gold
The next generation of prog metal bands are ready to take over, and this is going to be one of those at the front. This album is blowing my mind … so amazing! I liked the last album of theirs but on “gold” they’ve stepped it up a hundred notches. Incredible!
https://youtu.be/wmQ4SJQwcrY

UNPROCESSED - Gold
Already mentioned these guys, but DAMN it's amazing. The next generation of progressive metal is right here, right now.
https://youtu.be/XvHQDcpaM8Q

Damn I didn't know they had a new album coming out. I'm stoked for this!

I’ve listened to this disc so many times in the past week that I know it by heart. Heck, even my son knows it now so much that he picks out which of the songs to listen to in the car (he knows it’s a lost battle so he might at least have some input on which of them we will be listening to).

[Mardoch]

THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost
What can be said about this that hasn't already been said? If you miss early In Flames then this is it. Love it!
https://youtu.be/MDR52-9Zns4

This was...boring. I got real hyped for this group as a melodeath supergroup and the product is much less than the sum of the parts, imo. I didn't even make it all the way through the album.

I’m not gonna say you’re wrong, but I think I has to do with expectations… i went into this album expecting absolutely nothing, as these guys haven’t done anything that’s moved me for many many years, and I believe that helped me just enjoy it for what it is; a love declaration to the scene they came from, but with the skill set, the production techniques and the songwriting mindframe they are in now. Yeah, there are some songs that aren’t “classic melodeath”, but those actually brings a bit of freshness to the album if you ask me. That said, I’ve enjoyed perhaps a handful of melodeath albums in the last ~15 years, so this one works wonders in my collection.

Then again, I know how easily it is to get pumped for a supergroup only to be disappointed… A-Z being the latest example for me.

Maybe I should try it again with a reset in expectation.

Also I feel the same about A-Z. I know the focus just isn't what I wanted it to be. It was...just not what I wanted even though all the pieces were there.

[introclaus]

Full albums:

MEGADETH - The Sick, the Dying ... and the Dead
Only one spin through it, so haven't really formed an opinion yet. So far, so good ... (no pun intended) ... not bad, and as expected, the musicianship is through the roof with Kiko, Dirk, Steve and even Dave himself delivering top-notch performances on their respective instruments. Now, Dave's vocals do seem to sound old (!), but considering the dude is 60, perhaps that's to be expected.
https://youtu.be/xc_mfqPS2LY

BLIND GUARDIAN - The God Machine
Probably their best since "Nightfall". I've already played it front to back 8 times or more in two days. Love it.
https://youtu.be/u60SpI8qsd4

TRIAL (swe) - Feed the Fire
I wanted to love this, but right now I'm on the fence to be honest. I've played it three times so far just to get a feel for it, but it leaves me somewhat underwhelmed. It's faster paced and less progressive than 2017's "Motherless", which I truly enjoyed for it's interesting mixture of classic Psychotic Waltz, Nevermore, old-school Fates Warning and King Diamond/Mercyful Fate. Now, I'm aware that a lot of people preferred their first two albums over "Motherless", and with "Feed the Fire" they've gone more back to the roots, so perhaps I'm in the wrong here?
https://youtu.be/HbpJ5ztWZAo

AETERNAM - Heir of the Rising Sun
This album is killer! Symphonic middle eastern folk metal with plenty of death metal, blackened atmosphere, a hint of thrash and some nice hefty progginess. Those who thought Orphaned Land went too soft after "Mabool" should feel at home here.
https://youtu.be/VNQWRcnooHE


Singles:

TANKARD - Lockdown Forever
Third single from upcoming album. It's classic Tankard-thrash metal with horrible infantile lyrics, but a I-don't-give-a-shit attitude and perfect old school teutonic thrash sound.
https://youtu.be/eNJQ4Hnjp0I

ARCHITECTS - Deep Fake
Three for three now ... and not winners All 3 singles so far are pretty disappointing to me - ugh. This is just standard metalcore. I'm beginning to think that the band spent everything they had on composing the absolutely incredible "For those who wish to exist" album, and now have nothing left in the tank.
https://youtu.be/TnCUJVPQH3I

SOEN - Trials
Live version of a new (?) song from Soen, taken from their upcoming live album "Atlantis". They've gone for the "metal band with orchestra" approach here, which have worked really well for other bands in the past (Metallica, Architects, Malmsteen), so it'll be interesting to hear the entire album.
https://youtu.be/u8vJRisFgIw

[gazinwales]

Full albums:


BLIND GUARDIAN - The God Machine
Probably their best since "Nightfall". I've already played it front to back 8 times or more in two days. Love it.
https://youtu.be/u60SpI8qsd4

One my second listen already, great songs, but still too much compression, drums are so buried.
I would love them to work with Kevin Shirley, but I'm guessing he's way out of their price range.

[introclaus]

Full albums:
BLIND GUARDIAN - The God Machine
Probably their best since "Nightfall". I've already played it front to back 8 times or more in two days. Love it.
https://youtu.be/u60SpI8qsd4

One my second listen already, great songs, but still too much compression, drums are so buried.
I would love them to work with Kevin Shirley, but I'm guessing he's way out of their price range.

Interesting thought - I'm not sure if Kevin Shirley would have been my first choice (or even in top 5 haha), as he typically has a different kind of sound completely ... I know he's done DT and Iron M, but I for some reason always am reminded of the organic sound of Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Beth Hart, etc. (the bluesy sound) when I think of Kevin Shirley. Then again, I don't have a better idea myself, except perhaps go back to the Sweet Silence sound with Flemming Rasmussen as on "Imaginations..." and "Nightfall..."

[Mardoch]

Unprocessed - Gold
The next generation of prog metal bands are ready to take over, and this is going to be one of those at the front. This album is blowing my mind … so amazing! I liked the last album of theirs but on “gold” they’ve stepped it up a hundred notches. Incredible!
https://youtu.be/wmQ4SJQwcrY

UNPROCESSED - Gold
Already mentioned these guys, but DAMN it's amazing. The next generation of progressive metal is right here, right now.
https://youtu.be/XvHQDcpaM8Q

Damn I didn't know they had a new album coming out. I'm stoked for this!

I’ve listened to this disc so many times in the past week that I know it by heart. Heck, even my son knows it now so much that he picks out which of the songs to listen to in the car (he knows it’s a lost battle so he might at least have some input on which of them we will be listening to).

I don't know why I didn't see that the album purchase links were in the YT descriptions, but I've finally bought it and holy crap it's excellent. Gold is an appropriate name for it.

[introclaus]

Damn I didn't know they had a new album coming out. I'm stoked for this!

I’ve listened to this disc so many times in the past week that I know it by heart. Heck, even my son knows it now so much that he picks out which of the songs to listen to in the car (he knows it’s a lost battle so he might at least have some input on which of them we will be listening to).

I don't know why I didn't see that the album purchase links were in the YT descriptions, but I've finally bought it and holy crap it's excellent. Gold is an appropriate name for it.

I’m so glad we agree on this one. I can’t get enough of it. Listening to it every single day and often more than once …

[prog_powermetal99]

Damn I didn't know they had a new album coming out. I'm stoked for this!

I’ve listened to this disc so many times in the past week that I know it by heart. Heck, even my son knows it now so much that he picks out which of the songs to listen to in the car (he knows it’s a lost battle so he might at least have some input on which of them we will be listening to).

I don't know why I didn't see that the album purchase links were in the YT descriptions, but I've finally bought it and holy crap it's excellent. Gold is an appropriate name for it.

I tried to give "unprocessed" a chance, but I just can't stomach the vocals, just too radio and modern sounding for my ears.........Also, seems more rock than metal, but maybe there are other songs that are more metal....

[LarryD]

I tried to give "unprocessed" a chance, but I just can't stomach the vocals, just too radio and modern sounding for my ears.........Also, seems more rock than metal, but maybe there are other songs that are more metal....

***I felt the same way. Now I'm hoping we are talking the right thing, we are referring to the video right ? I did not care for that at all ...... much too modern sounding and almost maybe alt-rock in sound ?? I had a tough time with it either way - not my style of preference.

[Sir Exar Kun]

I tried to give "unprocessed" a chance, but I just can't stomach the vocals, just too radio and modern sounding for my ears.........Also, seems more rock than metal, but maybe there are other songs that are more metal....
***I felt the same way. Now I'm hoping we are talking the right thing, we are referring to the video right ? I did not care for that at all ...... much too modern sounding and almost maybe alt-rock in sound ?? I had a tough time with it either way - not my style of preference.

Same here..... Wasn't going to say anything, as it's different strokes for different folks and all, but this had way too light / too emo of a vibe for me at all. Yeah, OK, he can pull off some nice sweeps on the guitar, but the tone.... Yeesh.

On a tangential line..... I finally got around to the new Seventh Wonder, and can't understand what you DON'T like about it, Claus! This sounds very much like old "Waiting in the Wings" era material. My only real grip is that, similar to "Tiara", Andreas is playing in more of a traditional rhythm style for the bass, rather than the dual leads he used to whip out..... There's SOME of that style on here, but I want it all over the place, DAMMIT! The keys and guitars both are excellent, as usual, and Tommy is.... Well.... TOMMY! (Not Khan-Tommy...... TOMMY-Tommy!)

[prog_powermetal99]

I tried to give "unprocessed" a chance, but I just can't stomach the vocals, just too radio and modern sounding for my ears.........Also, seems more rock than metal, but maybe there are other songs that are more metal....

***I felt the same way. Now I'm hoping we are talking the right thing, we are referring to the video right ? I did not care for that at all ...... much too modern sounding and almost maybe alt-rock in sound ?? I had a tough time with it either way - not my style of preference.

haha yea for a minute I thought youtube had sent me to the wrong video by mistake, I was like, wait, what?? lol... Just different taste is all, and I totally respect Claus's taste...Just DEFINATELY not my thing....I just like really stellar and amazing vocals with my music, and yea the music is too light for me.... But I'm glad others enjoy it....

[introclaus]

I think what sets me and some of you apart here is that the standard prog metal stuff to me has gotten very stale and that’s just not where I find the for-me-interesting-stuff these days. I know a lot of you still love new stuff in the trad prog genre, and that’s great. But for me it isn’t where my head is at these days. I want to see the future of the genre, not bands doing what we’ve seen others do hundreds of times before. A few trad prog releases do catch my ear each year, but it’s few and far between. In later years the progressive side of metal core, djent and post-hardcore genres have given me a lot of new inspiration, and the entire “next-gen prog” scene is super inspiring I think.

About the heaviness of a band like Unprocessed or Port Noir: It doesn’t have to be overly “metal” to be “heavy” - that has more to do with emotions and lyrics and atmosphere. A distorted loud guitar doesn’t mean heavy to me. The way Unprocessed does it is heavy in its own way I think.

As for the new Seventh Wonder - it’s a rehash of a style heard a million times before, the production is quite poor, both Andreas bass and Andreas keyboard needs to step it up. For someone who loves this band soooooo very much, it’s painful to listen to sometimes, and it definitely doesn’t excite and inspire me in the same way Unprocessed or Port Noir does.

I’m honestly just looking for where the prog “metal” genre can go next, and I don’t think it’s another 7W or Vanden Plas album that’ll do that… at least not for me.

[prog_powermetal99]

I think what sets me and some of you apart here is that the standard prog metal stuff to me has gotten very stale and that’s just not where I find the for-me-interesting-stuff these days. I know a lot of you still love new stuff in the trad prog genre, and that’s great. But for me it isn’t where my head is at these days. I want to see the future of the genre, not bands doing what we’ve seen others do hundreds of times before. A few trad prog releases do catch my ear each year, but it’s few and far between. In later years the progressive side of metal core, djent and post-hardcore genres have given me a lot of new inspiration, and the entire “next-gen prog” scene is super inspiring I think.

About the heaviness of a band like Unprocessed or Port Noir: It doesn’t have to be overly “metal” to be “heavy” - that has more to do with emotions and lyrics and atmosphere. A distorted loud guitar doesn’t mean heavy to me. The way Unprocessed does it is heavy in its own way I think.

As for the new Seventh Wonder - it’s a rehash of a style heard a million times before, the production is quite poor, both Andreas bass and Andreas keyboard needs to step it up. For someone who loves this band soooooo very much, it’s painful to listen to sometimes, and it definitely doesn’t excite and inspire me in the same way Unprocessed or Port Noir does.

I’m honestly just looking for where the prog “metal” genre can go next, and I don’t think it’s another 7W or Vanden Plas album that’ll do that… at least not for me.

I do understand your point about prog metal bands getting stale after doing lots of the same stuff. But hey AC/DC got away with it

I think Unprocessed could do themselves better though if they got a much better singer....This guy sounds very weak and generic and lethargic sounding..... I think if a band is going to have good musicians, then they also need a very good vocalist as well..........but hey that's just my opinion

[introclaus]

I think what sets me and some of you apart here is that the standard prog metal stuff to me has gotten very stale and that’s just not where I find the for-me-interesting-stuff these days. I know a lot of you still love new stuff in the trad prog genre, and that’s great. But for me it isn’t where my head is at these days. I want to see the future of the genre, not bands doing what we’ve seen others do hundreds of times before. A few trad prog releases do catch my ear each year, but it’s few and far between. In later years the progressive side of metal core, djent and post-hardcore genres have given me a lot of new inspiration, and the entire “next-gen prog” scene is super inspiring I think.

About the heaviness of a band like Unprocessed or Port Noir: It doesn’t have to be overly “metal” to be “heavy” - that has more to do with emotions and lyrics and atmosphere. A distorted loud guitar doesn’t mean heavy to me. The way Unprocessed does it is heavy in its own way I think.

As for the new Seventh Wonder - it’s a rehash of a style heard a million times before, the production is quite poor, both Andreas bass and Andreas keyboard needs to step it up. For someone who loves this band soooooo very much, it’s painful to listen to sometimes, and it definitely doesn’t excite and inspire me in the same way Unprocessed or Port Noir does.

I’m honestly just looking for where the prog “metal” genre can go next, and I don’t think it’s another 7W or Vanden Plas album that’ll do that… at least not for me.

I do understand your point about prog metal bands getting stale after doing lots of the same stuff. But hey AC/DC got away with it

I think Unprocessed could do themselves better though if they got a much better singer....This guy sounds very weak and generic and lethargic sounding..... I think if a band is going to have good musicians, then they also need a very good vocalist as well..........but hey that's just my opinion

Interesting - I think he is phenomenal. Different strokes …

[Sir Exar Kun]

I think what sets me and some of you apart here is that the standard prog metal stuff to me has gotten very stale and that’s just not where I find the for-me-interesting-stuff these days. I know a lot of you still love new stuff in the trad prog genre, and that’s great. But for me it isn’t where my head is at these days. I want to see the future of the genre, not bands doing what we’ve seen others do hundreds of times before. A few trad prog releases do catch my ear each year, but it’s few and far between. In later years the progressive side of metal core, djent and post-hardcore genres have given me a lot of new inspiration, and the entire “next-gen prog” scene is super inspiring I think.

About the heaviness of a band like Unprocessed or Port Noir: It doesn’t have to be overly “metal” to be “heavy” - that has more to do with emotions and lyrics and atmosphere. A distorted loud guitar doesn’t mean heavy to me. The way Unprocessed does it is heavy in its own way I think.

As for the new Seventh Wonder - it’s a rehash of a style heard a million times before, the production is quite poor, both Andreas bass and Andreas keyboard needs to step it up. For someone who loves this band soooooo very much, it’s painful to listen to sometimes, and it definitely doesn’t excite and inspire me in the same way Unprocessed or Port Noir does.

I’m honestly just looking for where the prog “metal” genre can go next, and I don’t think it’s another 7W or Vanden Plas album that’ll do that… at least not for me.

Totally get it, and understand completely! You can call us stodgy old bastards..... It's OK. I think a few of us are comfortable in that!

I need to listen to Seventh Wonder more intently still..... The one pass through had fam in the car, so I wasn't able to really let it rip, but definitely was NOT hearing it the way you were.

[prog_powermetal99]

I think what sets me and some of you apart here is that the standard prog metal stuff to me has gotten very stale and that’s just not where I find the for-me-interesting-stuff these days. I know a lot of you still love new stuff in the trad prog genre, and that’s great. But for me it isn’t where my head is at these days. I want to see the future of the genre, not bands doing what we’ve seen others do hundreds of times before. A few trad prog releases do catch my ear each year, but it’s few and far between. In later years the progressive side of metal core, djent and post-hardcore genres have given me a lot of new inspiration, and the entire “next-gen prog” scene is super inspiring I think.

About the heaviness of a band like Unprocessed or Port Noir: It doesn’t have to be overly “metal” to be “heavy” - that has more to do with emotions and lyrics and atmosphere. A distorted loud guitar doesn’t mean heavy to me. The way Unprocessed does it is heavy in its own way I think.

As for the new Seventh Wonder - it’s a rehash of a style heard a million times before, the production is quite poor, both Andreas bass and Andreas keyboard needs to step it up. For someone who loves this band soooooo very much, it’s painful to listen to sometimes, and it definitely doesn’t excite and inspire me in the same way Unprocessed or Port Noir does.

I’m honestly just looking for where the prog “metal” genre can go next, and I don’t think it’s another 7W or Vanden Plas album that’ll do that… at least not for me.

Totally get it, and understand completely! You can call us stodgy old bastards..... It's OK. I think a few of us are comfortable in that!

I need to listen to Seventh Wonder more intently still..... The one pass through had fam in the car, so I wasn't able to really let it rip, but definitely was NOT hearing it the way you were.

Regarding the idea of Unprocessed being prog metal, I know it's completely subjective, but I still think prog rock is probably a better label for it ...Something can have some heavy elements and still be prog rock....I mean look at Rush, they write some pretty complicated music, but we still tend to refer to them as prog rock, in spite of some heavier elements here and there.......The reason I tend to keep them separate myself is because I"m not a big fan of prog rock bands(except for Rush). There's nothing wrong with it and tons of talent in it, just a bit too light for my taste.. Then again, some of the easy listening 70s stuff that I listen to would make most on here cringe and gag bigtime But hey that's music for ya!

I too am loving the new Seventh Wonder. I find the songs getting stuck in my head throughout the day since I've listened to it so much LOL..... Tommy just sounds so damn phenomenal on the new one, and that song Elegy is probably one of the best performances of Tommy I've heard and that song just drips with emotion, and I'm not a big ban of ballads either.......Of course nothing beats Mercy Falls. That album was an absolute masterpiece in every way...

[Norén]

Going to ProgPower Europe in two weeks where Seventh Wonder is headlining, but I'm sorry, it's the band I'm looking least forward to see. It doesn't give me anything. I'm with Claus here, most of the releases I enjoy these days are not traditional ProgMetal. The bands I'm really looking forward to see at ProgPower is Meer, Vulkan, Von Hertzen brothers and Mother of millions.