New stuff Friday ...

[Mardoch]

I don't always have an interest in instrumental stuff, but I'll always pick up whatever Intervals is doing. This album will be fantastic if the singles are any kind of indication.

[introclaus]

I don't always have an interest in instrumental stuff, but I'll always pick up whatever Intervals is doing. This album will be fantastic if the singles are any kind of indication.

But where are the vocals?
You know, musically it's solid, but damn ... add some vocals and it would be killer.

[introclaus]

SETYØURSAILS - Bad Blood
Melodic metalcore with female vocals. Spiritbox meets Evanescence? It's very melodic and quite cheesy, but some of the songs are quite killer, especially "Eternally" and "Bad Company".


EIDOLA - Eviscerate
I've only gone through it once so far, but I was quite disappointed. They've changed a bit since their last album, which actually was first time I really liked a full album of theirs (thanks Mr. Noren!), and have left the "swancore" style behind for most of the album. I am all for progress and trying out new things, but unfortunately they've lost some of their sound and are more generic modern prog-metal this time around. I need to listen more ...


IMMINENCE - The Black
Same as with Eidola, this one was disappointing on first spin. I loved the singles, but overall the album was underwhelming. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood for it, but for a band like this that balances between melodic metalcore and some semi-prog/semi-dark elements, it's dangerous removing their one main element (the violin!!!) from their songs ... sure, it's still there, but not nearly as prominent as on their last album(s). Again, I need to listen more ...


VULTURE - Sentinels
I loved "Dealin' Death" from 2021, and this one is no slouch either. It's speed/thrash metal somewhere between Agent Steel, Hallow's Eve, Accept and Exodus. Simple, basic, true to the genre classics ...

[LarryD]

SETYØURSAILS - Bad Blood
Melodic metalcore with female vocals. Spiritbox meets Evanescence? It's very melodic and quite cheesy, but some of the songs are quite killer, especially "Eternally" and "Bad Company".


EIDOLA - Eviscerate
I've only gone through it once so far, but I was quite disappointed. They've changed a bit since their last album, which actually was first time I really liked a full album of theirs (thanks Mr. Noren!), and have left the "swancore" style behind for most of the album. I am all for progress and trying out new things, but unfortunately they've lost some of their sound and are more generic modern prog-metal this time around. I need to listen more ...


IMMINENCE - The Black
Same as with Eidola, this one was disappointing on first spin. I loved the singles, but overall the album was underwhelming. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood for it, but for a band like this that balances between melodic metalcore and some semi-prog/semi-dark elements, it's dangerous removing their one main element (the violin!!!) from their songs ... sure, it's still there, but not nearly as prominent as on their last album(s). Again, I need to listen more ...


VULTURE - Sentinels
I loved "Dealin' Death" from 2021, and this one is no slouch either. It's speed/thrash metal somewhere between Agent Steel, Hallow's Eve, Accept and Exodus. Simple, basic, true to the genre classics ...

****OMG you're in a mood today ........

[Norén]

EIDOLA - Eviscerate
I've only gone through it once so far, but I was quite disappointed. They've changed a bit since their last album, which actually was first time I really liked a full album of theirs (thanks Mr. Noren!), and have left the "swancore" style behind for most of the album. I am all for progress and trying out new things, but unfortunately they've lost some of their sound and are more generic modern prog-metal this time around. I need to listen more ...

Yes they have lost me here ... this is just ... angry. Not my cup of tea.

[LarryD]

I ordered the new Vanden Plas and For All We Know today ..... I'm happy.

[introclaus]

EIDOLA - Eviscerate
I've only gone through it once so far, but I was quite disappointed. They've changed a bit since their last album, which actually was first time I really liked a full album of theirs (thanks Mr. Noren!), and have left the "swancore" style behind for most of the album. I am all for progress and trying out new things, but unfortunately they've lost some of their sound and are more generic modern prog-metal this time around. I need to listen more ...

Yes they have lost me here ... this is just ... angry. Not my cup of tea.

Yup, not very good at all.

[introclaus]

I ordered the new Vanden Plas and For All We Know today ..... I'm happy.

Haven't heard Vanden Plas' new one yet, but For All We Know might be something you'd like. It's "okay", but probably not my style nearly as much as it is yours.

[introclaus]

QUANTUM - Down the Mountainside
Remember we talked about Swedish band Quantum and their EP "The Next Breath of Air" back in 2020? Here's the thread: https://www.pmrising.com/pm/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11473

Today they are releasing their debut full length album, and it's really impressive. Prog rock/metal with huge melodies. Check it out!!!

Those of you who enjoyed last years Avkrvst should find lots to like here as well ... there are hints of modern Opeth, hints of Haken, hints of classic prog rock, a bit of Dream Theater, and a cinematic feel to all of it.

[introclaus]

Without getting too much into details yet, my #1 and #2 albums of the year so far, were both released today. One of them I've had for several months (MDB) and one of them (BE) I had only heard the two pre-release singles.

MY DYING BRIDE - A Mortal Binding
This is, thus far, my album of the year. I've listened to it a billion times (or at least 50) over the past months and I can't state how much I love it. The doom metal gods are truly smiling down on us with this one.


BLAZING ETERNITY - A Certain End of Everything
Doom, melodic black, gothic ... all of it is here, and it's phenomenal. The two first singles were incredible, and now through the full album a few times, I'm just in awe of how "perfect" this is. I love this. Something seriously tremendous will have to come out to be able to wrestle this out of top 3 for me in 2024.

[giedrius]

I have yet to listen to My Dying Bride and Blazing Eternity, and thanks for mentioning Quantum, I will check them out as well. I saw Quantum name before, but the impression was not strong enough to trigger its addition to my "listen to" list.

My take on a few new releases:

Vanden Plas - The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things. I liked everything from The God Thing to Seraphic Clockwork and then my enthusiasm faded a bit for the later albums. The new one is promising. It is still classical Vanden Plas, but to me it has more power and drive than their albums of the last 10 years.

Turbulence - Binary Dream. Pretty good, even if a bit derivative, prog metal in the style of Haken/Caligula's Horse.

Mind's Mirrors - Forever is not Nearly Enough. Progressive power/thrash in the style of Control Denied and Nevermore, with Allan Tecchio on vocals. Maybe not a Top 10 contender, but a nice album to listen to.

Night Verses - Every Sound Has a Color in the Valley of Night. There are only a few instrumental albums that I truly like, it's all Polyphia and Marty Friedman's "Scenes" and maybe that's about it. However, Night Verses could well be an addition to this short list, just I need a bit longer time test. Multilayered prog metal with a lot of dynamics, atmosphere, and melody.

[introclaus]

Mind's Mirrors - Forever is not Nearly Enough. Progressive power/thrash in the style of Control Denied and Nevermore, with Allan Tecchio on vocals. Maybe not a Top 10 contender, but a nice album to listen to.

Wow !!!! Great find - I always loved Alan Tecchio's voice, so this will be interesting. I see they've got some damn impressive guests as well (Christian Munzer, Ron Jarzombek, Steve Smyth and Michael Romeo).

https://mindsmirrors.bandcamp.com/album ... ong-enough

[AllMediaReviews]

last week's the gift that keeps giving
Bend Sinister - Mostly Great Things

This week
In Vain - Solemn
Local Natives - But I'll Wait for You

[introclaus]

Bend Sinister - Mostly Great Things
Local Natives - But I'll Wait for You

These two are too "indie-rock" for my taste. I appreciate their craft (especially the soft vocals on Local Natives are nice), but it's just not for me.

In Vain - Solemn

This one is surprisingly good. I always thought of them as a second rate Amorphis, but "Solemn" is darker, more technical, and the balance between cleans and growls is nice. I'll need more time to get into it, but it's way better than I remember them from back in the day.

[introclaus]

SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY - Coup de Grace
Mardoch, this one might interest you ... this is post-hardcore with a proggy edge, a bit of screamo, a bit of emo, lots of musical/cabaret/swing style influences, and while this sounds like it's all over the place, it actually ends up being quite a fun listen. Basically, imagine if Dance Gavin Dance, Iwrestledabearonce, Hail the Sun and My Chemical Romance all got tangled together, and it would sound a bit like this I guess. I never heard these guys/girl before, but I saw an interesting review and decided to check it out, and I'm really finding this cool.

[Mardoch]

SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY - Coup de Grace
Mardoch, this one might interest you ... this is post-hardcore with a proggy edge, a bit of screamo, a bit of emo, lots of musical/cabaret/swing style influences, and while this sounds like it's all over the place, it actually ends up being quite a fun listen. Basically, imagine if Dance Gavin Dance, Iwrestledabearonce, Hail the Sun and My Chemical Romance all got tangled together, and it would sound a bit like this I guess. I never heard these guys/girl before, but I saw an interesting review and decided to check it out, and I'm really finding this cool.

Oh that's very interesting, indeed. Her clean vocals up front were fantastic. There's definitely a lot going on and they go right up to the edge of too much, but not quite over it.

[giedrius]

This past weekend was all about Vanden Plas, My Dying Bride, and Blazing Eternity on repeat for me. I also tried Bend Sinister (but it's not quite my cup of tea), the new Pearl Jam album (didn't really like it too much), and Dvne "Voidkind" (sounds like a quality Mastodon/Tool kind of band).

The Blazing Eternity album has a very warm, melancholic, and moody feel and sounds very fluent, and this kind of doom/gothic metal albums are not too frequently encountered. I actually looked at my few cassette boxes and found out that I still have their 1998 demo. I also remember seeing them live with Borknagar at some very small club in Aalborg back in 1999 or 2000.

[introclaus]

The Blazing Eternity album has a very warm, melancholic, and moody feel and sounds very fluent, and this kind of doom/gothic metal albums are not too frequently encountered. I actually looked at my few cassette boxes and found out that I still have their 1998 demo. I also remember seeing them live with Borknagar at some very small club in Aalborg back in 1999 or 2000.

The 1998 demo ("Der Hviler en Nat Under Sorte Vinterbøge") was pretty much a step towards the debut album ... it still had some of the "aggression" and "black metal" angst from the first demo ("Over Sorte Heder") but also embraced the goth and the doom to larger extent. All three songs made it unto the debut album, but all of them sounds more mature on the debut and less grim.

I saw them a ton of times back in the day (obviously, as their manager), and we also did a Euro tour together. They were a great live band, and some of the recent videos I've seen are really great as well - they doesn't seem to have lost any of their "energy" over the years.

Yes, the album is very warm and moody. It ends up in that territory between Swallow the Sun, Katatonia, Saturnus, Fields of Nephilim and perhaps a hint of black here and there. I can't stop listening to it. It's just amazing.

[jhallum]

New self-titled Crownshift. Folks from Wintersun, CoB, Nightwish, Finntroll getting together for a modern metal album with some nice proggy influences. Devin-ish vocals in terms of growls as they are definitely aiming for an alternating SYL or Devin Townsend vibe depending on the track.

Still pretty good in spite of the derivative nature of the influences.

[introclaus]

New self-titled Crownshift. Folks from Wintersun, CoB, Nightwish, Finntroll getting together for a modern metal album with some nice proggy influences. Devin-ish vocals in terms of growls as they are definitely aiming for an alternating SYL or Devin Townsend vibe depending on the track.

Still pretty good in spite of the derivative nature of the influences.

I listened to it earlier today and I hated it - then again, I really don’t like Strapping Young Lad and/or most of Devin’s so stuff.

[introclaus]

RIOT V - Mean Streets
The first Riot release I really thoroughly enjoy after the addition of the "V" to their name. Even though I'm far from being a fan of Todd Michael Hall, he actually does a nice job here, yet there's still something about his voice I just can't get into. Musically this (besides perhaps one or two klunkers) sounds like what I'd like from a Riot release here in 2024.


LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES - The Cycles of Trying to Cope
Progressive metalcore, somewhere in the vein of Polaris, Architects etc, but perhaps a tad darker. Really good stuff. This album hits all the feels.


I also checked out the new IVANHOE but it just wasn't any good.

[prog_powermetal99]

RIOT V - Mean Streets
The first Riot release I really thoroughly enjoy after the addition of the "V" to their name. Even though I'm far from being a fan of Todd Michael Hall, he actually does a nice job here, yet there's still something about his voice I just can't get into. Musically this (besides perhaps one or two klunkers) sounds like what I'd like from a Riot release here in 2024.


LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES - The Cycles of Trying to Cope
Progressive metalcore, somewhere in the vein of Polaris, Architects etc, but perhaps a tad darker. Really good stuff. This album hits all the feels.


I also checked out the new IVANHOE but it just wasn't any good.

Hey Claus, are you a fan of Riot's Thundersteel? I heard that for the first time last week and it's not half bad!

[introclaus]

RIOT V - Mean Streets

Hey Claus, are you a fan of Riot's Thundersteel? I heard that for the first time last week and it's not half bad!

Well … http://www.pmrising.com/pm/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11792

[LarryD]

Hey Claus, are you a fan of Riot's Thundersteel? I heard that for the first time last week and it's not half bad!

***So weird - I recently got rid of my only 2 discs with Tony Moore on vocals .... Thundersteel and The Privilege of Power........ back in the 80s I was a Riot fan early on back in the Guy Speranza days of old ..... loved those first few Riot albums, which I still have ...... then Rhett Forester arrived on vocals and I loved his voice as well for the band ...... after that, the affair was over. Until I grabbed Privilege and Thundersteel on CD ..... loved them both, and Tony Moore vocals were in the stratosphere.....don't do that stuff anymore, but I was surprised to read that you just heard Thunder for the first time ......I thought it was excellent back in the day ...

[LarryD]

Just in from Amazon ---

The Eagles / Hell Freezes Over - (re-mastered)
I'm not a big fan of The Eagles, although I casually like some of their older hits..... I got this one to show off the new stereo system and it does not disappoint. If any of you had the original release ( I did and dumped it some time ago ) this re-master is excellent, especially in the sound dept. I would have preferred more "hits" on this one, but it's worth it just to hear Hotel California played acoustically.


Pink Floyd / Dark Side of the Moon ( 50th anniversary remaster )
Ok, how many versions do I have ? Let me count the ways....wait, that will take awhile. I hate the fact that they keep re-mastering this disc over and over again, but hey, it's one of the best prog rock discs ever created, and it does sound even more wonderful each time. I'm gonna need a separate rack just for the versions of this disc / album that I own.....


Pink Floyd / Animals - (2018 re-mix)
I am not a fan of this album whatsoever. Even back in the day, when the vinyl was released, I didn't care for it. Sure, I got the CD, then the original re-master, but I never, ever listen to it ......couple of guys here told me I need this newest version. Nope, not budging. I lied. I got it. This is a RE-MIX, not a re-master. This could be the best sounding Pink Floyd disc I've ever heard. It is astounding what they did sound wise with this one. The babbling sheep in the background can now be easily heard, and right in your living room. I still don't care for the disc overall, but with this new re-mix, it does make you listen to it ..... reference quality here. If you have any version except this one, get it. Now.

[introclaus]

***So weird - I recently got rid of my only 2 discs with Tony Moore on vocals .... Thundersteel and The Privilege of Power........ back in the 80s I was a Riot fan early on back in the Guy Speranza days of old ..... loved those first few Riot albums, which I still have ...... then Rhett Forester arrived on vocals and I loved his voice as well for the band ...... after that, the affair was over. Until I grabbed Privilege and Thundersteel on CD ..... loved them both, and Tony Moore vocals were in the stratosphere.....don't do that stuff anymore, but I was surprised to read that you just heard Thunder for the first time ......I thought it was excellent back in the day ...

I still listen to Thundersteel and Privilege all the time ... but then again, I'm not as old as you, hahaha

• RIOT started out with Guy Speranza from 75-81. 3 studio albums. (Rock City, Narita, Fire Down Under)

• Then came Rhett Forrester from 81-86. 2 studio albums. (Restless Breed, Born in America)

• Tony Moore joined in 86, left in 92. Then came back twice (08-09, 10-13). 3 studio albums. (Thundersteel, Privilege of Power, Immortal Soul)

• Mike Dimeo was their vocalist from 92-04. 6 studio albums. (Nightbreaker, Brethren of the Long House, Inishmore, Sons of Society, Through the Storm, Army of One)

• RIOT V has Todd Michael Hall on vocalist from 13-now. 3 studio albums. (Unleash the Fire, Armor of Light, Mean Streets)

I really enjoy the Guy-era, and "Fire Down Under" is a must have in any metal collection. Never liked Rhett-era much though. The two first Tony Moore albums are absolutely incredible - LOVE LOVE LOVE! DiMeo is my overall favorite Riot vocalist - his voice is just smooth and soothing, like a blanket Most of the albums with him are great and underrated in the Riot discography. I think Todd is a poor vocalist compared to the other ones, and the first two albums with him aren't that great ... new one is killer though and I even enjoy Todd's voice here.

[prog_powermetal99]

Hey Claus, are you a fan of Riot's Thundersteel? I heard that for the first time last week and it's not half bad!

***So weird - I recently got rid of my only 2 discs with Tony Moore on vocals .... Thundersteel and The Privilege of Power........ back in the 80s I was a Riot fan early on back in the Guy Speranza days of old ..... loved those first few Riot albums, which I still have ...... then Rhett Forester arrived on vocals and I loved his voice as well for the band ...... after that, the affair was over. Until I grabbed Privilege and Thundersteel on CD ..... loved them both, and Tony Moore vocals were in the stratosphere.....don't do that stuff anymore, but I was surprised to read that you just heard Thunder for the first time ......I thought it was excellent back in the day ...

yea, I had heard some Riot, but not this one. But I really enjoyed what I heard. Speaking of music, The only pure Rock band I listen to these days is "The Warning". They won't be your style, but they are a fantastic all girl band, and all sisters as well. I just love their attitude and they write very catchy songs. Sometimes Punkish, sometimes Popish, some times Alternative sounding, but mostly just Rock and all very catchy. Aside from them, most of the music I still listen to is very heavy. I feel like heavy music keeps me young, keeps me energized and keeps my body moving. But hey, that's just me

[LarryD]

I still listen to Thundersteel and Privilege all the time ... but then again, I'm not as old as you, hahaha

***Both discs are great - but I prefer Privilege as well ...... while Metal Soldiers is an excellent song, I cannot listen to singers with that range anymore...... I remember the Steelheart days - but I digress.......

• RIOT started out with Guy Speranza from 75-81. 3 studio albums. (Rock City, Narita, Fire Down Under)

****The best Riot era IMO. So I'm living in Japan in 1980...the bartender is blasting songs that I'd never heard before ... in my drunken stupor, I ask - " who in the hell is this band" ..... he says " don't you know - they are from the USA" ..... I respond with some snotty remark about "Japan gets everything before we do" ...... I went to this bar about 2-3 times a week .... the bartender says - " you come back here on Saturday" ....I say hell yeah ...... I come back on Sat and he has the "Narita" album waiting for me and gives it to me to take home ...... I'll never forget that guy or that place in Japan ... I came home in 1981 and ordered Fire Down Under and Rock City, and I still have those albums here with me .......

• Then came Rhett Forrester from 81-86. 2 studio albums. (Restless Breed, Born in America)

****Rhett ruled. Period. You didn't list the 4-song EP album they released - which to me, is their best in this era. Rhett absolutely killed it live, and I wish I'd had the chance to see him back in the day ......

• Tony Moore joined in 86, left in 92. Then came back twice (08-09, 10-13). 3 studio albums. (Thundersteel, Privilege of Power, Immortal Soul)

****Great singer - and the music got a little weird, but great combination here ...... after this, I was done with Riot. Have not heard a note since of anything listed below.....

• Mike Dimeo was their vocalist from 92-04. 6 studio albums. (Nightbreaker, Brethren of the Long House, Inishmore, Sons of Society, Through the Storm, Army of One)

• RIOT V has Todd Michael Hall on vocalist from 13-now. 3 studio albums. (Unleash the Fire, Armor of Light, Mean Streets)

I really enjoy the Guy-era, and "Fire Down Under" is a must have in any metal collection. Never liked Rhett-era much though. The two first Tony Moore albums are absolutely incredible - LOVE LOVE LOVE! DiMeo is my overall favorite Riot vocalist - his voice is just smooth and soothing, like a blanket Most of the albums with him are great and underrated in the Riot discography. I think Todd is a poor vocalist compared to the other ones, and the first two albums with him aren't that great ... new one is killer though and I even enjoy Todd's voice here.

[/quote]

****Fire Down Under is essential. And you're wrong about the Rhett era .......