New Discoveries

[Random Axe]

These are not new, 2023 albums but some random stuff I've stumbled across that some of you may be into. I'd never seen any of their names mentioned here so I'm guess they'll be new to you as well.


Wicked Waltz/Perseverance - This American band released two albums, this one in I think 2013. This is a varied album with lots of mixed influences and styles. It's hard to nail down all of them but overall their sound is a mix between Psyco Drama and Mercury Rising and a pinch of King Diamond. Some super melodic stuff mixed with some mid-tempo mixed with a couple of tunes with some high-pitched wails ala the King. Production is decent. Def a surprise.

Seven Ravens/Barely Hanging On - Straight up melodic metal/rock. This has some nice riffage and melodies and MIchael Borhman on vox, so you know what you're getting here. Mike sounds great, though. I'm not much of a fan. Lots of good energy. For reference, think The Raven Age, funnily enough. They have a new album coming later this year with Dougie White on vocals.

Demise of the Crown/Life in the City - This band is somewhat of an enigma to me, but a welcomed one. Upon first hearing the opening notes, tuning and blast beats you'd think you're about to be assaulted with some screamo-core stuff. Nope. This album is 90 percent clean vocals, and they're outstanding, great chorus work. Yes, they do still throw some growls and screams in but its for flavor. Nice , rich production as well. This would appeal to many here.

Seventh Servant/Tree of Life - This sounds a lot like the first couple of Iced Earth albums. It should. John Greely is the vocalist here. This is a strange album concept. They are literally taking actual scripture out of the book of Revelation to make these tunes. It has an odd meter naturally, but it's somehow genius.

Dysplacer/Temple Heights - Firstly, I love this album cover! So damn cheesy it's amazing. This is an American band that hasn't forgotten how to have some fun. The sound reminds me of Soldiers Under Command mixed with some Warkings mixed with Dream Troll. The album, I think, is a reference to some bad 80s kung fu movies. The vocalist is excellent at times, but maybe goes for notes he shouldn't. Full album was just released today and I'm not all the way through. My opinion may be premature.

Synaptik/This Incredible Machine - This is a little chaotic for me, but still enjoyable. I got some serious Sanctuary/Nevermore mixed with Spiral Architect vibes. There's still some nice melodies in here. Not terribly sure how else to describe this.

[Random Axe]

These are not all new 2023 albums but some random stuff I've stumbled across that some of you may be into. I'd never seen any of their names mentioned here so I'm guess they'll be new to you as well.


Wicked Waltz/Perseverance - This American band released two albums, this one in I think 2013. This is a varied album with lots of mixed influences and styles. It's hard to nail down all of them but overall their sound is a mix between Psyco Drama and Mercury Rising and a pinch of King Diamond. Some super melodic stuff mixed with some mid-tempo mixed with a couple of tunes with some high-pitched wails ala the King. Production is decent. Def a surprise.

https://youtu.be/YGyw51NZf-Q

Seven Ravens/Barely Hanging On - Straight up melodic metal/rock. This has some nice riffage and melodies and MIchael Borhman on vox, so you know what you're getting here. Mike sounds great, though. I'm not much of a fan. Lots of good energy. For reference, think The Raven Age, funnily enough. They have a new album coming later this year with Dougie White on vocals.

https://youtu.be/ApIk2lE2Liw

Demise of the Crown/Life in the City - This band is somewhat of an enigma to me, but a welcomed one. Upon first hearing the opening notes, tuning and blast beats you'd think you're about to be assaulted with some screamo-core stuff. Nope. This album is 90 percent clean vocals, and they're outstanding, great chorus work. Yes, they do still throw some growls and screams in but its for flavor. Nice , rich production as well. This would appeal to many here.

https://youtu.be/0MExuGjbD4k

Seventh Servant/Tree of Life - This sounds a lot like the first couple of Iced Earth albums. It should. John Greely is the vocalist here. This is a strange album concept. They are literally taking actual scripture out of the book of Revelation to make these tunes. It has an odd meter naturally, but it's somehow genius.

https://youtu.be/e1SEX1GNId0

Dysplacer/Temple Heights - Firstly, I love this album cover! So damn cheesy it's amazing. This is an American band that hasn't forgotten how to have some fun. The sound reminds me of Soldiers Under Command mixed with some Warkings mixed with Dream Troll. The album, I think, is a reference to some bad 80s kung fu movies. The vocalist is excellent at times, but maybe goes for notes he shouldn't. Full album was just released today and I'm not all the way through. My opinion may be premature.

https://youtu.be/Ay6L_N8tK1Y

Synaptik/This Incredible Machine - This is a little chaotic for me, but still enjoyable. I got some serious Sanctuary/Nevermore mixed with Spiral Architect vibes. There's still some nice melodies in here. Not terribly sure how else to describe this.

https://youtu.be/V_nUMFr_jPw

[introclaus]

Wicked Waltz/Perseverance - This American band released two albums, this one in I think 2013. This is a varied album with lots of mixed influences and styles. It's hard to nail down all of them but overall their sound is a mix between Psyco Drama and Mercury Rising and a pinch of King Diamond. Some super melodic stuff mixed with some mid-tempo mixed with a couple of tunes with some high-pitched wails ala the King. Production is decent. Def a surprise.
https://youtu.be/YGyw51NZf-Q

I didn't really think the singer was very good, and that (combined w an old production) is holding me back. Reminds me of Pagan's Mind stylewise, but I can see what you mean about Psycho Drama and King Diamond as well.

Seven Ravens/Barely Hanging On - Straight up melodic metal/rock. This has some nice riffage and melodies and MIchael Borhman on vox, so you know what you're getting here. Mike sounds great, though. I'm not much of a fan. Lots of good energy. For reference, think The Raven Age, funnily enough. They have a new album coming later this year with Dougie White on vocals.
https://youtu.be/ApIk2lE2Liw

Musically very bland/boring hard rock ... a shame considering the guys involved (Bohrman, Donnie van Stavern, Bobby Jarzombek). My guess is that the song writer / guitarist "bought in" his favorite musicians to play on his album.

Demise of the Crown/Life in the City - This band is somewhat of an enigma to me, but a welcomed one. Upon first hearing the opening notes, tuning and blast beats you'd think you're about to be assaulted with some screamo-core stuff. Nope. This album is 90 percent clean vocals, and they're outstanding, great chorus work. Yes, they do still throw some growls and screams in but its for flavor. Nice , rich production as well. This would appeal to many here.
https://youtu.be/0MExuGjbD4k

Not bad - somewhere between Borealis and a less pompous Kamelot perhaps ... but with a bit more "crunch" factor. Perhaps not exactly what I'm looking for these days, but it's quite good for what they do.

Seventh Servant/Tree of Life - This sounds a lot like the first couple of Iced Earth albums. It should. John Greely is the vocalist here. This is a strange album concept. They are literally taking actual scripture out of the book of Revelation to make these tunes. It has an odd meter naturally, but it's somehow genius.
https://youtu.be/e1SEX1GNId0

You weren't kidding about the lyrics making this such a unique listening experience ... very strange rhythms going on because of that.
Greely definitely isn't the best of the many Iced Earth vocalists, but he did a solid job on Night of the Stormrider, and he does so here as well.
I'll listen to this some more.

Dysplacer/Temple Heights - Firstly, I love this album cover! So damn cheesy it's amazing. This is an American band that hasn't forgotten how to have some fun. The sound reminds me of Soldiers Under Command mixed with some Warkings mixed with Dream Troll. The album, I think, is a reference to some bad 80s kung fu movies. The vocalist is excellent at times, but maybe goes for notes he shouldn't. Full album was just released today and I'm not all the way through. My opinion may be premature.
https://youtu.be/Ay6L_N8tK1Y

Cover: lol, that's awesome
Music: yeah ... I guess I can hear what you mean, but it's nowhere near as good as Dream Troll or Stryper
Lyrics: looks like you're right with those song titles ... that's fun
Vocals: oh boy, he is tough on the ears for sure

I'll play some more.

Synaptik/This Incredible Machine - This is a little chaotic for me, but still enjoyable. I got some serious Sanctuary/Nevermore mixed with Spiral Architect vibes. There's still some nice melodies in here. Not terribly sure how else to describe this.
https://youtu.be/V_nUMFr_jPw

I feel like I listened to this back when ... 2017 ... hmmm, perhaps the band sent it to me as a promo when I was still doing band management? I think your description is pretty much on point. Nevermore meets Psychotic Waltz I'd say. It's technical metal somewhere between thrash, prog and power. There's a certain middle-eastern vibe to it as well. It's okay, but not something high enough quality to where I'd revisit.