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General => Archive => General Music Archives => Topic started by: Dr. DTVT on March 16, 2012, 09:23:54 PM
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Well, the mods erased my old thread.
(https://filebox.vt.edu/users/mrouser/kirk_scream_mods.jpg)
ˇQue lastima! It's ok. First of all, it was out of date. I've aquired around 200 more albums since that list and my tastes have definitely changed. Also, at this point in time I've been here for almost 3 years and hopefully people will care more about my opinion compared to 2.5 years ago, so hopefully it the thread gets more traffic.
If any of you remember my last list, I really didn't care to do write-ups for well known bands like DT, Opeth, Iron Maiden, Rush, etc., and I still don't. If you haven't discovered those kinds of bands, you either are just discovering DTF or you are predisposed to not check them out and nothing I say will change your mind. Furthermore, I don't really have anything to add to why I like those albums - they're classics for a reason. This means my top 50 would be rather boring - Opeth, Devin Townsend, Rush, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, and Spock's Beard all probably have multiple albums in my top 50. I didn't even bother compiling that list. So, this is a list of bands and albums (because I couldn't narrow it to 50 albums) that aren't really discussed as much as I think they should be. Because I'm using bands a mix of bands and albums, as I approach the top there will be fewer one-off albums and more bands. I'll include some genres the band/artist is considered, as well as a "for fans of" so people can try to guage their interest in a band. Of course I'd prefer that you read the whole band, but if you aren't interested in a certain type of music I'll try to save you time.
In addition to not seeing bands that already have enough notariety, I'm going to list a few bands I have gotten into recently that I'm not including just because I'm still getting familiar with them and don't really have the knowledge to give them a proper write-up. In alphabetical order:
Baroness
Cloudkicker
Communic
maudlin of the Well
The Ocean
Swallow the Sun
Time Machine
A few of these albums would make my overall top 50 albums, and just because the others wouldn't doesn't mean they're bad albums; as most of you know my music collection is approaching 900 albums, of which I'd say about 830 are ones I could listen to almost any day and enjoy. So, hopefully you enjoy the list and don't recognize too much, although when I do come mention something you like, feel free to support my choice as it may encourage others to check them out - which is the goal of my list - not to just to get people to complement my taste.
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Glad to see roulettes work how they should!
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Inb4 DTVT posts bands not even the band members's parents know of
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:rollin :rollin :rollin
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50. Pinnacle - Meld
(https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/mitmstudios/PinnacleCVR.jpg)
Genre: Heavy Prog
For fans of: Fish-era Marillion who like more instrumental bits.
Nekov's comment might not be too far off in this first album :) I'm starting with one of the more obscure artists on this list - because the best way to buy their albums is directly from the band. I think the best way to describe this band is they sound like a more modern version of Clutching at Straws Marillion. While the vocals are serviceable, the real highlight of this album is Karl Eisenheart's proggy guitar and synth work that have a Steve Morse flavor I could just groove on and use to block out the rest of the world for a short period of time. This is one of the more mellow albums I own and I tend to reach for it when life has me frustrated and I need something I can space out on. I still need to pick up their first album, which I'll probably get when their third album - which they are working on - is completed.
Tracks to try out: Information Overload, Built for Speed (for Eliza Dushku) (instrumental), The Life in a Year
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I got a feeling your list is gonna cost me a ton of money.
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Pinnacle is from my area and I've gotten to see them twice and very much enjoy them. Very good album.
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I got a feeling your list is gonna cost me a ton of money.
Was thinking the exact same thing. Never heard of this band, and I'm really looking forward to this list.
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I got a feeling know your list is gonna cost me a ton of money.
Fixed. I've been dreading this list... in the same way that I would dread a night at a Vegas strip club. This is gonna be awesome - and expensive (as I doubt many of these will be out on Grooveshark, or at my normal online store - yup, 0 for 1 so far).
I predict I'll know 9 of the bands/albums. I'd be very surprised if I hit double digits. There better be at least one (Ayreon-like concept album) that I'll know... and you know which album I'm talking about. Curious to see how high that one is.
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Flaming Row? Yeah, that better be on here.
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Flaming Row? Yeah, that better be on here.
Given the 535 listen's on his last.fm for it, I think it's a pretty safe call.
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Will follow.
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Definitely following.
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49. Zero Hour - The Towers of Avarice, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, and Dark Deceiver
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/6/7/8/3678.jpg) (https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/846/cover_51463112009.jpg) (https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h7zfRGoogHI/TLBsFrhwNfI/AAAAAAAABuA/urrf_znKmaM/s1600/7c3dbcec4f9e2e88a5211917d43.jpg)
Genre: Fairly technical prog metal, but not tech metal
For fans of: Impressive guitar runs that manage to not sound like wankery.
I have another album as well, but I'm not familiar enough with it to include it. Zero Hour has a sound that they practically own and have trademarked, much like its usually pretty obvious when you hear a Redemption song and you know its Redemption. Zero Hour is the brainchild of Jasun Tipton (guitar) and Troy Tipton (bass). The real draw to this band is the guitar work, as Jasun (yes, that's how his name is spelled) constantly weaves complex runs and arpeggios into the tapestry of music, yet manages to have it not sound like musical wankery. The band has had three vocalists, with their current one Chris Salinas being my favorite as he conveys the most feeling and he has the most range. Through the years, the band has adopted a more balanced sound, Towers of Avarice being the most impressive guitar sounding album, and Specs and Dark Deceiver having a more rounded out sound. Their album lengths also set them apart, as they tend to clock in at around the 45 minute mark, so they're great for people with short attention spans or just prefer shorter albums. About the only way to decide if you like these guys is to dive in, and I suspect we'll find more buyers than sellers.
Tracks to try out: The Towers of Avarice, Stratagem, The Falcon's Cry, Evidence of the Unseen, Power to Believe, Inner Spirit
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48. Turisas - Battle Metal, The Varangian Way, Stand Up and Fight!
(https://www.centurymedia.com/media/release/large/1000422.jpg) (https://www.centurymedia.com/media/release/large/1000423.jpg) (https://www.centurymedia.com/media/release/large/634281703580211250.jpg)
Genre: Folk metal, Viking metal
For fans of: Alestorm, Amon Amarth
Time to get away from prog for a minute. While this isn't the only band on my list that has a full time violin player, I'm pretty sure it is the only to feature a full time accordion player. While Turisas hasn't been around as long as Alestorm or Amon Amarth, I consider them to be far better band than those two. Turisas manages to stay true to it's viking metal roots, but they largely are able to avoid the campiness that those two bands (particularly Alestorm) have at times. While there is some harsh vocals, I would say Turisas uses less harsh vocals than Amon Amarth. Their sound can be summed up in one word: EPIC. When I'm feeling lethargic and want a boost of energy, often times I turn to Turisas. After watching their "A Finnish Summer with Turisas" DVD, I absolutely must see them live.
Tracks to try: As Torches Rise, Battle Metal, To Holmgard and Beyond*, Cursed Be Iron, Fields of Gold*, Take the Day!*, Stand Up and Fight, Fear the Fear
*check stared tracks first*
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Never took the time to check Turisas as I'm not into viking metal that much, but will on your recommendation. Zero Hour sounds very interesting and going to check them out as soon as I get home!!
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OK. I'm with lonestar and I must check out all 3 of these bands. Very interested in this list!!
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Mason, which one of those 3 Zero Hour cd's is the best to get. I'm gonna order one, which one?
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You used Turisas in someone's roulette I was in with you ... Nick's I think. I remember trying to find them to listen to, but again, too obscure to find online.
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I have Zero Hour's Dark Deciever. I really don't listen to it because this album is so devoid of melody, it's both frustrating and unlistenable. Chris Salinas is excellent, not quite as strong as 80's Tate. Musicianship is top notch but there are no hooks on this.
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You used Turisas in someone's roulette I was in with you ... Nick's I think. I remember trying to find them to listen to, but again, too obscure to find online.
He used them in mine, it was a pretty good song. I'm sure Spotify has some!
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You used Turisas in someone's roulette I was in with you ... Nick's I think. I remember trying to find them to listen to, but again, too obscure to find online.
He used them in mine, it was a pretty good song. I'm sure Spotify has some!
I'll keep that in mind when Spotify gets off their asses and launches in Canada! >:(
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Ah yeah, forgot you're Canadian. :lol
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I'm really hoping you post some band I know of. So far I'm 0-3 here.
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1/3 so far.
Zero Hour sounds interesting, giving that a try for sure.
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wolfking, I'd start with either Specs or Dark Deceiver because those albums have Chris Salinas. Go with whatever is cheaper :) I've had Specs and Towers significantly longer than Dark Deceiver and A Fragile Mind (not included because I haven't gotten around to listening yet), but the only other Zero Hour fan I know of at DTF prefers Towers, with Dark Deceiver second if I'm remembering correctly.
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47. Eumeria - Rebel Mind
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_7fF-HwvcI/TdkYgAUoMRI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/QHa2l7rLfYk/s1600/240739_10150178555279118_122647539117_6898675_2414375_o.jpg)
Genre: Prog Metal
For Fans of: Dream Theater, Circus Maximus
Eumeria is a new band to the scene, having only released their debut album last year. They have some similarities to DT, a powerful vocalist with great range and a very talented drummer. It's not that I don't want to say much about this album, but it really is just a very solid debut album that any fan of prog metal should enjoy.
Tracks to try: Legion, Delusions, Rebel Mind
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I picked up Eumeria's album after Mebert linked them over the summer. Good stuff indeed, especially as a holdover between Circus Maximus albums! :lol
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wolfking, I'd start with either Specs or Dark Deceiver because those albums have Chris Salinas. Go with whatever is cheaper :) I've had Specs and Towers significantly longer than Dark Deceiver and A Fragile Mind (not included because I haven't gotten around to listening yet), but the only other Zero Hour fan I know of at DTF prefers Towers, with Dark Deceiver second if I'm remembering correctly.
Alright mate, sounds like it's a win whichever way I look at it. Ordering tonight!!
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I picked up Eumeria's album after Mebert linked them over the summer. Good stuff indeed, especially as a holdover between Circus Maximus albums! :lol
Yeah, but way heavier and way more technical than Circus Maximus. Best new prog metal I've heard in the last 6 months. Good ole Texas boys.
:tup
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I picked up Eumeria's album after Mebert linked them over the summer. Good stuff indeed, especially as a holdover between Circus Maximus albums! :lol
Yeah, but way heavier and way more technical than Circus Maximus. Best new prog metal I've heard in the last 6 months. Good ole Texas boys.
:tup
Damn, another album to get and we are only up to number 47!! :lol
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@ wolfking: the towers of avarice is a masterpiece.
@ DTVT: your list has me intrigued, and i shall follow.
also @ DTVT: i'm curious what you think of that Cynthesis album they did last year.
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Just check Rebel Mind on youtube, holy shit!!! I remember Mebert's thrad about them, but never really took notice, but after watching it again, it's incredible. Ordering that album also!
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Towers is the album to start with for Zero Hour. I believe I'm with the majority of fans of the band in saying they never topped it. Good chance it will be in my top 10 when I do my list.
The Lipton brothers are Zero Hour, whoever the singer is doesn't matter. Dark Deceiver might match it in quality if it weren't for that blasted child's voice.
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@ DTVT: i'm curious what you think of that Cynthesis album they did last year.
Haven't heard it. While I'm not terribly high on Eric Rosveld's singing, I like the drummer they have and I obviously like the Tipton brothers, so I'll have to check them out.
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Cynthesis just doesn't click as well as Zero Hour, if you ask me. For any Zero Hour fan, I'd be cautious on making purchases without hearing some samples first. They just seem more... normal. I think that hurts some of their magic. Maybe if I'd never heard 7ero Hour before I would love Cynthesis.
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46. It Bites - The Tall Ships
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/748/cover_592162822010.jpg)
Genre: Neo-prog
For fans of: Frost*, Marillion
It Bites has been around a while, but I have to admit I only have this album and my interest in this band revolves around guitarist/singer/songwriter John Mitchell, who was brought in for this album. If the name sounds familiar, that's because he guitar player in Frost*, which is a pretty popular band on DTF. It Bites sound is much closer to Frost* than Marillion's, and the songs range from energetic and uptempo to more somber and everything in between. I'm really looking forward to their upcoming album.
Tracks to try: Oh My God, Playground, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Fahenheit
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Awesome album. Started a thread on the band a year or two back because I picked this album up, some truly fantastic songs on it.
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Cynthesis just doesn't click as well as Zero Hour, if you ask me. For any Zero Hour fan, I'd be cautious on making purchases without hearing some samples first. They just seem more... normal. I think that hurts some of their magic. Maybe if I'd never heard 7ero Hour before I would love Cynthesis.
ya, i see where youre coming from, yorost.
since towers is my favorite zero hour album, i was quite excited circa a year back to hear what they'd do getting back together with eric rosveld...but i was left on the disappointed side of things after a few spins, and the album kinda fell by the wayside as i was checking out so much other stuff at the time.
however, i've been giving it a second chance with some recent spins and digging it a lot more than my initial impression.
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I just ordered;
Zero Hour - Towers of Avarice
Eumeria - Rebel Mind
I am going to be flat broke at the end of this list.
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I just ordered;
Zero Hour - Towers of Avarice
Eumeria - Rebel Mind
I am going to be flat broke at the end of this list.
Same, goddamn you CD prices :lol
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:hat ...the Zero Hour ranks are swelling.
Cynthesis just doesn't click as well as Zero Hour, if you ask me. For any Zero Hour fan, I'd be cautious on making purchases without hearing some samples first. They just seem more... normal. I think that hurts some of their magic. Maybe if I'd never heard 7ero Hour before I would love Cynthesis.
however, i've been giving it a second chance with some recent spins and digging it a lot more than my initial impression.
Yeah, I might have to give them another chance, eventually. Maybe since Zero Hour hasn't been around for awhile I'll be able to not let that bother me and just appreciate Cynthesis for what it is.
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I just said "Fuck it" and ordered the Cynthesis CD.
I'll be broke at the end of my own list :lol
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45. Kaddisfly - Set Sail the Prairie
(https://wordbirdbinder.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/51lpaohcml-_ss500_.jpg)
Genre: Cross-over progressive-indie rock
For fans of: The Dear Hunter, Manchester Orchestra
Kaddisfly might be higher after I get my hands on their previous album, which I finally got around to remembering to buy. The fact that I discovered them after they disbanded made it harder to remember to get the back catalog because there was no new albums to look forward to. That said, Set Sail the Prairie is fantastic and fun. The music is energetic and lively, which fits the concept of the album. The album is about a journey around the world, with 12 songs each describing one month at a particular location, with the two solstices getting a brief interlude. In addition to the up-tempo and cheerful feel, the lyrics themselves are quite witty and playful, for instance the first verse of "Waves" is alphabetical, with each successive word starting one letter after the last one not counting ands and yeah's (Apostolic beliefs conjure divine Earthly faith...) It's the kind of album I'm still discovering new stuff about it after numerous listens.
Tracks to try: Campfire (Junio), Waves (July), Birds (Septembre), Silk Road (Pharvarě)
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Kaddisfly was pretty damn popular here at one point, not sure if I'd call them underappreciated. In any case, great album.
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Yeah, Kaddisfly I've seen a lot of recommendations for here.
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Then there should be discussion of this album then :)
I know they broke up 5 years ago, but I didn't see a thread for them and I haven't seen them discussed much in the last 3 years.
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Hmmm.
DTVT - 6
Me - 0
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Hmmm.
DTVT - 6
Me - 0
Ditto, and I don't see any hope for the rest of the list either for me.
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Hmmm.
DTVT - 6
Me - 0
Ditto, and I don't see any hope for the rest of the list either for me.
Add me to the list.
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:lol At least it's not just me.
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DTVT - 5
Me - 1
Who's in this club? :lol
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DTVT - 5
Me - 1
Who's in this club? :lol
Moi.
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4 for 6 so far.
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3-3 so far, ilm bagging bands in the back of my mind to criticize DTVT over ih he doesn't include them. :)
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If I don't have something on here it will fall into one of three categories:
1) I don't own it.
2) I thought it was liked well enough here already.
3) I like these albums/bands more.
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I wasn't trying to be insulting, so sorry if it seemed so. Quite frankly, I hope you list has more bands I love. Your one post on Zero Hour probably got more people to check them out than I've managed to on these forums in the last five years. ...and they are a band I will actively promote given the oppurtunity. Heck, I even submitted them to obscure's roulette partly because I figured her posting them would do more for them than I ever could here.
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I wasn't insulted, I just thought I'd clarify. What happened with Zero Hour is ideally what would happen with every album/band on the list. Hell, I'd like to see your list you have in mind (PM, don't post - want to keep potential suspense up).
For everyone else - I know the nature of this thread means there will less discussion than normal lists, but if you're following drop a line so I know how big (or small) my audience is.
And of course discussion is always welcome.
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in related-to-zero-hour predictions, i sense a power of omens presence in this thread's future. :metal
unrelated to zero hour, it bites' "the tall ships" has me intrigued. :corn
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Being my weekend, I should have time to check out some of these bands and give you a bit of feedback, I see things like "like Marillion" and "like DT" a lot, which intrigues me. Also, I am in desparate need of more roulette weapons, I am getting killed on my lack of inventory.
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If I don't have something on here it will fall into one of three categories:
1) I don't own it.
2) I thought it was liked well enough here already.
3) I like these albums/bands more.
Well thank you captain obvious. :p
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in related-to-zero-hour predictions, i sense a power of omens presence in this thread's future. :metal
:metal :metal
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44. Eternity X - Mind Games and The Edge
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BJs8mlnXmKQ/R-XfNFnihZI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/cOlCbb7wUpY/s320/Eternity%2BX%2B-%2BMind%2BGames.jpg) (https://www.truemetal.org/mastersofmetal/eternityxpics/etxte.gif)
Genre: Prog Metal
For fans of: Old school Queensryche, DT
Back when I was first cutting my teeth on progressive metal, I was a member of an online community where members routinely posted album reviews and had a very active online chat room. There were five bands that everyone seemed to love at that site: Dream Theater, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Savatage, and Eternity X. And that is how I was introduced to this band who never really broke through in the world of progressive music. For every hater of this band there seem to be four or five complete devotees, and while I wouldn't quite put myself in the latter group, at one time I would have been and still largely enjoy these two albums (note: what ever you do, DON'T listen to Zodiac first. Just don't.) The brainchild/guitar player/singer of this band is Keith Sudano, and while he lacks JLB's raw power and range, he still has decent pipes and infuses much of his singing with emotion, and among the haters his singing is usually the cause of dissatisfaction. For being progressive, there is little wankery for better or worse, and while the sound may sound low budget at times (because it was), the talent and songwriting really come through. Mind Games is a good album with songs that range from chaotic, to violent, to subdued ballads. The Edge is generally considered their masterpiece, a concept album about a variety of people pushed to, and in some cases, over the edge and into madness. While a concept album, the songs are not linked in any way and stand on their own just fine. Since these albums have been OOP for a while, many of the songs can be found on youtube, uploaded by Keith himself, so there shouldn't be any guilt in checking them out. While he removed himself from the music business some 12 years ago, it seems like he is planning a comeback of some kind, so we might not have heard of the last of this band.
Tracks to try: Mind Games, The Savior and the Disease, Despair, The Confession*(start here), A Day in Verse, The Edge Part 3
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Dammit, DTVT! Now I have almost no chance of going to sleep tonight because of this amazing list! Gotta check all these bands out. :metal
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Great band Eternity X is. I only have the Edge so I'll have to check out Mind Games, but The Edge is an amazing piece of progressive metal. Recommended.
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No comment. Just showing up to make you feel better.
1 for 7. Oh, and that 1 band I did know will be on WPaPU tomorrow.
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I feel this picture of me is appropriate for this thread.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/167968_997949678743_6232647_51157068_7018781_n.jpg)
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:lol
0 for 7, let's see if I know this 25 year old band, probably the only one I got a shot on.
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You don't have a shot in the world at it lonestar.
That will be a lot funnier tomorrow.
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Fine, I'll wait....
So I'm probably going 0 for 50 then. Do I get a prize for doing that? Besides 50 bands to check out I mean.
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43. Vonassi - The Battle of Ego
(https://www.progrockrecords.com/pictures/products/Vonassicover_large.jpg)
Genre: Crossover prog rock that's more rock than prog
For fans of: Muse, late-90s Anathema
This band is one of the major reasons why I'll just take complete flyers on bands I never heard of if they sound interesting. Back in Thanksgiving 2010, I was placing an order during ProgRock Records annual Black Friday sale. While getting five albums I knew I wanted, I decided I was going to pick a band I never heard of and just see what I end up with. My favorite album of that haul is what I ended up with. The band name is a portmanteau of the two founders last names (Vaughn and Bounassi), and the band is rounded out by vocalist Chase Carter. At this point they only have this album to their credit, but I sure hope they make more. This album has some straight up rockers that you want to sing along with in the chorus, a sublime summery ballad, and enough prog to keep your ears happy. This is one of the most obscure bands I'll have here, and I really hope I can generate some interest in them and sell a few albums for them because not only is this album so very good, but it just oozes with potential as well. At the time I wrote this, Vonassi only has 708 scrobbles on last.fm, of which 203 of them are mine, making me by far their biggest fan on last.fm.
Tracks to try: Gini, Strong Arm Welfare, Open Hands, Coiled
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BTW, thanks j.b and lonestar - I really just wanted a new page to post my next album ;D
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So I'm probably going 0 for 50 then. Do I get a prize for doing that? Besides 50 bands to check out I mean.
I'm still holding tommy prediction of knowing 9. I'm sure as we get higher, the albums will get less obscure. I'm pretty sure of at least 3 that I can think of off the top of my head that should (better) show up here.
Nice mug-shot. You should use that as the intro to your CV :rollin. I am sitting by the way.
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You might not own them, but I bet you could guess 3 of my top 4, 4 of my top 6, and 5 of my top 10; but your guess of 9 out of 50 will be pretty darn close I think, especially if we quantify them as stuff you own or plan on owning as of today.
If you want to guess, PM, don't post.
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Have I purchased one of your top 50 in the last couple of weeks?
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I'm 1 for 8 at the moment. My prediction of how many I will know is 11/50. A big call, but I think I can get there.
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Have I purchased one of your top 50 in the last couple of weeks?
Very yes.
I'm 1 for 8 at the moment. My prediction of how many I will know is 11/50. A big call, but I think I can get there.
That might be about right, maybe a tad on the low side. That still leaves alot for you.
BTW, j.b and lonestar, I think you guys would like Vonassi
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DTVT - your list makes me curious like a cat. I'll have all my friends call me "Whiskers."
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Was this forum having a crush on Eternity X about 10 years ago? Some forum I lurked on back then loved this group, I think it was here.
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As I said somewhere earlier, I'm going cold turkey on any (more) new bands until my roulette. Plus, I've got discogs from Jorn, Masterplan, and a couple of others I won't mention (they might be coming on your list) to still "enjoy". when you're finally done, I'll be taking your list, and working my way thru them. That should hold me thru the end of the year.
Wasn't gonna post my guesses, but will PM you.
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This is possibly the most exciting top 50 list ever. I love it.
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I'm watching Shawshank Redemption right now for the 50 millionth time, as soon as it's over, I'll start checking stuff out.
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@yorost - the place I was referring to is dead for all intents and purposes. I even thought about inviting them here.
The day Shawshank gets old is the day I want to die.
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Exactly. Best movie ever.
OK, checked out Pinnacle and Zero Hour. Pinnacle, on one crappy Youtube video, is a yes. Zero Hour is a maybe at the moment, but I will investigate further, I listened to Towers of Avarice, and it just ain't clicking for me, but that's only one listen.
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Eternity X has me intrigued! Will definitely check out!
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@yorost - the place I was referring to is dead for all intents and purposes. I even thought about inviting them here.
The day Shawshank gets old is the day I want to die.
Yup, great movie.
I didn't read your writeup on Eternity X, since I know them well enough. Whatever you say about them won't change me at this point. I seriously think this place may have had a following here back in the beginning. Somewhere I visited did, they generated discussion the size of Porcupine Tree with the controversy of Vanden Plas.
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Vonassi sounds familiar. Other than that, don't know any so far. :o
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I've heard of zero hour, but none others.
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I'm really enjoying the list so far. Haven't heard of any of these bands, and I'm definitely looking to check out Eternity X, Eumeria, and It Bites.
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50. Pinnacle - Meld
(https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/mitmstudios/PinnacleCVR.jpg)
Genre: Heavy Prog
For fans of: Fish-era Marillion who like more instrumental bits.
Nekov's comment might not be too far off in this first album :) I'm starting with one of the more obscure artists on this list - because the best way to buy their albums is directly from the band. I think the best way to describe this band is they sound like a more modern version of Clutching at Straws Marillion. While the vocals are serviceable, the real highlight of this album is Karl Eisenheart's proggy guitar and synth work that have a Steve Morse flavor I could just groove on and use to block out the rest of the world for a short period of time. This is one of the more mellow albums I own and I tend to reach for it when life has me frustrated and I need something I can space out on. I still need to pick up their first album, which I'll probably get when their third album - which they are working on - is completed.
Tracks to try out: Information Overload, Built for Speed (for Eliza Dushku) (instrumental), The Life in a Year
I have a feeling this album will top my list of your list. I've already seen them four or five times already (although not with the new vocalist yet) Much better live band and they have been quiet lately but they ARE working on a new album, though it's taking a while.
So far I'm not learning much, but I expect this will change.
I do know that thanks to DTVT, there will be Zero Hour in my future.
Somewhat related to this -- Anyone know anything about a band called Cryptyx? I'm pretty sure I need to check these guys out too, but I wanted independent verification.
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Nick's had them on the show in the past. Not since Oct though.
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42. Worlds - Out of the Cold
(https://filebox.vt.edu/users/mrouser/worlds.jpg)
Genre: Progressive rock
For fans of: 70s prog
What makes them unique: Great guitar licks, the vocalist
So how rare is this album? I had to upload my own picture to get a decent album cover :lol I only know of this band because the vocalist's son is our very own Splent. That said, the first time I heard a song by Worlds I didn't know it was Splent's dad, and I was immediately scouring Google trying to find out about this new band "Worlds" I was hearing. So while the first thing I noticed about the band was the uniquely high-pitched singer, it didn't take long for me to realize there was some really nice licks and riffs from the guitar player. Aside from one weak track in the album, Out of the Cold delivers a sound that any 70s prog enthusiast will appriciate, a guitar that sometimes harkens to late 70s Rush, and some real stand out tracks. Since the track seems to be uploaded by the band, I'm including a link to my favorite song on the album for everyone to enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A)
Tracks to try: The Fifthe Wheel (above), Little Lens, Space Age Hero, Legacy
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Inb4 DTVT posts bands not even the band members's parents children know of
Fix'd for above post.
Listening now. Diggin it.
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Nick's had them on the show in the past. Not since Oct though.
So my suspicion that Enchant's drummer and some of Zero Hour got together to form this band is correct then?
I think I found out about #42 from Splent himself....
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No, that's Cynthesis. Cryptex is a totally different band.
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Wow, digging the Worlds track!
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0 - 8
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Finally I could make my way to this thread.... I'll start from the very beginning... go page by page... post by post... thanks for the effort... loads to check out in here...
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0 - 8
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I just got the Cynthesis album yesterday and this is my first listen impression:
It's not Zero Hour, but you can hear pieces of Zero Hour in there. Definately more melodic, which is why someone (yorost?) said they sound "normal". Eric Sunvold sounds a lot better than he did on Towers of Avarice. Pretty decent if you detach expectations of hearing a Zero Hour type of sound. People who don't like ZH would probably enjoy this.
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"Normal" was me, yeah. I actually just gave it some listens, ...I like it better, but it is still hard to shake the feeling that I wish they were doing Zero Hour. Definitely willing to call it a good album, but I definitely think it might suit prog metal fans not very into Zero Hour better. ...if that makes sense.
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Cynthesis sounds very interesting to me. It's the lack of melody that kills Zero Hour for me.
Will check out.
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1 - 7
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42. Worlds - Out of the Cold
(https://filebox.vt.edu/users/mrouser/worlds.jpg)
Genre: Progressive rock
For fans of: 70s prog
What makes them unique: Great guitar licks, the vocalist
So how rare is this album? I had to upload my own picture to get a decent album cover :lol I only know of this band because the vocalist's son is our very own Splent. That said, the first time I heard a song by Worlds I didn't know it was Splent's dad, and I was immediately scouring Google trying to find out about this new band "Worlds" I was hearing. So while the first thing I noticed about the band was the uniquely high-pitched singer, it didn't take long for me to realize there was some really nice licks and riffs from the guitar player. Aside from one weak track in the album, Out of the Cold delivers a sound that any 70s prog enthusiast will appriciate, a guitar that sometimes harkens to late 70s Rush, and some real stand out tracks. Since the track seems to be uploaded by the band, I'm including a link to my favorite song on the album for everyone to enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A)
Tracks to try: The Fifthe Wheel (above), Little Lens, Space Age Hero, Legacy
:metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
:tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup
Best band on this list and will be the best band on this list. And I'm not biased at all. ;)
That being said, it sucks that they only made one album. I have a few demos they made after this album, before the band split up. First the drummer left, he lives in MN now and I think teaches drums. They hired a new drummer and keyboardist and were around until around 1986 or so. The rest of the band wanted to move to LA to try and get a little more press and popularity, but my dad couldn't uproot his family. I was 3 and my sister was a baby and that would just be hard. Also, with two kids he realized that doing music full time wasn't worth it anymore (he was gone ALOT when I was really little). They were around a couple more years in CA, re-released the ablum as Space Age Hero (even rarer!!!!) and then split up. The Wallace brothers (guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, vocalist on White Mist and a few other tracks) formed another band called Karma Farm... you'd probably dig it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEmN5HJo41g They are doing their own things now, performing and producing. My dad still sings in WI, he's a part of a Journey tribute band called Separate Ways. https://www.myspace.com/separatewayslive He's also in a classic rock cover band.
Story: when they were recording this album in Oak Lawn, IL, they were in the same studio as Dennis DeYoung from Styx, who was recording a solo album at the time. He tried to sell my dad his keyboard for $100. He turned him down cause he couldn't afford it at the time. But DANG would that be cool.
Also check out the liner notes. I'm in there in the thanks :)
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Too much on my plate work wise I need to get done tonight. Double or triple shot tomorrow. Use the time off to explore the artists already mentioned :)
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0 - 8
0 - 8
Yep. I've never even heard of these artists.
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Damn... I've only heard Zero Hour, and that's only because it was mentioned in another thread here! But I can't wait to see what's next!
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DTVT, you mind posting a link to your last.fm? I'm very curious to what I'd find there.
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https://www.last.fm/user/mrouser (https://www.last.fm/user/mrouser)
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Eumeria's Rebel mind is awesome, thanks! Just listened to it for the first time on my way home, a very solid album indeed.
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I just got the Cynthesis album yesterday and this is my first listen impression:
It's not Zero Hour, but you can hear pieces of Zero Hour in there. Definately more melodic, which is why someone (yorost?) said they sound "normal". Eric Sunvold sounds a lot better than he did on Towers of Avarice. Pretty decent if you detach expectations of hearing a Zero Hour type of sound. People who don't like ZH would probably enjoy this.
Thanks for the review and the clarification.
Too many freaking bands around spinning in my head that I need to do something about.
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Eumeria's Rebel mind is awesome, thanks! Just listened to it for the first time on my way home, a very solid album indeed.
I should receive my copy next week, along with Zero Hour!! :metal
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Rebel Mind is out on Grooveshark while you wait - https://grooveshark.com/album/Rebel+Mind/7109867
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I'll have a listen to that later. I've checked out another song or two on youtube also, sounds like a killer cd.
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41. The Tangent - The Music That Died Alone, The World That We Drive Through, A Place In The Queue
(https://po90.com/tangent%20website%202011/TangentCoverSmall.jpg) (https://po90.com/tangent%20website%202011/t2slip%20cover%20front.jpg) (https://po90.com/tangent%20website%202011/queuefront.jpg)
Genre: 70s style prog
For fans of: ELP, Yes
What makes them unique: Modern take on 70s prog, with Canterberry twinges. Excellent use of brass and woodwinds.
This is a band that started out great, with their first three albums (the three mentioned) showing the band had a fresh take on 70s style prog and I felt they really could have spearheaded a revival. But alas, constant lineup changes have plagued what started out as a side project, leading to a steady decline in the last three albums comnpared to their first three. However, that shouldn't discourage you from checking out their work.
The Music That Died Alone was a real eye-opener when I heard it for the first time in 2004. I am admitted not as knowledgeable about 70s prog as I should be, so their first album was a great breath of fresh air in my catalog. The first song, "In Darkest Dreams" lets you know from the get go you are going to have a colorful musical journey. Yes, colorful is about the best word I could use to describe this song. "The Canterberry Sequence" harkens to Canterberry prog, a style they touch on in each album.
The World That We Drive Through is compromised of six long songs (assuming you buy the special edition, and why wouldn't you) that showcase a mixture of writing styles, but still showcase a well paced sound that is has an airy quality that allows the music to breathe and not overwhelm the ears with a barrage of sounds. This is the ideal album to just lay down in a dark room and relax with.
A Place in the Queue sees them start to experiment with a busier sound and less of the brass and woodwinds that I adore from the first two albums, and also move into songs with a political bend or social commentary. That said, there is still a lot I love on this album, as the longer songs dominate the album in terms of both quality and quantity. While I don't think this band will generate as much universal appeal as Eumeria seems to be getting, there are some people here that I think would really dig this band.
Tracks to try: (Warning: They're all pretty long) In Darkest Dreams, The Music That Died Alone, Photosynthesis, A Gap in the Night, In Earnest, G.P.S. Culture
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Fucking Hell yes on the Tangent. Their first two albums are absolutely stunning. I didn't like them as much after that, won't even recommend the third unless someone already has the first two.
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Okay there's a band I've at least heard of.
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I really could have included all the songs on The World We Drive Through, that album is near perfect.
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I think I listened to The Music That Died Alone. I remember not liking it much.
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You make me cry inside. :'(
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Doing pretty well, Mason, can you list the bands you've mentioned so far?
And The Tangent has lots of great stuff.
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Thanks Nick. I'll repost the list every 10 bands.
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
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The Tangent is good.
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I will probably have to check out 41. I love the Canterbury scene.
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I'm familiar with the band, but have never checked them out or even heard any of their music.
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I feel so full of fail and shame. H knows a band that I don't.
1 for 10 so far, although I know my batting average is on the rise. Revised estimates - will know 18; will own 12.
Can't wait until after my roulette so I can actually go out and get some of these.
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Everyone also needs to listen to album number 42. ;)
More songs here: https://www.myspace.com/worldskarma
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6 out of 10 so far.
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Great list so far. I'm especially pleased with Eumeria, Eternity X, and The Tangent. I haven't listened too much to the others yet though..
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I haven't heard the tangent but at least I have heard of them
1-8 Fuck Yeah
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I haven't heard the tangent but at least I have heard of them
1-8 Fuck Yeah
Counting ... you suck at it. :lol
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:loser:
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So far, I've heard of 3 (It Bites, Kaddisfly, and The Tangent), and heard 1 (Kaddisfly).
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I have heard of The Tangent, so let's call it 1-9. Yes!!! Not a Total Fucking Loser anymore!!!
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I have heard of The Tangent, so let's call it 1-9. Yes!!! Not a Total Fucking Loser anymore!!!
I'm 3-7 right now. I need to check out the other 7.
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40. Circle II Circle - Watching in Silence, The Middle of Nowhere, Burden of Truth
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IWqfvyO_nw8/S0z5Dt8UbYI/AAAAAAAAKtU/eBkoW5bijiQ/s400/CircletoCircle.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/7/0/6/67061.jpg) (https://yourmusicblog.nl/wp-content/uploads/circle-ii-circle-burden-of-truth.jpg)
Genre: Prog metal with some power metal tendencies
For fans of: Later Savatage
What makes them special: They sound just different enough from Savatage to keep you from writing them off as the follow up to Savatage
Circle II Circle started with Zach Stevens (the vocalist on Edge of Thorns -> Wake of Magellan) and originally assisted by Jon Oliva and Chirs Cafferty on the first album, but has the band has just been Zach and his band, forging their own sound. While they do have some power metal tendencies in their sound, they lack the cheesy lyrics that some people are turned off by. Even the two albums not mentioned are good, I'm just limiting myself to three albums per artist, as I'm sure you don't have an infinite amount of money to spend right now. Watching In Silence is the most Savatage like album; but my favorite album is Burden of Truth, which ironically is the first album Jon Oliva didn't have a hand in, which contains most of my favorite Circle II Circle songs. Much like TSO is a new and different extension of Savatage, Circle II Circle can also be thought of as a different extension of Savatage, just without the commercial appeal.
Tracks to try: Out of Reach, Into the Wind, Holding On, The Middle of Nowhere, Heal You*, Live As One
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I gave C II C a try a while ago (Delusions of Grandeur), but the vocals were just not something I could stand at all. Watching in Silence was better, but still didn't wow me. Got them on my radar... but very far down the line. Middle of Nowhere and Burden of Truth are worth giving a chance to I guess?
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Hmm... Just listening to Watching in Silence right now. It's not bad, but maybe not my cup of tea. Then again, I'm not too big a fan of power metal.
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Alright, here's a band that a household name for me. Absolutely fantastic band, really love all 5 of their albums. I've been digging the last one, Consequence of Power a lot, but as Mason said, Burden of Truth is absolute perfection, best C2C album by far. Also, the guitar work is stellar in this band.
I gave C II C a try a while ago (Delusions of Grandeur), but the vocals were just not something I could stand at all. Watching in Silence was better, but still didn't wow me. Got them on my radar... but very far down the line. Middle of Nowhere and Burden of Truth are worth giving a chance to I guess?
Chad, get Burden of Truth. Delusions is good but the production kills it, it could have been amazing but otherwise, it's just solid. The debut is good and is the album that's most like Savatage, I prefer the later albums. Burden of Truth should be right up your alley.
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Alright, their back higher up on the "check-it-out" list.
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Alright, their back higher up on the "check-it-out" list.
Nice, I don't think you will be disappointed.
We need more love for CIIC, such a killer band.
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Don't know that band. They have cool album covers though.
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Don't know that band. They have cool album covers though.
They have even better music!
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Sorry, no update tonight. I have to put the final touches on a presentation I have to give to department tomorrow. After that my schedule clears for a week before I prepare for my final defense.
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Still have not heard of these. :lol
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Sorry, no update tonight. I have to put the final touches on a presentation I have to give to department tomorrow. After that my schedule clears for a week before I prepare for my final defense.
*sigh*
Anyway, I'm 2 - 9.
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Just purchased "Burden of Truth" amazon MP3 album. Loading onto iPod now :metal
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2 out of 11 so far. :P
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Just purchased "Burden of Truth" amazon MP3 album. Loading onto iPod now :metal
Fucking nice, let us know what you think.
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39. Intronaut - Prehistoricisms, Valley of Smoke
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/intronaut-prehistoricisms.jpg) (https://cdn.stereogum.com/files/2010/10/Intronaut-Valley-Of-Smoke.jpg)
Genre: Heavy metal with some prog, sludge (particularly Prehistoricisms), and jazz influences
For fans of: Rockin' heavy metal who don't mind a rough voice and real tight playing.
What makes them special: I don't think they sound like anyone, but the closest description of their sound IMO is Mastadon's music with a harsher vocals.
This starts the "Bands that Sigz introduced to me in my first roulette" part of the program. Intronaut has a heavy sound that often offers glimpses into other musical areas, enough so that I wouldn't call them prog metal because their sound is quite distinguishable from most prog metal bands (but I still love prog metal). The first few songs on the album Prehistoricisms seems to be influenced from the sludge metal scene, followed by the more psychodelic title track, and the remaining tracks take on a sludge/prog/latin hybrids that make a nice unique mix of music. While Prehistoricisms is a good album, Intronaut took a much more heavy metal bend in Valley of Smoke, and also evolved to crisper sound. The few people I've talked to that have both albums agree that Valley of Smoke is a better album, but the difference in the sound between the two albums helps prevent one from making the other sound stale. Some people might be turned off slightly by the semi-harsh vocals, but the music should be interesting enough to keep you tuned in.
Tracks to try: The Literal Black Cloud, Prehistoricisms, Any Port, Elegy, Miasma, Valley of Smoke
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Great band, although I only have Valley of Smoke, but it's an absolute killer record. Great mix of styles and good songwriting too. I really need to get Prehistoricisms.
I'm, now 3 - 12. This is starting to get good.
EDIT: To my surprise, I managed to find Dark Deceiver from Zero Hour in store on Saturday, a big surprise, picked it up but haven't listened to it yet. Still waiting on Towers in the mail. Still waiting on Rebel Mind too.
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Intronaut have such tight playing. Valley of Smoke is a killer record. Incidentally, I happened to see one of the band members at a Cynic concert a few months ago.
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Holy shit, a band that I know of and *gasp* one that I've heard the albums of!
Great band, I really like their stoner metal infused prog. I do think that I like Valley of Smoke and Prehistoricisms equally though.
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Never even heard of this one, sounds interesting.
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Never even heard of this one, sounds interesting.
They're a good band, check 'em out.
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Samples sound really appealing, but the harsh vocals don't really seem to fit. I don't mind that they're harsh, but they seem out of place. Could anyone expand on the balance/use of the harsh vocals on the album? I'm putting Valley of Smoke tentatively down to buy, but I'd like some more thoughts.
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38. Grayceon - All We Destroy
(https://reigninart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Grayceon-All-We-Destroy.jpg)
Genre: Experimenal metal
For fans of: People looking for something unique, but not "weird"
What makes them special: All three members (one female) share vocal duties, bass is replaced by cello
This is the second installment of "Bands that Sigz introduced to me in my first roulette". If you haven't heard anything from this band, the only things that are close are other obscure bands like Giant Squid (that I need to catch up on myself). With a band consisting of a cello player, guitar player, and a drummer, you know you are going to get a different breed of metal. No harsh vocals to contend with, just a unique, dark sound from an unusual instrument line-up, and a variety of vocal stylings since all three members share vocal duties. I still need to get my hands on their other albums, but I won't hesitate to buy them if I see them.
Tracks to try: Shellmounds, We Can, A Road Less Travelled
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Never heard of them, but they sound interesting.
Me at the moment, 3/13.
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I've heard of them, but only because I see their name submitted in Roulette's. Doesn't quite sound like it would float my boat.
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I've heard of them, but only because I see their name submitted in Roulette's. Doesn't quite sound like it would float my boat.
Yeah, actually, since you said the word roulette, the name does ring a bell.
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All We Destroy was my favorite album last year and We Can has become one of my all time favorite songs. I can not recommend that album enough. With each album they've gotten better and better at weaving the guitar and cello's melodies back and forth, trading between lead and rhythm. It's what makes All We Destroy so great, they've finally mastered it.
Definitely check out their earlier albums though. The s/t is pretty solid and This Grand Show is a really great album too.
Shellmounds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_mO_QkcDc) sums up their sound pretty well.
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1/13
Does anyone going 0/50 get a prize?
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Does anyone going 0/50 get a prize?
Ariich won't sex them later. He won't sex them at all.
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Ouch, harsh!!! Getting sexed by Arrich should be an inalienable human right.
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:tup for that Grayceon album.
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37. Haggard - Awaking The Centuries, Eppur Si Muove, Tales of Itheria
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eigvH72RGkc/TsjYoTV53QI/AAAAAAAAA5s/qaHu0iOn9z0/s1600/haggard-awaking_the_centuries.jpg) (https://www.femmemetal.net/AlbumCovers/ArtoffactRecordsReissue_haggard_eppursimuove_cover.jpg) (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEpiFQyhSYA/TVtNK32VMwI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_dg8toEBDHU/s1600/Tales_of_Ithiria_album_art.jpg)
Genre: Symphonic Metal, Symphonic Death Metal
For fans of: People who like classical music and metal
What makes them special: They have a mini-orchestra who are full members of the band. A violin player, viola, two cellos, a double bass, a flute, french horn, piano, as well as all the normal band people (4 vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards).
Haggard probably has the record for most full time band members, topping out at 21 for their Awaking the Centuries album. Yup, 21 members. They managed to trim down to 16 for Eppur Si Muove, and are now down to a measly 13 members. With a band this big with many orchestral instruments, you can probably guess part that their sound involves lots of classical style arrangements. But Haggard is more than that. They can be pretty dark, and they're damned heavy. On top of that, they've tweaked with the formula each album and moved closer to metal each album, so each album has it's own flavor.
Awaking the Centuries has the most orchestral, classical, and choral sounding of these albums, and is themed around the life of Nostradamas. It also has by far the fewest harsh vocals, and most haunting piano melodies. Eppur Si Muove is a concept album about Galileo's home imprisonment by the Catholic church, and contains my favorite Haggard song, "Per Aspera Ad Astra", and would make a top 50 songs list if I was doing one. While the transition to a more metal sound is evident in this album, they actually managed to ratchet up the symphonic elements creating a fuller sound. Tales of Itheria saw the band break away from historical people and instead focuses on the fantasy world of Itheria, and tells the tale of hero in his fight against an evil oppressing force. Not exactly the most original story, but the music and composition prevent you from caring. I honestly don't follow the story very often because I'm too busy enjoying everything there is to offer musically.
Tracks to try: The Final Victory, Awaking the Centuries, In A Full Moon Procession, Per Aspera Ad Astra*, Of A Might Divine, Herr Mannelig, Upon Fallen Autumn Leaves, La Terra Santa, The Sleeping Child
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Good pick. Not a lot of metal bands actually pull off classical elements well.
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Not familiar, but they sound very interesting. Great album covers too.
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I recently met a guy in my major who's a big fan of Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Mastodon, etc. He's been bugging me to check out Intronaut. Maybe I should.
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I'm pretty sure you'd like them.
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You know who doesn't like Intronaut? People who suck. Do you suck, Gadough?
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Why is it that unknown bands always have the best album artwork..
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Ouch, harsh!!! Getting sexed by Arrich should be an inalienable human right.
Fortunately I know a handful already, and so I am allowed to sex myself later...
:eyebrows:
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Great, another band I've heard of but haven't listened to. One of these days I'll sit down and start listening to all the bands in this list. I'm eager for new music.
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I don't know which came first, but...
(https://i.ebayimg.com/t/TIME-MACHINE-Act-II-Galileo-CD-1995-Progressive-Metal-/07/!BeIST-wBGk~$(KGrHqUOKiMEq4+ykrN3BK7++OdFVw~~_35.JPG)
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You know who doesn't like Intronaut? People who suck. Do you suck, Gadough?
A little bit, yeah
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You know who doesn't like Intronaut? People who suck. Do you suck, Gadough?
A little bit, yeah
:rollin
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Ouch, harsh!!! Getting sexed by Arrich should be an inalienable human right.
Fortunately I know have just a handful already, and so I am allowed to sex myself later...
:eyebrows:
FTFY
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36. Ice Age - The Great Divide & Liberation
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFapGqS6wEU/ToMh-QSxsBI/AAAAAAAABIE/LkRLDzspZC8/s1600/cover_344001432009.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/0/2/6/10265.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal
For fans of: Circus Maximus, Eumeria (since they seem to be getting some now)
What makes them special: Incredibly talented band, great leads and riffs, sweet bass, powerful vocalist.
Ice Age was one of the first bands I discovered that had no connection to DT. I found them through the Magna Carta record label on a flyer (ok, it took me 6 hours to download on Napster - but I did buy the albums). Ice Age should be one of the bigger names if they would have just stuck with it and got off Magna Carta. It still disappoints me that these guys gave up something they did SO well, to try to make more commercial music by rebranding themselves, a venture that failed. Right from the opening track of their debut album, "Perpetual Child", you can tell these guys can bring it. The rest of the album doesn't let up, this is one of the best debut albums I've ever heard. I can't resist not humming along with some of their leads and riffs. They have their own sound and not like a DT clone. The follow Liberation is just a slight step down from The Great Divide, but it still delivers lots of goodies. "The Lhasa Road (No Surrender)" is possibly their best song, delivering their signature powerful sound. Even though it's been over 10 years since their last album, these albums still get into the rotation despite my ever expanding album collection, and I don't think I'll ever tire of them completely.
Tracks to try: Perpetual Child*, Sleepwalker, To Say Goodbye (Parts 1 & 2), The Lhasa Road (No Surrender)*, The Blood of Ages, The Guardian of Forever
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I continue to sit in the penalty box and feel shame. My 'check it out' list continues to grow.... and sit idle. >:(
C'mon, when are ya gonna get to the stuff that I *do* know, so I can help you pimp them?
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The next band is Canadian ;)
I think you know 33, and I'm fairly certain you know 31, and I damn well know you know 29.
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Saga or Triumph on deck.
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Strikes 1 and 2
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well, I could list on and on and on. Thanks to the CRTC requirement that 30% radio content must be Canadian, we get a lot of exposure to great Canadian acts that otherwise wouldn't get airtime elsewhere. I won't guess though ... and I'm going to feel a lot of shame if I don't know them.
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Ice Age definitely sounds interesting!
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Checking dat Ice Age shit out yo. This list surely has gotten me to new stuff so far, so thanks for that.
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Never heard Ice Age, sounds interesting also.
DTVT, I hope there is at least one Aussie band on your list, I'm pretty sure I know one that will be here.
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Great pick with Ice Age, but I think you're nuts on how you rank the albums. :p Liberation is a vast step above The Great Divide, a fantastic album.
They released an EP before rebranding, actually, I bought it right from the band, can't remember which one it was but he told me something like I might not like it since they were changing directions. Not like it was bad, I'm glad I have it, but it made sense they changed names as they really left prog behind.
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Both of those Ice Age discs are essential for any Dream Theater fan, I think. The vocalist sounds like a dead ringer for Dennis DeYoung of Styx
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I can see the similarities, but he's no dead ringer. I'd have to go listen closer, but I don't think he's as nasal,
Ice Age was one of the first bands I explored the current prog scene beyond Dream Theater related projects. They hold a very strong sentimental value with me.
edit:
Both of those Ice Age discs are essential for any Dream Theater fan, I think.
Actually, this, I think, points out to me why I think Liberation is the better album. The Great Divide doesn't set itself apart from Dream Theater or its many clones that well, so even if it is really good. it's a product you feel you can get from many places. Liberation, though, takes a political/human rights theme a lot of prog metal bands avoid, and sets itself apart from the crowd with the same damn well done (or better) music.
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Sold the first Ice Age back years ago and I can't quite pull the the trigger on Liberation although I've considered dumping it for years.
Next up Max Webster....
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35. Mystery - Beneath the Veil of Winter's Face & One Among the Living
(https://www.freecodesource.com/album-cover/51aCfsbZ9NL/Mystery-Beneath-the-Veil-of-Winters-Face.jpg) (https://www.israbox.com/uploads/posts/2010-10/1286310119_front500.jpg)
Genre: Progressive Rock
For fans of: Keyboard leads, Yes
What makes them special: They create beautiful soundscapes without resorting to sonic overload.
I'll start by admitting my knowledge of Yes is so woefully insufficient that the Yes comparison might not be valid musically, but the current Mystery vocalist was Jon Anderson's replacement, so I would think Yes fans would be more than interested in Mystery. That said, there is a lot more to love about Mystery than Benoit David's smooth vocals. While the guitarist is the driving force for the band creatively, it's the keyboard playing that always grabs my attention and draws me in, both in terms of some of keyboard leads and atmospheric contributions, and it's those atmospheric contributions that really keep the music flowing. These are two of my favorite albums to just lie down and detach myself from reality too, as I feel my body floating through a musical ether. Not that the rest of the band are slouches, but the other aspect that always jumps out if Benoit David's vocal talent, which is immediately obvious even if you had no knowledge of his Yes connection. His powerful high register delivery is very smooth, which really contributes to the ethereal aspect of the listening experience. Over time I seem to be more partial to Beneath the Veil of Winter's Face according to iTunes, and I would probably agree with my subconscious assessment. They are scheduled to release a new album this year that has me very excited.
Tracks to try: Beneath the Veil of Winters Face, Travels to the Night*, Into the Scarlet Eye, Wolf, Through Different Eyes, Sailing on a Wing
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Nice picks, really enjoy both albums.
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
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Yes, two bands I like! Ice Age was a really great band. I like Liberation better than The Great Divide. The Blood of Ages and The Guardian of Forever are just pure awesomeness. The band had some very dramatic choruses and vocals.
From Mystery, I've only heard One Among the Living. Cool emotional stuff, and Benoit David is more in his element than he was in Yes.
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I'd just like to say I appriciate everyone who is following and participating.
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Still failing ... me that is. Sounds like something up my alley.
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Dear god I still only know 3 of these bands!!! I need to listen to a few. Sunday may be a good day for that.
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I still only know 3 bands too.
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Following, and I have so much to check out.
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2/50 so far.
Not surprised really.
Actually, I've heard of most of the bands mentioned but I haven't listened to many of them.
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I want to direct everyone following my thread to this thread today: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=31700.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=31700.0)
Save yourself a TON of money and you can get free shipping as well.
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Listening to Ice Age right now, and loving it.
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I want to direct everyone following my thread to this thread today: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=31700.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=31700.0)
Save yourself a TON of money and you can get free shipping as well.
Will this work internationally? Because if it does, GOD YES.
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I don't know. Maybe not the free shipping. Just try it, if it doesn't work you don't have to order.
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Haha, yeah I got it thanks. The free shipping didn't work, but the prices were still better than over here.
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Save yourself a TON of money and you can get free shipping as well.
How?
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34. Wuthering Heights - To Travel for Evermore, Far From the Maddening Field, Salt
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2e1bRHfEWY0/TqsWbfULXtI/AAAAAAAAGZk/e--PAjXQTAM/s1600/Front.jpg) (https://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/2/25/Wuthering_Heights_-_Far_From_The_Madding_Crowd.jpg) (https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/wuthering-heights-salt.jpg)
Genre: folk/power metal hybrid and slightly proggy at times (particularly early in their career)
For fans of: Symphony X only without the cheese. Like a vastly superior Falconer.
What makes them special: Manage to find a nice balance between the folk and power aspects so that neither dominates.
While I am keeping with only listing three albums, really as long as you don't start with debut Within you'll be ok, and even that isn't bad, its just the least good. These are the three albums I know the best, but The Shadow Cabinet is not slouch either. As you probably guessed, this Danish band takes their name from the Victorian era book by the same name. Despite that, most of their songs are not about the Victorian era, but more like the medieval era. To Travel for Evermore is their slowest and gloomiest sounding album, as they have picked up a slightly more up tempo and brighter sound as time has gone on as you would expect from a power metal band. The real draw to this band for some people will be the lack of over-the-top aspects of some power metal bands, so it make a nice alternative for those otherwise like the sound, although they start to encroach on that territory at points, particularly their last two albums The Shadow Cabinet and Salt.
Tracks to try: The Nevershining Stones, Dance In the Light, A Sinner's Confession, Tree, The Bollard, Longing for the Woods III: Herne's Prophecy, Cry, The Field, Lost at Sea
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Finally I can say I know 2 bands ;) nice inclusion for sure!
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33. Adrenaline Mob - Omerta
(https://www.mediamikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amobalbum.jpg)
Genre: Generic wannabe hardcore metal
For fans of: People who drink Natural Light
What makes them special: They took two extremely talented musicians and made them sound bad
Mike Portnoy thinks this should be number 1. Diplomatically, I told him that A-mob was well known and therefore it didn't deserve to be on this list, just like DT and Transatlantic are too well known. He wouldn't relent, so I accepted his bribe of an A-Mob album table coaster, a guest spot on the next A-Mob album, and a handshake and put them on the list. So go check out this album or he'll go psychosane.
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Checking out Wuthering Heights now... and loving'em!!!
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Such an appropriate post for today.
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Exactly my thoughts. Trololol anyone?
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33. The ANABASIS - Back from Being Gone
(https://www.theanabasisproject.com/Portals/0/images/ANABASIS-V2.jpg)
Genre: Progressive Rock
For Fans of: Ryo's trademark organ work, fascinating instrumental blending
What makes them special: While maintaining a classic prog vibe, they don't sound dated or derivative. I really couldn't think of a band to compare them to, and they don't sound like Spock's Beard even with Ryo.
I generally have a cold shoulder to artists who join DTF and start pitching their stuff, for every one I've been complimentary to, you can probably find two buried threads where I basically trashed them, and plenty of others since then when I finally decided to just keep my mouth shut. So, I was hesitant to check out this guy who claimed he's been booted from a certain drummer's forum work, even if he did have a record contract. Well, as it turned out, Kirksnosehair did come here to be a regular forum member, and he just happens to be a musician who put out a stellar debut album in a year chock full of excellent music. Back from Being Gone has all the elements I love about progressive rock, complex instrumental sections, epics that allow several musical ideas to blossom, great keyboards both as background support and as the occasional leads, bass that isn't buried in the mix and very vibrant and noticeable, and some sort of theme. I remember the first time I listened to the album Ryo's organ work stood out as outstanding as it always does, but it was on the subsequent listens I discovered the wonderful melding of the guitar, bass, and keyboards, particularly the axe work and the piano. In most of the other reviews I've read, the vocals are generally considered the weak spot. I would argue that the vocalist does work well because he contributes an important part of the sound, but they don't cry for attention, allowing the more subtle parts of the music to be more noticeable. The album's theme of empires is a nice tying together of the songs without being trite or convoluted. This album was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2011, and to think I might not have heard this if a certain drummer could have just taken some criticism from his fans :) It's an album that will certainly fill a need in your music collection.
Tracks to Try: Rome, Carpe Diem, Egypt
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But, now you have two albums at 33 !? :huh:
Anyway, gotta check this out I suppose.
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yeah, didn't you know that? there will be 3 32s, 4 31s, 5 30s and so on... Mason's got loads to share with us...
oh btw.. I'm not complaining!!!
also: The Anabasis rocks!
and to be honest I dig PelleK's vocals....
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A-Mob was a April Fools troll post.
Didn't know that Kirk was part of this band as I have heard them being discussed before, I should check these guys out too.
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If you're interested in the album.... Kirk was so kind enough to give me interview (https://www.ladyobscure.com/index.php/2012/03/30/interview-with-barry-thompson-of-the-anabasis/)
DTVT, hope you look with favor on this...
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Holy shit I just read Adrenaline Mob review :lol :lol :lol
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I think I forgot to mention the sweet cover art, which you can all see for yourself.
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Such a cool album. Great review from you and Nem on this. And we should all be very grateful Barry got the boots from that other forum, otherwise we would've missed out on him pimping this fantastic album on all of us!
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Man, I am truly humbled by the praise, folks. Seriously. It really means a lot to me that my music was able to connect with some people. Working on the second album and will have a few pretty cool surprises in store in terms of guests. ;D
Edit: Anyone who wants to check us out but would rather actually have a file than stream it, here's a remixed version of Track 2 (Fly) (https://tinyurl.com/7zrajvq%20) for your listening pleasure - feel free to share it with your friends if you like it.
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By the way, I'm really, really digging the Circle II Circle stuff :metal
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32. Scar Symmetry / Solution .45 - Holographic Universe, The Unseen Empire / For Aeons Past
(https://www.riotact.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/scar-symmetry-holographic.jpg) (https://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/c/c3/Scar_Symmetry_-_The_Unseen_Empire.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/38/Solution_.45_-_For_Aeons_Past.jpg)
Genre: Melodic Death Metal (Melodeath)
For fans of: People who liked the addition of the screaming vocals on Static Impulse (because if you like melodeath I have to assume you've heard of these guys), Opeth
What makes them special: Combines NWOBHM riffage, melodic metal, and death metal into an amalgam that might be digestible for someone predisposed to dislike aspects of death metal
I combined these bands since the former Scar Symmetry singer is now the Solution .45 singer and therefore I can promote both bands. I was introduced to Scar Symmetry in my first roulette by wolfking, and have since come to enjoy melodeath in general. While it is true that there are some harsh vocals, there is a mix of clean and harsh - hopefully that combined with the great riffage and melodies is enough to overcome any negativity towards the harsh vocals. Hell, you could grow to like them as many others have done. So, before you say, "Death vocals? Fuck that." give them a honest try, I've chosen songs that capture the band, but also show you its not all "RORORO", and when the harsh vocals are used it fits the song. The first thing I love about these bands are the mix of shredding guitar work and complex melodies in the music. I could easily listen to an instrumental version of this band. Scar Symmetry fills lots of musical needs - Heavy? Yeah. Fast? Hell yeah. Aggressive? Oh fuck yeah. Melodic? Yup. Complex and interesting musically? Definately. Most importantly - Fun? FUCK YEAH. These are great pick-me-up bands when you need a jolt of energy. So quit being a wussmonger Nick and start your head banging to melodeath now.
Tracks to try: Morphogenesis, Timewave Zero, Ghost Prototype I - Measurement of Thought, Illuminoid Dream Sequence, Extinction Mantra, Domination Agenda, The Draconian Arrival / Gravitational Lensing, Through Night-Kingdomed Gates, Lethean Tears
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Scar Symmetry are pretty sweet.
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SS is pretty good.
As for The Anabasis, the song Rome you sent me in my roulette was fantastic. :metal Definitely interested in the rest.
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Scar Symmetry will be appearing on my list as well. The new singers are good and The Unseen Empire is an awesome album but nothing beats Holographic Universe and Alvestam.
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My head is about to explode from all the new music I have to check out.
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Besides In Flames and Soilwork, Scar Symmetry and Solution .45 are the best melodeth bands around. Brilliant music. Both For Aeons Past and Holoraphic Universe are in my top 5 melodic death metal albums of all time. Everyone should check these bands out.
That list of songs that Mason recommended is incredible.
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Just bumping this to try and get more people to read about SS and S.45.
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Scar Symmetry! Cool, another band I yet have to hear more from. The things that I have heard though, were very good.
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Scar Symmetry are pretty sweet.
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Really liking The Anabasis.
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Really liking The Anabasis.
Me too, it's quite an album.
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31. Pagan's Mind - Celestial Entrance & Heavenly Ecstacy
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/3/0/9/13098.jpg) (https://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/paganheavenly.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal with some power metal tendencies
For fans of: Dream Theater
What makes them special: Heavier for a prog metal band, and they do it well. Have a more "traditional" synth sound than DT and have their own unique sound (for the most part). Tend to write songs about mystical or sci-fi subjects.
My introduction to this band comes courtesy of YtseBitsySpider in my first roulette. While they have several albums, these are the only two I know well enough to write about. That said, I hold these two albums in very high regard and I'm looking forward to becoming better acquainted with God's Equation. Pagan's Mind has a fairly energetic sound compared to similar bands. The power metal influences are obvious, but not overwhelming, and the keyboards are fairly prominent. Pagan's Mind writes some very catchy choruses, which tend to get stuck in my head and helps me differentiate between songs when listening, and it also helps that I rarely have to ask myself, "What Pagan's Mind song am I thinking of?" Pagan's Mind is one of those bands that I think most people at DTF would like (namely the "I still like Dream Theater" crowd), and just needs more exposure. For the DT fanatic, check out the obvious ode to DT in Prophecy of Pleiades.
Tracks to try: Through Osiri's Eyes, Entrance: Stargate, The Prophecy of Pleiades, Eyes of Fire, Walk Away In Silence, Power of Mindscape
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:hearts:
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meh.
For some reason I could never get into that, the vocals kill it for me. Well, I might give them another try someday.
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meh.
For some reason I could never get into that, the vocals kill it for me. Well, I might give them another try someday.
Nils is one of the best vocalists in the business, he's amazing.
Huge fan of this band and I love all their albums. The latest one actually didn't do a lot for me though. It's good, but I think I need to give it more spins. Mason, get Enigmatic Calling, it's easily my fav album from these guys, closely followed by God's Equation.
The live DVD they have is pretty damn sweet too.
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Love all four albums. "Obvious ode to DT" is an understatement for PoP! When I first heard it I thought 'how did they not get sued!'. I'm sure they worked it out beforehand, and got the ok. Fantastic band. Can't say there's anything about them that I don't like. Didn't know about their live DVD. Must investigate.
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Here's a clip, it's awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5GE8yB2X4k
You can pretty much find all of it on youtube. I love the DVD packaging though and the bonus features are great.
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Heavenly Ecstacy was the worst album I bought last year.
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Heavenly Ecstacy was the worst album I bought last year.
And it was YtseBitsySpiders AotY, so that covers pretty much the range of opinions on this band.
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I finished Celestial Entrance just now, the vocals were a bit silly at first but after a few songs I warmed up to them. Definitely an enjoyable album and I'm going to check the other ones out too, shortly.
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'A bit silly', that's probably a good way to describe them. Ah well, I'll check them out again, tonight. Alright?
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havent been online much lately, and havent visited the thread in days...
better late than never, i just wanted to say ice age kicks ass...or at least they did on liberation....listened to that album a fuck ton back in the day, but i was never able to find a copy of their debut.
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Oh, I really, really dig Pagan's Mind and own all of their CDs. I still like Celestial Entrance the most, but all of their albums are either good or great. Yeah, the vocalist is a little over the top sometimes, but he's got some killer pipes and amazing range and character to his voice.
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I really dug the World tune. What I heard of Ice Age sounded good, as well. I should pay more attention to this thread, I suppose.
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Pagan's Mind is great. I love that Learning to Live song of theirs.
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:laugh:
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Pagan's Mind is great. I love that Learning to Live song of theirs.
Well played :hefdaddy
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Mason, can you list the bands so far so we can see our ratios of known to not known.
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31. Pagan's Mind - Celestial Entrance & Heavenly Ecstacy
Hey! 2 that I have!!
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BTW, Eternity X, mentioned a few pages ago, are excellent. Reminded me of the spirit of classic Queensryche.
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BTW, Eternity X, mentioned a few pages ago, are excellent. Reminded me of the spirit of classic Queensryche.
+1
One of my favorite bands on the list thus far.
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30. Cloudscape - Cloudscape, Crimson Skies, Global Drama
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Cloudscape_-_Cloudscape_Cover.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/1/6/3/116352.jpg) (https://roastinghouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/global-drama-cover600.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal
For fans of: Dream Theater, Evergrey
What makes them special: Powerful vocalist, doesn't have much wankery or ballads if those aren't your interests.
Again, this band was introduced to my by YBS in my first roulette (no surprise he won it). Cloudscape is a Swedish band that has carved out their own niche in progressive metal. They don't solo for extended periods of time, so if you like prog metal but get sick of wankery this is a good band to look at. After their self-titled debut album, they have tended to write songs of a more serious nature, which is why I included the Evergrey reference, but particularly on Global Drama tacked world issues past and present. Mike Andersson the vocalist is really the show piece of this band. Mike's powerful vocals are the first thing I noticed in this band, in the same vein as Russell Allen of Symphony X. While the production of the first album leaves a little to be desired, the band sounds great, and seemed to be really hitting their groove. The next album though will feature a new drummer, bass player, and keyboard player, so their sound may evolve next album. Either way, a great band that could use an influx of new fans.
Tracks to try: As the Light Leads the Way, Every Day is Up to You, Under Fire, Shapeshifter, Take the Blame, Hope, Paid In Blood, The Silence Within, Alagoas
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
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So far, I have heard of 2 :lol
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I've heard of 5 so far and heard 3 before they were mentioned in this thread.
Cloudscape sounds intrigue, I'll check them out later.
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I always was familiar with the name Cloudscape due to Mike Andersson's singing on the Planet Alliance project (which is killer BTW) I loved his voice on that album so when I was involved with DTVT's survivor and Spider I think, won the round with 'Everyday is Up To You' I thought it was the perfect place to start getting into this band.
That song was instant for me and since I have acquired all three albums. I like the debut the most, but Global Drama isn't far behind. They should be more popular than what they are, great band.
Right now I'm 6/21.
Also, listening to Rebel Mind which I got in the mail yesterday, killer album.
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I'm 3 for 20 on owning, but 5 for, on having heard of some of the music. Cloudscape is right up to the top of my radar due to your write up.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhsWXgolKoc
You can thank me after you watch. :tup
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I think I checked into Cloudscape a few years ago, or was it Soundscape? I'm not sure, maybe both. I'll have to take a second look at them.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhsWXgolKoc
You can thank me after you watch. :tup
Sweet! Yeah, I'd say they are at the top of the list of things I need to get. I like the singer's look!
Mason... you can blame Kade for not being able to use Cloudscape in my Roulette (or at least Under Fire).
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Cloudscape is nice. Not that unique, but they create an appealing sound and tend to be very polished. I only have Crimson Skies, but it's definitely an enjoyable listen.
I think I checked into Cloudscape a few years ago, or was it Soundscape? I'm not sure, maybe both. I'll have to take a second look at them.
There's also Dreamscape.
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Mason... you can blame Kade for not being able to use Cloudscape in my Roulette (or at least Under Fire).
Like I don't have heaps of other stuff to lob at you :lol
Also FTFY:
I'm 3 for 21 on owning, but 5 for, on having heard of some of the music.
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I'm 15/21, you're disappointing me. :p I did order Intronaut, though, your list will be worth it if they turn out well.
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Mason... you can blame Kade for not being able to use Cloudscape in my Roulette (or at least Under Fire).
Like I don't have heaps of other stuff to lob at you :lol
Tru Dat
Also FTFY:
I'm 3 for 21 on owning, but 5 for, on having heard of some of the music.
Counting ... I suck at it.
I'm 15/21, you're disappointing me. :p I did order Intronaut, though, your list will be worth it if they turn out well.
I may start slow, but Imma gonna finish strong.
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I also wanted to welcome El Barto to the thread. I see him post so much more in GD and P/R that I'm actually really interested in what he thinks about anything he knows or tries.
Goes for anyone...let me know you're here.
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wow... loving Cloudscape :omg:
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Great choice with Cloudscape. "Global Drama" still gets pretty regular spins from me.
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I'm 15/21, you're disappointing me. :p I did order Intronaut, though, your list will be worth it if they turn out well.
I may start slow, but Imma gonna finish strong.
I hope you pass me. :lol ...I wanted some music from this thread!
I've never thought of myself as someone with a large library, so I'm suspecting DTVT and I have drawn from some similar sources off of this site over the years. I've heard of 17 of these so far, those 15 are the ones I have formed an opinion on, either own an album or previously decided against getting an album.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhsWXgolKoc
You can thank me after you watch. :tup
Sweet! Yeah, I'd say they are at the top of the list of things I need to get. I like the singer's look!
Mason... you can blame Kade for not being able to use Cloudscape in my Roulette (or at least Under Fire).
Damn, you're right, this thread could seriously be damaging the roulette for me. Most of my obscure bands are right here in this thread, and I think I'm gonna see more.
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Well, I'm trying to go cold turkey on new discoveries until after my roulette - for this exact reason. And to spend time with all of my other recent new discoveries.
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That's a really good idea. ;D
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Well, I'm trying to go cold turkey on new discoveries until after my roulette - for this exact reason. And to spend time with all of my other recent new discoveries.
...but if you go cold turkey your roulette could turn into a lot of people giving you bands you were already going to try. That doesn't seem beneficial to you. If you try the stuff you're seeing now wouldn't you just be making your roulette all the more useful to you?
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I'm enjoying Cloudscape right now. Powerful vocalist :tup
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Well, I'm trying to go cold turkey on new discoveries until after my roulette - for this exact reason. And to spend time with all of my other recent new discoveries.
...but if you go cold turkey your roulette could turn into a lot of people giving you bands you were already going to try. That doesn't seem beneficial to you. If you try the stuff you're seeing now wouldn't you just be making your roulette all the more useful to you?
Not for the purposes of what I want to to get out of my Roulette.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhsWXgolKoc
You can thank me after you watch. :tup
Sweet! Yeah, I'd say they are at the top of the list of things I need to get. I like the singer's look!
Mason... you can blame Kade for not being able to use Cloudscape in my Roulette (or at least Under Fire).
Damn, you're right, this thread could seriously be damaging the roulette for me. Most of my obscure bands are right here in this thread, and I think I'm gonna see more.
exactly my thoughts!!! :(
but I still do have gems for some! ;)
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Will definitely check out Cloudscape now, I've heard a lot of good things about them.
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29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds - Whatever and Ever Amen, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner / Rockin' In the Suburbs
(https://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/9/96/Ben_Folds_Five_-_Whatever_%26_Ever_Amen.jpg) (https://images.uulyrics.com/cover/b/ben-folds-five/album-the-unauthorized-biography-of-reinhold-messner.jpg) (https://www.patrickgarvin.com/images/ben_folds_suburbs.jpg)
Genre: Piano driven rock
For fans of: People who want a change of pace that they can enjoy, people looking for something they can enjoy with someone who doesn't like prog/prog metal/metal/extreme metal.
What makes them special: Piano driven, lots of songs don't have guitar (just piano, drums, and bass). Mix of witty and clever songs with thoughtful, sobering songs.
This is probably the type of band that most of you would assume I'd use for April Fools day. I wouldn't be surprised if people rolled their eyes and ignored this entry. Ben Folds Five and Ben Folds solo albums are one of the few bands that survived my transition into the world of prog back in 1998. In retrospect, it has a lot of the things I still like: the piano parts can be fairly complex and interesting, some songs have really witty or funny messages and others are very heartfelt and sobering, and all of songs just have their soul poured into them.
Whatever and Ever Amen is the album you probably heard a song from if you've ever heard a BF5 song, the album is chalk full of them. Songs like "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces", "Song for the Dumped", "Kate", "The Battle of Who Could Care Less", and the bonus track "Theme from Dr. Pyser"(make SURE you get them, I have two copies of this album just for the bonus tracks); make this, in general, a fun up-tempo album. The fun and games are evened out by the beautiful and somber track "Brick" that just oozes with inner pain, as well as "Smoke", and "Missing the War". Hell, there are even songs like "Fair" that have both fun and mellow.
The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner lacks most the fun songs of WaEA, but makes up for it by being one of the most heartfelt and personal albums I've ever heard. It's a very stark contrast to their first album and showed that the band were going to write on their own terms because other than "Army", none of the songs sound like they would work as singles, but this album wouldn't be as memorable if they tried to craft singles from these songs, but the raw emotional power from the opening four tracks pushes this album to the top. They band broke up after this album, but rumor has it that they reunited and are working on a new album.
Ben Folds then went on to forge a solo career before going to work on NBC's The Sing Off. While his solo albums don't sound much different (maybe not as quite as emotional as Reinhold), there isn't really a drop in quality, and I think you get the point...if you're even still reading. Hate all you want, you're only missing out on some great music.
Tracks to try: Brick, Song for the Dumped, Battle of Who Could Care Less, Narcolepsy, Don't Change Your Plans, Mess, Rockin' The Suburbs (nugget in the video), The Luckiest - BONUS - Bitches Ain't Shit
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All great albums but Whatever and Ever Amen is a masterpiece. If you ever have a chance to get the DVD of them playing on Sessions at West 54th, a PBS show. Do it. You will not be disappointed.
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Hey not bad at all... I'm pretty sure my ears would look for some electro guitars pretty much in every song but I quite enjoyed some of those rec'd tracks...
Song For the Dumbed is really cool!
And for the fans of this genre, I'd also rec to check out Gowan. another piano oriented rock project...
Criminal Mind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIjddye2JSA)
picks up at the 1:30 mark
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Love Gowan and he is killer in Styx now. The new Styx Blu-Ray Concert is great.
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King of DVDs! :laugh:
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Hey not bad at all... I'm pretty sure my ears would look for some electro guitars pretty much in every song but I quite enjoyed some of those rec'd tracks...
Song For the Dumbed is really cool!
And for the fans of this genre, I'd also rec to check out Gowan. another piano oriented rock project...
Criminal Mind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIjddye2JSA)
picks up at the 1:30 mark
Love me my 80s Gowan ... Larry Gowan that is, before he got all pompous and went by Laurence :lol. I think this was the track I gave to Rich in his Roulette. Strange Animal is a great album. Great Dirty World has some nice memories for me. One of the last albums I bought on vinyl. If I listened to it today for the first time, not sure it would resonate with me.
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Unexpected but nice, I had a roommate in university that was really into Ben Folds Five.
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My friends bass teacher was in Ben Folds Five.
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Yeah, that DVD is great, I have it.
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Unexpected but nice, I had a roommate in university that was really into Ben Folds Five.
My friends bass teacher was in Ben Folds Five.
After seeing these two posts back to back, I thought that Mason was gonna say 'I'm the Ben Folds Five' :lol
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:lol
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Actually, my brother-in-law is a spitting image of Ben Folds, particularly in the Battle of Who Could Care Less video. My sister sees it as well, but he doesn't.
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bahahah that's close :lol
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Ben Folds Five were huge in Australia and Ben actually resides here now in Adelaide. Good band. Never got any of their albums but all their hits I really enjoy.
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I guess I didn't explicitly say it, but some of my favorite BF5 songs aren't the hits he had, which was one of the big reasons I listed this band.
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Sorry for not keeping up with this thread guys. In two weeks I have my final defense, and on top of preparing for that, I am sending out job applications like crazy, cold calling professors at other schools looking for a post-doc position as a backup plan, and this morning I got a request to do a conference-call preliminary interview, so I anticipate more phone interviews and hopefully on-site interviews soon. In addition too all of that, I have a potential buyer for my house so I have to start getting that ready as well. I'm going to try to make it to 26 by the end of the week, call it halftime, and resume once things start to crystallize.
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:tup
Life, important.
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What the hell?!?! Inexcusable.
Good luck on your final defense, it's not like most of us don't have 20+ new bands we can check out in the meantime thanks to you. :tup
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28. Pendragon - Pure & Passion
(https://991.com/newGallery/Pendragon-Pure---Sealed-510016.jpg) (https://progmistress.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/pendragon-passion-frontcover-spark-version_copy1.png?w=500&h=496)
Genre: Neo-prog
For fans of: IQ, Marillion
What makes them unique: These two albums (their two newest) might be best described as "new neo-prog" as their sound is more modern than what I associate neo-prog with.
If you followed Nick's top 50 list, you know he had two of their early albums in his list. I don't own those, so I'll talk about the new albums. When I think of neo-prog, I think of Fish era Marillion (my favorite era), so when I heard these albums, the first thing that really struck me was the guitar work. It really keeps the sound from sounding dated in a bad way. These albums are much more raw and aggressive than what I associate with neo-prog - it really comes across in all facets - and I really like it. Aside from the guitar, the keyboards also deliver, which one would expect when Clive Nolan is involved. The songwriting is also above reproach on these albums, both in terms of melody and lyrical content. They are catchy and I've been caught on two occasions belting out choruses at my desk. These are the only two albums of theirs I own, but that will change, don't worry Nick.
Tracks to try: Indigo, Eraserhead, The Freak Show, Passion, Empathy, This Green and Pleasant Land
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Gee whiz bud, think I'd like them? :P
Actually, I have heard a song or two, just haven't gotten around to digging deep into their stuff. Didn't you send them to me in my roulette, or was that Jingle?
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A cyber-friend who has a great grasp of my taste sent me 'This Green and Pleasant Land' some time ago... then I checked'em their other stuff out... good choice!!! :tup
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I picked up Pure on a whim at the record store about a year ago now. I wanted to just buy something random and see how it goes. Pure stuck out, and I instantly bought it. It is simply one of the best prog alums I've ever listened to. It has everything, I couldn't believe I picked this album up by random. i still listen to it a lot. Passion is great too, not as good as Pure but very, very solid.
Their older stuff is lighter and more Marillion style. I'm slowly working my way back through their discography. Great band, very underrated.
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Gee whiz bud, think I'd like them? :P
Actually, I have heard a song or two, just haven't gotten around to digging deep into their stuff. Didn't you send them to me in my roulette, or was that Jingle?
Don't think it was me. But yes, i think youd love these guys RJ. These are my two favorite albums by them for sure. awesome albums.
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I hope you don't mind me asking this here, DTVT. I'll delete it if you want.
I'm not big into new-prog, and Pendragon has never sounded like something I would want to order before so have ignored them for years. However, DTVT's description of the latest two intrigues me, and the two songs I just sampled were interesting. Is there anyone here that doesn't really like earlier Pendragon that can comment on these two albums? Which is the most unlike earlier Pendragon?
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I freely accept any discussion - positive or negative - about any choices. I don't take it personally when someone doesn't like something, and I've been rather free-speaking in other peoples lists. I'm all about informed customer decisions.
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I hope you don't mind me asking this here, DTVT. I'll delete it if you want.
I'm not big into new-prog, and Pendragon has never sounded like something I would want to order before so have ignored them for years. However, DTVT's description of the latest two intrigues me, and the two songs I just sampled were interesting. Is there anyone here that doesn't really like earlier Pendragon that can comment on these two albums? Which is the most unlike earlier Pendragon?
Pure and Passion are totally different to their earlier material. What songs have you heard before?
I think Believe is more towards this new direction, but I have that on order so I haven't heard it yet. I like their older stuff, but I can totally see why people would only really prefer these two albums, they are completely different.
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Don't remember, heard some of their stuff 5+ years ago and decided they weren't for me. What you said is what I was interested in, I'll put one of these on my to buy queue.
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Don't remember, heard some of their stuff 5+ years ago and decided they weren't for me. What you said is what I was interested in, I'll put one of these on my to buy queue.
Get both of these, but make Pure top priority.
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Everyone knows I love me some Pendragon. As far as the two newer albums go definitely go with Passion if you've heard neither.
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Everyone knows I love me some Pendragon. As far as the two newer albums go definitely go with Passion if you've heard neither.
I can see that Passion may be easier for a new fan to get into, but for me Passion just simply doesn't compare to Pure. I guess the conflicting opinions shows how strong both the albums are.
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Don't remember, heard some of their stuff 5+ years ago and decided they weren't for me. What you said is what I was interested in, I'll put one of these on my to buy queue.
Get both of these, but make Pure top priority.
One at a time, I make sure to take time between buying albums from the same band. I make fewer regretted purchases that way.
I'm more interested in the album that is stronger overall, especially if it is more unusual. Which is the more challenging listen or more rewarding listen? That appeals to me.
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My opinion on this might be skewed by the fact that I've been listening to Pure more lately, but it has more of that agression I referred to.
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I'll definitely check out Pendragon some more. Tried them a year back or so and couldn't really grasp it then, but I'll try it again.
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Don't remember, heard some of their stuff 5+ years ago and decided they weren't for me. What you said is what I was interested in, I'll put one of these on my to buy queue.
Get both of these, but make Pure top priority.
One at a time, I make sure to take time between buying albums from the same band. I make fewer regretted purchases that way.
I'm more interested in the album that is stronger overall, especially if it is more unusual. Which is the more challenging listen or more rewarding listen? That appeals to me.
For me, Pure is the only answer.
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(https://www.nickeh.com/images/pure.jpg)
And I'll still take Passion any day of the week.
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Holy f%$&ing shit!!
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27. Epica / Mayan - The Divine Conspiracy, Design Your Universe / Quarterpast
(https://www.epica.nl/images/The_Divine_Conspiracy_cover.jpg) (https://metal-rules.com/zine/images/stories/Interviews/epica/epica_design.jpg) (https://www.cdinzane.com/images/P/MAYAN-QUARTER.jpg)
Genre: Symphonic Metal (Epica is female fronted, Mayan male fronted)
For Fans of: Nightwish with a more metal feel - others omitted as to not spoil the rest of the list.
What makes them special: Epic sounding metal band that mixes some harsh vocals with soaring vocals and a very symphonic sound.
These bands are lumped together because they are both the brain child of Mark Jansen (so is After Forever, but I haven't gotten around to checking them out yet). Both bands have a symphonic, epic sound (who woulda thunk with a name like "Epica") that is has its roots in heavy metal and opera. Epica features Simone Simons on vocals, and as a band Epica has taken on such topics as religion (not a pro stance if that matters to you), relationships, and on their new album (not included here only because I am not familiar enough with it at this point) 21st Century problems. The sole Mayan album is more political and has a very cynical slant towards politics. Both bands are enjoyable, although Mayan does use significantly more harsh vocals than Epica if that isn't your thing. One interesting thing about Mark is that he actually had started multi song suites on After Forever and finished them on Epica.
Tracks to try: The Obsessive Devotion, Menace of Vanity, Never Enough*, Resign To Surrender ～A New Age Dawns -Part IV, Martyr of the Free Word, Design Your Universe ～A New Age Dawns -Part VI, Symphony of Aggression, Mainstray Of Society ～In The Eyes Of The Law: Corruption, Drown the Demon
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I've found some of the bands on this list to be rather well known, this being the most recent.
On topic my only real contribution can sadly be... holy fuck she's hot.
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I'm a huge Epica fan. Nice pick :tup
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Yes she is. It says "Underappriciated", not unknown. The lack of Epica talk in the Epica thread was the imputus of including Epica with Mayan. That, and so we had a reason to talk about Simone Simons.
(https://0.tqn.com/d/heavymetal/1/0/6/q/-/-/epica-simone.jpg)
(https://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/507387-bigthumbnail.jpg)
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I would go celibate for a month to have 24 hours with that woman.
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Epica!!!... I've been a fan for quite a lot of years now.. seen them many times live... and damn... they deliver on stage.... Simone is friggishly beautiful... and damn ... those charming headbangs .. stage outfits... and so on... she could convert me in a heart beat... having said that.. I prefer Floor (Jansen) ;D
Simone is not the only member that I'd die for... I dig Mark's vocals... and pretty much in love with Yves Huts... he's awesome on stage.. seriously I can't decide whom to look at when they're playing....
now all these aside... me thinks Epica are not where they could potentially be... (YET) they are very talented musicians and all... but they lack good songs :-\
also
Mayan :metal
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Just gave the song Solitary Ground a quick listen, I'm in love. :heart
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Watch Cry For The Moon video and you're so screwed!
You can even see the amazing Amanda Sommerville backing her...
/chef's life
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Mayan! My friend showed me them and I really liked them, nice to see them getting some love :metal
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oh my Yves left the band :(
I'm leaving the band because I have another career opportunity that is not combinable with the schedule of a world-touring band. I've tried to live these two different lives simultaneously for as long as I could, but in the end I just had to make a choice, one of the most difficult ones in my life.
I look back to these 10 years in EPICA satisfied and enriched with life experience. As a founding member, I'm proud of what we've achieved so far and I'm sure the future has a lot more great things in store for the band.
I would like to thank the band, crew, fans and everybody else involved for the good times and I wish my successor good luck."
source (https://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=171728)
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Watch Cry For The Moon video and you're so screwed!
You can even see the amazing Amanda Sommerville backing her...
/chef's life
I'd hit it like an epileptic on a drumkit.
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:rollin :rollin :rollin
now altogether :lol
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All together, you mean the redhead, the blond, and me. Um, yes please.
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bahahahahaha.... no that's not what I meant... but damn.. that would work :laugh:
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DAMN I am late on this thread. Nearly half way through. THis is a hell of alist so far man. I'm really digging the appreciatation for the under the radar bands you've listed so far, and will continue to list.
50. Pinnacle
47. Eumeria
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
30. Cloudscape
I am currently 13/23, which is very impressive, because I always go out of my way to find under appreciated bands. Kudos sir! :metal :metal :metal
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I would go celibate for at least 3 months to have 24 hours with that woman.
Saying that, I'm not really a fan of Epica at all.
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Based on your subtitle, I wasn't expecting Mark Jansen. None-the-less, I've given Eoica a few tries, but find the male voice too generic. I love Simone, but wasn't inspired enough to dig into them based on the male vocals. Much prefer Nightwish, and another m/f tandem I won't mention since they may be forthcoming.
I'm sure I'll get around to checking some/more things out by them at some point.
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(so is After Forever, but I haven't gotten around to checking them out yet).
I'm surprised and expected them on this list. Invisible Circles really made the rounds here. Floor even commented in Atlanta how that album unexpectedly took off on them in North America. Eponymous album is stronger, a great album for them to go out on.
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I'm still rather new to Epica myself, only knowing of them for the past year or so.
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I would go celibate for at least 3 months to have 24 hours with that woman.
Saying that, I'm not really a fan of Epica at all.
Me neither. Also, Simon gives an awesome performance on the Kamelot DVD for those who haven't seen it.
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:drool:
:o
thanks Nick!
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I'm still rather new to Epica myself, only knowing of them for the past year or so.
ReVamp?
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Epica are pretty cool, nice pick there! :)
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I would go celibate for a month to have 24 hours with that woman.
I'd crawl naked over 10 miles of broken glass just to hear her take a leak in a tin cup over a shitty cell phone connection :)
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Whoa :lol
she'd love that :laugh:
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I might have been exaggerating a tiny bit there :P
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Yeag, the track The Haunting was a great duet between Simone and Khan.
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I was just on Amazon. Cloudscape hasn't released an album since 2008 (Global Drama)? Is that right? Are they still together?
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I was just on Amazon. Cloudscape hasn't released an album since 2008 (Global Drama)? Is that right? Are they still together?
Yes, they are working on a new album and it's suppose to come out this year.
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26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee - Thud, The Shaming of the True / Toy Matinee
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvXDmLUQTnM/TiZbVQ04frI/AAAAAAAAAPM/WtbKK70tJ9c/s1600/Thud.jpg) (https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/1619/cover_1431218102008.jpg) (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KK6Y9iRScpc/TANcpaTLy3I/AAAAAAAABGk/kb4zqr_o-FA/s1600/toy.jpg)
Genre: Cross-over prog with some pop sensibilities
For fans of: The Dear Hunter, mid-80s Peter Gabriel
What makes this special: Kevin is one of the most talented songwriters ever.
You've probably heard a few songs Kevin Gilbert wrote even if you didn't know who he was before this moment. Ever hear of Sheryl Crow? Thought so. What's her best selling album? The one Kevin helped write. While Kevin obviously had a flair for writing songs that would be accessible to a wide audience, he also had his own things going on as well. Toy Matinee was one of his first successful projects, and much less progressive than his work under his own name. Toy Matinee features a mix fun, bittersweet, and sad songs that showcase Kevin's ability to write memorable, radio friendly songs. The albums released under his name are noticeably more progressive. Thud is a very powerful album that Kevin seemingly reached deep into the recesses of his soul to write. The biting sarcasm of "Joytown" and the loneliness of "Tea for One" come across very clearly to the listener, and as I have stated many times here at DTF, "Song for a Dead Friend" is the saddest song I've ever heard and I can't listen to it without breaking down because it's so personal, and I've been in the same position myself. For The Shaming of the True, Kevin went the other direction, making this a concept album about the fictitious musician Johnny Virgil, no doubt drawing upon his experience. The album features a mix of songs about soul-searching, struggling with fame, and the music business using hilarious biting commentary and sarcasm, all the while showcasing Kevin's ability to tell a story through song and have it get across to the listener. Sadly, Kevin died way to young, appearently of autoerotic asphyxiation. Fortunately, a lot of his work that was partially complete was completed posthumously by his estate and long time collaborator Nick D'Virgilio.
Tracks to try: Joytown, Tea for One, Shadow Self, Imagemaker, Water Under the Bridge, Certifiable #1 Smash*, Last Plane Out, Turn It On Salvador, Things She Said
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds
28. Pendragon
27. Epica / Mayan
26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee
What's your halftime score? Also, I'm hoping the crickets on my last choice means you are checking him out since you don't know of him.
I'll be taking the next two weeks off so I can focus on preparing for my Ph.D. defense. That should give you time to check out what I've already presented.
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8/25
I already have checked out Zero Hour, Eumeria & Ice Age and plan to dig in to some of the other stuff when I have some more time
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABA SIS
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
28. Pendragon
With the exception of Vonassi (which I've ordered but not yet received), those are the ones I'd say I'm reasonably familiar with, though I only own something from 10 of those 14.
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10/25
I'm benefiting greatly.. thanks :tup
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I think 19/25, counting the bands I have previously formed opinions on based on their music. Then again, maybe a band like Pendragon shouldn't count, since I was wholly unaware of their last two albums due to ignoring them any time I saw them. :dunno: From those it's maybe split 50/50 on ones I enjoy and own and ones I've been turned off by from individual songs and decided not to buy(or regretted buying).
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One of the best top 50 lists I've ever seen on here. So many new bands to check out!
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9/25.
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Recap:
48. Turisas - heard
47. Eumeria - have
40. Circle II Circle - heard
33. The ANABASIS - have
31. Pagan's Mind - have
28. Pendragon - have
27. Epica / Mayan - heard
I feel shame, but I know I'll be coming back for the second (top) half.
Are you requesting a temp ban, or will you have the discipline to stay away?
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I'll still be here, its just that I don't want to be committed to anything until I pass. I need to spend my time at home writing cover letters, reworking research proposals, compiling lists of places I still want to apply and where I already applied, and probably most importantly preparing for my defense; not writing long posts. I probably won't post as much the next two weeks. Due to the nature of this top 50, a halftime also seems appropriate to let people catch up on things.
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All right, time to get a bit of my street cred back. I knew about Toy Matinee, and owned and played the disc vigorously when it came out, back in the early '90s. Loved that album.
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Now that the defense is over (and successful!), can we all look forward to you starting this up again?
:drool:
Pleaz?!
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Now that the defense is over (and successful!), can we all look forward to you starting this up again?
:drool:
Pleaz?!
Yeah I've really been looking forward to getting it going again... Doctor ;)
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I will be spending the next two weeks preparing for and going on an on-site interview, making final edits on my dissertation, and coordinating travel plans for my family for graduation. I still got a lot on my plate still for the near future.
But I really appreciate you wanting me to continue.
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damn... thought for a second that it was on again....
anyways I'll wait....
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Now that Zander is fini... let's kickoff the 2nd half!
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25. Alcest - Écailles de Lune & Les Voyages de l'Âme
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2P_COY0UwKE/T41z_CebNQI/AAAAAAAABgs/VV72Dc7HXSY/s1600/alcest_ecaillesdelune_cover.jpg) (https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nwr0c3W9bIM/T5KVPfTXFEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/FF82mHVvzZU/s1600/alcest-les-voyages-de-lame.jpg)
Genre: They're listed as post-metal shoegaze, but I don't know if that is a great description
For fans of: If you like Agalloch's The Mantle, and the new Anathema album, you'll probably really enjoy Alcest.
What makes this special: I can't think of another band that sounds like them, yet they have a sound that should be pretty accessible to most people here.
Alcest is a the brainchild of a French guy named Nalge. There is a third album I have yet to track down yet, but I'm sure it's probably at least almost as good as these two. While Alcest is labeled as post-metal and shoegaze, I don't think either of those labels really does the band justice. People who generally don't like post-metal might enjoy this as I don't get a strong "post-metal" feel from the band, and I guess I just never liked the term "shoegaze" because it doesn't describe the sound and seems almost insulting. If you're not familiar with shoegaze, think lots of distortion on droning guitars while blending vocal harmonies in a wall of sound. Anyway, any description probably won't do it justice. The best way to discover is just dive in. I made my first Alcest purchase blind, I just knew two or three people were talking about it in anticipation of what is now their newest album. Both albums are great, but I would say Écailles de Lune is a little heavier and has some screaming, so if you like bands like BTBAM you might want to start there, if not start with the current album. Alcest is a great listen both as an active listen or just something to have in the background. It's also a horizon expander since if you like Alcest, you may want to explore more into the post-metal or shoegaze genres, and there are some other lesser known bands/projects involving Nalge or people he works with.
Tracks to try: Ecailles de lune - Part 1, Percées de Lumičre, Sur L'Océan Couleur De Fer, Les Voyages De L'Âme, Nous Sommes L'Emeraude, Beings Of Light
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Great to see this getting kicked off again. Heard the name Alcest, but never checked them out.
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Amazing band, their last couple of albums are beautiful.
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Amazing band, their last couple of albums are beautiful.
Indeed!
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Amazing band, their last couple of albums are beautiful.
Écailles is amazing, haven't heard the newest yet.
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It's back! Nice to see Alcest on here.
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Alcest are awesome. I approve.
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24. Enslaved - Ruun, Vertebrae, & Axioma Ethica Odini
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wX78O4EIOi0/TiyBIQcvhvI/AAAAAAAAANs/Ye8WRU-bG0o/s1600/Enslaved+-+Ruun.jpg) (https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sZ81tQqP4w/TiyASz5UdYI/AAAAAAAAANo/kKTBvfU4Lco/s1600/Enslaved+-+Vertebrae.jpg) (https://www.mediaboom.org/uploads/posts/2010-09/1284813006_axioma-ethica-odini.jpg)
Genre: Melodic progressive black metal
For fans of: Metalheads who want to start to explore some of the more extreme subgenres of metal without giving up the melodic and musical aspects of metal.
What makes this special: This is a great gateway band for learning to appreciate black metal. Very progressive and melodic.
Some of you are going to see "black metal" or "Enslaved" and mentally check out of this one. WELL DON'T!! I discovered this band through a guy who owns a record store in the town where I got my undergraduate degree. Since he was a metal head, I had him look at my iPod. He asked me if I heard Enslaved, and since I had not, he gave me a used copy of Vertebrae for free. He told me it was "progressive black metal", but I spent the next week listening to the stuff I actually bought. Eventually I got around to trying this album I was given for free...and I really enjoyed it. It completely shattered my expectations of what black metal was. It could be melodic. It could be progressive. It could be catchy. It could be creative. It could be awesome. Needless to say, I go out of my way to stop at his record store to spend some money when I'm in Pennsylvania now.
Story over...the music. I've had some surprising success with this band in some roulettes, so it seems that Enslaved is a band capable of breaking other people's barriers as well. It's got all a lot of the elements I like in music: killer riffs, melodic, fast and heavy, some nice drum fills, some creative progressive passages, doesn't abuse distortion, and it's not all death/screamo vocals, and the ones that are used are appropriate. If you are going to just say, "some harsh vocals, screw it" that's your loss. If, however you are willing to stick your toe in the deep end you can get to enjoy the diving board. The albums Isa and Monumension are also similar if you like these, and their earlier stuff is less progressive.
Tracks to try: Entroper, Path to Vanir, Heir to the Cosmic Seed, Clouds*, Ground, Reflection, Ethica Odini, Waruun, Singular, Lightening
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Enslaved are an awesome band. Love all three of those albums. Excellent pick :tup
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Some of you are going to see "black metal" or "Enslaved" and mentally check out of this one. WELL DON'T!!
Good thing you led with that, because I was exactly about to do that. When your list is complete (or sooner if told to ;)), I'll give this a shot.
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Alcest is pretty awesome. I love Escailles but I haven't quite gotten into their latest.
Never could get into Enslaved though. They should be right up my alley, but something just doesn't click with me. Oh well, maybe I'll give one of the recc'ed tracks a listen or two and see what happens.
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23. Avantasia - The Scarecrow, The Wicked Symphony, & Angel of Babylon
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YFsQQkJXBEc/SnoQqYGBJ8I/AAAAAAAAABo/XAv_ok1Xcnw/s400/Avantasia+-+The+Scarecrow+-+2008.+Front.jpg) (https://www.metal-metropolis.com/Avantasia/avantasia_tws.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/2/6/4/0/264092.jpg)
Genre: Prog metal opera
For fans of: Ayreon
What makes this special: Except for The Human Equation, these are better than Ayreon albums. Also, generally heavier than the Ayreon albums.
Everyone always talks about how great AAJ and Ayreon are. And those people would be right to point out that AAJ was doing these multi-singer albums before Tobias. But first doesn't equal best, and frankly the last three Avantasia albums are more enjoyable than most of AAJ's work. I expect a lot of you are going to bitch and moan about that statement, but search your heart, you know it to be true.
Maybe I like Avantasia more because its heavier. Having Jorn Lande, Michael Kiske, and Russell Allen doesn't hurt. Tobias > AAJ in the vocals department as well (even Nick can't deny this). Awesome one or two song guests (Alice Cooper, Ripper Owens, and Roy Khan to name a few vocalists) as well as musicians don't hurt either. I suspect this Avantasia is somewhat known, but I just wanted to rattle some cages with my opinion on this one. But seriously, the last three albums are pretty damn awesome, and the first two aren't to shabby either.
Tracks to try: Twisted Mind, The Scarecrow, Lost in Space, The Wicked Symphony, Scales of Justice, Runaway Train, Angel of Babylon, Death is Just A Feeling, Down in the Dark
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Eh, Avantasia is quite fun, but it's a bit too over the top for me.
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Eh, Avantasia is fun, but it's a bit too gay for me.
FTFM
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Those three albums are killer, but The Metal Opera Pt 1 is by far the best Avantasia album, it's perfect power metal.
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The Scarecrow is fucking awesome, but I have yet to check the others. Very nice inclusion!
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For the most part, I agree with you. Still like Electric Castle better than Avantasia. And there is no denying that Tobias can out-sing Arjen 7 days a week, and twice on Sunday. Just watched The Flying Opera for the first time this week. Damn fine concert. Haven't come across a bad Avantasia track at all.
*any of these three* > *either Metal Opera*
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I must be the only person that prefers the first album over anything else they've done.
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I must be the only person that prefers the first album over anything else they've done.
Yeah, but we still love ya wolfking.
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Thanks bro. :tup
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Is there a post that has what's been posted so far?
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds
28. Pendragon
27. Epica / Mayan
26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee
25. Alcest
24. Enslaved
23. Avantasia
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that Eumeria album is so awesome.
I hear a lot of Symphony X in their sound.
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I must be the only person that prefers the first album over anything else they've done.
Again they're fun, but those two in particular are possibly the cheesiest things I've ever heard.
Eh, Avantasia is fun, but it's a bit too gay for me.
FTFM
:lol
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I would avoid Arjen - Avantasia comparison but with you on the idea that those three albums rock big time...
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I must be the only person that prefers the first album over anything else they've done.
Again they're fun, but those two in particular are possibly the cheesiest things I've ever heard.
Manowar, Hammerfall and Virgin Steele would like to see you now.
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:rollin
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Rhapsody (with or without Fire) patiently awaits as well.
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Rhapsody (with or without Fire) patiently awaits as well.
There are 64 kg wheels of cheese that aspire to be as cheesy as Rhapsody
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I know. Glorious, aren't they! :neverusethis:
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22. Henning Pauly / Chain / Frameshift - Babysteps / Chain.exe / Unweaving the Rainbow
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X60Z6y6bGeg/TKD1RQgXwEI/AAAAAAAACL8/wweZzJCErA8/s1600/HenningPauly_Babysteps.jpg) (https://www.henningpauly.com/pics/exe_cover.jpg) (https://img12.nnm.ru/7/b/e/5/1/7be516d0f6b8207b874b6d8c2008ec77_full.jpg)
Genre: Thematic Prog rock / metal
For fans of: James LaBrie (particularly Unweaving the Rainbow and Babysteps)
What makes this special: Henning is one of the most talented multi-instrumentalists out there, and he's great at using the talent available to him.
If you asked me which albums JLB sounds the best on, without hesitation I would say Unweaving the Rainbow and Babysteps. On Unweaving the Rainbow, he has the control and range of I&W era DT, and on Babysteps he's an emotional and forceful powerhouse, and I believe it has more to do with Henning not compromising on what he wants, and realizing who the show piece is. But this isn't about JLB and how great he sounds on those two albums, it's about Henning's work as a whole.
His solo albums use a mixture of vocalists, but Babysteps is the Pičce de résistance of his solo albums. A great cast of vocalists filling the roles of characters that become well established as album progresses will initially jump out at you, but after that initial wave of excitement washes over, you are still left with music that ranges from soft and atmospheric to aggressive and tension filled. The story itself doesn't exactly sound like the most interesting in the world to write about: an athlete becomes paralyzed in an accident and has to overcome his personal demons in order to try to start the road to recovery. Not exactly the most interesting premise on paper, but the music and the characters make you care.
Chain.exe is Henning's "regular" band with vocalist and co-writer Matt Cash. It is a much more straight forward prog rock. While not possessing JLB's range, Matt is a more than capable singer and this album really plays to his strength, and that is singing with feeling. It's a great listen that I still spin regularly even after several years.
Unweaving the Rainbow was my introduction to Henning Pauly. I picked the album up because I kept seeing rave reviews about it and hearing how good JLB sounded on it. If this were a straight up, unrestricted top 50 albums list, this album would be in the top 25 (and Babysteps would probably be a top 50 as well). James fucking slays. Period. All the songs were taken from a Richard Dawkins book of the same name, long before he was associated with atheism. This album is all about evolutionary biology, and low and behold, it is pretty damn good. The songs range from airy and beautiful to aggressive and powerful, both in musical tone and JLB's vocals. This should be up most people's alley here at DTF.
Tracks to try: Listen to Me, What Do You Know?, I See, Cities Parts 1-7, Message From The Mountain, La Mer, Arms Races
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Rhapsody (with or without Fire) patiently awaits as well.
Fuck, of course. How could I forget Rhapsody. :facepalm: :rollin
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Only familiar with Unweaving the Rainbow, which is killer.
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I tried Unweaving the Rainbow a few times but it's not my thing at all.
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Just listening to Unweaving the Rainbow right now. It sounds right up my alley.
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The Chain album I have I'd probably say is better than any Frameshift or solo work.
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now these might be the most beautiful bunch I've come across this year thanks to you and Chad!
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Surprised you left out any mention of Absence of Empathy... Frameshift's 2nd album with Sebastian Bach at the vocal helm. Much heavier and edgier than anything else from Pauly. That is probably my fave disc of Pauly's projects. I only got exposed to them last September, only stumbling on to them because someone had incorrectly posted River Out of Eden lyrics for This is the Life.
Can't say anything bad about any of his works. They all get lots of airtime here.
Anyone can sample most of these at therecordlabel.net.
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Agreed! It's awesome...awesome!!!!! except I had to find it on my own. :P
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I'm holding myself to a 3 album limit, and I wanted one of each artist. I might raise it for the top 5 or 10 though.
BTW, that Enslaved song was pretty decent, right?
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I'm holding myself to a 3 album limit, and I wanted one of each artist. I might raise it for the top 5 or 10 though.
BTW, that Enslaved song was pretty decent, right?
Yes, I'll admit that I enjoyed it.
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Just realised I own the one with Sebasstian Bach. Man I gotta do something about this cd buying addiction. :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: Anyway, ripping it to my computer now and will listen to it tonight.
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Loving Unweaving The Rainbow... James sounds awesome.
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21. Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera, Edge of Thorns, & Dead Winter Dead
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/81/StreetsARockOpera.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/EdgeofThorns.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3f/DeadWinterDead.jpg)
Genre: Prog metal
For fans of: "Classic" prog metal, guitar playing, concept albums, Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What makes this special: Despite a seemingly constantly rotating line-up, managed to crank out some good concept albums
Savatage is always a band that seems to get left out of the discussion. It seems that those of us who have heard them tend to really like them, but they never caught on like Queensryche did. The two aspects that have always stood out in Savatage is the expressive guitar and vocals - which come from a variety of people depending on which album you are listening too. Any fan of I&W era Dream Theater should enjoy the hell out of mid-to-late career Savatage. Also, this is where TSO got started.
Streets is one of my favorite concept albums, as it is a story about rising up, having it taken away, and redemption. The main character is DT (downtown) Jesus - who starts as a drug dealer, but eventually becomes a rock star. However, his seedy past comes back to haunt him (I won't give it away), and his soul searching to come to grips with what happened.
Dead Winter Dead is the other concept album here, and it deals with the Bosnian War of the mid 1990s. Again, don't want to spoil the story here, but the music here is top notch. This was my first Savatage album, and probably my favorite, as there are tons of instances where I just get lost in the music or the story, and the epic round in the final track is pretty intense and chilling.
Tracks to try: Streets, St. Patrick's, Can You Hear Me Now, Edge of Thorns, He Carves His Stone, Sleep, This Is the Time (1990), Dead Winter Dead, Not What You See
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I have their discog, but don't spin them enough. Will give Streets a whirl tomorrow. Dead Winter Dead is a very good album.
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Funnily enough I listened to Streets today.
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No Gutter Ballet? That album is awesome.
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This band is definitely in my top 10 bands of all time, possibly even top 5. I love and have played the shit out of every album. It doesn't matter which 3 Mason picked, they are all gold. Poets and Madman, Gutter Ballet, Magellan, Mountain King, they are all perfect.
RIP Criss, one of the greatest guitarists this world ever saw.
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No Gutter Ballet? That album is awesome.
Again, 3 album limit.
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I'm a big TSO fan, never really got into Savatage. I will listen to some soon though.
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I've always found the under appreciation for this band a true crime. Every album is filled with absolutely amazing songs, great performances and bring up emotions that really pull at the heartstrings. I was obsessed with this band when I was like 18.
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Dead Winter Dead was pretty good when I listened to it a few months ago.
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20. Karmakanic - Who's The Boss In the Factory & In A Perfect World
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tLrhAmLUw8E/SmBmNFyAlSI/AAAAAAAABTk/2OIdY-Rs5w8/s400/Karmakanic+-+Who%C2%B4s+The+Boss+In+The+Factory+-+Front.jpg) (https://s.cdon.com/media-dynamic/images/product/music/album/image5/in_a_perfect_world_import-karmakanic-14697281-frnt.jpg)
Genre: Prog rock
For fans of: Transatlantic, keyboard leads
What makes this special: a modern take on classic prog rock that can often has a feel-good vibe going on
I'm about to say something that some people will consider blasphemy: Karmakanic is better than The Flower Kings in pretty much every way. I make the comparison because Karmakanic is the side project of TFK's Jonas Reingold. I've struggled to get into TFK despite the fact that I know I should like them, whereas I've enjoyed everything I've heard from Karmakanic almost immediately. I still need to get Karmakanic's first two albums, so don't read anything into their lack of inclusion.
Who's The Boss In the Factory has pretty much anything a prog fan can want in an album: two fantastic epics in Send a Message to the Heart and the title track, some nice shorter tracks, a happy feel good track, a proggy as fuck track, great instrumental bits, the works. Probably a top 50 album for me, and I have close to 900 albums to give perspective. In A Perfect World has some nice things going on as well, but with only one epic they were able to explore some more ideas. It's not as cohesive as WTBItF, but that was a tough act if not nearly impossible act to follow.
Tracks to try: Send A Message From the Heart*, Who's The Boss In the Factory, Two Blocks From the Edge, 1969, Turn It Up (radio edit is better)*, Can't Take It With You
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I've heard some Karmakanic here and there, but never dug to deep into them. Guess I need to change that.
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Love those 2 albums. Chad, maybe I can send a song on your Roulette. Jonas Reingold is a god among bass players.
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These guys are OK I guess...
Also, I don't know what the general consensus is, but I prefer the first album to the 2nd, so I'd get Entering next.
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Those ore the best 2 Karmakanic albums. Great choice.
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Never could get into Karmakanic.
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19. Vanishing Point - Tangled In Dream, Embrace The Silence, & The Fourth Season
(https://www.austindailyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/VanishingPoint.jpg) (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nJpP78Ze7js/S8pQpvVjT6I/AAAAAAAAFSs/N-iiR8etMeM/s1600/vanishing+point+3.jpg) (https://img.creep.ru/cr/posts/86/1185869986_62b82e74e0e621adb748d24655679717_full.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal with some melodic power metal (musical only) tendencies
For fans of: DT, Eumeria (since everyone seems to be digging that)
What makes this special: Soaring melodies and powerful vocals with honest, heartfelt lyrics
I suspect the one thing that has kept a band like Vanishing Point from breaking through in the world of progressive metal is that they are on a penal colony also known as Australia. Vanishing Point delivers powerful riffs with melodic backgrounds and catchy vocals that focus on human emotion. When you think of what you want in prog metal band, these guys for the most part have it all, while I wouldn't consider any of them the top 3 of their instrument, none of them are weak parts and they mesh very well together, and are definitely some of the better song/lyric writers in the genre. Again, all passed over because they come from a place that gave us Men At Work, AC/DC, and Crocodile Dundee. So do yourself a favor and check out this Aussie five-piece and rock out down under syle.
Tracks to try: Surreal, Samsara, Father (7 Years), Hollow, Embraced, Season of Sundays, Embodiment, The Tyranny of Distance, Surrender
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds
28. Pendragon
27. Epica / Mayan
26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee
25. Alcest
24. Enslaved
23. Avantasia
22. Henning Pauly / Chain / Frameshift
21. Savatage
20. Karmakanic
19. Vanishing Point
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If it's anything like Eumeria, as you suggested, I'm sure I'll enjoy it!
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I think Vanishing Point is better than Eumeria ;)
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The Eumeria lost its shine very quickly after initially being good. I certainly prefer Myrath. Now their 2nd and 3rd albums are excellent.
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I've been waiting for VP to be listed Mason, well done. I'd put them a little higher, but I'm happy they made your top 20.
Vanishing Point are absolutely incredible. One of my fav bands in general. Check Embrace first, then Tangled then Season, than the debut. Simply amazing prog and I wish they were able to break through. I've seen them live too and they put on a decent show, while performing their music quite well compared to the studio albums. I hope we get another album from them someday. it's a shame down here in Australia they are completely unknown to the average joe on the street, depressing.
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I think Vanishing Point is better than Eumeria ;)
This, by a million miles.
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Don't have any VP, but everything I've ever heard from them is top notch.
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18. Clockwork - Surface Tension
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/1145/cover_9542314102008.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal
For fans of: complex multi-part melodies, 90s Prog metal
What makes this special: Incredibly talented band and frontman that never got a break and shines despite sub-par production
Of all the "one and done" bands (side projects don't count), Clockwork is by far my favorite. It's also the first progressive metal act I saw live - yes, even before I saw Dream Theater. Their one full length album (they also had an EP with demos they sold at shows, and I'm damn proud to say I own a copy) showcases their incredible talent as musicians and song writers. The music ranges from gritty guitar riffs to airy orchestral arrangements, and is chock full of bluesy and jazzy parts, and an energy that few albums have. Musically, most of the album could stand on two legs as an instrumental album with its complex arrangements and high energy, and the vocals just take things up another level due to the range and energy. It's a one album masterpiece, and it is a complete shame that none of these guys went on to do more music. It is an album I recommend to almost everybody, and if you can get past the low production values you'll find an album chock full of goodies that will can enjoy for years on end like I have. A final word of warning: there are lots of bands named Clockwork. Only this one (or the EP Search if you can manage to find it) is the real McCoy.
Tracks to try: Secrets of the Centuries, If These Walls Could Talk, Design of Enlightenment
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Having heard If These Walls Could Talk, I'll certainly vouch for the technical wizardry from these guys. As you said with your last writeup, if you like Eumeria, you'll probably like these guys. Very impressive musical skills here.
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First time hearing this band and I'm digging your suggested tunes Doc!
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Good ones Doc.... Savatage is a Top 10 band in my book.... huge Jon Oliva fan here!
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17. Amaran's Plight - Voice In The Light
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/3060/cover_24020112010.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal
For fans of: Spock's Beard, Shadow Gallery, great vocals and vocal harmonies
What makes this special: Superstar lineup drawing on each of the members strengths
This is a super group that is composed of some of my favorite musicians. It has multi-instrumentalist and fantastic song writer Gary Wehrkamp, Nick D'Virgilio on drums, D.C. Cooper on vocals, and Kurt Barabas handling bass duties. That lineup is gang busters folks. The album sounds almost what you would expect if you crossed Shadow Gallery and Spock's Beard, except the nature of the story of the album doesn't lead to as much of the lighthearted side of Spock's Beard. I don't want to give away the story of the album, but I will say that it is very fleshed out and pretty easy to follow. Musically, this album is a beast. It is powerful and moving, with nary a lull in the flow of the story or the music. Some of the songs are graceful ballads, and others are fast, aggressive powerhouses.
Tracks to try: Shattered Dreams, Viper, Turning Point
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That's a really great album. I'd also recommed it for any prog fan.
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FANTASTIC album. Seriously something most people here should investigate.
Although, mine isn't signed like yours is :sadpanda:
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AP is a great album, hope they do a follow up at some point.
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16. Beyond the Bridge - The Old Man and the Spirit
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNBPrt46opA/Ty1k3ye2W1I/AAAAAAAACyo/OIdIrI2_WSw/s1600/Beyond+The+Bridge+-+The+Old+Man+And+The+Spirit+%25282012%2529.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal
For fans of: bands with male and female vocalists, story albums
What makes this special: Strong debut concept albumthat pretty much does everything it tries to do right
This is a late substitution for a band I have since decided to drop because I think most people here know them, and I decided to give this new album some more pub, even though there is a small cache of us that really like this album. Musically, its gritty parts are aggressive and hard, the melodic sections are beautiful, the solos are well crafted and within the structure of the song, the balance and mix of vocals is great, the story is nice, yet open enough to allow some variance in interpretation. By the time the chorus rolls around in the first song "The Call", you should realize that these guys came out punching with steel-plated gloves. Bands like this are why prog metal will never die, as the demonstrate that there are plenty of ways to keep the genre from stagnating. One of the top three debut albums in the past five years in my opinion. I had a hard time picking three songs, so I went with the three I appreciated almost immediately.
Tracks to try: The Call, World of Wonders, The Difference Is Human
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Great album... Absolutely fantastic... I have to thank RJ to almost forcing me to give it a spin... as he knew it would take me ages since I was busy with other things..
very nice guys too... seeing them in August... with Flaming Row... and interviews are scheduled :)
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When I do my top fifty, this album will rank very high. Very emotional, very personal for me, and executed so well. I really just get stunned by it still, and I probably gave it over 30 spins in the week I was writing the review for obscure's site. Just a wonderful piece of music, beginning to end.
/fanboyishness
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Yeah, it is fantastic. And I'm so insanely jealous of the BtB and FR concert. What a bill!!
Curious, who did these guys bump?
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Not saying, but the band they bumped isn't unknown, I originally just wanted to give them a spot to pimp them. The band bumped was not in this spot, I just inserted this and moved everyone below the removed band up a spot.
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Since everyone is clamoring for the bumped band, send me up to three guesses by PM. I will tell you if one of them is right. I have noticed participation of this thread has been declining (I blame myself for the lack of momentum), so maybe this will get people talking again.
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How many times are we allowed to send three guesses? :D
I'm always talking (I just rarely say much).
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Since everyone is clamoring for the bumped band, send me up to three guesses by PM. I will tell you if one of them is right. I have noticed participation of this thread has been declining (I blame myself for the lack of momentum), so maybe this will get people talking again.
Been too busy checking out all the awesome music to participate
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15. Dan Swanö - Moontower
(https://images.cryhavok.org/d/11738-1/Dan+Swan__+-+Moontower.jpg)
Genre: Melodic death metal
For fans of: people wanting to branch into death metal from progressive metal
What makes this special: Absolute game changer both for me personally and death metal in general.
Let's take a second to thank Ravenheart here. He sent me a song off this album in the first round of my second roulette and I immediately had to have this album. While I was familiar with melodic death metal before hearing this album, this album shows what melodic death metal can and should be. Everything about this album is fantastic: The music, which sees Dan play all the instruments, the vocals, the lyrical themes, everything. Once again, I expect some of you to groan about the harsh vocals, but in this case they fit the music and themes. One of the reasons I love this album so much is that despite the heaviness and growling, it is very obvious how personal the album is to Dan. The songs on the album are about Dan's thoughts, dreams (nightmares), and personal issues, which give the album a depth that one not familiar with death metal might not expect. Musically, it's a true work of art. It's heavy, catchy, features great synth leads and guitar riffs, and captures the spirit of the work. An album like this can really open people's minds about melodic death metal because this album is so much more than just a genre label. It's thought provoking, musically intricate, and intensely emotional. It's an album I challenge you all to at least listen to once regardless of your own taste.
Tracks to try: Patchworks, Uncreation, Add Reality
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I really want to try out this album, but I can't seem to buy it anywhere. It sounds very interesting and intriguing and having heard some of Swanö's other stuff, I really want this.
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yeah.. melodic death and melodic prog death deserve better attention than they get from this board.. That album rocks big time... and there are others who've been rocking my world....
3 guesses... mmm... ok that could be fun! I'm game.
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I seriously gotta check this album out. Love Swano, Nightingale and Crimson 1 and 2 from Edge of Sanity are absolutely amazing.
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I'll give it a try sometime, but you know me an' growlie's. Love Swano's contributions to Star One. As a part of an ensemble, I can appreciate. Not sure where I'll stand when he's front and centre. I suppose if I keep my expectations low, then there's a better chance of me liking it.
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I really want to try out this album, but I can't seem to buy it anywhere. It sounds very interesting and intriguing and having heard some of Swanö's other stuff, I really want this.
Yeah, it's been out of print for a while. I had to buy the mp3 version on amazon, and I'm keeping my eye open eBay for a physical copy.
You must try it Chad. You'll get over your growling issues eventually. You to Nick.
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Well, good doctor, most of the stuff that you have posted and that I have had a chance to listen to is pretty awesome. Still a little wary of death metal, even if it is melodic and I couldn't get into the vocals of Pagan's Mind, but the rest is pretty cool.
Oh, and just listening to The Scarecrow. Awesome stuff, the only thing that I knew beforehand though. :metal
I'll probably be getting Eumeria or Vanishing Point sometime this week.
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MOONTOWER :metal :metal :metal
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14. Leprous - Tall Poppy Syndrome & Bilateral
(https://revelation23.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/tps.jpg) (https://www.leprous.net/images/cover_bilateral.jpg)
Genre: Progressive metal, with a smattering of avant-garde metal
For fans of: eclectic music
What makes this special: They found a new direction in progressive metal and don't sound like clones of other bands
Leprous is another relatively recent discovery of mine, again aided by my roulette (Metty this time). Their sound is really kind of their own. Tall Poppy Syndrome is the more metal of the two albums, and Bilateral being the more experimental of the two, but both albums are worth checking out. TPS has a much more frantic feel to it, and the reverb on the vocals is just right. Their sound, while clearly progressive metal, has some avant-garde elements to it that gives their sound a nice edge to it, without being too weird for some people. I find myself noticing something new to like about these albums with each listen, so there is a lot of music to be mined from this trove, and should keep your ears delighted for more listens than your average album.
Tracks to try: He Will Kill Again, Tall Poppy Syndrome, White, Bilateral, Forced Entry, Thorn
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Never heard of this band.
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I've only listened to Bilateralism and that was pretty enjoyable. I'll have to check this one out too.
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Leprous are awesome. I'd definitely recommend them as well.
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When I first picked up my first Leprous album.. I didn't listen to anything else... for at least for three weeks... well that's what happens when I get floored by a band... their sound is absolutely brilliant.. Einar's voice is so beautiful and I love his vocal style... song-writing is amazing too.. good production .. and very accessible guys to fans as well... I can't think of anything bad about'em....
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Obscure is... Chris Collins.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
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16. Dan Swanö - Moontower
so I just checked this out through nefarious means on youtube. Holy. crap. this is awesome.
Not a fan of mp3 . . . I really need to find a way to get this cd at a decent price.
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whoa!! it's Tor's birthday.... the bass guitarist of Leprous....
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16. Dan Swanö - Moontower
so I just checked this out through nefarious means on youtube. Holy. crap. this is awesome.
Not a fan of mp3 . . . I really need to find a way to get this cd at a decent price.
Fat chance. The guy listing a copy on eBay won't lower it even though he's re-listed it already. I have an active search for the album that alerts me when anyone lists it, and it doesn't come up often, and when it does expect to pay $25+.
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I took a listen of Leprous, and it didn't really strike me as that great at the first listen, but I have to say that the album cover of Bilateral is really badass.
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hmmmmm... which tracks did you try? whole album?... if not... I'd add Mediocrity Wins and Restless to doc's list.... Thorn should do the trick too...
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OK, I'll have to check them out sometime. Not today, though. I'm not in the mood for discovering stuff at the moment. Definitely noted, though. :tup
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absolutely LOVE Leprous :D both albums, and their demo CD are just amgad
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absolutely LOVE Leprous :D
No way, wouldn't have seen that coming. :p
:D
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13. Flaming Row - Elinoire
(https://www.ppr-shop.de/WebRoot/Store3/Shops/62161184/4DD0/F103/91BE/B00E/7D6F/C0A8/28BA/EEB5/FR_front_small.jpg)
Genre: Symphonic Progressive Metal
For fans of: Shadow Gallery, Ayreon, Avantasia
What makes this special: Concept album featuring a lot of singers. Great vocal harmonies and great solos as well.
This was my album of the year in 2011, which was an incredibly strong year for music releases. This is also the highest a single album is getting ranked here, and probably would rank higher if it simply had more than this album. Honestly, despite the fact that the names attached to this are less impressive than the lineups AAJ lines up for Ayreon, I enjoy this album more than any Ayreon album. Yes, even more than The Human Equation. While the individual vocal talent triumphs on THE, the manner in which the vocalists are used on Elinoire is much better in terms. Musically, Elinoire wins hands down. Story we'll call a draw. Regardless, a year later I'm still spinning Elinoire, whereas I can't say the same a year after I got THE, which had a lot less competition from the rest of my collection back then.
Now that I've thoroughly pissed everyone off by trashing THE, time to go back to convincing you to buy this album. This is probably the only album I paid more than $20 for and not given it a second thought later. Well worth the money. There is a lot to love about this album. The female vocals are graceful and beautiful. The vocal harmonies and blending of so many voices works is incredible. The solos are fantastic. The harmonies and melodies are well constructed and executed. There is variation between the songs so the entire 74 minute album doesn't sound the same. It's just a fantastic album that really lacks any flaws other than it's price point compared to other albums, but after a listen you really won't care that you shelled out more than normal.
Tracks to try: I'd love to say the whole album so here's a variety (not necessarily my three favorite) First Day, Rage of Despair, Unearth The Truth
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds
28. Pendragon
27. Epica / Mayan
26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee
25. Alcest
24. Enslaved
23. Avantasia
22. Henning Pauly / Chain / Frameshift
21. Savatage
20. Karmakanic
19. Vanishing Point
18. Clockwork
17. Amaran's Plight
16. Beyond The Bridge
15. Dan Swanö
14. Leprous
13. Flaming Row
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Everything you said I agree with, except it being better than THE - but it's close. I too shelled out $29 directly from the band's website, and it's worth every penny. You really do need the liners notes to get the characters and lyrics, and I still don't think they are online anywhere, this is such open unknown album. I actually checked the price of flights to Frankfurt for the Beyond the Bridge/Flaming Row concert in the 19th of Aug. Alas, work commitments and $1700 price tag prohibit it.
And Rage of Despair, and Unearth the Truth are my top 2 tracks ... Both available on utube. Yes Doc, I even like the growlies.
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Suh-weet, it's on Spotify :D
Love it so far, really amazing layered vocals!
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I will definitely try that one out, sounds interesting and good :)
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These guys sound really cool. Damn you Doc, you're making me broke, and I still have to finance my driver's license!!
Oh, and Leprous, your avatar made me :rollin
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Its $16.99 on amazon.com atm, not that expensive after all
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I got this one on jingle's recommendation. Note to forum, jingle is usually right. Have only given it a few spins, but it is a great album.
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Quit ass kissing! You're just trying to get rid of the below quote I sig'd.
it might work
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
35. Mystery
33. The ANABASIS
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
28. Pendragon
25. Alcest
23. Avantasia
22. Henning Pauly / Chain / Frameshift
21. Savatage
20. Karmakanic
19. Vanishing Point
17. Amaran's Plight
16. Beyond The Bridge
14. Leprous
13. Flaming Row
23/38 so far of bands I either own something by or am reasonably familiar with.
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12. Power of Omens - Eyes of the Oracle & Rooms of Anguish
(https://cfs16.tistory.com/image/31/tistory/2011/02/27/19/22/4d6a25f07b859) (https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/716/cover_194291142009.jpg)
Genre: Progressive Metal
For fans of: Geoff Tate style vocals
What makes this special: Great Texas prog band that just never got the break it needed before their bassist died.
This is the greatest fluke in my collection. I bought the album sight unseen based on the name of the band, because my nickname since I was 10 years old was "Omen" or "Bad Omen". Well, I lucked out on two fronts. One, they play some great progressive metal, and two, I didn't have to shell out a large sum for a used copy like you do now for Eyes of the Oracle. Power of Omens also just happens to hit my sweet spot in terms of music, I like complex compositions with a lot of things going on at once, which is why this and Clockwork (#18 on this list) rate so high for me. But where Clockwork had a brighter tone, Power of Omens has a darker more sinister tone, which they do a great job with blending and complementing Chris Salinas high register vocals. You might remember we discussed Chris back at #49 when discussing Zero Hour, this is where he got his start.
Musically, Eyes of the Oracle is like a darker, much more complex version of awesome-era Queensr˙che, whereas Rooms of Anguish has a sound that draws more Spanish influence. Hopefully you guys can find them on spotify or something, because I've always enjoyed this band, and not just for Chris Salinas. I'd love to see the other guys in the band do something again.
Tracks to try: Word on a Line, The Fall, Test of Wills, My Best to Be..., As Winter Falls, Only a Dream (yes, I picked some long ass songs. Deal with it.)
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I have noticed participation of this thread has been declining (I blame myself for the lack of momentum), so maybe this will get people talking again.
been following, but, for the most part, havent heard too many of the more recently listed bands and havent had much chance for checking out new music lately. very much enjoying the thread, though.
When I first picked up my first Leprous album.. I didn't listen to anything else... for at least for three weeks... well that's what happens when I get floored by a band... their sound is absolutely brilliant.. Einar's voice is so beautiful and I love his vocal style... song-writing is amazing too.. good production .. and very accessible guys to fans as well... I can't think of anything bad about'em....
this. exactly this. cant get enough of these guys after discovering them outta nowhere at the end of last year. now easily one of my top handful of current bands. you know, i dont think ive ever noticed anyone mention it, but i get a strong POS influence outta them...other influences as well, but when i pimp them on people, i often compare em to being a more heavy metal version of POS.
and, hey!, Power of Omens, a POO acronym, just like me username! (interestingly, i actually discussed said acronym with their guitarist on the old DT.org forum back in the day). i believe i guessed these guys to be a future inclusion back on page one, after Zero Hour were listed, but before DTVT gave us/me shit and asked that no one throw out any guesses, unless PM'd. ive been waiting weeks for their arrival, never any less certain than 99.44% of their inclusion.
i dont know that i actually think it, but i used to point out how drummer buddy would, essentilly, play fills for beats...and would kinda play beats for fills. its probly a huge exaggeration, but theres definitely some truth to it.
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12. Power of Omens - Eyes of the Oracle & Rooms of Anguish
For fans of: Geoff Tate style vocals
What makes this special: Great Texas prog band that just never got the break it needed before their bassist died.
This is the greatest fluke in my collection. I bought the album sight unseen based on the name of the band, because my nickname since I was 10 years old was "Omen" or "Bad Omen". Well, I lucked out on two fronts. One, they play some great progressive metal, and two, I didn't have to shell out a large sum for a used copy like you do now for Eyes of the Oracle. Power of Omens also just happens to hit my sweet spot in terms of music, I like complex compositions with a lot of things going on at once, which is why this and Clockwork (#18 on this list) rate so high for me. But where Clockwork had a brighter tone, Power of Omens has a darker more sinister tone, which they do a great job with blending and complementing Chris Salinas high register vocals. You might remember we discussed Chris back at #49 when discussing Zero Hour, this is where he got his start.
Musically, Eyes of the Oracle is like a darker, much more complex version of awesome-era Queensr˙che, whereas Rooms of Anguish has a sound that draws more Spanish influence. Hopefully you guys can find them on spotify or something, because I've always enjoyed this band, and not just for Chris Salinas. I'd love to see the other guys in the band do something again.
Tracks to try: Word on a Line, The Fall, Test of Wills, My Best to Be..., As Winter Falls, Only a Dream (yes, I picked some long ass songs. Deal with it.)
OMG someone else has heard of Power of Omens. God I love this band. Love them love them love them. It's a shame they never got the big break they deserved. Rooms of Anguish is one of my favorite prog metal albums ever-it's just damn brilliant. That they never got on a label like Inside Out is damn tragic. And the first album is nearly as good as Rooms of Anguish. Listen to these guys NOW and consider what might have been. They were AMAZING.
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Never ever heard of this band, but it sounds very interesting.
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Power of Omens does have a few tracks on MySpace. Insanely technical. Very good tunes. I'll be listening to more of them as I can on MS
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I vaguely remember coming across this band... will look into their work...
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Glad to see other Power of Omens fans. If I didn't already have my CD's packed, I'd take a picture of myself just to show I actaully do own them.
Definitely check them out on Myspace and Facebook. They have a bunch of youtube links on their facebook page.
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yes, I picked some long ass songs. Deal with it.
I don't that that's too much of a problem on a prog messageboard. :lol
Anyway, just listening to Word on a Line. Sounding great so far.
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after my post last night, i threw on Test of Wills. :hefdaddy so good. right up there with amongst my favorite prog metal epics.
rooms of anguish might be more consistent, but i always kinda felt eyes of the oracle had higher highs.
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Chad gave me a track to listen to from Flaming Row and I really enjoyed it, gotta look into that one.
Also, I am listening to Dan Swano's Moontower. I purchased the mp3's online as getting a physical copy seems difficult at a reasonable price. Incredible, I don't expect anything less from this guy.
Mason, if you haven't already, check out Edge of Sanity, mostly Crimson 1 and 2, they are Swano at his absolute best.
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This thread needs more than once-a-week updates.
Daaaaaaaaaa, what's up doc?
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Power Of Omens is almost too busy to enjoy, especially the drumming.
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I can see that as being a barrier to entry for listening to Power of Omens, definitely. While I love the band to death, there were occasions where I did wish the band would get, to use your term, a little less busy and just flat out rock.
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DTVT ...what happened ? you become a doctor and can't finish the list
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Dude went on vacation and is moving shortly too I believe.
Hopefully this will get finished... maybe by the end of the summer before he starts his new gig.
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I was wondering what happened to this list...
Great to see it back, and looking forward to the top 10!
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11. Tetrafusion - Absolute Zero, Altered State, Horizons
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/4606/cover_474332762009.jpg) (https://www.braingell.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Tetrafusion_AlteredState.jpg) (https://f0.bcbits.com/z/49/29/492946762-1.jpg)
Genre: Progressive Metal
For fans of: People who aren’t fans of high-pitched singers, balanced music.
What makes this special: Very talented up-and-coming band that writes great music and blends influences and originality seamlessly.
Tetrafusion has grown a lot with each release, and considering how solid their debut album is, that in itself is remarkable. If they continue to grow and develop, they and are probably one break from having a significant fan base as I’m sure all these guys need is exposure. Their debut album Absolute Zero is a very solid instrumental album. The instrumentals are not the short and catchy songs that Scale the Summit (who have hired Tetrafusion’s bass player) plays, and are on the more complex side, showcasing the band’s sense of rhythm, melody, and feel while maintaining a busy, engaging sound. Altered State saw keyboardist Gary Tubbs show off his pipes, and his unique baritone added a whole new level to their sound. This is where Tetrafusion really set themselves apart from other bands sonically, as Gary’s vocals are hard to compare because it seems like other bands have eschewed baritone vocalists. Check out their video for “Monologue” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAM8iFMWWmw
Altered State had me primed for whatever came next. That “next” was a Indigogo funded EP called Horizons that I am damn proud of contributing funding for. Even if I didn’t have that personal connection to this EP, Horizons takes everything Tetrafusion did well on Altered State, and took it to heights that I couldn’t have imagined. When the record company gave them flak for having an EP, Tetrafusion turned around and gave it away for free, because they wanted their fans to have it. So you can legally go get it right now. What are you waiting for, GO GET IT NOW. Horizons sees the Tetrafusion sound continue to evolve and morph into something they just are completely owning. It is very well produced and has a crispness in the tone that is refreshing. They did virtually nothing wrong on this album. It left me wanting more and excited for whatever lies ahead for this batch of college students from Louisiana. I’m ready to drop a sizeable sum of money if they go to crowdsourcing again, and I hope you check them out and will join me.
Tracks to try: The Beginning, Dark Matter, Collage of the Present, Monologue (video link above), Tears of the Past, Impetus, Cloudless, Spider Silk
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Well, that was abrupt. Glad to see this back!!!!!! :tup
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I have Tetrafusion's first album and the EP - they're both great. Still need to check out the second album. If the EP is any indicator of what's to come then this band is going to have a great musical career.
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(Insert Macho Man voice) Oooooohhh YEEAAHHHH!!!!
Let this be a lesson to ya kids, pester someone long and hard enough, and they eventually fold like a cheap pair of slacks. :lol
I have the EP (thanks to Doc), and Altered State. Both are excellent.
PS, don't tease is Doc! Hope you're gonna finish this!
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Nice to see this list back. I'll have to check out Tetrafusion!
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Nice to see this list back. I'll have to check out Tetrafusion!
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Yay it's back! Your write-up has me intrigued.
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Sounds good, that video. Back, it is, nice, which is.
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I know it's been cold, but I didn't truly expect hell to freeze over... :p
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I know it's been cold, but I didn't truly expect hell to freeze over... :p
:lol :lol
:pig: + :flying:
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I know it's been cold, but I didn't truly expect hell to freeze over... :p
It's 72o F (22o C) here. Absolutely beautiful.
Also, I'm getting th hang of my job and I don't work from home as much anymore.
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:pig: + :flying:
Maybe this is needed... (https://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq106/Selina_catz/emoticons/costumes%20and%20animals/_pigfly__by_Zappe_by_The_Emoticon_Club.gif)
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Sounds good, that video. Back, it is, nice, which is.
Cool! Yoda is following my thread!
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I know it's been cold, but I didn't truly expect hell to freeze over... :p
Yeah, what's next, Indiscipline resurreects his thread?
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10. The Lord Weird Slough Feg (aka Slough Feg) - Twilight of the Idols, Down Among the Deadmen, Traveler, Atavism, Hardworlder, Ape Uprising!, Animal Spirits
(https://www.metalkingdom.net/album/cover/d54/24308_the_lord_weird_slough_feg_twilight_of_the_idols.jpg) (https://www.metalblade.com/us/covers/TheLordWeirdSloughFeg-DownAmongTheDeadmen.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/9/5/3/19538.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/7/0/1/4/70142.jpg) (https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/5/5/2/155236.jpg?5905) (https://f0.bcbits.com/z/35/27/3527303445-1.jpg) (https://www.profoundlorerecords.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SloughFeg-TheAnimalSpirits.jpg)
Genre: Metal with flashes of progressive and folk influences
For fans of: People who want to rock out, people who like short fun instrumental bits, people who want the prog but not the wankery
What makes this special: All of their albums are just fun to listen to. Always energetic, sometimes playful, sometimes complex, sometimes folky, sometimes spacey, sometimes aggressive, but always fun.
I’m going to be honest. I don’t expect to get anywhere with this band I love dearly. I get the feeling they aren’t too progressive, complex, and wonky for the prog crowd, not folky enough for the folk metal crowd, or too metal for the non-metal crowd. Whatever it is, I’ve tried a few times to introduce them to people and if just hasn’t taken, so here I am again. Sadly, the two people who I think would really enjoy this band probably don’t tread in this thread and will miss it, and I’m not going to be a jerk and call them out.
Slough Feg’s sound has evolved over time. Twilight of the Idols and Down Among the Deadmen are two of the folkier-metal albums, and are clearly influenced by Scottish history and fantasy elements. They aren’t all demons and fairytales though, as their live staple Traders and Gunboats is a spiritual prelude to their next album, and probably my favorite, the story album Traveler. Traveler is a concept/story album based in the 70s space RPG of the same name. Quite simply, Traveler is in my top 5 concept albums. The story is exciting and unique, the instrumental sections are hard, fast, and exciting. The album never wanders off course, and is a concise 44 minutes, and it is 44 minutes full of excitement, riffage, and story that grabs you by the short and curlies and doesn’t let go.
Atavism sonically is more like Traveler, but doesn’t stick to a theme. Following the same plan, Atavism doesn’t stick around any longer than it needs to, clocking in at just over 38 minutes with no song being longer than 4:13. But each song is a ride unto itself. Catchy instrumental tracks like “Portcullis” pepper the album as songs like “I Will Kill You/You Will Die” and “Hiberno-Latin Invasion” have you head banging in time to some killer hooks and toe-tapping to the bass line. Again, this album is just fun and energetic.
Hardworlder improves upon everything the band accomplished in Atavism, and is easily my second favorite Slough Feg album. The formula is the same – short, catchy, fun songs and powerful short instrumentals.
Ape Uprising! is a slight departure in that the band tries their hand at a longer song and is the gloomiest and darkest sounding album, and thankfully pull it off quite well. Ape Uprising! is a concept album that is a homage to “The Planet of the Apes”. Sonically, it’s still the same fun riffs, lyrical silliness, and attention grapping music.
The Animal Spirits is a return to the short, rapid-fire songs and probably the most humor laden album. These write-ups are getting shorter because I’m sure your attention is waning, but the music doesn’t. The Animal Spirits is an excellent album that gets routine spins from me.
In summary, check these guys out. They are the perfect remedy if you like prog metal but are burnt out on it. If you’re not, you’ll still appreciate the instrumental madness and catchy hooks.
Tracks to Try (sorted by album):
Twilight of the Idols: Highlander, The Wickerman, Life in the Dark Age
Down Among the Deadmen: Sky Chariots, Traders and Gunboats, Walls of Shame
Traveler: THE WHOLE DAMN ALBUM
Atavism: I Will Kill You/You Will Die, Portcullis, Hiberno-Latin Invasion
Hardworlder: Tiger! Tiger!, Hardworlder, Whirling Vortex
Ape Uprising!: Overborne, Ape Uprising, Simian Manifesto
The Animal Spirits: The 95 Thesis, Free Market Barbarian, Lycanthropic Fantasies
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Ok, gonna try them tomorrow for ya bud. Grooveshark has Animal Spirits, Hardworlder and Atavism. Which do you recommend?
Who are the two people you think would enjoy this that aren't paying attention?
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Hardworlder would be my first choice among those, but I'd cherry pick the songs I suggest first. Try to find Traveler first though.
And not saying. Not going to call people out though.
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This sounds right for me. Trying them, definitely.
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I've heard quite a few Slough Feg songs, (I think from your personal recommendations some time again) and they were excellent, but never got around to checking out full albums. Another band to the list.
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Ok, tried all the tracks you suggested from those three albums. Nothing wrong with the tunes, but I can't say I was wow'd by them.
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The album covers in this thread :rollin
Nice write ups though, I'm going to check out everything besides the 'standard' progressive metal affairs. Looking forward to Alcest (pretty album covers too! :biggrin:)
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26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee - Thud, The Shaming of the True / Toy Matinee
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvXDmLUQTnM/TiZbVQ04frI/AAAAAAAAAPM/WtbKK70tJ9c/s1600/Thud.jpg) (https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/1619/cover_1431218102008.jpg) (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KK6Y9iRScpc/TANcpaTLy3I/AAAAAAAABGk/kb4zqr_o-FA/s1600/toy.jpg)
Genre: Cross-over prog with some pop sensibilities
For fans of: The Dear Hunter, mid-80s Peter Gabriel
What makes this special: Kevin is one of the most talented songwriters ever.
You've probably heard a few songs Kevin Gilbert wrote even if you didn't know who he was before this moment. Ever hear of Sheryl Crow? Thought so. What's her best selling album? The one Kevin helped write. While Kevin obviously had a flair for writing songs that would be accessible to a wide audience, he also had his own things going on as well. Toy Matinee was one of his first successful projects, and much less progressive than his work under his own name. Toy Matinee features a mix fun, bittersweet, and sad songs that showcase Kevin's ability to write memorable, radio friendly songs. The albums released under his name are noticeably more progressive. Thud is a very powerful album that Kevin seemingly reached deep into the recesses of his soul to write. The biting sarcasm of "Joytown" and the loneliness of "Tea for One" come across very clearly to the listener, and as I have stated many times here at DTF, "Song for a Dead Friend" is the saddest song I've ever heard and I can't listen to it without breaking down because it's so personal, and I've been in the same position myself. For The Shaming of the True, Kevin went the other direction, making this a concept album about the fictitious musician Johnny Virgil, no doubt drawing upon his experience. The album features a mix of songs about soul-searching, struggling with fame, and the music business using hilarious biting commentary and sarcasm, all the while showcasing Kevin's ability to tell a story through song and have it get across to the listener. Sadly, Kevin died way to young, appearently of autoerotic asphyxiation. Fortunately, a lot of his work that was partially complete was completed posthumously by his estate and long time collaborator Nick D'Virgilio.
Tracks to try: Joytown, Tea for One, Shadow Self, Imagemaker, Water Under the Bridge, Certifiable #1 Smash*, Last Plane Out, Turn It On Salvador, Things She Said
great to see all the comments about getting into his work.
It probably is worth noting that not only was he a brilliant recording artist, but he was quite adept in the studio, among others, working on the 1st 2 Spock's Beard albums, and had he not died, Kevin likely would have produced the album that eventually was Falling Into Infinity.
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I really like Traveller by LWSF- not heard any of the others.
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26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee - Thud, The Shaming of the True / Toy Matinee
Genre: Cross-over prog with some pop sensibilities
For fans of: The Dear Hunter, mid-80s Peter Gabriel
What makes this special: Kevin is one of the most talented songwriters ever.
You've probably heard a few songs Kevin Gilbert wrote even if you didn't know who he was before this moment. Ever hear of Sheryl Crow? Thought so. What's her best selling album? The one Kevin helped write. While Kevin obviously had a flair for writing songs that would be accessible to a wide audience, he also had his own things going on as well. Toy Matinee was one of his first successful projects, and much less progressive than his work under his own name. Toy Matinee features a mix fun, bittersweet, and sad songs that showcase Kevin's ability to write memorable, radio friendly songs. The albums released under his name are noticeably more progressive. Thud is a very powerful album that Kevin seemingly reached deep into the recesses of his soul to write. The biting sarcasm of "Joytown" and the loneliness of "Tea for One" come across very clearly to the listener, and as I have stated many times here at DTF, "Song for a Dead Friend" is the saddest song I've ever heard and I can't listen to it without breaking down because it's so personal, and I've been in the same position myself. For The Shaming of the True, Kevin went the other direction, making this a concept album about the fictitious musician Johnny Virgil, no doubt drawing upon his experience. The album features a mix of songs about soul-searching, struggling with fame, and the music business using hilarious biting commentary and sarcasm, all the while showcasing Kevin's ability to tell a story through song and have it get across to the listener. Sadly, Kevin died way to young, appearently of autoerotic asphyxiation. Fortunately, a lot of his work that was partially complete was completed posthumously by his estate and long time collaborator Nick D'Virgilio.
Tracks to try: Joytown, Tea for One, Shadow Self, Imagemaker, Water Under the Bridge, Certifiable #1 Smash*, Last Plane Out, Turn It On Salvador, Things She Said
great to see all the comments about getting into his work.
It probably is worth noting that not only was he a brilliant recording artist, but he was quite adept in the studio, among others, working on the 1st 2 Spock's Beard albums, and had he not died, Kevin likely would have produced the album that eventually was Falling Into Infinity.
I also like the stuff he did with Giraffe.
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I also really like Kevin's work on Kaviar, but that album is more about humor. I think people would check out Kaviar after these albums, but might not look past Kaviar if I included that album.
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given you were only suggesting 3 albums, the 3 you chose make the most sense. But the Giraffe records, Kaviar Sessions, Nuts and Bolts compilations, NRG and even the live stuff are all well worth checking out for those who find they want to get to know Kevin Gilbert's music more in-depth.
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Kevin Gilbert was great; too bad he died so young. I have The Shaming of the True, Thud, and Toy Matinee and all three are killer albums. Still need the stuff with Giraffe and all the posthumous releases.
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9. Orphaned Land - Sahara, El Norra Alila, Mabool, The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR
(https://blog-imgs-50.fc2.com/l/a/d/ladyrosendead/20121111171559996.jpg) (https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMjBIfnFmOk/Thzka1utLNI/AAAAAAAAAF8/XyvXSavoOiE/s1600/Orphaned_Land-El_Norra_Alila-Frontal.jpg) (https://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/khetol/cover/OrphanedLand-Mabool2004.jpg) (https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ztc%2B5C%2BLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Genre: Middle-Eastern influenced metal
For fans of: People who want something completely different, but not too unfamiliar. People who want peace.
What makes them special: Israeli band who uses a blend of traditional instruments and sounds along with modern instruments to make metal that clearly has its roots in middle-eastern music. The band’s message of wanting peace and unity with all cultures and religions comes off as very sincere both on the albums and live performances.
Orphaned Land first came to my attention in the Sam Dunn documentary Global Metal, which I wrote a review for here (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=8946.0) that got buried and ignored because…well the review section gets largely ignored. Traditional Jewish music fused with heavy metal? I was certainly intrigued. The themes of their songs, finding peace within yourself, defining your own spiritual relationship with god, the need for people to unite and get past religious differences – told me that this was a not just a front, the band cares about its message. There are occasional harsh vocals, so I expect some of you to just write this off, but as with Enslaved, I ask you to plunge in and find the greatness of this band.
Their first two albums, Sahara and El Norra Alila were made in the mid 90s and focus on one’s relationship with God, finding peace personally, embracing other cultures, and the like. It’s no hippy love fest though. The music ranges from dark and brooding to bright and folky. The first two albums are a product of their time in history, as metal music was transitioning into darker tones, and while very good, left no indication of what was to come.
Nearly 8 years passed until Orphaned Land released their watershed album, Mabool, whose proper title is Mabool: The Story of the Three Sons of Seven. As you can probably guess from the proper title, this is a concept album. A short synopsis is that three angels who are sons of God, one representing Judism, one representing Islam, and one representing Christianity, who are forbidden from uniting because God feared they would be too powerful. After uniting and going to heaven, there were split up by God and cast down to Earth, where each try to warn their people that their continued sinning will cause a flood (Mabool) to be summoned. If you want spoilers, read Wikipedia, but I highly suggest listening to the album repeatedly. My adoration of this album is not alone, Metal Storm has currently as the 32nd best album of all time. Pretty damn good for a band most people have been ignoring, right? I’d easily put this in my top 50 as well. I try not to throw around terms like “five star” or “A+” too often because I don’t want to cheapen the meaning of those phrases, but Mabool is easily “five star” or an A+. Listening to it the first time was almost like hearing Dream Theater for the first time – it’s like nothing you have heard before and it is going to rock your world.
How do you follow up one of the best albums ever? By releasing a longer, more intense concept album. The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR is a slight step down from Mabool, but to be honest Mabool set the bar way to high. ORwarriOR, is more about the struggle of good and evil in modern society, while musically blending the old with the new, much like modern Israel. ORwarriOR is harder and heavier than Mabool, and it’s best songs can go toe to toe with Mabool’s.
The only way to really learn about the band is to jump right in, so here are some starting points, but I suggest starting with Mabool and The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR. Also, the DVD “The Road to OR Shalem” is one of the three best concert DVD’s I’ve ever seen.
Tracks to try:
Sahara – Ornaments of Gold, The Beloved’s Cry, My Requiem
El Norra Alila – Find Yourself Discover God, Like Fire to Water, The Evil Urge
Mabool – Birth of the Three, Ocean Land, The Kiss of Babylon Halo Dies (but really, just trust me and buy the album, it is best taken as a whole)
The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR – Sapari, Disciples of the Sacred Oath II, Barakah
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I love Orphaned Land. One of my favorite bands. :metal
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I love Orphaned Land. One of my favorite bands. :metal
This. LOVE this band to death. :hefdaddy
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Listened to some OL but found the vocals not to be to my taste. The music was excellent though. I do like the Eastern sound, for which I blame listening to too much Richie Blackmore at a young age.
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Great band :tup
Probably not too underrated on these boards though ;)
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Great band :tup
Probably not too underrated on these boards though ;)
I thought you hated them? ???
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If they were not underrated, then people would know them an be discussing them. The lack of acknowledgement, good or bad, shows that more people need to get on this train. And if Elite was taking a jab at the band, the WPAPU regulars know his tastes are of the most non-Elite.
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I've tried Orphaned Land, but It them to stick.
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I really like The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR. I got it from the Omega Order sale last year for only a couple of bucks and it was worth much more than I paid. I'll check out Mabool next.
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Great band :tup
Probably not too underrated on these boards though ;)
I thought you hated them? ???
How the hell?
And if Elite was taking a jab at the band, the WPAPU regulars know his tastes are of the most non-Elite.
I've never said anything bad about this band on there either. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard Orphaned Land on WPAPU and I've never discussed them in the chat there either.
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I was referring to your other discussions ;D
And Mabool is better, so if you like ORwarriOR get ready for awesomeness.
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Recap:
50. Pinnacle
49. Zero Hour
48. Turisas
47. Eumeria
46. It Bites
45. Kaddisfly
44. Eternity X
43. Vonassi
42. Worlds
41. The Tangent
40. Circle II Circle
39. Intronaut
38. Grayceon
37. Haggard
36. Ice Age
35. Mystery
34. Wuthering Heights
33. The ANABASIS
32. Scar Symmetry
31. Pagan's Mind
30. Cloudscape
29. Ben Folds Five / Ben Folds
28. Pendragon
27. Epica / Mayan
26. Kevin Gilbert / Toy Matinee
25. Alcest
24. Enslaved
23. Avantasia
22. Henning Pauly / Chain / Frameshift
21. Savatage
20. Karmakanic
19. Vanishing Point
18. Clockwork
17. Amaran's Plight
16. Beyond The Bridge
15. Dan Swanö
14. Leprous
13. Flaming Row
12. Power of Omens
11. Tetrafusion
10. Slough Feg
9. Orphaned Land
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A little interlude here...I have some new albums from two of the next three bands that I want to digest a little. Furthermore I'm starting to think the band I originally had at 6 might be too well known, despite the fact that it had no thread dedicated to it when I made this list. I'm debating replacing it with one that I originally left off because of ties to a well known band, so I want some time to go through that discogrophy again because it's been a criminally long time since I've done so. I'm really leaning toward the switch, and which ever decision I make I'll let you know which one got the axe.
So as to not make this go too long without any sort of update, here are some acts that I either discovered after the list was made and some one album wonders that are worth at least a cursory look to some of you. In some cases, both. I'll use throw these out there when I need an extra day for a write-up, but I'm really not sure they are even being read at this point. Listed in alphabetical order:
Part one:
Altura - Mercy: One album wonder released this decent album in the mid 90s. Not top shelf stuff, but if you like standard prog-metal fair this is a pretty decent album, as it has a few catchy tunes that I can still hear in my head all these years later. I won't call people out, but I can name at least 5 people that would really dig this album.
Amesoeurs - Amesoeurs: Got this last year, but I've known about them for a while thanks to Sigz. Real simple formula: if you like Alcest (#25), you must get this.
Baroness: My favorite sludge metal band. Not for everyone's taste here, particularly the old guard I'm guessing. Their last double album really saw them grow and break new territory.
Burning Point: Quickly becoming my favorite power metal band, probably because they are the least cheesy power metal band ever. If you like power metal, give these guys a spin. Their last two albums are both really good, and I wrote a review of the most recent one for Nick here: https://www.wpapu.com/rev064.html (https://www.wpapu.com/rev064.html)
Cairo: They got that old 70s Yes / ELP sound going for them. Good stuff if you like it.
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Baroness is fuckin awesome. Everyone should check them out.
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Baroness is fuckin awesome. Everyone should check them out.
This.
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I'm actually surprised there never was a topic about Orphaned Land, as there was a lot of anticipation for their last record, including the fact Steven Wilson was going to be (and ultimately was) involved. And the fact they played ProgPowerUSA a couple of times, plus did a full scale US tour a few years ago.
Altura I'm sure some know of, as when Mercy came out, among many other bands on the Magna Carta label;, that never caught on quite like Enchant or Shadow Gallery. Had they not broken up, they might have found a similar level of interest. I might say the same about a band like The Quiet Room (although they weren't on Magna Carta).
One band, I hope I'm not guessing/revealing one of the groups left, but 1 band I would almost expect with the same appeal, as for example on mp.com were rather big not too long after were, Dali's Dilemma. DTVT might have them on his list, but if not, they're a band who also were rather popular a little over 10 years ago in the prog metal/DT communities.
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I started a topic for Orphaned Land like a year ago or something.
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I've tried Orphaned Land, but It them to stick.
TAC i've read this 5 or 6 times and still can't figure out what the hell your trying to say
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I've tried Orphaned Land, but It them to stick.
TAC i've read this 5 or 6 times and still can't figure out what the hell your trying to say
:lol I see what you mean!
Damn autocorrect!!
I was trying to say that Ive tried OP but I can't get them to stick meaning it doesn't hook me.
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*cough* (https://youtu.be/RX_RH55eAOc?t=10m38s)
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This video contains content from Starz Media LLC, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.
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Unsurprisingly. Placing whole films on Youtube surely can't be legal.
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Yo Mason, is this still going? Happy to put you on hold again if you need more time.
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Work had kicked me in the groin the past month, but spring break is this week, so I'll get cracking
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8. Fish - Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors, Internal Exile, Suits, Sunsets on Empire, Raingods With Zippos, Field of Crows, *live album* Uncle Fish and the Crypt Keepers
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a6/FishVigil.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/FishInternalExileUS.JPG) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/FishSuitsOriginal.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/FishSunset001a.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/Fish_raingods.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/FishFieldOfCrows.jpg) (https://fish-thecompany.com/images/graphics/crypt.jpg)
Genre: 80s era progressive rock
For fans of: Marillion’s first four albums. Well crafted, heartfelt, honest lyrics
What makes him special: To many people, what made the frist four Marillion albums special was Fish. Much like how many people here see Kevin Moore, Fish’s songwriting skills simply couldn’t be replaced when he went solo. Thankfully, he continued to put out quality albums.
Derek Dick, better known by his stage name Fish, has been one of my favorite songwriters for as long as I’ve known progressive music. While I discovered H era Marillion first, Fish era became my favorite as I discovered the back catalog. Even though he was the singer, what Fish-era Marillion had was great songs. Songs with feeling. Songs with heart. Songs with soul. Well, at least with more feeling, heart, and soul than most people/bands write. Scars and all, Fish bears it all for us, and his open book makes for some fantastic, touching music.
Much like Marillion, Fish’s sound has evolved through albums. His first two solo efforts, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors and Internal Exile harken most to his Marillion roots, but even these early efforts show some new directions. The first two albums are where Fish’s lyric writing abilities absolutely shine. Most of my favorite Fish songs are on these first two albums, which is why I also included the live album Uncle Fish and the Crypt Keepers, because it is a mix of the best songs from the first two albums as well as some Fish-era Marillion songs. For this reason it is one of my favorite live albums, and it gets regular spins from me.
As time has moved on, so has Fish. He’s gotten away from the early-Marillion sounding albums and has forged a nice little niche where he keeps putting out quality albums under the radar. In hindsight, a splitting was the best thing to happen for music listeners. This whole post is not meant as a slight to the current Marillion lineup. If I had not liked my first exposure to Marillion (that would be Radiation and Marillion.com if you’re wondering), I may never have followed an old friend’s recommendation of Misplaced Childhood back in 1999. Each have forged their own path, and what we have is the best of both worlds – Old Marillion with a jazzy influence and New Marillion simultaneously. Admittedly, I still need some of Fish’s more recent albums since I try to buy directly from him so he gets a bigger cut, and every time I listen to Suits and his later albums I wonder why I don’t listen to them more because I do thoroughly enjoy them, I think my absolute love of his first two albums and that live album get away.
Even if you aren’t familiar with Marillion, you need to check Fish (and Marillion) out.
Tracks to try: Vigil,* Big Wedge*, Cliché, Shadowplay*, Credo, Internal Exile*, Lady Let It Lie, Fortunes of War, Emperor’s Song, Goldfish and Clowns*, What Colour Is God?*, Sunsets on Empire, Tumbledown, Plague of Ghosts (suite), Moving Targets, Exit Wound, Scattering Crows
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And in case you were wondering, Fish was left off originally because his connection to Marillion, and replaced Threshold. There was no Threshold thread when I compiled the list, but their last album got people talking so I switched it up.
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Nick, ytserush, and I can't be the only Fish fans here.
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I like Fish's work with Marillion (even though I'm a much bigger fan of the Hogarth era) but I'm not too familiar with his solo work. I have Internal Exile, which I haven't listened to yet. I guess I should give it a try!
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Great band :tup
Probably not too underrated on these boards though ;)
I thought you hated them? ???
How the hell?
I have no idea how I missed this, but Orphaned Land got scored really low in your roulette, IIRC. That was why I had assumed that.
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Not familiar with Fish' solo stuff will defineately have to check it out. I stopped listening to Marillion after Fish left the band. H never has and never will cut it for me .
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Nick, ytserush, and I can't be the only Fish fans here.
*ahem*
Fish is one of my musical idols, period. He is hands down the best lyricist out there, and is also one of the best frontmen. If you want something really special, check out the Fortunes of War collection of singles, four singles set to four disc, with the extra tracks all being from acoustic shows. Some downright scary awesome stuff there.
So happy to see Fish getting some love here. :heart
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I too am a big fan of Fish's first two albums, plus RWZ. I still prefer Fish era Marillion- nothing I've heard from the Hoggarth era has changed that.
Great lyricist, great frontman, not the greatest singer but he uses what he's got well. I absolutely love the Internal Exile song. Might even get me dancing. Wouldn't be a pretty sight though.
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Good thing I accidentally started writing up #6 last night and caught myself before posting. Lots of people late to the Fish party, but glad to see people wandering in.
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Well, nice to see this back, and just in time for a new Fish record this summer.
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(https://home.messiah.edu/~ll1205/volleyball%20bump.jpg)
C'mon man... you only got 7 more to go!
(https://www.janetober.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/The_Little_Engine_That_Could.jpg)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qztuEucrNBc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qztuEucrNBc)
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trippy. i was actually thinking of this thread as i went to open the site. was thinking of doing a search on it til i got hit in the face w/ a volleyball.