Time for another update, a bit earlier today then I've posted the second updates previous days, but mostly cause I have time for it now.
Here are the next 3 picks:
29. Agalloch -
The Mantle (2002)
Another album fitting under the "want to place it higher, but simply cant"-category.
Agalloch is an American band, playing a mix of Black, Doom, Post and some Folk-Metal, add to that a Progressive touch and you have their style printed down a bit. They also have some ambient and noise-elements, but those aren't that present on this album, their second full length entitled "The Mantle".
Like Opeth, Agalloch utilizes lots of acoustic guitars in their music, especially on this album and "The White EP". They're also quite progressive and has a harsh vocals/soft vocals-thing going on, add to that the very strong Autumn/Winter-feel they have in their music, and you have quite a few similarities with Opeth.
There are a few differences though, I think Agalloch might be a bit more melodic, more acoustic guitars and they have another vibe. John Haughm has (since I discovered the band) become one of my favorite singers, the clean parts are handled very carefully, he switches between whispering out the lyrics and singing them, during some of the heavier/darker parts, he has the ability to shriek and almost scream them out, but compared to the other 3 Agalloch-albums, this is possibly a bit easier to get into.
Most of the album is acoustic, it has a few "between two songs"-instrumentals that really adds atmosphere and flow to the album, and the journey the album takes the listener on is amazing.
I used to listen to this album a lot when I got into the band (during a cold winter), and the winter days were just perfect for spinning this album.
For people who love acoustic guitars, lovely melodies and music not too far from Opeth. (in terms of sound)
Also, huge props to Portrucci for getting me into the band. I'm not sure if he still lurks around here, but he had the album cover as his avatar, for those of you who might remember.
Favorite songs: In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion, I am the Wooden Doors & The Lodge.28. The Pineapple Thief -
Little Man (2006)
Time for another modern Prog-album, this time we have The Pineapple Thief, a British band who has opened for bands like Anathema and Porcupine Tree.
I discovered this band about 2 years ago, when I was listening heavily to Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, Anathema (to name a few), and I read that this band was like a mix of PT and Radiohead, sounded cool to me.
This is a band that I get into periods with, I can listen to them and reach 200 plays in a week, and then not listen to them again for a few months. Despite the rollercoaster, they have established themselves as one of my favorite modern bands, they have a Progressive-touch in their music, while playing a mix of Alternative and Indie-Rock, incorporating elements of Electronica and similar into their music.
They're still quite indie despite having released 8 albums, which is a bit sad for me as a fan, but I think doors have opened more and more, and they will release a new album now in 2012, hopefully something that will get them even further.
While their discography is very solid and consistent, I feel fairly confident in the fact that Little Man is my favorite album by them. It has a nice mix of all of their elements, some songs are more progressive, some are acoustic, some are piano-based, and the album has one of their most known songs - "Snowdrops", to me it feels like their "Trains". (The Porcupine Tree-song) Possibly because it also has a clapping-part, but just a very catchy tune and one of their finest.
While the music is quite heartbreaking at times, it's also uplifting and filled with emotions. Definitely a band I think more people should check out, a mix of Progressive, Alternative and Space Rock.
Favorite songs: God Bless the Child, Wilting Violet & Snowdrops.27. Tool -
Lateralus (2001)
Another album I consider a classic that Prog-fans just HAS to know, it's that trivial IMO. For the longest time this was one of my all time favorites, the fact that it isn't anymore doesn't really have much to do with it's quality, rather the fact that Tool has fallen a bit off my map by being so dead. While 10 000 Days and Aenima are great albums, Lateralus is their untouchable masterpiece for me, despite being almost 80 minutes long, it's consistent from beginning to end.
Tool was actually one of the gateway bands for me from Metal to Progressive music, and I got into Tool way before I got into bands like Opeth and Dream Theater, so in that sense I have Tool to thank for a lot of things, mostly getting me into Progressive music, which later has lead to where I am now.
This album is rather dark, progressive, long, and fairly heavy at times. While I rarely use the word myself, and I know many hate it, for those who think music can be pretentious, Tool would most certainly qualify as that, but not in a bad way. The fact that they did this album in a specific way, or time period resulted in the uniqueness it has, and I honestly don't think anyone else has managed to make an album that sounds similar to this one.
I first heard Tool when I played the game Guitar Hero: World Tour, the songs Parabola and Schism from this album are represented there. (as well as Vicarious from 10 000 Days)
Since the Tool-songs was the funniest ones to play in the game, it was natural for me to check the band out, and I immediately fell in love with their music.
The music has a very special "feel" to it that is hard to describe, Tool certainly have a unique sound, and if you don't know the band or this album, I recommend you to check it out.
One of the most important albums released in the 00's IMO.
Highlights? Try all of it. The way Parabol leads into Parabola, the concept of the title-track (seriously, check it out on Wikipedia or something), most of the songs are killer.
Favorite songs: The Patient, Schism, Parabol/Parabola & Lateralus.More updates tomorrow!
Topic: Zantera's top 50 albums (Finished!) (Read 24084 times)
