Okay guys... so I started classes this past week and so my life just got a lot more busy. Don't worry though, I'm still sticking to a week-per-round max. But the write-ups are likely to be more abbreviated now. Anyways, here are the round 3 results:
jingle.boy Meatloaf - Bat Out of Hell
Best song yet, from you! While clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, this song doesn't feel long to me. It never really lets up, even when it slows and quiets down (in fact, those are the sections which most draw me in). I enjoy this singer, and always have (used to listen to 2 out of 3 ain't bad, but never got around to checking out the full album). Great submission. 8.5
TAC Rainbow - The Temple of the King
Dio is an awesome vocalist. Absolutely love him, particularly on Holy Diver. And as I found out in the last round, Richie Blackmore is an awesome guitarist. So it's no surprise that this guitar ballad is also awesome. The lyrics are also really effective in drawing me into this fantasy world. Another great choice, TAC! 8.5
lonestar Blue Oyster Cult - Veteran of the Psychic Wars
This one made the strongest first impression and definitely deserves further exploration on my part. My knowledge of Blue Oyster Cult was, before this, limited to I'm Burnin' for You and Don't Fear the Reaper. Like those two, this song is very solid, but in a different way. It has more of a dark psychedelic, atmospheric and march-like feel to it that I wasn't really expecting. 8
Scorpion Candlemass - At the Gallows End
Most unique submission of the round, without a doubt. It's got a majestic and mournful sound to it, particularly with that first verse, that I really enjoy. The guitar riffing also does a really good job of keeping things moving along well. The guitar solo is also, unsurprisingly, a high point in the song. I'll be checking out more of this haunted music when I get the time... 8
jjrock88 Crimson Glory - Heart of Steel
There's really nothing to dislike about this song. I don't think its high points are quite as high as the top 4 songs from this round, but it remains an undoubtedly good song with no low points to speak of. Reminds me a lot of Queensryche, which makes sense given that they were contemporaries and both largely influential in the formative years of progressive metal. I can imagine hearing this kind of track on Empire, which is about as much as I can praise a song of this style. 8
Dr. DTVT Rainbow - Man on the Silver Mountain
I don't know what's up with this... I really enjoyed the other Rainbow song from this round. This one- not quite as much. It's not bad at all, but it doesn't sound as good. May just be the sound quality of the youtube clip, but this one sounds much muddier than Temple of the King. I'll still be checking out the full album. Dio still sounds awesome, that's for sure. 7.5
LieLowTheWantedMan and Nekov Gentle Giant - Peel the Paint and Free Hand
As you can see, I received two Gentle Giant songs this round. Unlike the pair of Thin Lizzy songs I received earlier, I enjoyed these two about the same. They're both a bit quirky, but never hard to follow or enjoy. I really enjoyed the way the instruments interacted in both of these songs- each impressing me in their own way. Strong musicianship across the board and a fun listening experience. 7.5
Elite Alan Parsons Project - Old and Wise
It's my least favorite submission from you thus far, clearly. But don't let that get you down, because it's still quite nice. Really, really relaxing song. My biggest complaint is that after a minute or two I find myself wanting to block it out a bit. If I'm not actively focusing on the song it kind of just drones on. Even with the couple crescendos I don't find myself really noticing much of a change until the saxophone(?) solo, which ends the song on a high note. 7.5
kingshmegland Zebra - Who's Behind the Door
You did a really good job the first two rounds, but here you've landed in last place. This song just doesn't grab me quite as much as your other submissions. It's mostly pleasant, but I'm not sure it's all that memorable. Also, not a big fan of the spacey vocal effects. Or, more broadly, most of the vocals. Sorry man... 6.5
Standings:
Elite 26
TAC 24.5
Scorpion 24
kingshmegland 23
jingle.boy 23
Nekov 22.5
lonestar 22.5
Dr. DTVT 22
jjrock88 22
LieLowTheWantedMan 21
Just a couple points separating most of you. Keep 'em coming!