First off, I viewed everyone of these songs as a gift. They are all incredible, and I humbly accept each one. My first listen through was spiritual, and my appreciation for you guys really jumped out at me. This round, like the rest of the roulette was an amazing experience.
I know I said I'd send out the CDs to the winner, but you know what...I'm keeping them!!! An amazing collection of music.
OK, without further ado..EPIC Results!
Wolfking – Stratovarius – ElysiumI tried pretty hard on Stratovarius many years ago. But I just found them a little cheesy and inconsistant. And Kotipelto was completely annoying. But I haven’t heard anything by them in a very long time. I know Tolkki is gone and their new stuff has been fairly well received. Well after hearing this, I can see why. Real solid tune that got better with each listen. And Kotipelto’s voice has really matured. Love the sound of it actually. The Strats are now officially back on The List.
9.5Kingshmegland – Forgotten Sons – In Harm’s WayKing, you really impressed me with this one. I totally underestimated you in this roulette. Perhaps because you sent your worst song in Round 1. I figured I’d get some progterpiece, but this totally kicks ass! Very heavy, and very strong musicianship, particularly the drummer. The instrumental break is incredible. Well done!
9.5Senecadawg2 – Affector – HarmegedonSeneca asked if I minded some Christian Metal. Hell no!!! And metal it is. Musically, this was one of my two favorite tracks in this round. This one rocks the whole way through. Love the vocals and the whole vibe. Most lyrics are pretty much battles between good and bad. So the fact that Christian metal extols the good is not a big deal for me. It’s a message I’m more than comfortable with. Bands like Theocracy, Stryper, and Sacred Warrior are terrific. Add Affector to the list!!
10Lonestar – IQ – The Seventh House Lonestar, I can see why this is your favorite tune. You feel about IQ as I do about UFO. This is going to be a track that I will definitely be checking back to. I don’t think a handful of listens over the course of a week do this justice. This is one song that you live a lifetime with.
9.0jjrock88 – Rob Rock – The Hour Of Dawnjj, you crushed this round. Along with Seneca, this was one of my favorites of the round. Rob Rock is someone who I am frankly not that familiar with, but I really like everything I’ve herad from him. And Roy Z!!! Unbeleivable!! He rips all over this, with an extended solo section trading off with the keys that will blow your mind. I’m getting this album! Most likely the first one I buy from this roulette.
10.0Big Hath – Soul Secret – AftermathHath, I had no idea what to expect from you in this round. I’ve never heard Soul Secret. But what this is is a high energy progressive tune that any fan of Dream Theater should love. This completely held my attention the whole way through and was a really refreshing listen. I am definitely interested in hearing more from them. You definitely went out with a bang here!
9.5Evermind – Need – OrvamAnother track that I had no idea what to expect. After a somewhat mellow opening with some great guitar work, it’s very heavy, especially through the first 8 or 9 minutes. Doesn’t really let you up for air, but around the 9 minute mark, it really turns epic like. Lots more keys and flavors flowing through the track from this point on. I wish the first half was as colorful as the second half. Still a very cool tune.
9.0Jingle.boy - Transatlantic – KaleidoscopeI would’ve been fine with Dimension Act. You told me a NEED this song. I NEED an enema too.
Seriously, I could only get through this twice. It’s too much and while the playing is very good and nice, I had a hard time staying focused on it. Awesome to hear MP though, and I really miss his playing. The vocals on this are pretty bland, and this would be much better live. I think it would have retained some more energy. The two Anathema songs from the last round would’ve likely struggled too had it not been a live round.
8.5b5150 – Stigma IV –SleepWhere did you come up with this band?? This was a cool song. And YES the singer sounds a ton like Dee Snider (and a little Blackie Lawless). I liked this quite a bit. Not in love with the chorus, or hearing it so many times, but everything else was great. Because of the Dee Snider sound alike, the vocals really hooked me. This definitely felt like a dig deep track but thanks for sending it!
9.0And the Winner is.........Final Standings!!Wolfking-62.0
Senecadawg2-61.5
Lonestar-61.0
Kingshmegland-61.0
jjrock88-60.5
b5150-60.0
Jingle.boy-59.0
Evermind – 59.0
Big Hath-59.0