So here are the Round 1 Results. When I did my first roulette, I was very weary about grading songs, perhaps giving someone's favorite song a low score, etc.. Trust me, I know how much thought goes into picking and sending tracks.
Anyway, as you can see, I won't spend a ton of time trying to prepare lengthy write-ups. That said, I listened to every song 8-10 songs. If a track got an extra listen, it was due to me trying to decide on a score.
I must say that I was very pleased with the submission. It makes a great CD, or um..playlist. This songs are listed here in the order of the CD, which is also in the order in which I received them. That may or may not always be the case.
I have matched the First Impression comments with each track.
Shadow Ninja...Powerwolf-Blessed And Possessed
"Cool. I like it"
So this track is right in the TAC wheelhouse. Double bass power metal is the sweet spot. This was the first track I recieved and really got me totally psyched and glad I did this. This is also the first track of the Round 1 CD, and it totally fits the theme of Kick My Ass. It's a great leadoff track for the Round, and for the Roulette.
9.0
Parama...Dissona-Another Sky
"WTF? Pretty cool though. Wow."
I have to laugh because when I listen to this, all I can think of is one guy hanging out with another guy and saying "So I have this idea for a song.", and then seeing the look on the other guy's face.
My favorite part of the tune is the part that starts at 6:15 with that bad ass bass solo.
The growls in the second half of this song, well, I can live with. Reminds me a bit of Fields Of The Nephilim. At first, the song sounded daunting, but after a couple of listens, it was fairly easy to break down.
9.0
The Silent Cody...Mercenary-Soul Decision
"Cool tune"
This track didn't hit me at first, but then suddenly, I felt my head totally bobbing when this song started. I think from the beginning of the round to the end, this song grew the most. I mean, it's pretty straightforward, so that may not make any sense, but I just found it enjoyable. It's not earthshattering, and likely a "play it safe" submission, but it did hit the spot.
8.0
Train Of Naught..Mandroid Echostar-Hypnos
"Interesting"
I've never heard of this band before. I wasn't sure what to think of the vocals. At first they reminded me a bit of Coheed, which I do not care for, but these are not annoying like theirs. But I liked the direction this song took. Some tasty guitar playing. I would be totally interested in hearing more from this band. Again, another grower. Lots to chew on, as the song gives a number of soundscapes.
The last 1:25 is epic.
8.0
Tomislav95...Within Temptation-Ice Queen
"It's a nice tune. Too nice for this group"
So my first thought was cool. I've definitely heard of Within Temptation. Pretty sure I've never sampled them. I'm generally not a fan of Female Vocals in my Metal. I have to say that this is easily the best vocal of the Round. Phenomenal. And I don't mean maybe.
My first impression was that I was very surprised to get them. Very. And I thought, they'd score poorly compared to some of the livelier tracks, but this song is total class, and is another example of growing more with each listen. Ok, well it didn't score great, but the vocals really gave it any oomph this song had.
7.5
Tyrias...Kamelot-Moonlight
"I should love this band. I just don't."
So my Banned List has one glaring omission...Kamelot. I should love everything about them. But there's something holding me back, and I just can't put my finger on it. Great vocals, great guitar, great melodies. I have certainly sampled them a number of times. I considered asking for another entry, but in the end, I decided to keep the track and try and give it an honest and fresh evaluation. So while it got better with the first three listens it ended up plateauing.
7.0
Home...Nothing More-This Is The Time
"WTF is this?? Oh. OK"
I really grew to like this song. It's not really my thing, but this is like one of those songs that I hear on the radio, but for some reason for which I can't explain, I totally love, and just have to listen.
Not sure the point of the first minute, but this chorus really stuck with me, probably more so than any other in the round. I would really be interested to hear more from this band. Though I could totally see myself hating it. But this track really hits me.
9.0
Sacul...Boris-Korosu
"WTF is THIS??"
So, if Lemmy, Joey Ramone, and the dude from Offspring had a lovechild, they would have named him Boris. Is this song even in English??
This song certainly has a lot of energy, but I'm not sure it's really my thing. I think I could actually pick up a couple of guitar nods to Paranoid, which was cool. Has kind of a punk vibe. I had a good idea of what every other song was getting, but then I remembered I was going to have to actually give Boris a score.
7.0
LordCost...Pain Of Salvation-Nightmist
"Hmm...kind of cool"
So Pain Of Salvation has been referenced many times here on DTF. I think I've sampled them once or twice. Never anything that made me want to go back. I was very happy to get a suggested track from them. It would force me to give it an honest listen. And I must say, this song is very cool. Love the part that starts at 1:40, and there's a kick ass solo shortly after that. Actually after a brief Chili Peppers section. The end kind of drags a little bit, but that's a minor quip. But this track offers quite a bit.
8.5
Standings.
Shadow Ninja - 9.0
Parama-9.0
Home-9.0
LordCost-8.5
The Silent Cody-8.0
Train Of Naught-8.0
Tomislav95-7.5
Tyrias-7.0
Sacul-7.0