Round 8 Results:Scorpion – “The Heart Collector” – NevermoreYeah, I’m not fond of the vocals, and that’s honestly nothing new with progressive metal, as that’s what usually turns me off to it. I really enjoyed Bombadil’s track, probably because it was instrumental. I wish I could get into this song, but it’s just not sliding in the right brain grooves. Musically, it is pretty cool. Very nice solo, but that’s all I feel it has going for it. Sorry bro.
7.5/10Parama – “Entrust” – ExiviousThis song starts out great, and the drumming is super impressive, but I feel it doesn’t go anywhere, and it drags. It has a great sound to it, but I think it should be about 2 minutes shorter. Reminds me a bit of Animals as Leaders, which isn’t bad, but they’re not the most exciting band IMO. Cool song but I bet there’s better.
8/10Splent – “6 Underground – Nellee Hooper Mix” – Sneaker PimpsNot something I’d imagine you’d send, but hey, this is good. Vocalist is good and I love the industrial-electronic aspects. UH 1-2 UH 1-2. That guy, good stuff. Not much I can say here except that I think it’s a cool song with kind of a mysterious vibe to it. Good for a midnight drive.
8.5/10
senecadawg2 – “Retrograde” – James BlakeEvery time I think of James Blake, I think of that old washed up tennis player. I’ve never listened to James Blake, the musician, though. He’s very talented vocally, extremely talented, actually. I think this is a good performance but I almost feel there’s something missing. Really good song, but I just get this feeling he’s got something better than this. Maybe it’s the melodies. While they are nice, they aren’t so memorable today. I do really like this though.
8.5/10Tom Bombadil – “Triumph of Irreality” – Beyond the BridgeAwesome stuff. Another album I’ve heard good things about. Progressive metal, definitely a genre I’m on the fence about. I only like a select few of what I’ve heard, but this falls into that category, so good job. I can hear some DT influence, but they do a good job of not blatantly ripping them off. In fact, I wish DT would write something nice like this, it’s been too long.
9/10Train of Naught – “From The Ritz to the Rubble” – Arctic MonkeysI’ve admittedly and shamefully never listened to Arctic Monkeys, but based on this song, I love their sound. The vocalist is awesome, and this is certainly a fun listen. Great production, loose playing, it’s what you should have for this alternative/indie style. Gonna check more of them out.
9/10Shadow Ninja 2.0 – “Change In Time” – Sleep Party PeopleNice tune, and you’re just hitting a good stride in this roulette since the past few rounds. This song is extremely relaxing and dreamy. I also really dig the album art. Gorgeous song, and it really has a positive mood to it, and I really appreciate the vocals. Keep up the good work Mr. Ninja.
9.5/10Sacul – “april.#19” – KASHIWA DaisukeWell from the start it’s a very gorgeous track, the soft, delicate piano, to the lovely atmospheric textures, this song has a lot going for it. It remains at a constant, but refreshing pace throughout, adding some cool electronic pieces later in the song. Not to mention, the music video is very cool too. Great stuff!
9.5/10Elite – “Wake Up” – Arcade FireThe beginning of this song sounds very familiar, maybe I’ve heard it before. I hear this band’s name being talked about, and I’ve been wanting to check them out, so good call sending them. This song is really good. I love the melodies, instrumentally and vocally. Come to think of it, I listened to a little of them, I think it was a song from “Her”. I like when it speeds up, this song is awesome. Very pretty.
9.5/10Kingshmegland – “Trick of the Trade” – Magic PieWhile progressive metal isn’t something I’m big on, I’m much more open to progressive rock. This is no exception, very good stuff. Reminds me a little of Transatlantic, and you can’t go wrong there. The vocals really make this song. The guitar playing is excellent too, awesome riffs. There’s a lot of energy in this song and I can imagine they are very good live. The chorus is extremely catchy, I love it.
10/10Standings After Round 8:
1. senecadawg2 (74.5 Points)2. Tom Bombadil (74 Points)
3. Sacul (72.5 Points)
4. Elite (70.5 Points)
4. kingshmegland (70.5 Points)
6. Train of Naught (68.5 Points)
7. Shadow Ninja (67 Points)
8. splent (66.5 Points)
9. Scorpion (65 Points)
10. Parama (64 Points)
2 Rounds remain and the finish is still unclear. Tom closes in on Seneca, only now being half a point behind. Sacul still has a good shot as well, let's see what he can do. Elite and King are slugging it out, Train remains in the middle, and Shadow is moving up the standings just like that. Splent and Scorpion try to avoid being like the laughing stock, Parama.
Parama, how do you go from 1st in my previous roulette to last?
Oh and Seneca has had the lead since Round 3. Talk about dominance.