Round 7 Results:
Elite – “Recreation Day” – Evergrey
Okay, the music is awesome, especially the guitar, but the vocals just don’t do it for me. Progressive metal vocals, in most cases, don’t sit well with me. I try to figure out why, but I just don’t really like them. Probably a big reason why I don’t enjoy Pain of Salvation at all either. I prefer the instrumentation much more, as the solos are great, and the middle of the song is definitely my favorite moment. Just for this, I’ll still give it a 7.5
7.5/10
Scorpion – “War’s End” – Grayceon
This is very relaxing, as I was expecting something to hit me in the face solely based off the album art. Kind of a haunting song, the melodies in my opinion aren’t really all too beautiful, but a bit unsettling. The vocals are the same way, but it somehow feels beautiful, if that makes any sense. I guess this is good to listen to on a sad, sad day. Which I have not been sad. Nonetheless it’s a nice and unique song.
8/10
splent – “Odyssey” – Scale the Summit
You sent me another song from them early in the roulette, “Stolas”, I believe. I like this one a lot better actually. It feels more melodic to me, and the solos are really nice. Still, this isn’t a band I can see myself really listening to a lot. It’s nice and has great musicianship, but other than that, I don’t find it having a ton of replay value. However, it is a wonderfully crafted song.
8/10
Train of Naught – “Gift of Tongues/Maxims” – Pomegranate Tiger
I do believe I listened to this album once when it was released, I just don’t remember anything except it was a lot more enjoyable than Animals as Leaders. Listening to this again, yes, I was correct. It’s AAL with a lot MORE flavor. The musicianship is tight, and the intro is great for setting up “Maxims”, so good call on adding that. The bass section after 3 minutes is badass, and this song gets better and better as it goes. Good choice.
8.5/10
Sacul – “Vigilante” – Zardonic
This is definitely a cool track, and it sounds like something I’d hear in a cool action movie or video game. Like I’ve said once, I don’t generally listen to much music of this style, but I definitely don’t dislike it and it’s very fun and energizing to listen to, which is great for certain moods. The vocals are cool too, adding that extra flavor to the already pumping track. The breakdown in the middle of the song is quite awesome, really. Maybe if I listen to more stuff like this, I’ll develop more of a taste. Still, nice.
8.5/10
kingshmegland – “Hydra (Live in Poland) – Toto
Who the hell is Toto?! Just kidding, this is actually a group I’ve heard of, but still never listened to. I know they’re famous for “Africa”, but I couldn’t begin to tell you how that song goes. I just get the feeling Toto is a band that’s probably a lot better live than in studio? I haven’t checked out the studio version of this song yet, but they sound really tight and bring a lot of energy in this live scenario. I like this, it’s rockin’.
8.5/10
Shadow Ninja 2.0 – “The Riot’s Gone” – Santigold
I’ve never heard of this, and this is quite great. The music is nice but her vocals are even better. She’s got a great voice, and there are some awesome moments here. The chorus is very memorable and has been stuck in my head for a while now. Thanks for this.
9.5/10
Parama – “Forget Not” – Ne Obliviscaris
What a cool song. The inclusion of the violin is definitely my favorite part. I’ve always loved violins and have always reminded me of the old west, which is badass. This song gets better when it starts picking up and taking a faster pace. It’s got such an epic feel to it, like I’m about to have a duel with the most deadly outlaw in Texas. I prefer the first half of the song to the second, but the latter is still quite nice. The vocals are mostly enjoyable, but the cleans are the only “weak” spot of this track if I really had to choose.
9.5/10
Tom Bombadil – “Sound and Vision” – David Bowie
It is quite a shame that Bowie has left us, as he made such a big impact in the music world. His influence is undeniable, but still I can say I haven’t discovered much of his music. This song is just really good, and I’m not just saying that because of his recent death. It really puts me in a good mood and if a lot of this music is in this vein, I’m genuinely excited to discover more. Great stuff. It’s too short :/
10/10
senecadawg2 – “Steep Hills of Vicodin Tears” – A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Jesus, dude, you’re just hitting the mark every round. Hope I didn’t jinx you for the future rounds, but you’re just sending all the right stuff. This is just remarkably peaceful, there’s so much space and breathing room when listening to this, and that’s great. It’s raining too, and that makes for an awesome experience. Everyone else roll your eyes again for another Seneca 10.
10/10
Standings after Round 7:
1. senecadawg2 (66 Points)
2. Tom Bombadil (65 Points)
3. Sacul (63 Points)
4. Elite (61 Points)
5. kingshmegland (60.5 Points)
6. Train of Naught (59.5 Points)
7. splent (58 Points)
8. Scorpion (57.5 Points)
8. Shadow Ninja 2.0 (57.5 Points)
10. Parama (56 Points)
The only change is Shadow Ninja moved up to 8th, tied with Scorpion. Keep it up Shadow.
Seneca remains on a roll but Thomas Bomber is right behind him. The others are still in the chase. 3 more rounds!