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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: obscure on January 27, 2013, 01:23:06 AM

Title: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 27, 2013, 01:23:06 AM
I've been waiting for their latest album, Enigma and man.. was it worth the wait!!!

You want to get this one! Just saying!
AEON ZEN "Divinity" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A73MHqU7Edo)

^ that's the heaviest song ...there is a huge variety of songs on the album... and all impeccable..

Quick overview..

Aeon Zen is Rich Hinks on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, vocals, & programming with Andi Kravljaca on vocals, Shaz on keys, Steve Burton on drums and Matt Shepherd on guitars. Enigma also features Jonny Tatum of Eumeria, Atle Petterson of Above Symmetry and Nate Loosemore of Lost in Thought… WUT?!! :drool:

Best selection / combination / placement of vocalists after Star One... Actually I would go as far as to say Rich Hinks is a young Lucassen...
He carries out the production, mixing & mastering duties in addition to his lead guitar, keys, bass, saxophone… composes all the songs…and  sings as well  :omg:

He must have worked hard on every detail here as the album is impeccable from start to finish; from the pristine production to selection and placement of the vocalists, from the flow to the mastery in execution it is a masterpiece.

The music is complex but it is, I mean the complexity, is hiding so skilfully behind the melody, you don’t get the feeling that the substrate work is any convoluted. It is very technical yet does not sound technical… It is so heartfelt, it is more accessible than it would have been with what the technical complexity implies there…


Any other fans?
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: jingle.boy on January 27, 2013, 05:20:55 AM
Heard of them, but have not heard them.  Loosemore and Tatum you say??  Damn you.  Might have to check this out. 

*goesandchecksvideo*

Good... but you know me and growlies.   :-\
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 27, 2013, 07:08:37 AM
Chad... I know your taste.. trust me, buy the album and thank me later.... that song does not represent the majority of the album...
Look at those vocalists I mentioned, can you see any growlers in that bunch?
Oh you can also read my full review ;)

Check this out: Aeon Zen - Redemption's Shadow  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDdLoLPW_s) and then multiply that by ten....
Previous album's trailer: AEON ZEN - The Face of the Unknown  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRWqNiIZwQ0)
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: Zook on January 27, 2013, 07:51:41 AM
I found out about Aeon Zen from Circus Maximus' forum since Michael Eriksen sings on a couple songs on The Face of the Unknown, and after listening to it, I had to buy it. Besides Michael, there are some exellent vocalists on that album, and the songs are super melodic and catchy with some great prog metal going on. I heard Enigma a while ago, and thought it was OK, but I wanna give it another chance. The album is still streaming so I'll give it a listen today.
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 27, 2013, 07:57:19 AM
^ I love you  :heart
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: Zook on January 27, 2013, 08:06:18 AM
 :heart :heart :heart
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 28, 2013, 09:32:05 AM
Enigma samples on Amazon sounded great so I bought it.  Will listen on the way home from work tonight and at the gym in the morning.


Thanks for looking out for me, Nem  :heart
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: Dr. DTVT on January 28, 2013, 11:11:59 AM
I'll get it next time I order.  Might be a bit though.
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: Zook on January 28, 2013, 11:48:47 AM
Unfortunately this album is still only alright to me. The Face of the Unknown was catchier. Not to say there wasn't good music, but it didn't grab me instantly like the last album. Of course Michael Eriksen's involvement helped with that.
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 28, 2013, 03:53:42 PM
Enigma samples on Amazon sounded great so I bought it.  Will listen on the way home from work tonight and at the gym in the morning.


Thanks for looking out for me, Nem  :heart
:heart
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 12:32:27 AM
I'll get it next time I order.  Might be a bit though.

Doc.. I will be looking forward to hearing what you think... This album owned me... I should start reviewing other albums but Enigma ruined me for music I guess.. Don't wanna listen to anything else...

Damn you Rich Hinks!!!!




Unfortunately this album is still only alright to me. The Face of the Unknown was catchier. Not to say there wasn't good music, but it didn't grab me instantly like the last album. Of course Michael Eriksen's involvement helped with that.

Glad you say that Zook... because 'The Face of the Unknown' is a masterful album indeed... Michael is shining as he always does... Salvation :drool:

Let's not forget the other vocalists... Aeon Zen's own  Andi Kravljaca (Silent Call) along with Nick D'Virgillo (Spock's Beard), Jem Godfrey (Frost) and Jonny Tatum (Eumeria)  :o

Give this one a few more spins.. It's a grower...

'Warning' is killing me... dat chorus delivered by Andi, and the sick bridge after it... and the furious solo at the end.... dang!

'Downfall' and 'Eternal Snow' are other favourites....







I don't always start a band thread, but when I do I make sure I'm on your neck  :P


:blush


Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: lonestar on January 29, 2013, 12:57:10 AM
OK, bought the album based on the one song you turned me on to a while back. Finally have a moment to dig into the thing fully.




BRB....
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 12:58:20 AM
:caffeine:
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: lonestar on January 29, 2013, 01:18:28 AM
lol




OK, I gotta give a serious "holy shit!!!" to Seven Hills and Turned to Ash, incredible fucking songs.
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 01:34:21 AM
(https://www.ladyobscure.com/1.gif)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on January 29, 2013, 01:48:33 AM
:lolpalm:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 01:57:08 AM
 :biggrin:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: wolfking on January 29, 2013, 02:22:13 AM
And...another band added to my list.  Damn you guys.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 04:15:01 AM
You heard the man... If an band find its way to wolfking's list.. They have to be good...
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Zook on January 29, 2013, 04:20:00 AM
Nightwish disagrees.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: wolfking on January 29, 2013, 04:26:43 AM
Nightwish disagrees.

 :'(
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 04:47:17 AM
ehahahaha ... oops sorry  :-X
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on January 29, 2013, 04:53:39 AM
Hey everyone! This is my first post after lurking for quite a while... Thanks to Nem for turning me on to this thread, and I just had to say a big thanks for all the cool responses. You guys are awesome  :heart

If you guys want to hear one of the more accessible tracks (for those of you that might not like growls, for example) then the first track on the music player at the bottom of www.aeonzen.com (https://www.aeonzen.com) should hopefully have a bit of a wider appeal!

I personally think that Enigma is more of a grower than The Face of the Unknown, what with being a concept album and all, it's more of a musical journey than a song by song type album. That was the intent anyway  :)



Oh and Nem, it's actually a keyboard solo at the end of Warning  ;)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 04:55:20 AM
 :omg:   :lol   :heart   :blush


edit: I wasn't thinking .. I blame you!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on January 29, 2013, 04:56:50 AM
 :-* :heart :hat
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 05:00:47 AM
awww :hearts:

ok.. I will not derail my own thread and turn it into Rich Hinks & Nem love fest :P
Although I'm tempted to.... :lol

listening to Eternal Snow.... Damn you!!!!!

PS... I've just been to the FB page.. All the reviews coming in are awesome  :o... so .... just so you know guys.. I'm not the only fangirl/boi here.. I'm just the loudest one....
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MoraWintersoul on January 29, 2013, 05:13:14 AM
That's okay, we like our Nem loud. :hat

Hopefully mr. Aeon Zen will stick around... these forums are awesome.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 29, 2013, 05:18:43 AM
thank you my luv... that's comforting... Because Nem is either loud or completely mute.. there is no other way..  :-\



PS.. who am I fooling? my all threads are doomed to be derailed...  :laugh:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on January 29, 2013, 05:43:55 AM
Hopefully mr. Aeon Zen will stick around... these forums are awesome.

Hopefully!  ;) I shall do my best  :tup
Title: Re: Aeon Zen
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 29, 2013, 06:39:24 AM
Heard of them, but have not heard them.  Loosemore and Tatum you say??  Damn you.  Might have to check this out. 

*goesandchecksvideo*

Good... but you know me and growlies.   :-\


There's almost no growling on the album, which I bought yesterday and have now listened twice.   I'd register the growling at less than 5% of the vocals, probably close to about 3% total.


Musically, there are definitely some very interesting twists and turns.  Not quite sure what I think of it just yet - need more spins to fully absorb it. I like it, but as Obscure has mentioned, there is a deceiving amount of complexity built around quite a bit of strong melody, and I have a feeling it will be one of those "grower" type albums.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on January 29, 2013, 09:52:06 AM
Hey everyone! This is my first post after lurking for quite a while... Thanks to Nem for turning me on to this thread, and I just had to say a big thanks for all the cool responses. You guys are awesome  :heart



Well what do you know, what's up Rich? Good to see you here.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on January 29, 2013, 03:11:04 PM
Thanks RJ! Nice to be here  :)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on January 29, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
Kick ass album btw, just starting to really dig into it. Too bad Nem beat me to the review. :P
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: TAC on January 30, 2013, 06:17:32 AM
I will check this out, but as a general rule, I hate albums with a bunch of different singers, and 3-5% growls is 3-5% too much.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 30, 2013, 06:24:52 AM
Turned to Ash ... the solo at the 2.50 minute mark  :heart
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 30, 2013, 07:55:08 AM
I will check this out, but as a general rule, I hate albums with a bunch of different singers, and 3-5% growls is 3-5% too much.


I don't mind a growl here and a growl there.  And that's basically what happens here.  It's used very, very infrequently and even when it is used it's extremely brief.


I'm totally with you on the growling.  For the most part, I can't stand it.  And I avoid albums that feature it. 


As for the bunch of different singers, I think it's done well on this Aeon Zen material.  It's not too distracting.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on January 30, 2013, 07:58:56 AM
It's something I particularly like.. In fact I love all kinds of variation and yes works brilliantly here...

Would love to hear what you think after you give it a few listens TAC ...
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: jingle.boy on March 22, 2013, 10:52:44 AM
Hot damn I love www.progstreaming.com.  Enigma is streaming there right now (and on my laptop right now)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on March 22, 2013, 11:30:54 AM
You're one lucky man! Enigma is still my fave of 2013... an early contender for the best album of the year actually...
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Dr. DTVT on March 22, 2013, 01:59:26 PM
The album grew on me.  When I got it, other albums were in the same order and it initially was beat out by those other albums.  It's come on strong as of late, and it's really catchy.  The fifth track always grabs my attention.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on March 22, 2013, 02:15:50 PM
Warning is sick... seriously... Andi is doing a surreal job in the delivery of the chorus!!!!!
It's mental...

Doc knows it!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 24, 2013, 06:45:09 AM
Hot damn I love www.progstreaming.com.  Enigma is streaming there right now (and on my laptop right now)

Glad to see the album is spreading, the more the merrier! It's also on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/0T073Nv8qEZ0Pd8dN0U3n4), if anyone fancies listening there too  :tup

/shameless self-plug
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on March 24, 2013, 01:40:23 PM
aww Rich Hinks sighting!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on March 24, 2013, 04:07:58 PM
:dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 24, 2013, 07:58:03 PM
 :eek
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 24, 2013, 08:26:25 PM
Just randomly decided to check out this thread, and clicked the link in the OP...

WOW!!!!

I didn't expect what I heard but Instantly loved it. It takes a lot of what I love in Metal and combined it. I'm going to stream the album now as it's a concept according to Richzen, and I'm a sucker for concepts, especially with different singers and musicians.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on March 25, 2013, 02:10:38 AM
Review of Enigma by Conor Fynes

Quote
In 2009, a band called Aeon Zen came out with “A Mind’s Portrait”, an album that, while rooted in what detractors may call ‘Dream Theater clone territory’- was impressive enough to put them on the radar for those who heard it. Alongside bands like Haken and To-Mera, Aeon Zen are at the forefront of a British wave to revitalize the progressive metal style into something fresh, exciting and relevant. In what is undoubtedly the band’s most consistent work to date, “Enigma” lives up to the promise of their debut. Although they have not yet broken free from the shackles of the progressive metal old guard, Aeon Zen’s fantastic blend of musicianship and composition sees them flying leagues above much of what the genre has recently produced. Progressive metallers take note- this is one of the most impressive albums bound to come out this year.

Aeon Zen are part of what I might call (without wanting to sound too clichéd or the least bit pretentious) part of the New Wave of British Progressive Metal. If you’ve heard the way Haken or Threshold seamlessly blend melody with technical flair, Aeon Zen aren’t too far off. Led by multi-instrumentalist Rich Hinks, Aeon Zen are a firm indicator of where the scene is at. The infamously overused conventions of Dream Theater have their place in Aeon Zen’s sound, but there is a great attention paid to what’s been happening since then. If you look past the breathtaking musical flow, melodies and spacious production, the band’s capacity to mix so many sounds together may be their most impressive trait. “Enter the Enigma” is a very fitting overture for the album, seamlessly flowing from the rhythmic pulse of ‘djent’, to symphonic metal and progressive synth arrangements. From there on, the album flows as would a single forty-five minute epic. Although the Kamelot-esque “Artificial Soul” and single-worthy “Divinity” both function quite well on their own as self-contained pieces, “Enigma” is graced with a number of pleasantly recurring themes and a near-perfect sense of flow.

Aeon Zen also take care to acknowledge the more extreme side of metal that has played such an important role in prog in recent years. When “Divinity” isn’t conjuring the cinematic quality of symphonic metal, it is basking in technical death metal territory, although the growls come and ago fairly quickly, so as not to put off the less-acclimated listeners. The album’s most triumphant moment comes with “Warning”, a slow build up that gives a not- so-subtle nod to the style of a Mr. Devin Townsend. Complete with wall-of-sound production and a soaring lead melody, it’s difficult not to think of Townsend’s “Terria” or “Synchestra” when hearing it. These nods to the styles of other bands certainly don’t end with that either. “Divinity” features a chug and pick slide straight out of the Gojira canon, and there’s a guitar solo on the album that I could swear I’ve heard to some extent before on a Blind Guardian album. Add in some overt Between the Buried and Me influences, and you have a a molten pot of progressive metal with something to offer to virtually every fan of the genre. Most times, I would accuse a band so closely emulating the styles of others of unoriginality at best (or plagiarism at worst), but in the case of Aeon Zen, the way all of these different sounds come together is something in itself. While they may not win any prizes for uniqueness with “Enigma”, the composition is what gives the album wings. I would have had doubts if I had heard so many sounds within prog metal could come together into something half-decent. In Aeon Zen’s case, they’ve gone much farther; although the year is young, I’m not sure 2013 will produce another album with such a solid flow.

Lyrically, Aeon Zen do not excel nearly as much as they do on the musical end. Although there is the vague impression of a concept tying the record together, “Enigma” follows a tired trend of modern progressive albums aiming for a more abstract sense of narrative. Although this ‘idea-over-action’ style of revealing a concept may have worked well for To- Mera last year on “Exile”, Aeon Zen do not have the same such luck. Simply said, the lyrics on “Enigma” do not feel particularly relevant, instead feeding off of the genre’s ‘thinking man’ clichés. Fortunately, the vocal standard is held to an incredibly high standard throughout the album. Andi Kravljaca is one of the modern progressive metal scene’s most impressive singers, and the inclusion of other singers (most notably Atte Pettersen of Above Symmetry and Rich himself) gives the album a greater vocal range, although none of them sound wildly different from one another. In the end however, Aeon Zen is a band all about the guitar, and reverence of the progressive riff. Despite his youth, Rich Hinks is a monster with the guitar. Contrary to many youngblood virtuosos, Rich’s talent with the instrument is multi- faceted; although he is very likely to impress you with his burstfire lead playing, he is just as skilled with the rhythms, and mellower end of his playing. The musicianship is excellent throughout, with Steve Burton’s dynamic drumwork standing out alongside Rich for his richly dramatic performance.

In short, “Enigma” is a satisfying progressive metal epic that trims off alot of its genre’s fat without losing any of the magic. Really, it was the sense of bombast-for-bombast’s-sake that had prog metal floating in rough water for some time. Although Aeon Zen are still well- rooted in the sounds of many of the more innovative prog metal acts, it’s rare that I get such a satisfying impression from an album. Originality regardless, “Enigma” is a near-perfect mesh of thoughtful riffs, dynamic musicianship and conscious homages to their influences. Especially considering the band’s relative youth, I think we can only expect greater things from them in the future.


Rich Hinks, you're one of a kind  :lol
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 25, 2013, 02:22:33 PM
I didn't expect what I heard but Instantly loved it. It takes a lot of what I love in Metal and combined it. I'm going to stream the album now as it's a concept according to Richzen, and I'm a sucker for concepts, especially with different singers and musicians.

That's really awesome, thanks Ben!

If anyone knows about the concept, I'd hope it would be me  :lol
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Big Hath on March 25, 2013, 03:13:11 PM
the album is really great.  Awesome musicianship.

My only complaint (and this is with the physical CD) is that there is about 1.5 seconds of silence between the tracks when the songs clearly should join together.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 25, 2013, 04:13:06 PM
Yeah, unfortunately the record label screwed up the CD authoring on the current batch... That was a fun discovery, I'll tell you...
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Zook on March 25, 2013, 04:20:21 PM
That sucks. Are they going to reimburse those who bought the first editions?
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 25, 2013, 04:33:29 PM
I believe they'll send out a replacement if you get in touch with them about it, so at least there's a workaround. Or we have copies without the misprint if it's bought from the band's website (seeing as we're in the UK, and they're in the US). So it could be worse.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Big Hath on March 25, 2013, 05:07:11 PM
Yeah, unfortunately the record label screwed up the CD authoring on the current batch... That was a fun discovery, I'll tell you...

I'll bet.  Would be pissed if I put my heart and soul into something like you clearly have only to have someone else make a bonehead mistake like that.

Thanks, for the info.  I'll give the label a shout to see what they can do.  Although, I was able to take out the silence pretty well on my own using a wav editing tool.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on March 25, 2013, 06:26:44 PM
They're a good label, just a bit of a slip I guess. But hey ho, c'est la vie! Think of it as garnering some controversy  :lol
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on March 30, 2013, 03:36:43 AM
Rich Hinks playing and talking about his fave guitar & bass riffs off Enigma.. Nice watch!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_df8gNZW-c&feature=em-subs_digest)

I agree with his selection of riffs, except.. his 4th ranking guitar riff would be my 2nd.. as 'Warning' keeps blowing me away with its every single riff, the awe-inspiring keyboard solo towards the end and the fantastic chorus, which is masterfully delivered by the frontman of Silent Call, Andi Kravljaca...


PS. Silent Call's new album is being mixed & mastered at the moment, too.. at Zen Chapel Studios, by Hinks himself.. you want to be on the lookout for that one too!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on April 26, 2013, 01:39:46 PM
Rich Hinks posted this after he recorded a new guitar solo ..  :laugh:

(https://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu51/senemn/537913_491469074236113_1202271899_n_zpsfbe282b3.jpg)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Big Hath on April 26, 2013, 01:40:43 PM
Rich Hinks phone home.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: TAC on April 26, 2013, 01:41:45 PM
Rich Hinks phone home.
Beautiful! :lol
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on April 26, 2013, 01:46:38 PM
holy lol  :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on April 26, 2013, 02:04:39 PM
 :rollin

I love you DTF :heart
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on July 10, 2013, 12:52:48 AM
Quote
Aeon Zen have released a FREE DOWNLOAD of their entire live performance of their new album "Enigma" and other tracks.

The show was professionally recorded, mixed & mastered.

To get your FREE DOWNLOAD of the entire Aeon Zen show, simply go to this link: www.aeonzen.com/enigmalive

(https://m-light.com/SquidBanana/BanLama.gif)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on July 10, 2013, 12:55:18 AM
 :rollin





The live Enigma is tight as hell :metal
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on July 10, 2013, 08:53:44 AM
Hope y'all like freebies!  :P
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on July 10, 2013, 09:47:04 AM
Hope y'all like freebies!  :P

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScPaEIvPlLV-u3f9NS400u2osBjSNrtx4qmv6V0q9TyETVdWAgGw)


:p

Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on July 11, 2013, 04:49:51 AM
Even better  :tup
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on July 11, 2013, 05:13:48 AM
Hope y'all like freebies!  :P

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScPaEIvPlLV-u3f9NS400u2osBjSNrtx4qmv6V0q9TyETVdWAgGw)


:p

oh my god  :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: The Trooper on July 13, 2013, 08:14:58 AM
Enigma has been a grower on me since it was released. So far in my top 5 for 2013.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Woodworker1 on July 13, 2013, 08:05:54 PM
Thanks for bringing this band to our attention; I'm loving it.  The guitar work is outstanding: dynamic, complex, melodic while still heavy.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on July 14, 2013, 09:57:28 AM
Entirely a pleasure woodworker.... nothing like sharing your fave tunes with other music lovers....
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: Woodworker1 on July 21, 2013, 05:55:31 PM
I received the CD in the mail today and put in on while I was working in the shop.  I had to stop working and sit down and really listen to; it is that good. 
My impressions:

1)  The vocal melodies really stand out.  I am one that usually doesn't like multiple vocalists, but this album is the exception.  Attle Petersen stood out; he has this raw element in his voice that somehow combines with his beautiful melodies that works really well (particularly in "Downfall).  I know Jonny Tatum from Eumeria, he is one of my favorite vocalists and he doesn't disappoint on this album.

2)  "Still Human", the seventh track blew me away.  The complexity of this song is amazing.  I love songs with many changes and this track is really dynamic.  The changes are drastic but the song still works well as a whole.

3)  As I stated earlier, the guitar work is outstanding.  My only criticism is that I want more of it!  The riffs are so good that I want to hear more of them without the vocals.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on July 22, 2013, 12:22:25 AM

 Attle Petersen stood out; he has this raw element in his voice that somehow combines with his beautiful melodies that works really well (particularly in "Downfall). 

^This
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on July 24, 2013, 10:19:27 AM
I received the CD in the mail today and put in on while I was working in the shop.  I had to stop working and sit down and really listen to; it is that good. 
My impressions:
*snip*

Thanks so much!

In other news, we've just released a clip of some brand new Aeon Zen music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GZ9wKJDzjk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GZ9wKJDzjk)

It's currently instrumental, but will feature vocals on the final version. What do you guys think so far?
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on August 01, 2013, 06:10:47 AM
We've got some really cool news in the Aeon Zen camp today. We've just started a competition to win things like guitar pickups, big guitar discounts, free mixing and mastering, guest solos, copies of our album, guitar picks... You get the idea!

Without getting too "spammy", please take a look and share it with whomever you feel might be interested!

Here's a youtube video with all the info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_LW1qVhfo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_LW1qVhfo)

Thanks everyone, and good to anyone that gives it a go!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on August 04, 2013, 01:54:39 PM
Oh that competition is exciting! Hope we can monitor the submissions....

also... just found this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY0H3Wr4TYY&src_vid=8GZ9wKJDzjk&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_2651242447).

Happens to be my 2nd fave track off of the album!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: richzen on September 11, 2013, 05:42:35 AM
Bumpity bump, we just announced a new Aeon Zen EP to be released in 2013!

Here's a teaser video for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIA7886YXtE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIA7886YXtE)
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: lonestar on September 11, 2013, 06:27:21 AM
:2metal:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on September 11, 2013, 01:40:07 PM
:victorydance:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on August 09, 2014, 07:12:32 AM
Andi Kravljaca talking about the new album Ephemera's Audio Book (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98--pV38Hlo) .. Very very cool!  :laugh:
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 22, 2018, 08:54:58 AM
The brand new AEON ZEN "Enigma Producer's Pack" is released today. To celebrate it, we're giving away the stems and original raw multitrack files for the drums & bass of the song "Warning" from the new release!

Download link: https://aeonzen.com/files/340529/warning-stems-raw-files.rar

If you enjoy it then pick up the full version of the "Enigma Producer's Pack" here: https://www.aeonzen.com/store

The "Enigma Producer's Pack" includes:
• Stems of the entire Enigma album by Aeon Zen
• Raw files of each individual track in the Enigma album session (over 130 individual tracks!)
• Rich Hinks' mix notes for the album
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 02, 2019, 08:42:18 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/Y71kRjb/unnamed.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xSBjC53)

NEW AEON ZEN VIDEO for "Inveritas (Featuring Vadim Pruzhanov from DragonForce)":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8viTRXwi0Q

UK Progressive Metal band AEON ZEN will release their fifth studio album, 'INVERITAS', on May 10. The follow-up to 2014's 'Ephemera' will be available in digipack, digital download, and producer pack versions. Pre-orders will go live on April 8th.

"This is the first AEON ZEN album to be written collectively by all band members and it really is the next logical step on our journey, something that fans have been consistently asking for," says AEON ZEN founder Rich Hinks. "It captures all sides of our personalities and it's an album of intense meaning for all of us, exploring our passions and views on the darker and lighter side of life. It's also the first AEON ZEN album we've released since I joined Annihilator in 2015, so we're even more excited for the release."

Merging modern metal with complex song structures and a broad range of styles, 'INVERITAS' contains just as many hooks as it is complex, with songwriting always being at the forefront. Also featured are the talents of Vadim Pruzhanov from DragonForce on the album’s title track, showing how different points of view and diverse musical opinions can be used to make Aeon Zen’s strongest statement to date.

Hinks continues, "I think all fans of melodic, heavy, technical and progressive metal can find something to love in 'INVERITAS'".

'INVERITAS' track listing: 

1. Rebel Theory 
2. The First And Only Line 
3. Another Piece That Fits 
4. The Last Alive 
5. The Treachery of Images 
6. Disconnected 
7. The World Without Sky 
8. Inveritas (Featuring Vadim Pruzhanov from DragonForce)

Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: jingle.boy on April 02, 2019, 11:32:19 AM
Cool... will definitely check out.  I liked their first two.  Enigma was ok; Ephemera was kinda forgettable - to the point I thought they only had 3 albums.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: The Walrus on April 03, 2019, 10:05:48 AM
I find it interesting that they still list him as 'from Dragonforce' despite Vadim leaving the band last May.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 10, 2019, 07:33:11 AM
"The new Aeon Zen album INVERITAS is unleashed upon the world today! It's been 5 years in the making and we're delighted that it is released and out for everyone to hear.  Give it a listen and tell us what you think!

Below are a bunch of links where you can hear it and pick up a copy:

Band website: https://www.aeonzen.com/store
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1qJWE1ixpW8z8lcnVzCjWS?si=BSQUm19KR1uaCXqas2aW1g
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/by/album/inveritas/1458595304
Amazon: http://getbook.at/amazon-inveritas

Thanks for the support everyone, we hope you love the new album!

Aeon Zen
Rich, Andi, Alistair, Steve"

Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: jingle.boy on May 10, 2019, 08:07:18 AM
Already got this queued up in Spotify.  Will be spinning momentarily.
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: TAC on May 13, 2019, 07:28:00 PM
The Last Alive :metal
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 28, 2020, 06:55:37 AM
BLACK FRIDAY DELAS:

Get a massive 50% off THEIR entire webstore until 1st December!!

Get your Black Friday deals while they last at: http://www.aeonzen.com/store
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 01, 2020, 12:45:18 PM
I find it interesting that they still list him as 'from Dragonforce' despite Vadim leaving the band last May.


My guess is the "Dragonforce" brand will bring some fresh ears into the fold.  Jimmy Keegan is drumming on the soon to be released album from The ANABASIS and he hasn't been a member of Spock's Beard for a long time, but I'll make damned sure that anytime you see the name Jimmy Keegan in any of our advertising or press releases, we'll mention "Spock's Beard" because it has the potential to bring in new fans. 
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 17, 2021, 07:42:16 AM
Aeon Zen signs with Layered Reality Productions and announces new release!

International prog metal phenomenon Aeon Zen has joined forces with Layered Reality Productions to unleash their newest work onto the world in September 2021!

The band have launched the a teaser with them hinting at their history ever since the inception in 2008 up until the year 2021, mentioning a full circle...

View Aeon Zen 2021 teaser video here: https://youtu.be/dF9q3KG5gss

More information on this release will be shared in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Follow the band at:
http://www.facebook.com/aeonzen
http://www.instagram.com/aeonzen
http://www.aeonzen.com/
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: obscure on May 17, 2021, 12:19:05 PM
Just saw this today. Exciting news!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 21, 2021, 08:04:45 AM
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60097a6d29d23334572e34c0/1624032097468-UIDIV9H3XWQLEQ5BZN6C/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFIi-n6YoyUO0gZ0irpQN89Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpwlpfbpF0r1sbiGgDFGLEBac3lZMQtGlwoqXz9hN4Dby6uskNtUOvL1WNv_yocMwLs/Transversal-CD.jpg?format=750w)

Aeon Zen have announced that their new album will be titled 'Transversal' and is scheduled for release on the 24th of September 2021!

The band has described the album as a very special release for a number of reasons. Main writer and founder Rich Gray had the following to say:

"It's true, the upcoming Aeon Zen release will be our last. Aeon Zen has been a wonderful adventure, but it is also time for new journeys to be written. Instead of letting the band die a silent death, we wanted to make one final, monumental, release to go out with a bang!

“Transversal is the most complete piece of music I have ever written, a single song that spans the entire album. 14 years in the making, its composition began before Aeon Zen even existed and has finally been completed in 2021 as Aeon Zen’s conclusion. This release encompasses all that made, and still makes, Aeon Zen what it is and we can't wait to share this with you all!"

Pre-Order Now at:
https://www.aeonzen.com/store - UK & Worldwide
https://www.layered-reality.com/webstore/ - EU & Worldwide

The album will feature the following tracks:
TRANSVERSAL
1: I: Twilight
2: II: A New Day
3: III: Chase The Sunrise
4: IV: 10.000 Eyes
5: V: Force of Fire
6: VI: Lines Redrawn
7: VII: Purgatory Rechristened
8: VIII: Twilight Reprise
9: IX: It Ends As It Began
10: X: Forever

Transversal also features guest appearances from Vadim Pruzhanov (solo, ex-DragonForce) and Matt Shepherd (original Aeon Zen live guitarist), as well as a 6 person chamber choir.

All proceeds of pre-orders will immediately benefit the production process of this very record, so all pre-orders really do help in making this a success. This release will be available on CD & digital formats with many optional order perks such as an exclusive t-shirt and more!
Title: Re: The official Aeon Zen thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 25, 2021, 12:08:08 PM
Aeon Zen releases brand new music video for the first part of epic concept album Transversal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROdpk1TlZ1w