Author Topic: Dr. DTVT's 50 Underappriciated bands v. Better than the Loch Ness Monster (Read 56619 times)

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #70 on:** March 20, 2012, 09:49:33 PM »

43. Vonassi - The Battle of Ego

Genre: Crossover prog rock that's more rock than prog
For fans of: Muse, late-90s Anathema

This band is one of the major reasons why I'll just take complete flyers on bands I never heard of if they sound interesting. Back in Thanksgiving 2010, I was placing an order during ProgRock Records annual Black Friday sale. While getting five albums I knew I wanted, I decided I was going to pick a band I never heard of and just see what I end up with. My favorite album of that haul is what I ended up with. The band name is a portmanteau of the two founders last names (Vaughn and Bounassi), and the band is rounded out by vocalist Chase Carter. At this point they only have this album to their credit, but I sure hope they make more. This album has some straight up rockers that you want to sing along with in the chorus, a sublime summery ballad, and enough prog to keep your ears happy. This is one of the most obscure bands I'll have here, and I really hope I can generate some interest in them and sell a few albums for them because not only is this album so very good, but it just oozes with potential as well. At the time I wrote this, Vonassi only has 708 scrobbles on last.fm, of which 203 of them are mine, making me by far their biggest fan on last.fm.

Tracks to try: Gini, Strong Arm Welfare, Open Hands, Coiled

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #71 on:** March 20, 2012, 09:51:15 PM »

BTW, thanks j.b and lonestar - I really just wanted a new page to post my next album

jingle.boy · « **Reply #72 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:09:56 PM »

Quote from: lonestar on March 20, 2012, 09:46:52 PM

So I'm probably going 0 for 50 then. Do I get a prize for doing that? Besides 50 bands to check out I mean.

I'm still holding tommy prediction of knowing 9. I'm sure as we get higher, the albums will get less obscure. I'm pretty sure of at least 3 that I can think of off the top of my head that should (better) show up here.

Nice mug-shot. You should use that as the intro to your CV

. I am sitting by the way.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #73 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:15:59 PM »

You might not own them, but I bet you could guess 3 of my top 4, 4 of my top 6, and 5 of my top 10; but your guess of 9 out of 50 will be pretty darn close I think, especially if we quantify them as stuff you own or plan on owning as of today.

If you want to guess, PM, don't post.

lonestar · « **Reply #74 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:25:25 PM »

Have I purchased one of your top 50 in the last couple of weeks?

wolfking · « **Reply #75 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:27:17 PM »

I'm 1 for 8 at the moment. My prediction of how many I will know is 11/50. A big call, but I think I can get there.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #76 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:31:08 PM »

Quote from: lonestar on March 20, 2012, 10:25:25 PM

Have I purchased one of your top 50 in the last couple of weeks?

Very yes.

Quote from: wolfking on March 20, 2012, 10:27:17 PM

I'm 1 for 8 at the moment. My prediction of how many I will know is 11/50. A big call, but I think I can get there.

That might be about right, maybe a tad on the low side. That still leaves alot for you.

BTW, j.b and lonestar, I think you guys would like Vonassi

contest_sanity · « **Reply #77 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:35:27 PM »

DTVT - your list makes me curious like a cat. I'll have all my friends call me "Whiskers."

yorost · « **Reply #78 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:41:44 PM »

Was this forum having a crush on Eternity X about 10 years ago? Some forum I lurked on back then loved this group, I think it was here.

jingle.boy · « **Reply #79 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:48:31 PM »

As I said somewhere earlier, I'm going cold turkey on any (more) new bands until my roulette. Plus, I've got discogs from Jorn, Masterplan, and a couple of others I won't mention (they might be coming on your list) to still "enjoy". when you're finally done, I'll be taking your list, and working my way thru them. That should hold me thru the end of the year.

Wasn't gonna post my guesses, but will PM you.

wolfking · « **Reply #80 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:50:24 PM »

This is possibly the most exciting top 50 list ever. I love it.

lonestar · « **Reply #81 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:52:35 PM »

I'm watching Shawshank Redemption right now for the 50 millionth time, as soon as it's over, I'll start checking stuff out.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #82 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:58:27 PM »

@yorost - the place I was referring to is dead for all intents and purposes. I even thought about inviting them here.

The day Shawshank gets old is the day I want to die.

lonestar · « **Reply #83 on:** March 20, 2012, 11:12:11 PM »

Exactly. Best movie ever.

OK, checked out Pinnacle and Zero Hour. Pinnacle, on one crappy Youtube video, is a yes. Zero Hour is a maybe at the moment, but I will investigate further, I listened to Towers of Avarice, and it just ain't clicking for me, but that's only one listen.

TAC · « **Reply #84 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:07:16 AM »

Eternity X has me intrigued! Will definitely check out!

yorost · « **Reply #85 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:31:30 AM »

Quote from: DTVT on March 20, 2012, 10:58:27 PM

@yorost - the place I was referring to is dead for all intents and purposes. I even thought about inviting them here.

The day Shawshank gets old is the day I want to die.

Yup, great movie.

I didn't read your writeup on Eternity X, since I know them well enough. Whatever you say about them won't change me at this point. I seriously think this place may have had a following here back in the beginning. Somewhere I visited did, they generated discussion the size of Porcupine Tree with the controversy of Vanden Plas.

LieLowTheWantedMan · « **Reply #86 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:17:33 PM »

Vonassi sounds familiar. Other than that, don't know any so far.

WindMaster · « **Reply #87 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:24:06 PM »

I've heard of zero hour, but none others.

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #88 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:34:37 PM »

I'm really enjoying the list so far. Haven't heard of any of these bands, and I'm definitely looking to check out Eternity X, Eumeria, and It Bites.

ytserush · « **Reply #89 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:18:14 PM »

Quote from: DTVT on March 16, 2012, 11:57:32 PM

50. Pinnacle - Meld

Genre: Heavy Prog
For fans of: Fish-era Marillion who like more instrumental bits.

Nekov's comment might not be too far off in this first album I'm starting with one of the more obscure artists on this list - because the best way to buy their albums is directly from the band. I think the best way to describe this band is they sound like a more modern version of Clutching at Straws Marillion. While the vocals are serviceable, the real highlight of this album is Karl Eisenheart's proggy guitar and synth work that have a Steve Morse flavor I could just groove on and use to block out the rest of the world for a short period of time. This is one of the more mellow albums I own and I tend to reach for it when life has me frustrated and I need something I can space out on. I still need to pick up their first album, which I'll probably get when their third album - which they are working on - is completed.

Tracks to try out: Information Overload, Built for Speed (for Eliza Dushku) (instrumental), The Life in a Year

I have a feeling this album will top my list of your list. I've already seen them four or five times already (although not with the new vocalist yet) Much better live band and they have been quiet lately but they ARE working on a new album, though it's taking a while.

So far I'm not learning much, but I expect this will change.

I do know that thanks to DTVT, there will be Zero Hour in my future.

Somewhat related to this -- Anyone know anything about a band called Cryptyx? I'm pretty sure I need to check these guys out too, but I wanted independent verification.

jingle.boy · « **Reply #90 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:27:48 PM »

Nick's had them on the show in the past. Not since Oct though.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #91 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:40:48 PM »

42. Worlds - Out of the Cold

Genre: Progressive rock
For fans of: 70s prog
What makes them unique: Great guitar licks, the vocalist

So how rare is this album? I had to upload my own picture to get a decent album cover

I only know of this band because the vocalist's son is our very own Splent. That said, the first time I heard a song by Worlds I didn't know it was Splent's dad, and I was immediately scouring Google trying to find out about this new band "Worlds" I was hearing. So while the first thing I noticed about the band was the uniquely high-pitched singer, it didn't take long for me to realize there was some really nice licks and riffs from the guitar player. Aside from one weak track in the album, Out of the Cold delivers a sound that any 70s prog enthusiast will appriciate, a guitar that sometimes harkens to late 70s Rush, and some real stand out tracks. Since the track seems to be uploaded by the band, I'm including a link to my favorite song on the album for everyone to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A

Tracks to try: The Fifthe Wheel (above), Little Lens, Space Age Hero, Legacy

jingle.boy · « **Reply #92 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:46:43 PM »

Quote from: Nekov on March 16, 2012, 10:29:06 PM

Inb4 DTVT posts bands not even the band members's ~~parents~~ children know of

Fix'd for above post.

Listening now. Diggin it.

ytserush · « **Reply #93 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:52:39 PM »

Quote from: jingle.boy on March 21, 2012, 08:27:48 PM

Nick's had them on the show in the past. Not since Oct though.

So my suspicion that Enchant's drummer and some of Zero Hour got together to form this band is correct then?

I think I found out about #42 from Splent himself....

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #94 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:57:01 PM »

No, that's Cynthesis. Cryptex is a totally different band.

TAC · « **Reply #95 on:** March 22, 2012, 04:44:58 AM »

Wow, digging the Worlds track!

Nekov · « **Reply #96 on:** March 22, 2012, 06:34:13 AM »

0 - 8

obscure · « **Reply #97 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:18:23 AM »

Finally I could make my way to this thread.... I'll start from the very beginning... go page by page... post by post... thanks for the effort... loads to check out in here...

lonestar · « **Reply #98 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:49:10 AM »

Quote from: Nekov on March 22, 2012, 06:34:13 AM

0 - 8

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #99 on:** March 22, 2012, 09:05:14 AM »

I just got the Cynthesis album yesterday and this is my first listen impression:

It's not Zero Hour, but you can hear pieces of Zero Hour in there. Definately more melodic, which is why someone (yorost?) said they sound "normal". Eric Sunvold sounds a lot better than he did on Towers of Avarice. Pretty decent if you detach expectations of hearing a Zero Hour type of sound. People who don't like ZH would probably enjoy this.

yorost · « **Reply #100 on:** March 22, 2012, 11:41:27 AM »

"Normal" was me, yeah. I actually just gave it some listens, ...I like it better, but it is still hard to shake the feeling that I wish they were doing Zero Hour. Definitely willing to call it a good album, but I definitely think it might suit prog metal fans not very into Zero Hour better. ...if that makes sense.

TAC · « **Reply #101 on:** March 22, 2012, 12:24:00 PM »

Cynthesis sounds very interesting to me. It's the lack of melody that kills Zero Hour for me.
Will check out.

wolfking · « **Reply #102 on:** March 22, 2012, 03:49:41 PM »

1 - 7

splent · « **Reply #103 on:** March 22, 2012, 05:16:03 PM »

Quote from: DTVT on March 21, 2012, 08:40:48 PM

42. Worlds - Out of the Cold

Genre: Progressive rock
For fans of: 70s prog
What makes them unique: Great guitar licks, the vocalist

So how rare is this album? I had to upload my own picture to get a decent album cover I only know of this band because the vocalist's son is our very own Splent. That said, the first time I heard a song by Worlds I didn't know it was Splent's dad, and I was immediately scouring Google trying to find out about this new band "Worlds" I was hearing. So while the first thing I noticed about the band was the uniquely high-pitched singer, it didn't take long for me to realize there was some really nice licks and riffs from the guitar player. Aside from one weak track in the album, Out of the Cold delivers a sound that any 70s prog enthusiast will appriciate, a guitar that sometimes harkens to late 70s Rush, and some real stand out tracks. Since the track seems to be uploaded by the band, I'm including a link to my favorite song on the album for everyone to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf1_qAjI5A

Tracks to try: The Fifthe Wheel (above), Little Lens, Space Age Hero, Legacy

Best band on this list and will be the best band on this list. And I'm not biased at all.

That being said, it sucks that they only made one album. I have a few demos they made after this album, before the band split up. First the drummer left, he lives in MN now and I think teaches drums. They hired a new drummer and keyboardist and were around until around 1986 or so. The rest of the band wanted to move to LA to try and get a little more press and popularity, but my dad couldn't uproot his family. I was 3 and my sister was a baby and that would just be hard. Also, with two kids he realized that doing music full time wasn't worth it anymore (he was gone ALOT when I was really little). They were around a couple more years in CA, re-released the ablum as Space Age Hero (even rarer!!!!) and then split up. The Wallace brothers (guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, vocalist on White Mist and a few other tracks) formed another band called Karma Farm... you'd probably dig it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEmN5HJo41g They are doing their own things now, performing and producing. My dad still sings in WI, he's a part of a Journey tribute band called Separate Ways. https://www.myspace.com/separatewayslive He's also in a classic rock cover band.

Story: when they were recording this album in Oak Lawn, IL, they were in the same studio as Dennis DeYoung from Styx, who was recording a solo album at the time. He tried to sell my dad his keyboard for $100. He turned him down cause he couldn't afford it at the time. But DANG would that be cool.

Also check out the liner notes. I'm in there in the thanks

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #104 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:59:29 PM »

Too much on my plate work wise I need to get done tonight. Double or triple shot tomorrow. Use the time off to explore the artists already mentioned

News: The staff at DTF wish to remind you all that a firm grasp of the rules of Yahtzee can save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Be safe out there.

Author Topic: Dr. DTVT's 50 Underappriciated bands v. Better than the Loch Ness Monster (Read 56619 times)