First, I’ll say that all four songs were good, but not your best efforts by any means. I guess given the quality of what I’ve gotten from the four of you already, it’s unrealistic to expect every song be better than the last. I totally see how each of these gets the adrenaline flowing, but something just wasn’t quite in sync with what I was intending with the theme. Clearly that’s my fault in how I explained it though.
Match 1Doc – Wuthering Heights/
I Shall Not YieldHoly crap, this one had prog, metal (power and speed), symphonic, and melodic elements all wrapped into one 6 minute and 42 second package. Impressive. At times it was fantastic, but there were a few moments that felt a little wonky. Really liked the little symphonic opening, transitioning into some nice speed metal, and the vocals were nice – very gritty and powerful. A lot of this reminded me of Blind Guardian. Pretty cool guitar solo – the dude shreds pretty hard. Really liked the second/dual solo.
King of Wolves – Dream Evil/
In Flames You BurnIronic that this too was a melodic/speed metal track. Again with a slow start transitioning into some very strong power-metal. This had a great chorus. Great vocals, and the power chords were just right to provide that adrenaline rush. Was a little generic as you were worried about – not very different from the feel I get from bands like Rhapsody (with or without Fire) and Freedom Call.
Result: I Shall Not Yield felt it was trying to pack too much into it, and the time signature changes weren’t quite seamless. This could’ve been a solid power metal tune if it had just stayed the course, which the Dream Evil song did. Pound for pound, In Flames You Burn struck a stronger chord - literally and figuratively.
Match 2Obscure – Darkology/
Violent VertigoI was wondering if Darkology was gonna come out, being another project with Kelly Sundown as the lead vocalist (he sung on two of the tracks the good lady has used). This one falls in the middle of the other two, and it took me quite a few listens to warm up to it. I don’t think anything else can surpass my love for Obsessions, but this was definitely better than Section X. Really loved the chorus’s on this one especially, and Sundown’s voice is really hitting the mark with me. The rhythm section was suh-weeeeet! If not for the section where it slowed down at about the three minute mark, this would’ve hit the theme the best of the bunch. The drums in the instrumental section felt out of place for some reason.
Lonestar– Suicidal Tendencies/
You Can’t Bring Me DownNice slow start, and loved the opening chord. At first it felt more like the kind of glam metal songs I loved from the 80s... then the main riff kicked in, and it was quite clear it was nothing like Glam. Great guitar action overall from a frantic punk/metal song. I liked the backing guitars/mini-solo’s most of all. Definitely something I see pumping anyone up – total mosh-pit vibe going on here. I admire you for leading with your heart, and not your head – not something I would’ve normally looked to, but it was a good tune... until the vocal rant at the end.
Result: Songs were somewhat the same stylistically ... great guitar work (melodies and solo’s), great hard main riff. Heavy and frantic, with a brief slow-down in the middle. So, had to go a layer deeper to figure out which I liked better. I also feel I must also point out a key hint in the OP that was missed:
The point of the theme's is to mix things up. Don't sacrifice song quality for the theme. If I think the song sucks, then it doesn't matter if it fits the theme perfectly. I still want music I will like, first and foremost.
As Nick somewhat chastised me when I submitted Sun City in his ‘must-have-a-black-member-in-the-band round’, “The song certainly could have appeal to certain groups, but I’m just not in that group”. The likelihood of me going back to Suicidal Tendencies is slim-to-none, and slim just left town. Also, I’m really digging Kelly Sundown, and this track got better with every listen. Lonestar, your heart betrayed your mind, and now you are 0-2 against the good Lady.
Doctor and Chef...
thanks for your participation 
FinalsSo, wolfking vs obscure in the finals. Two of the Internationalists vying to be the last one standing. Here's how we're going to roll ... Thunderdome style. Not sure if either of you remember a game that was played periodically on the forum pre-2009 crash (I don't recall it being played after that), but here's how it works. You both submit 3 songs, and tell me which order to listen to them in ... 1, 2, 3. The 1s go up against each other, as do the 2s and 3s. Better song wins each round. Essentially, it's best 2 out of 3. Got it? No rush on getting the songs in. By the end of the weekend, so I can post the winner early next week - I'm traveling out of town Monday thru Wednesday, so definitely get your submissions in over the weekend so I have them on my iPhone.
There can be only one.Who will be left standing?
Winner gets the title of Jingle.Champ, and any statement they want from me for the purposes of sig'g - you or me.
Topic: Jingle Boy's Roulette v. drum rolll... pass the envelope please. (Read 94071 times)