ROUND 8
It really hurts me to post these results, as it means we'll be saying goodbye to a lot of you. Which is really sad, as I've had such a blast this roulette and have heard so many awesome songs. How bittersweet this is...
RANK 9:
Elite
Bruce Springsteen - Rosalita Kudos for taking a risk in the last round. Not to say that it was for the best, but, still, I appreciate you not playing it safe. However, I have never liked Bruce Springsteen much, and unfortunately, this didn't change that at all. The vocals weren't bad, the melody wasn't bad, but overall the style of the song just isn't my thing, really. It's nothing bad, but it's not something I would regularly (or actively) listen to. The second half of the song was really interesting, though. I would've liked more of that. In any case, good attempt, and once again, I appreciate the risk.
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RANK 8:
MoraWintersoul
Chroma Key - S.O.S.Oh man piano intro WOO. I loved the piano in this piece. The melodies were awesome, and knowing the man behind this, I wasn't surprised, really. However, this was certainly the best song you sent me throughout the entire roulette and it makes me want to check out the band a bit more! I like the spoken elements if only for the feeling they provide, and I just love the piano that plays along in the background the entire time. Good song!
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RANK 7:
Scorpion
Grayceon - War's End This song was really atmospheric. It went along kind of slowly, but had a sort of brooding feeling to it as it went. I really liked the melodies and they definitely stuck in my head. The vocals were pretty cool, nothing amazing, but still really solid stuff. I was definitely impressed with the atmosphere, though, and I really want to check out this band further! Sweet stuff.
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RANK 6:
WindMaster
Falloch - We Are Gathering DustI loved the music in this. The vocals didn't do much for me, though. It's not that they were bad..they were just... there. I have listened to a few other songs by these guys before and I'm fairly certain they do harsh vocals? I would have preferred them in this song. Either way, the atmosphere was nice, and I really liked the progression of the song.
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RANK 5:
Lolzeez
Cult of Luna - Dark City, Dead ManNot quite sure why you would send a song by a band you've already sent, as that defeats the purpose of the entire roulette, but anyways. The length of this song was fairly intimidating, but, as I love post-metal, I adored this. The apocalpytic soundscape just draws me in so much, and the vocals are fantastic. I love the intensity the songs builds to and the dark melodies it employs to reach such a climax. Awesome song. However, like I said, the choice to send a band I've now actively heard and have been attempting to get into definitely takes points away. Sorry!
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RANK 4:
LieLow
Demians - Hesitation Waltz
I've heard some really good things about this band and I'm definitely intrigued after listening to this. I really loved the build up and the atmosphere. The entire song had a really slow-burning yet powerful feeling throughout, and it really drew me into the song. I loved the instrumetation and the vocals, though somewhat subdued, were very interesting. Great song!
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RANK 3:
Zantera
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Farewell, Mona Lisa
This is probably really unfair because I've already heard this full album a good bit and I love this song, so, whatever, I'm rating it highly anyway because they aren't on the banned list. TDEP have an amazing vocalist and I love the guitarist as well. The riffs are amazing, fast, and engaging. Everything is chaotic, and I think this adds to the immense sound and rapid feeling. However, the slowdown halfway through the song is awesome, and really gives the song room to breathe. Overall, this song is amazing .
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RANK 2:
crazyaga
Yann Tiersen - comptine d'un autre été
Holy fuuuuu this was absolutely beautiful. Not even that. It was just...breathtaking. Spectacular. Fantastic. Brilliant. I have sucn an intense love of melodic, beautiful compositions such as this and man, this just really hit the spot. What a fantastic song. I want to just keep this on replay all day. Best song you've sent me, hands down.
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RANK 1:
kari
Kyte - These Tales of Our Stay
As always, I can expect beautiful music from you, kari. This song was gorgeous, just utterly gorgeous. It had an amazing depth to it, and the way it built to such a stunning climax really put me in awe. Such an inspiring, powerful song. I will definitely listen to the full album by these guys. Fantastic.
---Well, unfortunately we're saying goodbye to Elite, MoraWintersoul, Scorpion, and WindMaster, and Lolzeez. Five people who I have absolutely adored throughout this roulette and who have introduced me to some awesome music. Don't see this as an ending! See it as a beginning. You guys did awesome and I'm so glad I had you in this roulette. If I ever do another roulette with more theme variations and whatnot I definitely want all of you back in this. I feel bad about some of you leaving-- especially Scorpion and WindMaster, as you guys sent me so many fantastic songs throughout the rounds...just, this last one failed to dazzle compared to the other songs. Some parting words:
Elite: You weren't sure how well you'd do in this roulette, and from the start I felt like you were sort of worried you wouldn't do well at all. This was entirely untrue. You stayed near the top for most of the roulette, wavering a few times, but consistently sending me songs that I really enjoyed. I really loved having you for this, man, and I definitely want to be a part of anything like this you run. You did awesome, and seeing as it was really just this round that put you out, I'd say go out with your head held high, bro. Ya' dun good.
Scorpion: As with Elite, I am really sad to see you go. You sent me so many great songs and I really love your music taste. As you said in the PM, our tastes overlap a lot so it is unfortunate that you couldn't always find the perfect song for me. However, I'm glad I had you in this roulette as you're an awesome guy with a great sense of music. Bad luck on this round, but still, you were consistently very good. Keep in touch, dude.
MoraWintersoul: I didn't know you very well before this roulette, and I'm really glad I had you in it. You've got such a distinct taste, and while it doesn't quite align with mine in all regards, you still showed me some interesting stuff and it was great to have such a different perspective for music. In any case, it was good workin' with ya. Farewell. *salutes*
WindMaster: UUUGH I don't want you to go. Your songs this roulette were so awesome. This last round has been much too unkind. Alas, everyone can't win, though, and though it pains me, I have to say goodbye. You did great dude, and after being the champion of your roulette it really hurts me to send ya packin'. In any case, you're a really cool bro, and one of my best friends on this forum. Our tastes are really similar, and we'll definitely have to do this again sometime. *cries a little bit*
Lolzeez: Oh, Lolzeez. You would send me a fantastic song, and then send me something that made me want to go do something else. However, you have a really interesting music taste and I had a lot of fun seeing what you'd send me. This last round was a bit of bad luck for you, too, I reckon. Ah well, it was fun, dude!
I hope you will all stick around to see who comes out on top, and cheer the other competitors on. I know it hurts to lose (trust me, I cam in second on the DTF-wide champions roulette!) However, despite this sad parting, we still have four more finalists ready to duke it out! Put your hands together for...
LieLow
Zantera
crazyaga
kari I'm impressed, guys. Especially crazyaga-- you've sent me some amazing stuff this round, and then some stuff I wouldn't be upset if I never heard again. Zantera also has sent me a few clunkers, despite being consistently awesome. I'd say LieLow and kari have had the most "amazing" songs thus far, and seeing you four duke it out this round will be the ultimate test. The weight of the final round certainly changed things up quite a bit, and I am certain that this final round will truly bring out the champion once and for all (for this roulette)!
If any of you finalists don't particularly feel like competing in the final, you can switch with one of the knock-outs, just let me know. I'm fairly certain this won't happen, but just in case, y'know.
But alright! Now for the information about the final round!
ROUND NINE
THE BEST OF THE BESTIn this round, I want you four to find a band and then find three particular songs by that band that you think will dazzle me to no end. Songs that you think would make me want to listen to an entire album by the band. There's a rule, though: No bands that have already been submitted this round. Also, make sure the songs you send are somewhat telling of the bands' sound-- or at least two of them. If there's two songs that are typical of the band and then one that is really off the wall, sure, I'll take it. Perhaps you'll even show the diversity of the band doing that!
In any case, no due date for this one, just submit them when you can and I'll get the results up as quickly as possible. It being Easter weekend and the fact that I'm going to Washington DC Friday through Saturday will make it hard to get anything up before Monday, so take that as you will.
Good luck, finalists!