Parama...The Ocean-Stenian
Musically, this was really enjoyable. It was pretty easy on the ears and pretty much held my interest. I always wonder why growlie bands have such bland clean vocals. I do like how, in the last minute, they doubled the cleans and growls.
7.5
Tomislav95...Agalloch...II-Bloodbirds
I loved the instrumental build up on this. I could get totally lost in it. The worst part was trying to figure out exactly when the track would be ruined. What a shame when it happens. I really liked this instrumentally.
7.5
Train Of Naught....Persefone-Stillness Is Timeless
The good news. This was easily the best instrumental track of the round. It's not even close. If Persephone had a singer that I could actually listen to, I would be all over them. Nine minutes is a pretty long song, especially for a growlie round, but musically, this was so good, I never grew tired. But damn, those vocals.
8.0
The Silent Cody....The Sixpounder-Ten Thousand Killing Machines
I have to say, this song kicks major ass. I was totally headbanging to this each time I heard it. It was literally the only song in the round that I could tolerate the vocals. Not sure why, but they were so in step with the music, it actually felt natural. This song totally got me going, and was my favorite of the round.
8.5
Tyrias....Eluveitie-King
Musically, another fantastic track. Who in the hell thought it was a good idea to put these vocals over it though. Love the instrumental part. Flute solo?? Still managed to be cool. I really liked this song a lot.
8.0
Shadow Ninja 2.0....Dark Tranquility-What Only You Know
I've certainly seen Dark Tranquility's name around here plenty. So I was really looking forward to it. But based on some really great instrumental tracks that preceded this, this didn't really stand out. It's nice enough. But this is another example of bland clean vocals. I would be willing to bet, based on their popularity, that this band has much better songs.
7.0
home...Igorr-ieuD
Oh Boy. WTf'nF is this? This like the Phantom Of the Opera on crack. Steaming Giraffes not withstanding, this might be the weirdest thing I've gotten in this roulette. And that's saying something. Some awesome drumming on this though.
6
LordCost...Enslaved-Thurisaz Dreaming
I'm not going to lie. That's first 90 seconds was tough to get through, vocally and musically. It does manage to morph into something listenable. The mid section has a big time Fields Of The Nephilim feel to it. And then it loses me again.
6.5
Sacul...Refused-Tannhauser/Derive
So I feel like if I had to pick, I'd take growls over screams. Screams really challenge my ears. But this song musically was interesting. Had kind of an indie feel to it. Definitely a strange track.
6.5
Parama-47.5
LordCost-47
Train Of Naught-47
Tomislav95-46
Shadow Ninja - 45
The Silent Cody-44.5
Home-44
Tyrias-43.5
Sacul-42