Sons of Apollo (feat. Portnoy & Sherinian)

[the keyboard wizard]

To answer some questions that were asked in the previous thread:
the next song to be released is Lost in Oblivion...but it will be released on the 20th of October
Derek will use classic instruments especially his hammond organ. There's a song that was described as "Deep Purplesque" so you can imagine that it will be a B3 fest!
Stay tuned if you want a real description of the songs as, Your Majesty will publish the interview next week and we asked Derek and Mike to describe the album track by track

[bosk1]

Looking forwards to it, Keyboard Wiz.  Thanks for letting us know.

[Samsara]

I'm sorta tired of seeing Billy in everything Mike does

I really don't understand this opinion - of actual bands that recorded original music, Winery Dogs is the only other MP band that Sheehan is a part of.

I get that he was in PSMS - which is just a live covers band - but still, even if you count that that's far from everything.

If you look at MP's albums of original music, Sheehan has only been on 2 Winery Dog albums. He wasn't in Flying Colours, Adrenaline Mob, Metal Allegiance, Neal Morse Band...

As someone else guessed correctly, I was more referring to how much Sheehan is with Portnoy recently. He's now in three bands with him in the last handful of years. Don't get me wrong, I love Billy Sheehan. Big fan of his starting with Mr. Big (which is the first time I heard him). But it's like he's MP's go-to bassist, and I wish he would have went elsewhere this time, that's all. I am sure his playing will be phenomenal as always.

[RodrigoAltaf]

I for one am quite excited about this release. Have you noticed how MP avoided FII tracks in The Shattered Fortress shows? I'm sure he'll bring some of them back with SOA.

[bosk1]

Have you noticed how MP avoided FII tracks in The Shattered Fortress shows? I'm sure he'll bring some of them back with SOA.

I don't think SOA had anything to do with why they didn't play any FII tracks at the Shattered Fortress shows.  Mike only chose songs he wrote the lyrics for.  I think he knows there isn't a high demand for New Millenium, Just Let Me Breathe, or Burning My Soul.

[the keyboard wizard]

I for one am quite excited about this release. Have you noticed how MP avoided FII tracks in The Shattered Fortress shows? I'm sure he'll bring some of them back with SOA.

You'll get the answer next week

[Nick]

I for one am quite excited about this release. Have you noticed how MP avoided FII tracks in The Shattered Fortress shows? I'm sure he'll bring some of them back with SOA.

Aside from the songs you know he was playing as part of the main feature you can say he avoided every album except Scenes and Awake. First SoA tour I would have to expect similar to the first Flying Colors or Transatlantic tour. Basically all their original material and a cover from each of their most well known bands.

[axeman90210]

Would not mind seeing this band have some fun with a Mr. Big tune.

[RodrigoAltaf]

Would not mind seeing this band have some fun with a Mr. Big tune.

Addicted to that Rush!!!

[Samsara]

My guess is, after Portnoy's comments about Shattered Fortress being the last time he'd do DT, that Sons of Apollo will likely only do their own material, and covers perhaps from bands not associated with them. While that is a bummer to a degree, if that is indeed what happens, it makes sense to me. They are trying to forge a new identity entirely. So, it makes sense NOT to play stuff from their other bands.

I imagine Sons of Apollo would probably do their entire record in a headline set, and then maybe something from Deep Purple, or something along those lines.

[axeman90210]

I could see that as well, maybe instead of each member doing a song from their past each one picks a song that was influential for them or something.

[Ben_Jamin]

Have you noticed how MP avoided FII tracks in The Shattered Fortress shows? I'm sure he'll bring some of them back with SOA.

I don't think SOA had anything to do with why they didn't play any FII tracks at the Shattered Fortress shows.  Mike only chose songs he wrote the lyrics for.  I think he knows there isn't a high demand for New Millenium, Just Let Me Breathe, or Burning My Soul.

I could see them playing those songs live.

[bill1971]

My guess is, after Portnoy's comments about Shattered Fortress being the last time he'd do DT, that Sons of Apollo will likely only do their own material, and covers perhaps from bands not associated with them. While that is a bummer to a degree, if that is indeed what happens, it makes sense to me. They are trying to forge a new identity entirely. So, it makes sense NOT to play stuff from their other bands.

I imagine Sons of Apollo would probably do their entire record in a headline set, and then maybe something from Deep Purple, or something along those lines.

I took MP as meaning a headlining show of all DT tunes, not that he will never play DT tunes again. Unless I missed a quote.

[Adami]

I could see that as well, maybe instead of each member doing a song from their past each one picks a song that was influential for them or something.

That would be awesome. Hopefully it won't be the prog standards, but some more fun songs. I like when SoA were covering VH and stuff at their first show.

[Stadler]

Any time I see multiple necks/unnecessary things it just brings me back to the Rhapsody - Unholy Warcry video with the keyboardist standing behind 6 keyboards in the grass not even plugged into anything. It's silly, but if that's Billy's thing to have two necks, his call. 

Or every picture of Rick Wakeman from 1974 through 1986. 

[The Walrus]

Any time I see multiple necks/unnecessary things it just brings me back to the Rhapsody - Unholy Warcry video with the keyboardist standing behind 6 keyboards in the grass not even plugged into anything. It's silly, but if that's Billy's thing to have two necks, his call. 

Or every picture of Rick Wakeman from 1974 through 1986. 

Me not being big on Rick's bands - here's ample time to let everyone be aghast - I had to go with a somewhat more obscure reference, but yes, that is spot on 

[ozzy554]

JSS still has a damn good range for his age.....when he decides to show it.

The man can still belt out a pretty good version of Ill see the light tonight.

[bosk1]

A reminder:  This thread is for discussion of SoA.  That may include discussion of what Mike, Derek, and others are saying about the project and how they are promoting it, including respectful critique, if applicable and if you feel the need.  However, forum rules still apply in full force.  As stated in the original post in the thread:

2. You can constructively critique anything you want, but outright bashing or personal attacks on Portnoy or Sherinian (or the other members) will not be tolerated.

A lot of what was posted in the last couple of pages crossed the line, and what arguably didn't came close enough.  Those posts have been deleted.  Posts that come across as mocking the band or its members reflect poorly on the forum and will not be allowed.  This is a general warning.  Those that persist will be banned without further warning.  Keep it respectful.  If you can't, keep your thoughts to yourself.

[JayOctavarium]

Even after everything, I am still looking forward to this release.

[SwedishGoose]

Even after everything, I am still looking forward to this release.

Not really looking forward to it at this point in time but will give it a spin on Spotify and if I like what I hear I will buy it despite all the hoopla.

[JayOctavarium]

Even after everything, I am still looking forward to this release.

Not really looking forward to it at this point in time but will give it a spin on Spotify and if I like what I hear I will buy it despite all the hoopla.

I am a huge fan of Derek and Mike musically, and Bumblefoot is pretty cool. I'm not going to go out of my way to buy it, but if I can listen to it on Google Music, I'll do so.

[Skeever]

Even after everything, I am still looking forward to this release.

Not really looking forward to it at this point in time but will give it a spin on Spotify and if I like what I hear I will buy it despite all the hoopla.

I never buy music anymore, but yeah, I'll listen on Spotify when the time comes, and go see the show if I like the album.

[JayOctavarium]

Even after everything, I am still looking forward to this release.

Not really looking forward to it at this point in time but will give it a spin on Spotify and if I like what I hear I will buy it despite all the hoopla.

I never buy music anymore, but yeah, I'll listen on Spotify when the time comes, and go see the show if I like the album.

Seems like the only physical albums I buy now are Dream Theater and JLB solo albums. I can't remember the last time I bought a CD that wasn't those. 

[gmillerdrake]

Seems like the only physical albums I buy now are Dream Theater and JLB solo albums. I can't remember the last time I bought a CD that wasn't those.

Dream Theater and Neal Morse. Only physical copies I still buy. Everything else is obtained through my $9.99 monthly Apple subscription. On occasion there are artists that haven't agreed to whatever terms are in place and aren't on there so I can't find them to hear them....but there are SO many good bands that are on there it really doesn't break my heart when those occasions. arise.

[portnoy311]

Not to go down this rabbit hole, but I still buy CDs of my favorite bands. Pink Floyd (David Gilmour), Mastodon, Pearl Jam, AiC, Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, BtBaM, Insomnium, and a few others all get physical purchases from me.


Sadly, SoA will not.

[SwedishGoose]

Any CD that I feel will get repeat listens will get bought.... right now I do not think I will listen to SoA more than once or twice.

[ProfessorPeart]

Saw an interesting comment from someone on Blabbermouth under a story about the Galactic Cowboys. They said Cowboys / SOA 2018 tour. Never occurred to me, but I can absolutely see MP taking these guys back out with him. Could be a double headline since SOA only has one album of material.

[portnoy311]

Saw an interesting comment from someone on Blabbermouth under a story about the Galactic Cowboys. They said Cowboys / SOA 2018 tour. Never occurred to me, but I can absolutely see MP taking these guys back out with him. Could be a double headline since SOA only has one album of material.

For better or worse, MP has never been shy about playing covers. Just look at the introductory concert of Sons of Anarchy. In between calls of history being made were a long string of Van Halen and other modern relevant covers. I could see him calling for a headline gig for the new kings of prog, peppered with tons of cover tunes.

[Dave_Manchester]

Saw an interesting comment from someone on Blabbermouth under a story about the Galactic Cowboys. They said Cowboys / SOA 2018 tour. Never occurred to me, but I can absolutely see MP taking these guys back out with him. Could be a double headline since SOA only has one album of material.

Just look at the introductory concert of Sons of Anarchy.

I still make this mistake too

[bill1971]

I think the last CD I bought was The Astonishing. I usually just buy music through Amazon music that way it winds up right on my phone where I listen to it anyhow.

[Peace and Love]

I watched DS and MP talking about Signs of the Time (the only song I've heard and the only song I will hear) on Youtube, and it struck me that the genuinely seem passionate proud of the music, which I give them credit for.

Also I realized that they said JSS sounds likes "Kansas with balls", but I actually prefer the original Kansas without balls, and that Bumblefoot sounds like "Allan Holdsworth on steroids", but I actually like the original Allan Holdsworth without performance enhancement better.

One of my main issues with the song is the main riff itself - it's just not strong enough to build a song around. The kind of riff James Hetfield wouldn't even consider worthy of being used under a guitar solo in a B-side.

[portnoy311]

Saw an interesting comment from someone on Blabbermouth under a story about the Galactic Cowboys. They said Cowboys / SOA 2018 tour. Never occurred to me, but I can absolutely see MP taking these guys back out with him. Could be a double headline since SOA only has one album of material.

Just look at the introductory concert of Sons of Anarchy.

I still make this mistake too

Lol, I had to read your comment and my quote twice to realize what was even wrong.

[nobloodyname]

Also I realized that they said JSS sounds likes "Kansas with balls", but I actually prefer the original Kansas without balls, and that Bumblefoot sounds like "Allan Holdsworth on steroids", but I actually like the original Allan Holdsworth without performance enhancement better.

And that's okay. You can go and listen to Kansas. Or Allan Holdsworth. Some people wouldn't listen to either, but may enjoy their apparent influence on Sons of Apollo's music.

[bill1971]

I watched DS and MP talking about Signs of the Time (the only song I've heard and the only song I will hear) on Youtube, and it struck me that the genuinely seem passionate proud of the music, which I give them credit for.

Also I realized that they said JSS sounds likes "Kansas with balls", but I actually prefer the original Kansas without balls, and that Bumblefoot sounds like "Allan Holdsworth on steroids", but I actually like the original Allan Holdsworth without performance enhancement better.

One of my main issues with the song is the main riff itself - it's just not strong enough to build a song around. The kind of riff James Hetfield wouldn't even consider worthy of being used under a guitar solo in a B-side.

Personally I like my Yes on HGH and Pink Floyd on Amphetamines

[portnoy311]

Not to pile on, but the "... with balls" remark just kinda rubs me the wrong way, which is something I haven't been able to put my finger on before. They're marketing this as a super macho manly prog metal band. Kansas with balls! No anus puckering screams! We have metal swagger! It just strikes me all as lame and hell, and not even true. Their bassist is 64 years old, and has never been considered a metal artist. They're rocking double keyboards, double necked guitars, and a double necked bass with 4 strings on both. They're so overly worried about image they can't decide if they want to be the "more is more" prog wankfest band (which is fine), or the tough guy metal band that is taking cues from Anselmo. It's the same issue Adrenaline Mob fell into. Russ made his name singing about prophets and sages. MP didn't start getting full sleeve tats and dying his goatee (don't get me started) well into his 40s. Singing about knocking about wannabes (in AMob's case), and buying into a machismo version of progressive giants (SoA) is such a misguided poor attempt at credibility. It's like they're trying way too hard to maintain a trumped up and false image when it's all transparent and belies the actual music they're putting out. Over the top machismo from musicians who are trying to push their 'virtuosity' in a genre such as this just screams of ... well... I don't need to finish that sentence. That's probably my biggest turn off of this band, other than the actual songs.