Sons of Apollo (feat. Portnoy & Sherinian)

[Stadler]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.  I don't think I've heard that before (well, except for about four of the songs on the first album). 

Not impressed. 

I see the Portnoy haters are out early this morning.

Huh; I usually get dismissed as an #MPWarrior.     

Not a hater at all; I stood mesmerized at Flying Colors in NYC a couple weeks ago.  Sitting on the edge of my chair waiting for Transatlantic, and I spent a good part of late October and early November defending Mike's description of LTE's music.   I just think this project is forced.  I've written before about how all the instruments seem to be fighting for a limited sonic space, and in my opinion, that leads to a very monotonous (in the literal sense of the word) experience.  That trope (I call it "nu metal", but I was told it's not) is part of it.  It's why I don't like Alter Bridge as much as I do Slash w/MKATC, because Tremonti relies on it as well. 

[MinistroRaven]

The debut from Sons Of Apollo - Psychotic Symphony came out 2 years ago today.  The band have just completed work on the follow up!
What’s your favorite on this album?

Mine? Ehhh, when the music stops!!!

Seriously I couldn’t get into them. I just hope the new album it’s something that I can enjoy

OK, promo copy just landed will pass judgement after I have listened to it.

[ReaperKK]

I liked the song, the middle section was really good and reminiscent of Dance of Eternity.

[bosk1]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.  I don't think I've heard that before (well, except for about four of the songs on the first album). 

Not impressed. 

I see the Portnoy haters are out early this morning.

Huh; I usually get dismissed as an #MPWarrior.     

I know.  I'm just messing with you.

OK, promo copy just landed will pass judgement after I have listened to it.

  I am eager to know what you think.

[IDontNotDoThings]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.

Low E-string? Pfft, everyone know you're not real metal unless you tune down to drop A or some shit. Having clear note definition is for posers. That's why SOA is so much better than DT nowadays. XD

[Max Kuehnau]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.

Low E-string? Pfft, everyone know you're not real metal unless you tune down to drop A or some shit. Having clear note definition is for posers. That's why SOA is so much better than DT nowadays. XD

I appreciate the sarcasm, but in all seriousness, clear note definition is not for posers.

[Peter Mc]

1st song had some good moments (mainly the intro to be honest!) and a passable if slightly meh chorus. This new one has no redeeming features for me, just a generic metal song lacking in any kind of memorable melody, and awful prog noodling solos also without any melody. This would be an automatic skip on any album and worrying if this is the song chosen as a single. I have been wrong before though such as when VH released Tattoo as a single for their last album and then the album turned out to be awesome.

[Adami]

It's not bad, which means it doesn't hurt to listen to or anything.


Sadly, not bad isn't good or good enough.

Think I'll skip out on this album sadly.

[New World Rushman]

I liked the song, the middle section was really good and reminiscent of Dance of Eternity.

There were a couple spots where I was waiting for the Gnip-Gnop...

______________________________________________________

I don't think it's that bad. The first two tracks are making me hopeful.

[Stadler]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.

Low E-string? Pfft, everyone know you're not real metal unless you tune down to drop A or some shit. Having clear note definition is for posers. That's why SOA is so much better than DT nowadays. XD

HAHA.

[bosk1]

I liked the song, the middle section was really good and reminiscent of Dance of Eternity.

There were a couple spots where I was waiting for the Gnip-Gnop...

Gold star for spelling it correctly.

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/summary/thing/5232/page/3

[The Walrus]

This is some grade A chuggabro prog metal

[cramx3]

I like it, also I like the music video.  It doesn't blow me away, it doesn't sound like anything new, but it's a solid metal song that shows off some chops and is catchy.  I like it better than the first single.

[Max Kuehnau]

It's so cool they used that low E-string chug; it's so unique and special.

Low E-string? Pfft, everyone know you're not real metal unless you tune down to drop A or some shit. Having clear note definition is for posers. That's why SOA is so much better than DT nowadays. XD

HAHA.

yep it's a good one.

[gzarruk]

Only gave it one listen so far, but I don't remember any melody from the song. I think Goodbye Divinity had a much more memorable chorus and melody (and I didn't like it too much either).

There's a couple good sections here, and I appreciate it's more "prog" than most of the first album. The best part, though, was a riff that sounded way too much like Symphony X, Michael Romeo better start looking for a missing riff
However, it definitely suffers from having many "copy-pasted" sections, it sounds like different song sections all thrown in and blended by MP's "magical arranging skills". And I still don't like Jeff's vocals/execution at all. Mike played this song really well, though.

[Adami]

Honest question....

If MP wasn't involved in this band, how much attention/leeway would any of us be giving it?

[bosk1]

Honest question....

If MP wasn't involved in this band, how much attention/leeway would any of us be giving it?

It's a tough hypothetical, because if MP weren't involved, how would we even know about it, etc.?  But assuming it were brought up as "cool and interesting prog metal" and I were to give it a listen, I think I'd be exactly where I am now.  I like the songs because they're good songs.  In fact, given Mike's comments and conduct, I'm probably less inclined to give it attention if I didn't like it.  He isn't someone who gets the benefit of the doubt from me anymore, so if the quality isn't there, I'm out.

[Ben_Jamin]

I actually really liked it. Its exactly what I felt they needed more of. That instrumental alone is fantastic and I bet MP loves playing that style prog again.

Might check out this album on Spotify first though.

[cramx3]

Honest question....

If MP wasn't involved in this band, how much attention/leeway would any of us be giving it?

It's a tough hypothetical, because if MP weren't involved, how would we even know about it, etc.?  But assuming it were brought up as "cool and interesting prog metal" and I were to give it a listen, I think I'd be exactly where I am now.  I like the songs because they're good songs.  In fact, given Mike's comments and conduct, I'm probably less inclined to give it attention if I didn't like it.  He isn't someone who gets the benefit of the doubt from me anymore, so if the quality isn't there, I'm out.

Yea, I'm not sure if/how this band would have found my ears so it's hard to say, but the album didn't blow me away. It was seeing it live that did and since they were a replacement band at last years Progpower, I may have ended up discovering them that way and if that were the case, I may have actually liked them more because I wouldn't of known/cared about any of the drama leading up to the album.  Having said that, if I judged based on the music alone, I'd like to think I'd feel the same way.  It's good but nothing amazing.  I overall enjoy it, just don't love it.

Also at this point, I don't follow SOA because of MP at all, I actually really love Bumblefoot here and JSS as well.  I think those two make this band more interesting than any of the other members.

[BelichickFan]

If that was Portnoy's vision for Dream Theater then good riddance. Just my taste, of course, but no strong melody, notes for the sake of notes, all riff nothing else. Just awful. I suppose I will try it then sell it like I did the first, but I can't see any way I will like this. Dream Theater has to great blend of musicians, melody, feel and heaviness when needed. SoA has just musicians and heaviness.

I am not a Portnoy hater, another DT quality band would have been awesome. But this isn't it.

[Max Kuehnau]

If that was Portnoy's vision for Dream Theater then good riddance. Just my taste, of course, but no strong melody, notes for the sake of notes, all riff nothing else. Just awful. I suppose I will try it then sell it like I did the first, but I can't see any way I will like this. Dream Theater has to great blend of musicians, melody, feel and heaviness when needed. SoA has just musicians and heaviness.

I am not a Portnoy hater, another DT quality band would have been awesome. But this isn't it.

from what I read, he sees it as exactly that though. (then again, I may be wrong of course)

[bosk1]

I get that you don't like it.  But I don't understand comments like this at all:

...but no strong melody, notes for the sake of notes, all riff nothing else.

It's like we aren't even listening to the same music.

[Max Kuehnau]

I get that you don't like it.  But I don't understand comments like this at all:

...but no strong melody, notes for the sake of notes, all riff nothing else.

It's like we aren't even listening to the same music.

"notes for notes`sake" - there are other bands for that I think.

[The Walrus]

Forget melody, just chuggabro and tune down. "DOWN, LOWER, BELOW, AT THE BOTTOM, WHERE THE TRAIN OBSERVES YOU"

[Kyo]

an instrumental section lifted out of In the Name of God.

I thought the same and the feel is kinda similar. But the tricky run in that particular section is actually taken from Derek's "The Sons of Anu" off "Black Utopia". 

[Max Kuehnau]

an instrumental section lifted out of In the Name of God.

I thought the same and the feel is kinda similar. But the tricky run in that particular section is actually taken from Derek's "The Sons of Anu" off "Black Utopia". 

probably yes (I listened to that album once and I can't remember anything from it), which makes me think Derek's (and MP's for that matter) playing seems to be somewhat predictable. I'd agree with bosk as well (by saying that MP is not a "benefit of doubt" person for me anymore either), and MP being predictable also led me to not attending DT shows from 2005- 2014. Anyway, carry on. Don't mind me.  That being said, I may give it a listen upon release, seeing as I want to be somewhat fair. (although I may not like the album) There may be some good stuff on there, who knows. And they've done a good job if people love it (not necessarily me or not every current or former DT fan, but if anyone here loves the piece, go ahead, I don't want to suppress your enjoyment. Sorry if I did.)

[MinistroRaven]

 


---

This is better than first album for sure.
Currently favorites: Desolate July and King of Delusion.

Instrumental and Acappella tracks are a great addition too.

[Max Kuehnau]

---

This is better than forst album for sure.
Currently favorites: Desolate July and King of Delusion.

Intrumental and Acappela tracks are a great addition too.

can you elaborate why, in case you're allowed to? (I'm actually interested, even if it doesn't seem like it)

[devieira73]

---

This is better than forst album for sure.
Currently favorites: Desolate July and King of Delusion.

Intrumental and Acappela tracks are a great addition too.

Cool, I would bet that for the two new songs! How about the piano/drums duet on King of Delusion? The instrumental versions are without solos? Thanks!

[New World Rushman]

I liked the song, the middle section was really good and reminiscent of Dance of Eternity.

There were a couple spots where I was waiting for the Gnip-Gnop...

Gold star for spelling it correctly.

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/summary/thing/5232/page/3

It's Ping-Pong spelled backwards, I had the game when I was a kid (yeah, I'm that old).

 

[bosk1]

I had the game when I was a kid (yeah, I'm that old).

Me too.  That's how I knew exactly what they were talking about when they described the section that way, as it appears you did as well. 

[MinistroRaven]

---

This is better than forst album for sure.
Currently favorites: Desolate July and King of Delusion.

Intrumental and Acappela tracks are a great addition too.

Cool, I would bet that for the two new songs!

1. How about the piano/drums duet on King of Delusion?

2. The instrumental versions are without solos? Thanks!

1. Fantastic

2. Include solos everything except, of course, vocals.

[gmillerdrake]

Honest question....

If MP wasn't involved in this band, how much attention/leeway would any of us be giving it?

I can honestly say I wouldn't care one bit. Prior to SOA I hadn't intentionally heard one note from Bumblefoot or JSS. Knew Derek from DT but that was it and only knew the old Bass player from TWD's.....that other band I'd never have given a chance were it not an MP band.


Listened to the new track.....and much like the first release it has some cool moments but I had tuned the song out by the time it ended. Just doesn't grab me or do anything for me. I'll likely listen to the album because it's included in my Apple Music subscription but that'll be it.

[Max Kuehnau]

I laughed quite a bit when I first read the tracklisting and I found King Of Delusion there, because I remembered bosk (I think) posting something here along the lines of "Well, kings gotta king" (referencing Derek in some way I can't remember now) . Every bit as funny now as it was then. Thanks for that one bosk.

[bosk1]

  I wouldn't have made that connection, but...    Yeah...

Honest question....

If MP wasn't involved in this band, how much attention/leeway would any of us be giving it?

I can honestly say I wouldn't care one bit. Prior to SOA I hadn't intentionally heard one note from Bumblefoot or JSS. Knew Derek from DT but that was it and only knew the old Bass player from TWD's.....that other band I'd never have given a chance were it not an MP band.

Yeah, interesting that you mention that in light of Adami's question.  I first tuned in to TWDs because of MP, and otherwise wouldn't have.  And after two albums, I can affirmatively say, no interested.