Gazinwales Top 50 Albums - v. #26 bitter metallic side...

[gazinwales]

33.
Ark
Ark
Progressive Metal

Avalon (Japan) Records 1999

1   Burning Down   5:26
2   Where The Winds Blow   5:06
3   The Hunchback Of Notre Dame   8:53
4   Singers At The World's Dawn   6:56
5   Mother Love   8:43
6   Center Avenue   5:54
7   Can't Let Go   9:44

Band line up

Drums, Percussion – John Macaluso
Guitar – Tore Østby
Keyboards – Trond Nagell Dahl
Vocals – Jørn Lande

Ark came along and blew me away with just about everything on this record. While the band only made two album's, this one along with the much more revered 'Burn The Sun'.

The voice of Jorn Lande, this was the first time I had heard him and I swear that I though it was David Coverdale singing these songs on more than a few occasion here.
The thing that gets mentioned a lot about this album is the sound, yes it is a little unusual or for better word, 'quirky'

It's that voice that to this day still hits me hard, Jorn does all the vocals on this record, including some that could be conceived as female (backing vocals).
But as we well know that it doesn't matter how good the voice is, if the material is up not to standard (Jorn solo career is a shining example of this) then everything else almost becomes irrelevant.

Ark while being labelled as progressive metal, really is prog in every way you look at it. JM drums in some ways could be perceived almost as a lead instrument, while the guitars of Tore
are varied and as individual as you'd expect from such a talented and varied player.

That said there are some strange songs here that I know will not appeal to everyone, but that's all part of the prog charm right?

[MoraWintersoul]

I
l o v e
this album

[wolfking]

I didn't give this one as much attention as it deserved.  Burn the Sun was always the better of the two.  I'll revisit this one also.  I have this one on cd too.

[Stadler]

I've never heard this before, but I might check this out.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

This is an unexpected surprise for your top 50! I love Ark!

[TAC]

I haven't listened to this in ages.

[T-ski]

I have Burn the Sun but haven’t listened to it in ages. I have not heard this one.

[wolfking]

I have Burn the Sun but haven’t listened to it in ages. I have not heard this one.

It's nothing like Burn the Sun.

[gazinwales]

32.
Richie Sambora
Stranger In This Town
Hard Rock

Mercury Records 1991

1   Rest In Peace   3:47
2   Church Of Desire   6:08
3   Stranger In This Town   6:15
4   Ballad Of Youth   3:52
5   One Light Burning 5:48
6   Mr. Bluesman 5:14
7   Rosie   4:49
8   River Of Love   5:06
9   Father Time   6:05
10   The Answer   5:07
 

Band line up

Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Lead Vocals – Richie Sambora
Bass Guitar, Chapman Stick [Stick] – Tony Levin
Drums, Percussion – Tico Torres
Keyboards - Various

When I first heard Richie sing at a Bon Jovi concert in 1986, I had no idea how strong his voice was, when his debut 'solo' album came out in 1991 he totally blew me away.
His talent in BJ was obvious, but just how good he was at (what I consider) his peak during this period was almost off the charts.

But this does not matter at all if the songs aren't so good (as his future albums would lean to) here he really delivers with strong songs, killer vocals and some pretty tasty, restrained
and very melodic guitars. He even gets Eric Clapton to play on the glorious 'Mr.Bluesman'.

But what this album has most is soul, Richie sings and plays his heart out, with only a couple of relatively 'commercial BJ type songs ('Ballad Of Youth' and 'Rosie') that I am sure the record label must have demanded at the time.

Highlights? Well too many the blissful 'Church Of Desire', an absolutely gut wrenching soulful vocal on 'One Light Burning' and almost the entire album, with perhaps just a couple of less than magical songs towards the end of the album.

For me this is the best thing RS has even released, that includes anything with Bon Jovi!
Surprisingly this has never been re-issued outside of Japan, I would have thought the label would want to cash in on various anniversary releases.
Of the 5 Japanese re-issues a new one came out December 2020 for a very cheap price that includes a killer cover of 'The Wind Cries Mary'.

One Light Burning https://youtu.be/WMJM7em_duk
Stranger In This Town https://youtu.be/M7w0U1kTFV0
Ballad Of Youth https://youtu.be/gv8ZaD_oFpE
Stranger In This Town/We All Sleep Alone https://youtu.be/0JpVlzVHeV0
Legendary Live Show 1992 (FM Quality Audio Only) https://youtu.be/t9pGou_EigM

[Kwyjibo]

Haven't listened to this in a long time, but that one is a really strong record imo. And, maybe surprisingly, the slow songs work al lot better thatn the fast, rocking ones.

I wouldn't go as far and say it's better than all of Bon Jovi's records but it's certainly better than a lot of them.

Richie's second one (Undiscovered Soul) is also good imo, but since then I've heard nothing interesting from him or Bon Jovi.

[jingle.boy]

For some reason, I never knew he released solo material.  I'll be checking this out later today.

[Lowdz]

I have Burn the Sun but haven’t listened to it in ages. I have not heard this one.

It's nothing like Burn the Sun.

I've never hear this one but I just didn't get into Burn The Sun at all. Overrated for me.

And the Richie Sambora album is excellent. A couple of tracks drag it down, but so much great stuff on their, and he's got a very good bluesy voice.

[gazinwales]

31.
Sonata Arctica
Ecliptica
Power Metal

Spinefarm Records 1999

1   Blank File   4:05
2   My Land   4:37
3   8th Commandment   3:41
4   Replica   4:55
5   Kingdom For A Heart   3:51
6   FullMoon   5:08
7   Letter To Dana  6:00
8   UnOpened   3:43
9   Picturing The Past   3:36
10   Destruction Preventer   7:39

Band line up

Bass – Janne Kivilahti
Drums – Tommy Portimo
Guitar – Jani Liimatainen
Vocals, Keyboards – Tony Kakko

This is yet another album that brings back so many great memories of that time, the band before they had a record label had one of the best demo's I've ever heard 'FullMoon' that
contained four songs. Those songs were re-recorded and slightly re-arranged (to their detriment IMO) and would appear on this, Sonata Arctica's debut album.

What makes this album stand out above other Sonata albums that might have better songs and musicianship, is the energy the freshness and overall excitement of a new band hitting the scene head on with a smashing debut record. Sure they are and were strong comparisons to the mighty Stratovarius, but those are easily ignore once you hit play.

This debut album has many flaws, which I won't go into, but the positives far outweigh anything remotely negative about this. Sure the band are raw, the singers accent, the cheesy lyrics, the drumming isn't the best and the band's image, well lets just say they were described but some in their homeland media as looking like 'Finnish ice hockey players'.

I can't praise just one song in particular, they are all good. This is my go-to Sonata album when I need a kick or a burst of energy. Every songs here kills, there is just such an amazing energy here that is only found on this Sonata album. Perhaps the back end of the album is my favourite when the band are just on fire with a trio blistering foot tapping headbanging power metal delights.

The band foolishly re-recorded this album in 2014, I will not have a bar of it, totally unnecessary and I will not even give it the time of day.

My love affair with this band ended 10 or so years ago, their recent output is absolute tripe compared to this and the brilliance of their first four albums.
When Jani Liimatainen left the band, he was the heart and soul and they were never the dame without him.

Destruction Preventer
https://youtu.be/HUfOJK6weSs

[wolfking]

This is a brilliant power metal album and for a debut, it's incredible.  My Land, Replica, Full Moon, so many awesome power metal tunes.  Great pick.

[jingle.boy]

I should listen to, and like Sonata Arctica more than I do.  I had a couple DTF'rs give me a best of (Evermind and Walrus/Katt).  Nothing is bad, they're just another band that I didn't get in to soon enough, and now it would be a daunting task to go back and run thru their entire discography.

First track is starting off very nice though.

[twosuitsluke]

This is far and away my favourite Sonata Arctica album! I'd hardly consider myself a super fan as until the last few years I only listened to the first four albums!

Ecliptica is so good. As you mentioned, the energy on this album really sets it apart. Man, I need to go listen, it's been a few years!

[jingle.boy]

Very enjoyable listen.  I was somewhat multi-tasking while doing so.  Nothing stood out immensely (good or bad), but this was some good shit.

[TAC]

I'll try and give this a spin.

[jingle.boy]

I'll try and give this a spin.

Not enough growls for you.

[wolfking]

I'll try and give this a spin.

Not enough growls for you.

It gets my seal of approval.

[Evermind]

I have the re-recorded 2014 copy and man does it blow chunks Tony didn't even bother with the dual melodies/harmonies. It's such a travesty, honestly, it feels like it all was recorded in one take.

The original album still kicks ass, though. Great pick.

[twosuitsluke]

According to my Last.fm, I last listened to Ecliptica nearly a year ago. Gave it a good spin this afternoon and decided to rank the songs. This is what I got:

Blank File
8th Commandment

Replica
Kingdom for a Heart
My Land
Respect the Wilderness
Destruction Preventer
Fullmoon

Piercing the Past
Unopened
Letter to Dana

Top tier are amazing,  second tier are really damn good and third tier are just fine.

I think for me this is a really front loaded album, where the majority of my favourites are in the first half. Still a great, great album.

[TAC]

I'll try and give this a spin.

Not enough growls for you.

No, I’ve just never had an interest in Sonata Arctica.

Years ago I bought the live album with the wolf on it and it’s  ok.

Then I got Unia. Nuff said.

[Evermind]

According to my Last.fm, I last listened to Ecliptica nearly a year ago. Gave it a good spin this afternoon and decided to rank the songs. This is what I got:

Blank File
8th Commandment

Replica
Kingdom for a Heart
My Land
Respect the Wilderness
Destruction Preventer
Fullmoon

Piercing the Past
Unopened
Letter to Dana

Top tier are amazing,  second tier are really damn good and third tier are just fine.

I think for me this is a really front loaded album, where the majority of my favourites are in the first half. Still a great, great album.

I don't think Respect the Wilderness is on this album though, it's on Silence I think.

Also love Piercing the Past, I also really like Kingdom for a Hut and Bland File.

[Evermind]

I'll try and give this a spin.

Not enough growls for you.

No, I’ve just never had an interest in Sonata Arctica.

Years ago I bought the live album with the wolf on it and it’s  ok.

Then I got Unia. Nuff said.

Tim, I hated Unia for seven years. I thought it was utter shit. The band was so good up until Unia and then this. I couldn't comprehend it.

I think Unia is one of their strongest albums now.

[twosuitsluke]

According to my Last.fm, I last listened to Ecliptica nearly a year ago. Gave it a good spin this afternoon and decided to rank the songs. This is what I got:

Blank File
8th Commandment

Replica
Kingdom for a Heart
My Land
Respect the Wilderness
Destruction Preventer
Fullmoon

Piercing the Past
Unopened
Letter to Dana

Top tier are amazing,  second tier are really damn good and third tier are just fine.

I think for me this is a really front loaded album, where the majority of my favourites are in the first half. Still a great, great album.

I don't think Respect the Wilderness is on this album though, it's on Silence I think.

Also love Piercing the Past, I also really like Kingdom for a Hut and Bland File.

 

Bland File is my fave. But yea, I guess that was my brain auto correcting badly? You are indeed right about Respect the Wilderness. Somehow, over the years it has been put onto Ecliptica on my ipod, instead of Silence. Weird.

My statement about Ecliptica being front loaded is even more valid then!

[gazinwales]

According to my Last.fm, I last listened to Ecliptica nearly a year ago. Gave it a good spin this afternoon and decided to rank the songs. This is what I got:

Blank File
8th Commandment

Replica
Kingdom for a Heart
My Land
Respect the Wilderness
Destruction Preventer
Fullmoon

Piercing the Past
Unopened
Letter to Dana

Top tier are amazing,  second tier are really damn good and third tier are just fine.

I think for me this is a really front loaded album, where the majority of my favourites are in the first half. Still a great, great album.

I don't think Respect the Wilderness is on this album though, it's on Silence I think.

Also love Piercing the Past, I also really like Kingdom for a Hut and Bland File.

Respect is the Japan bonus track on Silence.
Auto correct is a bitch eh?

[gazinwales]

I have the re-recorded 2014 copy and man does it blow chunks Tony didn't even bother with the dual melodies/harmonies. It's such a travesty, honestly, it feels like it all was recorded in one take.

The original album still kicks ass, though. Great pick.

I'd never actually heard it until I was finishing up my post and I though I'd give it a shot, I lasted less than 30 seconds.

[wolfking]

Unia is my fav SA album.  Well it was.  I haven't listened to them in a wile so that might change on a revisit

[gazinwales]

30.
Katatonia
Viva Emptiness
Depressive Rock

Peaceville Records 2003

1   Ghost Of The Sun 4:07
2   Sleeper   4:08
3   Criminals   3:47
4   A Premonition 3:33
5   Will I Arrive   4:09
6   Burn The Remembrance   5:22
7   Wealth   4:22
8   One Year From Now 4:02
9   Walking By A Wire   3:32
10   Complicity   4:01
11   Evidence   4:36
12   Omerta   2:58
13   Inside The City Of Glass 4:08


Band line up

Bass – Mattias Norrman
Drums, Percussion – Daniel Liljekvist
Guitar – Fred Norrman
Guitar, Keyboards – Anders Nyström
Vocals, Guitar – Jonas Renkse

My introduction to Katatonia was via 'Tonight's Decision' album from 1999, I wasn't that impressed nor was I with it's follow up 'Last Fair Deal Gone Down'.
Perhaps the style and sound was new to me and it wasn't until this release, originally issued in 2003 that the band finally clicked with me.

I think it was the overall sound of this record, it has a certain rawness, a dark and sinister tone that the previous two releases might have had, but were not as present.
Whatever it was this album has a great flow, the songs all have a great synch about them, the heaviness, the sometimes bleak ambience and the more melodic parts all seems gel together extremely well.

So how do you describe Katatonia, are they metal, rock, goth, alternative, doom or even indie? Maybe a mix of all of those, but above else once they established there style and sound, they manage to sound like no one else.

Of course it was tough to pick just one Katatonia album, but if your new to the band, then this release is a pretty good starting point.

This was re-released in 2013, ten years on from the original issue, but it has a new mix, some newly recorded parts and an extra song.
Which version do I prefer? I'd pick both of them depending on my mood, they are only slightly different in truth, but the subtleties are quite present.

BTW the artwork courtesy of Travis Smith is stunning as you would expect from him!

[wolfking]

I'm a casual fan of Katatonia.  Night is the New Day is by far my fav, but this one is pretty good.  I'd have to revisit but some strong stuff on here.

[The Realm]

Love Katatonia and love this album. Good choice.

[gazinwales]

I'm a casual fan of Katatonia.  Night is the New Day is by far my fav, but this one is pretty good.  I'd have to revisit but some strong stuff on here.

NITND came pretty close to making the list, it's very strong all round, but Viva is my go-to album for Katatonia, but then again so many others are great albums too.

[Kwyjibo]

Great choice. 
This record and The Great Cold Distance, which I think is even better, are my go to Katatonia records. The rest of their discography is good but nothing grabs me like this one.

[gazinwales]

For whatever unknown reason, TGCD has never fully clicked for me, while I like it, I never would put it anywhere near my top 5 Katatonia records.