A good collection of new music this week, including a couple of singles and a rather cool animated film for good measure. Granted, some of it involved abject frustration but in this case it's a good thing.
CD Singles
Crowning Glory: "Dead Man's Paradise"
Very Maiden-esque power metal that is both influenced and compelling at the same time. This is not your Maiden clone; but all the elements are there. Whether it be the wonderful solo in the middle or the soaring vocals, it's good stuff that will have you head-banging with the best of 'em.
The track is taken for their excellent and widely acclaimed EP Path to Glory, something all metal heads should seek out soon. Think Maiden tinged with a taste of Dio and some new wave of thrash. "Dead Man's Paradise" is just a wonderful slab of heavy metal glory.
NFD: "When the Sun Dies"
Those miserable goths of NFD are back with a single that perfectly fits the great days of winter. This is lead track of the new album Deeper Visions and will no doubt have the goth heads filling the dance floor at their local club. And, of course, the single has an extreme mix (over 8 minutes) of the track that is even more darkwave and danceable. Having seen them live and enjoyed their last album, this single is great sign of what is to come. And everyone needs a bit of goth in their lives don't they?
CD Reviews
Bushwhack: s/t
Proggy metallic metal that is both catchy and clever. It is no shock then that this lot are in some of the U.S. top universities and this is their side line. Think a good combo of Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and a dash of Rush; you would be almost there. The additional neat thing about them is that there are no vocals on this track. It's an instrumental that is so good you never even miss 'em. And you all know how rare that is. These guys have the guts and maybe a touch of arrogance to believe they can get away with it; and they do in spades.
Article comments
1 - Marty Dodge
Crowning Glory have a tinge of Diamond Head about them as well. I just noticed that as I listened to them during my chemo today.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I am really digging the Bushwhack disk! Good stuff!
I got Maiden's Live After Death but have not yet watched it.
I also have tickets to the Maiden stop in Jersey on 3/14!!
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sorry to be a spoiler again...
I just can't believe how many people throw that term "Progressive" around about stuff that sounds so mediocre. I don't believe too many people on BC remember just how much DT did with I&W. I mean that album was so pioneering! No one had ever done stuff like that in the metal genre.
Bushwack is very generic & just because they throw in some keyboards doesn't make them progressive!!
I suggest:
Three - The End is Begun
Sieges Even - Paramount
Thought Chamber - Angular Perceptions (Very Reminiscent of DT)
Arcturus - Sideshow Symphonies (Unfortunately, it was their last album)
(And if you haven't heard it yet)
Spiral Architect - A Sceptic's Universe
Cynic - Focus
4 - Chris Beaumont
Haven't heard that Arcturua album, though I have liked what little I've heard from them.
I have that Spiral Architect album, I can't say it ever did a lot for me. Some cool stuff for sure, but it never truly grabbed me.
I really like the Bushwhack disk, regardless of your lower estimation ( :) ). They are only teens and have a long way to go before they reach their potential peak.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sure, Chris... I can understand that you may not be hooked on Spiral Architect but they are a benchmark for the Progressive Metal scene. A Skeptic's Universe was (& is) an amazing,timeless piece of work that is the essence of what Progressive Metal is all about.
If the writers on this board are going to use the term "Progressive" to catagorize a band's release then they should be very familiar with that genre.
Spiral Architect's CD is not only a "must have" but a "much Listened to" part of your collection.
Other crucial CDs to own
Watchtower - Control & Resistance
Cynic - Focus
Atheist - Unquestionable Presence & Elements
Dream Theater - I&W & Metropolis Pt.2:Scenes...
Opeth - Still Life & Blackwater Park
Fates Warning - Perfect Symmetry
Spastic Ink - Ink Compatible
Michael Manring - Thonk
Ironchrist -Getting the most out of your extinction (Though they were considered "cross-over", their music incorporated ideas at the time that weren't popular)