Oh there is a touch of the over-wrought theatrics of Dream Theater, thankfully in songs that do not last over ten minutes. There is no hiding their chops on here, it's show it off all the time as much as possible. Production wise this rivals the Opeths, Nightwishes, and Therions of the world with a distinctive American feel. No effeminate high-pitched male vocals here even when backed by chanting from a chorus.
There is no messing about with this lot. You will either hate it with an absolute visceral passion or love it to bits. Every listen serves up something new, the tracks growing with each listen. This is heavy metal at its most pomp and pretentious. And no I do not mean that as a bad thing at all.
The copy I have includes a 5.1 mix of the entire album for those with surround sound systems plus a couple of videos for good measure.
Uli Jon Roth: Under a Dark Sky
Former Scorpion member and brother of current member, Roth has carved himself quite a good career as a “high-end” classically influenced guitarist. Someone who manages to do similar things to Yngwie Mamlsteen’s virtuoso output while never coming across as arrogant or pretentious. Roth is pushing it with this one.
A classically influenced concept album is not something that should be attempted by many without coming across as foolish. UJR on the other hand, bolstered by supporting his old band on a series of dates, has yet again proven that he can manage anything he puts his mind to.
There is strong Rainbow influence that wafts over the rockier parts. This influence is highly helped along by the addition of singer, Mark Boals, who sounds a dead ringer for Joe Lynn Turner and has used his pipes on behalf of the aforementioned Malmsteen. Just check out the interplay on “Land of Dawn”.
This is a symphony, but doesn’t scream that it's one. There is the right level of confidence without the preciousness or pomposity that can be found so often on this sort of recordings. And enjoyable way to pass the time and listen to some great musicianship.
Weapons of Musical Defense: Imagine Jihad Part 1
Take a equal dash of Pink Floyd, Queen, and symphonic metal then garnish it with a message to get something close to what we have on here. A bunch of concerned musicians, have pooled there talents to release this concept album. The gist as you might have gathered from the title is the theme of Islamist Jihad.
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