Reviewing their first album Hybrid Child, there was a question I wanted to ask, but never did. How did vocalist Leslie Hunt go from an American Idol finalist and cutting an album of basically pop rock to singing in a prog rock band? The inquiry is rather moot at this point since Hunt had a rather impressive performance on D97's first effort, and does again on their second release, Trouble With Machines. I would imagine she might find the prog context a greater challenge to her abilities.
Fundamentally, Hunts vocals work well with the melodies and complexities of District 97's progressive rock. They effortlessly compliment each other, which is quite striking. Back and Forth and The Perfect Young Man (featuring Asia's John Wetton) are perfect examples of this smart union.
The theme that lends its name to the whole CD is a hard rock apotheosis of colors that leaves breathless. From the beginning the song with us about strength, reaching into our souls through a voice strong and addictive, with its particular way of singing, scratching each letter with passion, raw and pure as it should always be in a rock theme, without compromise . Well the game's guitar on the central Toss to heavy shades, a full issue on each element and is the intro to an album that we hope to remain at these levels.
01. Dark Element - 4:21
02. Experience - 4:45
03. Betrayal - 9:27
04. Run Away - 6:44
05. You Need to Know Yourself - 6:13
06. Welcome in My Mind - 4:44
07. Deadline - 9:18
08. The Soulmate - 4:52
09. Experience - 6:36
10. Dark Element - 5:46
11. Betrayal - 3:38
What a pleasant surprise! DESTINATION'S CALLING of the boys are back and set with "End Of Time", the successor to the 2008 long-iron "Invisible Walls" before. And four years ago I was able to express in terms of strong material, the band is an absolute recommendation - fortunately, things have not changed in the last four years, nothing!
On the contrary, because the Germans present themselves on their second album with even better sound, even ausgereifterem song material and with a better overall impression still around. And well, you scratch it quite clear at the upper limit of the scale of points! Because regardless of whether the (still) to VANISHING POINT reminding "Soul Bound", which is oriental atmosphere meandering "Revolution in Mind," the groovy title track "End Of Time" and the stomping "Burning Paradise" - always deliver DESTINATION'S CALLING elegant melodies , coupled with a good amount of pressure and catchy hooks that always performs at its best.
With "The Broken Hourglass" and the accompanying "Dreams Died On The Road" has to finally have a really finely balanced ballad at the start, a little of the ballad exploits "Always Will Be" and "Dreams Come True" by HAMMERFALL recalls. "Another Day" suggests a similar score, but it evokes reminiscences of the ballads work of Primal Fear, and the rest of the song material, the high level across the board always maintained.
Jul 18, 2012 15:36
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One can say that there are no surprises left for us in music. We seem to have heard everything and everyone in all possible combinations and styles. Modern music lovers are very well-versed and it’s not an easy thing to surprise them. We live in the age where no pure genres are allowed though the mastery of performance is valued more than ever, people tend to mix and blend everything, change styles, try to collect the most distinctive features of each and make something original and truly eclectic. We know many bands combining heavy-metal with electronic and synthetic sounding, experimenting with folk instruments and very often a band sticks to the one chosen. So TRI STATE CORNER displays the similar situation: a bouzouki, which sounds much like an acoustic guitar in the Spanish style defines the approach of the band and becomes “the feature”. But it does sound original and sophisticated and I wonder why no one played like that before.
One of the most talented musicians in the last fourteen years, GINO VANNELLI is nothing short of a genius.
He has played with the greats and cemented an impressive solo career covering many styles, all with class and finesse. Most of his work has given Vannelli a place in the hearts of all Westcoast / AOR / AC fans.
On this “Still Hurts To Be In Love” Gino has re-recorded 13 songs from his long career. You get stuff all the way from his early days in the mid-'70s and onwards.
This is an excellent re-arrangement of his favorite songs; Gino doing what he does best. I truly enjoy many of Mr. V's later work, but here is something about the songs of his youth; the passion of his youth.
He's returned to these compositions with a new respect and the wisdom of a man who has honed the instrument of his voice. Props to his talented musicians and back-up artists, but as always Gino and his vocal passion are the star of the show.
The Seville group Anima Baroque brings out his first album. Will direct download for free. This is a Rock Opera based their theme in Greek mythology, a culture that left deep roots in the Mediterranean area. The story about the journey to the underworld of Argos, a mercenary Tartessos, in order to rescue Persephone from the underworld. It is an adaptation of the "myth of the seasons." All the songs are performed so that their meaning is dual, ie they are part of the story to tell but they are also a reflection of social or everyday realities. Thus, songs like "Mortal" talk about the sadness of Demeter, and also a tragedy so great and so felt by all people of Seville as the kidnapping and murder of Marta del Castillo.
Child prodigy develops into as serious guitar wizard could be the headline for Johan Randen's very young career. At age 12, he played guitar with Sweden's eclectic prog trio Freak Kitchen. At age 14 he cut his first album, at 17 a second. Along the journey Randen performed with the likes of Bronk (Staffan Astner, Per Lindvall, Sven Lindvall), Janne Schaffer, Simon Andersson (Pain Of Salvation), Andreas Brobjer (Lady Gaga), Jonas Reingold (Flower Kings, Karmakanic) and many more. Cripes! Did this kid ever take time to watch Power Rangers?
Even the most cursory listen to his third album Summary reveals Randen's skill and genius. He's not only an exceptional guitar player, echoing everybody from Steve Vai to Jeff Beck to Steve Morse, but also an excellent composer. Every song displays his skills in an attractive arrangement, offering a complete experience.
Jul 16, 2012 12:55
All Exclusive Heavy Metal |Power Metal
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2012, The sound of these five maniacs is typical for old German Heavy/Speed Metal-bands, like e. g. Steeler (STEELER and RULIN' THE EARTH), old Stormwitch, Fact or Atlain. The guitar-sound is typically raw for that time. They all were simply-structured, but effective (the songs of the METAL OR WHAT???-demo for all senses!). But they never get boring or stupid! The vocals of their singer Thomas Bennecke sometimes sound a bit weird but never disharmonic, so this unique style is what true fans of that kind of music want to hear, because bands like Reaper still keep the underrated Metal-movement of the past alive. All the music was remastered by Sasch Menschl without losing the spirit of the old recordings.
OUT OF AN ANCIENT WORLD is the debut album from Riversea, the band is the nucleus of Marc Atkinson (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Brendan Eyre (piano/synths), however Marc & Brendan are joined on the album by Alex Cromarty (The Heather Findlay Band) on drums,with guitar duties spread between Bryan Josh, Liam Davison (Mostly Autumn), Paul Cusick, Adrian Jones (Nine Stones Close), Mark Rowen (ex Breathing Space), Adam Dawson (Stolen Earth), and Ashley Mulford (Sad Cafe,Mandalaband). Bass duties are performed by Dave Clements, and backing vocals provided by Olivia Sparnenn (Mostly Autumn), Janine Atkinson Benn and Louise Dawson, last but not least,Tony Patterson (Regenesis/So Gabriel) adds flute. Cover art and artworks by Ed Unitsky
Among tons of bands having the ‘sacred’ word in their name, Germany’s SACREDGATE release their first full-length after 2011’s“Creators Of The Downfall” EP. They are a quintet by now and their deal with Italian Metal On Metal label gives them the chance to have their name and work heard in a wider audience.
The album itself is in the vein of lots of this label’s releases. We’re talking about a Heavy/Power Metal album with enough references to the glorious 80s and a spirit of revival of the epic/powerful years of US and European Metal that ruled the world two decades ago. Galloping rhythms, twin leads and a nice sense of melody are the basic ingredients in this album with only the singer being the weak link when he tries to reach ultra high notes, else he fits like a glove to the songs’ needs.
Jul 15, 2012 18:50
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Braveride was founded by Marios Christakis (guitars and orchestration) in 2004 inspired by the early works of Manowar, Warlord and Bathory. This Greek band is a combination of Rhapsody of Fire, but then slower and a lot of folk metal.
They also create a sound that sounds a little old fashioned. Indeed Warlord and Manowar influences can be heard in their music. Flute tunes, big orchestral parts in mid-tempo songs is what they serve. In the second track I even hear similarities with the folk parts of Heidevolk. The keyboards are done by Karlos Vigato (Philharmonic orchestra of Veroaia) and female guest vocals are by Gaby Koss (ex-Haggard).
