I think will be a superfluous to reminder of who these serious guys from the north of Japan. However, previous full-length album did not make a very clear impression on me. Although it would seem that professionals of this level do everything and are always great. But recently guys released new album. And now I will tell you what's interesting here.
My Rating: 85/100 Best Song: Asian Chaos
First you need to clarify that the versions for different markets are different. I listened to "World Edition" from German label Out of Line, which was released on July 12, and now I am writing a review on it.
The first thing that can be said about this album is that it turned out to be quite racy. Composer had a task to make an oriental sound - and it turned out excellent. Composer's work is incredibly difficult. It's noticeable that the composer performed an impressive amount of work. Although, it would seem, here not all the material is new. Nevertheless, it should be noted that a lot of work and ideas were invested in the composition. Although I don’t like the whole album. First thing I don’t like about the composer’s work is contrast between 2 (11) and the rest tracks, which is strongly felt. Because of this, it seems that the bulk of attention was directed to 2 (11) track. I also don't quite understand what this instrumental for track 4 is for and what it is for. Otherwise, composer's work is excellent. Even a cover at the end of album does not look superfluous.
Now, about vocalist. Extreme techniques sound cool. Although it is noticeable that this is not the best side of the leader. Also worth mentioning is the presence of other participants. This is Mark Hudson (Dragonforce) in track 8 and some female voice, performing several lines in Russian in track 2 (11) (not included in line-up).
Instrumental parts sound great. Good sound at high speed is a separate topic, as high speed effectively hides some flaws. However, there is a high skill level. First thing that causes these feelings is guitar. More precisely, guitars - two guitarists can be felt. The rest is not possible to describe, since the level of skill is too high for my knowledge. I can only say that guitar parts are good both in terms of technic and in terms of emotions. Bassist is also good, though not everywhere. Bassist has several interesting segments, for example, in main riff (6 track), but the rest is not worth attention. However, another part of rhythm section - drums - sounds much better. Here is a very high speed and very high intensity. Drum patterns are hardly interesting, however, it can be said that the drummer did a good job. There are also additional instruments. In track 2 (11) there are a lot of traditional Japanese instruments. Also, track 4 consists entirely of a piano and flute. But in the rest of the tracks, additional instruments are not enough - a synthesizer in track 5, a piano in track 7, as well as a flute and shamisen in track 10.
After the ambiguous album, this guys still released a really decent work. I can say that album will take not the last place among best works of this year. Yes, this album is not ideal everywhere: it's felt that in some segments they sacrificed intellectual value for the sake of production speed. Well, the masters of such a high level don't have to be clear to everyone. The result is an album that is difficult to discuss - such work is better just to listen.
Showing posts with label speed metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speed metal. Show all posts
July 21, 2019
September 29, 2018
Asura - Eternal (Review)
Band Asura is a mixed phenomenon. On the one side, they are difficult to call somehow unambiguously. On the other side - if you listen carefully and analyze composer's work, then it's difficult to find something very interesting.
My Rating: 63/100
However, for 4 years of their existence, they have proven themselves as a good project. And if earlier it was something incomprehensible, then in this release it is metal with atypical inserts. Progress is noticeable and it pleases. And recently a new album was released.
In this album, the overall structure is very heterogeneous and here it's the main feature. In one song, we hear a speed / power metal (2, 8 tracks), in the other - patterns that are typical for nu-metal, but on a standard E tuning (3 tracks), slightly strengthened hard-n-heavy with an industrial synthesizer and drum machine (4, 6 tracks), typical hard-n-heavy (9 track), typical heavy / power (5 track) and even melodic instrumental composition at high speed (7 tracks). And this song is finished with a piano song. This album controls the listener's emotions from beginning to end and this is evidence in favor of good composer's work.
But composer's work is strange. That is, here the work is done well, but there are several incompatible things. The first is a common standard thinking - here within three chords. The second is desire to diversify the sound in general (different patterns), as well as in specific cases (with the help of drum machines and synthesizers). That is, the composer wanted to make the album sound good and popular at the same time. So does not happen. It's a pity that the composer did not understand this.
Vocalist's tasks look more real. There is a lot of different sound on this album and vocalist copes with it perfectly. No quickie - here you can hear only excellent abilities.
Instrumental parts also performed well. But there are a few strange synthesizer inserts and drum machine. If, for example, in 2 and 8 tracks, the synthesizer inserts look quite logical, then why do it in tracks 4 and 6? The number of questions is more than the number of answers. Guitarist also has a lot of different parts. But there is nothing complicated. Also there is nothing difficult in the bassist's parts. And drummer has a standard set of rhythms: standard pop music drumming, standard heavy metal drumming, blast beat, booty camp beat.
This release aims to influence emotions - it turned out perfectly. But apart from influencing emotions, you need something else. Unfortunately, nothing more the composer and sound designer could offer. This greatly spoils the impression of the album. Well, I hope for them it will be just the beginning of something interesting.
My Rating: 63/100
 |
| Source: asuraofficial.info |
In this album, the overall structure is very heterogeneous and here it's the main feature. In one song, we hear a speed / power metal (2, 8 tracks), in the other - patterns that are typical for nu-metal, but on a standard E tuning (3 tracks), slightly strengthened hard-n-heavy with an industrial synthesizer and drum machine (4, 6 tracks), typical hard-n-heavy (9 track), typical heavy / power (5 track) and even melodic instrumental composition at high speed (7 tracks). And this song is finished with a piano song. This album controls the listener's emotions from beginning to end and this is evidence in favor of good composer's work.
But composer's work is strange. That is, here the work is done well, but there are several incompatible things. The first is a common standard thinking - here within three chords. The second is desire to diversify the sound in general (different patterns), as well as in specific cases (with the help of drum machines and synthesizers). That is, the composer wanted to make the album sound good and popular at the same time. So does not happen. It's a pity that the composer did not understand this.
Vocalist's tasks look more real. There is a lot of different sound on this album and vocalist copes with it perfectly. No quickie - here you can hear only excellent abilities.
Instrumental parts also performed well. But there are a few strange synthesizer inserts and drum machine. If, for example, in 2 and 8 tracks, the synthesizer inserts look quite logical, then why do it in tracks 4 and 6? The number of questions is more than the number of answers. Guitarist also has a lot of different parts. But there is nothing complicated. Also there is nothing difficult in the bassist's parts. And drummer has a standard set of rhythms: standard pop music drumming, standard heavy metal drumming, blast beat, booty camp beat.
This release aims to influence emotions - it turned out perfectly. But apart from influencing emotions, you need something else. Unfortunately, nothing more the composer and sound designer could offer. This greatly spoils the impression of the album. Well, I hope for them it will be just the beginning of something interesting.
June 28, 2018
GYZE - Ryuugin / The Rising Dragon (Review)
Band GYZE are so great masters of their craft that they make a large impression with every one of their actions even outside the limits of artistic task.
My Rating: 79/100
Prior to this release, band released only full-length albums. No singles or EP. This tradition did not last long - after third full-length they still produce less work. Third album was also interesting and powerful, but was not completely understood. And now guys, realizing that they can be completely forgotten, are releasing EP. I came to this idea when I looked at tracklist and structure of their arrangement. There are four songs, but two new ones, one is another version of the 2nd track and one is taken from a live.
Here we again hear melodic death metal at high speed. Work as a whole looks very powerful: noticeably large (for EP) the amount of high-quality work. Of course, there is nothing supernatural here. It's noticeable that they did not try to come up with anything new - a lot of composer's work was aimed at the perfect compatibility of elements and that's why everything is quite predictable. However, interesting ideas are also present in this release.
Vocalist is good. He does not get a good performance of classical techniques - it became noticeable even in 2nd albums. But extreme - excellent. Actually, it's hard to discuss, because only listening gives a complete impression. Also in 3rd track there is voice of Marc Hudson (Dragonforce), and he sings in Japanese. European, singing in Japanese - this is hardly anyone you can surprise, if, for example, remember bands such as In A Scar, Connect (both - Spain), Akado (Russia), ect. But idea is still interesting.
Instrumental parts are quite predictable - there are a lot of melodic guitar and an intensive drums. But it looks interesting. About Ryouji it's hard to say something - usually a talent of this level speaks everything on stage. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that guitar parts are excellent. You can also mark solo in 1 track using the whammy bar. You can also notice abundance of various synthesizers, which in an interesting way emphasize the general design. This is a very interesting idea. Rhythm section is, basically, three or four types of blast-beats, a little diluted with a standard heavy metal drumming. That's all.
After listening, I had the impression that there was a task to release anything, if only they were not forgotten after the ambiguous third full-length album. So, the rule of first two releases (first two are done under the power of inspiration, and after that only abilities remain) is applicable even to great masters. But even this was done magnificently. Band once again confirms its high level, albeit with the help of this not an ideal release.
My Rating: 79/100
Prior to this release, band released only full-length albums. No singles or EP. This tradition did not last long - after third full-length they still produce less work. Third album was also interesting and powerful, but was not completely understood. And now guys, realizing that they can be completely forgotten, are releasing EP. I came to this idea when I looked at tracklist and structure of their arrangement. There are four songs, but two new ones, one is another version of the 2nd track and one is taken from a live.
Here we again hear melodic death metal at high speed. Work as a whole looks very powerful: noticeably large (for EP) the amount of high-quality work. Of course, there is nothing supernatural here. It's noticeable that they did not try to come up with anything new - a lot of composer's work was aimed at the perfect compatibility of elements and that's why everything is quite predictable. However, interesting ideas are also present in this release.
Vocalist is good. He does not get a good performance of classical techniques - it became noticeable even in 2nd albums. But extreme - excellent. Actually, it's hard to discuss, because only listening gives a complete impression. Also in 3rd track there is voice of Marc Hudson (Dragonforce), and he sings in Japanese. European, singing in Japanese - this is hardly anyone you can surprise, if, for example, remember bands such as In A Scar, Connect (both - Spain), Akado (Russia), ect. But idea is still interesting.
Instrumental parts are quite predictable - there are a lot of melodic guitar and an intensive drums. But it looks interesting. About Ryouji it's hard to say something - usually a talent of this level speaks everything on stage. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that guitar parts are excellent. You can also mark solo in 1 track using the whammy bar. You can also notice abundance of various synthesizers, which in an interesting way emphasize the general design. This is a very interesting idea. Rhythm section is, basically, three or four types of blast-beats, a little diluted with a standard heavy metal drumming. That's all.
After listening, I had the impression that there was a task to release anything, if only they were not forgotten after the ambiguous third full-length album. So, the rule of first two releases (first two are done under the power of inspiration, and after that only abilities remain) is applicable even to great masters. But even this was done magnificently. Band once again confirms its high level, albeit with the help of this not an ideal release.
November 17, 2017
Phantom Excaliver - Maboroshi no seiken (Review)
I know many bands that use emotions to hide flaws. Someone does it good. Someone does it bad. Nevertheless, some category of people can't be deceived.
My Rating: 65/100
It's difficult to describe Eastern band with help of Western standards. Initially, in the West, this band was described as: "Melodic Hardcore with Power Metal Influence", although guys only slightly strengthened melodic death metal. And really, my acquaintance with this band was very speedy and showy.
But now it's noticeable that composer took a more serious approach to his work. Now this band has a greater variety of methods for solving an artistic tasks. Now this is not an ordinary grinding at more than 200 bpm with screams of "something sublime." Nevertheless, composer's work remains at low level: fast-maded solutions still occupy most of this work.
We hear an interesting structure of vocal parts. Besides screaming on verse and clean on chorus, you can also hear narrative. Yes, this is not everywhere, but digression from standard pattern is always a good solution. I also feel a very strong vocalist. The only negative point here is strange sound of high notes.
Guitarist also performs more interesting parts. In previous album, the bet on guitar did't justify itself. Yes, playing fast scales is cool, but life does't end there. However, this has been fixed. It became noticeable that guitar parts were changed and now high skill of guitarist perfectly hides poor composer's work. Also we hear a keyboards. But parts of this instrument are fairly simple and appear only in one track.
Rhythm section is pretty boring. But if bassist plays very interesting parts, then drummer's parts are a continuous stream of boredom. In addition to standard (for the heavy metal) pattern, we hear the blast-beat and the "Booty Camp" beat. That's all. I don't want to say that this is something bad - drums keep overall structures well. But you could come up with something more interesting.
What can you say at the end? They are very talented musicians. Also in this album there is a wider view, in comparison with the work of 2015. But in the end we see just ordinary middle-rating metal band. Obviously, they lack something. Hiding flaws with strong emotions with slightly shocking details is all they thought of. Standard solutions can ruin excellent talent - this we saw with band Area51. This we also see now.
My Rating: 65/100
It's difficult to describe Eastern band with help of Western standards. Initially, in the West, this band was described as: "Melodic Hardcore with Power Metal Influence", although guys only slightly strengthened melodic death metal. And really, my acquaintance with this band was very speedy and showy.
But now it's noticeable that composer took a more serious approach to his work. Now this band has a greater variety of methods for solving an artistic tasks. Now this is not an ordinary grinding at more than 200 bpm with screams of "something sublime." Nevertheless, composer's work remains at low level: fast-maded solutions still occupy most of this work.
We hear an interesting structure of vocal parts. Besides screaming on verse and clean on chorus, you can also hear narrative. Yes, this is not everywhere, but digression from standard pattern is always a good solution. I also feel a very strong vocalist. The only negative point here is strange sound of high notes.
Guitarist also performs more interesting parts. In previous album, the bet on guitar did't justify itself. Yes, playing fast scales is cool, but life does't end there. However, this has been fixed. It became noticeable that guitar parts were changed and now high skill of guitarist perfectly hides poor composer's work. Also we hear a keyboards. But parts of this instrument are fairly simple and appear only in one track.
Rhythm section is pretty boring. But if bassist plays very interesting parts, then drummer's parts are a continuous stream of boredom. In addition to standard (for the heavy metal) pattern, we hear the blast-beat and the "Booty Camp" beat. That's all. I don't want to say that this is something bad - drums keep overall structures well. But you could come up with something more interesting.
What can you say at the end? They are very talented musicians. Also in this album there is a wider view, in comparison with the work of 2015. But in the end we see just ordinary middle-rating metal band. Obviously, they lack something. Hiding flaws with strong emotions with slightly shocking details is all they thought of. Standard solutions can ruin excellent talent - this we saw with band Area51. This we also see now.
August 22, 2017
What albums I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100
After my first review, I want to tell you which metal albums, released from 2001 to 2016, I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100. Before starting, I want to clarify: this list is very long. Here I want to talk about music that I listen.
Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.
Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.
Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.
Alhambra - Fadista (2007)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.
Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)
Genre: speed / power metal
The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.
In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.
Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.
Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)
Genre: progressive / power metal
I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.
Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)
Genre: thrash / power metal
You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.
But
You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.
But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.
Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)
Genre: melodic death metal
Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.
Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.
Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.
Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.
Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.
Alhambra - Fadista (2007)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.
Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)
Genre: speed / power metal
The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.
In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.
Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.
Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)
Genre: progressive / power metal
I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.
Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)
Genre: thrash / power metal
You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.
But
You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.
But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.
Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)
Genre: melodic death metal
Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.
Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.
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