My association with band Crossfaith is EP Zion (2012). All the rest of their work I don't like. Yes, I can mention several songs from album Xeno, for example, Raise Your Voice, Devil's Party and Paint it Black - I listened to them with pleasure. But you understood my main point.
My Rating: 75/100 Best song: Truth Of Insanity
Earlier, I wrote my opinion about album “Ex_Machina”: I noted too much emphasis on emotions, which had a bad effect on the methods of solving artistic tasks. And now I am ready to express my opinion on EP “Species”. While listening, it seemed that they heard this criticism. This is a pleasant fact. However, not all so simple.
In the new album you can hear technical riffs, a wide variety of synthesizers, extreme vocal techniques (some segments with recitative). At first glance, it looks simple, but when you hear it - emotions begin to pour over the edge. However, for some reason it seemed to me that all five songs grew out of one idea. That is, there was one idea that was implemented in five different ways. I don’t know if this is true or not, but such a feeling is present. However, this time there were no trash and it’s nice to know.
Now about the vocalist - he is good. Here you can hear both pure and extreme vocal techniques. Such a variety is a pleasant fact. However, something here can also be noticed. For example, clean vocals in the refrain of the 3rd track - I think that such a sound is not suitable for such a song (although, for example, in the 5th track it sounds cool). But overall, the vocalist is very cool.
Instrumental parts are impressive. I don’t think that I will be able to write a lot, as there is a big bet on the general idea. But something is possible to highlight. For example, guitars sound interesting. This album has very technical riffs in a very low tuning (if I'm not mistaken, Drop B). More precisely, the guitarist is trying to portray technicality: I immediately realized how this is played. However, there are also slam (4 track) riffs. The rhythm section is very powerful. Here you can hear very intense drum loops. Even at an middle tempo, you can hear the drummer holding a hurricane rhythm. But one cannot say that the rhythm section is overloaded - it's noticeable that the drummer knows his job. And I would like to say that the drummer is the best band member. But no: in my opinion, this title belongs to the keyboard player. Here again, a big bet on synthesizers is noticeable - their number exceeds all conceivable limits. But there is also no overloading feeling - this is exactly what you need.
Will I listen to this album in the future? Perhaps yes - in general, the album is cool. This is a worthy work of professionals. Yeah, I can say that hiding flaws with help of emotions is a bad idea. And usually after such words I list a few bands that made such a bet and whose results were dubious. However, the level of training is felt even through similar methods. However, it's still noticeable that some of their methods have already been established and are not subject to revision. “Special, unique style” - a similar characteristic, although it's respected, but most often it's doubtful. Does this inspire respect in this case - everyone will decide for himself. In the meantime, I can say that the guys did a good job.
Showing posts with label groove metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label groove metal. Show all posts
June 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
Trivium - What The Dead Men Say (Review)
As you can remember, I rarely listen to music from USA. However, I recently received a newsletter on my email with a proposal to listen to Trivium new album. Also in some of my recommendations on Youtube there were several covers for songs from this album. Well, this means that today we will have very cool guys from America.
My Rating: 84/100 Best song: Bending the Arc to Fear
Service Yandex Music determined that the song Sickness Unto You is similar to Open the Hell's Gate (EACH OF THE DAYS) - that’s all you need to know about how such algorithms work.
And then we will act. I read a lot of articles on art and culture. And often I notice one point among the authors: a magnificent train of thought, but the emphasis is ugly. Something like this can be said about this album. Obviously, the guys wanted to make a very technical and very complex album, but at the same time still make something attractive to average listener. And just then, with such a desire, some uncomfortable feeling begins. For example, this is noticeable in the album structure: an increasing intro, then three very powerful tracks, and then the 5th track, which seemed to me too difficult to understand. On track 6, I wanted to turn off this album. A pleasant surprise was that the 7th, 8th and 9th tracks were the best in the album. And the last track seemed to have been made just to somehow end the album. In general, the impressions of the album are positive. There is no sense of incompleteness that I usually have after such albums.
The vocalist is flawless. There is a weak variety of vocal techniques - it's noticeable that the idea prevails here, and not the vocalist's skill's shades. However, the voice is very strong, which, coupled with sharp lyrics, gives a tangible effect. However, there is one interesting point. It consists approximately of the following: from the point of view of instrumental parts, it's extreme metal, but there are few extreme vocal techniques. It might look strange, but it looks interesting here.
Instrumental parts: this situation is twofold. On the one side, riffs are very hooky and very groovy. For example, I liked the main riff from Catastrophist so much that I immediately wanted to tune my guitar on Standard A# and play it. It can also be noted that riffs have a very high technical complexity: I didn't immediately understand how this is played and this is a pleasant fact. On the other side, in some segments you can hear stroking the power chords using the simplest alternate picking technique. I think this is a negative point - I didn't expect this from these guys. Now about the rhythm section. Bass has a pronounced upper part of tone. Because of this, the bass is clearly audible in the mix - this is a nice detail, especially when you listen through cheap headphones. However, the bassist doesn't have a lot of interesting parts - I can’t single out one thing. Drums - everything is pretty predictable here. Here you can hear very intense drum loops. However, it's not possible to tell too much about drums - the composer's attention on guitars is noticeably too much.
Usually mainstream rock bands completely disappoint me. Yes, this can be understood: in the modern world, popularity requires far from what experts say. But these guys are one of the very few exceptions. They have such a high skill level that their flaws can only be felt. Specifically, in this album, a big bet on the general idea and on guitars is noticeable: sharp lyrics and difficult riffs. Whether this bet has played or not - perhaps everyone will decide for himself. But I can say that this album is cool.
My Rating: 84/100 Best song: Bending the Arc to Fear
Service Yandex Music determined that the song Sickness Unto You is similar to Open the Hell's Gate (EACH OF THE DAYS) - that’s all you need to know about how such algorithms work.
And then we will act. I read a lot of articles on art and culture. And often I notice one point among the authors: a magnificent train of thought, but the emphasis is ugly. Something like this can be said about this album. Obviously, the guys wanted to make a very technical and very complex album, but at the same time still make something attractive to average listener. And just then, with such a desire, some uncomfortable feeling begins. For example, this is noticeable in the album structure: an increasing intro, then three very powerful tracks, and then the 5th track, which seemed to me too difficult to understand. On track 6, I wanted to turn off this album. A pleasant surprise was that the 7th, 8th and 9th tracks were the best in the album. And the last track seemed to have been made just to somehow end the album. In general, the impressions of the album are positive. There is no sense of incompleteness that I usually have after such albums.
The vocalist is flawless. There is a weak variety of vocal techniques - it's noticeable that the idea prevails here, and not the vocalist's skill's shades. However, the voice is very strong, which, coupled with sharp lyrics, gives a tangible effect. However, there is one interesting point. It consists approximately of the following: from the point of view of instrumental parts, it's extreme metal, but there are few extreme vocal techniques. It might look strange, but it looks interesting here.
Instrumental parts: this situation is twofold. On the one side, riffs are very hooky and very groovy. For example, I liked the main riff from Catastrophist so much that I immediately wanted to tune my guitar on Standard A# and play it. It can also be noted that riffs have a very high technical complexity: I didn't immediately understand how this is played and this is a pleasant fact. On the other side, in some segments you can hear stroking the power chords using the simplest alternate picking technique. I think this is a negative point - I didn't expect this from these guys. Now about the rhythm section. Bass has a pronounced upper part of tone. Because of this, the bass is clearly audible in the mix - this is a nice detail, especially when you listen through cheap headphones. However, the bassist doesn't have a lot of interesting parts - I can’t single out one thing. Drums - everything is pretty predictable here. Here you can hear very intense drum loops. However, it's not possible to tell too much about drums - the composer's attention on guitars is noticeably too much.
Usually mainstream rock bands completely disappoint me. Yes, this can be understood: in the modern world, popularity requires far from what experts say. But these guys are one of the very few exceptions. They have such a high skill level that their flaws can only be felt. Specifically, in this album, a big bet on the general idea and on guitars is noticeable: sharp lyrics and difficult riffs. Whether this bet has played or not - perhaps everyone will decide for himself. But I can say that this album is cool.
October 14, 2018
My favorite riffs on 7 string guitar
Despite the fact that I listen to a lot of music, few of my favorite bands play on 7 string guitars. In this post I will list my favorite riffs on a 7 string guitar. I think this would be a logical continuation of the “My favorite %itemname%” lists. As usual, I will list them in the format:
So, let's begin.
Let's start with something easier. The first experience with a 7 string guitar - and immediately a great song. Excellent talent.
I consider the newest album of this band controversial and ambiguous. However, I liked one riff.
This time the list turned out to be more voluminous - 13 pieces.
- Project name - Song title (genre, guitar tuning)
So, let's begin.
- Rie Aka Suzaku - Dreaming Eyes (Heavy / Power Metal, Standard B)
Let's start with something easier. The first experience with a 7 string guitar - and immediately a great song. Excellent talent.
- HETEROGENEOUS ANDEAD - Demise of Rein (Melodic Death / Thrash / Symphonic Metal, Standard B)
I consider the newest album of this band controversial and ambiguous. However, I liked one riff.
- SoundWitch - Suzy the Mouth (Industrial Metal, Standard B)
- Amiliyah - Serpent (Gothic / Industrial Metal, Standard B)
- Alphoenix - Give Me Fire (Melodic Death Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
- Isao - Gravity Core (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)
- Cube-Ray - Golf (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)
- Levrage - End Of Time (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
- Levrage - Lost Nation (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
- Levrage - Playing With Fire (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
- Levrage - Life Is Calling (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
- Inescapable Dehumanization - Dishonored (Brutal Death Metal / Deathcore, Drop A)
- Nocturnal Bloodlust - V.I.P. (Metalcore / Deathcore, Drop A)
- Nocturnal Bloodlust - Malice Against (Deathcore / Djent, Drop G)
This time the list turned out to be more voluminous - 13 pieces.
August 16, 2018
Methane - The Devil's Own (Review)
Southern metal from Sweden - a few years ago I would take it as a joke. But today in my entry a band from Sweden and USA.
My Rating: 75/100
I doubted for a long time whether it was worth writing a review for this album - it would be difficult for me to describe such release, and already a year and a half have passed since the release. Nevertheless, I will do it. Here we hear thrash / groove metal. This is all that can be said about the genre, since it's difficult to find something unique here. Nevertheless, audition left a pleasant impression.
It's noticeable here that the composer did not try to show something very complicated. He just did what he can do. No show-off's, just honest skill. Here is a fairly logical choice of methods for solving an artistic tasks without surprises. Actually, the result speaks for itself - during listening you want to drink beer and shake your head. Also, influence of classical metal bands is very noticeable here. This is expressed in a classic guitar tone - a tube amplifier with skreamer. Someone might say that this has already become boring - in 80s there were enough bands with such sound. But this particular sound has a special charm.
The picture is supplemented by vocalist. In general, vocal parts are performed well - a lot of experience is felt. Yes, vocalist is not always perfect - in 5th track the performance of the vocal parts is somehow too cautious. You can also notice that much attention was paid to lyrics.
Instrumental parts are not very difficult - most of the emotions are caused by the lyrics. Nevertheless, there is something to say about instrumental parts. Guitar sounds cool. It would seem nothing complicated, but it causes great emotions. It's noticeable that there are many tracks for guitar and for each track, the re-amp was done differently (for example, more gain on second guitar). Also in one of the tracks on different tracks the vibrato is performed in different ways. Such pleasant little things leave a good impression of composition as a whole. You can also notice a very intense rhythm section. However, for such music is characterized by a high-intensity rhythm section. But this is not the usual bass drum's grinding in the style of Dave Lombardo. There is a very large variety of drum patterns. Yes, drummer is a cool dude.
Guys know how to do something - they do it. And they do it well. Yes, there are not enough very many shades in composer's work here. Yes, it was possible to compose more new songs for full-length album. But overall, album leaves a pleasant impression. Yes, there are few new songs here. But I hope that in the future this will be more.
My Rating: 75/100
 |
| Source - amazon.com |
It's noticeable here that the composer did not try to show something very complicated. He just did what he can do. No show-off's, just honest skill. Here is a fairly logical choice of methods for solving an artistic tasks without surprises. Actually, the result speaks for itself - during listening you want to drink beer and shake your head. Also, influence of classical metal bands is very noticeable here. This is expressed in a classic guitar tone - a tube amplifier with skreamer. Someone might say that this has already become boring - in 80s there were enough bands with such sound. But this particular sound has a special charm.
The picture is supplemented by vocalist. In general, vocal parts are performed well - a lot of experience is felt. Yes, vocalist is not always perfect - in 5th track the performance of the vocal parts is somehow too cautious. You can also notice that much attention was paid to lyrics.
Instrumental parts are not very difficult - most of the emotions are caused by the lyrics. Nevertheless, there is something to say about instrumental parts. Guitar sounds cool. It would seem nothing complicated, but it causes great emotions. It's noticeable that there are many tracks for guitar and for each track, the re-amp was done differently (for example, more gain on second guitar). Also in one of the tracks on different tracks the vibrato is performed in different ways. Such pleasant little things leave a good impression of composition as a whole. You can also notice a very intense rhythm section. However, for such music is characterized by a high-intensity rhythm section. But this is not the usual bass drum's grinding in the style of Dave Lombardo. There is a very large variety of drum patterns. Yes, drummer is a cool dude.
Guys know how to do something - they do it. And they do it well. Yes, there are not enough very many shades in composer's work here. Yes, it was possible to compose more new songs for full-length album. But overall, album leaves a pleasant impression. Yes, there are few new songs here. But I hope that in the future this will be more.
August 4, 2018
Crossfaith - Deus Ex Machina (Review)
Usually band Crossfaith is associated with a lot of emotions. And it's no wonder - a simple material is easily served, if you grumble pathos face and wildly scream. It's good, if you are technically developing at the same time. It's bad, if you are increasingly exploiting this model.
My Rating: 69/100
I remembered it because here you can see all the same pattern 6 years ago, but slightly modified. Here you can hear again the riffs characteristic of groove metal and metalcore with a lot of synthesizer. This idea is very risky, because success depends very much on composer and sound designer abilities. That is, if you try, as they say in Russia, to jump higher than your head, it will only get worse.
And in this release you can notice that there is a big bet on composer's work. But composer's work on medium level. Of course, it is worth noting the filigree arrangement of instrumental parts - a large number of difficult to place within 3 or 4 minutes. Also, changing the composition in tracks 4 and 6 is an interesting solution. But in general, I do not see the composer as something very complicated. Also there was not without frank hackwork (7, 8 tracks).
Vocal parts are very diverse. In addition to standard extreme / clean set, you can still hear the recitative (4 tracks). Vocal parts structures can not be called very complicated or unusual, but vocalist is good.
Instrumental parts - everything is predictable here. The first thing you can notice is a huge amount of synthesizer. A large number poorly compensates for the technical simplicity, but it's located in right places. Although if you listen, it's, most of all, a standard set from Korg Wavestation. Of course, there are also other FX that complement the structures in an interesting way, but this is not enough. Also here you can hear the guitar riffs on Drop B tuning. But you can only hear a complicated guitar riff in 2 tracks. In the rest - nothing interesting. Also worth noting is the very intense rhythm section. Even in areas where you can do with the usual patterns, drummer grinding as a machine. I don't know if it's a composer's idea or something else, but drummer shows himself well.
10 years ago it would be interesting. But in our time it has become something standard. While listening to this album you can wildly headbanging with beer, but it's hard to call "the art". I remember listening with pleasure to EP "ZION". But now I don't see something very surprising. Yes, work is good. But the only thing they've learned to do better in these 6 years is screaming louder and more pathos.
My Rating: 69/100
 |
| Source: amazon.com |
And in this release you can notice that there is a big bet on composer's work. But composer's work on medium level. Of course, it is worth noting the filigree arrangement of instrumental parts - a large number of difficult to place within 3 or 4 minutes. Also, changing the composition in tracks 4 and 6 is an interesting solution. But in general, I do not see the composer as something very complicated. Also there was not without frank hackwork (7, 8 tracks).
Vocal parts are very diverse. In addition to standard extreme / clean set, you can still hear the recitative (4 tracks). Vocal parts structures can not be called very complicated or unusual, but vocalist is good.
Instrumental parts - everything is predictable here. The first thing you can notice is a huge amount of synthesizer. A large number poorly compensates for the technical simplicity, but it's located in right places. Although if you listen, it's, most of all, a standard set from Korg Wavestation. Of course, there are also other FX that complement the structures in an interesting way, but this is not enough. Also here you can hear the guitar riffs on Drop B tuning. But you can only hear a complicated guitar riff in 2 tracks. In the rest - nothing interesting. Also worth noting is the very intense rhythm section. Even in areas where you can do with the usual patterns, drummer grinding as a machine. I don't know if it's a composer's idea or something else, but drummer shows himself well.
10 years ago it would be interesting. But in our time it has become something standard. While listening to this album you can wildly headbanging with beer, but it's hard to call "the art". I remember listening with pleasure to EP "ZION". But now I don't see something very surprising. Yes, work is good. But the only thing they've learned to do better in these 6 years is screaming louder and more pathos.
July 2, 2018
6 japanese metal songs that never officially released
I think many of us have faced a situation where you do not have time to do some things. It's the same with musicians - bands are created, bands split-up, and songs that did not have time to write remain. In this entry, I want to tell you about quite interesting songs that, due to various circumstances, have never been officially released. So, let's begin.
Disqualia - Guilty Of The Crime
Initially, quite an interesting project quickly going to pop. I don't know if it's right to say this or it's a ordinary template, but I think I'll be understood. Of course, then the leader in an interview with Metallion magazine admits that the band did not plan to play metal. Nevertheless, the apogee was EP right NOW, where the pop patterns were compensated only with pathos. So could not last long, after which Ibuki - author of all songs, - go out of this bisness. Of course, this did not happen instantly - the band continued their activity and composed new songs. The most interesting of them - Guilty Of The Crime - is already impossible to find anywhere, since a large number of concerts were not recorded.
Coma Countess - Incitement White
Officially existed only 10 months, band Coma Countess still managed to leave a small, but still a trace in history. Officially, only three songs were released on demo-single, but they performed six at concerts. You can see the fulfillment of the most interesting of them now.
Yes, you are not mistaken, here are two past members from Destrose - Miho and Miki.
Albion - Innocent Lilly
Band Albion - is an attempt to grab the maximum amount of popularity, - this was very lacking for Tengusakura. Attempt was unsuccessful. Yes, for me the album Campanula was the most anticipated album of 2014. But, apparently, it did not turn out as the members wanted, and soon project split-up. Moreover, the project split-up gradually, but this is another story. Now I want to say that a song was written with the name Innocent Lilly, which they did not have time to release.
As you can hear, it's about the same thing you can hear in full-length.
A Drop Of Joker - Liar
A Drop Of Joker - Scream For Me
The next point we have at once two songs from one composer. Period from 2014 to 2015 for the band A Drop Of Joker was the peak of activity: release of full-length album and EP, a large number of concerts and a lot of PR on Twitter. But guitarist Mi-ya, in the end, chose not skill, but popularity and activity suddenly stopped. But Mi-ya left a little material, which was intended for this band. Later these songs found their place in band Lovebites. But the difference is significant: A Drop Of Joker played a melodic death / metalcore (at the last concerts already went djent elements), and Lovebites play heavy/thrash/power metal. Accordingly, the original was intended for 8 string guitar, and Lovebites plays on 6 string guitars with a standard E tuning. Yes, it's better than nothing, but it's impossible to hear the original.
Kanimega - Wake Up
Despite the fact that even a whole MV was released for this song, team split-up due to problems with bassist. So they did not have time to release a new release.
Yes, Kenji has a solo project and I hope that it will be much better.
Do you like my entries? You can make them better.
Disqualia - Guilty Of The Crime
Initially, quite an interesting project quickly going to pop. I don't know if it's right to say this or it's a ordinary template, but I think I'll be understood. Of course, then the leader in an interview with Metallion magazine admits that the band did not plan to play metal. Nevertheless, the apogee was EP right NOW, where the pop patterns were compensated only with pathos. So could not last long, after which Ibuki - author of all songs, - go out of this bisness. Of course, this did not happen instantly - the band continued their activity and composed new songs. The most interesting of them - Guilty Of The Crime - is already impossible to find anywhere, since a large number of concerts were not recorded.
Coma Countess - Incitement White
Officially existed only 10 months, band Coma Countess still managed to leave a small, but still a trace in history. Officially, only three songs were released on demo-single, but they performed six at concerts. You can see the fulfillment of the most interesting of them now.
Yes, you are not mistaken, here are two past members from Destrose - Miho and Miki.
Albion - Innocent Lilly
Band Albion - is an attempt to grab the maximum amount of popularity, - this was very lacking for Tengusakura. Attempt was unsuccessful. Yes, for me the album Campanula was the most anticipated album of 2014. But, apparently, it did not turn out as the members wanted, and soon project split-up. Moreover, the project split-up gradually, but this is another story. Now I want to say that a song was written with the name Innocent Lilly, which they did not have time to release.
As you can hear, it's about the same thing you can hear in full-length.
A Drop Of Joker - Liar
A Drop Of Joker - Scream For Me
The next point we have at once two songs from one composer. Period from 2014 to 2015 for the band A Drop Of Joker was the peak of activity: release of full-length album and EP, a large number of concerts and a lot of PR on Twitter. But guitarist Mi-ya, in the end, chose not skill, but popularity and activity suddenly stopped. But Mi-ya left a little material, which was intended for this band. Later these songs found their place in band Lovebites. But the difference is significant: A Drop Of Joker played a melodic death / metalcore (at the last concerts already went djent elements), and Lovebites play heavy/thrash/power metal. Accordingly, the original was intended for 8 string guitar, and Lovebites plays on 6 string guitars with a standard E tuning. Yes, it's better than nothing, but it's impossible to hear the original.
Kanimega - Wake Up
Despite the fact that even a whole MV was released for this song, team split-up due to problems with bassist. So they did not have time to release a new release.
Yes, Kenji has a solo project and I hope that it will be much better.
Do you like my entries? You can make them better.
May 12, 2018
Paledusk - Blue Rose (Review)
Usually, the absence of change is considered a sign of absence of development. Really. And how else can you call a person who does not receive new knowledge and does not reflect on the events taking place? Nevertheless, it does not always happen.
My Rating: 69/100
This also applies to musicians. Repetition of a successful release is the composer's biggest mistake. Paying attention to several features, you don't think about what you can do wrong. Yes, i can say that this is not a simple repetition of the previous work. Here everything is done very smart - the main sound was left exactly the same as in previous album, while slightly changing some shades. Maybe I want to think so, because I really liked this project - I can not speak confidently.
Nevertheless, here we hear groove metal with a very large hardcore influence and non-standard ideas. I will not focus on the idea that this kind of music is quite complicated and in any case, guys are good fellows. I want to say that this project is based solely on composer's non-standard ideas. I don't mean a permanent construction change of composition, although it's also noteworthy and is a positive moment. I want to say something else. You can talk in two ways. First is to say a few words, and the interlocutor will guess what a logical connection is between them. Second - you can combine several literary techniques, thus transferring all shades of your mood and purpose. Approximately the same thing in this release. Here is an interesting combination of artistic techniques. Yes, I can write a little about it, since this element is executed excellently.
Vocal parts are monotonous. Yes, vocalist has good abilities. Yes, sometimes you can hear a whisper (2 track), narration (3 track). And also clean vocals became a surprise (7 track). But in general, vocal parts are monotonous. Also worth noting that there is some too simple voice timbral color. This reminds me of an office clerk who spent 8 hours sorting through paper (in comfortable conditions without harmful factors), and then came on stage and with the latest strength began to sing about how difficult it's to work. I think you guessed what I want to say.
Instrumental parts performed excellently. Studio work always sounds cool and this release is no exception. The first thing you can notice is extended range guitars (8 string), which give a characteristic djent sound. Usually from such music templates in style of Periphery are expected. But here everything is much more interesting. Yes, I expected more natural harmonics (they are performed only in 3 track). But in general, we can say that guitar parts are good. Rhythm section is also good - composer's good work again is felt. The only drawback - bass can not be heard, only vibrations from headphones are felt. Bass sounds like an octave lower (it's a extended range bass), but it's made quiet. Also here there are additional instriments. In 4th track, you can hear a synthesizer in the style of Korg's magical organs with a "cosmic" sound. It might be interesting if this continued throughout the composition. But this is only in beginning, and then - a simple piano.
Well, this release is very similar to previous. But it's done a little differently. This album excellently shows how to repeat albums so that they are interesting to listen. I don't know if you understood me or not, but I can say that a good band released a good album. I don't know how much this idea is enough, but this time idea was realized interestingly.
My Rating: 69/100
Nevertheless, here we hear groove metal with a very large hardcore influence and non-standard ideas. I will not focus on the idea that this kind of music is quite complicated and in any case, guys are good fellows. I want to say that this project is based solely on composer's non-standard ideas. I don't mean a permanent construction change of composition, although it's also noteworthy and is a positive moment. I want to say something else. You can talk in two ways. First is to say a few words, and the interlocutor will guess what a logical connection is between them. Second - you can combine several literary techniques, thus transferring all shades of your mood and purpose. Approximately the same thing in this release. Here is an interesting combination of artistic techniques. Yes, I can write a little about it, since this element is executed excellently.
Vocal parts are monotonous. Yes, vocalist has good abilities. Yes, sometimes you can hear a whisper (2 track), narration (3 track). And also clean vocals became a surprise (7 track). But in general, vocal parts are monotonous. Also worth noting that there is some too simple voice timbral color. This reminds me of an office clerk who spent 8 hours sorting through paper (in comfortable conditions without harmful factors), and then came on stage and with the latest strength began to sing about how difficult it's to work. I think you guessed what I want to say.
Instrumental parts performed excellently. Studio work always sounds cool and this release is no exception. The first thing you can notice is extended range guitars (8 string), which give a characteristic djent sound. Usually from such music templates in style of Periphery are expected. But here everything is much more interesting. Yes, I expected more natural harmonics (they are performed only in 3 track). But in general, we can say that guitar parts are good. Rhythm section is also good - composer's good work again is felt. The only drawback - bass can not be heard, only vibrations from headphones are felt. Bass sounds like an octave lower (it's a extended range bass), but it's made quiet. Also here there are additional instriments. In 4th track, you can hear a synthesizer in the style of Korg's magical organs with a "cosmic" sound. It might be interesting if this continued throughout the composition. But this is only in beginning, and then - a simple piano.
Well, this release is very similar to previous. But it's done a little differently. This album excellently shows how to repeat albums so that they are interesting to listen. I don't know if you understood me or not, but I can say that a good band released a good album. I don't know how much this idea is enough, but this time idea was realized interestingly.
March 13, 2018
10 guitar riffs that changed my life
Recently saw Jared video, in which he talks about the 10 guitar riffs that changed his life. Today I decided to tell you about it too. So, 10 guitar riffs that changed my life.
I will not describe all causes and consequences - this will not be enough for one blog entry. The only thing I notice is that at first the complexity gradually increased, then the notion "genre" ceased to exist for me at all.
- X-Japan - X (Power Metal/Speed Metal).
- Slayer - Black Magic (Thrash Metal).
- Trivium - Pull Harder On the Strings Of Your Martyr (Thrash Metal/Groove Metal).
- In Flames - Artifact Of The Black Rain (Melodic Death Metal).
- Lamb Of God - Redneck (Groove Metal).
- Bullet For My Valentine - Hit The Floor (Metalcore).
- Bullet For My Valentine - Ashes Of The Innocent (Thrash Metal/Metalcore).
- Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade (Metalcore).
- Periphery - Insomnia (Groove Metal/Progressive Metal/Djent).
- Kino - Peremen (Post-Punk, New Wave)
I will not describe all causes and consequences - this will not be enough for one blog entry. The only thing I notice is that at first the complexity gradually increased, then the notion "genre" ceased to exist for me at all.
March 5, 2018
Spider Lilly - 1st Single (Review)
I always try to convey to reader one simple idea: fame degree of a particular project is not the main thing. The main thing is idea and ways of its realization. At present, there are a lot of good beginners who standing in shade of well-known projects. And today I will talk about one such project and their new release.
My Rating: 66/100
This release is so rare that I could not even find cover art. Nevertheless, I managed to listen and appreciate it. There are only two tracks, so I will be brief. Now professional recording and processing is noticeable. In previous release, this was not enough. Here we again hear groove/nu-metal with a lot of synthesizer. In our time in this framework it's difficult to come up with something very interesting and this release is no exception. But it's worth noting that members work creates a good impression.
About first release, you could say a little - both tracks differed only in some parts of bass lines, a few parts of synthesizer and narrative language (1 - En, 2 - Ja). But this release is much better. Now there is more variety. For example, a sharp change tempo in both tracks. But there is one controversial point: in first track, pop insets - this slightly violates the overall composition.
Vocalist has excellent abilities. And she shows it in form of a variety of techniques. Here we hear a clean, growl and sometimes guttural. Of course, it's noticeable that high notes are given very hard. Also, extreme techniques are still far from ideal. But there is nothing wrong with that. The only controversial issue here is voice effects. What for? Various constructions can be created in other ways.
Instrumental parts can be called interesting. Here we hear riffs on dropped tuning, if I'm not mistaken, on Drop B tuning. Someone can say that here the riffs are a copy of Slipknot and this will be true. But there is nothing bad here: it's good when some bands influence others. In second track slap on bass - bassist did not show himself any more. Drum patterns are diverse and well combined. Approximately ⅓ part of drum parts I have never heard before - this is a good indicator.
I saw good potential in this project. And they lived up to all expectations. Yes, we still have a lot of work to do here. But they are on the right track.
My Rating: 66/100
This release is so rare that I could not even find cover art. Nevertheless, I managed to listen and appreciate it. There are only two tracks, so I will be brief. Now professional recording and processing is noticeable. In previous release, this was not enough. Here we again hear groove/nu-metal with a lot of synthesizer. In our time in this framework it's difficult to come up with something very interesting and this release is no exception. But it's worth noting that members work creates a good impression.
About first release, you could say a little - both tracks differed only in some parts of bass lines, a few parts of synthesizer and narrative language (1 - En, 2 - Ja). But this release is much better. Now there is more variety. For example, a sharp change tempo in both tracks. But there is one controversial point: in first track, pop insets - this slightly violates the overall composition.
Vocalist has excellent abilities. And she shows it in form of a variety of techniques. Here we hear a clean, growl and sometimes guttural. Of course, it's noticeable that high notes are given very hard. Also, extreme techniques are still far from ideal. But there is nothing wrong with that. The only controversial issue here is voice effects. What for? Various constructions can be created in other ways.
Instrumental parts can be called interesting. Here we hear riffs on dropped tuning, if I'm not mistaken, on Drop B tuning. Someone can say that here the riffs are a copy of Slipknot and this will be true. But there is nothing bad here: it's good when some bands influence others. In second track slap on bass - bassist did not show himself any more. Drum patterns are diverse and well combined. Approximately ⅓ part of drum parts I have never heard before - this is a good indicator.
I saw good potential in this project. And they lived up to all expectations. Yes, we still have a lot of work to do here. But they are on the right track.
February 28, 2018
LevRage - The Culling (Review)
I rarely listen to Western metal. Modern model of Western metal music gets bored very quickly. Among Western countries, I prefer those in which music is a bad source of profit (for example, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Poland). This makes musicians produce rare, but very interesting releases. In USA it's difficult to find interesting bands because of their large number.
My Rating: 84/100
Nevertheless, it's possible. Today I want to review band Levrage and their new single "The Culling". I really liked album "Lost Nation" and now I wanted a sequel. And sequel appeared recently in the form of a single. Allegorical cover art promises us topics that it's impossible to keep silent - these topics are always interesting. As for music, here we again hear thrash/groove metal with strong hardcore influence. Overall structures leaves a pleasant impression. The single track from this release reminded me of track Pushing Resistance from album "Lost Nation": here listener captures the overall structure, but a few shades are taken into account. I can not say that this release is made better than previous. Well, it's difficult to fly higher every time.
Rather strong voice of vocalist and very honest lyrics is the first thing to notice. Vocalist is good - here we hear harsh, screaming and clean. Voice and combination of vocal techniques is not unique, but I can not remember who it might look like.
But instrumental parts I can not call very interesting. In instrumental parts it's difficult to find anything interesting, except for a few riffs with pinch harmonics (near the end). Even drums - constructions does not differ in variety, although this is typical for this genre. But some shades give a sense of professional work. Here you can feel good composer's work: there remains a good aftertaste.
Well, there's only one track, so I can not write much about it. Good or bad, everyone will decide on their own. But this band had good potential from beginning. And now they again show an excellent skill level. I hope next release will be a worthy continuation of album "Lost Nation".
My Rating: 84/100
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| Source - soundcloud.com/levrage |
Rather strong voice of vocalist and very honest lyrics is the first thing to notice. Vocalist is good - here we hear harsh, screaming and clean. Voice and combination of vocal techniques is not unique, but I can not remember who it might look like.
But instrumental parts I can not call very interesting. In instrumental parts it's difficult to find anything interesting, except for a few riffs with pinch harmonics (near the end). Even drums - constructions does not differ in variety, although this is typical for this genre. But some shades give a sense of professional work. Here you can feel good composer's work: there remains a good aftertaste.
Well, there's only one track, so I can not write much about it. Good or bad, everyone will decide on their own. But this band had good potential from beginning. And now they again show an excellent skill level. I hope next release will be a worthy continuation of album "Lost Nation".
February 4, 2018
Kenji Ishimine - Over EP (Review)
For Kanimega 2017 was unsuccessful: member died, and because of the new, serious problems arose. It's unfortunate that one unsuccessful decision has ruined such an excellent work. Nevertheless, this project was too good to just disappear. And now we see his reincarnation in frontman solo project.
My Rating: 89/100
Sometimes you are surprised that only a few little things have changed, but general impression has changed fundamentally. In the project Kanimega Kenji has already proved an excellent skill level. So I assumed that his music would be better without influence of other members. Although, it would seem, more participants can notice more shades.
Nevertheless, I was not mistaken - I listened to this release with great pleasure. I did not even want to take off headphones. Yes, I don't hear anything fundamentally new here. But general structure looks very cool. Here we again hear thrash / groove metal, but now hardcore influence has increased significantly. For example, we can hear another type of breakdown. Or a more honest lirycs.
It's noticeable that voice became more emotional. Vocal style reminds me of something middle between James Hetfield (Metallica) and Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God). Further discussion of voice is rather difficult, because this element is irreproachably suitable for similar methods of solving an artistic task.
Instrumental parts are quite diverse. A simple basis is felt, but in final version, we hear incredible riffs, which are difficult to describe from the first try. Yes, guitar solo is not perfect. But in general constructions that composer's excellent work is felt. Particularly noteworthy is rhythm section. Prior to this, drum patterns were excellent, but in this release they were slightly different. But there are some controversial points: there is a very intense attack (although, on bass attack a little sluggish), and overall sound is too saturated. Well, the main sound here at the highest level.
Reincarnation of some project is often the reason for disputes. But everything is obvious here: work is again wonderful. Here, more shades are taken into account than in latest release of Kanimega. Well, first powerful mini-album that I want to listen to again and again.
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| Source: kenjiishimine.bandcamp.com |
Sometimes you are surprised that only a few little things have changed, but general impression has changed fundamentally. In the project Kanimega Kenji has already proved an excellent skill level. So I assumed that his music would be better without influence of other members. Although, it would seem, more participants can notice more shades.
Nevertheless, I was not mistaken - I listened to this release with great pleasure. I did not even want to take off headphones. Yes, I don't hear anything fundamentally new here. But general structure looks very cool. Here we again hear thrash / groove metal, but now hardcore influence has increased significantly. For example, we can hear another type of breakdown. Or a more honest lirycs.
It's noticeable that voice became more emotional. Vocal style reminds me of something middle between James Hetfield (Metallica) and Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God). Further discussion of voice is rather difficult, because this element is irreproachably suitable for similar methods of solving an artistic task.
Instrumental parts are quite diverse. A simple basis is felt, but in final version, we hear incredible riffs, which are difficult to describe from the first try. Yes, guitar solo is not perfect. But in general constructions that composer's excellent work is felt. Particularly noteworthy is rhythm section. Prior to this, drum patterns were excellent, but in this release they were slightly different. But there are some controversial points: there is a very intense attack (although, on bass attack a little sluggish), and overall sound is too saturated. Well, the main sound here at the highest level.
Reincarnation of some project is often the reason for disputes. But everything is obvious here: work is again wonderful. Here, more shades are taken into account than in latest release of Kanimega. Well, first powerful mini-album that I want to listen to again and again.
November 25, 2017
Spider Lilly - Change/Pain (Review)
From beginners usually don't expect much. Often you are happy if they just did something good.
My Rating: 60/100
Today I'm reviewing first release of band Spider Lilly, which is titled "Change / Pain". I will not say that it's a very interesting title, but for first single it will be enough. So, the first thing you can notice is the poor recording quality. Well, they at least guessed to remove unnecessary resonances from guitar and that's good.
Here we hear riffs on drop tuning that are very characteristic for groove / nu-metal, as well as a large amount of synthesizer. You can also notice that compositions are very similar. But there are noticeable differences: in first track we hear a slap on bass, and in second we have more complicated synthesizer's parts. Also compositions end in different ways. This is all that distinguishes them. It seems that there was originally one composition, which was slightly changed, so it was split into two parts.
First thing we pay attention to voice. There is a reverb that sounds very natural. As if vocals were recorded in a large empty room with two microphones (first - closer to vocalist, second - in another part of the room). If this is true, then this can be called a good idea. But voice sounds very indistinct. And if clean is not noticeable, extreme techniques show all flaws. Sound is as if they just took microphone, performed the parts and inserted result into mix. No, vocalist has a pretty good skill, but voice processing is not noticeable.
Instrumental parts are simple. And guitar part is no exception. Yes, there is an "acid" synthesizer that performs scales. But it could be better. She is such an interesting guitarist, but she plays simple parts. About bassist you can say the same thing. Most of the time bassist performs standard constructions. Nevertheless, even here there are interesting segments. In first track, we hear a slap, and in second interesting scales. And also there is a very "hook" structure of drums, which is a bad decision. Nevertheless, here there are breakdowns, where relative diversity of drum parts is noticeable. And also at the end of composition, drums are changing significantly. A small variety is available here.
This work is rather weak, but for beginners this is a good result. And if they extend this idea, it can turn out very interesting. I can say that they have a good start to their careers.
My Rating: 60/100
Here we hear riffs on drop tuning that are very characteristic for groove / nu-metal, as well as a large amount of synthesizer. You can also notice that compositions are very similar. But there are noticeable differences: in first track we hear a slap on bass, and in second we have more complicated synthesizer's parts. Also compositions end in different ways. This is all that distinguishes them. It seems that there was originally one composition, which was slightly changed, so it was split into two parts.
First thing we pay attention to voice. There is a reverb that sounds very natural. As if vocals were recorded in a large empty room with two microphones (first - closer to vocalist, second - in another part of the room). If this is true, then this can be called a good idea. But voice sounds very indistinct. And if clean is not noticeable, extreme techniques show all flaws. Sound is as if they just took microphone, performed the parts and inserted result into mix. No, vocalist has a pretty good skill, but voice processing is not noticeable.
Instrumental parts are simple. And guitar part is no exception. Yes, there is an "acid" synthesizer that performs scales. But it could be better. She is such an interesting guitarist, but she plays simple parts. About bassist you can say the same thing. Most of the time bassist performs standard constructions. Nevertheless, even here there are interesting segments. In first track, we hear a slap, and in second interesting scales. And also there is a very "hook" structure of drums, which is a bad decision. Nevertheless, here there are breakdowns, where relative diversity of drum parts is noticeable. And also at the end of composition, drums are changing significantly. A small variety is available here.
This work is rather weak, but for beginners this is a good result. And if they extend this idea, it can turn out very interesting. I can say that they have a good start to their careers.
November 9, 2017
Kanimega - Noose (Review)
What is the difference between good and bad specialist? Bad specialist learned a few facts and applies them whenever possible. A lot of loud statements with complaints about external circumstances are attributes of a bad specialist. Good specialist has a way of thinking. He sees task and issues a solution. A master of his craft, who does everything so well that it only remains to admire the result.
My Rating: 87/100
I did not just remembered it. The top musician's skill is writing and performing of such interesting compositions that critics can only silently applaud. This album can be confidently called so. Here we hear thrash / groove metal with a little hardcore influence. In the 90s-00s this would be a good platform for interesting ideas. But in our time is already a reusable pattern, on which it's difficult to come up with something interesting. Nevertheless, much depends on the composer.
But here work at highest level. You may think that subject of struggles has deep thoughts and such songs can be written by everyone person. However, in methods of solving an artistic tasks, there are many shades that show the difference between professional and easy rider. This composer could see this fine line.
Voice is very sharp and dirty. Vocal style reminded me of James Hetfield. This voice is ideal for solving artistic tasks of this kind. Write about this something else is quite difficult, since this part is composed perfectly.
But if everything is clear with vocal parts, the instrumental parts are something interesting. This can't be called very difficult. On basis of simple constructions, a wide variety of riffs was created. This is definitely a positive moment, because it's hard to come up here something interesting. Rhythm section can also surprises with a relatively large variety. With bassist everything is clear: most of his parts are guitar repetition, creation of a groove pattern. But drums are more interesting. Usually drum parts of this music is standard (for NWOBHM) formula. But here we hear that every song is a unique work of a drummer. In this genre you have high hopes for drums - and here expectations are justified.
I can continue praise for this project for a long time. It's unfortunate that this band will not continue activities. This project could give out many good and interesting works. But members will continue their work in project Dragdown.
My Rating: 87/100
 |
| Source - metal-archives.com |
But here work at highest level. You may think that subject of struggles has deep thoughts and such songs can be written by everyone person. However, in methods of solving an artistic tasks, there are many shades that show the difference between professional and easy rider. This composer could see this fine line.
Voice is very sharp and dirty. Vocal style reminded me of James Hetfield. This voice is ideal for solving artistic tasks of this kind. Write about this something else is quite difficult, since this part is composed perfectly.
But if everything is clear with vocal parts, the instrumental parts are something interesting. This can't be called very difficult. On basis of simple constructions, a wide variety of riffs was created. This is definitely a positive moment, because it's hard to come up here something interesting. Rhythm section can also surprises with a relatively large variety. With bassist everything is clear: most of his parts are guitar repetition, creation of a groove pattern. But drums are more interesting. Usually drum parts of this music is standard (for NWOBHM) formula. But here we hear that every song is a unique work of a drummer. In this genre you have high hopes for drums - and here expectations are justified.
I can continue praise for this project for a long time. It's unfortunate that this band will not continue activities. This project could give out many good and interesting works. But members will continue their work in project Dragdown.
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