Rie aka Suzaku - Top Runner (Review)

And today we have a very big name, whose talent does not allow me to insert many words in intro: a new album from Rie aka Suzaku has been released. This news is alarming: after the failed "Don't Hide Your Face", something really powerful must be released.

My Rating: 82/100 Best song: Furinkazan

I usually find albums of this artist on Yandex Music - Poppin Records is engaged in publishing. And the very first surprising moment for me was that I did not find it. A little later, I found out that this album was released on King Records label. I must say, this fact significantly adds fuel to the fire. I was very afraid that cooperation with a very famous label would significantly affect the intellectual value - such serious guys work for high sales. Art, most often, is secondary for them. But such fears were not justified and it's pleasant to realize.

Fortunately, here the composer did not depict something pompous, but simply did what he could. As a result, composer's work looks very cool. Here it's noticeable that emphasis was placed on attractiveness for the ordinary listener, although I am not inclined to see a positive color in such an idea. I would also like to note that the album combines many mood shades. In this regard, a detailed description of album structure is difficult to do. Here is a very conditional division into tracks. This is one of the albums that you simply turn on - and enjoy. No bells, no whistles - just put on the headphones and press "Play". But, since I need to write at least 3,500 characters, I will continue my review. Also felt the conceptuality of the album: all the tracks are united by a common idea. The only awkward moment: why release a track that was previously released?

Since the album is fully instrumental, the next item is instrumental parts. Let's start with guitar. Guitar parts can hardly be called complex. Not because the Standard E guitar tuning does not have to a very large variety. Here it's noticeable that a big bet on emotions is being made. Guitar plays beautiful melodies that are very pleasant to listen. In the rhythm section you can also hear a lot of interesting things. Here you can hear the guitar, which is quite often part of the rhythm section - this is not often heard in instrumental albums. The rhythm section continues with bassist. Bassist plays very difficult and interesting parts. It looks particularly interesting in the fifth track, where the bass at the beginning repeats the guitar, and then plays the slap. Also worth noting is the bass solo with the slap in third and fifth tracks. Drummer is cool too. Here is quite a diverse set of rhythms. Particularly interesting are the rhythms in second track. The only thing I don’t like is the pop patterns in the third track, they are in small numbers at the beginning, but I wouldn’t want to hear them. Separately, I would like to mention additional instruments. Here the composer showed a high ability to control synthesizers. Particularly interesting is flute in third track, saxophone in fourth track and Hammond organ solo in seventh track.

My first question is: "is this album of the year or is it just a good way to make some more money"? Unfortunately, this is not a masterpiece. I say "unfortunately" because this artist is able to do really good things. However, it's worth noting that the work is good. My second question is: “Has cooperation with a well-known label influenced the intellectual value of the work”? It's difficult to say unequivocally - too high talent is behind this work. My third question is: “is the album a good and interesting one”? Yes, album is great. My fourth question is: “are there any prospects for something better“? It's difficult to say - artistic personalities are very changeable. For example, take two of the newest albums of Mary’s Blood, which are very different from each other. In the end, I can say that despite the fact that I confidently answered only one question out of four, I can give a high rating.

D_Drive - Maximum Impact (Review)

“New or old?” - this question in our life sounds quite often. I ask this question for the second time in a year - such periodicity is considered a rarity, since I am used to something new. However, I answer him again.

My Rating: 67/100 Best song: GEKIRIN

I ask this question because today I am considering a new album by D_Drive. In this album, only one new track, and the rest have previously been released. Moreover, at different times. I will not remember the funny case with the CDBaby label, I will simply communicate my general opinion: here the listener will not find something new. However, this does not negate the presence of great talent.

Now more. Let's start with composer: his work is good. However, there is no new feed for previously released songs. Yes, in 3 track, sound designer performed the panning, which differs from the original version, and intro lasts a little longer. However, this is not enough to talk about something new.

Since the album is completely instrumental, the next in line will be instrumental parts. If you don't take into account the fact that this is not a new compositions, then we can say that work was done perfectly. Why I don't take this into account, you ask? Because here it's noticeable that the album is completely overwritten. However, the first members you hear are guitarists. Guitar parts are very complex. The exception is 2 track - I realized how it's played while listening. Otherwise, we can say that such parts require high skill and guitarists cope with them excellently. Separately, I would like to mention the rhythm section. Rhythm section is uncompromising and it's nice to listen. Let's start with a bassist who shows good abilities. Also at bass attack is very well underlined. Drums - there is a good variety. Particularly interesting is the use of a crash cymbal with pop patterns in track 2. However, drums intensity is not very high for metal. The exceptions are tracks 5, 9 and 10, where you can hear the blast beat. However, in almost all tracks you can hear interesting additions to standard heavy metal drumming.

If Captain released something really new, then these guys just repeated what they had, only slightly changing some segments. Nobody forbids doing so, but I don't quite understand why? Just because of new label? Or creative flow is declining? I can guess for a long time. But one thing is certain: they do their job well. But I can not put a high rating on the material that had already been heard many years ago. If there would be another submission here, the score would be higher. Well, I hope soon they will still show something new.

Erika - Burning Spirits (MV)

Winter is over very interesting: such a beautiful girl released a MV.



This is performed with a classic guitar tone on a standard E guitar tuning. These facts quite often say that we will not hear diversity here. And when I turned on the video, I immediately heard the confirmation of these words.

Composing at the secondary level work. It's noticeable that composer has good abilities. However, instrumental parts are very predictable. Сomposition can be divided into several parts. In the beginning you can hear intro on the synthesizer in the spirit of Korg MS-20. The first part is riffs with fifths and scale, the second is tremolo with power chord, the third is power chord, the fourth is breakdown with imitation of blues improvisation, the fifth is power chord and coda. As for the lead guitar, here you can see a minor pentatonic with rare inserts of “something else” (for example, tapping).

You may also notice that the music does not exactly match the video. And also in the video rather weak plot. Here you can see footage from two concerts. I don't want to say that professional direction is obligatory. Just the opposite: the best music video have a low budget, because the most important thing in them is idea. But here I just see the footage from the concert.

In general, it sounds cool. But here everything is very predictable and I see no reason for high ratings. Instrumental music is always the pinnacle of any musician’s mastery. But here I see a standard novice set. Well, this guitarist also has a extended range guitar, for which can write something more interesting. However, if the release is exactly as I guess, the rating will be 55-60/100.

Simplest japanese metal songs on 7 string guitar

Extended range guitars is always a professional choice. However, sometimes there is a simple artistic task that does not require something complicated. And in this entry I will talk about such examples.

• Galneryus - Heavy Curse (Heavy / Power / Progressive Metal, Standard B)

Usually guitarist from this band has very difficult parts. But during his career, he tried many methods of solving artistic tasks. So many, that he got in my today's list.

• Pulse Of Humanity - No Excuse (Nu-Metal / Industrial Metal, Drop A)

If you know what “Nu-Metal” is, then you will understand this.

• ISAO - Pudding Busters (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standart B)

This artist originally used 7 string guitars, and compositions were not very complicated. Here is one example.

• Nocturnal Bloodlust - Dead End (Deathcore / Djent, Drop G)

I also find it strange to see these guys on this list, because their music is very complicated from the point of view of a guitarist. However, there is only a complex scale in intro, the rest is simple.

The list turned out even less than usual - 4 pieces.

Asterism - Ignition (Review)

Earlier, I wrote that Dmitriy Demyanenko’s solo album is the best instrumental album I've heard this year. But these young talents made me think about it.

My rating: 74/100

Source: discogs.com

This guys from the start release powerful work. This is a very dare statement at the beginning of a career because listeners will want better work next time. Well, work is done and now I will tell you what's interesting about it. Album is still very far from ideal. The idea is not so hot - the guys just take the instruments and plays metal. From the band, the valiant valor flows, which more than compensates for a not very good idea.

A separate item would like to note the presence of covers on the Beatles (Helter Skelter) and DIO (Stand up and Shout). I will not say that the song Helter Skelter is quite common for Japanese covers and it was very predictable. I wonder why? For quantity? I can not understand this.

Composer's work can not be considered very carefully. It's noticeable here that the composer didn’t have the task to create something very complicated - there is a big bet on emotions. He just knows the benefits of band members well and uses it most effectively. It's rather difficult to discuss the composer's work further as instrumentalists create most of the impression.

Since the album is completely instrumental, now we should tell about the instrumental parts. But it's not so. There is also a voice here, but not quite as usual. Here the voice is used as a small addition to the design. But the voice in the instrumental album is a negative point, as it shows the composer’s uncertainty. Uncertainty about understanding of the listener.

Instrumental parts are something incredible. Everything is so interesting here that one blog entry will not be enough to fully describe everything. At first you do not understand what is happening. Then you don't understand either. But I still managed to find art here. Guitar parts are great. I did not think that I would say this about a novice. But guitarist is so good that we can only wonder. Also noteworthy is the interesting use of a looper in track 5. The bass player is not far behind. Here you can see that bass is well heard in the mix. A little later, you understand why. Repeating for a guitar player in some segments (even with a tapping), bassist also shows a good skill. And drums are a separate topic. There is a wide variety of drums, despite the fact that a lot of time is spent on guitar and bass.

It's just a job well done. Yes, there are flaws on composer's part, but in general the work is good. If they ask me “What does a good work of musicians mean?”, I will give this album as an example. There are no perversions here, just an honest skill. Few experienced musicians can boast such. There is still a lot to fix, but I definitely did not waste time.

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:

• 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)

I categorically don't recommend this band for listening. But I liked one of the riffs.

• Amiliyah - Serpent (Gothic / Industrial Metal, Standard B)

I included band Amiliyah for a very cool overall concept. But most of all I liked the riff of this song.

• Alphoenix - Give Me Fire (Melodic Death Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)

But I have been listening to these guys since the time when they were called MyProof.

• Isao - Gravity Core (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)
• Cube-Ray - Golf (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)

Phrase “instrumental progressive” often gives rise to a lot of jokes about “zeros”, especially when the guitarist plays on extended range guitar. But Fujita-sensei is one of the few who really knows how to play such music.

• 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)

One of the few bands from USA that I constantly listen.

• Inescapable Dehumanization - Dishonored (Brutal Death Metal / Deathcore, Drop A)

“East" is not only Japan. An example is this band from Kazakhstan.

• Nocturnal Bloodlust - V.I.P. (Metalcore / Deathcore, Drop A)
• Nocturnal Bloodlust - Malice Against (Deathcore / Djent, Drop G)

And I could not miss the real masters of their craft.

This time the list turned out to be more voluminous - 13 pieces.

Dmitry Demyanenko - Universe (Review)

It happens that talented musicians live many kilometers away from you. And it so happens that they live in a neighboring city. Recently I found a very interesting solo project from Krasnodar (Southern Russia).

My Rating: 85/100



Before, I did not hear the band Shokran, where Dmitry was a guitarist. I don't know if it's right to give an assessment without listening to previous works. But one thing is obvious: dude has great talent. I noticed an interesting album even on cover art. My blog has a dark theme, so you will not notice it. But if you go to bandcamp official page, you'll notice that the cover blends in an interesting way with the page. Thus, it's given a hint that for author there are no borders. Yeah, a good album starts with interesting shades on cover.

Album can not be called very special, but this year it's the best instrumental album I've heard. Usually the most interesting albums can not be described with words. Kevin Lytle - the first one who made me think about how relative my assessments. And now I see a second person who shows about the same thing. All that I write in this entry is just a small part of what I experienced after I took off the headphones. When we say "instrumental progressive", then the word "similar" in this context sounds like a curse. Nevertheless, it reminds me solo project of Isao Fujita. And also there are some similarities with one of his projects - Cube-Ray. At least that's what I remembered.

Composer's work is excellent. Especially I liked the idea of ​​dividing compositions into two parts. This is very noticeable in tracks 2 and 4. That is, the overall construction changes approximately in half of composition. This is not a trivial key change, but a change in overall composition pattern with the help of additional instruments and / or some turns.

Instrumental parts performed excellently. However, such projects have only two options - to play well or not to produce studio albums. But still it's worth noting that after word "djent" I expected an ordinary grinding "zeros" on seventh string for several notes on piano sampler in the style of late 7Years To Midnight. Yes, reality is harsh. But this album pleasantly surprised me - everything here is much more interesting. There is a high skill level. But here is not shredding in the style of Mike Batio, when virtuosity violates all reasonable limits. Here the performance is exactly what the artistic task requires. What else can you say about an excellent musician?

In the end, I wrote few words about this release. Not only because for Russia albums of this level are rare. Not only because at the world level this album looks impressive. Usually don't say anything about such albums - this is the main reason. Such albums are listened to and silently admired. However, you can see for yourself.

Narumi - The SEED (Review)

A professional is not a paper with inscription "diploma". A professional is not the ability to scatter pathos phrases. First of all, this is a special type of thinking. Professional knows that everything, even the most stringent standards are written in the average case and are only recommendatory in nature. Therefore, in practice, any standards are never respected.

My Rating: 71/100

Source:
narumiguitar.wixsite.com/narumiofficial

I remembered this because a certain people category thinks that mastery is obedience to strict standards. Something like that can also be seen in this album. Narumi gives the impression of a typical high achiever. That is, a noticeably large amount of knowledge and skills, but only within the limits of standard cases.

Of course, I can only talk about what I heard in album. But already now you can see that the overall structure looks very academic. It's noticeable that the composer chose too standard methods for solving artistic tasks. But nevertheless it's worth noting that composer performed his work excellently - the album has a diverse sound. There is a viscous sound (1, 5 track); pretty pathos (2 tracks); cheerful, lively (3, 7 tracks); dramatic (4, 6 tracks). Four different sounds on one release - these days it's a rarity. And as for the pathos sound in the second track. I guess she describes herself in this way. Track is called "Red Rabbit", and on first disc of Disqualia there is an inscription "Narumi is red rabbit". This can not be an ordinary coincidence.

Well, album is completely instrumental, so we will discuss the instrumental parts. First thing you can notice is that the breakdown looks strange. As if they were inserted only in order to increase the tracks duration. Breakdowns are what killed Disqualia. I really do not want this project to be similar to the previous one.

Now it's about the guitar. The guitar sounds great. "Performing mastery at the highest level" - these words describe only a small part of great talent. Yes, it is difficult to describe such a talent. But here everything is within the limits of standard solutions. There is also a noticeable great influence of rock / metal bands created before the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This is noticeable in one thing - guitar does not participate in rhythm section. Guitar here is an extremely solo instrument. Guitar is one of rhythm section elements only in frankly dramatic works (4, 6 tracks). Well, quite an interesting way to diversify the guitar parts, although I don't know how many releases this will be enough. There is also a keyboard instrument. Sometimes in compositions you can find the academic piano sound. This is a negative point, as it's associated with beginners. Yes, in first track synthesizer creates an intriguing beginning. Yes, in last track synthesizer emphasizes some composition parts. But otherwise - everything is standard. Rhythm section - everything is predictable here. But we can say that the rhythm section is interesting. Standard rhythm section formula (for pop music) can only be found in last track. The rest is very interesting.

Such is the result of release - a huge talent, but ideas are standard. I'm a year younger than her, but I already managed to play on everything that is possible (this despite the fact that I am an engineer, not a musician), and she only recently took a seven-string guitar. This fact makes you think. Nevertheless, there is a hope that the methods of solving artistic tasks will be more interesting. Recently she published a photo of a new guitar - a seven-string with multiscale. Well, I hope that future releases will be more interesting.