Music is a matter of taste. Each song translates differently to every individual. We just like to share our views here. The following reviews are arranged according to latest review at the top.
All reviews done by Chris.
CEREMONIAL OATH
CD ALBUM 1995(SWEDEN)
Again, another pioneering Gothenburg melodic metal release from Sweden that features members from the current well known bands(members from in flames, ATG, tiamat) This release was made during their younger days. Melodic metal in the vein of "Maiden" with twin guitar attack, this was released by swedish label "Black Sun" (RIP) back then...A showcase of their early musicianship and an enjoyable listen. This cd spent a lot of time in my player back then...
This was their 2nd and final release. Pretty hard to find cd now i heard and some are selling this at a pretty high price...Well...To me, this is PRICELESS.
Ratings:4.5/5
SENTENCED
AMOK CD (FINLAND)1995
A dig into the cd collection again..........this album marks a change for this long time Finnish metal band. "Maiden" style, very melodic and catchy... an album not to be missed. I think that there's maybe something in the waters(beer) that our Scandinavian friends(Sweden, Finland, Norway etc) are drinking, that gives them plenty of inspiration in metal music. Some of the best metal acts come from these countries.
Their first two albums are technical, less melodic and more "grindy". This 3rd release was a pleasant surprise, which gained them commercial popularity worldwide.
Some of the tracks are pretty cheesy (listen to it yourself) but it is a fun "rockin" album to listen to, mostly mid tempo tracks that packed with punch and good production. Although later releases are different and often described as "gothic".
GET IT! and Don't take metal music too seriously sometimes..especially the lyrics...!
Ratings:5/5
DARKANE
RUSTED ANGEL CD ALBUM (SWEDEN)1999
Technical Thrash/deathmetal band from Sweden (similar to Arch enemy, meshuggah, soilwork). This album was released in Europe and Japan before they had their big break and gain popularity in US as well. Sad to say that their newer releases are not as strong as this. Great production, great melodies, solos, amazing riffs and thunderous drumming(drummer Peter wildoer from Arch enemy, Armageddon, Soilwork)...A mix of Arch Enemy + Meshuggah probably....This is their best release I think. Comparable to Arch Enemy's first few albums( Really? Yes...it is REALLY that good ...)
Prepare for a deafening full aural assault.
Ratings:5/5
PASSENGER
S/T CD ALBUM 2003(SWEDEN)
A project band formed by the guys from Gardenian, In Flames, Transport League. This is a more hard rock album with melodies and catchy tunes, coupled with some synths. Pretty good production overall and an enjoyable mid-paced album with punch. A few good tracks in the album, but I find that they are capable of producing even better tracks. Vocals alternate between singing and shouting, and he is much better these days(singing especially compared to his younger days..heh...)
A good break from listening too many metal music....this is like music for intermission.......Good potential and I was hoping for a 2nd release............ and I am still waiting...
Ratings:3.5/5
Anacrusis
screams and whispers CD ALBUM 1993
This is a very good thrash metal band that has incorporated interesting ideas and progressive elements. This album is a memorable release that has also influenced many bands after that. Innovative and technical, catchy riffs and full of melodies. They "disappeared" after this album, and until recent years they resurfaced...Despite that, they still have many fans throughout these years.
I prefer this album to their previous release "Manic Impressions" .Guitars and bass stands out for most of the tracks in the album, with keyboards adding to the atmosphere. Production is pretty good, instruments are clearly heard too. Vocals range from singing to thrash metal growls/shouts...A GOOD THRASHY RELEASE
Ratings:4.5/5
AMORPHIS
SKYFORGER CD ALBUM 2009
These finnish metallers have been around since the early 90's generating their style of folk/death metal, incorporating their heritage(Kalevala) into their lyrics. They have evolved into a more progressive metal band with clean vocals as time passes(which is pretty good). Plenty of melodies and catchy riffs, catchy choruses, thunderous drumming, great keyboards and atmospheres. (They have always managed to create a multi-layered atmosphere with their guitar effects)
Though some might find this a little too "pop-py" at times, it is still as infectious. Not as strong as their previous releases, but a good addition to the collection. Few standout tracks, Sky is mine, Sompo, silver bride, from the heaven of my heart....
Ratings:3.5/5
DREAM THEATER
AWAKE CD ALBUM 1994
A dig from the cd vault...Here I have Dream Theater. OK , guessed you have already heard of this band and You probably have this album too. For those who have not, this is a neo-progressive metal/rock band's earlier album. Great musicianship, great production, catchy keyboards, riffs, solos etc etc..faultless amazing album with singing vocals....The individual musicians are very well known now, this is one of the best album releases to date. Sitting alongside "Images and Words" album.
Check out their live performance here...
Ratings:4.5/5
IN FLAMES
THE JESTER RACE CD ALBUM 1995 (SWEDEN)
Mmm....I used to have a soft spot for Swedish bands..Here from my cd vault I have dug out this CLASSIC metal release from these Swedish metallers. This album puts them on metal charts worldwide and commercial recognition (signing on to a major label Nuclear Blast). They have been an "underground favourite" before this in their country and have released an mcd "subterranean" and "Lunar Strain". Twin guitar assault, great melodies and catchy riffs, memorable solos and harmonies. "METAL, JUST PURE METAL" at its best with Anders Friden gruff vocals, and a few acoustic/folk moments thrown in....
This band has evolved through the years, and have changed their sound quite a bit. Though newer releases are still cool, but nothing beats their earlier "pure metal" albums.
Every track is as GOOOD. Listening to the track"December Flower" guitar solo still gives me the "goosebumps".......Cool stuff...Skål (Well, that's Cheers in Swedish)
A sample of December Flower :
And someone covering the solo here...amazing...
Ratings: 5/5
IN FLAMES
REROUTE TO REMAIN CD ALBUM 2004 (SWEDEN)
This album marks their change in approach in their music...incorporating more effects and keyboards/synths into their sound. Damn good thrashy release with catchy "anthemic" choruses...Well, to be honest, I was not used to their change in style(including Anders's vocals and singing..well i think he has good metal vocals, but not really good singing vocals back then...) .Well , I got used to it after repeated listening, and I think he has improved a lot now...
It's all about the rhythm and riffs I must say...really heavy and catchy ..amazing drum works....Cool tracks including Cloud Connected, trigger, system, Egonomic, dismiss the cynics, free fall , black & white...An innovative band that makes every album worth listening...
Ratings:4/5
IN FLAMES
COME CLARITY CD ALBUM 2006 (SWEDEN)
I have been a fan of this Gothenburg band since their first release(Sub) with Wrong Again Records, and I am being OBJECTIVE by saying that this is a VERY good album. Yes, yes, THIS DEFINITELY IS. A better release since their "new" approach, they have perfected their "formula" song structures. Well balanced between melody and aggression. By now I have gotten used to Anders vocals(alternating between erratic and normal singing and screams). Amazing quality and production definitely helps, another winning album.
Check out some samples here..
Ratings:4.5/5
Opeth (SWEDEN)
STILL LIFE ALBUM(1999)
OK, mmm...how shall I start...Been a fan of theirs since the first album. They have come a long way. Started as more of a doom/progressive deathmetal band, I'll probably just describe as progressive metal band now. They have evolved through the years maintaining their style, as well as progressively incorporating new elements in their music. Harsh, beautiful, emotional, melancholic, ....catchy riffs, melodies, technicality, you have both the beast and the beauty in this album. The long tracks are well thought of and composed. Good and tight production. Mikael A., the vocals and the man behind this band has great songwriting skills. Equally captivating is his vocals and the flexibility to sing and growl amazingly. Considering himself a fan of progressive rock, and a good friend of Porcupine Tree(Steven Wilson), you can hear the influences also.
I find that every album of theirs is an enjoyable experience, and I always look forward to the next releases to see what they can come up with...Oh, if you do not like growling vocals, try “Damnation” ......... Enjoy!
A classic deathmetal release from Mike Amott and gang. Perfect combination of melody, technicality and heavy metal! Well, nothing new to Mike as he is one of the pioneers to the Swedish deathmetal scene, involving in many bands (Carcass, Carnage, Spiritual Beggars). Together with his younger brother, Christopher Amott(guitarist) and mates, Arch Enemy is formed and the album was released in 1996. After that, the band has many releases(Stigmata, burning bridges, etc etc..please check their site for discography). Johan L. was the vocalist for the first few albums. However, the band changed vocalist(female vocalist-Angela G.) in “wages of sin” album, and albums after that. Very catchy riffs and excellent solos and twin guitars, thunderous drumming, good growling vocals, this is an instant classic. Though I do like their later releases(with Angela G) , I think this album CANNOT be replaced! Tracks like “Bury me an angel”, “Eureka”, “Idolatress”, ”Cosmic retribution” “Fields of desolation” “Transmigration..” “dark insanity” are my absolute favourites! Every track is a gem. Great song structures, “old school” growls, metal straight to the point with good production! YEAH!!!
OK, now go enjoy the album! 11 tracks of pure metal! (mine is the Japanese release with bonus track).
AMAZING!AMAZING!AMAZING! I have not come across one person who does not like this band and this album. INSTANT CLASSIC! I shall not dwell into their history, check their site out! Progressive metal with cool vocals, technical playing, groovy basslines and riffs, jazzy-fusion beats, atmospheric, great solos,catchy rhythms, changes in tempo and mood, what more can you ask for! This band's song writing skills are amazing! While their previous full length “Focus” is in 1993, Yes..that's a LOOOONG wait.......the individual members has other projects and bands......This is well worth the wait ! They have been very experimental even during their early days(80/90s) in the deathmetal scene, and “Focus” was WAY AHEAD of its time when it was released. Not many people could appreciate it at that time though..... heh....Grab this album and “Focus” if you like metal, progressive rock, or even guitars, drums, instrumental albums etc .... ...amazziinggg...well think I ran out of words to describe, just let the music do the talking...
While “Focus” production is a little “under” produced(probably due to the complexity of the music and instruments, a little too “compressed” and it did not really showcase the different instruments very well), the production for this album is great !!! Think they have a new track and EP is coming out soon ...I'm WAITING.......
Ratings: A SOLID 5/5. Every track is great! (WELL, AND FOR “FOCUS”- A 5/5 TOO)
Check out their official site : http://www.cyniconline.com and youtube for some of their live performances
ANATHEMA (UK)
Eternity album -1996 /// Alternative 4 album- 1998 /// Judgement album -1999
What can i say , i have always been a fan of this band since their early days. And “Eternity” is by far ONE of their BEST releases to date. I definitely put this album as their ALL TIME CLASSIC, along with “Judgement” and “Alternative 4” albums. I loved all their releases, but these 3 albums mentioned above have a special place in my heart.( I Remembered when i got it when it was released and I played the cd countless times......... and i could almost, almost see them in my dreams...hehe
You might call this progressive rock/metal (you might have a different classification, doesn’t matter...to me classification is not that important, GOOD MUSIC IS GOOD MUSIC!) .
They started out as a doom metal outfit, and I would think that this album is a full progression from doom metal to prog rock. (Think Pink Floyd, porcupine tree etc..). Every album gets better and better and I think they perfected it on “Judgement” .(My FAV!)
Perfect balance of “emotion” and “beauty” . Atmospheric and Spacey, plenty of catchy melodies and mood(though earlier albums are darker), they can definitely tell good stories in their music...
You can find more information at their site, if you are interested in this band and their music. As I have said, all their albums are really good , just that i find the 3 albums above are the strongest and there are no fillers in these albums.
For your info, Danny from Anathema is also in “Leafblade”(band) with an debut album release AND, apart from that, he has also a live album released with Anneke van Giersbergen (ex-gathering). Both releases under Aftermath Music(Norway)
Anathema will have a new album release this year 2010..and I will be patiently waiting... Thanks and Cheers
Rating:
4.5/5 for Eternity
4.5/5 for Alternative 4
5/5 for Judgement
S/T ALBUM /// GYPSY WAYS ALBUM /// BOUND TO BREAK ALBUM /// TIGHTROPE ALBUM
Well, a dig from my music vault recently and rediscovered these these gem CLASSICS. WHAT CAN I SAY???? HEAVVYYY MEEEETALLLLL!!!80s OLD SCHOOL !!! YEAH!!!!
This popular Japanese band has fans around the world, and has been around since the 80’s(1981 to be exact)! I will not spend time writing about their history and all that...check out in the internet! I have problems picking out standout tracks, as there are a lot of very classic songs!!! J
Melodic, “anthemic” choruses, great solos, catchy rhythms, great vocals( they changed vocalists in the first few albums), what more do you need !!? J
They have other newer releases, do check them out! I am more familiar and really DIG “TIGHTROPE” and “BOUND TO BREAK” albums!!!! So i will rate them slightly higher J.
Old school metallers who loved metal probably already have these albums in their collection. If you have not checked them out, DO IT NOW! J
Rating:
s/t:4.5/5
gypsy ways:4.5/5
bound to break:5/5
tightrope:5/5
No introduction needed in the metal scene. Devin Townsend has been with Strapping young lad(SYL) and has done quite a number of solo albums and contributed in other musical projects as well . Very prolific musician, he has incorporated A LOT of different ideas into his music and albums, which makes the albums very interesting to listen to! Although metal is still the main focus, his musical influences are very varied and very progressive as well. Very well produced albums and good vocals!
Oh, this album has really catchy riffs and hooks, thick chunky guitars and effects, well produced massive “stadium feel” rock/metal. I have been hooked since this album and I have ALMOST all his releases , well............ up til 2009’s “ADDICTED” .....oh, his amazing speed in releasing albums, that i can’t even catch up! ;)
This album reviewed above is his first solo album released in 1997. Check out his discography if you can!
Ratings:5/5
gordian knot
EMERGENT
Most people who likes metal, jazz, fusion jazz music ,guitars,drums, progressive rock etc would probably already have this in their collection. If you have not, please check it out! J
This is their second release from Sean Malone’s(Bassist From Cynic) project, and this is pure instrumental effort. Mmm...how shall i say...complex composition, rock/Jazz Fusion, relaxing, amazing melodies, catchy riffs and effects, groovy basslines, great drumming and time signatures...and not to mention the technicality of the compositions and instrument skills!
Yes, there are a lot of instrumental ,jazz fusion album releases out there and you will probably say this is nothing new to the scene. BUT! this is Definitely good atmospheric album and a great effort by the musicians. (which includes well known Jason Gobel, Steve Hackett, Sean Reinert, Bill Bruford ,Paul Masvidal, Jim Matheos...)
