The guys in Scar Symmetry don't mess around. Seems like they just came off tour and yet we've had news about a new album with artwork(such as it is)and now they've released a track from it already. The track is off the forthcoming album The Unseen Empire and I have to say, if the song is any indication of the rest album, it looks like the guys are definitely trying to forge a new identity post Christian Alvestam. Tribal drumbeats, vocals that remind me of a generic Amorphis, and then heavy on the keys at the end. I don't know if I like it or not. Here it is so let me know what you think.
Metalsucks did a post a few days ago with a leak that Scar S6ymmetry had finished recording a new album and such but it became official today. That has to be the most generic cover by far that SS has ever had. Aside from that the new album will be called 'The Unseen Empire' and it's a concept of sorts. Here let one of the guys explain it.
Henrik Ohlsson: "'The Unseen Empire' seeks to expose the hidden hand of the elite that pull the strings of mankind in order to fulfill their agenda of global domination. The album concept goes from theories of shadow governments to secret ancient bloodlines and even further into speculations of malevolent influence from metaphysical reptilian-based intelligences. Mankind's only hope to survive seems to be an internal awakening where the influence of the unseen empire that rules in secrecy is washed away from the minds of the masses. They want us to stay within the framework of their agenda, hypnotizing us with things that draw attention but has no value. It's time to step outside the framework and make 'the unseen empire' visible!"
So a conspiracy theory of sorts. Yay. It's due out April 15th on Nuclear Blast. Apparently with the album art and the concept the band seems determined to make this the first effort where people don't compare it to Christian Alvestam era material. Good luck with that.
So as far as shows go, this one was pretty epic. Even the dreary torrential rains and the cold San Francisco weather couldn't keep the atmosphere down around the DNA Lounge where an almost repeat lineup from an earlier in the year show was to take place. Tonight on the bill is Epica, Scar Symmetry, The Agonist and Canadian favorites, Blackguard. The night started off kinda dodgy; to be honest I almost turned around when I hit a quarter of the way to San Francisco; the rain was coming down in buckets and I was afraid my truck would end up hydroplaning into a wall or something, but thanks to some previous communication with Blackguard's front-man Paul Ablaze and my setting up an interview for That Devil Music, I couldn't pass this opportunity up. I also had a meet and greet experience with Epica, and you just don't pass that up either.
I got there early, made my initial contact with Blackguard's bass player Étienne Mailloux who kindly passed on my arrival to Paul. While waiting, DNA staff placed a sign on the walls reporting that tonight's show will be recorded and streamed live on their website. I called Rob Liz, informed him of said awesomeness and later learned that he streamed it on That Devil Music. Looks like we'll be doing that more as time goes on.
After getting searched, through the doors and out of the rain, we were lined up to get our autographed poster (and my other items) and were able to chat the few minutes at the table. The line then circled around again and we then waited to get our pic taken with the whole band (something I have yet to accomplish in the previous meetings with them - until tonight). On a quick note, though I have two or three Epica shirts, I had decided to wear my Blackguard (to show my support) and Mark had joked to me as I walked up for my picture that I was wearing the wrong shirt. I know he was just messing around, but as far as I'm concerned, I was in exactly what I needed to be in..
So, being true to his word Paul came and grabbed me and we went up to the VIP area for our interview. He was truly thankful to have us do the interview and little did I know he was very talkative (which was unexpected and awesome). I guess I expected a metal musician to be of fewer words but I was pleasantly wrong. We talked about the beginnings of Blackguard, the comings and goings of band members (including the recent departure of keyboardist Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc, old labels and their new partnership with Victory Records and a little bit of this an that. You can see part one and part two here:
Part one:
Part two:
For part two, I had to cut it short. There was a "DJ" there, and although he played some great music, I wish he wouldn't have started until I had a chance to finish my interview. You can still hear our conversation well enough though. Oh, and by the way: Eff you, Rob Metal.
All in all it was a great experience. Even though they tour non stop they still feel that they might not be as well known as they would like to be, hopefully with the new label behind them and a new Album (entitled "Firefight" due out in March 2011) on the way that will change. They all certainly have the drive and the passion to climb up the ranks of metal's finest.
After the interview (again, thanks Paul!) I headed over to the Merch tables which was packed with some great stuff (if only I could have registered there for Christmas gifts). I chatted with Terry Roadcase (off camera) and made a couple purchases. They are all dedicated all all know their roles. I always see Terry at the table, chatting with fans and selling their goods. They are all passionate about getting their names and music out there, as well they should.
After getting my spot at the right side of the front of the stage (which apparently was the spot to be because everyone who was watching the show online could see me clear as day (though I'm not so sure that's a good thing). And I waited patiently for Blackguard.
They never seem to disappoint. This is the third or fourth time seeing them and they always a packed with energy and give the crowd back the energy they're being given, which was a lot. They treated us to the greats from Profugus Mortis, This Rounds On Me, Allegiance, The Sword and also we were given a sneak peek to the upcoming release. It sounded amazing and I can't wait to get my greedy paws on it. As a treat during one of their numbers a smoking hot blue-haired pixie came out on stage and sang along, well more like screamed along. I wouldn't know her identity until the next band's performance.
Next up is Montreal's The Agonist. I can honestly say I know nothing of them though as their set went on I had realized too little too late that their lead vocalist and the blue haired angel who popped in on Blackguard's set was familiar to me. I actually read an about Alissa White-Gluz in the pages of Revolver Magazine in their "Hottest Women in Hard Rock" pictorial. Yeah, great choice Revolver.
So from my perspective, standing that close to the stage with ear protection, I really enjoyed their set. In talking to people who watched the show online they weren't too impressed with her performance but I also heard that there were issues in the streaming of it. I'll have to check out their music in the privacy of my own iPod to make a final decision on them. What I could tell from the show is that Alyssa is freakin' gorgeous but appears to be kinda over dealing with fans, dunno why, just an impression I got watching her body language and demeanor while she worked their merch table. I kept trying to get a good shot of her on my camera but she never really moved around the stage like Paul or even Simone or the guys from Scar Symmetry and her guitarist kept cock-blocking my camera (most pics attempted of her ended up with knees and crotch - not at all what I had hoped for).
Still I was entertained by their set which was just a touch longer than Blackguards. The band, for the most part seemed to love being on stage and playing music and it showed in their set.
Next up was Scar Symmetry who I've seen before with Epica in February at a venue down the street. That time I was only there to see Epica and Blackguard and couldn't care less about Bands I've never heard before. This time however, I made it a point to really pay attention to their performance. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the two vocalists and how they both seemed to blend really well together. Again, not really knowing much about them it seemed that they had a clean vocalist and a growly vocalist though at times I'm pretty sure I saw them both do clean vocals and some great harmonizing. I think I need to give their studio stuff more scrutiny because I think they put on a really good show, even missing a guitarist who was there but apparently broke his arm at a previous venue. They mentioned something about karate kicks and failed landings. After getting a good look look at the guy (who looked a LOT like Kerry King), I could see why the karate kicks wouldn't be a good idea.
Last but certainly not least was Epica. What can I say, they're amazing; though now I realize as I think about last night that this is truly the first time I've seen them live. My first time to see them, Simone Simmons was ill and they had Amanda Sommerville cover her spot. She really did an amazing job and I'm very thankful for her being there so they could keep the date. The second time I saw them, earlier this year in fact, Coen (their keyboardist) was getting married and so they had asked Kamelot's pianist Oliver Palotai to cover for him. He, of course, did a fantastic job and it was amazing to meet him and see him work his magic live. This time, however, it was the full Epica experience.
They were amazing. It was everything I had hoped for. Simone sounded great, the band was awesome (though it appeared that they had a couple technical difficulties here and there). All in all, they lived up to their standards and gave us all the Epica package we all spent our money to get. You put on an Epica live CD, that's what you get: Perfection.
Here's a pic with me and Epica
Here's a pic with me and Alyssa from The Agonist
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Draeden is at this show. You can see him in one of the camera angles right by the stage. Here is the live feed as the show is due to start at 7:30 I believe.Look for a concert review and a Blackguard interview soon.
Awhile back I did a review of Scar Symmetry's new album "Dark Matter Dimensions" and gave it a "meh' rating. I've come to enjoy it more as time has gone by but guess what? Christian Alvestam finally got past his ADD and released an album with his new band Solution .45. This was the first project announced back in 2008 and with his 5 billion other side projects it was thought that .45 would be the one to get released. And verily it came to pass. So I listened to this thing and figured instead of just doing a bland old review or even a real time review of it, why not stack these two albums together and see who made the better career move. Christian for leaving or Scar Symmetry for having to hire two vocalist to replace him. So without further ado I bring you Track by track,Head to Head. Track 1 The Iconoclast vs. The Close Beyond:The Iconoclast is a uneven mix of melodic death and power metal. I can see it being a hit with the FFDP set since it even has a breakdown in the middle. The Close Beyond starts out like a Disturbed song on speed. Alot of groove in this first track.I'm not seeing any difference from Alvestam Symmetry. The Close Beyond is less poppy but not by much. The growls are more brutal in The Close Beyond. Point goes to Solution .45.
Track 2 The Consciousness Eaters vs.Gravitational Lensing: Eaters has a more brutal rhythm section this track. The vocals are hitting more traditional metal elements. Lensing is a straight split between brutal and clean voxs. This track is the least memorable of any of them so far. I feel like I've heard this before. Point goes to Scar Symmetry.
Track 3 Noumenon and Phenomenon vs. Through the Night Kingdomed Gates. Goddammit with the long song titles. I'm a blogger but that doesn't mean I want to type that much. Phenom's turn to be an unmemorable track. The effort to be melodic on the vocals is pretty average. Gates starts pretty soft but hits this riff at the start that's pretty bad ass reminiscent of latter day Testament. The clean vocals sort of take the steam out of it though. Point goes to Solution .45.
Track 4 Ascension chamber vs. For Aeon's Past:Chamber is a pretty damn good track. Probably the best one on the album so far.Almost epic in nature. Aeon's is going for 80 percent brutal and 20 percent clean. It's got a heavy groove but overall not really outstanding. Point goes to Scar Symmetry
Track 5 Mechanical Soul Cybernetics vs. Lethean Tears: Ok...Mechanical starts with a psychotic mind fuck. Defiantly the most original track from either albums.This track is frenetic on every level including the vocals. Tears on the other hand brings it all down quite a bit with a ballad. Almost butt rock level but this band has more talent then Winger or Firehouse ever did. Both tracks bring a change of pace but for enjoyment factor Point goes to Solution .45
Track 6 Non Human Era vs. Bladed Vaults: After that last track from .45 Era does a wake the fuck up call with a brutal vocal barrage. I'm pretty sure I've heard the clean vocal phrasing on this track on a Symmetry song in the past. Vaults is more brutal between the two tracks. Neither of them are really wowing me but finally the pattern is broken. Point for Solution .45
Track 7 Dark Matter Dimensions vs. Wirethrone: Dimensions is hitting the speedy brutal factor here. Nothing fantastic here. Wirethrone is more memorable of the two with an even mix of soft and brutal passages. It's actually one of the better tracks on .45's album. Point for Solution .45
Track 8 Sculptor Void vs. On Embred Fields Adjust: Void I think is my favorite track on this album. I think. By now these cd's are starting to blend together. Unremarkable track from .45. Point goes to Scar Symmetry
Track 9 A Parenthesis in Eternity vs. Into Shadow: Eternity starts with a good ballady intro then goes all formulaic with speed riffs and unremarkable clean vox over the top.Shadow starts off with a slower heavy groove riff with orchestration.I think for the music alone I like Shadow better. Point goes to Solution .45
Track 10 Frequency shifter vs. Clandestiny Now: A 3 minute song against a 16 minute song. Christ. The epic length better be worth it. Frequency is a solid little track.The first 3 minutes of clandestiny is pretty standard fare thus far. I'll be looking for tempo changes and shifts and how interesting this monster is going to be as it progresses. 6 minutes in and I can already tell this is longer then it needs to be. By about 10 minutes. Point goes to Scar Symmetry
Track 11 Radiant Stain vs. Spirit Side Dreaming: Kick ass intro for Radiant Stain.Pretty solid track by Symmetry.Little bit of effects before the chorus. Spirit starts off out the gate with brutal. Delves into standard Symmetry/.45 style of song. Point goes to Scar Symmetry
Holy crap that was tiring. Well it was close but it looks like the edge goes to Solution .45 at 6-5. What I find funny is that if SS and Alvestam had just taken 5 or 6 of their best songs respectively and slapped them on one cd this would have been a pretty kick ass album. Neither side really did anything different from previous works except for a 16 minute snoozefest and a trippy hardcore song. Alvestam's vocals seem to have deteriorated a bit on this release but it's still on par with what two guys are doing at the other camp. Word of caution, there is a version of this album floating around with trance remixes of some of the tracks. It's fucking horrible. Oh and I still hate the name Solution .45. I'm going to leave this now with the new Symmetry video for Iconoclast and the trailer for Aeons Past.
So I've had a cold the last few days which has given me time to catch up on some new releases. I just got through listening to the new Scar Symmetry "Dark Matter Dimensions" which has been somewhat anticipated due to the new vocalist set up those guys have. For the first time Christian Alvestam is not the vocalist and instead they have two guys at the plate to handle the range of vocals Christian used to. From death to clean to black.
So these two rotate their vocals back and forth. Now I said a long time ago when word got out of these new hires to not be surprised if it doesn't work out to well. I was partially right. Musically the album is tight but vocally neither of these two guys are as good as Christian was by himself. Lars on the clean vocals just does not quite have the same range and many times throughout he's kind of flat. Roberth on the growls is ok but hard to understand. Sometimes these guys try so hard to growl that their enunciation ends up suffering as seen here.
Overall the songs themselves just aren't quite up to par as previous releases lyrically. Sometimes I felt like instead of a melodic death metal band(I hate that label for these guys by the way)I was listening to a power metal band utilizing death grunts. Definatley some cheese in dem der songs.
It's a new start for these guys and I would recommend it for a new listener and hopefully they will improve later on but man.....what a step back after a huge amount of momentum with Christian at the mic.
So 2008 was a pretty damn good year in the metal and hard rock scene. Alot of top name bands released material and while not all of it was good there was some solid stuff out there.
AC/DC(Black Ice):Nice to see them have huge success after all these years. The time was right for some straight forward rock it seems.
Ayreon(01011001)Another prog masterpiece that wraps up the story created way back in '96.
Battlelore(The Last Alliance)Good release from these guys(and gal) but not nearly their best.
Circle II Circle (Delusions of Grandeur)Another solid release from Zak Stevens and crew.
Communic(Payment of Existence)Really good CD but not as good as Conspiracy.
Disturbed(Indestructible)One of the only nu metal bands I enjoy everything they've done.
Dragonforce(Ultra Beatdown)More of the same from these guys. Couldn't get past the fact it seems they stayed with the same formula to capitalize on the sales boost they got thanks to Guitar Hero.
Guns n'Roses(Chinese Democracy)What more could be said. Probably the biggest flop not of the year but ever. After all the rumors,changed release dates and just plain years of waiting on this, there were debut albums that were better then this mess.
Jon Oliva's Pain(Global Warming)Disappointed in this. The previous albums were dead ringers for Jon Oliva's days with Savatage but by the time this came out I was sick to death of preachy save the world, stop the war albums.The whole CD is just one big message that we've heard before over the last 8 years.
Judas Priest(Nostradamus)We get it Rob, this is an epic album. No need to sing each and every song like it is a 80's power metal song. Probably the most overrated release of the year to me.
Lordi(Deadache)Yeah I know I suck for liking these guys. But I do so tough shit. Nothing new here just good old fashioned hard rock with trick or treaters playing the music.
Metallica(Death Magnetic)The other big story of the year. The first few listens were refreshing compared to the last few releases but I know this will wear on me over time in fact it already has. Lars get rid of the crap kit you use and go back to the gear you had on Master or even the Black album. And mix the bass better. Five years Trujillo has been with you guys and you finally release something with him on it and I can barely hear the bass. Listen to your fans about the production and remaster or remix this thing and you will pull in more of the fans you guys lost over the past decade.
Opeth(Watershed)Excellent album. The perfect balance between heavy and mellow. In fact the mellow songs on here are the best since Damnation. The concert I went to for them was kick ass too.
Sabaton(The Art of War)Pretty meh album compared to Primo Victoria or Attero Dominatus.
Scar Symmetry(Holographic Universe)Superb release. Tainted because of the knowledge that Christian is no longer the vocalist. I don't get into too much growling but his is the perfect tone and pitch for me. Pretty sure the next release from them with two singers is going to be average at best.
Testament(Formation of Damnation)After 9 years what a comeback. This album is how thrash should be played and should be the template for all bands that play this genre of metal. They brought back alot of old crew and it showed as it's the best selling CD they have ever had.
Warrel Dane(Praise to the War Machine)Highly overlooked album. Some great great songs on here. It does take a few pages from Nevermore but that's a good thing. His singing on the cover of Lucretia gives me chills. Supposedly late 2009 will be the new Nevermore album. Can't wait.
I've been perusing some of my sites to try and get an idea of who is releasing stuff this year. I'm anticipating Megadeth, Dream Theater, and hopefully Nevermore coming out with stuff this year. I'm not expecting a big year but here's hoping it will be a good one nonetheless.
So I was going over my older posts and realized on the original Rogues Gallery post that there were a few groups that I have checked out since then that I need to add. So without further ado here's some more stuff. Click on the band name or banner if one is available to check them out.
Scar Symmetry : This band balances alot of cool elements such as death grunts, clean vocals, technical playing, and orchestration. They're being dubbed as a melodic death metal group though I really don't see it. Christian Alvestam is an amazing vocalist with a huge range. However he has since parted ways with them so it will be interesting to see who they pick up in his stead and if they can continue to be good.
Katatonia : Another Swedish band that began as a doom metal outfit with growling. Jonas Renske blew his voice out though and after recovering these guys changed their sound to a more atmospheric dark sound with clean vocals. Think Opeth's Damnation album but heavier. I really dig their stuff.
Lordi : Time for the token cheesy band. These guys are an old monster movie come to life. Think Gwar but with a bit more talent. If you take away the makeup and other stuff their sound is very reminiscent of the 80's gruff voiced bands like Accept and Krokus. I think they're great but yeah definitely cheesy:)
Testament : Damn...this is thrash at it's finest. These guys have been around a long time with the 90's seeing the bulk of their work. Every style they have tackled has been excellant whether it be thrash , death, melodic. Alex Skolnick is back with them and Chuck Billy survived a cancer scare and the results of these events of late translates into a powerful cd. Check it out.
Tool : These guys were what I hung onto in the 90's when it seemed metal was dying. Progressive without a doubt. Dark and atmospheric on every album with the distinct tone of down tuned guitars and the bass featured prominently. This is not fast food music, you really have to sit and digest everything with every song. I lost track of them after Aenima but went back and checked out what I missed and it was still good stuff.
So there ya go, just a few more bands I've been listening to alot of lately, some old school, some new school, and a bit of cheese.
