Now Playing Thread

[The Butterfly Man]

NP: Cloudkicker - The Discovery

This is a one-man band that plays insane instrumental progressive metal, it reminds me of Meshuggah at times. I discovered them (him?) yesterday and so far listened to The Discovery only once, but I was instantly impressed!

You know what the good thing is? You can download Cloudkicker's entire discography for free (and legally) here: http://sites.google.com/site/cloudkickeruk2/

I recommend you start with The Discovery, 'cause that's what I did!

Tom

[Nicky007]

Exodus - Tempo of the damned  

What are they like, Funkster ?  Could you name any other groups that are close ?  


NP  Nevermore:  The Obsidian Conspiracy

Impressive !  Full-blooded Nevermore  

On first run, I'd say that it's more back to Dreaming Neon Black than This Godless Endeavor, thus not quite as harsh, particularly not as much of Warrel Dane's wrath, altho still enuff    

But there are even very delicate sung passages, as on DNB  

And there sure is ample shredding to satisfy the most avid Loomis fan, like me  

In the Special Box Set there's even a dvd with teach yourself Loomis shredding  

The lyrics are as usual intelligently dark  

Here's the "product description" on Amazon.co.uk (my boldface):

"Over the years Nevermore have carved out their own unique niche. The group's sound encompasses every element of the heavy metal spectrum and is like no other band within the genre. They have played everywhere across the world to over hundreds of thousands of people. They have never been more determined, focused and powerful than on The Obsidian Conspiracy."

I find this an excellent description of Nevermore and Obsidian.

Already the costumor reviews are running in on Amazon.co.uk    - not yet on Amazon.com, as strangely the album is not yet released in the US  

E.g. some lines from the review by A. Jackson "systemguitarman666" (West Yorkshire, England):

"I've been a massive Nevermore fan for 7 years now, and consider Warrel to have one of the top 3 best (if not THE best) voices in metal, a perfect blend of singing and aggression, and Jeff Loomis to be in the top 3 (if not THE best) guitarist in metal ...."

I agree fully !

To my mind, Loomis competes with Petrucci & Vai (metaphorically) as leading axemen  

Warrel is definitely imo among the top singers, but I would place more than two on par with him  


For the above reasons, I can recommend Obsidian to Tom, Funkster, Iggy, and Mad  


And of course Played:

Cynic:  Traced In Air  

Recommended to the same dudes + Jonesy (who already would have Obsidian by now)  

Nicky.

[funkster]

Exodus eh Nicky - well they were number 5 of the Big 4 thrash bands of the 80s (metallica , anthrax , slayer , megadeth) and Kirk hammet was originally in the band.

As to their sound - big brash agressive bay area metal

Recommended listening - bonded by blood , pleasures of the flesh , fabulous disaster and tempo of the damned

They should appeal to fans of testamant , death angel , early metallica etc etc

[Nicky007]

They should appeal to fans of testament , death angel , early metallica etc etc

OK, probably not much to me then (altho I consider Kirk a great guitarist). I'l keep'm on the backburner  

Thanx anyway, Funkster. Always good to xchange knowledge and experiences of music  

However, I don't think that Exodus are anything near as big as the other four bands you named  

Nicky.

[Iggy]

NP Ripples - Aspera

[funkster]

To mega therion by Celtic Frost
A tribute to insanity by Hexenhaus

[Nicky007]

NP: Cloudkicker - The Discovery

I noted this and I'l check it out. Thanx, Tom  

NP: Judas Priest - Nostradamus

Glad you like it, Tom  

It's still my fave album currently, altho there are several contestants (Sideshow, Traced, Obsidian). Somehow Nostra just has that extra maturity and self-confidence that raises it a notch above everything else for me  

And arent the graphics stunning ?

Altho the metal substance on Nostra is quite different from that of the Dream Theater albums (Nostra is more steady and somber, less excursional), I'd think that it should appeal to the same people - intelligent, mature, seeking and exploring rock, truly progressive !  Do you agree, Tom ?


NP  Nevermore:  The Obsidian Conspiracy  (on repeat)

Super album  

Nicky.

[funkster]

Lots of thrash - Exodus , Heathen , Forbidden and Kreator to name a few

[The Butterfly Man]

Glad you like it, Tom  

And arent the graphics stunning ?

Indeed, the whole package looks amazing!

Altho the metal substance on Nostra is quite different from that of the Dream Theater albums (Nostra is more steady and somber, less excursional), I'd think that it should appeal to the same people - intelligent, mature, seeking and exploring rock, truly progressive !  Do you agree, Tom ?

Yes I agree. Sure, it's progmetal, that's obvious, but it's a very different kind of progmetal compared to DT and the likes.

NP: The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing

(Appropriate title for the Room these days...)

This new album seems more 'mainstream' than their previous albums. You really can't deny the Radiohead-influences, both vocally and musically. Don't know if that's a bad or a good thing. I mean, I like Radiohead, but I also like originality...

Tom

[funkster]

The Thief album will be getting a spin shortly but it will take a fair bit to equal Anathema

Tonight i will be listening to Hammerfall , Manowar and Delirious ?

[Manatee]

NP: Myspace samples of North Atlantic Oscillation as per Tom's rec.

Vocalist sounds a little Gabrielesque, no?

[maddox]

Pink Floyd ~ The Wall

[Nicky007]

Yes I agree. Sure, it's progmetal, that's obvious, but it's a very different kind of progmetal compared to DT and the likes.

That wasnt what you were supposed to agree with  

Tom, why do you too have to drive me up The Wall ?  


JNWP  Tipton, Entwistle & Powell:  Edge Of The World

Yup  

Guess Who Entwistle and Powell are ?  

Anyone who likes Nostradamus will dig this album. Remember, Glenn is the genius behind (as preposition) Nostra  

Nicky.

[Manatee]

NP: Cloudkicker - The Discovery

Going back and checking out some other room recommendations.  I suppose this is metal, but being instrumental, it seems more to my taste just now.

[The Butterfly Man]

That wasnt what you were supposed to agree with  

Tom, why do you too have to drive me up The Wall ?  

Ehh, what!?

Tom

[Teunis]

Karnataka - The Gathering Light

[Iggy]

NP One among the Living - Mystery

[funkster]

Motorhead - 1916
UFO - Strangers in the night
Saxon - Wheels of steel
Van Halen - 1 and 2

Classics one and all 

[Bupie]

PP The Flower Kings - Back In The World Of Adventures
I bought this one quite a long time ago on Tom's advice (or maybe Mad  ). The eponym song is OK but I still have trouble with the rest.  Challenging music that needs many listens to get into ...

JP Transatlantic - Brigde Across Forever
This one is another story since I am already convinced 

NP Dream Theater - BC&SL
Bonus disc, track 3 : Odyssey (originally from the Dixie Dregs). A great cover, IMHO 

[Nicky007]

Ehh, what!?

Just kiddin'  

But I was trying to make the point that people who enjoy intelligent, challenging progmetal like DT should also go for Nostradamus.

And Bups, Dream Theater are metal. Being a metal group doesnt mean that you play metal all of the time; no, it means that you have metal as one of your styles. Great groups like DT and Priest have a big span, from ethereal and delicate to heavy and crushing.


NP  The Tea Party:  The Interzone Mantras  (on repeat)

Very pleasant surprise. Highly original and gripping  

Thanx, Mad  

Nicky.

[Nicky007]

Still playing:

The Tea Party:  Interzone Mantras

Really super album 

Remind me of Three and Dredg - Tom 

Wrote down some Tea Party albums in my SL, + the self-titled album by Jeff Martin's new project, Armada - Mad 

And Tom, I still think you should get Ten's Twilight Chronicles. I'm sure you'l enjoy it, it really fits well to your LP. Remember that Cap called it "ingenious". And it's still one of my most played albums 

Hm, won't be able to buy cd's for a while, but fortunately the Main Library in Cop has an excellent selection 

Nicky.

[The Butterfly Man]

NP: Cloudkicker - The Discovery

I suppose this is metal, but being instrumental, it seems more to my taste just now.

Do you still feel that way?

The Tea Party:  Interzone Mantras

Really super album  

Remind me of Three and Dredg - Tom  

Interesting. I wrote it down for later today or tomorrow.

JP: Mutiny Within - Mutiny Within

What an album! I don't get why you guys don't listen to them (at least, you're never telling me about it... ).

NP: Nevermore - Without Morals (on MySpace)

Sounds interesting...

Tom

[Nicky007]

I don't get why you guys don't listen to them (at least, you're never telling me about it... ).

When I went on their MySpace last, about a month ago, they only had Awake there (as useful soundbite).

Now I just went there and saw that there was more .....

NP: Nevermore - Without Morals (on MySpace)

Sounds interesting ...

OK ...

Nicky.

[Nicky007]

NP  Mutiny Within  on  MySpace 

http://www.myspace.com/mutinywithin

Nicky.

[funkster]

The last month or so it has been metal - Exodus , Athiest , Morbid Angel , Deah Angel etc etc and it has worn me out 

Now listening to some classic ock - UFO , Van Halen and the excellent and sadly missed Thunder