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[Nicky007]

NP  Circus Maximus:  Nine

Here I agree with Bupie: This album is really extraordinary, it goes far beyond usual standards for excellent metal 

- Nicky

[PH]

NP  Circus Maximus:  Nine

Here I agree with Bupie: This album is really extraordinary, it goes far beyond usual standards for excellent metal 

Reminds me, I wanted to check that band out a bit more. Let's see if I can buy it somewhere!

Angra - "Holy Land"


Want to have this one too. They have it for sale on Grooves-inc.com along with "Angels Cry" for a nice price. But I'm still in doubt because such packaging is often very stripped down. And I was wondering what you guys know about "Angels Cry".

[Nicky007]

Reminds me, I wanted to check that band out a bit more. Let's see if I can buy it somewhere!

CM are arguably the best Scandinavian progmetal band these days - I'd say together with Arcturus. So make it happen, Paxi ... 

They have it for sale on Grooves-inc.com along with "Angels Cry" for a nice price. But I'm still in doubt because such packaging is often very stripped down.

Make sure you always get the original packaging for an album. Prog groups put a lot of effort into it.

And I was wondering what you guys know about "Angels Cry".

I actually haven't heard it yet (properly). But I know Holy Land and Rebirth very well, and Fireworks and Temple Of Shadows well. All these are great. My fave is Holy Land

I plan to acquire the full studio catalogue for Angra.

I won't mention that they are pantheon with me

- Nicky

[PH]

CM are arguably the best Scandinavian progmetal band these days - I'd say together with Arcturus. So make it happen, Paxi ... 

Make sure you always get the original packaging for an album. Prog groups put a lot of effort into it.

Yeah, I think so too. But sometimes a reissue has its advantages.

I actually haven't heard it yet (properly). But I know Holy Land and Rebirth very well, and Fireworks and Temple Of Shadows well. All these are great. My fave is Holy Land

I'm now listening to a few Narnia songs on YouTube:

Curse Of A Generation
Scared

Man, there's so much good stuff and so little money...

[Bupie]

Lee is formerly of Galahad (I have two albums by this band, but I was not overwhelmed with enthusiasm, but Lee does not play on these albums).
Anyone here who knows more about this artist?

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a song of his Black & White album called The Mirror on a free CD, kindly of progrock.co.uk. I really enjoyed it, read a rave review on dprp.net and noticed that John Mitchell was involved so I bought the album ... and was utterly disappointed by the rest of the tracks I played it a few times since my first listen but haven't changed my opinion so far : generic neo-prog with subpar melodies. So I would not recommend this particular album and I don't plan to check the new one. But this is not a definitive opinion though : my recent experience with DeeExpus has proven me that an album can click at every moment/listen.

Reminds me, I wanted to check that band out a bit more. Let's see if I can buy it somewhere!

You can't go wrong with Nine. Circus Maximus and Seventh Wonder are by far my favorite "young" progmetal bands 

Angra - "Holy Land"


Want to have this one too. They have it for sale on Grooves-inc.com along with "Angels Cry" for a nice price. But I'm still in doubt because such packaging is often very stripped down. And I was wondering what you guys know about "Angels Cry".

Go ahead ! The packaging is not stripped down : you will have the two cds and the two complete booklets for a bargain price. I know,I bought it this way 

NP Marillion -Anoraknophobia

I always liked the artwork of this one, I find it cool and funny (and it reminds me of Kenny of South Park). But apart from the little pop jewel Map Of The World, the music leaves me cold. Anther one I have to insist on ... or not.

[PH]

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a song of his Black & White album called The Mirror on a free CD, kindly of progrock.co.uk. I really enjoyed it, read a rave review on dprp.net and noticed that John Mitchell was involved so I bought the album ... and was utterly disappointed by the rest of the tracks I played it a few times since my first listen but haven't changed my opinion so far : generic neo-prog with subpar melodies. So I would not recommend this particular album and I don't plan to check the new one. But this is not a definitive opinion though : my recent experience with DeeExpus has proven me that an album can click at every moment/listen.

I also noticed John Mitchell's involvement and what I heard sounded a lot like something Frost* could have had brought out. Of course I need to check upon it further.

You can't go wrong with Nine. Circus Maximus and Seventh Wonder are by far my favorite "young" progmetal bands 

"Nine" it is then. Seventh Wonder is another band I really need to send my money to.

Go ahead ! The packaging is not stripped down : you will have the two cds and the two complete booklets for a bargain price. I know,I bought it this way 

That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks so much!

NP Marillion -Anoraknophobia

I always liked the artwork of this one, I find it cool and funny (and it reminds me of Kenny of South Park). But apart from the little pop jewel Map Of The World, the music leaves me cold. Anther one I have to insist on ... or not.

Oohhhh I really love that album! In fact, I think I'm going to listen to it now!
Map Of The World is indeed very nice, but my favourite tracks are:
Quartz with the angry bit transitioning into the spacey bit (goosebump moment).
This Is The 21st Century, I love the lyrics in this one. It also has a very hypnotic groove to it.
If My Heart Were A Ball It Would Roll Uphill with the explosive bombastic ending.

I think "Anoraknophobia" was my first Marillion album along with "Marbles" (which, as opposed to the aforementioned, I didn't instantly like).
It has a special place in my heart.

[Nicky007]

the music leaves me cold. Anther one I have to insist on ... or not.

Bupie, I guess what you mean is that you have to force yourself to listen to it ?

I have Seasons End, Holidays in Eden, Brave, Afraid of Sunlight, Anoraknophobia, and Marbles, the reason being:

1) I'm a big fan of Fish-Marillion, they'r pantheon with me

2) H-Marillion are big in the Room.

Every so often, I convince myself that there must be something to it, and I play one of'm ... here and there some nice melody, some gripping rhythms, then I hope ... but then it leaves off, and then there's atmosphere, aaatmosphere, H wails a bit ..... I actually like U2 better, because they have some more drive and pulse, altho they also get monotonous after a while.

Well, I guess that it's another way of saying that you're not alone, Bupie

Great to see you so active here, guess it helped that I tugged you a bit in the b*s

- Nicky

[Nicky007]

NP  Bal-Sagoth:  Ultima Thule

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDmNkvE050I

There's so much to be harvested from this album

As Byron wrote to me:

Hail Nicky! Right now, we don't really need anything. Bal-Sagoth is right where it should be... in the shadows, still proudly in the underground that spawned us, hidden from the mainstream; a rare gem to be discovered by those with the willingness and the patience to seek it out! In many ways, a sublime clandestine cult band shrouded in arcane shadow and secrecy. Thanks again, and best regards!

Byron Roberts

- Nicky

[The Butterfly Man]

H-Marillion are big in the Room.

Every so often, I convince myself that there must be something to it, and I play one of'm ... here and there some nice melody, some gripping rhythms, then I hope ... but then it leaves off, and then there's atmosphere, aaatmosphere, H wails a bit ..... I actually like U2 better, because they have some more drive and pulse, altho they also get monotonous after a while.

I don't think comparing Marillion with U2 is right. They're both so different and if you can't see that than there really is no point in delving deeper. Seeing the music you're listening to nowadays I just don't think Marillion is a band you would like. It will only disappoint you, no matter how hard you try. I seriously can't understand why you can say something like 'H wails a bit' and that in itself is maybe saying enough.

Maybe the only thing that can help you to 'get' what modern-day Marillion is about is to attend a concert but to be honest I wouldn't be seeing a band live if I don't really like their music as well so I can imagine that you won't do that.

NP: James Labrie - Impermanent Resonance

Super album. Very much 'to the point'. Full of catchy hooks and great musicianship. I think a lot of people would like it if it weren't for the grunts that are present as well (not in every song though), courtesy by drummer Peter Wildoer.

Tom

[Nicky007]

I don't think comparing Marillion with U2 is right. They're both so different and if you can't see that than there really is no point in delving deeper...

Whew, just wiping my brow

OK, the reason I wrote that was cuz I had just listened to U2 The Singles.

However, I think my biggest mistake is in expecting some of the stuff that I dig in Fish-Marillion in H-Marillion. They really are two very different groups.

And I'm not alone with this, Tom, Cap has exactly the same position in this matter. So I can lean on my beloved Cap

Yeah, maybe I should stop talking about H-Marillion. I thought I'd back up Bupie tho


NP  Explorers Club:  Age of Impact

This one really comes home with me

- Nicky

[erik]

NP Mick Pointer Band - Marillion's Script Revisited

Great memento of the 30th anniversary gig last year, really nice to have this fresh yet authentic live version with this line up. Brian Cummins does an uncanny Fish impersonation! The track order is a nice touch, with disc 1 the original album and disc 2 the b sides.

The Script album always brings back a lot of memories, it was a revelation when I discovered it (back in my high school days in the early '90s..) and I played it incessantly, scrutinizing the artwork, booklet and lyrics. It is and remains a milestone in prog history and Mick's absolutely right in having it taken out on the road as a founder member.

BP Johny Cash - Solitary Man (American Recordings III), something completely different I really like the American Recordings series of albums he finished his career with, quite intense and moody, great choice of cover songs as well (Soundgarden's Rusty Cage on the Unchained album for instance)

[Nicky007]

I really like the American Recordings series of albums he finished his career with, quite intense and moody, great choice of cover songs as well

I do too

- Nicky

[erik]

NP Fish - Feast Of Consequences

I had actually stopped following Fish for a long time, after the disappointing Suits album which didn't click. I have rediscovered him now with Feast and 13th Star, he is at the top of his game

[Bupie]

So many things to say but I am too lazy ... for the multi-quote thing.

So as it comes :

PH, I know that you really like Anoraknophobia. But as Nicky wrote, I have to force myself to listen to it, as I do with some other H-Marillion albums. To summarize my story with H- Marillion, Seasons End, Holidays in Eden and This Strange Engine, I like them A LOT. Brave took me a awful lot of time but I do appreciate it now. Afraid of Sunlight has its moments but I still find it very uneven. Marbles is OK and has Fantastic Place but I find it uneven too. Radiation, I can't memorize any song Marillion.com, I never had the bravery to buy it considering the almost unanimous bad reviews ... Somewhere Else is the last album of theirs that I bought and I consider selling it back. And, oh, I also find Steve Hogarth's voice occasionaly annoying on some very slow songs.

@ Erik : Fish released some good albums after Suits, apart from the last two that you mentioned. Sunsets has its great moments (Goldfish & Clowns), Raingods and Field of Crows really deserve to be heard. I like them more than 13th Star.

NP DeeExpus - The King of Number 33 On repeat

[PH]

PH, I know that you really like Anoraknophobia. But as Nicky wrote, I have to force myself to listen to it, as I do with some other H-Marillion albums. To summarize my story with H- Marillion, Seasons End, Holidays in Eden and This Strange Engine, I like them A LOT. Brave took me a awful lot of time but I do appreciate it now. Afraid of Sunlight has its moments but I still find it very uneven. Marbles is OK and has Fantastic Place but I find it uneven too. Radiation, I can't memorize any song Marillion.com, I never had the bravery to buy it considering the almost unanimous bad reviews ... Somewhere Else is the last album of theirs that I bought and I consider selling it back. And, oh, I also find Steve Hogarth's voice occasionaly annoying on some very slow songs.

To be completely honest, the albums "Brave" till "Marillion.com" are not much played here either. Actually, the three albums preceding "Anoraknophobia" are still missing from my collection. But it seems I really need "This Strange Engine" now, because you 'like it A LOT'. I tried with "Brave", but it somehow never worked.
Like I said, I think "Anoraknophobia" is a minor masterpiece, and "Marbles" is my favourite H-Marillion album. After that one they get a bit hit and miss indeed.
Of "Somewhere Else" I REALLY like the title track, which was reason for me to buy it. I love that song. The rest of the album is not on par with that song. "Happiness Is The Road" is a double album, and the first disc is 10 out of 10 for me, while the second rarely gets played (but it has a few nice moments). Then there's the 2012 album "Sounds That Can't Be Made"... which reminds me to listen to it again, because it didn't click first time (or second time...).

You see, I consider myself a fan, and I do support this band, but I don't think every album is wonderful. Their fanbase is really broad, some like rocking songs, some like atmospheric songs, etc etc. So I guess it's OK if you don't like everything.

I need to tell you something, so come closer to the screen...

A bit closer still...

Just a bit...

(In some cases Steve Hogarth's voice CAN be annoying sometimes, but I never told ya!)

NP DeeExpus - The King of Number 33 On repeat

Another album I need to re-listen, since my experience was more or less the same as yours.

[Nicky007]

I had actually stopped following Fish for a long time, after the disappointing Suits album which didn't click. I have rediscovered him now with Feast and 13th Star, he is at the top of his game

Erik, his Field Of Crows from 2004 is a great album

I need to tell you something, so come closer to the screen...
...
(In some cases Steve Hogarth's voice CAN be annoying sometimes, but I never told ya!)

Paxi

When all is said (objectively), H has something with women, e.g. Ms 007 gets soft (this is the politically correct term) with his singing. So if I want somethin, I may just consider making a bit use of my H-Marillion collection.

But now I'll really leave H-Marillion to you guys. I'm really really "somewhere else".


NP  Cloudscape:  Touring Europe With A Blast From The Past

I bought it at the concert last Sunday. All tracks are from their four released studio albums and one track from their upcoming album. It's a nice memory from the concert

Cloudscape are a melodic progmetal group, in the range of Circus Maximus, Seventh Wonder, and Anthriel. Fans of these should try out Cloudscape

- Nicky

[Bupie]

@ PH     

On King ..., DeeExpus has Mark Kelly as a guest on keyboards so many projects/bands are linked to Marillion somehow. Prog is a small world.

NP Fish - Field Of Crows Very melodic and energetic, with a few gems (The Lost Plot  ). Maybe my favorite Fish album with Internal Exile.

[Nicky007]

NP Fish - Field Of Crows Very melodic and energetic, with a few gems (The Lost Plot  ). Maybe my favorite Fish album with Internal Exile.

Now that we're in the tipping business (before tipping over), I actually don't know Internal Exile, but I'll bump it on my Shopping List. Thanx, Bupie

- Nicky

[Nicky007]

JP  Bal-Sagoth:  Battle Magic

NP  Bal-Sagoth:  The Power Cosmic

I think I'll stop NP'ing Bal-Sagoth, cuz half of the time I'm listening to them - another example of "mute participation"

I'm just wondering whether I'll be sharing this band with any of you guys. Enjoyment of BS requires that one can take all styles within prog, as well as savoring the English language well orated, and English mythology and history - well, no wonder we're few

Something tells me that YouTube doesn't like the titles of the BS songs. When I take a Full Album on YT, several of the songs are removed, and it's not cuz of pornographic content - BS are almost bowdlerised

Now tell me: What's wrong with "Of Carnage and a Gathering of the Wolves" ? Man, I'v seen more grisly titles than that, that are not removed by YT

- Nicky

[The Butterfly Man]

Whew, just wiping my brow

Maybe my comments were a bit harsh. I didn't mean it that way. But as far as I remember you have been stating that H-Marillion doesn't please you. You don't have to like it, just move on then.

NP  Explorers Club:  Age of Impact

This one really comes home with me

Great album, isn't it? Especially Fading Fast. Still remember who introduced it to you?

When all is said (objectively), H has something with women, e.g. Ms 007 gets soft (this is the politically correct term) with his singing. So if I want somethin, I may just consider making a bit use of my H-Marillion collection.

Now I don't dare to say that I'm also really fond of his charisma on stage and his voice. I can listen to his singing all day long, every day of the week... However, his singing doesn't get me 'soft'.

NP Fish - Feast Of Consequences

I had actually stopped following Fish for a long time, after the disappointing Suits album which didn't click. I have rediscovered him now with Feast and 13th Star, he is at the top of his game

Yeah, 'Feast' is a good album. I like it more than 13th Star, but imo it's still a long way removed from the brilliance of especially Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors and also Internal Exile. I mean, just listen to a song like Cliché. Or Vigil. Or The Company. Or Family Business. Or Gentlemen's Excuse Me.

NP: Dream Theater - A Change of Seasons

I skipped the titletrack but instead I'm listening to the live recorded covers. It's been a long time since I last listened to them but they're really good. I believe James LaBrie redid some of the vocals in the studio afterwards but he sounds like he's on fire. 

Tom

[Nicky007]

Maybe my comments were a bit harsh. I didn't mean it that way.

Well, I'm hardly in a position to complain

You don't have to like it, just move on then

I think that's what I just did

Now I don't dare to say that I'm also really fond of his charisma on stage and his voice. I can listen to his singing all day long, every day of the week... However, his singing doesn't get me 'soft'.

Are you sure that your marriage isn't the other way around, Tom

Still remember who introduced it to you?

Was it really you, Tom. Whew

You got some real friends in here, hope wifey doesn't get jealous

I actually had forgotten, listened to some other music since   good you reminded me

Age Of Impact is honestly one of my absolute top ten albums - and I'm not exagggerating - I never do, do I

Yeah, Fading Fast is breathtaking

But Fate Speaks is just as great, just in a different way - man, that rhythm section with Billy Sheehan and Terry Bozzio, a killer team


Actually I think that Paxi could fall for Fading Fast - but he's like a woman, he has to be persuaded massively

- Nicky

[Teunis]

Ayreon - The Human Equation

Next year there will be a theatrical version of The Human Equation. Only 3 shows, in Holland. Arjen Lucassen will not participate, but it sounds way cool.

More info on Facebook.

Website: http://thetheaterequation.com/; info coming soon .

[erik]

@ Erik : Fish released some good albums after Suits, apart from the last two that you mentioned. Sunsets has its great moments (Goldfish & Clowns), Raingods and Field of Crows really deserve to be heard. I like them more than 13th Star.

Thanks Bupie, I intend to check out his other albums in between (but not Fellini Days I guess), I've missed out a lot 

[Bupie]

I never listened to Fellini Days -great title by the way- but it has not a good press indeed ...

NP Shadowland - Ring of Roses

I don't play it very often but it is always a pleasant listen. This one was released at a time when prog was often mixed with pop, a time that most prog fans despise. A feeling that I don't share at all, as you would guess looking at my avatar. Yes, I know, I am repeating myself again and again 

[Teunis]

jp: Transatlantic - Kaleidoscope (Undecided about this one. Some great stuff, but also things I dislike, like the low voice at appr. 10:30 min. on track 1 )
np: Katatonia - Dead End Kings