Ivory Tower – Subjective Enemy (2008) – Review by Logan Lee
This piece of work (I swear I have tried for almost two weeks) is not really among my favourites, but technically some factors deserved a special attention.
First of all, the lyrics are profound and deep. Emotionally speaking this CD left me with some (good) scars on my mind. It’s kind of a theme album, that put into light the life of a man divided inside himself after a youth of suffering and lack of affect. To protect himself he develops hate and arrogance without being aware of it; as a consequence, all people once near him started to avoid him. Finally, the main character realizes that his dark side is transforming him into some sort of monster and start trying to defeat it. The entire album talks about his struggle and the effects of all the hate that grow inside him..
Besides the lyrics the album did not impressed me. The vocalist presents some clear limitations and the rest of the band is above standard for sure, but they are not presenting a slice of something new.
I might end this review by saying that I saw some wonderful ideas by listening to their songs, but they have to improve their ability to insert it in a less prolix way and maybe consider a change of vocal style.
I think I can safely say that the new "AEON ZEN" album has been much anticipated after the brilliant debut "A Minds portrait" was so well received. Rich Hinks is seriously one talented dude playing all instruments and singing as well.With guest vocalists from well known prog acts from around the world.The album has a mix of some heavy virtuosic prog as well as some softer moments.I hope Rich sticks to this formula of getting guest vocalists as I think it really gives the listener something different with each album.
Every now and then, a
young band comes along that leaves you in no doubt you are listening to
something really special. Quandary from Australia has definately left me
feeling that way.
Another great band from
Eastern Europe, this time from Poland. Votum is a quite interesting reality of
the late 2000’s. They have started a bit heavier than what shown on this
particular album (Metafiction), but those who will have the chance to get this
CD will understand the reason why I am happy they have changed their style into
a more progressive way. Their first album was very normal (nothing to add to
prog scenario), but this Metafiction work, which by the way was made under
Mystic Records that must receive lots of compliments since they are doing an
excellent work promoting bands from that part of Europe, has something more.
Great music and amazing lyrics to bind the entire album, creating a melancholy
atmosphere that leads listeners into a more committed hearing session. I
wouldn’t go as far as some of my friends who compared Votum to Porcupine Tree
or Riverside (a fantastic Eastern Prog Band), but if you are listening Votum
for the first time you might experience that sensation as well.
Subject to Thoughts are a relatively unknown Prog band from the US that
have been around for a few years now, I think this band deserves more attention
with the album The Culmination. The members are Mark Mendieta, Keys, Bass,
Drums, Guitar and Brandon Strader on lead guitar and Vocals. The sound is
Ambient Progressive with Doomy elements and the keyboards really add a
forboding and somewhat eerie feeling. Some great tracks include "Since The
Inception" "One Day" and the title track "The
Culmination" and as with most STT Cds they are 70 minutes plus. The vocals
by Brandon sometimes appear strained but I honestly believe that this adds to
the whole atmosphere and meloncholy feel
the band is trying to achieve on this release...
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Vanden Plas – The
Seraphic Clockwork (2010) – Review by Logan
Lee
After
a 4 years wait since Vanden Plas’ last album (the extraordinary Christ O), some
side projects and a change of discography record company (from Inside Out to
Frontiers Records) Vanden Plas has returned with a brand new concept CD called
The Seraphic Clockwork. The story, as explained by the band itself (the story
was written by Andy Kuntz), is about a
journey from 16th century Rome to sacred land Jerusalem in the year
33 A.D. (obviously a time and space travel); The protagonist, after an apocalyptic vision,
has come under the spell of an Old Testament prophecy and must travel back
through the centuries to face his God-given destiny. Vanden Plas has perfectly
combined their recent achieved theater experience with their consecrated
ability on progressive metal. I have talked with some colleagues and looked
around on the net for other opinions and almost everybody thinks that this is
the best Vanden Plas ever but even if I agree with them for what concerns
lyrics’ composition I still believe that as a whole Christ O is a half degree
above (meaning that this album is their second best, which is still a good
thing since the above mentioned album is a masterpiece in my very humble
opinion). Nevertheless, this band is digging deep into progressive and
symphonic foundations finding some quite amazing musical arrangements.
Division by Zero - Independent
Harmony (2010) – Review by Logan Lee
I have to admit that this is my first time listening to this polish prog
metal band and I assure all that it will not be the last since I got surprised
by their sound, specially by Slawek Wierny (vocal) flexibility. He manages to
vary between prog style and metal style (a bit like Akerfeldt from Opeth) with
quite competence.
Without a doubt Poland is the hub of all thing Prog and we have a band that just might possibly be the best of all of them and that includes Riverside. I love bands that draw you in from the very opening track and the album just gets better. The vocalist Rafal Biernacki reminds me somewhat of the Lord Of Mushrooms singer and is great on this disc. The one thing for me that stands out apart from the amazing melodies is the Guitar playing from Jakub Zytecki, he really is an amazingly talented guy who can create wonderful emotions!!
Avantasia – The Wicked
Symphony & Angels of Babylon (2010) – Review by Logan Lee
Due to personal issues, I was not
into music these last days. But when I was asked to prepare this review I
suddenly regained strength and that really is the greatest Avantasia feature -
the ability to lift up spirits with their music. I did not even know that Mr.
Sammet was preparing a new release and when I saw there were TWO CDs to hear I
ran and got them.
