Review [S] Page 1
[English Top][Review Index][Page 1][Page 2]
Sahara - Self Ego
Sanvoisen - Exotic Ways
Satyrian - Eternitas
Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera
Scale The Summit - Monument
Scenario - A Fearful Symmetry
Scenery Channel - Premiere
SceneS - A New Beginning
Secrecy - Art In Motion
Section A - Parallel Lives
Serenity - Words Untold & Dreams Unlived
Seventh Wonder - s/t
Seventh Wonder - Waiting In The Wings
Shadow Gallery - Carved In Stone
Shadow Gallery - Legacy
Shinsekai - s/t
Siam - Prayer
Silent Exile - Dancing With Death
Silent Voices - Chapters of Tragedy
Sinphonia - When The Tide Breaks
Skyron Orchestra - s/t
Slychosis - s/t
Smeer - Dischord
Soul Cages - Moments
Sound of Silence - Spiritual Journey
Spastic Ink - Ink Complete
Spearfish - Area 605
Sphere of Souls - From The Ashes
Stereokimono - Primosfera
Sahara - Self Ego
LG
Sahara from South Korea is basically five piece melodic prog metal band. Sadly, they have already splitted up about a few years ago. Sahara's first album seemed to be kind of Yngwie Malmsteen influenced neo-classical power metal, which was not that impressive (according to Japanese metal press info). However, later they built up writing skills since then. Finally, they released melodic prog metal gem, Self Ego album around 1997. One of strongest points on this band is lead guitar playing. The guitar player had studied and learned guitar technique and music theory at famous guitar institute, G.I.T., perhaps he had a lession or seminor from Paul Gilbert and Tony MacAlpine or someone else, so his guitar playing is very nice, but he does not overplay that much on Self-Ego album. Very driving and interesting hard rockish vibes injected pretty well on each song. Musically, I described that Sahara's music is kind of appealing to the listeners who enjoy Ivanhoe - Polarized (I mean later era of prog metal oriented IVANHOE) and Loudness - On The Prowl/Soldier of Fortune style music. A singer of Sahara sounds kind of ANTHEM's Eizou Sakamoto little bit, he sings in mostly Korean language. More than a couple of tunes are completely sung in English, but I think Korean language tunes are better to my ears. Overall, you would guess that this band is melodic prog metal. They keep changing tempo from mid-tempo to up-tempo with metallic grooves (some grooves are very driving). I might not be accurate to say their music reminds me of IVANHOE and LOUDNESS, but I really love the sounds of SAHARA quite a lot. They do not overplay technically, mostly their direction is to play melodically and driving up-beat/middium tempo with comfortable rocking grooves. Definately, they love DREAM THEATER kind of progressive metal. Sahara is relatively unknown melodic prog metal band, but Self Ego seemed to be mixed in Los Angels area, and by American sound engineer. Thus, sound production is relatively solid. Probably, some parts on the album are bit cold and lack of enough warmness. In my case, Sahara is very enjoyable listening cd. This is melodically guitar-driven prog metal with enough amounts of odd-timing, tempo-changes, nice rock grooves, and enough keyboards. In a few songs, there exists some East Asian tastes from vocal melody's point of view, so I am kind of related to this oriental melody lines and vocal melodies. If you are not familiar with Japanese Metal bands like Loudness/Anthem, such oriental elements distract from enjoying fully. I do not say this band is great, but they have done really good job in their own capacity. Actually, I like their music a lot.
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Sanvoisen - Exotic Ways
Noise Records
Sanvoisen is German Powerful Metal band with hints of progressive heavier
edge. Exotic Ways feature Vagelis Marnis' amazing vocals reminding me of
best time of Queensryche's own Geoff Tate, and twin heavy guitar attacks
with pounding and up-tempo beats on faster tunes, plus slow tempos on ballad
tunes. Obviously, Sanvoisen's outstanding part goes to soaring voice of
Vagelis from Greek. Although this album was produced by Tommy Newton, sound-production
might need a bit of warmness to my ears. Other than that, this album amuses
power metal fans. Even though majority of members are German, their sound
is not similar to other Teutonic Metal fellows like Helloween or Gamma
Ray, rather their music is similar to American Power Metal and influenced
band. First album of Sanvoisen should be recognized in the power metal
scene, but also prog metal fans need to get this.
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Satyrian - Eternitas
Lion Music
(2006)
Probably, Satyrian might be one of the first Gothic Rock/Metal oriented bands signed with
Lion Music, which is known as guitar instrumental/prog metal label. I am
guessing that this is bold move for Lion Music to pick up Satyrian for
introducing them to diverse listeners out there. If my memory serves correctly,
this band has released some music as different name like Dance Macabre. Later on, they have transformed into six piece symphonic gothic oriented
band, Satyrian. Musically, they have definitely similarities with the bands playing epic
and symphonic gothic metal flavors like Within Temptation and Tristania. With more upbeat elements and some immediate punchiness, I hope the songs of "Eternitas" might have also a good chance to appeal to other power metal and
symphonic metal fans. One thing I am really surprised is the involvement
from Everon's great musician/composer Oliver Phillips producing this album and playing keyboards with some his musical guidance
to satisfy Satyrian's needs. Of course, you can not ignore and pass the
female vocal works, whenever you encounter Gothic Metal music. Uniquely,
this band features two etherial female vocals and a few male grunts and
low-tone vocals complimenting each other. Overall, I enjoyed their solid
song-writing skills and nice instrumentation with good production as well.
If they keep making albums with right attitude, then Satyrian would have
a big chance to build the status and popularity like After Forever and Dreams of Sanity. Their full-length debut album "Eternitas" is going to be accepted
by the crowds of symphonic gothic metal.
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Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera
Atlantic Records
(1992)
Savatage's Streets: A Rock Opera is one of my all time favorite US Powerful/Melodic
Metal albums. Probably, Streets: A Rock Opera is one of their turning points
to explore their symphonic and prog metallic sounds. This album focuses
on the concept story of DT Jesus's up and down life (if you have a chance
to get this album, see the whole story of DT Jesus in a liner notes). Musically,
I would say that heavier Savatage powerful metal sounds a bit mellower,
and injecting some Elton John/The Who style catchy rocking keyboard/piano
sounds featured. Actually it works surprisingly. Prodution is also quite
well-made. If you are familiar with Trans-Siberian-Orchestra style and
Savatage's Dead Winter Dead (which was actually released later on from
this album), Streets: A Rock Opera would be really great one for you. Streets
album contain some broadway show influences, hard-edge US Powerful sounds,
Elton John-influenced rock-a-ballad touches/hard hitting piano/keyboard
playiung by Jon Oliva of Savatage's leader, and sharp and blistering Criss
Oliva's guitar playing with symphonic and orchestrated bombastic and lush
sounds. Well, maybe some Savatage fans think Streets: A Rock Opera is too-pop
in their catalog. However, Savatage was trying to find different sounds
and style in their entire history, so I think this is not bad. Wait a minute..let
me put this way, instead....., actually this is really great album in their
catalog for my honest opinion. Really catchy and dramatic. Streets: A Rock
Opera is one of great concept albums in rock/metal history along with The
Who's Tommy and Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime.
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Scale The Summit - Monument
Independent Release
(2007)
It's quite amusing to see that newly scene of technical metal and prog
metal bands without relying on keyboards has emerged, due to the great
jobs by the bands like Spastic Ink and Spiral Architect. It stimulates the newcomers of younger generation of technical and complex metal bands. Scale The Summit, a new U.S. instrumental prog metal group, showcases a really pleasant result on their debut full-length cd entitled 'Monument'. Probably, it's a good news for someone who miss the quality guitar-oriented technical prog metal in late 80's and 90's. This U.S. group has definitely promising talents and passionate heavy and hard instrumental complex metal sounds. The band itself formed in the west coast of United States around the year of 2004 and 2005. Currently, they have been playing in the area of Houston, Texas. Even though this band was not slated in the Madfest Metal event in 2007, their performance astonished the audience and its promoter himself. I also think the contents and instruments featured on their first album are quite strong and exciting to hear. Esp., the first half of the cd has some strong vibes and similarities to intricacies and complexities like what Zero Hour, Fates Warning, and Cynic have done. I like the way they put the emphasis on uptempo and speedy parts with prog metal elements. This album is made completely by themselves within independent budgets, but it sounds really sharp and crisp. Moreover, it is not overly done too heavily, so it's a good sign for me to enjoy comfortably. Although this group would not be categorized under the file of super-technical prog metal groups like Watchtower and Spiral Architect, they maintain enough complex chops and approacheable instrumental solos and ensembles. Additionally, somewhat their melodic sensibilities and keen sense of coolness are reminding me of Scandinavian guitar-oriented technical prog metal groups like Trivial Act and Manitou. Overall, I have been enjoying this album quite a lot. It's a new sensation
for guitar-oriented prog metal fans in general.
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Scenario - A Fearful Symmetry
Musea Records
(2001)
This one was originally released in 2001 from Musea Records, France. SCENARIO
is Italian Prog Metal band who made really catchier melodic Dream Theater/Dali's
Dilemma style music. Last year, I listened to this one quite a lot. Overall,
they made really shining and hook-laden solid prog metal music with relatively
good sound condition. The musicianship is also very good to make focused
melodic tunes and progressively arranged music with nice vocal performance.
If you are into solid melodic prog metal, this is just for you.
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Scenery Channel - Premiere
Independent Release
(2006)
As I am a big fan of progressive metal music, it's always fantastic find out a new group has a shining moments and great sensibility in their music. 'Premiere' is Finnish prog metal group Scenery Channel's world-wide first debut album. Even though they look quite young on the picture of this album, these guys from Finland have already presented extraordinary musical talents. Sytlistically, what they are performing here has bombastic and technical prog metal interplays and instrumentation like Dream Theater and Silent Voices. Indeed, this album would definitely quench the thirst of most demanding prog metal fans, if you are not very picky about the production of independent artists. Moreover, the elements of hookliness and musical sensibility by them are astonishingly fantastic to my ears at least. There are lots of nice moments. The vocalist of this group might not be considered as a super singer, but what he expresses and perform in the side of european melodic hard rock more or less, so I think he really adjusts very well here, so I have nothing to to complain his style. There are lots of shining moments of both guitar and keyboard parts. The band itself pulls off quite nice tempo changes and bombastic moments with some elegant approach. Overall, Scenery Channel grabs my heart and mind successfully. Highly recommended for all prog
metal fans in general. This is a really strong prog metal debut album.
Very impressed and thanks to the beatufilly elegant prog metal music!!
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SceneS - New Beginning
Independent Release
(1999)
It seems to be very difficult to find this cd, but it is worthwhile to
find this gem. SceneS is German prog metal band consisted of Chris Lorey
(guitar), Eddie Nowroth (guitar), Jan Ebert (bass), Hendrik Edelthalhammer
(drum), and Hubi Meisel (ex.Dreamscape lead singer) on this album. New
Beginning contains four fine melodic oriented tunes (which indicates that
New Beginning is four song E.P.). Musically, I would say that their style
is kind of similar to the formats of Dreamscape, Fates Warning, Dream Theater
and Rush to me. Instrumentally, they do fine complex progressive metal
with hard edge sounds. It seems that Hubi Meisel's gentle and nice vocal
performance is one of their highlights on New Beginning. Not overly technical,
but there have good amounts of great performance and dreamy atmospheres.
Overall, Scenes concentrate on making melodic oriented tunes and memorable
music. Their music will appeal to the listeners who are into melodic metal
and prog metal bands in general. After recoring of New Beginning, they
completed full lengeth album called Understatement in 2000. Unfotunately,
Understatement has never officially been released. I have not heard of
their related news quite often, but what I only know about them is that
their singer, Hubi Meisel, is not involving SceneS anymore. Until now,
I have no idea that they are still active or not. Anyway, I enjoyed their
melodic music on this E.P.
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Secrecy - Art In Motion
Noise International
(1990)
First album of ambitious
complex metal band from Germany. Art In Motion finds them in early European
complex, yet powerfully guitar-oriented unique progressive metal. They blend
dramatic movements and energetic sections with bit of the music of eastern
European influences quite well. Some parts on Art In Motion are appealing to
fans of early German powerful metal and European metal bands like Conception,
Jester’s March, House of Spirits, Centaur, Holland’s Vengeance, and Switzland’s
Coroner. Even though they are from West Germany, their approach of metal music
is not similar to other contemporaries, such as Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray.
Nowadays, I think this kind of powerfully oriented heavy metal bands have
difficult time to find their own place in the flood of new generation of
melodic power bands since the sensation of Rhapsody/Hammer Fall. Metal people
who are into energetic and true powerful metal will love this one. I am not
sure how much this band’s music appeal to nowadays’ progressive metal heads.
However, if you have ever experienced through the days of being enthusiastic
power metal fans in the past like me who are also into complex and prog metal
genre, then you better check out Secrecy. Second album of Secrecy is more into
intricate and thought out complex style, so hopefully you need to listen to their
both albums. I wonder where they have gone. Recommended for fans of House of
Spirits/Jester’s March definitely.
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Section A - Parallel Lives
Lion Music
(2006)
Parallel Lives is the 2nd album by Section A led by Danish technical guitar player Torben Enevoldsen. It's really good to see that Torben Enevoldsen continues the band format like Section A, while making and playing his solo albums. Just like 1st album, Parallel Lives also feature complex and intricate prog metal-oriented songs that I really enjoy listening to. What this new album sets apart from the predecessor is based on concept story that the protagonist who travels between real world and another dimention in his dreams experiences emotional roller-coasters. On this album, the fluid and technical guitar leads and complex guitar riffings by Torben Enevoldsen have been featured entirely, whilest Andy Engberg (Lion's Share) expresses his passionate vocal lines and performance inspired from the
conceptual story and theme on the album. Ex. Lion's Share bassist Pontus Egberg and drummer Johan Koleberg also contribute their performances this time to enhance the dynamics and heavier sections. As special guest appreances, you also find the musicians like Mats Olausson (Ex-Yngwie Malmsteen/Ark), Elizabeth Kirwan and Ulf "Uffe" Pettersson to name a few. Esp., I am quite impressed with the performance of Andy's solid vocal melodies, Torben's guitar solos, and extra-ordinary keyboard solo spots from Mats Olausson. Since Yngwie Malmsteen's Eclipse album holds a special place in my heart,
the contributions of Mats Olausson on Parallel Lives are really shining
to my ears. I wish there would have had more superbly exciting bombastic
intricate interplays and ensembles like their previous album in my opinion,
but overall there have enough bombastic prog metal instrumentals and immediate
punches with strong melody lines. Overall, Parallel Lives is another winner
for Section A camp. I really enjoyed this album a lot. Keep continue making
bombastic prog metal album in the future. Highly recommended for melodic
prog metal fans with lots of hookliness and strong vocal performance.
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Serenity - Words Untold & Dreams Unlived
Napalm Records
(2007)
Perhaps, this Austrian band's latest album could have been one of my most anticipated melodic prog metal band's releases in this year, 2007. The reason why I was looking forward to this band's release is because of the involvement by Dreamscape's keyboard player/producer/engineer Jan Vacik. After spinning this cd entirely, what I have expected from this band is quite different to my ears. In most songs on this new album 'Words Untold & Dreams Unlived', Serenity constantly plays in the style of European melodic power metal with hints
of some progness. It's actually good move for this group that make and
perform what they want to do in melodic metal style without any interference.
I was guessing that Serenity would possibly have taken some good influences
from Dreamscape's dramatic approach of progressive metal and some twists
& turns, since Jan Vacik has involved their sound production and used
his Dreamscape studio. Perhaps, I consider their last three songs on the
second half of this album could be classified as melodic prog metal. In
fact, I really enjoyed the last three prog metal dominated sounds and instrumentation
quite a lot. Indeed, it's actually quite mixed feeling for me that I wanted
to hear more complex prog metal music from them, because they are capable
of performing solid and impressive prog metal ensemble. Austrian brightest
hope Serenity basically put the emphasis on melodic power metal side more than complex melodic prog metal approach in my ears. Anyway, thanks to them not leaving prog metal elements far behind. Even though I am not against their approach of melodic metal oriented music, I expected hearing intricate prog metal music like Dreamscape and Vanden Plas too much from them. In fact, their approach on a few tunes has sometimes similar sounding toward German prog metal groups. Having said my thoughts, Serenity's music could appeal someone who is into Euro-metal groups with progressive feeling like Edenbridge, Nightwish, Poverty's No Crime, and Xystus. In any way, this album can be a good manifestation toward world's premiere and strong impact in both melodic and progressive power metal fans out there. If you have a similar musical taste like mine, please take a listen to their sound files to judge you would like or, welll you decide. There are lots of favorable opinions from most prog metal fans about 'Words Untold & Dreams Unlived' album in general, but I am not sold by this entirely. Perhaps, I am one of very few guys who have a mixed feeling that I like some songs from their new one, not being convinced entirely enough yet.
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Seventh Wonder - s/t
Independent Release
(2002)
Woa!, the cd of Seventh Wonder is one of highlights from 2002. Again, Seventh
Wonder is another young talented Swedish ProgMetal band. Even though this
cd includes only four tracks, what Seventh Wonder has created on the self-titled
cd is magnificent. Considering the amounts of newcomers from prog metal
scene in 2002, we had a bit hard time to find impressive newcomers. However,
Seventh Wonder's works are pretty outstanding from my opinion. I still
can not believe that they are still searching for the label (In other words,
they are worthy to get signed anytime with any good labels, such as InsideOut
or NTS/Wagram for instance), because this cd features lots of gems. Ok,
let's investigate the music of Seventh Wonder closely. All four tracks
are melodic prog metal with great music performance and nice arrangement.
Definately, the music of Seventh Wonder appeals to the fans of Dream Theater,
Vanden Plas, Dreamscape, Andromeda, October Thorns, and such quality prog
metal bands. Esp., I am totally impressed with relatively good production,
highly complex ensembles, great guitar/keyboard works, and catchy vocal
melodies. I hope they keep making quality music with fresh ideas. Relatively,
they are unknown band, but prog metal fans should pay attention how impressive
Seventh Wonder is. There are tons of nice passages, melodies, and incredible
solos displayed by each member of Seventh Wonder. Hopefully, they will
find a label to release full-length album in the future. Highly recommened
for the fans of melodic, technical, and impressive prog metal bands!! Every
time I encounter Scandinavian bands, Swedish bands are always offering
quality and excellent works. What is under the water in Sweden? Anyway,
if you are interested in this band, do not hesitate visiting their website.
Personally, Seventh Wonder is one of most important newcomers who will
make bigger and better music, whenever they get proper supports and encourgement
from right people.
[contact: seventhwonder@spray.se]
[website: http://hem.bredband.net/b113947/]
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Seventh Wonder - Waiting In The Wings
Lion Music
(2006)
This is the Seventh Wonder's second full-length album from Lion Music. It's really good to see that Swedish prog metal group has been doing really great over a few years. 'Waiting In The Wings' produced by Daniel Flores of Mind's Eyebring them to a higher ground. With each new release, they seem to have a difficult time to find a lead vocalist. New singer of the group also contributes making music much dynamic and emotional. As for previous album, I could not believe myself that I was not very satisfied with the result of 1st full-length album. But please do not get me wrong, I think their musicianship is really great and quite tight on their first one. Nevertheless, the magic and attraction I have found from their demo cd are mostly gone somehow. Okay, maybe you could ask me that "How about new album of Seventh Wonder?" I am happily very satisfied with their brand new album big time. Everything works really great on this new album. Unlike their first album, Waiting In The Wings is focused on more complex prog metal instrumentation with nice melodic sensibilities. Somehow, the music of new album reminds me of Circus Maximus and Dreamscape as well. From the beginning to the end, each song sounds really strong and quite powerful, yet very accessible. They have brought back magical touch and quite fascinating moments from their early days of independent artists. I guess that most melodic prog metal fans would really get into the sounds of new album. If you have never heard of their name previously, I strongly recommend that you need to pick up their second album at first. Well-done and one of most talk-about prog metal releases in 2006.
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Shadow Gallery - Carved In Stone
Magna Carta
(1995)
Shadow Gallery's 'Carved In Stone' album is one of my all time favorite prog metal albums. Although I have listened to this album for many many times, I never get tired of this fantastic album. With each listen, I am very intrigued with their symphonic and well-orchestrated progressive metal sounds with powerful and dramatic approach. Comparing to other heavy prog metal bands, their sounds on 'Carved In Stone' are slightly milder. Esp., keyboard solos by Chris Ingles and Gary Wehrkamp are really excellent; the guitar playing of Brent Allman is also quite
impressive, and of course, all of other members have done pretty good jobs
as well. Carved In Stone is highly recommended album for prog metal listeners.
If sound production were improved more, then this one would be a tremendously
killer.
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Shadow Gallery - Legacy
Magna Carta
(2001)
Without any doubt, Shadow Gallery has been highly regarded as very important progressive metal group in
these days. 'Legacy' released in 2001 from Magna Carta became a quite popular album among
prog metal and melodic metal fans. Some musical ideas and motifs might
have been coming from their fantastic second album 'Carved In Stone', yet the sounds of Shadow Gallery on this album has stepped up a notch
with a slightly better production and tightness, courtesy of Mr. Neil Kernon and hard works of Shadow Gallery themselves. Of course, you could enjoy
the excellent musicianship and quite complex and technical interplays that
they are really excellent at. Although there are softer sounding ballads
and song-oriented tracks on the first half of this album, there are lots
of exciting tempo changes and odd-time meter sections driven by a quite
impressive instrumentation. I notice that SG fans, who are very into their
previous up-beat prog metal work 'Tyranny', find slightly some difficulties to enjoy this new album entirely (in
most cases that I have heard before). I understand that the songs of 'Legacy'
do not always flow faster tempos like 'Tyranny' album; however, the longer
and epic tracks by this U.S. group sound great and that satisfy my musical
tastes quite a lot. 'Legacy' album is definitely another winner for them and impressive prog metal
album for prog metal fans in general. Highly recommended for prog fans.
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Shinsekai - s/t
Independent Release
(2005)
This is their first album from an enthusiastic Japanese progressive rock
group, but the package of their album is not typical cd package (it looks
like between big photo-album package and LP containing sleeve). The music
of theirs sound like British progressive rock and Italian technical prog,
but they have made their own way with strong homage to vintage progressive
rock sounds. Even though their ages are around 20's, the sounds of Shinsekai are interestingly based on really vintage prog with complex parts.
On the other hand, there are some experimental tunes and spacey rock tracks.
Quite ambitious young prog group that pursues really progressive music
with some fresh ideas. They do not usually rely on digital keyboards (very
bold move I think). Using lots of vintage instruments like analog keyboards
and mellowtron that obviously do not sound very stable, but they have successfully
brought the feelings and analog sounds with very high spirits of progressive
rock. What a newcomer from Kansai area of Japanese scene. I guess the fans
of Freewill from Kyoto (yes, same Kansai area of Japan) would enjoy the
music and contents of Shinsekai. Nicly-done and quite intelligent approach
I think.
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Siam - Prayer
A2Z Records
(1996)
Among people who are into the bands like Heir Apparent and Queensryche,
Siam from England has been considered as really tasty sounding melodic
metal band for a long time. What I recall is that Siam had been featured
on U.K.'s metal magazines like RAW and KERRANG!, so I was curious about
this band for a long time. Even in my country, Zero Corp. also pushed this
band as a new generation from U.K. Melodic Metal scene. I had a pretty
good feeling from their music sample on Zero Corp's compilation album about
6 to 7 years ago. Time goes by pretty fast, and finally I got my hands
on their long out of print cd, Prayer. Overall, indeed Siam's musical style
appeals to Queensryche style melodic metal fans quite a lot. In the case
of Siam, they inject more U.K. style like tasty N.W.O.B.H.M. elements and
hard edge guitar attacks with Tony Mills' soaring vocal performance. Probably,
Tony Mills is one of very underrated singers out there, however what a
voice he has. He is really good singer who sings powerfully and emotionally.
His vocal style is a cross between Sanvoisen's vocalist and D.C. Cooper...of
course, he has more than that :-) In addition, twin lead guitar sounds
are crunchy and heavy. One of the guitarists refer to M.I. and his mentors,
so guitar playings are mostly solid and nicely performed in melodic metal
vein. Siam rarely use keyboards at all. Instead, they use clean guitars
and acoustic parts to make mellower atmospheres. These elements are really
welcome for guitar oriented power metal/prog metal fans I think. Fans of
Queensryche and Sanvoisen need to be aware of this solid England Metal
band.
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Silent Exile - Dancing With Death
Independent Release
(2000)
Silent Exile is a Canadian Progressive Metal band in a little bit soft
sound tendencies. Some people have hard time to deal with a singer of Silent
Exile. He has a soft voice, but he is not a bad singer at all in my opinion.
In fact, his singing melody is emotional and creates mesmerizing moments
which appeal progressive rock fans. Their music somehow reminds me of the
style of Enchant, Rush (in the era of Signals), and just a bit of Dream
Theater (esp, the song like "Walls Of Society"), but creating
a original atmopsheres and sounds on their first album. They seem to care
for songwriting and whole band ensemble which create some kind of atmospheric
flavored soft/light progressive metal music. I notice that each member
of SE seems to have good performance skills, but I find several guitar
or keyboard solo stuffs, guitar/keyboard leads are not like Dream Theater,
Stratovarius, and Shadow Gallery. They tend to minimize guitar or keyboard
solos. Maybe, I would say that there are very few of shredding and technical
solos. I usually enjoy virtuostic and technical solos (not always shredding,
though) in progressive and melodic power music. Let's face it on the performance
side a bit. Silent Exile try to minimize irrelevant and meaningless solos,
nevertheless, they concentrate on creating dramas and break points and
semi-complex ensembles in the tradition or style of progressive metal approach.
Guitar sounds like Saga's Ian-esque hard rockish playing, but on a few songs,
he projects nice and tasty guitar solo. A keyboard player of this band
stays creating atmospheric and majestic symphonic keyboard sounds, however
sometimes he lets loose a few nice keyboard licks, but he never shows off
and shreds on this album, well I wanted to hear some outstanding cool shreding
keyboard solos, though. Apart from that perspective, probably he and each
member have considered that no need to put technical solos to impress us.
Rather, they showcased and proved that they can make very well-thought
majestic sounds and semi-complex progressive metal ensembles. As for rhythm
section, they usually keep me pumping, and making pounding rhythm/beats
(yeah, that is what I enjoy to hear in this type of music) with some nice
twists and turning in the semi-complex parts. These are good parts of their
musical side. On the lyrical side, they seem to be interested in some kind
of philosophical human themes (mostly you can find in prog metal and prog
rock music). Some people seem not to be satisfied with sound production
on this one somehow, plus melody lines and intonation of vocalists. The
guitar and keyboard melodies are not like other ordinary prog metal acts
I believe, but hear more close to neo-progressive rock sounds here and
there on Dancing Of Death album. Perhaps, some people who argue about sound
production and vocal melody lines must have demanded for more crunchy and
agressive sounding prog metal, but Silent Exile is not that type of band.
Well, but if you like mesmerizing moments on Neo-Progressive hard rock
and light progressive metal music, you should pay attention to this secret
weapon from the scene of Canada where offers nice melodic hard rock and
metal bands. Well, I kind of understand why other people have ever pinpointed
on some negative side of their debut offering on the other hand, but overall
they have done good job. It is their freshman effort for ever expanding
prog metal scene, therefore I would like to hear their newer material for
next time. Probably, they are one of another brightest hopes of prog metal
scene in Y2K. I wish they will make a better album in near future.
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Silent Voices - Chapters of Tragedy
(2002)
Probably, this is their first or second album. Silent Voices is solid and
symphonic Finnish prog metal band. It is noticeable for some people that
the first track of this album sounds really similar to Symphony X. However,
other tracks are Awake-era's Dream Theater influenced prog metal style.
Probably, Chapters of Tragedy is not ground-breaking album. Overall, they
have done really solid musical performance, and displayed skillful instrumentation.
Guitar and Keyboard playings are especially quite tasty and nice for my
ears.
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Sinphonia - When The Tide Breaks
Lucretia Records
1st album of Melodic powerful metal band from Denmark. I recall that one
track featured on Powermad sampler that clicked me was Sinphonia, so I
searched their first album, When The Tide Breaks. This band plays the music
of The Gathering flavors with heavy powerful metal touch and influences
of melancholic doom sounds. Occasionally, they add some prog metal touches,
too. A female vocalist, Monica has a really pleasant voice throught this
cd. Guitar sounds are actually heavy and edgy. It is kind of hard to compare
this band to others, but overall When The Tide Breaks will appeal to the
fans of female vocalist music with heavy edge and powerful doom HM.
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Skyron Orchestra - s/t
Transubstans/Record Heaven Sweden
(2004)
First of all, I'd like to thank you to Record Heaven Sweden about the cd of Skyron Orchestra. Entirely on the self-titled debut album, Skyron Orchestra displays 60's
psychedelic organ rock with doses of heavy guitar. They keep playing on
basic and simple format rock ensemble with impressive guitar solos reminding
me of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin a bit. Even though they sometimes sound like The Doors, the music they play is unique in my opinion. Their music appeals to the fans who are into rock format with 60's psychedelic rock and atmospheric organ sounds. A female lead vocalist, Veronica, has similar vocal tones like Bjork, but not very eccentric like her.
They do not go playing crazy like mad, so there hardly have any intricate
and complex sections. However, song-oriented approach is the key to succeed
for Skyron Orchestra. I usually do not pay attention to psychedelic touched
rock music, but this band offers some interesting moments. Refleshing cd.
[website] http://www.skyron.nu/Root/index.htm
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Slychosis - s/t
Independent Release
(2006)
I know it's sometimes difficult to get the ideas or absorb what's been
displayed on prog rock music in general. At glance, Slychosis sound similar to somewhat prog giants like Pink Floyd and Spock's Beard. However, as I listen to the music of Slychosis carefully, they have made
prog music on their own right. In the beginning of my first listening experience,
I was not convinced enough until I hit the very last three tracks that
clicked me deeply. Then I go back to their music again and again. Wow,
this prog rock trio showcases fascinating song-oriented music with some
complex sections and dreamy parts as well. Nowadays, I find out something
new, every time. Slychosis consists of three prog enthusiasts: Gregg Johns (lead vocals, guitars, mandlin & Keyboards), Todd Sears (drums, percussion, and vocals), and James Walker (bass guitars). This American prog rock trio enjoy performing symphonic
rock that makes me smile and being happy. Indeed, their music requires
the listener to get into their own rock sounds; in other words, their music
does not seem to accept a kind of casual enjoyment for listeners. With
careful several listens are recommended to get the ideas of their music,
whenever you encounter Slychosis' music for the first time. Indeed, it's
worth to delve into their songs like "Innerspace" and "Dreamscapes" featuring hard driving energy and passions through their rocking
performance. Btw, these two songs are my favorite and highlight tunes to
me. "Wild Night In Calcuta' shows their different aspect of prog music. It has a definitely wild
spacey rock feeling that sounds a bit similar to Gong and Davead Allen. Esp., I was quite entertained by Gregg Johns' keyboard/synth works, and the way he chose the sounds and performing
synth solos is quite amusing and very enjoyable. I hope they continue making
an unique prog music with keyboard-dominated sounds and complex odd-time
beats. It's a surprisingly fresh independent prog music. Fans of Relayer and Spock's Beard would get into this. What I am most impressed with self-debut album is
their varied song structures and energetic performance. Keep up a good
work, Slychosis.
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Smeer - Dischord
Lion Music
(2004)
Smeer has been mentioned as Canadian answer to Godsmack. Well, I think it is very true to some extent. In the case of Smeer, I am surprised to think that their music is much different from other label mates of Lion Music. Smeer plays really modern rock sounds with memorable melodies and catchy songwriting in the vein of Godsmack, Creed, and other contemporaries. What I have mostly enjoyed from this album
is more softer and calmer tunes, rather than nowadays' distorted 90s sounding
rock. The music of Smeer has potential to hit in the market of U.S. contemporary
rock. I hope they make more softer tunes later on, because their music
ability and songwriting are really shining on those tracks. Heavier tunes
are fine and ok to my ears. Those heavy tracks are not enough to grab my
heart enough, although the production on these tracks is fine and crisp.
I think nowadays kids all over the world prefer the music like what Smeer
and Godsmack to the music I have been enjoying. That makes sence, and I
have no problem with that. Fortunately, I have enjoyed more than a few
outstanding tracks from Dischord, even though I do not get into 90s sounding
modern day rock tracks very much. Anyway, they know how to rock with nice
music sensibilities. I believe they seem to have spent enough time to make
music shining and having enough energy. Overall, good job on Dischord.
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Soul Cages - Moments
Massacre Records
(1996)
Moments is a second album of Soul Cages from Germany. To be honest, this second album finds them a big step forward from their first album. There are several interesting movements (e.g., using pizz violin/strings and classically influenced clean guitar parts) with dynamic and heavy neo-progressive rock performance without going too hectic technical parts. Moments is simply great work with intelligent and poetic lyrics reflecting upon the universe, nature, and human. Due to some lyrical contents, the entire music has some calm and dramatic moments. Musically, Soul Cages' style would be categorized as a cross betwen hard neo-prog and lite progressive metal. In addition, their style reminds me of a bit of Enchant and Fates Warning. Their ensemble does not often show technical and complex ensembles a
lot, but yes there are some intricate parts here and there to enhance dynamics
and drama. I hope that people who are into guitar-oriented, yet some complex
lite prog metal will find joy from the music on Moments. This album is
a labour of love. Very fine job!
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Sound of Silence - Spiritual Journey
Sleaszy Rider Records
(2003)
Sound of Silence is the band from Greece performing complex prog metal music with some tempo changes and odd-time meters/beats. "Spiritual Journey" is their first full-length debut album, even though they have released
a few demo materials during 90s. According to the reliable sources on the
internet, they went through line-up changes for a few times to solidify
the foundation of the band. The last two songs in the latter half of the
"Spiritual Journey" cd features as demo materials released in
early 90s for bonus tracks that sound a bit traditional power metal in
80s vein. I think this band has a good potential to appeal to the fans
of melodic prog metal bands like Dream Theater, Lemur Voice, and Savatage. As you see that Sound of Silence release the album from Greek label Sleaszy
Rider, so I really hope that melodic prog metal fans, who are into technical
chops and complicated ensembles, need to give a chance to their full-length
debut album. After spinning this cd more than seveal times, the music they
perform with sonic landscape grabs me to draw their music world. Esp.,
the guitar solos and keyboard solos sound really terrific while the rhythm
section is laying down thick sound walls and complex rhythmic patterns
that most prog metal bands provide. The singer of this band usually sings
in mid to higher registers that remind me a bit of Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius, Midnight of Crimson Glory, and the singer of Damien Steele. I think the musicianship of Sound of Silence shows really solid and great,
esp., in the first half of Spiritual Journey cd featuring lots of bombastic
and intricacies with modern edge courtesy by keyboardist's synth/keyboard
works. The sound production could have been better, but overall what they
have created sounds really nice to my ears. I wish the vocal melody lines
would have been more dramatic and providing dramatic crescendo to sink
in, if I am allowed to speak up about my minor complaints. Putting aside
those few small thoughts, the album "Spiritual Journey" has lots of things to discover with enjoyment. The instrumentation
through the album sounds really terrific and well-balanced entirely, so
I highly recommend this band to any prog metal fans. Definitely, I look
forward to hearing their next release with my hopeful expectation.
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Spastic Ink - Ink Complete
Mr. Kitty
(2002)
First album of technically proficient and skilled metal group's first album which was very difficult to locate until 2002. Probably, the group of Spastic Ink thank a lot for related people that finally re-released this gem for pure technical metal fans. If you are a technical metal head, I do not think I need a further explanation that Spastic Ink consist of Watchtower's genius guitarist Ron Jarzombek, skilled drummer Bobby Jarzombek, and the bassist Pete Perez who is famous for Riot. This technical metal trio can pull off suerpbly tight technical metal and twisted interplays quite easily and fluently. Very bombastic progressive metal and technical metal laid down everywhere with some hints of humors and zannieness. Indeed, 'Ink Complete' can be very ambitious technical album entirely and comparable to Watchtower's intensity. Spastik Ink is one of top technical metal acts that lead the scene of guitar-oriented tech-metal/prog metal. The music of Watchtower and Spastic Ink are sometimes difficult to appeal to all kind of metal music listeners.
If you like this kind of technically challenging music, you would get inspired
from seer intensity and passions toward pure technicality. It's simply
amazing musicianship that has been displayed.
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Spearfish - Area 605
Lion Music
(2005)
Swedish band, Spearfish sounds a kind of veteran type of melodic hard rock band. Mostly, I could hear some traces of American hard rock bands, and influences of British hard rock bands, such as Rainbow and Uriah Heep on their music. Basically, they keep groove-oriented good times hard and heavy music with melodic sensibilities. Vocal melodies are always being steady and centered in the album. Yes, there are some nice guitar solos and occasionally great melody lines displayed. Overall, what they put the emhpasis on Area 605 is classic hard rock sounds. Area 605 features about 11 tracks that appeal
the fans of classic old-days British hard rock. Until I heard Spearfish,
I've never imagined Lion Music releases such staright-forward good times
old hard rock band with no frills and no pyro-techniques. Anyway, surprisingly
Spearfish is very different from other Swedish contemporary melodic hard
rock/metal bands. I think they stick to this musical direction and this
tradition in the future.
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Sphere of Souls - From The Ashes
Lion Music
(2006)
Once again, the Netherlands has offered an incredible new group to the
prog metal scene. A new Dutch prog metal groupSphere of Souls features ex. Sun Caged lead singer, Andre Vurboom, and also a technical guitar player Anand Mahangoe in particular. Besides such extraordinary players, you also find the names like a guest keyboard player Joost van den Broek (After Forever/ex. Sun Caged) with a few members who used to perform with technical prog metal bands like Automn Equinox and complex prog metal group from Imperium. You would figure out that Sphere of Souls are not a typical rookie, yet each member of this band is very skilled and experienced in every aspect. From start to finish, the album of 'From The Ashes' contains lots of gems and nice moments. Even though the group do not always go over mind-boggling technical performance, they keep playing steady and solid in every song. They emphasizes the vocal melodies and phrasings from Andre over technical instrumental interplays. Of course, you'll find swirling synth leads and several great guitar leads with dynamic rhythm sections. The key to enjoy their 1st full-length album is melody and solid ensemble. Stylistically, what they play here reminds me a bit of Sun Caged, Fates Warning, and Psychotic Waltz, yet the music on 'From The Ashes' would also appeal to the fans of Dream Theater, Threshold and other quality Dutch prog metal groups. Overall, I have been really
impressed and very happy to listen to it. I know there are lots of prog
metal fans out there getting into the music of what Sphere of Souls express.
One of finest new groups' works in the year of 2006. Highly recommended
for all melodic prog metal fans.
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Stereokimono - Prismosfera
Imaginifica Records
(2003)
This is pretty interesting and well-performed unique progressive rock music.
Primosfera is Stereokimono's second release. Italian prog rock trio, Stereokimono, plays really original symphonic yet retro-esque progressive rock music. I had never heard of this band previously, until they contacted me. Entirely, Primosfera features Italian flavored vintage prog sounds with twists and turns, but not overly done. Italy have been a well-known progressive and symphonic rock country among prog rock fans. This country has been offering tasty prog rock and prog metal bands for a long time. By the way, Primosfera is their first release from Imaginifica Records founded by none other than Franz Di Cioccio of, Italian prog rock giant, PFM. Definately, this groups have some similarities with other Italian symphonic
prog, but they are not imitators of Italian prog giants at all. They took
some ideas and hints from vintage prog rockers, and inject atmospheric
and unique original flavors into their own music. While listening to Primosfera,
the spacey atmospheres of the music sometimes are similar to Pink Floyd and Ozric Tentacles. At the same time, other parts on this album reminds me of King Crimson-esque flavors and moog-ish synth runs like Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, Banco Del Muttuo Soccorso, and Premiata Forneria Marconi. Do not get me wrong about my expressions and impressions on the above.
Only some parts remind of some prog rock elements from so called giant
prog rock bands. Overall, they cook their sounds on Primosfera in their
own way. Just like the cover-art of Prismosfera, the entire atmosphere
is quite dark and modern. Not really happy kind progressive rock or symphonic
prog, yet they concentrate on making their own music world with some intensified
complex ensemble and bits of zanny elements. Occasionally, impressive moog
synth and analogy keyboards fly over. Overall, I have been very impressive
with what they have created on this album. Totally impressive and unique.
Highly recommended for Italian prog rock fans.
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