Too many long hours of work and too much Metal to listen too, seems to be a recurring problem -:).
Here's nevertheless a bunch of stuff that's been receiving a fair amount of attention.
It's Prog Power Scandinavia next week, which shows on the list below; I'm really looking forward to a very interesting package of cool bands.


Andromeda. Extension Of The Wish. (2CD)
Quality Progressive Metal with catchy melodies and innovative ideas.

Clive Noland & Oliver Wakeman. The Hound Of The Baskervilles
A bombastic and dramatic Rock Opera with striking vocal performances.

Dreamscape. 5th Season
Decent Progressive Metal but too anonymous as a whole package.

Helloween. Pinks Bubbles Go Abe
Different but overall good. A bunch of memorable songs makes up for some rather unsuccessful ones.

Helloween. Gambling With The Devil
Still getting into this one, but without doubt a strong disc. It sounds like they are enjoying themselves and musically it's quite flourishing. Lots of power stuffed into it.

Iced Earth. Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part 1
A rather thin production and a general lack of the classic opuses and dramatic tension of the past prevent this album from living up to my expectations. It contains some successful tunes and fine performances but nothing special, unfortunately.

Jaded Heart. Sinister Mind
A groovy and thick rooted Power Rock album, not everything clicks but it surely has its moments.

Machine Men. Circle Of Fools
To the point Classic/Power Metal with screaming guitars and high intensity. All quite nice without impressing.

Mercenary. 11 Dreams
Hard-hitting and technical. Mercenary has made up their own special blend of aggressive melodicness and 11 Dreams is truly a compact and thrilling release. Should appeal to fans of Nevermore.

Nightwish. Dark Passion Play
Perhaps the most bombastic and spectacular production I have ever heard. Great album too, brilliant orchestral parts and lots of diversion in the songs. I'm still not a big fan of Marco's vocals but Anette sings with beautiful grace and strength.

Orphaned Land. El Norra Alila
It's difficult to pin out, but there is just something about their total unique eastern sounding Progressive Metal that sends your mind onto a hypnotic journey of mystical wonders.
Not everything is equally fascinating but a remarkable band indeed.

Pagan's Mind. God's Equation
Unfortunately they once again decided to go for distorted vocals too often but luckily they also still present Progressive Power Metal of high calibre with plenty of ass kicking moments.

Spheric Universe Experience. Anima
A positive and inventions acquaintance. Some loose edges here and there but I really like this album's range and interesting structuring.

Threshold. Psycedelicatessen (Remastered Edition)
A comprehensive and inspiring piece of intelligent music. Great album.

Threshold. Extinct Instinct (Remastered Edition)
Less accessible but no less ingenious. It seems to loose focus from now and then, but highly creative stuff.

Ty Tabor. Rock Garden
Far from the stunning Safety release but it has its cool, mellow moments.

Vanishing Point. The Fourth Season
Atmospheric Progressive Metal with some memorable refrains and competent playing, solid effort.

Written by Tommy
Friday, November 2, 2007