On August 17 I became the father of a beautiful baby girl so music hasn't exactly been a top priority this past month. I did however manage to check out a few new albums.
Guilt Machine - On This Perfect DayArjen Lucassen has created yet another enticing album worthy of his name. Emphasis on atmosphere and melodies that slowly creep under the skin. Give it time and it will grow.
Wildestarr - ArrivalVicious Rumors bassist Dave Starr has teamed up with vocalist London Wilde for an album that has the potential to blow you away. Classic Heavy Metal with a hint of Crimson Glory and old Queensrÿche. London Wilde has an incredibly high pitch voice with an impressive amount of power and I wouldn't have guessed it was a woman singing. The production could be better but also gives the album a special hazy sort of atmosphere. Check out the dramatic title track
at their MySpace site. Full review is coming.
Cirrha Niva - For moments never doneEight years after the weird and wonderful Liaison de la Morte, the Dutch progressive metal band is back with something quite different. They have changed their sound considerably and they have a new vocalist. The result is progressive metal of the intense kind. Impressive and highly promising. Full review is coming.
Powerwolf - Bible of the BeastFun and steel-solid Power Metal with quite silly lyrics. What sets this band apart are the huge vocals of frontman Attila (the bun?), the suitably big arrangements and the carefree feeling that pervades the album. It is infectious and won me over right away. Great stuff.
Bigelf - Cheat the GallowsFirst couple of listens give the impression of a highlight of the year. The music's core is in Rock but it's unique, surprising and very special. I imagine The Beatles would sound something like this if they were still around. A very nice surprise which will be given more time soon. Fans of Enuff Z'nuff and Donnie Vie should check this out as there is a definite resemblance between the to two lead singers.
Southern Cross - Down BelowThis Canadian band plays dark heavy metal with some progressive and thrash flavours. Promising.
DGM - FrAmeSuperb mix of Progressive and Power Metal -
Read review
Tori Amos - Abnormally attracted to sinI can't get enough of Tori Amos. The new album has several fantastic songs. Some instant favorites include Flavor, Curtain Call, Maybe California,Welcome to England and Give but I'm sure more will reveal with time.
Holy Martyr - Still At War Excellent True Metal debut from 2007. Be prepared to step back in time for a powerful mix of older Manowar, Omen and Doomsword. Simple but spirited. I'm happy to hear that there are some bands still playing this kind of music. Time to hunt down their second album.
Cain's Offering - Gather the FaithfulA superb and highly promising debut. There are some amazing songs here. Oceans of Regret, Into the Blue, My Queen of Winter and Dawn of Solace are favorites. Unfortunately I feel the album looses a bit of breath in its second half. Thorn In My Side, Morpheus In A Masquerade and Stolen Waters lack the elegant grace that make the other songs soar. Good songs but not quite up there with the rest. This album is also Timo Kotipelto's finest moment. He strikes the perfect emotional balance.
Savatage - Gutter Ballet Demos (Bootleg)Some interesting versions of old Savatage songs. Especially fun to notice the parts that were later used in different Savatage and Jon Oliva's Pain songs.
Queensrÿche - Saints and Sinners (Bootleg)Fantastic 2 hour show from the Promised Land tour.
CD purchases of the monthDGM - Different Shapes
Xystus - Equilibrio (Only got it three days ago and had time to listen to three songs but I can't wait to get back it. A highly promising Metal Opera.)
Cheap Trick - Cheap Trick
Loreena Mckennitt - Parallel Dreams
