Tag: Progressive Metal
0 New Video – Epysode – Obsessions
Some killer METAL for your Monday……
EPYSODE, the new melodic progressive metal band project of Samuel Arkan (Virus IV), has released a new video “Obsessions” in support of their album of the same name, Obsessions. Check it out!
0 Free Download From Tesseract!
UK progressive metallers TESSERACT have been extremely busy for the past few months. After announcing a change in vocalists, they entered the studio to record the revamped version of “Eden” featuring the new vocals and a more developed instrumentation. After the track was completed, the band went directly into shooting a music video for the single, which was premiered earlier this week and can be seen HERE.Now, TESSERACT is giving the song “Eden” away for free! “We’re really happy with how Eden 2.0 turned out, and as a gift to all of our wonderful friends we’d like to share it with you guys for free, as a token of our appreciation for your support over the last few years.” Says bassists Amos Williams. “We had always wanted to revisit ‘Eden’ and Elliot joining our fold gave us the perfect opportunity to do such a thing. We hope that this, along with the beautiful and haunting video for its release directed by Ganesh Rao, is a fitting introduction to the world of the new TesseracT sound ahead of the new album which we aim to start writing soon.”
Fans can download the song HERE.
TESSERACT is on tour now with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and ANIMALS AS LEADERS on “The Saints and Sinners” Tour. A full list of dates can be seen below.
For more information on TESSERACT, please visit:
0 Free Download From Textures
Dutch progressive metallers TEXTURES have released the first taste of new music off their forthcoming studio album, Dualism.
The track, entitled “Singularity,” is available for streaming on the band’s Facebook page.
TEXTURES will head west for their inauguralNorth American tour with Periphery, The Human Abstract, and The Contortionist, which kicks off on September 3rd in Raleigh, North Carolina and wraps up in Baltimore, Maryland on October 8th, 2011. will head west for their inaugural North American tour with Periphery, The Human Abstract, and The Contortionist, which kicks off on September 3rd in Raleigh, North Carolina and wraps up in Baltimore, Maryland on October 8th, 2011.
FULL TOUR DATES are on the band’s Facebook page.
TEXTURES are also offering a free download of the track”Singularity” so if you want it, spread the word!
0 VANDEN PLAS – New CD Coming In June, Audio Samples Available!
Frontiers Records to release Germany’s Prog Metal finest VANDEN PLAS highly anticipated new concept album
The Seraphic Clockwork” in the shops on
June 4th in Europe and June 22nd in the U.S.A.
A good four years after Vanden Plas last critically acclaimed studio recording, “Christ O” hit the charts, Germany’s finest Prog Metal act is set to release its brand new album: “The Seraphic Clockwork”, on June 4th, in Europe and June 22nd in the USA.
Highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, “The Seraphic Clockwork” is a fascinating concept album, which not only shows the quintet’s exceptional technical skills, but also highlights their impressive development as songwriters. The new album sounds more multi-layered, progressive and metal-oriented than any previous Vanden Plas release. “I think that my penchant for music of the tougher persuasion shines through more than ever before on this album,” comments guitarist Stephan Lill, who – together with keyboardist Günter Werno and vocalist Andy Kuntz – make up the group’s creative triumvirate. He adds: “Hard riffs, elaborate keyboard and orchestral arrangements plus catchy hooklines come together in a perfect symbiosis which marks Vanden Plas’ own style. I feel that we were much more adventurous on with The Seraphic Clockwork than ever before.”
A perfect example which substantiates this statement, is the 13-minute track ‘On My Way To Jerusalem’, a little masterpiece within a homogeneous, self-contained album. The song takes the listener on a haunting, adventurous journey which comes full circle musically towards its end. From soaring piano sounds through hard riffs and versatile arrangements to atmospheric parts, the whole range of expressive forms which the Progressive Metal genre has to offer are present. On the other hand, ‘Heal The World’ with its melodic intro, subsequent heavy riff and catchy chorus, reveals the band’s affinity to theatre music and all its complexity, and is classic Vanden Plas.
The band’s fascination with classical history has left its mark on “The Seraphic Clockwork” particularly in terms of lyrics: the dramatic science fiction story of the concept album was penned by vocalist Andy Kuntz and chronicles a journey in place and time from 16th century Rome to Jerusalem in the year 33 A.D. 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. “It’s about being unable to escape fate”, explains Kuntz, a master at making complex subject matter both fascinating and accessible to contemporary audiences. “Working for the theatre has definitely influenced the story’s depth. When you realize or reproduce your own projects on a stage, you learn a lot about dramaturgy.”
“The Seraphic Clockwork” was exclusively presented to the journalists in a press showcase held in Koln, Germany on April 9th. Some of the reactions to the preview include:
“Great comeback of Germany’s leading Prog Metal band!”
Mike Borrink – Rock Hard Germany
“Those who have been concerned that Vanden Plas might have lost their riff power over the last few years don’t have to worry anymore: their new album „The Seraphic Clockwork“ is a perfect example for a well-balanced mixture of intelligent prog tunes, heavy riffing and the uncompromising love for hard music.”
Thorsten Zahn – Classic Rock Mag Germany
“They’ve made us wait but one of the best and most respected Progressive Metal bands are back with the heaviest, most epic and diverse album of their career to date. Awesome stuff.”
Matthew Adrian Spall – Powerplay , UK
“The Seraphic Clockwork” is unbelievable, fantastic, great music with a great story. Vanden Plas are the Prog Metal kings.”
Marco Magin – Breakout, Germany
“Intense, melodic and challenging at the same time, this new offering by Vanden Plas has what it takes to please the most demanding Progressive Metal fans.”
Morgan Rivalin – Rock Hard France
The musical and lyrical complexity of “The Seraphic Clockwork” is certainly inspiring. Vanden Plas have proved again that they are the most imaginative and diverse of German Prog Metal bands and justly enjoy the highest international acclaim. It can only be a matter of time before this concept album also makes it onto the stage.
“The Seraphic Clockwork” includes the following tracks:
Frequency; Holes In The Sky; Scar of an Angel; Sound of Blood; The Final Murder; Quicksilver; Rush of Silence; On My Way to Jerusalem.
VANDEN PLAS
Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitar), Günter Werno (keyboards), Torsten Reichert (bass), Andreas Lill (drums)
DISCOGRAPHY
COLOUR TEMPLE (1995)
ACCULT (1996)
THE GOD THING (1997)
FAR OFF GRACE (1999)
SPIRIT OF LIVE (2000)
BEYOND DAYLIGHT (2002)
CHRIST O (2006)
New: THE SERAPHIC CLOCKWORK (2010)
Weblinks: www.vandenplas.de / www.myspace.com/vplas www.frontiers.it / www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
0 Prog-Metal Band JAW to Release in the U.S.A.
JAW has progressive elements similar to that of Tool, but enough thunderous metal action to make them all their own” – James Korba, Stylus Magazine.
“JAW mixes the experimentation of Tool with a bit of death metal and prog rock”
– Mike Warkentin, Uptown Magazine.
Canadian Prog-Metal band JAW is releasing their sophomore album SWINGS HUMANS on Reversed Records on March 24th, 2009. Their efforts to unify musical experimentation and a message of personal evolution, is clearly in evidence on an absolutely meticulously crafted eight-song affair.
JAW is power, an unrestrained force possessing an unorthodox songwriting style. Fearlessly they innovate as they push for change. JAW is an inherent talent, a creative David in world of conformist Goliaths.
JAW formed in 2001 when vocalist Emmanuel Olarewaju and guitarist Jason Dokken met through serendipity at a music store in their hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. After months of searching for individuals who shared in their creative vision, Olarewaju and Dokken recruited bassist Pablo Riedel and drummer Kevin Kornelsen. On July 17th 2001, JAW began. Within a few months of forming, the quartet had written a solid set of songs. These songs only scratched the surface of JAW’s potential.
JAW recorded their first EP in November 2002. With EP in hand JAW began tirelessly touring the frigid western Canadian plains through to the eastern coast, while periodically dipping into Minnesota and North
Dakota. JAW’s live performance impressed to such an extent that within a year the group had sold enough albums to garner a strong following nationwide.
JAW entered The Space Behind A Garage Studios in Winnipeg, Manitoba with producer/engineer Rob Shallcross (Strapping Young Lad, Gwar, Townsend Band, Darkest Hour, Threat Signal) to record SWINGS HUMANS’. The result of this collaboration is of brutality and peace conveyed through movements, from the grandeur of its mountain tops to the voids of its valleys. Soulful, poetic, graceful and mighty, JAW’s SWINGS HUMANS reinvents what metal is and can be.
JAW is:
Emmanuel Olarewaju – Vocals
Jason Dokken – Guitar
Pablo Riedel – Bass
Kevin Kornelsen – Drums
For more information go to www.myspace.com/jawband or www.reversedrecords.com
0 Classic Video – Queensryche – Nightrider
Back in the early 80’s, when Queensryche was struggling to get signed, they sent out a 4 track demo. Queensryche released the demo later as their EP.
The debut EP contains the classic tracks, Queen of the Reich, Nightrider, Blinded and the Lady Wore Black. It has been re-released a few times, and is worth seeking out.
Check out the video for one of the earliest Queensrcyhe songs, Nightrider, below!
1 Watch Tower – Energetic Disassembly (Release Year – 1985)
Quite a few bands have mentioned Watch Tower as one of their influences. Watch Tower’s impact on progressive rock and metal can be heard on their debut record, Energetic Disassembly.
This CD is a fairly short listen, clocking in at under forty minutes, but it is definitely worth the time spent.
Not only did Energetic Disassembly launch the careers of Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys/Broken Teeth) and Billy White., it also influenced the sound of many future progressive metal acts, including Dream Theater.
This Texas quartet’s music is best described as technical thrash. Think early Metallica style thrash with a bunch of progressive style time changes. Those of you who are familiar with Jason McMaster’s work in Dangerous Toys, have never heard him sing like
this. Most of his vocals are sung at a higher, ear splitting register. His vocal approach was a lot more common by the speed metal acts of the 80’s.
The musicianship is nothing short of stellar on this disc. Not only does Billy White’s guitar work shine on this disc, but Doug Keyser’s bass work really stands out. Watch Tower’s sound may be a little on the experimental side, but fans of early 80’s thrash, will most certainly like this. If there are any downfalls with this disc, it would be with the production. The production quality is a little on the thin side, but this doesn’t hurt your listening experience.
Those wanting to hear one of the early pioneers of thrash metal music need to seek out Energetic Disassembly. This disc was out of print for quite some time, and was recently reissued by Rockadrome. It can be purchased from CD Baby.com. Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Violent Change
2. Asylum
3. Tyrants in distress
4. Social Fears
5. Energetic Disassembly
6. Argonne Forest
7. Cimmerian Shadows
8. Meltdown
Watchtower is:
Jason McMaster / vocals
Billy White / guitar
Doug Keyser / bass
Rick Colaluca / drums
0 New Video – Symphony X – The Serpent’s Kiss
0 Video – Kamelot – March of Mephisto
More Metal for your Monday. This video, March of Mephisto from Kamelot is from 2005, but worth another look.
Check it out!
0 Preview New Tracks from Leverage!
Frontiers Records is excited to announce all details related to LEVERAGE highly anticipated second album entitled “Blind Fire”.
Leverage is a Top Level Melodic Metal band which came out of nowhere in 2006, causing a stir with the release of their debut album “Tides”. Their blend of modern metal sound and old school melody-based songwriting earned rave reviews from the media and created a fanbase both in Finland and throughout the rock community in many countries.
One highlight of the ratings was melodicrock.com naming ‘Tides’ as the best Metal/Prog album of 2006, with 2 songs at the top of their heavy rock song listing. The band’s frontman Pekka Heino (also singer for Brother Firetribe) was also named the vocalist of the year!
“The warm welcome for ‘Tides’ was a pleasant surprise for us” says the band’s guitar player and main composer Tuomas Heikkinen. “We got good radio airplay in Finland, even climbed to the charts, all before our very first gig with our own material! Since then, we’ve played throughout Finland at clubs and festivals. Our music has been described as melodic metal or melodic heavy rock, which is fine by us”. Rock and Metal lovers will easily recognize influences from Rainbow, Magnum, Stratovarius and Masterplan with a light Progressive Metal edge.
“We wanted to plan the second album and the second step of our career carefully” continues Heikkinen “ As a big part of that, we were happy to sign with Frontiers. The songs were all written between the release of ‘Tides’ and entering the studio in July 07. Right from the first demos we knew that the second album will be a great step forward for Leverage. Here’s why: we’re tighter as a band, we know what our own style is and what we might be capable of, and we’re busting our butts to make as solid music as we ever can. We recorded and mixed (Torsti Spoof and Jari Mikkola) the album at Studio Audio, Jyväskylä, Finland between the beginning of July and halfway of September. It was mastered at Chartmakers, Helsinki”
“Blind Fire” will be released in Europe (minus Finland) on Frontiers Records on January 25th 2007. The first reactions to the material are enthusiastic and there are already plans for the band to play live outside their homeland.
Tracklisting of “Blind Fire” includes:
Shadow In The Rain; King Of The Nigh; Stormchild; Sentenced; Hellhorn; Mr. Universe; Don’t Touch The Sun; Run Down; Heart Of Darkness; Learn To Live.
Click on the links above to Preview the new tracks!
“All in all, we are really proud of ‘Blind Fire’” concludes Tuomas Heikkinen. “We worked hard to make the most of the relatively short time between ‘Tides’ and the new one, and we feel we accomplished what we set out to do”.
Frontiers will also release at the same time of the new album a new edition of “Tides” which will also include two exclusive bonus tracks: Superstition (live) and Twilight Symphony (live). Click here to enjoy a sample of “Superstition” from “Tides” !
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