Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Lacrimosa - Revolution
LacrimosaRevolution
Label: End of the Light Records
These pioneers of German Symphonic-Metal return for their 11th studio album filled with trademark German lyrics, dramatic atmospheric passages interrupted by terse industrial gothic beats, all crossed by orchestras, choirs and a stellar guest lineup. Since their inception in 1990, they have toured the world, worked with the world famous London Symphony Orchesta, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and have topped the charts in over 25 countries worldwide. Bravo!
• Lacrimosa Website • Lacrimosa Facebook • Lacrimosa WikiSeven Kingdoms - The Fire Is Mine
Seven KingdomsThe Fire Is Mine
Label: Nightmare / Sony / RED
Furious melodic progressive thrash metal with epic choirs is the order of the day for the third release from this Florida group. Led by the amazing female vocals of Sabrina Valentine and recorded at Morrisound Studios by legendary producer Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Obituary, etc) this release has the backbone to explode onto the metal scene and do some serious damage.
• Seven Kingdoms Website • Seven Kingdoms Facebook • Seven Kingdoms WikiTusmørke - Underjordisk Tusmørke
TusmørkeUnderjordisk Tusmørke
Label: Termo Records
Immediate flashbacks to early Jethro Tull flooded my senses on first listen, only to give way to other obvious influences from Gong, Can, Caravan, etc. While their name means twilight in Norwegian, their retro prog-psych music is twisted with a dark dose of Nordic folk and folk magic while being played out in atmospheric analog format thanks to the antique equipment that was used for its making.
• Tusmørke FacebookFalcon Punch - Falcon Punch
Falcon PunchFalcon Punch
Label: Stainless Manchu Records
Quirky, atmospheric and odd-tempo electronica from Toronto. These experimental compositions swing through jazzy, mathy rhythms as easily as spacey soundscapes with strategic samples and brain scratching soundbites.
• Falcon Punch Website • Falcon Punch FacebookGrimblee - Mutilate
GrimbleeMutilate
Label: self
Too often, dubstep is bogged down with conflicting interests, crossed genres or some other confluence of inefficiencies, but not here. Grimblee (Gilbert Splett) serves up straightforward kick-ass whompin’ electronica from Salt Lake City that is guaranteed to pique your eardrums.
• Grimblee FacebookLionize - Superczar and the Vulture
LionizeSuperczar and the Vulture
Label: Pentimento Music Company
Great grooves! Very successfully weaving together reggae elements with over-the-top 70s groove-rock, this DC quartet really has evolved into a force to be reckoned with. “It’s definitely the most complete, distinct Lionize record so far,” notes bassist Henry Upton, who established the group in 2004. So there ya go.
• Lionize Website • Lionize FacebookTherion - Les Fleurs Du Mal
TherionLes Fleurs Du Mal
Label: End Of The Light
Over-the-top orchestral metal has never sounded so good! Formed in the late 80s as a death metal band, this Swedish outfit has survived a bevy of member changes to produce this opus of intense and well-executed orchestral metal of the highest order, and once again redefining the genre. Bravo!
• Therion Website • Therion Facebook • Therion WikiSaffron - Dawning
SaffronDawning
Label: Palmetto Records
Kindred spirits finding common ground in the poet Rumi, these veteran musicians fuse contemporary sensibilities with classical Indian and Western jazz influences to create music that is as delicate and richly nuanced as the spice.
• Saffron WebsiteLords of Acid - Lords of Acid
Lords of AcidLords of Acid
Label: Metropolis Records
After 12 long years the mighty Praga Khan, along with longtime collaborator Erhan Kurkun, bring us a new full length orgy of punky electro industrial deliciousness. This is a fantastic, feisty, fun, booty shakin’ party album with great grooves, wide stylistic variances and witty lyrics plus an ever apparent sex appeal. Yummy!
• Lords of Acid Website • Lords of Acid FacebookMekong Delta - Intersections
Mekong DeltaIntersections
Label: Steamhammer/SPV
How do you create a technical thrash metal band for 2012? Start in the mid 1980s! Founded in the 80s by producer and bass player Ralf Hubert and surviving decades of band changes and turmoil, this release gives new life to a variety of their acclaimed classics utilizing the technology and band lineup of today, while enabling the band to get out and tour the world again.
• Mekong Delta Website • Mekong Delta FacebookKmang Kmang - Drifting
Kmang KmangDrifting
Label: self-released
Defying traditional classical guitar structures to incorporate indie rock angst and prog rock finesse with jazzy improvisational plateaus brings this Chicago based collective to a unique perfection. Founded by Barmey Ung, a Cambodian transplant, the compositions effortlessly delve into Flamenco, Samba, as well as traditional Cambodian Music.
• Kmang Kmang Website • Kmang Kmang FacebookLance Lopez - Handmade Music
Lance LopezHandmade Music
Label: MIG Music
Starting in New Orleans and mentored by Buddy Miles (Band of Gypsys) this ballsy blues guitarist has been a professional musician since the age of 14. At the age of 18 he became Lucky Peterson’s band leader. Now on this, his second solo release, he starts off jumpin but gets gritty, soulful and introspective in the middle.
• Lance Lopez Website • Lance Lopez FacebookView More
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