Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Omar Akram - Secret Journey
Omar AkramSecret Journey
Label: Real Music
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
• Omar Akram Website • Omar Akram WikiASG - Win Us Over
ASGWin Us Over
Label: Volcom Entertainment
Friends of the surf/skate/snowboard scene, ASG dishes out heavy melodic rock with lots of stoner/psychedelic/alcoholic influences. A perfect compliment to your adrenalin fueled experiences!
• ASG Website • ASG WikiAscension Of The Watchers - Numinosum
Ascension Of The WatchersNuminosum
Label: 13th Planet Records
New brainchild of recently re-inspired vocalist Burton C Bell (Fear Factory, G/Z/R). This stab at emotive spiritually uplifting rock unfortunately comes off bearing a droning, nebulous, implosion of talent and musical fortitude. Not good.
• Ascension Of The Watchers Website • Ascension Of The Watchers WikiAfter All - This Violent Decline
After AllThis Violent Decline
Label: Locomotive Records
Sturdy, powerful, galloping, and thrash-attacking guitar riffs propel this head banging Belgium juggernaut. The vocals are gruff, but understandable and quite appropriate, for the power metal they purvey.
• After All WebsiteAmerican Plague - Heart Attack
American PlagueHeart Attack
Label: Feedback Symphony Records
Hard driving, hard rocking trio serving up classic catchy heavy rock. Elements of angst and foreboding give way to campy rock.
• The American Plague WebsiteAnew Revolution - Rise
Anew RevolutionRise
Label: Koch Entertainment
Watered-down, radio-ready bubblegum metal. Oh, it’s so filled with emotions, intensity, blah, blah, blaze. For fans of such mass consumable and radio friendly bands as Staind, Dope, etc.
• Anew Revolution Website • Anew Revolution WikiA Tortured Soul - Kiss of the Thorn
A Tortured SoulKiss of the Thorn
Label: Eyes Like Snow/Northern Silence Records
Operatic and progressive old-school gothic metal (ala Priest, King Diamond, Shadow’s Fall) from Milwaukee but signed to a German Label. Shadowy doom protruding from a festering pool of abstract progressions.
• A Tortured Soul WebsiteAbney Park - Lost Horizons
Abney ParkLost Horizons
Label: Self Released
Forerunners of the oncoming “Steampunk Artistic Movement,” this Seattle outfit takes flight with a story of roving time travelers and airship pirates while gallivanting through and amalgamating the most admirable traits of a variety of genres including gothic, gypsy rock, punk, industrial, and electronica. Eclectic, elegant and unique.
• Abney Park Website • Abney Park WikiApocalyptica - Worlds Collide
ApocalypticaWorlds Collide
Label: 20 20/ Jive Records
Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.
• Apocalyptica Website • Apocalyptica WikiAsylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Asylum Street SpankersWhat? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
• The Asylum Street Spankers Website • The Asylum Street Spankers WikiAlmah - Fragile Equality
AlmahFragile Equality
Label: Blistering Records
Well flavored and maturely tempered power metal featuring former Angra members. Robust guitar solos are intertwined with pulsating rhythms and urgent vocals justifying the quality and caliber of this melodic power metal fury.
• Almah Website • Almah WikiAmorphis - Skyforger
AmorphisSkyforger
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Finding new ways to awaken my inner Viking! Invigorating anthems with their signature Scandinavian folk metal approach reverberate a dark, powerful beauty and majesty unmatched. This third round with singer Tomi Joutsen integrates a broad stroke of vocal styles with increased progressive rock elements to their musical palette.
• Amorphis Website • Amorphis WikiView More
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