Thursday 9 August 2018

Redemption - Zeal & Ardor - Satan's Empire - Khemmis - The Night Flight Orchestra

Been quiet on the blog and CD front, so herewith some short summer tips:

Redemption - Long Night's Journey Into Day
A new album by Redemption for me is a blind purchase (being the best new Progmetal band of this century), so I got this one upon return from holidays. Not heard enough of it yet. so some quick comments. The Redemption style is still very clearly present. Power prog with long instrumental parts and heavy riffs. Ray Alder left and we knew Tom Englund is just not as good a voice, but he does OK. Old bonus song Noonday Devil actually shows we do not need to worry if they ever come playing live again. Maybe not a Classic in their discography, but too early to judge. Only downer New Year's Day which does not work for me.

Zeal & Ardor - Stranger Fruit
This is not for everyone! When a band mixes Black Metal with something like slave music/negro spirituals it sounds original to start with. Last year I heard their album Devil is Fine, but with the short running time and fillers did not get it. Now we have a full album which blends whatever they feel like and ends up in a beautiful mix. Heard from friends they were great at Graspop, so I will check them out when touring Europe in autumn.




Satan's Empire - Rising
This is for everyone! When you love metal, you do understand that the movement kicking things of big time in the mainstream and underground was the NWOBHM. One of the lesser known bands of that era Satan's Empire now releases with Rising one of the best NWOBHM albums of 2018. I was lucky enough to see them playing live at the wonderful Mearfest. There and then I knew I was going to get this later released album. Filled with good old Heavy Metal. Collectors might recognize Soldiers of War from the Lead Weight Compilation. Tip


Khemmis - Desolation
Doom metal with a strong tendency to Heavy Metal. Another band I missed until now. Six long songs giving accessible doom, where Maw of Time introduces grunts the base is clean vocals and good playing. The cover is nice, the music even better.







The Night Flight Orchestra - Sometimes the World Ain't Enough
When you get some guys who play melo-death in their day job to do something different thsi is what you get. A collection of eighties pop hard rock with strong keys. Reminds me of thos soundtracks by Night Ranger and the lot. To go short a perfect summer album matching the heatwaves we passed through. turns out this is their fourth album, but a debut to me. 25 November they play de Boerderij, but weather might be more suitable for Dutch Doom Days that same date.




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