When you thought that end November would mean the start of replaying 2021 CD's in order to make up an end of year list. That's when November gave us a shitload of brilliant releases. I didn't have enough time to play all properly and multiple times yet. But some last minute tips for those thinking that Cristmas is about giving and receiving presents.
Cynic - Ascension Codes
The return of Cynic is definitely one I did not see coming after the sad loss of both Seans in 2020. Paul Masvidal found the strenght to write another Cynic album and it sounds exactly like that. For those stopping after Focus, this is much more in line with the later releases. First thumps up to Matt Lynch who drums in such a way that is worthy of following up one of the best drummers I saw live on stage in Sean Reinert. The album is holding 18 songs, which is actually 9. The other nine are soundscapes, bits and pieces of around 30 seconds all. To me those do not add anything to the overall listening pleasure, but Cynic had intervals before. The Nine proper songs make up one great album in the best Cynic tradition, so there is lots to love on this release. The vocoder voice remains in the background like always. This makes Cynic stand out musically and vocally that it is impossible not to recognize their music as Cynic. Best song possibly In A Multiverse Where Atoms Sing, as it does go heavy and fast. Given the great surprise this album was even released I treat it like a very welcome bonus. So far it gets better each time I play it, but I guess only somewhere in February I can judge how much I like it.
Swallow the Sun - Moonflowers
The masters of Gloom, Beauty and Despair are back giving us just that again. Swallow the Sun became more accessible over the years. As this album was released when I just left the country my first contact with Moonflowers was the cartoon movie accompanying the full album on Youtube. As from first time hearing the music I just knew I woudl spend many happy (or in fact not so happy) hours with this release. It seems impossible not to be touched by their music and rarely loss was put so wonderful into music. An absolute highlight of an album. Cammie Gilbert makes a guest appearance on one song, which only adds more variation. This shows again how right I was to drive to Germany when the package Swallow the Sun / Oceans of Slumber skipped Holland in 2019. Is there nothing to crritizise than? well their wonderful logo does not appear on the front cover, as that might not have mixed with the artwork.I would prefer adapting the artwork to the logo if you have such a strong one, but than again I'm no designer or similar.
Kayo Dot - Moss Grew on the Swords and Plowshares Alike
The only certainty you have when putting up a new Kayo Dot album, is that you won't be in for an easy walk through the park. Their avant garde metal is challenging and than more challenging. I liked the predecessor band Maudlin of the Well. When Kayo Dot appeared I got lost with the album Blue Lambency Downward, which went very high above my head. So I stopped following them until in 2019 Blasphemy got several good reviews and Rune played an interesting song on the Progfiles.Not buying that one still I did get this new CD with the long title. And yes it is challenging. I now played it four times which is some twenty too little to come to a final judgement. First thoughts are rather positive, although Kayo Dot shall never be for every moment of the day. Ask me agan next September what I thought about the album in the end.
Papangu - Holoceno
When Andrew asked me if I had heard of Brazilian band Papangu the answer was negative. Similar to Kayo Dot maybe not an easy album, but it got me by the throat upon first listen. This band also mixes styles and the opening instrumental brings Mastodon to mind. Later on there are more influeneces poppin up with often quoted King Crimson indeed somewhere blended in. Than in Bacia das Almas I hear Brazilian spacy progrockers Violeta de Outuno passing by. No matter what you hear in it all, the end effect is one hell of an album. Every next song lasts longer than its predecessor, so we end with the 10:34 title track where even a saxophone comes by. Really a highly recommended album for the open minded ones. Next year I hope to be back in Brazil some time. Who knows Papangu are on tour? After ordering the CD I later found their longsleeve looks rather sensational as well, so that one stays for picking up when seeing them on stage somewhere.
Mastodon - Hushed and Grim
As if having to go through so many albums fast isn't enough, Mastodon released a double album. This means 86 minutes divided over two albums. Similar to Iron Maiden this works for me better than one 75 minute album. Now you can take it in small doses and it turns out to be a fine album indeed. Mastodon turned more accessible as well over time and this album has several songs that could be hits in an honest world. To stay in line with the title all the artwork is in black and white, which I think makes it less outstanding than some of their epical covers. Musically again it seems early to judge, but definitely an album to spend more time with. Another band with a very own sound and pleased to see they dared to present us a double album live on tour throughout Europe next summer, if....
In Mourning - The Bleeding Veil
Those three guitars of In Mourning always grasp my attention when blending the loud with the soft intervals. At the same time vocals also are blending the heavy with the mild and another topnotch In Mourning album is born. I believe that after seeing their last tour both in Baroeg and at Brainstorm I like them even more. This is the soundtrack for dark winter nights that helps us forget the wokeness on horrible christmas commercials on TV. Swallow the Sun speak of Gloom, beauty and despair, well In Mourning play on the same playground. Simply beautiful
Opera Diabolicus - Death on a Pale Horse
Coming home from Portugal does not only mean updating CD turns, but also updating reading reviews. When both Aardschok and AMG are very positive about an album I will check it out. This one hit the jackpot with me. A metal opera that might remind of King Diamond (Andy LaRoque and Michael Denner guest on one song), but I am also reminded of latter day Savatage and after recieving the CD some Hell as well. That might be helped by the title of the song Bring Out Your Dead. Now I am no fan of most metal or rock operas (Ayreon bores me easily) but when it is all done in such a doom metal way with one voice to lead all songs it becomes a whole different story. Mats Levén is the voice on duty and man does he deliver. Those liking his bands Krux and Abstrakt Algebra might also like this album. In my ears just a must-hear album, which if you have good taste in music won't disappoint you. All packed in a proper metal album cover as well.
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