Top 20 of 2020 (or my favorites that did make it to my list)

After a teaser earlier this week with several good albums, herewith my absolute favorites of the year. While this year is definitely the year of progmetal I am pleased to see that also ProgRock, Hardrock, Thrash, Death, Black, Melodic and AOR made it to my list. And still some people say that my taste in music is limited. Well let the countdown begin and you can be teh judge of that.

20. Novena - Eleventh Hour
While they already released an EP in 2016 a new band to me. I knew Ross Jennings from Haken, but also had others on CD already with No Sin Evades His Gaze. A heavier Haken with grunts by Gareth Mason of Slice the Cake (waiting for their CD releases). A wonderful album, which grows to a stunning finish with Corazon, The Tyrant and Prison Walls at the end. If the whole album was like that they would have scored even higher. Now a very fine discovery.

19. Red\Shift - Grow.Decay.Transform. 

An independent release that I found on Angry Metal Guy. 76 minutes is long, but the trio with three voices gives a progmetal variation in the Mastodon vein that sounds very good. King's X says hello as does Tool at times. They also set my PR for waiting time between ordering and receiving, which was over 4 months. Still picking it up occassionally.

18. Solitary - The Truth Behind The Lies

Thrash metal to me has two options. Either you go short and at full speed with no time to catch your breath (Reign in Blood) or you go more widespread with time for intro's, instrumentals and possibly even a ballad (Master of Puppets) My UK thrash friends from Solitary are in the first camp. With TTBTL they easily release their best album to date, which is a kick in the face (or anywhere else) for 36 minutes. Still with enough variation and in Homage to the Broken a new personal favorite to thrash Musicon one day.

17. Pattern Seeking Animals - Prehensile Tales

At first this band might seem a less heavy version of Spock's Beard, Not that SB is heavy, but Alan Morse and Ryo Okumoto usually help cracking up their music. Turns out that without them the songs speak much more and this was such a pleasant release with six songs that all worked for me. Two epics 12 and 17 minutes, two songs around 8 minutes and two short songs in prog under or just over 5 minutes. Always good when albums you did not have that high hopes for on forehand surprise you.

16. Alcatrazz - Born Innocent

Alcatrazz making a come-back album after 34 years!!. That is good news with three orignal members and Joe Stump as current guitar hero. This resulted in a very fine album indeed. And then they decided to split. I wonder which band is coming to Musicon (if etc.) next year the band with Doogie White on vocals, or Graham Bonnet with a new outfit. Both seem welcome to me, but I would have preferred this band.

15. Anubis - Homeless

Anubis are my favorite progrock band that formed in this century. This helped by two legendary shows in de Boerderij and later 't Blok. This album is their fifth studio album and surprises. Gone are the epics and long songs. 9 titles in 42 minutes is very to the point for this lot. Well it works fine and now they can spice their live-set even further with the inclusion of some short rockers. 

14. DeadRisen - DeadRisen

To many maybe yet another project of Mike Lepond, for me the new album with Will Shaw on vocals. After all he sang on Heir Apparent's The View From Below, my album of the year 2018. Then I also saw him live and what a voice on stage. This band plays Heavy Metal no bones about it and Ten songs 48 minutes. some fast some mid-tempo and a ballad. All sounding so well it became a must hear album for anyone into metal really.

13. Armored Saint - Punching The Sky

It is 2020 and the Saint marches on. Actually this album should have been much higher on my list if I look purely at the songs, the performance and how much I like this style. Maybe it is the lack of surprise that put them only on 13. I know what I get and I know I shall love it. Up to the next live gig and the album shall only get better. Possibly the most underrated band in metal.

12. Heathen - Empire Of The Blind

 See my comments under Solitary and this must be 2020's Master of Puppets. We have an instrumental intro and outro, plus a wonderfull instrumetal shred fest. Than there is a dark ballad as well, but mostly we get thrash overdosed with crazy stunning guitars. When you then add catchy choruses like the one of Sun in my Hand, you have for me the best thrash release of the year. They were supposed to tour Europe, hope that shall still happen when possible. 

11. The Reticent - The Oubliette

Again Chris Hathcock presents us a progmetal concept album filled with emotion and heavyness. This time the topic is Alzheimer and you can hear it comes from the heart. Amazing how one man can put this work together. A must hear for anyone not scared of by your occassional grunt. Again only placed at 11 because I thought his pre-decessor a bit stronger and at the time this rollercoaster was all new to me. This album shouts for a place on PPE stage.

10. Compass - Our Time On Earth

This band is created by Steve Newman known from melodic rock band Newman. Turns out that when he goes a bit more prog the music only gets better. I say a bit as this album is still filled with lots of accessible melodic rock. A conceptalbum that is pretty easy to follow musically and lyrically. Only mystrey remains, why does a four-man band put three people on their band pictures?

9. Dark Forest - Oak, Ash & Thorn

Another great discovery through angrymetalguy for me. This is their fifth album, but I had never heard of them. They mix NWOBHM galloping rhythms with some folky influences and sing about old England heroics. This is Heavy Metal of the uplifting kind, that makes me smile and should be a party live. I have not yet dug into their past, but when finding time for that definitely will.

8. Pyramid - Amnesty

Rune's Progfiles put me on the right track for this band. Not holding their first two releases, this is number three since 2017. So productive they are, especially if you consider I saw the drummer with Redemption and keys plus guitar with Arch Echo. If you like your progmetal heading towards tech metal and can appreciate a band like Zero Hour this one is not to be missed. from vocals to instrumentally they do everything right and deserve at least to lose their independent status.

7. Waiting For Monday - Waiting For Monday

2020 got me nostalgic remember? Well this lot put everything I ever liked in AOR together in such fashion that they completely surprised me. I did not even know such strong albums were still written nowadays in a style that is very much late seventies/early eighties. This time no project on Frontiers, but an actual band releasing an album that sounds even very nice to Josie. Check the clip for End of a Dream and order I'd say.

6. Wayfarer - A Romance With Violence

After my AOR pick now for something completely different. Not every year a Black Metal band makes it to my end of year list. This band is not Scandinavian face painted, but shirt wearing Americans who mix spaghetti western sound with their BM. When I read about them and played the album on bandcamp I was so blown away that I even ordered the cool Long sleeve together with the CD. Original, heavy and accessible, while different. Must be checked out by all.

5. Fates Warning - Long Day Good Night

Now some five weeks after release I still could not figure out how much I like this album. It is long to start with, but also less heavy than Theories of Flight. Still it is Fates Warning and if I am forced at gunpoint to name one favorite band I probably mumble, well that's impossible, but OK FW. Ray Alder is without doubt in topform all through the album. The variation in styles is also wider than normal. Yet I stil need to hear some of these songs live in order to potentially make it my album of the year after all.

4. Exist - Egoiista

So True, So Bound in 2017 was a pleasant surprise, but Egoiista overcame my wildest expectations. What a rollercoaster of an album this is. Maybe the best Cynic album after Foucs? At least the opening song dedicated to Sean Reinert makes you think so. We have tech death, but than in the Cynic style, but also  clean vocals. You go from neck-break speed banging to a ballad and instrumentally the whole album is a joyride. This band should be huge, but then again most on my list should.

3. Hittman - Destroy All Humans

An album I still did not receive on CD (note Vivas Machina on the picture) making it to my Top20 must be special. Well Hittman are making a comeback after 27 years and then release an album Queensryche can not match during the past 27 years. Why I say this? because that is the most heard comaprison.  Does not matter to me, can't get enough of this US metal with progressive traces. I am even open to shout along with lyrics like Love the Assasin that's all. Welcome back my friends now come over to Europe.

2. Fish - Weltschmerz

Fish announced this farewell album for years. In 2018 I already saw several songs being played live. Now that the double CD was finaly released I can say that few albums in history got me this emotional. Start looking at the 100 page booklet filled with the beautiful Wilkinson family designs. Than the music holds two wonderful epics in Waverley Steps and Rose of Damascus. Some more upbeat songs and in Garden of Remembrance a song that will touch anyone who faced Alzheimer from nearby. What a way to say goodbye. The best news is that on the many extra's at one point Fish states still planning two tours. One based around this album and Vigil, a second playing two nights in a row at several venues going all throug hhis career. Thank you Fish for so many unforgettable hours on CD and live on stage. A hero is leaving us with a blast.

1. Psychotica Waltz - The God Shaped Void

Maybe Fish deserved the top spot based upon his career, but let's face it musically Psychotic Waltz are so close to being perfect to me. Definitely the best live band in the nineties, now released a come-back album after 24 years. It follows perfectly on their four classics from the nineties. Overall this album is a bit heavier and slower than their past. This suits fine with the voice of Devon Graves. Starting the album with flute and that so typical sound that makes you recognize PW by a mile. How is it possible that the guitar tandem of Dan Rock and Brian McAlpin are not world famous. Psychotic Waltz are heavy, spooky, mysterious and metal.  I loved the album upon release in February, still do so ten months later and probably will pick it still up ten years from now. Given the overall pleasure playing this album presented to me throughout depressing 2020 makes it a well deserved number one.

20 albums that did (just) not make it to my Top 20 of 2020

2020 has been a shit year to almost everybody on almost all fronts. Never all is bleak so apart from some very good times in Portugal, a nice spring and summer the biggest surpise was the huge amount of great CD releases. So in 2020 I am allowed to pick a top 20 and long time thought I needed to extend to at least a top 30, as there simply were too many very good albums. As that would be the easy way out I played, listened, thought and defined a Top 20 after all. Now I only need to listen some more and rank them over the next few days. Meanwhile I herewith share 20 albums I also highly enjoyed, but this week did not make the cut. Maybe next week some of them would, but one has to take decisions in life. 

So if there are any rules let me set them out here. I am old school. This cannot only been seen by the bolding head, but also by the fact that I don't do Spotify, Deezer or any streaming service. So in order to qualify I must have bought the album. Normally I check albums of bands I do not know on bandcamp or youtube and decide after first hearing if a purchase is necessary. A direct result of this is that I have not heard many new albums. Several of those I would typically pick up during after a show, but that did not happen this year. So I shall not rank the albums that missed the top 20 as they are in no particular order. I will discuss them under genres. I know I shall forget a lot of albums hich I missed and should like but again tough luck.

For me 2020 was a year of nostalgia with the large amount of time spent at home. This resulted in me going back to the styles I loved in the eighties most, which does reflect in my list. 

Extreme metal
Especially the more extreme end of metal came less into my picture. I do like extreme metal live and often pick up albums after shows or buy in advance and play a lot at home before a gig. Now that I only saw the very short Imperial Belial gig in January and the shows of Diabolical in February plus the Noctem/Spectrum of Dilussion later that month. The last band released an album that received praise, but I have not heard it yet. Dark Tranquility, Fen and Enslaved I should also have picked up at a show, but not heard yet. What I did buy and liked a lot are albums by 1. God Dethroned , 2.Rages of Sin, 3. Contrarian and 4. Azusa. Rages of Sin even released the probably best extreme metal album ever released in The Hague. Pity they could not tour, nor do all seated shows, to bring the album even more alive to me. Azusa last year blew me away with album and show in their very own hardcore/progmetal way but was now less of a surprise to me. God Dethroned I missed in Baroeg due to storm in February and Contrarian is too recent to judge completly.

Progmetal

Musically 2020 has absolutely been the year of progmetal. Most of the greats releasing an album and several new discoveries to add to the party. Starting with the best release that did not make it to my Top20 5. Wolverine. This band released video/audio beauty A Darkened Sun, but not releasing same in any format. I donated at their side, but could not buy a release anywhere, staying restricted to Youtube plays. Another band that came with a very strong release was 6. Green Carnation. Their only problem was that of the five songs the longest was a re-release and one a cover, so only three new songs made them drop out of my Top20. Of the big names in Progmetal three bands released an album that definitely did not disappoint, but also was not their best work ever. 7. Haken were more to the point and definitely overcame their Mountain/Affinity dip. 8. Pain of Salvation could never follow up In the Passing Light of Day, but did not falll back to Road Salt levels either. A pleasant album indeed. 9. Oceans of Slumber released yet another moody masterpiece but where The Banished Heart held in the title track and No Color, No Light two breathtaking beautiful songs, this album had no such highlights. Good but not at their best therefore. 10. Gargoyl is a new band around David Davidson (Revocation) Reason enough for me to order fast, but this one is hard to get into. Still sort of struggling with it, while hearing the beauty in songs. Finally 11. Katatonia fall in this area of progmetal, but also doom. This year's release received more praise than I really understood. Album of the month in Aardschok, but not enough happening for me. Very nice on Sunday mornings though.

Doom

Doom for me best works live. That being said not all doom. The more accessible doom mixed with Heavy Metal works anytime. 12. Sorcerer released another winner with Lamenting of the Innocent. Unfortunately the Little Devil show got canceled, as we already were with 8 having tickets and counting. That day in Tilburg probably would have catapulted this album straight into my Top10. Another LD winner Spririt Adrift I have not even heard yet, knowing I should love that album as well reading the reviews. I even never took the time to listen to the new Bell Witch which I definitely still should do. iOPages magazine put me on the track of 13. Lotus Thief. This and is hard to box again, but doomy rules to me, while prog must be there given the magazine I first read about them. Nice one

Thrash Metal

2020 was agood year for Thrash Metal, but I missed most albums. I mean I did not even hear Testament. Still a few made it to my Top20 and 14. Havok was a nice album as well. I did not pick up Warbringer whom I thought stronger when seeing them together. 

NWOBHM

If I missed out on many many thrash metal albums NWOBHM almost completely passed me in the blind. I should have bumped into albums by Raven, Tokyo Blade or Satan's Empire really. The only highlight was that I finally got hands on Traitor's Gate Devil Takes the High Road. One of my absolute favorites of teh year, but a re-release so not qualifying.

Hard Rock

More mainstream hardrock had some good albums as well. To me both 15. Horisont and 16. The Night Flight Orchestra were very uplifting albums perfectly matching a warm summer. Yet for both it was not their strongest release ever.

Prog Rock

While over the past years prog rock lost playing time to extreme metal in my CD player, this nostalgic year they made a comeback of sorts. Still I missed many releases especially Lee Abraham, whom I follow rather close. I just discovered 17. Vulkan and it seems to be a grower even. 18. Prehistoric Animals released an album even stronger than their debut making you happy, maybe lacking a bit of punch though.19. The Pineapple Thief  is perfect for the Sunday morning, but too slow most other days in the week. Finally 20. Pendragon originally disappointed me. Too calm and easy. When Nick Barrett played a brilliant version of water during Proglove home sessions I needed to review my disappointment and now play the album with pleasure looking out for their bi-annual return to de Boerderij in years to come. As re-releases do not count I won't add Marillion's script box to any list. Otherwise candidate for album of the year with all the extras.

Portugal

No Portuguese album in my list this year. This mainly due to bad luck. Last visit to Glam O Rama resulted in sold out album by Gaerea and waiting for the release of Attick Demon to come in any day. The one I most definitely should have is Wanderer, so next time and year better luck.

So these were only albums I loved, but just not making my Top20. Imagine what a ride that will be. Online on Thursday, still needing to play some and decide on picking orders and rankings.

Hittman - Vulkan - Contrarian

Some last CD tips for your christmas shoppings. A special edition as two of them I have not even  received on CD yet myself.

Hittman - Destroy All Humans

Under the header "bands that disappeared for a long time and make a sensational come-back" 2020 gives us Hittman. In 1988 Hittman released their self titled debut album. US metal with some progressive hints and they were compared with Queensryche as happened to more bands from that era releasing albums in this style (Crimson Glory, Heir Apparent, Lethal) I loved the album and bought the LP. Five years later they were suddenly back (pre-internet days so some releases came as a surprise indeed) Viva Machina was as strong and I got the CD. Then all went quiet and I never managed to see them playing live. So when a return album was announced I was interested indeed. The first clips released sounded promising and I was ready to order. That is where the delay started as I was waiting for Large or Amazon.nl to bring this release. Well waiting in vain only last week I ordered the album directly from the No Remorse label, waiting everyday for the mailman next week. So I played this album many times on Youtube to get the idea. Opening Metal Archives for the lyrics to read along and what I found is one of the absolute highlights of 2020. So they still sound like old school Queensryche, but if that results in album Queensryche can not match since 1994 Promised Land I am not complaining. Actually quite the contrary I can't hear this album enough. Eight songs starting and ending with the longer ones with the rest around 4-5 minutes. This style of metal comes pretty close with my favorite music. Starting with a great vocalist Dirk Kennedy who lost nothing of power in his voice. Guitar solo's all over and a base of heavy metal with progressive trends. All eight songs are ace and in Total Amnesia they look back on their absence from the metal world in a funny way "Marches of Saints, warnings of Fate, When was this life that you claim I was leading". Well what count is that they are back and how. Now bring them over to Europe in 2022 and I am prepared to travel to see this live.

Vulkan - Technatura

Sometimes you read a review and decide to check the band out on bandcamp. If then your next decision is to hear the full album at once, the only next step can be buying the album online. That is what happened with Vulkan for me. This album came out much earlier this year, but I missed it. I found it at Angry Metal Guy under the header Things you might have missed in 2020.  Well what an interesting release this is. These Swedes mix two languages on a concept album and my Swedish is limited to "I don't speak Swedish" and "two strong beers please". So there goes the storyline. Well not to worry as the music speaks for itself. It is progressive rock, although as heavy as some progmetal as well many times. Basically having all the ingredients that should make younger prog rock/metal fans happy (those who go and see Haken, Leprous, Caligula's Horse, but avoid the originals (Hittman)). A very nice album indeed, which also is still to arrive on my doormat, but might be tried by you before that within the year.

Contrarian - Only Time Will Tell

This one I do have on CD. Reason is that I pre-ordered as soon as I learned of the album, based upon last year's very strong Their Worm Never Dies. Another year, another album, another vocalist, another drummer and another bassist. Result? same highclass OSTDM. The drummer/vocalist was George Kollias of Nile fame, being replaced by two different band members. The vocals now only do grunt and some spoken parts The music is another Sci-fy concept album that clocks slightly under 35 minutes. this is OK for me with this style of music. The title track is instrumental and according to the booklet a variation of the song 4th of July by U2. Not knowing that original it did not hinder me. Not sure if I will see this band playing live anyday, but pretty sure I will see bassist chapman stick player Bill Bodily as he just joined Flotsam and Jetsam as well. For anyone into Tech Death a tip, although also OSDM lovers might appreciate this album.

 

Armored Saint - Compass - Fates Warning - Gargoyl - Prehistoric Animals - The Reticent - Solitary

With the end of the year nearing herewith some more CD's I believe you might like to hear. As I will soon have to start the impossible task of ranking my favorite albums of 2020 I now kept it simple and let mr alphabet guide us.

Armored Saint - Punching the Sky
It is the year 2020 and can Armored Saint still surprise me? The answer is a firm No and Yes. No they shall not change their style suddenly from the traditional heavy metal that made them big. So be ready for the voice of John Bush, a heavy drum and bass basis and the guitar solos flying all over the place. Yes they can surprise me by the simple fact that they did it again. Not many bands can state that their last albums are as strong as their early work from the eighties. Armored Saint can and only nostalgia might make the oldies favorites to some. So the outcome is simple one of the best albums of the year which is an obligatory purchase for anyone into Heavy Metal.

Compass - Our Time on Earth

Compass showed that it pays of to keep next to Aardschok also a subscription to iO Pages. It is all about discovering bands and latter magazine had a raving review first and an issue later an interview with Compass. Both made me check out the album on internet (and buy it straight after doing so) This band has Steve Newman from the band Newman writing the music. This results in a wonderful mix of melodic hard rock and progmetal light. At times I remembered the band Stride when listening to Our Time on Earth. Then I checked if Aardschok ever reviewed the album and saw they gave it a 50/100 score with lines like not one original note etc. Well for me those unoriginal notes did wonders

Fates Warning - Long Day Good Night

When I recently ranked all Fates Warning albums I stated I can not compare this album yet with the rest of their discography. Not much changed since then. It is Fates Warning, so obviously I love the album. Further it is much longer than any other release, which gives them the time to explore some different routes along the way. This variation definitely works fine. What stands out with such variety is that Ray Alder just gave us one of his best performances ever. Favorite track probably the epic, as The Longest Shadow of the Day starts simply amazing building to an instrumental outburst halfway before lyrics kick in. Not sure how it compares to other FW albums, pretty sure how it does compare with other bands of mere musicians.Geniusses.

Gargoyl - Gargoyl

The reason I checked out this band is that it holds David Davidson on guitars. He is better known from his work with Revocation and now would release an album wit Gargoyl, where no grunts appear. When I saw the clip of Plastic Nothing I ordered the album. Later while reading reviews I often saw comparisons with Alice In Chains. Not a grunge man myself I believe the voice and darkness do have some similarities. After playing the album several times I still can not fully describe what I think of it. Definitely different I might give it another ten attempts

Prehistoric Animals - The Magical Mystery Machine

Prehistoric Animlas were last year to many including me, one of the best surprises of PPE. A very nice performance and good songs. One year later they give us a follow up album and show they got even slightly better. What I like about them is that while I prefer in general my music dark and moody, they play optimistic music. With an album title that reminds us of the Beatles, no surprise maybe. Again we get seven very pleasant earwurms and I would love to see an uplifting show again by them one day.

The Reticent - The Oubliette

The Reticent is an almost one man band project by Chris Hatcock. Since 2008 he releases every four years an album. I got into this band after 2016's beautiful sad concept album On the Eve of a Goodbye. Four years later he does it again. Releasing a sad concept album that goes musically all over the place and is filled with emotions. This time Alzheimer is the subject and you can feel he has been through this process from nearby to come up with such intense songs. Overall I would call it a progmetal concept album, but be open minded towards grunts, blasts, spoken word and very calm passages. Another masterpiece makes you happy that he does have a touring band around him so who knows one day. 

Solitary - The Truth Behind the Lies

I said it before and say it again the big four in thrash is only history based. If you look at the current century there are so many thrash metal bands that release albums the big four can only dream of nowadays. Further unlike Aardschok tries to tell us often good thrash metal does not have to come out of the USA or Germany only, it is a global movement. UK band Solitary herewith release their fourth album and first thing standing out is the sound blasting out of your speakers. Solitary promised us before to thrash forever, but rarely did they do so ferociously. Opener I Will Not Tolerate sets the pace and basically we get eight highlights in a row. My personal favorite so far Homage to the Broken, where we do get half a second relief before When We're Broken is spit at us in full force again. A great album on a new lable, which should bring them back to Hertog Jan country again in years to come. 

Wayfarer - Heathen - The Pineapple Thief

 While I am waiting for quite some time now for a wave of new CD's to be delivered herewith some tips from the past months. With my alternating months between Holland and Portugal I try to order so that I can hear new albums  while in The Hague. As I than need to play them a few times I lack behind release dates, but just focus on some albums I think deserve soem extra attention. These three made it often to my CD player even if Fish and Fates Warning almost refused to get out. Normally I start calm and review the loudest band last. This time it is the other way around as I start with the surprise of last weeks by a band new to me.

Wayfarer - A Romance with Violence

It was at first a review on Metal-Experience that made me check out this album. Listening to the two available songs on bandcamp made me decide to jump in the adventure that is called Wayfarer and I ordered the full album. Their style was described as Black Metal and also the term Spaghetti Western passed by. Now it must have been around eleven year old me who bought the soundtrack of Once Upon a Time in the West as one of my first LP's. I was at the time (and still) very impressed by the work of Ennio Morricone and mixing Spaghetti Western with Black Metal sounded great on paper. Turns out that in reality it sounds even better. Wayfarer present us in 45 minutes 7 songs. This includes two instrumentals and one ballad like song. Three mainly Black metal sung epics and a finale where all comes together in potential highlight Vaudeville (although Masquerade of the Gunslinger is also a candidate for that) How great it is to discover a new band and get all excited over their release. Also finding you have a past to discover still. I am blown away by this album and after playing the CD a few times even decided to order the longsleeve as well in support. This also because the artwork in the booklet is very nice and fits the western theme. Year end lists material with a twist of being different. Check them out.

Heathen - Empire of the Blind

Late last year or begin 2020 a new Heathen album was announced, plus a European tour which would hit Baroeg. Two reasons to make me happy as their last album The Evolution of Chaos is already ten years old and I never saw them playing live. Well the shows were postponed, but the album meets my high expectations. Heathen is among those thrash metal bands who started in the eighties and now manage to release thrash metal albums the big four can only dream of (Death Angel, Flotsam & Jetsam and Exodus do the same) This album holds an instrumental intro and outro. While those are nice and calm, the instrumental A Fine Red Mist is a true shredfest and highlight. Further there is a ballad in Shrine of Apathy, which is both not cheesy and welcome being placed inbetween neck braking bangers In Black and Devour. The full album is a high and written by guitarist Kragen Lum alone. If anything on the strong songs stands out it must be the overdose of great guitar solo's by Kragen and Lee Altus. Finally the album booklet closes with a picture of Jim DeMaria proudly wearing his Toxik Tee. A strong candidate for best thrash metal album of the year.

The Pineapple Thief - Versions of the Truth

Now it is up to The Pineapple Thief to follow these two monsters up. Well I can be short they cannot. That does not matter as I would never play their album after the above mentoned two. TPT makes progressive rock music which is not all that progressive. I had in the past an album by Vulgar Unicorn and picked up TPT debut Abducting the Unicorn in 2000 which was a sort of development from there. in 2010 I bought their album Someone Here is Missing and now ten years later again I listened to Versions of the Truth on Progstreaming and decided to buy the album. So I follow a pattern here, which does not follow their 13 album career at all. TPT were often compared with that other TPT headed by Steven Wilson. When listening to Versions of the Truth  it was this what attracted me again. Clips of the new Steven Wilson solo make clear that my open-mindness shall be tested again with his next album so playing safe and have some calm TPT for my Sunday mornings made me buy the album. So don't expect anything heavy or wild here, but if you don't want to wake up yet and put some music on this album works wonders.

Fish - Weltschmerz

 If ever anyone decided to go out with a bang, I doubt they managed to do it as overwhelming as Fish just did. Fish is for 38 years now my favorite story-teller in music. This album was announced years ago together with the fact that it would be his last. Several personal issues, family matters followed by Covid-19 made this release being pushed forwards, but now we have it. One of the delays also got caused by a hospitalized cover artist Mark Wilkinson. In the guiding documentary Fish explains that there was no way he would move to another cover-artist for his last album and boy can we be pleased with that decision as I can recommend the special edition with artwork, that won't be met in years to come.  So in order to go out in style this is a double album with the total lenght of two eighties LP's in 84:30. Ten songs only so we can look forward to the inclusion of some epics. Over the years we could hear and see parts of the album with especially the EP a Parlour of Angels and the three songs of that album being played during his 2018 tour.  But as it is a last album let me exceptionally do a song by song review.

The album opens with the sounds of a MRI scan, which Fish underwent and decided to use on the album. The Grace of God is a personal story about his hospital days and is a strong start 8 minutes classic Fish with an emotional bridge on the girl with the Docs. Immediately we know we are in for an emotional album, where no feelings are spared. And there but for the grace of God go I. Next song Man with a Stick, did not blow me away when first hearing it live in Edinburgh September 2018. Reading along with the lyrics, watching the clip and suddenly this song came alive, talking about many sticks in live. Walking on eggshells discusses problematic relations one of his favorite topics. The song is upped with heavy orchestration and female choirs on the background leading to a louder end before a final calm line closes off. This Party's Over at first sounds like the party song on the album, with some celtic influences plus whistles and saxophone. But then the lyrics are about saying goodbye to alcohol and the state of the word, so where's the party here?. This short uptempo song breaks the album nicely and opens the path for the first epic of over 15 minutes Rose of Damascus. This song follows a girl from early days going out in Syria until the decision to move abroad ending with her heading for the sea on a boat. Two strong spoken word parts make this such a powerful song with a message in a fashion that only Fish really is able to do in music (for me that is).  If emotions were not on a high already the second CD opens with Garden of Remembrance. This already is the best song ever written  on Alzheimer and lasting love. The Blu Ray contains a documentary on the making of the videoclip and this only adds to the emotion of that song. As the full album is dark and emotional throughout. The next C Song is about being diagnosed  with Cancer stating I won't let you bring me down. The instrumental part is called the Trondheim Waltz as during his 2018 Trondheim show this song under development was played and Fish asked everyone to dance with the person next to them. Getting an uplifting spirit in a hall while singing about such a topic is only for few an achievable option. Little Man What now is another 11 minutes of self reflection, packed in a ballad like orchestral song. Next song Waverley Steps is my absolute favorite of the album. A story on a London City or Amsterdam Zuidas work hard, party harder young man, who gets married, in marital fights, divorced and ending with his dog on Waverley Steps at Edinburgh station. I first heard this song when in Edinburgh and the next day I visited the steps to take a picture of Josie there. Not knowing the lyrics yet, I am now pleased that I can place the description of this song. The title track Weltschmerz closes the album in style where Fish sings about the sorry state of the world ending in a biting The rapture is near. 

So reading back I noticed I did not write about the music, but more on the stories told. Well that is exactly what I love in Fish. I think it is safe to say that if you ever liked any work by Fish solo or with Marillion, you can safely buy this album. I do recommend the special edition as it offers so much extra's including the story on making four promo video's in lockdown days. A final word of thanks must go to Mark & Julie Wilkinson as they outdid themselves with some beautifull artwork. For me that all culminates on page 100 where the cover of Market Square Heroes got an upgrade to the grey-bearded warrior with a mask used against the plague. So much beauty released made this whole package an adventure to me. Vigil Fish'first solo album was considered a classic and still stands strong 30 years later. I am sure that this album 30 years from today shall still stand proud as well. Finally on the docu Fish made an uplifting comment on his touring. He plans still two tours. First one where Vigil meets with Weltschmerz. Than thereafter a farewell show where he plans to play two different sets on two nights in several of his favorite venues over the years. That should include Tivoli and Paradiso so For the grace of God shall I be there four nights. And if you see me cry it shall be of sheer joy for his music and you can buy me a beer for comfort. Thank you Fish.  

Exist - Haken - Sorcerer - Redshift - Pain of Salvation - Alcatrazz - Oceans of Slumber - Marillion

 After a long break it is about time to share some words on albums I got over the summer and think are very worthwhle to give a try.

Exist - Egoiista

Exist are the band around Max Phelps who played live with Cynic, Death To All and Obscura among others. I got into this band during their previous album So True, So Bound. Hearing a clip of a new song made me order this album and I think we have a winning grower here. This album is getting better every next time I play it.10 minute opening song "Through Suffering He Paints the Universe" is dedicated to Sean Reinert and spells Cynic all over. From the esoteric guitars through the clean vocals that require a certain taste through the extreme bits. While the chorus of The Lottery could have been on Traced in Air, we go heaviest hereafter when their extreme parts become dominant. The album even knows a ballad like song in "Sibblings Born Into Different Dimensions" and rollercoasters to the end with both calmer parts and heavier outbursts. For me the surprise album of past months, maybe a high scorer at the end of year when we all love to make lists in Corona times.

Haken - Virus

Ten years after they released their debut album Aquarius, Haken are for me back at the high level they kicked of. This is album is their sixth in ten years so a productive band they are. This does not mean it has been a smooth ride between us all the way as I had some issues with the Mountain and to a lesser extent Affinity. But the double of Vector and Virus is more to the point and heavier and pulled me fully back in Haken fan camp again. The epic on the album is the five part song Messiah Complex, but I was mainly blown away by the start. Prosthetic riffs heavier than they ever did, while Invasion has a nice stop/start way of reminding you it is Haken you are listening to. Carousel might be the best song of the album. So those three made me happy at first hearin already after which the album stayed at high level and guarantees I won't skip a live show by them next time they tour.

Sorcerer - Lamenting of the Innocent

Time for some Epic Doom Metal and why not of the very best kind. Sorcerer nowadays give you what you expect. This is Doomy hardrock filled with great vocals, strong guitars and slow banging metal songs. Upon first hearing opener "The Hammer of Witches" you feel like shouting along Burn! Witch! Burn!. On the evening that Slayer said farewell to Holland Hans and I went to see Sorcerer in Dynamo. This year they would play Little Devil and based upon our raving reviews of that show we were already supposed to go with eight and still counting. If you have a mild interest in Black Sabbath of the late eighties, you should hear Sorcerer. Hope to see them as soon as touring becomes an option again. I did order the special edition, which comes as a box full of surprises and Josie one day shall wear the necklace, she rightly called not being me really.

Redshift - Grow.Decay.Transform

Redshift set a record for me. Never did it take so long for a bandcamp ordered CD to arrive on my doormat. Well technically maybe not as 4 CD's never arrived so far. Redshift are one of those bands I discover through Angry Metal Guy. Listen on Bandcamp after reading the review and order, Well the order was in March, the arrival in July. Redshift play progmetal of the Mastodon kind. To me also low flying Australians Future Corpse came to mind, as did King's X at times. A trio they are, but they create heavy landscapes on this album of 76 minutes. You need to invest some time into the album, before appreciating the three who all sing. When they go louder it goes more in the screaming direction, but as that mixes with decent clean vocals it works for me. For those with some needed patience one interesting album indeed

Pain of Salvation - Panther

If there ever was a band that made it hard for their fans to love everything they do, it must be Pain of Salvation. Originally this was not the case, as I think many agree that their first four albums are all classics in Progmetal. Then came BE followed by a Disco Queen on Scarsick and finally Road Salt part 1 and 2 left many wondering wtf happend to the band they loved ten years before. Then for me In the Passing Light of Day, catapulted them straight back to the top. And now there is Panther. Not an easy album, nor very metal. Yet after several spins it works for me and I think we should not be disappointed. They are at their best when they go emotional and long, so Wait and Icon are favorites, but a song like Keen to a Fault also  got me as from the beginning. In conclusion this is a good album, although not their best. Finally a warning as well. I ordered the special edition with bonus disc. That holds in Fifi Gruffi the lousiest shitsong you hear this year, so make sure you skip that one. Don't say I did not warn you.

Alcatrazz - Born Innocent

Against the Yin of many complex progmetal releases this summer I also need the Yang of a straight forward hardrock album of class. For that specific need Alcatrazz decided to return and give us Born Innocent. The last years there was some swapping of names between Graham Bonnet Band and Alcatrazz live. Now the band is called Alcatrazz and Gary Shea and Jimmy Waldo are back on board as well. Graham Bonnet the man who worked with the greatest guitarists in the business had in Alcatrazz Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. So 34 years after Dangerous Games, Alcatrazz are back and do exactly what they did so well in the eighties. Guitar hero on this album is Joe Sump although there are many guest players too. This album gives me what I hoped for and Graham Bonnet is on top form. I saw him with Michael Schenker Fest and he had to work had, but in the studio all sounds fine with some great songs to help him. Man was I looking forward to finally see Alcatrazz in Musicon with Girlschool and Asomvel, but yes. Hope next year there is an option to repeat this tour. Date is set, virus not yet under control, but we are allowed to hope.

Oceans of Slumber - Oceans of Slumber

Oceans of Slumber arrived at album no.4 and decided to make it a self-titled one. Maybe it is because of Corona, that bands decided to release an album needing a lot of time before sinking in. After playing the album several times I can say that it is my favorite OoS album with Cammie on vocals. In general it sounds to me more constant than their two predecessors. The Banished Heart had in the title track and No Color, No Light two absolute highlights, but also some songs that passed by anonymous. On this album the latter does not seem to be the case. While saying that I still think the album somewhat on the long end. With many songs being built up as doomy ballad like works, who build up to some heavy outbursts the repetition factor is lurking around the corner. If this album would last 50 minutes (instead of the 71 now) it probably would be an all time classic. Now it is only for those who want to invest time and patience in a beautiful work of art, which is a good thing as such also. Best album with Cammie, yet Coffins like Kites!!!

Marillion - Script For a Jester's Tear

 Yes of course I already had the LP upon release and the CD, when I bought a CD-player. But now there is a special edition. 5 Discs of dwelling in my own past with this album, that opened the world of Prog Rock for me. Still one of my all time favorite albums the packaging alone deserves a purchase. Further there is a 2020 remix, the Market Square Heroes EP, live shows on DVD (Recital of the Script being old, but Marque Live new to me) Interviews on the creation. Basically for completionists only, but Marillion and especially the Fish years always shall remain special to me. Next week Fish shall post the special editions of his new album, which might be able to beat this artwork as Mark Wilkinson rules as well. So Here I am Once More...

Ten Ton John - Musicon The Hague, 24 July 2020

That magical feeling when leaving home and having to make sure that you bring your earplugs along. Probably the best feeling I had since returning to Holland this week. So I went for a diner dansant with Marko and Ton. Meaning we first had the Musicon Hamburger at 19:30 after which we would see our first live show in months. Saying we were needing some live music is an understatement I would say. Terribly needing to have our ears blasted open again. Heads Up to Musicon who started last week with Acrid their renewed shows in Corona times. So the venue turned into seating only and due to a smart division now 34 people in sitting by candlelight means sold out. On Friday's it is metal and on Saturday evening other musical styles can play. I hope this guarantees Musicon some covering of costs, but for sure to die-hard fans it is the best solution for the time being. 

So today's band was Ten Ton John, a band I did not know. To be honest the fact that I could see and feel live music was more important than the band itself today. Turned out that TTJ blended several styles in their music. At times they were heavier grunge, than moving via groove metal to some more extreme outbursts. Their guitarist wore a Rivers of Nihil T-shirt which gave me hopes on some tech death as well, but that turned out to be one of the view heavier styles not played. Overall they played well, had some nice songs and gave us a good evening. Maybe a bit to fractioned to some, but I can repeat that noone cared as we were just pleased we have this option. Next week it is Callous Intent and Remain Untamed. Not sure if I can make it or if it is sold out already. Definitely recommended to stop by Musicon on your Friday nights again though.

 

The Night Flight Orchestra - Pattern-Seeking Animals - Horisont - Dark Forest

Some CD's of the last months that might make up the soundtrack of Summer. Black and Death Metal fans might want to skip due to overly uplifting albums.

The Night Flight Orchestra - Aeromantics

This band is the eighties disco overloaded teen movie soundtrack side project of members of Soilwork and Arch Enemy amongst others. Not interesting you are thinking? well think again. Rarely you get a series of albums filled with catchy tunes like these. Yes at times I am reminded of bands like Night Ranger or Survivor and never liking disco really these upbeat choirs work perfectly here. This band actually grew bigger than they themselves might have suspected on forehand and now they do summer festivals. Since they play metal festivals they shall typcally divide audiences between those who get them and those expecting something closer to Soilwork and Arch Enemy. This is the third (out of 5) album I get by them and I love it. Aeromantics is filled with hits and the title track of course their ode to the Mile High Club. Pity that the only time they played close to home I had to see While Heaven Wept saying goodbye to Holland in glorious style that same evening. Next year Alcatraz maybe?

Pattern-Seeking Animals - Prehensile Tales

Pattern-Seeking Animals are this band of (ex) Spock's beard members without the heavier side of that band formed by Alan Morse and Ryo Okumoto. I missed their debut album last year, but there are two reasons I tried out this one. First Ted Leonard showed on Prog Love's home sessions with Enchant how he is still one of the best voices around. Second Andrew gave a raving review on this album on Ave Noctum. And yet again I did get what he was on about with this album that sounds so positive and fresh. We got songs from shorter to epical and all six of them are a hit to me. In my category of Sunday morning albums, this is one to be played often the past and coming months. Great work, so maybe I should check out their debut as well.

Horisont - Sudden Death

Horisont I saw playing live the only time in my life I visited the city of Goes.To my surprise that night they were live on stage as good as always enthusiastic Dead Lord they were touring with. Horisont is a band rooted in the seventies and I recalled Uriah Heep and Deep Purple at times when seeing them. This album they seem to be going even a bit more  poppy than on pre-decesor About Time. The Beatles say hello (without me saying goodbye) at times as well. Again there is a song in Swedish included. Overall this album is sounding like it was released 45 years ago and that is fine with me. Maybe not a heavy album, but happy it is even if the bloody bandpictures might make you think different. Those into exploring something fresh, yet old schoolish should try this album.

Dark Forest - Oak, Ash & Thorn

Dark Forest play Heavy Metal. I can hear many traces of NWOBHM with even Iron Maiden being not that far at times (vocals). This blended with some folky power metal side for the necessary happiness of my today's review section. I did not know them before even if this is their fifth full lenght album and a first demo was released in 2004. To me another great discovery though as the album gallops by in style. Highlight must be the title track which almost clocks 12 minutes. Interesting how you can always discover longer lasting bands which you will follow from now on. So thans to Angry Metal Guy for the tip. This album should please many who like to hear Heavyy Power Metal but think the German and Italian masters of the genre a bit too cheesy.

Green Carnation - Katatonia - Havok - Defazer

Some more CD tips.

Green Carnation - Leaves of Yesteryear

Last year at Prognosis Festival I saw Green Carnation for the first time live. To my surprise I recognized all their songs. Later on I checked the band's discography on internet and found I have all their full lenght albums. These things can happen when a band disappears for over ten years. Now they are back and I can state they do not disappoint. Green Carnation always made this progmetal of the dark and moody kind. The opening title track immediately takes you back to their signature sound. Second song Sentinels is my favorite as it is more uptempo. Hereafter long song My Dark Reflections from their debut album gets a new version. I recall they played it live as well and it is a good song indeed. Herafter is Hounds the last new song already, which again meets expectations. The band decided to close the album with a cover Solitude by Black Sabbath. I would have preferred another new song, but I am not the one to decide. So overall we only get three new songs, but those show that Green Carnation are now fully back also as recording artist. If PPE 2021 can be held we shall see them again and no doubt undergo a great set.   

Katatonia - City Burials

Katatonia are very good at what they are doing. Thirty years down in their career that is making atmospheric doomy rocksongs. My first purchased album by them was 99 release Tonight's Decision. They then already passed their heaviest phase and something gothic our way came. Nowadays they mostly remind me of Anathema in the way that after a heavy start they only give us dark and moody rock. As I stated in the first line they do so very well, but..... In my case this but means a cry for loud and heavy outbursts. If you play the album on the background while doing something else you won't hear any difference between the songs and suddenly it is over. When you listen closer you grasp the beauty of it all and at times (Flicker) even hear something upbeat. I am sure that a live show can be interesting if you are in the right mood. On CD this is not for every moment, but when timed well a very nice 48 minutes pass by as performances and singing are above average for sure.

Havok - V

For the necessary uptempo metal there is always thrash metal coming to the rescue. Havok are among the flagbearers of the younger generation. This means they only started this century. For purists almost all of the young bands can be critisized as being not original. This is always the case when you play a genre but are born 20 years too late to join the heyday of same. So I look at the music only and do like Havok. Opener Post-truth Era shows that lyrics shall be socially critcal again and the music harks away in that thrashy mode that makes all live shows so good to watch. Energy is thrown at you and this album holds all the ingredients I look for in a thrash album. Highlight is closing epic Don't Do It. This anti suicide song starts with a few instrumental minutes, then goes to midtempo verses in order to thrash out the last minutes before an instrumental closing gives us time to catch our breath again. Looking forward to one day seeing them back in Holland.

Defazer - Burning Horizon

Closing down today with The Hague's  main thrash metal band Defazer.  Three years after their EP Order Out Of Chaos, they now release their first (almost) full lenght Burning Horizon. The first time I saw Defazer live was at Schollenpop 2016 and I did not expect The Hague to have such a tight thrash metal band. Through the years they suffered some line-up changes, but that never impacted their sound. Also the line-up who recorded this CD is no longer together as bassist Maxime de Koning left to focus on her other band Hallowed Fire. Many times we could see Defazer opening for any band from Death Metal to NWOBHM playing in the region. This resulted even that by first hearing of this new album I recognized bits and pieces here and there (Southern Hell definitely). Defazer plays thrash metal which very much brings you back to the eighties. As they do so very well I can highly recommend Burning Horizon for anyone into metal and a must buy for thrash metal fans. Finally we seem to be lucky in The Hague with such a strong scene developing in Corona times. When live music returns one day I guess it shall be based very local. After Temple Renegade and Rages of Sin before them, now Defazer gives us a local release that should help them growing bigger.     

Azusa - Project Renegade - Lotus Thief

In my week of female vocalists some CD tips with more of the same.

Azusa - Loop of Yesterdays
Azusa are a band with members having a past in Extol, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Sea+Air. That should give a good idea on what to expect more or less. In 2018 I was impressed by their debut album Heavy Joke. in 2019 they were sensational live on stage in Merleyn and now in 2020 they give us the next album to impress. So next year I shall see them touring again. Well something to look forward to indeed. Azusa is not easy and for me also not for all moments. But when you are in the mood for something that requires total attention Azusa gives a lot. Within all the musical insanity going on I guess vocalist Eleni stands out most. I saw how live she used two mics for both the cleaner and mostly screaming parts. When you hear her angry scream, you wonder how she a second later manages to sound so sweet. This album holds in the title track even a full song where the pressure drops and all becomes softer on the ears. Just to burst out with Rapture Boy hereafter. Azusa managed again to astonish and I am already waiting to see them in 2021.

Project Renegade - Order of the Minus
Project Renegade are from Greece and found me. This band apparently already played in Holland at the Femme Festival, but I never go there as female fronted metal is no genre. Now unlike Azusa Project Renegade are not wildly original. They play a sort of alternative hard rock with female vocals. Their album sounded instantly accessible to me and pretty nice as well. In order to spice the album up some spoken word samples appear here and there, but in general they just produce decent songs that you can hum along to. I will keep an eye on this band and next time they play Holland I probably might be there. While writing this I was trying to think which band they reminded me a bit of and than I thought of You're Pretty. Yes some Nu-Metal influences blended in as well and simply nice.

Lotus Thief - Oresteia
Lotus Thief are a band whom I strange enough discovered through a review in Prog Rock magazine iO Pages. This is strange as Lotus Thief are pretty far from prog rock with their post black rock doom alternative sort of mix. After checking them out though I did immediately order their CD. This is one that needs time and attention again, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Assuming here you are open for some landscapes of moody music. Inbetween the long songs are some short instrumentals/noises that do not add all that much for me. During the long songs however they did capture my attention and provide some epical work. I believe that especially those into Madder Mortem might want to check this out as atmospheres match at times. 

Deadrisen - Riot City - Rages of Sin

With an extended homestaying advice, why not discover more new music. Some tips

Deadrisen - Deadrisen
This might be to most yet another band or project with Mike Lepond on bass. For me this is a new album with Will Shaw on vocals. Last year I was one of the lucky ones seeing him on stage with Heir Apparent where he showed being one of the best voices in metal nowadays. I was unaware of the bands the other members came from, but it does not take long to realize that we have a topclass band together here. This is heavy metal as it is meant to be from the beginning. A majestic intro Risen Death A.D brings you to opening track Prophecy which tells you all you need to know about this album. All five musicians appear loud and clear, perfect production and some instrumental wizardry blended in a heavy monster of a song. I believe the album maintains that level throughout. Halfway there is a ballad for a breathcatching moment. Straight hereafter maybe my favorite of the album Visions, with some easter melody line in the mix reminding me of Stargazer (yes far fetched I know) Going through some other reviews main concerns seem to be that the album does not surprise and the metallica cover does not add a lot. My answer would be if they bring just what I expect in such a way I can't be bothered. Not every album needs to be highly original, or originality would become extinct by itself. And I can't remember last time I picked up a Metallica album, so For Whom The Bell Tolls sounds refreshing after a long time to me. One great album for Heavy Metal  fans who like some Power and Prog blended in at times.

Riot City - Burn the Night
Riot City was definitely one of the bands I was looking out for to see at Up The Hammers. Then Covid-19 hit us and all was cancelled. I passed by the No Remorse shop in Athens on Thursday before flying out the next morning. I intended to get a festival Tee in support, but same had not arrived. So I bought CD's including this one, which I was going to pick up at the festival anyway. Riot City eats, drinks and lives 80's Heavy Metal. This with an overdose of high pitched screams throughout each song. Somehow I knew this would mean a total party in metal loving Greece. During a very eighties 37 minutes Riot City brings their message across in eight songs. Some might call it old fashioned, or true metal from the past. I love it and would expect a total party with this bunch on stage. Somehow visions of the legendary Ranger gig in de Nobel came back, when a full house jumped up and down to their old school speed metal of the new century. I do hope this band survives Corona and can cross te pond in better times again. Gotta love the artwork as well if you dig this metal.

Rages of Sin - Divergence
Some people still say The Hague is not for metal. Well I beg to differ. With The Hague Metal Fest, MetalCon, 10 year White Room Reviews and Haags Metaal we would have had 4 great metal only festivals in town. This next to Kaderock and Schollenpop where metal and hardrock are always present as well, plus the ever increasing number of big metal bands playing Musicon. Further the number of local bands that have it in them to break through nationally and who knows what more seems to be getting bigger each year. In the extreme metal corner I guess Rages of Sin are my favorite local band. First time I saw them was on the legendary THHMA stage at Schollenpop. Since then I saw them many times and bought their EP. Now a new album was to be officially released at THMF 25 April. Sadly that event had to be cancelled, but the CD will be released anyway. As members of this band often walk around during metal gigs in Musicon I already heard this album would be hard to pin in one genre and I can tell no lies told there. While fast opener Defeasance holds even some slam death vocal acrobatics, second song Deference is mainly sung clean. Hereafter an Epic of over 10 minutes Defiance brings lots of variation within one song. Further on the album you hear computer bleeps, thrash, death, tech parts and even a sort of ballad to close the album. Variation is key on the album indeed, this while all songttles look exactly the same. One word, starting with a D and many words I had to look up before getting the meaning. This album is so well thought through it deserves to be heard by many. Seldom supporting your local scene was that easy. now bring on that CD release party as soon as venues are opened again.