Tesseract, The Safety Fire, Intervals - Bibelot Dordrecht 8 February 2014

While Putin opened his Olympic Games I declared the concert season for opened one day later. The first show was already hard, since I had to choose. I could go to either Clive Nolan and his rock opera The Alchemist in de Boerderij or I could check out four young tech metal acts. Instead of playing safe and go yet again to de Boerderij I decided to choose for the younger bands. Although I had no music of them yet, I listened to large bits by all of them on the internet. All four sounded promising and I was sure that this would be the more interesting option to me.

Before giving short comments to the shows I saw, I am following the steps of the great metal antropologist Sam Dunn and shall share several observations I made in de Bibelot (first time for me in het Energiehuis and a very nice place indeed, but you must love walking stairs to get to the main stage). So I went to see some representatives of Djent. This style is very close to Progressive metal to me, but the differences between the audiences is remarkably big. The first obvious point was that I seemed to be a fairly old Djent-leman. While Progpower atracts an average aged audience between 30-60 here I saw many students and few people well over 30. First conclusion is that we should merge these audiences, since I am sure both can learn many great bands in the overlap. A second point was the music inbetween shows, which could hardly be heard. A missed chance, since I would love to be the DJ and introduce this djent audience to some classic Watchtower, Fates Warning, Zero Hour, Cynic, Atheist or newer Memento Waltz, Linear Sphere music. Coming to the audience again, without willing to be this crumpy old man, who decided that we do not need to wear a black heavy metal T-shirt while going to a show nowadays? There I was proudly spreading the Psychotic Waltz logo, noticing that some 60-70 percent would be walking around in any color you like, but black. Another indication of fashion is that beer orders seemed slow to me, music was not available by the bands (sold out, out of press, or just not there) and T-shirts were sold out in the small sizes. In the old days anyone with 1.50 meters already asked for extra large, which pissed me off with 2.00 meters finding XL to be sold out. Recently I learned how this works from a young colleague while we drunk enough to earn a free beer Tee and he asked for medium size. People do fitness and like to show their body. Well the only body concern we had in the eighties was how much beer it could hold without falling down (and that was a lot). Closing the observational part I also guess people spend actually money on a haircut rather frequently nowadays, which counted for both bands and audience.

But let the music do the talking and did I have a great evening. First on starting 15 minutes early was  Canadian band Intervals. Their drummer seems to have created some buzz, but I pretty much liked the guitar playing as well. Great tech metal, short set and no CD to buy. They will release an album 4 March though, I shall make sure to get my copy. Then came The Safety Fire, As I walked around the stairs I watched the first half from above. With a vocalist whose looks reminded me of Blur, we got a very energetic set and the audience (almost full house by now) responded accordingly. English attitude mixed with great playing deserved checking out their last CD, which was sold out. They did sell many T-shirts of which many were not black to please public taste.

Next up was second English band Tesseract. I expected a lot from them since on Youtube they already sounded nice and Prog magazine had them very high on the annual 2013 poll. Well to go short they were even much better from what I expected. Great band, great songs, good playing and decent (number x) vocalist. The difference was that this band actually looked a heavy metal band and assumably during the older songs their bass player added some grunts to up the sound. If I was in doubt on my choice for shows, this set convinced me completely and I shall not miss the next time they visit Holland. After this highlight I made a consideration of family life and all and decided to leave. Actual headliner Protest the Hero, sounded nice on the net as well and as they were the only band selling their last CD I got a copy, making it home at a decent time.

This morning the CD convinced that I probably missed another good show, so that would have made it four out of four. I already corrected the frustration of no CD's to sell and ordered today CD's from Tesseract and The Safety Fire. Yesterday I also got more convinced that Progpower should actually add one Djent band to the line up (Tesseract would be nice) as well as one Technical Death Metal band, just to attract younger people. Times they are a changing, but we do not need to worry. I saw the future and the future looked good.

DMJGH 26: Warlord - Deliver Us

Recently I have been buying new CD's from bands I already liked around 30 years ago. In some cases the bands never disappeared, in many cases they reformed now that the climate for Heavy Metal has improved. When buying directly from the band through their website I sometimes add a classic that or I knew but never had or had in slightly different form. Here comes Warlord, I bought their 2013 recommended release The Holy Emprie and decided to add Deliver Us, the aumented Classic EP. I never had this EP, but owned the Video Soundtrack and the Cannons of Destruction have begun... The later LP I picked up pretty frequent over the years when I had one of those days to play old LP's instead of CD's.

The band at the time worked under nicknames and only now I found out guitaris Destroyer and Bass player The Raven were one and the same band leader William J. Tsamis. Most people shall know drummer Thunder Child, better known as Mark Zonder from Fates Warning fame. Vocals were by Damien King or Jack Rucker (which in Dutch is not a heavy name indeed, so the namechange here makes all sense)

Warlord played even 30 years ago already their own version of US/Power/True or whatever metal. Instrumentally they were high class and the vocals were allright, slightly high and not the most powerfull but fitting good to the songs. The strange thing was that being technical they were never really heavy for heavy's sake. Maybe the bass was not loud enough, or the mix did not help, but even their new album can immediately be recognized as Warlord. Most important are the songs and I think they stood the test of time, because they are still different. From Deliver Us 4 songs appeared on the live LP, so I got three new songs, with Mrs. Victoria being the heaviest and best one for me. The four Classics are all just great and make part of the cannon of Heavy Metal, or songs that everyone should know and be able to shout along when played in a bar or live.
Deliver Us from Evil, Child of the Damned and Lucifer's Hammer are still very good indeed as I noticed with the new listen. Their absolute highlight to me is the song Black Mass, catchy, heavy and not leaving my head the coming weeks after hearing it again.

So now I can pick up the old LP again, and find that there are so many bands I love and can fall back upon over and over again. Warlord shall be headlining Headbangers Open Air thsi Summer and they informed on their facebook that soon more dates shall be announced. Fingers crossed while the demons danced and drank from the chalice they shared. 

DMJGH 25: Age of Nemesis - Psychogeist

While this week the TV talkshows got flooded with people telling us how bad it is that Bookstore chain Polare temporarily has to close it shops, The Hague got hit more seriously. After 26 years Rocky Road is closing it's doors and today the sell-out starts. This trend is worldwide and slowly all cities shall be without it's major Book or CD stores. Still hearing such a message always makes you think where is this world going to? For me the reason for vsiting the shops in the city always meant looking for CD's or alternatively a book (let's face it how many clothes anyone likes to buy per year, while I can find interesting CD's every week if necessary). When Rocky opened I was still a customer of Kees CD who was located in the same street and moved from the Groenezijde to the center in the second half of the eighties as well. Slowly I became customer of both shops and when Kees closed it's doors Rocky became the core for anyone interest in heavy Rock CD's. Last week Rocky told me it's over for the shop, stating I also don't buy anymore. Here I must plead guilty, mainly because of the internet. I like ordering special versions, participate in crowdfunding or buy directly from the band (Teaser: watch 3 weeks from now to what great results this can lead)
As a tribute to Rocky Road and as a thank you for the many discoveries I did in his shop, herewith a return to my DMJGH series (or CD's you should have heard).

As I started with the A I quickly ran into Age of Nemesis as a good example. This band was a tip from Rocky eight years ago. Nowadays I can listen on the internet parts or even full albums, before ordering. Gone are the times of listening in the shop, but this one I first heard on the headphone in Rocky Road. When passing RR one day, he told me that I might like this Hungarian band, playing progmetal with some modern and neoclassical influences. This is typically an album that caught me by headphone and was played several times after purchasing then forgotten untill I picked it up again today. The album starts with a titlesong story in six parts, which tells a story written in the booklet in such small letters, that I can no longer read it. The second half consist of two instrumentals and three songs with vocals. The CD should be heard by those into melodic progmetal, accepting fairly high vocals and power metal leanings. Nothing groundbreaking original, but after some years hearing the album again I realize why I liked it so much on first listen.

For me this sums up why Rocky Road has been important to me. A large selection of CD's consisting of new bands picked up in the shop, to tips from Aardschok magazin. RR was never cheap, but he had everything you looked for. I know times are changing and there could never be a future for such a shop in these download times. Still the city became a less nice place to visit.

Freedom to Glide - Rain

Several bands started as Pink Floyd cover bands and later decided to write and release their own material. First name that comes to mind is RPWL (don't know if Airbag was a coverband as well). The advantage is that usually their own material is PF influenced and the guitarist knows very well how to add emotion to his playing. With Pink Floyd not releasing any new material for almost two decades, this is the best we can get on that side of the musical spectrum. From the UK we get a new star in this area - Freedom to Glide. They released their debut album Rain, which I heard first on Progstreaming.

Rain is a concept album, as we are talking prog no surprises here. World War I is the theme of this CD, with all it's useless waste of lives. 100 years after the start of this war the timing is appropriate, and with Holland being bystanders (thus little attention at history classes) I noticed I should get some more knowledge on the theme. Since my attention is to tip about the music of good albums, let's continue with that. Well I can be short here, Pink Floyd (later stage) is never really far away. The title track is parted in 4 songs, and opener part 1 does not need long before a very Gilmouresque guitar enters and ups the level to a very pleasant listening. The album quietly passes through it's 15 songs, without any aggressive addings (which might have suited the theme)
The music is beautifull, while the vocals are suiting yet not spectacular. Cosmograf is a similar band that several times is remembered (Riders on a Wave).

I love these albums for a weekend spin, preferably Sunday morning when no alarm is set (hence the time of my review) Strongly recmmended to those who miss Pink Floyd and consider their post Waters albums also very good. Best enjoyed in bed with a headphone on humming along to "So my brothers fell like Rain".

Best CD's 2013

2013 to me was a great year for new releases and looking back I quickly found that I liked far too many CD's for a top 10 only. Therefore before counting down to one herewith some albums per genre that need to be mentioned. While making up teh list I also realize that pretty soon I shal get more 2013 releases which might have been top 10 material (Hell, Fughu) but with the risk of forgetting some herewith an overview.

Prog Metal releases:
With a great album by all of the Big Three the tone has been set for the full year. Dream Theater did not make top 10 but a good CD. Haken missed out, since to me not as good as their previous two albums. Kingcrow might have made it if I would have made it to their show In Crescendo is very good indeed (and a surprising number one by Andrew on Ave Noctum) Memento Waltz again did not reach the impact they had live at PPE 2013. Votum I just never heard by headphone although I like the album and expect a high position for a certain former metal mayor. Cynthesis was original not as good as hoped for, but grew on me and only seconds ago dropped out of my top 10. Jon Oliva not at Savatage bests level and Leprous not even near Bilateral.

Prog Rock releases:
Spock's Beard came back very strong with new members on board and containing Ted Leonard in top form and in Something Very Strange one of my favorite songs of the year. The Tangent very strong concept album, Big Big Train only releases great albums, but the surprise is gone a bit for me. In the Neo prog corner Final Conflict released their best album ever, Comedy of Errors confirmed their come-back in style from two years ago and The Room is the new band to look out for in the genre to me.

CD's I heard at Progstreaming and bought thereafter:
What a great website for new findings. Thanks to them I got into Submarine Silence, Traumhaus and recently Freedom to Glide (for all later Floyd lovers)

NWOBHM in 2013 so OWOBHM
Live R-Mine made me see several bands from my past, Deep Machine in Tilburg was great and some bands brought out new albums very worth a try. Legend and Satan both firm, but Persian Risk's Once a King is not to be missed (or was that a 2012 release?) Hell still to receive.

Several Heavy metal:
Vulture Industries promises a lot for their 2014 Dutch shows and Witherscape is just another great band of Dan Swano. Irish Heavy Metal fron Sandstone showed to be a stayer and while talking Irish  Black Star Riders is a worthy Thin Lizzy follow up.

But in order to cut a long introduction short, herewith the 10 that made it to my list.

10. Attacker - Giants of Canaan
They came to Holland and I missed them, but prepared myself with the new and their Classic album (Battlle at Helm's Deep). Traditional Heavy Metal US style, with a closer in Maiden style but then better. Headbanging all along.

9. Lifesigns - Lifesigns
A Prog supertrio releasing 5 songs that stuck in my head from first listenings. Nick Beggs with a background in Kajagoogoo now making it twice in my top 10, how things can change in 30 years.

8. Queensryche - Queensryche
Back in eighties form, what a relieve. If this album would be over 45 minutes and contain some longer or more heavy songs, they would end up even higher.

7. Persefone - Spiritual Migration
This one came as a huge surprise to me, since almost as good as the best Zero Hour work. Vocals are OK, but too screamy at times, otherwise they would have made my top three. Hope to see them again soon.

6. Steven Wilson - The Raven that Refused to Sing
I stopped following everything by Steven Wilson some years ago, but this one is to me easily better than the last albums of all his projects and bands and that includes PTree. If anyone needs proof that albums with a sinister edge are more interesting here it is. Oh yeah Guthrie Govan what a gitarist. The man deserves main stage slots at any major festival, but audiences might not get it.

5. Fates Warning - Darkness in a Different Light
Back after 9 years and heavy as I like it. Wondering by myself why not higher on my list, but the last 4 surprised me more. Problem to FW is you expect the best and almost always nearly get it.

4. Shineback - Rise up Forgotten, Return Destroyed
Simon Godfrey gave us Tinyfish and now came back with this electronic/prog/pop/whatever master piece. With a little help from his friends. I still regret he had to step out of the Sexy Prog festival. Impossible to describe shortly but must be heard by music lovers in general.

3. Reuben Archer - 's Personal Sin
The best hardrock album in the style I loved already over 30 years ago. Wine, women and song in a catchy way. Respect for the voice of Stampede on his first solo album. One of my many good intentions for 2014. I am not going to let pass another Reuben Archer or Stampede show if I have the chance to see them. So much hoping he shall be added to HRH AOR.

2. Fish - A Feast of Consequences
What a comeback of the best performer in Progland. Everything is right about this album starting with the best artwork package of 2013, the lyrics, the emotions. Containing  in High Wood a suite of epical proportions and what is most important his voice is back after a scare. Partially because of melancholy Fish always moves and this time managed to surprise me yet again.

1. Oceans of Slumber - Aetherial
My number one spot should go to a new discovery. Tech Metal, Faith No More, extremities, highly melodic, aggressive, emotional, doom, prog, black I simply loved this album as from first headphone listening (required for full appreciation). Rollercoaster ride with in closer The Great Divide a highlight as they nicked it so nicely from Pallas. This album is not easy to swallow, but if appreciated it becomes one to fall back to every now and then. Live not even very active in the USA, so fat chance for nearby festivals.

Best shows of 2013

Just before year end I can present my favorite shows of the past 12 months. When going back through the year I sadly found out that the list of missed shows (mostly due to work trips) is extremely impressive this year as well. The following shows shall not make my top 10 since I was not there while I should have been: ProgPower Europe, Headway, Marillion Weekend, Fates Warning, Kingcrow, Symphony X, Attacker, Savage Messiah, Salem and countless others. Still I did visit the below list and building up to number one I realized the year was not that bad after all.

10. Pendragon - Boerderij Zoetermeer May
High quality as always. With no new material released visiting some surprising songs though. They shall never disappoint.

9. Haken - Boerderij Zoetermeer September.
After several listens I don't think their new album is their strongets, but this show was definitely the best I ever saw from them. Not knowing the new songs yet the performance impressed and musically they remain amazing. Back for Progdreams next year another guaranteed good show.

8. Galahad - Theater Alphen aan de Rijn September
Performers who enjoy themselves on stage and give defintely more of a show than your average Prog band. The outfits, the poses and most of all the songs. Concentrating on their last three albums maybe missing out on some classics, but Seize the Day proved again to be their new definition song.

7. MSG - Patronaat Haarlem May
With the bass/drums borrowed from the Scorpions plus vocalist Dougie White a great line up and very good setlist. Surprises coming more from the Scorpions past, but Michael Schenker in good shape showed why he got me picking up my first guitar some 32 years ago ( and still I can't nail down Into the Arena)

6. Steven Wilson - Boerderij Zoetermeer July
Musically possibly the best band this year on artistic level. Playing the brilliant album The Raven That Refused to Sing in full next to other solo work from the man himself including a revisiting of Radioactive Toys. Highlight for guitar Wizzard Guthrie Gowan with his amazing solo on Drive Home.

5. Primitive Instinct - The Peel Kingston Upon Thames August
Sexy Prog festival and my favorite Simon Godfrey could not make it. The day was more than saved by Primitive Instinct who gave an overview of their long career during which they mainly did bugger all. Similar to Credo, Also Eden or GLD in the past, how many British bands walk around that totally convince seeing them for the first time live, yet are appreciated and known by far too few.

4. Angel Witch - Baroeg Rotterdam February
Some songs you played hundreds of times, but never saw performed live and this band produced one of the best. Their song Angel Witch shouted along by a packed Baroeg is one of the best memories from this year. The rest of the show was as good. I did read that later in the year Holocaust played Heavy Metal Maniacs in Amersfoort which resulted in a full stage of fans. Missed that one, but should have been equally brilliant.

3. Queensryche - Effenaar Eindhoven November
Best show in 25 years by Queensryche, with new vocalist Todd La Torre being able to sing their best material. Focus on The Warning I only saw smiling faces at the end of the show. Next time including London, Anybody Listening, Prophecy or many others and we are just pleased Queensryche returned this good.

2. Fish - Paradiso Amsterdam September.
Talking about comebacks. The Fish is back. With his best album in years, advanced by his best show in years. Fish is THE performer in Progland. Highlights of course the Marillo Classics, but High Wood suite is impressive. Next time (if?) he organizes a weekend I shall go Fishing as well.

1. Hell - R-Mine Festival Belgium June.
Warmed up by great shows Cloven Hoof and great moments of my personal back catalogue Holocaust, Savage the Headliner was Hell. Never did I see such a great show from a band this size.  Helped by their NWOBHM with a progressive to trashy edge this show was the one that took me most by surprise and felt like more. Still  did not get their new album which shall be one of the first to buy in January, going for the extra DVD, since this show should be seen.

Vulture Industries - The Tower

After reading Andrew's review on Ave Noctum of this CD I knew we might have a winner here. Comparing them with Arcturus I decided to find more information on them and soon a copy was ordered. Shortly hereafter Progpower announced the first bands for 2014 and there they were. When also Headway announced them  for next event I realized that supposing work trips are not frustrating my plans again, I might see them twice next year and I already am looking forward to these shows.

Apart from Arcturus I also read comparisons with Extol, Leprous and Faith no More. I agree with all names and you can paint the picture nicely using these names. Vulture Industries shall appeal to the slightly more adventurous prog metal fans. We go all over the place and eccentric vocals mix with widely varied speeds and Headphone requiring background noises. My favorites are the haunting The Hound, the "ballad" The Dead won't Mind and A Knife Between Us which contains one of the better line of 2013 "I'd love to love you, but there's a knife between us."

It is hard to describe the music really (at least to me it is), but I can imagine that live this band shall completely blow me away with a theatrical performance fitting nicely to the music.
Vulture Industries: Something to end the year on a high and to look forward to in 2014.