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.