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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
aethernox: It's not that I don't like instrumental pieces. I gave the ones you listed a quick try and some of them are quite good (Russian Circle is nice, I must admit), although with some of them I couldn't help thinking "Damn this would sound awesome with some lyrics" :smallwink:. I'm very varied in my tastes, I like a lot of classical music too, and maybe it's a little wrong to say I get bored (I can be very patient, actually), it's just that I feel lyrics enhance things and that you can't really get the same experience with just instruments. That's not to say I don't occasionally listen to instrumental pieces, because I do, I just feel very differently about them I suppose.
This all reminded me of an artist I used to love as a kid. Took me a moment to remember his name... Mortiis, former Emperor bass player turned dark ambient musician. Not really metal, but I did recall he did some long, instrumental and mostly-instrumental pieces that I used to love. Like this, En Mørk Horisont (A Dark Horizon), it's divided into 3 parts (I don't think it was like that on the album) of which the second has some brief lyrics. Either way, I spent hours listening to his stuff back then.
But really, I think what I expect or want from instrumental pieces is for them to build up to the singing, rarely for them to stand completely alone. Instrumental sequences can be very good at that. A quick example that popped up just now, Finsterforst's Das Große Erwachen has a lot of instrumental, but it builds up to the singing very nicely, so that while you listen to the instruments you come to await and expect the lyrics that come later, and when they do you enjoy them more because of how it built up. I like that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Marillion
First: Iced Earth,
Hold At All Costs. This song is about the second day of the battle of Gettysburg, specifically the events at Little Round Top. While Devil To Pay (Day 1) and High Water Mark (Day 3) are also fantastic songs, I feel the lyrics of Hold At All Costs beautifully capture the desperation of the situation, particularly the introduction, and Tim Owen's voice fits perfectly.
Very nice and clean, maybe lacks a little bite. I'm not sure I can fully relate to the theme either, although that's a failing on my part of course :smallredface:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Marillion
Saviour Machine,
The Invasion of Israel and
Balance of Power. Their songs are ripped right from the Book of Revelations, and Eric Clayton's powerful voice delivers the biblical metaphors brilliantly, sometimes menacingly. Especially brilliant is the second of Balance Of Power.
I must admit, probably not going to be a fan. That part of the lyrics you quoted disappointed me in particular. For some reason it sounds weak to me, the voice doesn't live up to the words. It sounds like someone reciting the words that someone else has spoken to them (I suppose it is, but it doesn't have to sounds like it), it lacks passion and gravity. It's entirely possible that this was intended, but it's not what I would have expected.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Marillion
I almost feel as though Ayreon should be disqualified, as by definition concept albums need to (try to) have meaningful lyrics, but give
Trauma a listen. Eric Clayton again, singing as Reason as he tries to convince a man in a coma that life IS worth living, opposed by Fear (Mikael Akerfeldt) and Agony (Devon Graves).
The first 3½ minutes didn't quite catch me, but I liked the rest. I prefer Agony's voice, and I must admit Akerfeldt does have a serious growl. Again, it seems to be hit or miss with Clayton for me, there are parts where I think he does well but I'm not sure his voice works as Reason.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Marillion
And finally (for now)
Doesn't Matter Anyway by Savatage. This song is sung from the point of view of arms dealers capitalizing on war and suffering. Also worth a listen from that album are
Starlight, which is about dropping bombs on people, and
I Am, about the greed and jealousy that begins wars.
Very nice. Has that classic sound, which of course is natural with a band founded in '78.
Again, sometimes I need the lyrics in front of me to fully appreciate the nuances. For now I only gave the above a listen, didn't go hunt for the lyrics. So treat the above as my first impressions.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
I might be a little late to the club here and it may be too light for you all, but I just heard Iommi by none other than Tony Iommi and it blew my socks off. I've always loved Tony Iommi, all the interviews I've read of him he seems very down to earth and an all around good guy, and he still has the magic. He pulled in some pretty big names for the album too. I won't link to any particular song, because I don't know your tastes and each guest brings something completely different to the table, but it's worth checking out if you haven't already.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
I got Iommi's 'Iommi' when it was new. It is very good very heavy rock, I don't think it is too 'soft' for this thread.
I'll link to one of the heavier songs.
Time is Mine - by Tony Iommi (feat. Phil Anselmo)
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gaelbert
I might be a little late to the club here and it may be too light for you all, but I just heard Iommi by none other than Tony Iommi and it blew my socks off. I've always loved Tony Iommi, all the interviews I've read of him he seems very down to earth and an all around good guy, and he still has the magic. He pulled in some pretty big names for the album too. I won't link to any particular song, because I don't know your tastes and each guest brings something completely different to the table, but it's worth checking out if you haven't already.
iommi is one of my main inspiration musically
his new super group WhoCares is pretty cool
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Here's something. It's saliently not metal, but I've never met a true metalhead who couldn't appreciate Venetian Snares... it's metal in attitude, if not style. It is extremely aggressive/abrasive, so if you're more into melodic stuff, this might not be for you. But if you like the whole "smashing your head into a brick wall" vibe, this is pretty perfect.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
So I reviewed Alcest's second album. Also submitted the review to Metal Archives. Figured some of you might find my perspective on the work interesting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Moff Chumley
Here's something. It's saliently not metal, but I've never met a true metalhead who couldn't appreciate Venetian Snares... it's metal in attitude, if not style. It is extremely aggressive/abrasive, so if you're more into melodic stuff, this might not be for you. But if you like the whole "smashing your head into a brick wall" vibe, this is pretty perfect.
I actually find Cavalcade Of Glee And Dadaist Happy Hardcore Pom Poms to be quite melodic at times. It's one of my favorite albums.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Oh yeah, VSnares has some beautiful, melodic music. But the song I linked doesn't fall into that category. :smallwink:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
:smallfurious:
The tour is off. Thanks to the overblown egos of the headliner, my band won't get to tour europe. I'm pretty much RAWR right now.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Ouch. That sucks... :smallfrown:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Whoracle
:smallfurious:
The tour is off. Thanks to the overblown egos of the headliner, my band won't get to tour europe. I'm pretty much RAWR right now.
i am going to cry now
i was really REALLY looking forward to that
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Don't know if they've been mentioned before, but I just stumbled upon Van Canto, metal a cappella. It's almost a little scary how I mentioned purely vocal music as a counterpart to purely instrumental music only days ago, and then I go and stumble upon this. Well, they do use drums, and amplifiers for their voices, but still, pretty close. Voices and drums, my two favourite instruments.
Now I can't stop listening.
Lost Forever
Rebellion (Grave Digger cover) They seem to have a lot of great covers. Gotta love the Fear of the Dark and Bard's Song covers.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Deadly
Don't know if they've been mentioned before, but I just stumbled upon Van Canto, metal a cappella.
Absolutely yes, they're mentioned every once in a while. :smallwink:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Deadly
They seem to have a lot of great covers. Gotta love the Fear of the Dark and Bard's Song covers.
Try battery ftw. :smallcool:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Killer Angel
Absolutely yes, they're mentioned every once in a while. :smallwink:
Try
battery ftw. :smallcool:
Figures. Still, they can stand to be repeated :smalltongue:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
@ Deadly: Yeah Dani filth is in my opinion maybe the best lyricist in metal right now. If you like his stuff you should check out some of the lyrics Martin Walkyeiri wrote for Sabbat and Skyclad, I think he was a pretty big influence on Danni's lyrical style. Ton's of word play and puns and things of that nature.
Aside from those guys when it comes to lyrics, I've always loved Hansi/Andre's lyrics for Blind Guardian. They do a pretty good job of dismissing the idea that all powermetal bands have bad lyrics, since while epic their stuff tends to be really well written. Soulforged is a good example of this
Spoiler
Show
I'm not insane
That's how it seems though
Spiteful, cruel but wise (beyond his age)
My body fails
My soul will rise
The end of life's immortalized
Disease and agony
And I see death through golden eyes
(Beyond the door
There's something more)
It seems there's just one way
On through the heat
I've felt the touch of evil
I still feel
The icy claw in me
For a descent price I've banned kindness from my heart
The spirit of all truth and beauty pawned for my desire
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged will come into light
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged, the stainless will rise
I will never change my mind
I will leave it all behind
And through the hour glass
Everything's grey, everyone's pale
No colour nor beauty will lighten my heart
The seat of life's empty and cold
Cadaverous you all seem to me
Stillborn but you're still alive
You're still alive
Truth lies in loneliness
When hope is long gone by
I'll wipe out the bliss of the new age
And welcome you precious night
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged will come into light
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged, the stainless will rise
From a distant time voices echo in the hall
"Come and join us, enter life and everything is gone now"
And through the looking glass
I still fear mortality and
Its loss in the end
Unlimited power in my hands
("Mourn for his lost soul
He's cursed and condemned")
The claw of the dragon ascends
Each step I take may it hurt may It ache
Leads me further away from the past
But as long as I breathe (and) each smile on my bleak face
I'm on my way to find back to the Peace of mind
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged will come into light
And from the flames
As chance would have it
The Soulforged, the stainless will rise
I will never change my mind
I will leave it all behind
good stuff good stuff, ensiferum has had some pretty epic stuff too, I love the lyrics to Deathbringer From the Sky by them.
Spoiler
Show
High above the ground
Beyond the thunderclouds
A black shade is flying alone
Once so feared among men
Now the legend is becoming too old
But finally the horrifying truth is about to unfold
Death bringer from the sky
Hunting victims in the night
Feel the terror, as flames are burning bright
There is no tower as high or cave so deep
That can save you from its endless spite
So bow down and face your wretched destiny
A den filled with treasures and gold
No longer calms his spirit so cold
Again it's time to spread the wings of doom
A growl shakes the ground
Flames blind men and smoke covers the stars
As he rises towards an ancient sky
The era of total chaos will arrive
Men shall flee in fear
My name will haunt their mortal souls
I'll burn their flesh and I'll crush their bones
Death bringer from the sky
Hunting victims in the night
Feel the terror, as flames are burning bright
There is no tower as high or cave so deep
That can save you from its endless spite
So bow down and face your wretched destiny
Your screams can't make me feel pity or regret
I only feel furious hatred
With fire my domination is gained
Shall burn away and let my kind rule the world again
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Thanks. Ensiferum is great, no doubt about that. I'll see about looking into the others you mentioned.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
i just found out about this french magaine called Hard Rock
(its actuall metal)
the concept is brilliant
its basically 120 pages of interviews with each issue
:smallcool:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
So I'mma take the link to my blog out of my sig due to a slightly NSFW picture in the latest post and the fact that I may want to go into bands and music (e.g. Abigail) that wouldn't be forum friendly. Still, follow it if you'd like. If you go to my last.fm, there's a blog link in the info part of my profile. :smallsmile:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
whooo, I missed this post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Marillion
Deadly: I'm gonna recommend some songs and bands that I feel have great lyrics. Ok? Ok. :smallsmile:
First: Iced Earth,
Hold At All Costs. This song is about the second day of the battle of Gettysburg, specifically the events at Little Round Top. While Devil To Pay (Day 1) and High Water Mark (Day 3) are also fantastic songs, I feel the lyrics of Hold At All Costs beautifully capture the desperation of the situation, particularly the introduction, and Tim Owen's voice fits perfectly.
My avatar approves. :smallsmile:
Except I like more HWM (We're almost there my boys, I've never served with finer, We must push forward boys, etc.).
But must be said that lyrics ('specially in HWM) pay a heavy homage to the Gettysburg film.
On a related note: some groups don't have so great lyrics, but they're able so summon powerful and evocative images (one of many possible examples: "trample on the dead", by Manowar, from Kill with power)
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
i personnally find all three songs brilliant examples of how great iced earth is
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Today on shuffle, my mp3 player played Arson and then Once Sealed In Blood immediately afterwards. It's so awesome when shuffle gives you related songs.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Hey guys, second post on my new metal blog thing is up. Decided to discuss the arcane dominion from Eluveitie.
In other news, new alestorm album coming up this week. Everyone getting their tankards of ale and bottles of rum ready in preperation? :smalltongue:
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
zeratul
In other news, new alestorm album coming up this week. Everyone getting their tankards of ale and bottles of rum ready in preperation? :smalltongue:
The first track of the album rhymes "Odin and Thor" with "cannons and whores". How can this not be the best thing ever?
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
I find that Alestorm don't really stand up to repeated listens for me. They're great fun live, but not something I choose to listen to.
I've just put the last Enslaved album (Axioma Ethica Odini) on my deck for the first time in a while, the first couple of listens I'd thought it was alright. Now it's blowing me away. The free EP eyeofsaulot linked to a couple of pages back was pretty neat, but I find that the three albums I own by Enslaved (Axiom, Vertebrae and Isa) are all top-notch.
On a completely different note, I'm also currently digging the Times Of Grace album a fair bit. For completely different reasons for loving Enslaved.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zocelot
The first track of the album rhymes "Odin and Thor" with "cannons and whores". How can this not be the best thing ever?
it is the best thing ever
dont worry about it
its a fact
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zocelot
The first track of the album rhymes "Odin and Thor" with "cannons and whores". How can this not be the best thing ever?
Not to mention the track called "Death Throes of the Terrorsquid".
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
http://twoguysmetalreviews.blogspot....-alestorm.html
my thoughts on the new alestorm record
it is the best thing ever
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
grimbold
I'm listening to whatever I can catch on youtube, and I have to agree with you on this. Alestorm is amazing.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
today was my first day at school after a short break
i showed the new album to my friends and one started jumpiing up and down going
THIS IS BRILLIANT
i just laughed
yeah alestorm is magic
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
grimbold
today was my first day at school after a short break
i showed the new album to my friends and one started jumpiing up and down going
THIS IS BRILLIANT
i just laughed
yeah alestorm is magic
I particularly like the lyrics of Swashbuckled (#8) if you know something of the rivalry between those two bands it is hilarious and I think Alestorm are now the undisputed kings of pirate metal.
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Re: Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Borgh
I particularly like the lyrics of Swashbuckled (#8) if you know something of the rivalry between those two bands it is hilarious and I think Alestorm are now the undisputed kings of pirate metal.
yeah it is pretty good
the bonus track is friggin hilarious
and now for the best news of the day
Spoiler
Show
I sent Alestorm a copy of my review of them
and...
Spoiler
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THEY RESPONDED
Chrish Bowes thought i had a really cool review
so...
Spoiler
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I ASKED THEM FOR AN INTERVIEW!!!!
Now I am waiting eagerly for a response :smallbiggrin: