Illuminati - The Core

These guys really had me fooled.  I was absolutely convinced that this was an Atheist side project, and to those of us that have been waiting persistently for the follow-up to Jupiter, The Core is the next best thing.  Of course, the Atheist comparisons make more sense when you read that Kelly Shaefer and Tony Choy guest on the album.  In fact, the guest spots on here are a literal "who's who?" of Prog Death with: Patrick Mameli (Pestilence), Luc Lemay (Gorguts), and Tymon Kruidenier (Cynic) all making noticeable appearances.  What prevents me from totally soiling myself with excitement are the "conceptual" spoken word tracks between each song (which leave only 22 mins of actual musical material).  Even if I understood Romanian I would still think they were just worthless fillers.  Even so The Core is still a tremendously promising effort.  Next time though, can you give us a full album please?

the choy of shredding

Twisted into Form - Then Comes Affliction To Awaken The Dreamer

Like the name would imply this is basically a tech-head's wet dream.  Twisted into Form is not a Forbidden cover band but an Ultra-Prog, Post-Thrash project put together by David Husvik (ex-Extol).  The Extol influence is obviously very strong with some Believer and late-era Death in there as well.  I wish there would be some blazing fast parts instead of just being mid-paced all the time, but it still gives me that bi-weekly brain workout that I require.

flex jorg head

Archetype - Dawning

Over the past two months I've been listening to Angra more than any other band, but they're just too damn popular for this place.  Archetype are the next best thing and they've created a motherfucker of a Prog Metal album with Dawning.  Especially for a debut, the songwriting and musicianship are stellar.  The guitars and drums are particularly amazing.  Even with the hefty 70 min. length, they manage to still be interesting throughout.  If you're a Prog or Power fan at any level you need to hear this.

shark sandwich

Riot - The Privilege of Power

Since it's been a solid two weeks since my last post, I shall return with an overlooked prog jewel.  This album represents one of those strange moments in almost every bands career when they forget about fan expectation and really let their artistic impulses flow.  There's so many influences showing up here from Power/Classic Metal to Funk Rock and Fusion all expertly executed.  Then there's the whole anti-utopian, cold war concept in the lyrics and way overblown sample intros.  It's honestly hard to tell how serious Riot were trying to be with the concept, but it only adds to the outrageous mystique.  Ok, there are a couple throw-away love songs, but even if you cut those out, you're still left with over 40 minutes of gold.

collecting gifts of metal might

2112 - El Maravilloso Circo de los Hermanos Lombardi

I'm just gonna get this out of the way; Rush are arguably the best rock band (prog or otherwise) ever.  It's kind of a wonder why there aren't thousands of bands trying to duplicate their sound.  Well, 2112 are here to fill this gaping void.  Take 90's era Rush, inject a small dose of metal shredding, subdue the bass prominence, translate all lyrics to Castellano and you have El Maravilloso.

progresivo aqui

Headhunter - Parody of Life

How is it that I've never heard of this band, being such a big Destruction fan for years?  Turns out they've released four albums and are technically still active.  Anyway, Headhunter were like the "Megadeth" to Destruction's "Metallica".  File under: Disgruntled former band member forms new band for direct competition.  Even with the laughable song titles, this record is strong and consistent.  It reminds me of a mix between the more agressive thrash of Destruction (of course) and the mid-paced shreddery of King Diamond.  Like those comparisons would imply, the guitar work is excellent and probably the strongest selling point.  Schmier's vocals sort of fall short, but he's never been known for his vocal prowess.  Just like Destruction, Headhunter reminds you that in the end... Metal is all about guitar, and that's fine with me!

i need a shrink 

King Diamond - Conspiracy

Because I'm having a hard time finding good, rare records recently I'm going to post something that many of you might already consider "required listening".  Conspiracy was my first exposure to "The King" 12 years ago, and I think it still stands as his finest musical moment.  Most fans gush on and on about Abigail, or Melissa and Don't Break the Oath (why so many albums with girls names?  mommy issues much?).  All those albums are good in their own right, but for me, Conspiracy is where every element came together to create a classic album that no Metal solo-artist since has topped.  The songwriting, the singing, the musicianship have all been stepped-up on Conspiracy (released two years after Abigail).  I would even venture to say this is (lead guitarist) Andy LaRocque's best work, even better than his short stint with Death.  This album is so dense with melodies, riffs, and dynamics, it's like an epic Italian horror movie.  That should come as no surprise since most of King's albums are horror concept pieces.  Much like revered horror flicks "The Beyond" and "Tenebrae", Conspiracy is dark, dramatic, violent, sophisticated and accessible all at the same time.  Basically, perfect.

 

To avoid DMCA complaints, I have no link.  please consult filestube or filetram for a download.

Tony Macalpine - Maximum Security

It was going to happen eventually, so now I break out this album that most of you will hate, but I still like it, and that's what really matters.  Most of you might be content with only listening to ultra-simple "neanderthal" music, but I personally like to also listen to music made by legitimately skilled musicians that have a concept of tone and timing.  It's true that most Shred is completely unoriginal drivel that's just as devoid of creativity as a NOFX record, but that is not the case here.  Maximum Security is harmonically and melodically rich beyond any Vai or Satriani album, and far less "frumpy" sounding to boot.  While there are tons of solos, there's real structure and songwriting found throughout, so it never ends up sounding like repeated scale exercises (like so many do).  Tony's sophisticated yet accessible leads really do "talk" and carry this album all the way through, instead of sounding like a Metal band that's missing their singer.  Lets just say, when you sing guitar leads to yourself like you would your favorite pop song, you know that's great fucking guitar.

i have blisters on my fingers

Cacophony - Speed Metal Symphony

Now, probably all of you know Marty Friedman from Megadeth, and maybe half of you know about this short-lived band he had with Jason Becker before that.  But, how many of those have actually heard this beautiful work?  Almost none, I expect, that's why I'm posting it today.

This album easily exceeds anything these guys have done solo, and parts are even good enough to have gone into Rust in Peace.  You just have lead, after lead, after lead going on here.  There are some solid riffs thrown in (otherwise, it wouldn't be Metal), but the focus here is definitely on the solos and the melody.  Like any shred album, the solos seemingly go on forever, but they're always backed up by quality songwriting.  If you're a fan of seriously technical Metal, you have to give this a listen.  I mean, look at these guys, how can you say no to them?

Savage in the night!