Mixing It Up

Gothic Metal, Symphonic Metal, Doom and Jazz?

Songs 89-91

Open blender.
Insert:Gothic Metal, Symphonic Metal, Jazz Fusion Metal, Experimental, Doom, Thrash.
Close blender.
Puree.
Serve chilled because its about to get hot in here.

  One of the greatest aspects about Metal as a whole is how extraordinarily pliable and without boundaries it is. At its very core is a basic foundation, one that is not as rigid as one might think considering the 'heaviness' of the music. As much as some fans try to limit its definitions, it seems metal springs back stronger, more fulfilled, more evolved. The variance that exists within this now extremely wide net we refer to as All of Metal is continually expanding, experimenting and even spawning. Generations and Second and Third waves of different genres now exist and  its all getting rather confusing to classify. Some of the border lines are blurred. That is OK because its up to the artist's creativity, their vision and what they feel inside that we listen to. They, as pioneers dont go by the book. A book of definition seems illogical to be applicable in any way to something that is felt within.
 It is a badge of pride, an insignia we as metal fans wear on our sleeve. Its the truth that those outside of our brethren do not view a percentage of the reality because the majority is so underground. Its the unique handshake we share with each other. Its the fact that we know they don't get it. The fact is simple. We were not supposed to be here. This all was supposed to go away. The music was considered suitable only for a trash bin and more and more people thought it was just a recycled circle that would find its' end quickly. Makes me realize more and more how the originators of Heavy Metal were pioneers in that they felt the trueness of the limitless the music.
  My next set of 3 songs are great examples of artists not conforming to textbook definitions. Heavy Metal has experienced a huge growth period of experimentation. A lot of Hybridization. A lot of it doesnt work for me. I feel its more interesting when the fans themselves dont agree on what they are listening to. Its a different thing than a band that just tries to be Thrash and Industrial at once. How about a band like After Forever? Are they Gothic Metal or Progressive? They certainly are Symphonic.. or The Gathering, well question marks abound. Hopefully you will enjoy the examples below of bands I think mix things up, and do it well.

 
Octavia Sperati - Without Air: After (Norway, 2005 Gothic Metal, Doom)
  I recommend listening to this one and the link below back to back. Octavia Sperati only recorded 2 albums when their sultry-voiced lead singer, Silje took upon the vocal role of the iconic band The Gathering. This is from their first release and its a pleasurable experience of deep, dark brooding doomish metal guitar riffs and plow-driving drumwork, all interlaced with etheral and almost haunting piano lines as Silje, equally hauntingly belts out each line. Mixing up the the lines of what is Gothic Metal and what is Doom Metal and what is acceptable for what was then, an all-female band. Placing the atmosphere always at the forefront allows me to classify them as Gothic Metal. Placing heavy effects on an otherwise pure sounding vocal, allowing for heavy drums to pound away as the piano plays on, are all evident moments of a band fully capable of doing things differently.


Octavia Sperati - Below Zero  (Norway, 2005 Gothic Metal, Doom)
  Each time I find a song I love from O.S., it seems to have the following qualities: A driving beat, a great bass line, tons of atmosphere and great melody. Well here is another one that qualifies. The simple jungle-esque drum intro is no indication of how far the band is willing to go to do things differently. Each verse expands upon different ideas, like a progressive band would. Each phrase seems to have a haunting quality like a Gothic band would. There are soft moments, there is a startling vocal melody.
  Makes you wonder why cant every band do this? Why arent even my favorite bands this creative? The answer is they should be, you just need to be willing to find those that are capable of mixing it up.



To-Mera - Blood (London, Progressive Fusion Metal 2008)
 Did I mention something about mixing it up? From London this unit is a full-on progressive Fusion Metal band. There are only a handful of bands which share this approach. The main reason is its so hard to make this sound metal enough and still blow minds.There is a musical lesson in here about each 20 seconds. Stop and Go syncopation, long count time signatures, time changes, modulating melodies. Its a war with the rules of musicality and what is physically possible. This is so far beyond and away from what people who criticized early forms of metal as being benign and doomed to fade away. At 3:30 the song takes an inter-dimensional trip as keyboard and guitars harmonize a huge long passage, and thats the guitar solo. As we discover, there is so much more going on with each listen. You may miss how beautiful her vocals are - the melodic sections after the choruses are spectacular moments.
  Other songs from this band truly mix jazz elements into the arrangements and breakdowns. Very worth checking out.

As I approach song 100 make sure you see my next update: Shining Proud and Flag Waving.

Female Voices Leave a Mark

Symphonic Metal - Female Fronted Metal

Womens' Voices' Leave a Mark

songs 86-88

   Falling in love with a genre allows you to search out new artists as well as explore back-catalogs to more veteran acts. As Ive discovered new bands, Ive also discovered what made some of the more classic artists so special. At times I feel some of the older-tiered bands from Symphonic Metal not only get over-looked but get passed over. Nightwish, is one of those bands for me which some fans clamor longingly to their classic sound, but do so without allowing for the newer brands to permeate their lists. Reversely, some fans of much more recent bands such as Evanescence, just about refuse to recognize, acknowledge or embrace older bands which were of main influences. I pick on these 2 bands mostly because of their fanbase which seemingly have blinders on their ears, being stagnant in both their fanatic timelines as center-points, and their inability to accept new/old material.
  As Ive discovered so much in my Endless Search, and I approach the milestone of 100 entries, I am including 3 songs here which grew on me and also left an indelible mark on my viewpoint. How simple it would be and yet blatantly obvious to include artists/bands that were cornerstones in the world of Symphonic Metal. I've only chosen though, songs I can approve of, songs I've check-marked, and enjoyed countless of times. Which is why, here at this point in my Timeline that these 3 make sense to me to include. It may be a no-brainer to some. Its not that I didn't encounter these songs much earlier in my search (which has gone back now for me well over a 2/3 year period) its just a plain fact that it took a while for these songs to sink in. I've mentioned before I write this blog as if I am sharing these songs to you, for the first time. In my continued effort to make this listing a true chronicle of my experience, I allow these songs to have their true fair moment, and perhaps raise your awareness to them, or maybe given a chance, fall in love with them equally as I have. They do deserve it, as do you.



The Gathering - Eleanor (Alt-Metal Ambient/Atmospheric, NL 1995)
   Maybe one of the biggest and most influential of the hits off of the epic Mandylion, Eleanor is a timeless classic. Unlike the more straight forward approach songs like Strange Machines or Leaves, it is not as instantly memorable. It is not as dramatic of a statement as those songs, where Anneke's vocals simply stuns the listener with her full power delivery on display. This is alot more subdued, and alot more like what The Gathering would quickly become, with more atmosphere and emphasis on progression, on melody and timing. Back in 1995, that was unheard of, and unfortunately, it is also what mostly kept them under the radar of fans into the more metal side of things. Like me. Even as I began to fall in love with Anneke's angelic vocals (see previous posting: Anneke) this song all but evaded my attention. It came up in links, it came up in discussions, it came up on my Pandora Player. It just kept showing up and I kept on listening. Then it all clicked. I realized its a great piece of music.
   Some of the melodies in the 2 pre-choruses are such the epitome of Female Fronted Metal, that is easy to hear The Gatherings' influences on so many bands that followed. The landmark point though is the epic middle point, starting at 2:55. First, a combination of double-pedal riffs and symphonic, xylophone sounding melody that trade off. Its a section that could point as an early reference of influence. As the passage morphs, there are vocal choirs in the distance, and a stringed break before it all comes back to Anneke's trademark vocals.
   More and more, Anneke and T.G.'s position in the realm of influence on these genres is being fully realized. Its ok to say a band was influential. It takes a larger point of understanding and ideally, a scope of timelines to absorb just how influential. Mandylion was also influential within the bands' own offerings. As they continued to expand upon the doors they opened with Anneke at the mic.


Leave's Eyes - Elegy (Symphonic Metal, Norway 2005)
   So you know Theatre of Tragedy. So you know the beautiful vocalist who left them to embark on her solo career, as did others from that well-known pivotal band. So you know this song from The Vinland Saga. If you do, play it anyhow and listen to what I have to say below. If you said No to any of that before. Allow me to let you in on this obvious fact. Its a great song and it will stick to you like glue, please also click play and follow along.
   This song became a guilty pleasure of mine, I suppose since it does not feel as heavy as say, even the lightest Epica song but I became obsessed nonetheless. The soft and buttery vocals belong to Liv Kristine, formerly of ToT. The main guitar riff sounds like great huge riff that had to be scaled back to allow the soft high tones in the vocals to come through but the melody in the verses is well written, and easily picked up. But even better, is the pre-chorus and the chorus itself. Once you hear her high notes being held in the chorus, you know it took alot of belief, alot of commitment to take those notes up there. Its as if she is telling you she believes completely in the lyric, which gives some room for thought, which allows you to hear and see deeper.The sweeping violins in the moments before the break are a  great touch.
   After her release of The Vinland Saga, Liv has enjoyed a successful career. I cant say much the same for those guys in the boat.And yes, being beautiful and talented never hurts. 


Eyes of Eden - When Gods Fall (Gothic Metal, Germany 2007)
   I would've expected a follow up to this well received debut by now. Realizing that 2007 is quite some time ago is rather eye-opening and I wonder if this band knows that its been so many years ago. Anyhow, I bumped into them in 2009 with the feel that they were a new band from Germany, with great melody, riffs and an equally great vocalist. I quickly added Dancing Fire (see previous posting: 3 Addictive songs from Germany) and basically forgot about this song. It too also grew on me as I continuously kept adding it to my bookmarks, my notes and eventually placing it here, on my list on the way to song 100.
   A great vocal, and clever melody is helped along by a chugging and climbing rhythm. Almost similar in ways, to both vocalists above, being soft, clear and capable of reaching upwards, it is not as clear if the band is continuing on with another vocalist or not, but it would be a shame since she has the ability to deliver the goods.There is a heavy, almost thrashy breakdown before we dive back into the catchy chorus. The thing here is that in 2012, there are many Female Fronted Metal-inspired bands and even Gothic Metal, and alot of them do sound like this, its almost the blueprint actually. No matter what though, its the songs that are actually good that live on.

 As a blueprint the songs above seem to have left their mark on a huge majority of bands out today, which I see as a good thing.

Next Update: Mixing it up... Doom, Gloom, Melodic Death and all that Jazz....
  

3 Classic Symphonic Metal Gems

3 Classic Symphonic Metal Gems 

After Forever, Epica & Therion

Songs 83-85

   These 3 bands have made quite an impact in the genre of Symphonic Metal and also on me and my desire to search out more great music. It would be quite simple to pick one of these 3 bands and basically go through all of their catalogs and point out great music. I really dont wish for that to be the theme or format of my blog. I am still continuing in the footsteps of my bookmarks, which at this point are well dated and provide a great timeline and one (or more) fantastic playlists.
  As a fan that is first beginning to learn a bands' discography, the discovery mode is a very exciting time. I wish I had a found, during this period of time a blog such as mine, one that pointed out great moments and gift wrapped song after song to discover. As I was learning more about these 3 bands and their great history and certainly their influence on bands to later follow, I was beginning to see what really still sets them apart from the rest of the pack, and it was quite evident early in their catalogs. Let me introduce to you, three classic and pivotal moments from 3 very classic bands. Three more gems I added to my Endless Search and on my way to Song 100. 
   [Note: Yes I do know that bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation and The Gathering predate Epica and After Forever, I say this now because the same people who point this out to me are the same ones who dont know Therion predates even those bands. /end]


After Forever - Leaden Legacy (NL, 2000 Symphonic Metal)
  From their debut disc Prisoner of Desire. This is actually part I of a story Arc "The embrace that smothers" by Mark Jansen, who would later add parts to this story arc in Epica (after he left After Forever). After a slow build up with a phantom-esque melody, Floor begins to show off her ridiculous range and ability just as the first staccato chorus kicks in. This balance between a classical sound, symphony instruments, true operatic lines and musicians who can truly write metal songs working together as a formula was beginning to take shape here. Done so differently than as Nightwish had, even taking some of the ambiance and intent of Therion, songs like this on their debut in 2000 really was quite a feat for it to be so accessible.
  After Forever makes my listings here often, I recommend to follow the links on the side for more great moments.  



Epica - Menace of Vanity (NL 2007, Symphonic Metal)
   Right at the start, Epica shows what it means to mix operatic bombast and very fast, power-metal inspired riffs. The staccato double bass melody is still classically inspired yet does it in a heavy-metal mentality. The amount of key changes and transpositions would be enough to give you the idea that this band is quite serious in its intent. You get the powerful mix of grunt vocals and operatic choir all the way through the song as it works its way through a variety of fast, rapid-fire phrasings.
  Not till the 3:00 mark do you get a stoppage, albeit briefly, only to build back again. The main riff although repeated often, is unique enough, even in this wide landscape of symphonic metal - to keep you humming and headbanging along. In a way, this is a great example of why I refer to Epica as "the most accessible" band in the genre. Follow more links to great songs by Epica on the side panel. Also worthy of note, is this straight-forward approach reminds me of other classics from Therion, speaking of which....



Therion - Sons of the Staves of Time (SWE, 2007 Symphonic Metal)
   I do go through periods where I just simply click every song I have from Therion and sit back and enjoy. There is something I find that separates them from the pack. Taking this song as an example of a classic Therion song may get me in trouble, as its on the Gothic Kabbalah disc. I almost truly cringe when anybody not named Eldritch uses the term "Gothic" when applied to well, just about anything. I feel there might be some of that backlash also applied to Therion in this time period for that namesake albulm. But words have double meanings and labels are only sown in. Ignoring what/who/is this Gothic conversation, I am placing this song here, as it sits among my bookmarks approaching song 100. This is a special time frame for me as I was burying myself deeper into catalogs and weeding out weaker songs from my playlists.
  So as I started out, Therion is one of those few bands I feel have something special, which is the ability to take you off into a journey, one that is separate, almost by itself, even when listening to a group of songs that are similar by other bands. Every song basically stands out, even though they were much further ahead of all the other bands I listen to.
  To me this is one of their more overlooked songs, a simple format of powerful verses and a choir-like chorus broken apart by a quiet breakdown of operatic vocals before we get to the solo, which is quite epic all on its own. At some point, you can start to notice all the pieces and how deliberate they are and well how they go together.From the drum fills, the chromatic chord changes in the scale, its all executed perfectly. Therion has always been a band of great musicians and vocalists, which this song is a perfect example of, which makes it a classic.
  Read my synopsis on Therion (previous posting: Getting Into Mega-Therion)

Next Update: Female Voices Make Their Mark

Season 3: Symphonic Metal Rocks My World

SEASON 3: Symphonic Metal Rocks My World

SONGS 81-83: Amberian Dawn & Todesbonden

  Welcome to Season 3 of My Endless Search, "Symphonic Metal Rocks My World". It's the continuation of the timeline of my links to my favorite songs that I had bookmarked well over 2 years ago now. As I continue to add more, and chronicle more from my list here, I will eventually reach my current bookmarks, at which point I will begin Season 4. My current song count is well over 140 at the moment and I am looking forward to sharing with you song 100, my first milestone, soon.
  I will try to post updates 2 times a month in this season, so my story-lines will be much shorter as I just focus on the links I will be sharing. Since Ive been listening to these songs for more than 2 years now, I have quite a fondness for each one, basically a guarantee that each one will be a great one. I hope you will enjoy each update, as I take you along My Endless Search.

  One of the best things about getting into any form of music, is the discovery period. Luckily there is so much of the genres I am covering in my blog (Symphonic Metal, Folk Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal) that this discovery period really is practically endless... With that in mind, there is always a new band (or an old one) just lurking around the corner, waiting for you to stumble upon. Since alot of my bookmarks are just exactly that- many of my links here represent the times I had first ever heard of some of these bands, which may give the feeling to those whom are quite familiar with these bands a sense of "Duh". I am not trying to impress anyone very familiar with any of these genres, just my first impressions and the songs that still resonate well with me, a few notes on what Ive found significant and whatever relevant info I can pass on. I am hoping though, as Ive found, that I may rekindle interest in those diehard fans that read my blog, in a few of these basically hidden gems. I do write from the perspective that my readers are experiencing this music, here, with me for the first time. But its not the case, (at the moment) I am still trying to catch up to current time.

 So here are my first moments of discovery of the bands Amberian Dawn (Finland), and Todesbonden (USA). Please click play on the self-contained video link and then read along...

















 


Amberian Dawn - River of Tuoni (Power/Symphonic Metal Finland, 2008)  
   The first time I heard Amberian Dawn was this song/video, and right off the bat it reminded me so much of what I consider the New Breed of metal (a lot of which, not surprisingly, comes from Finland). The New Breed represents to me bands with exceptionally skilled musicians, and even more talented vocalists, with the total package coming together in a very dramatic form. The instant the song starts you can feel it, the harmonized guitar intro is in full attack mode and is quickly backed by a furious rhythm. The results are eye-opening. The best part is how the music doesn't completely drop out (like so many do in this genre) in the first verse to allow the (usually female) vocals a quiet moment. Without hesitation, we are met by an instantly memorable melody sung by the lavishly redheaded Heidi Parviainen. Quickly we hear the nods to Nightwish as we get a glimpse of her ridiculous range and the band pulls right back into that monstrous rhythm, which turns out to be the chorus! The melody in the verses is a lot of fun, and a pleasure to sing along with.
  All I could think of as I listened on, was "Wow, another band from Finland tearing it up with new material." And tear it up they do! As the song works its way to a inspired pre-solo section, simply more evidence that this band is capable of bending rules in doing just what works, allowing the song to take its own directions, without tinkering it down to genre-specific cliche's. 
   This being one great moment, I would delve deeper into the bands previous mostly powermetal offering "The Clouds of Northland Thunder" but it was when I discovered the next song my expectations were elevated even more..


 















Amberian Dawn - Passing Bells (Power/Symphonic Metal Finland, 2008)
   Timpanis! Another eye-opening introduction. Grand and lush and full of bravado, the powerful and very symphonic build-up, cued perfectly by the ringing timbre of the timpani drums is an eye-opener because its too logical. It is so obvious as a fantastic idea for an intro, you wonder why it hasn't been done yet by everyone... yet it is this off-the-radar Powermetal band from Finland that did it- and it works amazingly well. This song as a marker, is a calling of tolls, which as any good pall-bearer knows, bells of any size would suffice, but as a band of the New Breed, things are done differently and timpanis play into this theme perfectly. Luckily, this outstanding intro is not wasted on just another song. Again, a quick, instantly memorable melody sung superbly as choirs of 'ahhs' pad the background, providing a full orchestra-hall feeling. Production is not overlooked here nor in the previously mentioned song, in fact, it is an integral point. The powerful rhythm, unmarked by any Powermetal trappings, is a kick-drop feel of double-stops and staccato accents, allowing for Heidi to simply sing well above and smoothly as if on a pocket of clouds.
   The building sections are also key, paying close attention to fully voiced guitar chords, piano and all the bells and whistles, a grandiose moment you truly don't want to end, but it does have a break down with echoes of the intro, to fall back in place for the final marvelous exit.
  My hopes are still high for this highly talented Power-rooted band from Finland and looking forward to including more music from them.


Todesbonden - Ghost of the Crescent Moon (Symphonic Folk Metal, USA 2008)
   My first moments of 'OMG this band is amazing' came actually from my Pandora Player (see previous posting: A Fantastic Four), as I was awash in simply awe of this band (amazingly from USA) as I researched more in depth, in search of more gems, I came across too many to include here but it was this song that capped it for me. Todesbonden is in my opinion, criminally overlooked. It is hard for me to group any other artist that I know of, in with this band for its boundless accessibility. What I mean is I really could play this song to just about anyone- from fans of very heavy metal to people who refuse to listen to anything heavy, and there is just no denying that is simply great music. This song is like an opus that takes you on a journey, narrated by only one of the most well-rounded voices I've ever heard, singing clear precise melodies with passion. The musicianship, through the doors. The piano alone is genius, match it with a moving vocal performance, with strings, long passages of piano and acoustic guitar, and you get moment after moment of elation, which also brings tears to your eyes. It's that beautiful.
    Then it just keeps getting better, at 3:58 the full-length piano runs behind her tear-jerking beckoning is perfection. And there is more, alot more of that in their catalog, trust me. There is so much to say of just the piano and her voice but I cannot go without mentioning what the other instruments are doing backing it all up. The heavier sections' song structure is almost de-constructed piece by piece, reminding me of the rhythm break-downs of Megadeth, and almost hang in air, There is a doom influence going on here as the band waits just the right time to emphasize between the lyrics. This is brilliance in every way. The epic opus of course has just as a dramatic and storied ending. Effort this flawless must be applauded.
   I poured through their past catalog to find simply moment after moment of just quality and sheer brilliance. I will be including more from this band here in my listings.

Next Update: 3 Classics pf Symphonic Metal

Pandora Goes Batty for Gothic Metal

What is Gothic Metal? 

My Pandora Player picks Excellent Examples of Real Gothic Metal

   This will be the last installment - for now - of Season 2 for my blog, "Thanks to Pandora". These songs, like the others from Season 2, are featured directly from my "thumbs-up" list, songs of which I did not know of, before my Pandora Player introduced them to me. It's been an interesting run, from the proto-typical selections of the leaders in Symphonic Metal, to outstanding entries of Progressive Metal, and songs from obscure and little-known bands. This update I focus on 3 Dark Entries (that's the title to my favorite Bauhaus song) in which my Pandora Player proved to me, yet again, it knows what it's doing. Here are 3 songs that really touch on the stylings of yet another sub-genre I focus on, Gothic Metal. As much as I would prefer to not use that label, I believe there is a niche in which a few artists totally fit into - and "get" what people like myself at times feel is really ignored by the metal community, a dark melancholic mix of atmosphere, haunting subject matter and a healthy bite of metal.

   In a weird parallel, my very first entry to this blog (Beginning Point: Finland) was 3 true-to-form Gothic Metal songs. Since then I've only focused only one other entry (see previous posting: The Others I, Gothic Metal) as this search through my earliest bookmarks took me into a path of more symphonic list, falling in love with Epica and After Forever, discovering many others along the way. Now it comes again, full circle to complete Season 2. There has been some eliminations, as I weed out any song I find less than stellar, it appears my expectations for each and every song I list in this blog to be of the highest standards, its taken me 6 weeks to finally choose this last group.

   My main objective is to ignore the elitist attitudes that so many music bloggers carry, to simply only choose songs which I truly enjoy. Ive found that 80% of the music-review based sites/blogs are from a very narrow, or heavily biased and opinionated view point. Too much are negative, being rant-filled and name-calling. I completely disagree with that style. I am extremely happy to know I don't live in that world, one which everything sucks, one which seems to only revolve around what can be torn down and mocked. I am thrilled to know that because of this thing called Symphonic Metal, I have found once again, a positive outlook, a heart filled again with passion, a mind in awe of the possibilities, a clear awareness of what is to be open-minded and more importantly, a true love and desire to share these spectacular moments with you, my readers, my friends and my peers.

   So now, let me tell you, how wrong you are (insert devious chuckle) - all joking aside I believe most people have the label Gothic Metal as a general umbrella for anything that doesn't quite sound like other genres. For me, I feel a band needs to qualify to be labeled Gothic Metal, not the other way around. When you can carry a fondness for the darkness (Thank you Black Sabbath), I feel that these 3 songs will translate well to you. Atmosphere, Desperation, Desolation, Anguish, Melancholy, Fear and Intrigue. Its all there. And its Beautiful...

Aesma Daeva- The Loon (USA Operatic/Atmospheric Gothic Metal, 2007)

   My second entry from this very talented group. You can't go wrong when you have one of the most talented female voices from Therion (see previous posting: Getting Into-Mega Therion) Lori Lewis at the helm. Her clear precise delivery is as frail as needed but yet as beautiful as they get. The Loon is one of my favorite songs for a period of time it set my mood for my research. As I searched everywhere for Dark Entries, it is another reminder that Pandora gets it right. When the first few haunting moments came on my player, I scurried and was pleased to see Aesma Daeva's name on the player. The vocals on this release (the first with Lori, who replaced Melissa Frank, now Visions of Atlantis singer) have been described as haunting and ethereal. I find I like this song more the louder I have it playing. It truly has a hugeness to it and it sounds as if the band is recording in a giant hall but still allows for the quietest of moments to be clear.

Beseech - Illusionate (Sweden Gothic Metal, 2002)  

    Insert random Rocky Horror Picture Show sound clip. It's benign because the strange journey is actually the intro to a greatly overlooked release by Beseech, "Souls Highway". Dark and brooding, this song has all the feel of a shady character in the corner waiting to pounce, yet still it delivers a complicated, multi-layered melodic chorus. The mix of male and female vocals works to a great degree here and fits some of the trappings of the other moniker for this genre "Gothenburg Metal" A little bit of H.I.M., a little bit of Type-O and a little bit things that go bump in the night.

   Vocalist Lotta Hoglin and Erik Molarin match well together and sing most of the songs as one. Her parts aren't as strongly focused on as you might expect, opting to allow the more sinister growl of Erik to set the tone. One word of warning - this is some catchy stuff. Not as upbeat or too pop-orientated as others associated in the genre, which is my point exactly. This is how to do THIS form of GothicMetal.

Mortal Love - Forever Will Be Gone (NL, Gothic Metal, 2006)

   I researched the heck out of this band when I first heard my Pandora player bring up some of their more well-known songs. In the world of Gothic Metal, only Virgin Black really go for a darker and more depressive sound than Mortal Love. What I learned from my rummaging was this was one depressive band. Just the song titles alone are enough to give you an indication of where they take their music to.

   As bleak this title is, its a world of difference to see something so well constructed and thought out. Its obvious not only that they know what they are doing, but they have the skill to execute (ahem) it. Another great lush, extravagant chorus filled with beautiful things and it all comes crashing down as the song veers off into very heavy passages.

  Male and female duet vocals (common theme in this genre) are played out very well, when he beckons, she winces, when she (known simply as Cat) gleams bright, he lashes out. The first melody on strings backed by a heavy riff ends quick as he whispers the first verse over piano lines. Cat then comes in and sings well above the building crescendo. Subtle hints that there is something coming, and it comes at you like a evil force in the night, a chasing rhythm as all the pieces wind together, almost overhead as you try to escape..

   Its a pleasure to grasp and amongst the dire feel, it reminds me actually of one of my favorite bands, Stream Of Passion (progressive metal see previous posting:The Others III - violins) which would mean this band has a progressive mentality, giving them certainly a leg up on just about every band in the Goth-Metal world. So where does this song really go? You have to wait, till the very end past the existing lone piano to find out.

  Like little Kirsten Dunst said in Interview With a Vampire, after her first taste of blood... "I want more."

Next Update: Season 3 the continuing saga known as Symphonic Metal Saved My Life

A Fantasic Four

A Fantastic Four Favorites

My Favorite 4 Songs I've Learned from Pandora - so far

  This is one Epic update I would say. I could spread these 4 songs across various postings, but in truth I discovered them almost all at the same time. I so far have listed in this second season, songs from bands I already knew of and loved, songs from bands Ive never heard of and now these 4 share 1 thing in common, I had crossed paths with each in some way or another, but never heard these selections and I really pretty much fell in love with them right away. First a quick over-view of the bands in this update and the links will follow below.

Todesbonden (Symphonic/Progressive Metal, USA)

 This is a band that located me on myspace at least 2 years ago. I remember when I was first adding bands from my early links, on my myspace page, like Velcra, Silentium, Epica and After Forever when I had a few bands find me like Katra, Diabulus in Musica, Edenbridge when this band from the USA asked me to add them. I remember playing a few songs which seemed to me like demos- really good demos. But my curiosity had stopped there. My only guess was they werent on youtube at the time and their "station" on last.fm didnt include their music (which happens when bands pull their listings from databases sometimes) Whatever the case I completely forgot about them. Luckily, one day my Pandora player reminded me and the first link below "Battle of Kadesh" came through and I went crazy... All the "Who The bleep" and "Where they come from" questions came and then boom a few days later "Surrender to the Sea" came on my player, which I instantly recognized as "its them- that band from my Myspace... are you kidding me?" I clicked thumbs-up and to my delight found some links on youtube. To this day I still revel in these 2 songs as if hearing them for the first time. Absolute gold here.

 Ensiferum (Folk Metal, Finland) I came across these guys during my "I must check every band from Finland" phase. I found them to be rather interesting mix of folk metal with some death and blackened influences but at times it all just didnt totally work for me at the time. Its my only explanation for how stumbled through their catalog without much success. Until Pandora played this song for me. I have a heavy influence of Finnish bands in my song seeds and band seeds, and Pandora correctly picked this one for me. It's a medley of Finnish National Songs sung beautifully and contrasted against quite heavy Folk Metal backing music. Maybe its my Finnish heritage coming through when I play this song I somehow feel maybe my Father is smiling down on me from somewhere.  

 Luca Turilli (Progressive Symphonic Power, Italy) I have found that most of my Metal friends don't know the vast majority of the bands I have put into my blog but its when I don't know something, only to find out that like everybody knows them is when I get a bit miffed. In sheer delightful ignorance, let me "tell" you about this band called Rhapsody. They are this power metal band with like a gazillion fans and they were once called Rhapsody of Fire, but had to change it and there is a vocalist guy who's superb, and this guitarist guy who's like a genius or something. What does this have to do with this Luca guy you ask? He's the virtuoso genius guy, who does solo projects and this one breaks away from his more typical speed injected power metal fare and bridges more towards the gap of symphonic metal-ish. When this song came up on my Pandora player, I was quite blown away by it within in the first minute and then I read the bio and go "Oh Yeah THAT guy from that Rhapsody band". I had no clue. I just knew I had come across a bunch of links from that band and never knew where to start, but much of it all sounded pretty much the same to me. But Not this song.

So here is my very favorite songs my Pandora player introduced me to, my Fantastic Four:

Todesbonden- Battle Of Kadesh (USA, Symphonic Folk Metal, 2008)

One of the more unusual songs I have in my listings, in that Laurie Ann Haus (Ephemeral Sun, Rain Fell Within, Autumn Tears) mostly just sings long wailing cries for the majority of the song. The intro is a slow build, with distant cries and what sounds to me a lute guitar, then duplicated by maybe a hurdy-gurdy and then symphonics as the whole band joins in. Its a very epic sounding progressive passage which allows for Laurie to vocalize all over. It stops just to rebuild again. The overall feel of building and breaking down shows some thrash-metal influences. Then there is a quiet passage which leads to powerful section at 5:20 and still no vocals yet, as the guitars rip in for dual tracked solos. All very inspired and they deserve kudos for thinking and writing so far outside of the box. It actually feels they are taking you off to foreign lands. After a short breakdown, she sings the few lines of lyrics as the song comes to a finale phrasing. I simply love this section and the song as a whole.

Todesbonden- Surrender to The Sea  (USA, Symphonic Folk Metal, 2008)

The first time I heard this song the ascending arpeggio piano intro was just about all I needed to raise my eyebrows then Laurie sings a beautiful and instantly memorable melody, on top. Then wham! Just as the band bangs in a heavy rhythm - I am sold! Letting and her show off her full range, climbing to such heights and quickly dropping back down. In the following section the powerful rhythms grind down as she turns up the emotion. These types of dynamics with near-impossible vocal delivery reminds me of a few songs Ive included in my postings so far (see below). Its apparently a formula which I embrace fully, its just a hard one to follow. The climbing and falling vocal melody is a great contrast to breakdown section with chords seemingly just hanging out there. Add in a guitar solo at 3:35 and its easy to see why this is truly one of my very favorite songs I've included so far. Love it!

Songs with similar style, with dramatic arrangements and near impossible vocals that this song reminds me of:

After Forever - Beautiful Emptiness
The Gathering - Strange Machines
Epica - Beyond Belief
Stream of Passion - Embrace the Storm

Ensiferum - Finnish Medley (Finland, Symphonic Folk Metal 2006)

  A song built out of 3 Finnish Anthems, which I wont list here. Right off the first intro riff, the first of the three pieces is beautifully sung, yes its in Finnish and is so melodic and sweet sounding to my ears. Like many National songs, it does sound a bit like a drinking song but is simply about seeing the natural beauty of the Finnish Landscape. The building guitars lead away into the 2nd song at 2:00, another quite beautiful melody, no lyrics but a nice segway to the next portion of the melody at 3:00 which is about a woodsman, the forest and fighting a bear. My Father was Finnish and I do wish he had taught me things about the rich culture from which he came and some of the language, I unfortunately did not have enough time with him in this world and sometimes I feel as I am listening to bands, like these who sing in Finnish, is my way of celebrating the time we did get to spend.

  Another part of this song I enjoy tremendously is the extended super multi-climatic and most epic ending they put on this song. Obviously it's a heavy stamp on a otherwise rather light fare for a band which is really quite heavy, a stamp which shows much heraldry and pride. Long Live Finland.

Luca Turillis' Dreamquest- Shades Of Eternity (Italy, Symphonic Metal 2006)
I am so excited as I bring in this next entry, because it instantly reminds me that these are 4 awesome songs and this one, by Rhapsody's Luca Turilli, has brought me so much joy. I remember playing it several times repetitively till I picked up on the melody. The unnamed vocalist (Listed as "Mystic", but rumored to be Bridget Fogle) delivers a spectacular performance, full of depth, range and ridiculous delivery that it simply blows my mind how it is that singers of this genre are not more well known. Which further is a point in question, why would Luca hide this vocalist's identity? Because her voice is so special, he wants her all for his own apparently. The song is put together in A/B format. The first section includes the main melody, and a start/stop response style where the vocals have an effect on them and the B section section has more a dancing sway to it, with the vocals being more clear and her range is on full display. The rather quick bridge jumps back to the B section before the main melody ends the song. Luca is considered a musical genius in some aspects for his work in Rhapsody(of Fire). This solo project he is playing the keys and this song in particular is in truth rather simple. Doesn't matter because it is such a stand-out and one of my Fantastic Four, and thanks to Pandora I now listen to many songs from these amazing bands.

Next Update: Pandora in The Dark