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