Whaddya want?!

TechnicLePanther · 12-31-2015, 11:45 AM

Album: Expanded Music
Artist: Merzbow
Genre: Noise
Suggested by: grindy
Familiarity: Listened to the rest of the albums up to this point.

1. Manipulation 1 - Hello, who is it? Damn phone's ringing. Knowing Merzbow as well as I do, it will probably go away halfway through the song. I mean, this is interesting, but it sort of makes my ears bleed. About 3 minutes in, it's intercut with something else briefly. I get the idea we're gonna have this same basic thing on repeat over and over. Just through some effects in every once in a while to change up the sound a bit. Nope, nevermind, it stopped, and now another annoying sound has come in. ****, I can't listen to this ear rape any longer. I ****ing quit.

2. Manipulation 2 - God, this is really terrible too. Loud high-pitched noises and me don't go too well together. Yeah, **** it, I quit this one too. This is so much worse than Merzbow's regular noise, this is unlistenable.

3. Manipulation 3 - Audio of a crowd, on top of noise, or underneath it, whatever. Not totally unlistenable, but still really bad. It seems like there's been a change of style somewhere here. Alright, less annoying high-pitched noises, and gibberish. I can handle this. Still not enjoyable, but not nearly as bleeding terrible as the last two.

4. Manipulation 4 - Crazy noise! Yup, that's it.

5. Manipulation 5 - A bit of percussion here at least, nothing fun in the slightest though. Again, annoying but not unlistenable.

6. Manipulation 6 - More noise. I tell you, it's inescapable.

7. Manipulation 7 - Some tinny, glass breaking sort of noise. Interesting. And not too long either. That was quite alright.

8. Manipulation 8 - And for the last manipulation, it's low growling stuff. This is the stuff I like Merzbow for. Good. Much more like what I'm used too.

9. M.F.S.W. 1 - Starts out with some loud growling noises in the same vein as the last track, except perhaps with a hint of grinding. Like metal grinding against other metal, that kind of thing. Continous noise throughout, and I'm very impressed. This long track is much better than any of the others, which basically means it's the same minus the annoying bits. Great.

I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in Merzbow. Perhaps I'm just not in the mood for it, but it seems his output has become quite a bit more erratic and unwelcoming. Of course, with the exception of the last couple of tracks, which seem to have much more thought put into them. The rating would be a four, but because the last track is so long, I'll adjust it to a five instead, as that represents my enjoyment a bit more fairly as well. Hopefully the next one will be a bit more pleasurable for me.

OVERALL RATING: 5/10

TechnicLePanther · 01-09-2016, 07:24 PM

Whelp, I unfortunately made it to the third page. AND I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT...

Album: Darkness in a Different Light
Artist: Fates Warning
Genre: Progressive Metal
Suggested by: The Batlord
Familiarity: I've heard one of their other albums, and remember quite enjoying it.

1. One Thousand Fires - Starting out heavy, I see. No quiet intros for them, it's straight into the onslaught. Which honestly isn't too much considering most pseudo-prog metal bands are full on death metal, or at least atmospheric black metal. These guys are somewhere in there, though maybe not as heavy in general. After a little while, the madness resolves into a short intro, and then the main verse. "Ray Alder" has a bit of a James LeBrie touch to his voice. He has quite a bit of that operatic quality to his voice. Excellent guitar solo in the middle, perfect mix of virtuosity and listenability. Lyrics, as far as I can tell, are pretty much the normal Prog Metal fare; some sort of love story. Won't let that ruin it for me though, I thought that was great.

2. Firefly - Alright, now this just sounds like a glam metal love ballad with prog influences thrown in. There is a middle section I enjoy quite a bit. A solo comes after that. This song sort of reminds me of the classic Boston structure. And I really want it to work here. The great thing about Boston is that all of their songs were written so superbly, both lyrically and musically. Some of the lyrics in this song are sort of generic, but the songwriting is good. I just don't think it's good enough for a blue.

3. Desire - Another sort-of ballad. I feel the same way about this one as I do the last.

4. Falling - Yeah, really delving into more power/glam metal territory here. This one is another ballad, pretty much just acoustic guitar and vocals. Alright, I guess.

5. I Am - Excellent intro, it has a Tool sort of feel. Then the vocalist from Pearl Jam makes an appearance. Just kidding, but it sounds that way. It's like Tool made a supergroup with some of Pearl Jam. Really nice songwriting all around, I love the influences on this one as well.

6. Lighthouse - Another one that starts quieter. Sort of tiring, but it picks up towards the end a bit. Enough to guarantee a green at least.

7. Into the Black - Next one gets going quick. I like it. Lyrical section, instrumental bit, and then lyrics again. Good structure, and the licks are really solid. (Why does my mind always go to the dirtiest things?)

8. Kneel and Obey - No. But I will listen to your music. Not much to say, in the heavier vein.

9. O Chloroform - A bit more of a progressive song. Again, it's not spectacular songwriting, but it's not terrible. Par for the course.

10. And Yet It Moves - Longest track, I believe. Starts with some acoustic guitar before diving into a metallic instrumental section. Just sat back and listened really. Great instrumental bits, great verses, great choruses. Great songwriting overall. Really, really enjoyable song.

This was another good album from them. I have to say, it was not nearly what I'd expect. However, it was still good, which is more than some can provide. Great instrumentation all around, but some of the songwriting was a bit bland and lifeless. However, overall, this album was really excellent. It wasn't a tome of perfection, but it was at least a must-listen for fans of prog metal.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

TechnicLePanther · 01-17-2016, 08:50 AM

Album: Róka Hasa Rádió
Artist: Thy Catafalque
Genre: Avant-Garde Metal
Suggested by: mythsofmetal
Familiarity: Only heard a couple of their songs, but what I've heard is very good.

1. Szervetlen - Ambience for a little while, before an orchestra of guitars herald the new coming of post-metal. Then it starts to embrace the synths a bit. Man, this is delectable. Switching between ambient and the heaviest music ever made, all while retaining a central dark feel. Tredding through doom, ambient, industrial, and black, I can clearly see already why people are hailing this as a masterpiece.

2. Molekuláris gépezetek - The atmospheric black metal train continues. Has a long heavy section, and then turns to an electronic section. Then we have some folk thrown in as well. It all merges together rather well. Really, really excellent work here. Long song too.

3. Köd utánam - A shorter song this time, but still just as good. I can definitely hear some russian influence in this one, with the anthemic vocals.

4. Űrhajók Makón - Vocals in the intro sound like the announcer at an airport. Eerie and most certainly atmospheric. As usual the synth line, slightly muffled and extremely alien, is cocaine for the ear.

5. Piroshátú - Starts out with unrecognizable atmosphere, but quickly transitions into a melody I recall. Yup, this is one of the excellent songs I've already heard from Thy Catafalque. Again it delves into post-industrial territory, but maintaining a beautiful and polished atmosphere. I have to say this is probably my new favorite song. Synth strings top the whole thing by fading in and out in a carefully organized manner. I'm so glad things like this exist, because this is honestly otherwordly. It picks up by the ending, creating a grand finale that propels this song into the stars.

6. Esőlámpás - Classical piano intro, and then launching full throttle into the mechanized guitars they do so well.

7. Kabócák, bodobácsok - Delving into the very Avant here, as the song starts with just a couple of tonal percussion instruments. Then it becomes a pretty complicated rhythmic nightmare, with a ton of tapping all over the place. After some spoken word, a piano bit starts, which transitions directly in the next song...

8. Őszi varázslók - When the drums and atmospheric guitars come in. Another shorter song, but great nonetheless.

9. Fehér berek - Another excellent avant-garde song. I love this album so much.

In my eyes, this is a perfect album. Just some of the most beautiful arrangements I've had the pleasure of listening to. Instant fan of this band.

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

grindy · 01-17-2016, 08:55 AM

I'd like to change my rec from Koenjihyakkei to

Höyry-Kone - Huono Parturi

I developed serious doubts about you enjoying Viva Koenji.

TechnicLePanther · 01-17-2016, 08:57 AM

I'm glad to hear you care about my musical tastes.

EDIT- Based on Google Chrome translate, it's Steam Machine - Poor Barber.

grindy · 01-17-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechnicLePanther

I'm glad to hear you care about my musical tastes.

Only the best for you.

Edit: Yep, that's what all the reviewers said as well. The lyrics are reportedly pretty funny, too bad I don't speak finnish.

The Batlord · 01-17-2016, 10:20 AM

Forgot to rec you a new album. Really don't know how you'll think of any powerviolence, but I think this should at least be an interesting listen if nothing else. PM me if you need a link.

Bucket Full of Teeth - IV

Trollheart · 01-17-2016, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechnicLePanther

Album: Róka Hasa Rádió
Artist: Thy Catafalque
Genre: Avant-Garde Metal
Suggested by: mythsofmetal
Familiarity: Only heard a couple of their songs, but what I've heard is very good.

Given your reaction to this, I'm gonna pop it on the Listening List. The combination of you liking it so much and it being a myths rec sounds like it should be unbeatable. Watch this space. No, actually, watch that space. And this one.

The Batlord · 01-17-2016, 11:05 AM

Advertising his own journal in someone else's thread. Yeesh.

Trollheart · 01-17-2016, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

Advertising his own journal in someone else's thread. Yeesh.

It's not a journal, batface. It's a thread. You lose. Go directly to jail.

12-31-2015, 11:45 AM	#411 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Album: Expanded Music Artist: Merzbow Genre: Noise Suggested by: grindy Familiarity: Listened to the rest of the albums up to this point. 1. Manipulation 1 - Hello, who is it? Damn phone's ringing. Knowing Merzbow as well as I do, it will probably go away halfway through the song. I mean, this is interesting, but it sort of makes my ears bleed. About 3 minutes in, it's intercut with something else briefly. I get the idea we're gonna have this same basic thing on repeat over and over. Just through some effects in every once in a while to change up the sound a bit. Nope, nevermind, it stopped, and now another annoying sound has come in. **, I can't listen to this ear rape any longer. I ing quit. 2. Manipulation 2 - God, this is really terrible too. Loud high-pitched noises and me don't go too well together. Yeah, it, I quit this one too. This is so much worse than Merzbow's regular noise, this is unlistenable. 3. Manipulation 3 - Audio of a crowd, on top of noise, or underneath it, whatever. Not totally unlistenable, but still really bad. It seems like there's been a change of style somewhere here. Alright, less annoying high-pitched noises, and gibberish. I can handle this. Still not enjoyable, but not nearly as bleeding terrible as the last two. 4. Manipulation 4 - Crazy noise! Yup, that's it. 5. Manipulation 5 - A bit of percussion here at least, nothing fun in the slightest though. Again, annoying but not unlistenable. 6. Manipulation 6 - More noise. I tell you, it's inescapable. 7. Manipulation 7 - Some tinny, glass breaking sort of noise. Interesting. And not too long either. That was quite alright. 8. Manipulation 8 - And for the last manipulation, it's low growling stuff. This is the stuff I like Merzbow for. Good. Much more like what I'm used too. 9. M.F.S.W. 1 - Starts out with some loud growling noises in the same vein as the last track, except perhaps with a hint of grinding. Like metal grinding against other metal, that kind of thing. Continous noise throughout, and I'm very impressed. This long track is much better than any of the others, which basically means it's the same minus the annoying bits. Great. I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in Merzbow. Perhaps I'm just not in the mood for it, but it seems his output has become quite a bit more erratic and unwelcoming. Of course, with the exception of the last couple of tracks, which seem to have much more thought put into them. The rating would be a four, but because the last track is so long, I'll adjust it to a five instead, as that represents my enjoyment a bit more fairly as well. Hopefully the next one will be a bit more pleasurable for me. OVERALL RATING: 5/10 __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM** - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.

01-09-2016, 07:24 PM	#412 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Whelp, I unfortunately made it to the third page. AND I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT... Album: Darkness in a Different Light Artist: Fates Warning Genre: Progressive Metal Suggested by: The Batlord Familiarity: I've heard one of their other albums, and remember quite enjoying it. 1. One Thousand Fires - Starting out heavy, I see. No quiet intros for them, it's straight into the onslaught. Which honestly isn't too much considering most pseudo-prog metal bands are full on death metal, or at least atmospheric black metal. These guys are somewhere in there, though maybe not as heavy in general. After a little while, the madness resolves into a short intro, and then the main verse. "Ray Alder" has a bit of a James LeBrie touch to his voice. He has quite a bit of that operatic quality to his voice. Excellent guitar solo in the middle, perfect mix of virtuosity and listenability. Lyrics, as far as I can tell, are pretty much the normal Prog Metal fare; some sort of love story. Won't let that ruin it for me though, I thought that was great. 2. Firefly - Alright, now this just sounds like a glam metal love ballad with prog influences thrown in. There is a middle section I enjoy quite a bit. A solo comes after that. This song sort of reminds me of the classic Boston structure. And I really want it to work here. The great thing about Boston is that all of their songs were written so superbly, both lyrically and musically. Some of the lyrics in this song are sort of generic, but the songwriting is good. I just don't think it's good enough for a blue. 3. Desire - Another sort-of ballad. I feel the same way about this one as I do the last. 4. Falling - Yeah, really delving into more power/glam metal territory here. This one is another ballad, pretty much just acoustic guitar and vocals. Alright, I guess. 5. I Am - Excellent intro, it has a Tool sort of feel. Then the vocalist from Pearl Jam makes an appearance. Just kidding, but it sounds that way. It's like Tool made a supergroup with some of Pearl Jam. Really nice songwriting all around, I love the influences on this one as well. 6. Lighthouse - Another one that starts quieter. Sort of tiring, but it picks up towards the end a bit. Enough to guarantee a green at least. 7. Into the Black - Next one gets going quick. I like it. Lyrical section, instrumental bit, and then lyrics again. Good structure, and the licks are really solid. (Why does my mind always go to the dirtiest things?) 8. Kneel and Obey - No. But I will listen to your music. Not much to say, in the heavier vein. 9. O Chloroform - A bit more of a progressive song. Again, it's not spectacular songwriting, but it's not terrible. Par for the course. 10. And Yet It Moves - Longest track, I believe. Starts with some acoustic guitar before diving into a metallic instrumental section. Just sat back and listened really. Great instrumental bits, great verses, great choruses. Great songwriting overall. Really, really enjoyable song. This was another good album from them. I have to say, it was not nearly what I'd expect. However, it was still good, which is more than some can provide. Great instrumentation all around, but some of the songwriting was a bit bland and lifeless. However, overall, this album was really excellent. It wasn't a tome of perfection, but it was at least a must-listen for fans of prog metal. OVERALL RATING: 8/10 __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.

01-17-2016, 08:50 AM	#413 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Album: Róka Hasa Rádió Artist: Thy Catafalque Genre: Avant-Garde Metal Suggested by: mythsofmetal Familiarity: Only heard a couple of their songs, but what I've heard is very good. 1. Szervetlen - Ambience for a little while, before an orchestra of guitars herald the new coming of post-metal. Then it starts to embrace the synths a bit. Man, this is delectable. Switching between ambient and the heaviest music ever made, all while retaining a central dark feel. Tredding through doom, ambient, industrial, and black, I can clearly see already why people are hailing this as a masterpiece. 2. Molekuláris gépezetek - The atmospheric black metal train continues. Has a long heavy section, and then turns to an electronic section. Then we have some folk thrown in as well. It all merges together rather well. Really, really excellent work here. Long song too. 3. Köd utánam - A shorter song this time, but still just as good. I can definitely hear some russian influence in this one, with the anthemic vocals. 4. Űrhajók Makón - Vocals in the intro sound like the announcer at an airport. Eerie and most certainly atmospheric. As usual the synth line, slightly muffled and extremely alien, is cocaine for the ear. 5. Piroshátú - Starts out with unrecognizable atmosphere, but quickly transitions into a melody I recall. Yup, this is one of the excellent songs I've already heard from Thy Catafalque. Again it delves into post-industrial territory, but maintaining a beautiful and polished atmosphere. I have to say this is probably my new favorite song. Synth strings top the whole thing by fading in and out in a carefully organized manner. I'm so glad things like this exist, because this is honestly otherwordly. It picks up by the ending, creating a grand finale that propels this song into the stars. 6. Esőlámpás - Classical piano intro, and then launching full throttle into the mechanized guitars they do so well. 7. Kabócák, bodobácsok - Delving into the very Avant here, as the song starts with just a couple of tonal percussion instruments. Then it becomes a pretty complicated rhythmic nightmare, with a ton of tapping all over the place. After some spoken word, a piano bit starts, which transitions directly in the next song... 8. Őszi varázslók - When the drums and atmospheric guitars come in. Another shorter song, but great nonetheless. 9. Fehér berek - Another excellent avant-garde song. I love this album so much. In my eyes, this is a perfect album. Just some of the most beautiful arrangements I've had the pleasure of listening to. Instant fan of this band. OVERALL RATING: 10/10 __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.

01-17-2016, 08:55 AM	#414 (permalink)
grindy . Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: . Posts: 7,201	I'd like to change my rec from Koenjihyakkei to Höyry-Kone - Huono Parturi I developed serious doubts about you enjoying Viva Koenji. __________________ *A smell of petroleum prevails throughout.*

01-17-2016, 08:57 AM	#415 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	I'm glad to hear you care about my musical tastes. EDIT- Based on Google Chrome translate, it's Steam Machine - Poor Barber. __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.