New Band/ Album Review: Thrillkiller, Time

"There's Something About You

I'm In Too Deep!"

I've said before that the Washington DC and Baltimore areas is a breeding ground for amazing progressive metal. And, it is. But what do you get when you combine the musical talent of a band like Toto with the energy and soul of a band like Extreme? You get the Baltimore heavyweight, Thrillkiller! Although, don't think for a second that I'm saying they sound like anyone. They have their own unique style. They have a great name too, but Thrillkiller may not be the right name for this band. They don't kill ANY thrill. They simply thrill over and over again, never letting up, and you're better for hearing them!

Simply put, this band is incredible. Their four song EP called Time has more energy than a nuclear reactor. And, I'm not exaggerating. You start listening to it, and you'll be hooked. You'll be bobbing your head, and you'll be cheering at the end of each song. And that's just listening to the album! Imagine seeing them live!

All four songs on the EP are loaded with groove, funk, harmony, blistering guitar, earth shaking rhythm section, and great vocals/ vocal harmony. I'm just going to say that right off the bat and apply it to all the songs. However, while nothing sounds the same on the album, Thrillkiller definitely has their own unique style. Track 3  In Too Deep is more of a deep groove with a huge chorus, and a hook that will get stuck in your head in a good way. Track 1, Passion Killer shows us the blues influence on the band, with yet another huge chorus. Track 2, Time is my favorite on the EP. It has more of a metal feel to it than the other tunes, although it is still full of funk influences. The guitar solo is spectacular on this one, with an 80's virtuoso feel to it. And, another huge chorus! Track 4, The Storm is an all out assault on the senses. Its got everything from 80's virtuoso feeling guitar solo to hard and heavy driving power. It would make a great set opener or closer.

Maxim Sobchenko, guitars. Rob Bradley, Vocals

Singer, Rob Bradley is one of the best singers I've had the pleasure of reviewing. He has an amazing vocal range, and can harmonize anything. Its a smooth voice that is powerful in every part of his range. He's also a vocal instructor. Guitarist, Maxim Sobchenko is every bit a guitar god as such funk/rock/metal guitar gods, like Nuno Bettencort. He's amazing. He doesn't play rhythm guitar. Every lick on the EP is a lead of some sort. The two of them are the only permanent members at the moment. They are looking for a bassist and drummer good enough to share the stage with them. However, Matt Bittman  who has worked with bands like Slipknot, Mars Volta, and Imagine Dragons played bass and drums, as well as engineering the album. The band is already playing shows, so keep an eye out for them!

This album is EXTREMELY well done. It sounds every bit as good as; if not better than many of the releases of signed bands. Its probably one of the best sounding indie productions I've ever heard. The music is a clinic on how great music should sound. Rock and metal musicians will love it, but non musicians will love it as well. Its as intricate as progressive rock and metal, but has a commercial feel to it as well. You owe it to yourself to get this one! 

And, here's how to get it:

CD Baby

Bandcamp

Soon to be on Itunes, Amazon, Google, etc.

Social: 

Facebook

Reverbnation

And, we had the band on the Night Time Fiasco as guests a few couple months ago. Click here.
Although the show was called something else at the time.

Album Review: A Sound of Thunder, Tales From the Deadside

"When the clock strikes midnight

and you hear the bell toll...."

Once again, something great has come out of our nation's capital. But, it isn't a policy that would do something good for the country. Its a badass band called A Sound of Thunder; a female fronted, wickedly awesome prog metal band from Washington DC that has just released a concept album masterpiece. Their album, Tales From the Deadside is based on the Valient Entertainment  comic Shadowman. The cover is Shadowman's nemesis, Master Darque. The band launched a successful Kickstarter campain to fund this album, and they believe it is their best album to date. And, that's saying a lot because the last album I reviewed for them was extremely stellar. 

Really, to say that any one song in particular has great guitar, bass, drums, and vocals would be a bit redundant. The band is extremely talented, and it shows in every song. Josh Schwartz is a guitar god. Nina Osegueda is a 5'2" powder keg of vocal ability that explodes in every song. She can sing like a songbird...A songbird that can sing a sweet lullaby, then in an instant, mutates into a Godzilla sized monster that screams like a banshee. Looks are definitely deceiving in her case. The rhythm section of Jesse Keen on bass, and Chris Haren on drums sound like one instrument...One powerful instrument that could be compared to Thor's Hammer.

A Sound of Thunder: Jesse Keen, Chris Haren, Nina Osegueda, Josh Schwartz

The songs on the album begin with quotes from the Shadowman comics about what the story's hero and villain are doing. I'm a bit down on concept albums. There are many that are done, but only a few that are done well. Tales From the Deadside is done VERY well. The story is easy to follow, and the music flows as easily as the story. It opens with Children of the Dark, which is a hard driving groove. A great selection to open the album. All the songs on the album are title track worthy, meaning that there are no filler songs. Really, this album has everything. From the driving metal skull crushers like track 4, Deadside and track 9, Tremble to the progressive flow of harmony guitar and vocals of track 6, Losing Control, to the roller coaster ride of saxy jazz, metal, and speak easy type playful vocals on track 7, Punk Mambo. That song is incredible. And, what would a concept album story that takes place in New Orleans be without jazz? Not sure who played the saxophone, but that person is very good. 

All styles of heavy metal are represented, and represented very well. Even the heavy groove aspect in track 8, Alyssa (Life in Shadows)  and, the dark, slow, deep and creepy Black Sabbath style in track 10, End of Times. But, it all has the sound and style that is uniquely A Sound of Thunder.

You owe it to yourself to grab this album. Its nothing short of spectacular. Josh Schwartz is right. Best album yet. And, A Sound of Thunder has outdone themselves with each new album, so I think my head might melt if they are able to top this one. 

And one last thing...If someone makes a Shadowman movie, this album had BETTER be the soundtrack.

The band is touring extensively, so be sure to catch them then they come your way. And pick up Tales From the Deadside on Amazon, Google Play, or wherever you buy music.

A Sound of Thunder Links:

Their Website
Facebook
Reverbnation
Bandcamp
Twitter

ASOT's latest appearance on The Will and Thunder Show

Guest Writer, Zoe Federoff of Insatia Shares Inspiration of Defeating Domestic Violence Mental Trauma

Meet Zoe Federoff of the
Prog Metal band, Insatia

Hi..This is Will here. I have opened my blog for guest writers, and I saw a story from my friend, Zoe Federoff of the band, Insatia on Facebook. She and her band are past and future guests of our show. We love Zoe and Insatia, and you will too. I read her post, and it was very moving and inspiring. I reached out to her to be my first guest writer here on this blog, and she agreed. I invite you all to read her story about her victory over an abusive relationship, and the grip it can have on the victim. She did it, and she has her grandmother to thank for it. Her grandmother unlocked Zoe's strength. This is an incredible and inspiring story, and I enjoyed reading it immensely. I know you will too. The rest of this is Zoe in her own words. 

Take it away, Zoe!

Despite being a very young newcomer to the metal scene, people often tell me I have a fearless attitude on stage. I never get nervous about the crowd. (Unless my drummer has pulled an all-nighter, but that's another story…) From my very first real show with my band, opening for Sonata Arctica last year, I have felt no apprehension. Just freedom, an indescribable high when I get to hold a mic and share a message with my metal family.

Where did my fearlessness come from?

When my grandparents were serving in the Peace Corp, their assignment was post-Soviet Bulgaria. This was 1995; there were more remnants of the USSR than just the rubble of a fallen wall in Berlin. There was the rubble of broken, beaten down hearts still clinging to fear and suspicion towards the west. People did not know how to live freely, with smiles on their faces and a dance in their step. The Bulgarians said that if you looked too happy, you were asking for trouble- because happy people were always "up to something." The only way to be safe was to be "normal."

My grandparents were the epitome of classic era America, especially my vivacious, red haired grandmother with bright green eyes and a ready laugh. She was a product of the 50's, and no one was more out of place in somber, solemn Bulgaria than her. She turned heads and frightened people with her independence, spunk, and liveliness. One of the most outrageous things she did while she was over there started off quite innocently, with her and my grandfather purchasing a pumpkin at the market and carrying it home.

My grandmother's teaching partner, a Bulgarian woman, stopped her.

"Why are you carrying a pumpkin? You don't have any animals. Only livestock eat pumpkins."

My grandmother was taken aback. "I'm making pumpkin bread. It's very common in America, warm and spicy. I'll make some for you too."

The woman frowned. "No." She insisted firmly. "You cannot do this."

My grandmother, who had never in her adult life allowed anyone to tell her she couldn't do something, looked at the woman in disbelief. "I am going to make pumpkin bread. You are welcome to try some." Then she continued on her way back to their apartment.

Now my grandmother didn't settle for simply making pumpkin bread, she wanted to make a point. The Bulgarians around her were so tied up in certain ways of doing things, rigid rules to follow at all costs, that she wanted to give them a taste of freedom, not just pumpkin. Freedom from the fear that had written their lives for them for decades under soviet rule. And she did it quite simply, by making bread out of an object they were told was not fit for human consumption.

It was a small protest against fear, but a protest nonetheless that garnered a fair amount of attention the next day at the school she taught for, when 24 muffins appeared on a plate in the staff lounge with the words "Pumpkin muffins" written on a card beside them. My grandmother peaked into the lounge every so often to see what people were making of the muffins. A small crowd circled the muffins hesitantly, leaning in to examine them, and whispering to each other as if someone had left "arsenic muffins" or "octopus muffins" in the lounge instead. Finally a few people picked up some muffins, tried them, and went to my grandmother's teaching partner. They told her "Please ask Kay Federoff to share the recipe for Pumpkin Muffins."

Bulgaria has continued evolving in the 20+ years since then. Young people have grown up unaware of what it was like to live in fear of breaking rules. The current generation holds no memory of life under soviet rule. (Although Russia is certainly causing it's fair share of concern still.) But it has taken time to move past the fears inspired by living under Soviet rule. Only time erases fears, even the silly ones.

When I left an abusive relationship a few years ago, and then got my head cleared and my heart mended in moving to Oklahoma City, I would call my grandmother and tell her that I was still scared. I had left behind my young daughter, and my family was still strategizing on how to rescue her next. My PTSD from the abuse caused intense emotional breakdowns whenever I saw young girls and babies. I had recurring nightmares about my time living with Lily's father and his parents. I was stuck living in certain patterns to avoid feeling afraid. Even if he was no longer physically present to hurt me, I still felt a strange attachment to my past that prevented me from progressing. His words echoed in my head constantly, "You're not pretty enough to be a singer. You don't have enough talent to front a band." And even more painfully- "You can't be a mother. You'll never be anything but trash." 

My grandmother heard these concerns and she told me, "You, my dearest granddaughter- you're made from tougher stuff. You come from a long line of unconventional, brilliant, outstanding people. You come from a long line of happy, successful, romantic marriages. You are entitled to happiness. You are born to be fearless, and we will break you out of the fear and bring you back to who you were meant to be. I promise you, once you get out of your own patterns, once you realize that there are no walls or lines that can't be crossed- you are going to be just fine. We're going to help you break out of this- because there is nothing you can't do or be."

And she has. 

My grandparents helped me think differently, value myself and my happiness, and reject fear and oppression. *Viciously* reject fear and oppression. When I get on stage, I am making a statement against fear- the crowd may not realize what type of journey I took to get there, but they do recognize that I'm not afraid of them. I'm still angry sometimes at what was done to me, and I want to turn that anger into empowerment, not just for me, but for other women dealing with the same situation. However, despite my anger, I'm not afraid anymore, and I promise you, that my daughter will be taught to live fearlessly and rise above all circumstances thrown at her- and she will never settle for the words "You can't do that."

And it all starts with teaching her how to make pumpkin bread this Christmas.

_______________

Here's to the people who refuse to live confined by what people tell them they can't do!

Love always,

Z

P.S. If you or someone you love is struggling with domestic abuse, there are so many resources available to you, because NO ONE should have to live in fear. Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at ncadv.org.

Insatia's Facebook Page and, Zoe's Facebook Fan Page

Queensryche: Condition Human, Album Review

Evolution Calling!

Truth.

In 2013, Queensryche fans got what they were hoping for. A return to form album from one of the pioneers of progressive metal. Their self titled album was just what Doctor X ordered. Seems he delivered the cure after all. Although the album wasn't progressive metal, it was better than anything released after Promised Land. It was even better than Empire. The band needed to get an album out fast, and they did; And, the fans rewarded them for it with a #23 debut on the charts. For the first time in years, the band was working cohesively as a unit, and it showed. That all being said, the fans were left wondering if the band could evolve into something much better, and get back to their true progressive roots, without sounding like simple rehash of classic albums.

Lets just get that out of the way right now. They did, and on a grand scale. Condition Human seems to be the natural evolution that the band should have taken years ago after Promised Land, rather than venturing into the realms of grunge and even adult contemporary. However, the band got rid of the main problem, released the self titled album, toured extensively, and got to know each other musically once again, along with the new members. Then, they produced this juggernaut. Once again, just what Doctor X ordered. Double time.

Todd LaTorre

The first thing you'll notice is the incredible vocal range of Todd LaTorre. Something that was mostly absent in the songs from the previous album. He did after all replace Midnight of Crimson Glory, so you knew it was there. He leads the songs effortlessly, piercing the stratosphere, dipping low, and everything in between. Also, the vocal harmony is every bit as good it was in the first albums. Backed up by Eddie Jackson and Parker Lundgren, the vocals are a fine tuned instrument on their own in every song. 

Parker Lundgren and Michael Wilton

The next thing you'll notice is the great guitar work. Queensryche has always been known for great guitar solos, twin axe harmony solos, which are the perfection you'd expect. Parker Lundgren has much more duties in the lead guitar department than on the previous album, and executes flawlessly. Michael Wilton is great as always. This is a unit equal to Priest and Maiden in talent. Check out track 10, All There Was. One thing that is different though is the rhythm guitar. Its a monster all its own. There is mauling rhythm guitar in all the songs, but specifically, the rhythm guitar in Guardian, Toxic Remedy, and Hellfire is a step up in Queensryche music. Think the skill and precision of The Needle Lies, except throughout the entire song.

Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield

And the last thing you'll notice, but certainly not the least thing  is the rhythm section of Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield. This has always been a unit in beast mode, but the work produced in this album is nothing short of incredible. Scott Rockenfield is one of the all time great drummers of heavy metal, but he does things in this album that defy logic. Eddie Jackson is one of the most solid bass players to play in a metal band. The two join together to form a deep and powerful assault on the foundation of the building you're jamming the album in.

Now, lets get into the music itself. One question I've been asked is "Does it sound like Mindcrime or Rage for Order? What album does it sound like?" Well, it does sound like a Queensryche album. It sounds exactly like Condition Human. And, isn't that what we all wanted? Yes, there are songs that could have fit on previous albums, like the title track COULD have been on Mindcrime, and there are several songs that COULD have been on Rage or Promised Land, but Condition Human sounds like its own creation. Modern Queensryche with deep rooted influences that prove that they are still very much the band we all know and love from years back.

There are songs that have the progressive/mature feel of Promised Land. Songs that have the deep and dark technical aspects of Rage and Mindcrime. There is even a hint of Crimson Glory influence no doubt because of Todd  LaTorre writing with the band. But just because there is influence doesn't mean that it sounds just like anything else. One thing you will NOT find here is a song that is centered around a riff from a song off a classic album, played a little faster with new lyrics.

Condition Human is proof that things get better with age. I would definitely put this in the band's top three, and maybe best overall. You decide! You will not be disappointed! 

Its available on Google Play, Amazon, Best Buy, Itunes, Walmart, FYE, and anywhere else you can buy music. If you haven't gotten it yet, get it THIS WEEK, so we can chart this bad boy!

And PS, if you're in Queensryche or a member of their management, we really need to get the band on my radio show. ;)

Album Review: Iron Maiden's 'The Book of Souls'

____________________________________________
....Humanity Won't Save Us
...At the Speed of Light
_______________________________________

But, Iron Maiden might. Or at very least keep REAL metal alive. Early reviews of their new album, The Book Of Souls signaled a juggernaut of an album. And, they weren't wrong. This double album masterpiece has all of the elements that made Maiden the greatest metal band. You could say that its a revisit to the sound of their classic albums, and that's partially true. Iron Maiden has always had the skill of a progressive metal band, but always stayed true to pure raw metal. The Book of Souls is arguably a progressive metal album. All six members are firing on all cylinders (Not that they ever weren't) has resulted in the best album straight through since Fear of the Dark. And, Bruce Dickinson has turned in his finest vocal performance since then as well. I mentioned the elements? Twin axe harmony attack, thundering bass, the trademark middle of the neck rhythm riffs, complimented by leads that are as powerful as the rhythms, epic drums, eerie synth, superb vocals (after Bruce whooped throat cancer's ass!) and of course, WHOAHS! Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers all have prominent writing roles as well.

The album starts off with in my opinion, the best opening song since Moonchild, from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. If Eternity Should Fail starts with an intense synth that leads into a driving force of a song. I bet they use to open the tour just like they did with Moonchild. You aren't really going to have any radio ready hits (despite the fact that radio sucks unless its satellite radio) like Run to the Hills or The Trooper. Although Speed of Light is VERY close to that type of song. You also get a 13 minute epic assault on the senses. The Red and the Black starts off with a creepy bass lick that is followed by the what you'd expect. Guitars, epic whoahs, and another 13 minute beast of a song. It is actually a true progressive metal song. And, that isn't even the longest song on the album! We'll get to that later.

When the River Runs Deep picks up the pace, and gets down and dirty. If Aces High, Sea of Madness and Seventh Son were to have a baby together, it would be this song. It simply rocks. The title track starts with a very heavy harmony guitar lick, and a groove that with the synth in the background makes for a monster of a song to hear live. In the song Shadows of the Valley, you might think you know what to expect. It starts off similar to the opening lick in Wasted Years, then it goes in a completely different direction. Offbeat lead licks, and blistering mid tune rhythms....and whoahs!

Early reports were saying this is a concept album. It isn't. Its a themed album, which is just fine with me. I won't say which ones, but I've been let down by a few concept albums over the last decade. Book of Souls is simply about life after death, sacrifice, and souls. All the songs have that theme to them. In fact, Eddie is a Mayan mummy in this album cover. Likely the most touching song on this album, Tears of a Clown is a heart felt tribute to Robin Williams. I say that because as far as I know, its the only song about such an inspirational figure, who left us in such a tragic way. 

Iron Maiden saved the best for last on this 11 track epic album, and so did I. Empire of the Clouds makes this album that is already incredible into a 5 star masterpiece. It starts off with an amazing piano intro that Bruce Dickinson plays. He begins singing, and Nikko McBrain joins in with a marching beat on the snare drum. The song builds some more as the guitars join in and the drums are playing a whole beat. Harmony guitar solos come and provide an intro into an almost orchestral break, worthy of Dream Theater or TSO with guitar breaks reminiscent of Hallowed be Thy Name, then explodes back into another verse. You will really listen to this one and think "Did they just do that???"

Sure, Maiden has always been talented enough to do a progressive metal album, but they've never done it...Until now. And, while many progressive metal bands will have moments of filler, The Book of Souls has NO filler songs, or unnecessarily long musical breaks. Take my word for it, and buy this album. It signals that Iron Maiden is nowhere near done yet. Just like all the other great metal bands who have put out absolutely incredible albums over the past few years, Maiden has staked their flag, and let us know that the future of metal is still after all these years in capable hands. UP THE IRONS!

Wrapping it up, a friend of mine, Miss Zoe Federoff, the incredible singer of the incredible progressive metal band, Insatia said after hearing the album today "I have just now accepted a great truth about myself. I want Bruce Dickinson's babies." You don't need to go to those extremes, but you get the point. Just take our word for this. You'll dig the album!

Buy it! Now! Amazon Itunes Best Buy

Album Review: A Sound of Thunder's The Lesser Key of Solomon

Something good coming from Washington DC? Really?

 I wasn't sure I believed it at first. But, the progressive metal band, A Sound of Thunder is just that. And, when the band went on Kickstarter, their loyal fan base delivered to the tune of $23,000 to make their latest album, The Lesser Key of Solomon. And, unlike the other people in DC who make a career of asking for money, these donations went to something incredible. This album is the best thing to come out of DC in...well, ever!

The first thing you notice about A Sound of Thunder (ASoT from here on out) is the incredible artwork on their album covers. The Lesser Key of Solomon for example has a sorceress who has apparently summoned a Cthulhu, named Udoroth which is the first song on the album. The second thing you notice is the amazing voice of  Nina Osegueda. At 5'2", she is about the same height of the legendary Ronnie James Dio. But, her voice is every bit as enormous and incredible as it covers a broad range. She can sing a delicate and soft ballad, and without even taking a breath, belt out a shriek that would make Thor nervous.

Nina Osegueda

ASoT was formed in 2008 by guitarist, Josh Schwartz. A guitar virtuoso in his own right, he belongs in the same conversation with the likes of Al Pitrelli and Marty Friedman, and drummer Chris Haren who also belongs in the conversation with speed metal greats like Dave Lombardo. It took a year to find Nina Osegueda, but once they did, the band took off like bullet train. Although, the bass guitar spot wasn't filled until 2010, they proved that good things come to those who wait. Jesse Keen's arrival solidified the lineup and provided the perfect fit with the talent of the other 3 members.

Josh Schwartz

This album is textbook progressive metal. From its intro, Nexus of Realities, into Udoroth you are grabbed by the throat, and bombarded with intricate guitar riffs, powerful rhythm, and of course, incredible vocals and harmonies. This is one of the most talented bands that I've heard in a long time. The song writing skill of the band is top notch. Fantastic stories like Udoroth and the epic Elijah come to life in your mind's eye, If there was ever a band that needed to release a concept album, ASoT is it. They have the skill to make a great one that would compare to legendary metal concept albums like Operation: Mindcrime, Abigail, and Something Wicked. 

Chris Haren

While this is an epic metal album, it does have some soft moments. The Boy Who Could Fly is an enchanting ballad. Also, Blood from the Mummy's Tomb starts off as a ballad but quickly turns into a metal assault on the senses. Nina Osegueda also channels the late great Midnight of Crimson Glory with a high note that could pierce steel. Also, during the guitar solo, we also hear a music box accompanying Josh Schwartz as he shreds it.

Jesse Keen

Basically, this album is technical progressive bliss, combined with a couple metal anthems like Black Secrets and Master of Pain. If you like prog bands like Kamelot, Epica, and Nightwish, and metal bands like Savatage, Helloween, Priest, and Maiden, then ASoT is right up your alley. I am not saying that they sound like any of these bands because they have their own unique style. 

I have said repeatedly on this blog, and on the Will and Thunder Show <ca-ching!> that all the great metal comes from Europe and Scandinavia. It is refreshing to find one that is every bit as good as the great bands from over seas right here in the good ol' USA. Perhaps there is hope for metal here. So, do yourself a favor and get this album! Buy it from the A Sound of Thunder's Website.

Catch A Sound of Thunder on the Will and Thunder Show September 16 at 7PM Eastern

Riseback: Female Fronted Metal from Istanbul

It takes a lot to blow me away musically. A band has to have all of a list of things in order to really leave me awe struck. They are exceptional musical talent, well written and meaningful lyrics, a powerful rhythm section where the bass plays with the drums and not the guitar, skilled guitarist who plays rather than just strumming chords, and last but not least, great vocals and backup vocals. Now, there are many great bands that don't have all of these things I listed. I am not knocking anyone. All I am saying is that its the bands that have all those things are the ones that blow me away. Istanbul, Turkey's Riseback does. The last band prior to Riseback to blow me away like that was Greece's Wardrum. And, Istanbul is not that far from Greece, and I have already contacted Wardrum, and told them that they need to play some shows with Riseback.

Vocals: Riella Eskenazi

From the first song on the self titled album, Riseback owns you. They have a style that is a mix of melodic/progressive/modern metal, with a touch of goth. But, there are classic influences as well. For example, in the guitar, I hear a little bit of heavy Judas Priest influence. Singer, Riella Eskenazi has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Its pure, yet powerful, and oozes emotion. You feel something when you hear her sing, whether she is singing softly like in Try to Say, or whether she is belting it out like in Fake Numb Face, and Make You Real.

Guitar, Ali safa Uzun 

Speaking of Fake Numb Face and Make You Real, guitarist, Ali safa Uzun makes the statement that he's worthy of being in the same sentence with greats like Glen Tipton, and Jon Schaffer. The guitar in those songs is heavy, fast, and driving. Raw power. All the songs on the album have a heavy drive to them, but those songs are the heaviest.

The lone ballad on the album, Try to Say even thinks its a heavy song. It starts off as a sweet sounding piano ballad, but winds up with some bursts of heavy guitar. Several of the songs have slow sections to them, but Try to Say is the only ballad.

Drums, Onur Acka

All of the songs have a commercial value to them, meaning that even though they show the immense talent of the band, this album could still chart on the US rock charts. The first song, Game Powered has a groove that is catchy, and would even appeal to the non musician. Really, the whole album would apply to the non musician.

Their song, Far away was released on a compilation album in 2011, and Riseback has played several large festivals, including the Headbangers Weekend, where they opened for Overkill, and other big names. They also played the Metal Crowd Open Air Festival. Riseback is also being played on various streams in Europe along with Evanescence, and Lacuna Coil. Also, another compilation is coming out soon that will feature Riseback, and other female fronted bands. They are also working on their second album.

Bass, Koner Mimili

So, they are making a name for themselves in Europe, but I want then big in the US. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that is a recurring theme here. All the great music in the world is coming from Europe, South America, Africa, etc. All the US is putting out is more (C)rap, and cookie cutter pop acts that all sound the same. Don't get me wrong, there are just as many great bands in the US as anywhere else, but the record companies here want nothing to do with it. That needs to change, and I'm doing all I can to help by showcasing what is much more main stream over seas than what we are force fed by the record companies in the US.

Buy Riseback's album.  Follow them on Twitter and Facebook Here is their interview on the Will and Thunder Show. <ca-ching!> And, thanks to Femetalism for sending Riseback my way!

And, check out their video for Make You Real.

And the video for Game Powered

         And by all means, tell your friends about this band!

And, I am in love with Riella. :)

Finnish Symphonic Metal Band, Severnica and Their EP, Long Lost Longing

From Turku, Finland comes yet another amazing progressive/symphonic metal band called Severnica. From the US comes another rap band with zero talent. I think I need to take my show, and vocal/guitar abilities somewhere they would be appreciated. I don't know..maybe Finland? Sweden? Denmark? But then, there would be nobody in the US to tell everyone how much awesome great music comes from there. Oh well...Guess I'm staying and taking one for Team USA.

Still, the metal coming from there is amazing, and Severnica is no exception.

Most of the progressive/ symphonic metal is heavy on the keyboards. It adds mystique, and intrigue. Severnica is driven by keyboards, as all 4 of the songs on their EP, Long Lost Longing start with them. Its a little wrinkle in the genre that gives Severnica a uniqueness...All of these bands have a uniqueness to them which makes this genere of heavy metal even more interesting. 

As I said, the music is driven by the keyboards, by Teemu Yolmunen, but that is not to imply that anything else is lacking. It isn't. Tuomo Schwela is a very skilled guitarist, who also offers up the powerful guttural vocal performance, as in the song, My Journey. You can hear it in the guitar rhythms, and his solos. Timo Vilppu and Ville Vainio function as a very tight and thundering rhythm section. But, the vocals are amazing. Singer, Maarit Nieminen has a celestial and beautiful voice. She is very powerful, yet still tender. Its refreshing.

  Maarit Nieminen, Vox          Teemu Tolmunen-Keys,        Tuomo Schwela-Guitars/vox        Timo Vilppu-Bass                Ville Vainio, Drums  

Also, for those of you (like me) who don't speak Finnish, the word 'Severnica' translated means 'Polaris' or 'North Star' which is the brightest star in the sky. Pretty damn good name if you ask me. 

And, if their debut effort is any indication of things yet to come, they will be on tour with bands like Epica, Nightwish etc soon enough.

Pick up their EP on Bandcamp.  Facebook Twitter   

Italian Melodic Metal Masters, Ancient Bards/ Album 'A New Dawn Ending'

Another entry into my series about the great heavy metal coming from Europe, and putting US commercial music to shame. This time, Italy is represented with melodic/symphonic metal band, Ancient Bards, and their album A New Dawn Ending. This is also my first review from this style of music. I'm new to it all together, but bands like Epica, Kamelot, and Nightwish are also on my radar.

They have two other albums, The Alliance of Kings, and Soulless Child, but A New Dawn Ending is the most heavy and epic of the three. Ancient Bards are one of the bigger bands in the region. In the early days, they played many of the enormous heavy metal festivals, which are some of the most amazing experiences on the planet.

CLAUDIO PIETRONIK Guitar - MARTINO GARATTONI Bass - SARA SQUADRANI Vocals - FEDERICO GATTI Drums- DANIELE MAZZA Keyboards 

Singer, Sara Squadrani has collaborated with members of such bands as Kamelot, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Dream Theater, and others. The other members could easily be invited to collaborate because the band is very good as a whole. Must be something in the water in Europe that creates so many talented musicians.

Ancient Bard's Drummer, Federico Gatti

Sara Squadrani has a haunting, beautiful, and powerful voice, and is superb on this album. It is a 71 minute epic adventure into another world. Technical progressions, huge choruses, and virtuoso performances from every member of the band. The first song, A Greater Purpose has a speed metal feel, yet a gothic and melodic overtone, and a bass solo that would make Billy Sheehan jealous. Not to mention the perfection in the keyboard performance. Every performance for that matter. It easily be a celebration song in a Lord Of The Rings movie after a decisive victory in an epic battle. The title track, A New Dawn Ending is an epic song that builds in intensity as it progresses. Across this Life is a heavy work of art. I think its my favorite on the album. The band doesn't have a drummer in this song. They have a machine gun on rapid fire. There is another speedster called In The End.

There are a couple songs that feature spoken word intros from Sara. Before The Storm has one about a coming battle, that leads into a keyboard entourage that sounds like theme music for an army marching into battle.

There is also a ballad, In My Arms that features the keyboard, along with a very haunting vocals. Great vocal harmony and all, and a big chorus that compliments this beautiful song. Plus, a guitar solo that blends virtuoso and basic styles to make the perfect accent to the song. Showdown starts off as a ballad, but quickly turns into a blistering speed metal song. 'Machine Gun Gatti' shines in this song too.

Overall, I like this a lot. Like I said, I hadn't heard much from this genre, but if all of it is as good as this band, I can't wait to get started. If you're into great progressive melodic gothic metal, then Ancient Bards is for you. Pick the album up! Although, get their first two as well. There is a continuing story that starts in a previous album, called The Black Crystal Sword Saga!

Ancient Bard's Website, Facebook page
Buy A New Dawn Ending Soulless Child and The Alliance of Kings: The Black Crystal Sword Saga part 1