Artist Profile
Death Metal with Talent | Opeth
Opeth released a new album on June 3rd entitled Watershed (2008). And let me tell you, it is one of the strongest rock/metal albums I’ve heard in a very long time. I will even go as far as to say since the release of 10,000 Days by Tool. Their latest single entitled “Porcelain Heart” summarizes the depth.
10 Years
A newcomer to my ears, 10 Years, has put out two amazing albums entitled Division (2008) and The Autumn Effect (2005) that I’ve had a chance to hear. Both albums are play from start to end type of music. I’ve probably listened to each over 50 times and never did I pick a single and move away. And you’re damn sure that after listening to an album that many times, I remember every change in beat and every word of their lyrics. I’m so glad their lyrics are actually quality and conscious!
Gateway to Post-Metal | Isis
Rhythm. That’s the best word to describe Isis. They are one of the heaviest bands I listen to and definitely the most rhythmically inclined. I believe Isis is among the most influential artists in rock (you just might not realize it), and they’re certainly one the most influential groups among my personal musical influences. It took a few albums for Isis to really develop, but their last two have done rather well for such a niche audience.
Post-Rocked Jazz | The Samuel Jackson Five
I’ll be honest, I purchased The Samuel Jackson Five strictly for the name. I can’t quite remember, but I’m pretty sure I saw their name under one of those “listener’s also bought” type categories when purchasing the new album by Russian Circles. I suppose they both somewhat fit into the Chicago math rock scene. However, there are two key differences between the two bands. The Samuel Jackson Five has a much more apparent jazz influence and even a little experimental rock from time to time. The other difference is that The Samuel Jackson Five isn’t from Chicago, but instead Oslo, Norway.
Progressive Jazz | The Bad Plus
Remember when I said you don’t listen to enough Jazz. Then I reminded you that it was true. Well, it is true, I did say that, and you still don’t listen to enough jazz. I’ve got another jazz band that everyone should check out. The Bad Plus is a three piece band consisting of a piano, upright bass, and one hell of a drummer.
A Brighter Day | Ronny Jordan
The jazz genre itself really never stirred any interest in me when I was younger. I was looking for something I could latch onto and something that vibed with me. Though of course I had heard of the leaders like Thelonius Monk and Miles Davis, they just never hit me in a way that I could just put them on my ipod or I could jam out to on my 7.1 sound system. I particularly was looking for something more soul-driven and something that was smooth. Then came Ronny Jordan, my introductin into the world of jazz.
God is an Astronaut
Our first set of music videos focus on a band from Ireland that goes by the name of God Is An Astronaut. We started listening to them about 9 months back when they released their latest album Far From Refuge (2007). They are an amazing instrumental-only band which you can jam out to without ever feeling the need for lyrics. I love bands like that. Though lyrics wouldn’t hurt, they can do without them and still produce quality music.
New Progressive Rock from… Poland? | Riverside
Just when I thought my only source of new good progressive rock was Porcupine Tree and potentially another album from Tool in the next five years if we’re lucky… I came across Riverside. If you like Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Tool, and/or Opeth, then Riverside deserves your attention.
Hard Rock Fused with Subtle Melodies | Onesidezero
I had a habit back in high school of blindly buying cd’s that were under ten bucks from artists I had never heard. I wouldn’t recommend this tactic as I think I just happend to have an uncanny of ability at picking out new good music… Well, I found Onesidezero among my blind purchases and they’ve been one of my aces in the hole for obscure bands that the common listener would actually like (second to Shun).
Michael in Reign | Shun
Somehow I stumbled across their EP Michael in Reign back in 2002 on Mp3.com. I subsequently downloaded all the songs they had to offer on the site, fell in love with every single one, and then noticed they had already broken up. Man was I pissed.
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