GENERAL WINTER'S SECRET MUSEUM

3.5 stars. Well i've heard this 7 times so far and would describe the music here as modern, energetic and powerful. Like avestin I too was reminded of both DREDGE and OCEANSIZE. That combination of good vocals with often frenzied and powerful soundscapes dominates.

"Werewolves" opens with heavy drums that eventually lead the way and then vocals join in. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes and then the vocals come back with more passion. Another calm before 3 minutes as vocal melodies arrive. Check out the Post-Rock style guitar before 5 1/2 minutes ! "Cool Smack" hits the ground running and I find this song kind of noisy, lots going on. That is until 2 1/2 minutes in, but then it starts to build again. Ripping guitar after 4 1/2 minutes. The acoustic guitar melodies to end it sound great. "Big Al" is a top 3 track for me. This just sounds so good, especially the vocals. It turns to an all instrumental track from 2 minutes to the end. Sounds like KING CRIMSON's "Discipline" with the intricate guitar melodies. "Castle Builder" opens with gentle guitar,while vocals are reserved as they arrive before a minute. A heavy undercurrent does roll in. "Purple Chukz" reminds me that my daughter has a pair of green ones, and a pair of black ones. Haha.This song has a nice heavy sound to it. An acoustic guitar break ends 3 minutes in. Some excellent bass in this one. I like the vocals a lot.

"The Clincher" features a good aggressive sound. It does settle before 3 minutes although it's dark. The guitar comes in and gets louder and louder. Nice. "Will O' The Wisp" is another top 3 track for me. It's lighter to start out but it gets pretty heavy by the 2 minute mark. Great bass and drum work here. The drumming really stands out 3 1/2 minutes in with those chunky bass lines. "The Moon" opens with acoustic guitar as lighter vocals come in. Harmonies too. The tempo picks up before a minute. More killer bass before 3 1/2 minutes. It ends as it began. "IceClock" is my other top 3 song if your keeping score at home. Drums and vocals sound so good here. A calm after 2 minutes but then it does kick back in. Nice bass in this one as well from Dan the guitar man.

I wonder what this band has up their sleeves for the next one, until then I will continue to play this one in hopes it grows to a 4 star rating.