Prog Polls - Symphonic Metal: Second Album

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Symphonic Metal: Second Album

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Topic: Symphonic Metal: Second Album

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Subject: Symphonic Metal: Second Album
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 02:39

A new poll for a new month and with a new line-up too! Yes, it's finally here, Symphonic Metal 2, compiled with help from Cristi. Thumbs Up

Several bands from the previous poll have been Cast Away and Consigned to Oblivion...

So it's out with the old:- And in with the new:-

Ayreon Autumn

Dimmu Borgir Coronatus

Evanescence Diabulus in Musica

Lacuna Coil Kingfisher Sky

Stratovarius Lunatica

Symphony X Serenity

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

2001: After Forever - Decipher - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44BNkccoluU" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2009: Amberian Dawn - The Clouds of Northland Thunder - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nQ726xdOUSabZk8YjqxiYY-hzEd-RJPag" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

1998: Apocalyptica - Inquisition Symphony - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nC4-uF__MNnfoGKWrQ61FN0CoxLUeYRTs" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2004: Autumn - Summer's End - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uAJcqHV4" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2002: Avantasia - The Metal Opera Part II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ZX-ND3WnA&t=2669s" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2008: Coronatus - Porta Obscura - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Bpt8Tc9oQ" rel="nofollow - 5 stars

2009: Delain - April Rain - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mH6msltN2CGlqJvKwPrefknhGMqnf5lhA" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2012: Diabulus in Musica - The Wanderer - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLelVKxosXCfLxolcZpYSBsBoda75Q4uw" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2001: Edenbridge - Arcana - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpuoM9nnFnur75sPPjTmL9UZscFAyyLAx" rel="nofollow - 5 stars

2005: Epica - Consign to Oblivion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyYwypnklEY" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2007: Imperia - Queen of Light - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nKO-y-4T7WSKduSmWr2I--U-gSBactc-Q" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

1997: Kamelot - Dominion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo

2010: Kingfisher Sky - Skin of the Earth - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n2vih2ORUHu_RPMeZoK1w8y2f_WfB13QI" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2005: Leaves' Eyes - Vinland Saga - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mSabS5T3Xgkzyj3LRf32q1-oyMaqCzCfw" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2004: Lunatica - Fables and Dreams - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7OEjM25Z0mjxodZRV45HhjR1mb5pOOfk" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7OEjM25Z0mjxodZRV45HhjR1mb5pOOfk

1998: Nightwish - Oceanborn - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mKcxbIGbOUflxqjdQJ9Kaqk-7ZUjqzx9A" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

1998: Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m5SMP9g43iuDZ3MPKA8Nlr6efjf3jzcd8" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m5SMP9g43iuDZ3MPKA8Nlr6efjf3jzcd8

2008: Serenity - Fallen Sanctuary - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mzgs04coyCn8U4uv8L9zILLYooMuAePsc" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mzgs04coyCn8U4uv8L9zILLYooMuAePsc

2004: Sirenia - An Elixir for Existence - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n_S5stll0lwdDYwryPMWGKGktXrkbqxRk" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n_S5stll0lwdDYwryPMWGKGktXrkbqxRk

1992: Therion - Beyond Sanctorum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs

1999: Tristania - Beyond the Veil - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmAKef-T2OFb4ToANoSde7wr4IDXC0zk0" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmAKef-T2OFb4ToANoSde7wr4IDXC0zk0

2004: Visions of Atlantis - Cast Away - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mURklWqPWsRwBhV5P5K9GLb9WlNXa_py8" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mURklWqPWsRwBhV5P5K9GLb9WlNXa_py8

2000: Within Temptation - Mother Earth - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHTo__bpnlYWmzjvwuI_0HEHy3_YQZ1_W" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHTo__bpnlYWmzjvwuI_0HEHy3_YQZ1_W

2004: Xandria - Ravenheart - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3dkSqunNiiuXRZ-fC5-G8-L-R9zhB_g" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3dkSqunNiiuXRZ-fC5-G8-L-R9zhB_g

Replies:

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 02:50

I could vote for 3-4 albums here, I'm gonna decide3 a bit later.

Posted By: Archisorcerus
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 03:02

Nightwish and Rhapsody. Both did amazing sophomores. I'll vote for Oceanborn.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 03:02

Cristi wrote:

I could vote for 3-4 albums here, I'm gonna decide a bit later.

I only know three albums in the poll (by Leaves' Eyes, Nightwish & Within Temptation), so I have a lot of listening to do before I cast my vote. Smile

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 03:49

Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty (2001)

That's my sure choice as my first listning to this album is a big suprise upon no less than

a truly amazing achievement. Thumbs Up

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: b_olariu
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 03:51

Nightwish- Oceanborn

Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands

Edenbridge - Arcana

All 3 for me, have them since were out, 20+ years ago, still love them and all 3 are the best from respective bands

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 04:02

My Vote: Leaves' Eyes: Vinland Saga... remains their best album; fabulous stage show with the home-made Viking long boat; pulled all the stops out for that...

My Runner Up: Epica: Consign To Oblivion

Sue's vote: Delain: April Rain

Sue's Runner Up: Within Temptation: Mother Earth

Posted By: Mormegil
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 05:44

Nightwish gets the nod.

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Welcome to the middle of the film.

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 06:03

David_D wrote:

Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty (2001)

That's my sure choice as my first listning to this album is a big suprise upon no less than

a truly amazing achievement. Thumbs Up

After second listening, highly recommended for those who can be fond of medieval music meeting Metal and other modern influences, without Pop though, moderately Symphonic, partly Gothic, quite Progressive and certainly complex - and still "a truly amazing achievement".

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 06:20

David_D wrote:

Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty (2001)

That's my sure choice as my first listning to this album is a big surprise upon no less than

a truly amazing achievement. Thumbs Up

After second listening, highly recommended for those who can be fond of medieval music meeting Metal and other modern influences, without Pop though, and moderately Symphonic, partly Gothic, quite Progressive and certainly complex - and still "a truly amazing achievement".

Thanks for the double recommendation, and rather handily, Aesma Daeva are at the beginning of the alphabet, so it'll be the first album I listen to in the poll. Thumbs Up

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 06:36

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Thanks for the double recommendation, and rather handily, Aesma Daeva are at the beginning of the alphabet, so it'll be the first album I listen to in the poll. Thumbs Up

good to be prepared on some demanding listening Big smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: April 01 2022 at 21:04

Mother Earth from Within Temptation is one of my favourite albums ever.

Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: April 02 2022 at 15:04

Nightwish is the only one on this list I've heard, so I guess I'll vote for that.

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i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag
that's a happy bag of lettuce
this car smells like cartilage
nothing beats a good video about fractions

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 02 2022 at 16:26

David_D wrote:

Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty (2001)

That's my sure choice as my first listning to this album is a big suprise upon no less than

a truly amazing achievement. Thumbs Up

After a couple more listnings, I won't call it anymore "a truly amazing achievement"...but still really something, and very recommendable for adventurous minds. Big smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: frankbostick
Date Posted: April 06 2022 at 06:30

Within Temptation

Posted By: Progmind
Date Posted: April 06 2022 at 10:22

Therion - "Beyond Sanctorum" this is the last album that i really enjoy from Therion, brutal swedish death metal ala Dismember, Grave, Entombed, etc.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 06 2022 at 10:37

Progmind wrote:

Therion - "Beyond Sanctorum" this is the last album that i really enjoy from Therion, brutal swedish death metal ala Dismember, Grave, Entombed, etc.

I have a strong feeling Therion's "brutal Swedish Death Metal" album won't be my cup of tea at all. Tongue

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 08 2022 at 13:09

In the first of these two Symphonic Metal poll threads, I wrote about Aesma Daeva as a reply to Paul:

"I wonder why they're not more popular than it's the case, and one of the reasons might be (considering their first two albums) that their style is only little Pop-influenced comparing to the typical for Symphonic Metal. "

and I'd like to add here that I could imagine AD's second album to be one of the most experimenting if see it from the perspective of the Symphonic Metal sub-genre.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 08 2022 at 13:37

David_D wrote:

In the first of these two Symphonic Metal poll threads, I wrote about Aesma Daeva as a reply to Paul:

and I'd like to add here that I could imagine AD's second album to be one of the most experimenting if see it from the perspective of the Symphonic Metal sub-genre.

I'll let you know what I think to Aesma Daeva's second album when I eventually get around to listening to it, hopefully before the end of 2022 AD. Wink

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 08 2022 at 17:02

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

I'll let you know what I think to Aesma Daeva's second album when I eventually get around to listening to it, hopefully before the end of 2022 AD. Wink

That'll be interesting to hear. I'd say that The Eros of Frigid Beauty is a kind of Metal version of Gentle Giant. Big smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 08 2022 at 23:37

David_D wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

I'll let you know what I think to Aesma Daeva's second album when I eventually get around to listening to it, hopefully before the end of 2022 AD. Wink

I'd say that The Eros of Frigid Beauty is a kind of Metal version of Gentle Giant. Big smile

I sincerely hope not. Tongue

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 01:20

I gave my vote to Serenity - Fallen Sanctuary (2008). This is some great symphonic power metal album. A hit and miss kind of music for me but this is quite good and the vocalist is excellent.

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 01:41

Cristi wrote:

I gave my vote to Serenity - Fallen Sanctuary (2008). This is some great symphonic power metal album. A hit and miss kind of music for me but this is quite good and the vocalist is excellent.

A good album from a very consistent band...

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 01:48

I look forward to hearing it. How many albums do you know in the poll? I only know three of them (by Leaves' Eyes, Nightwish & Within Temptation). Embarrassed

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 01:52

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 01:54

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

I look forward to hearing it. How many albums do you know in the poll? I only know three of them (by Leaves' Eyes, Nightwish & Within Temptation). Embarrassed

I know most of these bands and l listened to more than half of these albums. A few are really good, entertaining, some are nothing special.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:06

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:08

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

here we go again... Ouch

Put Theli in the poll and go listen to it.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:11

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

here we go again... Ouch

Put Theli in the poll and go listen to it.

I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the fifth Symphonic Metal poll before Theli makes an appearance. Smile

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:15

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

here we go again... Ouch

Put Theli in the poll and go listen to it.

I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the fifth Symphonic Metal poll before Theli makes an appearance. Smile

ok then, go torture yourself.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:20

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

here we go again... Ouch

Put Theli in the poll and go listen to it.

I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the fifth Symphonic Metal poll before Theli makes an appearance. Smile

ok then, go torture yourself.

Although Therion's second album is likely to get Cast Away after the first listen, I'm pretty sure I'll like the other 24 albums in the poll. Thumbs Up

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:22

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Although Therion's second album is likely to get Cast Away after the first listen, I'm pretty sure I'll like the other 24 albums in the poll. Thumbs Up

Not at all what I meant. And you know it already. Ouch

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:32

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Although Therion's second album is likely to get Cast Away after the first listen, I'm pretty sure I'll like the other 24 albums in the poll. Thumbs Up

Not at all what I meant. And you know it already. Ouch

Like I said before, I doubt very much if I'll listen to Therion's second album all the way through. I can only take Death Metal in very small doses. Smile

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:34

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

Don't worry about the first 4 Therion albums; they become progressively more accomplished, but they just aren't your taste.... Theli & Vovin are masterpieces, however.

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 02:38

Jared wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. Tongue

Don't worry about the first 4 Therion albums; they become progressively more accomplished, but they just aren't your taste.... Theli & Vovin are masterpieces, however.

you are the 4th person to tell him that. Geek

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 09 2022 at 04:58

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

David_D wrote:

I'd say that The Eros of Frigid Beauty is a kind of Metal version of Gentle Giant. Big smile

I sincerely hope not. Tongue

but don't be sure.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: April 10 2022 at 00:15

Jared wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Jared wrote:

^^ you certainly need to get acquainted with the first couple of Epica albums...

<span style=": rgb248, 248, 252;">I plan on listening to all of the albums in the poll - eventually - although in the case of Therion's second album, it's likely to get Consigned to Oblivion again. </span> Tongue

Don't worry about the first 4 Therion albums; they become progressively more accomplished, but they just aren't your taste.... Theli & Vovin are masterpieces, however.

For me, my favourite Therion album is Secret of the Runes. I just find it thoroghly excellent. And I love Viking Mythology... but that alone wouldn't make me love the album if the music wasn't up to it.

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 12 2022 at 13:02

If seen besides a couple of tracks (2 and 4), The Eros of Frigid Beauty is maybe closest to Avantgarde-Metal,

especially on the 65-minutes version, I've got, which seems to be the very first one, and then shortened to 55 minutes.

And if the rest of the tracks played in the order 6,7,5;;1,3 then I surely like it. Tongue

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: April 13 2022 at 04:33

David_D wrote:

If seen besides a couple of tracks (2 and 4), The Eros of Frigid Beauty is maybe closest to Avantgarde-Metal,

especially on the 65-minutes version, I've got, which seems to be the very first one, and then shortened to 55 minutes.

And if the rest of the tracks played in the order 6,7,5;;1,3 then I surely like it. Tongue

Anyway, I'm very glad adding this album to my rather small (30 albums) but very diverse Metal (not Hard Rock) collection, also because it represents other sub-genres than all those my other albums do. Tongue

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 00:43

The third Symphonic Metal poll is on its way, just as soon as I've listened to all 25 albums in the poll. Smile

Many thanks to Cristi for helping me compile this series of polls. Thumbs Up

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 01:56

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Many thanks to Cristi for helping me compile this series of polls. Thumbs Up

I did no such thing. LOL

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 03:18

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Many thanks to Cristi for helping me compile this series of polls. Thumbs Up

I did no such thing. LOL

I've given you credit for adding several new artists to the poll as well as correctly informing me that Ayreon should never have been included in a Symphonic Metal poll in the first place. Tongue

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 03:20

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Many thanks to Cristi for helping me compile this series of polls. Thumbs Up

I did no such thing. LOL

I've given you credit for adding several new artists to the poll as well as correctly informing me that Ayreon should never have been included in a Symphonic Metal poll in the first place. Tongue

ok.

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 03:55

Paul, did you ever do a Third album outing on this, or did it die from an acute lack of interest on the part of PA'ers?

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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 23 2022 at 04:01

Jared wrote:

Paul, did you ever do a Third album outing on this, or did it die from an acute lack of interest on the part of PA'ers?

No, but it's coming up very soon, maybe even later today. Thumbs Up

Initially, I was planning to listen to all 25 Symphonic Metal albums in the third poll before posting it, but that could take awhile, so on second thoughts, I'll just listen to the first album in the poll (by Aesma Daeva) and catch up on the rest later. Smile

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 00:10

Six Progressive and Gothic Metal bands who were in the first Symphonic Metal poll but weren't included in this second poll for obvious reasons. Smile

Ayreon

Dimmu Borgir

Evanescence

Lacuna Coil

Stratovarius

Symphony X

And the six worthy Symphonic Metal replacements in this poll, with many thanks to Cristi. Thumbs Up

Autumn

Coronatus

Diabulus in Musica

Kingfisher Sky

Lunatica

Serenity

Posted By: EduTatsumi
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 09:14

Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 13:32

Jared wrote:

Paul, did you ever do a Third album outing on this, or did it die from an acute lack of interest on the part of PA'ers?

Gosh! I only just realised..... After posting the third Symphonic Metal poll recently I haven't even gotten around to listening to any of the albums in this second poll yet (apart from the three I already know by Leaves' Eyes, Nightwish & Within Temptation) so I have a lot of catching up to do, starting with Aesma Daeva - an American band, despite the Latin name.

This album's a real Beauty!

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 14:25

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

This album's a real Beauty!

Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg

Aall riight, Paul!! now you got me pleased. You surely know, I agree about this album, and this video is a treatment. I didn't imagine AD was so appealing live, as I've only seen a very nerdy photo of them and certainly not this video. Thank you very very much!! Thumbs Up

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 14:33

David_D wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

This album's a real Beauty!

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg

My pleasure! Not only is Aesma Daeva's second album a beauty, but their singer Melissa Ferlaak is a real beauty too. Heart

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 26 2022 at 14:43

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

My pleasure! Not only is Aesma Daeva's second album a beauty, but their singer Melissa Ferlaak is a real beauty too. Heart

That's what I reckoned you think after having seen the video and in fact, just seeing you write:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

This album's a real Beauty!

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 02:18

2001: After Forever - Decipher - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44BNkccoluU" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44BNkccoluU

This could have easily been a 4-star album if it wasn't for the annoying cookie monster growling throughout the album, so for added Emphasis, let's hope we don't have to wait until after forever to finally say goodbye to the cookie monster growler on After Forever's albums!

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 03:01

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

[QUOTE=Psychedelic Paul]This album's a real Beauty!

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg

I'd say that the last song on this video is most representative for this album as a whole while the first song is not a part of the album. Smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 03:11

David_D wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

[QUOTE=Psychedelic Paul]This album's a real Beauty!

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg

I'd say that the last song on this video is most representative for this album as a whole while the first song is not a part of the album. Smile

As with all of Aesma Daeva's distinctive albums, there's a stark contrast between their gentle melodic side and their heavy metal side, and that's part of the reason I like them - as well as the delightful charms of their beautiful singer of course. Smile

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 03:41

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

As with all of Aesma Daeva's distinctive albums, there's a stark contrast between their gentle melodic side and their heavy metal side, and that's part of the reason I like them - as well as the delightful charms of their beautiful singer of course. Smile

As I see it, The Eros of Frigid Beauty, is much more complex than that, and not particularly heavy, as the sound over all is quite synthetic/electronic - it's not as heavy as this live video suggest. Smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 03:57

David_D wrote:

Yes, the endless complexities of Aesma Daeva's albums sound like no other Symphonic Metal band I've ever heard before and I noticed that especially on their third album: The New Athens Ethos, which starts off heavily but later contains some beautiful melodic passages with the heavenly siren-song of soprano Melissa Ferlaak, who hails from Minnesota, USA, despite her Dutch name. Smile

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 04:32

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Yes, the endless complexities of Aesma Daeva's albums sound like no other Symphonic Metal band I've ever heard before and I noticed that especially on their third album: The New Athens Ethos, which starts off heavily but later contains some beautiful melodic passages with the heavenly siren-song of Melissa Ferlaak, who hails from Minnesota, USA, despite her Dutch name. Smile

Okay, now you made me curious about their third album, even I can imagine, as the cover suggests, that AD had moved there in a more mainstream Symph Metal direction.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 04:36

And thanks for the information about Melissa Ferlaak's name. Actually, I've been thinking about the origins of her last name,

and was wondering if it was Dutch.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 27 2022 at 09:47

2009: Amberian Dawn - The Clouds of Northland Thunder - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nQ726xdOUSabZk8YjqxiYY-hzEd-RJPag" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nQ726xdOUSabZk8YjqxiYY-hzEd-RJPag

You have to be up early in the morning to hear the sound of Amberian Dawn and they're loud enough to drown out the early morning chorus. Are they Finnish? No, they've barely begun, as this is their second of nine studio albums.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 28 2022 at 01:07

1998: Apocalyptica - Inquisition Symphony - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nC4-uF__MNnfoGKWrQ61FN0CoxLUeYRTs" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nC4-uF__MNnfoGKWrQ61FN0CoxLUeYRTs

More Heavy Metal Cellos!

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 29 2022 at 01:56

2004: Autumn - Summer's End - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uAJcqHV4" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uAJcqHV4

A timely album from Dutch band Autumn, considering it really will be Summer's End here in England in two days time.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 30 2022 at 13:47

2002: Avantasia - The Metal Opera Part II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ZX-ND3WnA&t=2669s" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ZX-ND3WnA&t=2669s

The Metal Opera on Avantasia's second album may sound very familiar, especially if you're a fan of Ayreon and Star One.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: August 31 2022 at 11:29

2008: Coronatus - Porta Obscura - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Bpt8Tc9oQ" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Bpt8Tc9oQ

Classic operatic metal from German band Coronatus. Porta Obscura is not so obscure any more.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 02 2022 at 10:55

2009: Delain - April Rain - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mH6msltN2CGlqJvKwPrefknhGMqnf5lhA" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mH6msltN2CGlqJvKwPrefknhGMqnf5lhA

Sorry for the delay with Delain's April Rain in September.

This is easily my favourite album so far in this poll, although I still have Within Temptation to come yet. I'd Love to Stay Forever here, but I need to Go Away and listen to some more Tangerine Dream.

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: September 03 2022 at 16:04

David_D wrote:

But okay, the contrast between the gentle melodic side and the Metal side is surely present on The Eros..., and that's also part of the reason I like very much this album. Smile

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 10:23

2012: Diabulus in Musica - The Wanderer - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLelVKxosXCfLxolcZpYSBsBoda75Q4uw" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLelVKxosXCfLxolcZpYSBsBoda75Q4uw

A nice hot helping of paella metal, featuring Spanish siren Zuberoa Aznarez with a voice powerful enough to raise the roof! Diabulus in Musica are the only Spanish Symphonic Metal band I know of and they were kindly introduced to me by a certain friend here who I'm not allowed to mention.

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 10:28

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

4 stars

"paella metal"?! Really? Do you have to put some cliché & stereotype behind any foreign band (to you)?

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 10:45

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

4 stars

"paella metal"?! Really? Do you have to put some cliché & stereotype behind any foreign band (to you)?

I'm the king of clichés! I have some apple strudel metal coming up here next. Big smile

Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 10:52

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

4 stars

"paella metal"?! Really? Do you have to put some cliché & stereotype behind any foreign band (to you)?

I'm the king of clichés! I have some apple strudel metal coming up here next. Big smile

Pretty ridiculous and also sad how you do not realize how wrong this is.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 11:13

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Cristi wrote:

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

4 stars

"paella metal"?! Really? Do you have to put some cliché & stereotype behind any foreign band (to you)?

I'm the king of clichés! I have some apple strudel metal coming up here next. Big smile

Pretty ridiculous and also sad how you do not realize how wrong this is.

Sometimes, I think you take me a little too seriously. Tongue

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 14:39

That kind of things can be misunderstood, Paul, and used in a bad way. You made me also want to eat some apple strudel. Tongue

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 15:00

But then, I'm curious. What would it be if it was Danish? "smørrebrød"? Tongue

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 15:24

David_D wrote:

But then, I'm curious. What would it be if it was Danish? "smørrebrød"? Tongue

Head-Bang & Olufsen Metal maybe? Wink

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: September 04 2022 at 16:37

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

David_D wrote:

But then, I'm curious. What would it be if it was Danish? "smørrebrød"? Tongue

Head-Bang & Olufsen Metal maybe? Wink

It's really amazing what you can think of, Paul.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Cambus741
Date Posted: September 05 2022 at 04:19

Symphony of Enchanted Lands is an amazing album

Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: September 06 2022 at 03:07

Psychedelic Paul wrote:

As with all of Aesma Daeva's distinctive albums, there's a stark contrast between their gentle melodic side and their heavy metal side, and that's part of the reason I like them - as well as the delightful charms of their beautiful singer of course. Smile

And I simply love her diverse vocals on The Eros of Frigid Beauty.

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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 06 2022 at 12:23

2001: Edenbridge - Arcana - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpuoM9nnFnur75sPPjTmL9UZscFAyyLAx" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpuoM9nnFnur75sPPjTmL9UZscFAyyLAx

The hills are alive with the sound of Symphonic Metal! This is Edenbridge, who are a long way from Edenbridge in Kent though, as they're from over the hills and far away in Austria. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Julie Andrews fronted an Austrian Symphonic Metal band? That would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 07 2022 at 09:08

2005: Epica - Consign to Oblivion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyYwypnklEY" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyYwypnklEY

An epic album to Consign to your Metal collection from Dutch band Epica. Are you ready to let red-headed siren Simone Simons take you to heaven and back? I'll be Amster-damned if this isn't Edam Gouda album! My cheesy puns are getting worse.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 08 2022 at 04:10

2007: Imperia - Queen of Light - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nKO-y-4T7WSKduSmWr2I--U-gSBactc-Q" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nKO-y-4T7WSKduSmWr2I--U-gSBactc-Q

Imperia is a beautiful ancient city on the Ligurian coast of Italy, and Imperia the band are led by a beautiful blonde Viking goddess by the name of Helene Iren Michaelsen. Imperia are a truly international band with four members from four different European countries: namely, Norway, Belgium, Finland & Germany. Queen of Light is Imperia's second superb album and it would take a Braveheart indeed to deny the charms of their lovely Norwegian queen Helene.

Imperia, Liguria, Italy

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 18 2022 at 10:28

1997: Kamelot - Dominion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo

In the Dominion of Symphonic Metal, American Power Metal band Kamelot are on the periphery with this fairly unmemorable album. I like Kamelot, but not a lot.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 21 2022 at 03:08

2010: Kingfisher Sky - Skin of the Earth - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n2vih2ORUHu_RPMeZoK1w8y2f_WfB13QI" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n2vih2ORUHu_RPMeZoK1w8y2f_WfB13QI

Wilkommen! Dutch band Kingfisher Sky (listed as Heavy Prog on PA) are one of the more melodic bands in the Symphonic Metal genre. Drummer Ivar de Graaf is the main generator of their music, having formed Kingfisher Sky back in 2001 after leaving Within Temptation. Judith Rijnveld is the sweet-voiced songstress on vocals, giving the band a sound something akin to a Heavy Metal version of Clannad.

Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: September 21 2022 at 03:24

^^ I've actually seen Kingfisher Sky... in Birmingham, with Winter In Eden back in 2016, I think...

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 21 2022 at 03:44

Jared wrote:

^^ I've actually seen Kingfisher Sky... in Birmingham, with Winter In Eden back in 2016, I think...

It's a pity Kingfisher Sky didn't pick up any votes in the poll, but that's probably because they're not very well-known. Anyway, they made a welcome change from Kamelot. Wink

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 21 2022 at 09:45

2005: Leaves' Eyes - Vinland Saga - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mSabS5T3Xgkzyj3LRf32q1-oyMaqCzCfw" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mSabS5T3Xgkzyj3LRf32q1-oyMaqCzCfw

Are you captivated by Nordic beauty Liv Christine's eyes? An inspiration for a band name perhaps. Vinland Saga is a tale of the rampaging Vikings in their longships, and we all know what the Vikings are famous (or infamous) for...... plundering, pillaging and..... recording Symphonic Metal!

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 22 2022 at 09:45

A fabulous Swiss roll of honour for Andrea Datwyler & Lunatica - the best Symphonic Metal band ever to come from Switzerland.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 23 2022 at 10:54

1998: Nightwish - Oceanborn - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mKcxbIGbOUflxqjdQJ9Kaqk-7ZUjqzx9A" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mKcxbIGbOUflxqjdQJ9Kaqk-7ZUjqzx9A

Nightwish are Finnish, but how can that be when they've only just begun?

Oceanborn is their second album and one of the best Symphonic Metal albums ever recorded, so no surprise that Tarja Turunen & co. have stormed ahead of all of the other contenders in this poll.

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 24 2022 at 03:23

A second helping of spaghetti metal from Luca Turilli's band, Rhapsody, best-known (at least by me) as Christopher Lee's one-time backing band when they were known as Rhapsody of Fire. Wink

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 25 2022 at 06:34

After a busy day of off-piste skiing (and falling) in the Austrian Alps, you won't find any Sanctuary back at the ski lodge when Austrian Symphonic Metal band Serenity are around. How ironic that the band have named themselves Serenity when their particular brand of metal mayhem is anything but serene. Personally, I'd sooner be over the hills and far away listening to Julie Andrews singing "These Are a Few of My Favourite Things." Confused

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 27 2022 at 02:04

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 27 2022 at 10:41

1992: Therion - Beyond Sanctorum - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs

Beyond Sanctorum is pure Pandemonium - and that's putting it kindly. If you've ever wanted to Enter the Depths of Eternal Darkness, then this album is for you. Angry

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 28 2022 at 00:53

1999: Tristania - Beyond the Veil - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmAKef-T2OFb4ToANoSde7wr4IDXC0zk0" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmAKef-T2OFb4ToANoSde7wr4IDXC0zk0

A-ha, it's another band from Norway..... It's time to lift the veil on Tristania: a Gothic Metal band who are most notable for having three distinct vocal styles, featuring operatic soprano Vibeke Stene, counter-tenor Osten Begoy and death metal shrieker Morten Veland. Thankfully, this was the last album that Morten Veland appeared on. Dead

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 29 2022 at 01:33

I'm Lost in Love with Austrian Symphonic Metal goddess Nicole Bogner. It's time to Cast Away all of those demonic Death Metal growlers, because this is Symphonic Pop Metal at its finest. Heart

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 29 2022 at 10:13

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 30 2022 at 08:02

2004: Xandria - Ravenheart - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3dkSqunNiiuXRZ-fC5-G8-L-R9zhB_g" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3dkSqunNiiuXRZ-fC5-G8-L-R9zhB_g

Xandria: a German Symphonic Metal band led by raven-haired beauty Lisa Middelhauve. Love & XXX's Heart

Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: September 30 2022 at 09:39

A final round-up of album links before consigning this poll to oblivion. Smile

2001: Aesma Daeva - The Eros of Frigid Beauty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzvYIr94fNg" rel="nofollow - 2001: After Forever - Decipher - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44BNkccoluU" rel="nofollow - 2009: Amberian Dawn - The Clouds of Northland Thunder - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nQ726xdOUSabZk8YjqxiYY-hzEd-RJPag" rel="nofollow - 1998: Apocalyptica - Inquisition Symphony - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nC4-uF__MNnfoGKWrQ61FN0CoxLUeYRTs" rel="nofollow - 2004: Autumn - Summer's End - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uAJcqHV4" rel="nofollow - 2002: Avantasia - The Metal Opera Part II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ZX-ND3WnA&t=2669s" rel="nofollow - 2008: Coronatus - Porta Obscura - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Bpt8Tc9oQ" rel="nofollow - 2009: Delain - April Rain - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mH6msltN2CGlqJvKwPrefknhGMqnf5lhA" rel="nofollow - 2012: Diabulus in Musica - The Wanderer - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLelVKxosXCfLxolcZpYSBsBoda75Q4uw" rel="nofollow - 2001: Edenbridge - Arcana - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpuoM9nnFnur75sPPjTmL9UZscFAyyLAx" rel="nofollow - 2005: Epica - Consign to Oblivion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyYwypnklEY" rel="nofollow - 2007: Imperia - Queen of Light - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nKO-y-4T7WSKduSmWr2I--U-gSBactc-Q" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

1997: Kamelot - Dominion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-jN3zhQHo

2010: Kingfisher Sky - Skin of the Earth - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n2vih2ORUHu_RPMeZoK1w8y2f_WfB13QI" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

2005: Leaves' Eyes - Vinland Saga - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mSabS5T3Xgkzyj3LRf32q1-oyMaqCzCfw" rel="nofollow - 4 stars

1998: Nightwish - Oceanborn - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mKcxbIGbOUflxqjdQJ9Kaqk-7ZUjqzx9A" rel="nofollow - 3 stars

1992: Therion - Beyond Sanctorum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozlTGEZSHs