I Recommend...

I recommend some new prog metal bands:
Lalu
Spheric Universe Experience www.sphericuniversexp.com
Wingdom www.wingdom.org

and others not so new
Lee Z www.lee-z.de
Lydian Sea www.lydiansea.com
Scenes www.scenesmusic.de

    
    

Edited by DragonFall - May 04 2006 at 21:33

avestin wrote: Not a recommendation, just a short post. On Saturday mornings I somtimes love to make myself a small playlist of somehow related bands, music etc. So this Saturday  (again) choe to make it an Italian morning (did it already some time ago). The playlist includes:   That's it. Overdose...

I want to recommend the American RIO/Avant group:

BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC

Free form, somewhat jazzy in nature, minimalistic with some classical arrangements, playing avant-garde musical themes - bits of music surrounded by noises, played by an array of instruments.
The album I have heard are:


Petrophonics from 2000


- Michael Bierylo / guitar, programming, sound design
- Ken Field / Alto & Soprano saxophones, flutes, percussion
- Erik Lindgren / acoustic Grand piano
- Rick Scott / synthesizer, sound design and piano



The Iridium Controversy from 2003.


(Do you recognize who's picture this is?)
- Erik Lindgren / piano, Washboard, organ
- Ken Field / saxophones, flutes, percussion
- Rick Scott / Synthesizers, piano, percussion
- Michael Bierylo / guitar, programming, sound design, floor tom


Here is their biography:

BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC biography

BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC play an eclectic blend of rock, avant-garde noise, punk, classical, minimalist and free-form music with hypnotic electronic sequences. They began in the early 80's as a side project by pianist/percussionist Roger Miller and guitarist Martin Swope from Boston's MISSION OF BURMA. After many changes, the line-up eventually settled down to Erik Lindgren (piano and organ), Ken Field (saxes, flutes and percussion), Rick Scott (synths, piano and percussion) and Michael Bierylo...BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC play an eclectic blend of rock, avant-garde noise, punk, classical, minimalist and free-form music with hypnotic electronic sequences. They began in the early 80's as a side project by pianist/percussionist Roger Miller and guitarist Martin Swope from Boston's MISSION OF BURMA. After many changes, the line-up eventually settled down to Erik Lindgren (piano and organ), Ken Field (saxes, flutes and percussion), Rick Scott (synths, piano and percussion) and Michael Bierylo (guitar, programming and sound design).

They've released ten albums to date, including two EP's and one compilation disk. Although they rely heavily on keyboards (one of their albums actually features 3!), they throw in just about anything and everything they can get their hands on. Some sax and acoustic piano also give their electronic sound a pleasant organic texture. For those who want to get acquainted, their latest three releases are a good start: "Dancing on A'A" (1995) could be described as Stravinsky with tribal rhythms and spacey keyboard solos; "Petrophonics" (2000) emphasizes the jazzier, more melodic side of the band; finally, "The Iridium Controversy" (2003) embodies just about everything this band is about, abounding with classical structures played energetically with traditional rock instruments.

Recommended for the highly adventurous (let's face it, a band that lists "chain on metal, a Mercury Cougar hubcap and a paint can" among their instruments should be a fair warning as to their 'unorthodox behaviour'. No pun intended here, except to say that BRAND X sound like pussy cats compared to these guys). Fans of ZAPPA, KING CRIMSON, AFTER CRYING and particularly UNIVERS ZERO will love this.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :








Edited by avestin - May 07 2006 at 12:04

Birdsongs.. are great band, and their Petrophonics is my favorite album from what I've heard from this band. I do not have Iridium Controversy, but I have Pyroclastic, Fossil Record and Faultline. All are good but Petrophonics is just awesome!

It's time for a new recommendation:

Jaga Jazzist - What We Must



First of all, it is debatable if this is prog at all. Nevertheless, I think Jaga Jazzist are one of the most original and interesting bands nowadays, as they pretty much defy any categorization. Their style blends Jazz with Electronica and Post-Rock, so it's definitely not something you hear on a day to day basis. The melodies are instantly catchy, but there's more to their music than meets the eye at first glance. You can find new things in their music even after 10 spins. I would recommend this band to anyone who enjoys Post-rock, modern Jazz, Frank Zappa's jazzy works etc.

^^ Yeah, I believe it's White Willow's flautist Ketil Einarsen.

I'll have to recommend my new CD, Deep Horizon, for a variety of reasons. 1. I feel it's quite good. 2. I think it's appeal might lie in the merging of a variety of musical influences under the guise of prog metal. 3. It's got some cool graphics in the booklet. 4. Well, it's modern and accessible, yet has plenty of "prog" elements. 5. I figure someone has to start the ball rolling, and since I don't have the financial or public relations backing of a major or indie label, I better take a stab at exposing the masses to my music.

Succinctly put, if you dig Fates Warning, Rush, Dream Theater, Queensryche, Zero Hour, Iron Maiden, Journey, Asia, and Marillion, you may really dig this one (and the previous ones, as well). Thanks for your listening time and consideration.


    

Edited by Virtual Scott - May 10 2006 at 13:16

Looks like I need to spend yet more money...

Drew wrote: has to be the ugliest cover ever

I`d like to recommend the debut album from norwegian band Gargamel: Watch for the umbles.

   

All who love Anekdoten, Anglagard and Wobbler should check this out. They have a great 70s sound, but I find them more original than say Wobbler. And it´s got that great scandinavian touch to it
    


Edited by PassTheTree - May 14 2006 at 04:21