 Certif1ed wrote:
I've always been partial to the heavier/darker side, having been a Metallica fan since 1983 (but stopped after the dreadful "Load"). Just about every "prog metal" band I hear owes a huge debt to Metallica, IMO, particularly "Master Of Puppets" and "...Justice For All", and Arcturus are no exception. I think that Metallica should deserve an honourary place in the archives 
In this music, I hear very interesting experimentation with many different textures and sounds - it's a pity the piano is limited to arpeggiated runs in a kind of guitar solo imitation - arpeggios and scales do not really indicate classical leanings, whatever the pretensions! It's also interesting that they drop from metal to breakbeat in places and make a conscious effort to go through different styles - mostly within the metal genre - with more than a nod and wink towards Celtic Frost (prog metal Godz!!).
However, for me, this music still falls within the umbrella terms of Metal, even given the clarity of the vocals, which remind me of some of the New Romantic bands of the eighties, particularly the singer of Dead or Alive ("You Spin Me Round Like A Record").
The last point I would like to make (hopefully without upsetting anyone!) is that prog tends to have a "mature" sound and feel to it - consider the very young Genesis who produced "Trespass", or Marillion's "Script...". Arcturus sound like they could very well mature into a force to be reckoned with - but I do not think it is there just yet. I find that the structuring is a bit on the haphazard side and some of the riffs seem to be an afterthought rather than a logical continuation.
So, sorry, Max - a vote against from me, I'm afraid. Thanks for the mp3s though - I do think the music's great despite my critical shredding!!
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I agree with almost everything you've said here.
Metallica did some great compositions like Call of Ktulu, To Live is to Die, and even My Friend of Misery show quite a bit of creativity and skill. Metallica is a huge part of the metal influence on progressive metal bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, and etc. (I'm not saying Symphony X is a quintessential progressive metal band). As for an honorary place in the archives I am undecided. The reason being is what do we do with other metal bands like Megadeth or Testament which had influence on progressive metal bands, but don't cut it as progressive. Many would argue if Metallica deserves a place in the archives, Megadeth does as well. Turning Prog Archives into Thrash Metal Progressive Metal Influences Archives is not something we need here.
There are some interesting guitar textures here, but so many other bands have attempted this. The distinction would need to be whether or not Arcturus does it any better. At The Gates experimented with guitar sounds all the time with songs like The Flames of the End, but there is nothing progressive about them. Dark Tranquillity has always experimented with guitar and now keyboard sounds. Martin Brandstrom has become an integral part of the band with his keyboard work on Haven and Damage Done. If Arcturus is in the archives Dark Tranquillity should definately be considered for their Projector- Damage Done era. They like Arcturus have non-progressive matierial as well.
Arcturus is doesn't seem to have all that evident progressive influences to me. They may just be a good metal band.
I will vote no as well. Arcuturs comes close, but they don't seem to cut it. There isn't enough to distinguish them from other good metal bands.
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ARCTURUS : Prog Metal or Not ?
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