I Recommend...

I also like ATM. Have their album Anthem Of The Space and other ones (sorry, can't recall the name right now).

^^^

BIGELF — Closer to Doom (10 track version) Review by Greger (Greger Rönnqvist)
PROG REVIEWER

BIGELF are a group of four guys from Los Angeles. In 1997 they released a 6 track CD on the new label Third Hole Records in USA. Pretty soon they were picked up by the Swedish label Record Heaven where they released "Closer to Doom" with 4 bonus tracks. The music is built up by heavy Toni Iommi riffs, KING CRIMSON Mellotron, a domestic Jon Lord Hammond B3 and melodies that could have been arranged by Lennon/McCartney. The 6 tracks that were on the Third Hole release are of course the best tracks on this album, but the 4 bonus tracks makes this release even more worth it's price. The first bonus track are "Theme One (from "An Instrumental Thing")", and as you can see on the title, it's instrumental. The second bonus track is "I, The Jury". It's previously released as a single in 1994, and in my opinion it should have been included on the Third Hole Release, as it's almost as good as my favorite track "In the Void". The third bonus track is "Fight", a demo from 1992. It reminds a bit of the title track "Closer to Doom". The last bonus track is "Baron Saturday", and it's recorded live at the Viper Room in February 1996. This is a very good song with a super cool riff that ends the album. "Closer To Doom" are one of my favorite albums from 1997. Buy and enjoy!

BIGELF — Money Machine Review by Greger (Greger Rönnqvist)
PROG REVIEWER

In 1997 BIGELF released one of the strongest debut albums I've heard in recent years. It was a 6 track CD entitled "Closer To Doom", and it sounded like a blast from the past. Their music was a genuine mixture between ATOMIC ROOSTER, The BEATLES (look for the black & white photo of The BEATLES on the Marshall amplifier on the front cover), BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE, JELLYFISH, KING CRIMSONi and URIAH HEEP, produced by Sylvia Massy (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS etc.). They were later signed to the Swedish Record Heaven label, where they released "Closer To Doom" as a 10 track full-length album (the 6 track CD + 4 bonus tracks). "Closer to Doom" has been spinning a lot in my CD player since then, and it has become one of my favorite albums (and my brother's too actually). We have been waiting for a follow-up for a long time, and now it's finally here, entitled "Money Machine". The new album follows the same musical direction as its processor. All the ingredients are here: the 60's-70's sound with lots of vintage keyboards such as Hammond organs, Mellotrons and Moogs, the BEATLES melodies and vocal harmonies, the SABBATH-like riffing and the good compositions and arrangements. Right from the opening title track you recognize the BIGELF-sound, and you find yourself head banging and humming along with this heavy tune. It's followed by "Sellout" which is another great track. "Side Effects" are my personal favorite on this album. "(Another) Nervous Breakdown" has been released as a single from this album. "Mindbender" and "Ironheel" are two other highlights. There's also a great version of ATOMIC ROOSTER's "Death walks behind you". The closing ballad "The Bitter End" is another one of my favorites. BIGELF are one of the best bands in recent years. Get this one as well as the debut album into your record collection. Highly recommended!

Although I don't completly agree with the reviews I can honestly say that they are a decent "prog related band", but that's not the beauty of it... The good thing about this band (aside from the music of course)..

Is that they are giving away those two album for free at their website. So go and get them. You don't have anything to loose!


http://www.bigelf.com/artifacts/money-machine.shtml
http://www.bigelf.com/artifacts/closer-to-doom.shtml

Enjoy


Edited by chamberry - June 25 2006 at 14:20

Oh dude...

avestin wrote: DreamTheater wrote: Oh dude... I see both pages on "Metal-Archives". The first band including also "Doom Metal"... i hate it. The second band including also "Goth Metal"... i hate it too. Sorry dude.   Who are you talking to and on what subject?

Black Velvet wrote: DreamTheater wrote: avestin wrote: DreamTheater wrote: Oh dude... I see both pages on "Metal-Archives". The first band including also "Doom Metal"... i hate it. The second band including also "Goth Metal"... i hate it too. Sorry dude.   Who are you talking to and on what subject? I talked about the first recommend ><'' Hmmm... I think there has been some mistakes here. Dream Theater, there has been a  rather confound missjudgement in the identity between the two bands state above. Each have nothing in common with the Metal bands you have likened them too. Yes there are metal bands of the same name but have nothing in common with these recommended bands. Carpe Diem. Is a very good French Symphonic Prog band. You will be able to listen to one of their tracks here on this site. Thanks eugene from introducing me to this band  http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=843 and Morpheus. Is a jazz fusion band from german, which I consiquently know little about. But you will able to read a little more about them here: http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=1318 Also this is a thread is meant for people to recommend music they love without the fear of prejudice from other forum members. And hopefully expand our views on prog as a whole. Peace

Now getting on with business, my next recommendation.

I would like to recommend John Zorn - Taboo And Exile (Music Romance Volume II).

A lot of people seemingly have not heard his material other than what he did with Naked City. With a massive catalogue, it is really hard to know where to start. For me this I think this would be a great place begin, hence why I am recommending this album.   

I'm to lazy at the momemt to go searching for another reivew, so you are going to have to put up with mine


“Taboo and Exile (Music Romance Volume II)” is the second addition to the “Music Romance” series. The series themes focus around the issue of lost innocence. For those who have not heard the first album “Music for the Children (Music Romance Volume I)” makes direct references to childhood experiences; expressing the ideas firmly and clearly alongside extensive linear notes. Volume II touches upon more sinister concepts than childhood, giving the album an overall dark atmosphere. In comparison to volume I this album takes a more cryptic notation. In the front spread of the booklet there is a picture of a half naked girl; depicting the thin line between the grasps we have upon the innocence in our lives. There is only one quote accompanying the album, which reads as follows:

“A white room with white curtains hides the face of a sleeping child, barely a child, barely asleep, leaving nothing but an image, the sky’s double, to discover one’s innocence.”

I find it important to discuss the meanings behind this album before touching upon the musical aspects. “Taboo and Exile (Music Romance Volume II)” becomes a far more personal affair in comparison to the first volume; not to mention most of his other works. Due to the lack of linear notes we are left to use our own imagination to devise meanings behind the songs. I hold the album close to me for the reason of personal context I have development over the numerous listenings.

Now to describe the music:

“In The Temple of Hadajarim” sets the dark mood right from the start, beginning with a hypnotic percussion loop accompanied by lust strings. As the piece Evolves Jamie Safts’ piano takes charge of the song, taking us on a jazzy journey. This is a beautifully dark and compelling song, setting up the perfect reflective mood for the rest of the album to come.

The tranquil mood is broken into shardes as the first notes of “Sacrifist” pound through the speakers. The drumming plays a large feature in this song, as they do in the rest of the album. You could easily classify this piece as metal, drawing close influences from the heavier side of King Crimson. Fred Frith and Marc Ribot grace us with some amazingly frantic guitar work, displaying their astounding technical skills in both improv and structured surroundings.

“Mayim” takes us through a complex interplay between the violin, cello and bass. At times we are lulled into an enticing sense of security only to be quickly confronted by a restless desperation. Throughout; the Dark atmosphere is built up in a theocratical way forming a certain urgency prevailing over the piece. It is during performances like this I can comprehend the acclimations for the violin being the devils instrument.

With “Koryojang” we are confronted once again with hypnotic drumming. The song creates almost an earthy atmosphere somewhat similar to the calmness after a storm. Subconsciously as the song evolves, ambient background noises weave there way into the song producing a trance like effect. For me this song has its roots in deeply within Darkwave; every time I listen to this song it reminds me of “Arcana’s – Le Serpent Rouge”.

“Bulls Eye” is a short interlude piece which unfortunately sticks out like a sore thumb. The song sounds much like a ‘70s punk band accompanied by the intense vocals of Mike Pattern. For me this track really doesn’t do anything for the album, but luckily doesn’t wreak the overall mood.

“Zeraim” is a beautiful piece which could slip nicely into Zorn's Masada works. He uses the tonal values of the violin to their fullest beauty, lacing complex melodies effortlessly with soft percussion and a gentle piano line.

For me “Thaalapalassi” acts as the centre piece of the album and without a doubt my favourite track on the album. ‘Dark’ is not a strong enough word to relate the emotions conveyed by this song, sounding very close to what some have sited as “ambient heavy metal”. This is quite an experienmental piece; starting solely with an ambient sound scape. Layering each instrument the song builds up engrossing the listen with anticipation of the nearing crescendo; not dissimilar to the technique most post-rock/metal bands take aboard. After climaxing the piece rears back into experienmental ambience, slowly fading away into nothing. With words, I cannot express the darkness presented in this song, but in ways I am reminded of Sunn o))) and King Crimsons more experimental works.

"Makkot" acts like “Zeraim’s” sister track, drawing upon many similar influences. The track has slight touches of folk and acts as a stark contrast to the terrifying “Thaalapalassi”. It posses a very Masaha-esque sound. This is not surprising looking at the line up for both for pieces - Mark Feldman on violin, Erik Friedlander on cello, and Greg Cohen on bass; also known as the “Masada String Trio.”

“A Tiki for Blue” yet again takes another turn in terms of genre. This is a very laid back piece of surf orientated music and for me personally one of the down point of the albums.

John Zorn’s only feature comes on “The Possessed”, but he sure makes his presence known. Flirting his phenomenal talents on the sax in just about every register possible. I think I am always going to be bias when it comes to discussing the master ship of his instrument, but this is truly an impressive performance.

“Oracle” is a strange almost trance like song. The base line is built up overtop a persistent percussion loop and cello. The whole monotonous feeling is added upon by the childish Japanese vocals. There are no actual lyrics but she precedes throughout the entire song to moaning the same nonsense line over and over. As unappetising as this may sound it is quite a digestible track.

“Koryojang (end credits)” finishes the album off nicely with an indigenous sounding percussion loop, slowly fanding out into nothing.

“Taboo and Exile (Music Romance Volume II)” is one of the most accessible albums I have heard by John Zorn. I would recommend this as a great starting place for those making their first step into his material. Music wise I find this album to be comparable to his Naked City works, only toning down the intensity several notches. A wide variety of genres are explored throughout the album; which is the case with nearly his whole discography. For most parts this is a breath of fresh air to main bulk of his inaccessible albums, though I would not go as far as saying this is easy listening. Hight recommended!



For those wanting further information discussing his works, you will find this site extremely informative:
www.omnology.com/zorn01.html
    

Edited by Black Velvet - June 26 2006 at 21:31

A nice website about progressive music in different countries and parts of the world and also by genres etc. with reviews:

Edited by avestin - June 27 2006 at 03:29

I would like to recommend the band Nosound To all those lovers of early Porcupine Tree and No-Man.

The deubt album is entitled Sol29



Track listing

1. In the white air (6:57)
2. Wearing lies on your lips (4:20)
3. The child's game (2:46)
4. The moment she knew (9:38)
5. Waves of time (2:07)
6. Overloaded (6:13)
7. The broken parts (6:24)
8. Idle End (9:43)
9. Hope For The Future (5:57)
10. Sol29 (10:01)


Just a few quotes that might interest people

"...This is very good material, and I think you are going in the right direction
for sure - I would certainly retain as much control as possible by continuing
to do as much as possible yourself, at least until your "vision" is defined..."

Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree

&

"Out of all the Porcupine Tree and No-Man influenced work we've received at
Burning Shed, Giancarlo Erra's Nosound project is very probably the best.
Displaying musical sensitivity along with some haunting melodies,
interesting chord sequences and expressive guitar solos, his music shows
genuine potential."

Tim Bowness of No-Man

Visit http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=3498 for an in depth review of the album.

Here are some links concerning the band:

www.nosound.net/ Offical website where you can listen to some of the music and read up on many reviews

www.myspace.com/nosoundnet Their MySpace page, where you can sample 4 songs.