I Recommend...

 

You should have created a topic and put this in either the "Get The Word Out" or "Unsigned Bands" section.

One is in PA and the other not yet.

 

The first is Greek band DOL AMMAD. I have their 2004 release Star Tales in which they call themselves Electronica Art Metal which is indicative of their sound. A choir of women and men singing in alto, sporano, tenor and bass, accompanied by the band which has both metal and electronics in its sound. Very dynamic and intricate, at times a bit pompous, but well done (there is one song which reminds me of another band which I can't recall now... a power metal band...). In any case, you get a heavy dose of both metal and electronica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variant – Beyond Jargon

This album presents good rock, with progressive tendencies, psychedelic touches which at times evoke a 60’s sound, but without sounding dated or as if they are trying to revive it.

The sound is very clear and “open” if you understand my meaning. Jerry Wengert’s vocals suit the music very well, mostly relaxed, pensive, smooth and soothing even when singing about horrible things the lyrics describe. The musicians are doing their part very well, and do not fall to the trap of trying to show their abilities at the expense of the music.

Each song has a basic theme but they do stir away and introduce variations into each of them, keeping things interesting and this is also where the progressive edge comes in, with for instance the changing time signatures, alternating between different sounding parts, giving way to each musician to have his “say” in the forefront of the song etc.

The lead and rhythm guitars have a lovely crunchy sound, playing psychedelic textures (Carrin’ Carrion for example) but don’t dominate the music and leaving room for all instruments to “express” themselves. At times the guitars have this heavy metal sound (think 70’s heavy rock/metal). You should also take notice of the bass work, which is done in a restrained and adequate fashion, making its presence when needed and retreating a bit thereafter.

The album goes in several directions in terms of style. I already mentioned the psych-rock aspect and the heavy metal parts. There are also songs which have a more modern rock approach (Going). All in all, this is a good mix of old and new, bouncy and tranquil, solo instrument focus and group effort. Each track has its identity and contributes nicely to the flow of this concept album.
However, the main aspect of this album as I see it is creating sound textures and atmospheres which place the listener in a somewhat dark and even weird set. This is not music to dazzle your brains with technical ability, but rather engage it to motion with its often shifting and dynamic nature. Even though there are faster and more energetic parts in the songs, the impression I get of this album is of an album that is more of a laid back album, with a ponderous set of mind which has good “intermissions” in the form of the more rapid and vigorous parts.
My two personal favourite songs here are None So Blind and Going.

A fine debut effort, very well performed, dark with moderation and overall an album with good balance. Recommended

 

 

 

 

The first is a band that I suggest for inclusion in PA and they should be in soon.

It is the French band named Yang which is lead by Frederic L'Epee which you might recognize from... yes, Shylock and Philharmonie.

Let me direct you to some reviews about their only release called A Complex Nature from 2004:

This is one great album, sure to please those who want crunchy guitars and complexity.

 

 

The second band I'll mention is one I added today after a long hiatus. It's the American (PA) band The Red Masque

Read here about them and also listen to samples:

They will release a new album this year, towards the fall and I hope to bring you an interview with them later on.

 

 

What do these two bands have in common?

Nothing, apart that Yang have a track called Le Masque Rouge/The Red Mask in their album (track 7).

 

 

Have a good week.

 

 

 

(Oh, and read the two recent interviews I did with Panzerpappa and Dave Murray - Deserts Of Traun. A coming interview will be with Italian band Gecko's Tear - no relation to James).