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Post by julesd68 on Nov 14, 2021 17:28:08 GMT
How are you getting on with the Symphonic Metal, Jules? I've got some great Operatic Metal for when you're done. LoL - might be a 'bridge too far' for me Paul. I would like to inflict some on my mother though, that would be fun! I haven't got any further than Delain and Nightwish so far in terms of the Symphonic.
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Post by Slinger on Nov 14, 2021 17:42:15 GMT
There's a ton of stuff in this playlist, Jules, from Nightwish, Lacuna Coil and Epica to bands I'd never heard of either, rocking out in their native language.
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Post by julesd68 on Nov 15, 2021 18:14:27 GMT
I wasn't sure where to post this but it will do here ...
This is a fascinating reaction video of tribal people from Pakistan hearing metal for the first time.
I love that the lone woman was into it!
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Post by John on Nov 15, 2021 18:36:22 GMT
I wasn't sure where to post this but it will do here ... This is a fascinating reaction video of tribal people from Pakistan hearing metal for the first time. I love that the lone woman was into it! I also watched this earlier today
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Post by julesd68 on Nov 16, 2021 10:32:41 GMT
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Post by John on Nov 16, 2021 17:36:00 GMT
Interesting clip I did know there was a underground scene in the country
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 25, 2021 16:44:07 GMT
Never been one for Styx but quite enjoying their latest opus.
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Post by John on Dec 25, 2021 17:24:20 GMT
Some of their early albums have some good moments Tracks like Man In the Wilderness Renegade Snowblind
However they lack consistency
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 31, 2021 14:46:02 GMT
Your Top 5 new prog metal of the year please John, and anyone else of course.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 3, 2022 16:17:52 GMT
Some of their early albums have some good moments Tracks like Man In the Wilderness Renegade Snowblind However they lack consistency Paradise Theater is a major dissapointment to me John - the concept of a fading America is great but they ditched the prog and classic rock of previous albums for a AOR radio friendly vibe which I don't like at all;it sounds very dated now and I really miss the use of synths. Songs aren't memorable and in fact sounds a bit like the soundtrack from a musical; it's a bit Jim Steinman and overly theatrical to hammer home the concept. A struggle to get through the album and don't quite understand why it was as successful as it was. Their 2021 album is so much better!
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Post by Slinger on Jan 3, 2022 17:54:55 GMT
I've still got the laser-etched vinyl of Paradise Theater I bought when it came out, just over 40 years ago.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 3, 2022 18:33:52 GMT
Lol - I hope it's worth a lot more for you than it deserves to be Paul!
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 3, 2022 19:13:18 GMT
Oh dear.
Next album Kilroy Was Here is another 'rock opera'.
They brought the keyboards back but the prog is nowhere to be seen ...
I was right to avoid this one at the time at least. What a desperate waste of their talent. Just horrible.
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Post by John on Jan 3, 2022 19:39:40 GMT
In alphabetical order A Dying Planet. The guitar player is from Zero Hour
Dream Theater Not at their best for me losing Mike Portney they lost half of their song writing so lack a bit of consistency of some of the earlier albums
Organic Reaction Reminds me a bit of A Dying Planet
Leprous I saw them live early December They have a modern sound Emotional at times and even industrial at other times
Terra Odium
Honourable mention. More a Fusion fest than prog metal, put vocals and would easily be my number 1 prog metal album The difference it makes having Mike and John work together Liquid Tension Experiment 3rd
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Post by John on Jan 3, 2022 19:45:00 GMT
Some of their early albums have some good moments Tracks like Man In the Wilderness Renegade Snowblind However they lack consistency Paradise Theater is a major dissapointment to me John - the concept of a fading America is great but they ditched the prog and classic rock of previous albums for a AOR radio friendly vibe which I don't like at all;it sounds very dated now and I really miss the use of synths. Songs aren't memorable and in fact sounds a bit like the soundtrack from a musical; it's a bit Jim Steinman and overly theatrical to hammer home the concept. A struggle to get through the album and don't quite understand why it was as successful as it was. Their 2021 album is so much better! Yes they went really commercial. To be honest even their earlier albums I find patchy
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Post by John on Jan 3, 2022 19:47:11 GMT
Oh dear. Next album Kilroy Was Here is another 'rock opera'. They brought the keyboards back but the prog is nowhere to be seen ... I was right to avoid this one at the time at least. What a desperate waste of their talent. Just horrible. The second last album is supposed to be good
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 3, 2022 20:26:49 GMT
Thanks for your 2021 choices John - there are a couple of new ones for me there.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 8, 2022 19:39:30 GMT
Which prog metal tracks do you use when testing out gear John or anyone else? Is there anything you can recommend with outstanding sound quality? Dream Theater is an obvious candidate for me.
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Post by John on Jun 8, 2022 19:59:12 GMT
In the Prescience of enemies Part 2 I often use as I want to hear the first few minutes. I want to be dark. brooding and ominous I also use Awaken the master a kind of torture track for a lot of systems, as they will not be able to make sense of it all. I also want Zero Hour Demise and Vestige to be clear, the bass to kick but not getting in the way of the rest of the music. I sometimes use Xandhu by Rush to see how well the system captures the drums, cymbals and bass at the start How about you Jules
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 8, 2022 20:14:38 GMT
My top track is actually Awaken the Master - no better test for a rig, I’ve heard systems excel and only the other week, fall apart completely!
I will always try some Zero Hour too but not settled on a track - will try the one you mention.
Another couple of favourites are Tool - Opiate² and Styx - A Monster from the excellent recent album.
Talking of Rush, one of my favourite test tracks used to be XYZ on vinyl - the dynamics and overall sound quality was just stunning so will try that on streaming. Xanadu is a great idea, will add to my test playlist.
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