Rufas2000
Posts: 1292
Joined: 4/12/2005
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Who says classic metal is dead. Beyond the new stuff from venerable stalwarts like Metallica, Priest and Testament (not to mention hard rockers like Whitesnake and Tesla) here's some great new metal from bands you may not know.
Elvenking: The Scythe
I heard these guys several years ago (thanks Napster) and I found them to be similar to Rhapsody with a better sense of melody. I gave them no second thought (the import prices didn't help either). But these guys got some U.S. distribution and their latest "The Scythe" is one great metal record. Not particularly fast as is the trend but the melodies soar. They utilize violins and some celtic style acoustic guitars in the mix. The emotion these guys bring is great. Your fist will automatically start to close and shake as you listen to the great hooks. Wonderful variety as they do a bit of faster stuff with a wee bit of geath vocals. This is easily one of the best metal CDs I've heard in years. I wish Blind Guardian was still doing this.
Firewind: The Premonition
Guitar hero Gus G (not the video game kind either) has released his band's latest slab of power metal and it doesn't disappoint. Nice variation of pace, great vocals where the only possible fault is that they don't get up to Halford's ear piercing levels and solid songwriting and musicianship. I do wish the lyrics were less power metal non specific clicheness but a minor quibble. Good stuff.
Iced Earth: The Crucible of Man
Hot off the presses. I don't have this one yet but the previous one (this is the part 2) was more solid power metal Iced Earth style. These guys are the heir apparents to the Maiden / Priest tradition (with plenty of Metallica influence thrown in) and I'm anxious to hear how they sound now that former vocalist Matt Barlow has rejoined the band. Although I think former singer Tim "Ripper" Owens got a raw deal. Iced Earth was gaining popularity and their music was growing (not necessarily better but they were tweaking the formula to keep from a rut). To use a sports analogy, you don't trade Eli Manning, even for his brother Peyton or Tom Brady. He got the Giants to a Super Bowl victory. Stick with what got you there.
Evergrey: Torn
Due out next Tuesday these guys take Dream Theater (or better yet Symphony X) style power metal, eliminate the excess and add Queensrychian emotion and nystery. Tom Englund is probably my favorite active vocalist bar none. You feel his words. Another one I'm really looking forward to. They simplified their sound on their last release but this one sounds like the Evergrey engine is in full throttle again. Well worth checking out this absurdly underrated band.
Thanks for reading.
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