Congratulations Yes!!! A long time coming.
Watch videos of Yes’ speeches and performances from last night’s induction- Progreport
Video preview of “Apex” from Unleash the Archers @UnleashArchers
Here’s the video for a track from Unleash the Archers’ forthcoming new album, Apex:
Review: Emperor Guillotine – Emperor Guillotine
Dallas’s Doom Metal upstarts EMPEROR GUILLOTINE have landed firmly within the Metal scene as one of the “newest modern” instrumental bands carrying the torch of the blueprint that BLACK SABBATH created over 40 years ago. In particular, SABBATH‘s first three albums are all over the project’s full-length debut release. From the song structures, the occasional synth noodling and the demonic Blues you cannot mistake the influence.
The project was formed by multi-instrumentalist and sole band member, Ben Randolph. A digital only release, it wets the appetite of every doom metal fan and the excitement for what comes next.
One of the biggest highlights of the record is definitely its production. It is obvious that EMPEROR GUILLOTINE reaching for a retro feel and are heavily influenced by Rodger Bain and his early BLACK SABBATH productions. Randolph achieves it in a very good way. One of the issues with bands going for this type of sound is that usually the bass is mixed too loud and dominates the material. In this case, the bass is audible but it still gives way for the guitar and drums. The guitar has enough gain, it’s powerful and greasy—just as it should be.
The songwriting is as strong; there is plenty here to celebrate. “Sailor on the Seas of Fate,” “Sea of Dust,” “The Oak and the Ram,” “Witch Mountain,” “The Bastille,” and “The Unearthly” are heavy, pounding numbers that represent this release. “Ursa Minor” is a beautiful acoustic piece that connects the “sides.” Its melody is haunting and recalls the atmosphere of 1960s inspired acoustic, folk records.
“Emperor Guillotine” is an excellent introductory release from Randolph. My hope is that the next releases will embrace more of different styles such as folk rock and progressive rock. On their next release they need to instill the confidence that they don’t need to rely so heavily on imitating BLACK SABBATH. Do yourself a favor and check this album out out.
EMPEROR GUILLOTINE is on Facebook.
Clockwork Lives Graphic Novel
Well, in perusing Cygnus X1’s website just now, I found even more information about Rush. Stuff that had totally eluded me. Cygnus, what would we do without you??? Thank you!
Kevin J. Anderson has just announced that CLOCKWORK LIVES will be a graphic novel soon. How very cool.
Here’s the Cygnus X1 link: http://news.cygnus-x1.net/2017/04/clockwork-lives-graphic-novel-coming.html
And, here’s the direct link to KJA’s website: http://kjablog.com/clockwork-lives-graphic-novel/
Cygnus X1 on Geddy Lee and YES tonight
Amazing moment in rock history. From Cygnus X1:
Ever since it was announced that the progressive rock band YES was to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, rumors abound regarding a possible involvement with the members of Rush, who are all self-proclaimed YES fans.
In January, the news many fans were waiting for arrived – both Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson would induct YES into the Hall. However as of that writing, there was no indication as to whether or not Geddy and/or Alex would actually perform during the evening’s festivities. Fast-forward a few weeks, and a huge story coming out of Billboard was published which all but confirmed that Geddy Lee would, in fact, be performing with YES. Less than a few hours after the story broke, Billboard posted a retraction indicating that Geddy Lee would NOT be performing.
To read the full article at CYGNUS, go here: http://news.cygnus-x1.net/2017/04/geddy-lee-alex-lifeson-set-to-induct.html
Thanks to John at Cygnus and Brian Sullivan!
FIELD RECORDINGS by The Fierce and the Dead
So, I fell in love with The Fierce and the Dead from the moment I saw online the image of their first proper recording, PART 1. That was seven years ago. The image of the lone tree standing in a field took me back not only to the actuality of my childhood in central Kansas, but it also took me back to the fantasy of my childhood in Tolkien’s The Shire.
As such, The Fierce and the Dead has always occupied that tenuous place in the prog world–something undeniably tangible and real mixed with something almost too good to be true. Certainly, the wordless music of The Fierce and the Dead is analogous to my own inability to articulate fully how much joy this band brings me.
Continue reading “FIELD RECORDINGS by The Fierce and the Dead”
Paul O’Neill: 1956-2017
Paul O’Neill, founder of the prog-metal group Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has died at the age of 61. He had been battling a chronic illness.
I have seen Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform live twice, and the music, dancing, and vocals were incredible each time. Inspired by classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven, and prog-rockers such as Pink Floyd and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, O’Neill created a truly unique band. I have always enjoyed their Christmas-themed albums, all of which feature beautiful stories of forgiveness and redemption. Furthermore, the band always contributes to a number of worthy charities, usually for veterans or children. Mr. O’Neill contributed a great deal to the music world, and he will be missed.
The Mountain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suy9S_8FOuc
Up and Over: Mew’s AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES
Many years ago now, I bought my first Mew album, FRENGERS, because of the recommendation of Big Big Train’s Greg Spawton. Greg has impeccable music tastes (and book recommendations as well), so I was more than happy to learn of the Danish band.
I can state with no exaggeration that FRENGERS pretty much blew me away.
To a lesser extent, the same true of NO MORE STORIES.
Only very recently did I purchase AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES. For whatever reason, it’s difficult to obtain in North America. I had to order a used copy.
Whatever I thought of Mew’s other albums, this one is perfection itself. It’s not only magnitudes better than their other albums (which are already excellent), but AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES is up there with PET SOUNDS, SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR, and SKYLARKING.
In other words, we’re now in the realm of prog-pop godhood. Holy schnikees. If you don’t have AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES, get it now. Granted, the album art is simply terrible, but don’t judge an album by its cover!!!
A proper review is forthcoming.
Burning Shed’s Latest Ad
I’m not in the habit of advertising for a company so blatantly, but I’m really taken with this Burning Shed postcard that came with the Steve Hackett release, THE NIGHT SIREN. Beautiful art.
Progarchy 