Interview with Esperoza

On By NickIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

Esperoza

Esperoza is a symphonic extreme metal band from Chisinau, Moldova. The band is on the verge of releasing their new album titled “Aum Corrupted.”

Alright, first things first. Before we dive into all the music stuff, how’s life?

V: Life is interesting and perfect.

Speaking of new music, you have a new album. What can people expect from “Aum Corrupted”?

V: People can expect dark and innovative music in this album. From slow doomy songs up to black/death. Also we made a lot of experiments on this album and you will hear them.

What was it like working on the album?

V: It was exciting. Almost all drum trucks were recorded at night after work and all angriness and energy were caught by microphone.

Are there any touring plans in support to “Aum Corrupted”?

V: Yes we plan to have gigs, festivals and tours for this release.

While we’re on the subject of touring, what countries would you love to tour?

V: Good Question. My dream is US and Canada tour, because there is a lot of people who like metal music. Also Europe is our goal too, we had tour in Balkans ( Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine) and we want to go further.

Who and what inspires you the most?

V: My biggest influence is Dream Theater and Mike Portnoy, he inspired me in every aspect of music.

What other genres of music do you listen to?

V: I love Progressive Metal, Technical Death Metal, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal etc.

Have any of the other genres you listen to had any impact on your playing?

V: Main influence on me is Progressive Metal and different types of progressive metal, rock, jazz.

I really appreciate you giving us your time today. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us and the fans before we wrap things up?

V: I want to say thanks to our fans who listen and support experimental underground metal. Keep on Rockin!

Follow Esperoza on Facebook here.

Streaming Without Serendipity

On By Time LordIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

Teddy Wayne in the NYT on what we have lost as books and albums are no longer physically present in most homes:

When I was 13, in the early 1990s, I dug through my parents’ cache of vinyl records from the ’60s and ’70s. We still had a phonograph, so I played some of them, concentrating on the Beatles. Their bigger hits were inescapably familiar, but a number of their songs were new to me.

Were I a teenager in 2015, I may not have found “Lovely Rita” or acquired an early taste at all for the Liverpudlian lads. The albums stacked up next to the record player, in plain sight for years, would be invisible MP3s on a computer or phone that I didn’t own. Their proximal existence could have been altogether unknown to me.

S. Craig Watkins, a professor who studies the digital media behavior of young people in the department of Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin, said that he and his family almost exclusively stream music now in their home and that he and his wife stored their old CDs in a seldom-used cabinet. To his teenage daughter, “those CDs are, at best, background matter,” he said.

“I can’t recall her ever taking time to search through what’s in there,” Professor Watkins said. “But I could imagine that when she gets a little older, it might become meaningful to her — that those artifacts are a way to connect back to us.”

Sometimes, though, he and his daughter discuss what is on their devices’ playlists.

There are several big upsides to growing up with streaming audio, one of which is accessibility: assuming I was interested enough, I could have explored, for free, the Beatles’ catalog on the Internet far beyond the scope of my parents’ collection.

…

Digital media trains us to be high-bandwidth consumers rather than meditative thinkers. We download or stream a song, article, book or movie instantly, get through it (if we’re not waylaid by the infinite inventory also offered) and advance to the next immaterial thing.

Poking through physical artifacts, as I did with those Beatles records, is archival and curatorial; it forces you to examine each object slowly, perhaps sample it and come across a serendipitous discovery.

Scrolling through file names on a device, on the other hand, is what we do all day long, often mindlessly, in our quest to find whatever it is we’re already looking for as rapidly as possible. To see “The Beatles” in a list of hundreds of artists in an iTunes database is not nearly as arresting as holding the album cover for “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

Consider the difference between listening to music digitally versus on a record player or CD. On the former, you’re more likely to download or stream only the singles you want to hear from an album. The latter requires enough of an investment — of acquiring it, but also of energy in playing it — that you stand a better chance of committing and listening to the entire album.

If I’d merely clicked on the first MP3 track of “Sgt. Pepper’s” rather than removed the record from its sleeve, placed it in the phonograph and carefully set the needle over it, I may have become distracted and clicked elsewhere long before the B-side “Lovely Rita” played.

And what of sentiment? Jeff Bezos himself would have a hard time defending the nostalgic capacity of a Kindle .azw file over that of a tattered paperback. Data files can’t replicate the lived-in feel of a piece of beloved art. To a child, a parent’s dog-eared book is a sign of a mind at work and of the personal significance of that volume.

A crisp JPEG of the cover design on a virtual shelf, however, looks the same whether it’s been reread 10 times or not at all. If, that is, it’s ever even seen.

Bryan’s Best of 2015

On By Bryan MoreyIn Progressive rock9 Comments

2015 turned out to be another fantastic year for prog, as well as metal. Last year, I made a top 10 list, but this year, there has been far too much great music in prog, metal, and rock to narrow it down to 10 albums. Apart from my top 4, there will be no particular order for the rest of my picks. Most of this will be prog, but there is some straight up metal here as well.

The Neal Morse Band – The Grand Experiment

grandexperimentNeal Morse and company have made another outstanding album. “Alive Again” might be one of the top 10 best long progressive songs ever made. It is remarkably beautiful. Mike Portnoy’s drumming is exceptional, as always, and, like last year, this isn’t the last we shall hear of him on this list.

 

 

Spock’s Beard – The Oblivion Particle

cd_top1The Oblivion Particle is my first introduction to Spock’s Beard, and I am heartily impressed. Ted Leonard’s vocals really round out the band. “Bennett Built a Time Machine” is my personal favorite from the record.

 

 

Stryper – Fallen

stryperfallenart1-602x536I’m brand new to Stryper, and after listening to their last two albums, I’m flabbergasted. Their new music is better than their original stuff from the 80s. The drummer has grown incredibly, and Michael Sweet’s vocals soar to the heavens. The best thing – Stryper hasn’t given up on their values. They blast metal to honor God.

 

Lonely Robot – Please Come Home

71R0HHLaiqL._SY355_I was pleasantly surprised by this album. The music has just the right amount of complexity, with a few pop hooks here and there for good measure. The song “Lonely Robot” should be a radio staple, but rock radio sucks.

 

 

LEAH – Kings and Queens

a1021213633_16The reigning queen of prog metal released a masterpiece this year. A long masterpiece. Her combination of metal with celtic influences works amazingly well. She creates a wonderful sound that no one else really tries to duplicate. Originality abounds.

 

 

Dave Kerzner – New World (Deluxe Edition)

david-kerzner-new-world-deluxeThe deluxe edition came out this year, so it counts as 2015. Plus, I overlooked the album last year since it came out in December, and for that I sincerely apologize to Dave. This album brilliantly revives classic elements of Pink Floyd, and Kerzner’s voice is eerily reminiscent of David Gilmour’s. This is an album meant to last.

 

 

The Winery Dogs – Hot Streak

81SPiEsz2HL._SX425_Wow! AC/DC meets Mike Portnoy! Richie Kotzen’s voice has grown on me, as has the “Dog’s” music. From the virtuosity of the first track, “Oblivion,” to the hard rock bombast of “Captain Love,” Hot Streak is a fantastic album. Billy Sheehan’s bass balances Portnoy’s drums and Kotzen’s guitars beautifully. The quiet piece, “Fire,” is a nice change up, as well.

 

Next to None – A Light in the Dark

3655066_origI saw these guys live in concert with Haken this spring, and I was impressed. For teenagers, these guys have serious chops. Max Portnoy stands out though, as he has clearly inherited his father’s raw talent. Check out my review of the album and interview with Max – https://progarchy.com/2015/07/20/metal-mondays-interview-with-max-portnoy-of-next-to-none/

 

Metal Allegiance – Metal Allegiance

safe_image.phpYou could call this a supergroup for thrash, although it seems anything with Mike Portnoy in it could be called a supergroup. His double bass thrash drumming is a nice change for him. The abundant guest performances from bands such as Testament, Anthrax, and many other groups really round out their sound. Normally I don’t like thrash because of the lyrics, but the lyrics here are great. The combination of guests makes this album one of the greatest thrash albums ever made.

Disturbed – Immortalized

81FC381L9HL._SY355_This isn’t prog in any sense of the word, but Disturbed’s first album since 2010 is a return to form for the band. They didn’t want to make an album again unless it was really good, and they delivered on that desire. Immortalized is one of the best album’s they have made, with only one song that I don’t like. Their cover of “The Sound of Silence” is better than the original, in my opinion.

 

Flying Colors: Live at the Z7

CD_FC-2ndNatureLIVE_digi-03-625x567The live Blu-ray is one of the best live shows I have seen. The music is played flawlessly, and the production for sound is excellent. It was filmed in 4K and you can choose from two sound choices – front row or sound board. Well played, FC, well played. Oh ya, more Mike Portnoy, too.

 

Rush – R40 Live 

1035x1511-R40.Tour.Cover7.FNL-copyThis needs no explanation. Long live Rush.

 

 

 

 

Steve Hackett – Wolflight

wolflightFrontCoverAnother great solo effort from one of the greatest guitarists ever. I have such a great respect for Steve Hackett and his dedication to his craft and the genre. Of all the 70s prog giants, Hackett is probably the best ally to the newer prog artists and musicians.

 

 

4. Muse – Drones

MUSE-DRONESAnother fantastic album from Muse, and a dystopic concept album at that. I’m convinced that Matt Bellamy has the best voice in the business, plus he’s a god on the guitar. Chris Wolstenholme’s bass is underrated, as well. Check out my review: https://progarchy.com/2015/08/11/back-to-basics-muses-drones/

 

3. Steven Wilson – Hand. Cannot. Erase.

A year ago, I couldn’t stand Steven Wilson. Now I’m a fan. Go figure. Hand. Cannot. Erase. is simply brilliant. The story telling is at an extremely high level, and this album, while rather depressing, is so addicting to listen to. Wilson is an incredibly important figure in progressive rock.

 

 

2. Vanden Plas – Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld Path 2

81ADonu6jjL._SX355_Combined with part 1, these two albums are a masterpiece. I’m still deciphering what the story is about, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. These guys have been going strong for a long time, and they have only gotten better with age. Check out my review: https://progarchy.com/2015/11/18/vanden-plas-another-stroke-of-genius/

 

1. The Tangent – A Spark in the Aether

tangent1Yeehaw, this is a great album! Holy crap, I don’t know how Andy Tillison does it! He is a master of cultural criticism, and while I don’t agree with him politically, I do respect him immensely. This album is well worth your time.

 

 

 

Like I said, a great year for rock of all kinds. As I promised, Mike Portnoy features prominently in my list, just like last year. He certainly deserves it since he is one of the hardest working men in the business. His “Hello Kitty” drum video for Loudwire was an instant classic.

Cultural RePercussions 2 (1)Best prog book of the year goes to Progarchy’s very own Brad Birzer for his excellent book on Neil Peart, a man of letters. Well worth your time.

Get it at Amazon here.

 

 

kansas_miraclesThe new Kansas documentary, Miracles out of Nowhere, is excellent. While it only goes through Point of Know Return, it is an excellent look at the band, from the band members themselves, as well as Brian May and Garth Brooks. It was great to see that the band members don’t hate each other. In fact, they genuinely seem to like each other. If at all possible, order it from the band because it comes with a bonus disc featuring the band reminiscing and a few other features – http://www.kansasmerch.toursync.com

Check out Carl Olson’s fantastic review of the documentary: https://progarchy.com/2015/08/19/miracles-and-music-out-of-kansas/

915g7JKrT-L._SX385_One final documentary/live concert that is worthy of any “best of” list is Roger Waters’ movie, The Wall. It combines a live concert from his recent tour with short scenes that examine the meaning of the album for him. The concert itself is outstanding – better than his 1990 The Wall concert in Berlin, performed after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The music is basically indistinguishable from the album. A worthy look at one of the best and most important albums ever made.

 

Sorry if I have bored you with my list, but I am nothing if not thorough. I’m just amazed by the quality of music that has been released the last few years, and I eagerly look forward to what the coming year has in store. New Dream Theater coming in January. And who knows what Mike Portnoy will release. Such excitement. Merry Christmas everybody, and prog on into 2016.

Great Review of CLOCKWORK LIVES

On By bradbirzerIn Progressive rockLeave a comment
anderson and peart clockwork (1)
Clockwork Angels, the Graphic Novel; and Clockwork Lives. By Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart.

Scifi Pulse has just posted a really strong review of the latest novel by sci-fi master Kevin J. Anderson and Rush drummer Neil Peart, CLOCKWORK LIVES.

The final line: Reading the first book is not necessary to enjoy this novel; it is in a completely different format than the previous book and is equally satisfying. Anderson and Peart have created a magnificent journey for Marinda and I’m glad they returned to this universe. In fact, after the pleasure this book brought to me, I would be disappointed if they did not return for further tales. Recommended. Overall grade: A+ 

To read the full review, go here: http://scifipulse.net/in-review-clockwork-lives/

I Want Vinyl for Christmas

On By Time LordIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

Andrew Coyne discusses the analog counter-revolution and considers various explanations for it. Here’s his best one:

Still, there is a more fundamental reason for the analog counter-revolution, and that is simple physicality. We are physical beings. We live in a three-dimensional world. The things we love are not dimensionless bits of data, perfect and indestructible, but things with weight and volume that decay over time: that grow old with us.

As tangible things, books and albums are objects of veneration that their mere contents cannot fully explain. Possibly that is connected to their relative scarcity. The collector of records or books in physical form enjoys a thrill unknown to the digital downloader, of the prize that is won through adversity: the discovery that comes only after many hours of searching through dusty store shelves.

But also there is the fuller menu of senses they engage. Among the casualties of the digital music revolution was one of the great 20th-century art forms: the album cover. You can see millennials almost swooning at the world they have lost.

 

Pink Floyd, 1965: Their First Recordings

On By Time LordIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

Wow, I had no idea. Totally crazy that they didn’t make this more widely available. I am sure it is much better than The Endless River:

Two years before Pink Floyd’s 1967 debut Piper at the Gates of Dawn landed on record store shelves, the group – which still included guitarist Rado Klose – entered a recording studio and laid down their first recordings. The material sat in the vault for 50 years, but under Europe’s new “use it or lose it” law, the group was forced to release the material to extend the copyright. In turn, an historic recording by one of rock’s most esteemed groups was quietly released as a double seven-inch limited to 1,000 copies. Syd Barrett nuts were salivating at the chance to hear pristine versions of psychedelic tunes like “Lucy Leave” and “Remember Me,” while “Walk With Me Sydney” is one of the earliest-known tunes penned by Roger Waters. It’s a fascinating look at a band in their most embryonic stage. Who knows what amazing things they’ll be forced to release in the coming years?

Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/15-great-albums-you-didnt-hear-in-2015-20151218/pink-floyd-1965-their-first-recordings-20151217

Remembering Geoff Banks

On By bradbirzerIn Progressive rock1 Comment

As you all know, Geoff Banks passed away not long ago.  We all mourn our loss.

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When we were first starting progarchy, Geoff was an immense help.  Not only through constant encouragement but through excellent and solid advice as well.  He also promoted us where he could–especially via the web and via his radioshow.

I’m honored to note that he and I corresponded frequently.  We agreed on absolutely nothing but music.  We had fundamentally different views about family, politics, religion, etc.  And, he was not shy in expressing his views!  But, when it came to the music, we were in complete sympathy, and music friendship transcended and healed any differences we might have had.

Geoff was very much his own man, and I already feel his absence profoundly–even an ocean away. . . . an ocean of space and time.

Geoff’s closest friend, Jon Patrick, posted this a few hours ago:

Today we reach the shortest day, for some it will be the longest and a date we will always remember for a different reason. Today we will get together, many of us who can and Celebrate the life of Geoff Banks.

We will be surrounded by Geoff’s family and many, many of his friends. Together we will support each other in our grief at this time of the final farewell. Many tears have been shed, and will be. But we must always remember that Geoff Banks was a Rocker. In his honor we will Rock! For Geoff would want that. Today we celebrate a great friend. 

For those who can’t make it you will be all represented. I will read a message from Stacy Neuman who needs our love and support at this time, as do all the family. Stacy can’t be there and I know that is so very painful for her. I’ve been asked to close things.

I would like to personally that everyone for their wonderful support. A very special thank you to Damian Wilson who will perform a song for Geoff Banks. Damian’s friendship and unique look at life will be very much needed today.

For those who can, I will see you very soon. For those who can’t I know your thoughts, support and love will be with us. XXX

According to old Catholic belief, only the dead can dance.  Dance away, Geoff!

 

Galahad: 30th Anniversary

On By bradbirzerIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

To celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary Galahad will be releasing a historical double CD retrospective with a twist, the twist being that ten of the tracks included are brand new re-recorded versions of old Galahad songs, some dating back to 1985, the year the band formed, including one thirty year old track (City of Freedom) which has never been recorded properly before!

In some cases the new versions are similar to the originals but in other cases the songs have been re-worked and re-arranged considerably, either way we have tried our best to be sympathetic to the spirit of the originals whilst trying to bring them up to date in terms of their sonic quality and also so that they compare favourably, hopefully, with the Galahad sound of 2015!

As this is a rather special as well as an epic album, clocking in at approximately  2 hours and 36 minutes,  we have also included a few strategically placed ‘tributes’ to a few of our original influences within some of the newly recorded ‘old’ tracks, so it’ll be interesting to see if they’ll get spotted!

Hopefully, this collection is a fair representation of the Galahad cannon and will appeal to existing fans of the band and will also, perhaps, act as a taster to those yet to dip their toes in the world of Galahad music.

When Worlds Collide Track listing:

CD1
1. Lady Messiah (1985/2015)
2. The Chase (1988/2015)
3. City of Freedom (1986/2015)
4. Chamber of Horrors (1990/2015)
5. Dreaming From the Inside (1985/2015)
6. Room 801 (1990/2015)
7. Ocean Blue (1996/2015)
8. Don’t Lose Control (1990/015)
9. Exorcising Demons ( 1992/2015)
10. Karma For One (1997/2015)
CD2
11. Empires Never Last (2006/2014)
12. Sleepers (1992/2012)
13. Richelieu’s Prayer (1990/2012)
14. Painted Lady (1985/2014)
15. Bug Eye (1997/2014)
16. Singularity (2012)
17. Guardian Angel (2012)
18. Seize the Day (Single mix) (2012)
19. This Life Could Be My Last (2006/2014)

Fire Garden’s Immediate Past and Immediate Future

On By bradbirzerIn Progressive rockLeave a comment

“Best ofs” are flying around every where at the moment.

The top 10.  The top 22.  The top 25.  Best albums.  Best songs.  Best gigs.

Admittedly, I not only love all of these lists, but I encourage and contribute to them.  List, list, list!  Yet, in the middle of it all, I also worry.  Are we allowing the conventions of time to limit our vision?  Things that came out in 2015 have relevance, while things that came out in 2010 have weight.  What about those things that came out between 2010 and now?

So, in the spirit of lists and in the warning labels that should come attached to every one of them, I offer the following about a favorite from. . . not 2015. . . but 2014.  May it never be forgotten.

fire-garden-sound-of-majestic-colors-artwork.jpg
Do not–I repeat–DO NOT enter 2016 without having purchased this brilliant album from 2014.

On June 10, 2014, Zee Baig, Chicago prog mastermind and professional artist (photography), revealed to the world Fire Garden’s first full LP, the gorgeous SOUND OF MAJESTIC COLORS.  A little less than two years earlier, he had tempted us all with his three-song EP, appropriately entitled THE PRELUDE.  It was a smart move on Zee’s part, as it truly whetted the appetite.  For eighteen months, I looked forward to the full album.  And, when it finally arrived, it did no–in any way–disappoint.  It was everything the EP had promised and, then, so much more.  The band kindly sent me a review copy, but I was also more than happy to purchase a personal copy.  And, so glad that I did.  Zee does nothing if not perfectly, and a beautiful package arrived promptly from the Windy City, complete with a lovingly-crafted CD and case, a poster, small stickers, and a large bumper sticker, “GOT PROG?”  I had never applied a bumper sticker to my car before.  I generally find them entertaining but tacky.  This one was so good, however—and I was moving to Boulder, Colorado—I had to apply it.  And, there it proudly remains.  It’s actually attracted a lot of attention, especially when I was in Colorado.

As I type this, the band is recording (literally, as I type this) its second album.  I type “band” for convenience, but Zee properly labels Fire Garden a “project,” rather than a band, and, of course, he’s right.  As a project, it magnifies the art, soul, and mind of Zee rather than being a mere expression of each.

SOUND OF MAJESTIC COLORS has been in constant rotation in my playlist for eighteen-months now.  Never has it left that playlist, and never has it bored me.  Indeed, as with all true art, the album reveals more and more to me with each listen.  Granted, I received the album just days before moving to Colorado for a year, so it is tied up with very good personal feelings and memories of my time at CU-Boulder.  But, lots of albums could have done that—at least in terms of possibilities—but it was Fire Garden that best expressed my love of life along the Front Range.  Even now, as I listen to it, I can remember with absolute clarity the view of Rocky Mountain National Park from our back deck.

Zee describes his own music as a reflection of his love for progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater as well as for much harder prog such as Rush.  He also properly notes that he doesn’t really like categorization and that he goes where the muses lead him.  Amen.

zee
Intense perfectionist, Zee Baig.

As many times as I’ve listened to the album, I still can’t quite place it into any specific category of music.  Yes, I hear Zee’s love of Dream Theater, Drama-era Yes, and Rush and other bands too, but Zee offers something quite different than any one of these bands does.  He shares the tightness of both DT and Rush, but he’s also more melodic than DT and more intense than Rush.  His lyrics, too, speak to a million things.  If I’m understanding every thing I’m hearing, I assume that Zee and I have a fairly similar view of the world, but I may be missing some depth here.  He’s younger than I am by almost two decades, but I still think we view the world in a rather similar fashion.  His love of intensity and perfection certainly inspires me.  No doubt about it.

And, interestingly enough, the lyrics point out everything from a love of Christopher Nolen’s Dark Knight trilogy to existential angst to perseverance to the nature of grace.  All to the good!

jimmyzee-768x1024
Jimmy Keegan and Zee.

Zee has offered a few teasers from time to time on social media about the forthcoming album, and, of course, he is genius.  The big news is that the new album will feature Jimmy Keegan, the drummer from Spock’s Beard.

Add to this the fact that the first album featured engineers from Dream Theater and Rush, and you get a really good sense of what means what to Zee.  As I’ve already written, this is not a guy to do anything half way.  If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing with excellence.  Zee is excellence, and excellence is Zee.

As we exit 2015 and contemplate the best of this year, let’s not forgot what led into it, what came immediately before it, and what will spring from it.  Fire Garden’s new album is certainly one I anticipate the most for the upcoming year.

Make sure you visit Zee’s official site: http://firegardenmusic.com.  He keeps it up regularly, and I’m always interested in what he’s listening to at the moment.

 

Top 22 Albums of 2015

On By Time LordIn 2015, Progressive rock2 Comments

Just like last year, I have done two Top 10 lists: one of the most proggy albums I listened to, and one of the not-as-proggy hard rock/heavy metal things I listened to (although there is obviously overlap here, since some albums could go on either list: e.g., the new Iron Maiden, Winery Dogs, Toto, or ELO). These lists contain the music I listened to the most during the year; i.e., it is an objective chronicle of the greatest number of hours I spent listening to music: I loved these albums so much that I returned to them again and again. This year, I add an 11th album to each of my Top 10 lists: on each list, I place in first position an album left over from 2014 that I listened to heavily in January 2015; these leftover listens (Dave Kerzner and Distorted Harmony) deserve to be on my Top 10 lists, because the lists are objective measures of the number of hours I spent listening to music during the year. Plus, like Spinal Tap, I think I need to go to 11; after all, my favorite genre is prog metal (as you can tell from the heavily metallic flavor of my personal predilections for 2015). Note the order of the Top 10 lists below simply follows the order of the calendar months. The lists therefore record in order, month-by-month, the albums I listened to the most. By the way, each album rates a five-star ranking. I won’t waste any time reviewing them here. All you need to know is that they have achieved supreme excellence. Don’t miss any of them. My heart says they are the best of 2015.

Top 22 Albums of 2015:

Top 11 Prog Albums of 2015


Top 11 Rock Albums of 2015