Metal Cereal

Metal Cereal: Xandria, Delain, Sonata Arctica Concert Review at Mojoes in Joliet, IL 9/17/14

Hi folks!

So, after a year hiatus, I finally saw something that made me want to be creative and start writing again. It took a band that I idolized for over a decade in addition to a couple of other great metal bands pouring their hearts out on stage for me to go," huh. I really need to start doing something with my life." so, now I've dusted off the old 'quai and here is a review of… well, you can read the title.

Foreshadowing: that face will come into play later.

So, I was waiting in line, right? I was looking down at my ticket, in addition to looking at the info for the VIP package that I also got because I'm a grown-ass man. My mind is flooding with Sonata Arcitca tunes in line! However, I haven't been to a live concert in about 5 years. Not only that, but I haven't raised the horns at a concert since I was 19 gosh-dang years old! Needless to say, when I was waiting in line, I realized I was far from my metal roots. I was in between the typical sasquatch dude you see at a concert (6'6", 4' broad, smelled like burnt cheese. You know the one.) and two old metal heads that decided to tell everyone around them about how much concert cred they have. Unfortunately, the two dude's claim to fame was hanging out in a bar with Geoff Tate, the lead singer of Queensryche… more like, take hold of the LAME am I right!?

I would've gone with Jet City NO-Man.

well, after a hour of waiting, It was finally time for the VIPers to head inside. Here's the deal: everybody got a poster and the band could sign it. In addition to that, we could take a picture with the band. However, there was a catch: we couldn't go behind the band. If we wanted a picture, we had to be in front of them due to tragic cases of bunny-ears in photos I presume. I wasn't complaining, but after I found that there was a frickin TABLE between the fan and the band, I was slightly rustled.

Waiting in line, I was going through all sorts of scenarios. What would they sound like? What will be their demeanor? I mean, I've never been in a meet and greet before! Let alone, one with one of my favorite bands. I took a breath and relaxed because I'm one of many fans here.Then, they come out to stand at the table. Ecstatic doesn't come close to describing how I felt! My first thought was,"WOW. IT'S THEM…" then followed by,"… AND THEY'RE REALLY SHORT." Like, 5'7ish. I'm not a tall guy, but I just imagined them in my mind like these giant icons of metal! For some reason, it calmed me down (I guess I have the size advantage…?).

The band seemed very humble. Although the only two original members of the band are the drummer (Tommy Portimo)and lead vocalist (Tony Kakko), the fans were excited to meet all of them. Horns were raised, middle fingers flew, and Tony had a pleasant conversation with the two girls in front of me after goofily posing for some pictures with them. I thought," psh, I may not be a girl, but hey he seems cool!"

There I was, face to face with the little big man himself, Tony Goddamn Kakko. I asked the most metal question to him: "Hello! How are you today?" nailed it. He smiled, nodded and replied," I am quite well, thank you." After peeing myself, a mini panic attack, and stressfarting, I asked him if I could get a picture with him… I mean, the earlier stuff didn't happen, but I do remember a very evident voice crack when I asked him. After he agreed and abiding by the bunny ear law, I had to lean and put on my most metal face.

Nailed it!

after looking at the picture, and what happened to the girls in front of me, I was kinda thrown off, but hey, I got the photo evidence that I met him! The rest of the band were very down to earth, and when I asked how they were, they were all doing alright… like I was anticipating some sort of mental breakdown or something. When I asked the keyboard player he said," I am quite ok." which for some reason stuck out to me… quite ok. Like, I'm SO present and accounted for. but anyway! I stood in the pit, and it was time for the first band: Xandria!

Judging by the clouds, they're much taller than Sonata Arctica!

Now this band is gonna be around for a while. I don't know much about them, nor do I really remember the setlist. I remember they played the more popular tunes that they have which aren't that many because they're fairly new (at least to napalm records). The band as a whole had a very interactive presence, by making eye contact while they play and getting the crowd riled up. What also impressed me was the lead singer (Dianne Van Giersbergen). She was enthusiastic about the music as well as being technically sound. Not only that, but she appeared as a larger-than-life figure, with a demeanor that said," HEY. I don't know what's more face melting: my sweet-ass beauty, or this sweet-ass band!" Unfortunately, they only played about 5-6 songs. However, I know that they left the crowd wanting more. After being appropriately warmed up, it was time for something I (hoped) could sink my teeth into: Delain!

Would you like your deep face in ivory, sour cream, or mashed potato?

If I had to sum up this band in one word, it would be… jiggly. Now, here's why. Dianne from Xandria was dressed fairly modestly, where the lead singer from Delain (Charlotte Wessels) wore a little bit more scandalous clothing. Although she had pants on, she had a see-through top that showed that she wasn't wearing a boobieholder. So, in addition to that… and she liked to jump around… and dance… I mean, the music was good! I think…

Visual approximation of half the crowd

but really though, the band behind Charlotte was very good! and Charlotte as a singer was very good. I'm not sure if Delain was my kind of metal though. I mean, sure the band was metal, but everything had kind of a superficial vibe. I also think that was added by the number of recordings. This was especially the case in one sing in which the lead singer harmonized with herself. I thought it would've been cool to hear the band harmonize instead, but hey, all in all I was head banging so they were doing something right. Now… the moment we were all waiting for: Sonata Arctica!

My visual approximation

They started off with The Wolves Die Young, which is the first single from their new album, Pariah's Child. This whipped the crowd into a frenzy like something crazy! Tony, despite being apathetic in my photo, put on a show from the start, using multiple hand motions and dramatic facial expressions to demonstrate what was happening in the music. After that, the band played Losing My Insanity from the band's 7th album Stones Grow Her Name. It gelled quite well with the overall vibe they were creating. Although they were building steam, the audience clicked with Tony after the announcement that they were planning on re-recording their first album Ecliptica and started playing My Land from that album. The setlist primarily bounced from Pariah's Child (Cloud Factory, What Did You Do in the War, Dad?, Blood, X Marks the Spot (in which the crowd flipped their lids over!)) and Ecliptica (My Land, Fullmoon, Kingdom for a Heart). The band's sophomore album, Silence, was also highlighted (Black Sheep, San Sebastian, Tallulah, Wolf and Raven). Only one song from Reckoning Night (Don't Say a Word) and The Days of Grays (Flag in the Ground)was performed.

Now, I didn't list it in order, but I want to focus on the actual performance side of things. I really don't know how else to say this: I wish I had the vocabulary to describe how passionate Sonata Arctica was with their music. This group, unlike Delain, didn't rely on recordings. The group came out and tore it up. Tony puts on an amazing performance, both technically and expressively. Every member of the band is technically sound, and I honestly wish that they made new music that pushed their technical skills even more. Albeit, Pariah's Child has plenty of technical moments, Each member of the band flexed their skills and it was nothing short of awesome! Needless to say, I screamed every word to every song and head banged as hard as I could.

All in all, I couldn't complain about the performance of any of the groups. Start listening to them now!



Thank you,

Joey

Metal Cereal: Darkwave Edition #1: As the Dark Against My Halo by The Cruxshadows.

"The world is forever changing,
Evolving, and growing.
Everything we know
Everything we love
Everything we believe in
Will change

Living is changing
Momentarily, everything will be re-imagined"

This is how the new album starts by The Cruxshadows. Let me give you a bit of personal history with this group. When I was in junior high, I always used to hang out with my brother and his friends and they would play a lot of games that would involve either one of two things. One game was the "What can Joey get away with because he's a kid?" game, and the other was video games... usually. Once in a while, though... we'd crank on The Matrix... and play Vampire: The Masquerade, which was like D&D but with vampires. It was so cool! However, the black cherry (because...everything has to be black.) on top of this was putting in the Succubus Club soundtrack, a 13 track CD that was the coolest, darkwaviest, undergroundiest synthpopiest music you'll ever hear. I love a lot of these bands on here that I want to cover at some point! However... there were two that really stood out to me and one of them was The Cruxshadows.

Don't judge... maybe their legs were cold but their stomachs were hot!

They're a truly unique band. Theyre the only band that I've seen in which dancers are full-time members of the band. They're the only band that has a dude with a headset mic climbing on the scenery and singing. Heck, their instrumentation consists of a guitar, a synth, two violins, a percussionist, and a lead singer. Not only that, but the other thing that stood out with them was the message that they were conveying. Many darkwave bands are known for depressing,haunting, even suicidal themes. The Cruxshadows has a different focus... one made of living, loving, being, and believing (...I took that straight from their symbol). So, obviously I'm going to like this album, but I have done my best to pull the rose-colored pieces of glass out of my ears and give this new album, As the Dark Against My Halo,  an honest review!

I want a big 3D version of this cover... so I can think this lady's lunging at me.

After the first track of," And I Believe" comes the synth heavy anthem of "Valkyrie". Right from the gate, they are holding nothing back. There's something to be noticed with the atmosphere of this song. The beat pounds into your heart, yet the lead singer Rogue's vocals feel whimsical, almost haunting. To me, this created a sense of having a pulse, but the bewilderment of wondering what you truly are. At this point, the pristine lyrical crafting comes out during the chorus and covers you like an aural blanket of relief, with the words...

"God knows
That Fate is armed with arrows
And she watches the battlefield"


I interpreted the lyrics as if Fate can attack at any moment, but someone knows of your dismay and will be there for you when Fate were to be so inclined to attack...UGHSOGOOD!  Let's move on before I get too deep in all this... Anyone think they get philosophical but realize they just sound stupid? Yeah I have that...

Anyways! As much as I would love to break down each track... I think I'm going to talk about the tracks that stood out to me the most. I'm not downtalking any of the songs on this album! Each of them have something to offer, from the mocking tone in Rogue's voice in "Sleepless" to the sacrifical tone of "Burning". However, there is one track that stood out the most on this: Quicksilver.

This song is actually an older tune from them. It topped a lot of charts and further established what they are about. I'll put it to you like this: If you don't like this song, you will NOT like the rest of this album. In my opinion, this is the closest thing we are going to get to an aural sentience of this band. Heavy beat? Check. Haunting lead vocals that fill you with hope? You got it. This has everything involving darkwave!

 I mean... can YOU pull off a suit and goggles? Maybe Rogue was riding sidecar to a wedding...

Another track that I feel stands out is the tune "Matchstick Girl". I say this because it stands out so much in contrast to the rest of the tracks. It starts off with a simple piano... then over time the intensity builds into a spellbinding tale of a girl trying desperately to stay alive. I'm going to be honest... I was so emotional listening to this track. It seems like they stripped what they were known for and put all of their resources into creating an atmosphere that leaves you cold and paralyzed.

Get your kleenex ready... not like that, sicko.

The second half of the album carries the momentum from the first half into catchy, meaningful tunes such as Indivisible and Angelus Everlasting. What caught my attention throughout this album are the subtle differences in each track. From the superficial standpoint, it seems like a bunch of mid-tempo songs with violins, synthesizers, and lost of Hard Gs dropped. However, listening to it more... each song has a different feel. After Quicksilver plays and gets you riled up, the track Infinite Tear comes in and makes you think about yourself. Just when you are vulnerable, Matchstick Girl plays and brings to your knees... Throughout this album, there are broad themes of war and religion, but in the end of it all, this album is about believing in yourself and making yourself into what YOU want to be.

So, what's my conclusion to this? The Darkwave genre may not be for everyone, but I can say this one thing: If any band can warm you up to the genre, it's the Cruxshadows. They pour everything into their music and have created an adamant yet visibly hidden following around the world. Listen to Quicksilver and Matchstick Girl. If you don't like either one of those pieces of work, then well... no hard feelings. If you do like, I strongly recommend checking this band out!!

I hope you enjoyed this read! please check out my friends! geeksotroundtable.blogspot.com and please comment, follow, like, subscribe, do whatever!

Thank you,

Joey

Metal Cereal #2: Amaranthe: The Nexus

In the first edition of Metal Cereal, I discussed a new band that I was getting into named Amaranthe. Yesterday, the new album “The Nexus” dropped and it has been going around like wildfire. There have been mad raves about this album. But! Does it live up to my standards?

Lady! Why are you ALWAYS turned around like that!?

The album starts off with Afterlife, which exemplifies what they do best: a triple voice onslaught with booming drums and great solos! From the start, I’m hooked. The following tracks, Invincible and The Nexus, have a more single feel in addition to the sophomore tracks on the beginning album (Hunger, 1,000,000 Lightyears). Although tracks like Burn With Me may provide a more mid-tempo feel, it doesn’t stop the heavy barrage of strained vocals and thunderous drumming throughout the rest of the album. Each track has a similar structure of expected verse-chorus format, but like the first album, the different vocals add a different feel for each part of the song. Simply put, this album is constructed the same as the first album and I didn’t want to reiterate the things I said in my review of the first album.

At points, I felt like I was at the eye doctor. You know, when they give you the lenses and they say,” which one looks better? This one? Or this one?” and it’s really the same thing? Yeah… but then I listened harder to the music instead of just hearing it…

This is where some people have complained about this album; that it's just the same. Now, I know many people always want something new with each album. However, even though the structure of the tunes and overall feel  resemble that of the first album, there are changes in the sound. The biggest thing is that the tracks sound more digital, which was something I read in an interview with the guitarist to the group. Throughout each track, you will notice keyboard leads, digital effects and mastering tricks that really play up the more “digital nightmare” feel of the album. The track that sticks out the most with this is Electroheart, which has some kind of darkwave/metal feel, like a disturbed variation of Nightwish’s Wish I Had An Angel. Thankfully, they didn’t play up their effects so much that they wouldn’t be able to perform it live unlike SOME bands.

You can totally play like that for 2 hours, right?

Something that I have always admired about Amaranthe is the ability to find the fulcrum between catchy and heavy. With this album, I didn’t catch myself singing one vocalist’s part; I became THAT person… you know, the person that sings every part of a song? Yeah, that’s how I was throughout this whole thing. Every chorus sticks in your head, the riffs are addictive, and even the harsh vocals are vital for the overall feel of the track. Not only that, but I love it when there isn't a weak player in the group and if one person were to be switched out the overall feel wouldn't be the same. Thankfully, they just clicked together to make a unique sound!

So, really what I’m saying about this album is this: If you liked the first one, you’ll like the second one. Yes, there are things that are different, but it’s not a complete step out of their comfort zone. After all, this is just their second album, and their first one was just released two years ago. To be honest, they can pump out songs like this for the next 20 years and I’ll be happy!

Check out this link to hear the whole album!!!

http://www.smnnews.com/2013/03/15/swedens-amaranthes-streaming-the-nexus-in-full/

Metal Cereal #1: Amaranthe

There is a reason why I haven’t written anything for Metal Cereal yet. I keep going through my metal and as much as I love my metal, it wasn’t well updated. Then, after clicking on random videos on youtube and going down a random metal rabbit hole, I found this band and they have changed my view on metal: Amaranthe.

Amaranthe is a Swedish metal band that is somewhat of a supergroup. There are THREE vocalists: a clean female vocalist (formerly sang with Kamelot), clean male vocalist (who sang with Dream Evil) and a harsh male vocalist. The keyboardist and guitarist? Originally played for Nightrage and Dragonland (a great band, even if their name sounds stupid. Don’t judge me!) the other members have played with other strong metal bands, and well,  this group thrives. After listening to their self titled debut album, this group is firing on all cylinders. What is interesting though, if the vehicle they are propelling.

To me, this group sums up all things metal from 2000s on. My metal palette was confused at first due to the blending of styles, but that is what makes this group stand out so much: the diversity of styles. The vocalists compliment each other so well, providing a lot of variance and excitement in every song. Not only that, but every instrument in addition to the vocalists has their fair share of exemplification. This is also a tough feat to overcome. Whenever there is a musical collaboration there is generally a more dominant artist or instrumentalist (like how in Rebecca Black’s Friday no one remembers the rap section that is equally awkward!) However, every musician stands out in all of the songs on this album.

Now, for the negative attributes of this band. This group has received some reviews that the songs are canny and uninspired.  Although I don’t agree with the uninspired section, I can say that I feel like the band made a checklist of what makes a good metal song and stuck to that list. Most every song has these qualities:

- overly emotional clean male vocals

- screamer guy to add more intensity

- girl singer/sex appeal (Yeah, I know you can’t hear that. Wudup!?)

- double bass/ sweet drum rhythms

- sweet solo/ keyboard intros and interludes

- the bass guy mercilessly headbanging. After all, what is a metal bassist to do?

BASS SOLO! E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E

Here’s my rebuttal for all that. Yeah, it’s an intense thrill ride from beginning to end to the extent that the only point of rest is their ballad. Yet, even then it’s very emotionally charged. However, I know that the greatest of bands have been accused of writing one song over and over. Listen to even the most metal of bands. Although their songs resemble their other content, they have a central sound that is unique. This is why the latest Iron Maiden album went platinum and no one happily talks about Kiss’s disco album.

It's not disco, it's 70s rock...

So, here’s my last point. This group is good if you want a band that sums up different styles of metal in a nice yet intense manner. The best news? They show no signs of stopping. They just released their new single and they are touring with power metal giants Stratovarius in March and April! So, I definitely recommend this band because they’re going to be something big… if they haven’t gotten there already.

How does your mouth feel after eating your metal cereal!?