Iced Earth - Dystopia (2011)

March 3rd, 2011 was a said day for Iced Earth fans, as lead singer Matt Barlow announced his retirement from the band. Band mainman John Schaffer later announced that the lead singer of Into Eternity, Stu Block, would be taking over vocal duties for Iced Earth's new album “Dystpoia”. After listening to the album, there is definitely some ups and downs throughout the tracks. Musically it’s amazing but vocally… well, I’ll let you be the judge of that.

You’re immediately hit with marching snares in “Dystopia.” Electrifying guitar riffs run through octaves with catchy melodies as they carry you to the verse. Chugging guitars take over with fast drum patterns behind them. This all sounds like good old Iced Earth. However, the vocals are a whole different story. Block has some aggressive clean singing vocals in the beginning of the verse but then switches to this really high screaming voice that gets kind of annoying. The delivery in the high pitch vocals just doesn’t sound right. He goes back to the aggressive singing during the rest of the verse, and that sounds pretty good. But that high screaming just puts a damper on the song. You’ll really enjoy the refrain though. The lyrics are great and the melody in the vocals is very catchy. This part is the part we all know and love from Iced Earth.

The mood slows down with “Anthem,” which starts with slow none distorted guitars gently hitting gorgeous chords. The drums sneak in quietly with soft hi hats and other cymbals. Keeping the same melody, distortion kicks on with blaring riffs and snapping snares and kicks. The verse comes in with clear vocals that soar over the instruments, leading right into the chorus. You’ll definitely be singing along after hearing this one a few times. Guitars are slammed in the background leaving you bobbing your head to the melody. Block gets a lot better in this song, as he shows off some of his power metal vocals in the refrain at the end. As the music fades you run into a wall of guitar riffs in “Boiling Point.” The vocals jump right in with more rough clean singing in the verse while complex double bass pedaling runs wild in the background. The drum fills are mind blowing and full of speed. There are a few parts where that annoying high pitch scream comes in, but it’s not as bad as the first track. Surprisingly, this track is less than three minutes long.

Next thing you know, you’re moving right along into “Anguish Of Youth.” It’s starts out calm with soothing guitars and light drumming. The vocals in the verse are kind of weird. This is where you’re really gonna wish you had Barlow back. The clean singing just doesn’t have that delivery that an Iced Earth singer should have. It actually makes me think of the “bro” singing that Avenged Sevenfold does in their newer material. It just doesn’t have that heavy metal feel to it. The song is saved, however, with the catchy chorus. This is where the vocals get a lot better. The lyrics are performed in an aggressive manor while blaring distorted guitars play along with them. If you can get passed the weak verses then you’ll really enjoy the rest.

The album gets heavier with monstrous guitar riffs in “V.” The booming drums will have you pumping your fists in no time. The verses contain nothing but pure solid clean vocals. The chorus is the best part as both Block and Schaffer sing together while chugging guitars blast through the background. There’s even a part where they’re chanting loudly towards the end which really reminds you of some of their older albums. Also, there is a beast of a solo towards the end where the guitar is just murdering the musical scales one note at a time. Definitely make sure you check this track out.

I was a little iffy with “Dark City” at first because of some of the vocals. Soothing clean vocals echo in the beginning over soft guitar notes. Then out of no where comes more high pitch screaming. I was very tempted to just skip the track. Good thing I didn’t though, because the rest of the track is amazing. The drums kick in with detailed rolls that’ll have you bashing you head left and right. The vocals become harsh as they prepare you for the chorus. Catchy lyrics come flying in with chugging guitar riffs and blasting drum fills. This is followed by another pulverizing guitar solo. Later enters the bridge where the guitars are just relentless with catchy melodic riffs. Meanwhile the snare pounds away at you beating you into the ground. This will definitely leave you wanting to play this track again.

Jumping to “End Of Innocence,” things start out slow again with acoustic guitars and light drumming. Block does some clean singing that boarders the “bro” vocals that I mentioned earlier. However, it gets better as the distortion comes in. The vocals in the refrain are awesome as you're hit with catchy lyrics that you’ll find yourself singing along to immediately. Also the guitar work between verses is absolutely stunning. There are lots of wild solo parts that really take over the mood of the song. This leads to the last song “Tragedy And Triumph” which runs for a lengthy seven and a half minutes long. Snapping snares march in with distorted guitar notes along side of them. This builds up for about a minute and a half until the verse finally drops. Here you’re hit with thunderous double bass pedaling and uplifting guitar riffs. The vocals are delivered with harsh aggressive tones. Overall the song isn’t anything that really stands out from the album but if you pick up the deluxe version of the album you’ll find that there are three bonus tracks. Now these song definitely stand out and are a great way to close out the album. The songs are “Soylent Green,” “Iron Will,” and “Anthem (String Mix).” Make sure you get the deluxe edition because you do not want to miss out on these great tracks.

Overall, “Dystopia” is another successful album. Iced Earth manages to keep their sound and style of music even though Barlow is no longer with them. As far as the new singer goes, Stu Block does a great job for the most part. I can imagine that filling in as Barlows position isn’t an easy task and although there are some parts that don’t quite fit, most of the vocals stay aggressive and strong throughout the album. It’ll be interesting to hear them live. But definitely make sure you pick up the album. It’s definitely worth it.

8.5/10

Official Site - http://www.icedearth.com/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/icedearth

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The Podcast: Episode 24 (This band is your band, this band is our band.... of the month)

So many good albums, so little time. Murmaider was stuck on Insomnium this week. Hell22 digested more, with albums by Akribi, 3, and Agartha earning a variety of scores.

The beginning of the month is an exciting time in the Headquarters, as the gang has the opportunity to single out one band to take the "Band of the Month" honors. This time around, Pennsylvania progressive black metal project Appalachian Winter steals the show. Hell22 and Murmaider take some time to discuss the mastermind behind the music, the music itself, and the interview we were lucky enough to score.

Part 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?l1cpk0nlocgmpe2

Part 2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?6b2ggxldnvda8hw

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Appalachian Winter: The Interview

Fresh off becoming the focus of our October "Band Of The Month," Daniel Klyne, the sole member of Pennsylvania metal juggernaut Appalachian Winter, sat down and answered some questions that Murmaider and Hell22 simply had to ask. We get a look into his influences, his collection of instruments, and why he hates doing vocals so damn much. This was a fucking blast, and we thank Dan for affording us this opportunity!

Part 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?alq63mp2fcc5gwx

Part 2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?6dg4inoy1jr1314

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Agartha - V (2011)

Straight from the country capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee, comes Agartha, a one man band of metal grooves and opinions. Falling somewhere in the middle of black, gothic, thrash, and death metal, Adam Phillips' creation has taken on a life of its own. And on his new album, simply titled "V," Phillips looks to take things to the next level, with a flurry of chugging chords, rolling kicks and airy keyboards. But every man has an Achilles heel. And for Agartha, that fatal flaw could be the dreaded "core."

Light piano opens the album, with "The Council of God (Genesis 1-26)" building from nothing. The sudden crash of electric guitars bursts forth, covering the piano keys in a murky distortion. It descends into madness, double bass pedals ripping ahead, atmospheric keyboards stirring the pot. The first screams enter, falling somewhere between blackened death and thrash style coarseness. The keyboard and synthesizer sounds keep the track fresh at times, in what may otherwise fall into the rotten repetition of the "core" curse. The music becomes almost too mechanical, with the drumming sounding like programmed beats rather than a human touch. As a guitar solo takes the spotlight, the backing music fails to support it. Only when the music slows do all the parts come back together, fueled by deep, abrasive growls.

The music often feels disjointed, as is the case on "Destruction Of The Gateway." It begins like a black metal massacre, complete with hoarse, screeching vocals. But the instrumentation doesn't sync up in a way that really makes sense. It sounds, at times, like each band member is playing to a different time signature. It isn't until nearly the three minute mark that things fall into place. A guitar solo unites the pieces, and the song takes a turn for the better. Intermittent chugging mixed with ravishing drums creates a momentum that carries into the next track, "Eleven Shadows Of Ahasuerus." The downtempo track fits the band perfectly, allowing the guitars to simply inflict damage on top of a loud, powerful drum beat. The brief spoken word segment is forgettable, only hurting the flow of the track. But it is soon buried among the carnage of the punishing distortion. All the while, dancing keys flutter in and out, haunting the song like a ghost long dead.

The keyboards are never more important than on the atmospheric "The Cry Of Aggni." The keys take the lead, providing the melody. The contrast of the haunting tones and the aggressive vocals is a new direction for the band to take. This is a song that fully embodies what Agartha is capable of. No tricks, no gimmicks, just straight forward, synth fueled symphonic metal. Unfortunately, then follow up their strongest track with what is probably their weakest. "The Elder" is everything that metalcore has done wrong, from the mechanical chugging to the repetitive vocal patterns. A little guitar chord work is thrown in for flavor, but it does little to salvage the wreckage. The only saving grace is the outro portion, with keys standing alone in a ghostly sound. There is something to be said about "MCCCVII," a track that is equally short and brutal. At just two and a half minutes, it is a foray into the thrash/death realm, complete with rapid drumming and some impressive fret work.

There is some inspiration to be found on "The Dawn Of The 1st Great War," a track which seems to follow the metalcore formula, but sees a twist in the form of some well orchestrated horns and strings. This is a step outside of the box, a way to reinvigorate a (hopefully) dying style. Short, but strong, it leads directly into the closing track, "The Creation Of Parsifal." The keys steal the show again, remaining atmospheric behind a wall of pounding drums and muddled distortion. The vocals, by this time, are predictable. This isn't to say they are any less enjoyable, but there simply is no variation. Even as the instruments change their tone, with a blaring guitar solo erupting from below, the vocals maintain a constant delivery. But the instruments are truly the star, winding down to a sampled chunk of trumpets and drums.

Agartha isn't a metalcore band, but any means. But they do borrow from the genre too often to suit their talents. They take what would otherwise by a pretty rousing album of keyboard fueled brutality, and water it down with unnecessary use of industrial strength chugging. But, in this case, the good outweighs the bad. Each dark, mechanical cloud has a silver lining. And on "V," they weather the oncoming storm, and brace themselves for the next.

7.5/10

Official Site - http://agartha.bandcamp.com/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/agarthaband

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Ghost Brigade - Until Fear No Longer Defines Us (2011)

Back for another round of Finnish progressive death metal, Ghost Brigade comes out of the shadows with their new album, entitled “Until Fear No Longer Defines Us.” This is the bands third full length album and man what a performance it is. This ten track masterpiece has got everything from roaring growls to calm clean singing with constant change in tempos and melodies. Each song being diverse and yet just as amazing as the next.

You’re greeted with “In The Woods” which is a four minute acoustic performance with lead singer Manne Ikonan singing smooth clean vocals that will draw you deep into the music. The acoustic guitars float gently in the background with relaxing melodies. As the song fades you are rudely awakened with “Clawmaster” while guitars ignite with tons of heavy distortion. Deep demonic growling vocals come flying in on top as massive drums and cymbals explode behind them. There is so much bass in this song that you’ll feel the vibrations run through your body the minute the notes are played. The vocals are interesting as the verses go back and forth between the dark growling and the soothing clean singing. This is the same for the refrain as well. You’ll also find the guitar work to be quite incredible as blaring guitar riffs scream throughout the chorus. The instruments calm down again during the second and third verse. Definitely check out the guitar work during the refrain though. The melodies being played are just phenomenal.

“Chamber” leans more towards the first track where you’re hit with gorgeous clean singing while they hold off on the reckless growling. Drumming is added toward the beginning of the song as calm guitar notes play softly along side them. The bass gives off a very warm sound as it collects the rest of the instruments and keeps them close together. The refrain does pick up and get a little heavier musically. Distortion is added while the kick and snare start to become a little more repetitive with mixed patterns. The way the cymbals and hi hats are incorporated are quite catchy and will definitely make you want to bob your head to the rhythm. As far as heavy growling goes, you run into that in “Traces Of Liberty.” It’s accompanied by loud catchy guitar riffs and reckless cymbals crashing everywhere. This track definitely jumps out and grabs you by the throat. The refrain gets even more aggressive with dark melodic guitar riffs and more deep growling vocals. You’ll also notice eerie strings in the background which provide haunting tones to the music.

Things slow down with "Grain." The guitars are light as clean vocals are delivered with such passion. The verses contain beautiful lyrics as simple hi hats and snares lead the way to the chorus. The guitars become heavier as you hit the refrain. As distortion flies by, the vocals are what you'll be following. After hearing them once or twice you'll definitely find yourself singing along. Also the melody to the guitars are absolutely gorgeous and full of energy. Make sure you don't skip this song.

By now I’m sure you’re all looking for that one track that just completely consumes you. Well “Breakwater” is that track. It’s dark chugging guitars will surround you with dark tones in the beginning as the drums beat you down repetitively. This eight minute piece of work changes up a lot with its diverse song structure which keeps you at the end of your seat the entire time. After the demonic riffs fly through, vicious growling vocals follow destroying everything in their way. After the dust clears, the distortion disappears as calm guitars take over. This is where the softer clean vocals come into play. The relaxing tones in Ikonan’s voice put you at ease as you try to recover from the violent riffs before this. Of course this doesn’t last long as harsh guitar riffs come rumbling back in at full speed along with more wicked growling on top of it. Meanwhile the cymbals are just shattering from left to right. This is where you’re going to want to throw you’re devil horns in the air. The bass is just relentless in the breakdown towards the end as monstrous guitar riffs stomp you out. The song closes out with soothing guitars and deep bass lines as you finally get to catch your breath.

Another powerful track is “Torn” as it opens with a quick drum solo. Violent guitar riffs jump in after a few seconds as devilish growls follow after that. Pay close attention to the drumming in this one because the drum rolls in between each riff is absolutely bone crushing. The detail in each fill is incredible. The melodies of the guitars are catchy during the bridge with uplifting notes and soothing synths behind them. Keep in mind that the man behind the synths and keyboards is none other than Swallow The Sun’s Aleksi Munter. The instruments combined paint a beautiful image. This is followed by the final song on the album, entitled “Soulcarvers” which is another lengthy track only this time it stays to the more mellow side. Catchy guitar riffs run throughout the song while clean vocals soar over the top really reaching out to you. The refrain builds up with deafening guitars and destructive drums while the vocals stay clean. Again, the drum fills during the chorus are breath taking. You’re definitely going to want to play this track over a couple of times.

What’s great about “Until Fear No Longer Defines Us” is that anyone and everyone can find a little something that they love on this album. If you’re not really a fan of growling but you love heavy progressive instruments with amazing clean singing then you’ll love this album. Same thing for those who are all about aggressive guitars and harsh vocals. There’s no way around it. You’re gonna find something incredible about this album. Their diverse style is what makes Ghost Brigade such a magnificent band. So make sure you check this one out. It’s an album you cannot miss!

9/10

Official Site - http://www.ghostbrigade.net/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/ghostbrigade

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3 - The Ghost You Gave To Me (2011)

After a seemingly endless absence, the band with a number for a name returns with a new studio album. 3 has soaked in praise from all corners of the country, thanks to their critically acclaimed album, titled "The End Is Begun," and in part to their slot on the Progressive Nation Tour of 2008. But three years later, Joey Eppard and company have compiled a collection of songs that may take them to new places. "The Ghost You Gave To Me" sees the Woodstock, NY four piece with an edge that is sure to garner some serious attention.

The intro track, "Sirenum Scopuli," is vintage 3, taking the dulcet tones of clean guitars and pairing them with Eppard's often airy voice. It has a short but sweet effect, connecting directly into "React," a sure fire crowd pleaser. The alternating bursts of fast and slow, combined with a catchy melodic vocal hook, are the perfect way to get the ball rolling. Eppard's strength as a vocalist and frontman is equaled only by his prowess on the guitar strings, with fluttering flurries of acoustic notes floating through the air. The first single from the album follows, and "Sparrow" has a stomp that may catch you by surprise. The sizzle of cymbals and crushing guitar riffs that lead off give way to the soft crooning of the verse. But that aforementioned edge cuts through in the pre-chorus, a heavy strike that is a welcomed change from the normally progressive rock vibe. This is a realization of how impactful this band can be.

The vocal delivery that has become the band's signature returns on "High Times," a track that showcases the sheer power of Eppard's voice. he hits all the right notes, and all the right styles. His ability to cut back and forth from purely clean, to slightly raspy and gritty is enough to keep the more elitist members of the metal community happy. The rhythm section follows suit, with blasting fills and a head bobbing bass line keeping things tight. The rattling opening to "Numbers" reminds you that drummer Gartdrumm is alive and well behind the kit. The softly sung verses trick you, setting you up to be shaken, not stirred, in the chorus. A smoldering guitar solo takes you on a ride, and crashes you back in the middle of the booming riffs. The blasting outro is one that will shake you to your core, only to be saved by the beautifully sung "One With The Sun." The lyrical content has a dark playfulness, one of the band's best qualities. There is a soul to Eppard's voice, something lost far too often in the mind numbing progressive metal scene. he captures every ounce of emotion in each syllable, playing his tones off of the resonating guitar notes.

The title track begins with a pulsing drum beat, and machine gun snares. A weaving, winding guitar riff twists around you, all the while you are soothed with Eppard's vocals. From the ethreal "oooo's" and "ahhhh's" to the wild tremolo in his voice, he keeps your ears hooked. The opening riffs of "Pretty" lead into a downtempo verse, one that allows the bass to come through loud and clear. But the undeniable appeal of the chorus will be sure to get any crowd bouncing. The contrast of crunchy riffs and soothing vocals is what makes this band so accessible to so many. The guitars build in strength, initiating the head bobbing you may have resisted thus far. For fans of 'The End Is Begun," the track "Afterglow" is going to be a favorite. From the distorted guitars to the light tap of cymbals, you will find so many things to enjoy. The upbeat nature of the tune is infectious, with every layer folding together in a perfect harmony.

The clean guitar notes that dominate "It's Alive" will stick with you for days. Their immediate descent into something heavier is awe inspiring, with Eppard letting out a mighty scream over the top. It plays out like organized chaos, even through the solo portion, crashing cymbals capping off a decidedly heavy, stomping riff. The surprisingly long "Only Child" follows, and in true 3 style, commands every ounce of your attention throughout. There is so much going on at any one moment, whether it be a great bass line, a ridiculous fill, or the overall arch of the vocal melody. The track length allows the band to take a longer path from A to B, jutting off on tangents here and there. But the flow remains from one piece to the next, connected through each riff, and the haunting keyboard notes. The closing track, "The Barrier" brought to mind Beck's "Ramshackle," with the band taking a stripped down approach in the early stages. The track builds to a rolling boil, twisting and turning through solid guitar passages and vocals. It is a delicate end to an aggressive album.

Despite their past successes, 3 seem to still be relatively unknown, or at least as much as a major label band can be. The comparisons to Coheed and Cambria have been lobbed time and time again, whether they be fair or otherwise. But "The Ghost You Gave To Me" sees the band stepping out of the shadows, and into the spotlight in a way that they hadn't on their previous works. They have found a balance that could, and should, propel them into the collective consciousness of metal fans the world over. And with a slot on the Metal Sucksfest, they are sure to get some nods of approval along the way.

9.5/10

Official Site - http://www.theband3.com/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/officialbandthree

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Insomnium - One For Sorrow (2011)

Finally, melodic death metal band Insomnium has returned with another pulverizing, action packed album. It goes by the name “One For Sorrow.” It’s got tons of progressive riffs mixed with deafening guitars and depressive tones. You will find nothing but godly guitar solos and beautiful melodies throughout the entire album. There is even some diverse change ups in the vocals as they add a little more clean singing mixed with there demonic growls.

The album starts off with “Inertia“ which is a three minute intro that really builds up the album and gives you a little taste of what is to come. It’s nothing but insane guitar work and catchy melodies. As the intro fades you fall right into “Through The Shadows” which opens with loud monstrous guitars that chug rapidly with violent drum fills. They layer this with the lead guitar throwing melodic notes from left to right relentlessly. The motion of the song will have you bobbing your head from start to finish. As the verse starts, you are hit with a deep devilish growl that will make you flinch as he lyrics beat down on you. Fast chugging riffs accompany the vocals as they build louder and louder into the refrain. A mixture of clean singing and growling are combined together in the refrain leaving a catchy melody echoing through your head. After hearing this, you won’t be able to help but replay this track again and again. It’s got so much energy and overwhelming vocals that consume you deep into the album. Although when you finally do decide to move on to the next track, you are definitely in for another treat. “Song Of The Blackbird” provides you with complicated drum fills and blaring guitar chords with heavy distortion on top of them. The snap of the snare will constantly shake you violently as the bass lines run you over. You’ll find similar elements in “Only One Who Waits” as well. It’s nothing but pure melodic death metal being shoved in your face. This bridge in this song has got a really catchy melody to it as well as it starts off quiet and builds up to be a gigantic wave of reckless guitars all mashed together with a solo to follow. This will destroy you.

“Unsung” is a crucial track off the album that you don’t want to miss. It starts with a soft melody that is immediately torn down by the monstrous guitars that follow it. The verse kicks in with harsh growling that runs along side dark aggressive guitars and exploding drumming. The double bass pedaling is phenomenal. You are hit with the refrain often throughout the song as melodic guitar riffs take over sending you to a whole different dimension of sound. About three and a half minutes into the track you will come across the bridge which contains some beautiful clean vocals which have heavy amounts of reverb. This then leads into the refrain one last time as machine gun double bass pedals come through with explosive energy.

The band takes a break from all the violent guitars and heavy growling with “Decoherence.” This little three and a half minute track is a gorgeous instrumental with lots of soothing strings and acoustic guitars. Its got a lot of passion and it definitely adds more beautiful to this beast of an album. They use some interesting flange effects on the drums as well giving it sort of an unclear image. This is one of those relaxing tracks then let you catch your breathe as you prepare for more heavier songs like “Lay The Ghost To Rest.” Wild melodic guitars coming flying in with booming drums. Meanwhile cymbals are crashing all around you. The verse contains some vicious growling as the guitars provide the melody. Definitely check this track out.

Towards the end of the album you’ll come across another great song, entitled “One For Sorrow.” It starts out slow with soothing clean guitars and calm drums patterns. The verse comes in with layered vocals. They combine clean singing with a light growl that barely fades behind it. This gives off a very eerie feel to the song. The chorus however, is straight harsh growling lyrics with overwhelming guitar riffs chugging in the background. The guitar work overall is incredible and definitely gives a epic sound to the music. As the song fades, you run into the final song on the album, called “Weather The Storm.” This is the beast of them all as far as wicked growling goes. The vocals are amazing as dirty guitar riffs soar in the background carrying the deep growls throughout the track. The drums are relentless as well as they leave no time for rest with all of the constant snares and kicks. The fills towards the end of the song are absolutely mind blowing.

Clearly the band has shown that they will continue to release the fantastic melodic death metal sounds that they have always produced. They have improved again and again with each and every album and they have done it again with “One For Sorrow.” Hopefully they do a world tour so we can witness these incredible tracks live. Don’t miss out on this exciting new album!

9/10

Official Site - http://www.insomnium.net/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/insomniumband

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