The Correlation of Metal vs Classical and Jazz/Fusion...
Volume 1
"Science Reveals Something Surprising About Metal Fans and Classical Music Lovers".
It is in regard to the analysis of Classical vs Metal and personality traits. But I thought I'd expound on the
relationship of Classical, Jazz and Metal, the music theory, criticism and a clarification on some of the
commenters of the article that, well . . . made me scratch my head.
Here is the article:
http://mic.com/articles/87385/science-reveals-something-surprising-about-metal-fans-and-classical-music-lovers
crying shame. Many people had great things to say and suggestions how the article could have represented
"Metal" better. Were they afraid that the normal everyday Metalhead had more knowledge than the
writer?
I get a bit obsessed by articles like this, but I wasn't able to leave a (shorter) rant at the site because they
have a limit in their comments box. So I thought about creating my 1st Blog and I'd link it there, as well as share this version with all of you. Later, I was a bit upset that the "journalist" didn't really write anything, she just lifted from another article, so was she even into the music anyway? . . . I digress.
So indulge me as I spout-out what I personally know (as best as I can communicate) and what these ears
hear, and have enjoyed since I was 14 years old, when I consciously noticed in these musics that I collected,
as it developed throughout my life. As well as those personality traits that seem to be pervasive in music
involving high creativity. But this became, much more about what influenced the genre (and subgenres) of music.
So I guess this has turned into an essay and analysis of Classical/Jazz vs Metal and where they meet. In the
minds and hearts of the personalities that enjoy the 3, who create the musics, and our "quirks", why we
disagree at times so strongly, who we may be as listeners, while hoping to meet in the middle.
Please understand; I am NOT an expert on Jazz or Classical music (or Metal for that matter). I try as best I
can with the knowledge I have, to explain the similarities and hope that it is easy for the layman to
comprehend, and I try to add citations and definitions where needed. It's a learning experience for me as
well.
Note: I will append the "Jazz/Fusion" aspect to Metal on this essay in the future, as I think this is a subject
that deserves more research, and helps me in the process to expand my knowledge of those who changed
the face of Jazz, just as much as those who expanded what Metal could be. But I will include many
examples in this essay to sample the spectrum where Metal and Progressive musics get their influences.
Also see: "Preferred Music Style Is Tied to Personality" which the above article is based on.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/preferred-music-style-is-tied-to-personality/0001438
(This may be another topic to discuss).
"The Metalhead Kids Are All Right - A new study finds 1980s heavy metal fans have matured into
responsible adults":
http://www.psmag.com/health-and-behavior/study-shows-metal-kids-will-one-day-trade-in-studded-armband-for-non-studded-timex
And the cathartic sounds of Metal: "Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing":
http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00272/full#B2
The classic cliche's of Metalheads: "5 Stereotypes of Metalheads that need to be Debunked":
http://www.vh1.com/news/33855/incorrect-stereotypes-about-metalheads/?xrs=TMS_10am
I am trying to learn as much as I can about the techniques and definitions utilized in music. For the various genres and instruments used to explain how they do it, and the sounds they create.
I'm a SLOW learner, so be patient with me if I got it all wrong, or if I'm almost there. Eventually i'll get where you are, that is, if you are there too.
>>>>> Essay Under RE-CONSTRUCTION as of June 2018 and continuing on in 2024 <<<<<
This was my 1st essay, it has grown bit by bit since 2014. But now going through a redux in 2019. Please notice all links, their respective information and citations that they use as well. And please review this and other essays on a desktop computer, laptop or at the very least, a tablet, to get the most out of its intended format. This was not meant to be seen on a very small handheld screen ;).
I'll do my best to replace deleted links to factoids and music examples, so I appreciate your patience :).
Notice "active" words as they contain links to tracks, videos, factoids and various info/citations. And click on photos to enlarge.
Again, there will be TONS of added material so please come back to checkout more :).
The Article demonstrates something that many Metalheads (who care to talk about it) have known since its conception. The examples and psychology (if "science" or not) are presented fairly well (if not brief), but the comparisons of personality traits of the Metalhead and Classical music connoisseur are a bit too simplified. I'd add, much like those who follow Jazz/Fusion as well.
These surveys or group studies tend to be just that; a "group" of listeners to encompass the whole, which is not the case for the introverted. Each listener that I have met come from a wide variety of backgrounds. From a university professor to a print shop attendant, to a video game designer to a school teacher, to a translator to the owner of a gift shop, a highschool kid - from the outcast to the star football player, and all in-between. Including language, heritage, colour, international background, class and beliefs.
The fanbase for Metal is not inclusive or exclusive (though most of the metal I present is exclusive to the "underground scene" and many fans feel is their "secret" without the media-hype that Pop music thrives on) though in a sense, it is exclusive because Metal and Progressive Rock is so unique, that it is followed by a unique people with discriminating tastes, and if you are adventurous (as you are now), you are invited along to discover these niche musics. It is made up of a variety of colours and layers as much as the music or personna, in-which both are portrayed in a negative light at times. Cliches and preconceived notions abound of who and what we are. Yes there are those who'd rather listen to the music and not talk about it, those who rather not have "politics" in the lyrics though shock value, satanic, violent, and horrific themes are accepted almost without question. But for many others the music MUST speak to us, if on a personal level or to take us on flights of fantasy, epic stories, history, and culture. Be it esoteric lyrics or point blank between the eyes with the daily toils, self-introspection, the world around us and the upheavals of today, yesterday and tomorrow. This music needs to say "something" to us because the music demands it, the cadence, the volume, the techniques and sounds it makes to soothe, to challenge, to compel us to strive for the best in ourselves. Or that it takes us away for just a few moments.
Its EPIC, grandiose, melodic, meticulous, angular, atypical, dissonant - sometimes a controlled chaos,
bombastic and aggressive. Filled with mythology, biblical and world history, fiction, fantasy, and darker
themes that are full of emotion, creativity, pushing boundaries, with soul, imagination and highly trained
virtuosity.
. . . but am I talking about Classical, Jazz, or Heavy Metal?
We both can be snobbish, elitists, pre-judge and frown upon those who don't meet the criteria of the genre. As well as those toward us, who feel we are misfits, miscreants, ne'er-do-wells, the deplorables for
enjoying such "dark and aggressive" musics. But many are also tolerant of other musics, in-fact many
embrace other musics as it helps us to understand and accept other musics.
We may have a few genres we don't care for (I sure have my short list!), but if we can appreciate and
breakdown the components of the music we love, analyze what makes the music wonderful to us, we can do that also to the more popular musics we also enjoy or despise. And why we don't like certain musics that
seem to merely exist for "trends", selling units or "Lifestyle Maintenance". But we can also see that
simplicity can also move us and think in another way.
We are made of different classes and minds, which is basically anybody you meet. We can take all the
elements that Metal presence or pick and choose what we like, AND listen to various Classical and Jazz
pieces that move us just as much as any profound lyric or melody or aggressive riff that Metal can possibly
conceive. WE are the whole. But like our music, we don't fit within a box.
From the other point of view . . .
Most (not all) fans of Jazz and Classical don't see the correlation with Metal music. Many times taking an
elitist view in which they only see the "image" and hear only noise, not recognizing that the Metal musics "structures" can be very challenging and pushing the boundaries what music can be, much like their
music. But with over-driven or distorted guitars, and aggressive voices, which may lie the problem if not a fan of "Rock" or Metal (this is where I believe the main pre-conceptions of the genres exist). Things get "Amplified" and music instruments get hit harder, vocals get louder. But Metal is aggressive so the
component can not be removed.
Many Progressive "Rockers" also can be very judgmental of the sub-genre "Prog Metal (Progressive
Metal)", its bastard son, the black sheep, saying the same things that have been thrown at Prog Rock for
decades; "Pretentious, Self-Indulgent, Noisy, Robotic, Bombastic full of Wankery and no Soul". But THAT is
EXACTLY what makes it different than (most) Pop and Rock music . . .
To play their instruments with exceptional skill, to challenge themselves and the audience. But the so-called "Pretentiousness" is not allowed in the true Metal form, many times it takes a higher skill to play on this level "to pretend" (I add more to this later). To play outside the parameters of music "Rules". Be it melodically, heavy, brutal, disjointed, avant-garde or in your face and whatever way to tell a story, in
whatever emotion. If it's the focus on songwriting, the anger matching the aggressiveness of the music, showing off musical prowess, or to challenge parameters. Metal is not "Metal" without its traits, so
"Progressive" Metal can not exist without its roots, its structures and the aggression.
But true music will always have a soul, it's what makes us artists, musicians and writers (i try). We do it
with passion, with every fiber of our being and strive to make it the best we can achieve.
And that includes every piece, every song. It's not about "Hit Singles" but entire albums. No matter if a
band is well known selling millions or an underground niche. If you're into Progressive musics and do not want the wankery/self-indulgence and a focus ONLY on "songs" . . . you've elected to listen to the wrong
type of music. It is part of its foundation, without those components, it wouldn't be Prog Rock or Metal.
But be at the ready, Progressive music can have its Pop elements: GTR, Asia, Spock's Beard, It Bites, Toy
Matinee, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Yes, Kansas, Dream Theater, Kino, Marillion, King Crimson, Saga,
Electric Light Orchestra, Emerson Lake & Palmer, 3, Mike Oldfield, Trevor Rabin, Adrian Belew, Muse,
Steve Wilson and many more).
Not only will Classical and Jazz be found within, but; R&B, Gospel, Blues, Folk, African, Latin and other
indigenous musics will be featured that forces it to progress. New ideas and expressions, yet each band can sound different than the other, or follow a trend/sound that has been established. But each makes a unique offering to set it apart, or of the AOR Rock Music and Pop Top 40 fare (or as above, it can be at times more accessible). But it can also be cut from the same cloth, yet add an ingredient to give it a twist. Though Rock will always be the foundation, it deviates from the norm to transform it from convention.
The drive of the Guitar . . .
instrument that gets heavier and heavier with each decade of rock music, to hard/heavy rock, progressive
rock and heavy metal. Guitar and Drums is what adds the "ferocity" to this particular music.
To the layman that does not understand why "Metal" has to be loud and obnoxious; it cannot be what it is
without its traits to annoy, piss off or challenge people's perceptions of what music is.
Its all what makes it different than easy listening music, but I hope to shed light that Rock and Metal takes
on many forms, and embellishes, and is influenced by other musics. This includes the sacred cows; Blues,
Classical and Jazz, but turned inside out, on its ear, but can also be the heart and soul. But to progress these
extremes to challenge minds and heartbeats. Music should break rules, advance (depending how much you think it should) instead of staying stagnant. There are some guitarist that are just happy strumming an
acoustic guitar, and don't understand why it has to be so complicated. That's fine, I can listen to that kind of music as well. But more often, I want to hear more, I need to hear that driving force, I need music that is not linear, follows the same pattern with no deviation, but if it is "repetitive", it's got to give me an
emotion, it is demanding that I "bang my head", let out some steam and aggression. But the style of Metal
I will present, it will present even more emotions that may seem atypical or a dichotomy. How can one type of music mesh with the other? . . . Well, that's what this journey is all about.
https://youtu.be/HN1bp7-dfA4
we can start with the likes of; Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Chuck
Berry, Roy Smeck, Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Link Wray, Dick Dale, Dave Davies, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton,
Pete Townshend, Carlos Santana, Alvin Lee, Leslie West, Terry Kath, Mark Farmer, Jeff Beck, Buck
Owens, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Albert Lee, Roy Buchanan, Johnny Winter, Keith Richards,
Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, Andrew Latimer, Robert
Fripp, David Gilmore, Brian May, Gary Moore, Frank Marino, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Robin
Trower, K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, Ronnie Montrose, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Ed King, Rik
Emmett, Brian Robertson, Scott Gorham, Alex Lifeson, Dickey Betts, Duane Allman, Warren Haynes,
Frank Zappa, Kerry Livgren, Rich Williams, Steve Morse, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Lee Ritenour,
Pat Metheny, Allan Holdsworth, Ted Nugent, Randy Bachman, John Curulewski, James Young, Tommy
Shaw, Neal Schon, Tom Scholz, Barry Goudreau, Dave Hlubek, Steve Holland, Duane Roland, Billy
Gibbons, Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones, Henry Paul, Rickey Medlocke, Charlie Hargrett, and other
heavyweights I'm forgetting at the moment. There was also this kid from Holland that created the next
wave of Guitar Hero in Pasadena California, and helped inspire the future "Shredder", including guitar
techniques he didn't even have names for . . .
| Adrian Belew |
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEc63zFWgJSyenJQ5qPI1Vhb
The Power of Fusion
King Crimson
ELP
Gentle Giant
Yes
UK
Genesis
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Return to Forever
Brand X
Magma
Dixie Dregs
Weather Report
Egg
Amon Duul II
Soft Machine
Mats/Morgan Band
Allan Holdsworth/I.O.U.
Al Di Meola
Jaco Pastorius
Frank Zappa
Reading the Music vs Playing . . .
What are the abilities of the "Musician", what do they follow, and what are the exceptions from the rule?
From the Classical to Jazz player that "enjoys" various musics and is also able to play Rock/Metal music,
versus the Classical/Jazz musicians that can read the sheet music yet doesn't necessarily know the
techniques to make the music "breathe life" as Metal music.
Dan Lilker, the bassist for Nuclear Assault (Thrash Metal) and Brutal Truth (Grindcore/Death Metal) once
said (as a general statement, again, not the rule);
(paraphrasing) "Many Metal musicians are able to play all types of music, including Jazz and Classical. But ask a Jazz or Classical musician to play Metal, they can't do it".
I've seen that very thing, when talk show Bands, who are made-up of Session/Jazz Players, try to play
Metal songs, or something that represents Metal or harder edged music, they don't know how to "attack"
the riffs, the technique and the "tone".
There are plenty of Jazz Fusion guys though that have played in Progressive Rock and Metal side projects,
who know how it all works and have the chops . . .
Though I have to mention that Paul Schaffer's Band (Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra once called "The World's most Dangerous Band" back in the NBC days) on The Late Show with David Letterman are
phenomenal and play all types of music the way they're meant to be played. They even play a "Kings X" song just about nightly!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwWxG4XHZas
(with Horn section added)
How it came about: https://www.facebook.com/TyTaborFanPage/posts/i-have-been-watching-david-letterman-since-1982-he-has-always-felt-like-a-famili/10155504568270462/
Kings X - Born to be loved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0cEtyQjz7g
And have also played alongside Metal/Thrashers "Megadeth":
Megadeth - Train of Consequences:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JzovrQ0Xu8
Though to be clear; Most (not all) Jazz/Classical musicians that I have met or seen, even though they are able to read and compose, again, do not necessarily know the "attitude" of Metal to emulate or replay a piece (or care to play it vs those who can and follow all types of music. But many will pontificate how Metal and sometimes even Progressive Rock is inferior to these so-called higher forms).
Another example is the House Band of Conan O'Brian and Jay Leno. EXCELLENT musicians, but when they try to play Hard Rock/Metal songs (or a "Metal sounding sample of the music"), it falls flat.
Jimmy Vivino, Guitarist of Conan's band (Jimmy Vivino and The Basic Cable Band), who is an awesome
player, tried to play a "Metal" piece for actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt to "headbang to" for a hilarious request,
it came off more like "Punk", more raw.
Same with Kevin Eubanks and the Tonight Show Band when they segue to commercial, its not their thing, even though they have tons of experience and abilities.
Is it not knowing the right pedalboard, stompbox, processor for Guitar/Bass, how to beat a snare, or how to utilize double bass pedals, the techniques of syncopated Drumming that is unique to Metal? Or even
Keyboards and the right "sound" without sounding cheesy? You can study and read sheet music, but it has to be "In you" to reproduce the sound and attitude, or it comes off fake.
Meaning; if you are a fan of the music, you play it on your instrument, and have the techniques and
abilities to play Metal as well as Classical and/or Jazz, you can make those musics sound as if you are into it, knowing it. Making it your music. And you can mix these musics within the compositions you create and produce something new.
"Headbanging Music":
http://teamcoco.com/content/joseph-gordon-levitt-takes-headbanging-new-level
(I like the 1960's "twangy" soloing at the end :p)
You can see Jimmy and Kevin's fantastic abilities here:
Vivino:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C45V4X54vQA
Eubanks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX1e7kVRhGU
But why can't they transfer those tones toward the heavier music? Is it the techniques of down-stroking
the lower E and A strings? The proper way to "Palm Mute" the strings with the correct tone of distortion? Or is it just the attitude?
This is where Metal has "Soul", what you feel, how the parts come into play for what Metal is, the sound. What are the techniques and the proper sounds that are not written on the sheet music? Could it be they have it, but the perception of what Metal is has detoured them into where its not? Its all there, it may lie what you're into and how to apply it, as simple as that.
These musicians talk about these points and more about Progressive Rock, Metal and other musics . . .
Rock/Metal and Classical world. You will hear Arjen talk briefly what kind of musicians he wants to work with who are Classically trained.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PCwFJmP-rk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02bSK8AdEO8
3. https://youtu.be/NGdzOLx-cSg
Tools of the Trade . . .
The Classical influences in many Metal bands can be as complex and created much like compositions for a Symphony (or as a Concerto) such as; point/counterpoint exchanges, modulation (various tempo changes, odd-meter, poly-rhythms/poly-meters, harmonization), use of various techniques as chromatic scales,
arpeggios, legato, staccato movements/sections, syncopation, recapitulation, themes and many other
motifs that Classical and Jazz use to distinguish their music forms. Many of the traits of playing a Violin or Cello can be found in the Guitarists and Bassists of Metal, the techniques for the most part are the same "definitions" that any String musician uses in their repertoire. There is also the "dexterity" needed to play many of these techniques in Metal and Progressive musics, song after song, within a set of 30 minutes to 3 hours Live on-stage no matter what instrument is played.
Some musicians have had schooling, be it in prestigious music schools or neighborhood lessons, but many of these musicians are self-taught developing or embellishing their own techniques.
Music Theory 101 - Complex Music Explained: https://youtu.be/xu2hNu-KSPU
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeTUweeMAHDtt1u6yXlReeC
The foundation of Metal and Progressive Rock . . .
Phrygian dominant scale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
1. Demonstration: https://youtu.be/7n_lfH3tmpA
2. Demonstration: https://youtu.be/c0scmuNFC-E
Double harmonic scale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_harmonic_scale
Demonstration: https://youtu.be/oBnBhW3IVV8
Flamenco mode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamenco_mode
Demonstration: https://youtu.be/PkPU1cXyzIk
These modes and more (found within the examples above) are the prime cornerstones that shape the
darker aspects of tones, themes and tropes of Metal and Progressive musics, if not directly, enhance and
influence other techniques and modes (Dorian mode, Modal scales).
The Arabic/Byzantine scales can be heard here as a prime example in different musics, including various
Metal and Progressive Rock/Metal:
"Songs of the Desert": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8B242207B04DA3B2
Guitarist Paul Gilbert talks and demonstrates what he learned though his career. Including private lessons and schooling, from basics/theory and learning to hold back, to full throttle shredding. He also has
an uncanny ability to demonstrate every band to describe what he had learned throughout his childhood and teenage years. Also coming to an understanding how to be a better Teacher to students that came to
learn (not just shred): https://youtu.be/1PxX7plLKIc
who add it to their repertoire or; it's a structure to the music, are looking to expand the genre and the ideas of the form, take it apart, re-think and analyze it, and put it back together with its new parts sticking out, but it all has reason. A method to the madness.
For instance the Berklee College of music, including other schools that teach the theory of Jazz and Classical music. The Prog Metal band Dream Theater, who's founding members met at Berklee and incorporated
what was in their studies with the Progressive Rock of the 70's, and the new genre emerging that started with Rush, then Queensryche and Fates Warning to follow, giving influence and inspiration to various Metal bands: http://youtu.be/nnyy0Dxmn5M?t=1m14s
All the elements are there in the music, including various Metal styles to create a new hybrid, that a few predecessors have been creating since 1982/83. Dream Theater would take it to a more "Symphonic" level (As YES were to Progressive Rock, Dream Theater has taken what Yes created and infused it with Metal), as each instrument utilized various techniques to sound larger, as if they were a miniature orchestra. And
later would use Orchestra's to enhance the music and concepts they developed. They would forever
influence and inspire the next generation of this burgeoning form of Progressive Rock called "Prog Metal"
which would come from many parts of the world (Thanks to the Fathers; Queensrÿche from Washington, and Fates Warning from Connecticut).
Their 1st concept album (their 5th Studio album) was very much presented as an Opera or Stage-play
entitled;
Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mY0UJ7SdDG7n4DgXGJ_h-vG0QH9LpayaA
Your "Libretto":
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/dreamtheater/scenesfromamemory.html#1
The Concept:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_Pt._2:_Scenes_from_a_Memory
Live Scenes from New York:
https://youtu.be/iec-Q-Fl0gU
disjointed a piece may be, it fits together as an intricate puzzle.
Here is Producer and Musician "Rick Beato" talking about it:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/re4Rx0j2eMI
Part 2: https://youtu.be/T5SmcH11kUk
. . . and for the Producer:
https://youtu.be/2ZR3_92Vz7g
How to use music theory, and why:
https://youtu.be/tubAtBBXYvY
I have heard plenty of very complex pieces that many only hear "confusion, noise, and chaos". So I have to wonder what types of music are they used to hearing. It helps having lots of music growing up, and
discovering various types of musics and bands that offered something more than "Rock" that pushed the envelope. It is something I personally sought out for.
But here, again Rick Beato breaks it down . . .
https://youtu.be/xtuV82sIuYU
A way to hear how some of this music developed into more complexity is this Playlist that features the
Progressive Rock/Fusion bands that later influenced various sub-genres of Metal that progressed the style who show-off their more technical prowess and to think outside of the conventional box. For me they were my "education", my teachers of what you could do with music and what it took to play such pieces having a higher level of knowledge and skills. Some of these bands were even more extreme in Metal, yet all of
them have qualities that Jazz/Fusion (including Classical and the Avant-Garde) tend to follow as well.
With its odd-meter/poly-meters, syncopation and angular/atypical sounds:
Origins: Math Metal ~eQuation I:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdtiYql5HxhzIxzuFIPcXS9
eQuation II & III coming soon! Man it's a LOT of tracks to sort through :p
Chapter II
The Epic . . .
Song lengths also vary as much as any Classical pieces, but many Metal songs go from 3 to 7 minutes as a standard. Then there are the songs that are as long as any thematic Classical piece (10, 15, 20 minutes or even more). These pieces, at this length, tend to have "conceptual themes" and vary in topic, as well as
"Movements" that are titled for each sub-part (not always the case but for the sake of example).
The tropes are pretty similar, which include; historical, biblical, mythical, romantic, philosophical or, in
contrast, the contemporary fantasy/sci-fi themes (that can be found in Prog Metal, Thrash, Death Metal, Power Metal and other varieties). This also can be scrutinized by the critics, as-well as inside the Metal
community as being too serious or too cheesy. But the search for musical creativity has no boundaries, or should have. Why is Classical musics able to tackle the same themes yet not receive the same scrutiny?
The bands in Heavy Metal/Progressive Rock compensate for the size of the group by creating techniques to sound "larger" within the limitations of 1 or 2 Guitars, a Bassist, Drums and a Vocalist (who may also play an instrument and may be able to have different vocal ranges and styles).
Some will have a Keyboardist who takes on the role of the strings, woodwinds, and as a "Lead" instrument
(many times utilizing a more Guitar-like tone), especially in Progressive Metal and its derivatives. Where others only use it subtly to add a "mood" or colours to enhance the other instruments or themes. This is
the "Orchestra" created for the genre. If Classical (and Jazz) can indulge in instrument soloing, long pieces
and the bombastic . . . why can't Metal & Progressive Rock do the same? Is "Rock" supposed to remain
"dumb" to cater to the mediocre mind, or lowest common denominator?
Bruce Dickinson, the vocalist for Iron Maiden once talked about Metal and Richard Wagner's music on the
Charlie Rose program;
"When Wagner wanted to add more musicians to his Orchestra, his critics said; 'You can't do that! It will be too loud, the audience will be stone-deaf!' Just that idea almost started a revolution, it almost started a war!".
This is where opinions become contentious, from those that do not want to understand the genres, those who want Metal to stay simple and in a easy to understand package. And those who realize the music is
supposed to be larger than life and break all rules are "pretentious"? Well, these views have history behind
it . . .
pre·ten·tious
prəˈten(t)SHəs/
adjective
- attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually
possessed - making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts>
- expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature
<pretentious language><pretentious houses>
ideas are radical and those in power know what is good for the people and must be told what to read, say
and hear. The culture under a "Monarchy" of the day.
This idea of pretentiousness also falls to these that feel they speak for God, King and Country when an idea belongs to the individual. These composers are NOT "pretending" to conceive and write these pieces that
have endured, they have all the ideas and abilities to make it reality. Madly trying to put it to paper before
the ideas fade into the ether, or just because the ideas come fast and furious.
Jazz musicians almost have carte blanche to do anything they want on their instruments, maybe because
their fanbase are open to experimentation? Or is modern Jazz lost on the Big Band era listener? The
"higher" music critics are more critical because of the high standards WE put on music that needs a very
different type of musician, who understand music theory that bend the rules, where notes battle each
other and are placed among others that are not supposed to work. But the right ears hear the impossible
come together like an intricate puzzle, with no missing pieces, and you can step back, and see the picture its created, with all those odd shapes.
So too the Metal, Progressive Rock/Metal composers and musicians of today. Yet are dismissed by the
same critic philosophy as pretentious and "out of hand", as if "ideas" were to stay in the parameters that
"they' (indeed, who are They?) deem the status or the norm, the trend, the formula.
If it's Stages/Presentation, Album Covers/Layout, concepts or how music should not upset the listener but only soothe. As many people do not like or understand Classical and Jazz, so to the Metal and Progressive musics. So because they don't understand it, it must be inferior, it must be awful music, boring or
"It sucks!" . . .
For us, that's okay, we have this precious jewel that only a few can see its brilliance, and forever we
question authority and will be the misfits that break the rules. This is "ours", maybe it takes special people to hear what we hear. You don't even necessarily have to be a musician to understand it, just something
that clicks, and it all unfolds without any effort. Or, maybe it takes time to let it sink in, maybe a bit more maturity after discovering other bands and musics that helped the layman understand it more.
But we want to share these ideas with the world, we need others to hear what we hear, if its futile or we are able to bring more to the fold, like the composers, we are compelled to share those who take music to a
higher level. Musicians need an audience, and the audience want to show others something they feel is
important and makes a statement among the stale and above the common denominator.
. . . so who is the more pretentious? Those who actually create it or those who criticize it?
Further Examples . . .
Metal encompass's a broad spectrum of styles, moods and colours. But the correlation of Classical (and my addition of Jazz) was made, so I will stick to those who have those distinct influences and construction.
The video of Led Zeppelin presented in the ".Mic article" may be a great example where Rock progressed.
But as far as Metal, I would give these examples of Metal using the leitmotifs of Classical and Jazz/Fusion that made progressions that the underground fans were exposed to, other than those that only exposed the
more "acceptable" and well known, that passed as "innovative", when others came before (I realize many
would want to add Metallica when they performed with an orchestra on "S&M", but the bands I give
example of are those who incorporated the techniques of classical music from the inception of their unique
compositions, not added later).
Also see:
Progressive Metal ("Metal Evolution Series" Video snippet):
https://youtu.be/7knyXbN6f00
Heavy Metal Appropriations of Classical Virtuosity (Thesis):
https://www.amherst.edu/media/view/379212/original/Walser+-+Eruptions-+Heavy+Metal+Appropriations+of+Classical+Virtuosity+.pdf
Because of the musics timbre, I ask that the audience listen to each track all the way through with all the examples given in this essay. With an open mind, and to hear all the changes and techniques used
throughout each song (please try to sit through the harsher vocal styles if you can, though many also sing melodically, as well as both styles in 1 song). Many of these various bands will have tempo changes that interlude into a totally different mood or different style of sound from one point to the next (from abrupt transitions, to more clean/subtle changes), much like Classical and Jazz musics. So please stay for the
journey . . .
Bach as an introduction . . .
Masterworks with Rick Beato: https://youtu.be/NS76PA5NcLw
(Keep this in mind with the more complex and epic pieces you will discover in each chapter).
J. S. Bach - Air (On The G String - Anastasiya Petryshak, Violin):
https://youtu.be/CLk8OILr72U
The influence: https://youtu.be/8CgT0IUa5p8
Charlie Parker & Bach: https://youtu.be/SUyGQ275Pn4
Starting with instrumentals . . .
Uli Jon Roth (Hard Rock/Heavy Metal/Neo-Classical Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peVKsU02Bgo
Yngwie J. Malmsteen (Neo-Classical Metal/Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/egAIxiPfx5E
Tony MacAlpine (Neo-Classical Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kygRtshJJkg
Jason Becker (Metal/Prog Metal/Fusion/Neo-Classical):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lR1tt24mo4
Marty Friedman (Metal/Prog Metal/Fusion/Neo-Classical):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0xvsnPXrCk
Steve Morse (Fusion/Progressive Rock/Hard Rock/Neo-Classical):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7CBpgvu4xg
Triumph/Rik Emmett (Hard Rock/Heavy Metal/Prog Metal/Neo-Classical/Flamenco):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bib1XX_bKek
These artists in particular are basically violinists with amplified guitars. Yngwie Malmsteen sites Niccolò Paganini, Johann Sebastian Bach, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Uli Jon Roth and Brian May as his main influences. He has basically adhered to the Metal/Neo-Classical style. Whereas Tony MacAlpine, a devotee of Frederic Chopin, also plays piano fluently, and has delved into Jazz-Fusion with a Metal tinge in his later years.
Marty Friedman and Jason Becker also have their flurries of Classical music, but it is deep in a hybrid of
various Metal styles. Including Blues, Fusion and Extreme Metal influences.
Steve Morse and Rik Emmet are also 2 that have been the predecessors, much like Blackmore and Uli Roth, but adding Jazz, Fusion, Country, Blues as well as Classical Guitar in their repertoire (as do the others) but more so. Which also includes their hybrid of Progressive Rock/Metal. Rik usually shows-off his Classical skills as Preludes or Epilogues to songs with his former band Triumph. Though he has a few Instrumentals that are Hard Rock/Metal pieces, some with a fusion of Blues and/or Spanish/Flamenco.
| playlists of instrumental tracks from various bands & musicians |
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEd5qv7FfIMdWsOxxzKET2nn
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEd4URLmQcRZG4fx8p_evIYA
3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEctrNj1mjKXw1kDvIHu1XQw
4. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEei0p2cxI3dyeXIkbQprcht
5. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfJpPRm0573EHtw0_gjSFMZ
6. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEceXMZ6FYSu7IchoELv9UcL
Here is where the dilemma rises; music needs to breathe. A mad flurry of notes can be wonderful, all the techniques learned can be extremely exciting to some, but the criticisms for Guitarists could also be given to the Classical Violinist that demonstrates the same. But each musician from both genres can take an
established piece and make it their own. Not only to challenge themselves but the listener and viewer.
What good are the techniques if you have no one to perform too? All in all it is entertainment, yet these
people have special skills to share. Dare I say, show-off.
I give an example that splits the music fan base. This young man obviously loves what he is doing but he is
young and still learning. His name is Damian Salazar from Buenos Aires Argentina, he is able to play
various musics, but obviously he loves Metal, Neo-Classical shredding and is fascinated with arpeggios,
hammer-ons, pull-offs and trills, but he is utilizing other techniques to enhance his current style.
But the criticisms are typical; "where is the soul", "all technique and no heart"? I do not understand that at
all, when I hear melody, creativity, an adventurous spirit and not afraid to try everything (if its deliberate,
improvisational or written meticulously by the guitarist). Eventually he will find the middle ground and
create songs that breathe. But like many classical or jazz pieces, I can't listen to it all day - I have to find
variety, same with guitar shredding. That's why I listen to other musics within the genre of Metal, or
something entirely different. Variety in music listening is super important, it helps you to understand
what music is and can be. But also to hear diversity, different moods, emotions and musicality.
Note: Another odd observation from a few, was watching some of Damian's videos, the critics "claimed"
that his playing was "Sped-up" . . . I have watched many types of film from 1963 on, I am also a part-time
to full-time Storyboard artist in Film, and have worked with a few film editors. If you look at some of the videos of Damian, look at the "background", the people walking, their cadence, and the other movements around him. If his fingers and movements up and down the frets are "to fast", watch Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, or many Thrash, Death Metal and Shred guitarists.
Now let's take the example of the Classical Violinist, they will add their own techniques to classic pieces of music, unless its to present the piece in its original form. Let's observe the great Jascha Heifetz who is one of the greatest Violinists of the 20th Century (1917 to 1986), famous for his performance of many pieces,
including Paganini's "Caprice No. 24". The added techniques that he uses might as well be Al Di Meola,
Eddie Van Halen or Steve Vai who have taken his techniques and embellished them to the guitar. So what is the difference between the guitar "shredder" and the classical violinist?
As far as Damian is concerned, I'd rather encourage him and others who are either younger or older to
strive for greatness rather than discourage. This is a gift and we should nurture it, not tear down and mock them for their exuberance and wanting to express themselves - bursting with creativity.
. . . THAT'S Entertainment folks!
Damian Salazar - "Arpeggios at the Speed of Light"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y70GEtQGSxc
Jascha Heifetz - "Capprice No. 24" (Niccolo Paganni)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPcnGrie__M
Young talent needs time, like a fine wine, nurtured to its full potential. Another young artist that has
amazing abilities at such a young age, "Sarah Longfield" from Wisconsin/Chicago, has been gaining
accolades as well as un-justified scrutiny (and outrageous trolling), seemingly for being female. But her
chops speak for themselves and her creativity and forward thinking. If its "djent" or pure progressive
aggression, she has a new take on the new metal, without losing the brutality, along with musicality and
breath to let the music breathe. Though I'd like to hear her create longer pieces.
She also has a very down to earth nature about her too, dispelling any signs of an inflated ego.
Take a listen to her fusion of Metal, Jazz/Fusion and Neo-Classical . . .
Sarah Longfield - "Sea" (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiYr8IYpAEY
Her band . . .
The Fine Constant - "Inevitable Disconnect" (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QogVIfTmX1E
You can see more of her videos HERE.
Do we choose sides or embrace the idea that they can meet? Can we enjoy many types of music and
appreciate the efforts and listen for the "soul", the heart that creates it? Otherwise its a competition, who
is better than the other, insult and berate the other while others enjoy "both"! I just want to enjoy the
music no matter if it was done before, or its breaking the rules. All that matters personally, if its good or
bad, your tastes may vary. But I wonder if those same critics are able to "create" music, or are only able to
criticize others?
Music by Ry Cooder and Steve Vai - "Cuttin' Heads" (1986)
Part I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqL0kMdXbbU
Part II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMAkr_Z74E8
(Vai also plays the classical piece based on Paganini's Capriccio No. 5)
Many bands will improv over melodies, or so it seems - yet may have composed them. But let's assume
parts were improvised, but the guideline was the vocal or musicians laying down the themed melody to
which the guitarist is playing along with the Bass and Drums (sometimes visa-versa). These techniques
are a given in Jazz music. Listen to Charlie Parker and the standard "Embraceable You", originally
composed by George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin, and made famous by the likes of:
Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Eliane Elias and notice how
each add their own embellishments to make it almost synonymous with their voices.
- Charlie Parker - "Embraceable You (Take 1)":
https://youtu.be/xT6Vk8WtlNo
You can still hear the original melody (if you know the song), but Charlie has made it his own. He added his
own soul, ideas and difference to the standard. Many musicians do this, but are criticized for not sticking
to the original source, as if they are "supposed" to recreate exactly what was originally written (much like
classical music pieces). But many need to have their own touch, add their own style and uniqueness.
This goes for Metal bands that also do "cover songs". its not about playing it as it had already, if they were
to reproduce it, whats the point? Especially if it were a much more "mellower" track, the point was; "How
could we re-compose this type of song, into something heavier?". It wasn't meant to be insulting or to be
disrespectful, because they LOVED the original in the first place. It was seeing if they could do something
different, their own "interpretation" . . . just like Charlie Parker, other Jazz musicians and vocalists have
done to many music standards.
Especially taking liberties with the more "mellow" or Pop hits of the time, and challenging the musician to make the tracks "Heavier", but having a bit of fun playing them as well. Many a time this add's contention with those that deem the classics sacred and that its "blasphemous" to redo. But again, these are not
exactly "remakes", and what's the point to do exact reproductions of the original, when it has already been
done before. Please understand, the originals are very respected throughout my life (and to these many
musicians as well). Where many were sung by other VERY famous vocalists during and before the 1970's and 1960's (keep in mind, how many modern Pop and R&B vocalists have redone many, many hits - not much to my liking :p but there are few exceptions).
The difference for most Metal and Prog bands, it wasn't done for "Hit Singles", they were created for fun,
and were deep cuts within the albums, or an Ep. But here they are, open for interpretation . . .
| 2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEe-qHvH5UhzzmrfrECutop2 |
| 3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeH_mdtu-Yss2y7IOQEPvkc |
The many Guitarists that went off the beaten path to offer something new and astounding:
https://youtu.be/Gmx-iI9ez20
The following bands go even further. Every music hybrid is utilized to create something new with its
foundation in Metal and Progressive musics . . .
Note:
- The "Genre Titles" I give are either known definitions or a way to describe the music in few words. Take a listen and see what YOUR ears hear (forgive me if some of the genres sound silly, but most are actual used
titles - or again, it's a way to describe the music).
- "Death Metal's" main trait is the vocals, guttural and harsh. Many times the words are incomprehensible.
By many fans (not all), the style of vocals are humorously called "Cookie Monster Vocals" (please have
tongue firmly in cheek with that description) but usually the lyrics are very serious as they tackle social, political, introspective, world issues. Including War, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and the stereotypical Horror and
Satanic tropes. This also includes Dark themes that are not necessarily "evil", but are telling a story that may be more suspenseful, or horror, much like a "Ghost Story" or a "Hammer Films" type horror.
The music itself, extremely aggressive, with polyrhythmic riffs from Bass, Drums (double bass) and of
course Guitars. It basically demands their audience to headbang with the beat/timing.
- What is Death Metal? Let's start at the beginning: https://youtu.be/MoHOgfEoTlc
The Bands at its inception: https://youtu.be/1LC3G4xYtKw
- Prog Metal: https://youtu.be/49UAkXHJDJY
- Symphonic: https://youtu.be/gnzTRgrTnQE
- It's important to find the lyrics to these musics if the words are discernable from the style of vocals,
many have lots to say, so be sure to look here: http://www.darklyrics.com/
The EPICS Part I: and Guitar varietas . . .
- Play it like Prokofiev! https://youtu.be/nVnJje3ZsYg
Fates Warning (one of the founders of Progressive Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsJNV26I3TY
Dream Theater (Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVMIk3xYaYo
Haken (Prog Rock/Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJUDk6a4GsI
Ayreon (Prog Metal/Rock, Symphonic Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSa0ANQjsyduEDOkp0XBwpazfNJZ1dpex
Death (Death Metal. Founder/Guitarist/Vocalist the late Chuck Schuldiner changed the
genre by writing more complex compositions and topical lyrical content by their 3rd album):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yayGNUcf6uI
Cynic (Death Metal Fusion/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8FTmDtOwc
Atheist (Tech-Death/Thrash Metal/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOpwdyrDOUo
Necrophagist (Tech-Death Metal/Prog-Death Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8hanpJeI2w
Watchtower (Tech-Thrash/Prog Metal. One of the 1st "Math Metal" bands):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaLfPaHnT4U
Spiral Architect (Tech-Prog Metal/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyh9CQTdV_k
Ihsahn (Tech-Death Metal/Prog-Death Metal/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxu5XYLkE2Q
After Forever (Darkwave Metal/Symphonic Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Ic4T5gsvo
Therion (Symphonic Prog Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1ChMDVCVZk
To-Mera (Tech-Prog Metal/Darkwave Fusion?):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yOCZmYnE34
Opeth (Death Metal/Progressive Metal. Another to be one of the 1st to combine clean Melodic
and Death Metal vocals):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDBykpSXsSE
The Meshuggah effect . . .
Meshuggah has a certain niche' of fans, as well to the sub-genres its related to. As noted below, they have
been talked about in different periodicals/forums/blogs/on-line groups and magazines, written in
prestigious essay's and studied by many scholarly musicians, composers and academics.
Meshuggah's (also listen to lead guitarist "Fredrik Thordendal's" solo piece "Sol Niger Within" below)
music also has a contentious side as many "Metal" fans don't get it, don't want to get it, or coming from
the most surprising people, think they are some of the most brilliant composers of music since Brahms.
Some can polarize the genre itself as well (harsh vocal style, repetitious/poly-rhythms). Many do not want
Metal to change or challenge, they want to confine it to a space in time, but for me, Metal needs to evolve
and those that had the courage and chops have. Some hear Meshuggah in their 4/4 and simply say "It's
Groove Metal", "They're like Pantera", "They're boring".
. . . but many of us pick-up on where the complexity, simplicity, avant-garde, progressive and other
differences collide in a Metal barrage of colours, hues and textures that take that "4/4" and create
something within that 4/4 to make it something else, something to challenge our awareness at 1st listen,
and seemingly, by the band's account, they just "think" that way and don't really make an effort to BE
"technical". They construct their music on a different level, on their terms.
People will claim that they are Jazz aficionados but they decline to that for the most part, even though on
the "Destroy Erase Improve" album, the credits mention Fusion greats; Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Husband,
Allan Holdsworth and Chick Corea as some of their many inspirations. The Jazz/Fusion may play in their
heads, but its just many in a toolbox that they have shaped into their own forms to hammer out angry
angular shapes from a different train of thought.
The chugging riffs (Ostinato, vamp or riffs) were like giant chopping blades, often with odd-syncopation.
If you had a need to headbang, you just might snap your head off at their odd-meter and transition shifts!
Sample the controlled madness from the band and its lead and rhythm guitarist. Compositions as intricate
as any symphony or big band arrangement, with all the techniques and skills to play such demanding
musics.
Meshuggah Live (Tech-Thrash/Death Metal/Math Metal):
https://youtu.be/8cy_JLgHXCc
Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects (Prog-Death Metal/Avant-Garde/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_zUweqyDZ4
Meshuggah's music has earned an in-depth analysis by the academic journal Music Theory Spectrum:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6375990/Re-casting-Metal-Rhythm-and-Meter-in-the-Music-of-Meshuggah
But through the controlled chaos or the groove that provides its fans to "headbang"; Fredrik Thordendal
is the breath of fresh air, he is what Metal is to Allan Holdsworth, yet at times twists it and provides a
kaleidoscope of sounds to make the music otherworldly and ethereal.
And his cohort in brutality; Mårten Hagström whose complex to subtle riffage, in harmony or point/
counterpoint tempo-changes make him a monster of the 8 strings, as-well as helping to compose the
music.
Each member is used as a percussive instrument, but they also change the "leads". If its the Drums as a
lead instrument, as the string section are all the percussion laying down the huge riffs, and that includes
Jens Kidman as a vocalist barking the pain in the lyrics or becoming a percussive instrument himself. And
each taking a point-counterpoint role like bulldozers vs tiger tanks, precisely being shot at by an A-10
Warthog's Gatling gun!
Tomas Haake is not only a drummer but a marathon runner, a complex machine that is part Jazz drummer
and Prog Metal designer. But supplying the brutal backbeat like a firefight on the battlefield.
With Dick Lövgren on Bass equally providing even more bottom end, but complex as any member in the
band, again, each battling it out or in harmony with each-other, track by track.
The dexterity to play these compositions for an entire set (from 1 to 3 hours) in itself is much like athletes
having to be at the top of their game each night. If all this work is rigorous for "1" song, think of the
strength, endurance and muscle memory it takes, including the skills and mental ability, while keeping
the soul of the music flowing.
I recently found this on YOUtube, and then looked into the man interviewed; "Derek Johnson" who (at the
time) was an Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Ball State University of Indiana (now
a Professor himself). He composes music (Classical and beyond) and plays many instruments as you will
read in his Bio's, and has been interviewed and along with a student of music by the name of Charley Rose,
has written (under advisement from Derek) a very comprehensive dissertation on Meshuggah with in-
depth analysis of construction, composing, techniques and more, that gets inside the brain of the
Meshuggah machine. While applying it to a "Quartet".
Derek likens Meshuggah to the great composers for the modern era and how they take from the simple and
make it complex, which is something rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström has said quite recently in an
interview (please also listen to interview provided in its entirety). Derek and Charley are much more
articulate than I am and is great at explaining where Metal and Classical collide.
I am just immersing myself into all this info so it will be a great treat to learn more of the subtleties and
complexities from another perspective of one of my favorite Metal bands of all time.
Case in point . . .
Meshuggah - "Catch33" (2005):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEA1514932853D85A
It is a bit mind boggling for a layman like me to grasp and wrap my brain around Charley Rose's
arrangement, finding a correlation with "Cole Porter" and the Miles Davis interpretation of "All of You",
converting guitars for Saxophone (see page 60 of Master Research pdf), for the Meshuggah track;
"Stengah": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCICcbNM6AY
This standard written by Cole Porter and published in 1954 was ideal to arrange using Meshuggah's composition techniques because of its strong melody with long notes and its floating aspect that could be easy to support by more activity concerning the bass and the guitar, playing with the rhythm and the harmony. First the work that has been done was to re-harmonize the chords played in the Miles Davis' version finding a nice bass line with the most conjunct motion possible and a modern color merging tonal and modal harmony with constant structures (Bmaj7sus4 going to Cmaj7sus4) and slash chords like D#m/E#. Then the melody had to be played with a Meshuggahlike arrangement. On the A, the guitar and the bass don't accompany the saxophone for the melody like in the previous chorus, but they play a riff composed of a pattern of seven triplet quarter notes becoming out of phase, repeated seven time and slightly modified the last time.
(continued; see page 60)
Though oddly enough, I found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD6Ty26At-w
But there is something that grabs and reaches the mind of us few, that Meshuggah has a very niche and
unique presence in our consciousness, maybe for only the weird and select few that understand its parts
that make up the whole. But maybe if we put it all together, we may create a monster bigger than even
what the band ever dreamed of. And that in itself is a testimony to what they are able to influence in the minds of the unconventional spirit.
. . . Or we and the band are just freakin' bizarre :p.
https://youtu.be/ZKIR2ncZlpk
A VERY fascinating presentation by a member of the Progressive Metal/Black/Folk-Metal (and more)
"Agalloch"from Portland Oregon. This was held at the University of Victoria - British Columbia, Canada
for The Department of English and Heavy Metal. Guitarist/Drummer/Keyboardist Don Anderson is
humorous, well-spoken and well versed in where Metal has come from and where is it going.
Not only about the music, but as Fans; who are we that are interested in this music that, in the whole
scheme of things, along with progressive musics, are the most mysterious, much maligned and
misunderstood musics out there. So what is it about us as Metalheads that make us who we are? What
keeps us intrigued, in the searching for more and always wanting something new?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y6DcENupuw
An album that was breaking the rules of Black Metal . . .
- Agalloch - "The Mantle" (2002):
https://youtu.be/Y8ogBiy7ClA
Here is the latest album from Agalloch - "The Serpent & Sphere" (2014):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4OWJ6C2QA8
All that Don speaks of is inside the music and taking Metal to another place, taking it outside where Metal
started. Maybe even taking us away from the greasy long-haired metalhead with the asshole attitudes and
exposing the inner Geek (but I have to admit, I sometimes need the "inner assholes" to rage in the music),
though many old school metallers want their metal where it was, many of us need to go outside the lines,
that metal was never about rules. They had a mandate to break them.
Chapter III
Sonata
As in Classical and Jazz, the piano is an important part to many a Metal band. And to much the anger of many! "Keyboards are NOT Metal!". I am not of that opinion, though when executed well to these ears, can be just as important or exciting as a Guitar. They enhance the drama of the music and for many Prog Metal bands it adds an important element to push those emotive feelings of the lyrical story. Or as an extra texture of color to a Metal track, making the guitars sound even heavier or giving it an interesting layer.
The Guitar and Keyboards are the "Strings, Brass and Woodwinds" of the bands music. Emulating and enhancing the instruments of an orchestra or symphony to achieve that grandiose emotion to the music - and keep in mind; a keyboard player alone is composing and emulating all the sounds of an orchestra by a flurry of notes, changing, manipulating sounds and effects within a track, and are able to reproduce this live on-stage. This takes much skill and dexterity, a mind for composing complex, creative music and the same person will actually play it.
The Beatles and the Mellotron: https://youtu.be/tTKPW92ndUA
How it works:
https://youtu.be/tTKPW92ndUA
Moog Modular Synth:
https://youtu.be/n3K_fZDvINs
Bob Moogs legacy:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/y3KRxDs8hd4
Part 2: https://youtu.be/QlxLV7FL8E0
Part 3: https://youtu.be/VjvytlOd0PI
Part 4: https://youtu.be/JTCzIARLHrc
Keith Emerson . . .
I: https://youtu.be/O6y1htz6jGE
II: https://youtu.be/NpgS9prNZT4
- Emerson Lake & Palmer - "Lucky Man":
https://youtu.be/EqF5pgBe628
- Heart - "Magic Man":
https://youtu.be/3vlAdMeZSfw
The Mini-Moog:
1. https://youtu.be/sLx_x5Fuzp4
2. https://youtu.be/xh4Ok0ex2vU
From, Return to Forever - "Beyond the 7th Galaxy":
https://youtu.be/9QR93nrVPmY
- "Rumble in the Beginning":
https://youtu.be/jomMKh_hQwE
To dramatic intros (including, Piano and the Hammond B3) . . .
- Elton John - "Funeral for a Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding":
https://youtu.be/vqNkMnLD_uE
- Steve Miller - "Space Intro/Jungle Love":
https://youtu.be/q3-PFDt65sY
- Head East - "Never Been any Reason":
https://youtu.be/QgD-NwCtvrA
- Billy Thorpe - "Children of the Sun":
https://youtu.be/8VZC5vFVJJY
- Styx - "Mother Dear":
https://youtu.be/_4f6of04LMg
The Lead instrument . . .
Ritchie Blackmore also used it to enhance his notes on the Guitar - which was a revelation to me when I had seen Rainbow at Castle Donnigton in 1979 on a local late night video program, and did not realize till years later that it was the pedals that hit notes that I could not emulate on my own guitar interpretation.
Various examples of Rush utilizing the breath of Keyboards:
Xanadu (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEuOoMprDqg
Subdivisions (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypOFdQMsQTs
Between the Wheels (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzUjjWT4ztE
Territories (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OPcwoFE24I
As Rush was a huge influence on the genre of Progressive Metal and inspired many Prog Metal bands, so did the earlier Rock and "Progressive Rock" bands for Rush.
The next example of Keyboardists can be heard in the context of many songs within this essay, but the samples I give below are "Solo's" from live events to show off their various abilities in one showing. Like Guitar Solos of showmanship and self-gratification if you will, these demonstrate a way to show-off their chops, the skills they've acquired to help them compose, and also entertain the audience to bring more theatrics and excitement for your money's worth.
2 of those, more famous and flamboyant keyboardists, were found in Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer.
Rick Wakeman of Yes was a showman in his technique and soloing, still to this day. His virtuosity is astounding, as shown here. The various moods that he is able to convey as well as periods of music, interchange and blend masterfully (with excerpts of solo works blended within)!
w/ Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OMBal69Odg
Rick Wakeman - "Catherine Howard & Catherine Aragorn":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a7oiG-Ey80
Keith Emerson of ELP is not only of the same virtuosity but a showman on stage with wild antics all around the keyboard. Who also takes bits and pieces from various musics, but with a huge dose of Jazz and Classical. He attacks his keys as if taming a wild beast!
ELP (Live 1970):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXQkBd-LCrM
Keith Emerson (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpqH-EoAySk
Now let's go to a direct connection to Metal and the Prog Metal genre to come. As you see and hear, the "B3 Hammond Organ" was the instrument of choice as the volume pedal was turned-up, it would overdrive creating distortion, and with a Leslie it was a huge wooden monster!
Jon Lord of Deep Purple was yet another virtuoso with many tricks up his sleeve, well versed in Classical
but with a Blues-based rhythm as-well as Jazz, as demonstrated here . . .
Deep Purple:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsDqhhDLlII
Jon Lord (and Rick Wakeman) also talks about the "Amplification" of the Hammond Organ to be as loud or louder than Ritchie Blackmore on Guitar, and to enhance the heaviness:
https://youtu.be/RqdW_rdCp1k?t=48m50s
And then there is Ken Kensley of Uriah Heep almost cut from the same cloth, Rhythm and Blues, Classical and more infused with Hard Rock and Progressive Rock . . .
Ken Hensley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVCcu1mcOI
Now to a few of their contemporaries . . .
Jordan Rudess of the Progressive Metal band Dream Theater, is one of many that are taking the Keyboard to the next level, he has embraced all the new technology to his disposal. But within a song context he heightens the emotional value to each song. He too is well versed in many different musics and its added to his repertoire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klj5ji8NVo
Here is an amazing showing where 3 line-up versions of the band collide, and where we get to see the virtuosity of each past and present member of the group, including a fantastic counterpoint solo from each
instrumentalist . . .
Dream Theater - "Metropolis":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4ids4rOegI
And as the original member and keyboardist, "Kevin Moore" also had a heavy yet unique sound that truly
belonged to Dream Theater's soul:
Dream Theater - "A Mind Beside Itself"
- "I. Erotomania"
- "II. Voices"
- "III. The Silent Man"
After Dream Theater, Kevin Moore pursued solo efforts, under his name, and "Chroma Key", but the notable band he created with Fates Warning's Guitarist Jim Matheos and at the time, Dream Theater's Drummer Mike Portnoy; "OSI", was yet another outlet for experimentation. No longer was he the typical soloist, it was about moods and textures . . .
Their debut:
- OSI - Office of Strategic Influence (2003):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn5-sCMzNRQ&t=15s
3rd album:
- OSI - Blood (2009):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7BkgJjDwZ8
Again, Derek Sherinian who was the 2nd Keyboardist of Dream Theater for 2 albums, is an excellent keyboardist in his own right, and has solo projects as well as 2 bands that he is a part of; Planet X with Tony MacAlpine (Guitar soloist), Virgil Donati (Drums), with various Bassists. And The Jelly Jam with Ty Tabor (Guitar - Kings X), John Myung (Bass - Dream Theater), Rod Morgenstein (Drums - Dixie Dregs, Winger). And in 2017, with now ex-Dream Theater Mike Portnoy, Sons of Apollo.
Samples of:
Not only inspired by the greats but also guitarist "Zakk Wylde" as his keyboard sounds are akin to more razor sharp guitar tones.
Tony MacAlpine, the Neo-classical, Fusion/Metal guitarist is also an accomplished pianist, as he demonstrates here with Frédéric Chopin;
Tony MacAlpine - "Etude No. 4, Opus 10":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUYBV4vbyrw
Eric Johnson, the fusion guitarist out of Austin Texas is known for his Jazz/Blues and whatever else he has up his sleeve, also has a prowess with piano. Inspired by family members, it grew to a more Jazz leaning as demonstrated here where he blends his Guitar tones and atmosphere, going beyond just "shred" guitar . . .
Eric Johnson - "Song for Lynette":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFo1XVhNuok
A young upstart at the time, Joost van den Broek of various Prog Metal bands; "Sun Caged", "Ayreon", "Star One", "Sphere of Souls" and "After Forever" had the abilities of all the above and is still going strong as a Composer and Keyboardist. Here at a very young age with Star One's creator (and Ayreon) Arjen Lucassen on Guitar.
Star One (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCMgBgLROUo
Also behind the scenes with Ayreon:
https://youtu.be/NGdzOLx-cSg
This includes the various Classical influences and musicians Arjen Lucassen (creator of Ayreon) utilizes.
Ayreon - "The Day that the World Breaks Down":
https://youtu.be/oFuMKdrzPqU
Joost with Sun Caged:
Sun Caged - "Unchanging":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ2124Xmtys
And his compositional skills with an Orchestra as well on the keys:
After Forever - "Dreamflight":
https://youtu.be/vMllcAsh8QU
Another example of the in-between is when Death Metal/Prog Metallers "Opeth" hired-on a full time Keyboardist to enhance the established music, 1st as accents and then taking on a more prominent role as a 5th member.
Per Wiberg (who also plays for Retro/Post-Metallers "Spiritual Beggars") added an even more "Contemporary Baroque" touch to the already gothic and retro-sound that Opeth were experimenting with at this time and era. It's a delicate mix of Rhythm & Blues, a 70's Hard Rock aesthetic and Classical/Jazz motifs that bring the music to another arena with its Mellotron and Hammond Organ. As shown here . . .
Opeth - "Burden":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orwgEEaJln0
Previous examples and those to come, have exceptional keyboardists that carry-on the classical/fusion torch. Please take note of these wondrous and gifted musicians. In the context of the groups music alone, they contribute a valuable part in the expansion of what Metal music can achieve, accomplish and stretch the boundaries of imagination.
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEehTdWi7pU5bYcAF6Ql_xHv
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdwcerQSEcG8MU8qp1bxkqu
3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEf-WjUe8Y86SjsYz2Lv3wnf
| Famous Keyboard Intros of all time |
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEd-VZ-2HjWVxkfoIfpbVg3a
Chapter IV
Of Cannons and Thunder: We march!
The thunderous marching of percussion, and all the history that goes behind it is just as grandiose, but let's have Trumpeter/Historian Wynton Marsalis explain even further:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1jnbeKxf7I
From this rich history, its been ritualistic to militaristic. For war and within an orchestra, its been created to represent a marching cadence to thunder claps and lightning. For a march to War in Asia, the Orient,
Middle East & Persia and across Europe to Polynesian Islands. And from a back beat for jazz to rock 'n roll. Africa to America, and to spread its sound to influence music all over the globe . . .
FOLI (there is no movement without rhythm):
https://youtu.be/lVPLIuBy9CY
Tombak & Daf by Reza Montazavi:
https://youtu.be/_52rX8wn3DY
Polynesian Drums: https://youtu.be/yO-w0SFuvc0
Drums of China: https://youtu.be/fJzM6af8D7E
Japanese Taiko Drums: https://youtu.be/8ZtbI4xZyWQ
Kodo Live: https://youtu.be/b8kuXyVZ5v8
Kodo and Sepultura - "Kamaitachi":
https://youtu.be/EQ4Q_j50PRs
The Germanic influenced; Heilung:
https://youtu.be/h1BsKIP4uYM
The GIANTS of Big Band Jazz, on the traps such as; Gene Krupa, Art Blakey, Louie Bellson, Max Roach,
Buddy Rich and many others brought it to the front, as more than just a pulse for the music, it was also
showmanship and entertainment, but it had chops behind it. Each drum was "1 note", keep that in mind. And as music expanded, so did Rock music, you could have a basic 5 piece kit and play the heck out of it and master it. But some needed to express themselves even more as their maturity increased, and music
progressed. Not only for the proverbial drum solo, but to play more notes as much as any keyboard or
guitar that were also expanding parameters to express more of what the musician wanted to say, or what a piece of music demanded to give it more power.
Bigger drum kits were also for show, but you could weed out those that also played "each" and every piece
to ever expand a drums limited notes, if it was various techniques on one drum, adding more pieces that
included many more cymbals and percussion instruments to enhance the the music with various fills,
crashes, splashes, explosions, rumbles and "more cowbell"!
The soul and techniques from Gene and Buddy can be heard in modern music, especially Rock, Metal, Jazz Fusion and Progressive musics because the music demanded it. But there were those that were taking it to new territory, where every drum had purpose, dynamics, expression and aggression to push the music
further and more concussive.
It included utilizing the same percussive emotion and reasoning conveyed in an orchestra. The bombastic expressive might of cannons, the majestic thundering clouds and tribal chanting to make ready for battle. This would be where it took the metal to be honed in new shapes to express where most rock only touched the surface.
And where Progressive Rock embraced the mechanics of Classical music and Jazz, now influencing the
new Metal casts. When people simply say that "its just a chaos of noise", "sounds like a baby hitting pots and pans", "it has no swing or soul". But if you hear interviews with various drummers, watch how they
demonstrate their various techniques, you will find a method in the madness. More methodical and soulful
with MANY influences than you perceived without really listening closer, and being able to grasp that it may not be the music YOU play, and you may not be able to create such music, but you can appreciate what they do, how they approached their styles. Yet again, you may able to read the sheet music and play it all
note for note, but can YOU create such intricate notes, patterns, polyrhythms, and have the dexterity to
play these musics in a concert setting for 2 or 3 hours a night? But this is not a competition, this is just
varied musicians expressing their own way of playing, no matter the mood or kit size, all that matters is if
it suits YOUR tastes, and maybe you can admire their craft for what it is and what they put into it.
Welcome to the Contraption . . .
Drums/percussion history:
1. https://youtu.be/DPoEzXLmVjg
2. https://youtu.be/-lkAOZC1w3g
3. https://youtu.be/LiwMazKI-AI
Daniel Glass - History of the Drumset:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH-jVncTJbg
Daniel Glass - The Evolution of Drum kit Independence:
https://youtu.be/gxIqY58HMKc
CHOPS Series Documentaries - For The Love Of Drummers!
https://youtu.be/AigpmBf7z48
Chops 2:
https://youtu.be/YEBuoZ4MOvc
The Double Bass:
https://youtu.be/xSRJ1hdfC-o
1. https://youtu.be/qpvOccBtVl0
2. https://youtu.be/nBQWaCLlK9Y
3. https://youtu.be/3Pb5bdcOlBc
Reaction: https://youtu.be/UddtDRCg918
These would be the amazing drummers that would leave a important legacy for the rock drummers to
come, and a HUGE influence on Progressive Rock and Metal. Sure there were more, but these were the
GIANTS of the time, from; Cream, Deep Purple, Emerson Lake & Palmer/Asia, The Who, Led Zeppelin,
Yes/King Crimson & UK, Genesis/Brand X . . .
Ginger Baker: https://youtu.be/d7h8CqYXEx0
Keith Moon: https://youtu.be/WX_96uKZ7yQ
Ian Paice: https://youtu.be/lSrTrKFpAYE
Carl Palmer: https://youtu.be/3lcQaTl0YTc
John Bonham: https://youtu.be/UvOm2oZRQIk
Bill Bruford: https://youtu.be/neAOgatpueA
Phil Collins: https://youtu.be/UNiAA355IeU
Ringo Starr . . .
1. https://youtu.be/vl9188EPdLI
When simplicity is as brilliant as complex. There's a reason for everything . . .
2. https://youtu.be/9oQsKRyihEA
- The Beatles - "Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/In the End":
https://vimeo.com/216725710
What does the particular music require of a drummer . . .
https://youtu.be/9oQsKRyihEA
Gigs: Making a side living . . . sort of.
https://youtu.be/Psw1RrwRl-Q
Oh look! Its Rick Beato on this as well: https://youtu.be/r0aeGQZhbn0
Nick D'Virgilio (of Spock's Beard) joins master drum builder John Good, Vice President of DW:
https://youtu.be/QaNd6NK7SzE
And with Don Lombardi:
https://youtu.be/RuPblKxujBs
Please watch and discover many many drummers who forged the way for modern contemporaries to find new ways to express themselves in a variety of Fusion, Metal and Progressive musics that I could list all day below. But I wanted to point out just a small example of some of the greats that have pioneered and influenced many to come.
Under flashing lights and pyrotechnics, including their own fireworks,
It was a show on a lighted stage, not just for the ears.
Challenging our heartbeats and minds to wrap around, how they think on another level.
And breaking out of the conventional beat just to keep time, but adding more stimulus and difference
than simply a linear familiar pattern.
Time to March!
live Metal festival, The Monsters of Rock in 1980 where Rainbow headlined for the album tour. His sound was HUGE, the only other drummer that I can think of with that large sound is the great Vinnie Appice who I'd hear many years
later with Black Sabbath and Dio. But I followed Cozy through his later career, then going backwards in the catalogue of Rainbow, along with "Jeff Beck" (and
discovering the 1973 proto-Metal band "Bedlam" decades later), forward to
his solo album "Octopus", "Michael Schenker Group", "Whitesnake", "Black Sabbath" and "Emerson
Lake & Powell". He was a well respected drummer by his peers, he loved cars and motorcycles and driving
fast, and apparently a super nice bloke. I always thought he looked bad ass with those spiked gauntlets :). From Jazz/Fusion, Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, he made it all sound bigger.
It was probably my 1st real blow in my adult life, in recognition of an admired musician who died too soon
(from sadly, a car crash), and to this day is hard to fathom. I loved his big sound, his style, and added
tremendously, to one of my most favorite bands Rainbow, he was as big as Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie
James Dio and Graham Bonnet.
And here, you can sample his works . . .
Cozy Powell Interview . . .
https://youtu.be/rol-E_vmD7g
- Jeff Beck - "Going Down":
https://youtu.be/Zmzv5xJ4wE4
- Bedlam - "Believe in You":
https://youtu.be/8AXUrIqG9sE
- Rainbow - "Stargazer":
https://youtu.be/sSIZBSNxb54
"Light in Black":
https://youtu.be/TYrW3yONR44
- Rainbow - "Kill the King":
https://youtu.be/2YYP7LlLsbA
"Gates of Babylon":
https://youtu.be/z03ZRYh4GKY
Cozy Powell and Don Airey about to tour on "Down to Earth". . .
https://youtu.be/EkGY2TvQJUQ
- Rainbow - "Danger Zone":
https://youtu.be/3lSix_vFS6E
"Lost in Hollywood":
https://youtu.be/XIIzsUjEIeU
-Robert Plant - "Slow Dancer":
https://youtu.be/R2vGAqY1GzM
- Jon Lord - "Tender Babes":
https://youtu.be/XPR7tt4du0s
- Michael Schenker Group - "Attack of the Mad Axeman":
https://youtu.be/V9M8JPCRhkM
"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie":
https://youtu.be/R8gwzx4zveU
- Cozy Powell (Solo) - "Octopus":
https://youtu.be/7JDOOkyHR5Y
"633 Squadron"
https://youtu.be/F_DjHKHQ1tg
- Whitesnake - "Slow and Easy":
https://youtu.be/d8B78h4G3lU
"Hungry for Love":
https://youtu.be/vmPjq3fGaco
- Roger Daltrey - "Under a Raging Moon":
https://youtu.be/H4VuUBI5gtw
Story of the song and drummers who guest:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_a_Raging_Moon_(album)
Cozy and Keith Emerson . . .
https://youtu.be/fiyC7YitlYg
- Emerson Lake & Powell - "The Score":
https://youtu.be/_wD_QRwAF3w
"Touch and Go":
https://youtu.be/KqzhxizmEYU
- Warlock - "Cold Cold World":
https://youtu.be/kW4vj7GMZvI
- Forcefield IV - "I will not go quietly":
https://youtu.be/251F-YqbLH8
- Gary Moore - "This thing called Love":
https://youtu.be/5sVjmhfoosw
- Black Sabbath - "Headless Cross":
https://youtu.be/s0Of4l-60Xs
"Devil and Daughter":
https://youtu.be/cTPi6esK7e0
- Black Sabbath - "Jerusalem":
https://youtu.be/JqXKevn9qec
"The Battle Of Tyr / Odin's Court / Valhalla":
https://youtu.be/HEUrhtxo7aE
- Brian May - "The Business":
https://youtu.be/0X6GazCZdYg
- Glenn Tipton - "Baptism of Fire":
https://youtu.be/Gk42-Djx3_0
"Extinct":
https://youtu.be/Al2PaQNliOg
- Yngwie J. Malmsteen - "Enemy":
https://youtu.be/0WzpEqg-I8g
"Poison in your veins":
https://youtu.be/sN7Gd40nOSA
- Rainbow - "Still I'm Sad" Live in Munich 1977 (keyboard, guitar and drum solo):
https://youtu.be/BnvYJ_FAZDc
Win a Prize!:
https://youtu.be/Jz579uUXD2I
- Cozy Powell and Friends - "O.G.W.T." Live:
https://youtu.be/wK2UCPKj-zw
Whitesnake Tour - "Mars Bringer of War" Drum Solo 84:
https://youtu.be/aXX8RFTMRoo
Drum Seminar in Japan 1990:
https://youtu.be/51QgQYIW-wY
- Brian May - "Resurrection" Live 1993:
https://youtu.be/lt5agYpGRnU
https://youtu.be/5C2npdUasl8
high? For whatever music style it is used, the sky was the limit, and only its critics dictated limits. If it was
journalists, or armchair critics that had limited minds, that wanted nothing more than to keep time in
their brand of Rock music. But these were breaking rules, regulations and ceilings. With a barrage of
various sounds, polyrhythms, and brutality, to shake the very ground . . .
Devin Townsend's battery, Ryan Van Poederooyen and "Dream Big"!
https://youtu.be/HUW67u0bf6M
- Devin Townsend Project - "Higher":
https://youtu.be/sgpxLlaK9-o
- Devin Townsend Project - "Kingdom (Live)":
https://youtu.be/2jZjziohaPc
- Devin Townsend Project - "Fallout":
https://youtu.be/9B7Grtd0zSQ
- The Devin Townsend Band - "Depth Charge":
https://youtu.be/XHHCNPLE9nE
From the smaller kit of Jerry Gaskill . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvzYAJOn4OE
- Kings X - "Pillow" Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmeCsWAh8O4
- Kings X - "We were born to be loved":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0cEtyQjz7g
- Kings X - "Over my Head" Live:
https://youtu.be/aXYf6Xc58Dc
- Kings X - "Alright":
https://youtu.be/k0C_8UiKvsUhttps://youtu.be/k0C_8UiKvsU
. . . To something unbelievable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV9WlgC5oWo
"This is your BRAIN on drums!"
- Neil Peart/After sitting behind the kit.
Peart and Bozzio . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N17TLXDPXA
Shaking up the rules . . .
https://youtu.be/v4P4luHdFwA
- Terry and Zappa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2gLggbIipc
- "Black Napkins":
https://youtu.be/_UY38FDY35o
Terry's Rototom Kit/Missing Persons - "Noticeable Ones":
https://youtu.be/MDO4g9THrQ0
Terry's odd electronic kit that I was astounded by when 1st seeing this video D:
- Missing Persons - "Give":
https://youtu.be/NaXZ8GrOH5E
- Terry Bozzio, Jimmy Johnson and Alex Machacek - "improv":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR3KWRDK3_U
- Terry Bozzio and UK - "The Only Thing She Needs":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89O0H_E5PAM
- UK - "Danger Money":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX7XrfR3e3Q&t=1s
- UK - "Nothing to Lose" (Video & UK/Rototom Kit):
https://youtu.be/6E1-TsfaeMA
The odd and often heavy avant-garde band from the mind of Mike Patton ("Faith No More" and "Mr.
Bungle") . . .
- Fantomas - Live:
https://youtu.be/ubauFpvtBeA
keeping time or "offbeat", to complex musics of different hues, aggressions and it could change from
movement to movement. With all the techniques they learned in music schools, or even more-so on their own to challenge themselves further . . .
| https://youtu.be/qtZjK94IqpU?si=pvaH4oTGiwjmoR_8 |
almost every style of drums, to Jazz to the most extreme Metal, and with a
smile, as if he's actually enjoying whatever he plays. And is a composer and
multi-musicianist, who has written 3 Books, and 3 Concert/How to videos on
his unique drumming techniques of "Four Limb Independence".
Here's a great interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsH01rhmuRo
A very down to earth guy, whom I met, very "randomly" at a Best Buys in a
town I was working on my 9 to 5, and it was unbelievable that it was indeed
him, shopping for DVD movies like the rest of us mortals :D.
I'll do my best to show his versatile playing and different genres, showing that
he indeed knows his stuff, no matter genre, intensity or simplicity. If the critics want to bash him and the
like, how many "Big Band"/Jazz drummers play other music styles on a regular basis, with the same
feeling and "soul" as the music they are expert at? They may not play like the masters, but they are having
fun and doing it out there for us to enjoy.
You all can now fight among yourselves if any of the drummers presented aren't perfect, have soul, or are a
waste of space, while I hope you have videos of your own, so that a thousand other critics can also
disseminate what you believed was playing a piece as it was supposed to be played :p.
Instruction/Demonstration:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyq76s7Y3RY
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUdpHgzvp0o
Tackling Buddy Rich material, but the comments have plenty of critique that "he's not Buddy", "He (and band) can't swing", and so forth (I think Buddy was Buddy Rich correct?, Marco is Marco):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hykf05On44g
With Jazz/Fusion Rock, "The Aristocrats":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg_6CWcJqNM&t=602s
. . . and with The Vladivostok Girl Drum Squad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyBH8Uc_Ulg
With Mike Keneally, playing Jazz Fusion Nutty Peanut Butter Rock and the Kitchen sink! Woo Hoo! . . .
Mike Keneally - "Yup, Them Dolphins is Smart Alright (Live improv version)":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXmsyVXUgJQ
Paul Gilbert - "Spaceship Live" (Metal/Shred):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iWKzerZl5U&t=105s
Steve Wilson - "Luminol (Live)" (Prog Rock/Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfQ1I-VV7M
With UK live in Tokyo 2011 (Progressive Rock):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4TNgZLagAY&t=173s
Illogicist - "The Insight Eye" (Tech-Death Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDjBuuF4cAM
Necrophagist - "Summer Slaughter Tour 2007" (Tech-Death Metal):
https://youtu.be/wKo9BjENpm8?t=52m6s
And now something completely different . . .
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEecpNjxH6jPeinAhhsag7yY
Neil Peart (pronounced: Neel Pee-rt) . . .
Known as "Pratt", "The Professor on the drum kit", "Bubba", or "The New
Guy". It conjures up technical brilliance, incredible basic and eclectic rhythms,
prolific words and clever analogies, or . . . overhyped, no soul, mechanical,
arrogant, overrated, and, wait for it . . . pretentious. All that and more from the
so-called journalists to armchair critics, who mention every drummer, from
ALL types of music, yet they single out Mr. Pratt to be the one they can't stand.
It's like a personal vendetta. So to the rest of us "Tin Ears", he's the man who moves us, with his lyrics,
talking about the everyday man, our strengths and weaknesses, our commonality and our worst fears and
wonderful dreams to pursue. Reflected in chaos, anger and a marshall beat, challenging each thump of our
hearts, and challenges our intellect, if its the words or patterns and timing he plays. A voracious reader,
well read in the intricacies of a drummers mind, and the philosophies of great minds, it is all reflected in
each strike of drum, cymbal and percussion instrument. And interplayed with his 2 cohorts, in
Bass/Keyboards, and Guitar that make-up the power trio that is Rush. We have come to know his
demeanor, be it humble, and "outside the gilded cage" as a shy introvert avoiding the spotlight, only to
focus at the task at hand . . . Be the best that he can be, relearning his vocation, and to strive with each
album to be unique and inspiring, and to say something that strikes at out very soul, like the drums he
surrounds himself with. We feel everything he conveys coming from all sides, bombarded in concussive
beauty.
Freddie Gruber (May 27, 1927 ~ October 11, 2011):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSYOj5DWTpV-_xbGYte7urVwnCD1Z9qpp
Interview . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_mKr28G7og
Learning under the limelight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kILxZMfFBVY
LeStudio . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiRuj2_czzw
The Traps:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJqxiWmH76E
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqu5W77DZxw
3. https://youtu.be/Wv7UWpIbaQo
BAM! Burnin' for Buddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT9333XiR4U
(Apply what was said about Marco Minnemann, but Peart produced this tribute with the Rich family):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwNoo2bc2Z0
Take it away Professor! (LIVE!) . . .
1. https://youtu.be/4kb8UWieKnk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRMOJQDiLU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXap3bOU0S8
Checking out his 30th Anniversary kit!:
https://youtu.be/Oz-fthxn_eY
Words and music . . .
"Jacob's Ladder" (Lyrics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBz8sDXewNQ
"Camera Eye" (Lyrics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwDQGkjG1FM
"Between the Wheels" (Lyrics) :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxXwFgTE0kg
"Mystic Rhythms" (Lyrics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziYemcMc-Ag
"Available Light" - that snare "snap"! (Lyrics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orse-YCQaXg
"Everyday Glory" (Lyrics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP_mCiGrf1c
Too many songs to choose from, but it gives you an insight of the mind and techniques of my favorite
Drummer and lyricist (up there with Kerry Livgren of Kansas and John Arch of Fates Warning).
. . . That new guy:
https://youtu.be/gZZvmkUSjWA
The masked rider:
https://youtu.be/pwqsRu3f6Mg
https://mavearworx.weebly.com/blog/witnessing-the-birth-of-progressive-metal-part-1-of-2
But I will also work on a tribute essay when time allows.
drummers out there.
A long time in the modern metal music biz, and playing it from a modern
standpoint, if its Warlord, or his former long time Prog Metal compatriots
Fates Warning, in which he not only made it for them to tackle ambitious
signatures and a move to the more contemporary Metals "progressive"
elements. He, along with Queensryche, made them the fathers of Prog Metal.
He has a very unique style, a technical master, but just enough to where he
doesn't over do it. He adds fills and flurries just enough to give any piece
color and contrast. With Fates, he and the band were never afraid to go into
uncharted waters, and just about every album he appeared on, changed from one album to the next.
Maybe that's why the band never caught on as much as other Prog Metal bands. But we fans knew that they
were something very special and unique. They may draw less a crowd than their contemporaries, yet they
have a loyal international following, especially in Greece.
Let's take a voyage with the pirates of the underground . . .
Lets groove!
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9HhlgSs_s
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHKXv0O268k
Warlord and "Thunderchild" . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlQ7NOOGHGI
- Fates Warning - "Through Different Eyes" (Zonder's debut):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diSjpASr_dc
- Fates Warning - "Life in Still Water":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRlMuU8UYU0
- Live (Drums):
https://youtu.be/9kbUtw71m4M
- Fates Warning - "Monument":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArteGbiqO2E
- Live (Drums):
https://youtu.be/o8nw7un1nVc
- Fates Warning - "Pleasant Shade of Gray ~ Part VIII":
https://youtu.be/wcaB0pP6ETA
- Fates Warning - "One":
https://youtu.be/mFQO0b7jkx0
- Fates Warning - "Heal Me":
https://youtu.be/aoO50QSOqdI
Fates Warning Parallels Live:
https://youtu.be/CcfXXEaVhaI
Fates Warning Pleasant Shade of Gray Live:
https://youtu.be/n5NMhpptW3Y
- Slavior - "Another Planet":
https://youtu.be/ddFtSAEGn_8
- Drum demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSMZq7ycNZY
- Graham Bonnet Band - "SOS" Live:
https://youtu.be/btwZg5ZaS-U
. . . Graham's Diary Part I (2016):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAMZhWN1-ro
(please watch the series of video diaries...)
Gene Hoglan, the soft spoken extreme Metal drummer who towers over his
drums, not only in stature, but his abilities in concussive brutality, as well as a
prolific lyricist (epic and intelligent, which makes me wonder how vocalists
are able to remember every line). Part man and machine, has the skills and
soul to tackle many different rages of Metal. He has been a feature of many
metal bands, deeply respected by his peers and fans worldwide. Graced drum
clinics and videos, and infamous albums that stretch all the way back to the
beginnings of Thrash and Death Metal, from its inception. Precision, super speed, polyrhythmic madness
from his feet to his sticks, and every mood that was needed in every band he's laid a beat. His resume is
impressive, and I will do my best to include most, so that you know exactly why he is known as The Atomic
Clock and "the Human Drum Machine" . . .
Interview . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW-hMB0dSeA
Drumtalk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO3PeLJpH4o
"Ian Scott", guitarist of Anthrax on Gene Hoglan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_00KmkaJ9g
"Frank Bello", bassist:
https://youtu.be/hjfaq6rSrOk
Lesson in brvtality . . .
https://youtu.be/FArpzF1Sn68
Thrash . . .
- Dark Angel - "Time Does Not Heal" (also lyricist):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYBbY7pSH-M
Death Metal/Tech-Death Metal . . .
- Death - "In Human Form":
https://youtu.be/Pn3SBcPm2MA
Gene about Death & the late Chuck Schuldiner . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2_tPo_IHnw
Death/Thrash/Insanely insane Hevy Devy Music! From the wacky mind of early Devin Townsend . . .
- Strapping Young Lad - "Oh My Fucking God":
https://youtu.be/hEJ4l0WvsR8
Black Metal/Symphonic Black Metal . . .
- Old Man's Child - "Captives of Humanity":
https://youtu.be/Q6d8YBOkeho
Prog Metal/Hevy Devy Music . . .
- Devin Townsend - "Earth Day":
https://youtu.be/q2bTs_xHs1o
Death Metal . . .
- Dethklok - "Go Forth and Die":
https://youtu.be/K3oBplV6u-A
Industrial Metal . . .
- Fear Factory - "Fear Campaign":
https://youtu.be/4zCmCxHxRNE
Thrash/Metal . . .
- Testament - "The Pale King":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkHT86Ei7DY
How to . . .
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGope68pHf0
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FArpzF1Sn68
Fact or Fiction!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhglGzH32Vk
being in the very unique and experimental Death Metal band (from the Florida
Death Metal scene) "Cynic". Many didn't know what to make of their debut
album, it was doing what was not supposed to be, even though their demos were
making the rounds among locals and Metal trade magazines. Even though they
were a bit heavier before creating their 1st album . . . and many of us thought the
"last". Word grew since, it was touted as a huge inspiration for many Death Metal
and Prog Metal bands to come. Not only were the guitars and bass challenging,
and the clean, rough and "computer"-like vocals, but Sean's unique drumming
that was much like Jazz Fusion, with polyrhythmic double bass. If anyone has seen Sean play, its a joy to
watch, not only hitting each drum and cymbal, hard, rhythmically yet technical, he follows the
singer/guitarists by mouthing the words. He truly is in the pipe, deeply into the music he plays.
I give his many attributes here as an example for you to watch, hear and hopefully appreciate all he does,
in technique and from the heart . . .
1st, while Cynic's demos were finding their way through the Florida Death Metal scene and tape trade, 2
members of the would be band (on their debut Album) would be asked to join fellow Floridian Chuck
Schuldiner for his new edition and new "sound" on the Death album "Human". It was a more complex
musical direction, and the lyrics were topical and self-introspective. Yet again, Chuck pushing the
parameters of early Death Metal, to its inevitable progression and inspiration of what was to come.
- Death - "Human" (1991):
https://youtu.be/EzvtfbqJeIY
Sean on tour for Human:
https://youtu.be/3FO7CLtlPyY
Sean Reinert interviews . . .
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1CcR7GoNc0
2. https://youtu.be/s4ez6lf0atI
Cynic demonstration of "Evolutionary Sleeper":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vagx9V050
- Cynic - "Veil of Maya" (1994):
https://youtu.be/-p0X7_zQEng
Live version 1994:
https://youtu.be/ylqytteyQSU
Their come back in 2008 with the album "Traced in Air" . . .
- Cynic - "Evolutionary Sleeper":
https://youtu.be/Lx526DUdZ48
Live version 2007:
https://youtu.be/nh9nNVTrpWA
Live in Japan 2015:
https://youtu.be/fGe1dBoF2Gw
Solo project of original Cynic bassist Sean Malone . . .
- Gordian Knot - "Rivers Dancing":
https://youtu.be/5zo77bDKis8
- Aghora - "Open Close the Book":
https://youtu.be/lGuTi_xzT8s
A very different side to the band members of Cynic . . .
- Æon Spoke - "Face the Wind":
https://youtu.be/Zy8ZTJvys4k
Sean's newest band . . .
- C-187 - "Collision":
https://youtu.be/Zd3acWpys1E
He also writes most of the lyrics that are dark yet thought provoking. What he does with his feet alone is pretty astounding, to say he's the master of odd polyrhythms and syncopation is a huge understatement. And to do this night after night for 2 to 3 hours, you would think he would indeed be a "marathon runner", but as the rest of the band, its just the way he is built and how he thinks. Part machine, Jazz/Fusionist in technique, but not really a Jazz "player", but his influences go from Neil Peart to the likes of Vinnie
Colaiuta, and Gary Husband.
He "trades" (Gunfire!) percussion with the guitarists, bass and vocalist, point-counterpoint to being a
"Lead" instrument, which I really never experienced with any other band. Not even the years of observing soo many Thrash and Death Metal bands since its inception. Tomas was a whole other animal.
He has a very mellow but humorous demeanor as well, doesn't take himself too seriously. But when he
goes to work, in-studio or live, he's a fierce force to be reckoned with. The Battery of concussive brutality.
From the mind of Haake . . .
Drum Talk: https://youtu.be/cs2nXBI2aWw
Influences:
1. https://youtu.be/2hHeozE2VLI
2. https://youtu.be/R4jgQ1adlYg
Writing process: https://youtu.be/n4Rn6_RjbI0
Interview:
https://youtu.be/VSr5k610w3M
(See parts)
Demonstrations . . .
Live Rig 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rsu8ji2bqc
2016 Rig Rundown:
https://youtu.be/i2puJvYq9WA
"Clockwork":
https://youtu.be/axGn6qeJHcM
"Bleed":
https://youtu.be/bAJ1WTGNISk
"New Millenium Cyanide Christ":
https://youtu.be/0LLpzrsUn2s
Paradiddle exercises:
https://youtu.be/SQ4w54QBpqU
Toontrack (hear album "Catch 33"):
1. https://youtu.be/mTyrZ5zTVJ8
2. https://youtu.be/ahxvvyAe550
Tomas Haake visiting Morgan Ågren:
https://youtu.be/gJRC-Gp1kO0
Fishing & Lyrics:
https://youtu.be/RJ8o_Ao-TnE
Lyrical contemporary issues:
https://youtu.be/D4Krg9PUeiA
I was always on a search for the more complex and progressive bands in Metal. If I were exposed to this
band in 1991 . . . what a reaction I would have had from this opening track. I would have been knocked thru the wall . . .
- Meshuggah - "Paralyzing Ignorance":
https://youtu.be/_Btt2q0JOjE
- Meshuggah - "Sickening"
https://youtu.be/7mho9y_eEzc
The song that 1st made its way to my ears. Not only did it amaze me what the guitars and bass were doing
between the 4/4, but the way Tomas was playing all through it. I became an instant fan in 1995.
Be sure to notice the style in which he plays during Thordendal's brilliant solo, this and more is what
attracted me right off, that they could let music breathe and then switch gears again into complete and
utter brutality . . .
- Meshuggah - "Future Breed Machine":
https://youtu.be/PoHa48lqsqE
Live: https://youtu.be/FTF5uLZYfp0
- Meshuggah - "Sublevels":
https://youtu.be/BSdrnFwD1wc
- Meshuggah - "Mouth Licking what you Bled":
https://youtu.be/7cHF8E5PbC4
- Meshuggah - "Spasm":
https://youtu.be/nxbZ7fMC5bg
- Meshuggah - "I":
https://youtu.be/TqPNn_ki1s8
- Meshuggah - "Obzen":
https://youtu.be/QkrgRjK21nU
- Meshuggah - "The Demon's name is Surveillance":
https://youtu.be/h5wbGjdSHUs
- Meshuggah - "Born in Dissonance":
https://youtu.be/xtO3VCu5wv4
Fact or fiction . . .
https://youtu.be/3aA9SFqqSoA
Food? (YUM!) . . .
https://youtu.be/GFjSY822C3o
recognized Metal was taking a detour into new territory. They are said to be the 1st real "Prog Metal" band (Fates Warning coming in on their heels as 2nd) and its
Fathers. Scott beat that kit into submission if you have ever seen live footage. He
could be totally aggressive and at times hold back and concentrate on rhythm, or let loose. He experimented in the earlier days with Simmons electronic drums, and on the album "The Warning", added the unique sample of "Dirty Harry's Smith & Wesson .44" as a 2nd snare (which is in the 3rd track below). He has a deep interest in film, which reflects in the "sound fx" that are added on many tracks, and his interest in Soundtrack
Scores and engineering. One of my fave drummers in Metal . . .
Scott and Influences . . .
1. https://youtu.be/D1c61qn4Zgw
2. https://youtu.be/7oQmDRYHFkM
Drum Solo 2016:
https://youtu.be/LlSroEjZ--w
"The Warning" (mini-solo prelude) in Tokyo, 1984:
https://youtu.be/SAzy7IAs-yM
"En Force" Tokyo:
https://youtu.be/BeH7wR8AY5E
- Queensrÿche - "Queen of the Reich":
https://youtu.be/_kKqQwjef2I
- Queensrÿche - "Blinded":
https://youtu.be/OfOq-r-U3Lw
- Queensrÿche - "Before the Storm":
https://youtu.be/nsC6ybaefwM
- Queensrÿche - "Chemical Youth"
https://youtu.be/m7dMWyh98Mk
- Queensrÿche - "Spreading the Disease":
https://youtu.be/QkkARshZ2t8
Live: https://youtu.be/R7xtYIJgPjg
- Queensrÿche - "One and Only":
https://youtu.be/IAYwTOKi46Q
Scott's "soundscapes":
- Queensrÿche - "Dis con nec ted":
https://youtu.be/A43fU4MkT0A
- Queensrÿche - "My Global Mind":
https://youtu.be/Fujoo_jPr48
- Queensrÿche - "Reach":
https://youtu.be/rdyOXPN6QTw
The new era of QR . . .
- Queensrÿche - "Where Dreams go to Die":
https://youtu.be/h9KOvIdk8gc
- Queensrÿche - "Guardian":
https://youtu.be/Ra1TSmmUY90
Live at Wacken 2015 . . .
https://youtu.be/ItqYBv3MdxE
about in countless trade magazines, reviews by journalists and armchair critics,
pros and cons and sometimes the proverbial "whipping post" for all that's wrong
with drumming and prog metal in general. I will never get it. I enjoy this man's
style, and if I were a drummer, its the qualities and his technique that I'd style most, along with others I have admired deeply (see above and below). Mike Portnoy is a
former student of the highly esteemed Berklee School of Music in Boston, and little did he know then, what a huge impact he and his band mates would make for
Progressive "Rock" (go ahead, have a heart attack some of you aficionados), Prog Metal, and Metal to
thrive and progress into new forms. Which he would contribute to many other projects that would branch in many directions.
As a player/musician, he had an elephant memory, a skill to remember just about every track he's played, with whatever band. But his technique, soulful and off the cuff to improvise at the right time, while also
being a meticulous technician. His "fills" are what get me, if its the flurries of various sized cymbals, or
drums to accent a moment, if they were not there in those glorious Dream Theater albums of the past, it would stick out like a sore thumb. It would lack those traits, those "accidents" that make up a song. Just
like if we replaced John Myung as a Bassist, with Sean Malone, or Steve DiGiorgio . . . it just wouldn't be the same.
He gets abuse about how "busy" he plays, "mastubatory", "chaotic", "the center of attention", yet hardly
anyone points out the many many tracks in which he holds back, lets a song breathe, or more direct, to
let a song flow, stay focused. And, he can go completely nuts, be complex to full on aggressive. So what
drummer out there can play all that and more? Well, some of them are above and below as well, but all, if
not most, have a "variety" in their repertior. IF you would only take the time to look, and stay for a whole
song, not speed through a track and nit-pick . . . stay for the ride without putting yourself in duress.
He has great stage presence, he entertained the audience, he engaged with the crowd, he was wide open to his fans (sometimes to his detriment) because he too was a fan of music (film, classic rock, metal, progressive rock and more). Again with DT, he was in charge with a lot of the publicity, promotion and
even merch design, including staying on top of special recordings for the fans, "Covers/Remakes" and
general enthusiasm for the music that he shared with their International fanbase. I guess I can be accused of being a "Fanboy", but it's not like I listen to "all" the bands he's been in on a regular basis, but it was because of him and each member of Dream Theater I became an instant fan with their debut "When Dream and Day Unite" . . . on Lp. He has a goofy sense of humor like I have, a memory for useless trivia and a love of music like me as well. And a deep respect of Progressive Rock and Heavy Metal history. And he kicks ass on the drum kit too! No matter what the size.
HUGE respect for this man, but whatever he lacks, whatever the critics say, he is one of many, of my all
time personal favorites. Take it away Portnoy! . . .
Bonham: https://youtu.be/lxlK4qWnw_s
Ringo, Keith Moon: https://youtu.be/39sNXW-3MLc
https://youtu.be/LbU6Yx7EIbo
Amazing Journey: https://youtu.be/0zT0OxlBKnU
Name that Drum: https://youtu.be/UeVe6ZPt1Oc
Name that Beatle :D:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEYjQ0fiBmo
2. https://youtu.be/UWW6OfPn-mc
Rush/Peart: https://youtu.be/RqNtIx8UbcE
Cygnus & the Sea Monsters: https://youtu.be/FxIInCSTZZk
More influences and his music: https://youtu.be/FK4pZgpfaXI
Drum (and more) obsessed: https://youtu.be/xM2LECwK0GA
Terry Bozzio & Portnoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqtQpLXde6U
Terry and Portnoy on Frank Zappa:
https://youtu.be/C4zn0kW2XZk
Meytal Cohen / Mike Portnoy (interview):
https://youtu.be/i1O5bG-shd8
Drumtalk ("Criticism" and styles): https://youtu.be/64QbEGz_9Rw
The smaller kits, to . . .
1.
https://drummagazine.com/evolution-of-mike-portnoys-drum-kit/
2.
https://www.liquisearch.com/mike_portnoy/drum_kits_and_percussive_equipment
Hello Kitty?: https://youtu.be/-aL2I--TCHM
Yellow Matter Custard: https://youtu.be/U5m8k5UBbVQ
Winery Dogs:
I: https://youtu.be/cDnSkwvp384
II: https://youtu.be/T3Lzj13Hy1c
OSI: https://youtu.be/9ZlV9dlL_rc
Flying Colors: https://youtu.be/mQmfWxGnCis
Neal Morse: https://youtu.be/YIb8BBKJt2w
Neal Morse Band: https://youtu.be/yCwOIpYuL34
Transatlantic: https://youtu.be/TWC2I9TNuco
Liquid Tension Experiment: https://youtu.be/zM1ivFCVnOc
Sons of Apollo: https://youtu.be/J_1N8kVYfkE
Metal Allegiance: https://youtu.be/xjxpMCiUI7Q
Adrenaline Mob: https://youtu.be/YaXs8xiNflo
Avenged Sevenfold: https://youtu.be/N7f4MJS4oU0
Dream Theater (Live Concerts etc.) . . .
1. Mk II: https://youtu.be/twMsgXsI2_g
2. Mk III: https://youtu.be/o2sje-a7Fzw
3. Mk IV: https://youtu.be/Kfv_HLKrwvo
4. The "Siamese Monsters":
I - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhI7BFFGwdx2MRzp-zWdXl1CKqyyq-gIt
II - https://youtu.be/VGYsFmdZ7OE
- "The Freight Train":
III - https://youtu.be/eBpq7MctZcc
- "Mirage Monster":
IV - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB6EF38A84834F16F
V - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-SCEpLztqHrQQPEn3NShqMopcjmykkdP
VI - https://youtu.be/RXnOiImiNUQ
Hello Kitty II: https://youtu.be/HbfHs4tph9k
The Dream Theater Tracks and their many sides, and proving Portnoy had soul and could hold back when
songs needed to breathe . . .
- "Status Seeker":
https://youtu.be/79R4MrqGhWc
- "Another Day":
https://youtu.be/OfM7_BHzpKQ
- "Lifting Shadows off a Dream":
https://youtu.be/Z45wG0HBa5M
- "Eve":
https://youtu.be/DiayUWUhZSQ
- "Hell's Kitchen / Lies in the Sand":
https://youtu.be/vXV9hRio50k
- "Speak to Me":
https://youtu.be/dS95mkit_Jo
- "Disappear":
https://youtu.be/AM4swR2NT1g
- "Goodnight Kiss":
https://youtu.be/XbRZ_3kHia8
- "Through Her Eyes":
https://youtu.be/3gy8hkVMqwQ
- "The Spirit Carries On":
https://youtu.be/7NuiVUxZQfs
~interlude~time to wake up! . . .
- "Honor Thy Father":
https://youtu.be/KGHXy9Fa45k
- "I Walk Beside You":
https://youtu.be/S42r7EQ0lmw
- "Repentance":
https://youtu.be/tBoLoam303s
- "Best of Times":
https://youtu.be/-BKHCIVzV38
The last album with Portnoy in 2009.
https://youtu.be/PW_877BdaL4
- The 12 Step Suite (Story) . . .
https://youtu.be/djKde1d2y60
lyrics: https://genius.com/Dream-theater-the-twelve-step-suite-lyrics
- The Shattered Fortress: 12 Steps Live with Haken:
https://youtu.be/TrZT_EyxXGk
Interview: https://youtu.be/EqJvGNegbag
Portnoy Fact or Fiction:
https://youtu.be/aLRo9RT539k
Portnoy and Mikael Akerfeldt:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5985F2651A0D9FA3
Portnoy has moves . . .
https://youtu.be/JHgDLsSY5-Y
15 minutes to psycho! And . . . ROCK JUICE!
https://youtu.be/ftkLbfXf55I
- Neal Morse - Heavy Metal Long Haired Tattooed Jew:
https://youtu.be/TWFswrcmA4I
(including other drummers and inspired and influenced them) with amazing compositions. From various Rock, Metal, Progressive Rock & Metal and Fusion. Please enjoy.
Bruford . . .
The mighty Bill Bruford, from Progressive Rock to Fusion, he has also inspired many a drummer in
technique and tone as he used various percussion and one of the first to use Simmons Electronic Drums . . .
- Yes - "Yours is no Disgrace" (1971):
https://youtu.be/1fUudna1Xuw
- Yes - "Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)" (1971):
https://youtu.be/_PYl_nSfYtg
- Yes - "Siberian Khatru" (1972):
https://youtu.be/2mTPwM4nFw0
- King Crimson - "Larks Tongue in Aspic" (1973):
https://youtu.be/CVb2tnFN5AA
- King Crimson - "Fractured" (1974):
https://youtu.be/ZaD7gk7BTwU
- King Crimson - "Starless" (1974):
https://youtu.be/OfR6_V91fG8
- King Crimson - "Frame by Frame" Live (1981):
https://youtu.be/d46FV8rSbNE
- King Crimson - " Neurotica" Live (1982):
https://youtu.be/FEcFu1p6W5A
- UK - "Mental Medication" (1979):
https://youtu.be/dnhbCL53fzI
- Bruford - "Sahara of the Snow" (1979):
https://youtu.be/RdaqTVL1_WU
Chapter V
The Grand Opera
Classical and Operatic Structure . . .
The Classical foundation of a prominent melody can also be embellished to create a song, for example;
- Procol Harum "Whiter Shade of Pale":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPgTjUloUEI
Wikipedia has an excellent page in detail of what Classical pieces were inspired to construct this song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Whiter_Shade_of_Pale
. . . In turn, the "invention" of the new genre "Progressive Rock" in 1967.
The Fugue: https://youtu.be/hyDB-RvCmEo
More: https://youtu.be/vAFETgpt9PA
Some have taken directly from a Classical piece and have been embellished:
- Emerson Lake & Palmer - "Pictures at an Exhibition":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kns2c8gsMfw
And then presented in a heavier Prog Metal/Tech-Thrash sound by...
- Mekong Delta - "Pictures at an Exhibition":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzbrsx8C6bY
The attack/punctuation and approach are drastically different, but the musicianship to have it presented
within the foundation of Prog Rock & Prog Metal take equal skill of the Classical musician and their
dexterity.
Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple was well versed in these Neo-Classical embellishments as it
has been in his repertoire for quite sometime, and shines louder later with his own band "Rainbow".
- Rainbow - "Difficult to Cure":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W70JmqOvhCc
And years before when he presents the English Folk traditional "Greensleeves", a 16th/17th century Lute Song which he and Ronnie James Dio changed to "Sixteenth Century Greensleeves". But listen to the intro of this live version (1977). Blackmore is very well versed in lute and classical musics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2t5UHWSOw
Even more apparent the last few years with his wife Candice Night in "Blackmore's Night":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnqzUuZRbmo
His medieval trip to the past ages. He has always held a special place for period folk/classical and Baroque musics.
- Classical, Blues, and Jazz make their way into rock, 1967 and on to develop the monster that is . . .
https://youtu.be/7YIEhFTymxI
More from direct influences . . .
- Gustav Holst - "I. Mars, The Bringer of War" (1918):
https://youtu.be/Jmk5frp6-3Q
Black Sabbath may be the very first to add that very famous Classical ostinato to Hard Rock music, as it
enhances and sets the mood for this very infamous track by the band on their debut album:
- Black Sabbath - "Black Sabbath" (1969):
https://youtu.be/2KnyL4IFcwo
And . . .
- King Crimson - "Devil's Triangle" Excerpt (1969):
https://youtu.be/aCQ_S-HY7qM?si=jsKxpGRDOmwTg3T6
- Genesis - "Watcher of the Skies" (1972):
https://youtu.be/2agWXrNJGjg?si=tujjQElPcxrx-ozz
John Williams the Soundtrack Score composer also found HUGE inspiration for (as you guessed) for the
EPIC "Star Wars" Score . . .
- John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra - Star Wars OST (1977):
https://youtu.be/sDMPTZ7y1lE?si=ReDG_Eox6Rpfuv7d
- Rainbow - "Eyes of the World" (1979):
https://youtu.be/SS1g1Oke_b8
- Diamond Head - "Am I Evil" (1980):
https://youtu.be/dSDwKDc5hQ0?si=-6IeqULbWWW-tV9W
- Metallica (1984):
https://youtu.be/_k2WgmDRxIc?si=UeN_dTjFXAOqDtob
- Emerson Lake & Powell - "Mars, The Bringer of War" (1986):
https://youtu.be/fILj4pXFz5Y
From "Jupiter" . . .
- Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Joybringer (1973 / 1989):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n_9Xc0qZEb0AJewjT4ckwaYIS7as2Qmp8
Familiar themes to modern retellings . . .
- Tomaso Albinoni - "Adagio in g minor" (circa 1708):
https://youtu.be/_eLU5W1vc8Y
- The Doors - "A Feast of Friends" (1968):
https://youtu.be/zgvOX9OLZzQ
- Brian Auger & The Trinity - "Adagio Per Archi E Organo" (1970):
https://youtu.be/kZKTxm0xYz0
- Renaissance - "Cold is Being" (1974):
https://youtu.be/FKb2VlcrRn8
- Procol Harum - "Adagio Di Albinoni" (1976):
https://youtu.be/iHCTOnD0OqI
- Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force - Icarus Dream Suite opus 4. (1984):
https://youtu.be/T1Va1F1dQWo
The great Hall . . .
- Edvard Grieg - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (1875):
https://youtu.be/xktTwsiVb_w
- The Who - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (1967):
https://youtu.be/hW7NocWs0Zg
- Electric Light Orchestra - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (1973):
https://youtu.be/xzYYLFz57Ns
- Savatage - "Prelude to Madness/The Hall of the Mountain King" (1987):
https://youtu.be/kRU-c0SBbyU
- Epica - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (2009):
https://youtu.be/bNnfvUveGJA
- Edvard Grieg - "Peer Gynt: Solveigs Song" . . .
https://youtu.be/OMO-E4dSuoE
- Duke Ellington - "Solveigs Song" (1961):
https://youtu.be/fJTS09_clvU
- Kamelot - "Forever" (2001):
https://youtu.be/EqqPYySZnVY
Inspired by Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf":
- Devin Townsend Project - "Earth" (2014):
https://youtu.be/Q_0ojFjORO8
Classical embellishments . . .
Again, Blackmore, Jason Becker, Steve Morse, Rik Emmett, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie
Malmsteen also create their own Classical Guitar pieces that have many style influences which include
"Spanish and Arabic Phrygian scales" and "Baroque music", including the techniques synonymous with
their individual styles.
Jason was "17" when he composed his piece below, which is more reminiscent of Mozart meets Paganini perhaps? But it shows the level of musicianship, the knowledge of various musics and how to implement their personality, while still being recognizable as the Classical form. There is more than Rock and Metal at play here. . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjOe5e9VFA
- Steve Morse - "Baroque 'n Dreams":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1N8L-tk4sw
- Andy Sneap/Sabbat - "Happy Never After":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy3dHHFAJiw
- Triumph/Rik Emmet - "Embrujo/Fantasy Serenade":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81XI-e8ZowE
- Eddie Van Halen - "Spanish Fly":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsa4uDM3zU
- Randy Rhoads - "Dee":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAhcBuZlTMA
Also listen to the Classical embellishments made by the late Randy Rhoads on Guitar as-well as Don Airey
on Keyboards with Ozzy Osbourne:
- Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D_9FIYZQ5c
Many bands of all types of Metal and other genres also utilize classical "Intros" of acoustic (Spanish,
Classical or Steel String Acoustic) guitars, possibly layered with electric guitars. It's a mood set-up, a way to show off chops, and simply to add a gorgeous melody before the brutality. Here are a few examples that featured musicians that had the skills and imagination to add beauty to the aggression.
From an early era of Progressive Rock & Heavy Rock, to Metal and all its forms:
- Yes - "Roundabout":
https://youtu.be/saz6mKEhULE
- Rush - "Farewell to Kings":
https://youtu.be/qf0qVVbMckU
- "Broon's Bane"/"The Tree's":
https://youtu.be/ZTlUD6nUj-Y
- Van Halen - "Intro/Little Guitars":
https://youtu.be/VRIzPh3B92Q
- Ozzy Osbourne - "Diary of a Madman":
https://youtu.be/OozIDOzGWH4
- Yngwie J. Malmsteen - "Black Star":
https://youtu.be/PTjSKmvzj5o
- Metallica - "Fight Fire with Fire":
https://youtu.be/N2U6xjHHUVs
- Forbidden - "Parting of the Ways/Infinite":
https://youtu.be/JV8Y7ti-7XU
- Kreator - "When the Sun Burns Red":
https://youtu.be/_qVd7xT9kqo
- Realm - "Root of Evil":
https://youtu.be/8jsG9zOlfqA
- Death - "Destiny":
https://youtu.be/AMD-0Hys6QQ
- Overkill - "Drunken Wisdom":
https://youtu.be/CNr0CV-bNFo
- Defiance - "Insomnia":
https://youtu.be/PqpYy3iWthU
- Grinder - "Drifting for 99 Seconds":
https://youtu.be/InSrnuQHeSE
- "Hymn for the Isolated" (second track after above):
https://youtu.be/0L5VcoOUYiA
- Paradox - "Heresy":
https://youtu.be/iJxilfVhLeE
- Arch Enemy - "Time Capsule / Fields of Desolation":
https://youtu.be/Rm6_HtYjQhY
- Cacophony - "The Ninja":
https://youtu.be/nuY3riST4cw
- Heathen - "Heathen's Song":
https://youtu.be/K8Ln-wcafuo
- Spiral Architect - "Prelude to Ruin" (Fates Warning Cover):
https://youtu.be/2YlPFA7dQZ8
- Savatage - "Silk and Steel":
https://youtu.be/jUnqumh6Iwo
- "She's in Love" (track after above):
https://youtu.be/6Ptq979D4xg
- Destiny's End - "The Obscure":
https://youtu.be/pgqM4DgsTdg
- Crescent Shield - "The Last of my Kind":
https://youtu.be/B7jIXY5v0YY
- Skyclad - "Moongleam and Meadowsweet":
https://youtu.be/tZSWuwb1ETI
- Opeth - "The Moor":
https://youtu.be/adOWWbEfyiQ
- Sabbat - "Mourning has Broken":
https://youtu.be/sgRHaAFlhaQ
Outro . . .
- Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell":
https://youtu.be/idn50Xj_CiY
- Iron Maiden - "The Prophecy":
https://youtu.be/NDnBfPUCm4g
- Sabbat - "Happy Never After":
https://youtu.be/wy3dHHFAJiw
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEep1bjSCBgW2ysnU7gA1ixl
The varied voices and music of the Archetype . . .
The Archetype I . . .
Many of the bands in Progressive Rock are heavily influenced by Classical music either structurally or
influenced by certain pieces of music, and can be used in a huge list of examples.
Metal has had its classical influence in subtle ways, whereas Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Rainbow and a few
others have brought it to the forefront in the late 70's with its Neo-Classical embellishments.
Prog Metal bands of the 90's have taken it into their repertoire as interludes, fills and solos, or the entire
composition. Powermetal bands as well, as a melody carries the song while each instrument plays a fast
tempo/syncopated layer upon the melody. And lets not forget, the Album Cover Art!
This also brings in the Operatic element into Metal, and the dramatic (and maybe over the top) titles . . .
- Helloween - "Keeper of the Seven Keys (Part 1)":
https://youtu.be/bCNHl2wMPQw
- Hammerfall - "Hector's Hymn":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl7EFfPRUcY
- Stratovarius - "Black Diamond":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn58-Nl9NYw
- Adagio - "Seven Lands of Sin":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgAh8wrxRCA
- Kamelot - "Serenade & Epilogue":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuyp5JpvvM
- Symphony X - "The Divine Wings of Tragedy":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qOGXRhCy4
- Rhapsody of Fire - "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demon Knight":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu7x_ghPdQA
- Virgin Steel - "The House of Atreus Act I":
https://youtu.be/semRYLA0jfQ
What is Powermetal . . .
https://youtu.be/s5c-zHbrH4Y
The grandiose subject matter and Epic themes that permeate Opera's such as Wagner's "Ring Trilogy" or
"Also sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss, Gustav Holst's "Mars the Bringer of War" can be found in
Metal, Prog Metal and from various sub-genres (such as Powermetal, Symphonic-Darkwave/Gothic
Metal, Death Metal , Thrash and Technical/Math Metal). Here are some examples that either use the
"vocals" of Opera, or have the structure of the Grand Epics presented in the same classical scale. These
epic concept themes would fill an entire album, half an album (side A or B) or within a singular song.
These concepts have their "Rock" influence and inspiration as well, from classics such as;
The Who - Tommy & Quadrophenia
Alice Cooper - Welcome to my Nightmare
And the Progressive Rock epics as;
Pink Floyd - The Wall and The Final Cut (and possibly in consideration, the previous albums; Dark Side of
the Moon and Animals).
Queen - A Night at the Opera, even though the songs are not necessarily related, for the various styles of
music within and the play on Opera styles, especially their most famous song "Bohemian Rhapsody" which
touches on many of the motifs of Opera but in a contemporary setting.
The EPICS Part II . . .
Again, Rush was ahead of its time and provides the branch (and roots) toward the Progressive Metal
movement. Complete with an Overture much like Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" and
presented with its sectional movements:
- Rush - "2112"
I Overture 0:00 - 4:33
II The Temples of Syrinx 4:33 - 2:12
III Discovery 6:45 - 3:29
IV Presentation 10:14 - 3:42
V Oracle: The Dream 13:56 - 2:00
VI Soliloquy 15:56 - 2:21
VII Grand Finale 18:17 - 2:14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5jwxrTqoEA&t=6s
These are other various forms of Metal that recreate the Classical Opera, be it structure and/or vocally with an overall conceptual theme:
- Fates Warning - "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" (Tech-Prog Metal):
- "I. Innocence"
- "II. Cold Daze"
- "III. Daylight Dreamers"
- "IV. Quietus"
- "V. Ivory Tower"
- "VI. Whispers on the Wind"
- "VII. Acquiescence"
- "VIII. Retrospect"
- Queensrÿche - "Operation Mind Crime" (Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXWGzvL8BJSp34rE5aefQjWURXIwAhoEP
- TYR - "Land" (Prog-Powermetal/Folk Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVs53ROqyXSxdoDQGrXkmF-iP_6978Eo-
- Emperor - "Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise" (Black Metal/Symphonic Death Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtzAI9sx0qDiQHI5lNQVj_saCc-T2ooxy
- Symphony X - "The Odyssey" (Powermetal/Prog Metal):
- "Part I - Odysseus' Theme / Overture"
- "Part II - Journey to Ithaca"
- "Part III - The Eye"
- "Part IV - Circe (Daughter of the Sun)"
- "Part V - Sirens"
- "Part VI - Scylla and Charybdis
- a) Gulf of Doom
- b) Drifting Home"
- "Part VII - The Fate of the Suitors / Champion of Ithaca"
I'd like to point out a style presented here. It is very much like a "Stage Play" as the instruments play as if
in the same style. Even Mike Portnoy plays the drums much like a percussionist in the orchestra pit.
Its adds to the authenticity and players on stage for each mood (particularly on I. Overture) . . .
- Dream Theater - "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" (Prog Metal):
- "I. Overture"
- "II. About to Crash"
- "III. War Inside My Head"
- "IV. The Test That Stumped Them All"
- "V. Goodnight Kiss"
- "VI. Solitary Shell"
- "VII. About to Crash (Reprise)"
- "VIII. Losing Time/Grand Finale"
John Arch era Fates Warning inspires this album, with many tracks taking a more "Doom" Metal approach to their brand of Prog Metal (and its Thrash-like moments), but in Epic proportions. A gorgeous grand album. While Heaven Wept, from Dale City, Virginia:
- While Heaven Wept - "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" (Doom Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1909F04D5FC6B988
"Ayreon", lead by Composer, Guitarist, Keyboardist, Vocalist Arjen Lucassen would bring in an ensemble "cast" of vocalists and musicians from various Metal and Prog bands to portray different characters (and even "emotions") on every album in his catalogue. Notice all the names of each vocalist . . .
- Ayreon - "01011001" (Progressive Rock/Prog Metal):
Part I "Y":
1."Age of Shadows" (including "We are Forever"); Tom Englund, Steve Lee, Daniel Gildenlöw, Hansi Kürsch, Floor Jansen, Jonas P. Renkse, Anneke van Giersbergen, Jørn Lande
2."Comatose"; van Giersbergen, Lande
3."Liquid Eternity"; Renkse, Gildenlöw, Magali Luyten, Bob Catley, Englund, Lande, Jansen
4."Connect the Dots"; Ty Tabor, Arjen Anthony Lucassen
5."Beneath the Waves"
- I. "Beneath the Waves"
- II. "Face the Facts"
- III. "But a Memory..."
- IV. "World Without Walls"
- V. "Reality Bleeds"
6."Newborn Race"
- I. "The Incentive"
- II. "The Vision"
- III. "The Procedure"
- IV. "Another Life"
- V. "Newborn Race"
- VI. "The Conclusion"
7."Ride the Comet" Lorde, Jansen, Englund, Renske, Catley, Luyten
8."Web of Lies"; Simone Simons, Phideaux Xavier
- Link below Disc B . . .
Disc B
Part II "Earth":
1."The Fifth Extinction"
- I. "Glimmer of Hope"
- II. "World of Tomorrow Dreams"
- III. "Collision Course"
- IV. "From the Ashes"
- V. "Glimmer of Hope (reprise)"
2."Waking Dreams"; Renske, van Giersbergen
3."The Truth is in Here"; Lucassen, Liselotte Hegt
4."Unnatural Selection"; Englund, Lee, Lande, Catley, Kürsch, Renske
5."River of Time"; Kürsch, Catley
6."E=mc2"; Wudstik, Marjan Welman
7."The Sixth Extinction"
- I. "Echoes on the Wind"
- II. "Radioactive Grave"
- III. "2085"
- IV. "To the Planet of Red"
- V. "Spirit on the Wind"
- VI. "Complete the Circle"
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDp_PtuyOwCYS8mEf7sImnsoSiALQB9R9
A shorter example of using different elements of Opera/Classical music to enhance the theme of a tragic character in a more extreme type of Metal music . . .
- Atrocity - "Introduction" (Tech-Death Metal)
(higher quality but both tracks Introduction/Sky Turns Red):
https://youtu.be/FOXNh_Xd8h8?t=23m42s
Notice Wagner's "Götterdämmerung" that continues on the next track but interpreted into the guitars as a prelude (presented as separate tracks):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhrQaJdK1Us
"Sky turns Red":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILk6auTlVl4
Lyrics:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/atrocity/todessehnsucht.html#7
Yet other examples of creating a setting and more Operatic motifs along with other sources of music;
Celtic Frost, a band that has experimented with various forms of Metal also utilizes Classical and Opera Epics to create something VERY unique in 1987:
- Celtic Frost - "Rex Irae (Requiem)"; (Early Black Metal/Doom):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFBfMv0qEWA
More on the band and album:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Pandemonium
Here is the French Prog Metal band Lalu with an offering which features an Operatic Choir in an ominous
Latin intro, that leads into the vocalists lyrical parts overlaid upon the metallic riffage. Quite the powerful little piece with all the emotion of a grand Opera:
- Lalu - "Night in Poenari":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ixQG8cuy0
A band from Kalamazoo Michigan, which experimented with various forms such as, Thrash, Progressive, Fusion and Avant-Garde, also had its flourishes of Classical and Contemporary themes. Complete with
Poems presented as lyrics by Founder/Bassist/Vocalist Brent Oberlin.
But this piece (and "The Chalice Vermillion") shows their understanding of Classical music, from its past
to the contemporary, in prose, in structure, along with the avant-garde to create a gorgeous piece of
music. A band very much ahead of their time in 1992 . . .
- Thought Industry - "Flesh is Weak":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55Gsc3xPW8
Lyrics (a bit more straight forward than most of their songs):
https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Thought-Industry/The-Flesh-Is-Weak
~ Contata ~
Be it male or female, the combination, as well as vocals that are directly from Classical, Jazz, R&B, Soul,
Blues, or Rock (and wherever else). Whatever is needed to present something new, to tell the story as
dramatically as possible, to add more color and uniqueness to the music.
As shown in Part I, a variety of vocal styles show that rules do not apply, and anything that each of their
vocalists have trained their throats/vocal chord strengths in whatever tone is needed, whatever genre of music they followed in life as their initial singing education, to their personal repertoire, and the drama
portrayed in all they convey.
The basis and topics of the Blues; Wynton Marsalis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h37qbsjMCE
Here I try to make an analysis of the correlation of Jazz, along with the basic rhythm & blues/blues that all
rock singers have in their tool box. But to expose the classical and jazz styles and techniques also add their
techniques to the layman, or the connoisseur of such musics, that never suspected that these high forms
of music make their way into the aggression and meticulous musics, as another way of expressing all the
emotions of these tracks that utilize voices in difficult patterns, and also add a breath of fresh air.
https://youtu.be/TgFdics3uKo
Dig that Jazz . . .
Fit these Jazz/Fusion motifs of vocals, on top of complex musical structures, where they counterpoint the
guitar('s), bass, drums, keyboards and maybe other vocals as well.
This is baffling to many people, though some of us stretch our ears and bury our heads deeply in
contemplation of headphones hearing it being done. But how in the heck do they figure it out?
People like, the Producer of The Beatles, the late-Sir George Martin, and Beach Boys, Brian Wilson had a
mind for production, the voice, melody, structure, orchestra and harmonies, as if sculpting from marble.
They could see and feel it, shape it into form and to musicians, who couldn't see the counter melodies
meshing, until they played it. And it unfolded before them, from sheet music to sound.
Sir George Martin:
1. http://productionadvice.co.uk/the-making-of-sgt-pepper/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MIAzJqZkX8
Brian Wilson:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11SYaq4I1ok
2. https://youtu.be/0SriaRRcA6w
3. https://youtu.be/_eAfe4RS97E
Brian and George:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnVyCuc9_P8
When recording was more "Hands On" . . .
Paul McCartney and Abbey Road:
https://youtu.be/9elQeVfrLOo
And more:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuQrwAnw3wo
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHNcjPCNhP0&t=351s
Here I will try to make comparisons to the past greats, and contemporaries in music that may seem like
opposite extremes, but in reality come very close and inspired by the predecessors.
Scatt Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHcnoQUx_4w
Ella Fitzgerald:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFclKdniaDk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMFIejZgJSM
Ella's singing style . . .
- "Greatest Hits: Volume 6":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mU4rflbDHI
Scatt Blues . . .
Sarah Vaughan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u51fdqvcs5A
Sarah's singing style . . .
- "Sassy Swings The Tivoli":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpinjC6la-E
Swing, Bebop, R&B, Soul . . .
Various bands are utilizing these same styles in a mish mash to musics that are as challenging as these
vocals can be, as soulful, and applied to odd structures and even more heavier, extreme musics.
And now a contemporary; Leslie Hunt a runner-up on "American Idol" who sings in the Chicago Prog Rock
& Metal band "District 97", who utilizes all the styles learned in her own repertoire.
The origins are all there . . .
- District 97 - "Forest Fire":
https://youtu.be/nFCCACPiItg (note: scatt/singing toward the end)
- "A Lottery":
https://youtu.be/Dy51pEAr7gs
- "Back and Forth":
https://youtu.be/1SS9pBbfcy4
- "The Actual Color"
https://youtu.be/Shn6NLSwJCw
- "Who Cares"
https://youtu.be/UKv0mGIflQM
Proving that vocals are an "instrument", fine-tuned and it takes much to keep the pipes up to chops.
- More here from vocalist of Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri; "Graham Bonnet":
https://youtu.be/DeR226w1NZc?t=4m14s
- "James LaBrie" of Dream Theater warming up backstage and liquids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcHV4kYptXY&feature=youtu.be&t=24m27s
- "Warrel Dane", the late singer of Sanctuary and Nevermore:
https://youtu.be/eKt7dT2Pgqg
- " Brittney Slayes" of Unleash the Archers:
https://youtu.be/aETpnw3dCck
- "Sir' Russell Allen" of Symphony X/Adrenaline Mob/Allen-Jorn, on technique and finding your own
identity: https://youtu.be/Sz13cLKtBfE
- Aghora - "Formless":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sRAVep_e6Q
- "1316":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpeipHV1hSo
- Mythologic - "Battled Beliefs":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE-63nTYtLk
- "Flash of Red":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ing0ZKj0fyo
- Oceans of Slumber - "The Decay of Disregard":
https://youtu.be/LSaf0ziSC_Y
- "Winter":
https://youtu.be/QxzqnetYSbk
Here, vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen shows her swing . . .
- Devin Townsend Project - "Supercrush!":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kypBuzj70kE
- "Hyperdrive" (Live):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlcVhJNhF_k
Melodic, Operatic, Gothic, meets complexity . . .
- To-Mera - "Temptation":
https://youtu.be/TA1Bq-qUTXk
- "Deep Inside":
https://youtu.be/-AZmNHYvjfQ
also includes various genres of music to enhance their own style of music, either in its same tropes, or as a
combination that takes the music even further progressing each genre . . .
Blues, and R&B in his signature baritone. If melodic and clean, to aggressive guttural voices to screams,
and everything in-between. Many times, all in "one" song. Yes, there are more bands that are composing
such songs, but this is a lesson on the very definition of brutality and beauty. Death Metal meets the gothic,
emotional, atmospheric, as if spectres reveal themselves from the mist rising from a bog, or lurking about
in decrepit victorian mansions. Dark, elusive, yet a very unique approach to Metal, where layers of lush
landscapes are gorgeous, mysterious and heavy . . .
- Opeth - "Hessian Peel":
https://youtu.be/MgV-bCxE6ZI
- Opeth - "Burden":
https://youtu.be/orwgEEaJln0
- Opeth - "Hours of Wealth":
https://youtu.be/tBQ-b-IajzA
- Opeth - "The Grand Conjuration":
https://youtu.be/2kKNT3PdDkE
- Opeth - "In my time of need":
https://youtu.be/31YqCWEyPsg
- Opeth - "Sorceress":
https://youtu.be/LhqijfqecvA
Åkerfeldt makes a guest appearance with Kevin Moore, Jim Matheos, Joey Vera and Gavin Harrison of
"OSI" on the album "Blood":
- OSI - "Stockholm":
https://youtu.be/ChFqBSKuNoI
Opeth Sampler: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeqDvzLr5kVFKBm7DxaJvBZ
Various other bands using the combination vocal styles, as an emphasis of various emotions, characters
or enhancing different ideas (* more than 1 vocalist, that may include male and female) . . .
- Extol - "Unveiling The Obscure"*:
https://youtu.be/bcpT1QRkZOQ
- Scar Symmetry - "Slaves to the Subliminal":
https://youtu.be/u8WYdFht7YM
- Soilwork - "Song of the Damned":
https://youtu.be/twmLXr8EjpU
- Gardenian - "Ecstasy of Life":
https://youtu.be/HLifFY-tsNU
- Anacrusis - "Something Real":
https://youtu.be/ocLbHBxJcrU
- Depressive Age - "Eternal Twins"*:
https://youtu.be/DgXFHED0msk
- After Forever - "De Energized"*:
https://youtu.be/2CJnvlta6c8
- Eluveitie - "Slania's Song"*:
https://youtu.be/gx_8HBTsgGs
- Arkan - "Inner Slaves"*:
https://youtu.be/8Kf7lSo-v34
- Ne Obliviscaris - "Urn Part I: And within the void we are breathless"*:
https://youtu.be/pnyoRKNk7sQ
- Leprous - "Phantom Pain":
https://youtu.be/frDOpDadHLU
- Ihsahn - "Emancipation":
https://youtu.be/k_ZWp7a1lZg
- Enslaved - "Sacred Horse"*:
https://youtu.be/167VePh-rDQ
- Orphaned Land - "The Path Part I: Treading through darkness":
https://youtu.be/5BGagAPEODw
Thrash Metal had started out as a hybrid of "Speed Metal" and Punk, going from the rawness, to polished,
to those progressing it, in-turn progressing those Metal bands that added a uniqueness of influences,
while others became "Prog Metal" with even more influences and Progressive Rock elements.
With Thrash progressing as well, even from some of the originators, it was more than expected for
the harsher vocals to be accepted, but many would also provide higher keys, singing melodically and even more falsetto tones. But it would be sketchy area for fans to this day; many complaining that they'd like
the music if the vocalists could "sing", while others hated that and wanted the voices to stay as rough as the music. Some, matched the changing moods and transitions of the music with various vocal tones. But
it seems we who liked it all were damned if we did and damned if we didn't. It was very subjective and
sometimes our likes and dislikes clashed with our own tastes . . .
Personally (I did say "personally"), it was like Bob Rock "making" James Hetfield of Metallica "sing more
melodic", after the Black album, that became huge for the band and put Metal on the map (for good or
bad, depending if you wanted it to stay away from the mainstream) it also changed his voice on older
material, it took away from the personality that made Metallica's sound (this is highly contentious as well, as I'll probably get sent a letter bomb in the mail or 2 - But also, I loved Bob's "Production/Engineering
Sound", and have quite a few albums of other bands that sound gorgeous and lush). So its VERY hard for
me to hear James "sing" many of the older tracks. It's a VERY contentious topic as there are fans that love it all, or splits the older fans of their earlier days, and those that fully embraced the "Black" album to its current albums. But, it was during the Black album that I was missing the progression of "complexity",
and instead for me, it became too simple and too "trendy" sounding, so I moved on to bands that were
MUCH less known, yet provided what I had been searching for, that surely Metallica, without question,
inspired and influenced and put modern Metal on the map.
Though . . . it should be obvious, I love various vocal styles, and even when there is more than 1 style on a
given track. But all that matters to me, if the artists see that one or more vocals works within the music,
then I'm open to hear what they are offering. Sometimes it doesn't work for me, but more often the very
creative and knowledgeable musicians know what sounds right for their musical offering. And we are
along for the ride.
Here I will present those bands that most will be surprised at, with their various style of "cleaner" and
more melodic vocals, with exceptional musicianship and compositions beyond the norm . . .
- Powermad - "Nice Dreams": https://youtu.be/QKoz83rOe2g
- "Brainstorms": https://youtu.be/5_AtZnw7sjM
- Prototype - "Trinity": https://youtu.be/thR1qliArz4
- "With Vision": https://youtu.be/OHvDQwpZY4Q
- Scariot - "Redesign Fear": https://youtu.be/nRH0ahuc50o
- "Nothing is Forever": https://youtu.be/OxG9S3JMVAw
- Nevermore - "Optimist Pessimist": https://youtu.be/ZjxhxH26uHk
- "Engines of Hate": https://youtu.be/FtOBGnXuMko
- Brainstorm - "Tear Down the Walls": https://youtu.be/p0zHl-LspZs
- "Frozen": https://youtu.be/VmbEh2FKe-w
- Annihilator - "Sixes and Sevens": https://youtu.be/jctHb5Wvt8I
- "Imperiled Eyes": https://youtu.be/PJMA-aYq6NU
- Flotsam & Jetsam - "Escape from Within": https://youtu.be/JanbLD0iSkI
- "Deviation": https://youtu.be/elekCusVCp4
- Realm - "Eminence": https://youtu.be/colTHYJ6lwg
- "Brainchild": https://youtu.be/U4zo0ZVftBw
- Watchtower - "Fall of Reason": https://youtu.be/q9NgBvsifTE
- "Arguments Against Design": https://youtu.be/eyCXRvwdFQk
- Toxik - "Think This": https://youtu.be/oXoXuH5f7Jg
- "There stood the fence": https://youtu.be/kx6wvn6jmOQ
- Metal Church - "Anthem to the Estranged": https://youtu.be/wYWbMZASpFU
- "Badlands": https://youtu.be/wpji2jAM_ns
- Secrecy - "Acting with Intellect": https://youtu.be/nFTkvkVikvc
- "The Fear to Feel": https://youtu.be/cagc73u2DQU
- Mordred - "The Artist": https://youtu.be/pDxgjv3d998
- "State of Mind": https://youtu.be/dpPwYa7_A_8
- Onslaught - "In Search of Sanity": https://youtu.be/1CEiMfAx4qw
- "Welcome to Dying": https://youtu.be/n3YH0toLQWA
- Fates Warning - "Valley of the Dolls" (John Arch era): https://youtu.be/Xw2-_eGs8oI
- "No Exit/Anarchy Divine" (Ray Alder era): https://youtu.be/u2QMckHtuu
- Psychotic Waltz - "Out of Mind": https://youtu.be/_AcDkhY9uho
- "Faded": https://youtu.be/d9zWB6yPqyQ
- Anacrusis - "Division": https://youtu.be/wNFRNL4J1aE
- "Sound the Alarm": https://youtu.be/PeJZd1ru6i8
- Depressive Age - "Awaits/Beyond Illusions": https://youtu.be/XqSRUOHVGB0
- "The Story (Autumn Times II)": https://youtu.be/1BLjx-Jkr9g
- Liege Lord - "Eye of the Storm": https://youtu.be/PU6H5rTBiTg
- "Rapture": https://youtu.be/wLbpJtUARyo
- Overkill - "In Union We Stand": https://youtu.be/OnoVIH9voDI
- "Never Say Never": https://youtu.be/TtyEUtljgt0
- Anthrax - "Imitation of Life": https://youtu.be/WdTgI2D08mk
- "Time": https://youtu.be/egDdtUn_2Jw
- Forbidden - "R.I.P.": https://youtu.be/zjx0aRXdzVU
- "Mind's I": https://youtu.be/jz5id6Acj7E
- Metallica - "Fade to Black": https://youtu.be/WLE7hcSgxlM
- "One": https://youtu.be/Xe7jUichmOk
or even their peers in the same era. It was all about "fitting" within the music they created, not for labels,
trends or randomly adding this element or that, purely without reason. That being another factor that I
believe was misinterpreted by critics and stereotypes from the layman, and even Metallers that listened to a specific formula of Metal or Hard/Heavy Rock. Again, I HOPE that many reading up to this point, have
discovered a method to the controlled madness, music, and the thoughts composing and creating these
extreme musics. It might seem to be many that parts were improvised, but may have accented the parts
that were methodically composed, that many would try at home to play, and wonder how these talented,
skilled musicians could come up with such music.
It's got a thing if its got that BeBop & Swing . . .
Time after time I see commenters, old and young question the Jazz influence; "I don't hear Jazz", "Whats
jazz got to do with this noise?", and ironic that either rockers don't like any Jazz, or its the Bebop or that
"Modern Jazz" that those kids were blowin' that the elders didn't care for . . .
Does this mean the musics I present, or the new musics that are subjective, or is all modern music that is
made to challenge and open new senses? Who will grasp what we create, and those we wish
would understand?
We all need an audience, our art does not live in a vacuum.
Thats not the case, but I live and thrive on variety, but sometimes I want music to challenge my heartbeat.
And I want to wrap my brain around astounding compositions that only few will hear what others can not.
Tradition influences the new, and new ideas. It's up to you as an individual,
if you hear and see the soul and skill.
The Blues and all that Jazz in Metal music . . .
Jazz: https://youtu.be/7YIEhFTymxI?t=23m40s
- Benny Goodman & His Orchestra - "In the Mood":
https://youtu.be/zx4CwKV20Yc
Swing and Sabbath (Ozzy era) . . .
- Black Sabbath - "Fairies Wear Boots":
https://youtu.be/ZXqMkqeFQwA
- Black Sabbath - "Country Girl" (Dio era):
https://youtu.be/eUxlCA1-ahw
Prototype, a more obscure modern Metal band with its progressive and at times complex elements, when I
had 1st heard the beat and "swing" (or
but for the life of me I can not remember the song title, but it also reminded me of this song I grew up with
. . .
- Tony Bennett - "The Best is yet to come":
https://youtu.be/SSlZfEGJd8g
And as presented in the link of the Blues influence on Metal . . .
- John Lee Hooker - "Maudie":
https://youtu.be/lwlg3m-7N64
. . . To inspire.
Don't know what inspired the main "Metal Riff", but seems the spirits of Jazz and Blues found the ears of
Vince Levalois and Kragen Lum if only in a distant echo, if not deliberately . . .
- Prototype - "Half Life":
https://youtu.be/4ydmzN249Zs
Bebop deluxe . . .
The subgenre of Bebop was challenging even for Jazzers, it was a new form that tread on the complex and
the chaotic. Its very much like peoples adversity to abrupt transitions and busy soloing, or odd-meter,
angular and atypical melodies that people have a hard time grooving to. They can't dance to it, it doesn't
have that beat that they can wrap their body around . . .
https://youtu.be/GzJSw10IFnk
So too, was it not only difficult for the musicians to play this modern version in Metal, it was hard for the
Metalhead to get into it. But also, it was also very difficult for the singer to put fitting melodies and words into the spaces and busy melodies, that had abrupt changes and odd-metered keys. But as the Jazz
vocalists found the beat as sampled above, so could Leslie Hunt in District 97, and other vocalists in Metal that were taking the challenge and bringing something new to the genre. They had no problem vocally,
following or counterpointing the angular melodies of the music.
Take these pieces, add Metal styled Drums, Guitars, Bass, and at times keyboards, add aggression to
taste, stir and . . .
- Stan Getz / Dizzy Gillespie / Sonny Stitt - "Bebop":
https://youtu.be/reijeGqVEXY
- Wynton Marsalis Quintet - "Delfeayo's Dilemma":
https://youtu.be/DRjttTJEksY
- John Coltrane - "Countdown":
https://youtu.be/lJ7QTRzV9RM
Or modern Jazz Fusion . . .
- Mahavishnu Orchestra - "Birds of Fire":
https://youtu.be/gv_bkS5VVaA
- Allan Holdsworth - "Devil Take the Hindmost":
https://youtu.be/zLukR6J-06o
To the angular aggression of; "Math Metal"/Tech-Thrash/Tech-Death Metal/Tech-Prog Metal. With
different tones and harshness of vocals that fit with the aggression, but may even fit with the more
melodic, as falsetto, tenor and the extremes. Using every technique and genre of music to enhance and
tackle the more complex melodies . . .
- Spiral Architect - "Insect":
https://youtu.be/fHeOLmmZvQo
- Psychotic Waltz - "And the Devil Cried":
https://youtu.be/ROhf7t0-W_s
- Watchtower - "Mayday in Kiev":
https://youtu.be/zk6s0DIyM7I
- Atheist - "And the Psychic Saw":
https://youtu.be/JvhFj0obupA
- Mourning Sign - "I will be Dancing":
https://youtu.be/kXj7ZY6IvFo
- Alarum - "Non-Linear Parallels":
https://youtu.be/39fK5bWJ2Fs
- Sieges Even - "Life Cycle":
https://youtu.be/6xSbESxdsHY
- Zero Hour - "Towers of Avarice":
https://youtu.be/0M29aHoRvy4
- Twisted Into Form - "Torrents":
https://youtu.be/KAldONrr34E
- Illogicist - "Mind Reaper":
https://youtu.be/Wef_BZw3PKo
- Death - "Jealousy":
https://youtu.be/Jfx0o8PqOc4
- Obscura - "Diluvium":
https://youtu.be/-jypdLnySvA
- Sectu - "Havok":
https://youtu.be/ArKJgd3CzTA
- Meshuggah - "Beneath":
https://youtu.be/MKPzPZ5SHaM
- Aghora - "Atmas Heave":
https://youtu.be/XnBM19ugyQc
- Suspyre - "Apparitions":
https://youtu.be/KvS4a3Fp-RQ
- Linear Sphere - "Manvantara":
https://youtu.be/NoLLe-CeaxQ
- To-Mera - "Asylum":
https://youtu.be/7qCP6frRLd4
- Extol - "Paralysis/Your Beauty Divine":
https://youtu.be/qymilltvuOo
- Cynic - "How Could I":
https://youtu.be/E915fhN9Bf4
. . . it's complicated.
couldn't stay within the lines, and be the renegades that broke all the rules.
Origins: Math Metal ~ eQuations I: 1985 to 1995
| https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdtiYql5HxhzIxzuFIPcXS9 |
Part II is quite a list, after 1995 this obscure subgenre exploded, so I hope to finish it sooner than later.
It may even turn into III parts. So stay tuned!
And found here, with melodic vocals defying the possibilities and even those that call themselves Metalheads.
~ Melodious Progulus ~
VI:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEe1lLsoKvpuwBhnFVbQYWO4
IX:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLE_nRVvJPl4Ib3cJEBn4tbu
Chapter VI
Dance upon the strings . . .
As Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals take on the "voice" of the strings, what happens when you actually add "strings"? It can be yet another instrument that adds unique new colours and shapes from musicians that are in a top musical level. Be it Classical, Jazz Fusion, Country and more, few have taken advantage of this instrument to enhance Metal or Progressive music to move it forward.
https://youtu.be/79-eaaKLsgU
But here, the actual Violin (Cello at times as well) has entered Progressive and Metal music to add colour to any piece. From the greats of Classical, to Fusion and Progressive Rock. Taking what the masters have crafted to the fingers of contemporaries that have studied throughout their lives to master the instrument. I could add many masters here, But as a small example of greatness . . .
Itzhak Perlman:
https://youtu.be/QCKL95HAdQ8
Rachel Barton Pine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugMmPcY3yuc
Jean Luc Ponty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL588eI4EbI&t=24s
Jean with Mahavishnu Orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRYO7dEyo94
Eddie Jobson (on Keyboards & Violins) with UK Live in Tokyo 2011:
https://youtu.be/Na4aBPLxf_w
UK debut album (With Bill Bruford - Drums, John Wetton - Bass/Vocals, Allan Holdsworth - Guitars):
https://youtu.be/GlXwW4xB75E
Jobson Solo:
https://youtu.be/T2IoE92i75w
Rush has also utilized it for 1 song, but has become an obscure fave among its older fans. "Ben Mink" of the fellow Canadian Prog Rock band "FM" add's the melancholy beauty to one of my fave songs called "Losing It". The sadness of having a skill or talent lost in the twilight of life is heartfelt down to the core as the violin deepens the wounds of loss with its tearful textures and cries .
It is also interesting to note, FM's (original violinist) "Nash the Slash" and Ben Mink played an "Electric Mandolin" in which, with the Violin, was played as if they were a Lead Guitar!
- Rush - "Losing It":
https://youtu.be/-j0AyWbAbrc
The Technical Thrash Metal band Believer, has not only utilized an Operatic female voice (Soprano
"Julianne Laird Hoge") to their music on the album "Dimensions (1993)", enhancing its music with its
Epic/Opera tropes, it has also utilized the Violin, Viola and Cello (by guests; "Scott Laird" - violins, violas
and "Glenn Fischbach" - cello) along with spoken word ("William Keller") to dramatic effect . . .
- Believer - "Trilogy of Knowledge":
- "Trilogy of Knowledge: Intro: The Birth" - 2:17
- "Trilogy of Knowledge: Movement I: The Lie" - 5:27
- "Trilogy of Knowledge: Movement II: The Truth" - 6:46
- "Trilogy of Knowledge: Movement III: The Key" - 6:21
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfPUcHPBjwX-D9qdBKOOxvM
"Fiddle" player to take Metal into a time of Paganism, Folk and Medieval/Baroque times from these
warrior-poets and metal gypsies, along with the prolific prose and double entendres of vocalist/lyricist
"Martin Walkyier" (more about Martin in the next chapter).
The violins of "Fritha Jenkins" (and Mandolin, Keyboards), "Cath Howell", then (and currently)
"Georgina Biddle" gave the music its folky and Jethro Tull-like sound to its Heavy Metal.
- Skyclad - "Wayward Sons of Mother Earth" (1991):
https://youtu.be/HEEoAaJO7Rs
- "Prince of the Poverty Line" (1994):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHTo__bpnlYUL-hVXlykPV5NAlHWalq8C
- "Folkémon" (2000):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3JqKUyHqc
Indukti, from Warsaw Poland (with its Riverside member "Mariusz Duda" on guest Vocals) enhance its Progressive Rock/Prog Metal with its Violinist "Ewa Jablonska" again, much like Kansas, but into a more
atmospheric, darker and Prog Metal ensemble adding yet another colour to Metal music.
- Indukti - "S.U.S.A.R." (2004):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dufJczX_PH8
Apocalyptica, a band from Finland, whom members are made up of 4 Cellists, have taken Classical and
various Metal genres into a territory where Classical and Metal mesh. With guest musicians and vocalists
throughout their catalogue combining these musics into a unique hybrid.
- Apocalyptica - "Reflections" (2003):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdhN1PcFQw8e31Ddk5v4vtLoSGv03BcW
Another Guitar shredder who was known to Frank Zappa as his "Italian Virtuoso" (he transcribed Zappa's
ideas into sheet music) Steve Vai, who plays a wide fusion of music, has also worked with 2 Violinists;
"Alex DePue" and "Ann Marie Calhoun" (a lineup known as "String Theories") to add yet another hybrid
of Neo-Classical and various musics to enhance the Metal/Progressive pyrotechnics.
- Steve Vai and String Theories - "Now we Run" (2007):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ7vyFnLvjw
There have been many Violinists in Progressive Rock, but a Violinist who takes the Violin into the role of
the Guitar in Metal music is Mark Wood, Violinist and founder of "Wood Violins" who was a student of the
Julliard School of Music. And has worked with various bands and performers.
Mark has basically reversed the role, playing techniques found in the violin but emulating the techniques
of shredding guitars . . .
- Mark Wood - "Perverse Prophet":
https://youtu.be/gVTds2UVenU
A demonstration of the Violin as a Guitar:
https://youtu.be/LW6ZC5dutMY
Info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Wood_(violinist)
Fates Warning has also utilized the Violin to enhance 2 songs on the Prog Metal breakthrough album in
1989 "Perfect Symmetry". An album that took a more direct progressive turn with the addition of "Mark
Zonder" on drums, adding more complex, challenging drum patterns and "Ray Alder" (his 2nd album with
the band) not only hitting incredible highs with his voice, but also lower keys yet still dramatic within a
more linear song structure (where bands like Dream Theater, Digital Realm, Ivanhoe, Lemur Voice,
Mayadome, Divine Regale, Tiles, Altura, Threshold and other bands were heading).
The violin addition probably surprised many of its long time fans but this is where the 1st new wave of
Prog Metal was beginning to run its course gaining new fans of the genre. The violin of "Faith Fraeoli"
took the music into uncharted waters and enhanced the mood, emotions and music, stretched its
possibilities and added beauty to the songs . . .
- Fates Warning - "Chasing Time":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrxKdTg_imk
- "At Fate's Hands":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIUxX0Mh3C0
"Charlie Bisharat" also on Violin, can be found on Fates Warning co-founder and Guitarist Jim Matheos
solo albums "First Impressions (1993)" and "Away with Words (1999)" featuring Jim's Acoustic
Instrumental works.
Progressive Rock (before Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Kansas and Dixie Dregs) along with Fusion
Violinist Jean Luc Ponty respectively with the help of Frank Zappa, and Elton John. Though Cross added not
only keyboards, for his relatively short stint (3 albums) just about "all the above" elements that many
would find influence, inspiration or at the very least, an acknowledgement of his subtle, heavy, wailing
and varied skills to Robert Fripp's exploratory musics.
- King Crimson - "Larks Tongue in Aspic: Part I" (1973):
https://youtu.be/CVb2tnFN5AA
Live: https://youtu.be/WhudDa3JAyc
- King Crimson - "Fracture" (1974):
https://youtu.be/ZaD7gk7BTwU
- King Crimson - "Melody Starless" Live (1974):
https://youtu.be/C6qXyC__vdA
Steinhardt in Kansas, Eddie Jobson in UK, Jerry Goodman and Allen Sloan of Dixie Dregs and, Jean Luc
Ponty of Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Return to Forever. . .
Kansas - "Point of Know Return" (1977):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ogdCG3tAWhuxVPbRkx_H2I2wTOI_T0R
UK - "Danger Money" (1979):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX7XrfR3e3Q
Dixie Dregs - "Bring 'em back Alive" (1992):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLfLWygNyBDMMnesh-BqCwhDrmvBdzSZA
Jean Luc Ponty - "Enigmatic Ocean" (1977):
https://youtu.be/0JvfyOuVrvI
"Tim Charles", who also provides the melodic vocals, Ne-Obliviscaris - presents these layers of beauty to an otherwise extreme heaviness, where he adds colour to the brutality and moments of drama, peace and atmosphere along with the keyboards. It adds a unique element to all they blend as a light in the darkness.
Listen to their 2012 debut album to get the full effect, it will hit you like a brick wall rushing toward you, but it is a MUST that you stay to hear the different textures and even beauty. Believe me, it is worth going through the gauntlet of brutality (much like earlier Opeth) and experiencing their musical spectrum . . .
- Ne Obliviscaris - "The Portal of I" (2012):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL6TMup64ik
- Ne Obliviscaris - "Citadel" (2014):
https://youtu.be/zdmXLrFwDvk
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEctrNj1mjKXw1kDvIHu1XQw
Chapter VII
Hail the Conquering Hero! . . .
An interesting concept presented in a grand epic, from the "Pagan" influenced Thrash Metal band (with much technical composing) Sabbat from Nottingham England. Based on the Brian Bates novel The Way of the Wyrd; a young Franciscan Friar is sent to mission to the Pagan lands of Northern England to convert them to Christianity by all means ("Greet them with a velvet glove and crush them 'neath an iron hand"), but finds that they are doing no harm and only following ancient traditions. And possibly, that all ideas and beliefs can co-exist. In this he struggles with his teachings until he falls in love with a woman (lured or tempted is up to the listener) who also enlightens him to their way of life, but finds, its his inner spirit.
The words by the excellent vocalist (rougher thrash style and screaming vocals) "Martin Walkyier", a master of the English language, presents the lyrics as a Shakespearean or Charles Dickens "Bard". The words paint beautiful pictures as much as the aggressive music to tell the tale which spans the entire album.
- Sabbat - "Dreamweaver: A Reflection of our Yesterdays":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUU0WMze1W8
The words:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/sabbatuk/dreamweaverreflectionofouryesterday.html
The Concept:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamweaver_(Sabbat_album)
Another voice with prolific prose is Fates Warning during the "John Arch" era. Esoteric lyrics left to interpretation and conveying much emotion with a distinct voice. Fates Warning along with Queensryche are considered the Fathers of Progressive Metal starting in 1982/83. Much more Thrash influenced, but with an experimentation of odd-time signatures and classical elements to tell the stories. By the album "Awaken the Guardian", John had left the "Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden vocalist)" influence behind for his own unique voice . . .
- Fates Warning - "The Sorceress":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7aiffwsUDY
Lyrics:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/fateswarning/awakentheguardian.html#1
This continued many years later with the return of John Arch (and FW founder/Guitarist Jim Matheos) who had left the industry, and treated us who had waited for his return with bated breath for a Solo album/EP that included Drummer Mike Portnoy (Founder/Ex-Dream Theater) and Bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint/
Fates Warning) entitled "Twist of Fate", where only 2 epic songs were featured:
- John Arch - "Twist of Fate (EP)":
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeSGX3mu6gIqqa3WQLyy_pJ
Lyrics:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/johnarch/twistoffate.html
And then, a triumphant return as the current lineup of Fates Warning (sans Ray Alder on vocals, as they geared-up after to release an "official" FW album) graced us with Arch / Matheos "Sympathetic
Resonance". The album that could have been after Awaken the Guardian for 1987.
This song opens with a recapitulation of the lyrics found in "Exodus" but within a different topic and
meaning . . .
- Arch / Matheos - "Stained Glass Skies":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dilFoEP-mw
Lyrics:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/archmatheos/sympatheticresonance.html#
Here we have the Epic Theme appear once again, but in traditional/regional instruments found in "Folk Metal". Also very dramatic vocals telling stories of Russian folklore. The female vocalist "Maria 'Masha
Scream' Arkhipova" takes on the archetypes in various vocal styles to emote the legends of Slavic
Mythology and Pagan Myth.
- Arkona(Аркона) - "Goi, Rode, Goi!" Video track (Folk Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7fuuDc2hH0
- Goi, Rode Goi! (2009):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiyg4sBQFUqLmAlciHzY3Maks_NdrUT-v
More details of Band: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkona_(band)
What is Folk Metal?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_metal
Edge of Sanity a Swedish Prog-Death Metal band created by Dan Swanö. One of the 1st bands to combine Melodic and the Guttural ("Cookie Monster" vocals) vocals by Dan and guest voices and lead guitars by Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt, and one of the 1st Death Metal bands to create a Concept Album that tells of a story in a distant future, where the birth of a female will hold the balance of humankind for good or evil . . .
- Edge of Sanity - Crimson (1996):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6lJaiHYIc
Enslaved, from Norway, which draws heavily from Norse Mythology, has grown far from its original Black Metal and Folk Metal roots, taking on a combination with Prog Metal in their own unique way, retaining the raw guttural and screaming vocals along with melodic voices.
Their last album directly influenced by Viking Mythology . . .
- Enslaved - Mardraum ~ Beyond the Within (2000):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4mKkLcLPHY
To the even more experimental era, based on folklore meets contemporary philosophy . . .
- Enslaved - Below the Lights (2003):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8tsBOo3gnA
Another band with Folk roots is the Zurich band Eluveitie, which deals with Celtic mythology, with its use of violin, bagpipes, pipes and "hurdy gurdy". Also again, with a combination of various styled vocals that include male and female vocals. One of many folk metal bands with a unique combination of Metal, Folk, Prog Metal and traditional themes . . .
- Eluveitie - Helvetios (2012):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh2Qnr_nv-mZnO1n7Nb-tuTOrmBMgHvtA
Concerto Grosso!
Their are also pieces that have various influences enhancing Instrumentals. The Classical inspirations are obvious but other forms such as Jazz/Fusion (and other musics) are prevalent with its disjointed and angular parts progressing Metal into something more challenging and complex. They were their own ensemble and/or orchestra, emulating the techniques found within a small symphony.
Syncopation: Wynton Marsalis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmsQYzcYjO8
Improvisation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmrzolk4GoI
And the approach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm677KJZjxE
Take this legendary epic Led Zeppelin song; "Achilles Last Stand" it was said by Jimmy Page, as asked by a
journalist for "Trouser Press" in June of 1977:
You've always seemed to be conscious of not repeating blues clichés.
"I probably do it more onstage than on record. It's evident on the live album when we do 'Whole Lotta Love'. I'll tell you about doing all the guitar overdubs to 'Achilles Last Stand'. There were basically two sections to the song when we rehearsed it. I know John Paul Jones didn't think I could succeed in what I was attempting to do. He said I couldn't do a scale over a certain section, that it just wouldn't work. But it did. What I planned to try and get that epic quality into it so it wouldn't just sound like two sections repeated, was to give the piece a totally new identity by orchestrating the guitars, which is something I've been into for quite some time. I knew it had to be jolly good, because the number was so long it just couldn't afford to be half-baked. It was all down to me how to do this. I had a lot of it mapped out in my mind, anyway, but to make a long story short, I did all the overdubs in one night."
Do you know how many tracks you did?
"No, I lost count eventually. Not many people picked up on that number but I thought as far as I can value tying up that kind of emotion as a package and trying to convey it through two speakers, it was fairly successful. Maybe it's because it was a narrative, I don't know."
- Led Zeppelin - "Achilles Last Stand" (1976):
https://youtu.be/P-Rf1I9htJk
- Live: https://youtu.be/YWOuzYvksRw
It was written in Kerry Livgren's book "Seeds of Change", that the Kansas track "No One Together" was
the most complex track he had ever recorded for the band. While others would pick pieces on Point of
Know Return, Leftoverture, Masque, and maybe even their debut album. But he commented it was like
writing a mini symphony (note: since the Book is in storage, I will append this and write the actual quote
since I can not find it online). But most of his epics for the band have always been this way, but No one
together, was extraordinary even for Kerry. Take a listen to its many layers, but you may not have noticed
before how complex it, and other epic tracks were intricately were composed. Maybe, that's a good
thing . . .
- Kansas - "No One Together" (1978):
https://youtu.be/bzaTQK3OhLc
Live version with the Mk II lineup (Vinyl Confessions Tour):
https://youtu.be/lE5ETe3vzTQ
Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres, Natural Science, Jacob's Ladder, Spirit of Radio, Camera Eye and by the bands opinion, even Tom Sawyer (especially for Neil Peart) is a challenge to play live. But it was the
instrumental piece from the Hemispheres album; "La Villa Strangiato" that may have been complex, but was played in 1 take, as Alex Lifeson explains:
“We wrote this one on the road. We used our soundchecks to run through songs that we were going to record; then, when we would have a few days off we’d start recording.
"This song was recorded in one take, with all of us in the same room. We had baffles up around the guitar, bass and drums, and we would look at each other for the cues. My solo in the middle section was
overdubbed after we recorded the basic tracks.
"I played a solo while we did the first take and re-recorded it later. If you listen very carefully, you can hear the other solo ghosted in the background. That was a fun exercise in developing a lot of different sections in an instrumental. It gave everyone the chance to stretch out."
Rush - "La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence)"
- I. "Buenos Nochas, Mein Froinds!"
- II. "To Sleep, Perchance to Dream..."
- III. "Strangiato Theme"
- IV. "A Lerxst in Wonderland"
- V. "Monsters!"
- VI. "The Ghost of the Aragon"
- VII. "Danforth and Pape"
- VIII. "The Waltz of the Shreves"
- IX. "Never Turn Your Back on a Monster!"
- X. "Monsters! (Reprise)"
- XI. "Strangiato Theme (Reprise)"
- XII. "A Farewell to Things"
https://youtu.be/gSNhcaKdb_M
Live (with lyrics!)! and that snowy dog:
https://youtu.be/J9RvC558gBE
level. The title track "Milliontown" gives us a journey through sound and complex compositioning (yes,
that can be a word) that is beautiful (and beautifully executed). Which also proves, you can make gorgeous music with an Ironing Board . . .
- Frost* - "Milliontown" (2009)
- "1. One Underground"
- "2. Abracadaver"
- "3. The Only Survivors"
- "4. Core"
- "5. The Chosen Few"
- "6. Two Underground"
Live in studio:
https://youtu.be/2U0dD4CLG_4
which were multi-layered between Anthony Banks, Steve Hackett, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford,
while Peter Gabriel battled each other in point/counterpoint exchanges, along with Peter's theatrics.
But sonically was a force to be reckoned with, and lots of tracks to pick from through their early and mid
career. And fans will surely fight over which tracks represent them perfectly. But for the layman, here we
go into the eclectic beginnings before their HUGE hits . . .
- Genesis - "The Musical Box" (1971):
https://youtu.be/7X_3yOUKSOc
- Genesis - "Supper's Ready" (1972):
a. "Lover's Leap"
b. "The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man"
c. "Ikhnaton and Itsacon and Their Band of Merry Men"
d. "How Dare I Be So Beautiful?"
e. "Willow Farm"
f. "Apocalypse in 9/8 (Co-Starring the Delicious Talents of Gabble Ratchet)"
g. "As Sure as Eggs Is Eggs (Aching Men's Feet)"
https://youtu.be/szJq1lwnkNw
Live: https://youtu.be/tFGYEkUQ0eY
- Genesis - "Cinema Show" (1973):
https://youtu.be/G501Ii0X0NE
- Genesis - "Los Endos" (1976):
https://youtu.be/3EWa_yV1JDE
Live: https://youtu.be/zbxswV2a6l0
and virtuosity that made them the standard to live up to. Their style of Progressive Rock not only
influenced and inspired other Progressive Rock bands, but the coming Prog Metal bands (and other
musics/musicians through their lives). Complex, yet they make it all sound flawless.
Here I give an example of 3 different eras . . .
- Yes (Mk II) - "Close to the Edge" (1972):
- I. "The Solid Time of Change"
- II. "Total Mass Retain"
- III. "I Get Up, I Get Down"
- IV. "Seasons of Man"
Live 1972:
https://youtu.be/kcvByrgofjc
- Yes (Mk IV) - "Endless Dream" (1994):
- a. "Silent Spring (Instrumental)"
- b. "Talk"
- c. "Endless Dream"
Live: https://youtu.be/RY97eBV71Uc
- Yes (Mk V) - "Mind Drive" (1996):
https://youtu.be/zvBknHFa8PQ
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEe_SAC4gxlXD0lNy8DhGTEm
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeTOvLalfXeAoI1CWxKF3zE
3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfgcmhzjtnj5UHbTwj7Sii-
4. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdhhSpCmXP0qPOo3h5EfMZW
Apply everything in the books, from the past progressive bands, infused with Metal, and a new hybrid is
born. Add Jazz/Fusion, Classical motifs and a Monster. Now take it to a complex level and the monster is
mutated. With its angular shapes, abrupt transitions, odd-meter and poly-rhythms, point/counterpoint
battles with each instrument and its a war between musician, challenging the player and the listener.
As an intro, listen to Contemporary Classical Pianist/Composer Alberto Ginastera's "Op. 28 Toccata
Concertata":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ND_6_cnRA
A piece that was also re-imagined by Emerson Lake & Palmer (and well received by Ginastera himself), shows how these musics heavily influence the modern interpretations of the complex . . .
- Deathrow - "Triocton" (Tech-Thrash Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyayloODWrc
- Blotted Science - "Synaptic Plasticity" (Math Metal/Tech-Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtzb0FTN4BE
- Continuo Renacer - "The Unkown Man" (Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9y6PGoqnKw
- Canvas Solaris - "Sinusoid Mirage" (Math Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOXaVJ86qjE
- Wrathchild - "Prego" (Tech-Thrash Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftfj9NSeqqI
- Death - "Cosmic Sea" (Tech-Death Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJkkU6Oj6Bo
- Cacophony - "Speed Metal Symphony" (Tech-Thrash/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8qrwON1-zE
- Cynic - "Textures" (Death Metal Fusion):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEo8IrU5MQk
- Sabbat - "Dumbstruck" (Tech-Thrash):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TqOBXQcLM0
- Meshuggah - "Choirs of Devastation" (Tech-Thrash/Death Metal/Math Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0CG2EQ391E
- Metallica - "Orion" (Thrash Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8qrwON1-zE
https://youtu.be/kffnwaHtfzg
meaning; an "interpretation" of Jazz structures, as in influence, but taking bits and pieces of Fusion and adding it to the repertoire as an experiment of sound, adding its elements in broad strokes, not directly. Though many do take on the influence of the greats and put their spin on it as sampled here beginning with 4 greats in Jazz Fusion* (including a contemporary in Fusion) and those that have picked up the baton, even though the latter are vocal based band's, they are able to show off their chops within the
freedom of instrumentals where the only rule is "anything goes" . . .
Jeff Beck - "Freeway Jam"*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5i_y_ItAnQ
The Mahavishnu Orchestra - "Meeting of the Spirits"*
https://youtu.be/DQG7XpCiSVA
Al Di Meola - "Race with the Devil on a Spanish Highway"*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BwVXtpDwEI
Rush - "YYZ"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLYc1J38yp0
Dream Theater - "Ytse Jam"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AywrwUFkYWE
Lemur Voice - "Askasha Chronicles"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEXXtUjv10Y
Enchant - "Prognosis"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xZt1G_WVmU
Frost* - "Hyperventilate"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol592sakmZU
Allan Holdsworth - "Ruhkukah"*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnGf0CiN5Jg
Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects - "Missing Time"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dLm_JunVwY
OHM: - "Circus of Sound"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIsbDVvyvgs
Michael Manring - "Disturbed"*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=592S03_ZLzk
Michael Manring - Bass, Hyper Bass, Alex Skolnick - Guitar, Herb Alexander - Drums.
Liquid Tension Experiment - "Acid Rain"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWnDCYDlBYw
Note: (the last 4) come from the "Metal" genre, as Fredrik Thordendal is the Lead Guitarist for Meshuggah,
including Jazz/Fusion/Progressive Rock/Metal drummer Morgan Ågren. OHM: is founded by Chris Poland, the original Lead Guitarist (with Dave Mustaine) of Megadeth. Bassist Michael Manring's "Thonk" album
features Primus Drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander and Alex Skolnick, Lead Guitarist of Testament. And Liquid Tension Experiment is John Petrucci on Guitar and Jordan Rudess on Keyboards are from Dream Theater,
Drummer Mike Portnoy, former member and co-founder of Dream Theater and Tony Levin on Bass and
Chapman Stick from Peter Gabriel and King Crimson.
All inspiring/influencing each other where Jazz Fusion and Metal mix in a blender turned up to 11.
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEd5qv7FfIMdWsOxxzKET2nn
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEd4URLmQcRZG4fx8p_evIYA
3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEctrNj1mjKXw1kDvIHu1XQw
4. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEei0p2cxI3dyeXIkbQprcht
5. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfJpPRm0573EHtw0_gjSFMZ
6. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEceXMZ6FYSu7IchoELv9UcL
Cry of the Valkyries!
. . . and of Skáld & Einherjer!
A few more examples of mixing actual Operatic Vocals with Metal and brief to full classical motifs. I also include (as the list progresses) those who sang in the higher octaves (soprano, mezzo-soprano, falsetto) and became a vocal trait for those singing more melodically over very heavy musics, as-well as singers that influenced the next generations of Metal vocalists (note that the 1st 3 songs with female "operatic vocals" also paved the way for a particular genre, being; Tarja Turunen of Nightwish, Floor Jansen of After Forever, Simone Simons of Epica, Amanda Somerville of Epica, Kiske/Somerville, Trillium, and Liv Kristine
formerly of Leaves Eyes, who are all classically trained), and many, many more. Adding the same emotive traits as any operatic vocalist to transport us to mythical realms and shape sagas that send shivers . . .
This includes male and female voices of various tones that border the more aggressive and operatic, conjuring the myth, history and the pain and agony of life, all unleashed from its Heavy Rock/Metal/Prog
Metal/Folk Metal cages.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfo3byM_7sgOaOw03wV2PDx
- Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" (Prog Metal/Symphonic/Darkwave):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3yqMr3ffY
- After Forever - "My Pledge of Allegiance no 1 - the sealed fate" (Prog Metal/Symphonic/Darkwave):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjpNT-dLg-g
- Epica - "Cry for the Moon" (Prog Metal/Symphonic/Darkwave):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e77tLfkiVn8
- VUUR - "My Champion" (Prog Metal/Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBigS5E3lfs
- Leaves Eyes - "The Waking Eye" (Symphonic/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/7jCqRDaauEg
- Trillium - "Coward" (Symphonic/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/hXPqwNmhS7Q
- To-Mera - "Surrender" (Tech-Symphonic/Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/xW8PWJgL50k
- Arkan - "Deafening Silence" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/7RpvSqKObdU
- Stream of Passion - "Darker Days" (Dark-Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/O2buyuzpZUA
- Autumn - "The Heart Demands" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/6fiHAZeJA0M
- Lacuna Coil - "Breakdown" (Dark Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/94QHDgNPwO4
- ThanatoSchizO - "Nothing As it Seems" (Avant-Garde Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/3v_UcYUJL-c
- Cellar Darling - "Black Moon" (Heavy Metal/Dark Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/r-5ZkRL-EV0
- Arkona - "Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov" (Folk Metal):
https://youtu.be/SgXlUxDGFvU
- District 97 - "All's well that Ends Well" (Progressive Rock/Prog Metal Fusion):
https://youtu.be/WjSxW0IQ_00
- Saraya - "In the Shade of the Sun" (Heavy Rock/Metal):
https://youtu.be/je_oNS85Rck
- Aghora - "Dual Alchemy" (Tech-Prog Metal/Fusion):
https://youtu.be/qkp51eUPbVI
- Trees of Eternity - "My Requiem" (Gothic-Darkwave/Doom Metal):
https://youtu.be/ZOE0WoW01Hk
- Mind Maze - "The Machine Stops" (Prog-Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/FnhhRlI_WPA
- Anathema - "Summernight Horizon" (Prog Rock/Metal):
https://youtu.be/ZuxnKWd17Dk
- Unleash the Archers - "Awakening" (Thrash/U.S. Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/gqUPGa15Oto
- Draconian - "Stellar Tombs" (Gothic-Darkwave/Doom Metal):
https://youtu.be/IU_2jWkuk5Q
- Devin Townsend Project - "Failure" (Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPj-j11w4l0
- Kiske / Somerville - "City of Heroes" (Symphonic Prog Metal/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/eqdzL1ThVbM
- Helloween - "Halloween" (Heavy Metal/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/dtPs1QrMI1I
- Yngwie J. Malmsteen - "As Above, So Below" (Heavy Metal/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/aUA8JAqdBOM
- Blind Guardian - "The Bard's Song" (Powermetal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC7iR577OQw
- Candlemass - "Samarithan" (Doom Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWNS_cBNpeY
- King Diamond - "The Black Horsemen" (Heavy Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVMpA5W-5l4
- Forbidden - "Through Eyes of Glass" (Thrash/Tech-Thrash):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPufxljtQng
- Fates Warning - "Fata Morgana" (Tech-Thrash/Prog Metal) John Arch era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joBQGofYBI4
- Fates Warning - "Static Acts" (Prog Metal) Ray Alder era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-6QXTeMWSg
- Dream Theater (Mk I) - "Killing Hand" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/vFBoVFgFW2U
- Dream Theater (Mk II) - "Innocents Faded" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/OeU6Sw_1dBA
- Kings X - "Alright" (Metal/Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/k0C_8UiKvsU
- Ivanhoe - "Deeper Ground" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/vBjRR347L3w
- The Quiet Room - "Altered Past" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/KXP63_kFBV8
- Ion Vein - "Reflections Unclear" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/zbdAc0uMboc
- Pain of Salvation - "Waking Every God" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/KzGyvzl1YoQ
- Seventh Wonder - "King of Whitewater" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/T831PuEsS84
- Circus Maximus - "Why Am I Here" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/eONXrqLSEqA
- Vanden Plas - "Postcard to God" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/lmk_RQgjak4
- Sieges Even - "The Weight" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/hg0-3Q4Eb-M
- Haken - "Darkest Light" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/QHlHs17dQY8
- Tesseract - "Eden" (Tech-Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/SGCn6g95PBY
- Sun Caged - "Sun Caged" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/u4xC691Ugy4
- Vox Tempus - "Revelations" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/2qVsYEXHT1Q
- Trouble - "The Wolf" (Heavy Metal):
https://youtu.be/V40VdPaDvYE
- Katatonia - "My Twin" (Dark Metal):
https://youtu.be/dBM1UWht6BI
- Paradise Lost - "Yearn for Change" (Dark Metal):
https://youtu.be/CR-A3Wy0370
- Symphony X - "The New Mythology" (Prog Metal/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/HFBJ13N7lvg
- Iced Earth - "Coming Curse" (Prog-Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/FQ_EGqAgRSg
- Nevermore - "The River Dragon" (Tech-Prog Metal/Thrash/Prog-Powermetal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SnhBfBfJs0
- Twelfth Gate - "Mortal Coil" (Tech-Prog Metal/Prog-Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/TytUoGelLmk
- Sabbat - "Paint the world Black" (Tech-Thrash/Tech Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5UHoT8PN2c
- Menahem - "Angels and Shadows" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/LlgSy36TWbI
- Futures End - "Endless Journey" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/Pd-ildf6dPE
- Ark - "Absolute Zero" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/hPg8yf9ilT0
- Jorn - "My Road/Bing Heavy Rock to the Land" (Heavy Metal):
https://youtu.be/9gtdYxlDL94
- Anubis Gate - "Final Overture" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/JUEvnAkR7JE
- Voyager - "Seize the Day" (Prog Metal):
https://youtu.be/77fQXoFqRMg
- Queensrÿche - "Queen of the Reich" (Speed Metal/Metal):
https://youtu.be/0weRjArvnV4
- Queensrÿche - "Roads to Madness" (Heavy Metal/Prog Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKK8yXXZnLY
- Iron Maiden - "Where Eagles Dare":
https://youtu.be/46TKmvPDGGs
- Iron Maiden - "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" (Heavy Metal/Powermetal):
https://youtu.be/-8ADFmhcMHQ
- Dio - "Don't Talk to Strangers" (Heavy Metal):
https://youtu.be/nS9IDiCZG10
- Black Sabbath - "Sign of the Southern Cross" (Heavy Metal) Ronnie James Dio era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf01BfM_lTo
- Black Sabbath - "Anno Mundi" Tony Martin era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OhMfzNNt4M
- Judas Priest - "Green Manilishi" (Heavy Rock/Heavy Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRW-qrEHZjE
- Judas Priest - "Painkiller":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ4Nel-aHZM
- Queen - "March of the Black Queen" (Heavy Rock):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEBi6nHCYx8
- Queen - "Innuendo":
https://youtu.be/g2N0TkfrQhY
- Led Zeppelin - "Immigrant Song" (Heavy Rock):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHkjPCGXKQ
- Led Zeppelin - "Nobody's Fault":
https://youtu.be/gqQelCIGYMI
- Rainbow - "Light in Black" (Heavy Rock/Heavy Metal):
https://youtu.be/TYrW3yONR44
- Rainbow - "Gates of Babylon":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlo9DoVGAtA
- Deep Purple (Mk II) - "Child in Time" (Heavy Rock):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEwVz6P7lZg
- Deep Purple (Mk III) - "Burn":
https://youtu.be/LCnebZnysmI
- Whitesnake (Mk II) - "Love ain't no Stranger" (Heavy Rock/Metal):
https://youtu.be/6hsRRvCTBjk
- Uriah Heep - "Gypsy" (Heavy Rock):
https://youtu.be/SwpKxshYD0Y
- Uriah Heep - "July Morning" (Heavy Rock/Heavy Metal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH6r0GtuKMA
Vocalists such as; David Byron/Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow/Black Sabbath), Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Freddie Mercury (Queen), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Geoff Tate (Queensryche), King Diamond (Mercyful Fate/King Diamond), Russ Anderson (Forbidden), John Arch/and later, Ray Alder (Fates Warning), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) and Eddie "Messiah" Marcolin (Candlemass), also notably yet obscure, is Ritchie Desmond from the 3rd and last era of Sabbat, are particular vocalists that introduced the more operatic styles to Rock/Hard-Heavy Rock to the Heavier Metal styles of the early to mid 70's and 80's that would all influence the next wave of singers in every subgenre of Metal.
Each having the ability to sing various ranges as-well as hitting falsetto 5 octaves along with "Screaming" vocal styles. Like the Opera singers, the tones were made to convey a certain expression, emotion and emphasize the meaning in a song or phrase. And to dramatically portray a character or topic in the music and emote the characterization so that the audience feels all the emotions contained in the story.
One of the earliest Deep Purple albums/Video Performance, "Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Concerto for Group and Orchestra, Live at the Albert Hall (1969)" was also the 1st time that a full Orchestra was to play alongside a Rock band. The 1st Movement was a collaborated piece between Band and Orchestra. Where the next movements were comprised of Deep Purple songs accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufm4NHTXVSg
More details can be found on the Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerto_for_Group_and_Orchestra
Yngwie J. Malmsteen seems to be made for Orchestra as many pieces have bits and pieces of Bach,
Paganini and Beethoven throughout. Here are adaptations to his music and the masters with the "New
Japan Philharmonic" . . .
- Yngwie Johann Malmsteen & the New Japan Philharmonic:
https://youtu.be/ZKbPPuaHnxw
Dream Theater has also performed with an orchestra, even though they are a mini-orchestra themselves,
they have had (as listed previously) utilized orchestras in their albums. But here they bring it to the stage
to add even more excitement to their audience with this epic favorite from "Score" (2013) . . .
- "Octavarium":
Part I:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pUpbLvbQ7A
Part II:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Dl15Iqu2c
Queensrÿche has also done the same, enlisting the late great Michael Kamen to help compose and
orchestrate many tracks and albums, which makes each song even more grandiose . . .
- "The Real World":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDanTzuIDGI
Or, as a dramatic accent to emphasise the impact of "War", which makes its way after all the aggression.
From Sweden, the Death/Thrash Metal band . . .
- Rosicrucian - "A Moment of War":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR9N4J3OD9I
(Wait after the track. The band shows its Jazz chops).
I wanted to add this (11/14/14). I had recently watched this Doc from Sam Dunn (Film Maker,
Documentarian, Musician and Anthropologist) and was amazed that the subjects I have touched on were
discussed with the very people I gave example of.
Metal Evolution: Pre Metal Part I:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qfu6f2M2f4
Part II:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqdW_rdCp1k&t=57s
Chapter VIII
Epilogue: Metal Cliches
The article loses some credibility when "Wayne and Garth" are used as an example, but what does it serve? Sure we can laugh at ourselves (and boy do we, including within the music) but this feeds more on the "cliche' " of what we are as fans. Many of us during the release of Waynes World and the SNL skits could identify with the characters jargon and behavior, but what they listened to was a bit ambiguous. And many of us had varied tastes, if it was Glam, or the more extreme and experimental (like the music I was into), and it actually was a very contentious splitting of the fan base of the genres. Though there were those who liked it all, many chose sides; "Metalheads vs Glam Metal poseurs" as if the Glam bands were more interested in wearing make-up and partying instead of contributing something that was musical and challenging to the listener. Including having something to say about the world we lived in.
As for me, I wasn't a "Partier" so I could not identify to what was being sung. Though various subjects interested me and I wanted it reflected into this hard driving music.
But inner turmoil in the genres was not limited to these 2 musics, but the various sub-genres and "rules" seemed to be made would show the limitations of the music and its listeners as if there were clear definitions what Metal should be. Lines were being crossed and many wanted to set the parameters, while others sought to think outside the box. I embraced the latter, but I did not drop one taste for another but kept all the music I enjoyed. Is it the consensus of most Metalheads? I don't think anyone has accurately reported that. We make up all types of people and different classes, races and lifestyles.
As do the musicians themselves. But there are also those that must tell us how stupid we are for liking what we like, which goes from discussion, to debate to insults. We have strong opinions, but many take it too far and too emotionally (yours truly included sometimes). Most of the time we all need to show tolerance and understand the other point of view. Yet there are those who want to keep it an "enigma" of sorts, a secret, and/or keep it grounded and have "Balls". That the Metalhead must be an asshole and tough, that the music shouldn't be cerebral or touch on ANY subject as if it were taboo. But the otherside of this argument as well; I don't want the "P.C." attitudes to dominate either.
I'm not of that way of thinking, I don't believe Metal should have any rules at all, only to break them. And
Metal is supposed to piss people off, it exposes everything one needs to know about the people who create
it, if its pro or con, it pulls no punches, it pushes everyone to take a stand. It provides a podium to speak
out on many topics, that YOU do not have to agree with. Some take too much offense these days if you don't adhere to the same mentality, which is the antithesis of the music, to "think for yourself" and not a
hive, the establishment, the status quo, or even those that want chaos or tyranny (careful, who and what
YOU may think is the "enemy" maybe as close as any mirror). Metal is the "Folk Music" of our times, all the struggles and injustice, of political ideologies, corruption, world plight, wars and those that would
silence voices from every side/opinion. Metal can be about dark themes, horrors, fiction, even love. But it
can also about the worst of mankind, their proclivities, criminal behavior, abuses and real horrors in this
world. It can be about history, social morays, thoughts/philosophies, religion . . . just about anything, along with all the cliches and stereotypes. Again, this isn't "easy listening" music, and not for everyone.
Also, being a one time Admin of a Thrash fan-group on Social Media, I have seen equal anti-social behavior, being way too touchy and emotional, along with those who want an intelligent conversation about the musics we love. This also goes with "Progressive" forms of Metal; who belongs and who deserves the title "progressive". Do they progress the genre or are they just part of a Genre Title was always a very contentious subject . . . this is where things get TOO serious and Wayne and Garth can turn into Beavis and Butthead.
But also recently (2015) I have come across the attitude that Metal should stay put, in the late 70's or 80's. An article (read here: "How Popular Music's Lyrics Perpetuate American Idiocy") delving into the lyrics of "Pop" music of late argues that its words show a lack of intelligence. This can be argued by many era's of music that I must admit, as many music before 1960 and 70's, had simple rhymes and phrasing though it enhanced the "music" that was probably more important than the message (think of a time of World War II, folks at home, including the soldier, want to hear music that takes them away from the sorrow and brutality of war).
The 1960's brought in the counter-culture and music genres that reflected the times, of college students defying older ideas and music such as Folk influencing Rock to speak their minds of what they feel is wrong with their government (if its a leftist, or conservative view, but in search of truth, freedom, justice, democracy or even socialism and other "questionable" views). With these cultures also sought higher ways of expression of music, how far can music go and break barriers, not only by words but by sound? This is the time where Progressive Rock, and many instances of Heavy Metal (or Heavy Rock/Hard Rock) sought to say more than the typical "love song" or "put your fist in the air". If the music was to be virtuosic and demanding of its listeners, so to did the words have to be just as powerful.
The argument in the article is obviously wanting to elevate the average listener, but it needs to be tempered that not all music "needs" to be altered by high ideals and speech. Many of Rock's music have simple words of thought to be told within the music, while in the same album, deeper songs are also used to tell its story to reach its audience. There is always room for the simple and higher thought, it all depends on the context of music and many of us enjoy the intellectual as well as simple words.
The readers reactions of course come from all sides, but the majority agree that many of Pop "muzaks" contributions seem to cater to the common denominator. There is simpler, melodic musics that are enjoyable, but then there are musics simply to sell units to keep the major labels afloat and for its listeners to have background music to "wash the dishes to", fill malls, the workplace and TV commercials with ambient music to stimulate the brain and sell "product". And Pop Radio stations providing their listeners happy and content with music that keeps them in a box, a linear path, without knowing or accepting music can actually break rules and be adventurous. That outside of radio, lies a whole world of music that exists, waiting for the uninitiated to discover.
With this I came across the type of listener of music that want "Rock" (be it Metal/Hard Rock etc.) to stay dumb. It need not elevate or make you think, it shouldn't progress but just Rock. It should stay in an era and be raw, pure emotion and stay primal. Which hey, that's great! I like that too, but when the commenter then starts to insult those that WANT more than this as well, that's where you completely lose me. This person (who happens to be a guitarist) was reacting to someone who posted lyrics by "Neil Peart", the drummer for Rush who is always prolific and in my opinion, writes about the everyday person that many of us can relate to. But this apparently was "too much" for the commenter to take . . .
"Rush always was annoying, moreso after reading these laughably dubious lyrics. Thankfully I wasn't one of those people who needed to be placated by garrulous lyrics to appease my ego. Rush was doubly insulting because on top of doing just that, they somehow also managed to desecrate the holy temple of rock & roll music by deliberately overcomplicating it. How they could take something designed to be simple, make it so unecessarily involved, and still have the results be so boring and dry is something I'll never understand. I maintain nobody ever really likes Rush, they just say they do to be posh and seem cultured. At any rate, AC/DC always kicked Rush's ass all over the planet."
Where does that "come from"? Is it a place of music knowledge, a preconceived idea of where music should be, a sincere view of music being too smart, or is it simply an ignorance that music should stay stagnant, or simply this man is not able to comprehend music of that magnitude (come on, obviously this man is very articulate and word smart) or its a sad jealousy that he can not play the type of music that needs a higher skill to play? Which makes no sense to me because even though i can play improvisational guitar, I can NOT play musics that take more skill, yet I crave and enjoy these musics. I simply can not just listen to one kind of music and leave music in a place that can not break out of convention. Thats me, call me crazy but I have too many musics of all types playing in my head. This "Holy temple of rock & roll" is a denomination I could not sit still for, I need my music, like ideas, to expand and challenge along with less demanding forms (sometimes I need music beyond "8 Bar" or "12 Bar-Blues", which after some research, I found this man's music. Not bad but it was another AC/DC-like band. The gentleman's photo playing a Gibson SG with its wood finish gave me a clue what was to be expected, but again that's not a bad thing. If you like that type of music, that's all that matters). But I sometimes have to deviate from the norm.
Its strange that this musician, with a degree of intelligent grammar, does not see that he or anybody could speak in the same degree within music, be it lyrically or musically.
But all that really matters is, if you like it or not. Most Metalheads I personally know don't want anyone to be forced to LIKE Metal as many other forms of music seem to want everyone to be part of the "In Crowd". "Be cool or be cast out" as Rush once sang. WE are usually not found BLASTING these musics out of our cars, so maybe we actually do have respect for others. Or maybe we just want to hear the music clearly and appreciate the musicianship.
Music to us is on a different level, and the music demands us to listen closer, if its the composition or lyrically. Makes us music lovers just as much as any Contemporary Classical aficionado, especially those who love EPICS, music that pushes boundaries and that does not fit in a box. We also tend to enjoy a wide variety of music that is NOT Metal, we feel that "Variety is the spice of Life".
We are made up of various social status and character. My personal experience has been that if we ourselves are not creative, we all have the connecting strand that our brains and souls gravitate to and live vicariously through these musics that fill the void of our "lack of".
We tend to care about what people say about the bands we follow, we are interested how they progress the music, what they have to say and how they present it. Just like a good Novel, we break it down and try to figure out how it plays out. It is open for discussion as well as to listen. It makes us think, reflect on the words and the complexities of the structure, if clever, ingenious or so simple that it speaks volumes.
As Classical music takes us to wondrous or quiet places, or to analyze how a French Horn can add an emotion to give a piece more life, so can a keyboard sound, or a guitar fill that is just as magical. Opens a porthole of grandiose "Visions" in our heads, where no 2 are alike, yet paint pictures on an endless tapestry of notes for all of us.
Its all about where the journey takes us no matter how long, as long as it was a fascinating ride, and maybe we learned something during the destination.
Coda: At the end of all things . . .
We fans of this music; if we are personable, misanthropic or introverted can all appreciate its subtleties if we choose to discuss it or not. But to us that's what makes OUR Metal "different" enough to relate to Jazz, Classical, Blues and whatever other influences that the Bands choose to enhance the music they create to convey an idea or story. This is not just Rock or Heavy/Hard Rock, this is a music that takes a higher level of musical skill (Sure, Hard Rock can have highly skilled musicians. But we are talking about those who present those skills in a genre that is up-front for the sake of the craft). Even if the lyrics are offensive, taboo, blunt, nihilistic or full of anger. I may not like the lyrical content but sometimes their musician skills are clearly exceptional.
Many of these lyrics carry the same topics of what we talk to each other about, everyday conversations that reflect our world and who we are, often times saying the things we were not eloquent enough to say, or that the "music" itself is able to help explain what could not be expressed by words alone.
The words can be allegorical, analogous, and contemplative much like an Opera presenting a tragedy or triumphant conclusion. It reflects our times, history and the trials and tribulations of living and a creative way to communicate with the world that we are not alone in our quest.
. . . and within a music that implores us all listen.
The last word . . .
It is in hope that anyone who has not heard of these bands and musicians, as-well as these sub-genres presented who follow Classical and/or Jazz, have at the very least, learned how similar our musics can be.
At least in techniques, that are utilized within these musical forms . . .
But really what it all comes down to is "Do you like it or not"? Does it speak to you, and maybe it has enlightened you to delve into it further. That possibly you may have come across something you've never heard before or never expected. Or that you look at it with a new light and find there is art within its aggression and a method to the madness. Even if you still dislike the music ;).
Its all I ask of anyone. Literally and figuratively, I hope that we can meet somewhere in the middle.
Thank you soo much for your indulgence, and I hope you enjoyed my personal insight.
“Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
~ Opus Insert ~
Metallurgy History . . .
I also wanted to make a few replies to some comments found under the article that maybe are a bit misplaced . . .
(Note: the article at Mic. has deleted the comment section) Yes, these are the actual comments:
1. Yes agreed,"Heavy Metal" is a popular term used incorrectly for so many bands of the 70's [and beyond] by people who seem to know very little about music generally. Most of the more heavier in volume and style bands of the seventies..including bands like Motorhead- AC/DC ,yes even them - were at the time, called "Heavy Rock" or "Progressive Rock". I know cause i was there.
2. The first metal bands did originate in the late 60s. Black Sabbath, for example, was unarguably metal, and I believe heavier than most bands that have come since their heyday.
3. Not really, Motorhead was known under "New wave of British heavy metal", Lemmy called himself metal, when sabbath first came out in '68, they were called heavy metal, Alice cooper called himself heavy metal and that's that, you know them by what they call themselves, AC DC however is shock rock.
- The term "Heavy Metal" comes from a few sources:
1. Steppenwolf - Born to be Wild in 1968 ("I like smoke and lightening, Heavy Metal thunder!" which described the freedom of riding a motorcycle and the sound of a "V-Twin" engine):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMbATaj7Il8
2. Led Zeppelin - Trampled under Foot from 1975 ("Dig that Heavy Metal underneath your hood" - Full of car analogies describing a woman's body):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZsqcXHuLWU
- The Genre title was not used widely until "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)" when this wave of Metal started in 1979 thru 1983, and when the Thrash Metal scene began and was heavily influenced by Punk and the NWOBHM. Bands before that era were called "Heavy Rock" (or the later "Hard Rock").
- The NWOBHM:
A. Early Metal/Proto-Metal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmceqLZqvPY&t=622s
B. BBC Metal Britannia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4218D17B022049E9
C. Wiki (with List of Bands): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Wave_of_British_Heavy_Metal
D. NWOBHM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgIVoYGgsWg
E. The British DJ/Promoter "Neal Kay" may have been thee person to call this new wave of Heavy Rock the title, even though early on, he despised the term (try to ignore what is on his shirt as he says that :p): https://youtu.be/63xUhfHQRwo
- more on the origin: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/heavy-metal.html
- If Lemmy Killmiester of Motorhead called himself "Heavy Metal" in 1968 (Black Sabbath's debut album), he was still in the Psychedelic/Space Rock band "Hawkwind" and Motorhead wasn't conceived till 1975, the same year he was fired from Hawkwind. Motorhead came before the NWOBHM and was a HUGE influence for that movement and Thrash.
- If AC/DC was called "Progressive Rock" in the 70's or ANY era, let's call Diana Ross Death Metal because its a totally ridiculous claim. AC/DC on EVERY album is 12-Bar Blues Hard Rock. If any Bands of that same era were "Progressive", there are many instances of; Judas Priest, Uli Jon Roth era Scorpions, UFO, Black Sabbath and many unknown underground bands of the 70's that progressed the genre. Especially the likes of Deep Purple, Budgie, Rainbow, Uriah Heep and Rush who laid the seeds and foundation for "Prog Metal" in the mid-80's (yet there were more Thrash bands experimenting with the genre, and Prog Metal starting with the likes of Magnum, Queensryche and Fates Warning).
- What is "Progressive Rock"?: ☆ Prog Rock Britannia (2009) Televised Documentary
- A journey through "Prog Metal": https://mavearworx.weebly.com/blog/witnessing-the-birth-of-progressive-metal-part-1-of-2
- Alice Cooper (1969) not only was called Heavy or Hard Rock, but the "Godfather" of "Shock Rock". AC/DC was never called Shock Rock. They were just a Blues-based Hard Rock band.
- MC5 and Blue Cheer came before Black Sabbath (see dates of album releases), but there were PLENTY of unknown underground bands that came out of the late 60's and early 70's that were missed by many of us. A co-writer/Admin at Metal Music Archives.com has a thread on this very subject . . .
Pre/Post-Heavy Metal (some call it "Proto-Metal"):
http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1402
(Many Tracks/Bands have been deleted, but the Titles remain to research on YOUtube).
- And you can sample bands that came before 1977; Hard/Heavy Rock:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcn810zXi8rSf-8Dc710SdZ
Its been my fave past-time to look into the rich History of Progressive Rock and Heavy Metal, both genres I discovered late in my life as a 14 thru 17 year old, but by 18 I fully embraced. Now 51 (54 in 2018), with all the music I grew-up with in the 1960's including Classical and Jazz/Fusion, has filled my life with all sorts of music to enjoy. But Metal and Prog will always be the musics that challenge my mind and heartbeat, as it does for the musicians themselves. The forging of the new continues . . .
Bang On! \m/
- MAVIII