We are to be unaware of what we have been before!
Evolution! in reverse! now it's time for me. Changing! What am i to be, contorted!
An eternity defeated by a new machine!!!"
- Meshuggah/"Future Breed Machine"
. . . A continuation of my journey through the beginnings of Prog Metal.
http://mavearworx.weebly.com/blog/witnessing-the-birth-of-progressive-metal-part-1-of-2
Re-introduction:
This is an essay labored in love that I began on 6/18/14 and have gone back to the files of memory of those who changed the course of Metal music. But I wanted to tell my story as if you were there too, and
hopefully you can feel the excitement I had when the needle hit the album, or hearing a particular CD for the 1st time. The music also helped me get through some rough times, it was cathartic, inspiring and kept my sanity. For me, music saved my life, as it does today. I see it as "Divine" gifts to those that were
blessed to create these musics, and share it with all of us to enjoy.
As always, these stories are not only for those who follow these musics, but for the layman. Those who are looking for something exciting and to see what's beyond the boundaries of what radio and the media offer as "entertainment", and take an adventurous step into the unknown. Even if you are just curious about the music or my personal story. I hope always to shed light on music that has much more to offer.
~ Part 2 ~
This essay has also gone through a complete overhaul within February of 2017 and 2018, so welcome back!
. . . Where Progressive meets the metal.
We now enter the last chapters of this journey into my own discoveries of Progressive Rock and Metal.
And where it bled into, in the more extreme and underground world of metal subgenres just burgeoning through the late 80's and 90's. Where many were wanting to change the course of the genres they created, to make something new and unique. It took a long trip to get to this point, but with all the previous mixes and blends I have shown in the previous chapters, these creators were looking for something out of the norm. Something that progressed forward that had never been done. A want and need to challenge
everything that was laid down before and to take steps into the unknown through the extreme and
complex, melodic and the brutal, with new shapes and forms, to destroy any parameters that kept new
ideas in the box. These bands would also inspire and influence Prog Metal, while others were too unique, and ahead of their time creating their own voice in metal music, which often, many metalheads didn't
know what to make of some of it . . .
But continuing on from Part 1, we make a few more detours into the future . . .
A prototype of what was and what will be . . .
period that I only remember bits and pieces, but I must
have been with my friends John Ewing and/or David
Driscoll to see a show at a club, not sure what band
(FW?), but "Prototype" had to be the opener because I
ended up with their Cassette Demo "Seed" (note that
"Damien Ramirez" was the original drummer, and who
I believe I saw on stage at the time). And was blown
away by their music live and on the Tape!
In that process, me being more of a geeky jabberjaw at
that time even more than now (. . . how freaking
embarrassing), I must've met "Perry Grayson" there,
guitarist of bands like; "Stormhaven", "Destiny's End"
and (who I came too late in creating a Logo for, which I still have, including another for the band...)
"Artisan". In-turn I met his close friend Mike Bear, bassist of Stormhaven and at that time Prototype.
Mike probably introduced me and my friends to the rest of the band, Vince Levalois, the lead vocalist
and guitarist, Kragen Lum on lead guitar, and Pat McGrath (from "Killing Culture") on drums.
Kragen and Vince started out in the Thrash band "Psychosis", and then eventually moved on to create the more progressive Prototype. I DO remember the 1st time I saw them play, as I was blown away how tight they were, and the music was aggressive, progressive and at a level that other unsigned bands WISHED they were at. I always used them as a measuring stick for other bands to follow that opened for various bigger groups, and most of the other local bands fell way short in comparison.
I can remember though an instance where me and John went to see a band, and Prototype was opening
(come to think of it, I think they opened for Fates Warning, because the crowd had preconceived notions
of what "genre" Prototype were . . .).
As it goes, the crowd was tough on the opening acts, and many times the jaded crowd would chant for the headliner, and when the guys of Prototype, one by one came on stage to check their gear (Vince making cool but weird sounds with his guitar, checking sound patches), I heard a guy behind me loudly taking jabs at them by saying "Alright! It's Slayer! Woo Hoo!", as I turned around and gave the idiot a grimace,
thinking "just wait" . . . Then Pat showed up and checked his drums and bass pedals. And what always
happens after that, Pat gives it a precise machine gun-like double bass kick - The guy that was jeering them
on, all the sudden said; "Whoa! What tha' fuck!?". Neither he nor the audience complained after that. It
was time to watch Prototype shock the audience, chew bubblegum and kick ass.
I was very proud to have met the band before wider audiences learned about them when their 1st full
length album/CD was released. I wore out my cassette of Seed (I still have it) and I was happy to have one of the 1st copies of the Ep "Cloned", and years later FINALLY for their first full-length "Trinity".
Though they had lost Mike Bear by then (never knew why, Mike! Let me know) and gained the excellent
Kirk Scherer on Bass who did a fantastic job on the next 2 albums. But I have to admit, it was the tone and
style of Mike that I missed, for example, the song "Dead of Jericho", the version that appeared on the
Demo and "Cloned", his style fit the songs "Middle Eastern" theme. The Bass solo, ethereal and "Desert-like" was pure emotion with its "fretless" sound (not sure if it was actually done on a fretless bass), but it was the right sound for the right song, and that's what I liked about Mike's approach to the music.
I would run into the guys at various shows, and would try to catch Prototype when they had gigs or opened for bigger acts (Overkill, Forbidden and . . .). One of the biggest and "infamous" openers was for Death on the "Sounds of Perseverance" Tour, and if I'm not mistaken, was the last band to open for them, before Death headed to Europe. The Death video "Live in LA: Death & Raw" was filmed at the famous Whiskey A-go-go in Hollywood, and Prototype also had a small run Video release of the same show which got them a bit more exposure (I'm somewhere with Perry, John Ewing and friends to the far right I believe, close to the stage for Death, and we are in the middle for Prototype).
All the guys went on to live their lives, and I'd run into Vince at various shows with his lovely wife, Kragen and I would touch base with possible "Gigs" because for a time he worked at Activision as a Producer, and Perry had created the band "Falcon" in Chicago, and then would move to Australia.
I hadn't seen Mike Bear in ages as well, but when Facebook came into the scene, I kept in touch with the guys on comments and so on, keeping track of their 3rd upcoming album (a concept piece at that!) from Prototype called "Catalyst". And it continues today checking in with all the guys.
It was a year or 2 ago that it was announced that Mike Bear came back into the fold, but we have yet to be graced with another Prototype album, which I hope will be sooner than later.
Kragen Lum has worked with Abysmal Dawn (and previously, Mike Bear on bass), was (and still is I think) a member of Bay Area's "Heathen", and is a full time member of "Exodus" on the road, living the dream of a full-time musician :).
Smith" manipulate the images and have it ready for their 1st demo :).
Psychosis - "Face of War" Ep (2010)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTa_DDYmrJcUpLWHE_YbKaSTZur0-7AwW
though I consider them friends, I can honestly say, without hesitation that they are one of my favorite bands that have a sound I gravitate to, and are excellent at their craft. If its Prog Metal, Thrash, Heavy Metal or all the above, they were able to combine their influences, skills and genres into a lethal prototype of what could be for metal, not restrained in a box, but giving it their own name and title. This was and is Prototype music. But let's have a visit with the albums . . .
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx9xuOSSTg34PHv3oIvkNF_B19JFDE24I
The debut album, with songs that I had lived with for years
with their demo cassette and the small run Ep "Cloned".
A powerful debut where Thrash and Prog Metal collide.
Prototype had a difficult definition of what they were, much
like Nevermore, but if the trouble was putting a tag on them,
the music made up for any senseless confusion as it was
relentless, but fresh and new.
Though on this album it was more defined, the Prog Metal elements shown through with its beautiful and unique tones when the guitars were "clean", yet when it was out of the gate and an aural assault, the
riffage and soling were heavy but clear enough to hear what was going on in-between.
The cleaner parts that set-up the solos by Vince Levalois were super unique with that "tone" they
discovered, which is sort of their trademark sound. Kragen Lum's solo's were no less than perfect, but they were not typical metal faire. There is always a unique approach to how he composes and plays them, more soulful and emotive, and importantly, they fit the topic/mood of each track individually.
Kirk Scherer on Bass also added that certain tone underneath just perfectly, as Pat McGrath's powerful double bass footwork and drums/cymbals was the perfect drummer for each track adding much more
intensity but, it was all produced well to separate each instrument clearly to hear how they all blended so well together.
Vince's voice was different as well, a thrashier tone, a bit of "Mike Howe" of Metal Church, but still unique to give it their own patented sound.
Even though I love each track, the 5 standouts are the title track "Trinity" (and the intro "Utopia") for its powerful prog metal/tech-thrash statements in sound, it was aggressive but beautiful, and it has to be my No. 1 fave Solo by Kragen (and the set-up by Vince!), its soo damn soulful and emotive, it makes you want to weep. And "Half Life", the damn riff after the opening introduction - It reminds me of, what I could
swear is a Frank Sinatra song that I heard as a kid, and can't seem to find! It's a Jazz/Big Band swing
"beat" that is so strange to hear in a metal song that gives it gravitas. And Vinces voice singing over it is the icing on the cake. The "Dune" inspired "Mind in Motion" (which Kragen and Vince also have a love for Sci-Fi and Star Wars as I do), which was always fun to recite the "Intro" at shows AT the band :D. The rowing cadence of "By Breeze", "Dead of Jericho" is a gorgeous piece that brings it down a pace, dark, full of arabian/phrygian/spanish scales. Very dramatic and "cinematic".
I could go on, but this is one of my all time faves in my entire collection :). Please find this album and
turn it way up and enjoy!
Lyrics: https://prototypeonline.bandcamp.com/album/trinity
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx9xuOSSTg360nRZFPZM64RUGCfwTiAIT
The long awaited 2nd album with a bit more straightforward
punch! It also includes some of the songs I enjoyed for years
on their early Demo and Ep. The time changes were a bit more
substantial, and proggieness was just a tad more subtle this
time for most of the songs.
Heavier than its predecessor, yet each instrument is still clear
and distinctful to hear each member kick major ass with its
faster paced timing, but always adding heavier poly-rhythms, odd-meter and left turns at a dime,
changing like mood swings for its aggressive attacks.
Vince seems right at home with the aggression with his rougher vocals along with the melodic, and each
tone comes in at the right time to emphasize the lyrical content (including harmonies!).
Kragen and Vince adding wild fills and soloing that is still soulful and progressive, fitting each track
perfectly.
Pat and Kirk again adding that percussive pulse to crack foundations of walls built by their peers (or
lesser bands), all coming together to show everyone how its done.
Fave tracks; my old fave "Transcendent Velocity" continuing our love for Sci-Fi Films (2001: A Space
Odyssey & 2010: The Year we make Contact), "Seed", and "Synthespian" (anything about Robots and
Androids gets my vote!). The beautiful "Devotion", and "Heart Machine", but really, the whole album is
incredible.
Lyrics: https://prototypeonline.bandcamp.com/album/continuum
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnARfvka3o21lNmWGsIzgBheJSQ7wAY8I
The 3rd outing was a long wait, but well worth it with its
thematic conceptual design. A perfect heavy blend of the
previous albums, with all the intricate, aggressiveness and
progressive elements that make them very unique.
The opener sets up the tone, and is very different for even
Prototype which again, is indicative of the band taking their
music to places other bands dare tread.
And then into the more aggressive for an introduction to the story. At first it seems the band will take it straight forward, but it has its twist and turns, to very progressive interludes and passages along with its brutality. And its breath of fresh air as Kragen again brings it on with his wonderful soloing, and Vince also chiming in with his guitar dynamics. The production makes it sound like 3 guitars are in the band, as the soundscapes are more like they are in a larger environment.
Many of the intros harken to the near future of many "Djent" bands, but this isn't a Djent band, this is
super unique and a prototype of its own. With interesting riffs, and atmospheres that are subtle and there
for a reason to fit the subject and mood of each track. Pat on drums seems to be broadening more as well, more meticulous and intricate. The same can be said for Kirk on Bass, showing more emotional parts
through all the percussion.
This one is harder to pick tracks from because they are part of the whole, and each have a beauty with the brutality, and the personality of songs are part and parcel with the bigger picture - its one piece broken into pieces to easily digest. But each hill and valley of colours and assault are truly wonderful.
I hope this is not the last we hear from this truly inspiring band, it would be a crying shame for all of us.
Lyrics: https://prototypeonline.bandcamp.com/album/catalyst
Feel the sun, shine on one . . ."
- Prototype/"Shine"
In defense of the King . . .
Here's a band that deserves not only more exposure and credit, but radio time for the simplest reason that they freaking ROCK! But they have soo many influences in their arsenal of styles that - why aren't they considered progressive metal easily? It is a bit of a contentious subject, but they have many influences
infusing their brand of music that I (or others) can't just chalk them up as just a "Rock" (or a "Grunge") band.
They feature a Bassist that sings like a gospel singer, with a lot of Funk, Blues and R&B in his heart but
"Rocks it" all and can get downright HEAVY - filtered through his amazing voice as he picks that bass so
powerfully (including a "12 string bass") by the name of Doug "dUg" Pinnick (who has also created a few
side projects). Then there is Jerry Gaskill the mighty beat of the band who beats his small kit to
submission, who also sings backup and occasionally leads, whose voice sounds like George Harrison.
The soulful and emotional guitarist Ty Tabor (also a member of Prog Rock/Metallers "Jelly Jam") can
make that guitar scream and cry, and is a mixture of funk, rock, metal, blues, progressive rock and
whatever he needs to bring into any mood, any song. Who also sings lead and back-up and has a voice like
John Lennon. These 3 do some gorgeous 3 part harmonies on top of all they do already. To my ears, they
always seemed to have a "Beatles" vibe, but with a heavier style hard to pin-point (here they end "Its
Love" with a few bars of "Norwegian Wood").
From time to time I hear other musicians talk about them gloriously, from such high endorsements
by Ritchie Blackmore to Glenn Hughes to Producer (and of "The Hudson Brothers") Mark Hudson and
Pearl Jam's bassist Jeff Ament and more.
Their earlier days were filled with lyrics influenced by "Christian" themes and philosophy along with
secular topics, though they have pointed out that they are NOT a "Christian Band". They do tackle many
introspective and topical themes though, along with their "faith" that is more down to earth and personal.
. . . Which are the same thoughts and questions I ask.
Why they are not a staple on radio, or have even been invited as hometown heroes (Houston actually) on "Austin City Limits" is beyond me (King's X originally come from Springfield Missouri, but have changed hometowns a few times). They rock ANY theatre, festival or club down to the ground!
Someone call Austin City Limits and get them booked for crying out loud! Start a Petition! :D
. . . Music over my head!"
- Kings X/"Over my Head"
Part II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=256-nBZDnCM
Appearances on the older Dennis Miller and John Stewart (song 2 - partial) shows.
Paul Shaffer's band on The Late Show with David Letterman has also played "We were born to be Loved" often during commercial breaks :).
Out of the late 80's and 2000's . . .
Kings X - "Out of the Silent Planet" (1988)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdXEWw-FionlSI6o_eDW16e
Kings X - "Gretchen goes to Nebraska" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSJ9xqQIteslzq-RPASwP40YSbMImHYd0
Kings X - "Faith Hope Love" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb_ZDL98Hczm_Lzid_cSMEuVNJUhmTCAm
Kings X - Self-titled (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrPeCH8uYLLlkPiuYoP6d3aCotwYkX_HV
Kings X - "Dogman" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwf1huXJqZ0XyIiAdo_Ti5CG0GmwWhHQj
Kings X - "Ear Candy" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw-izs8RMDdf5DA9g0xAeDF9Aijf2RGtV
Kings X - "Tapehead" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPguPXcQGuiqnKm7irBk7Q7y9q32kjipE
From their last album in 2008 - "XV":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is8e7xEysCQ
With all my praise, I have yet to see these guys live, always in town when I can't afford to see them.
Kings X lyrics may be found here:
https://www.musixmatch.com/artist/King-s-X/albums
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE429B28F0BECD52D
. . . influential branches from the Tree.
I wanted to take time for a band that started on different roots, eventually grasping Progressive Rock,
and then being influenced and inspired by Prog Metal for at-least, 3 albums where they gained a new
legion of fans. Though this can also get contentious if they belong (as much as Saga, Enchant, Spock's
Beard, Tool etc.) in definition of the genre. Yet many will argue that they do belong in the Prog Metal
description. But it is their 3 seminal releases that garnered their popularity and harder edged sound . . .
Soul gets squeezed out, edges get blunt, demographic gives what you want . . ."
- Porcupine Tree/"The Sound of Muzak"
previous albums at my fave record store Rhino Records in the Prog section, but it wasn't till an episode
of "Smallville", of all places, that I was exposed to them. I don't recall what song it was, but the show
usually featured up and coming bands, usually the pop faire or what was popular on college radio. But the
particular song stood out and I wondered who it was. At the end of each show, they would feature each
band, and show the album - and there it was, Porcupine Tree with its morbid cover;
- "In Absentia" (2002).
The very next day, I visited Record Surplus (a few months before I started work there I believe), and not
looking for it, but I remembered the cover, and there it was in the P section of the new release bin, but it
was still wrapped and brand new, though it was priced for $5.99 and took a chance on a good deal (the 1st
print on the "Lava" label).
I guess I had never heard bands like this before, but I could only compare it to Pink Floyd meets Metal
(or for you that refuse its metal, Heavy Rock?). I was very intrigued by the sound - the more I listened, the more I liked it to the point I started looking into their past few albums, if I thought they sounded like Floyd at that time, it was more so in the past, with its ethereal interludes (many lasting for 5-7 plus minutes)
that was more akin to psychedelic trip-hop.
But it was this new phase that was more of my liking (even though I quite enjoy the past albums) and I
was very much looking forward to what was next. Though "The Sound of Muzak" and "Trains" are
probably my fave Porky Tree songs, as it seems are fan faves as well. How predictable of me ;). But what I
liked about it, it took me out of the place where Progressive Rock & Metal was at the time, which I didn't
mind at all, but PT took me somewhere else. It was atmospheric, driving, groovy, quiet, moody and still
"progressive", not sounding like anything on the radio, or what I usually found and gravitated to.
Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/album/Porcupine-Tree/In-Absentia
- "Deadwing" (2005) was a long wait, and I probably "forgot" they were in existence, but I had heard 2
tracks and a friend invited me to see them, where I had bought a Special Edition version of the CD with
autographs from the band. Firstly, they put on a great show! This album is probably my favorite, its a bit
more "forward" in its compositions, as many songs on In Absentia could be quiet and ethereal (but I
finally embraced it after living with it for all these years). But the songs just hit me in the right spot, with
its romance (or un-romance) and just the unique way Steven Wilson approaches the music he creates. It
was at this time I started learning about Steve's side projects but not yet finding their way to my ears.
Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/album/Porcupine-Tree/Deadwing
I also started learning about Steve Wilson producing and engineering Opeth albums, and that he had a
keen ear and helped Mikael Akerfeldt embellish ideas, and even plays piano, mellotron, guitar and adding
back-up vocals. Later, he would be asked to remix famous Progressive Rock albums.
Wilson really has been immersed in music all his life and very much interested in reinventing himself, with
a lot of sacrifice along the way. I commend his dedication, but I sure hope he can take time to smell the
roses once in a while too. Maybe that part of his life may inspire even more :).
- "Fear of a Blank Planet" (2007) Was a bit more adventurous to get into, maybe more difficult for
wherever my head was at the time. Though when I started using tracks for various "themed" compilations,
I began to "get it". But it did take awhile to grow on me. I did like the concept, and in recent years its kind
of turned into a premonition, as these "kids" in the story are now older and maybe a bit fucked-up in the
head, not knowing where they belong and lashing out at the world for enabling them instead of keeping
them active, self-confidant and facing the real world. But possibly giving up or ignoring them, and they
become bored and not present, while indulging in things without emotion.
I was invited to see them again on tour and again, just a great show. The lineup of Richard Barbieri on
Keyboards, Colin Edwards on Bass, the fantastic Drummer Gavin Harrison, and live Guitarist/Back-up
vocals, John Wesley are really amazing to hear. But its kind of funny that the only 2 people really showing
any movement is Gavin on the drums and Steve Wilson as he headbangs, or his exaggerated hand gestures in response to what he is singing about.
Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/album/Porcupine-Tree/Fear-of-a-Blank-Planet
years) and the sideband "Blackfield" which the debut came in 2005, which I had bought again at Record
Surplus without hearing any tracks (not Metal in the least, but what a beautiful album).
And of course, seeing/hearing/reading about his part with Opeth, and becoming friends with Mikael
Akerfeldt and Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, which all 3 are Audiophiles.
production value. They had one more album to offer, going back to a more Prog "Rock" feel, but with some
heavy tones spread out through "The Incident" (2009). And the VERY Floyd-ish at times ("Dogs") "Time Flies" which became a personal fave.
Much like eclectic bands such as; Tool, 3, Fair to Midland, Primus, Muse and other bands hard to classify, they have their share of metal influences, though fit somewhere between alternative and the progressive,
or somewhere else. They opened minds and ears, exploring the otherside of progressive music and being
pleasantly surprised at what I found. But it also splits the fan-base, and of course, those that listen to
much of the progressive rock and prog metal that was much more "up-beat". PT tended to find those that
wanted something different, as many others were too used to what they heard was being pushed as "Rock"
on AOR radio stations, and the heavier Prog Metal that was more aggressive. Porky Tree was the antithesis
of those musics, yet it was "influenced" by them just enough to enhance the sound, tone that Steve Wilson was looking for.
As many argue it was too quiet, too low key, and that made it "boring" for them, due to Wilson's, low key,
monotone-like voice, which again, was VERY different than what most were used to. Including me.
And if the certain audience didn't understand it, it "sucked", "lacked any emotion". But I can bet, like me,
as many of the fans that 1st heard them and "didn't get it", they came back to love them in due time, as it
opened another door to their growing ears and palate of bands they were discovering.
I would suggest that many listen to the albums as a whole to get a feel of their varied elements and
emotions, much like Opeth. Take it all in without duress, listen to all the moods they explore, and read the
lyrics as usually it fits the emotion of the music. As Steve has said many times, he likes melancholia, and I
at times also, as it soothes me when I'm depressed or upset about whatever is going on in my life.
Though I disagree that because of any "concept" that an album may have, that you can't listen to a track soley, I have no problem listening to a random track on the merits of what it presents. Its Porky Tree music :).
If you are wondering what makes PT "progressive" and why people put them in such high esteem, while
others don't get the supposed "hype", all I can say is listen to the albums I presented, and also look into
their earlier albums. They are not mainstream, not the usual radio faire, not typical Progressive Rock, and
may not be the so-called definition of "Prog Metal", but they take everything available, mix it in and pour
it all out for anyone to take a taste. As music is subjective, PT's music is definitely an acquired taste.
PT was one of those bands that helped me discover a new branch, and along with Tool (2 bands that would have contentious debates), would find influences in certain bands as (and maybe visa-versa);
Karnivool, Votum, Clover Seeds, Absolace, Dead Soul Tribe, Katatonia, Enochian Theory, Anathema,
Abigail's Ghost, Oblique Rain, Oceansize, In the Silence, My Dying Bride, The Misery Garden, White
Willow, Autumn, Kingcrow, Paradise Lost, Leprous, Opeth, Soen and the awesome Riverside. Along with
many others, possibly creating yet another subgenre, as music branches reach even further.
- Give this Playlist a listen to hear how many of these bands have been influenced, inspired and have also
given its share of "inspiration" to other bands:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcnr_Fjq-ZMNeALABnPjz_S
But PT have opened a new portal to yet another place of influence and approach to brand something new,
albeit one of many other bands that were different, and what people possibly deem the definition of
progressive (possibly) in a world where it is harder to be unique...
Sadly, Steve Wilson has no plans to create another Porcupine Tree album soon, as he feels he may have
exhausted ideas for the band, and will be concentrating on other projects.
"tight . . . tight as a . . . .
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7Hq0GzrFKD2tGCpzIXJaZjexk4LfH3Ip
Chapter VII
Progressing into extremes ~ 1984 thru 1999
Chapter VII
The Thrash/Death Metal Progression . . .
mirroring. In deft taints, diluted, tinted. Spelt out, in impaired colour. Denigrating, going to paints to
pain, not a pretty picture"
- Carcass/"Heartwork"
and Alternative Metal, as well as Metal with Progressive aspects that lie in-between.
- It is very important to note that "more" of these bands were emerging than the quote, "Prog Metal" bands combined within these years; approximately 1987 to 1995 before the numbers of Progressive Metal bands that started to grow.
- The conclusion is that THESE bands were "also" influencing the Prog Metal bands to come in 2000.
- If it was structure, aggressive tones, techniques and various vocal styles.
- This also included the rise of "Folk Metal" with its pagan themes from different parts of the world, using indigenous musics and instruments of its country's history - infusing "World Music" into the mix.
- For others it would include Alternative music, Electronica and Industrial, and the more Symphonic, ethereal, dark and "Gothic". Including Grindcore, Black Metal and the Avant-Garde.
- The combination of all these musics were progressing it all into a new mutated creature.
the continuing struggles of sociological independence, self-introspection, various beliefs, religion,
paganistic and more. Nothing was taboo. Even Horror, Anti-Religion and Violence (though these darker
subjects were not my topic of choice), but anything was open for discussion. But the similarities to
"Folk" lyrics of the 1960's were louder, the same concerns about humanity and the world were just as important then, in-between and during the Thrash scene, and now found in most genres of Metal.
In the years of 1990-94 I started getting into the more extremes of Metal music. During the time I lived
in Chino Calif. I had been searching the radio dial and came across KSPC FM 88.7, it was a college radio station out of Pomona College in Claremont. A new Metal program made its debut called "Infernal Rage" which featured underground Thrash and the 1st bands to create Death Metal, from parts of the world I never thought that Metal was popular at the time; Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, South America,
Greece and more!
This included; The Bay Area Thrash scene, German Thrash, The "Gothenburg Sound", Mid-west &
Eastcoast Thrash and the Florida Death Metal scenes. The DJ also featured the earliest Black Metal bands and Grind Core. After a few listens of the program, I gained many a Album and CD, though I was very
picky, and gravitated to the more complex and more polished, as long as they kept the music (especially the guitars) HEAVY. With a friend I often visited the DJ who was a pimply faced kid from Seattle (a few years before the Seattle Sound/"Grunge" hit the state) who would bring in "Milk Crates" full of albums and Death/Thrash Metal compilations from all over the world (on LP). It was quite the education I'd
receive.
His show, from 10pm to 1pm, was the "No. 1 Program" of all their shows on the KSPC roster, including the Talk, Jazz, Blues and Classical programs! For that reason, the local Record Store (Rhino Records in Claremont) catered to the Heavy Metal crowd and had its own section, which it has to this day. He was so exclusive to the underground scene, that he refused to play Metallica and Anthrax, as he wanted to expose more of the obscure (Testament, Megadeth and Slayer he'd bend the rules a bit). I was even asked if I wanted to do a Heavy Metal Show to follow after his program, but I had plans to move out on my own for the 1st time in Orange County.
But it was because of this program that I got to expand my knowledge of Metal and sought out for the more obscure, extreme, complex and experimental.
Extreme Progressions . . .
Note that these are the bands that I "personally" discovered. I missed out on a LOT of bands that I have
just discovered in the past 5+ years which slipped through the cracks (one of the few things I am HUGELY grateful about the internet, the many Blogs and Facebook Groups that have exposed many a lost band, and still to my surprise, finding more).
I could also add plenty of Guitar "Shred" albums as well, but I may save those for another essay ("When
Jazz hits the Metal").
It is very apparent this list will probably grow as I remember albums I have forgotten in my personal
collection. Some bands that I feature may have been more progressive later or on previous recordings, so
for those that follow those bands, keep that in mind.
Also, there are a few bands that I had only purchased "1" album and lost track of their next or previous
releases, so please pardon me for my ignorance . . .
those years when these types of musics were new and ahead of their time).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSvbelMZAV8
Yngwie J. Malmsteen - "Rising Force" (1984)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYzAsOunMbOl1ua1LDPWSkMHwbZiEgoGy
Iron Maiden - "Powerslave" (1984)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUzzx-Kb3WE
Savatage - "Power of the Night" (1985)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAvPZotjk1X9xRiYoxJji0eh5pCzAiZSZ
Celtic Frost - "To Mega Therion" (1985)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SgtScsVUg4
Iron Maiden - "Somewhere in Time" (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrj3ISuCzYjDAyFYE_VGXn0YOs39_ttuP
Tony MacAlpine - "Edge of Sanity" (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt6TvOS2VXs
Metallica - "Master of Puppets" (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6LA7v1PApU
Megadeth - "Peace Sells . . . but who's Buying" (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKaKdK7Ke3WcPt95_alHwgy-rZ23ieu8I
Virgin Steele - "Noble Savage" (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9B6E5DD4C4D0BAAD
Juggernaut - "Trouble Within" (1987)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7vlKG0SutbjzCr6W7bCQHJ2npYxUaryT
Helloween - "Keeper of the Seven Keys" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lwA6EfSAo
King Diamond - "Abigail" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9LtReyYaE0
Celtic Frost - "Into the Pandemonium" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1sXIMTK9z8
TNT - "Tell No Tales" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1341E9CD7DA44209
Sanctuary - "Refuse Denied" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKY_DJNdl9s-QinQoU2kUQMG-LkNGcvrZ
Mekong Delta - Debut (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K1MEuqX_YI
Savatage - "Hall of the Mountain King" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0TU7MSPYIIjMGdRz43jkg-inbkCsmlZ
INC. (Indestructible Noise Command) - "Razorback" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDHmieSGDKw
Megadeth - "So far, so good...So What!" (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKG--4mRoNpAjKEO-6uuY4-ngWRhRtVE5
Znöwhite - "Act of God" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMougr9pi5M
Iron Maiden - "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSvBkvpXGG-GbQ6f5F2q0oIhCNCG-9ywU
Metallica - "...And Justice for All" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kqTcLwUYj8
Atrophy - "Socialized Hate" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqMCg13Q1yU
Liege Lord - "Master Control" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0OwQlZJZPk
King Diamond - "Them" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpMW-xKpCltkoFUQAdfdohXACRyIowvh-
Deathrow - "Deception Ignored" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHkEax1vkuU
Anacrusis - "Suffering Hour" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3nMaKUrxDY
Mekong Delta - "The Music of Erich Zann (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1PY6RFjfQUMd8oU3QKvQk7E5lhlEN0nL
Overkill - "Under the Influence" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoepBEefJ8ztLHqqYiQjsCVKa-BztYSKi
Jason Becker - "Perpetual Burn" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=613KF0YK9Uw
Marty Friedman - "Dragon's Kiss" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uItysvIgoo
INC. (Indestructible Noise Command) - "The Visitor" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjvvbp962rw
Realm - "Endless War" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAPWZWQxreeeFhDt5YtJgr1XaYs4bFy-_
Powermad - "Let the Madness Begin"; Debut Ep (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBViVwpUYXiBvQIqSAM2q4WuDz1CcvSsR
Manilla Road - "Out of the Abyss" (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyfSmoOwbO6tVWtLOrB_hR9xlY7Gt4Exz
Powermad - "Absolute Power" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfMfwVJYyFM
Meshuggah - Ep, A.k.a.; "Psykisk Testbild" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNlVR_tXQFM
Mordred - "Fools Game" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f0pDSM65jY
DBC (Dead Brain Cells) - "Universe" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1J-Sp5N8c
TNT - "Intuition" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF0DDD4DDEDAA0C5B
Annihilator - "Alice in Hell" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YqlB_xyPq6PoOnnww5D9d_vYDNJ1ZtC
Holy Moses - "The New Machine Liechtenstein" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsNp-wC8jCc
Forced Entry - "Uncertain Future" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI3wvPOwovM
Voivod - "Nothingface" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GifB5kkFPx4
Toxik - "Think This" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkhiS0i4L_g
Helstar - "Nosferatu" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJikt_Z8b87JCz4M0COhlwmAwMAX8KIHf
Sabbat - "Dreamweaver: A Reflection of our Yesterdays" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUU0WMze1W8
Viking - "Man of Straw" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHI_bgNS4EA
Atheist - "Piece of Time" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4g6cwlTIhM
Candlemass - "Tales of Creation" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGHcrR7X1bE
Overkill - "Years of Decay" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlmPnkF2LtM
Intruder - "A Higher form of Killing" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDi1y7L1Wbs
Coroner - "No more Color" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD2Te12Hw98
Believer - "Extractions from Morality" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4cnqb727YU
Savatage - "Gutter Ballet" (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHgVEoGDasCLqA1GCrUZHqzH60tJNDwjf
Paradox - "Heresy" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqVegF9XycM
Celtic Frost - Vanity/Nemesis (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwl23VZ9ZThJxltPpW95Sj3w0hlvaNcR1
Intruder - "Escape the Pain" Ep (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZnwbKiMWwzkBT_Oe13TQCIiNZ3viLjnx
Atrophy - "Violent by Nature" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVVdBnlu6Bc
Death Angel - "Act III" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHx8TFZve6yxWy1U4pG-8vExDA8rfujQZ
Realm - "Suiciety" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqY0MBZe8cc
Entombed - "Left Hand Path" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsdWLtPAVqM
Forbidden - "Twisted Into Form" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7pCxDRhsT8
Flotsam and Jetsam - "When the Storm comes Down" (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6A5DC708FFFB3514
Megadeth - "Rust in Peace" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLHyHi7NUwSY4RMEFG9CDMrPcr-EbSDLH
Secrecy - "Art in Motion" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL330394FCDE983CE7
Xentrix - "For who's Advantage" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gH0s2SH30I
Tourniquet - "Stop the Bleeding" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaL6VnP8Wew
Kreator - "Coma of Souls" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uub0ZEL92M0
Blind Guardian - "Tales from the Twilight World" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ewOobxiARs
Annihilator - "Never Neverland" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YqlB_xyPq7llJ4i76x1Eh8FDNSQBtMQ
Anthrax - "Persistence of Time" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmc73kRHbCVZH-AyQ7xijf-M8zH7aasdj
Iced Earth - Debut (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CyGNGTkNto
Believer - "Sanity Obscure" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5szpjsE8o
Mystic Force - "Shipwrecked with the Wicked" (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFcMPb0U8XeSjEnKvGaGbfIgqdNL-4--x
Wrathchild (America) - "3D" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB0psFiJuh5p-Xr4tO2UckDa-RraTU_iW
Death - "Human" (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlpsJiGuS_nOn6Qvl35ik4X1AN7b7WlhM
Meshuggah - "Contradictions Collapse" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYIkV3cCMXLAZGBOsNZUupoQ0ohl2x94
Heathen - "Victims of Deception" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpq26sPbC_4
Intruder - "Psycho Savant" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhOAm4iKcQzVRo9hX0IbjXOg4twcnpyi8
Panic - Epidemic (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17Aji_kazp4YoH3kQNBR7IZTjNcMSlnU
Skyclad - "Wayward Sons of Mother Earth" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0t0vRFW28R_q65bqlUcfwnz613Ap1WyJ
Anacrusis - "Manic Impressions" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AJB-lFlmJ4
Sabbat - "Mourning has Broken" (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB3B6F2DCA95061AB
Coroner - "Mental Vortex" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnQwyIxXkQU
Pestilence - "Testimony of the Ancients" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0bx41KPSJuzW_f9o6azT_VcQ8b0K0EKo
Confessor - "Condemned" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpwJ43GLq7w
John Connely Theory - "Back to Basics" (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8FQkF2V7uBqLfShlQQhAVc5HyFtHQMDW
Voivod - "Angel Rat" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUj9e73qg4k
Atheist - "Unquestionable Presence" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnUZ5xpcKHw
Carcass - "Necroticism: Descanting the Insalubrious" (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL53B1B39E64827216
Dark Angel - "Time does not Heal" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGIDb59myO4
Disharmonic Orchestra - "Expositionsprophylaxe" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3epnzMQethcKVtzFsyYfOPgRPvPyJVy-
Solitude Aeturnus - "Into the depths of dispair" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcUdxmcJ_xKRoXZNhynM63E
Tourniquet - "Psycho Surgery" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2D17FF9A138E276A
Iced Earth - "Night of the Stormrider" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2seHOU2vmZQ
Forbidden - "Trapped" Demo (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL70DAF0F9F5E34E95
Savatage - "Streets: A Rock Opera" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyFPsGY3k-hkjyfOyq4oyk6GY3_Nqz931
Cyclone Temple - "I Hate therefore I Am" (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRTdbY6LBZY
My 1st CD, as I thought studios would stop making Lp's. I still have it :).
Depressive Age - "First Depression" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJkyL7kE9dA
Tiamat - "Clouds" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94I_jpaY328
My Dying Bride - "As the Flower Withers" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL4uy0CCvrQ
Blind Guardian - "Somewhere Far Beyond" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh7G8m8cPtE
Mercyless - "Abject Offerings" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcP34YCQi3sFvPns3s9YN3-lr1hHbCelM
Skyclad - "A Burnt offering for the Bone Idol (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfiWpjJ6Fo2zPUSxm9ANVp8
Paradise Lost - "Shades of God" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYLFoGS5rrw
Nocturnus - "Thresholds" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVwtC8X7NC4
Atrocity - "Longing for Death" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOXNh_Xd8h8
Disharmonic Orchestra - "Not to be Unidimensional Conscious" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtkmLI-l7MTkFFbwoeR-dwURYVKZbVjFF
Aspid (Аспид) - "Extravasation" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs03Sgewq9o
Tourniquet - "Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrEiUew1jlmSteDbRBfsN4_87BQlpC1Jq
Rosicrucian - "Silence" (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcY4setMn7bg8zNU-sqgwQh
Cynic - "Focus" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHA8JyIzaBE
Tool - "Undertow" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRwWucCZpLg&t=204s
Savatage - "Edge of Thorns" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1hyDWtsgZ3wxC-ldHlKDCQIwn7AkOSGk
Anacrusis - "Screams and Whispers" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqz8yXCbtNjNLpKcAN9rB_t08S1xXhyM_
Coroner - "Grin" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V52WQN2wKuo
Mercyless - "Coloured Funeral" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6gYzPlXYew
Paradise Lost - "Icon" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkcByihqf9SFN8JLFCQrNJrpD9-5P-Ir8
Believer - "Dimensions" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzEkaELKh_0
Voivod - "The Outer Limits" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UwRBb08wI4
Pestilence - "Spheres" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF5-yy-jopA
Panic - "Fact" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr1l1HUMh7tNNs9MpFCWC4i47adjUc9fn
Death - "Individual Thought Patterns" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjLIwidBubg
Carcass - "Heartwork" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1hd5YCn9kE
Atheist - "Elements" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2KZczLu3dI
My Dying Bride - "Turn loose the Swans" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiiuxzKeiJYFwu9VPr1GaygePBqh6rSEc
Loudblast - "Sublime Dementia" (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDMOar-1Y_x4HiSBPBkf3LXc3_F-ryXi
Skyclad - "Jonah's Ark" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCRpZLrHsKAd8c8tizMosTieCv_pJJxMm
Disincarnate - "Dreams of the Carrion Kind" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLY3LuZy1cc
Invocator - "Weave the Apocalypse" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2osylOESgk
Mystic Force - "The Eternal Quest" (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPKm1Dsvjew&t=22s
Demilich - Nespithe (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTum5jWXVOevAUwtkg9q0QZO_46TZs2VJ
Note: Also see . . .
Demilich - 20th Adversary of Emptiness (2014) which apparently is a re-release of their entire
catalogue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHKnNSTIBxI
Meshuggah - "None" Ep (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcf6yIfkCIH0p8aY2S8w7AO
Tiamat - "Wildhoney" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDqG6eGWo0I
Pantera - "Far Beyond Driven" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_GBSs8UUTY
Napalm Death - "Fear, Emptiness, Despair" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrfBbe3QpfLmgM8c1rv5lELLQ6lsMJllb
Mourning Sign - Debut (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfrpvE9a8BV3zK8yOndDxZP
Savatage - "Handful of Rain" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl1mHGJgfD5ZBUrtg5yY0wP9hvClGD7kQ
Orphaned Land - "Sahara" (1994)
https://youtu.be/WM3_tIdm0I8
Skyclad - "Prince of the Poverty Line" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYppL391uww
Rosicrusian - "No Cause for Celebration" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdELYEMzlViusVq1Lp0sltd
Leviathan - "Deepest Secrets Beneath" (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cNSjL00pOY
Schizo - "Sounds of coming darkness" Ep (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8NbTe7nAf2yi7n8IXyStAQSNplCdnGs6
Nevermore - Debut (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL99B2AFDBBA1FFB72
Hieronymus Bosch - "The Human Abstract" (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL562FFBE422380094
Strapping Young Lad - "Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing" (1995):
https://youtu.be/qFfKnNRk2R8
Death - "Symbolic" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5VZTkpvsfw
Grip Inc. - "Power of Inner Strength" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLed2ZNULh4Gs7XfimNc5XZzebw_Rzr4Ig
Iced Earth - "Burnt Offerings" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0uQ4d_xPptFyKzmoi65xzCyMgakcRgzH
Blind Guardian - "Imaginations from the Otherside" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_zVyuAEDk
Flotsam and Jetsam - "Drift" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC38B459990D494E5
Fear Factory - "Demanufacture" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk5v7wUBHLGQnj-_PUbz2PnpjoFbh6q0X
My Dying Bride - "The Angel and the Dark River" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzicuYefJOfqPFeFlXCKyNOuN7SRkAA6r
Paradise Lost - "Draconian Times" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFtT91yOzCD4YBe--aRrrg1fTQI_GYOLt
Opeth - "Orchid" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7gHng1Mt7ox7-1AJVwlrKMr1ZvDWAX4f
The Gathering - "Mandylion" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPjuuLKsGbM
Savatage - "Dead Winter Dead" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBqsezrfNd9qctnZAUPI2x3dhoM8FJLge
At the Gates - "Slaughter of the Soul" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=614OdhFLUUU
Meshuggah - "Destroy Erase Improve" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYIkV3cCMXLJd3LU5b4NpE0Fgn5lEnoi
Forbidden - "Distortion" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6Z7c9ElYoQqpUJY0LiZePHPYeeUrbxeU
Mystic Force - "A Step Beyond" (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEetSHq-MHo9-gJo728rmT5J
Napalm Death - "Diatribes" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL02645D8EC54B7E19
Memento Mori - "La Danse Macabre" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2K1Qh36ELM
Amorphis - "Elegy" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL45C218C6BA8620D5
Orphaned Land - "El Nora Alila" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_Uxgpw2BU
Opeth - "Morningrise" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkpCjz_sCCob9WhhVCT0ddah_tZNMf_O_
Nevermore - "In Memory" Ep (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8FE478C3D8A48
Iced Earth - "The Dark Saga" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0uQ4d_xPptGdEsKUjocjBm0DjjgiLS39
Edge of Sanity - "Crimson" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6lJaiHYIc
Oppressor - "Agony" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM9TfwFQRd4-oykKgTLVuXljSgoRx2cKb
My Dying Bride - "Like Gods of the Sun" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiiuxzKeiJYEXuhm4BK0LY-QIZi_-nCxF
Arch Enemy - "Black Earth" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxXJWa4J5wHq3dxJhO-I2d_PPKL6tILkH
Sentenced - "Down" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeZQSIi8NNpcDeT9jEYIJXn
Tool - "Ænima" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad92CuQD0vA&t=2s
Nevermore - "The Politics of Ecstasy" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSz_zRmyFltirGHJqIEclCIr4HODvgwi
Mourning Sign - "Multiverse" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdMKmYazZyt1Qe_32gWLESV
James Murphy - "Convergence" (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNCBMQJEj6SM-vWfZcM1Ze7GeLgw2fd8J
Gardenian - "Two Feet Stand" (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB24955D1699AAF72
Strapping Young Lad - "City" (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrtUmgNFoHk
Grip Inc. - "Nemesis" (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLed2ZNULh4Gu7H4zbreHhjQWvhG8fdQsu
The Gathering - "Nighttime Birds" (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YsIqzHs-qs
In the Woods - "Omnio" (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VxA2YwR2k0&t=4s
Savatage - "The Wake of Magellan" (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL16pOT13bMQk4oEE3nA9KKvIDsOwwHADN
Theory in Practice - "Third Eye Function" (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFF417A9514F24D4
Kekal - "Beyond the glimpse of dreams" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnc18_oTUe0UrQF-iBwgBWXohro-O1YrN
Alarum - "Fluid Motion" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65QKGWscVDQ
Morbid Angel - "Formulas Fatal to the Flesh" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lql4uz0tyr0
Blind Guardian - "Nightfall in Middle Earth" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpSuFmBioWNHlL25rLGVFse_FOUu1BJZw
Iced Earth - "Something wicked this way comes" (1998)
https://youtu.be/Jexl1zIWvFo
Opeth - "My Arms, Your Hearse" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1oqVEByIgcKB5kezt2g1niVYRPFXR5VM
Arch Enemy - "Stigmata" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40ED4E3680258F15
Meshuggah - "Chaosphere" (1998)
https://youtu.be/oK0tjSvA17g
Japanese Bonus Track: "Unanything"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f9djsGISSM
Brainstorm - "Unholy" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qt57JF3lUY
Destiny's End - "Breathe Deep the Dark" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB4DRYqbKiuU5-A8hBZiIswqTfAc9ZpaN
Cryptopsy - "Whisper Supremacy" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqzehS304ts
Death - "The Sound of Perseverance" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3BE1AB499180E489
The Gathering - "How to measure a Planet" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18A6D9E338860805
Extol - "Burial" (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0xXGZWysIyZLKIKJwyXC9e6tHNajntd-
New Eden - "Obscure Master Plan" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLafMmOeFIcT6P3dIvsZB5KNNPowkQj8PO
Emperor - IX Equilibrium (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X9WGZcnO-o
Nevermore - "Dreaming Neon Black" (1999)
https://youtu.be/7xIKgZXyUpg
Grip Inc. - "Solidify" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLed2ZNULh4GsQI4A53ql927Q_3_XdPI7c
Amorphis - "Tuonela" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaE7lXnfYY-aFlefNdoxlH9S57KHQMAvu
Darkane - "Rusted Angel" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNy0YhMhKXQEq0UaY6hDS3Bz4xa7kmyHG
Arch Enemy - "Burning Bridges" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxXJWa4J5wHroR4r93YiQz3jhrTf0h03i
Opeth - "Still Life" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0azsKCi3DmM
My 1st Opeth album ~ then went backwards in their catalogue after "Blackwater Park".
Virgin Steele - "The House of Atreus Act I" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0AmUCrotWQ
Gardenian - "Soulburner" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcKE_LJqOLswCd_PMgFf3ablbX04IliUl
Dillinger Escape Plan - "Calculating Infinity" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4R7JD4RL9VumiPWNv1ZiKP8_-xgqMwI
Wolverine - "Fervent Dream" Ep (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdzzQiF24DL0k_qXnfhBz-B
Extol - "Mesmerized" Ep (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnxkLWAfbI7t6o-sAw05ZK5EyWIYevD9
Kekal - "Embrace the Dead" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA95A1E5F138DD01B
My Dying Bride - "The Light at the end of the World" (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiiuxzKeiJYEc__02C_EruLzFMacJjDLX
(actually my 1st My Dying Bride album)
I didn't mind bands just being fast and aggressive, but I was needing much more to keep my interests. The Thrash bands in particular, in the above list, were moving forward to create something more advanced, intriguing and I was ready for what they had in store. These were discoveries from reading Trade mags, listening to College Radio programs, word of mouth and from the simple curiosity of an album cover and taking a chance it would be an exceptional purchase.
With the few examples I have shown previously, 2000 would release many bands in the Progressive
movement that would shatter conceptions of the Metal box, but also many that followed the "formula" set by the likes of Dream Theater and their peers. Other branches would reach out to those who wanted to be more adventurous in their listening and creating Prog Metal, Folk Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal,
Symphonic/Darkwave Metal, the Avant-Garde, including those that smashed it all together started to stretch the parameters set, and create something never heard.
I like Metal too! . . . what kind?
Even though many were getting annoyed with many new sub-genre titles. I personally looked at it as a can of soup on a shelf; you looked at the label and the ingredients to see if it was something you'd like to eat.
It gave you a hint of what it may be because maybe it would not be the type of Metal you'd like to taste, unless you are really the rare one that loves it all (as far as Metal subgenres, I was picky, but Progressive
Rock & Metal, I was pretty much open to all of it).
Sure, there were subgenre titles that the younger generation come up with that sounds as if they made it up on the spot :D. The terminology I have used on these pages are terms I've come across on years of
publications before the internet (hardly anyone uses the term "Crust" or Aggro anymore, which I thought both were the better description of the 2 - As "Aggro" for some reason according to Wiki also has it under an umbrella term "NUmetal"). Many of the labels came from the likes of magazines; Terrorizer, SOD, ill Literature and the catalogue for Nuclear Blast back in the day (they've pretty much made the "titles" more simple these days). But no matter what I'd seen, It'll be chocked up to a hipster trying to limitate Metal into a margin. But watch when you ask that person if they like a certain band and they start insulting it, as
if THEY would be into that crap :P.
How about an example:
If your friend was a Gun 'n Roses/AC~DC/Ratt type of Metal fan and you said; "Hey! I hear you like Metal,
you should try Gojira, Meshuggah or Decrepit Birth! I know you'll totally get into it!" :D . . . that friend may just
strangle you! :p
OR heck, maybe you just opened a whole new world? It happened to me many many years ago at a job. A
guy that was 15-20 years younger, who just listened to Rap. I gave him a few cassettes filled with Thrash
and Death Metal that was a bit more progressive, and he loved it all! He ate it all up and I guess I created a
monster! :D
Sometimes you can expose something to people that are astounded and actually hear musicianship,
something that actually speaks to them :). So let us use those subgenre titles if we choose, but unless you
really do like it all, don't be surprised when you get all bent out of shape of a band that's too "80's" or too
aggressive for you. ". . . I told you so" ;).
There have been plenty of people I have met that say they are "Metalheads", but when I pull out names
like:
Testament
Opeth
Candlemass
Meshuggah
Mastodon
Blue Murder
Metal Church
Trouble
Overkill
Dream Theater
Forbidden
Fates Warning
Tool
Kings X
Or many other examples that you'd think a few of these they'd know off the bat (especially if any of these bands fit into what the person was listening to), I get blank stares or they mention the bands they can count on their hand that get played on the radio on a regular basis (you can guess what bands those are). The same happens with the Proggers and sometimes I'm astonished what they missed out on, but at-least are more open to give the bands a try.
But unfortunately, the many Metalheads I have met are afraid to step out of their comfort zone or the
80's/90's, and its certain type of Metal (they grew up on Glamm, NUmetal or that handful of hard rock
bands from the 80's). I'm more cautious these days and no longer "ass-u-me" that people will dig what
i'm into unless obviously they mention bands that are a bigger clue what they are open to (maybe that's
how you got here in the first place?).
I'm a what? Pffft! . . .
There is now this group of people who comment on those of us that have followed bands in the growing
underground and especially the obscure, in our collections building through the years, even "decades" - whenever we talk or mention those bands worthy of praise, the young and mostly so-called metalheads of my age, they now call US "Hipsters". Ha!
Just because THEY have never heard of these bands, or even sub-genre "titles" we must be into these underground bands because it makes us feel hip? (under an episode of "Lock Horns" for the family tree of Prog Metal Pt 2, some guy over 30 wrote; "Prog Metal? Do you guys make-up these genres? lol", I replied "It's been around since 1985, where have you been?").
I don't get these people, as if Metal stopped in time, and what are they pointing out? That WE enjoy more bands than they do? - well awesome! You are correct! :p And what a genre of music to choose as hip! The
mainstream couldn't give a damn about these musics, they can stay over there with the hip crowd within the velvet rope for all I care. It's like the days being at a club show, sweatin' and headbangin', having a blast enjoying the music, and when the show is over, there's the "Clubbers" waiting for us to leave them the dance floor, all lined up and looking pretty, haha . . . it gives us all a sense of pride and "community" that we destroyed your club! :D As ugly as we all are.
Oh that was then . . .
I just saw this under a Reaction Video to the band TesseracT in the comments:
"Nice reaction. I've never heard this band and they're not really something I'd listen to nowadays. In my early 20's most definitely! . . ."
Wait, you know you would have liked it in your 20's? What a very strange observation. You can't like it
NOW? . . . Why? I guess I'm not a dignified mature adult :P.
And other people say things like; "Yeah I used to listen to Metal, but I have a family now, I grew out of it" etc. Were these people really into metal anyway, or did they just go along with their friends to fit in?
How about those growing out of Progressive Rock/Metal . . . Really? WE have to ask, have you heard all the different bands that make up all its subgenres? Did you get into it to be . . . different?
Why are people embarrassed by music? God knows what they consider music in this new life of theirs. Why can't you like a variety of music and not worry what other people think (bad or good, whomever decides what it is, your tastes may vary) . . .
Well maybe they don't have time for music - come on, seriously? We all have busy lives, some more than others, I have known SUPER busy people who also have children, who still tell me about new bands, go to shows and sing out loud in their cars with a new CD blasting. And they have a wide variety of tastes, from the past to contemporary musics. You can listen to music on the road, in some cases at work, when you are doing chores at home, on the road with your children, exercising. And parents sharing music with their kids and visa-versa, I mean that's what the music is all about!
But with these choices and interests in different musics, doesn't it make your tastes well rounded? Why are WE hipsters? We are not following "trends", we are searching for music that is different, something new, while enjoying all the rest.
Maybe - you being into a few bands that are well-known and popular, maybe in reality YOU are the real
hipster? :p I'm gonna' be the old man headbanging in the car making a fool of myself, embarrassing my grandkids, and probably have more hairs in my head than you might when YOU hit 30 :D.
I have been listening to music since I was a year old, I still listen to the music of the 60's and 70's, the music of my parents and all the different genres from my young adult life, for 54 years. I never threw those musics away because its all I am, its what inspires me, what spoke for me or what I related to.
I lived through soo many music genres that were "invented", musics that stayed in my collection, that I chose to follow because it had longevity that stood the test of time. It wasn't about reminiscing about the good 'ol days, It was just great music, that became classic or just sounded great!
I really can't think of a music genre that I'm embarrassed to say I enjoyed (I enjoyed "Disco" for about
. . . a year, and then couldn't stand most of it :p).
If you folks want to stay in the past, or are into trendy music, more power to you. But why presume we are into underground music for some sort of pretentious reasoning?
Here's an idea: Why not "listen" to the bands we all mention instead of criticizing something you didn't bother hearing? . . . you may just enjoy some of it, and realize there is more out there instead of what the radio dictates you will like for the past 45 years, with no deviation from the 60's to the 90's. Okay, sure, you don't like the more extreme vocals, no problem, I know people that got into that type of vocals at the age I'm at now because certain bands eased them into it. As you've noticed, I'm into any type of Metal band
that has unique qualities, and I only hope that YOU too can get into it all as well. If not, we tried. We can't
make you do anything you don't want to . . .
melody, I love complexity, I love simple and the epic, and I can go back and pull those classics from my
shelf and it takes me back to when and where I was in life, my childhood, where I made the purchase, or
how my parents loved an album or vocalist, no matter what type of music it is . . .
But I want to keep up to what is new as well, this is not a stagnant genre that stays in the past. I respect and honor those who came before, I still listen to those "pioneers" on a regular basis as I try to catch-up with soo many new artists, in an industry that has changed so much. Yet its still not acknowledged as a viable music by many music institutions (and everyday people) that tell us that "Record Sales" mean "Quality Music" and the media-hype that pushes their agenda in our everyday lives through the TV, commercials, saturating the radio waves and almost any Mall, Store or place to eat that might be ruining my meal :p.
Metal never died (or ever will), its best is not behind us or "boring". It's alive and well if you'd only look for it, and that's part of the fun, finding something new that hits you in the gut, or that it sounds like
something you never expected, never heard. I just can't believe anyone could be bored, unless they never bothered to look for more. YOUtube is a great resource to find TONS of music (at the end of this essay you
can find channels that specifically cater to those bands that exist or were forgotten).
The International fan-base for each band and subgenre know better, WE are the music's champions who defy those industry standards for something with much more soul, creativity and gravitas. I am not just talking Prog or Metal, but music and musicianship that want to take music somewhere where it hasn't been and elevate us beyond "It's just music!". To us it IS more than just music, even if its simple, there is "something" that stirs in us and we can feel and hear its difference.
Yes music can be fun, itcan have a great beat and its something you can dance to, but it can also be an
emotional release, something that speaks to the soul, the mind, challenges the heartbeat and the electric pulses of the brain. It doesn't have to be heavy, mellow or known to millions. Music is music, and its either good or bad according to your own mind, but at the very least give some other musics a try, "just because".
All we need to do is take a brave step out of convention and try a new path, it may take longer but you may see and hear things you never have before. And you may discover WHY we mention bands that you may not have heard - so that YOU can enjoy them with us. It's an exclusive club, that everyone and anyone can join
:)!
a different soul, to put you in peace with mind"
- Meshuggah/"Inside whats behind"
| A personal story Part II |
Chapter VIII
A Day in a Life with Prog & Metal
With a mission"
- Rush/"Mission" (1987)
So music was my escape, I had drifted from the path my Parents wanted of me (even though I was a "good kid", I just hated school, which involves a longer story of my life), and like my Father, I too felt like the Black sheep of my family, trying to find my identity and embrace it. I knew I wanted to be a "Conceptual Designer" in film since I 1st saw Star Wars in the summer of 1977. But how to attain that goal I was totally lost.
I did my time of various go nowhere jobs, knowing that this can't be all there is, and the struggles with my parents grew worse. So I turned to music and films for my escape, and I constantly worked on my art, retooling my skills, looking at my favorite artists to inspire, but utilizing my own style - all the while listening to music to also inspire and influence. But being a "dreamer" doesn't pay the bills so I endured various dirty hard working jobs (which I didn't mind, as long as they let me just work) and my folks that thought my dreams would take me to a dead end. But my money was spent on various Art Books, movies, concerts and LP's to supply a creative atmosphere in which to continue drawing. My room was my "Sanctuary", as I called it. If only I could move it to someplace all my own with a sense of independence and confidence. But small hobbies and my art was my escape from screwing-up my life, rather than drowning my sorrows in booze and drugs, hanging with idiots, or worse - giving up on life. I can only attribute this to my faith, it has saved me many a time from the brink.
I began to take my music collection further than just putting on a Lp or CD . . .
In the mid 80's, I started to create Compilation Cassette Tapes (starting with 90 minutes, and then onto 120 minute tapes) from my personal collection of LP's. But more-so, centering many of the tapes around a "Theme" or Concept ("Concept Tapes"). With an idea to make it an "experience" for the listener, I mixed within and between songs various Sound FX; either made by myself (various effects made from Guitar Pedal stomp boxes and a Mic by voice or guitar) or from various Movies, TV, Radio and VHS/Laser Discs and Soundscape Lp's and CD's, which also included dialogue. With an idea to make it a journey on
Headphones. Many were multiple chapters and volumes that continued as I purchased more albums.
I had various Tape Players, 2 Turntables, Walkman cassette players, VHS player, and a Laser Disc player
that were all fed through a small Radio Shack mixer into whatever Receiver I had at the time.
Vinyl, CD's, Cassettes, VHS tapes, Laser Discs would be strewn around my room, thinking of small, bits and pieces that would be utilized for an effect I needed to achieve making full use of stereo space (left and right panning/splitting etc.), and having a "script" to line-up the songs and music I needed to tell the story, which included "cues" of when to put in the sound effects.
Many albums were purchased to fill the concept (I would put a theme on hold till I found a must have album or song). Often it was a "Hair pulling experience", but the end results were very gratifying.
I pulled-off some creative editing where no one heard the "cuts" in the middle of a song or a sound effect, often forgetting myself where the edits were.
Unfortunately I didn't really have anyone to share these tapes with, so it was all for my pre-occupation and sanity from nagging parents and frustration of what to do with my art skills.
My last Concept Tapes were five 120 minute cassettes that I created as a Tribute to "9/11", complete with all the news I'd tape on VHS, which I was glued to the TV, taping just about every expose' on the Big 3 channels (in the U.S.) and PBS, taking me over 2 years to complete (circa 2002).
At the moment (for the past 3 years, ugh), all my music has been in storage as I deal with another
transition in my life. So I have my small stash of CD's, Compilations on iTunes (I created Compilation CD's on my old iMac G4) and my newer hobby creating Themed Playlists on YOUtube. Maybe one day I'll be able to burn CD's or DVD's with mixes like those cassette days on a computer and fully delve into mixing programs.
But around 1985, I finally see myself out on my own with an old friend in Garden Grove Calif., but very naive, and not knowing what to do with this "dream" I had to be a Illustrator at a Studio. Soon to become lost and impoverished, making it on my own by the skin of my teeth, but making 4 new friends, 2 of which I would see often in my life with almost the same likes in our music tastes (the bond being Rush, Kansas, Genesis, Yes, UK and many others ~ Thank you Chris and Tim). But from here on out, an up and down rollercoaster of a life, but after only a year, back "home" to probably the worst time of my life with my parents, especially with my Father - what a waste, to see that relationship fall apart and what for? Time measures a painful road full of anger, regret and sadness. Its ironic that it was my Father who instilled in me a love for music, and occasionally I played albums that particularly would catch him and he'd ask "Who's that?" (I can remember playing Yngwie J. Malmsteen for instance, and after saying; "...Hmm, pretty good").
Years fly by with many blessings and unbelievable things that I actually lived through, but I persevered as best I could to see what was around the bend and endured what I had to, to make it through another day. Losing friends, and my Father.
And the distance grows when you hold onto the past and have enough on your plate at the moment. And those "regrets" mean nothing when you can't say goodbye and they are gone forever.
You never built it dad"
- Queensryche/"Bridge"
2000 and beyond . . .
For the following years after the debut of Dream Theater's "When Dream and Day Unite", it became sort-of a "mission" to find more Progressive Rock, Prog Metal and other extremes who experimented with its original framework. And I would delve into its rich history. I couldn't remember vital info that was needed for everyday life - but I could recall trivial information about the music I loved that filled my life to help me move forward. So I began to dabble into writing lyrics (for myself, still dreaming of having my own band), then years later write about the music and musicians who made significant contributions in the various genres. If only on various blogs or ranting in forums.
But it was another way to become closer to the music, talk about what I had learned (and forever learning), share the experience with others who were just as taken with this music that transcended the music business, and challenged those with pre-conceptions and what they deemed "music". This was our language and it took time to learn it, and the more we learned, we appreciated it even more.
As all these discoveries were being played out, having been exposed to extreme metal (that will be featured below) as-well as bands like King Crimson, Genesis, Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant, Yes, Focus and others
that experimented with Jazz/Fusion and the avant-garde (and humor), it basically prepared me for "all the above" to crash into 1. These hybrids were being created within new parameters of Progressive Rock and Metal - basically meaning there were no parameters. Walls were meant to be knocked down and rebuilt in crazy shapes or buildings made with a new aesthetic. Some melodic with odd-meter, others angular,
abstract and more, along with the extreme and complex.
Bands like the aforementioned; Watchtower, Believer, Psychotic Waltz, Sieges Even, Leviathan, Atheist,
Death, Prototype, Cacophony, Thought Industry, including the newer bands to take us into the New
Millennium:
Vox Tempus
Pagans Mind
Circus Maximus
Anubis Gate
Cloudscape
Power of Omens
Communic
Seventh Wonder
Time Requiem
Cea Serin
Green Carnation
Spheric Universe Experience
Chrome Shift
novAct
Riverside
Prymary
Redemption
Wolverine
Age of Nemesis
Katagory V
Pyramaze
Thought Chamber
Mythologic
Twelfth Gate
Presto Ballet
Karmakanic
Chain
IQ
Venturia
Crises
Krysalyd
Devin Townsend
Devin Townsend Band
Devin Townsend Project
Sphere of Souls
Proghma C
Khallice
Epica
Kamelot
Vangough
Beyond the Bridge
Lost in Thought
Eumeria
Borealis
Suspyre
Voyager
Agora
Hajis Kitchen
District 97
Futures End
Cryptic Vision
Mystery
Dreamscape
AtmOsfear
TYR
Enslaved
Agalloch
Opeth
In Mourning
Insomnium
Anciients
Wintersun
The Ocean
Leprous
Katatonia
Headspace
Affector
Orphaned Land
Arkan
Myrath
Amaseffer
Witherfall
Necrophagist
Obscura
Cynic
(early) Soilwork
Denner/Shermann
Alarum
Ihshan
Disillusion
Linear Sphere
Aghora
To-Mera
Continuo Renacer
Canvas Solaris
Bulb
A((wake))
Gordian Knot
Koyaanisqatsy
Animals as Leaders
Scale the Summit
Degree Absolute
Dynahead
Instant Suppression
Sikth
Car Bomb
C.B. Murdoc
Twisted into Form
Memento Waltz
Beyond Creation
Andromeda
Gojira
Illogicist
TesseracT
Vintersorg
Behold... The Arctopus
Spawn of Possession
Gorod
The Faceless
And the bit odd/avant-garde . . .
ThanatoSchizO
Age of Silence
In the Woods
Pan.Thy.Monium
Ophthalamia
Atrox
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
Kekal
And many more to come . . .
Katatonia, My Dying Bride, Riverside and many more:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEf4T3QJTlqcLqW23k-RCgJm
"Like a brush in hand, to paint a picture, Of what we would like to see, And love to be
The vision is clear, taking charge of fear, For granted I do not take the future
To be changed by triumph, Tears and pain of the past, I gain wisdom
The fragile art of existence, Is kept alive by sheer persistence, The fragile art of existence"
- Control Denied/"The Fragile Art of Existence"
There and back again, an artist/music lovers tale . . .
In the early to mid 90's I lived in Pomona in Old Town, in the "Art Colony" district and lived in a converted high rise bank from the 1930's (which I found out a few months later it was illegal to do so), which I dubbed "The Brick Oven" because when summer hit (I hate summers, don't function well in the heat), the rooms would rise from 80f. to 100f. with windows open, it had terrible ventilation. Friends would come over and when I'd open the door, they'd get a rush of heat that you could cut with the wrong end of a knife! For a time I cleaned the restrooms on each floor, but I got tired of a "psychos" habit of doing unspeakable things in them. So I went looking for other jobs and ended up working part-time at the comic store in claremont, which kept my sanity and was surrounded by art to inspire.
Vista California - 1995. In front of the "Brick Oven".
After moving on (or-rather "let go" because the CEO of the company thought I could "spread my wings" somewhere else, and wrote a glowing Letter of Recommendation. But I later realized that other project Supervisors didn't like me much, I wasn't moving forward learning Photoshop at the time, I was a bit intimidated by it - its funny back then I thought, "Why don't they invent a screen that you could paint and draw on?" :p), and going back to LA in the Valley for a few months with a friend - through an agency, I was directed to a company in which I kept in close contact for a couple of months, and after 2 interviews
and incessant calls back to the producer, I landed a job at "Square LA" in Marina Del Rey, and lived in a very nice part of Venice. The Office was walking distance from a Tower Records and I purchased many a CD and "Laser Discs" from there, as well as trade magazines for music and musicians.
And when visiting family and friends, I'd frequent Rhino Records in Claremont. Always gathering any news of new bands or albums to catch-up on.
Being a full-fledged "Conceptual Designer" and making a decent living was nice, but I was a very "Green" employee, it was all new, and regrettably scary in my mind back then. But I had a nice life for a bit, even bought a nice guitar after having a torn-up, re-tooled, modified to hell and back Strat copy made of plywood since I was 18. My Jackson FX-1 was enough for what I needed, and a friend (who actually suggested that we "buy" guitars at lunch) lent me a Korg Guitar Processor that I programmed my own tweaked sounds (about 140 different patches) and a nice Acoustic brand Stereo Amplifier.
I must've of looked at him like he was the craziest person I ever met. I said to him; "Look . . . I lost a job in the video game industry where I was making 47k and lost my home in Venice. No, probably not". His enthusiasm faded, hung his head slightly and walked away.
I didn't want to be there, didn't want to face the "Pep Rally" every morning to get us charged up for the
day because I had no pep to give. I didn't want to regress back to working 9 to 5 jobs and struggling to
get by. I was a "Professional Illustrator" now working at Best Buys. I was miserable, but I brought it on
myself, along with what was to come in my life . . .
As the years went by, it got progressively worse, I was lost and had no idea what to do out in the Santa
Monica area. I loved it there but I could hardly afford it.
I went through a terrible time, basically a bout with homelessness for a year and a half, while working at a local well-known Comic Book Store part-time (some experiences that my mind has blurred out, or
learning experiences that I don't wish on anyone. Looking back I really don't understand how I kept my sanity) and then another Comic/Toy Store which I thought would advance me, but many hours Bus ride from West Hills Calif. (yet another series of nightmarish situations) to Santa Monica everyday. Nuts.
The stuff I had to deal with I wouldn't wish on anyone, and I never want to go through any of it again.
By the time I got back on my feet, I had landed a better salary at a Organic Food Market in Santa Monica (where I met many famous Actors/Commercial Ad Actors and Musicians who were all very friendly, including a few "nutty" local customers) as a Prep/Salad Bar Attendant. But to get to that point was a lot of tears, determination and patience. Somehow, I even sent out a portfolio to I.L.M to try to get into the next 2 Star Wars prequels, but I was too late for Episode II (this is a much longer story).
It's amazing what you miss when everything seems far and out of reach. Priorities take precedence, you find out what you're made of, and you deal with many things that people don't think about everyday, the simple things that are taken for granted, and you miss out on TV, news, films and more. It chewed me up and spit me out, but I survived, taking baby step after baby step to reach my goals to live again (and I didn't have it as bad as some, but any degree of homelessness is an awful thing).
My mind was filled with music and "song lyrics" to get me through it all, as well as faith in something greater than myself too, all encouraging to keep me going, and sometimes the kindness of strangers (or the "real" ugliness of people I got to know or knew) to divine intervention. But most people didn't even realize I was "out on the streets" as I was always kept myself clean, my clothes were washed at the nearest laundromat, and everything else was in a local storage unit. But finally I was getting my footing, I fought for each day, with plenty of songs in my head to keep me focused. Man, what an ordeal as I reflect back . . .
The good book says its better to give than to receive, I do my best to do my part
Nothin' in my pockets I got nothin' up my sleeve, I keep my magic in my heart. Keep up your spirit,
keep up your faith, baby. I am counting on you, you know what you've got to do . . ."
- Triumph/"Fight the Good Fight"
After a year of the Prep job, I was tired of the Food Industry (previous experience as a Cook and a Prep, and 5 years at a Pizza Restaurant when I was in my 20's) and wanted to make a change.
Tower Records in Santa Monica (near the "3rd Street Promenade" and few blocks away from the Organic Store) was a place I was hanging out during some tough times in Venice, Santa Monica and then the far commute to "The Valley" (San Fernando Valley). There was a Brazilian guy I befriended named Andre
Marins, he was into various Metal, Progressive Rock, Jazz/Fusion and Classical music, and was a "Shred" and progressive Guitarist himself. A hilarious guy too, he would come up with his own "definition and
analogies" that the staff would use for everyday conversation. He and a few other folks I had gotten to know there became my new music buddies and I became a regular after work. Always discussing music and trying to make my way through life in some harsh times of "part-time" employment. It was at this time too that Andre decided he would have a "Zappa Education" and listen to EVERY album, one every evening at Tower on the stores speakers, sounds like hard work! One of Andre's fave things to say, if something was awful, especially music (whatever was trendy), he'd yell out abruptly "Horrível!!!" (O-Hee-Vyoh) :D.
It rubbed off on most of the staff, as if he were teaching us new slang. Linkin Park was popular at the time (2000) with their big hit "Crawling", and we had to listen to it over and over on the PA's as promotion (along with other Top 40 songs during the day shift) and I'd sing it;
"Whhhhhhhy am I screeeaming!? This song - is sooooo - Horrível!!!" :P.
With help of those new friends, I was eventually hired at Tower as a Stock Clerk (September 1999) and soon after, putting inventory into the Data-Base.
So I got to know labels and other musics pretty well (and being a Film fan helped), but saw everything that was out there through my hands. I also befriended many of the Label Reps and able to receive many Promo copies of new releases that interested me (sometimes making requests). I used a bit of initiative to create labels on divider cards for bands I thought deserved more exposure, so I had descriptions for various Metal and Progressive bands. So most of the reps were very grateful.
ones, we had a high traffic/high sales record.
I then replaced the staff Display Artist (in 2000) and created many Displays for various TV Shows and Artists with material sent to the store and from scratch. Was very adept with box cutters, foam-core and various markers, so for awhile I was able to use my Art/Illustration skills. I even got to make 2 displays for Dream Theater, Tool and Iron Maiden. But the pay was very low, and other duties got in the way while having demands put on me to get things put-up on time (which I seemed to have done anyway).
I'd play my music loud upstairs in my Art room to keep me going, Andre would come in and say; "Oh! Jugu music!" I'd laugh and say "What!?" - He'd reply; "You know, JUGU music! 'Jugujugujugujugu'!!!" (pre-"Djent"?), I about fell off my chair. He was always coming up with the most funniest definitions.
Jugu Jugu Jugu . . .
Opeth, starting with "Still Life" (1999) and then going backwards, and then the release of "Blackwater Park" (2001). 2 albums that would yet again, change the perceptions of Death Metal.
Behind the Curtain - "Till Birth do us part" (1999)
Clockwork - "Surface Tension" (1999)
Madder Mortem - "Mercury" (1999)* "All Flesh is Grass" (2001)*, "Deadlands" (2002)*
Digital Ruin - "Dwelling in the In and Out" (2000)
Kings X - "Please come home... Mr. Bulbous" (2000), "Manic Moonlight" (2002)
Sculptured - "Apollo Ends" (2000)
Cryptopsy - "...and Then you'll beg" (2000)
Therion - "Deggial" (2000), "Secrets of the Runes" (2001)
Stratovarius - "Infinity" (2000)
The Gathering - "if_then_else" (2000)
This album sat on my shelf for 2 years after receiving an advance copy from my days at Tower Records.
I had finally listened to it again to be amazed that I had shunned it as it became my fave album by the
Gathering.
The Quiet Room - "Reconceive" (2000)
Green Carnation - "Journey to the End of the Night" (2000)*, Light of Day, Day of Darkness (2002)
Aghora - self titled (2000)*
Nightwish - "Wishmaster" (2000), "Century Child" (2002)
After Forever - "Prison of Desire" (2000)*, "Decipher" (2001)*
Pain of Salvation - "One Hour by the Concrete Lake" (1998), "The Perfect Element Part I" (2000), "Remedy Lane" (2002).
Pagans Mind - Infinity Divine (2000)*, "Celestial Entrance" (2002)*
Enchant - "Juggling 9 or Dropping 10" (2000), "Blink of an Eye" (2002)
Soilwork - "The Chainheart Machine" (2000), "A Predators Portrait" (2001) and "Natural Born Chaos" (2002) One of the 1st bands to add rough, cookie vocals and melodic singing.
Extol - "Undeceived" (2000) yet another 1st to add 3-4 different extreme vocals with melodic singing.
Iron Maiden came back with the very progressive "Brave New World" (2000)
Avalon - "Eurasia" (2000)
Devin Townsend - "Physicist" (2000)*, "Terria" (2001)*
Devin, from the strange Steve Vai album, to his own incarnated monster "Strapping Young Lad", his
various solo albums and his latest band, "Devin Townsend Project" would skyrocket to another level of
maturity and Prog Rock/Metal goodness in recent years. If it was his Sci-Fi Epic "Ziltoid" (and its sequel), or the new age beauty of "Ghost", to the all out aggressive but gorgeous Prog Metal albums - Devin has yet another new face to unleash unto the world with various tones, a heavily polished sheen, and lush production, while keeping it fresh and with a bite!
Atrox - "Contentum" (2000)*, "Terrestrials" (2002)*
Symphony X - "V: The New Mythology Suite" (2000), "The Odyssey" (2002)
Kekal - "The painful experience" (2001)
Ark self-titled (1999), and "Burn the Sun" (2001)
Adagio - "Sanctus Ignis" (2001)
Threshold - "Hypothetical (2001), "Critical Mass" (2002)
Andromeda - "Extension of the Wish" (2001) The original print with Lawrence Mackrory on vocals.
Emperor - "Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise" (2001)
Beyond Twilight - "The Devils Hall of Fame" (2001)*
Spiral Architect - "A Skeptics Universe" (2001)
Kamelot - "Karma" (2001)
Shadow Gallery - "Legacy" (2001)
Tool - "Laterlus" (2001)
Zero Hour - "The Towers of Avarice" (2001)
Ayreon - "The Universal Migrator Part I: The Dream Sequencer" (2000) & Part II: Flight of the Migrator (2000).
Into Eternity - "Dead or Dreaming" (2001)
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - "Grand Opening and Closing" (2001)*
Solefald - "Pills against the Ageless Ills" (2001)
Amorphis - "Am Universum" (2001)
Destiny's End - "Transition" (2001)
ThanatoSchizO - "Schizo Level" (2001)*
Event - "Human Condition" (2001)
Cales - "The Pass in Time" (2001)
Mystic Force - "Man vs Machine" (2001)*
Teabag - debut (2001)*
Meshuggah - "Nothing" (2002)
Winds - "Reflections of the I" (2002)
Arcturus - "The Sham of Mirrors" (2002)
Superior - "Ultima Ratio" (2002)
Dark Suns - "Swanlike" (2002)*
Ephal Duath - "Rephormula" (2002)*
Dream Theater with "Metropolis 2: Scenes from a Memory" (1999) (and "Live Scenes in New York" released on 9/11) and what would be my 2nd fave album; "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" (2002).
Star One - "Space Metal" (2002)
Stride - "Music Machine" (2002)*
Prototype - "Trinity" (2002) Which would become one of my favorite releases for that year.
Along with even more obscure bands and releases. 1999 thru 2000 and o2 were a pretty amazing time as I saw them come in during my time at Tower and other Record Stores I frequented (and discovered on an
internet station called "Progged Radio" or other source, but not necessarily purchased* - but also received advance promos from the label reps).
"Where the winds blow, that's where I go, down the river to the sea
Like a blind man in a strange land, will I ever see the day"
- Ark/"Where the wind blows"
I had enough for my 3 year run, and in 2002 I had looked into another Record Store in West Los Angeles. Soon I was hired at "Record Surplus" as a Stock Clerk. Here I got to see Promo Videos of Movies,
Documentaries, TV and more, directly from the nearby Movie Studios (mainly from "Twentieth Century
Fox"). There were also Laserdiscs and VHS titles, as-well as a plethora of Lp's which was their specialty. I was able to make a small Metal section amongst their Used CD section. I had found many a CD that I had searched for 15 or more years at ridiculously low prices.
I was offered an opportunity to work at their Wholesale Warehouse called "Leftcoast Marketing" as a Shipping & Receiving clerk. Breaking down Pallets filled with 30 count boxes 12 or more boxes high.
So my knowledge grew about record labels and various genres of music (especially, Jazz, Blues and Folk) but I also handled any Progressive Rock and Metal titles with many coming from Nuclear Blast, Noise,
Massacre and smaller Indie labels. Most were from their back catalogue, but I found many CD's again for cheap.
Leftcoast was one of the last distributors on the West Coast, so I have seen many of the titles show-up at various stores to this day, even though the warehouse closed its doors in 2005.
As the Recording Industry changed drastically with downloading/MP3 technology, Tower Records also closed their doors in 2006. I was able to obtain many CD's at their close-out sales, as well as Virgin
Megastores, The Wherehouse and F.Y.E. Stores. The big stores, as well as other Mom and Pop stores were a dying breed. There was a time that Melrose Ave. alone had 5 or more stores, they are lucky if 1 exists. Tower, Wherehouse, "Music Plus", "Licorice Pizza", "Aron's Records (Hollywood)" and "Music Market (Costa Mesa)", and Lou's Records, Spin (both in San Diego county) and Rhino Records in Claremont that still thrives on, holds many memories, scouring the isle for new and old Prog and Metal music. Some having Metal sections of Lp's that are now very rare.
And all the other stores I came across all over Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Bay Area, either finding a stack, more than I could afford, or just 1 choice CD.
Facing the music: A life's journey . . .
But if faith is the answer, we've already reached it, and if spirit's a sign
Then it's only a matter of time . . . Only a matter of time!"
- Dream Theater/"Only a matter of Time"
I had tried to get a job as a Clerk at "Amoeba Music" in Hollywood for more than 4 years (I also knew 3 people from Tower Records, and 2 buyers who frequented Leftcoast Marketing employed there), but as a friend that worked at the info desk had said, they get approximately over 100 resumes "A Day"! And there isn't a high turnover rate, people love their job and they don't want to end up at some crappy job that makes them miserable. But I unfortunately gave up as I wasn't receiving any call backs after monthly follow-ups, which is a shame. I always felt that I'd be an excellent staff member and would thoroughly enjoy the job. And see some incredible music and movie items come in (and talk briefly with celebs and musicians). I even created a "Comic Strip Resume" to try and stand out, but to no avail. Its ironic that music has gotten me through soo much, but I wasn't a good enough musician to form a band (or had the fortitude to just do it), and I couldn't even land a job at a cool Record Store that I didn't mind going and get a steady paycheck, and all my past experiences working at other record stores.
You dwell on the self-pity soo much you start to get on your own nerves. Times get tough and you do what you need to do, but it was hard enough to sell about 50+ Lp's and about 100+ DVD's. But to sell-off approximately 500 t0 1000 CD's was almost too much to bare. I basically sold CD's that I knew were common, or had Remasters, it was still hard even though it was piece by piece, or a small stack time to time. They were not just "things", they were a part of my life, a "reflection". It felt like I was selling bits and pieces of myself, my soul.
I still have my vital collection stored away that could never be replaced. But I had lost 2 Storage Units that were full of Trade Mags, Posters and heartbreaking Tour Programs (including Rush, Yes, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, ELP, Deep Purple etc.), Comics and Manga (many were 1st prints and entire short series - But I still have my most treasured collections of Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Film Art Of Books, Star Wars Art Books and Anime/Manga Art Books). Everytime I remember what I had, its a deep pain that stops me for a moment in my tracks.
I came from so much since then, and went through a little more, and I wonder about where I've come and where I am going, but I have to see where it all leads, if with someone or all alone, I can't just give up and give in, I got to see what's over that horizon . . .
I feel like I did before the magic wore thin and the "baptism of stains" began" . . .
- Queensrÿche/"Someone Else"
But we need to keep ourselves open to let people in - but with our own hands, will and determination, we have to listen to the voices inside that know what we need to do within our own good time, not under duress, but when we are ready to take the leap and live in bliss . . .
- Fates Warning/"The Road goes on Forever"
The healing colours of sound . . .
A friend (thank you Tim) would turn me onto a Progressive Rock & Metal Internet Station "Progged Radio" (When the station closed its doors, a few listeners would take over the reigns and develop the Website for Progulus.com) where I'd be astounded at the music they had on their data-base, not only the obscure bands that I knew, but soo many more International bands that were expanding the universe of
Progressive music, and make new friends from all over the world (on their live chat window) who knew just as much or more than I did. New social media and blogs would share what was and what was to come. Bringing our progressive music closer to our own worlds and expanding the universe between our ears.
Progulus became my go to source for all that was new and it was very gracious that its proprietor (Thank you "Scout") allowed me to design 3 of their Station Logos (the latest, a version for their Prog Metal side, since new FCC rules, supposedly, dictated the split, makes no sense). The advent of YOUtube and Facebook would also be an outlet to share rare and new bands, as well as be a part of those bands that we all followed to hear new releases and news. And put a face (profile pics! :D) to all the Progulus alums that
we had gotten to know for years (though in late 2016, because of reasons that boggle my mind, the station has gotten rid of vital bands because they get "little play" . . . sigh).
This music fills my world each day, it has gotten me through the darkest times as-well as through love and loss, and back into love again. Pain, anger, sadness, melancholia, tears, joy and triumph.
I aggressively air guitared or drummed, and played along with the real thing as best I could when I had the
gear, I headbanged and sat back taking it all in. On headphones or turning it up to make the room shake, or at an Arena or Club. I sang along with tears running down my face, felt the strength and surge of warmth within me breaking a sweat. I was swept away by words of fantasy and prolific words of cold reality, fear, judgement, and words of fighting on and triumph that slapped me back to life.
Found the words when I couldn't, for the ones who left this world and those trying to find it as much as I was. It captured my heart and it interpreted my soul. It screamed to the heavens and scared all the demons away and raised some, but always brought me back to the light.
Takes me back to those new discoveries and the smell of Vinyl when opening the wrapping, or Cassette Tapes (that "Tortilla-like" smell) to my very 1st CD. A time and place long gone that flash memories of my life going by. There has never been a boring year of music for me because I know that someone out there will always create something that I have never heard before and pass the torch to the next creator. It has saved my life, and brought me nearer to many I would have never met, if only separated by long distances,
but a love for a music that is shared by like-minded fans bringing the world closer.
. . . and the searches continue.
- MAVIII
I've known the constitution, and I've seen a revolution, and I've seen the birds all fly away
I've climbed in the back and I've hung from the rack, and I've died more than once on the way
And I've sat there in awe and I've seen myself fall, and I've felt the full light of the day
All my life going by, all my life going by, my life going by. . ."
- Kings X/"Life going by"
A Sampler of the past & present . . .
voices, with a few surprises) with many mentioned in the essay's, that will entice you for more!
~ Melodious Progulus ~
Each Part:
1.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEehTdWi7pU5bYcAF6Ql_xHv
2
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEdwcerQSEcG8MU8qp1bxkqu
3.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEcnr_Fjq-ZMNeALABnPjz_S
4.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEf-WjUe8Y86SjsYz2Lv3wnf
5.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEeP8mknmvkVOq3wMyOn2Ph2
6.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEe1lLsoKvpuwBhnFVbQYWO4
7.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DU3TBNutEfhz5UpwgclQQ51O9OCUK_K
8.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLG26NKGQUu-fobKInLKnS2N
9.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLE_nRVvJPl4Ib3cJEBn4tbu
10.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLGCrcq_uvfWR4uc9XLZwDQV
11.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLHe36NfY7dMC4PI2r3FELwl
12.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLGfRUCfjDzlV28gacGyM0Jg
13.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLEx9DJBRkD3YTZR9OPsUBDM
14.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLFdSx1_PNsxmfxKqKY3Ki7u
15.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zmdsN11qLE2uv9QByjrrEtkh45491Zg
More on the way!
reflected on a quote by "Gentle Giant", I have included the entire quote from liner-notes of the album;
"Acquiring the Taste". For those who complain about who is really "progressing", and any band that is unique, different, maybe those that didn't influence anyone "directly", and because of that, are not on any "list" or are not on anyone's radar for their achievements. This is a great observation on those just trying to be themselves - if you believed it or not, they were not being pretentious, they were only doing what they were compelled to create, and took all they were as musicians to create what was in their heads, and put it all on record:
"Over the years I have accumulated a rather large collection of recordings which covers the whole
spectrum of musical styles. Lately I have found that there is rarely time to sit down and simply listen to music, but in one of those rare moments, I pulled a record off the shelf that I have not listened to for probably ten years. It was an early album by a little known British group, Gentle Giant. I happened to notice the liner notes on the album which read:
"Acquiring the taste is the second phase of sensory pleasure. If you've gorged yourself on our first album, then
relish the finer flavours (we hope) of this, our second offering. It is our goal to expand the frontiers of
contemporary music at the risk of being very unpopular. We have recorded each composition with the one thought - that it should be unique, adventurous, and fascinating. It has taken every shred of our combined musical and technical knowledge to achieve this. From the outset we have abandoned all preconceived thoughts on blatant
commercialism. Instead we hope to give you something far more substantial and fulfilling. All you need to do is sit back, and acquire the taste."
I think they fulfilled their prophecy of their own obscurity, but what a credo! They stated most succinctly the exact attitude which I think is missing from so much of today's contemporary music.
There is no virtue in intentionally seeking to be unpopular, nor does commercial success automatically
mean that a piece of music was conceived for that purpose. The best possible scenario is one in which
the highest creative endeavors are accessible to the broadest possible audience."
I'd like to think this was the intention all along for these bands pioneering these new musics, and many
others carrying on, defying the laws of tradition for art sake, if on purpose or osmosis. Paving new
avenues against convention, challenging and stimulating minds to bring us something that fills an entire album to elevate us, at the risk of being the black sheep of music ~ and at the very least, its our treasure
and one must dig to find more. Making it worthwhile to delve further with a longer lasting enjoyment. You may think its only derivative of what was done before or a mixing of music you think should never go together, but then you are limiting the music and your mind to possibilities.
Plus, if you don't like it, it doesn't mean that their are MANY others that are not enjoying it. It only means YOU don't like it, don't take us all down because we hear or understand something that you found not
pleasant to your own ears. Both of us can very well say; "I wish you could hear what I hear".
- Kansas/"On the other side"
Also note: "Wikipedia" is used for many definitions, descriptions and biographies (and more) for music genres and the bands themselves, as an easy reference on the basic facts and stories of each. Most pages refer (and link) to citations and documented factoids. When it is available, I also provide other sources and from the bands themselves. But Wiki provides general knowledge to get a "quick glimpse" of what the subjects entail. I often wince at some of the information or "genre" titles they use for some bands, since those that collaborate on the "right" info are just Prog/Metal geeks like the rest of us.
The best places to get the real story and band history are from the sources. Please find the band's official sites and have fun discovering who they are and what they do. With hope, they reached your ears and mind with something new and wonderful.
- Thank you :).
Super Important!!!
mind that most of these musicians have 9 to 5 jobs to supplement creating, producing their craft and may have families to support just like many of us. Be sure to go to their shows when they are in your town, buy their merchandise, and if you can, buy their music directly from them.
These good folks need YOUR support, so keep up with them, share the music and show your love :).
Thank you.
Progulus Internet Radio Page
Metal Music Archives.com
At Fates Hands
Progressive Metal
Proggers
Progressive Music Page
The Prog Mind
Doom Metal is the Best music on Earth
Jazz Rock Fusion
Jazz Fusion, Prog Rock & More.
Avantgarde Metal
And for lyrics and info:
Dark Lyrics.com
Metal Lyrica.com
Metal Archives Encyclopedia Metallum
the cracks, but had something amazing to share:
Metal Music from across the World YT
Rare Metal Albums
Holy Christian Metal
Progressive Music Planet
Joint 3 Pack (Progressive Metal and more)
Lesandered7G3 (Rare Prog Metal and Metal)
Christian Metal Music
Metal Cross
Holy Soldiers of God
Sound of Chaos (Avant-Garde/Metal)
also see their series: "Introduction to Avant-Garde Metal"
Back On True Metal
Heavy Folk (Folk Metal)
Metal Maestro (Folk Metal Playlists)
Fateswar19 (Prog Metal and more)
MVunit3 (Playlists of Prog and Metal, including various music, and "Themed" Playlists)
Rhino Records Claremont
Mad Platter
Soundsations
Lou's Records
Spin
Record Surplus (Fb)
Amoeba Music Hollywood
Rasputin Music
you all know who you are (look in the mirror! yeah YOU, that's right, you did something good! :D ).
and shared throughout my life ~ in-turn I HOPE I did the same for you :).
Opus Insert...
~ Rant for a rant ~
all of US that love the difference. WE need to be challenged and stimulated by something that wasn't forced on us, or that we have to like it to fit-in, or not to feel "left out" - no, we need to find something creative
that speaks to us in a special way. Okay . . . hold onto your shorts, here we go! . . .
My bankroll's red, and my face is blue, and still they'll turn their backs on you for someone new
Feed my head with some real thoughts, and let me think instead of being taught
I'll say things you won't believe, just stand back -
Just let me breathe!"
- Dream Theater/"Just let me breathe"
Something else would happen . . .
As for all Proggers, how could they "pretend" to play their instruments at such a high level? Why pretend to be cool in the most neglected genre in mass media? But Prog Metal wouldn't be Prog Metal if it didn't have aggression, bombastic playing, self-indulgent over the top, loud guitars, intricate drumming and various vocal styles (including the rough, screaming and grunting) to emphasize what was said in the lyrics. And to fit in with all its distorted overdriven power directed at us, and to energize and get the
audience going. It just wouldn't be "Metal" without those traits.
That was the point; Metal progressing its boundaries of riffs and power chords to infuse it with various musics to create something new. Yes?
Extending all an invitation - welcome to the Critic's Carnival -
Where writers think they know more than you
No, don't be a fool at Critic's Carnival"
- Magellan/"Critics Carnival"
These were not simple discussions of differences or points of view, but an elitism that thrives still today. Without the understanding that yes, these bands are influenced by the masters that came before. But that Progressive Rock was NEW in the late 1960's, it was a new idea, but even they were influenced by the greats that came before. If it was Blues, Folk, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz or Classical, someone gave them the blueprint, the education to build their foundation but took it in a whole new direction. Its ageless, timeless, its a variety to choose from and I say the more the merrier damn it! I am always surprised that someone
can re-invent the wheel, or simply have a new sound that appeals to us. It may not even have many tempo changes or lengthy songs, but it has something that speaks to us in a different way than just the AOR songs played on the radio over and over (and over), the same set of songs you heard the last time you listened to the radio 5 or more years ago. We have moved onto something at a higher level . . .
It is a review for an excellent Book on Progressive Rock (and Metal) called "Mountains come out of the Sky: The Illustrated History of Prog Rock" (By Will Romano, Backbeat Books). It starts off great until the biased rears its ugly head like some old fart complaining about Frank Sinatra being too loud (and yes, the formatting was written as it appears):
"This book is an excellent layman's overview of the oft-misunderstood designation of the sub-genre called progressive rock, prog, etc. For the younger generations who will discover an entirely new field of listening via this title, it's an excellent and substantially-inclusive, encyclopedic reference to all the bands that mattered. Having read most of the contemporary magazine articles & interviews, and nearly all the subsequent books written on this subject, I still learned a few things from this book. Hopefully the dreadful editorial gaffes will be corrected in a second printing. The only thing I would take issue with the author's viewpoint is his overly-high estimation of current bands like Muse, Radiohead, etc., as well as the latter-day derivative "prog-metal" bands like Dream Theatre. Most of the originators of the seventies' ground-breaking bands like Yes, ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd, et al, have kept a significant silence when it comes to endorsing these second-tier acts. And for good reason: the pretentious Radioheads can't hold a candle to the chops of the classically-trained originators, and the Dream Theatre's have only chops to offer, lacking in the visionary genius of truly groundbreaking works like Fragile, Atom Heart Mother, and Brain Salad Surgery. Derivation, which is seemingly all the current prog bands have to offer, will be a second doom for this potentially revolutionary musical format, and Heavy Metal influences in progressive rock have no more validity than fusing Air Supply with Hank Williams Jr.: it's essentially injecting a dose of Spinal Tap absurdity into genuine artful expression. Truly progressive examples of today's music would be Dead Can Dance, Bjork, and countless unsigned web-based musicians who have no motivation to adhere to their designated ruts. "Progressive" can be a particular style, but it didn't start out that way: future editions of progressive rock books should reevaluate the designation "progressive," and recast it in terms of originality, genius, artfulness, skillful delivery, and above all melodic musicality: not derivation, imitation, and pointless noodling."
Arrrrrgggghhhh . . .
To me this becomes simply "The Geeks vs The Nerds" and is totally pointless when things turn from great discussions to debates, arguments and insults. This is nothing more than "Elitism", snobbery and personal tastes (how many people have I seen wax-on about how "awful" ELP or Gentle Giant is? Though I'm not one of them). We can agree to disagree, but when finger pointing and thinking what us fans are about, or what we enjoy while judging on high floating on a Golden Pillow, they limit what the music is within their own parameters. They go on how Prog elevates, but only their prog.
It only proves that many of us have a wider taste of music and understanding. Again, its okay if you don't like it, why bash those that create it and those who love it and listen to it, we are no better no worse (but we like both ~ doesn't that make us well rounded?).
YOUtube is full of arm-chair critics that don't understand yet ridicule others (who they don't know at all, as they spout out garbage from the anonymity of their computer). If there is a band or individual who tries something new, the criticism not only goes to the creators but "us" as the listener. WE must be at fault for liking something they do not understand, therefore; "you people are crazy if you think this noise is music!", "Why do they need soo many drums!?", "What, Six strings are not enough? They must be compensating for their lack of knowledge of guitar (bass, drums, lead electric triangle etc.)".
Many of us start smaller, but others, as they gain more experience need to expand, there is a need to push boundaries and challenge themselves. And for those who listen and are as adventurous, also have a need to be challenged. And I think to have an ear for the simple, melodic AND complex just makes us ready for anything and open to understand more (ex. One Drum, is "1 note"). And the more you know and enjoy, the more you recognize the talents and skills the musicians bring (you may be able to read the sheet music or play by ear easily, or go on some tirade that you have to play it by the numbers, but did you "write and compose" it, or doing it your own way, improvising? Try doing that...).
Go to YOUtube and find Spiral Architect, in the comments you'll see those who don't understand and obsess that we are all insane. Like those who criticized Mozart, Wagner and Beethoven - Limited minds dictate limits.
You think you can stand in judgment, so listen here and I'll remind you
Preaching the converted 'cause it's all you know, music's dead because it's all about the money now
And you don't even know who you are anymore; "Put it out somehow" -
And the business man laughs all the way to the bank, and he's counting fast and he's laughing hard
Laughing loud!"
- Magellan/"Preaching the converted"
Yeah, no kidding, it was all NEW then, and the music that came before influenced them, and so it goes.
There are people out there still trying to invent a new machine, but its not as easy as it was in the late 60's and 70's when it was those certain musicians who were trying something never done before. Why not enjoy music for what it is instead of worrying if they are moving the genre forward? I have my share of
bands in Prog, Metal or any other types of music that doesn't sound pleasant to my ears, but the bigger
majority of it (this goes for Jazz, Fusion, Classical, Contemporary Classical and Soundtrack Scores) is much more enjoyable than most modern Top 40 Pop music.
At the beginning, the person also points out; "This book is an excellent layman's overview of the oft-
misunderstood designation of the sub-genre called progressive rock" - which I also point out at the beginning
of this essay. The layman, or the new listener should have the choice if they like either Progressive Rock
or Prog metal or "both". Not a biased armchair critic that believes the other is derivative and "lacking"
while again, a devotee of Prog using the word "pretentious" . . . coming off as pretentious.
"Derivation, which is seemingly all the current prog bands have to offer, will be a second doom for this potentially revolutionary musical format" - What "doom"? Both progressive musics are thriving, and I would suspect
that Progressive Rock is thriving because of Prog Metal, and visa-versa for those that hear beyond just
"chops" but can decide for themselves what they deem the music brings to their own ears. Again, even
proggers can live in a box and tell other people that they are foolish to think other forms of the genre are
inferior. Another case of people floating on golden pillows dictating limits as they point down at all of us. How would we know what we like? We don't play an instrument, how would we understand? Listen to
"__________", that's what progressive is! YOUR music is not up to par with its greatness.
. . . I may be belabouring this, but why do people have to sound so damn arrogant. Don't we get enough of that from the establishment, mass media and the hyped muzak scene (I might be doing the same thing, maybe I'm a flaming hypocrite as well)?
Pass the salt to the mediocre, not the ones that are trying to elevate the music instead of keeping it in a
radio format, packaged and sold as something new. I love the "classics", but those bands that saturated
the radio waves (even the "songs" from bands I admire) I have heard for 30, 40 50 years straight!
Did this guy need a paycheck and more views for himself and the magazine? By the titles of other "news" articles, seems they are really into race baiting and feeding their own narratives. And here I thought progressive music was for everyone, by everyone and "anyone", internationally:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/the-whitest-music-ever/534174/
As someone said in the comments (the TSUNAMI of comments :p):
"The article, meh. The comments, fascinating" :)
The strange part is, that "writer" also enjoys Metal, and lots of other musics that are "different", which makes no sense whatsoever. How is one music not as or more pretentious than the other again, please?
Wide open minds . . .
People who actually want to hear various musics . . .
Hey, I don't blame the 2 guys for not getting the track from a 1st listen, they are new to music like this and it will take a few more listens or better yet, they will eventually checkout their many other tracks (in this case, Dream Theater, which happens to be a fan favorite, but becomes a very complex track in the mid-section) that are more "song" oriented, along with other bands that play more complex musics (though also keep in mind, many of those same bands can also compose more straightforward tracks that are much more focused on melody). But read the various comments under the video at the YOUtube page.
Take note, the 2 guys above actually WANT to hear different types of music, but we who suggested they hear this track by DT "first" was a mistake (I raise my hand), its like asking someone to jump on a motorcycle without ever learning how to ride a bicycle. But the commenters . . .
The negative ones are coming from those stuck on what Metal "used to be", those that are stuck in the 80's/90's bands, some who actually had a bit of radio play, and those that don't understand that this type of music isn't to wash the dishes to, or typical music you workout to, though I do know people that do that. This isn't AOR Rock music, this is not straightforward Metal, it takes a few more listens, and a need for something more challenging - different, and for those that are patient enough to stick around and let it grow on them, or at-least let it sink in, and then have another listen.
If this is not your cup of coffee, you have plenty (or lack of) choices on the radio. But you are invited to come with us and find something that demands your attention. I LOVE the "classic" AOR bands, but man, I've lived with them since 1963 . . . over and over and over on the radio. But I can listen to a WIDER variety of music, and when in the mood, I can take out my LP's, and relive those musics of yesterdays instead of the radio dictating to me that "Clear Channel" knows what I like to listen to.
Progressive Rock, Prog Metal and Underground Metal are NOT easy listening or AOR Rock hits, these musics are NOT going to follow the parameters set by past Classic Rock bands or what is deemed "songs" by established critics, or the regular listener of Top 40, Pop, Rap/Hip-hop, Electronica/House, Alternative, or even AOR FM Radio of today. If you are one that needs the typical song structure - why listen to this type of music when you can continue to listen to what the radio has to offer for the last 30 years? The big label execs and bean-counter will be happy that you fit into their demographic and keep selling you the same types of music on the radio stations they own across the nation (or you could be really adventurous and try your local college radio that will have an endless variety of music to sink your teeth into!).
Follow the trends and fall in like everyone else - and of course this music will sound completely weird,
outrageous, unstructured and disjointed. All the things that WE are used to and is not so odd to our ears.
And are being played by actual musicians that know how to play that complex, or melodic and in-between.
For superior cynics
Who dance to a synthetic band
In their own image
Their world is fashioned –
No wonder they don’t understand!"
- Rush/"Natural Science"
Another trait of Progressive and many Metal musics is painting a picture of its subject into a musical translation. If its solely by subject or the lyrical content - the "music" is composed in mind to create a
visual interpretation, for example - what does "Metropolis" mean (take a look here at the various usage and meanings)? In this case Dream Theater creates a musical landscape of sound to represent all that a metropolis conveys. In the earlier days of Dream Theater's lyrics, meanings were more esoteric and they were open to interpretation to the listener, in this case "Metropolis - Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper"
is no exception. But the key word is metropolis, and if its visuals are conjured by the word itself or imbued
by the performers of this piece musically, its among a fan fave to watch it unfold live, which it also has its
particular recorded performances that are now legendary.
But as ANY band that has a subject to paint on an open and wide canvas will have its scrutiny for "self-indulgence", as did many of the great composers of classical pieces that were ahead of their time, and were
also highly ridiculed for what they tried to achieve. As these pieces were not the "folk" musics of local
villages, but were music created for royalty and commissioned, the snobbery of critics would raise their head to the people that it was too long (another character of Progressive Music), too loud because of the number of musicians in an orchestra (see composer Richard Wagner), and that many of the music pieces were "Cacophonous", no coherent structure, too dissonant and other aspects they did not understand but they thought themselves the arbiters of taste. They dictated to the people what they heard instead of the people making their own minds.
This also happened to the earlier bands of Progressive Rock like Emerson Lake & Palmer, Gentle Giant and many others. It was told to the public, and those that sought out this music anyway, that these bands had
"No soul", full of "wankery and noodling", "cheesy" and OUR fan fave . . . "Pretentious!".
Yet here they were "performing" these pieces live for all to see, they "composed" these pieces like the
greats who wrote for every instrument in an orchestra - yet the critics of magazines or behind computer screens have no idea how to compose music or how it all comes together, to "think" of song structures or
grander pieces, and put them down on paper. All they have to offer is criticism - but isn't that up to all of us as individuals? What we enjoy, what we pursue to satisfy our own tastes without ridicule from those that don't care to understand what WE hear, if educated musically or not - we hear what we hear. IF our ears are full of wax, why do all of us gravitate to this music AND other musics as well?
"Limited minds dictating limits".
Again, these people who limit their type of music in a box are dictating to US, that WE don't get "real songs
and song writing" - what THEY don't get is that we enjoy MORE musics, along with the complex, epic and
melodic, and the same bands that are able to focus on the "song" that has a groove, more feeling, soul and
is more, for lack of a better description, more mainstream. So which one of us enjoys more music and believe music should evolve?
Some people are also saying that "You have to be a musician to get it", "You have to have a high IQ". I'm the biggest idiot in the universe, don't have a degree, and I may have played guitar but not very well. Actually, most people I know that like these type of musics DO NOT play an instrument, they just enjoy music that challenges their minds and heartbeat, and they come from all walks of life, and they show up at any given club, arena or concert hall. I guess that means fewer people gravitate to this music. That's why they aren't billion selling albums and bands living the high life, but they are grounded and dedicated to the music and fans. Some work 9 to 5 jobs supplementing their craft, or they make a living doing what they love, and others by the skin of their teeth, and if there are people who love it, they can come along for the ride - with hopes WE can purchase their CD's, merch and spread the word. In-turn, they can pay the bills, take care of
their families and keep producing and recording the music we love to follow.
Remember, just because you may not understand it, or not like it, doesn't mean its "souless", bad or
hasn't been carefully composed and doesn't have no rhyme or reason. If you're a troll and just want to be
an ass, then when will you look in the mirror and ask yourself; Have YOU contributed anything creative and positive in the world? Or do you want to continue being ignorant instead of reading, listening and learning
something new? And just being civil and getting along with others?
I guess, after a funny comment from the 2 guys in the reaction video (George and Ryan), they will need to hear this track from Dream Theater (yes, ALL of us thought the same thing right when they cracked the joke :D): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYtiDCXLAcQ
All we ask is take a closer listen, listen to the other songs on an Album and find out they may be much more than just musical gymnastics, and think on another level. But be ready for those bands that ARE complex and extreme and perform music that IS different from the rest - you get what you research and pay for.
. . . but given the chance, you just might like it - crazy thought, I know ;).
Just crank 'em out on the assembly line and chart 'em higher (higher, higher)!
Just keep it simple boys it's gonna be alright as long as you're inside the -
Mainstream, are we moving too far away
Is it worth it if it doesn't pay
The centerline is status quo, it's -
Mainstream!"
- Kansas/"Mainstream"
GREAT explanation musically WHY Prog and Metal is NOT "Pop" . . . its much more.
The foundation of a Metropolis and why music like this comes close to composing a Symphony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc9KH5nMvjg
I was able to see 3 great musicians play at an intimate club in Universal City called the "Baked Potato" where Rock, Prog and Fusion musicians play. It was Tony MacAlpine, Bassist Bunny Brunel and Drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati. Watching this brilliance happen before our eyes, as Virgil was in the middle of an incredible solo, the person in front of me, leans into another stranger watching the solo go down, the person who leaned-in says; "Have you heard John Bonham's solo 'Moby Dick'"? The stranger looked at him as to say; "Huh?...Yeah - so? Why now?". I mean really??? Look in front of you!
Here we are with our jaws to the floor, and this guy kills our buzz :p (for just a moment). Yeah, we've seen Bonham do that awesome solo hundreds of times. "The Song Remains the Same" (there, you can watch it for your 1st time or go for a record ;) made it famous and many of us have lived with it since 1976 seeing it in the cinema, on TV, hearing it on the radio, seen it in revivals, and own the video. As did most of the older crowd at the club I would imagine. We can never forget those that came before, but what about now? Or those that have had plenty to offer for the last 15-20 years? Those that came after Zeppelin disbanded, who are making their own mark. Why are we stuck in the past and diminish or ignore those they influenced, those who picked up where they left off, especially those that took it to yet another level? Like many others, like Virgil right before our eyes . . .
The radio isn't going to provide new sounds, they are not the FM stations after 10pm that introduced new bands that were "different" of the 1970's. We don't live in that world anymore, its bean counters making the decisions of what they think you want to hear with charts and graphs, what "sells". It is truly the
"Illusion of Choice":
http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2012/05/the-sad-truth-of-media-consolidation-infographic.html
"Longevity" - A Rant:
https://youtu.be/-OJVLNUHPmM
Rock is Dead they say . . .
https://youtu.be/1YvXAf_-Tf4
Who killed it?
https://youtu.be/T0ycwnJArHQ
Rediscovery . . .
https://youtu.be/UQ_yGc_fbs4
This music I enjoy is progressing "Rock" forward than most bands I'm hearing on contemporary AOR FM. Whatever they are selling as Rock on the radio, as I said before, sounds like the same thing I heard 5 years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago. They are giving you all you need to know, and people are taking all they
want to know, not to venture, or afraid to know what is out there because its a little scary. Oh I can't listen to that, its loud and strange = it must be "bad". Do you eat at the same restaurants over and over, or do you sometimes try a new place, a new cuisine? I want to experience LIFE, or do you want to stay in a box the
rest of your life?
No thanks, I'll stick to the music I have to search out for and I'll judge for myself what is worth my time
and enjoyment. And I have many friends online that have similar tastes, which yours may vary. But look,
please don't put me down because I search out for something different, possibly obscure or relatively
underground. Something I have noticed, again because of the internet - now people will call you out
because you are enjoying "obscure bands". THEY never heard of them, so YOU must be a pretentious
"hipster". Why not experience those bands you never heard of? You may find something you actually enjoy and understand WHY many people are into them. Isn't that common sense? Step out of your comfort zone for once, try the gourmet burger and find out why some people think a McDonald's burger is crap! It's not going to kill you, come on, give it a try :D.
- Porcupine Tree/"The Sound of Muzak"
Media saturation
We're deep in a rut, the arteries cut
Sensory deprivation
'Really loved it, didn't earn a cent
No one's buying your experiment!"
- Kansas/"Mainstream"
Let me be clear . . .
Simplistic, melodic music can be great when there is musicianship and the ability to create commercial music that can move you, that is creative and has something to say, maybe even inspire. Not just repetitive beats, songs that have almost no verses but a chorus repeated over and over, and/or gimmicky "hooks" and annoying looped-samples/synth sounds, and the familiar R&B/Pop motifs that make every performer, no matter what type of trendy Pop, blend-into each other (nevermind the use of "Auto-tune"). THIS is what "Rules the Airwaves".
Its blaring in the cars, in Malls, where you work or eat and in popular Films, TV Commercials, News, Entertainment Shows, Social Media, Magazines and Tweets. I for one have experienced those situations and I can't just "block it out", I love music too much to just ignore it. It affects my mood, it reflects my mood. If I smell garbage it makes me feel nauseous. The same goes for bad music (MY personal tastes that is), is it constructed well or does it cater to the lowest common denominator? Is it hype or substance? Does it offer something more than make us feel good? Can it actually give us food for thought? Not just "it has a good beat and I can dance to it".
There's no spark no jingle, nor hooks nor four on the floor
Kick out the Harvard preppy dudes, let in Hollywood!"
- Karmakanic/"Let in Hollywood"
Fodder for the Fanboy.
As far as "Fanboys" go, I can be one too (Kansas, Opeth, Rush, Fates Warning, Meshuggah, Saga I'm very protective of, but to a point), I sometimes have issue with some of the bands I look forward to. Some take time (maybe years), to get used to, and those are the best because they have longevity and stand the test time (took a long time to get used to the darker moodier sound of Fates Warning "Pleasant Shade of Gray" for example, as well as "Disconnected"). Some have not been able to grow on me for the most part (my fave band of all time up there with Kansas, Rush and the critically acclaimed "Clockwork Angels", there are songs that I really enjoy, maybe 4? I just feel it needed some critical direction. Why I wish the "4th"
member, producer Terry Brown would come back, if we are lucky to have another album). But that's okay, everyone has their own ear on the bands we all follow, or the ones that are super obscure and gaining fans. We have TONS of choices to find what appeals to us.
What I have a problem with are fans that can not take criticism of any kind, especially if we are just trying to have a "discussion" (without the harsh words) about a band, and what bothers us. I for one do not want to change minds, just a personal perception of what I hear that doesn't click with me. I don't do this very often, because I've seen the arguments and its useless, pointless.
No one is going to change their mind and you can't have a reasonable conversation in text, thats why its better for face to face conversations, people are more civil and think twice before hurling insults at complete strangers because you may find your next "insult" on the ground with a bloody mouth. Now that
would be completely stupid to get into a fist fight about "everything Metallica creates blows everything away and F-you if you don't think so!". Many (again, not all and you know who you are) Metallica fans come off like SJW's, what they say -goes, without anyone to answer to. You might as well talk to a wall because they will lose their minds on any minute criticism.
Metallica was once my fave Metal band, from the debut of Kill 'em All to ...and Justice for All, all purchased on Lp (and Ep's) and played them to death, seen them on tour for Master of Puppets while Cliff Burton was alive, and saw the Justice for All Tour.
But I was into so many bands, and discovering even more, I moved on to bands that were offering much more personally, progressing, or I was just "growing". For me "and Justice" was progressing, and the next album (the "Black" album) seemed to be regressing, becoming simpler, yet people said they were "growing up" (I can remember a DJ on KLOS saying that) - to play music that was "easier" to digest meant growing
up? I lost interest, that's all, I had other bands that suited what I wanted from Metal. But I will NEVER ever deny that they put Thrash and Metal on the map, never.
So why bother, even though sometimes we feel a need to say something, of defend some poor guy or gal getting inundated by insults. But of course, any band we have issue with, someone out there will love what they do. I am amazed at the bands that some champion in metal and prog music, and I can't stand their lyrics or their sound, but I'm not here to "save you" from your own senses. Metal and Prog have a wide
range of styles, and all I have to do is move on and listen to what I like without making someone feel bad for a band that they enjoy. That's why I'm not a "critic", I only want to talk about the bands I enjoy, or at the very least - what bands helped the genre grow, who were significant, and are very important in the
history, and sometimes I have to admit their influence or how significant they are in the genre.
But no problem, you like what you enjoy, and I'll keep my mouth shut and will just listen to what I like, or any of us can be enlightened by another point of view, and possibly expose or be exposed to a band that we missed in their history and are blown away :).
Even the lost ones, the frightened and mean ones, even the ones with a devil inside
Thank your stars you’re not that way, turn your back and walk away
Don’t even pause and ask them why, turn around and say goodbye"
- Rush/"Wish them Well"
For US to be bickering endlessly about What's Prog, Why Prog Metal is insignificant, or this band sucks, why this band isn't Progressive or what is its real category;
Is like a speck of dust off a tick on a cow's udder while the cow is chewing cud on a 500 acre ranch as we pass by on the interstate in a muscle car going over 100 mph, while the rest of the world listens to Pop Radio in their silver and white cars that are championed by billions.
WE are insignificant in the bigger picture . . .
Progressive Music (and Underground Metal) doesn't mean SHIT to the rest of the world at all. Its panned or ignored by American Award Institutions that are supposedly there to educate (though if you go to the Grammy Museum, you will find plenty of interactive displays that feature sub-genres of Metal and Progressive musics with "respected" bands that represent the genre, which makes you wonder why these are not included in the nominations even more-so). Because they either don't know about its existence or they have their preconceived notions of what it is or they could care less and just want ambient noise in the background to do the dishes, mow the lawn or follow the trends and be drones like the rest.
You wonder about Grammy academy members, do they make random selections like opening a random page as if in a phone book and point? Or do they ask their Son's daughter who's boyfriend says this certain album is chill? And what the hell is "Best Metal Performance"? Is that all Metal/Prog is worth? So Top 40 and trendy flavours of the weak create "albums" worth of music instead of hit singles?
It's a crying shame that the last bastion of music, the category "Best Rock Instrumental" was removed in 2012. Most of these people won't put in the time to explore, but being an academy member, you'd think that's what they were supposed to do to make an educated decision, or people that are familiar with the genre, who may even work in some sort of capacity of Progressive Rock or Metal music (maybe we can blame the Metal and Prog community themselves as well). Even though we are all busy with other things, many of us have the need for music a bit more stimulating and challenging, we make the time because we crave it.
. . . its our escape, it helps us endure, focus, and it inspires. Its our way to smell the roses.
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity"
- Rush/"The Spirit of Radio"
there is a groove or timing (even if its in-between all the time changes :p) that will make you headbang.
You are ALL welcome to enjoy these musics as International fans . . . and we have pie, and in a variety of flavours! :D
Pickled to an amber hue and never lied to me or you
To get ahead or create a vibe, for sympathy to romanticize
How hard it is to rock 'n roll
To be a pawn or gain control
It seems that lately we've become quite the target
Dodging verbal traffic, oh the fun of it
Our job is now writing, performing, and enduring
And I'd have to be lying if I denied loving it (shake it down)"
- Echolyn/"The Cheese stands Alone"
Also, there was the term "Progressive", the contentious definition where many saw it as an oxymoron. Has the music really progressed or does it "fit" in a niche'? I think that is left to the musicians themselves to decide. It's the musician that performs and creates the music and who am I to tell them how to do it or what it is (but sometimes, they don't even see themselves as a gateway to Metal or the 1st Metal bands. Led Zeppelin shun it, Deep Purple say they are a Heavy Rock band, and so on). All that I can do is like or dislike what they do.
For me Progressive (or "Prog") Rock & Metal is a "Genre Title", the music distinguishes itself from other forms of Rock or Heavy Metal musics. If they decide to re-hash the music of the 70's or 80's, follow the blueprint of Queensryche, Fates Warning or Dream Theater, create something new or the in-between, for me its all good . . . as long as it moves me.
But without the definitions, again; If you had a friend that said they like Heavy Metal, and they listen to AC/DC,
Guns 'n Roses, Def Leppard, and the like. And you excitedly suggest they listen to Obscura or Khemmis, they may just strangle you, or look at you as if you're a serial killer! :P
I can't accept its a generational thing because I was born in 1963 (and I know there are plenty of other fans as old or older), I heard it all. I have also met and talked to many of a younger generation (from 14 and up) who totally "get it" and have stimulating discussions and discoveries as much as us old farts. All who are open to what's out there instead of limiting the genre into another one size fits all box or to be part of a
clique or exclusive club where you need a security clearance.
Actually, this is a VERY exclusive Club, that "everyone" is welcome to join. IF you have a mind open to possibilities, of music that has different tones, layers, beauty and aggression and more, then you will
eventually find out, like so many of us International fans, crave and respect these musics soo much. You will come to an understanding why we hold onto these musics like a precious gem, and we are willing to enlighten you with its brilliance :). And learn to appreciate one extreme to another, in-turn, it helps you
appreciate even more music out there, of all degrees and styles to enjoy. I mean, go out there! Explore! There is soo much music to find, but don't discard the past music for new faves, keep them in your library and memory. You can pull out those classics or obscure faves and enjoy them with the new, because they
actually have longevity and come on . . . because you ENJOY listening to it!
. . . "Variety is the spice of Life".
- Fates Warning/"Point of View"
In memoriam . . .
during the revamping of this essay.
John Kenneth Wetton June 12 1949 ~ January 31 2017
Your music also meant the world to me, and a great loss in progressive music :'(
But your music will never die, so too - you live on.