Metal Discussion

Swallow the Sun: Shining

After several listens this is a very solid album from beginning to end. Their sound has always been very original Opeth-like staying true to their roots. Vocally swinging back and forth from growling to almost brooding gothic mela tone vocals. This entire album is dark and wonderful always flirting with different levels of darkness through out. Keeps in tone with their previous two albums. Progressive, dark, gothic metal. 9/10

Jerry Cantrell: I Want Blood

The driving force behind Alice In Chains has a new Solo album out. This will be his 5th solo outing and second since the last AIC album was released. From beginning to end this album sounds like a AIC album and honestly should have been released under that bands moniker. His solo stuff is usually similar to his AIC stuff but usually is more mellowed out or straight towards rock with some mild blues influences. But this is AIC though and through. From the haunting sludgy guitar that is unique to his playing style to the vocals you know from him it sounds like an AIC album. This is an excellent album. If you are a fan of AIC or Cantrell then get this album. Only took me one listen to love it and two to confirm that love. 9/10.

Oceans of Slumber:: Starlight and Ash

This is the newest album when I purchased it last week however they have a new one coming out very soon. The title of the band describes them in a good way. They have several albums out but I have not heard them so I can only go by this one. The vibe of the album is incredibly mellow with little flirtations of getting harder here and there. The female lead vocalist is exceptional in her delivery and range. This band could be any style they wanted and she would fit right in. This album is excellent to listen to when you just want to have something chill going on. They do a cover of House of the Rising Sun done mostly with Violin and piano as the featured instruments. This album grew on my fast and cannot wait to start checking out their other material. 8/10

Opeth: The Last Will and Testament

First off I've become a huge Opeth fan over the years. First Album I heard from them was Orchid. I've watched these guys grow and evolve. I'm really not a big fan of extreme/growl singing but there are a handful of bands that I like. These guys are one them. Enough with that now to this album specifically. It is an excellent concept album. I recommend getting hold of the lyrics an read alone to the entire album. Song crafting, flow of the album, musicianship & singing are all on point. The growls are Back! It still works for them. The only difference, with this album musically, is you now see the entirety of their career evolution wise coming through on this alum. Complex chords and riffs that you know they can do. Great drumming. Vocals as mentioned. The emotional back and forth. The influence over the last 4 albums, instrumental wise, has been meshed very well in to the sound they are "recapturing" from their old days. It all comes together fantastically and masterfully in my opinion. They even work flute in on this album by the legendary man from Jethrow Tull, Ian Anderson himself. 9/10

Dream Theater: Parasomnia (16th Studio album)

These guys have never put out a bad album Imo. Their abilities as musicians shine through on every album they make. Crafting each song with a purpose as they are the kings of concept albums, Seriously every album they have ever released is a concept album. They do them very well. The band recently reunited with drummer Mike Portnoy and his unique drum style shines on and just fits back seamlessly with the Dream Theater soundscapes. This is a great album and yes it is a concept album as mentioned earlier. As always they take you on a journey from start to finish. With all concept albums I recommend getting hold of the lyrics, if possible, so that you can follow along on that musical dreamscape. If you like Dream Theater or new to prog this is a great album. 9/10