Shadow Gallery - Digital Ghosts

Artist: Shadow Gallery

Album: Digital Ghosts

Release: 2009

“Echoes of this ghost song fade away…”

So here’s a band that I had never listened to before this record. I had heard previous vocalist Mike Baker when he was featured on Ayreon’s The Human Equation album back in 2004, (also my first exposure to Ayreon). I liked the guys voice – it had a nice Alice Cooper-esk vibe about it. And that was it. A few years pass and I hear about this band again. In 2008 Mike Baker passed away much to the dismay of prog heads everywhere. Then I heard news that the band was recording a new album. And so here’s Digital Ghosts, Shadow Gallery’s first record without Mike on vocals. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t listened to their previous recordings, but I think this is a great tribute to their fallen comrade. This is fairly stream-lined progressive metal. Constantly changing rhythms, guitarist vs. keyboardist battles (I guess it isn’t only limited to power metal), and varying vocal harmonies are the bulk of Digital Ghosts. There’s nothing wrong with this but it’s a bit predictable. The progressive metal scene prides itself on complexity and this record tends to hang around in the average area of the genre. This also makes it hard to find any comparable bands to help flush out my thoughts. The closest I can come up with is a heaver The Tangent and early Dream Theater, (I had to make myself spell theatre incorrectly), but even then that’s only during a few songs. Speaking of songs, they all have an uplifting quality about them that is a nice change of pace for me musically. Thinking back I can’t recall any songs that really stood out above the rest but on this album in works out for the best. Each consecutive listen is like rediscovering the songs anew. That is something that is rare in music these days. But something I focused on while listening to the record was its title. Digital Ghosts – what a perfect name for these recordings. Mike’s presence is defiantly felt here. Mainly in the over-the-top drum passages and guitar solos. In conclusion, I didn’t really know what to expect from Shadow Gallery. But at the end of the day, they’ve gained a fan – or at least a new listener.

Indukti - S.U.S.A.R.

Artist: Indukti

Album: S.U.S.A.R.

Release: 2004

“All my hopes, they just can’t unfold”

This one’s a deep listen… These Polish upstarts are pushing at the boundaries of progressive metal. Where some bands on their debut’s tend to stuck to the simpler formulas of their chosen genre, Indukti brings a complexity to S.U.S.A.R. that few musicians would dare to attempt on their first records. Sounding like a weird mix of Ayreon and Riverside, (complemented by Riverside vocalist Mariusz Duda singing on a few tracks), the band’s eccentric instrumentation is the notable feature on S.U.S.A.R.. The majority of the album is instrumental and while that may turn off some people, the musicians involved keep the listener on their toes with constantly changing rhythms and melodies. A particular moment of beauty that shines through above the others is when the album halts and a Harp plays for a few blissful minutes. I’m left wishing they would have given more emphasis on the Harp player because she definitely gives the album a better sense of atmosphere. There’s a general feeling of coldness around this record. The songs have a dark vibe about them that is only added to when Mariusz caresses the record with his unique sound of pain and loss. With such a combination of talent, the album could serve as background music to a lunatics mind. Nothing wrong with that right? Anyway… S.U.S.A.R. as a whole feels like one big jam session. The last song in particular sounds like it could have come from In the Court of the Crimson King – which is a BIG plus in my book. As far as sound, Indukti don’t really bring a lot of new stuff to the table. But none the less S.U.S.A.R. is still quite an interesting listen and any fan of progressive music should find this record enjoyable – if a tad repetitive. Indukti are defiantly a band to watch for in the future.

Ihsahn - After

Artist: Ihsahn

Album: After

Release: 2010

“And this is the after. The ending of ends.”

If King Crimson decided to play death metal in 1970, this is what Lizard would have sounded like. After being Vegard Tveitan, AKA Ihsahn’s third solo release after disbanding Emperor, he has had the time needed to develop a sound all his own. While his previous releases had a tendency to lean towards a heavier sound, on After he has finally managed to balance death and progressive metal into something beautiful. The man’s guitar work has been improving steadily and this record sees Ihsahn at the top of his game. It almost sounds like it came from another world. I am reminded of Opeth’s Morningrise during the transitions from acoustics to heavy metal. Not a bad record to be compared to in my opinion. It’s also a plus that After was produced by Jens Bogren who also worked on Opeth’s last two records. But the really surprising this about this album is the inclusion of a Saxophone. This addition lets me know that Ihsahn is serious about expanding his musical horizons on this record. The instrument is used sparingly but when it is, it provides a large amount of texture and gives the album as a whole a much more desolate feel. The whole album sounds like it could have just been a jam session between the musicians and that’s a nice refreshing change from all the large scale releases that came out last year. But a word to the music-savvy. This is a challenging listen. Don’t expect to make it through After in one sitting. I tried and it wore me out. Ihshan has delivered one monolith of a record and I loved every minute of it. After is starting 2010 off to a good start and I’d expect nothing less from this genius.

Project 1 is DONE! - Preview of Projects 2 & 3 and something else...

Well there ya go. 10 records that influenced my life last year. Each one is an accomplishment in it's own way. But I feel there is something I need to address after finishing this list.
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Steven Wilson put out Insurgentes in March of last year. This was easily my favorite record of last year. However, the reason it's not on the list is because I received my pre-ordered special edition in November of 2008. So technically I experienced that album before the year 2009 thus invalidating its entry onto the list. I know its a arbitrary and stupid reason but it wouldn't be fair to include something that I didn't experience first in 2009. But don't fret. Insurgentes will certainly be a part of project 3 chronicling my favorite records of all time. But that's still a ways off. Anyway...
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I'll be taking a short break from writing as I have some pressing school work that requires my attention. But don't worry, I have some stuff written to provide filler between now and the start of my next project. My next project is going to be an analysis of every Porcupine Tree album. Needless to say, this might take awhile. So bare with me.
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I also have an idea that would involve something a bit more personal. I'm not going to say much other then it will be music related and involve someone who was very close to me.
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So In conclusion, stay open-minded and give music a chance to do its job and take you somewhere.

Best Wishes,
- Sean

Music of 2009 - Part X

1. Wardruna – Runaljod-Gap var Ginnunga

Bringing Baldr back – one hymn at a time. Ending our list is an obscure band from Norway with their debut record. I’ll admit that this is a bit of an odd choice for the last spot on this list. But hey, it’s all about the experience you can have with music, and boy did I experience this record. But first a short story. I found this album, (or it found me), when I was questioning a lot of the things around me. My grades were slipping, I was distancing myself from my friends and loved ones. Basically I was going through a “what the hell am I doing with my life?” phase. Nothing seemed to be able to hold my attention, and for someone like me that’s a big problem… Then I listened to these recordings… I felt as if time around me had stopped. For the first time in months I was completely at peace with the world and its inhabitants. Everything just seemed to make sense. As lame as this is going to sound, Gap var Ginnunga took me on a journey. A journey I didn’t want to end. But enough of my life. Onto the record… This is the first of three albums that will focus on the runes of the elder furthark. Each song represents a different rune. As someone who has studied runes and knows the power they hold, this is huge. Each song manages to capture what each rune is all about and does so without overwhelming the listener. Some songs were even recorded on specific days of the pagan calendar to capture the true essence of the God’s in the music. Admittedly, this record is not for everyone. I would only recommend this music to someone who is very open minded and doesn’t mind a challenging listen. But the rewards captured here are endless. This record is a testament to the true power music holds. I had a revelation while listening to it – imagine what it could do for you.

Music of 2009 - Part IX

2. Porcupine Tree – The Incident

Anyone who knows me knows that I love this band. When I first discovered this band in 2005, little did I know the impact the music of Porcupine Tree would have on my life. I have loved the band ever since so naturally The Incident was a first day purchase for me. After the initial fanboy-ism wore off after a few days, I began to seriously put this album through its paces. This album as a whole is brilliant. The songs are excellently composed, the musicianship is top-notch, the songs are lavishly written, ect… But despite all the praise I can heap upon this recording there is one major problem I have with this record. This is a full on, unabashed, concept album. If this were any other band or any other recording this wouldn’t be a problem, but because I hold this band in such high esteem, I feel this small fact damages my listening experience. I feel like I have to listen to the whole album – all 14 tracks – in order to get the whole experience this band wanted to convey. I feel like I have to set aside time to actually listen to this record. Like I said before – not a big deal. But this degrades my personal listening experiences. Anyway… Steven Wilson and company have really outdone themselves. The Incident is yet another Porcupine Tree album that will cement this band in progressive rock history. For the fans, this record has a little bit of every previous PT release. The heaviness of Deadwing, the acoustics of Lightbulb Sun, the contentious style of play on Signify and Up the Downstair, every base of their discography is covered in this 55 minute epic. In this world of simple and commercial music, this band strives to create full and complex music and that is why I hold them above all others. Porcupine Tree’s records WILL change the way you look at music. This I guarantee.

Music of 2009 - Part VIII

3. Cain’s Offering – Gather the Faithful

This is what power metal is all about. Fast guitars, tantalizing keyboards, cheesy lyrics. And here’s the kicker… This is this Finnish super-group’s first album. Formed by guitarist extraordinaire Jani Liimatainen after leaving Sonata Arctica, Jani gathered a group of all star musicians from all over the country to help with this record. Singer Timo of Stratovarius, keyboardist Mikko of Essence of Sorrow, (also formerly from Sonata Arctica), bassist Jukka of Wintersun, and new drummer Jani “Hurtsi” to finalize this killer lineup. As for the music, what more can be said. This is near perfection. It’s fast, it’s catchy, and it’s one of the best records I can recall listening to. I was literally in awe for the duration of the album. Gather the Faithful is one of those records that can pick you up on a bad day. Yes, it’s that powerful. Timo’s voice soars above the torrent of Jani’s virtuoso guitar riffs and the complement of Mikko’s insane keyboard skills make this something truly memorable. Put your iPod’s on repeat because this one’s a keeper.

Music of 2009 - Part VII

4. Sonata Arctica – The Days of Grays

Now, here’s a band that that is able to grasp and hold onto greatness. While their sound has changed over the years from straight power metal to a kind of symphonic/power/prog hybrid, Sonata Arctica still maintains the high level of energy power metal requires while expanding their horizons. Coming from Finland, (so they already have the formula to rock), Sonata began as a Stratovarius clone, but with this new album it’s hard to see any similarities between The Days of Grays and their debut. You will find the typical Sonata tracks here. Songs about love, Wolves, betrayal, winter, ect… but never before have they been so bombastic. If Tony Kakko was aiming at something this grandiose when he wrote this record, then bravo sir, you have made a strong contender for best written album of the year. While they hit a bump on the road with their last record, The Days of Grays see this band back in prime form. Good to have you guys back.

Music of 2009 - Part VI

5. Fjieri - Endless

What a pleasant surprise this was! After 10 years of work, these Italian proggers give us Endless – an album where nothing is as it seems. In all my years of analyzing music, I have never encountered such a multi-faced record. Where one song is a traditional 80’s synth instrumental, the next is a smooth jazz jam session. Ambient, pop, darkwave, piano rock, and several others make up all nine songs on this debut. Also the list of guest musicians the band has gathered is quite impressive. Porcupine Tree’s drummer Gavin Harrison and keyboardist Richard Barbieri, (who also co-produced the record), Tim Bowness of the British pop enigma No-Man, and more make this record as distinct as it is memorable. With the obvious influence of Porcupine Tree and No-Man, you can also hear the improve styling’s of King Crimson in the bass and more mellow parts of the record. It’s otherworldly and probably won’t be able to leave my mind for a long time.

Music of 2009 - Part V

6. Arkona – Goi, Rode, Goi!

I had no idea what storm awaited me when I began listening to this record. But I can say this – this record brings the pain and doesn’t stop until you submit to the beast that is Arkona. Playing a more brutal style of folk metal, this band hails from the heart of Russia and the influence of their home land is forever present in their music. Singing of forgotten Gods and pagan rituals, front woman Masha serenades us with angelic hymns and transitions to one of the most brutal growls in metal today, (Angela Gossow has nothing on this woman!) Differing from their folk contemporaries Ensiferum, Arkona are not above using traditional instrumentation in their music. The list ranges from violins and flutes to accordions and hurdy-gurdy’s, and there’s even some Lai-Lai-Lai’s in there for good measure. You need to experience this band. Period. Folk metal record of the year!

Music of 2009 - Part IV

7. Riverside – Anno Domini High Definition

I love being tricked when I listen to music. And that’s just what ADHD does. What starts as a subtle piano tune quickly turns into one of the most active records this year. From Opeth-esk melodies to keyboard riffs straight from Floyd, Riverside has created an odyssey for the ears, (there’s also a fair bit of Tool and Porcupine Tree sprinkled around as well.) The performances of the musicians should also noted. Guitarist Piotr is really the star of the show, (the whole record is basically one big 44 minute solo), and singer Mariusz can convey nostalgia for the past better than any other singer I’ve heard recently. ADHA is one of those records that needs to be listened to from beginning to end – if you don’t then you’re missing out on something beautiful. This IS modern prog at its best.

Music of 2009 - Part III

8. Ensiferum - From Afar

These Finnish boys (and girl) once again give us something that is a bit of a rarity these days. A folk metal record that stays fresh from start to finish, (no pun intended). If you’re looking for a new outlandish instrument to take up you will be sorely disappointed. Ensiferum prefer to keep a very back-to-basics sound to their music - guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards. And where some bands in the genre have begun to grow stale with uninspired and over the top songs, Ensiferum’s Kalevala-inspired lyrics and soaring chorus’s stand out as being a notch above the rest, not to mention an epic banjo solo. With this record the band has cemented themselves as the reigning kings of folk metal.

Music of 2009 - Part II

9. Katatonia - Night is the New Day

These Swedish metalheads sure know how to bring a person down. Night is the New Day see Katatonia continuing down the path of gloom and doom. Drawing influence from Fields of the Nephilim to Red House Painters, these mournful souls guide us down a dark road full fallen leaves and hanging willows. Each song is beautifully textured as to not overshadow the ones still to come and singer Jonas continues to find new ways of communicating the sadness of things. Mr. Mellotron is the driving sound on this disc of nightshade and will lull you into a sleep full of shadows and red. Great for any fan of somber and tragic music.

Music of 2009 - Part I

10. Maudlin of the Well - Part the Second

Starting us off is this band that broke up 7 years ago. The story goes that the band had been donated enough money from willing fans that they decided to record this record to repay all those who had supported them over the years of absence. And guess what? It sounds magnificent. This is one of those rare records that has a bit of everything AND WORKS! From a violin that reminds of "Flowermouth" era No-Man to a full backing choir - not to mention the underplayed vocals and percussion. This is a full, satisfying record and best of all... you can get it for FREE----> www.maudlinofthewell.net

Preamble

Here’s a little secret about me. I love music. I love the uplifting bombastic anthems and the dark melancholic dirges. I love the grandiose guitar and the mournful mellotron. This list contains all of the above. From moments of sheer beauty to crushing brutality, it's all there. Throughout this year, I noticed that I seemed to be drawn to the latter of the two. The kind of music that broods in the back of your mind and makes your hair stand on end. I'm not a physiologist so I don't know what that says about me but someone as deeply admire once said...

"If your like me, you find the saddest music to be the most beautiful" - Steven Wilson

So it begins...

Welcome to my little corner of the internet.
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I have been wanting to start something like this for awhile now but I never really had any idea what form it would be. Would it be critical reviews of albums? Or perhaps something as abstract as words and emotions that spring while I experience music? In the end I decided that if I was going to start a blog, it would be for me.
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My main goal for Minor Suggestions is to chronicle my experience with the music for future reference. To expand my horizons mentally and musically. And if you happen to find some similarity between my experience with the music and yours, all the better. The experiences of others is something to be shared, not repressed. So feel free to comment and agree or disagree. This is how we broaden our minds and discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed.
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I will be posting something in some form whenever I find another piece of music. As of writing this I have several pieces of music on their way, so posting should be pretty frequent. But to start this blog off right, I have prepared a list of 10 records of last year that caught my attention and held it. Look for this soon.
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So whatever brought you here, I hope you enjoy your stay.

Kauniita Unia!