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