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.
-
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...
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.