Biv's House of Prog

Hologram concerts - Flop or Future?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:35:00 +0000

Within the last decade, we have acquired the technology to make hologram concerts a reality. While this concept had been done a couple of times prior, in the form of Michael Jackson and Tupac, the Dio Disciples were the first to perform live with a hologram. That, of course, was with the late Ronnie James Dio, in 2016-17. While most of the shows had no technical flaws, a few invariably dipd. And, they were lightly attended (excluding Wacken). Despite this, it brings up an ethical metal question.

Let's forget any technical flaws for a moment. And, for the time being, let's forget it was Dio. It could be any great deceased artist of your choice. It could be Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Lemmy, Shannon Hoon, Steve Lee or any of your favorite artist that might pass in the future. What if you never got to see Motorhead in concert and they were one of your all-time favirites? How about seeing Gotthard again with Steve Lee backed live by the rest of the band? How about seeing Nirvana 'live'? You get the point.

After watching the video from Bucharest of the Dio hologram show, I have to say I was quite impressed with the fluidity and overall movement and audio. While not perfect, the technology is there to highly simulate Dio himself. Depending on the cost involved, I would consider going to a hologram show with some live band members. Or, how about simulating what are considered to be some of the greatest of all-time? I'm thinking Woodstock, Guns N' Roses - Live at the Ritz '88, Ozzy with Randy Rhodes, or Metallica with Cliff Burton. The list goes on...
So 'Flop or Future'? At this point it is hard to say. But I will say I would be willing to gove it a What are your thoughts?

The ever-evolving White Wizzard

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:53:00 +0000

BIV'S REVIEW OF:

WHITE WIZZARD - INFERNAL OVERDRIVE

Release Date: Jan 12, 2017 (U.S.)

Label: M-Theory Records

White Wizzard has seen many lineup changes over the years, making musicians disappear and in this case, re-appear. Wyatt "Screaming Demon" Anderson is back on vocals, after sitting out their prior CD, 2013's The Devil's Cut. And original guitarist James LaRue, who performed on their first two releases, both EPs, White Wizzard and High Speed GTO, is back in the fold as well. But the changes don't stop there.

If you've listened to White Wizzard for some time, you know their sound has been primarily based in the power-metal genre. And don't get me wrong, they continue to deliver a punch. Evidence of this can be found in the opener (also the title track). But the 2nd track, "Storm the Shores", is a galloping battle anthem worthy of permanently being in their set list. Here is the link to the lyric video, in case you missed it:

White Wizzard - Storm the Shores (Lyric Video)

"Pretty May" keeps up the pace, being extremely melodic with a good tempo but not being unnecessarily blazing. Then we get to where the CD takes a turn.

Suddenly, we get an 8+ minute track entitled "Chasing Dragons" which definitely borders on progressive. The chorus is well-framed and will stick in your head like that hot blonde that just broke up with you. The bridge on this track kicks some serious tail that would make Steve Harris proud and shows founder Jon Leon's desire to bring in progressive elements. That trend continues throughout the rest of the album, mixing power and progressive beautifully.

"Voyage of the World Raiders" is a track that has an arena-anthem feel, then suddenly, about 4 minutes in, this cool middle-eastern sitar sounding piece takes over. Closing out this 9 minute masterpiece is a bridge that builds to a power-chord crescendo.

Unfortunately, the next tune "Critical Mass", is a B-side, at best. It is another 8+ minute track that unlike the others' with length, this one overstays its welcome like your mother-in-law. If not altogether eliminated, it is screaming to be edited.

"Cocoon" is a plodding tune with Wyatt channeling his inner Stu Block, showing his ability to go from intense baritone vocals to a soar, LaRue's guitar also shines on this one, but greatly supported by Leon's bass.

"Metamorphosis" is a track I just outright consider to be a miss. Unlike almost every other tune on this album, it just has nothing to offer. Thankfully, it's one of the shortest tracks on the CD at just about 4 minutes.

No good progressive metal CD would be complete without an 11-minute closer, would it? And that's just what we get with "The Illusions Tears". The first time I heard this CD, I knew this track could elevate the whole CD to 'great' status, or could make us wish they had just left it off the final product. Thankfully, it delivers as a great closer, and justifies it's length. It takes us on a mid-tempo journey musically, not wearing out its welcome, incorporating everything they are known for, and more

In a recent interview, founder and bassist Jon Leon stated that Rush, Iron Maiden and Rainbow were some of his biggest influences. I would say he did them proud.

8.5 / 10

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Biv's Prog-Metal Journey Pt. 3

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 22:09:00 +0000

IRON MAIDEN - THE FINAL FRONTIER (2010)

This CD is progressive through and through. Sure, it still has all the things power-metal fans have come to love and expect from Maiden, including Steve Harris' killer bass-lines and Bruce Dickenson's soaring vocals, but the song structures of almost all 10 tracks borders on progressive. This was a problem for some fans, and as a result I find this album to be grossly underrated by most Maiden-heads. Tracks such as "El Dorado", "Starblind" and "The Talisman" harken back to another killer CD (also bordering on progressive), Somewhere in Time.

CRIMSON GLORY - STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL (1991)

Hey, I told you upfront that I dig albums that others don't. I know most prefer Transcendence, but for my money, this was their peak. The title track, followed by "Starchamber" and the slinky and seductive "In the Mood" start of the CD, letting you know right away it was to be more progressive. Midnight's (R.I.P.) scorching range on vocals rival that of Sebastian Bach in his prime. Unfortunately, this CD landed about the same time as Nirvana...the rest is history.

DREAM THEATER - AWAKE (1994)

I was really impressed with both Images and Words and Live at the Marquee and was a little concerned what this album might bring. Needless to say it didn't disappoint, with almost every track being a prog-metal favorite with fans around the world. And, its probably a CD that every musician of this genre would cite as a strong influence. It's hard for any CD to stay relevant for almost a quarter of a century, but that is exactly what it has accomplished.

DOMINICI - O3 A TRILOGY PT 2 & 3 (2007 / 2008)

Yes, that Dominici. The same Charlie Dominici from Dream Theater's 1989 debut, made two of the most magnificent prog-metal concept albums ever. The trilogy is a unified concept and great story of humanity's downfall. Well-crafted, esquisitly played by his assembled musicians and thoroughly enjoyable. In fact, these two CDs combined rival any Dream Theater release since 2000's Metropolis Pt. II: Scenes from a Memory. No joke, check them out.

DANTE - SATURNINE (2010)

The 2 founders of the band, Markus Maichel (keyboards) and Markus Berger (guitar) met at a Dream Theater concert (let me see your 'shocked' face) and quickly started jamming and writing together. This, their 2nd release, was an absolute prog-rock / metal masterpiece. Every human emotion seems to be represented here while taking you on a musical journey that will stick in your head, Sadly, Berger passed in 2013, but Maichel and company rebounded nicely. Be sure to check out 2017's When We Were Beautiful, which I could have just as easily put here.

SUPERIOR - BEHIND (1996)

During the mid-to-late 90's, when the metal scene was chaotic and muddled, a few artists (especially from central Europe) managed to leave their mark. Right at the same time that Vanden Plas was experiencing its metoric rise, Superior came along with this epic CD that would give me a glimpse of the future of progressive-metal...although I didn't know it at the time. This band, of amazing talent, would produce only 3 LPs from 1996-2002, before finally disbanding in 2007.

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT. 2

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT. 1

Biv's Prog-Metal Journey Pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 18:13:00 +0000

Lost In Thought - Opus Arise (2011)

What's that you say? You never heard of them? Man, are you missing out! This band, out of England, features some of the best clean prog-metal vocals on the planet in Nate Loosemore. Add to that slamming riffs, contrasting beautiful keys and excellent drum-work and you'd swear this was a lost early Dream Theater record in the Awake era. Sadly, Nate is no longer with the band. But that won't keep me from picking up their new release, slated for sometime in 2018,

Theocracy - Mirror of Souls (2008)

I would argue there are no better opening three tracks on any progressive metal album better than "A Tower of Ashes", "On Eagles' Wings" and "Laying the Demon to Rest". Add to that a 22 minute epic track that ends the CD in the title track, along with other better-than-average tunes and you have a classic. And, if you are a believer, you can finally say there is a Christian prog-metal band that as good or better than any secular band. This album is a must-have in your collection!

Pyramaze - Contingent (2017)

In any other year, this would have been album of the year for me, but it was edged out by Threshold's "Legends of the Shires". Nevertheless, it is a well-written masterpiece that finds this band hitting on all cylinders. The theme of this CD focuses on man's potential demise, primarily from it's own greed. The tunes are well-crafted under the direction of keyboardist Jonah Weingarten and guitarist Jacob Hansen and Toke Skjonnemand. And Tarje Haroy kills it on vocals, especially with Aannynubis Gate's Henrik Fevre accompanying on vocal harmonies and arrangements.

vConception - Flow (1998)

In the mid to late 90's, when prog-metal was still in it's infancy, Conception was paving their own path, with Roy Khan at the helm, prior to his days with Kamelot. This would be his last recording with the band, but he made it count. With tracks like "Gethsemane", "Angel", and "Flow", this CD was years ahead of it's time. Unfortunately, this group would disband at its very peak.

Savatage - Wake of Magellan (1997)

Savatage has a long history, with the vast majority of it featuring quality releases, even with the passing of Chris Oliva and constant lineup changes. As they matured musically, they found themselves going from a power metal band (think Hall of the Mountain King) to this epic progressive-metal release. In my opinion, this was, and still is, the greatest concept album of all-time. It's heavy at times, slows down at others, but the whole time is absolutely majestic, If you are a newer fan of the genre, this is something you should spin a few times.

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT. 3

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT. 1

Biv's Prog-Metal Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:01:00 +0000

As a reader, it's important to know some information about the author. I am 46 and have loved metal for over 30 years. My first metal concert was Metallica opening for Ozzy in 1986, just months before the tragic accident that would claim the life of Cliff Burton. To this day, I still love classic metal, but my true passion is progressive metal, which, if you haven't guessed by the name, is what this page is about.

This website will feature progressive-metal news, reviews, interviews and more, helping you, as a metal fan to stay up-to-date in one convenient place. So why progressive metal? Here's my story...

On a fateful day in 1992, when I was watching Headbanger's Ball on MTV, a new video came on by a band I'd never heard of; Dream Theater. The song? "Pull Me Under". I immediately went out and bought the album Images and Words and played it for what seemed like a thousand times. I heard this term called progressive metal soon after and began finding other bands who were laying the foundation for this new genre.

While I realize any "Greatest of all-time" list is subjective, the albums below are what influenced me
the most as a listener. Full Disclosure: I've been known to like albums others don't...and that's okay. This list is simply here so that you understand where my tastes are. The following are in no particular order

Dream Theater - Images and Words (1992)

What can you say? This is where it all started for me. The crunchy power chords of "Pull Me Under" and "Take the Time" are contrasted beautifully by "Wait for Sleep" and the closer, "Learning to Live." Another fan favorite, "Metropolis Pt. 1" is still in their
playlist to this day, and inspired their first concept album "Metropolis Pt. 2" in 2000.

Savatage - Dead Winter Dead (1995)

This was their 2nd concept album, this one set in Bosnia, which was raging with war at the time. The story is stellar, if you'd like to read more on it, Wikipedia page. As the story develops, the music is stellar, full of simple, yet fulfilling prog elements. This CD would spawn the hit "Christmas in Sarajevo", which would be the foundation of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Threshold - Legends of the Shires (2017)

Unti this album was released, I probably would have had Dead Reckoning here. Yes, I could have gone with Subsurface, Critical Mass or Psychedelicassen, but this is the culmination of their creative prog genius. With Glynn Morgan returning on vocals, and the fully mature band, this CD combines the sound we've all come to love from them, but with a perfect balance of crunchy riffs, elegant keyboards, excellent song writing and Glynn's impeccable vocal range. This was my 2017 album of the year.

Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day (2010)

My co-host on According to Metal, turned me on to this when it came out, and I am very glad he did! I've never been a fan of Ray
Alder's vocals, hence why you won't see Fates Warning on my list. Having said that, Ray kills it on this CD and the song writing is superb. "Peel", "Walls", "Black and White World" and the heart-wrenching "What Will You Say" just deliver thought provoking metal.

Vanden Plas - The God Thing (1997)

When this CD came out, I was immediately captured by the opening tracks "Fire Blossom" and "Rainmaker" and the incredible "Crown of Thorns" a few tracks later. I still enjoy their newer works, but this had the art of simplicity and wasn't overly busy like some of their newer stuff. If you are a newer fan of the band, don't make the mistake of not checking this out.

SEE MORE:

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT. 2

BIV'S PROG-METAL JOURNEY PT.3