Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: A
A Tortured Soul - Kiss of the Thorn

A Tortured Soul - Kiss of the Thorn

A Tortured Soul
Kiss of the Thorn
Label: Eyes Like Snow/Northern Silence Records

Operatic and progressive old-school gothic metal (ala Priest, King Diamond, Shadow’s Fall) from Milwaukee but signed to a German Label. Shadowy doom protruding from a festering pool of abstract progressions.

A Tortured Soul Website

Abney Park - Lost Horizons

Abney Park - Lost Horizons

Abney Park
Lost Horizons
Label: Self Released

Forerunners of the oncoming “Steampunk Artistic Movement,” this Seattle outfit takes flight with a story of roving time travelers and airship pirates while gallivanting through and amalgamating the most admirable traits of a variety of genres including gothic, gypsy rock, punk, industrial, and electronica. Eclectic, elegant and unique.

Abney Park WebsiteAbney Park Wiki

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica
Worlds Collide
Label: 20 20/ Jive Records

Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.

Apocalyptica WebsiteApocalyptica Wiki

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers
What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records

The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.

The Asylum Street Spankers WebsiteThe Asylum Street Spankers Wiki

Almah - Fragile Equality

Almah - Fragile Equality

Almah
Fragile Equality
Label: Blistering Records

Well flavored and maturely tempered power metal featuring former Angra members. Robust guitar solos are intertwined with pulsating rhythms and urgent vocals justifying the quality and caliber of this melodic power metal fury.

Almah WebsiteAlmah Wiki

Amorphis - Skyforger

Amorphis - Skyforger

Amorphis
Skyforger
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Finding new ways to awaken my inner Viking! Invigorating anthems with their signature Scandinavian folk metal approach reverberate a dark, powerful beauty and majesty unmatched. This third round with singer Tomi Joutsen integrates a broad stroke of vocal styles with increased progressive rock elements to their musical palette.

Amorphis WebsiteAmorphis Wiki

Arkaea - Years In The Darkness

Arkaea - Years In The Darkness

Arkaea
Years In The Darkness
Label: E1 Entertainment

Terse, intense and vibrant industrialized death metal from Fear Factory alumni Raymond Herrera and Christian Old Wolbers. Although incorporating proven Fear Factory stylings which fans will certainly enjoy overall I find the release safe, repetitive and formulaic.

Arkaea Wiki

Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen - Inspiration Information

Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen - Inspiration Information

Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen
Inspiration Information
Label: Strut Records

Pairing together Finnish experimental musician Jimi Tenor with Tony Allen, an amazing Afrobeat drumming legend, has ushered forth a curious cache of mind warbling avant jazz creations .  Lyrics are spun with experience and dark sarcasm while being treated with tribal beats, horns, flutes, and samples through a wildly unpredictable imagination.

Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen Website

Alo - Man Of The World

Alo - Man Of The World

Alo
Man Of The World
Label: Brushfire Records/Universal

Sublimely mellow rock music tumbled with expertly crafted tale telling courtesy of 4 childhood friends. Since it was by Jack Johnson and recorded at his solar powered studio in Hawaii ALO scored the opening slot on Johnson’s summer tour including Alpine Valley 7/24 and River’s Edge 7/25 and I am thrilled more people will get to hear them.

Alo WebsiteAlo FacebookAlo Wiki

King Sunny Ade - Baba Mo Tunde

King Sunny Ade - Baba Mo Tunde

King Sunny Ade
Baba Mo Tunde
Label: Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings

I’ve been a fan of this Nigerian native Afro-pop mega legend for quite some time so I was delighted to hear about his first studio album in over 10 years. The second of this twin disc release blasts off with the 31 min title track and if you make it through that on your feet, you might as well call in sick for the week cause you will be shaking and dancing all day and night to these incredible and inviting masterpieces.

King Sunny Ade FacebookKing Sunny Ade Wiki

Azam Ali - From Night to the Edge of Day

Azam Ali - From Night to the Edge of Day

Azam Ali
From Night to the Edge of Day
Label: Six Degrees

Lullabies of love; lullabies of anguish; lullabies of rebellion, exile and awareness; such is the dichotomy of these Iranian, Turkish, Lebanese and Kurdish lullabies as presented by this amazing Iranian-born, Indian-raised vocalist. She connected with the spectrum of emotions behind lullabies when she gave birth to her son and realized the tumultuous world that he would be exposed to and live in.

Azam Ali WebsiteAzam Ali Wiki

Atrocity - After The Storm

Atrocity - After The Storm

Atrocity
After The Storm
Label: Napalm Records

One of my long time favorite experi-“metal” bands, this German group has explored many facets of musical and cultural heritage over the years. Their exploration continues by refining their folk fancies, expanding on their impressive song structure, and again including the amazing vocals of Yasmin (frontman Alexander Krull’s sister). Powerful, invigorating, and unique.

 

Atrocity WebsiteAtrocity Facebook

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