Tag: progressive
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New Keepers of the Water Towers – Infernal Machine
Fun fact: I actually reviewed this Swedish band’s debut for Hellbound all the way back in ’09. It got a pretty favourable review, too, drawing comparisons to Clutch, Mastodon and now-defunct Ontario outfit The Georgian Skull. But man, I don’t think I’ve listened to that album in five or six years—and I haven’t heard anything…
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The Basement Paintings – Mystic
The majority of the time RIYL lines baffle me as I tend not to hear the influence of most bands listed. Sometimes I just don’t hear it, sometimes I’m not trying to compare bands. However, in the case of The Basement Paintings and their Mystic album the RIYL line is bang on. ISIS, Tool, Pink…
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The Visit – Through Darkness Into Light
Shiver-inducing. If that isn’t a qualifier of “metal” status then what is? Through Darkness Into Light is a release of goosebumpy highs and deep rumbling lows from The Visit, Ottawa duo Raphael Weinroth Browne (cello) and Heather Sita Black (voice). Listening to the album repeatedly lends newfound appreciation of the emotional wallop packed into this seemingly…
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Leprous – The Congregation
Their experience as the backing band for Ihsahn (of Emperor fame) may have given Leprous an advantage. I, for one, took extra notice of them once I became aware of the Ihsahn connection. But if an association with the ‘nobility’ of Norwegian metal has gained Leprous some extra attention, it is well deserved. The Congregation is…
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Kosmograd – Orbiter
Kosmograd is a four-piece band from Toronto, Ontario. Their sound consists of a variety of elements and influences from all over the music board. Orbiter, an EP released late in 2014, follows up their self-titled album from 2011. Being from Toronto Kosmograd has had the opportunity to open up for bands like Intronaut, The Atlas Moth and Solstafir. Now they are…
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Full of Hell – Full of Hell & Merzbow
Over the past four years we have seen Full of Hell release many full lengths and eps but now, with the edition of Masami Akita (aka Merzbow) legendary Japanese noise master, they clearly want to make a bolder, more focused statement in the world of noise music. The band consists of Dylan Walker (vocals, electronics and…
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Quartered – Eyes and Ears
As an Irishman, I’m constantly astonished at the sheer quality and diversity of the bands Canada is producing. That this album is a self-release proves my points. The quality of the production, the musicianship, and the all-important songs would put many major league bands to shame. Heavy, but never without hooks and melody, this is…
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Liturgy – Renihilation (reissue)
For a genre founded on the tenets of rebellion and individuality we metal fans sure are a fickle bunch. Freedom of expression is what it’s all about, but those who don’t conform to what “we” believe metal in whatever form (black/death/what have you) should be are ostracized and ridiculed (or hated). Making music is about…
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Fucked Up – Year of the Dragon
It’s time for a taste of Toronto courtesy of Fucked Up, Canada’s premier progressive hardcore sextet. No, that’s not an oxymoron, but I must admit, it’s pretty fucked up (in a good way). This three-song EP features an 18-minute title track backed by two covers of semi-obscure local 70’s punk-rock bands. Cuz really, what else where you…
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Cynic – Kindly Bent to Free Us
Around the late ’60s, progressive rock was born. Those who adopted the infant genre went forth from England, blew minds, and progressed, taking the music to fantastical new heights and, admittedly, a few indulgent new lows. Around the early ’90s, progressive death metal was born, and its practitioners went forth from the Everglades, banged heads,…