Wailing Guitars and facemelting solos!!!! \m/
January 29, 2007 2:58 PM Subscribe
I am trying to make the most Epic Rock Mix of all time...
but "epic rock" seems to be a term I made up for a particular type of music that I have recently become acquainted with, and consequently don't know that much about. I am talking about songs like " Ghost Love Score" by Nightwish or "Highlander (The One)" by Lost Horizon (sorry I have the song on mp3 but don't have it online). Songs that are ridiculously long, a mix of, like, Metal and Orchestra, and ideally the lyrics are about myths or dragons or that kind of thing (but not necessarily). I've been pointed to Galloglass already, but I don't know much about them yet either. I'm really looking for grand sweeping symphonies and face-melting guitar solos in the same song. (And the closer to 10 minutes and beyond the better!) \m/ \m/
Allmusic refers to it as "Symphonic Black Metal" but I don't even know if that is broad enough or covers what I'm talking about. Are there any Metal-heads out there that can help me out? I know more about the Funk than the Metal.
but "epic rock" seems to be a term I made up for a particular type of music that I have recently become acquainted with, and consequently don't know that much about. I am talking about songs like " Ghost Love Score" by Nightwish or "Highlander (The One)" by Lost Horizon (sorry I have the song on mp3 but don't have it online). Songs that are ridiculously long, a mix of, like, Metal and Orchestra, and ideally the lyrics are about myths or dragons or that kind of thing (but not necessarily). I've been pointed to Galloglass already, but I don't know much about them yet either. I'm really looking for grand sweeping symphonies and face-melting guitar solos in the same song. (And the closer to 10 minutes and beyond the better!) \m/ \m/
Allmusic refers to it as "Symphonic Black Metal" but I don't even know if that is broad enough or covers what I'm talking about. Are there any Metal-heads out there that can help me out? I know more about the Funk than the Metal.
Iron Maiden's Rime of The Ancient Mariner (and many others).
Edguy, The Piper Never Dies.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:09 PM on January 29, 2007
Edguy, The Piper Never Dies.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:09 PM on January 29, 2007
Epica, Consign to Oblivion.
Blind Guardian, And Then There Was Silence.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:11 PM on January 29, 2007
Blind Guardian, And Then There Was Silence.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:11 PM on January 29, 2007
Anything by meatloaf
posted by bitdamaged at 3:11 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by bitdamaged at 3:11 PM on January 29, 2007
Response by poster: Team Lowkey: Ah yes! I have included "Fury of the Storm" by Dragonforce! That is perfect!
posted by indiebass at 3:12 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by indiebass at 3:12 PM on January 29, 2007
Going a bit older, there's Rainbow's Light In The Black.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:13 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Wolfdog at 3:13 PM on January 29, 2007
It's shorter than you want, but: Manowar, Black Wind, Fire and Steel. Maniacally fast bass.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:17 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Wolfdog at 3:17 PM on January 29, 2007
Manowar's Warrior's Prayer (and probably lots of other stuff by Manowar)
And also, Rocket Queen by Guns N Roses popped into mind when I first read the question, mostly because it's long and epic.
posted by jclovebrew at 3:18 PM on January 29, 2007
And also, Rocket Queen by Guns N Roses popped into mind when I first read the question, mostly because it's long and epic.
posted by jclovebrew at 3:18 PM on January 29, 2007
Avantasia, The Seven Angels.
Gamma Ray, Beyond The Black Hole. Also Man on a Mission and Rebellion in Dreamland.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:21 PM on January 29, 2007
Gamma Ray, Beyond The Black Hole. Also Man on a Mission and Rebellion in Dreamland.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:21 PM on January 29, 2007
Response by poster: Wolfdog: I would be HORRIBLY remiss if Ronnie James Dio did not make at least one appearance on the mix. Muchas Gracias!
posted by indiebass at 3:21 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by indiebass at 3:21 PM on January 29, 2007
Best answer: "Crimson" by Edge of Sanity might be the kind of thing you're looking for; it has a science fiction theme, and so lacks dragons, but at 40 minutes it's a pretty epic song.
The band Opeth is probably the current state of the art when it comes to 10-minute-plus songs and exquisite musicianship. "Blackwater Park" is my favourite album, but they're all good.
If you're mostly interested in a mixture of metal and orchestral sounds, then look no further than Therion. They have been working with orchestras for a long ime now, and their popularity in the '90s was the inspiration for a wave of similar sounding bands including Nightwish.
"Symphonic Black Metal" is a little different, but you might want to try Dimmu Borgir to get a taste of what that is all about. They're the canonical and most successful symphonic black metal band, but not the best. Emperor's later works, especially "IX Equilibrium" and "Prometheus: The Fire of Discipline and Demise" are stunningly complex works of Mozart-inspired black metal. Listen at least 10 times before you make a judgement; for me at least it takes a while to 'get it'.
Bal Sagoth are more Epic than Epic, but maybe a little too weird, but even the titles of their songs take nearly 10 minutes to say.
Your question was as vague as I think you feared; I hope one or more of these things will be what you're looking for. There are many, many subgenres of Metal, and about the only thing they have in common is that many of them tend towards epic compositions!
posted by nowonmai at 3:22 PM on January 29, 2007 [2 favorites]
The band Opeth is probably the current state of the art when it comes to 10-minute-plus songs and exquisite musicianship. "Blackwater Park" is my favourite album, but they're all good.
If you're mostly interested in a mixture of metal and orchestral sounds, then look no further than Therion. They have been working with orchestras for a long ime now, and their popularity in the '90s was the inspiration for a wave of similar sounding bands including Nightwish.
"Symphonic Black Metal" is a little different, but you might want to try Dimmu Borgir to get a taste of what that is all about. They're the canonical and most successful symphonic black metal band, but not the best. Emperor's later works, especially "IX Equilibrium" and "Prometheus: The Fire of Discipline and Demise" are stunningly complex works of Mozart-inspired black metal. Listen at least 10 times before you make a judgement; for me at least it takes a while to 'get it'.
Bal Sagoth are more Epic than Epic, but maybe a little too weird, but even the titles of their songs take nearly 10 minutes to say.
Your question was as vague as I think you feared; I hope one or more of these things will be what you're looking for. There are many, many subgenres of Metal, and about the only thing they have in common is that many of them tend towards epic compositions!
posted by nowonmai at 3:22 PM on January 29, 2007 [2 favorites]
Dude, Manowar! Their Wikipedia entry uses "epic" twice in the opening paragraph alone.
posted by The Michael The at 3:25 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by The Michael The at 3:25 PM on January 29, 2007
Response by poster: The Michael The: I won't lie, a metal track with narration from Orson Welles? That is THE AWESOME!!!
posted by indiebass at 3:30 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by indiebass at 3:30 PM on January 29, 2007
Oh, yeah, Iced Earth: The Something Wicked Trilogy, Dracula, the Gettysburg Trilogy.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:46 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Wolfdog at 3:46 PM on January 29, 2007
Is "Come Sail Away" to obvious?
posted by PhatLobley at 3:50 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by PhatLobley at 3:50 PM on January 29, 2007
One of my all-time favorite capital-E Epic songs is Bathory's One Rode To Asa Bay. Not much shredding. But they don't come any more epic. Video.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:53 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Wolfdog at 3:53 PM on January 29, 2007
I think Borknagar is pretty fucking epic...which is actually the title of one of their albums. Dimmu Borgir's bassist Vortex used to play with them. "Ruins of the Future" is a great song.
posted by baphomet at 3:59 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by baphomet at 3:59 PM on January 29, 2007
20:33
2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx, by Rush
11:06
Xanadu by Rush
posted by Exchequer at 4:05 PM on January 29, 2007
2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx, by Rush
11:06
Xanadu by Rush
posted by Exchequer at 4:05 PM on January 29, 2007
Weezer - Only in Dreams
posted by tylermoody at 4:23 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by tylermoody at 4:23 PM on January 29, 2007
Speaking of Edge of Sanity, there's also Twilight.
Einherjer, Hammar Haus.
Wintersun, Winter Madness (should do a lot to fill your facemelting solo quotient).
posted by Wolfdog at 4:24 PM on January 29, 2007
Einherjer, Hammar Haus.
Wintersun, Winter Madness (should do a lot to fill your facemelting solo quotient).
posted by Wolfdog at 4:24 PM on January 29, 2007
403 (Homepage Japanese. Order the CD here, Japan shipping only. Or listen to the tracks they offer from here.)
Japan seems to have quite the taste for some great epic rock.
posted by Saydur at 4:43 PM on January 29, 2007
Japan seems to have quite the taste for some great epic rock.
posted by Saydur at 4:43 PM on January 29, 2007
For something modern, "The Knights of Cydonia" by Muse.
posted by sourwookie at 4:45 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by sourwookie at 4:45 PM on January 29, 2007
I second Dragon Force. There is nothing more epic than "Through the Fire and Flames" If you take anything away from your post may it be this song.
posted by comatose at 4:54 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by comatose at 4:54 PM on January 29, 2007
They're not so big on the face melting solos but Green Carnation's Light of Day, Day of Darkness satisfies the other elements clocking in at an hour long and having symphonic elements and even a Pink Floyd-esque quiet mid section with a sax solo.
posted by The Straightener at 4:56 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by The Straightener at 4:56 PM on January 29, 2007
Thirding Dragon Force, and I'd suggest Avantasia's "The Seven Angels". I haven't listened to much Edguy, but from what I have heard, it seems like it might also be what you're looking for. I also second Therion, and Helloween, though I haven't heard much of the latter. There's also this german band called Lacrimosa that I think does a symphonic-metal sort of thing - that might be worth looking into. Also, Hammerfall might be worth checking out.
posted by god particle at 4:58 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by god particle at 4:58 PM on January 29, 2007
Seconding the "Something Wicked" trilogy from Iced Earth.
But come on, how come nobody has suggested Blind Guardian? "And then there was silence" is as ravingly epic as it gets. And then some.
posted by doctorpiorno at 5:02 PM on January 29, 2007
But come on, how come nobody has suggested Blind Guardian? "And then there was silence" is as ravingly epic as it gets. And then some.
posted by doctorpiorno at 5:02 PM on January 29, 2007
31 comments and no one's mentioned Trogdor yet? Come on, Internet! Keep it together!
posted by Robot Johnny at 5:06 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Robot Johnny at 5:06 PM on January 29, 2007
On preview: oops, WolfDog beat me to Blind Guardian. Seconding his good taste.
posted by doctorpiorno at 5:08 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by doctorpiorno at 5:08 PM on January 29, 2007
Kamelot. Songs like "When the Lights Are Down" or "Forever" are perfect. I'm listening to Forever right now and I think it would fit very well.
Blind Guardian is about as epic as it gets. Most of their stuff is based on Lord of the Rings to boot. Check out the songs: "Mirror, Mirror", "Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)", "...And Then There Was Silence" (which is 14 minutes long) and "The Bard's Song (In The Forest)". See if you can find a live version of The Bard's Song, actually -- it's so much more powerful when about 60,000 people are singing along.
On Preview: I'm glad someone finally mentioned Blind Guardian. I was worried I'd be the first!
posted by DrSkrud at 5:11 PM on January 29, 2007
Blind Guardian is about as epic as it gets. Most of their stuff is based on Lord of the Rings to boot. Check out the songs: "Mirror, Mirror", "Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)", "...And Then There Was Silence" (which is 14 minutes long) and "The Bard's Song (In The Forest)". See if you can find a live version of The Bard's Song, actually -- it's so much more powerful when about 60,000 people are singing along.
On Preview: I'm glad someone finally mentioned Blind Guardian. I was worried I'd be the first!
posted by DrSkrud at 5:11 PM on January 29, 2007
Sleep- Dragonaut
if you want some pot metal in the mix
posted by mistsandrain at 5:13 PM on January 29, 2007
if you want some pot metal in the mix
posted by mistsandrain at 5:13 PM on January 29, 2007
Also, the Fates Warning song Ivory Gates of Dreams is a monsterous metal epic at over 20 minutes long with lyrics that aren't corny and awful, either. This is from the No Exit album which found the band transitioning from old school traditional metal to a more progressive sound that fleshed itself out on later albums that I liked less and less as they produced them but that may be your thing. If so, you may like their single song album A Pleasant Shade of Grey, though this is far less metal than it is prog.
posted by The Straightener at 5:14 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by The Straightener at 5:14 PM on January 29, 2007
Response by poster: Wow... let me just say that AskMe has REALLY come through for me. These suggestions are all PERFECT. Minus the meatloaf of course. I will of course be putting up a final tracklist once it is done. Any more suggestions will also be incorporated. I'm also beginning to think that an EPIC MIX can't be any less than two CDs.
posted by indiebass at 7:47 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by indiebass at 7:47 PM on January 29, 2007
Best answer: The bands you mentioned at the beginning(Nightwish, Lost Horizon, Galloglass), along with most of what's been named in this thread, are usually classified as Power Metal. I'd recommend investigating that particular subgenre- though in my opinion, Sturgeon's Law really applies when it comes to power metal, and a lot of the best bands have already been named here. Of those, I'll definitely second the recommendations for Blind Guardian- some really good stuff there.
Symphonic black metal is a whole different beast, though it's also a very epic sort of genre- Emperor and Therion are examples of it. There are various subtle differences, but the most simple and obvious distinction between power metal and symphonic black metal is that black metal uses that distinctive growling/screeching vocal style found in much of metal, while power metal basically never does. If you dislike that vocal style, it's probably best to stick with power metal, but if you don't mind it (and it doesn't sound like you do), there's a lot of epic goodness to be found in the symphonic black metal vein. For sheer epicness, I'd particularly recommend the band Hollenthon- the reviews of them at Aquarius Records pretty much sum it up (scroll down a bit).
You might also want to look into the subgenre known as Viking metal- Bathory has already been mentioned, and they (or he, it was pretty much a one-man band) basically founded the genre. From them, I'll second the recommendation of "One Road to Asa Bay" and would add "A Fine Day to Die", which I think might possibly be an even more epic song, though it's much harsher sounding. A couple of excellent newer bands in the Viking metal vein are Falkenbach and Doomsword, and I'd strongly recommend checking out the song "793(Slaget Om Lindisfarne)" by Enslaved, which is sixteen minutes long and pretty much the most epic metal song ever, in my book.
And for a somewhat different flavor of epic(more in the vein of the Old Testament as opposed to Tolkien or Icelandic sagas), Orphaned Land's Mabool is an amazing album- it defies easy classification, but it's basically metal heavily influenced by traditional Middle Eastern music, and it has a very epic feel in many places- I'd especially recommend the songs "Ocean Land" and "A Call to Awake".
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the final track listing. I love the epic stuff.
posted by a louis wain cat at 9:01 PM on January 29, 2007
Symphonic black metal is a whole different beast, though it's also a very epic sort of genre- Emperor and Therion are examples of it. There are various subtle differences, but the most simple and obvious distinction between power metal and symphonic black metal is that black metal uses that distinctive growling/screeching vocal style found in much of metal, while power metal basically never does. If you dislike that vocal style, it's probably best to stick with power metal, but if you don't mind it (and it doesn't sound like you do), there's a lot of epic goodness to be found in the symphonic black metal vein. For sheer epicness, I'd particularly recommend the band Hollenthon- the reviews of them at Aquarius Records pretty much sum it up (scroll down a bit).
You might also want to look into the subgenre known as Viking metal- Bathory has already been mentioned, and they (or he, it was pretty much a one-man band) basically founded the genre. From them, I'll second the recommendation of "One Road to Asa Bay" and would add "A Fine Day to Die", which I think might possibly be an even more epic song, though it's much harsher sounding. A couple of excellent newer bands in the Viking metal vein are Falkenbach and Doomsword, and I'd strongly recommend checking out the song "793(Slaget Om Lindisfarne)" by Enslaved, which is sixteen minutes long and pretty much the most epic metal song ever, in my book.
And for a somewhat different flavor of epic(more in the vein of the Old Testament as opposed to Tolkien or Icelandic sagas), Orphaned Land's Mabool is an amazing album- it defies easy classification, but it's basically metal heavily influenced by traditional Middle Eastern music, and it has a very epic feel in many places- I'd especially recommend the songs "Ocean Land" and "A Call to Awake".
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the final track listing. I love the epic stuff.
posted by a louis wain cat at 9:01 PM on January 29, 2007
Battle of Mice. Most epic music ever. If you like their myspace tracks try to get the album because it has a 9 minute song called At The Base of the Giant's Throat which is just about exactly what you are looking for.
posted by extrabox at 9:27 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by extrabox at 9:27 PM on January 29, 2007
In addition to the bands named above, Wolfbait does this both excellently and hilariously (they satirize with love), as does The Impaler.
posted by klangklangston at 11:18 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 11:18 PM on January 29, 2007
Anything by Sentenced, Iced Earth, Lacuna Coil and of course the immortal Iron Maiden will serve your purposes on this compilation.
posted by Effigy2000 at 11:19 PM on January 29, 2007
posted by Effigy2000 at 11:19 PM on January 29, 2007
I think Dragonforce made this endeavor redundant, but:
Yes to Hammerfall. They're almost as over-the-top as Dragonforce, but at least I'm sure Dragonforce isn't taking themselves seriously. Off the top of my head, some good songs for this include "Hearts on Fire", "Crimson Thunder" and "Unforgiving Blade."
If you check out Edguy, I've thought their live stuff sounds better than the studio stuff. "Babylon", "Vain Glory Opera", and "Tears Of The Mandrake."
Right about now this thread makes me want to blast Dragonforce, but it's 3 AM and I'm in an apartment building.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 12:15 AM on January 30, 2007
Yes to Hammerfall. They're almost as over-the-top as Dragonforce, but at least I'm sure Dragonforce isn't taking themselves seriously. Off the top of my head, some good songs for this include "Hearts on Fire", "Crimson Thunder" and "Unforgiving Blade."
If you check out Edguy, I've thought their live stuff sounds better than the studio stuff. "Babylon", "Vain Glory Opera", and "Tears Of The Mandrake."
Right about now this thread makes me want to blast Dragonforce, but it's 3 AM and I'm in an apartment building.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 12:15 AM on January 30, 2007
You should definitely try "The Odyssey" by Symphony X. It's about 25 minutes long, and you can guess what it's about. [thx mc]
posted by metaly at 12:46 AM on January 30, 2007
posted by metaly at 12:46 AM on January 30, 2007
Metallica's symphonic version of "Enter Sandman," with Michael Kamen conducting the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, which can be found on their S & M DVD. And by the way, was it really you who made up the term "epic rock"? You are good. You the man!
posted by RayOrama at 1:00 AM on January 30, 2007
posted by RayOrama at 1:00 AM on January 30, 2007
Response by poster: I don't know if people are still checking this thread, but I will SOMEHOW put up a track listing and artwork once it's finalized. And I again, cannot thank the community enough. Not only have I learned all about a kind of music I was completely unfamilliar with, but you've helped me take the mix in a slightly different direction than I had originally intended. I think for the better.
posted by indiebass at 8:46 AM on February 9, 2007
posted by indiebass at 8:46 AM on February 9, 2007
Yes, still checking, and eagerly awaiting the final track listing!
Not that I've developed several new musical obsessions thanks to browsing random links from this thread, nope, not me...
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 5:40 PM on March 29, 2007
Not that I've developed several new musical obsessions thanks to browsing random links from this thread, nope, not me...
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 5:40 PM on March 29, 2007
I too, have been periodically checking in on this thread in hopes of an update. How's it been going?
by the way, SSS, was Orphaned Land one of those new musical obsessions? I was considering mentioning them in the recent world/Middle Eastern music thread, and was pleased to see you beat me to it.
posted by a louis wain cat at 1:08 AM on April 1, 2007
by the way, SSS, was Orphaned Land one of those new musical obsessions? I was considering mentioning them in the recent world/Middle Eastern music thread, and was pleased to see you beat me to it.
posted by a louis wain cat at 1:08 AM on April 1, 2007
ALWC: yes, yes they were! Orphaned Land, Shaman, and Onmyou-za in particular are just totally rocking my socks off. I was never particularly into metal back when it ruled the airwaves, but of late I'm finding it's more that I just hadn't found the right type of metal. Huge sweeping epic symphonic stuff, especially with international/folk elements, really really push my buttons but good. THANK YOU for the pointers!
I don't suppose I can beg you for a few more while we sit here patiently waiting for updates? I seem to go for much the same sort of elements as the OP, but I do have a wee bit of trouble with the more Cookie Monster-ish vocals making me giggle. Some growling/screeching/dissonance is fine, I listen to Diamanda Galas for heaven's sake and I defy any metalhead to make scarier noises than that woman; but in metal at least I seem to particularly click with stuff with big, dramatic, sweeping vocals -- Zak rather than Cris or Jon in Savatage, for instance. And stuff with fairly operatic female singers -- Orphaned Land, Onmyou-za, Nightwish -- also seems to grab my ears.
Also, if I haven't mentioned it, your username kicks mucho ass.
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 6:15 AM on April 1, 2007
I don't suppose I can beg you for a few more while we sit here patiently waiting for updates? I seem to go for much the same sort of elements as the OP, but I do have a wee bit of trouble with the more Cookie Monster-ish vocals making me giggle. Some growling/screeching/dissonance is fine, I listen to Diamanda Galas for heaven's sake and I defy any metalhead to make scarier noises than that woman; but in metal at least I seem to particularly click with stuff with big, dramatic, sweeping vocals -- Zak rather than Cris or Jon in Savatage, for instance. And stuff with fairly operatic female singers -- Orphaned Land, Onmyou-za, Nightwish -- also seems to grab my ears.
Also, if I haven't mentioned it, your username kicks mucho ass.
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 6:15 AM on April 1, 2007
Happy to hear I helped you discover Orphaned Land, and I'd be glad to make some more suggestions! I'm not sure I can come with anything else as good as Orphaned Land(they're one of the very best metal bands out there, IMO), and I've been a little out of the metal loop lately, to tell the truth(I've been in a neofolk phase for a while), but I think I can come up with a few more names...
There was a project called Betray My Secrets a while back, who released a single self-titled album a while back which basically took the whole world music-influenced metal thing as far as I've heard it go - the review I linked to sums it up pretty well. It's a good album, though it feels a little... New Agey, somehow. A difficult thing for metal to do, but this manages it- on the plus side, the metal elements sort of cancel out the potentially cloying aspects of that. Looking up stuff on them for this post, I discovered that there's apparently a successor band of sorts called Spi-Ritual, which I'll have to check out at some point...
Fatima Hill is a Japanese prog/power metal band I like, but they really seem to be a love-or-hate thing. The vocalist is one of those quasi-operatic female singers, but sounds quite different from what one might expect from that description, as she has a much deeper voice than the average female power metal singer, and very dramatic (some would say downright over-the-top) delivery. I quite like her vocals, but most reviews online seem to feel otherwise, sometimes very fervently. Musically, they have a somewhat cinematically epic sound, with a distinctly J-Rockish element. They've released two albums, "Valhalla" and "Aion", which are both equally good IMO- I'd particularly recommend the songs "Ares Dragon", "Oriel Window", "Wheel of Fortune", and "Ultimata." Unfortunately, there are no sound clips up on their website, which is annoying as I distinctly remember that there used to be...
Alchemist is a hard-to-classify Australian band who in their first few albums, often had a pretty distinctive Middle Eastern/Indian sound, along with a heavy electronic component and lyrical themes that tended to revolve around things like aliens, Tantric sex, Eastern spirituality and the like- they actually almost seemed like a metal band with a Goa trance aesthetic, if that makes any sense. Their early albums, Lunasphere and Spiritech(their first, Jar of Kingdom, I haven't heard yet), display this particularly strongly- the albums after those seemed much more generic to me, and I don't really recommend them, either in general or for what you're looking for. A couple of particularly good songs from them are "Yoni Kunda" and "Chinese Whispers", the latter being probably my favorite song from them, and very epic indeed. The one issue with Alchemist are the vocals, which are- actually not quite Cookie Monster, but just as abrasive. They basically sound like hardcore vocals, or maybe an exaggerated version of Lemmy from Motorhead, and may not be to your taste- they aren't entirely to mine, though I did get used to them in the end.
Then there's Hammers of Misfortune- for some reason I haven't gotten into their later stuff as much, but their first album, "The Bastard", is one I like a lot. It's basically a metal opera concept album, with different vocalists representing different characters. Clean male vocals for the protagonist, Cookie Monster vocals for the evil tyrant, a female vocalist for the dragon/chaos goddess who sets the story into motion. Definitely one of the more epic albums I've heard, and pretty varied in its sound. Scroll down here for reviews and sound clips of this and all their other albums- I'd recommend the song "You Should Have Slain Me", which is also on their Myspace page and is the one that hooked me when I first heard it.
There's probably some more names I could come up with, but that should do it for now- this post is long enough as it is.
(and thanks for the username compliment- I would say the same about yours, at that!)
posted by a louis wain cat at 12:57 AM on April 5, 2007 [1 favorite]
There was a project called Betray My Secrets a while back, who released a single self-titled album a while back which basically took the whole world music-influenced metal thing as far as I've heard it go - the review I linked to sums it up pretty well. It's a good album, though it feels a little... New Agey, somehow. A difficult thing for metal to do, but this manages it- on the plus side, the metal elements sort of cancel out the potentially cloying aspects of that. Looking up stuff on them for this post, I discovered that there's apparently a successor band of sorts called Spi-Ritual, which I'll have to check out at some point...
Fatima Hill is a Japanese prog/power metal band I like, but they really seem to be a love-or-hate thing. The vocalist is one of those quasi-operatic female singers, but sounds quite different from what one might expect from that description, as she has a much deeper voice than the average female power metal singer, and very dramatic (some would say downright over-the-top) delivery. I quite like her vocals, but most reviews online seem to feel otherwise, sometimes very fervently. Musically, they have a somewhat cinematically epic sound, with a distinctly J-Rockish element. They've released two albums, "Valhalla" and "Aion", which are both equally good IMO- I'd particularly recommend the songs "Ares Dragon", "Oriel Window", "Wheel of Fortune", and "Ultimata." Unfortunately, there are no sound clips up on their website, which is annoying as I distinctly remember that there used to be...
Alchemist is a hard-to-classify Australian band who in their first few albums, often had a pretty distinctive Middle Eastern/Indian sound, along with a heavy electronic component and lyrical themes that tended to revolve around things like aliens, Tantric sex, Eastern spirituality and the like- they actually almost seemed like a metal band with a Goa trance aesthetic, if that makes any sense. Their early albums, Lunasphere and Spiritech(their first, Jar of Kingdom, I haven't heard yet), display this particularly strongly- the albums after those seemed much more generic to me, and I don't really recommend them, either in general or for what you're looking for. A couple of particularly good songs from them are "Yoni Kunda" and "Chinese Whispers", the latter being probably my favorite song from them, and very epic indeed. The one issue with Alchemist are the vocals, which are- actually not quite Cookie Monster, but just as abrasive. They basically sound like hardcore vocals, or maybe an exaggerated version of Lemmy from Motorhead, and may not be to your taste- they aren't entirely to mine, though I did get used to them in the end.
Then there's Hammers of Misfortune- for some reason I haven't gotten into their later stuff as much, but their first album, "The Bastard", is one I like a lot. It's basically a metal opera concept album, with different vocalists representing different characters. Clean male vocals for the protagonist, Cookie Monster vocals for the evil tyrant, a female vocalist for the dragon/chaos goddess who sets the story into motion. Definitely one of the more epic albums I've heard, and pretty varied in its sound. Scroll down here for reviews and sound clips of this and all their other albums- I'd recommend the song "You Should Have Slain Me", which is also on their Myspace page and is the one that hooked me when I first heard it.
There's probably some more names I could come up with, but that should do it for now- this post is long enough as it is.
(and thanks for the username compliment- I would say the same about yours, at that!)
posted by a louis wain cat at 12:57 AM on April 5, 2007 [1 favorite]
Faves, squeals in glee, and runs off to explore...
And I generally prefer alto voices to the coloratura soprano types, and have a definite weakness for J-Rock, so you can bet I'll be hunting far and wide for Fatima Hill samples in particular...
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 1:40 AM on April 5, 2007
And I generally prefer alto voices to the coloratura soprano types, and have a definite weakness for J-Rock, so you can bet I'll be hunting far and wide for Fatima Hill samples in particular...
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 1:40 AM on April 5, 2007
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posted by Wolfdog at 3:06 PM on January 29, 2007