Progressive Metal Review: Epic Tantrum-Abandoned In The Strangers Room

Release Date: January 20, 2020

Label: ET Productions

Website

One look at the cover of Abandoned In The Strangers Room from prog-metal band Epic Tantrum and you are thinking prog. It is something similar to what you would have seen on a Pink Floyd album. The choice for a band name? One word, brilliant! I love it and the artwork is eye-catching and it makes you wonder what is underneath that mask. Is it a person, alien, or creature from some dark corner or from hell itself? If you remove the red cloth what exactly will you see, something that is going to have an Epic Tantrum? It leaves it to your imagination, which in effect, is perfect for the listener with a sense of humor and an off-center thought process. It is indeed a strange cover and a creepy title for the album. There again lies the mystery and your perception of the entire package, figure it out for yourself.

Let me tell you something about this band, this is my first taste of their music, and they rock with a definitive progressive twist. I would be willing to bet at least one of these band members listened to Zappa. Lines like “I’m gonna take your skull and make you look pretty,” are not for the faint of heart. The band members are all part of the “Tantrum” family that includes Peter (guitar, vocals), Paul (guitar, vocals, keys), Greg (bass, vocals) and Z (drums). When you are endorsed by a legendary figure in prog-metal like Mike Portnoy that is very telling. Mike said of “The perfect blend of prog and metal.” And that statement could not be truer.

With a total on 19 tracks and 2 CDs, you get a ton of great music. CD1 is the studio cuts then CD2 presents all the cuts live to show you that indeed they are for real. Epic Tantrum is explosive, quirky and melodic all at the same time. And this is exactly what makes them “progressive.” According to the band’s website, the first part of the album, Abandoned, features studio recordings of previously unreleased material. The second part, In The Strangers Room, features live versions of songs from Abandoned as well as material that appeared on previously released demos. That fact there is quite impressive knowing that some of the music is just demos? They are high-quality demos that is for sure. Again, this just shows how talented this band of men are, with limitless potential ahead of them.

They are juggernauts with a vocalist perfectly suited to the music. I have to be honest though, the first time I heard the vocals I did not care for it at all (I think most people that enjoy prog-metal will love this after the first listen). Then a second try, a different day, and now I cannot figure out why I did not like it to begin with. So, there you go, with music it depends if all the sensory doors are open to the sounds and you are not sidetracked with another train of thought with the inability to really “hear” the music. And did I ever hear it all this time? You can count on it. Their ability to play at a slower pace and make some beautiful sounds that are pleasing then immediately bust right out of that at any second and peel off some vicious guitar licks backed by a powerful rhythm section is quite impressive. To see them live must be a real treat.

The guitar work is fabulous and what drives this well-oiled machine. Every track is packed with the firepower to get your blood pumping but you can also pause, and should, to hear the incredible musicianship at hand. In the end, what you get to enjoy is one of the more exciting up and coming bands in progressive metal that are going to raise some eyebrows from this point forward.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 23, 2020

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks

CD 1:
01. Don't Bother...
02. Unfold
03. Accessory
04. Fables Of Fortune
05. Outside The Wire
06. Into the Clutch
07. Letting Go
08. False Idols
09. A Howling
10. Abandoned

CD 2:
11. Baillee's Gone Again (Live)
12. Franklin Park Blues (Live)
13. Letting Go (Live)
14. Now I Know (Live)
15. Accessory (Live)
16. Fables of Fortune (Live)
17. The Artist (Live)
18. Don't Bother... (Live)   
19. Drown (Live) 

Progressive Metal Review: Epic Tantrum-Abandoned In The Strangers Room

Release Date: January 20, 2020

Label: ET Productions

Website

One look at the cover of Abandoned In The Strangers Room from prog-metal band Epic Tantrum and you are thinking prog. It is something similar to what you would have seen on a Pink Floyd album. The choice for a band name? One word, brilliant! I love it and the artwork is eye-catching and it makes you wonder what is underneath that mask. Is it a person, alien, or creature from some dark corner or from hell itself? If you remove the red cloth what exactly will you see, something that is going to have an Epic Tantrum? It leaves it to your imagination, which in effect, is perfect for the listener with a sense of humor and an off-center thought process. It is indeed a strange cover and a creepy title for the album. There again lies the mystery and your perception of the entire package, figure it out for yourself.

Let me tell you something about this band, this is my first taste of their music, and they rock with a definitive progressive twist. I would be willing to bet at least one of these band members listened to Zappa. Lines like “I’m gonna take your skull and make you look pretty,” are not for the faint of heart. The band members are all part of the “Tantrum” family that includes Peter (guitar, vocals), Paul (guitar, vocals, keys), Greg (bass, vocals) and Z (drums). When you are endorsed by a legendary figure in prog-metal like Mike Portnoy that is very telling. Mike said of “The perfect blend of prog and metal.” And that statement could not be truer.

With a total on 19 tracks and 2 CDs, you get a ton of great music. CD1 is the studio cuts then CD2 presents all the cuts live to show you that indeed they are for real. Epic Tantrum is explosive, quirky and melodic all at the same time. And this is exactly what makes them “progressive.” According to the band’s website, the first part of the album, Abandoned, features studio recordings of previously unreleased material. The second part, In The Strangers Room, features live versions of songs from Abandoned as well as material that appeared on previously released demos. That fact there is quite impressive knowing that some of the music is just demos? They are high-quality demos that is for sure. Again, this just shows how talented this band of men are, with limitless potential ahead of them.

They are juggernauts with a vocalist perfectly suited to the music. I have to be honest though, the first time I heard the vocals I did not care for it at all (I think most people that enjoy prog-metal will love this after the first listen). Then a second try, a different day, and now I cannot figure out why I did not like it to begin with. So, there you go, with music it depends if all the sensory doors are open to the sounds and you are not sidetracked with another train of thought with the inability to really “hear” the music. And did I ever hear it all this time? You can count on it. Their ability to play at a slower pace and make some beautiful sounds that are pleasing then immediately bust right out of that at any second and peel off some vicious guitar licks backed by a powerful rhythm section is quite impressive. To see them live must be a real treat.

The guitar work is fabulous and what drives this well-oiled machine. Every track is packed with the firepower to get your blood pumping but you can also pause, and should, to hear the incredible musicianship at hand. In the end, what you get to enjoy is one of the more exciting up and coming bands in progressive metal that are going to raise some eyebrows from this point forward.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 23, 2020

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

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Tracks

CD 1:
01. Don't Bother...
02. Unfold
03. Accessory
04. Fables Of Fortune
05. Outside The Wire
06. Into the Clutch
07. Letting Go
08. False Idols
09. A Howling
10. Abandoned

CD 2:
11. Baillee's Gone Again (Live)
12. Franklin Park Blues (Live)
13. Letting Go (Live)
14. Now I Know (Live)
15. Accessory (Live)
16. Fables of Fortune (Live)
17. The Artist (Live)
18. Don't Bother... (Live)   
19. Drown (Live) 

Prog-Rock Review: Wishbone Ash-Coat of Arms

Release Date: 28^thFeb 2020

Label: Steamhammer/SPV

Website

Wishbone Ash was formed back in 1969 and is still active at this time, as shown by the release of Coat Of Arms, the album under review. They have released 28 studio albums from the self-titled debut in 1970 up to this point. One original band member is still present, Andy Powell (vocals/guitar) and together with Mark Abrahams (guitar), Bob Skeat (bass) and Joe Crabtree (drums), the band has issued a very pleasing album.

Coat Of Arms is an 11 track album with a total running time of just under 60 minutes (59:55). The title track, track 2, is the longest on the album at just under 8 minutes (7:55) and the shortest track, track 9, “Deja Vu,” is just over 4 minutes (4:07).

As normal, I have chosen to highlight three tracks from the album which I find particularly good after several hearings, but this was a difficult choice as I found the whole album was extremely good.

I will always lead with the opening track which, regular review readers will know I think sets the scene for what is to come. “We Stand As One” (4:16), commences with a short drum intro leading into a simple, but insistent, guitar riff which the listener cannot ignore. The smooth vocals of Andy Powell are as good as I remember and the guitar riff takes its leave but returns as the track progresses. That guitar hook makes “We Stand As One” an excellent opening track and makes the listener eager to sample what follows.

“Coat Of Arms” (7:55) is the title track of the album and it is a guitar passage that starts this track, leading quickly into the clear vocals and moves to another guitar riff that hooks the listener again. Neat interplay between the guitars of Andy and Mark moves the track on and there is a sense of feeling very comfortable with what the band is doing. Around the halfway point there is a section of blues guitar which evolves into a more up-tempo, dare I suggest foot-tapping, guitar passage. Entering the last 2 minutes, the earlier guitar riff reappears and brings the track full circle before winding down to the ending. This is an excellent follow on from the opening track and although some of the upcoming tracks don’t have such obvious hooks, they are by no means there as fillers.

The final track on the album, “Personal Halloween” (5:38) starts up with that superb blues style guitar and is well served by Andy’s vocals as it evolves into a real southern laid-back slice of music. The dual guitars again weave their magic and this is one of my favorite tracks.

I will admit that my first listen to Coat Of Arms did not impress me much but by the time it had been played a couple of times more, those amazing guitar hooks had certainly embedded in my grey matter. I don’t think that the music “sets the heather alight “ and if you are looking for an album that will “blow you away” Coat Of Arms probably isn’t it. If, however, you give this album a few listens, I can almost guarantee that you will find yourself whistling, humming or even singing along to most of the tracks. This is an album that possesses the “feel good” factor, so give it a try, you might be very surprised.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
March 18th 2020
 
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
 
Tracks:
01. We Stand As One (4:16)
02. Coat Of Arms (7:55)
03. Empty Man (5:17)
04. Floreana (5:14)
05. Drive (4:55)
06. It’s Only You I See *7.35)
07. Too Cool For AC (4:51)
08. Back In The Day (4:46)
09. Deja Vu (4:07)
10. When The Love Is Shared (4:21)
11. Personal Halloween (5:38)

Jazz Review: Val Gardena-Across The Divide

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Label: Val Gardena Music

Website

Val Gardena’s Across The Divide is just what the doctor ordered for these crazy times in which we are living. Out of control viruses, stock markets crashing, businesses closing, people in quarantine, there is so much stress and uncertainty that we all need something to take the edge off.
There is nothing like some good jazz to relax you and set your mind at ease.

The main people involved in this recording are Christopher James (composer) John Patitucci (bass), Gene Lake and Nate Smith (drums), Taylor Eigsti (piano) and the exquisite trumpet from Chris Botti on “Back in Time” and “Two of One.” (I have listed all the credits below)

This is a very satisfying recording from beginning to end and it starts with the gorgeous and picturesque title track. All the tracks are smooth and flowing except for “Why Not” which serves as their funky upbeat track with colorful keys and stinging guitar lines. To be honest, I could take an entire album of that even though I love the peace all the other tracks brought me. I still like to jump and jive just as much. That was good to hear that this talented group could flip a switch and take such a wide turn in the road to change direction. To me, that is pure talent and command, and greatly respected and appreciated by this listener.

I have a deep enduring reverence and love for jazz and I need to hear more. I drift off into other genres but can be easily pulled back after listening to superb outings such as Across The Divide. It all went by much too quick for me. I loved the way the curtain closed with “The Voice I Hear The Face I See,” which seamlessly allows you to flow right back to the opening track and hear it all again.

Music like this is timeless and I never tire of it or feel complacency, it is quite the opposite. I am captivated with the quality musicianship and production. It is like looking into a pond of crystal-clear water and watching all the fish or perhaps seeing your reflection in the placid coolness.

Jazz is movement, spirit and precision all wrapped into one amazing package and Across The Divide is an exceptional example of musical perfection that can be rare with all the technologies available to make it sound that way. This is the real deal with the latest in production methods I am sure, but you need the best of the best to make music like this, and with that I have no doubt.

All songs written by Christopher James
(1,4,5,7,9) written by Christopher James and Andy Snitzer

Drums - Graham Hawthorne (1,2,3,4,7,9); Nate Smith (6.8); Gene Lake (5)
Percussion - Graham Hawthorne
Bass - John Patitucci (5,6,8); Zev Katz (1,3,4,7,9); Tim Lefebvre (2)
Guitar - Bernd Schoenhart, Adam Rodgers (5)
Piano -  Mike Ricchiuti, Taylor Eigsti (6,8)
Keyboards / Synthesis - Andy Snitzer
Wurlitzer, B3 - Brian Charette (5)
Trumpet - Chris Botti (6,8); Tatum Greenblatt (1,4); Kent Smith (7)
Saxophone - Andy Snitzer (1,5)
Vocals - Andy Snitzer (4)
Vocals - Jo Lawry (1,2,4,9)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 21, 2020

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks: 
1. Across The Divide
2. Take Me With You 2
3. What I Meant To Say
4. Do You Know The Way
5. Why Not
6. Two of One
7. Nazare
8. Back In Time
9. The Voice I Hear The Face I See

 

Prog Rock Luminaries Join Forces To Pay Respects To Two Eternal Legends On A Very Special TRIBUTE TO KEITH EMERSON & GREG LAKE!

Appearances by Todd Rundgren, Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel), David Sancious, Thijs Van Leer (Focus), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre) and more!

Los Angeles, CA - 2016 has been nicknamed “The Year The Music Died” as it saw the passing of such musical giants as David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen (not to mention George Michael, Leon Russell and Alan Vega of Suicide, among many others). Two more names that should absolutely be mentioned in the same breath as these legendary figures are keyboardist Keith Emerson & singer/songwriter/bassist Greg Lake both of whom passed away in 2016 and both of whom had a massive impact on modern rock music not only collectively as part of the brilliant Emerson, Lake & Palmer but individually as well with Emerson as part of pioneering English prog band The Nice and Lake as a founding member of juggernaut King Crimson.

Now a pantheon of well-respected musicians, vocalists and performers have come together, under the watchful ear of highly celebrated producer Billy Sherwood, to offer new interpretations of some of the best loved songs from the careers of these two towering figures of prog rock. From King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” to ELP’s incredible “Karn Evil #9” and of course the mainstream hit single “Lucky Man,” A Tribute to Keith Emerson & Greg Lake offers a fresh and comprehensive look into some of the 20th century’s most daring compositions re-imagined by a the likes of Todd Rundgren, Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel), Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre),  and Arthur Brown plus a very special performance from Emerson's son Aaron & grandson Ethan!

Producer Billy Sherwood shares his thoughts about the project, saying “The music these guys created is timeless. And is there for future generations to discover. I’m honored to be a part of this project which displays an amazing collection of songs as well as artists contributing to the record. I think fans of the original will appreciate the attention to detail, love and care that went into the production of this project.”

A Tribute To Keith Emerson & Greg Lake will be available starting April 10 on both digital, CD and vinyl (limited edition ORANGE) courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

To purchase: https://orcd.co/keithemersonandgreglake

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Todd Rundgren & Brian Auger
2. A Time And A Place feat. Leslie Hunt & Derek Sherinian
3. The Sheriff feat. Billy Sherwood & David Sancious
4. C’est La Vie feat. Jon Davison & Larry Fast
5. From The Beginning feat. Thijs Van Leer & John Wesley
6. Hoedown feat. Patrick Moraz
7. Still…YouTurn Me On feat. Sonja Kristina & Steve Porcaro
8. Lucky Man feat. Martin Turner & Geoff Downes
9. Fanfare For The Common Man feat. Aaron & Ethan Emerson
10. Karn Evil #9 1st Impression Part 2 feat. Arthur Brown & Jordan Rudess
BONUS TRACK [CD ONLY]
11. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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Los Angeles CA 90025
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