Review #4: DragonForce - Inhuman Rampage

Artist: DragonForce
Album: Inhuman Rampage (2006)
Genre: Speed metal
Length: 8 tracks / 56:02 (Special edition contains 9 tracks / 1:02:24)

 

Yeah, that's right. DragonForce. You either love them or you hate them. I love them. Also, let me go on record right now by stating: I LIKED THEM BEFORE GUITAR HERO 3! I heard Through the Fire and Flames a week before it came out, and I didn't even know it was on Guitar Hero until months after. So take that! The former sextet from all over the world (New Zealand, Hong Kong, Scotland, France, Ukraine, and South Africa, if I remember correctly) hit mainstream success with this album much in part to Guitar Hero 3. Was it worth it?

I'm going to be honest, even though this is a long album, this review went by quick as I've had each song practically memorized as I've heard them so much since 2008 when I first downloaded the songs (I used to be one of them.. then my computer got a virus) and again when I got them all back by buying the CD. Now I'm going to sound like a hypocrite again, because in my last review, I mentioned how it'd be nice if I got a few more songs like the good ones. Well, in this album's case, I got it. I swear, this album went by like continuous 20 minute blurbs, with a 7 minute awesome song in the middle. 3 minute solos, double kick all over the place in the same patterns, lyrics all talking about how they're going to war for their land to go kick someone's rear. It's a good album, but the repetition really gets to the listener. There are slight variations, and the songs are all well executed, but when a song doesn't even have a mention of it's title in the whole song, I get lost. This is not one of the better works of DragonForce so don't let this review and Guitar Hero finalize your opinion of these guys.

Now for my thing. I can easily love this album because of the solos and kick pedals (I'm an avid air guitarist and air drummer), but it's the fact that they are so PREDICTABLE in this album that turns me off from liking it as much as I do. I mean the songs I like, I love. I'll be riffing like a madman, and bound to be looking like one as well, but it won't happen for every song on here. Funny thing though, is despite the repetition, I do have specific favourites that I'll listen to above any others on the album. In fact, that's why I like having it... that, and it completes my discography. Also, I really want to know how they come up with their titles for their albums, as well half their songs... that has got to be some sweet stuff they ingest...

TREVOR'S FAVOURITE: Through the Fire and Flames
How many people called this. Yep, every single reader of mine who's heard the album should have. Mainly because of "First Song Syndrome" and Guitar Hero. Now before you ask, "First Song Syndrome" is my term for when you first hear a song from any band, and it's the VERY first song you've EVER heard by them. Chances are, it'll become your favourite because of that fact. Case in point, myself and this song. From the wicked intro, to the captivating lyrics, and the insane solos, and double kick madness, this song forever holds a place in my heart. And no, I did not play Guitar Hero 3 until July of 2008, well after it was released. I never even TOUCHED Guitar Hero until I had well over 100 plays of this song on my iPod. So take that theory and cram it.

RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Through the Fire and Flames [Track 1]
Body Breakdown [Track 5]
Flame of Youth [Track 7]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Operation Ground and Pound [Track 4]

Final grade: 6.8 | C
Get the songs alone. Unless you want an hourlong metalfest that never ends until the album stops, by all means pick this up, but this is really only good for the few songs.

Review #3: Metric - Fantasies

Artist: Metric
Album: Fantasies (2009)
Genre: Indie rock
Length: 10 tracks / 42:36

Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking: "Trevor, you bought something like Metric?!" Yes. Yes, I did. And proud of it too. Funny thing is what I got with it (I buy my CDs 2 at a time almost always; occasionally 3, very rarely 1), but that's a story for another time. Point is is that this is one of two CDs in my collection that feature a band with a female vocalist, the only one with a genre lighter than prog. rock, and one of many CDs by a Canadian artist I own. So, without further ado, the review.

This is a very calm, very relaxing album, but the other side of the scale has it being a very catchy, upbeat album. The complimenting, however, is off. Same goes for the first half of the album, compared to the second half. While Gimme Sympathy may be the second half's saving grace, it's just no where near the power of the first half, Gimme Sympathy subtracted. This is album is good for what is wants to accomplish: An indie sound that lets the music define itself. No two track is alike and that I give points to Metric for. Although a few more Gimme Symapthy's and Sick Muse's wouldn't be too bad.


Now for my inner two cents. The songs I like, are EXCELLENT, but that's me. The songs I dislike, I dislike heavily. This poses both a good side and bad. It's an album I'll put on, but only for the few songs. Everything else would get skipped without a second glance. While I love the fact I enjoy the songs as much as I do, I'd much rather have an album that has songs I like, but can listen to all the way without skipping anything.. although this will kind of sound hypocritical as the one album I already reviewed like that scored lower...

TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Gimme Sympathy
Now this should come as no surprise as I've only mentioned this song 3 other times in this post. Gimme Sympathy is just... amazing, in my opinion. I have no other way to describe it. The song starts off normally, with a soft synthesizer that evolves into simple bass kick and guitar behind the vocalizing from Emily Haines. Before long, the drums enter a basic pattern, and the guitar continues. Cue the chrous, and same old, with a synth added in. But it's this recipe together, mixed with the vocals, and there's something there that I can't describe in any other way except for this: magical. Also, for future reference, I dislike both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones (I like 2 Beatles songs, and 1 by the Stones), so I'd pick neither.

RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Help, I'm Alive [Track 1]
Sick Muse [Track 2]
Gimme Sympathy [Track 6]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Satellite Mind [Track 3]

Final grade: 7.9/10 | B-
The songs that are good are what give this a much higher grade. What prevents it from breaking into the realm of 8 is the songs that aren't up to par. There is a major border between the two, but I'm ever an optimist so the good always wins out.

Review #2: Breaking Benjamin - Saturate

Artist: Breaking Benjamin
Album: Saturate (2002)
Genre: Alternative
Length: 12 tracks / 49:16

The debut album from one of my favourite bands: Breaking Benjamin. These guys will always have a sense of nostalgia for me as my first CD I bought for myself was a Breaking Benjamin album. 4 guesses as to which one.

Saturate is a stellar debut. First albums for a band are always a risk if you've heard future stuff from the band. The quality may not be as good as later albums, and these are the albums where a band tries to find their sound. Saturate not only verifies Breaking Benjamin's sound early on, but it's in a way that is still enjoyable. The album starts off really well with some good lead-off tracks, to a hit-and-miss middle, and a solid last few songs, save for the last song. While I feel that experimentation is always good, there are those that work and those that don't: Shallow Bay/Forever follows that. Shallow Bay is among other songs of this album, but Forever is just an experiment that blows up in the listeners face. Although there are other experiments that work: the intro to Water, and the breakdown in No Games. And while you get your other misses throughout the album, there's a ton of good content in here that makes it worthwhile to give the whole thing a listen to.

To me, picking this album up was a risk, but one that works. I mean, if you compare this to later works, it doesn't hold up as well, but I still like it enough to consider it a valuable addition to my collection; and not just because it completes my discography. I can enjoy many of the songs, although the fact that I want to skip 3 or 4 is a turn off, but not enough to pass up. I already gave an explanation about Shallow Bay/Forever, and I wasn't too partial to others like Natural Life or Next To Nothing, but those two have their saving graces that will keep me listening.

TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: No Games
Funnily enough, two albums reviewed, two albums where my favourite is right near the end. Nestled in the 10th spot out of 12 songs, No Games starts off very quiet and very slow with a friendly little riff. The verse continues this friendly little game before the pre-chorus sets in. Almost to the point of yelling, singer Ben seems almost pleading in the first pre-chorus, and accusing in the second. Both work well with the song and make it enjoyable. The chorus just continues it. And I must say, the second pre-chorus contains one of my favourite lyrics: "You are an a**hole / king of the castle". Not to mention, an experiment that WORKS is the use of violins in the breakdown just before the solo. This is a great mix of slightly different styles all melded into one song. Just remember when I win.

RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Medicate [Track 2]
Polyamorous [Track 3]
Water [Track 7]
Home [Track 8]
No Games [Track 10]

Final grade: 8.3/10 | B
The good songs are good, the misses are only somewhat noticeable. However, it's a hefty borderline which prevents it from scoring higher. But it's the fact that, because every person's border may be different, getting the whole album is worth it.

Review #1: Kamelot - Poetry For the Poisoned

Artist: Kamelot
Album: Poetry For the Poisoned (2010)
Genre: Power Metal
Length: 14 tracks / 50:03

My first review! And I'll start this blog of reviews with my latest album purchase. Now I've been a fan of Kamelot because of the only other two albums of their's I have heard: Epica and The Black Halo; the two parts of the Epica concept albums. However, fan or not, I will try to remain as unbiased and fair as possible.

Anyway, the album starts off well. Like seriously. Every song has a decent, to really good, intro. Unfortunately, more often than not, the verses, nor the choruses, can't always keep up with the intros and fall below the expectations given from the intros. However, it's not like it's a bad album; it's far from it. I was able to listen to every song without feeling an uncontrollable urge to skip a song (although if I were to replay it, I possibly would). And that is something that is rare in today's music.. although something I find frequently happening in my ever growing collection of discs. The solos are heavy, the synths are buzzing back and forth, and that oh so lovely double kick pedal is working like mad, as always. This is a great album and band for those who want to foray into the realm of metal, or concept albums (via the mini, 4-song concept "Poetry For the Poisoned").

Now in MY opinion, yes, I'd pick this album up, and have, because Kamelot is a great band. They know how to tell a good story, and have the right mix of rock and metal to have a unique sound I enjoy. And, yes, these guys are great to start off with in introducing someone to metal. I mean, sure, they may not sound the greatest here, nor will they wow every person in existence with any songs, but they wowed me enough to enjoy this album.

TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Once Upon a Time.
To be honest, it's rare that the LAST song on an album is the one that wows me, but this is one of the rare exceptions. The opening starts off with eerie synthesizers before pounding out the double  kick pedal that reminds me a  LOT of songs from the Epica saga. Especially when the lyrics start and the singer Roy Khan croons in a way that is very reminiscent of his portrayal of the character Mephisto from the saga. And adding in some bias from there, mixed with a good solo and an excellent, catchy chorus make this my choice for my favourite.

Recommended songs:
If Tomorrow Came [Track 2]
Parts I-IV of Poetry For the Poisoned [Tracks 10-13]
Once Upon a Time [Track 14]

Final grade: 7.6/10 | B-
Worth the few songs, but unless you're into Kamelot, or this genre, don't buy the whole thing.

Starting off

Hi. This is basically going to be the post I want everyone to read when they enter this blog. I think I might as well start off with some personal info. My name's Trevor. I'm 19, from Canada, and I'm not as big a music fan as some, but definitely bigger than most. I buy my CDs (bought my first 3 years ago and haven't stopped since) and have headphones constantly attached to my ears. I may have only been to one concert, but I'm hoping to change that soon.

However, this is not a blog to talk about me. No. This is going to be yet another music review blog. You may have heard of some of these bands, some may be brand new for you. All I'm trying to do is showcase them for you as well as give my personal opinion on them for you to check out. Whether it's via YouTube, downloading, or going out and actually buying it.

So without further adieu, time to start reviewing. I might throw in personal blogs from time to time so keep an eye out for that.

Anyway, enough rambling. Welcome to The Force of Sound and hopefully you find something you like among the pages here.

Also, all of my reviews will follow a specific template:
Artist and album details.
Small background info about why I picked up the album.
Overview from a general standpoint.
Personal opinion.
Favourite song.
Recommendations and score.

PS. If anyone would like to give their own reviews on albums I've already reviewed, you are more than welcome to leave a comment with your review.