Best of the Week
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse
2023 7 tracks (48:41)
Well, it wins for the longest band name and album name title, the full title being “PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation”. The uplifting (sic) title should be a clue that the music will be of death/doom/goth metal music which, fortunately, is one of the best versions of this type. Surprisingly, some of the cuts are of extended length, unusual considering the high energy format. For example, “Flamethrower” starts off in a typical thrash metal song before pivoting into an extended shift. It makes a huge difference. Sparkling. A-
Interesting Finds
The Anchoret - It All Began With Loneliness
2023 9 tracks (58.45)
Prog metal often tries to be more metal than prog, but the group The Anchoret manages to avoid throwing out the overly growling vocals and thumping drumming while throwing in a sax or synth fabricated strings. The Opeth comparison comes up, particularly looking at the doom releases. B+
Grip-Like Vice - Place//Circumstance
2023 7 tracks (27:29)
With The Pineapple Thief frontman Beren Matthews, Grip-Like Vice sounds a little XTC-ish with its sophisticated word play and intricate pop structures. At just over 27 minutes, it’s too long to be an EP, but there is plenty to like about it. Where else are you going to get smart pop? (For weird smart pop, see the comments on the Henge album below) B
5th Season - 5th Season
2023 10 tracks (1:03:53)
Some throwback prog from Finnish guitarist Tapio Ylinen who also has a lovely soft voice to go with his Clapton-esque guitar. A number of the selections, like “Don’t Wanna Sing Your Blues” are clearly blues driven and it’s done pretty well. This is more rocking and less traditional than Thorbjorn Risager, but no less enjoyable. It’s not all blues based as heard in the cuts “On The Dark Side Of The Moon” Pt 1 and Pt 2 and “In Memoriam…” where the Hammond organ and wailing guitar solos bring back an earlier time in progressive rock. Yes, it’s a little all over the place, but it works. B
Motorpsycho - Yay!
2023 10 tracks (42:08)
Quality psychedelic prog rock from Norway.
Ray Alder - II
2023 10 tracks (57:14)
Known for his work as vocalist for Fates Warning, Alder has released a decent “power metal” rock album. With a little of the lyrical Breaking Benjamin sound, he tries to get the most out of the limited tools, even though it is difficult to prevent repetition. At times, it’s okay and other times, pretty good. B-
Forgettable
Echo Us - Inland Empire
2023 10 tracks (59:01)
Portland’s Echo Us knows how to put the chill in aggressive music streams. Lots of detail production awashed in synth and process voices. Call it new age rock or meditative rock. The singer’s almost childlike voice isn’t appealing with the lackluster music it enjoins. When you are waiting for the song to end, it’s never a good sign. D
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