jedifart wrote:What are people's thoughts about Dark Forest? Personally, I can't get enough of their debut or (even more so) the 'Defender' ep. While staying true to 80s Metal, they've also got a unique edge, and an 'Englishness' about them that I as an Irishman shouldn't warm to.
Surely you jest?
Anyway, re Dark Forest, the vocals make my ears sad.
jedifart wrote:What are people's thoughts about Dark Forest? Personally, I can't get enough of their debut or (even more so) the 'Defender' ep. While staying true to 80s Metal, they've also got a unique edge, and an 'Englishness' about them that I as an Irishman shouldn't warm to.
Surely you jest?
Anyway, re Dark Forest, the vocals make my ears sad.
Which release have you heard Peter? Since the full-length, they released a 7" with a new singer.
I'm gutted that they won't be playing Doomsday III in Wakefield this Sunday. That London gig on the 25th is very tempting.
I've heard the 2 ep's and the full-length... I enjoy the music certainly but the warblings made me never dig any further..... Dammit, I'm just an old grouch, me!
Piotr Sargnagel wrote:I've heard the 2 ep's and the full-length... I enjoy the music certainly but the warblings made me never dig any further..... Dammit, I'm just an old grouch, me!
By the two EPs, do you mean 'Fear Dearg' and 'Phantoms of the Sea'? If so, have a listen to 'Defender' on www.myspace.com/darkforestrealm to hear the new singer.
jedifart wrote:What are people's thoughts about Dark Forest? Personally, I can't get enough of their debut or (even more so) the 'Defender' ep. While staying true to 80s Metal, they've also got a unique edge, and an 'Englishness' about them that I as an Irishman shouldn't warm to. But I love them and really can't wait for their next full-length.
As far as other bands mentioned here go, I love some and couldn't give a shit about others. I think Enforcer's debut has a slight edge over 'Diamonds', but I'm addicted to both. In Solitude's album is very good, and would be great with a more spiteful vocal delivery.
It took a few listens for me to fully appreciate Helvetet's Port, but now I love the album.
I had really high hopes for Cauldron as I loved Goat Horn's 'Storming the Gates'. The ep was good and I've only heard bits of the full-length online after reading so many bad reports. Suffice to say I never bothered buying it. However, I spent a bit of time with them in Dublin a few years back and they're proper dedicated Metalheads. Because of this and the quality of the Goat Horn stuff, I wouldn't be surprised if they have a killer album in them.
The one I hold higher than any other though is Portrait. That debut stunned me from my first listen and I've got to love it more and more with time. Contrary to most people, I also like the new 7" a lot and can't wait to see what they can come up with next.
Regarding bands signing to bigger labels and what not, I really wouldn't waste my energy worrying about it. If the music is good enough, then who really gives a bollox?
It's funny, I share the exact same thoughts. I too LOVED Storming the Gates, one of my favorite recent Canadian Metal releases - but was hugely deceived by the Cauldron full lenght. I've known Jason for years - and he's 100% genuine. Not too big on Dark Forest either, but LOVE LOVE the first Portrait record.
Piotr Sargnagel wrote:I've heard the 2 ep's and the full-length... I enjoy the music certainly but the warblings made me never dig any further..... Dammit, I'm just an old grouch, me!
By the two EPs, do you mean 'Fear Dearg' and 'Phantoms of the Sea'? If so, have a listen to 'Defender' on www.myspace.com/darkforestrealm to hear the new singer.
Yessir! That's them all right.
Oh that singer sounds much better, good grief! You know something - I'm awfully old-fashioned about listening to music on the web and almost never do it. I just always seem to forget it as a viable option. Daft huh?
Will you listen to those grumphy Irishmen!
Helvetets Port are nothing compared to Portraits debut album, which was really excellent IMO, but there was some interesting stuff on there. Some of the breaks were nice and I liked how the meolodies were less than obvious. Have to admit it's been retired into the shelf though, and it probably won't be out very often.
I know I ain't doing much,
doing nothing means a lot to me.
Here's another one to love or hate... Spellcaster from Portland, OR. I really like these guys a lot but of course I'm biased. IMHO one of the better North American HM bands of the last 25 years. I hear hints of Metal Church, Jag Panzer, etc.. maybe even some of the fantasy elements of Manila Road.
Aiden wrote:Agreed. Portrait wipe the floor with them.
My initial impression of Helvetets Port from their 7" was that they were a joke band. I didn't really care for them at all but apparently they are serious so I respect their "not for everyone" approach. I only heard the full-length once and didn't pay all that much attention but I'm guessing they've progressed since then.
My problem with a lot of the newer Swedish bands, particularly Portrait and In Solitude is the overwhelming Mercyful Fate influence. Although Portrait have toned that down over the last couple of years and seem to be developing a sound of their own.
In Dark Stranger's defense, he has never liked them. I on the other hand do! I love the 7", LP and I can't wait for Lightning Rod Avenger to be released in some shape or form.
