If you love hard rock and metal, you've come to the right place! This is a blog dedicated to the greatest music on the planet, and will feature reviews of new releases, reviews of classic albums, essential albums every rock and metal fan should own, and tons more!
For this TBT, we will be taking a look at one of the greatest examples of musicianship in rock history. Legendary Canadian rock trio Rush is world-renowned for being arguably the most musically proficient trio in the history of music, and no song in their 19-album catalog exemplifies their abilities more than their famous instrumental, YYZ. This performance is from Rush's Hold Your Fire Tour, and is most likely the greatest performance of this song, because of something very special at the end. Instead of the song's normal ending after the synth break, Geddy and Alex step aside, and let drummer Neil Peart, aka "The Professor" do what he does best. With his drum solo to end all drum solos in this performance, Neil shows why so many musicians, critics, and fans proclaim him to be the greatest rock drummer of all time. Of course, that's not to take away from Geddy's bass playing and Alex's guitar work, because they also play in peak form. But then again, what else is to be expected from Rush other than sheer perfection?
Single from the upcoming album "Bloodstone and Diamonds"
My Review: Machine Head burst onto the metal scene in 1994 with their highly acclaimed debut album "Burn My Eyes." Since then, and especially in the last ten years, they have improved their songwriting in leaps and bounds. Their 2005 album "The Blackening" contained two songs approaching ten minutes in length, and is considered their most aggressive and bombastic release up to this point. 2011's "Unto The Locust" saw them introducing more complex songs and introducing a greater sense of melody, while keeping all the aggression of their previous release. And if this song from their upcoming album is any indication, they've taken all those aspects, and taken them all to another level.
This is a 7 minute song, not unusual by the band's standards, and goes through drastic changes in mood throughout, making this arguably their most dynamic song yet. This epic song makes use of a string orchestra in the intro, choruses, and bridge, elevating the mood and giving the segments in which their used an anthem-like quality. Vocalist Robb Flynn's perfectly in-tune growls are abound with aggression, and the vocal melodies used in the chorus create a surprisingly uplifting mood in combination with the strings. Phil Demmel and Robb Flynn once again prove that they are one of the greatest lead guitar tandems in modern metal, with a guitar solo rich with twin harmonies that fit in perfectly with the bombastic nature of this song. After the guitar solo, the instruments all quiet down while Flynn utilizes the opposite end of his vocal range with the soft and cleanly sung bridge. Slowly, the strings pick back up, the rest of the band starts again, and the bridge builds and builds up, introducing the songs' grand finale. You've just completed another epic 7-minute journey with Machine Head.
The Foundry's Score: 9/10
The Foundry will be reviewing Machine Head's album "Bloodstone and Diamonds" after it is released on November 7, 2014.
Sounds Like: Judas Priest, Doro Pesch, Warlock, Iron Maiden
Releases: 4 full-lengths, 1 EP
Why you should check them out: This band certainly brings the thunder and they bring it hard. A Sound Of Thunder blends a traditional heavy metal sound with modern progressive influences, fantastical lyrical themes of power metal, and the melodies of classic hard rock, and the end result is the most refreshing new metal act to emerge within the last ten years. The last two full-length albums, "Time's Arrow" and "The Lesser Key of Solomon" (2013 and 2014, respectively) have both received near-universal acclaim from music critics for the old school heavy metal sound that is delivered with a freshness and a hunger that is not just enjoyable, but laudable. The way the band is able to bring these classic elements in a way we haven't heard before shows a high level of musicianship as well as superior musical intelligence to even attempt such a daring approach to playing. They've left the comfort zone well behind them, and have never lost their footing venturing out into such dangerous territory. However, the highest praise for this band goes to vocalist Nina Osegueda. Standing just 5'2", she can belt out notes with the power of singers twice her size, and possesses a range matched by few metal singers. She blends the best elements of Doro Pesch, Rob Halford, and Bruce Dickinson, and packs them all into a petite, 'fun size' package. For the last 30 years, Doro has been the undisputed queen of heavy metal, but little Nina has a legitimate shot at usurping the throne from her, and stealing the crown. The band has recorded with former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley(c. 1994-1999), and at the release party for their newest album, they shared the stage with legendary British heavy metal band Raven. So give this band a listen and let the thunder strike you. (Yes I know thunder doesn't strike, lightning does. I'm making a lame pun about the band name) You will NOT be disappointed, and you may just find your new favorite band.
