Tag Archives: Progressive Rock

MINDCAGE – Our Own Devices CD review

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I receive a lot of CDs for review. Sometimes there are those which stand out from others. Our Own Devices is one such CD. While I have been hesitant about putting a genre to bands. sometimes it has to be done. I have had a while to digest this CD and delve into its depths and it falls into the Progressive Metal category. From the opening it grabs a hold of you. The formula that came together to make this CD come to life is nothing short of miraculous. The musicianship and vocal work are world-class and the world should step up and take notice. The CD is full of songs that are uniquely Mindcage and yet familiar to the ears. Just when you are lost within the dystopian  world Mindcage paints with Our Own Devices its over and you find yourself back in your own everyday world reaching for the replay button to hear it all again. Stellar vocals, killer riffs, chest crushing bass and thunderous drums all included.   There is a very cool story being told in this CD and I challenge you all to find it and come back here and post about your thoughts and musings.  Here is the track listing:

1.    Cadence March

2.    For All Mankind (The Dark Design)

3.    Our Own Devices

4.    The Human Race

5.    At Full Steam

6.    Firefly

7.    The One Constant

8.    Arabella’s Arc

9.    The Serenity Sequence (Renaissance Pt. I)

10.  The Grand Restoration (Renaissance Pt. II)

     I have been trying to pick some standout tracks and there are only two that I can put above any of the others. “The Human Race” and “Firefly” love ’em both and I think you will as well. Kudos to Mindcage for an OUTSTANDING piece of work.

Be sure to check Mindcage out online at: http://www.mindcagemusic.com and https://www.facebook.com/mindcageband and if that isn’t enough check out the video for “The Human Race” :

     Special shout outs to Kinematic Music for getting behind a band like Mindcage and to Michael Wagener for incredible mixing and production.

     “Our Own Devices from Mindcage will leave you breathless and wanting more.” – the Hellion

MINDCAGE RELEASES EPIC VIDEO FOR “THE HUMAN RACE;” OUR OWN DEVICES DROPS TUESDAY

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MINDCAGE RELEASES EPIC VIDEO FOR “THE HUMAN RACE;”

OUR OWN DEVICES DROPS TUESDAY

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The official video for “The Human Race” from Florida-based progressive metallers Mindcage is now online athttp://youtu.be/uczkeEevnGc  The full album, OUR OWN DEVICES, drops Tuesday, September 17.

A dark and powerful short movie, the video introduces the character of Arabella Vash, a young woman who exists in a utilitarian clockwork society.  She is becoming empowered by visions and dreams, and about to start her journey to find the band of rebels, The One Constant (portrayed by the band), that she will lead.  “The Human Race” is her awakening, and call to power. 

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In search of an appropriate post apocalyptic steam punk setting for their video, Mindcage chose to film in the historical district of their hometown of Pensacola FL. With the vision, creativity and costuming skills of Airship Isabella [http://airshipisabella.com/], an authentic and innovative steam-punk troupe from New Orleans, Mindcage was able to convey their vision of The One Constant and the dystopian world in which they live.

Jason Thomsen directed and edited “The Human Race.”   He recently served as assistant director on “Girl from Iceland” (a Kinematic Entertainment Production).  The track features vocals by Hydrogyn’s Julie Westlake.

OUR OWN DEVICES is mixed by rock legend Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Dokken, and Overkill).  The core members of Mindcage – Dietrick Hardwick (writer, guitarist), Brian Howell (bass) and Craig Nudo (drums) – have been connected personally and through music for almost thirty years.  Jeff Hignite, a recent but important addition, brought not only lyrical contribution but also his powerhouse vocals.

TRACK LIST:

1.    Cadence March

2.    For All Mankind (The Dark Design)

3.    Our Own Devices

4.    The Human Race

5.    At Full Steam

6.    Firefly

7.    The One Constant

8.    Arabella’s Arc

9.    The Serenity Sequence (Renaissance Pt. I)

10.  The Grand Restoration (Renaissance Pt. II)

Dangerdog Music Reviews:  5/5 stars

Our Own Devices is quite impressive: between the idea, lyrics, vocal arrangements, brisk guitar, and accomplished arrangements, it easily stands in the fine tradition of conceptual progressive metal albums like Queensryche’s Operation Mindcrime. Very recommended.Mindcage

OUR OWN DEVICES will be available on the band’s website www.mindcagemusic.com,

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-human-race-single/id692323537, amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F7CDATY  and at your favorite record store.

 

I have had the chance to listen to this CD and it is GREAT! Review coming soon!

-the Hellion

Katatonia to support Opeth on “North American Heritage Tour 2013″‏

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KATATONIA TO SUPPORT OPETH ON “NORTH AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR 2013”

Sweden’s elite team up for 30+ city tour beginning in April

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SWEDEN – Sweden’s ultimate dark rock/metal band, Katatonia, has announced an extensive North American tour with headliner and fellow Swedish elite, Opeth. The upcoming run, “North American Heritage Tour 2013,” will conquer over 30 cities this spring beginning April 18 in Buffalo, N.Y.

 

Commented guitarist, Anders Nyström, “Back in the U.S.A…That’s right Springsteen! We’re looking at round #2 as special guests to our brothers in Opeth on their last North American leg of the Heritage World Tour. This time we’ll mainly cover off-territories, so regardless if you caught or missed us last time, consider this a second chance to attend the dead ends of North America with one of the best bills there’ll ever be!”

 

The tour will make two special stops, the first in Worcester, Mass. on April 20 where the band returns to play the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, then in Clifton Park, N.Y. on April 28 where acclaimed Porcupine Tree front-man Steven Wilson will join for the night. A full list of confirmed dates can be seen below.

 

Katatonia last toured North America in September 2012 as part of the co-headlining “Epic Kings & Idols Tour” with The Devin Townsend Project.

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Dead End Kings, Katatonia’s ninth studio album and the follow-up to 2009’s critically acclaimed,Night is the New Day, hit stores on August 28, 2012 via Peaceville Records.

 

The record debuted at #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #10 on Hard Rock, topping Night is the New Day first week sales in the U.S. and making it Katatonia’s most successful U.S. debut in its 20-year career.

 

Dead End Kings can be purchased online in a multitude of formats and bundle packages via Omerch at: http://omerch.theomegaorder.com/Artists_Omerch/Katatonia or on iTunes at:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dead-end-kings/id552372052 (Standard Edition) andhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dead-end-kings-deluxe-edition/id552508307 (Deluxe Edition).

 

Stay tuned to the Dead End Kings mini-site: http://www.deadendkings.com for more information on Katatonia, Dead End Kings and “North American Heritage Tour 2013.”

Katatonia on tour w/ Opeth…

4/18 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom

4/20 – Worcester, MA @ New England Metal & Hardcore Fest
4/21 – Quebec City, QC @ Capitole
4/23 – Halifax, NS @ Halifax Forum
4/24 – Moncton, NB @ Casino New Brunswick
4/26 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Concert Theatre
4/27 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
4/28 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall *w/ Steven Wilson
4/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
4/30 – Norfolk, VA @ NorVa Theatre
5/02 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
5/03 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
5/04 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
5/05 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
5/06 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
5/08 – Lexington, KY @ Buster’s Billiards & Backroom
5/09 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
5/10 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
5/11 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
5/12 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
5/14 – Fargo, ND @ The Venue
5/15 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
5/16 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
5/17 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
5/18 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
5/20 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/21 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/23 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

5/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
5/25 – Agoura Hills, CA @ The Canyon Club
5/26 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst

Katatonia is…

Jonas Renske – vocals

Anders Nyström – guitar, backing vocals

Daniel Liljekvist – drums

Per Eriksson – guitar

Niklas Sandin – bass

Katatonia online…

www.katatonia.com

www.deadendkings.com

www.facebook.com/katatonia

www.myspace.com/katatonia

www.peaceville.com

www.omerch.com

YES – A BAND NEAR AND DEAR TO ME

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www.yesworld.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yes/107577509265620

 

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I was seven years old when I first heard “Starship Trooper”. I was enraptured by it, it took me away to the stars and beyond. My mom turned me on to Yes and I was hooked. I have remained a fan throughout the years.

Formed in 1968, by Chris Squire, Yes has been cutting edge ever since. They have risen from obscurity, to the heights of success. There have been many different lineups throughout the years with some outstanding musicians.

The most successful lineup (in my opinion) consisted of: Jon Anderson – lead vocals, percussion, guitar, harp, various others, Chris Squire – bass, backing vocals, various others, Steve Howe – guitars, backing vocals, various others, Bill Bruford – drums, percussion, various others, Rick Wakeman – keyboards, piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, various others.

During the 80’s they had hits from the lineup of: Jon Anderson – (vocals), Tony Kaye – (Keyboards), Trevor Rabin – (Guitars, vocals, additional keyboards), Chris Squire – (Bass, vocals), Alan White – (Drums, percussion, backing vocals). This lineup gave us hits like: “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, “It Can Happen”, “Leave It”, and “Changes”

The current lineup of Yes consists of: Chris Squire – (bass, backing vocals, various others), Steve Howe – (guitars, backing vocals, various others), Alan White – (drums, percussion, backing vocals, various others), Geoff Downes – (keyboards), Jon Davison – (lead vocals, various others)

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From 1 March to 12 April 2013, Yes will embark on their Spring 2013 North American tour. The band will play three albums a night for the first time in their entirety: The Yes Album, Close to the Edge and Going for the One. During the Spring 2013 North American tour, Yes will lead a progressive-rock themed cruise titled Cruise to the Edge from 25 to 30 March 2013. Yes will also be going into the studio in the fall 2013 to record a new album, their 21st studio album and the first with Jon Davison.

 

The progressive rock music of Yes deserves a listen.

 

the Hellion

 

 

 

GREGG ROLIE – ONE OF MY FAVORITE MUSICIAN/VOCALISTS

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http://www.greggrolie.com/

     How many people recognize the name Gregg Rolie? I can almost guarantee you’ve heard his voice (unless you’ve been hiding under a rock with your fingers in your ears). Let me jog your memory a bit:

     That’s right Gregg was the voice behind that Santana classic. In 1965 Gregg joined up with Carlos Santana and formed the Santana Blues Band. Eventually it was shortened to simply Santana. Gregg was with Santana at Woodstock in 1969. He was also known for his distinctive sound of his Hammond B3 organ. I know you know this classic:

      Gregg and Carlos Santana had some differing opinions on the direction of the band and Gregg left at the end of 1971. Gregg returned to his home in Seattle and partnered into a restaurant with his dad. It so happened that it wasn’t that successful.

          In 1973 Gregg joined forces with another Sanatana alumni Neal Schon. This was the begining of Journey. Gregg was the lead vocalist for Journey up until 1977. Here are some Journey with Gregg throughout the years:

  Gregg left Journey in 1980 for a solo career. He released several solo records some of which featured the talents of Carlos Santana, Peter Wolf, Neal Schon, and Craig Chaquico. Here is one of my favorite tracks from the 1987 release Gringo:

      In 1991 Gregg teamed up with Steve Smith and Ross Valory from Journey to form a new band called The Storm. Here is a track called ” I’ve Got A Lot To Learn About Love”:

     Gregg continues to make music to this day with the Gregg Rolie Band:

     Gregg is also a strong supporter of music education for children. In 2005 he became an official supporter of Little Kids Rock (http://www.littlekidsrock.org/) which is a nonprofit organization that provides free instruments and and lessons to disadvantaged public schools in the U.S.A. He is a member of the Honorary Board of Directors.

     Gregg was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 with Santana.

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     Gregg is an all around renaissance man in the world of music.

the Hellion

PORCUPINE TREE LAUNCHES “OCTANE TWISTED” RECORD STORE DAY GIVEAWAY

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PORCUPINE TREE LAUNCHES “OCTANE TWISTED” RECORD STORE DAY GIVEAWAY

Two-disc live set “Octane Twisted” out now via Kscope

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LONDON – Porcupine Tree has launched a contest to celebrate the release of its latest live album Octane Twisted and Record Store Day 2012 – a recognition of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally. Fans can enter online at: http://recordstoreday.com/Contest/1085 for a chance to win an EBS OctoBass pedal autographed by Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin, as well as a Porcupine Tree t-shirt.

A live rendition of side one of The Incident, the band’s 10th studio album, recorded in Chicago, plus a second disc of select Porcupine Tree tracks recorded in Chicago and London, Octane Twisted can be purchased now at your favorite local record store.

A streaming track, “Dislocated Day,” as well as a slew of other Octane Twisted media, can be accessed on the album’s mini-site at: http://www.kscopemusic.com/porcupinetree/octanetwisted/.

An additional contest with Modern Drummer, which launched earlier this month, can still be entered online at: http://www.moderndrummer.com/?p=25443&shareadraft=baba25443_50bf64099db54 for a chance to win some of Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison’s favorite gear from the likes of Zildjian, Remo, Sonor, Vic Firth and Hardcase.

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CD 1:

The Incident – Chicago:

1. Occam’s Razor
2. The Blind House
3. Great Expectations
4. Kneel and Disconnect
5. Drawing the Line
6. The Incident
7. Your Unpleasant Family
8. The Yellow Windows of the Evening Train
9. Time Flies
10. Degree Zero of Liberty
11. Octane Twisted
12. The Seance
13. Circle of Manias
14. I Drive the Hearse

CD2:

1. Hatesong
2. Russia on Ice / The Pills I’m Taking
3. Stars Die
4. Bonnie the Cat
5. Even Less
6. Dislocated Day
7. Arriving Somewhere but not Here

“a worthy document that will thrill fans and likely win new ones among those fortunate enough to hear it. Recommended.” – Yahoo! Music

“Octane Twisted fully justifies and exemplifies why Porcupine Tree has been a favorite band for many genre enthusiasts (including myself) for over two decades.” – PopMatters.com

“Beautifully recorded, Octane Twisted offers live proof that The Incident stands as one of rock’s most ambitious concept works.” – All Music

Stay tuned for more information on Porcupine Tree and Octane Twisted, out now on Kscope.

Porcupine Tree online…

http://www.porcupinetree.com

http://www.facebook.com/PorcupineTreeOfficial

http://twitter.com/#!/PorcupineTree

http://www.kscopemusic.com

http://www.kscopemusic.com/porcupinetree/

Porcupine Tree is…

Steven Wilson – Vocals/Guitar

Richard Barbieri – Keyboards

Colin Edwin – Bass

Gavin Harrison – Drums

Check ’em out

the Hellion