Joining an already stacked lineup of artists at Summer Camp Music Festival at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois May 21-24 will be Krewella, Widespread Panic, Violent Femmes, A-Track, Greensky Bluegrass and more! Tickets are on sale now at the festival’s website with a price increase tomorrow, so don’t delay in picking up your ticket!
The full announcement of third round artists includes: Krewella, Widespread Panic (two sets), Violent Femmes, A-Trak, Greensky Bluegrass, Kill The Noise, Nahko And Medicine For The People, Paper Diamond, Victor Wooten, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Break Science, Dumpstaphunk, Hermitude, Liquid Stranger, Louis Futon, Protohype, Sound Remedy, 28 North, The Accidendentals, American Babies, Citizun, Consider The Source, Daniel Bambaaata Marley, Jon Wayne And The Pain, Old Shoe, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Positive Vibr8ions, and Soap.
ROUND one is complete! Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all bands for participating. ROUND two is now live, go vote for your favorites here. All the round one results can still be reviewed below.
Welcome to NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes 64 bands and artists who call Upstate New York their home.
This year’s 4 regions are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each region has 16 Upstate New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in Upstate and popularity in their respective genres.
Voting begins March 16 at Noon and ends at midnight on Thursday March 19. Round two begins March 20, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.
In what has become an annual Olympics of sorts for NYC music lovers, Soulive kicked off their sixth annual eight show residency at Brooklyn Bowl, dubbed Bowlive VI, with Charles Bradley. Bowlive has become famous for special guest headliners and even more special surprise guests. This is the first year that it did not coincide with the Allman Bros. Beacon residency and standard sit-ins by the likes of Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi.
It was only fitting that local outfit WOLF!, consisting of band leader Scott Metzger (guitar, JRAD), Jon Shaw (bass), and Taylor Floreth (drums) opened the run in what may appear to be a passing of the torch of Brooklyn based rockers. Metzger awed the crowd with his shredding guitar solos and commanding stage presence as they rolled in with excitement for the main event. Before they left the stage, Metzger announced that they will be releasing their debut album this April on the Royal Potato label, with a record release party at Brooklyn’s Hometown BBQ April 2.
Soulive took the stage with just the three core members Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums), and Neal Evans (keyboard, organ) to lay down a couple of funky grooves to get the crowd ready for what was yet to come. The first guests of the evening, The Shady Horns – Ryan Zoidis (sax) and Eric Bloom (trumpet) – who will be sitting in all eight nights, came out for soulful renditions of “Hat Trick” and “Vapor.” After much anticipation, the 66-year-old Charles Bradley, who was unknown until 2011, strutted out in a silver sequin tank top blowing kisses to the crowd. Bradley has a voice and stage presence akin to James Brown, whom he impersonated as Black Velvet up until his solo career was propelled by Dap-Tone Records. He crooned three of his original tunes to end the first set: “Ain’t It A Sin,” “The World (Is Going Up In Flames),” and “Why Is It So Hard.”
The second set began like the first with the core three members taking the stage for a cover of the 1967 Jimi Hendrix tune “Manic Depression.” The Shady Horns were back out followed by Bradley and Metzger. Bradley took over again, pulling out some classic soul inspired dance moves as he fell to his knees with the mic stand raised high over his head. Bradley gave way to the first true surprise guest of Bowlive VI, Tash Neal (guitar, The London Souls) who closed the second set with The Beatles classic “Get Back.” The first night of Bowlive came to a close with two powerhouse guitarists on stage for a cover of Buddy Miles “Them Changes” with a mesmerizing solo by Neal.
The day after St. Patricks Day is a day of recovery, or in some cases, a way to keep the party going. The Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs will be providing a full night of rock and roll to ensure that the fun doesn’t stop. The March 18 show is Bobaflex with some ‘can’t miss’ music coming to this area.
First up will be Dead Superstar from Long Island. The band has played this area before, and be prepared to have their high energy, heavy alternative rock kick off the night in the right way. they have been playing shows with Bobaflex already, and have a brand new single, “Searching For the Sun” out on iTunes.
Next up is the local juggernaut that is JCHA. (Jesus Christ and the Hallucinogenic Allstars). These guys have been bringing consistent quality rock shows with their residency at the Putnam Den, and this one is the culmination of all that hard work. The band is primed to release their new EP, Cosmic Annihilation at this show, and every single person that walks through the door gets to leave with a copy. NYSMusic premiered the single, “Dying in Leather“, and the rest of the EP will surely be revealed at this show. JCHA signature light show with on stage witch doctor is a spectacle in itself, and a live performance that no one should miss.
Bobaflex is headlining this night of awe inspiring rock, and they will most likely tear the roof off the place. They are widely considered one of the hardest working bands in the industry, and have been relentless in touring the country since their formation in 1998. Their live performance is full of incredible energy and will be sure to get the entire crowd moving and having a hell of a time. Their seventh album is coming out in June of 2015, so hopefully the audience will be privy to some of that new material.
The doors open at 7pm, and the show stars off at 7:30. $15 gets you in the door and a copy of the JCHA record in your hands. See more details at the Facebook event here.
When an artist remains mostly anonymous for the greater part of 15 years, the anticipation of the audience is bound to grow with every minute that goes by. On this night, the sold out Best Buy Theater was electric with energy that grew with every flicker of the lights. The impatience of the crowd was finally released when D’Angelo took center stage, by himself, laying down his first solo vocals of the evening from “Prayer”mesmerizing the crowd with his harmonious R&B melody.
While the album title Black Messiah may lead one to expect a conceited performance, D’Angelo constantly recognized his band and allowed each member to solo and show off their individual talents while he cycled through vocals, keys, and guitar. One by one, The Vanguard took the stage, first with Jesse Johnson (guitar, Prince) who showed off his glitter covered guitar and Hendrix-esque shredding capabilities. Next up was Pino Palladino (bass, The Who post-John Entwistle) who laid down deep bass lines and funky grooves that kept the crowd bouncing all night, doing his best Bootsy Collins impression. The remainder of The Vanguard consisted of Chris Dave (drums), Isaiah Sharkey (guitar), Cleo “Pookie” Sample (keyboard), and Kendra Foster (vocals, P-Funk) who brought beauty, energy, and harmony to compliment D’Angelo’s blissful melodies.
http://youtu.be/ykIpS4xaG-U
As we moved through the first hour D’Angelo weaved in and out of tunes new and old, with well thought out segues between smooth rhythm & blues and pure funk grooves. The band was joined on stage by a small strings section composed of violists and a cellist for “Really Love” and the Heatwave cover “Star of the Story”. At this point the strings were substituted out by a duo of horns consisting of “Brother” Jacques Schwarz-Bart (saxaphone) and Darren Barrett (trumpet) while D’Angelo serenaded the ladies on a soul thumping rendition of his 1995 hit “Brown Sugar”. Once the horn section joined in, it was a non-stop funk party for the last hour of the night. The band weaved in and out of D’Angelo originals covering tunes from all three of his albums with some highlights being the hip-hop driven “Chicken Grease” off of 2000’s Voodoo, “Lady” off of Brown Sugar, and “Back To The Future (part 1)” the aptly named song off of Black Messiah.
The D’Angelo concert experience is like a funk and soul “Back To The Future” trip conjuring images of ’70s and ’80s icons transformed into a futuristic world saving setting a la Wyld Stallyns.
Setlist: Prayer, 1000 Deaths, Ain’t That Easy, Feel Like Makin’ Love, Really Love, One Mo’Gin, Star of the Story, Brown Sugar, The Charade, Sugah Daddy
Encore: Lady, Back To The Future, Left & Right, Chicken Grease
Encore 2: Till It’s Done, How Does It Feel
From the moment I learned that Garth Brooks was returning to recording and touring, I felt as though I finally had a do over. At the height of his career, Garth Brooks made a life changing decision to stay home and help raise his girls, further endearing him to all of the fans that loved him so much already. Not knowing if or when he decided to return to the music business he would be welcomed back, he never hesitated as it was a no brainer for Garth.
His family came first. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2013, he commented that “..if everybody was allowed that luxury, I think 99% of parents would take it..” I believe he is correct in his statement. As the girls grew up and the house become quiet, it was Ms. Yearwood (as he lovingly refers to her) that suggested to him that perhaps it was time to go back out on the road again. As a lifelong fan of Garth Brooks and Ms. Yearwood, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this chance of a “do over”.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
I will never forget where I was the first time I ever heard Garth Brook’s “The Dance”. As the music began I lifted my head up from what I was reading and my eyes went to the TV immediately where a newcomer sat with a guitar while clips of video played on behind him. As the music and lyrics progressed to say “And now I’m glad I didn’t know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance”, tears began to well up in my eyes. On the screen flashed images of Lane Frost, the famous bull rider who lost his life in 1989 while riding the bull for the full 8 seconds, Keith Whitley and his wife, Lorrie Morgan, as they danced at their wedding, the crew of the space shuttle Challenger as they walked to their journey that never retuned, and images of John Wayne, Martin Luther King Jr., and JFK reminding us of their moments in time that are embedded in our lives, you could not help but become so entranced in the lyrics and what they meant to these individuals at those moments, but also how it applied to us personally. It was Garth’s personal investment in each and every song after that moment that pulled me in farther and farther as I watched from the sideline a career that spanned more than a decade of outstanding moments in time given to us from this country music superstar.
As a country music fan since childhood, I followed his career via radio and purchased every cd he put out. I can remember standing at the fence at the NY State Fairgrounds in the 1990’s listening to his band doing sound check, and wishing I could catch a glimpse, or afford a ticket to see the show. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that many years later I would be taking a selfie with the one and only Garth Brooks. So as I write this article, please forgive my gushing and star struck comments, as this was truly a surreal moment for me.
Arriving in the nick of time to the press conference with my Features Editor, Kristen, I prepared what I would ask him about. When normally preparing interview questions, I always think to myself, what would I, as a reader, want to know about the artist. It always comes down to personal feelings, thoughts, and moments. I know what I can see, and it’s the what I can’t see that I am most interested in. As Garth arrives to the venue, a whole group of us anxiously await for our opportunity to speak with him. Clad in jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap, Garth’s presence exudes a feeling to us as he’s not just country royalty, but just one of us. As the news anchor gets the first opportunity to question him, he recalls her from other interviews, totally blowing my mind at his memory. As I raise my hand to question him, I introduce myself and our publication, and he stops me momentarily to confirm my name before proceeding. I was humbled that he cared that much to make sure he knew who he was talking to. I welcomed him back to New York State and asked him how his transition back into touring as been, and how he is doing mastering his new social media accounts. His response to touring was it was a slower start but as he rounded the first few months, it kicked in again, and everything that was before, was now again. As far as social media, something he never thought he would do, has become a wonderful tool to take down barriers with his fans, and communicate with them one on one. Something a superstar such as himself never really could before.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
As the press conference ended, and the crowds began to amass for his first night in Buffalo, I was impressed and pleased to see how seamless the First Niagara Center was at getting attendees in the venue and to their seats without any issues. The demographics you would expect at this show of those who knew and followed him varied from those who couldn’t have even been born at the time, to those of us who have followed him faithfully throughout the years. This first sold out show, would be one of six in a four-day stay in Buffalo for Garth, his wife, and his band.
As the show began, I as the photographer, was allowed to shoot professional photos for our article from the soundboard, of which the lighting and production of this show was outstanding for this task. Then after securing my camera I continued to get a few more photos from my phone for my readers. Sitting or should I say standing on the floor looking up at him performing, it was everything and more than I anticipated. I had seen his show on tv several years ago and the energy he gives on his performances are what makes his shows the best they can possibly be. The stage, set to give attendees a 360 degree view of him and the band does just this.
Garth plays every inch of that stage and to every audience member in that venue. Whether you have a seat in the nosebleed section or the front row, you get every bit of him he has to give in his performance. Playing favorites from his career such as “Ain’t Going Down,” “The Thunder Rolls” and “Standing Outside The Fire,” fans young and old joined in to sing along. When asked at the press conference his favorite songs to perform, he had two. “The Dance” of course, and then “Call It Baton Rouge” because that one is just so much fun to perform. Yes, it was so much fun to view as well. I can see why he loves performing that one. When asked what is it like to perform so many shows in so few days, he voiced his concern about his vocals by the last show, and thanked his audience when songs such as “Friends In Low Places” comes on and the audience takes over for him. It must be the most amazing feeling to just sit back and listen to thousands of fans singing your words together with you.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
Half way through the show, Ms. Yearwood joins him on stage to sing a duet, and then he steps off allowing her to sing her tunes, which I must add the audience takes over and sings along as well. This woman is such an inspiration to those that have followed her career. Not only is she one of the most talented musicians in country music, she is also an amazing writer and chef. Each Saturday morning I wake up and the first thing that goes on TV, is “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen”. Her cooking show features her favorite dishes, with guest such as Garth, her niece, her lifelong friends from college, her sister, her zumba buddies, and even her band members joining her to make some amazing traditional dishes. I can’t help but become hungry by the end of the show. I love her singing, but it’s her personality that exudes kindness, witness, and charm. Her outtakes are my favorite moments on the show. Like Garth, she isn’t shy about sharing who she really is with those that adore her. As she continues to sing, she too sings to every inch of that venue and to every member in that audience. She uses the jumbotron behind her to feature a “kiss cam” of sorts while singing “She’s In Love With The Boy”. I absolutely loved her set, and so thankful she sang my favorite tune, “How Do I Live”. I loved her new song, “PrizeFighter” and loved how she featured the photos from her participation in the Brest Cancer Walk. As she finishes singing her set, and Garth joins her on stage, the love between the two is electric, and before she leaves, he plants a kiss on her that steamed up all our glasses. Yes, it is so neat to see such love between them, and so thankful they feel like they can share that with us all. Yes, Garth and Trisha make the cutest couple ever.
I don’t want to give away all the show highlights as it’s almost like Christmas day. You don’t want to know the surprises ahead, because you just need to live that moment for yourself. As Garth continues to announce cities he will be coming to, I hope that a city close by will be on the list for you as well. I have seen many, many shows over the course of the last few years. This hands down was the BEST show I’ve ever been a part of. Everything is top-notch, and every moment is one I will cherish. Welcome back Garth Brooks to New York. We love you.
From The New & Curious Fan – Features Editor, Kristen Mack-Perry
Live music is my thing, going to concerts is my thing, I fancied myself as a seasoned concert goer. 100+ Phish shows, three Dead shows (with Jerry) and 25+ Furthur shows, Avett Brothers, Willie Nelson, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band and so many more – with several annual music festivals over the course of twenty years, and nothing, nothing could have prepared me for a Garth Brooks show.
I use the word show because it wasn’t just a concert, this was a gathering of cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats, all of whom knew every word to every song, and the audience became part of the show with the jumbotron kiss-cam whilst the biggest country star in history sung his greatest hits – stopping only to express gratitude or to connect personally with fans holding signs.
It was a finely manicured theatrical experience, littered with nostalgia for this country girl. The stage was set like a Broadway theatre stage, with the giant video screen that began the show with a countdown clock and became the kiss cam during “People Loving People,” and a motorized sphere with the drummer and drum kit inside – when the lights shone on the drummer, the color of the drums would change to the beat of the music, towards the end of the show the sphere lifted off the stage and spun around; theatrics you just don’t see at the concerts I have been to.
Having been told Brooks was an extremely animated performer, I was excited to see what he had up his sleeve. Every note, every word he sung could be felt through every inch of my being, I was instantly thrust back to the mid ‘90s riding in Jana Schmitz’s mother’s stationwagon on the way to the shopping mall, listening to the local country music station 92.5. That was really my only experience with country music, I heard it when I was with people who listened to it and when I began to drive a car I would listen to the same station and sing along to every ballad and beer drinkin song, and I never knew who the artist was, I just loved the songs. It was in that moment as I stood at the Garth Brooks concert belting out every word to, “We’re Two of a Kind, Workin on a Full House” that I realized, I DO love country music, and I know a lot of Garth Brooks songs too, I took off my sweater, folded up the seat of the chair and prepared to get down and dance. I reveled in that moment, feeling the music glide through my soul.
The show was a highlight of my concert going experiences, the togetherness the comradery of the fans, the choreographed moves of the band – we were all one. This is something Brooks spoke about in the press conference earlier that day, saying “now we have video during the show, we didn’t have video in the ’90s and you look in the camera and you see a guy and they think they are the only person in the entire world, so they’ve got their head back their arms are out and they’re dancing – I can’t tell you how many guys 6′ 6” 300 pounds, singing “She’s In Love With A Boy” louder than any sixteen year old girl and its crazy and so much fun to watch.” Brooks genuinely cares for his fans and it shows in his performance on stage.
Brooks was asked how he was mastering Twitter and with the same southern boy charm that he exhibits on stage he replied, “I don’t know if I mastered it, but what I love about Twitter is it wipes all the walls out between me and you, and what I really love is to respond and then get the response from that respond kind of thing.” Although it may not seem unique for an artist to use Twitter to connect with fans, the manner in which Brooks replies to his fans is what connects them.
It seems that the recipe for a great concert isn’t what the genre of music is, it’s how the musician connects to the fans, both at the show and through social media, how the words to the song ring true to your life and make you feel like the song must have been written for you. When we feel connected to the things that are most important in our lives, the things that make us feel alive, then we validate the existence we all share while seeing live music, and that is what it’s all about.
This show will go down in my personal history books as one not only to remember but one to cherish, for it was an experience you can’t find on the TV or in a book, its something you have to live and breathe and be a part of.
Musical icons have graced The Chance Theater for decades and on Friday, March 6, The Machine, rocked the Poughkeepsie venue. This is a band that has built its legacy playing the music of legendary Pink Floyd, and they have proved to be quite masterful at it. They played two long sets, digging deep into Pink Floyd’s catalog and jamming into early Saturday morning.
Bassist and lead vocalist Adam Minkoff promised early in the evening that they would play plenty of songs and The Machine delivered. They opened with “Have A Cigar,” instantly lighting up the crowd. Guitarist Ryan Ball hit each note accurately and shredded an emotional solo during “Wish You Were Here.” Drummer Tahrah Cohen emulates Nick Mason’s style perfectly and demonstrated her talent with a tight solo leading into “Time.”
Scott Chasolen tore up his keys rig during “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” and reminded you can’t have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat. “Comfortably Numb” was another favorite that had the Poughkeepsie faithful singing along. They also mixed in songs that don’t get as much radio time like “If” and “Sheep” and performed “The Trial.”
The Machine’s musical prowess is undeniable and the show’s production is also fascinating. A well-choreographed light show accompanied the music—lights flared up with time changes and colors were in tune with the mood of the music. Between songs, the room went dark except for small neon lights around the stage that stayed lit. The theater never went silent. There was always something reverberating or ticking even when the music was at a lull.
The show lasted just over three hours and few people left early. As can be expected at a Floyd tribute show, the crowd ranged in age from 16 to 66 and had fairly equal representation of all age groups in between. Despite the variance in attendees’ backgrounds, everyone left with a smile and one of their favorite Pink Floyd tunes still ringing in their heads.
Acrassicauda, derived from a Latin word for a species of black scorpion commonly found in the Middle East, originally hails from Baghdad, Iraq. Formed in 2001, they are often hailed as being the first heavy metal band to emerge from Iraq and were made famous in 2007, when they became the basis for the internationally acclaimed documentary, Heavy Metal In Baghdad. Back in those days, the band was persecuted to no end by Islamic militants operating under the Saddam Hussein regime and condemned as Satan worshipers. They had to sneak in and out of their well-concealed basement practice space, while under the constant threat of attack, only to find it destroyed by a missile during an insurgency uprising one day. All of their equipment was destroyed.
Heavily influenced by western bands like, Slipknot, Slayer and Metallica, they were only able to play two or three shows during the entire time they were still based in their homeland and in the midst of being seemingly hunted for playing heavy metal, some of their fans died for having listened to it. One of their first performances included a song called “The Youth of Iraq” which the band was forced to write in support of Saddam Hussein. Headbanging was banned, because it was considered to be too similar to the head movements of Jews during prayer.
But all of that is behind them now. Acrassicauda applied for asylum in the United States shortly after the taping of Heavy Metal in Baghdad and were granted green cards one year after that. In fact, on their second day in the US, the band was able to watch their oldest musical influence, Metallica, perform at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Afterwards, they were allowed to go backstage and meet their idols.
The band currently resides in Brooklyn, New York and has an EP under their belts called Only the Dead See the End of the War, released by Vice Records in 2010. They followed up that release with a performance at the Scion Rock Fest in Columbus, Ohio, where they played with Cannibal Corpse, Voivod and others. A few national tours came later and in 2012, when they opened for Ministry, Ministry’s frontman, Al Jourgensen was quoted saying, “Acrassicauda is my favorite band.”
Furthermore, after 14 long arduous years, the band is finally on the verge of releasing their first full length album, called Gilgamesh, to be released on April 4, 2015.
All this being said, any struggling band with talent who’s thinking about calling it quits because of monetary setbacks, scheduling conflicts, high school drama or a general lack of productivity, perhaps all of the above, needs to take a hard look at Acrassicauda’s career and rethink things. This band is the physical embodiment of perseverance, and after only having seen Heavy Metal in Baghdad just recently, I’m already so proud of these brave guys and their accomplishments.
Check out the links below and support this great metal act, who clawed their way out of hell and lived to tell the tale.
School Bus Yellow is a four piece improvisational jam rock band from Upstate NY, covering a range of classic hits and fresh, original material. Opening the night with a few groovy, light-hearted numbers such as “Chump Change” and the Grateful Dead’s “Franklin’s Tower” getting the crowd energized for the night ahead. School Busy Yellow stretch funky spontaneous melodies and rock rhythms for a captivating contagious dance vibe. Catching the audience completely off guard was their fun-loving bust outs of “Sweet Dreams” and “Busta Move” with fierce drum work from Gregory Finely. This band is fast ride with experienced drivers, be sure to hop on and buckle up.
Click here to stream and download their set from Parish Public House on March 6 now.
Most New Englanders may recognize Jen Durkin as lead singer from Deep Banana Blackout who are a staple at the Gathering of the Vibes for the late night sets. Durkin, rightfully nicknamed “Pipes” debuted her new funk project, The Business, last fall at The Catskill Chill, spreading soulful vocals alongside her brother Johnny Durkin on drums, Darian Cunning on guitar, Rich Zurkowski on bass and keyboardists Jesse Gibbon. Jen Durkin produces mighty alto vocals as she rocks the microphone and a cowbell in high fashion style. Zurkowski slaps out a funky bass rhythm while Gibbon plays a jazzy melody and Cunning is pure rock n roll guitar attitude. The group has flawless chemistry as they climb continuous peaks of harmonies, fusing together old school funk and new age soul with nonstop energy. Be sure to catch Jen Durkin & The Business Saturday April 4 at Brooklyn Bowl, NYC with Dumpstaphunk.
Since 1996, Tuomas Holopainen and his band, Nightwish, have collectively been an authority in the European symphonic metal game. Hailing from Kitee, Finland, Nightwish have already toured the globe many times over, released seven full length albums, one EP, a few DVDs and several singles. Their most recent accomplishment, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, is their eighth full length studio effort and will be released in the United States on March 31,2015.
The album introduces Floor Jansen (After Forever) on vocals and brings back Troy Donockley (formerly a session musician for tours) on pipes, flutes and whistles. Kai Hahto (Wintersun) has also stepped in as a fill-in drummer on this record, as Jukka Nevalainen was forced to temporarily step aside due to chronic insomnia.
Now, as far as this album is concerned, Nightwish fans may be forced to ask themselves a tough question- Which era of Nightwish is better? Those of you who long to be reunited with original vocalist, Tarja Turunen, along with the simpler song structures that were without the help of the London Symphony Orchestra, might be disappointed. Endless Forms Most Beautiful (a title hailing the naturalist, Charles Darwin), is a huge, busy, dark, heavy, ridiculously powerful symphonic metal album. In fact, the only song that disappointed me was the first single, “Elan” not that it’s even that bad a tune. But any fan of Nightwish knows that this band is notorious for choosing simple, “safe” songs to be their singles.
Here’s my take, from start to finish, track by track:
The opening track, “Shudder Before the Beautiful”, introduces a fast tempo, melodic heaviness right from the beginning. Instantly, Floor’s vocals fit perfectly with the overall sound of the new lineup. Certain notes and techniques reminiscent of Tarja take hold, but Floor also brings some unique qualities to the table, which only add to the intricate but very catchy riffing. There’s a back and forth guitar and synth solo section in this song that might remind the listener of how Children of Bodom might approach a part like that.
“Weak Fantasy”, gravitates towards the big booming movie soundtrack end of the Nightwish spectrum. It’s powerful, captivating and introduces a soaring vocal dynamic between Floor and bassist, Marco Hietala (Tarot). The two produce melodies that gel so well, it’s hard to imagine the band without either of them at times.
“Elan”, the current single, is a small and safe song with very few surprises. It’s catchy and has a solid balance between the six members. However, most fans might agree that if every Nightwish song went in this direction, they might be a pretty easy band to write off.
“Yours Is An Empty Hope”, is the loudest, fastest song so far. It’s also the epitome of symphonic metal. Huge choirs give you goosebumps throughout the track and are accompanied by a series of well-timed explosions.
“Our Decades In the Sun” settles things down quite a bit. It’s mostly piano and vocals, until Emppu finally appears on guitar much later in the track. It had me thinking, “Sleeping Sun” the entire time.
“My Walden” is very happy and folky. Troy Donockley shines on this track. There are some pop rock elements as well, which completely contradict the first five tracks, however they don’t take away from the band’s overall sound. If you liked “Last of the Wilds” or even an earlier upbeat instrumental like “Moondance”, you’ll be fine with this song.
“Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is once again, very simple and safe for being the title track. It’s a good song and probably a great choice to keep the crowd motivated for the live show, but nothing really extraordinary happens here. I wouldn’t call it filler, but I also wouldn’t call it a statement. I felt it was too bland to be impressive, but too sophisticated to be written off. It’s a Nightwish song.
“Edema Ruh” is a very hoppy song with a solid clash of symphonic and folk elements. Marco and Floor split this song evenly in the vocal department and there’s a real feeling of youthful revelry here.
“Alpenglow” might be your biggest disappointment on this album, but only because it’s the second filler track of sorts and you’re itching to get through it, because you know the bone crushing, monumental conclusion is coming.
“The Eyes of Sharbat Gula” is an intro for the last track, or at least that’s the impression that I got. It’s primarily an instrumental, aside from a youthful choir singing quietly in the background.
“The Greatest Show On Earth” is 24 minutes long. No, I’m not kidding. There’s a calm atmosphere slowly building up to full on vocals, guitars and drums for the first few minutes, but once the first climax is reached, they keep on coming. Each time a new mountain is climbed, the terrain changes completely, allowing for a new ascent up a whole new structure of musicianship. Fans of longer epic Nightwish tracks like “Ghost Love Score” or “The Poet and the Pendulum” will appreciate this. At one point, Richard Dawkins comes in as narrator and fills your head with thoughts of the beginning of the end of the world, just before a massive explosion slams into your ear drums. This explosion paves the way for the heaviest, most cinematic sounding piece of metal music I have ever heard. The way the six elements of this band come together with the orchestra in this section is uncanny and Tuomas’s composing skills really shine here.
I suppose I’d recommend this album to any fan of metal, just because of the musicianship and layering present on it. Nightwish purists will most likely be disappointed, but my advice to them is to forget that it’s Nightwish for a little while and hear some interesting stuff. At the very least, it’ll make you want to watch a Peter Jackson Tolkien film.
In other great local news, Nightwish will be performing at Buffalo NY’s Town Ballroom on April 16, 2015.
Key tracks: Shudder Before the Beautiful, Yours Is An Empty Hope, The Greatest Show On Earth
The album introduces Floor Jansen (After Forever) on vocals and brings back Troy Donockley (formerly a session musician for tours) on pipes, flutes and whistles. Kai Hahto (Wintersun) has also stepped in as a fill-in drummer on this record, as Jukka Nevalainen was forced to temporarily step aside due to chronic insomnia.