Brucifer Music Review: Hear in the Now Frontier by Queensryche

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New Symphony X Album Soon

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Originally uploaded by Senor Velasco

This has been the summer of the sequel--and not just in the box office. I've relished in new works from my favorite author (J.R.R. Tolkein) and bands, including Dream Theater, Rush and now Symphony X with Paradise Lost, to be released on June 26.

Symphony X is a prog-metal outfit with a distinctive penchant for what I call Dungeons and Dragons themes. It's melodramatic, kinda silly and loads of fun. The songs are driving and catchy, and the instrumentation is blazing.

Check out a sample from the new album.

Also, follow the link under the picture to check out the new album art. I think it's one of their best. Makes me want to go on a quest or something.

New Dream Theater - Constant Motion

Few are more excited about Dream Theater's upcoming new studio album than I am. It seems like they outdo themselves with every album, and that's saying quite a bit, considering the height of the bar they have set. According to drummer Mike Portnoy, the defacto leader of the band, "the new record breaks tradition in that it is does not have a central theme."

With that in mind, I thoroughly enjoy the song the band has released in advance of the album Systematic Chaos. Constant Motion definitely comes across as more of a "shredder" song, with supernatural chops and little in the way melody--at least until you get to the chorus. But I am pleased to learn that this is no overarching theme or sound to the entire album. As good as this song is, I could see myself tiring of the style after a few plays.

Download it, and give it a listen. Seeing as the file was released directly from the band's website, I don't think it should be a problem.

Dream Theater should be in town in August. They skipped us last time around--so I'm making sure not to miss them this time.

Music Review: Free

Writing an album review is a departure for me. I guess the music I like hits me in ways that are so personal and subjective that I find it difficult to express my opinions about it in any meaningful way. But I'll make an exception in this case. Because it's that good.

That band is called Office of Strategic Influence, or O.S.I. for short. It approximates one of those supergroups that coalesce every so often, following what I would call "electronic prog." Consisting of Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Chroma Key, former Dream Theater), the band's latest album Free also recruited the talents of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Joey Vera (Fates Warning).

This album is far from an exercise in virtuosity. Its genius lies in its composition - made of thick layers of unique electronica, alternately subdued and driving percussion, and brooding vocals. Throw in some dashes of heavy guitar and strong melody, and a masterpiece is born.

In nearly every song, there are so many elements, tones and voices to hear that it's a real pleasure to experience how they all fit together. One of the strongest pieces, however is the completely stripped down song "Our Town," which relies solely on vocals and a variety of guitars (including a banjo).

Okay, so this is about the lamest review in the world, which is probably why I rarely do reviews. Free is best heard with some high-definition headphones, but it's compelling even through car speakers.

My Music Collection

Nobody who reads this cares. Heck, nobody reads this, period. Regardless, here is a link to a list of my entire music library. Feel free to browse. And let me know if you see something you like.