Starting Anew

Hello… it’s been quite a while, eh? With The Golden Bird, I had been going really steady for about two whole years until I hit a wall. I think the reason for my discontinuation was that I was trying too hard to make The Golden Bird a “professional review” site, or something similar to that nature. I felt the need to incorporate some sort of grading systems (for which I used letters) which forced me to create meaty chunks of text per album reviewed. Doing so consequentially pushed a more formulaic writing style and a necessity to discuss that which I didn’t want to in order to justify myself. Also, with the whole “professional” demeanor, my writing felt rather tight-ass and wound-up… well, no more of that.

In order to save the blog, I need to make some changes. For example, the monthly recaps are actually going to be monthly recaps, rather than the detailed documentation of last month’s happenings. Perhaps I’ll keep the album of the month thing going, and maybe a diary of my favorites; I have yet to make such decisions. But more importantly, reviews are no longer going to be graded. I’ll just say a few words about whatever albums I’d like to talk about (like a wedding or a funeral) and give some sort of recommendation. Opinions always change over time; this way, I’ll be able to revisit and rediscuss subjects without officially shitting on my past-self. And more importantly, I won’t be officially shitting on the bands that would have received poor reviews because, though they might be labelled so for convenience and consistency sakes, they aren’t really reviews.

Anyways, that’s that and I’ll hopefully be seeing you around this year! I wish you all a happy new year. Just like every other year, make it count!

Fair to Midland – Arrows and Anchors: Review

On July 12, Fair to Midland released their latest album entitled Arrows and Anchors. The alternative metal force comes strong with this release, as quality is at a triumphant high. This is my first encounter with the band and, despite my nitpicking, I am quite impressed.

Bloodbound – Unholy Cross: Review

Bloodbound released their latest album on March 18. It was done so through AFM records and is named Unholy Cross. I have formerly stated in other reviews that bands of the heavy-power metal genre often fall into the trap of conformity; Unholy Cross is no exception. Fortunately for the band, the music is at a higher level than the average heavy-power metal record.

Portrait – Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae: Review

On May 10, heavy metallers Portrait released their sophomore album through Metal Blade Records. It is entitled Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae and features the new vocalist, Per Karlsson. For fans of the more classic style of heavy metal, this is a release to watch out for. I mean, look at the album art: very old-school. Despite the lack of spotlight garnered by Portrait, they are most certainly able to put out material that warrants more publicity.

Matthew Good – Lights of Endangered Species: Review

On May 31, Matthew Good‘s latest album was released. Lights of Endangered Species is the fifth record to be released by the artist since his departure from the Matthew Good Band. It is different from much of his other works, yet its quality is still at a respectable high. With this wonderful release, Matt Good proves he is that good!

Skyliner – The Alchemist (EP): Review

Slightly over a year ago, I received debut demo material from a New Jersey band calling themselves Skyliner. Just recently, I got a hold of their latest EP entitled The Alchemist. Though I was quite pleased with the eponymous release, this one even further impressed me. Everything from the production to the music itself is a step up from what was already a quality product. If you thought Skyliner was good, be sure to check this one out!

[Recap] June 2011

June’s already over? Seriously? And here I’ve been blogging away on my lazy ass, listening to some great music, reading some great comments; sounds like a damn good month. Again, this month is mostly filled with album reviews. Last month put out overall better music, but there is still much to be more than happy with coming out of June. The following will be included in this recap:

• Album of the Month
• The Devin Townsend Project
• Better albums
• Lesser albums
• FML albums
• EPs
• My personal favorites of the month

A little something about June’s Album of the Month…

This particular album had been announced over a year ago. They said most of the parts were recorded and the tracking process was underway (according to wikipedia). There I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the pot of water to boil. I guess the more water there is in the pot, the longer it takes to boil. Here we are, more than one year later, and the pot has overflowed. The Album of the Month for June is:

Album of the Month: Iconoclast (Symphony X)

Yes – Fly from Here: Review

The band is Yes; the album is Fly from Here.The legendary pioneers of progressive rock are back after a whole decade of rest! Well, back in the sense that they just released a record on June 22 (coming to EU and NA early to mid July). But are they back in the sense that what made them so highly worshipped is once again alive in their music? Not exactly…