Devin Townsend – Ghost: Review

Ghost is to be released alongside Deconstruction on June 20, thus completing The Devin Townsend Project. This is indeed quite a juxtaposition with its sister album, which was a heavy, unorthodox metal album. This is more laid back and easier on the ears, yet still retains the Devin Townsend sound. Though I much preferred the coincidental release, Ghost is surely a fine album in and of itself.

Lunatic Soul – Lunatic Soul II: Review

Mariusz Duda, bassist and vocalist for the highly acclaimed progressive metal band Riverside, released his second solo album on October 25 under the moniker Lunatic Soul. This is the second addition to his solo collection, and is respectively named Lunatic Soul II. The eponymous debut drew much praise from fans and critics alike, including here on The Golden Bird. Although the follow-up is a weaker release, it is nonetheless one to be more than pleased with.

Votum – Metafiction: Impression

Another CD I received from the kind folks from Earsplit was Votum’s latest release, Metafiction. It was distributed through Armoury records late last year. The band draws influences from the Polish neighbours, Riverside, as well as other progressive bands like Dream Theater and Opeth. The album gives a wide range of heaviness, ranging from ambient to rock to metal. But at all times, it remains certain of its progressive nature.

Being an avid prog fan, I found this album enjoyable but insignificant in the progressive scene. The upfront, riff-heavy sections were standard regarding ingenuity and technicality, while the ambient areas often lacked the subtle substance which is a key element to atmospheric music. That being said, it is not at all a bad album. Everything is done at a decent level, but not much more. If I was introducing a new listener to progressive (metal) music, this would not be the place to start.

My Impression: B 

Studying with Music

I have been meaning to be more active on the blog, but that is seemingly impossible with exams. In fact, it is hard to find time to do anything aside from studying. I do have many reviews coming up, but I have no intention of compromising their quality under these constraining circumstances. So for now, keep yourself preoccupied with the music I have been studying to.

When studying, listen to more subtle music rather than the flashy, “in-your-face” types. However, I would advise against simple music, for it often gets caught in an infinite torturous loop in your mind (as I had found with Meat Loaf’s Hang Cool Teddy Bear). Depth and delicacy are key characteristics. A good starting place is with the following:

Lunatic Soul