Mixing rock and progressive edges on their first two records, Welsh trio Godsticks carved out a sound that they could easily build upon. Given the soaring melodies and atmospheres they’ve proved more than capable – particularly on songs like the lovely ‘Withdrawn Was Giveaway’ – it’s hard to work out why they felt they needed a change of direction. Their third release ‘Emergence’ severely cranks up the heavier edges…and the over-riding sound is that of a grungy hard rock with occasional prog-metal quirks. If you like that, that’s fine, but if you actually liked what Godsticks did before, it’s a crushing disappointment. Gone are the clean lead guitars and any neo-prog string bending; gone are the crisp and tinkly melodies and basically anything that made Godsticks worth listening to…and in their place, a bunch of riff heavy, needlessly repetitive dirges.
Tag Archives: prog metal
PROGOCTOPUS – Transcendence EP
Progoctopus pull no punches on their self-released debut EP, ‘Transcendence’. By shamelessly including the word “prog” in their odd choice of band name, they instantly guarantee those listeners who come out in hives at the mere thought of Yes or Enchant or Dream Theater aren’t going to trouble them. This ensures the curious ears now left behind have a fair chance of loving their mix of classic prog rock, folk-rock and complex prog metal workouts right from first hearing.
DIALECTS – LTKLTL EP
Taking the jazzy mathrock complexities of Wot Gorilla? and fusing their complexities with a barrage of post-rock noise worthy of MaybeSheWill, on their debut EP, Glasgow’s Dialects instantly prove themselves to be fantastic players, ready to make an impact on the alternative scene with a real love of (largely) instrumental mathrock and post-rock sounds.
Amplifier/Black Moth: upcoming UK gigs
Stoner rock band Black Moth have secured the support slot for some upcoming gigs with Amplifier in April 2015. The dates are part of the ongoing promotion for their 2014 album ‘Condemned To Hope’. [Full review here.]
Engraved Disillusion: new album details
It’s been three years since their last studio album, but the UK’s “metal juggernaut” Engraved Disillusion are back with a new LP set for release on 31st October.
In the intervening years, the band have made a few changes – the addition of vocalist Matthew William Mead and new bassist Aaron Preston, allowing the band to utilise both throaty and clean vocals.