23:05 - EMols86 Enjoyed Pyramaze - Melancholy Beast for sure, except for the horrible song called "Until We Fade Away", which reminds me why I don't like (most) power metal.
01. The Call To Redemption 02. Birds Of Sulphur 03. Sailing Into The Earth 04. Elements And Spirit 05. The Axe Of God 06. 5000 At The Funeral 07. Carved In The Wind 08. Varangian Paradise 09. Tribute Of Blood
Arguably the most original tech death combo, Gorod have returned with another five billion notes crammed into another - fourth to be more precise - outstanding 40-minute album. With a history of consistency like that, it is a puzzle why this French band remains relatively unknown while fans of the genre get unanimously excited when Obscura, Spawn of Possession, Psycroptic or The Faceless release a new album. Bad marketing probably… whatever, let us see what goodies Gorod are treating us to this time.
The album "is based on the history of 10th century Kiev. More specifically, in the year 945 when Igor, King of Kiev was murdered (probably in a brutal manner) while collecting a "tribute" while visiting his Pagan neighbours the Derevlians, who lived in a forest. After the incident, his widow, Olga, avenged him in an extremely harsh manner before converting to Orthodox Christianity."
The album "is based on the history of 10th century Kiev. More specifically, in the year 945 when Igor, King of Kiev was murdered (probably in a brutal manner) while collecting a "tribute" while visiting his Pagan neighbours the Derevlians, who lived in a forest. After the incident, his widow, Olga, avenged him in an extremely harsh manner before converting to Orthodox Christianity."
I am so proud and can't wait to listen to it!
The theme alone has grabbed my attention. Haven't heard Gorod before.
The album "is based on the history of 10th century Kiev. More specifically, in the year 945 when Igor, King of Kiev was murdered (probably in a brutal manner) while collecting a "tribute" while visiting his Pagan neighbours the Derevlians, who lived in a forest. After the incident, his widow, Olga, avenged him in an extremely harsh manner before converting to Orthodox Christianity."
I am so proud and can't wait to listen to it!
The theme alone has grabbed my attention. Haven't heard Gorod before.
What??? Noooo. You have to listen to their back catalog, even as a proghead.
What??? Noooo. You have to listen to their back catalog, even as a proghead.
Is this album a good one to start at?
Not really, start with Leading Vision (2006). That one shows all their talent and style. Then see what they started with, Neurotripsicks (2005), which is also very good. Then go to Process of a New Decline (2009), which is more technical to the point where it sometimes too much. Transcendence (2011) is a brilliant EP (you can read my review of it and also of Leading Vision).
Not really, start with Leading Vision (2006). That one shows all their talent and style. Then see what they started with, Neurotripsicks (2005), which is also very good. Then go to Process of a New Decline (2009), which is more technical to the point where it sometimes too much. Transcendence (2011) is a brilliant EP (you can read my review of it and also of Leading Vision).
Will do, tech death is not something I'm that familiar with but there are a few albums I've heard from the genre which I like, that Beyond Creation album you reviewed is an example.
I've only listened to the album once... did i hear some flamenco-ish parts in one of the songs, or am i imagining things?
not quite sure yet what to think of the album... at the moment i really like it. will have to spin it a few times more before really being able to judge, though.
A little bit bummed....what happened to their "groove"? Thats the fundamental element which set them aside from all the other masses of tech death bands. Theyve sacrificed it for aggression, hence gave up some of their uniqueness. Thats the one thing about "Process of a new decline" which stood out at me, the agression combined with the groove....pity.
A little bit bummed....what happened to their "groove"? Thats the fundamental element which set them aside from all the other masses of tech death bands. Theyve sacrificed it for aggression, hence gave up some of their uniqueness. Thats the one thing about "Process of a new decline" which stood out at me, the agression combined with the groove....pity.
If you ask me they lost exactly that on 'Process of a New Decline'. I haven't heard this but I'm guessing it's another capitulation to the modern sterile-death sound.
A little bit bummed....what happened to their "groove"? Thats the fundamental element which set them aside from all the other masses of tech death bands. Theyve sacrificed it for aggression, hence gave up some of their uniqueness. Thats the one thing about "Process of a new decline" which stood out at me, the agression combined with the groove....pity.
If you ask me they lost exactly that on 'Process of a New Decline'. I haven't heard this but I'm guessing it's another capitulation to the modern sterile-death sound.
Its hard to understand what you mean....POAND had amazing groove and hooks, moreso than any of their previous albums. Unless I was listening with my bad ear, but the first couple of releases had no identity to them (in my opinion). Unless we have different definitions of "groove".
Its hard to understand what you mean....POAND had amazing groove and hooks, moreso than any of their previous albums. Unless I was listening with my bad ear, but the first couple of releases had no identity to them (in my opinion). Unless we have different definitions of "groove".
Clearly we do have different definitions then, Process had the worst overbearing production to a tech death album I think I've ever heard; no dynamic range whatsoever, along with terrible and generic riffs that could belong to any band. Leading Vision on the other hand was about as un-tech as a tech death band could get. Slower, cleverer and more memorable songwriting and much more organic sounding. Neurotripsicks also reflected this way of playing but not being quite up there with Leading Vision.
Oh wow, it just occurred to me how perfectly, aptly named Process of a New Decline is... how did I never notice that?
Its hard to understand what you mean....POAND had amazing groove and hooks, moreso than any of their previous albums. Unless I was listening with my bad ear, but the first couple of releases had no identity to them (in my opinion). Unless we have different definitions of "groove".
Clearly we do have different definitions then, Process had the worst overbearing production to a tech death album I think I've ever heard; no dynamic range whatsoever, along with terrible and generic riffs that could belong to any band. Leading Vision on the other hand was about as un-tech as a tech death band could get. Slower, cleverer and more memorable songwriting and much more organic sounding. Neurotripsicks also reflected this way of playing but not being quite up there with Leading Vision.
Oh wow, it just occurred to me how perfectly, aptly named Process of a New Decline is... how did I never notice that?
Well I on the other hand think Leading Vision has no variety, stale and unmemorable riffs and overall a forgettible listen no matter how many times you spin it. In fact I enjoy the acoustic version of "Blackout" on Transcendence enough that I actually listen to it now and again. Can't say the same for the "Leading Visions" version. Until POAND, Gorod sounded just like every other tech death band.
But anyway, sleeping dogs. You will probably love the new album, as I find it pretty dull along with the hardcore vocals.
Well I on the other hand think Leading Vision has no variety, stale and unmemorable riffs and overall a forgettible listen no matter how many times you spin it. In fact I enjoy the acoustic version of "Blackout" on Transcendence enough that I actually listen to it now and again. Can't say the same for the "Leading Visions" version. Until POAND, Gorod sounded just like every other tech death band.
But anyway, sleeping dogs. You will probably love the new album, as I find it pretty dull along with the hardcore vocals.
Well you're certainly the first person I've ever encountered to see Leading Vision that way. I don't think I'll ever regard it as anything but a shining beacon in an otherwise sea of shite tech-wank-death metal.
Inspired by the Leading Vision vs POAND discussion, I gave the latter another listen, and I have to admit that it does have groove; this is heard especially through very clear rhythms. The album has always sounded as having a bit too much "wankery" and while that is true to some extent (and on some songs), there is still a very accurate rhythm section here. I mean the main beats are emphasized both in drumming and even in the leadwork itself (in the way it is structured), so when you are attentive enough, you do feel the groove.
But the best thing about POAND is the freaking soloing. I think it kills anything they had before and after; simply, mind-boggling.
Inspired by the Leading Vision vs POAND discussion, I gave the latter another listen, and I have to admit that it does have groove; this is heard especially through very clear rhythms. The album has always sounded as having a bit too much "wankery" and while that is true to some extent (and on some songs), there is still a very accurate rhythm section here. I mean the main beats are emphasized both in drumming and even in the leadwork itself (in the way it is structured), so when you are attentive enough, you do feel the groove.
But the best thing about POAND is the freaking soloing. I think it kills anything they had before and after; simply, mind-boggling.
Agreed. I think you articulated what I couldn't put my finger to. I must say the wankery is what really excited me . That along with the groove made for an incredible combination - perhaps its this that caught my ear immediately and I dont have to pay such hard attention to hear it like some other people obviously have to, because thats what Ive always found most appealing in most metal.
I mean, just listened to "Disavow your God" again just now, and fuck man you dont need to dig deep to find any groove there - the whole song is just one big groovy wank!
This song alone blows Process out of the water (hardcore-ish vocals withstanding)
Well you dont have to try to convince me, Ive listened to the album and Im pretty sure we agree to disagree. It is a very groovy song though, I can't disagree - reminds me of big afros and ugly American cars. (in a good way). The songs Im most fond about are probably "Elements and Spirit" and "Carved in the Wind" - theyre sort of more the Gorod I like. Can't get over the hardcore vocals though....I love the songs instantly more when it switches over to the growls..
Agreed. I think you articulated what I couldn't put my finger to. I must say the wankery is what really excited me . That along with the groove made for an incredible combination - perhaps its this that caught my ear immediately and I dont have to pay such hard attention to hear it like some other people obviously have to, because thats what Ive always found most appealing in most metal.
I mean, just listened to "Disavow your God" again just now, and fuck man you dont need to dig deep to find any groove there - the whole song is just one big groovy wank!
Yeah, the wankery is quite groovy on the album and on "Disavow your God" in particular. Even the brutal speedy intro part is still groovey: the drummer kicks the heck out of the drum kit with blast beat but the guitar part creates the clear-cut rhythm. Gorod's music just does not get mushy. Then it gets to the middle section and it's groovey as hell there.
did i hear some flamenco-ish parts in one of the songs, or am i imagining things?
Your not imagining things, but if you had listen to their EP Transcendence that came out not long ago, you wouldnt be suprised. it has alot of it:)
i see... i haven't checked that EP out yet. allthough i must admit i usually quite dislike flamenco anyway (even though i'm half spanish). it's just something i found surprising.
did i hear some flamenco-ish parts in one of the songs, or am i imagining things?
Your not imagining things, but if you had listen to their EP Transcendence that came out not long ago, you wouldnt be suprised. it has alot of it:)
i see... i haven't checked that EP out yet. allthough i must admit i usually quite dislike flamenco anyway (even though i'm half spanish). it's just something i found surprising.
"Trascendence" the song is mindblowing...it made a mediocre EP great. Possibly the best song Ive heard in the last 5 or more years, Ive listened to it every single day for a few months now - super good!
Listened to their stuff for their first time and I must say I'm quite impressed, as I have never could get into the tech death too much. This sounds very original, diverse, well producted and of course with enough aggressiveness to sum it up briefly. Well, I have to spin it for a couple of times more...
Never before have I seen a tech-death band craft their playing to revolve around technical ability and musicianship, while still keeping it relative to the song-structure i.e. not technical wankery. Even having all of that fantastic groove is great. The addition of those symphonic elements are well appreciated, while not being over-used and the production quality is simply unbelievable.
Possibly the best thing I've heard all year. As usual, these fantasic French dudes know how to play tech-death and not forget the 'death' portion at the end. Heavy and memorable this deserves a solid '9' from me and is so far the only thing this year that deserves it IMO.
A little too melodic for me, but the technicality is still there and the songwriting is excellent. I didn't think I'd end up liking this after their venture into prog territory with their latest EP, but this is some pretty fun tech-death.
Great album, enjoying it more and more with each listen. It's got some nice diversity to it. Time to dive into the rest of their discography.
EDIT: Wow...this is truly brilliant. Whenever I get a spare chance I listen to this. Never get tired of it. Album of the year for me thus far, but there is still plenty to come (Ahab in a few days!).
If I judge negatively and do not like music that you like it I become a troll? What an idiotic logic.
Think about it, you mean "judging" by saying "This is awful, I won't even rate this" will satisfy other users?...Pretty weak I guess.
It's like saying "Slayer is the only band who rules Thrash Metal scene. Fuck yeah, Slayer!!!!" and went down to rate 10 on every album. Then again.....pretty horrible I suppose.
Judging means- coming out with the proper pro and cons about the album. Claiming over the top that you won't rate that album just because its awful will be getting insanely backfired.
Well he did call the recent Nile abomination "album of the year" and suggested that anyone who didn't share that opinion was deaf so give him a break, he clearly drums to a different beat than we all do.
If I judge negatively and do not like music that you like it I become a troll? What an idiotic logic.
Think about it, you mean "judging" by saying "This is awful, I won't even rate this" will satisfy other users?...Pretty weak I guess.
It's like saying "Slayer is the only band who rules Thrash Metal scene. Fuck yeah, Slayer!!!!" and went down to rate 10 on every album. Then again.....pretty horrible I suppose.
Judging means- coming out with the proper pro and cons about the album. Claiming over the top that you won't rate that album just because its awful will be getting insanely backfired.
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Great news!
Even the brutal speedy intro part is still groovey: the drummer kicks the heck out of the drum kit with blast beat but the guitar part creates the clear-cut rhythm. Gorod's music just does not get mushy. Then it gets to the middle section and it's groovey as hell there.
