Modern-day hip-hop rooted deeply in old school soul music. Like, late-60s, early-70s soul. Adrian Younge rocks a Hammond Organ along with a vibraphone and even a Mellotron, but with all those "older" instruments you might think the album would sound dated, or at least, would sound like it's trying to be "old", but it's not. It's modernized, it's emotional, full of love and happiness. Soaring vocals, smooth music, it's all excellently composed and beautifully done. _________________ Progressive Rock
One of the things I loved about The Haxan Cloak's album Excavation was how cinematic it sounded. And I don't mean that in the sense that it sounded like the score to a film, but rather it sounded like the plot to a psychological thriller. It kept you on edge, it would shock you and surprise you. Roly Porter does exactly that on this album. Third Law feels like some kind of frightening, mind-bending movie. He revels in silence, quietly and subtly weaving through until he crushes you with the power of a collapsing building. It may sound like it's a tiring venture, but it's not, Porter's very strategic in when and where he triggers your adrenaline, and instead of it being a frightening or tiring experience, it's exhilarating. _________________ Progressive Rock
I mean, I can't say I really expected something amazing. The past few Megadeth albums have all been the same; great guitar work, predictable song structures, and overly-preachy lyrics. I can handle Dave Mustaine's preachiness if it's in a good song, but this album is all the same old Megadeth stuff that's been around forever. It's no different than their last album. It's not a bad album, but it's not good either. The guitar is great, but that's about it. _________________ Progressive Rock
An album worthy of being called a hip-hop classic. This is UGK being Jay-Z and Diddy before they ever were, rappers bathing in the good life. Brash lyrics full of machismo laid over relaxed, but simultaneously energetic beats. This is also a prime example of how good Pimp C is at producing. The flow is great, the beats are great, and the lyrics aren't all overly-masculine, woman-objectifying lyrics, Pimp C and speak out against police brutality and racial profiling too. It's an album that means something more than just great beats, it's engaging and just awesome. _________________ Progressive Rock
There's a lot of shifts and changes on this album. Vocally, musically, there's a lot going on, it's not all blast beat drums and harsh vocals. There is some of that, but there's plenty of melodic singing, slower ballads, just about everything you could expect from a metal album, and that variety is what gives it character, it's what carves out a unique identity for Toothgrinder. The execution on this album is well done as well, the guitar work is definitely the highlight for me, the tone of the guitar is very full and emotive, and the solos aren't just mindless shredding, they have a purpose, while simultaneously being technically impressive. It's a solid metal album. _________________ Progressive Rock
One of the great lost classics in the folk world, this is Nick Drake before Nick Drake. Frank's incredible guitar playing is done so simply and so casually that you wouldn't even notice it. Plus, Frank's lyrics are absolutely excellent, and his soft, melancholy voice fits the whole album so well. It's this perfect blend of American and English folk music that creates a unique sound all Frank's own. His personal story is so unfortunate and it's such a tragedy that he never got more exposure. _________________ Progressive Rock
This album is all about subtle variations on a theme. It's hypnotic basslines, minimal arrangements with a pulsing kick, all slowly and subtly changing over the course of the album. They take simple riffs and stretch them out, but it doesn't get monotonous, rather it's interesting and hypnotizing. It's something that envelops you, wraps around you. It's like moving background music, it doesn't fade into the background, it becomes the background, melding its way into your consciousness. If you pay attention, you can really appreciate the subtly of this album, it's impressive. _________________ Progressive Rock
Astonishing is a word I would use describing a lot of Dream Theater's works. Whether you're into prog rock/metal or think it's just a bunch of self-involved ego stroking, you have to admire Dream Theater's ability. John Petrucci is an incredible guitarist, and the band creates some seriously gigantic pieces, and The Astonishing is exactly that. A post-apocalyptic, dystopian sci-fi concept album clocking in at just over two hours long features a complex story, powerful lyrics and even a huge orchestra. Surprisingly, even though the album is exceptionally long, it's pretty cohesive, which is impressive in and of itself. The story can be a little absurd at times, but the music is excellent, Petrucci's guitar work is fantastic, as you would expect, and the songs are surprisingly accessible for prog pieces. There aren't any overly long, drawn out instrumental pieces or anything, everything has a purpose, and it's executed very well. Is the album corny at times? Yes. Could it have been a little shorter? Sure. But for what it is, this album is pretty impressive. _________________ Progressive Rock
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