Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

Artist : Dream Theater
Record : Systematic Chaos
Published : 2007 Roadrunner

Lets face it , "Octavarium" was ok , but nothing more.So what about this years release from the American (+ 1 Canadian) gods of Prog Metal ?

Mike Portnoy stated the following before releasing the album : "This album will be full of what our fans enjoy, the big epics, crushing riffs and all the stuff that made Dream Theater big, this album will be enjoyed by all our fans." And . . . . . the best drummer in the world is absolutly correct , Dream Theater is back on track after 2005's "Octavarium" , wich was rather disapointing , it was ok , but I allways felt that they could do sooo much better , and they certainly could , this years album is solid proof of that ! Yes Sir , big epics (In the presence of enemies ) , crushing rifs (John Petrucci , Guitar hero of all guitar hero's , Yngvie who ?) , Insane Drumming (Mike Portnoy - this guy is unbelivable , and he can sing too) , Fantastic use of keyboards (Jordan Rudess is a pure genious , and he looks like one too....) Steady bass as allways (John Myung , quiet and laid back as allways , but in full control of his instrument) and last but not least , James Labrie , wich in my opinion sometimes has been the weak point of this great band , is doing a fantastic job , using his voice with passion and power to melt in with the flow of the album.

Highly recommended for all fans of music ! !

Homepage : http://www.dreamtheater.net/

9\10

Symphony X - Paradise Lost

Artist : Symphony X
Record : Paradise Lost
Published : 2007 Inside Out

After the intro , "Oculus ex inferni" , Symphony X goes to work and takes no prisoners , this is high class Prog metal with the Powerful voice of the mighty Russell Allen and the technical skills of Guitar hero Michael Romeo , Bring it on !

One great track is followed by the next , this album has no weak points at all . Great melody , killer riffs , Its heavy and dark , the drumming is insane and the keyboards are used to create a fantastic atmosphere , and if that is not enough , you have one of the best metal vocalist's around performing at his best.This is one of Symphony X's best releases up to this date , and its one of this years best prog metal albums , together with Circus Maximus.

And the artwork , fantastic , check out the homepage , link below.

Enough said , go get it !

Homepage : http://www.symphonyx.com/index2.html

8\10

Circus Maximus - Isolate

Artist : Circus Maximus
Record : Isolate
Published : Frontiers 2007

Circus Maximus debut album "the 1st chapter" from 2005 was in my mind the best prog metal debut since Dream Theaters "When dream and day unite". So what about the new release from our young Norwegian friends ?

Not very difficult to answer , the guys carry on from where they left with the first chapter , and makes a logical follow up . Heavy riffs , great drum beats and fantastic solo's , both guitar and keyboard .This together with the voice of Michael Eriksen , its simply Prog Metal at its best.

This music will instantly appeal to fans of Dream Theater,Symphony X,Shadow Gallery and Pagans Mind.

Homepage : http://www.circusmaximussite.com/

8\10 ("The 1st Chapter" 10\10)

Heaven & Hell - Live from radio city music hall

Artist : Heaven & Hell
DVD : Live from radio city music hall
Published : Steamhammer 2007


Silence please , legends at work !

Ronnie James Dio , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice back together again performing Black Sabbath classics from the Dio era , and make no mistakes , this is on (Heaven &) hell of a performance !
Fantastic sound and picture quality makes this DVD a fantastic experience from beginning to end.Ronnie sings like never before , Tony Iommi plays like the guitar god he is , and Geezer and Vinny keeps it all tight together.And they play all the best songs from back then : Neon Knights , Voodoo , Sign of the southern cross , Heaven and hell , Children of the sea , lady Evil , etc . The concert lasts for almost 2 hours , but as soon as its over you just want to hit that play button and see it all over again. Could this perhaps be a teaser for a brand new album ?
We can only hope . Highly Recommended ! ! !

Homepage : http://www.heavenandhelllive.com/

9\10

Video - Kamelot - Ghost Opera

This is the title track from their album "Ghost Opera" -- awsome song, great video!

The Fall of Every Season - From Below

Artist : The Fall Of Every Season
Record : From Below
Published : Aftermath music 2007

One man band ! the Fall Of Every Season is nothing less then a sensation.If there ever where such a thing as a hidden gem , this is it.

The ultimate review for this album has already been written (http://www.metal-norge.com/?action=omtaler&ID=2175)
I will not try to copy or duplicate Eirik's excellent review . My goal is to spread the word .
If you have the slightest interest in Atmospheric Doom\Death with both growling and clean voice , + aucustic elements , (think a mix between Opeth and My Dying Bride) , this needs to be the next album you get .

Homepage : http://www.thefallofeveryseason.com/

10\10

Meliah Rage - Unfinished Business

Artist: Meliah Rage
Record: Unfinished Business
Published: Locomotive Spain, 2007

Meliah Rage haven't gotten the attention that they probably want -- AND deserve. I gotta admit they were unknown to me until I stumbled upon this record. Some of you, esp. in the States, might ask "Where the hell were you in the 80s and 90s?". Well, I listened to my Metallica, Heathen, Rage, Megadeth etc., but never came across Meliah Rage!

And that's a shame, MAN can they play!

On the best parts of "Unfinished Business" it is a good power metal can get, with great riffs and high speed, spiced up by great drums and OK bass. On the other hand the record varies as bit vocally, from very good to not so good -- but never bad.

I feel the quality varies a bit too much, and I get the impression that they should have spent more time on the record. The best songs are great, and the not-so-great-songs could have been left out. At, last but not least, the record is very short, just about an half hour of music. The last track is an interesting 18 minute interview.

If you like Flotsam and Jetsam or early Rage, you should take a look at this record. I find it a bit uncomplete, but I like listening to it.

Highlights
My favourites are "Mind stalk" and "Decade dreams".

Web site: http://www.meliahrage.com/

All articles about Meliah Rage.

6/10

Amorphis - Silent Waters

Artist : Amorphis
Record : Silent Waters
Published : Nuclear Blast 2007

"Tales from the thousand lakes" and "Elegy" are classic albums from our finish friends , but after those albums I kind of lost interest . So what does Amorphis has to offer in 2007 ?

They are back on track , this is Amorphis the way it should be !
Atmospheric,melodic,heavy,dark and fresh.This is how to play melodic death metal.
The lyrics are again taken from finish national epics , The Kalevala.
There is nothing wrong in going back to your roots if its done the way Amorphis has done it.If the mix between extreme and melodic is your thing , go get it . And to all of you others , do your self a favor and check this album out , many of you will be surprised , this is great music !

Amorphis are playing in Oslo November 28 together with two other great bands , Swallow the sun and Insomnium.Check it out ! (See Amorphis web page for full tour list)

Homepage : http://www.amorphis.net/

8\10

Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon

Artist : Iced Earth
Record : Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked part 1)
Published : SPV 2007

Jon Schaffer playing lead guitar , the fantastic voice of Ripper Owens , Iced Earth are back with a new album.

And for all of you who still misses Matt Barlow , I agree , the man has a great and personal voice , but he went off to serve his country , wich we should all respect , end of story . Iced Earth are moving on with another great voice , and continues to deliver great heavy metal. This album is part of the "Something Wicked" Trilogy , together with 1998's "Something wicked this way comes".19 songs , some not as good as the rest , but all are of respectable quality.Jon Schaffer has a good ear for melody , and Ripper does a good job making the songs come alive . Just listen to "A charge to keep" and "Retribution through the ages" and you will know what I mean.Iced Earth delivers a solid metal album with some killer songs , I look forward to the next chapter of this trilogy !

Homepage : http://www.icedearth.com/

7\10

Video - Flotsam and Jetsam - Doomsday for the Deceiver

Here's one of the most underrated bands ever, Flotsam and Jetsam.

Enjoy!