Thanks! I have to say that the upcoming album is more head-on than the previous one, but I see it kind of as "big picture dynamics", in that the previous one was extremely varied, so time for something slightly more straightforward. Then there might be something a bit different yet the next time.
Great points. It reminded me of something I remember reading in Tony Iommi's autobiography. He talked about how when writing for it, he wanted the Black Sabbath album 'Volume 4' to have a lot of contrasts, dynamics and 'space' between the exciting parts - not just in the songs but between track to track. Look at the sequence of the track listing - there's fast, slow, loud, mellow. A great album that's very much heavy metal.
Well said! when it comes to checking out new classic heavy metal bands these are the factors that get my attention: the sound (both overall production and instruments tone/sound), musicianship (not just being a virtuoso, but being able to effectively execute your parts, being tight, solid, and so on) and of course being able to write good riffs, melodies in the style in question (the nwobhm wasn't about being the fastest/heavier, for sure).
I think of the scene in This Is Spinal Tap from 1984 th-cam.com/video/H7vk5keNbRc/w-d-xo.html where the piece is named - in the convention of the band LOL Plus his amps all go to 11 LOL
I've listened to the entire album a few times now, and it's a bit hard to come with an accurate review. If I hadn't heard Ride the Night or Walhalla Warriors before, I would have been taken aback and maybe given it 8/10. But having heard those songs and having such high expectations, it was a bit of a disappointment. The production is good, yes, but the downtuned guitars (or I guess Ragne's new guitar has an extra, lower string) nullifies a bit of that and still gives a "modern edge" to the sound. Oftentimes, Ragne's vocals save the day. Unfortunately the music does not always help the songs. No particular riffs. Styrbjörn's vocals, although more technically proficient than before, are sung with a demeanor that seems out of place. I am also wondering if more than just Walhalla Warriors was recorded in the 80s. Out of the unheard songs I enjoy Raven is Calling and Angel Dark (although I heard most of the composition before in an old live song). On Sail Away, Ragne sings great but the song is very predictable. Have you heard the album?
@@HelvetetsPort I've just heard the single, Ride the Night, if I'm not wrong. The production is very polished, although not modern sounding, the song itself is enjoyable, but yeah, comparing new material to the old stuff is always a struggle. While this is not the best comeback ever I think it's quite good, also a good sign for the health of heavy metal in general.
Any recommendations for modern bands you think “show restraint”? I’m thinking of Angel Sword after watching the video, absolutely beautiful use of restraint in both production and songwriting
I was gonna say for example Flight from Norway, but it dawned on me that it's no wonder that it shows restraint when it's - judging a bit superficially - aiming for a slightly proggier audience. The real challenge I think lies in playing heavy metal catering to "heavy metal maniacs" banging leather-gloved fists into school lockers, and still show restraint! And for that, I must say I can't think of any example off the top of my head.
This might be your best video yet. An excellent perspective on the theology of real Heavy Metal. We're striving to write more dynamic songs as well.
Glad to see you’re back with a new video. Witchfinder the great metal philosopher! Love the videos! can’t wait to hear the new album.
Thanks! I have to say that the upcoming album is more head-on than the previous one, but I see it kind of as "big picture dynamics", in that the previous one was extremely varied, so time for something slightly more straightforward. Then there might be something a bit different yet the next time.
Great points. It reminded me of something I remember reading in Tony Iommi's autobiography. He talked about how when writing for it, he wanted the Black Sabbath album 'Volume 4' to have a lot of contrasts, dynamics and 'space' between the exciting parts - not just in the songs but between track to track. Look at the sequence of the track listing - there's fast, slow, loud, mellow. A great album that's very much heavy metal.
Dina ord berör min själ! Real Heavy Metal will never die..
Thanks Mr Witchfinder, can't wait for the new album.
Well said! when it comes to checking out new classic heavy metal bands these are the factors that get my attention: the sound (both overall production and instruments tone/sound), musicianship (not just being a virtuoso, but being able to effectively execute your parts, being tight, solid, and so on) and of course being able to write good riffs, melodies in the style in question (the nwobhm wasn't about being the fastest/heavier, for sure).
Preach brother!!!
I think of the scene in This Is Spinal Tap
from 1984
th-cam.com/video/H7vk5keNbRc/w-d-xo.html
where the piece is named - in the convention of the band LOL
Plus his amps all go to 11 LOL
If you know Gotham City, you know metal.
what do you think about the Heavy Load comeback?
I've listened to the entire album a few times now, and it's a bit hard to come with an accurate review. If I hadn't heard Ride the Night or Walhalla Warriors before, I would have been taken aback and maybe given it 8/10. But having heard those songs and having such high expectations, it was a bit of a disappointment. The production is good, yes, but the downtuned guitars (or I guess Ragne's new guitar has an extra, lower string) nullifies a bit of that and still gives a "modern edge" to the sound. Oftentimes, Ragne's vocals save the day. Unfortunately the music does not always help the songs. No particular riffs. Styrbjörn's vocals, although more technically proficient than before, are sung with a demeanor that seems out of place. I am also wondering if more than just Walhalla Warriors was recorded in the 80s. Out of the unheard songs I enjoy Raven is Calling and Angel Dark (although I heard most of the composition before in an old live song). On Sail Away, Ragne sings great but the song is very predictable. Have you heard the album?
@@HelvetetsPort I've just heard the single, Ride the Night, if I'm not wrong. The production is very polished, although not modern sounding, the song itself is enjoyable, but yeah, comparing new material to the old stuff is always a struggle. While this is not the best comeback ever I think it's quite good, also a good sign for the health of heavy metal in general.
Any recommendations for modern bands you think “show restraint”? I’m thinking of Angel Sword after watching the video, absolutely beautiful use of restraint in both production and songwriting
I was gonna say for example Flight from Norway, but it dawned on me that it's no wonder that it shows restraint when it's - judging a bit superficially - aiming for a slightly proggier audience. The real challenge I think lies in playing heavy metal catering to "heavy metal maniacs" banging leather-gloved fists into school lockers, and still show restraint! And for that, I must say I can't think of any example off the top of my head.
Amethyst perhaps? Or Luzifer even
@@vuk3303 thanks for the recommendations, listening to Amethyst now and liking what I’m hearing
@@HelvetetsPort Flight is great, thanks for the recommendation!