• Phaeton - The Sign of the Curse (2017)

    Phaeton is another Russian quartet that keeps the spirit of heavy metal alive. While the genre is overlooked or even neglected in other countries, Russia has quite a few young heavy metal bands influenced by Russian pioneer groups like Aria, Black Coffee and Legion. Phaeton certainly doesn't reinvent the genre with The Sign of the Curse but the band plays with genuine passion and focuses on eight consistent tracks without any lengths.

    The record kicks off brilliantly with the rhythmic stomper ''Adrenaline'' that does its name justice. It's refreshing these days to open a record with a straightforward tune that gets to the point without unnecessary introductions or overtures. The song represents everything classic heavy metal should be about: a vivid rhythm section with tight drum play and an audible bass guitar, powerful guitar riffs, elaborate guitar solos, melodic clean vocals and epic lyrics. 

    The second tune ''Towards Destiny'' is slightly slower and more epic and might have the most memorable guitar melodies and the strongest chorus on this output. This song wouldn't be out of place on any classic Aria record. The more you listen to this song and the album in general, the more you will get into the songs and remember them which underlines the efficient songwriting.

    ''Following the Dream'' comes around with dreamy keyboard melodies before it evolves into a highly melodic track with great guitar melodies and soothing vocals. The song shows close affinity with the European power metal genre and could also come from Stratovarius even though the galloping main riff is clearly inspired by Iron Maiden. This mixture works very well and the song proves that one single appropriate longer overture per record can actually be efficient.

    The closing ballad ''Phantom Dream'' might be too saccharine for heavy metal purists and rather reminds me of romantic hard rock ballads in the key of Bonfire. However, the piano play and the keyboards are played emotionally and skillfully while the vocals are performed with emotion and inspiration. It's not a bad idea to close a record on a smooth note, especially since the record opens with a bang.

    In just eight songs, Phaeton shows many different facets of the heavy metal genre and proves that it is still relevant nowadays. The Sign of the Curse is emotional, entertaining, inspired and a true hidden gem for melodic heavy metal fans. The Russian lyrics and vocals add even more authenticity to the release. This album clearly is one of the best genre releases this year and one should give this quartet a chance and keep an eye on it.

    Final rating: 78%

    Partager via Gmail Delicious Technorati Yahoo! Google Bookmarks Blogmarks Pin It

  • Twin Peaks (2017)

    Eighteenth episode: What is your name? / The Return, Part XVIII

    Content: Cooper's doppelgänger burns in the Black Lodge. MIKE creates another Dougie, who returns to Janey-E and Sonny Jim. Cooper appears in the Black Lodge again, encountering MIKE and the Arm. He emerges and meets Diane in the woods. They drive on a highway for 430 miles and "cross over" some electrical field, then drive to a motel and have sex. Cooper awakes the next morning alone and finds a note left to "Richard" from "Linda". Arriving at Judy's Diner in Odessa, Texas, Cooper saves a waitress from harassment and obtains the address of another waitress, Carrie Page, who resembles Laura Palmer. Believing she is Laura, he drives her to Twin Peaks, but finds the Palmer house occupied by different owners. Confused, Cooper asks Carrie what year it is. Carrie hears Sarah calling Laura's name and screams. The house lights go out. In the Black Lodge, Laura whispers to Cooper.

    Analysis: There have been numerous theories about this final episode but I couldn't find one to agree with entirely. This is why elaborated my own theory. As mentioned in my analysis for the seventeenth part, the fact that Dale Cooper killed his doppelganger and BOB has created a rift in the space-time continuum. To make matters worse, he traveled back in time and changed the events of the past by saving Laura Palmer. Judy kidnapped her and she was pulled into a parallel universe where she is unaware of her other destiny, identity and life. She lives by the name of Carrie Page and has never been in Twin Peaks. However, since the different parallel universes coexist, it's possible to sense things from these other parallel universes in specific locations and in dreams. This is why Carrie Page hears Sarah Palmer scream when she comes to Twin Peaks, even though Sarah Palmer has never existed in this world. Remembering her other life because of this supernatural event makes Carrie Page scream in terror. This shows that she can't escape her destiny and that the battle between good and evil is infinite. As for Dale Cooper and Diane Evans, they decide to travel back twenty-five years in the past and start a new life after having been stuck in the Black Lodge for so long. However, as they enter a new parallel universe, they realize that their characters have become slightly different and that they can't forget about what they have been through. Diane witnessing her former self is a memento for the fact she can't erase the horrible events from her memory and the uneasy sex scene with Dale Cooper shows that she still remembers how she was raped by his doppelganger. They decide to start a new life as Richard and Linda but end up separating because they can't forget about what happened if they stay together. Even though the memories of their other lives might vanish slightly, Dale Cooper still remembers Laura Palmer and how important she is in the fight against Judy which is why he looks for her and finds Carrie Page twenty-five years later. However, Judy isn't actively present in this parallel universe which means that the potential final battle between good and evil can't take place.

    Description: While the seventeenth part can be seen as a conclusion to the three Twin Peaks seasons, the eighteenth and last episode can be seen as an epilogue and new beginning. In my opinion, the episode shows us how the events in the previous episode have created a rift in the space-time continuum and how these different parallel universes are connected. This ending shows that the fight between good and evil is infinite, taking place in different parallel universes and will never come to an end. This can be seen as a neutral ending and resolution. I don't believe there will be a fourth season of Twin Peaks because all questions have been answered in my opinion but with the multitude of parallel universes, there would obviosly be an infinite number of possibilities for other unexplored chapters of Twin Peaks. At first, I was just as confused as anyone else about the unexpected ending and maybe even slightly disappointed, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. This episode is memorable, has David Lynch's trademarks and will still be discussed in the future.

    Favorite scene: The closing scene of the third season is just as memorable as the final scenes of the first and the second season. ''What year is this?'' has become the new ''How's Annie?''. Hearing Sarah Palmer's haunting voice calling Laura Palmer's name is very mysterious. Laura's frantic scream followed by the lights of the house going out sends shivers down the spine of any Twin Peaks fan. This closing scene will be discussed for ages.

    Rating: 8/10

    Partager via Gmail Delicious Technorati Yahoo! Google Bookmarks Blogmarks Pin It

  • Ladies and gentlemen!

    The third season of Twin Peaks has come to a stunning end. As I am about to write my analysis of the final episode, I would like to take you on a visual trip back through the eighteen brilliant episodes. Cristiano Siqueira is a gifted artist who has drawn a poster for each episode. I think his works are absolutely stunning and I would definitely put all these posters in my apartment if I only had enough space. Please enjoy these posters and support this unique artist and this unique show.

    Part one: My log has a message for you.

    Part two: The stars turn and a time presents itself.

    Part three: Call for help.

    Part four: ...brings back some memories.

    Part five: Case files.

    Part six: Don't die

    Part seven: There's a body all right.

    Part eight: Gotta light?

    Part nine: This is the chair.

    Part ten: Laura is the one.

    Part eleven: There's fire where you are going.

    Part twelve: Let's rock.

    Part thirteen: What story is that, Charlie?

    Part fourteen: We are like the dreamer.

    Part fifteen: There's some fear in letting go.

    Part sixteen: No knock, no doorbell.

    Part seventeen: The past dictates the future.

    Part eighteen: What is your name?

    Bonus: Audrey's Dance from part sixteen

    Partager via Gmail Delicious Technorati Yahoo! Google Bookmarks Blogmarks Pin It

  • Ensiferum - Two Paths (2017)

    Surprise! After the disappointing One Man Army, Ensiferum delivers a quite entertaining and focused record. Instead of concentrating on a diversified and experimental songwriting that is all over the place, the band concentrates on fleshed-out and short tracks that mostly respect its original style. The few experimental tracks recall other successful folk metal bands without exactly copying them and expand Ensiferum's soundscapes in a respectable way. Two Paths is still far away from the band's genre-defining first two studio albums but it's clearly better than the last two efforts.

    However, the album with the stunning artwork and the numerous limited editions with an acoustic show bonus disc, drinking horns, patch, photo cards, poster and wristband starts on a rather underwhelming note. Nobody is really going to miss Manowar that finally promised a farewell tour after having been a bad joke for at least a decade but Ensiferum somehow seems to try to keep that cringe-worthy metal spirit alive with the horrendous pseudo-epic ''For Those About to Fight for Metal'' that incorporates every stupid stereotype of this genre. The exchangeable up-tempo stomper ''Way of the Warrior'' isn't much of an improvement either but once you expect Ensiferum to turn into a comedic circus act, this album finally changes for the better.

    The band finally reconnects with its charismatic folk influences of yore in ''Feast with Valkyries'' that convinces with enchanting accordion melodies, majestic male choirs and variable female vocals. The track manages to both go back to Ensiferum's essence of the first two records and to try out something fresh with the female lead vocals. This song defines what Eluveitie should sound like instead of releasing a vapid acoustic record. ''Don't You Say'' keeps the uplifting folk melodies, showcases some simple but vividly rocking riffs and rhythms and throws in some melodic lead vocals that make this tune a joyful party anthem without sounding shallow. The rhythmic ''God Is Dead'' is quite similar in style and could also come from Alestorm or Turisas with its vivid, raw and charismatic male lead vocals.

    Overall, the use of three completely different vocalists that complete one another perfectly, the focus on shorter and simpler songwriting and the return to the band's powerful folk elements of yore make for Ensiferum's greatest record since the first two studio outputs in my book. However, this opinion won't be unanimous because the record doesn't include one of the band's usual elaborate epics, limits the use of Petri Lindroos' harsh vocals and sounds at times close to folk bands with controversial reputations such as Alestorm, Eluveitie and Turisas. Personally, I think Two Paths is a dynamic record to listen to that finds the right balance between atmospheric parts and potential party anthems. Ensiferum embraces its past but still manages to experiment in a controlled way. If this mixture sounds intriguing to you, give this output a chance.

    Final rating: 78%

    Partager via Gmail Delicious Technorati Yahoo! Google Bookmarks Blogmarks Pin It

  • 2019: Ozzy Osbourne - Under the Graveyard

    2018: Alien Weaponry - Kai Tangata

    2017: Deadlift Lolita - Pump Up Japan

    2016: Tainted DickMen - Don't Be Afraid

    2015: Deathrabbits - Nande?

    2014: Alestorm - Drink

    2013: Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball

    2012: PSY - Gangnam Style

    2011: Dr. Dre - I Need a Doctor

    2010: Die Antwoord - Enter the Ninja

    Partager via Gmail Delicious Technorati Yahoo! Google Bookmarks Blogmarks