Ulver

I had a hard time finding some worthwhile U bands in my collection, so I'm going to do a bookend post with one band. I'm going to post their debut and latest record. And I wanted to do this with a really diverse band and there's really not a more diverse and evolving band like Ulver. The band takes their name from the Norwegian translation of Wolves. Formed in 93 by Kristoffer Rygg, also known as Garm and a handful of other names. The band were mere teens when they recorded their first album 'Bergtatt - Et Eeventyr I 5 Capitler'. The translation is 'Taken Into The Mountain - A Fairytale In 5 Chapters'. The album is a blend of Folk and Black Metal. Combing raw vocals with acoustic passages. The band quickly gained attention in the fresh new Black Metal scene, but drew criticism for their polished sound. This record is one of the best in the genre and sometimes gets overlooked. 

After the bands third release 'Nattens Madrigal - Aatte Hymne Til Ulven I Manden'  or 'The Madrigal Of The Night - Eight Hymns To The Wolf In Man' the bands sound changed into a more electronic sound and with each album sounding more like a Norwegian techno band. The band evolved further by changing sounds into an avant garde band and then into yet another band. Ulver is a band that with each album, you're not really sure what you're going to get, but you know it's going to be great.

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UFO

Into the U's we go and time to start it off with some British Heavy Metal. UFO has been one of the more underrated rock/metal bands to come out of the UK. Having formed in 1969 and still touring and releasing records today isn't something to scoff at. Formed in London by Pete Way, Phil Mogg, and Mick Bolton, UFO started out as somewhat of a space rock band. By 73 the band hasn't seen much success outside of Germany and Japan, they needed a new guitarist. After a short run with Larry Wallis, who would end up playing on the debut album from Motörhead, the band recruited Scorpions guitarist Micheal Schenker. Although Schenker was just 18 at the time, he was already an accomplished guitarist. By the time Schenker left in 78, the band had a minor hit with 'Lights Out' and were beginning to be recognized in America. Over the years the band has endured lineup changes and hiatuses, but they continue to play with original members Phil Mogg and Andy Parker. UFO has had quite a catalog, so I've dug a bit deeper and decided to go with 98's best of release 'Time To Rock: Best Of Singles A's and B's'. This is a 2 CD collection that spans the bands career and includes some live cuts. If you're not familiar with the band this is the perfect place to start.

I didn't get into UFO until a few years back. I was pulled in with songs like 'Lights Out' and 'Doctor Doctor'. The guitar work was always stellar and the band just seemed like they should be bigger than what they are. Yet somehow UFO tends to fly under the radar, pardon the pun, the band had some solid albums over the years and while sounding somewhat like some other Brit Rock bands, managed to carve out their own sound. Great band that deserves some more recognition.

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Disc 2

Turisas

Week long lay off for some unknown reason, let's polish of the T bands with a little Battle/Folk Metal in Turisas. The band takes their name from a sea monster in Finnish Mythology. While the original band formed back in 97, it took til 04 for a full length debut to be released. 'Battle Metal' was that debut record, combing Folk and Symphonic Metal and branding it as Battle Metal, Turisas soon gained recognition with their energetic live shows. The band has gone through some rough patches in keeping members full time. Yet they continue to tour and have released two more records. Musically here it's like the wave of Folk Metal that's been making appearances over the past few years. Highly energetic and it makes you wanna drink and fight with some cardboard swords. Overall if ya dig the Folk Metal scene, this one is for you. Even better this is the deluxe edition with a few bonus cuts.

I've become fascinated with the ongoing Folk/Pagan Metal scene over the past few years. Perhaps my fascination started with Finntroll and their odd brand of metal.  Bands like TYR, Korpiklaani, and Kivimetsan Druidi have all caught my ear over the years. Each bringing their own unique spin on the genre. Turisas is no exception to the genre, forging on with their Battle Metal, you can't help but want to sing along to these anthems of battle.

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Tristania

Time for some Gothic Female Fronted Metal. This one has some ties to a band I posted a few weeks back. Tristania have been around since 96 and along with bands like The Gathering and Theater Of Tragedy are one of the early purveyors of the Female Gothic sound. Tristania uses the 'beauty and the beast' vocal styling. In essence male harsh vocals with female operatic vocals. The formula works well for some bands, but not all in the genre. Led by Morten Veland and Vibeke Stene, the band released two critically acclaimed albums before Morten left in 2000 to form Sirenia. Vibeke stayed out as the female vocalist for another few albums before announcing her departure in 07 to pursue a teaching career. Lineup changes have plagued the band over the years as have sporadic releases. The band continues today with a new female vocalist, but the majority of the fans argue the sounds is not the same as it once was.  For this post I'm going back to their 98 debut, 'Widows Weeds' is an essential female fronted goth metal album in so many ways. It's dark and haunting while being beautiful all at the same time. Vibeke's vocals offeset Morten's harsh growls. One of the best albums in the genre.

Tristania and this album were my introduction to the band and in a way to the genre itself. By now I had become familiar with bands like Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and The Gathering, but nothing nearly as dark as this. When I first heard 'My Lost Lenore' I kinda sat there and wondering if I had enough black on to be listening to this. It was so dark and depressing, yet the haunting female vocals pulled me in. From there I was hooked. While most would argue once Morten left the band began to go downhill. I maintain that Vibeke was one of the more underrated female vocalists in the metal genre. Listen to this record and then listen to anything of the last record she was on 'Illumination' and her voice is still just as haunting a decade later.

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TSO

The only post of the year that will feature Holiday music. Bear with it, cause it does come full circle with two other bands I've posted in the past few months. Coming full circle tonight with some Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Which if you payed attention has it's roots in Metal. Formed in 93 by compose Paul O'Neill and Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli both of whom played in Savatage, the band combined the classical elements of the holiday sounds with a more progressive approach in hard rock and metal. The band has been successful for some years now, running tours with two different bands during the season. Both of which feature former members of Savatage. The last few years see Al Pitrelli handling one coast and Chris Caffery handling the other coast. While originally formed in 93, TSO didn't release their first album 'Christmas Eve & Other Stories' until 96, due to the untimely loss of Jon's brother and Savatage guitarist Criss Oliva. The album contained the track 'Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24', which may be the bands most well known track. What people don't realize is the song appeared a year earlier on Savatage's 'Dead Winter Dead' album. See everyone knows a Metal track after all. The band of course tours every year and sells really well. The band never is without talent either, featuring a long list of guitarists and vocalist who play in a few other metal bands. Examples include current guitarists, Al Pitrelli has played with the likes of Megadeth, Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult, and even Michael Bolton. While Chris Caffery has released a handful of solo records and is currently producing his own line of Hot Sauce. Previous guitarist have included current Testament axeman and jazz man Alex Skolnick and former Journey singer Jeff Scott Soto. Having seen the band twice in the past few years, it is nothing short of a modern Rock Opera and it's always worth it everytime. So deck the halls and turn it to 11.

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Traffic

Time for some classic rock and one of my favorite bands of all time. Traffic was formed in 67 in England by Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason. Starting out as a psych rock band, with songs influenced by The Beatles, the band soon evolved to include more of a jazz and world influence to their sound. They disbanded the first time around in 69 after Winwood left to go play with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in Blind Faith. However by 70 Winwood was back in the band. While the bands lineup changed until their breakup in 75, the band released several critically acclaimed records including their debut 'Mr. Fantasy' and 'John Barleycorn Must Die'. By the time the 75 split had come along, Mason had established a solo career and Winwood was well on his to way to establishing his. In 94 the living members of the band reuinted for a one off tour with the Grateful Dead. Rumors of another reunion were cut short with the death of Capaldi in 05. Since then Winwood has continued with his solo career. It's hard to pick out any Traffic record to feature, simply because they all are great. So when in doubt go with the best of route. 'Feelin' Alright: The Very Best Of Traffic' was released in 2000 and features everything that made this band great. Well worth checking out.

Traffic for me in the latter years of my life has been a go to band when I need some cheering up or I just feel like rocking out. Traffic embraced many different genres and beautifully wove it into their music. Traffic was a band that played every so often in the home growing up. The song 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' has been used in various commercials over the years, most notably when the NFL Network was just starting up. Seemed like an odd choice, but nevertheless it worked given how big Fantasy Football has become. I've had the pleasure of seeing Winwood twice now, once with Clapton and once solo. Both times it's been nothing short of a religious experience. Recently I had discussed about getting a tattoo to honor my late father. Originally I wanted something Hendrix like, but have kinda steered away from that. Then after some more thought I decided to possibly go with the Traffic logo. Shrouded somewhat in mystery I figured it works. Essentially being based on the Celtic fiery wheel of fortune, which is similar to the Celtic signs for spirit and family. When colored differently it takes on different meanings. While it's not done yet, it remains high on the list of things to accomplish in the new year.

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Devin Townsend

Another week of T bands, and this post kinda ties into the SYL post from a few weeks back. I had mentioned the eclectic work of Devin Townsend. From his work with Steve Vai, to SYL, to his solo albums, Devin tends to run the creativity line through each album he releases. This one is no exception. Released in 2007 'Ziltoid The Omniscient' is a concept record about a little green puppet man from space who travels to Earth in search of Earth's ultimate cup of coffee. You'd be hard pressed to find a more bizarre concept record.  Love it or loathe it, this is funny and great all in one. Who else is gonna make a puppet and base a record around it. Wait two records, as we are told the follow up is in the works. As brutal musically as it is funny and silly, this remains as one of my favorite records from Devin. The song 'Hyperdrive' was actually re recorded for the 'Addicted'  record. Overall this is just a silly album to play. Bonus CD is included here with three extra tracks. Also including a "preview" link now just as a small insight to what I'm posting.

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To-Mera

Finally closing out this way behind week with some UK Prog Metal from a fairly new and unknown band. To-Mera formed in 05 and to date have released three studio albums. What makes To-Mera a little different from the current list of Prog Metal bands is that the lead singer is female. Something you don't see to often in the Prog Metal genre. 'Transcendental' is the bands debut album and with just eight tracks clocks in at around 53 minutes. Musically it's a trip and lyrically it's love and depression, but rolled together it works really well. Worth checking out for fans of Prog Metal and well as Goth Metal and Female Fronted Metal.

To-Mera is a band I've only recently gotten into. I had heard good things about the band and decided to check them out. Glad I did too. Musically it seems to be a blend of Goth and Prog Metal bands. Which while I don't always dig the real Goth stuff, bands like My Dying Bride and the such come to mind. This takes bands like Madder Mortem and old Lacuna Coil and updates them quite a bit. If you want something out of the box, give this a spin.

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Thin Lizzy

Time for what I consider one of the more underrated Hard Rock bands that ever existed. Thin Lizzy are probably best know for their hit 'The Boys Are Back In Town' and yes the album that is getting posted does feature it, but there was so much more to the band than that one song. Formed in Ireland in 69, by 71 the band released their self titled debut record. Led by a Black Irishman in Phil Lynott, the band seemed to struggle a bit before releasing their sixth album 'Jailbreak'. This was the album that broke the band to the mainstream and introduced a whole new group to the band. Songs like 'Jailbreak' and 'The Boys Are Back In Town' still remain radio favorites some thirty years later. After the release of 'Jailbreak'  the band went on to release a few more critically acclaimed albums, before the untimely death of Phil Lynott due to a drug overdose. The band was resurrected in 96, but only lasted until 01, before reforming yet again in 04. The band still continues to play live today, despite not having released a studio album since 83. For me though 'Jailbreak' remains the high point of the band and is by far their best record.

I got a chance to see Thin Lizzy last year open up for of all bands Judas Priest. While the band will never be as good as they were with Phil, they still managed to have some of that old energy that made them a great live band back in the day. I always dug Thin Lizzy no matter how overplayed 'The Boys Are Back' is played. My favorite Lizzy track is actually on 'Jailbreak' in 'The Cowboy Song'. Something about that song that every time I hear it I fall in love with the band all over again. For me this is a band that should be talked about more and be heralded as one of the more influential Hard Rock bands of the 70's.

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That Petrol Emotion

Time to change things up and bring some obscure rock from across the pond. That Petrol Emotion was an Northern Irish, London Based band that featured an American vocalist. Formed in 84, the band was together for a decade before calling it a day. They did reform for a short period of time from 08-10, but now are once again done. The band had a style that was kinda hard to pinpoint, getting called everything from a revved up version of Television, to a youthful version of The Rolling Stones, to a mix of The Clash and CCR. Their first single was released in 84 and by 85 their major label debut 'Babble' was released and received universal acclaim in the UK. Shortly after lineup changes began to take their toll and the band managed to release a few more records before calling it a day. While the band is no more they remain an influence to the Britpop and Madchester scenes. This is for the fans of that whole UK scene and it's a chance for someone to check out this band and see what they're missing. Also this is the deluxe reissue edition that featured some bonus tracks.

That Petrol Emotion was never a band that I would have found on my own by any means. I had found them through a friend who described them as a toned down version of The Clash. 'Babble' features some really good tracks including 'Swamp', 'Big Decision' and 'Creeping To The Cross'. Musically you can kind of hear some of the influence in modern rock bands today. One odd one is Nickelback. Listen to the intro riff to 'Swamp' and then listen to that dreadful track 'Something In Your Mouth'. Riff sounds oddly the same. Always nice to see a fairly unknown band in the states have such an influence on American rock bands.

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Testament

Time to go back to the Bay Area for some Thrash. Testament have been around since the dawn of Thrash Metal so to speak. Formed in 83 as The Legacy, the band was originally fronted by now former Exodus fromtman Steve 'Zetro' Souza. The band had changed singers and by 87 has released their debut 'The Legacy'. Widely regarded with the likes of Slayer, Exodus, and Metallica as one of the pioneering Thrash Metal bands, Testament released several critically acclaimed records through the early 90's. However a rotating lineup and an updated sound in the mid and late 90's didn't help their cause. Neither did a health scare when in 02 lead singer Chuck Billy was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully Chuck has since made a full recovery and the band has returned to their thrashier roots with their past few releases. It's a challenge to pick out a good early Testament album, so I decided to roll with the 'Greatest Hits' package. Released in 2000 this was the second Best Of album to be released. This one for me tends to focus more on the earlier material. A solid place to start for anyone new to the band or for a long time fan looking for all the good stuff.

Testament along with Exodus could have easily fit into The Big 4 category. Like many of the Bay area Thrash bands of the era, they could hold their own with anyone. There was always an immense group of talent in the band despite all the lineup changes. The band kind got forgotten about in the early part of the 00's, but made a serious comeback and proved they were still a force to be reckoned with. If anything the band has gotten better with the time off. Testament proves that Thrash Metal is still alive and kicking.

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Talking Heads

New week and behind again. So it's time for a few T bands. First up is the new wave avant garde Talking Heads. Formed in NYC in 75 by David Byrne, the band were a staple of the NYC club CBGB's in the late 70's. The band was lumped into the Punk scene that was happening in NYC at the time, but the band blended a diverse range of genres to create their sound. The band worked with acclaimed producer Brian Eno on several of their records. The band have several hits due in part to video rotation in MTV in the 80's. The band stayed together until 91 and briefly reunited in 02. Members of the band were involved in other projects as well. David Byrne has released several albums and has collaborated with a number of musicians. He recently released a book entitled 'How Music Works'. Bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz formed a hip-hop themed duo called The Tom Tom Club and scored a minor hit with their song 'Genius Of Love'. Meanwhile guitarist Jerry Harrison has gone on to be a successful producer in the music business. 'The Best Of The Talking Heads' showcases the diverse and sometimes odd nature of the band. The hits are all here including 'Once In A Lifetime', 'Burning Down The House' and 'Life During Wartime'. Great band that sometimes people overlook for their quirk factor.

Talking Heads were a band I got into later on in life so to speak. I remember always hearing 'Once In A Lifetime' on the radio and the song just stood out to me on how quirky it was. The video was an even bigger trip. The more I listened to their catalog as a whole the more I realized what a great and ahead of their time band they were. It's a shame that differences can't be put aside and the band could play together again, but such are egos and what not. The band still sounds fresh today as they did thirty years ago.

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Suicidal Tendencies

Last up in the S bands are the fathers of crossover thrash. I of course speak of California's own Suicidal Tendencies. The band formed in 81 in the LA Punk and Hardcore scene. Their live shows were legendary, often resulting in the bands being banned from clubs due the amount of violence at the shows. Led by Mike Muir the band released their self titled 'Suicidal Tendencies' album in 83. A legendary album in the Punk scene, the album features their best known hit 'Institutionalized'. The band of course would later switch to a funk/thrash sound and would feature current Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo on a few albums. The band has gone on three different hiatuses over the years but remains together and touring today. The self titled release though captures that Punk/Hardocre scene in LA at the time and serves as a reminder of what a great time it was for music.

Suicidal remains one of the more influential crossover bands. The band was hugely popular in the Southern California area, so far as to crop up a gang based around the band. The live shows were legendary and anyone lucky enough to attend the early gigs probably has a memory that will last a lifetime. The band for me made some solid records, including their debut. However the band seemed to always go on hiatus just as things were coming together. Great band nevertheless and the debut is always a great album just to rock out to.

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Subterranean Masquerade

Time to go a little off the path again with some Prog Metal. This is somewhat of a supergroup if you will, featuring members of other Metal bands. Subterranean Masquerade started out in 97 with Guitarist Tomer Pink. The band recorded a few covers at the start, a Peter Murphy cover as well as a Dead Can Dance cover. Both of which wound up on tribute records. The band lay dormant until 04 when an EP was released. 'Temporary Psychotic State' featured among others, JWW of Agalloch, Paul Kuhr of Novembers Doom and Tino LoSicco of Epoch Of Unlight. The two track EP was an experimental step into Prog Metal. The follow up 'Suspended Animation Dreams' picks up where the EP left off. Once again Paul handles the vocals and Tomer takes care of the guitars. The album goes further into the Prog Metal land, laced with interesting musical interludes as well as a mix of clean and harsh vocals. There's really no way to describe it other than just to tell the listener to listen to it. It's a wonderful album that I love. Sadly the band went pretty much on hiatus after the release in 05, but there is news that the band is working on a new EP due out next year.

This is truly an unique band in every sense of the word. Musically it's a mix of styles blended perfectly together. This band flew under the radar of a lot of people, given the people involved with it. Sadly this band should have been a lot bigger. I guess the eclectic styles are just a bit much for some. For me though it's a great album to throw on the headphones and get lost in. An album I can listen to weekly and not get tired of it and that's saying a lot there.

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SYL

Way behind on keeping this thing updated again, so here's the back log. First up is Canadian noisemongers Strapping Young Lad. Formed in 94 in the great white north by former Steve Vai frontman Devin Townsend, the band quickly gained notice with their debut 'Heavy Is A Really Heavy Thing' in 95. The band at the point was just Devin with some local musicians. After the mild success, Devin recruited a full time lineup which included Jed Simon on Guitars, Byron Stroud on Bass, and The Atomic Clock, Gene Hoglan on drums. The result was 97's 'City', a beast of a metal album if there was. Chaotic barely describes this album. The drumming alone is just simply brutal and top notch, while Devin's guitars and vocals are all over the place. This was the defining moment for the band. However things changed quickly and the band soon went on hiatus until 02. In the meantime, Devin followed it all up with several stellar solo records. Gene played in about every metal band in the world it seemed. The band released a few more records before Devin decided to put SYL to bed for good. The band remains one of the most talked about metal bands during the late 90's. 'City'  is just a prime example of what Devin is capable of. Great album to throw on when you can't make sense of it all.

Sometime before SYL got back together I became aware of them through songs like 'Detox'. Of course Devin's larger than life persona drew me into the band. I thought surely this guy can't be serious, he's just another crazy Canadian. The music was just so chaotic it was hard to believe a band could be so all over the place. When the self titled album came out I of course jumped at the chance to get it. From there I didn't look back. Devin's solo work is amazing, which will be featured in the coming weeks. Great artist who is a bit nuts, but that never hurt.

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