Porcupine Tree

Let's sleep together, right now. Relieve the pressure, somehow. Switch off the future, right now. Let's sleep forever.

Review from drownedinsound.com -

"After forming two decades ago as an excruciatingly elaborate joke, Porcupine Tree have somehow become one of the most devastatingly poignant progressive rock bands around today. In what is essentially one continuous piece of music split into six movements, their ninth studio album holds a bleak perspective of modern society, telling a story of a desolate future through a teenager’s eyes.

Kicking off with the chaotic, mesmeric title track, their intent is apparent from the get-go. Carefully picked guitars give way to swirling synthesizers and irrepressible syncopations but ultimately the anxious candour of the lyrics cuts right through it all. The Hertfordshire-based four-piece have never been the cheeriest of souls but while a couple of more sanguine tracks were always hidden amongst the shadowy underworld they painted in recent tour de forces In Absentia and Deadwing. There is nothing like that here. There is no respite from this doom and gloom.

Some outstandingly gentle, string-laden melancholy can be found in ‘My Ashes’ and ‘Sentimental’ has delicate, otherworldly qualities to it, but the cornerstone of the album is the snarling beast that is ‘Anesthetize’. At nearly 18 minutes it manages to reach majestic peaks of devastating sonic grandeur shortly after the twinkling opening where Steven Wilson’s plaintive vocals intensify his brooding lyrics and add a cold frisson to the already menacing atmosphere. A rare cameo from Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is lovely but easily missed with so many imposing and spectacular climaxes found here.

Fear Of A Blank Planet is a lonely and ambiguous tale fearing for the future, spoken softly against a complex arrangement of symphonic swirling guitars and absolutely watertight drumming. The result is an often crushingly heavy masterpiece that has true meaning with or without the music. It’s a rare thing these days but Porcupine Tree seem able to do it time and again. This album is no exception."

Fantastic album. Listen to it or I beat you, 'kay?

Artist: Porcupine Tree
Album: Fear Of A Black Planet
Genre: Progressive Rock
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/porcupinetree

Track Listing:
1. "Fear of a Blank Planet" – 7:28
2. "My Ashes" – 5:07
3. "Anesthetize" – 17:42
4. "Sentimental" – 5:26
5. "Way Out of Here" – 7:37
6. "Sleep Together" – 7:28

Download: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=73W5XEFS

- Your Friendly Neighbourhood Steel Lord

Isengard

Artist: Isengard
Album: Vinterskugge
Genre: Black Metal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/isengardfrozenorway

Isengard is a Black Metal band from Norway brought to you by Fenriz of Darkthrone. Vinterskugge is a compilation album of his songs since Isengard's creation in 1989. The sound is raw, and the quality isn't that great, but I find that the songs are catchy. Plus, there's a hell of a lot of songs, so you're sure to find at least a few songs that you like.

Tracklist:
1. Vinterskugge (5:15)
2. Gjennom Skogen til Blåfjellene (5:51)
3. Ut i Vannets dyp Hvor Morket Hviler (4:19)
4. Dommedagssalme (5:06)
5. In the Halls and Chambers of Stardust - The Crystallic Heavens Open (2:33)
6. Fanden Lokker til Stupet (Nytrad) (2:43)
7. Naglfar (5:29)
8. Thy Gruesome Death (2:16)
9. Deathcult (1:55)
10. Rise from Below (3:12)
11. Dark Lord of Gorgoroth (2:26)
12. Trollwandering (Outro) (1:29)
13. The Fog (early 1991) (4:35)
14. Storm of Evil (6:02)
15. Bergtrollets Gravferd (5:31)
16. Our Lord will Come (5:48)

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Devin Townsend

So just shut your face and take a seat
Because, after all, you're just talking meat
...And music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks.













Artist: Devin Townsend
Album: Terria
Genre: Progressive Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/devintownsenddtb

Devin Townsend is the lead singer and guitarist for Strapping Young Lad. While SYL is Townsend's heavy, angry side, his solo work portrays a much more soft, thoughtful side, showcasing some of the best progressive metal around. Townsend's vocal abilities have been showcased by many, including Steve Vai. This is his fourth (and, in my opinion, best) solo album, Terria, released in 2001. Notable tracks include Earth Day, Canada, and Tiny Tears.

Tracklist:
1. Olives – (3:21)
2. Mountain – (6:32)
3. Earth Day – (9:35)
4. Deep Peace – (7:34)
5. Canada – (6:53)
6. Down and Under – (3:43)
7. The Fluke – (7:16)
8. Nobody's Here – (6:54)
9. Tiny Tears – (9:12)
10. Stagnant – (5:25)
11. Humble (Bonus Track) – (5:30)

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Gogol Bordello

Artist: Gogol Bordello
Album: Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike
Genre: Gypsy Punk/Folk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gogolbordello

Tracklist:
1. Sally
2. I Would Never Wanna Be Young Again
3. Not A Crime
4. Immigrant Punk
5. 60 Revolutions
6. Avenue B
7. Dogs Were Barking
8. Oh No!
9. Start Wearing Purple
10. Think Locally Fuck Globally
11. Underdog World Strike
12. Illumination
13. Santa Marinella
14. Undestructable
15. Mishto!

I bring you Gogol Bordello! This is a gypsy punk group fronted by Eugene Hutz, a Ukrainian immigrant, and backed by a whole slew of immigrant musicians. The band features upbeat songs, with a kind of "punk rock meets folk" feel. Dominant instruments include accordians, violins, and even a fire bucket! The music itself is punk, but later in the album Hutz starts to show his heavy Spanish influence. You really need to see these guys live to get the full experience.

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Ensiferum

The era of total chaos will arrive.
Men shall flee in fear.
My name will haunt their mortal souls.
I'll burn their flesh and I'll crush their bones.











Artist: Ensiferum
Album: Victory Songs
Genre: Viking Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialensiferum

Ensiferum is a Viking Metal band from Helsinki, Finland. The group formed in 1995 with original vocalist and guitarist Jari Maenpaa, and released two albums, Ensiferum and Iron before Jari left for his own side project, Wintersun. Now with new vocalist and guitarist Petri Lindroos, the group is back in action to bring you their latest effort, Victory Songs. Notable tracks include Deathbringer from the Sky, One More Magic Potion, and Victory Song.

Tracklist:
1. Ad Victoriam – (3:10)
2. Blood is the Price of Glory – (5:17)
3. Deathbringer from the Sky – (5:10)
4. Ahti – (3:55)
5. One More Magic Potion – (5:22)
6. Wanderer – (6:32)
7. Raised by the Sword – (6:10)
8. The New Dawn – (3:42)
9. Victory Song – (10:38)

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Edge of Sanity

Artist: Edge of Sanity
Album: Crimson
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/edgeofsanity01

Edge of Sanity pushes the envelope with this release. Crimson is a single track of 40 minutes in length. But this isn't 40 minutes of repetitive riffs. It's almost like it's a compilation of ideas woven together. The song starts out slow, picks up pace, kicks into high gear with catchy riffs, then slows down again for the outro. The song features several guests including Mikael Akerfeldt on backing vocals during one part of the song. My personal favorite section is at about 12:40. For fans of Melodic Death Metal, this album is a staple in anyone's collection.

Tracklist:
1. Crimson (40:01)

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Freedom Call

Forever in a land of grace and glory
My soul is free of pain
And the children tell us stories
That harmony remains












Artist: Freedom Call
Album: Stairway to Fairyland
Genre: Power Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/callforfreedom

Freedom Call is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Germany. The group formed during an off-period for drummer Dan Zimmermann's main band, Gamma Ray. The group recorded their first album, Stairway to Fairyland, in 1999, and made their official debut in France as a support band for the touring Edguy and Angra. Overall, Freedom Call is Symphonic Power Metal at some of its best - the synth is an integral part, but the lack of a high soprano keeps them seperate from Visions of Atlantis or Nightwish and puts them in the ranks with some of Power Metal's greatest. This is their first album, Stairway to Fairyland. Notable tracks include Tears Falling, Graceland, and Holy Knight.

Tracklist:
1. Over the Rainbow – (5:51)
2. Tears Falling – (5:37)
3. Fairyland – (5:28)
4. Shine On – (5:42)
5. We Are One – (4:54)
6. Hymn to the Brave – (3:59)
7. Tears of Taragon – (6:54)
8. Graceland – (5:34)
9. Holy Knight – (5:00)
10. Another Day – (5:51)

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