ZEN ROCK AND ROLL – Undone (2011)

“Undone” is the third album from Zen Rock And Roll, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and part-time musician Jonathan Saunders, who supports his music with a daytime job as a software engineer.
Saunders has a lengthy musical background, although much of it consists of playing in a variety of Top-40 and cover bands, including a Led Zeppelin tribute band that spent much of the late nineties touring the United States.
Since then, Saunders abandoned the touring life following this experience, preferring to focus on solo efforts in his own home studio in Tennessee, and releasing the material under the pseudonym Zen Rock And Roll.

Jonathan Saunders is a classic prog devotee, his music is steeped heavily in keyboards and mellotron, with complex arrangements and layers of percussion and digital sound effects.
But on this new album, he is exploring his more commercial side.
“Undone” has early light sympho Prog elements for sure, but a strong Melodic Rock essence blended with American Classic Rock. At times it reminds of Yes merged with Styx, a little Queen here, a bit of Ambrosia there, even some more obscure favorites like City Boy or Gentle Giant.
Saunders has a voice that sounds close to Dennis De Young of Styx and some on the music on this album brings back memories of early Styx albums without the power of a strong group supporting.
The music is definitely keyboard driven like early Styx, and the vocal harmony helps to re-enforce the similarities.

“All In The Dark” offers an interesting vocal arrangement and some odd keyboards, with some late seventies AOR touches.
“At The First Glance” is more up tempo, it has some retro prog sounds but also a vintage melodic rock feel with similarities to City Boy, particularly on the vocals.
Title track “Undone” has a light melody, somehow like Genesis meets Journey without the heavy guitars. Interesting.
“Antiquated Love Song” is one of the tracks on the album that truly captures the early Styx sound, mixed with an early Queen piano-songs influence as well. The addition of a flute gives this song a magical touch. Truly a great tune.
On “Concerto For The Original Sinners” is where Jonathan embarks himself into pure prog. This is a cinematic composition, full of wonderful keyboards and dramatic movements. Also has great Mellotron getting in, it then does a bit of a turnaround after seven minutes and drives a pulsating electronic beat when suddenly the synthesizers wash over you in symphonic glory at the end of its almost 15 minutes. Electrifying experience.

“Undone” offers really good moments of music, from light prog, sometimes symphonic, blended with retro melodic rock, and some really vocal arrangements.
There’s also some food for the most pure progressive listeners on the long (and interesting) instrumental suite.
Zen Rock and Roll it’s one man project but you almost cannot recognize the ‘one-man-ism’ here, as all sounds really integral and well played / mixed.
Creative and captivating, “Undone” is a disc that anyone with musical curiosity will want to hear.
Nice.

1. All In The Dark (4:16)
2. At the First Glance (6:03)
3. Undone (3:30)
4. Antiquated Love Song (4:19)
5. Strange (4:15)
6. Concerto for the Original Sinners (14:41)
7. Lament (2:14)

Jonathan Saunders: Vocals, All instruments

USA
Melodic Prog/Melodic Rock
320
93 MB

By SandFord

album

Magic Pie – The suffering joy (2011)

One of the discs have been associated with the greatest expectations of this country recently (within the progressive genre at least) has undoubtedly been the most anticipated and difficult third album Magic Pie. The nation’s premier symfoband has so far delivered two strong studio albums in the form of Motions of Desire (2005) and Circus of Life (2007), and it is not without reason that the band’s fans have been excited for well over three years. Can østfoldingene to deliver the goods once again?

It’s probably little doubt that Magic Pie has been one of the very few symphonic prog bands that can be said to have a særledes international flavor to it. Where all too many others go in pitfall that Traurig copy band, Magic Pie not only developed a distinctive and euphonious sound, they are melodic flair and outstanding musical skills, both individually and as a group.

New since last time is that the lead singer Allan Olsen has left the band, and that the new more metal-trained Eiríkur Hauksson has taken over the space behind the microphone. This has made the Magic Pie slightly heavier and rougher around the edges of the Suffering Joy than it has been used to in the past. Where previously the music was close to bands like The Flower Kings, Galleon and Unitopia, the current edition of the band as a distinct approach to Dream Theater or Shadow Gallery. The result is nevertheless a typical Magic Pie-release, steeped in their sound and their songs.

The first half of the album consists of the suite “A Life’s Work”, this is divided into four tracks ranging from roughly minutes to well over quarter. This epic song sets the standard for the album, and delivers from the moment of good “hooks” and impressive instrumentation. “Headlines” and “Endless Ocean” continues ballet, and here it is first and foremost, the great harmonic vocals that make their mark. Personally, I feel Hauksson voice fits the band better than its predecessor, and once more in the band also contributes to the vocal sound is rich and good. “Slightly Mad” stands for disc heaviest and most pace-filled contributions, with it you can only dream of tempo changes, mood swings and technical instrumental parts. “Tired” is the intro along with the suite is the most typical Magic Pie ‘song on this album, with classic symfogrep, beautiful guitar lines and a very melodic approach. The whole is rounded off with “In Memoriam”, a bleak and dark song where the band clearly appears from a new, not to mention becoming, page. In essence, this is the most diverse album the Norwegians have made so far.

Sometimes it is hard to limit yourself when to go through such a release. There is much to write about Magic Pie, about this publication and about each song on the album. But the line must be somewhere, and for my part is the line to tell the wait is over, Magic Pie has probably delivered one of the best (yes, even though we’ve only got until March!) Norwegian releases, and The Suffering Joy will probably end up on the top list of symphonic prog slices for all progressive journals and web sites when the year will be rounded off. In other words, SMASHING!

En av skivene det har blitt knyttet størst forventninger til her til lands den siste tiden (innenfor den progressive sjangeren i hvert fall) har utvilsomt vært den etterlengtede og vanskelige tredjeskiva til Magic Pie. Nasjonens fremste symfoband har hittil levert to sterke studioalbum i form av Motions of Desire (2005) og Cirkus of Life (2007), og det er ikke uten grunn at bandets fans har sittet forventningsfulle i godt over tre år. Klarer østfoldingene å levere varene nok en gang?

Det er vel lite tvil om at Magic Pie har vært et av landets ytterst få symfoniske progband som kan sies å ha et særledes internasjonalt snitt over seg. Der hvor så alt for mange andre går i fallgruven som traurige kopiband, har Magic Pie ikke bare utviklet et særegent og velklingende sound, de viser også melodisk teft og fremragende musikalske ferdigheter, både individuelt og som gruppe.

Nytt siden sist er det at vokalist Allan Olsen har forlatt bandet, og at den nye mer metall-skolerte Eiríkur Hauksson har tatt over plassen bak mikrofonen. Dette har gjort Magic Pie noe tyngre og røffere i kantene på The Suffering Joy enn man har vært vant med fra tidligere. Der hvor musikken tidligere lå nærme band som The Flower Kings, Galleon og Unitopia, gir dagens utgave av bandet en like tydelig tilnærming til Dream Theater eller Shadow Gallery. Resultatet er uansett en typisk Magic Pie-utgivelse, gjennomsyret av deres sound og deres melodier.

Første halvdel av skiva består av suiten «A Life’s Work», denne er inndelt i fire spor som strekker seg fra drøye minuttet til godt over kvarteret. Denne episke låten setter standarden for skiva, og leverer fra første øyeblikk gode “hooks” og imponerende instrumentering. «Headlines» og «Endless Ocean» fortsetter ballet, og her er det først og fremst den flotte harmoniske vokalen som setter sitt preg. Personlig føler jeg Haukssons stemme passer dette bandet enda bedre enn forgjengerens, og når flere i bandets også bidrar til det vokale blir lyden fyldig og god. «Slightly Mad» står for skivas tyngste og mest tempofylte bidrag, med det du bare kan drømme om av taktskifter, humørsvingninger og tekniske instrumentalpartier. «Tired» er sammen med introsuiten den mest typiske Magic Pie-låten på denne skiva, med klassiske symfogrep, vakre gitarlinjer og en svært melodisk tilnærming. Det hele rundes av med «In Memoriam», en dyster og mørk låt hvor bandet helt klart viser seg fra en ny, og ikke minst kledelig, side. I bunn og grunn er dette den mest varierte skiva nordmennene har laget hittil.

Av og til er det vanskelig å begrense seg når man skal gå gjennom en slik utgivelse. Det er mye å skrive om Magic Pie, om denne utgivelsen og om hver enkelt låt på skiva. Men streken må settes et sted, og for mitt vedkommende settes den streken med å fortelle at ventetiden er over, Magic Pie har trolig levert en av årets beste (ja, selv om vi bare har kommet til mars!) norske utgivelser, og The Suffering Joy vil trolig ende opp på topplisten over symfoniske progskiver for samtlige progressive tidsskrifter og nettsteder når året skal rundes av. Med andre ord; KNALL!

01. A Life’s Work (Part I) — Questions Unanswered (1:16)
02. A Life’s Work (Part II) — Overture (3:32)
03. A Life’s Work (Part III) — A Brand New Day (2:28)
04. A Life’s Work (Part IV) — The Suffering Joy (17:09)
05. Headlines (9:29)
06. Endless Ocean (3:11)
07. Slightly Mad (9:48)
08. Tired (15:21)
09. In Memoriam (8:39)

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album

The Flower Kings – Adam & Eve (2004)

Band The Flower Kings
Info: Adam & Eve
Style: Symphonic Progressive Rock
Years: 2004
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 184,08+153,16 Mb
Info: Sweden

Tracklist:

CD 1:
01 – Love Supreme.
02 – Cosmic Circus.
03 – Babylon.
04 – A Vampires View.
05 – Days Gone By.
06 – Adam & Eve.
07 – Starlight Man.
08 – Timelines.
09 – Drivers Seat.
10 – The Blade Of Cain.

CD 2:
01 – Exerpt From Valkyrian.
02 – Mr.Hope Goes To Salzburg.
03 – One Whole Half.
04 – Agent Supreme.
05 – Violent Brat.
06 – The Woman With No Shadow.
07 – She Carved Me A Wooden Heart.
08 – Space Revolver.
09 – Jupiter Backwards.

Total playing time: 1:56:44

Rip By: Narsil

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FM – Black Noise (1977)

Band FM
Info: Black Noise
Style: Space rock
Years: 1977
Info: MP3 CBR 320 kbs
Info: 101.13 MB
Info: Canada

Tracklist:

01.Phasors on Stun.
02.One O’Clock Tomorrow.
03.Hours.
04.Journey.
05.Dialing for Dharma.
06.Slaughter in Robot Village.
07.Aldebaran.
08.Black Noise.

Rip By: Foksaexploz

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Stig & Steen – Forchromede Dage (1973)

Band Stig & Steen
Info: Forchromede Dage
Style: Progressive Rock
Years: 1973
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 88,77 Mb
Info: Denmark

Tracklist:

01 – Nedenomsvej.
02 – For?rsvise.
03 – Melkebotterne.
04 – Bag Et Ukendt Landskab.
05 – Forchromede Dage.
06 – Natten Over Stranden.
07 – Tabte Slag.
08 – Bring Hosten Ind.

Rip By: LFfa

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The Flower Kings – Paradox Hotel (2006)

Band The Flower Kings
Info: Paradox Hotel
Style: Symphonic Progressive Rock
Years: 2006
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 172.08+156.63 Mb
Info: Sweden

Tracklist:

CD 1:
01 – Check In.
02 – Monsters & Men.
03 – Jealousy.
04 – Hit Me With A Hit.
05 – Pioneers Of Aviation.
06 – Lucy Had A Dream.
07 – Bavarian Skies.
08 – Selfconsuming Fire.
09 – Mommy Leave The Light On.
10 – End On A High Note.

CD 2:
01 – Minor Giant Steps.
02 – Touch My Heaven.
03 – The Unorthodox Dancing Lesson.
04 – Man Of The World.
05 – Life Will Kill You.
06 – The Way The Waters Are Moving.
07 – What If God Is Alone.
08 – Paradox Hotel.
09 – Blue Planet.

Total playing time: 02:14:09

Rip By: Narsil

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Ocean – God’s Clown (1976)

Band Ocean
Info: God’s Clown
Style: Hard Prog Rock
Years: 1976
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 113,43 Mb
Info: France

Tracklist:

01 – Sunny Day.
02 – Strange Rain.
03 – Love Is Blind.
04 – The Loneliness Of The Long Distance.
05 – From Death To Life.
06 – Fields Of Pain.
07 – The Juggler.
08 – With The Sound I Can Escape.

Rip By: Silay17

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Tea – Tea (1974)

Band Tea
Info: Tea
Style: Hard Prog Rock
Years: 1974
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 100,46 Mb
Info: Switzerland

Tracklist:

01 – Cool In The Morning.
02 – Glorimont.
03 – Harted Or Love.
04 – Surfer.
05 – Hazy Colours.
06 – Lady.

Rip By: Silay17

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Transatlantic – SMPTe: The Roine Stolt Mixes (2003)

Band Transatlantic
Info: SMPTe: The Roine Stolt Mixes
Style: Progressive Metal
Years: 2003
Info: MP3 CBR 320 kbs
Info: 182.98 MB
Info: USA

Tracklist:

01. All of the Above (30:59)
I) full moon rising
II) october winds
III) camouflaged in blue
IV) half alive
V) undying love
VI) full moon rising (reprise)
02. We all need some Light (5:45)
03. Mystery Train (6:52)
04. My New World (16:16)
05. In held (twas) in I (17:21)

Rip By: Komario

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Crow7 – Light In My Dugeon (2010)

Band Crow7
Info: Light In My Dugeon
Style: Progressive Metal / Melodic Hard Rock
Years: 2010
Info: CBR 320 kbs
Info: 129,36 Mb
Info: Germany

Tracklist:

01 – Day Breaker.
02 – Prisoner Of Pride.
03 – Savage Tears.
04 – Under The Spell.
05 – Blind Man.
06 – About To Burn.
07 – Under Innocence Wing.
08 – Sins Of The World.
09 – The Darker Side.
10 – Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion.

Rip By: Sammy

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