The Best Of This Year’s New Albums Come From Across The Musical Universe

Posted on December 14, 2021 by philspicks

And then there was one. That’s right, Phil’s Picks is finally down to the last of its annual music ear-ender lists. The last of this year’s music-related “best of” lists is the proverbial peak of the mountain in the form of the year’s top new albums.

This year’s list of the top new albums is diverse to say the least. It features new releases from across the musical universe. From jazz to world to rock and even some bluegrass, this year’s list represents how much the musical universe produced this year.

As with every other list from Phil’s Picks, this final music-related list for this year features the Top 10 new releases and five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15, all of which deserve their own share of applause. Without any further ado, here for your consideration is this year’s Top 10 New Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS’ 2021 TOP 10 NEW ALBUMS

Liquid Tension Experiment – 3

Gabor Lesko – Earthway

Devin Townsend – The Puzzle

Doug MacDonald Trio – Toluca Lake Jazz

Allison Russell – Outside Child

Walking Papers – Light Below

Dobet Gnahore – Coleur

Brasuka – Life With Passion

Peter Welker — Sidemen

Nik Bartsch – Entendre

Madre Vaca – The Elements

Billy F. Gibbons – Hardware

Marc Ribler – The Whole World Awaits You

Kris Rodgers & The Dirty Gems – Still Dirty

Gordie “Crazylegs” MacKeeman – Folk For Little Folk Volume 1

That’s it for this year’s music lists, but it’s not the end for this year’s “best of” lists. From here, the attention turns to the best of this year’s new TV and movie offerings, beginning with the year’s top new documentaries. Stay tuned!

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Up-And-Coming Acts, Veteran Bands Alike Made 2021 Another Great Year For Rock

Posted on December 10, 2021 by philspicks

The rock community turned out a whole bunch of great new content in 2021. From established acts to the up-and-comers, to the veterans, acts from across the rock community gave audiences plenty of reason to be happy this year. Now with only 21 days left in the year, that flow of new releases has slowed, though there is already lots of rock to look forward to in 2022, beginning early in the year. Until then though, Phil’s Picks has its annual list of this year’s top new rock albums to share.

As was the case with all of the other lists, this one was not easy to craft, either. Pop Evil returned this year with its powerful new album, Versatile. Liquid Tension Experiment (which is essentially the side project of three of Dream Theater’s members) returned for the first time in some years with its third record, too. Up-and-coming neo-classic rock band Greta Van Fleet worked hard this year with its new album to show that it wants to be known as its own act, not just a Led Zeppelin knockoff. Between this record, the others noted here and so many others, this year’s list of top new rock albums is diverse.

As with every other list presented by Phil’s Picks, it consists of the year’s top 10 new albums and five honorable mentions for a total of 15. Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2021 Top 10 New Rock Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2021 TOP 10 NEW ROCK ALBUMS

Liquid Tension Experiment – 3

John 5 – Sinner

Billy F. Gibbons – Hardware

The Dead Daisies – Holy Ground

Mason Hill – Against The Wall

Candlebox – Wolves

Marc Ribler – The Whole World Awaits You

Myles Kennedy – The Ides of March

Pop Evil – Versatile

Dropkick Murphys – Turn Up That Dial

L.A. Guns – Checkered Past

Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight

Grand Royale – Carry On

Styx – Crash of the Crown

Greta Van Fleet – The Battle at Garden’s Gate

That’s it for this list, but wait, there’s more! Yes, there are still two more music lists to go before the attention turns to the best of the year’s new movie and TV categories. Stay tuned!

LTE’s Latest LP Is The Latest Contender For The Top Spot Among 2021’s Best New Rock Albums

Posted on March 29, 2021 by philspicks

More than two decades after the release of its then most recent album, prog rock super group Liquid Tension Experiment officially returned Friday. The band – Mike Portnoy (drums), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), John Petrucci (guitar) Tony Levin (bass) – released its new aptly titled album Liquid Tension Experiment 3 Friday through InsideOut Music. The eight-song instrumental album spawned three singles ahead of its release. Those songs are but a glimpse into the album, too. The 61-minute presentation offers hints of the band’s existing catalog and something in another direction throughout, too. ‘Beating The Odds is just one of the songs featured in the recording that shows a new creative direction from the band in its latest outing. It will be discussed shortly. The band’s updated take on famed composer George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is another change in direction for the band in this outing. It will be discussed a little later. Showing even more, the change in direction in this record is ‘Chris and Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey,’ which comes just past the record’s midpoint. It will also be discussed later. Each note song proves the album’s growth, and in turn, engagement and entertainment. When they are considered along with songs, such as ‘Shades of Hope,’ ‘Hypersonic,’ ‘The Passage of Time,’ and the album’s two remaining songs, the whole makes the album in whole a work that is a welcome return for Liquid Tension Experiment and that is among the best of this year’s new rock albums.

Liquid Tension Experiment’s latest album, Liquid Tension Experiment 3, is a presentation that will appeal to the band’s established audience base. In the same note it will appeal to fans of the band’s members and their primary projects just as much. That is due in large part to the songs featured in this recording. The songs in question show evidence of songs from the band’s existing catalog as well as works that show some growth from the band. One of the most notable of the songs that exhibits that growth comes in the form of ‘Beating The Odds.’ The six-minute-plus composition is not the wildly energetic style composition that audiences have come to know from the band. Rather, it combines a variety of tones and influences, beginning with a very Rush style guitar intro to open the song. From there, listeners can hear distinct influence from Dream Theater’s early days prior to Portnoy’s departure from the band. At the same time, there is also a hint of Spock’s Beard influence through the combination of Rudess’ work on keyboards and Petrucci’s guitar performance. At times the influences remain separate, and at others join together for one unique whole. Through it all, the balance in the influences is handled expertly, a tribute to the record’s production. The end result of that controlled chaos is a work that brings out the best of the bands that have influenced this band’s members in one complete work that boasts its own standout identity as a prog-rock opus.

‘Beating The Odds’ is just one of the songs that serves to exhibit the growth from Liquid Tension Experiment in its latest album. The band’s updated take on George Gershwin’s timeless jazz classic, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is another clear example of the successful change in the band’s new album. It is a complete change of pace for the band, taking on a jazz classic instead of any rock composition. Gershwin’s original composition is present here. There is no denial of that fact. At the same, the song gets a nice change of pace in this rendition. Petrucci’s subtle guitar opening mimics the piano line that opens the original so well. The addition of the synthesized string arrangement at points throughout is a nice tribute to the original in its own right. It actually does well to sound like the real thing, even being synthesized. What’s more, the Joe Satriani-style approach that Petrucci takes along with his own style as the song progresses adds even more to the approach. Much the same can be said of Rudess’ keyboard performance throughout, and that of Portnoy. The whole of the group’s work here is such a rich presentation. It is a dramatic change of pace for the band this time out and such a successful risk. It is just one more example of what makes the album so successful. ‘Chris and Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey’ — which comes in the record’s second half — is yet another example of the album’s strength.

‘Chris and Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey’ is notable because it is so starkly unlike anything that these musicians have ever crafted collectively and with their primary acts. The whole thing starts off with Levin using what sounds like a bow on his bass, as if it was a standup bass. Portnoy’s accents on the toms sound random, but are in fact complimentary to Levin’s work. The subtle addition of the occasional keyboard effect makes for its own unique touch here. The whole experimental work immediately comes across as a distinctly avant-garde type composition, yet is still so engaging because of that experimental, free form type composition. It is another wonderful example of how much the band has branched out this time out and how that willingness to try something new has paid off. When it is considered with the other two songs examined here and the more familiar sound exhibited through other songs featured here, such as ‘Shades of Hope,’ ‘Hypersonic,’ ‘The Passage of Time,’ and the album’s two remaining songs, the whole of all of that content makes the album in whole a welcome return for Liquid Tension Experiment and an equally impressive new addition to this year’s list of top new rock records.

Liquid Tension Experiment’s first new album in more than two decades and first since the release of Spontaneous Combustion – released in 2007 (almost 15 years ago) by three quarters of LTE under the moniker of Liquid Tension Trio – is an impressive new offering from these musical mates. It proves that from start to finish with a solid combination of familiar content and plenty of material that takes chances and takes the band in new directions. Those newer songs are all examined here. When they are considered with the rest of the album’s works, the whole makes LTE 3 a work that every prog-rock fan will welcome. It is proof positive that good things really do come to those who wait. LTE 3 is available now. More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at https://www.facebook.com/ltexperiment.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Charlie Benante Announces New LP Release Date, Specs

Posted on March 20, 2021 by philspicks

Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante will release his new album this spring.

Silver Linings is scheduled for release May 14 through Megaforce Records. While the record sees Benante as the primary figure in its presentation, he stressed during a recent interview, that the album is not a solo record.

“This isn’t a solo album,” Charlie said, “This is a record of my favorite songs done with some of my friends during a very dark time. We found a shining light and this is the result of that light. I was really happy that my musician friends came on board and helped make this record what it is. I appreciate all of them, and they all did such a fantastic job. Despite all of the darkness we’ve experienced this past year, there are ‘silver linings,’ that’s why I chose that title for the album.”

He added, the album’s creation came about through the advice of someone close to himself.

“Back in February of last year, with COVID and all the other B.S. that was going on, I was glued to the 24-hour news cycle on the TV and my phone, and I started to get really depressed,” he said. My girlfriend said I needed to turn off the news and suggested I do something creative, whether it was art or drumming or writing new songs, and she was right.”

According to information provided about the 14-song record, it will feature an all-star cast of guest musicians and performers, such as guitarist John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Corey Taylor (Slipknot).

Also featured on the new record are Run DMC member Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Rob Caggiano (Volbeat), and Ra Diaz (Suicidal Tendencies). The group recorded the song “Run-DMC Medley,’ which is one the songs featured in the album. The group premiered the song’s quarantine video in June 2020.

The whole of Silver Linings‘ track listing is noted below:

* “City of Blinding Lights”/U2 – Frank Bello, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante

* “Chloe Dancer / Crown of Horns”/Mother Love Bone – Mark Menghi, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante

* “Teardrop”/Massive Attack – Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Run DMC”/Run DMC – DMC, Rob Caggiano, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Rhiannon”/Fleetwood Mac – Mark Menghi, Jennifer Cella, Randy McStine, Charlie Benante

* “Yer So Bad”/Tom Petty – Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Transylvania”/Iron Maiden – Snake Sabo, Frank Bello, Jon Donias, Charlie Benante

* “Presto Vivace”/U.K. – Ra Diaz, Alex Skolnick, Jordan Rudess, Charlie Benante

* “Bad Guy”/Billie Eilish – Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Jimmy James”/The Beastie Boys – Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “All The Way”/KISS – PJ Farley, Joe McGinness, John 5, Charlie Benante

* “Mr Speed”/KISS – Joe McGinness, PJ Farley, Charlie Benante

* “Public Image”/Public Image – Hank Von Hell, Dave Brownsound, Jason “Cone” McCaslin, Charlie Benante

* “Funny Vibe”/Living Color – Ra Diaz, Corey Glover, Henry Flury, Charlie Benante

More information on Charlie Benante’s new album is available along with all of his latest news at:

Website: https://charliebenante.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlieBenanteOfficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skisum

Liquid Tension Experiment Debuts New LP’s Second Single, Companion Video

Posted on February 27, 2021 by philspicks

Liquid Tension Experiment debuted the latest single from its new album this week.

The band –Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, and Tony Levin — premiered its new single ‘Beating The Odds’ Friday, along with the single’s video. The song is the second single from the band’s forthcoming album LTE 3, which is scheduled for release March 26 through Inside Out Records. Its premiere follows that of the album’s lead single, ‘The Passage of Time.’

The band’s new six-minute-plus song is grounded in Petrucci’s performance on guitar. Portnoy’s time keeping and Rudess’ performance on bass deepens the song’s presentation even more. The video features the band members performing their respective parts to the song on a series of poker cards and chips.

Petrucci discussed the song’s construction during a recent interview with the band.

“This was a riff that I brought into the sessions that I thought was interesting because it’s in an odd time and phrased in a way that is hard to wrap your head around at first until you understand where the groove is,” he said. “When I first presented it to the guys, their initial reaction was “how are you feeling that?” When the band enters after the opening riff it probably sounds a little “odd” because the time signature is a bit unclear until the song gets going. If LTE ever had a ‘prog pop hit’ this would be it!”

Rudess respoded to Petrucci’s comments, noting the band members’ reaction to the arrangement.

“I remember the look of confusion on ALL our faces when JP started playing that opening riff!,” said Rudess. “It’s was seemingly so straight ahead but with a bizarre rhythmic twist! Took a while to internalize that but then we all loved it! One of the great things about LTE is the fact that we just let ourselves loose and have FUN!”

More than two decades have passed since the quartet released its then most recent record Liquid Tension Experiment 2. That record, released in 1999, was followed up by the release of the album Spontaneous Combustion in October 2007 by three quarters of the group, which opted to call itself Liquid Tension Trio. Portnoy, Levin, and Rudess recorded the album while Petrucci and his wife welcomed their then baby.

The new album’s track listing is noted below.

Tracklisting:

1. Hypersonic (8:22)
2. Beating The Odds (6:09)
3. Liquid Evolution (3:23)
4. The Passage Of Time (7:32)
5. Chris & Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey (5:04)
6. Rhapsody In Blue (13:16)
7. Shades Of Hope (4:42)
8. Key To The Imagination (13:14)

Bonus Disc: Includes almost an hour of improvised jams.

The album will release on the platforms noted below. Pre-orders open now.

•Limited deluxe hot pink 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Box Set (incl. a poster and 4 artcards, Blu-ray includes a 5.1 surround mix with visuals, and full band interview from the studio)
•Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook
•Limited 2CD Digipak
•Gatefold black 2LP+CD
• Digital album (2CD)

More information on this and other titles from InsideOut Music is available along with the label’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/InsideOutUSA

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Liquid Tension Experiment Debuts ‘The Passage Of Time’ Video

Posted on January 22, 2021 by philspicks

Liquid tension Experiment fans are getting their first full preview of the band’s next album.

The band debuted the video for its new single ‘The Passage of Time‘ Friday. The song is the lead single from the quartet’s forthcoming album LTE3, which is scheduled for release March 26 through InsideOut Music.

The video features footage of the band members — Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Tony Levin, and Jordan Rudess — performing their respective parts to the song as images of multi-colored liquid plays over the noted footage. The musical arrangement that accompanies the video is everything that audiences have come to expect from Liquid Tension Experiment and from Dream Theater.

Two of the LTE’s members — John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess — are band mates in Dream Theater. Founding member and drummer Portnoy departed the band in 2010. To that end, it is understandable why this latest song sound stylistically so much like much of the body of work from Dream Theater.

Portnoy talked about the creation of ‘The Passage of Time’ during a recent interview with himself and his LTE band mates.

“‘The Passage of Time’ was the very first song we composed together when we reunited this past summer, he said. “It was so exciting to be back in a room creating together again after so long (22 years for all 4 of us and over 10 years for the 3 of us since being together in DT). This serves as a great first taste for the listeners as it combines so many of the musical elements that makes LTE unique”

Petrucci expanded on Portnoy’s comments.

“This was the first song we worked on and when it was done, we all knew once again how amazing it was to be working together,” said Petrucci. “We knew we were on to something and that this was going to be a really amazing album. Nothing about the passage of over two decades could’ve done anything to change that. To me this song truly reflects the collaborative songwriting efforts of all four of us.”

Ruddess also shared his thoughts during the interview.

There is an undeniable chemistry that happens when the four of us are together,” he added. “Entering the studio and starting work on ‘The Passage of Time’ after 22 years literally gave me a whole new perspective on these important musical (and personal) relationships and the way time is so relative. We just jumped right in, it was like no time had passed at all, and we created a song that has so many of the elements that make LTE unique. Not a day has gone by since our last release when I wasn’t asked, “When is LTE getting back together again?” Now we can finally deliver, and I can’t wait for everybody to hear our creation.”

Levin put the accent to the discussion, noting there is more to come from Liquid Tension Experiment.

“From the murky depths of the lockdown, LTE has re-emerged, galvanized, dripping with ideas, and taking no prisoners,” said Levin. “‘The Passage of Time’ is just the beginning.”

The new album’s track listing is noted below.

The album will release on the platforms noted below. Pre-orders open now.

More information on this and other titles from InsideOut Music is available along with the label’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/InsideOutUSA

Liquid Tension Experiment Announces new LP’s Release Date, Art, Specs

Posted on January 11, 2021 by philspicks

The members of Liquid Tension Experiment have released more information about the group’s new album.

The band — Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess, Tony Levin, and John Petrucci — announced Monday, the album’s title, cover art, and release date. Additionally, the band announced the album’s track listing and platforms on which it will release.

According to information sent from InsideOut Music, which will release the record, it will follow the track of the band’s first two albums and be called Liquid Tension Experiment 3. The album is scheduled for release March 26.

Petrucci was upbeat as he talked about the album’s pending release.

“After over 20 years since the last time we recorded together, the four of us stepped into the studio and it was as if no time had passed at all!,” said Petrucci. “All of the magic that made the first two LTE albums so special was still there and we had such a great time making this record. I’m extremely proud of what we created together and can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

Portnoy, who previously recorded with Petrucci and Rudess as a member of Dream Theater, expanded on his fellow musician’s comments.

“The best thing to come out of 2020 was this long-awaited reunion!,” he said. “And it was surely worth the wait as after all these years, the magic chemistry was still there and stronger than ever!”

In anticipation of the album’s release, the quartet released a teaser trailer last month. The 55-second trailer features a snippet of what can only be believed to be a portion of one of the songs that will feature in the album. It is accompanied by a psychedelic style visual that presents various fluids mingling with one another.

The new album’s track listing is noted below.

The album will release on the platforms noted below. Pre-orders open Jan. 22.

More information on this and other titles from InsideOut Music is available along with the label’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/InsideOutUSA

‘Ascension’ Is A Strong Start For Paladin

Posted on December 24, 2020 by philspicks

Up-and-coming metal outfit Paladin has kept busy this year. The band opened the year with the release of its three song EP Anamnesis. The band’s second-ever studio recording, it is a tribute to Nevermore. Its release was followed by a short live run before COVID-19 started spreading across America. The band did not let the virus’ spread stop the music though, instead performing through a series of livestream events. As the old year bids farewell and the new year nears, the band recently announced that it is in the running to take part in another livestream event with other acts in the ‘iVoted Festival.” The festival, which started during the 2018 midterm election, is a way to encourage voters in Georgia to get involved in the state’s two Senate races that will determine control of the senate at the federal level. Audiences can vote for the band to take part in the festival now here. Audiences who need convincing to vote for Paladin need only listen to the band’s 2019 debut album Ascension to make the decision. The 11-song record is a presentation that will appeal widely among the metal masses. That is proven equally through the album’s musical and lyrical content. ‘Carpe Diem,’ which comes early in the album’s run does well to support the noted statements. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Shoot For The Sun’ also serves to show what makes Ascension such a strong debut from Paladin. It will be discussed a little later. ‘Genesis,’ which closes out the album, is one more way in which the record proves its appeal to so many in the metal masses. When it is considered along with the songs noted here and the rest of the album’s works, the whole makes Ascension easy proof of why audiences should vote for Paladin in the “iVoted Festival.”

Paladin’s 2019 debut album Ascension is a powerful debut for the band, an convincing proof of why this up-and-coming metal outfit deserves to take part in this year’s livestream “iVoted Festival.” The album’s musical and lyrical content go a long way to support the noted statements. ‘Carpe Diem,’ which comes early in the album’s 49-minute run, is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statement. The song’s musical arrangement is a full-on vintage thrash style composition. Its solid time keeping, equally powerful mix of death metal screams and power metal clean vocals pairs with the equally powerful guitar riffs to make the song in whole one of the album’s most notable works. The death metal screams and guitar riffs lend themselves to comparisons to works from the likes of Arch Enemy while the clean vocals lend themselves to comparisons to works from Judas Priest. The balance in those two sides makes for so much entertainment and engagement. It ensures its appeal to a wide range of audiences. When the song’s powerful musical arrangement is considered with the song’s lyrical content, which is powerful in its own right, the song in whole develops even more interest.

The lyrical content featured in ‘Carpe Diem’ comes across as in fact encouraging audiences to indeed seize the day. It opens with the lead verse stating, “Uncertain feelings coming through/The life you thought you always knew/Now seems so lost and far away/Time passing cannot be undone/Future and past become as one/No looking back, no backing down/This time around, this time around.” The chorus adds to the positive sense in the song’s lyrical content, stating, “One desire, soaring higher, oh/Now it’s time for you to take the reins/Fall harder, reaching farther/You’ve so much left to gain/The prize is worth the pain.” The song’s second verse solidifies the noted message of positivity, stating, “Lost in an existential haze/Trapped in oneself, an endless maze/Anxiety imprisoning my soul/Seeking the path I know exists/In search of truth, I must persist/A voice calls out from deep within/To take control is to begin.” All things considered here, these lyrics are certain to connect with listeners. When they are paired with the song’s equally accessible musical arrangement, the whole of the song proves in its own way why Ascension is such a strong start for the band. It is just one of the songs that serves to make the album a success. ‘Shoot For The Sun’ is another way in which the album proves its strength.

‘Shoot For The Sun’ presents a musical arrangement that is best described as presenting a stylistic approach and sound that is one part prog metal and one part classic rock. It conjures thoughts of Liquid Tension Experiment on one hand, and of vintage Metallica and Motorhead on the other. That juxtaposition and joining of sounds and styles makes for so much enjoyment an engagement in this full-on fist-pumper. Right down to the solos, the song offers metal fans across the board something to enjoy. When the power and energy exuded in the song’s musical arrangement is paired with its positive lyrical theme, the whole of the song becomes that much more enjoyable.

As is the case with ‘Carpe Diem,’ ‘Shoot For The Sun’ offers audiences another positive message of self-determination and confidence. That is inferred in the song’s lead verse, which states, “You wanna know what it means to see/Just look around and let yourself be free/Set the world in your sights, we’ll prove it tonight/You’ve got a vision burning in your head/White hot, one shot, the prayer’s been said/Pull the trigger now, we’ll make it somehow.” The song’s chorus adds to the seeming statement as it states, “There’s just no more I can take/It’s all building up, I refuse to break/There’s just no more I can bear/When everything’s all said and done/Shoot for the sun.” That positive encouragement carries on through the song’s second verse, solidifying the message as it states, “You wanna know what it’s like to fly/Just spread your wings and you’ll touch the sky/No reason to wait, no time left to waste/You think you know how it all plays out/No one can save you from your own doubt/Feel the light that starts to shine/As it clears the heavy thoughts that cloud your mind/That cloud your mind, yeah, yeah, oh.” Again, this comes across as a very positive message that any listener will welcome. When it is considered with the composition’s equally enjoyable musical arrangement, the result is yet another work that will appeal to plenty of audiences. Together with the whole of ‘Carpe Diem,’ the two songs collectively show even more why the album in whole is a success, too. They are just a portion of what makes the album well worth hearing, too. ‘Genesis’ is one more example of why audiences will enjoy Ascension.

‘Genesis’ presents a musical arrangement that is another full-on wall of sound metal presentation. The dual guitar attack and guttural vocals pair with the seamless time keeping and bass work to make for its own share of engagement and entertainment. The clean vocals are a near musical mirror image of those of Judas Priest front man Rob Halford. The contrast of that sound to the screams joins with the full-on metal arrangement to make the song in whole even more appealing for audiences. When it is considered along with the song’s unique lyrical content, the song becomes even more intriguing.

The lyrical content featured in ‘Genesis’ seems to come across as a sort of fantasy story. It comes across as telling the story of a person’s story of growth and development. It is sort of an existential type of story, which opens with the song’s subject stating, “The silent scream of the conscience of man/As we are brought to sentience/Given dominion over the sea and land/To rule as we see fit.” That seeming story of development continues in the song’s chorus, which states, “The perfect form, born from the perfect image/We are the chosen/Yet as we prosper and we create/We yearn to know.” The subject continues his discussion by noting where society has been and where it is going. He states, “Thousands of years of progress/In search of a higher purpose/Unanswered questions to forces unknown/Our pleas are met with silence/And so we wander, blind to the way/Alone, abandoned and betrayed/Our stricken minds now led astray/Astray.” Things continue from here, with the subject even pleading to the “Almighty one/Bringer of the winds and rain” for clarity on things. That higher power responds, telling the song’s subject that “Even as your knowledge grows, your minds will never know/What lies beyond this world before it’s your time.” Simply put, the song’s subject is every one of us. We have all reached that point in which we ask what is the purpose in life and where are we going. The reality is that we will never really know and that we are better off just living life and living it to the best that we can. The whole of the story makes for a powerful addition to Ascension and yet another way in which the album is proven a success. When it is considered along with the other songs noted here and the rest of the album’s works, the result is an album that proves without question, to be a powerful debut from Paladin. To that end, the album is its own proof of why Paladin deserves to take part in this year’s “iVoted Festival.”

Paladin’s debut album Ascension is a powerful first outing for the band. The 11-song album is a presentation that will appeal widely to the metal masses. That is proven equally through the album’s musical and lyrical content as noted here. Its musical arrangements combine the best elements of prog metal, thrash, and even power metal for a whole that will bring the noted fans together. The album’s lyrical content ranges from easily accessible to much deeper, as noted here. All things considered, the album in whole proves that given the right support, Paladin could be one of the next big names in the metal community. That support starts with voting for the band in the upcoming “iVoted Festival.” More information on Ascension is available along with all of Paladin’s latest news at:

Website: http://paladinatl.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/paladinatl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaladinATL

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Liquid Tension Experiment Announces New Album Is Coming

Posted on December 18, 2020 by philspicks

Prog super group Liquid Tension Experiment will return in 2021.

The band — Mike Portnoy (drums), John Petrucci (guitar), Tony Levin (bass) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards) — will release its next album in spring. An exact release date for the as-yet-untitled record is under consideration. The album will release through InsideOut Music.

In anticipation of the album’s release, the quartet released a teaser trailer Thursday. The 55-second trailer features a snippet of what can only be believed to be a portion of one of the songs that will feature in the album. It is accompanied by a psychedelic style visual that presents various fluids mingling with one another.

More information on this and other titles from InsideOut Music is available along with the label’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/InsideOutUSA

Petrucci’s New Solo LP Was Worth The 15-Plus-Year Wait

Posted on August 30, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Sound Mind Music/The Orchard

Prog-metal band Dream Theater’s members are some of the hardest working musicians in the music community today. Front man James LaBrie has kept himself busy in the past with his Mullmuzzler project. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess has released any number of solo albums throughout his professional career. Bassist John Myung has recorded with the likes of Platypus, Gordian Knot, and Explorer’s Club. Even famed former Dream Theater drummer and founder Mike Portnoy has kept himself constantly busy during and after his extensive tenure with the band, recording and performing with Winery Dogs, Yellow Matter Custard, Transatlantic, and countless other projects. Fellow former members Derek Sherinian and Kevin Shirley also have kept themselves constantly busy. This weekend, longtime guitarist John Petrucci, who has kept himself busy in his own right, released his latest solo recording in the form of Terminal Velocity. The nine-song instrumental record is a positive new offering from Petrucci whose last solo record Suspended Animation was released 15 years ago. Its success comes from the fact that just as with that record, it shows the depth and breadth of his talents. ‘Happy Song,’ the album’s third track is one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Out of the Blue,’ which comes a little later in the record’s 55-minute run time does the same in its own fashion. It will be addressed a little later. Much the same can be said of ‘Snake in My Boot,’ the album’s penultimate track, as the other two songs noted here and many of the album’s other songs. When those songs and the compositions addressed here are considered together, they make Terminal Velocity a welcome solo return for John Petrucci that is certain to find wide appeal.

John Petrucci’s sophomore solo album Terminal Velocity is a presentation from the famed guitarist that proves it was well worth the wait. That is proven from the start to end of the nearly hour-long instrumental presentation. One of the songs featured in this record that serves well to support the noted statements comes early in its run in the form of ‘Happy Song.’ ‘Happy Song’ is one of the most mainstream accessible works that Petrucci has ever crafted in his extensive career. The six-minute opus opens with a driving, upbeat composition that is reminiscent of his work as a member of Liquid Tension Experiment, but then quickly shifts gears, transitioning into a more poppy punk rock vibe in its lead verse section. The riff there is the kind of style that one would expect more from Sum 41, Blink-182 and other similar bands. From there, the arrangement just as quickly shifts to a more ballad type work that is still catchy in its own right. One could even argue that there is a touch of 80s hair metal infused into the sound in the chorus sections. What is interesting about the whole of the song is that as much as these two stylistic approaches are unalike one another, they still blend so well here. That is a testament to Petrucci’s talents as a musician and producer. By the time the song ends, audiences will feel wholly fulfilled even despite the song’s length. That in itself says a lot about the song and about Petrucci. That he can take two sounds that are so starkly unalike one another and manage to make them work so solidly in one work and do so for six minutes is worthy of applause. It definitely lives up to its title, as it will make any listener happy. To that end it is just one of the ways in which this album proves so impressive. ‘Out of the Blue’ is another of the album’s strong points.

‘Out Of The Blue’ is a well-placed addition to Terminal Velocity. It breaks up the high energy exhibited in the rest of the album’s songs. It starts off with a nice bluesy approach akin to something one might expect from Joe Satriani, but then eases its way into an equally introspective work that is more along the lines of something that fits into Dream Theater’s 1997 album Falling Into Infinity. Again, here is quite an interesting juxtaposition of styles, yet even with such a notable difference in sounds, the two styles manage to work so well alongside one another. The end result is a work that is so unlike anything else featured on Terminal Velocity and that because of that difference shows even more why this album is well worth hearing. It is just one more of the album’s most notable works. ‘Snake in My Boot’ is yet another interesting addition to the album.

‘Snake in My Boot’ is distinct from so much of the material on Terminal Velocity just as much as ‘Out Of The Blue’ and ‘Happy Song.’ This time out, Petrucci offers audiences a song that is more deeply rooted in the hair metal of the 80s than anything progressive. The opening bars, with their foot stomping, clapping and infectious guitar riff immediately conjure the noted thoughts. That whole creates a fun vibe for listeners that will keep audiences fully engaged and entertained right to the song’s end. The steady, solid time keeping, with its nonstop eighth note patterns and occasional flare from the cymbals enriches the song even more, as does the companion bass line. The whole of all those elements paints so many pictures. It goes without saying that this composition is one that will become a live favorite for audiences. In fact, listening to the claps and foot stomping, one can immediately see an audience doing just that in person while Petrucci plays his riffs for the masses. Keeping that in mind, that ability to pain such a rich musical picture and the ability to get stuck so easily in listeners’ minds while standing on its own merits makes clear why it is another important addition to Petrucci’s new album. When it is considered along with the other songs addressed here and the rest of the album’s songs, the whole of the album becomes a work that though 15 years in the making, was well worth the wait.

More than 15 years passed between the release of John Petrucci’s new solo album Terminal Velocity Friday and its predecessor Suspended Animation. Considering how busy Petrucci had kept himself in that time in his work with his band mates in Dream Theater, it comes as no surprise that so much time had passed. Even with so much time having passed, this record shows that Petrucci had not lost his creative side by any means. All three of the songs addressed here clearly support the noted statement. Each song proves that Petrucci is more than just a talented prog-metal guitarist. Rather, it shows the true depth and breadth of his talent. From 80s hair metal to the blues to even pop punk and things in-between, the album shows Petrucci has quite the talent. All things considered, this album shows once more why John Petrucci remains one of the elite guitarists in the music community in whole and why the this album was worth the wait. It is available now. More information on Terminal Velocity is available along with all of John Petrucci’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.johnpetrucci.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/johnpetruccifb

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