30/03/2024
Song of the Day: Sun House- Never Be Lonely
17/03/2024
Beyond This Earth-Portraits of The Absurd
Heavy Rock act Beyond This Earth released their sophomore album early this month. Portraits of The Absurd was self-released and introduced a unique approach to the stoner rock/doom metal genre.
The quintet, based in Livadia City, Greece, was formed in 2013 with a need for a heavy riffing and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired musical approach. This leads them to self-producing their music videos and touring extensively throughout. The band’s self-released debut LP Universal Fury in 2016 and gradually improved their sound to produce Portraits of the Absurd. Real and fictional facts of social experience are blended in the allegorical lyrics, combining heavy rock riffs and bluesy leads with an inimitable rhythm section.
The album was recorded at Artracks Recording Studios in Athens, Greece. The mix was undertaken by Clyde Jabra alongside Beyond This Earth, while the mastering was done by Giorgos Priniotakis. The artwork and logo were created by Kostas Pantoulas.
The release starts with “Into the Orbit”, a six-minute track that uses extensive dual harmonics to build tension and galloping rhythms, with infectious vocals that give the listener a taste of the band’s sound. Next on the list is “The Overseer,” a track that delves into Beyond this Earth’s metal side. The bass and guitar have been amplified with a crunchy sound, and the vocals are intense. Throughout the album, the band show a tendency to experiment with their sound, and they mature as they do so. The guitar work compliments the energetic buzz around the band. The album has an evolving sound, thanks to the five talented musicians who bring something fresh to the table. The mix between dual harmonics, bluesy leads, and thunderous riffs is a testament to their creativity and musical prowess.
“Of The Absurd” is an energetic hard rock song that features tasty blues riffs and intense breakdowns. The album leans towards a melodic direction, making it popular for bands looking to complete a full-length record. “The Fall of Reason” showcases haunting yet powerful melodies that leave a lasting impression. The album takes a much-deserved rest with the melancholic “Utopia” and “Gray” before the punishing rhythms of “In A Nut Cell” create a respite for the listener with philosophical lyrics that question our sanity. “The Jade Empire” is a stoner rock track with metal elements. The resonant vocals blend with heavy guitars and galloping basslines to add a dark edge to the sound.
Finally, the nine-minute “Land of the Wise” wraps things up with a progressive metal track with sonically enhanced rhythms and mesmerising riffs to hypnotise the listener.
Beyond This Earth is an unexpectedly refreshing album to end the year, showcasing the band’s unique approach of blending distorted, stoner metal with thought-provoking lyrics and fist-pumping anthems.
Rating: 8.5/10
Click below to listen to “Portraits of the Absurd”
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>BEYOND THIS EARTH
Akis Kosmidis: Lead & Backing Vocals
Vagelis Katsampekis: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Chris Adam: Rhythm Guitars
Valantis Dafkos: Bass
Paris Gatsios: Drums
06/03/2024
Album Review: Dan Patlansky- Movin'On
Blues guitarist Dan Patlansky recently released his latest offering Movin’ On last Friday, March 1st via Virgin Music Group. The South African-born slinger has been a mainstay in the blues scene for over a decade and has ten studio albums. I have always seen the name around but recently grabbed an opportunity to interview the musician. Therefore, I was eager to listen to this new release.
Patlansky joins a list of blues gunslingers from the genre’s Wild West, including Joe Bonamassa, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Laurence Jones to namedrop but a few. Patlansky has built a strong fanbase with his style of electric blues. ‘Movin On’ is a follow-up to the hugely successful Shelter of Bones, released in 2022. The album was voted that year’s Blues Rock Album of the Year, and Patlanksy now returns with his eleventh effort. He collaborated writing duties with longtime friends, Andy Maritz and Greg Van Kerkhof. This combination brings warmth and sincerity to a collection of personal songs.
I don’t confess to being a blues aficionado, as long-term readers would contest. However, I do have a keen ear for talent and feel Dan Patlansky has it in abundance.
‘Movin’ On’ is a nostalgic journey through a musician’s life as he paints a vivid picture through his influences on his sleeve. The album begins with “Red Velvet Suit”, a song that honours the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. The track showcases the guitarist’s style, blending fast-paced rock’n’roll with soulful vocals and a warm vibe that welcomes the listener in.
Next up is the reflective lead single ‘Who I Am’ which reminds me of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with luscious vocal melodies over stinging blues leads and evocative lyrics. The writing combination of Patlansky, Maritz and Van Kerkhoff manages to create easy-listening tracks full of reminiscences and thought-provoking lyrics about life. One such example can be found in ‘Humbled’, a song that increases the tempo with sizzling solo work. Patlansky has certainly explored his childhood heroes with a sterling display on guitar, reflecting times of anguish, as well as times of joy. The guitarist adjusts to different tones and influences to deliver a balanced album.
This could be pointed to the addition of a great backup band with which he has formed a strong chemistry. The album takes a step back from the livelier blues with more serious-sounding ballads like ‘Movin’ On’ and ‘Welcome In’. In contrast, the album sparkles with the livelier blues stuff. The shuffle blues in ‘On My Way’ is a laid-back track suited to a concert setlist. Finally, the album completes its circle of life with an opportunity for Patlansky to dazzle with his intricate solo skills on the eight-minute ‘ Baby’s Packin’ Heat’ and the blistering four-minute instrumental ‘Lift Off’.
Overall, Dan Patlansky is Moving on with a tribute to the blues legends with a delightful album of classic blues tunes.
Rating: 8/10
Social Media Links
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https://twitter.com/danpatlansky
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