Awesome Bands Worth Sharing

Some might say that critics never enjoy anything, especially mediums they review. I disagree with such notions completely. One can be critical of anything whilst enjoying it. Personally, I chose to become a critic of certain mediums because I love them. Sometimes critics need to stick them limbs out of their protective shells. It’s easy to criticize, but to state, “I like (insert whatever)” on the Internet is risky. Music is a medium I will never criticize professionally. People like Todd in the Shadows do a far superior job than I ever could. As a change of pace here is a list of bands that I enjoy, just for kicks and giggles.

Opeth: Pale Communion

This band has always pushed the boundaries of genre, making any classification a bit of a falsehood. Traditionally they have been classified as merging of death metal and progressive rock, but all of their albums have incorporated a myriad of musical styles. Recently, they dove heavily into progressive rock leaving behind their death metal roots. Opeth’s musical talent continues to impress me despite their controversial creative decision. If you like prog rock, check these guys out.

Eluveitie: Origins

In my youth, I listened to a vast amount of death metal. However, through my college years my passion for this genre dried up. It all sounded the same, ironic that this very statement enraged me back when I was an avid listener. Fusion genres slowly crept into my listening habits causing me to find Eluveitie. They combine my love of death metal and traditional Celtic music (The Chieftains, Altan, Danu) into one awesome genre. Many folks refer to this fusion as Folk Metal or Pagan Metal. Eluveitie’s lyrics focus on the fictional struggles of the Gallic people which is weird considering the band hails from Switzerland. A wide range of traditional Celtic instruments are incorporated into the band’s unique style. Most lyrics are in English and some ancient Gaulish. Their latest album has a substantial increase of Gaulish language.

Epica: The Quantum Enigma

I came across Epica a couple of years ago. Symphonic Metal was another genre I stumbled into after my departure from mainstream death metal. Nightwish was my first exposure to this particular sect of metal, but Tarja’s (the band’s former female vocalist) departure marked the end of era for Nightwish. Once Epica caught my attention I couldn’t go back. Their last two cds have been controversial because screams and growls were introduced to parallel Simone’s beautiful vocals. Despite some fan rejection, I love it (inner metal head still going strong). The dichotomy of dissonance and harmony gets me every time. Their newest album puts epic into symphonic metal.

Amon Amarth: Deceiver of the Gods

They are probably the last straight death metal band I listen to for two reasons: 1) Amon Amarth is full of talented musicians who deliver brutal rhythm and rifts. 2) Their lyrics are steeped in Norse myth—my favorite mythology—and Viking culture. A warning: their lyrics involve a fair amount of talk regarding killing, death, and sacrificing people to the Norse gods so don’t let the kids listen to it.

Charli XCX: True Romance

I discovered this British pop star while watching Todd in the Shadow’s review of “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea. Safe to say Charli is the better of the two. Synthpop’s existence was unknown to me until taking a few listens to Charli’s new album. It’s pretty good. Pop music is not my scene, but this strange sub-genre combines new pop with elements of early 80s pop. It’s worth a listen, however, she’s heavy on the profanity.

Rend Collective: Art of Celebration

Christian music causes conflict within me. I love music that praises the God of Israel, but the genre is over-saturated with “praise and worship” bands. Modern worship that radiates authenticity becomes harder to find in a sea of synthetic, cookie cutter worship bands. A good friend introduced me to Rend Collective and I’m glad he did. It’s a little hard for me to qualify, but this band has a hopeful desperation for praising God. Their songs feel like genuine worship. If you are looking for some new worship music, check these folks out. 

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