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Pandabear

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Posts posted by Pandabear

  3. Posted

    Almost forgot about.

     

    Conquer Divide - All female group doing the rock/metal thing. Been following them on their facebook since I stumbled upon their youtube vids of them tracking their songs. Bought their first single too. They're awesome. The leads vocals are really strong and are probably the best thing about this band besides the amazing sounding drums.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N6EOKGPgTA

     

    Feed Her To The Sharks - There seem to be a lot of rock/metal bands coming out of Australia that are spectacular. Feed her to the sharks is ones of those bands. They are metalcore at it's finest and what the genre should be.Technical, melodic, devastating and beautiful. The guitar riffs and guitar work in general are technical, vocals are brutal as are the breakdowns, and the drums are lightening fast. What I love I about this band is that they've clearly taken the time not only to be technical, melodic and heavy, but original too. They are rather under rated which is too bad because after hearing them, I know they are at the top of the crop when it comes to the core genre. They put almost every other core band out there to shame.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw1iVUwFm7o

     

     

  4. Posted

    Batman: Year one - Pretty good. Animated film following Bruce Wayne's first year as Batman and all the challenges he has to overcome as a novice crime fighter. Mostly told from a young commissioner gordan's POV and how he rose through the police ranks and cleaned up gotham. Except for a few scenes that were too unrealistic, the film was good. 7/10  

     

    Superman Vs. The Elite - Another DC animated film. The animation in this one is actually pretty cartoony. The story is pretty serious though. The basic premise is about a group of superheros who kill villains and which superman must stop. Good dialogue and action sequences. Particularly the last fight scene. 7/10

  6. Posted

     

    This is the best Giru release in years. It may not be as heavy as their early material, but it’s much closer in style to MUSIC in regards to the heavy, electronic and melodic combination. It feels so god damn good to hear double bass drumming with synched guitar chugs and Satoshi growl again. Where the hell was this Giru on their last 2 albums? This musical direction would have been a much more logical and welcomed progression after MUSIC then the overly sweet and simplified pop rock that followed.

     

    The band has definitely mastered their sound of electronic infused melodic metal. It may not be an original sound by any means, but they execute it so well and make it highly enjoyable in the way only Giru can. The fusion of genres is seamless, everything feels natural and fits into place. The electronic influence on this album is heavily borrowed from dubstep. Wobbles, glitches, synths and dubstep growls make their appearances, adding some excitement and spice to the tracks without being overdone or too distracting.

     

    The meat of the songs is definitely in the metal and rock fusion. Guitar riffs are present not just chugs, the drums and bass are tight and Satoshi’s strong vocals really drive the songs. What’s meant to be heavy is heavy, what’s meant to be fun is fun and what’s meant to be melodic and catchy is. There are some pop nuances found throughout and a few songs on the more poppy sound, but even on these tracks Giru seemed to have learned how to be more diverse and not just saccharine. 

     

    A surprising, but really good release from the band. Come back album of the year IMO.

     

    7.5/10

     

  7. Posted

    1. Rings of Saturn -  Brutal, technical, sci-fic sounding metal with superhuman drumming, blazing alien like guitar riffs, massive breakdowns and deathcore vocals. I've raved about this bands recent album before and will continue to do so because I think it's one of the best metal albums of 2013. And if there's any question about the band's technical ability all you have to do is listen to the instrumental track off of Dingir, Utopia. So awesome, and love that Animals As Leaders inspired section in the middle of the song. They're first album is also pretty awesome.

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFWqtLklidc

     

    2. Lowcity Rain - A one man band and solo project who recently put out his debut album. You could describe it as post-punk, new wave goth. It works really well and I hope this project continues because it has lots of potential. 

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqXHHZd-hVY

     

    3. Iwrestledabearonce - I had heard about this band before but hadn't checked them out. You could  say they are a metalcore version of the dillinger escape plan with a female vocalist. One of the most important aspect of this band is their aim to avoid being classified into one single genre so they deliberately pool a lot of influences from different genres into their songs. It makes it for a very fun and unique experience. And I love their new vocalist, she has some awesome growls and cleans. 

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwXEdqs1BUk

     

  8. Posted

     

    I agree that in order to properly listen and give an unbiased review of this release you can’t compare it with Deluhi. Unfortunately the only appeal this release has is the fact that it's from their former vocalist. There is nothing special or unique about any of these tracks. It’s not bad, but at its bare bones it’s mediocre pop. There’s not enough diversity, originality or melodic hooks. They’re nice tracks, but nothing that could properly hold someone’s attention or have them coming back for another listen. In essence it’s just nice background music. 

     

    I bet if someone were to listen to this and not know who Deluhi was or Juri is, they would think this release is just another run of the mill J-pop release by some no name artist.

     

    Although I think it’s cool Juri expanded into the pop scene given his metal background, Blanche is missing crucial elements that make it a rather weak and forgettable pop release.

     

    4/10

     

    Nyasagi reacted to this

  9. Posted

    Great work indeed. You can definitely hear some of the Japanese vocal phrasing work it's way into the songs. Sonically you guys remind me of helmet. You have that awesome raw but hard rock sound. You guys have the instruments down and the vocals down. This is how a Japanese music influence should work its way into original music and not be another western crap-kie band. 

  10. Posted

    Justice League: The Flash Point Paradox

     

    Another amazing installment from the Dc Universe. Top notch animation, amazing voice acting, and a great story and characters. It's also the most violent DC animated film I have seen which can be good or a bad thing depending on your taste. Although the violence in this movie isn't overdone and is always justified. This film further proves why DC kicks Marvel ass when it comes to animated films.

  14. Posted

    I feel Nathan had more unique vocals. The one thing he had over Travis was that his highs were better. I mean Travis has good range and can do highs too, I just think Nathan has an edge over him in that aspect. That being said, Travis has much better growls than Nathan. And while I appreciate Nathans more unique vocals, I think Travis's vocals are more accessible and definitely helped for Digital Veil to be the epicness it was.

     

    I know people who couldn't get into Nocturne or had to listen to that album multiple times to get into it, because of Nathan's vocals. Mea culpa is definetly a sick track off of Nocturne. That solo at the end is incredible, hadn't heard the 8-bit version, but I'm particularity fond of Vela, Together we Await The Storm. So much insane guitar sweeping/tapping.

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DnfyuTb2Og

  15. Posted

    Because this forum needs more varied reviews and not just VK stuff.

     

    I'm actually very surprised with how good this release was. I think it's a very fitting tribute to K and he would be very proud of this release. It's both sad and amazing to hear the last vocals he recorded before passing and how good those songs turned out. The lyrics really tug at your hear strings and seem to have more weight knowing the events that have transpired. The guests they have on this release are amazing too. Everyone from lynch, to the guys in crossfaith and Coldrain and Taka from One Ok Rock. I'm not even a fan of One Ok Rock but I enjoyed the track Taka provided vocals for. 

     

    I would give it a 8/10.

     

    What did everyone else think?

     

     

  17. Posted

    24eaxj8.jpg

     

    The Human Abstract is an American metal band from Los Angeles, California. They are known for their unique, classically-influenced style. They are critically acclaimed for their technical proficiency and impressive stage presence. Formed in 2004, the group was originally signed to the independent label Hopeless Records, the band then released the two albums Nocturne (2006) and Midheaven (2008) before signing to E1 Music and releasing Digital Veil (2011). The Human Abstract has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with the current consisting of founding members Dean Herrera (rhythm guitar), A.J. Minette (lead guitar) and Brett Powell (drums), in addition to Henry Selva (bass) and Travis Richter (vocals).

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRitJ1m8E1w

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Qw9nZQp6E

     

    One of my favorite bands. These guys DESTROY. They were the reason I got into more technical bands after I listened to Nocturne. I don’t know what happened on Midheaven, but Digital Veil was a metal masterpiece. Ground breaking even. It’s easily one of the top metal releases of the last few years IMO. Progressive classically inspired metal with some core inspiration. When you have a music degree in classical music like AJ does, it makes for some awesome sauce. He’s one of my favorite guitarists/composers. He’s got such godly guitar sweeps too. Of course everyone in this band rules at their instrument. Brett Is amazing on the drums.
     
    The band may have been inactive for the last couple of years, but there are rumors about a possible reunion happening. I hope this turns out to be true, because the metal world needs these guys back. And I need to see them live. 
     
    I know there are a few fans of THA here, but if you’re not familiar with them and are into metal, I’d recommend giving Digital Veil a listen.
     

  18. Posted

     

    Unpopular opinion #457 I don’t think Deluhi is/was that great of a band. I don’t get all the hype surrounding their music. I think they had some okay/good songs which I enjoyed, I just don’t get all the praise the band gets, especially on this forum. Is it because they were a fairly decent vk band and the majority of other vk bands were so crappy that they made Deluhi sound amazing by comparison and lead to their music being overhyped? I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the case, which I believe also happened when Mejibary came along. Although Mejibary have been getting better. 

     

    Anyway,  Leda was probably the best part of Deluhi and he definitely raised the bar for other vk guitarists, but I find the band to just be decent. They never put out anything amazing or what I would expect from advanced players/composers to put out. I feel the parts were greater than its sum when it comes to this band. So yeah, I can’t share the OMG Deluhi was so amazing they should get back together mentality.
    CAT5, Peace Heavy mk II, sai and 1 other reacted to this

  19. Posted

    ^ You need denkitribe. He uses a lot chiptune influence in his songs that have that videogame feel.

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQptaAovyIs

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt-idiJGcNg

     

    Or how about some Dirty Androids?

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iTHLmGeGvo

     

    Maybe some TyDi?

     

    Yoko Kanno may not me be an EM but this song is pretty awesome.

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJVnX8EE3Q8

     

    As is this one

     

     

     

     

    nekkichi reacted to this

  22. Posted

    I listen to a ton of music. I'm already compiling my best of 2013 music list as well. However recently I've found the majority is non-Japanese. 

     

    The only 2 albums I would recommend the staff and everyone to check out is Jupiters Classical Element and Ling Tosite Sigure I'mperfect.

     

    My argument for classical element is that IMO it's the best VK release of 2013. Actually you can forget about them being vk, because it's one of the best Japanese release from japan for 2013. Rather than spit out a typical metalcore/poppy/whatever kei music, Jupiter put out a powerhouse of epic powermetal. The vocals are powerful and strong, no whiny vk nasals singing. The guitars are tight and hammer out plenty of cool riffs and tasteful shredding solos. The drumming is equally strong, fast and tight. There's choirs and atmospheric keys and orchestrations. It's a great release both from a musical and technical standpoint.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXLd9C4BfL8

     

    The second album is Ling Tosite Sigure's I'mperfect. First off, you probably won't hear an album like I'mperfect or a band that sounds like them. They mix post-hardcore, indie and math rock into their music and have dual male and female vocals.They use plenty of dynamic's, which can results in soft melodic singing and smooth jazzy guitars followed by harsh screams, wailing drums and distorted guitars or vice versa. The best part is that there is a very consist melodic approach kept through the album. So there's always some sort of melody that ties some of the more jarring parts of the bands music. And while their music can be jarring, it's never overdone.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIRNu7atpoQ

  23. Posted

    ^ Wow I really liked the Clan of Xymox stuff. I'll have to check out more of their material.

     

    Lately I've been more into instrumental stuff. Been looking for artists specifically from Japan and found a killer few.

     

    Recently discovered him. He does vocal stuff too, but I really like his clubby instrumentals.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTnY6RRuzRw

     

    Progressive house with some hints of dubstep.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWVc9k7r3pI

     

    You can never go wrong with 80kidz.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh2ciwXJGO4

     

    There aren't many songs by aran I've been able to find, but from what I found, I like.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh5qy0BsmLo

     

     

    Not japanese, but I'm still on flux pavilion fix. :dansu:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS_2qH-pCSA

     

     

     

     

     

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