Two days ago I was offered a new part-time job by a very small, very local record company. I wasn't given a specific role, other than they would like me to work for them and offer my lights and work on various projects as they arise etc. A bit of A&R management and talent scouting, help with in-studio production, help with marketing and promotion etc. Basically, I am only the third employ in the company (and that's even counting the owner) and all three are part-time so it's natural than there can't yet be very clear division of labour and that everybody is expected to help with everything to the best of their ability.
I'm kinda nervous but also excited because I think I can be very useful in this kind of set-up and that I have a lot to offer given the opportunity, and while this is not perfect or ideal (hardly anything ever is), I think it's a good opportunity.
This blog is not though just to announce this or to express my excitement. It's because I want and need your help. My first project for the company, is to basically help with the promotion of a recently released CD (was released late last year). It's by a local metal band. Anyway what I need, at least for starters, is basically feedback. I know a good number of you here are metal-heads. Archie, Edge, Steel, Robio and probably others I'm forgeting.
I will upload the album on some server in a short while and put a link here and I'm asking you guys to please listen, and give me honest and constructive feedback. Firstly what you think of the music, whether it's good or bad. What it reminds you of, what you think it sounds like. Whether you think it's marketable and at what target audience etc.
Thanks, will post again in a bit with the download link
Track 05 - Human Touch is the one the band think could be their breakthrough and it seems to be a favourite among the few people who bought the CD and who go to the gigs. So, yeah ... please do tell me what you think.
By the way, I just remembered (now that Steel mentioned Cavalera) they got to open for Sepultura when they came to Cyprus, though that in itself doesn't mean anything.
Yeah, Human Touch does sound better. It still drags, but the out of left field intro and great solo add spice to the song. Their guitar player is quite good.
I have to be honest, though. The music this band makes at this point isn't varied or engaging enough to warrant 5-7 minute songs. I think they should trim their songs down a bit. They would end up with a more focused, concise sound.
Okay I listened to the first song and instead of giving you an honest opinion decided to give you a prommotional review of it instead:
The opening words of the The Enemy are: "You have enemies? Good, that means you stood up for something sometime in your life." This is an ethos that is present not just through Blynd's political mentality, but also their approach to music. From the crunching rifs to [name of lead singer]'s hard hitting dirty vocals to the gritty, dark lyrics expressed just clear enough so that you can understand their strong, take no prisoners message, the enemy oozes originality and technique.
To describe their music as a whole is a hard task simply due to the great breadth that they offer. Not happy to sit on 3 minute hooky pop song structures they have the courage to try and approach longer songs giving them the freedom to express themselves as they wish rather than being tied down to a manufactured bubble gum structure that you'll chew for awhile but will eventually lose its flavour and leave you hungry for something a little more substantial. This is where Blynd comes in.
They offer a four course meal not of double down burgers and big macs, but froi gras, caviar and fine wine. This is sophisticated metal for the discerning metal fan who wants to rebel against the manufactured commercial sound of bands like metallica and get back to something real; something true. Something The Enemy doesn't want you to hear.
Foolz bro that is pretty awesome. If I ever make any money from this, I won't forget you
Thank you sir! Remember the secret is to make it sound cool and desirable. You could even get in some Blynd masses comments!
The guitar player has potential, and he plays tight. But he doesn't have a style that sticks out among all the amazing metal guitarists out there....nothing to call his own.
Guys, thanks for the input so far. I have been doing quite a bit of research over the last few days and listening to a lot of music by bands whom they consider themselves to be in a similar vain to.
They consider themselves to fit closest under the "post-thrash" tag. After reading up and listening to stuff my understanding is that (to make a gross generalisation) post-thrash is what came after Pantera landed and transformed the thrash metal scene. Is that mostly correct, generally speaking?
What are some of the most influential bands of this genre? Am I right in thinking (besides Pantera) stuff akin to Machine Head, or Lamb of God?
What are some important, or preferably up and coming bands in the scene? Is it still a going concern or is it largely irrelevant?
How mainstream, (or sales relevant) is this subgenre within the whole of metal music?
Also, if I may pick your brains some more, regarding Blynd and the album in question. What do you guys make of the sound, or the production? Do you think the tunes could sound better or do you think it's a good job?
The metal scene is hard to describe to people who don't follow it closely because there's so many sub-genres ---to the point of being foolish, honestly---and everyone has their own opinion on who fits under what category. I wish everyone would just call it all straight up METAL and be done with it...as usually the best bands have their own sound and transcend MANY of these sub-genres anyway.
In my honest opinion, Pantera is the best band by far of that particular style of groove thrash, but yes Machine Head and Lamb Of God fit in there, though I'm not big on Lamb and Machine Head is inconsistent. I also always considered Fear Factory to be part of that group, as well as mid-90's Sepultura and White Zombie.
As for the production, its not too bad...and some people honestly like records that sound really raw and not too "pretty" if you will. I'm guessing their budget is low though, so they did a good job with what they have.
It really depends on the band and what they're going for. I've always been a fan of cutting edge, clean production. Pantera always had that, Arch Enemy have that, Opeth have that, etc.
Last thing, as for the scene in general these days...the metal scene is the best its been in ages currently because nobody gives a fuck about any trends of certain styles. Back in the day, it was "Oh everyone's listening to thrash now" or death, or grunge...whatever. Now it seems there's tons of great bands of every style out there, many like Opeth can't even be categorized. So my advice is to just be a great METAL band, find your own sound, and don't worry about limiting yourself to a particular sub-genre.