ok Urban..... who are your fave bands/artists

[Bryant]

I like your replies at this forum Urban. I am sure it is difficult at times to be "one of the guys" and the topic of discussion at the same time. Then again, being a metal musician (I consider a vocalist as a musician btw) includes being a metal fan, I would think. Who do you like ?


Bryant

[WIntersReflection]

Yup, what bands do you like?

Lol, you'd better include it Bryant or I'll have to listen to my lead singer complain all day, just when I'm trying to convince him its time to write some more songs!

Originally Posted by Bryant

I like your replies at this forum Urban. I am sure it is difficult at times to be "one of the guys" and the topic of discussion at the same time. Then again, being a metal musician (I consider a vocalist as a musician btw) includes being a metal fan, I would think. Who do you like ?


Bryant

[Urban breed]

It's not that bad. It helps if you don't take yourself too seriously. ...as for being a metal fan, I'm not sure it's always tha case, however, yes, I really like metal music so I believe I qualify. On the other hand, the last year I've been listening extensively, if not exclusively to 'Yes'. If this makes me something else, well so be it. My favorite bands/artists would, (surprise, surprise), not be so much about bands as about vocalists. My all time favorite being Ronnie James Dio. Another favorite of mine is Bob Catley. Not metal but still...

[Rider of Theli]

There's nothing wrong with 'Yes'. They are actually one of the biggest influences on a majority of the prog-metal bands from most interviews I read. They write some great music. *thumbs up*

And we all give you much respect, Urban, for checking these boards and piping in when you have time. It makes us all feel closer to Tad Morose. And I'm one of the newer fans here.

I have to say that the first song I heard was Anubis; and your RJD influence certainly shines through on that song. Wonderful! It was the hook that made me want to hear more. And now I own Modus Vivendi, MotD, and Undead. I certainly have faves on each one, but 'Anubis' still stands out from the crowd. I like 'Where the Sun Never Shines' from Undead and 'Riding the Beast' from MotD in particular. But many more TM songs get stuck in my head throughout the day as well.

Just please keep up the great work, always, everyone in the band! I know there's going to be many fans - including myself - lined up at your table at PPUSAV waiting to meet you all and tell you how great you are.

Instead of starting a new thread though, I have a specific question for you Urban... how do you feel about the band Therion? They are probably my current favorite heavy metal band (though Tad Morose is gaining a top spot ). And I am waiting for the delivery of their new release(s) Lemuria/Sirius B. I'm just curious what you think of them, if anything at all.

Thanks! Your opinion is appreciated.

Another U.S. Fan,

~Hoyt.

[Bryant]

Originally Posted by WIntersReflection

Yup, what bands do you like?

Lol, you'd better include it Bryant or I'll have to listen to my lead singer complain all day, just when I'm trying to convince him its time to write some more songs!

Don't know if I understand your question. Do you mean what bands/artists do I like ?

Well bands I have been listening to quite a bit lately are:

Vanden Plas
Tad Morose
Accept (a given as I haven't burned out on them in 20 years)
Misha Calvin Evolution I (Tony Martin on most vocals and a wicked CD)
Lacuna Coil


artists I like:

Wolf Hoffmann (former guitarist Accept)
Gunter Werno (keyboards Vanden Plas)
Francis Bucholz (former Scorpions bassist)
Kirk Arrington (drummer Metal Church)
Andy Kuntz (vocalist Vanden Plas)
Dieter Dirks (producer Scorps, Accept and others)

There are of course more bands and artists I like but this post would get rather large if I put them all down.


Bryant

[Bryant]

Originally Posted by Urban breed

It's not that bad. It helps if you don't take yourself too seriously. ...as for being a metal fan, I'm not sure it's always tha case, however, yes, I really like metal music so I believe I qualify. On the other hand, the last year I've been listening extensively, if not exclusively to 'Yes'. If this makes me something else, well so be it. My favorite bands/artists would, (surprise, surprise), not be so much about bands as about vocalists. My all time favorite being Ronnie James Dio. Another favorite of mine is Bob Catley. Not metal but still...

Cool..... though I have never been much into prog rock, I like many prog metal bands that were inspired by bands like yes. Then again it's hard not to be impresse by Chris Squire. He is an amazing bassist.

Would it hurt your feelings if I said your vocals remind me more of Tony Martin than Ronnie ? Ha ha ha just joking about it hurting your feelings, but it's funny you mention Ronnie as one of your favorites as when I try to describe TM to those who haven't heard the band that the vocalist reminds me a bit of Mike Howe from Metal Church and Tony Martin from Sabbath.

Coming from me that is a good compliment though. I also have been listening to Ronnie for over 20 years and love his vocals, as well, but they didn't lose much (vocal ability wise though I don't think the songs were as well written) when Martin stepped in and Mike Howe has always been one of my favorites. As quality of a release "Blessing in Disguise" was from Metal Church, they should have been as popular as Metallica. Mike Howe's blazing vocals had a big part in that.


Bryant

[WIntersReflection]

Urban, as far as I am concerned anyone who honestly loves a metal band is a metal-head, and Ronnie James Dio definitely counts (anyone who can write for as long as he has and still rule musically gets applause from me, I can't wait for the 2nd part of Magica to come out!).

Besides, as RoT said, Yes have influenced everyone who likes progressive music.

Have you been running into a lot of people who have very strict rules for what makes a person a metal-head lately or something? I don't feel the rules ought to be so strict, as I said if a person really loves a metal bands music, then they are a metal-head and metal-heads should stick together! Thats an ideal that really appealed to me from the first time I heard of it and I couldn't help but notice very little of once I finally met ones I wasn't related to.

And Hoyt, Where the Sun Never Shines, RULES!

Originally Posted by Urban breed

It's not that bad. It helps if you don't take yourself too seriously. ...as for being a metal fan, I'm not sure it's always tha case, however, yes, I really like metal music so I believe I qualify. On the other hand, the last year I've been listening extensively, if not exclusively to 'Yes'. If this makes me something else, well so be it. My favorite bands/artists would, (surprise, surprise), not be so much about bands as about vocalists. My all time favorite being Ronnie James Dio. Another favorite of mine is Bob Catley. Not metal but still...

[Bryant]

Originally Posted by WIntersReflection

Have you been running into a lot of people who have very strict rules for what makes a person a metal-head lately or something? Those rules are ridiculous, metal heads should stick together! Thats an ideal that really appealed to me from the first time I heard of it and I couldn't help but notice very little of once I finally met ones I wasn't related to.

And Hoyt, Where the Sun Never Shines, RULES!

All you have to do is go into the general forum and listen to the 16 year olds that haven't quite outgrown Sesame Street and still have to hear cookie monster sing and you will understand that THAT is the only TRUE metal. I am not dogging death metal in particular, but rather just many of their fans. I actually think Opeth is an extremely talented band though I do have a tough time with the vocals. I unloaded on a couple guys in that forum because there was a thread about "what rock band could handle playing metal" and one of my answers was Fuel. Some idiot said "you suck" so I pretty much made hamburger out of the guy and a friend that jumped in with him though I did get apologetic at the end because I probably over-reacted. Expressing negative opinion is your right, but if you don't have any tact, don't expect me to. I just have grown to not be able to tolerate closed-mindedness as well as I once did. I suppose I havejust forgotten what it's like to be a teen.
Anyway, the new Fuel album is brilliant and had I not had an open mind about music, I would ave never checked it out as it was a recommendation from another friend. I am a metal-head and the majority of wha I listen to is metal, but I keep an open mind about music because there is always stuff out there you might like though it is not in the metal genre.


Bryant

[WIntersReflection]

Didn't Fuel write Hemorrage in my hands? If so, I believe they said once that they like metal. If thats the case, lol, and considering the darkness of that tune, I'd say they could go metal if they wanted to.


I hear you Bryant, death metal is one of the areas my prog band has been known to venture into but I don't think that NOT liking that form of metal makes you any less of a metal head... I'm equally likely to listen to Anathema's Sunset of Age or Shadow Gallery's Hope For Us and THAT is a drastic change in style! Both bands definitely rule, btw! (Although Anathema could stand to get heavier again)

Originally Posted by Bryant

All you have to do is go into the general forum and listen to the 16 year olds that haven't quite outgrown Sesame Street and still have to hear cookie monster sing and you will understand that THAT is the only TRUE metal. I am not dogging death metal in particular, but rather just many of their fans. I actually think Opeth is an extremely talented band though I do have a tough time with the vocals. I unloaded on a couple guys in that forum because there was a thread about "what rock band could handle playing metal" and one of my answers was Fuel. Some idiot said "you suck" so I pretty much made hamburger out of the guy and a friend that jumped in with him though I did get apologetic at the end because I probably over-reacted. Expressing negative opinion is your right, but if you don't have any tact, don't expect me to. I just have grown to not be able to tolerate closed-mindedness as well as I once did. I suppose I havejust forgotten what it's like to be a teen.
Anyway, the new Fuel album is brilliant and had I not had an open mind about music, I would ave never checked it out as it was a recommendation from another friend. I am a metal-head and the majority of wha I listen to is metal, but I keep an open mind about music because there is always stuff out there you might like though it is not in the metal genre.


Bryant

[Bryant]

Originally Posted by WIntersReflection

Didn't Fuel write Hemorrage in my hands? If so, I believe they said once that they like metal. If thats the case, lol, and considering the darkness of that tune, I'd say they could go metal if they wanted to.


I hear you Bryant, death metal is one of the areas my prog band has been known to venture into but I don't think that NOT liking that form of metal makes you any less of a metal head... I'm equally likely to listen to Anathema's Sunset of Age or Shadow Gallery's Hope For Us and THAT is a drastic change in style! Both bands definitely rule, btw! (Although Anathema could stand to get heavier again)

Yeah Fuel did that song and I love it. I bought that CD and it was fair. I said I wouldn't buy their next one because that one was "spotty" but a friend told me it ripped and I took the chance. They are really pretty damend heavy and the vocalist has a nice voice.
As far as death metal, I really don't hate it at all. I just think the bands linit themselves with that vocal style and many of their fans are so closed-minded to anything else. As I said, I respect Opeth to a great degree. They are fanatstic musicians and songwriters.


Bryant

[Urban breed]

Originally Posted by Rider of Theli

... how do you feel about the band Therion? They are probably my current favorite heavy metal band (though Tad Morose is gaining a top spot ). And I am waiting for the delivery of their new release(s) Lemuria/Sirius B. I'm just curious what you think of them, if anything at all.

Actually I've never heard anything they've done. They're from Sweden too, right? I guess that's probably why I've never heard them. Or maybe I did, once. Did they play the 2000 Decibel festival in Bengtsfors the same year we first played there? Hmmm, (checking on the web-site), yes, I believe so, well, what I remember is that it was interesting but I believe their music might make more of an impact in a more controlled setting. Such as on an album perhaps? I'll have a listen, I think Peter's got a couple of albums. Which album should I listen to first?

[Urban breed]

Originally Posted by Bryant

Would it hurt your feelings if I said your vocals remind me more of Tony Martin than Ronnie ?

No, not at all. I said he's my favorite nothing more. As much as I would love to have Ronnie's voice I'm perfectly happy as it is. Besides, Tony Martin is awesome as well. Over the years I find I rate him higher and higher.

Originally Posted by Bryant

Ha ha ha just joking about it hurting your feelings, but it's funny you mention Ronnie as one of your favorites as when I try to describe TM to those who haven't heard the band that the vocalist reminds me a bit of Mike Howe from Metal Church and Tony Martin from Sabbath.

Heh, you say whatever you like, as long as you mean it. I still think I sound like me and not so much like anyone else. Believe me, I can tell if it's my voice or somebody elses on a recording.

Originally Posted by Bryant

Coming from me that is a good compliment though. I also have been listening to Ronnie for over 20 years and love his vocals, as well, but they didn't lose much (vocal ability wise though I don't think the songs were as well written) when Martin stepped in

So true, so very true... However, let's not forget that the Tony Martin era albums do contain some gems as well. Personally, for instance, I think the 'Eternal Idol' album has got several really good songs.

Originally Posted by Bryant

and Mike Howe has always been one of my favorites. As quality of a release "Blessing in Disguise" was from Metal Church, they should have been as popular as Metallica. Mike Howe's blazing vocals had a big part in that.

[quote=Bryant]
Strangely I've always preferred 'The Dark' to any other Metal Church release but then again, if Mike and I do sound so alike I guess that kind of explains it all. I hear my voice way too often anyway.

[Bryant]

Urban breed in ...............

..........................eh, you say whatever you like, as long as you mean it. I still think I sound like me and not so much like anyone else. Believe me, I can tell if it's my voice or somebody elses on a recording. ..........................


Urban that is simply a "starting point" for people that want an idea of your vocals. You don't sound very much like either Martin nor Howe, but in my ears they are as similar as I can think of. In fact, I wouldn't say Howe and Martin sound very similar, but your style does have some similarities of both. If you sounded "like" someone else, I probably wouldn't like your vocals as much as I do.


.....................So true, so very true... However, let's not forget that the Tony Martin era albums do contain some gems as well. Personally, for instance, I think the 'Eternal Idol' album has got several really good songs....................


I don't think any of the Martin Sabbath albums quite compare with either H&H or TMR, BUT you named a good release and Cross Purposes and Headless Cross are also solid releases. Martin was with Sabbath for many years and should get more credit than he does.


.........................Strangely I've always preferred 'The Dark' to any other Metal Church release but then again, if Mike and I do sound so alike I guess that kind of explains it all. I hear my voice way too often anyway. ............................


Bad Urban !! You love yourself as much as I love me. I can tell that from your liner notes, but then again, I am never happy with what I can put on disc as opposed to what is in my mind.

As far as you reminding me of Howe, as I said, you don't sound "like" him at all. You just share some similar qualities and the qalities you share are good things. You just showed you are indeed a metasl-head there Urban...... you have an opinion of the favored Metal Church vocalsit. Congratulations.


I think your vocals are brilliant and you are unique but when offering Tad Morose to other people, I need a starting point. I could say you sing like Britney Spears if that is your preference. Ha ha ha


Hey..... don't take me seriously Urban and all posters. I pick at Urban because you/he has the personality to tke it and enjot it. If Urban wasn't a fun guy, I wouldn't do it, but I know he won't mind.


bryant

[WIntersReflection]

Lol, thats because you do sound like you.

Originally Posted by Urban breed

Heh, you say whatever you like, as long as you mean it. I still think I sound like me and not so much like anyone else. Believe me, I can tell if it's my voice or somebody elses on a recording.

True, my favorite from that time is Virtual Death. GREAT song!

Originally Posted by Urban breed

So true, so very true... However, let's not forget that the Tony Martin era albums do contain some gems as well. Personally, for instance, I think the 'Eternal Idol' album has got several really good songs.

[WIntersReflection]

AAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!

:WR turns white and passes out at the thought of that, joyfully impossible event!:

Originally Posted by Bryant

I could say you sing like Britney Spears if that is your preference. Ha ha ha

Lol, no problem Bryant, about the only time I'm serious is if someone starts on the topic of history or I start writing lyrics, lol.

Originally Posted by Bryant

Hey..... don't take me seriously Urban and all posters.

[Fangface]

Originally Posted by Urban breed

It's not that bad. It helps if you don't take yourself too seriously. ...as for being a metal fan, I'm not sure it's always tha case, however, yes, I really like metal music so I believe I qualify. On the other hand, the last year I've been listening extensively, if not exclusively to 'Yes'. If this makes me something else, well so be it. My favorite bands/artists would, (surprise, surprise), not be so much about bands as about vocalists. My all time favorite being Ronnie James Dio. Another favorite of mine is Bob Catley. Not metal but still...

yeees, Bob Catley is a great vocalist
Magnum are almost Metal to me by the way

There's another singer who maybe was an influence or an inspiration for you : Zak Stevens from Savatage?

Anyway the most important thing is that you sound like nobody else, you're even not that close to Howe's vocals, whatever my bro Bryant can say hehe

[Rider of Theli]

Originally Posted by Urban breed

Actually I've never heard anything they've done. They're from Sweden too, right? ...well, what I remember is that it was interesting but I believe their music might make more of an impact in a more controlled setting. Such as on an album perhaps? I'll have a listen, I think Peter's got a couple of albums. Which album should I listen to first?

Yes, they are from Sweden. Therion is the brainchild of Christofer Johnsson, who started the band out as a brutal death metal band under the name Blitzkrieg in the very late 80's, not realizing there already existed a band of that name. So when they started producing material, they changed their name to Therion - partly as an ode to his favorite band of that era, Celtic Frost.
Over the years, Therion has evolved to become less of a death metal band and more of a symphonic heavy metal band. But in a sea of symphonic metal bands that exist these days, they truly stand out from the crowd. Their music delivers an energy I have not felt from other 'epic' metal bands.
It's funny how Bryant has compared Tad Morose to Accept for sheer energy and feeling. I feel the exact same way about Therion - they have this raw energy that you could feel from a band such as Accept in the late 80's, yet they temper it with classical arrangements, soaring choirs, and wonderful operatic soloists - male and female.

As far as which album to start with, Urban, I'd have to recommend Vovin. It seems to have a calm energy about it, but still maintains the pure power. Beyond that, go back one album to Theli, which is where I discovered them. Following Vovin in their library is Deggial, which was their first effort with a full orchestra. For a personal favorite, I think I prefer their last studio album, Secret of the Runes - an album which discusses the Norse Mythos through song. Beautiful.

Therion is a band that somehow gets better and better with each release. And their newest release, over 3 years in the making, is a double cd called Lemuria/Sirius B - an amazingly ambitious production that blends Scandinavian heavy metal with elements taken from Nordic folk, death metal, classical music & opera; all performed by over 170 musicians!!! You can read a good review and hear some samples at this site: http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/index.htm

I'm amazed that Tad Morose hasn't toured with them before, other than a stint at that festival you mentioned. I think that would be a great combination. Because even though I make it sound like Therion is some gigantic production number, really it isn't. If you could ever see their videos, you'd understand. It's just a few musicians on stage presenting some wonderful heavy metal music.

Anyway, thanks for the response Urban. I look forward to hearing your opinion about Therion. And you may find out all about the band, as well as sample more music here: http://www.megatherion.com/

Have a great day!

~Hoyt.

[WIntersReflection]

Man, Therion sounds like something!

I am going to check them out immediately!

:high fives Hoyt:

Originally Posted by Rider of Theli

Yes, they are from Sweden. Therion is the brainchild of Christofer Johnsson, who started the band out as a brutal death metal band under the name Blitzkrieg in the very late 80's, not realizing there already existed a band of that name. So when they started producing material, they changed their name to Therion - partly as an ode to his favorite band of that era, Celtic Frost.
Over the years, Therion has evolved to become less of a death metal band and more of a symphonic heavy metal band. But in a sea of symphonic metal bands that exist these days, they truly stand out from the crowd. Their music delivers an energy I have not felt from other 'epic' metal bands.
It's funny how Bryant has compared Tad Morose to Accept for sheer energy and feeling. I feel the exact same way about Therion - they have this raw energy that you could feel from a band such as Accept in the late 80's, yet they temper it with classical arrangements, soaring choirs, and wonderful operatic soloists - male and female.

As far as which album to start with, Urban, I'd have to recommend Vovin. It seems to have a calm energy about it, but still maintains the pure power. Beyond that, go back one album to Theli, which is where I discovered them. Following Vovin in their library is Deggial, which was their first effort with a full orchestra. For a personal favorite, I think I prefer their last studio album, Secret of the Runes - an album which discusses the Norse Mythos through song. Beautiful.

Therion is a band that somehow gets better and better with each release. And their newest release, over 3 years in the making, is a double cd called Lemuria/Sirius B - an amazingly ambitious production that blends Scandinavian heavy metal with elements taken from Nordic folk, death metal, classical music & opera; all performed by over 170 musicians!!! You can read a good review and hear some samples at this site: http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/index.htm

I'm amazed that Tad Morose hasn't toured with them before, other than a stint at that festival you mentioned. I think that would be a great combination. Because even though I make it sound like Therion is some gigantic production number, really it isn't. If you could ever see their videos, you'd understand. It's just a few musicians on stage presenting some wonderful heavy metal music.

Anyway, thanks for the response Urban. I look forward to hearing your opinion about Therion. And you may find out all about the band, as well as sample more music here: http://www.megatherion.com/

Have a great day!

~Hoyt.

[WIntersReflection]

Judging from the soundclips (30 seconders) that I just heard, THEY ARE something! I'm going to have to check these guys out... next paycheck. I had to spend this one on a doctors visit... THANKS COLD! :/

[Bryant]

Originally Posted by Fangface

Anyway the most important thing is that you sound like nobody else, you're even not that close to Howe's vocals, whatever my bro Bryant can say hehe

Ha ha ha, Ok Flo....... Urban doesn't sound like anyone else. As I said, it is just a starting point and I am trying to think of vocalists Americans know. Urban has more melody in his voice than Howe does, but he has more "command" in his voice than Martin. He loses a bit of the emotics (emotion) with his power, but not a great amount.
Howe sounds like a drill seargent commanding troups to kick your ass. Martin has that great raspy emotic voice and presence, but doesn't quite "take over" when he needs to. The combination of the two is similar to me how Urban sounds, but hey, Urban is a vocal giant. When vocalists reach his level, they are in a league of few.


Urban don't get a big head !! You (and the rest of the band) still have to deal with jet lag and kick my ass at Prog Power V.


Bryant

[WIntersReflection]

Lol, and you have to give me a full report on that show Bryant as my broke butt can't get over to see it. ;} :}

You know, I never thought of Howe's voice like that but I can hear it...
:}

Lets see shall we run through metal vocalists through the ages and their qualities here, that might be fun? :}

(Waiting to see what everyone thinks before I begin)

Originally Posted by Bryant

Ha ha ha, Ok Flo....... Urban doesn't sound like anyone else. As I said, it is just a starting point and I am trying to think of vocalists Americans know. Urban has more melody in his voice than Howe does, but he has more "command" in his voice than Martin. He loses a bit of the emotics (emotion) with his power, but not a great amount.
Howe sounds like a drill seargent commanding troups to kick your ass. Martin has that great raspy emotic voice and presence, but doesn't quite "take over" when he needs to. The combination of the two is similar to me how Urban sounds, but hey, Urban is a vocal giant. When vocalists reach his level, they are in a league of few.


Urban don't get a big head !! You (and the rest of the band) still have to deal with jet lag and kick my ass at Prog Power V.


Bryant

[Fangface]

I always enjoy these vocalist(s) conversations, being a huge vocals fan myself. Maybe that's because I can't sing ahah?

Anyway my favorite bands are often those featuring my favorite vocalists, I wonder whether it's the same for Urban.

[Urban breed]

Originally Posted by Bryant

I don't think any of the Martin Sabbath albums quite compare with either H&H or TMR

Well, those are classics so it's not really fair, is it?

Originally Posted by Bryant

BUT you named a good release and Cross Purposes and Headless Cross are also solid releases. Martin was with Sabbath for many years and should get more credit than he does.

Ah, so in essence, we agree.

Originally Posted by Bryant

Bad Urban !! You love yourself as much as I love me. I can tell that from your liner notes

Heh, too right...

Originally Posted by Bryant

I could say you sing like Britney Spears if that is your preference. Ha ha ha

It's been done already. A very close friend and former neighbour keeps telling me I sound more and more like Britney with every release and every new song. So go on, hit me!

Originally Posted by Bryant

Hey..... don't take me seriously Urban and all posters.

I take you seriously, ...when I'm supposed to.

[Urban breed]

Originally Posted by Fangface

yeees, Bob Catley is a great vocalist
Magnum are almost Metal to me by the way

I might agree with Hard Rock. ...hmmm, yes, I'd say 'Kingdom of Madess' is Hard Rock close to Metal but not quite. Hmmm, better not go there, forget I said anything...

Originally Posted by Fangface

There's another singer who maybe was an influence or an inspiration for you : Zak Stevens from Savatage?

Not really, for some strange reason I never heard any release with Zak until after people told me we sounded alike.

[Urban breed]

Originally Posted by Fangface

Anyway my favorite bands are often those featuring my favorite vocalists, I wonder whether it's the same for Urban.

You bet! There are very few exceptions to this rule, 'Jethro Tull' just to mention one.