So I finally got my hands on the 4th van Canto album a couple days ago. If you don't know, they're the world's only 5/6 a capella metal band (5 vocalists/1 drummer), and I've been in love since I discovered them a couple years ago. They even have one "lead guitar" vocalist who does convincing solos, and he only cheats a little bit. During the solos, he feeds his voice through a guitar amp.
Their first album kinda sucked, mostly due to terrible production quality, but showed that they had an interesting idea and could make it work.
BatteryThe MissionTheir second one had great production quality, much improved arrangements, great song selection and guest vocalists, and a focus I thoroughly enjoyed on powerful soaring choruses.
Fear of the DarkStormbringerSpeed of LightWishmasterTheir third album is my favorite so far. Their vocal arrangements featured a ton more complexity with less reliance on constant overwhelming choruses, while still putting out plenty of power. They seemed to master the art of making you completely forget you're listening to a capella, except for a reminder every now and then. I also loved the songwriting. Some might find it campy, but I found the lyrics and their delivery very energizing. Has helped me get through many days at work.
Lost ForeverRebellionMaster of PuppetsHeartedMy VoiceSo now their fourth album... well... it's a lot like the third. Which isn't a bad thing at all. I think they've made their arrangements even a little bit more dynamic, but otherwise, it seems they've hit the limit of how far they can push the a capella metal idea. Not that I'm complaining. It still sounds phenomenal. I'm enjoying the hell out of it. My only complaint would be that they've stepped away from the uplifting ("hero metal") themes a bit, but I can't fault them for wanting to branch out in other ways, when they're having trouble innovating their sound.
If I Die in BattlePrimo VictoriaBlack Wings of HateThe Higher FlightDangers in My HeadA Storm to ComeAnd yes, I know their videos are god awfully campy. I think that's a thing with european metal. Anyway, hoping these guys keep doing what they're doing for a long time to come.
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Topic: ♪ The Great Music Thread ♫ (Read 561869 times)