My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 4
Another day, another batch of great material that should be destined to arrive in 2017 to bathe our ear in. On the strength of all this, I don’t think there’s any danger of the recent momentum in the metal world slowing down. And isn’t that great? It gives us all something to look forward to and keeps me out of mischief by being busy with this blog.
If you’ve missed any of my previous parts of this series, they can be accessed below:
My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 1
My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 2
My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 3
Odd Logic – Effigy
Release date: January 2017
Now this is a massive bonus for me, as I have just discovered that there will be a new Odd Logic album coming later this month. I am surprised because ‘A Penny For Your Thoughts’ was only released last year. Mind you, I’m not complaining because this record justifiably made it into my end of year Top 30 list, following a hugely favourable review earlier in the year. Not only that, but one of the songs off this record made it into my list of favourite songs of the year as well.
Not bad for a band that remains unsigned. Quite why, I don’t know because Odd Logic deliver a very high quality brand of progressive metal; detailed, multi-faceted and highly entertaining, combining strong melodies with plenty of technicality along the way.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnqXRgnmcjQ]
Cynthesis – TBC
Release date: TBC
Another band that features regularly in these posts is Cynthesis. Or rather, anything at all that features the insanely talented Tipton brother. These guys can make string instruments sing and dance wonderfully.
We’ve already seen two albums under the Cynthesis moniker and when I spoke with Jasun Tipton over 18 months ago now, he confirmed that the third Cynthesis album was written, thus completing a dystopian trilogy in the process. Cynthesis is the most atmospheric, melodic and sensitive of all of the bands that feature the Jasun and Troy Tipton and I absolutely adore the atmosphere and the lashings of gorgeous melodies that are a feature of both ‘DeEvolution’ and ‘ReEvolution’ respectively. Given the preposterously brilliant technical prowess of the musicians involved, I expect nothing short of a sonic treat when finally the third Cynthesis instalment sees the light of day.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2c9iTdU-xo]
Ayreon – TBC
Release date: TBC
I have been a fan of Arjen Lucassen for many years, under just about all of his different guises. However, I have to say that his Ayreon project is my absolute favourite,thanks to a combination of generally heavier prog rock/metal, darker atmospheres and the all-star casts that is put together each and every time to bring the concept stories to life.
This new record is no different as the likes of Simone Simons (Epica), Russell Allen (Symphony X), James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Tommy Rogers (Between The Buried And Me), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) and Floor Jansen (Nightwish) all come together to bring their vocal talents to bear. The snippets I’ve heard sound great so far, so I can’t wait for this record to be released.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIqRsl8Vm-Q]
H.E.A.T – TBC
Release date: TBC
According to a press release issued at the tail end of 2016, Swedish hard rockers H.E.A.T will be recording a new album in Thailand in March 2017, which means we might be able to welcome the finished article before the end of the year. I certainly hope so given that this band are probably my current favourite melodic hard rock band. Their ability to pen high quality and extremely catchy, infectious music seems to know no bounds and I frequently return to their albums when I feel like I need a lift and to feel good about life. Watch this space…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM–1Ho-eLc]
Into Eternity – TBC
Release date: TBC
Now I know for sure that melodic thrash/death/prog metallers Into Eternity are still going – their Facebook page is at least active and there are things going on in the world of these crazy Canadians. However, I cannot discern for sure whether or not we will see a new album in 2017. It has now been some considerable time since their last studio release but this can be forgiven bearing in mind the trials and tribulations that have beset the band in recent years.
But now is the time to unleash some new material on the world and show us all how strong the band can be.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zBsilM87Ww]
