At The Hollow - What I Hold Most Dear

Finnish trio At The Hollow know how to make some moody post-rock. On that you can rely.What do you get when you cross a guitarist, a percussionist, and a contra-bassist in Helsinki? At The Hollow, of course (where did you come up with that other answer?). And the Finnish trio's latest album, What I Hold Most Dear, is some impressive stuff.

Now while the trio's music isn't particularly heavy, they do often get a bit raucous in their post-rock musings, with guitarist/vocalist Kalle Koo's earnest voice drifting above the din like the orisons of the forlorn rising to heaven. But what really sets this music apart from other similar acts is the synergistic effect of Juho Martikainen's pensive, bowed contrabass and Risto Järvelin's masterfully delicate percussion. Together these elements blend into a deceptively soothing flow that juxtaposes the gloomy lyrical content of this album.

The Bottom Line: In the hands of lesser musicians, What I Hold Most Dear could devolve into a mess of angst, lost amongst the emo bands that crowd the soundscape these days. But At The Hollow has a deft touch that belies a greater musical appreciation.

- Genghis is going to miss the cold weather...

Podcast #188: Fantasy

Over 40 years in the metal business and Udo is STILL rocking the shit out of us. Sehr gut, Herr Dirkschneider!Ever thought about actually going to one of those Rock and Roll Fantasy Camps? You know, the ones where you get to meet famous rock stars and hang out with them like they're old pals of yours? Well, that's just what the boys discuss in this episode, including their idea of what the ideal fantasy camp situation would entail.

Then the boys sit down for a tête-à-tête with the one and only Udo Dirkschneider as he talks aboutthe making of U.D.O.'s latest album, Decadent, and what it was like to sit in the producer's chair this time around.

Video Of The Show: U.D.O. - Live In Sofia

Beer of the Show: Date Night Saison (Clown Shoes Brewery)
	Appearance: 3.5 Aroma: 3.5 Palate: 3.0 Taste: 3.0 Overall: 3.5	"The lads think one of their favorite breweries has done it again with Clown Shoes' first foray into the Saison arena."

Featured Tracks: At The Gates - At War With Reality; Sweet and Lynch - Dying Rose; Ten - Alone In The Dark Tonight; Thin Lizzy - Hollywood (Down On Your Luck); Kane Roberts - Dance Little Sister; U.D.O. - Like a Lion, Speeder, Untouchable, Words in Flame, Pain and Black Widow

Ragman's Classic Of The Show: Warrior - The Rush

Genghis' Classic Of The Show: Skid Row - Quicksand Jesus

Ragman's Pick Of The Show: Sonic Syndicate - The Long Road Home

Genghis' Pick Of The Show: Level 10 - Soul Of A Warrior

- Genghis is amazed at the number of live shows next month...

Podcast #188: Fantasy

Sylvan - Home

Prog rock fans will find lots to like in Sylvan's latest, impressive, concept album.It's not always the heavy music that attracts us here. And when the mellow comes in the form of European art rock, we're down with it. North German band Sylvan tends to fit the progressive end of the spectrum in terms of lyrical and compositional sophistication, weaving an emotional concept album with their latest, Home.

There's a great dichotomy to this album, at once sprawling and majestic, but also intimate and humbling in its treatment of the album's protagonist who journeys through life's brutalities to find the titular place of safety and belonging that she desires. The music here, like a lot of progressive music, ranges from soft and mellow (Not Far From The Sky) to heavier and aggressive (In Between), and interestingly, it sounds more German in the latter moments, with a definite European sound a la Rammstein or even Vanden Plas. Ultimately, it's that sense of dynamics that elevates this music, and I would love to see a full video presentation of this album should it ever come to fruition.

The Bottom Line: European progressive music is some of the best of the genre, with Germany's Sylvan ably demonstrating some of the most sophisticated composition to be found without threatening to bring the house down around themselves with the weight of excess. Wunderbar!

- Genghis always get nostalgiac when he hears Ronald Reagan soundbites...

Podcast #187: Box

They don't come much more rocking than the legendary Metal Queen, Doro Pesch. Horns WAY up!The lads are hitting their stride with the second full show of the year as they discuss the topic of the CD boxed set. Does it have the same relevance it once enjoyed in this digital era? Tune in as Genghis & Ragman discuss what they consider the best ones and what they like to see in an official boxed set of their favorite artists.

Then check out an interview with the Metal Queen herself, Doro Pesch, who discusses her plans for 2015 and what it's like being one of the few female metalheads who've been rocking as long and hard as she has.

Video Of The Show: IQ - Stage (Dark Matter Live in America and Germany 2005)

Beer of the Show: Ignis Fatuus (The Bruery)
	Appearance: 3.5 Aroma: 3.5 Palate: 2.5 Taste: 2.5 Overall: 2.5	"This last pumpkin beer in our cellar was good, but the sour finish was a bit off-putting..."

Featured Tracks: Black Stone Cherry - Magic Mountain; Impellitteri - Answer To The Master; The Custodian - The Man Out Of Time; IQ - Ocean; Gotthard - My Belief; Rage - Down; Doro - Long Lost For Love, Coldhearted Lover, Raise Your Fist in the Air, Hero and Something Wicked This Way Comes

Ragman's Classic Of The Show: Aldo Nova - Monkey On Your Back

Genghis' Classic Of The Show: Scorpions - Can't Live Without You

Ragman's Pick Of The Show: U.D.O. - Speeder

Genghis' Pick Of The Show: My Brother The Wind - Songs of Innocence Part I

- Genghis is gettin' that live show itch...

Podcast #187: Box

U.D.O. - Decadent

U.D.O. are back, and they may have just released their strongest CD, of their career.  There were some questions, about the band, with the departure of longtime bandmate Stefan Kaufman back in 2011.  Their first release, post Kaufman, Steelhammer signaled the return of the classic U.D.O. sound.  Questions answred!  It was a solid release, but not as strong as this new platter. Decadent is chock full of instant classics, that will keep you wanting more. 

Decadent starts off strong, with the opener, Speeder, which is an in your face, up tempo rocker, that is sure to be a big hit live.  It is melodic and full of killer riffs.  The band sound crisp and Udo's vocals sound stronger than ever.  It is hard to believe that Udo Dirkschneider has now been fronting his namesake, for almost 30 years.  From the opening track, to the final track, Words in Flame, this one is solid.  The best thing about this record, is how it blends all facets of Udo's career.  From the crushing mid-tempo rocker Untouchable to the more melodic Pain (ala Accept - Metal Heart era) this one gives you the whole enchilada, and more. 

Bottom Line: U.D.O. may have stumbled, a bit, over the past few releases, but they have re-established themselves, as a force to be recknoded with.  Solid form start to finish.  Ok, there's a ballad and ya know.

Standout Tracks: Speeder, Untouchable, Words of Flame, Pain

-Ragman is shaving his head, and getting out his fatigues.