Opeth: Heritage (2011)

Make no bones about it. Heritage, the 10th “observation” from Sweden’s premier progressive death metal titans Opeth was the album they needed to make. Tired of trotting out the same (though unique to them) twisted melodic progressive death featuring incredible syncopation, lush keyboards and solos, and Mikael Åkerfeldt’s sublime death growls, the band needed to change gears to survive. So yes: there’s no arguing that this album needed to be made, and based on the – in my opinion – progressively more progressive and exploratory albums that followed Heritage absolutely succeeded in reinvigorating the band, whether you like the change in direction or not. Does that mean I actually like Heritage, though? On the occasion of the recent reissue of the album on vinyl I decided to wade back into the waters and see what I could find for myself.

ChrisFebruary 28, 2025February 28, 20251 Comment

Elvin Jones: On The Mountain (1975)

February was a bit of a rough month, and I miss the peace that comes with simply sitting early in the morning and writing, so we’re going to try some daily, shorter reviews and vainly try not only save my sanity but get through the massive pile of physical media I’ve been using to distract myself from (vaguely gestures at the world). So why not start with a little jazz? Drummer Elvin Jones is certainly no stranger to jazz heads, being part of John Coltrane’s most famous quartet. At least that’s how I always knew him, and I’m only just now beginning to venture into his post-career as a bandleader and solo artist. On The Mountain is a terrific primer to his more electric work, celebrating its 50th birthday this year so let’s take a short detour into the whats and whys below.

ChrisFebruary 27, 2025February 27, 2025Leave a comment

Vinyl

Speed, Glue & Shinki: Eve (1971)

It’s hard to separate distinguishing whether I like something because I genuinely like it, or because of the narrative behind it, either legitimate or manufactured by an industry intent on selling every last thing. I’m sure I really dig Eve, the debut from Japanese power trio Speed, Glue & Shinki featuring the legendary psych/rock guitarist Shinki Chen – this is a great little dingy rock record. But that enjoyment comes with an asterisk because of the way it was marketed to me. Maybe I’m reading too much into a fun little slice of 70s power blues, but that’s the point of the site, right?

ChrisFebruary 24, 2025February 22, 20251 Comment

Playlists

(Un)Focused Definition Ep. 38: The One With A Bunch Of Stuff I Still Need To Listen To

The world is a dumpster fire and I haven’t been coping very well. I can’t find any space in myself, and every breath feel like Im suffocating. So this is a playlist of a bunch of music that’s come in over the past week I still need to listen to, digest, and figure out what it means – if anything – to me. Sorry, I try to use this time and place to let go, but I can’t right now. I hope you’re in a safe place physically, mentally, and emotionally. I didn’t say “good” place – that might be asking too much. But a safe place, even if only temporary, I really wish for all of you.

ChrisFebruary 22, 2025February 21, 2025Leave a comment

Vinyl

Deep Purple: Machine Head (1972)

I know I’ve gone on record on multiple occasions citing my distaste for those people who think the only “real” Deep Purple was when Ritchie Blackmore was in the band, especially when considered against the man’s output for the past 30 or so years. What probably wasn’t as clear is that I still do consider his output – both in Deep Purple and other bands (well, really just early Rainbow) – as pretty damn great. He’s just not the sole reason to love Deep Purple, who have proved again and again that even with a rotating cast of guitar players they are capable of creating propulsive, lasting rock and roll. But just to reinforce the point that yeah, I dig Blackmore-led Purple, why not spend a few words on their biggest album, Machine Head?

ChrisFebruary 20, 2025February 21, 2025Leave a comment

Khan: Space Shanty (1972)

The fun thing about diving into a genre is finding those weird pockets of sounds. One off albums, weird band connections to other, larger bands. Sub-genres based on location. Maybe that’s a part of the reason I ‘m so drawn to both metal and progressive rock: they share the same dark and dusty corners of obscurity that often hide hidden gems. I’m not sure how much Space Shanty, the debut and sole output from the UK’s Khan fits here, but I know I was immediately hooked as soon as I heard it. Spawned from the Canterbury scene and featuring who’s who of folks that would go on to innovate and invigorate the scene, it’s a curious fish that rocks harder than a lot of its peers’ work, and worth it for the electrifying guitar work.

ChrisFebruary 18, 2025February 18, 2025Leave a comment

Consuming the Tangible

We are what we consume

Month: February 2025