Signs Of The Apocalypse: Twitter On TV

A reality show that turns following celebrities on Twitter into a competition? Sounds like a GREAT idea.

Wait, isn’t that called stalking?

Leprous – Tall Poppy Syndrome

Leprous - Tall Poppy Syndrome

Norway’s Leprous already have an impressive résumé; they are two time finalists in the Norwegian Rock Championships, singer/keyboardist Einar Solberg was in Emperor during their 2006-2007 tour and Leprous was selected by Ihsahn to be his backing band in support of Opeth (which was unfortunately cut short).  Signed to Sensory Records, Tall Poppy Syndrome was released on May 5th. 

I don’t really know how to best describe Leprous’ sound.  It’s progressive, it’s avant-garde, it’s experimental.  But above all, it’s awesome.  The varied list of influences come through (including Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Devin Townsend, Mike Patton, Ihsahn, Seal,  Björk and some classical composers) but Leprous doesn’t really sound like any of them, the closest comparison I can think of would be something like Arcturus.  But better.

Samael – Above

Samael - Above

Samael has covered a lot of ground over the past twenty years or so, gradually moving away from their black metal origins.   As they have progressed through the years, Samael included more elements to their albums, honing their skills and crafting a sound that has remained recognizably Samael throughout, with subtle touches that come through upon repeated listens.

Originally devised as a ‘virtual band’ playing a tribute to Samael’s origins, the band decided to release Above as Samael instead of as a side project.  This album has been described as being a kind of missing link between Ceremony Of Opposites and Passage.

Sorry, I don’t think so.