Beardfish - The Void

Great album, great playing, VILE cover!

The added heaviness on a few tracks still contain all the usual inventive and sprightly playing present on the other Beardfish albums, and Rikard Sjöblom is still probably one of the best younger modern progressive singers. Along with Neal Morse, Beardfish also have a very strong melodic skill in the singing and catchy musical melodies.

`The Void' is not nearly as heavy as you first think on the initial couple of listens, and the frequently complained about growling is only really about ten or fifteen seconds of the whole album. Pretty acceptable, really!

If anything it's the LYRICS that are the darkest and heaviest element of the album.

Well done, Beardfish, the album just gets better and better with each play!

I love the Void quote a lot. I never really liked Mammoth except for maybe 2 songs. It did take a while to warm up to, but I now love this album, and probably rank it as my fourth favorite from the Beards. (With Destined Solitaire and the Sleeping in Traffics above it.)

I Love it when bands take a darker, more moody approach to their music. It's what the world needs. BeardFish has been too soft for me in the past. Too much like Neal Morse if you ask me, so I am anxious to check out this new release from them.

....I can see it now. Bearded Fish with bullet belts on!!! Lol

progbethyname wrote: I Love it when bands take a darker, more moody approach to their music. It's what the world needs. BeardFish has been too soft for me in the past. Too much like Neal Morse if you ask me, so I am anxious to check out this new release from them. ....I can see it now. Bearded Fish with bullet belts on!!! Lol

You shan't be disappointed - this album, despite a rather 'vulgar' cover-art (I prefer Roger Dean imagery....) is an honestly superb album.  I know what you say about them being 'soft' - Mammoth suit me to a 'T' (or 'Tea'.....or 'Tee' - whatever it is) so this was a shock, and big enough for me to start a thread......however, it's a KILLER album, and puts many to shame..............

Yep, give it a shot, Progbethyname! Love to know what you think of `The Void'!

If you wanted to try a heavier Morse album, give his album `Sola Scriptura' a go! The closest he's come to heavy-metal, lots of heavier riffs and aggressive technical w**kery lol! Not suprising the heavier elements are probably due to Portnoy and a member of Mr Big on lead guitar, but even the lyrics are quite bitter and spiteful in places! At least check out the lengthy opening track `The Door', one of Neal's best!

Edited by Aussie-Byrd-Brother - November 28 2012 at 06:41

Morse is *very* clever - not to 'bible-bash' his listeners - he's a man of dignity and pride..........and a Prog virtuoso......which I'm certain Rikard Sjoblom is working on............and getting there............

Tom Ozric wrote: Morse is *very* clever - not to 'bible-bash' his listeners - he's a man of dignity and pride..........and a Prog virtuoso......which I'm certain Rikard Sjoblom is working on............and getting there............

He's great. He may preach 'the word' but it's not in some sappy-fundementalist way where people can get turned off. I like Neal Morse, but in small dosages. Personally, I think his work with Spocks Beard is the best.

Just happy to spread the good word about new quality progressive music, of which there are just so many good things going at the moment! Man, 2012 has has some terrific modern prog albums, especially the most recent ones with really melodic arrangements and vocals - case in point, the most recent Big Big Train, Izz, Echolyn, Mostly Autumn, Cirrus Bay, It Bites, the Luccassen solo album.....damn, I'm just scratching the surface, I could just go on!

I know I hassle a bit about you `having to accept CD as a valid musical format' , but it's just that there's SO much good stuff!! I want the whole world to enjoy so many wonderful new prog releases!

And don't get me started on the endless stream of Italian/Kraut and electronic re-releases to fit in too!

But in keeping with the original topic - EVERYONE CHECK OUT `THE VOID' NOW - GIVE IT A CHANCE!

^^ Yes my friend. Neal will grow on you even if his music is deeply rooted on the Christian religion. As I've gotten older I've been far more open minded to such religious under tones in music. I also have a grand suggestion for you, and that is the works of Saviour Machine. Another Christian metal band, who I have suggested to our fine purveyor of prog AUSSIE Byrd. This is a fantastic band, that does teach us about religion but on a Darker Level. Front man, Eric Clayton talks more about the reign of Satan in the book of revelations. SAVIOUR MACHINE devised a 3 part trilogy devoted to the whole biblical story of the book of Revelations. It's dark, melodic and has major virtuaso in the music. I HIGHLY recommend SAVIOUR MACHINE's LEGEND pt 1:1,2:1,3:1. Really think you and Aussie Byrd won't be sorry. Give it a spin. :)

Also. SNOW is a good album. Takes a few listens to appreciate it, but it has the power to grow on you a lot. Aussie Byrd is a good friend. He did right by you there. :) enjoy my friend.

Why is Progressive music 'King' in our world ??????  You know, I am laughed at, ridiculed, even cast out because what I listen to, no-one has ever heard of, and when mentioned things like Ozric Tentacles, Hawkwind, Anglagard, Van Der Graaf Generator..........I may as well have 'the men in white coats' at the ready........................................