Beardfish - The Void
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=90771
Printed Date: April 24 2024 at 11:20
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Topic: Beardfish - The Void
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Subject: Beardfish - The Void
Date Posted: November 25 2012 at 01:32
| Have Beardfish gone all dodgey and heavy ?? With the occasional growl, the monstrous, low-register bass and heavy riffing, this new album was a real punch-in-the-face for me, though it's getting better the more I listen. Quite a leap in another direction from 'Mammoth' (which I love dearly). I'm curious to hear some peoples opinions on 'The Void'. |
Replies:
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 25 2012 at 01:42
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! |
Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: November 25 2012 at 01:54
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The album really grew on me over the last few months. Wasn't really into it except for a couple of songs, but it's beauty reveals itself after many listens, unlike Mammoth which I immediately enjoyed. I don't know if it's better then the band's previous 3 albums, maybe 4, but it shows the band wants to evolve. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm 
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Posted By: Master of Time
Date Posted: November 25 2012 at 18:47
| 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.) |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:04
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Ohhhhhh, no-one wants to comment on this new Beardfish album ??? I've listened to this beast a few more times over the last few days and I'm lovin' it. It has somehow re-awakened the 'rebel' in me - some of it is truly heavy (and gives former, established artists in the same genre a run for their money) but these guys definately know their sh*t, and why not try something different ?............. Hats off........
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Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:09
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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 ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:14
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Dude, it's the damn `Dude that looks like the weird Japanese guy from Can in a dark fetish pose' front cover that's putting people off, I guarantee! (We must be real masochists - we both bought the LARGER vinyl version!) If only Roger Dean had been on hand to save the day, I think more people might be giving it a shot! OK, I sort of joke, but I think the `edgy moody' cover they chose just scared people off fearing a total `change of direction', which, despite the harder elements present in some spots, the album is not some radical rethink or change of sound. Just one of so many albums from this year that have revealed their charms by committing to listen to them over and over and finding their strengths. 
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Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:31
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progbethyname wrote:Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:36
you made me kack myself to near-death.............Damo Suzuki in fetish pose..............you really want to kill me ???
 .Yes, 'The Void' is growing on me BIG TIME, just like 'Chicago 16' - yep, the commercial, 'arena-rock' album from 1982, with 'Hard To Say I'm Sorry'............just to provide an extreme contrast................
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Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:41
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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! |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:44
Well the cover art isn't as vulgar as say ' Cannible Corpse' cover art. Yikes. . Also, not to say that their previous works are prosaically soft I just feel if the TEA PARTY and NEAL MORSE had a child it may look like a BEARDFISH. I am appreciative of both those artists, but I've always wanted both to get a bit darker, meaner. I'm excited. I'll give it a spin. Thank you friend!  ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:45
| 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............ |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:49
Love that album. Paul Gilbert's guitar work is awesome on that album. I've listened to SOLA a lot and it is, by far, my favourite work from Neal...the heaviest too!! That album is exceptional and yes.....THE DOOR....best tack on the album followed by the conclusion. Amazing, layered work. Morse with an edge at times. ;) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 06:53
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. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:14
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Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:30
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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! 
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Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:41
.........................but when you've come this far................................................
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Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:48
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^^ 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. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:51
I definately will. I also want to check out BIG BIG TRAIN. English electric is getting some serious high praise on our PA family site. :) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 07:58
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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........................................
..............................I don't stand a chance..............................but will stand up for my beliefs..................
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Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 08:20
I know, I still need to listen to Saviour Machine!! I promised you, and I intend to dig into their music. I'm actually deeply fascinated to see these guys' take on their faith and beliefs!! `Snow' is in some ways one of the more approachable `Beard' albums, there's a classy simplicity to much of the album, with a string of great straight-forward pieces, a number of knockout prog-blowouts and the odd dud! But it's a wonderful album, and really shows why Neal is probably the number 1 expert in combining accessible and memorable commercial melodies with technical prowess! Yep, the `Big Big Train' album is slowly revealing it's charms to me! You're right, I think it's one of the most praised and best rated/reviewed albums of the year on here! It takes the best elements of Phil's Genesis `Trick/Wind and Wuthering' sophistication and exquisite group harmonies and incorporates them in a modern sounding symphonic group. But although I'm off to bed now, when I get up again in a few hours, I'm going to put up a pretty rave review of the new Mystery album `The World Is A Game', which is a definate grower! Hmmm, I think I'll start work on a `Void' review too! There's hardly any at all - probably why Tom and I started pimping the album on this thread in the first place lol!
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Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 08:32
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Is this a Neal Morse thread or a Beardfish? Anyway I don't know why but every album I tried except for both Sleeping In Traffic, it just didn't work with me, including The Void. But I won't let go, I love this band. |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 08:37
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Sagi, it IS the place for `The Void' love, but the affection has wavered and shifted from time to time lol! I know what you mean about the `Sleeping in Traffic' albums, so much variety, endless musical ideas and much needed humour, they're very special albums! Probably been hard to beat, really! `The Void' does seem to have been very patience-testing for some listeners. |
Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 09:23
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Listening to it right now
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Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 18:09
| My oh my, the 3 songs on side 2 of the vinyl are INSANE !!!!!!!! Especially 'This Matter of Mine'. And that bottom-end bass (5 or 6 string) is just a pure knock-out - it should be illegal................ |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 19:52
You won't be ridiculed here. Your amongst your prog family now. Sometimes we have to leave the outside world to explore and fulfill our interests in music in a secret manner. we are like the STONE CUTTERS. The unknown club. Lol ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 20:02
No worries mate. Take your time. It's hard to get around quickly exploring the vast world of prog. I still gotta get back to you about THE GOBLIN box set. The problem is I gotta went till it comes in the mail. I buy 90% of my music online because the music stores around here where I live don't carry the music I like. I may cheat on the VOID though and find it online to get a quick listen so I can catch up to you and Tom. Lol ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 28 2012 at 20:42
Oh and FYI I love the album JURASSIC SHIFT. amazing album. We can always talk about that, but perhaps not here cause we will get in trouble with the BEARDFISH faithful. Lol ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: November 29 2012 at 02:19
I am just listening to 'The Void'
 . I don't know why I had to make a 'big deal' out of this new Beardfish album, but you know curiosity.......Ooooooooh, we belong to a 'cult'
 ........ |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: November 29 2012 at 06:29
A serious underground following. I tell though, it's one of the very few websites here at PA that are serious prog heads. I like be in the cOmpany of people who devote a large part of their lives exploring music. I can tell you are one of them. :) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |