Flower Kings Appreciation Thread

Harry Hood wrote: Tell you what guys, I'm honestly pumped for the new Agents of Mercy album and tour. So much so that I honestly wouldn't mind if the Agents become a full time band in place of the Flower Kings. I mean, I sorta doubt that will happen but if it does then Sum of No Evil is one hell of a swan song.

Can't really get on board with that.  Maybe after the new album comes out I'll feel differently.  The first one still doesn't do a lot for me, even though the live shows gave me a better appreciation for some of the songs (and some I liked anyway).  We'll have to wait and see.

I agree that SoNE is a good swan song, but I'd hate to think that was it.  As much as I like all of TFK side projects, not one of them really even comes close to the main band.

Greetings from a wet Manchester, anything happening apart from Portnoy's exit from DT ? They are producing a new album in 2011 so they must have a drummer lined up, maybe a change of direction in the next CD ?

Just watch out for Galleon's Engines of Creation.  I recall e-dub's having many unkind words for that album.

It looks like October is going to be the month of missed gigs for me.

M27Barney wrote: Greetings from a wet Manchester, anything happening apart from Portnoy's exit from DT ? They are producing a new album in 2011 so they must have a drummer lined up, maybe a change of direction in the next CD ? I am REALLY into GALLEON'S "From Land To Ocean" - although I have also re-visited Glass Hammer in the last few weeks. I think I will collect Galleons back catalogue, and perhaps get the latest Glasshammer effort. Anymore big tips for the next Symphonic Rock Masterpeice ?

All kidding about who the next DT drummer is going to be aside, if you read the bands official statement about Portnoy leaving, it's seems to indicate they are not planning on changing direction at all.  A shame really, as that band really needs something to get them out of their rut (mind you, I have enjoyed the last three albums a good deal, but there has been no real change in their sound or approach since Scenes).

I had that Galleon album on my wish list years ago, but am a bit wary of anything under the neo-prog label.  Too much of what I've sampled of that genre just bores me to tears.  On the other hand, I've always enjoyed IQ for the most part, like early Marillion, and have enjoyed some of the more obscure bands listed as Neo (Asgard being the best example).  So, would I like it you think?

As to Glass Hammer, I've read this new one is in the vein of Chronomotree, which is my favorite album by them.  However, I've only listened to a couple, and was not impressed by their live performance at Nearfest 2003.  I may have to pick this one up though.

Looking forward to the next AOM, which is up for preorder already.  I will wait until I can get it for a reasonable price though, from Greg Walker.

I am indeed just 50 miles from Uppsala. Iived mostly in north west london. Brondesbury(willesden area). I came over here a few years ago just to see Pain of Salvation. I just loved everything I saw here and houses cost almost nothing. £50,000 will be a pretty good detached house around here. Ha ha!
Now I live mid way between Pain of Salvation and The Flower Kings. Not a bad situation really.
Trouble is that we have just released our album and all the signs are that it will go very well. That means that the band must all get back in the same location. Not here I fear! LA or London. Aargh!
I love that I see POS regularly in their hometown free or a small place somewhere. Same with TFK of course. If I was a guitarist(which I am apparently), I'd like to be Stolt. Unbelievable that he is almost unknown(in the normal world) eh?
where are you?
Colin
www.bunchakeze.com

E,

I have it myself and really like it.  There's a lot of good stuff on there, espicially for a fan of the Flower Kings.  I'm still digesting the whole thing, but off the top of my head "Only my Blood" is my favorite so far.  There is a fantastic bluesy keyboard solo towards the end that blew me away the first time I heard it as it was so unexpected.  Hasse picked up a winner on that one.

Tom

How the hell is this thread still up? They don't even have that many albums. . . .

^  

Can I just say that in my opinion, their output is actually greater than almost any ather band(not Zappa of course). The sheer length of each album, with no real sign of fillers, is quite astonishing. Even the old fan albums added mode non filler material. They are the most astounding band and truly give you your money's worth.
Is this thread going to end soon?