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HOPE TO FIND

Progressive Metal • Turkey


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Hope to Find biography
HOPE TO FIND is a progressive rock band from Eskisehir, Turkey which was formed in 2003. The band released their first track, 'Dance Of The Flowers', in 2006 for the compilation CD of Eskisehir Rock Society. In December 2009, 4-track promotional EP, ''Still Constant'', was released featuring a video clip for the track titled 'City Soul'. The band toured nationwide following release of the EP and the most remarkable performance was with the Polish progressive rock band RIVERSIDE (Istanbul, 2010). Current band members are Mert ERDEM (Vocals), Alper DAGALP (Keyboards, accordion), Zafer YUKSEL (Guitars), Yavuz SOZKAN (Drums) and Koray ERGUNAY (Bass). In May 2014, the band has released their first full length concept album, ''Our Story About You'', by Mireille Music.

Biography kindly provided by the band

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HOPE TO FIND discography


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HOPE TO FIND top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.16 | 17 ratings
Our Story About you
2014

HOPE TO FIND Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

HOPE TO FIND Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

HOPE TO FIND Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

HOPE TO FIND Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

4.00 | 6 ratings
Still Constant
2009
0.00 | 0 ratings
4
2023
0.00 | 0 ratings
To the Moon
2023

HOPE TO FIND Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Our Story About you by HOPE TO FIND album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.16 | 17 ratings

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Our Story About you
Hope to Find Progressive Metal

Review by Aldebaran_Well

4 stars I hoped to find some good prog music but I found something more than that.

Sometimes, a band/artist/album has a weird impact on me from the first impression, a certainty that I and the music I'm about to receive are going to have a relationship of friendship and respect. From the first moment I set my eyes to the beautiful cover of the band with the amazing name, my hopes and expectations were high. Then I learned that HTF's place of origin is Turkey and my anticipation grew more. You see, I'm a big fan of Turkish and, generally, middle eastern rock bands and there is a good reason: you can always expect something different and unique from these bands. Maybe it's the richer cultural environment, the close relation with their musical traditions, the blending of the influences from both the East and the West, maybe something else. Whatever the reasons may be, the outcome is usually the same: there's something deep about their music, it feels more real, richer, exotic and colourful, music out of the box. Hope To Find is no exception and they totally fit in the above description.

Band members are Mert Erdem (vocals), Alper Dagalp (keyboards, accordion), Zafer Yuksel (guitars), Yavuz Sozkan (drums) and Koray Ergunay (bass), all individually doing a great job, as it will be described later on. They were founded back in 2003. Their first appearance was the song ''Dance of the flowers'' that was included in Eskisehir Rock Society compilation cd and ''Still Constant'', a promotional EP, was released in 2009. Obviously, the band has showed no haste and took its time to build a solid, personalized sound and to work thoroughly its compositions. The result justifies their efforts, as their progressive metal holds no clear indication about which their influences are. Ok, probably Dream Theater have influenced them, directly or not, at some time and maybe late 90's prog metal, in general. I didn't notice much classic prog rock sounds, probably a couple of Rush and Floyd parts here and there. On the contrary, there are some soft traditional and some jazz elements. My ears also picked up some modern grooves (especially in the rhythm section), suggesting that the band is no indifferent to good nu rock music of the past decade. Don't be mistaken though: Hope To Find has a very strong personality and they don't sound alike anyone.

Their style is melodic progressive metal. It is clear that the band's first aim is not to produce technicality and complexity but music that arouses feelings and emotions, beauty and sensitivity. Still, musicianship is remarkable: Mert's voice didn't get me excited at first but I soon realized the passion that fills his performances, his warm tone and mellow vocal lines contribute much to HTF's expressive gentleness. Thumbs up for the (few) mature guitarists of this world and Zafer is one of those: he provides a solid support to every track, both in rhythms and harmonies and rarely takes the lead role. Minimum solos and ''acrobatics'', mostly heavy riffing (Petrucci/Ostby style), trippy chords, jazzy passages and beautiful acoustic performances, this is his repertoire. Alper is HTF's key member: he seems to always choose the perfect synth sound to every part separately, fantastic keyboard work, really. In addition, he adds an amazing color by playing the accordion. Please use it more in the future! Yavuz and Koray's rhythm section is excellent too, these guys know how to be discrete without losing anything in dynamics and expression and, when given the chance, they perform more complex parts comfortably and precisely.

''Our story about you'' is a concept album consisted of 10 tracks, with a total running time of 47 minutes. The introduction ''Exile'' draws the curtain surprisingly with a trip hop loop, space textured synths and ''subconscious'' heavy guitars, demanding your attention and promising a quite unusual album. The main theme of ''Suddenly'' is magnificent and, to my delight, performed by the accordion. The song evolves into a mid tempo, dynamic and atmospheric manner and there's a breathtaking bridge at the middle. ''Yesterday, today, tomorrow'' begins in a darker mood, guitar and piano build a great harmony, eventually turning to a powerful heavy tune. ''Gently broken'' is probably the highlight of the album. Everything works perfectly here, the first jazzy part is excellent and all members give their best but above them rises the unique, supreme vocal performance of Erdem, his most magical moment in the album. ''Through the window'' is one minute of a sad melody heard by a clockwork music box that fades away, nothing but a brilliant, poetic idea. Keyboards take control in ''Instructional inspirations'', there are piano parts, symphonic parts, even 80's inspired parts and after 3.5 instrumental minutes, vocals step in, accompanied by an acoustic theme that reminded me a bit of Steven Wilson's style. There's a lighter-than-air, joyful and naughty feeling in ''Kaleidoscope'', a colourful track that ends up with an amazing bass solo, leaving me in a ''Hooray!'' state. The character of ''Worth to remember'' is a bit more technical and skillful, carrying some ''Awake'' vibes, while ''Memories'' is another 1.5 minute long interlude, a powerful acoustic composition that leads to ''Alienation'', the 10 minutes long final track of the album. The first 6 minutes are jazzy and acoustic, space elements can be found in the background and a touch of psych, all leading to a heavy climax, with rough guitar/keys combinations and a sentimental finale.

The album flows very well and all tracks are rightly positioned (though the best ones are in the first half). HTF's songwriting lacks choruses almost entirely, as well as solos and commercial parts but delivers adventurous, linear compositions, in which surprises may happen at any time. As said earlier, the entire band's creativity is focused in servicing each song's special feeling, musically and lyrically. The band sounds daring enough and, generally like keeping their musical horizons open. The only flaw of ''Our story about you'' is the production/mastering. I think that a lot of high and low frequencies are brought to surface, especially in drums and guitars, where I'd prefer the warmth and naturality of the midrange. Vocals are put above anything else in the mix but, to be honest, I like that. As a new fan of HTF, in the future I'd like to listen to a better production, extended use of the accordion and some more Turkish traditional music blended. A couple of catchy parts would be nice, just for variety. All jazz/fusion/acoustic parts are excellent so, why not dig deeper into this ground?

''Our story about you'' is something more than a very promising debut. It's a very good album that's intriguing, colourful and emotional, showing a band with the potential to achieve wonders in the future, if their musical spirit and freedom is reserved. I believe in the possibility of a masterpiece. In my opinion, this is the best prog metal album of 2014 so far (along with Need's ''Orvam''). If you care only for big names and mainstream prog bands, I don't believe this one's for you. If you're always looking for hidden treasures, Hope To Find will reward you. The most beautiful shells lie underneath the sand.

Finally, I want to thank the band personally, not only for providing me the promo material but for the kindness and professionalism they showed in our brief communication. It's obvious that the quality of music matches the quality of characters, as it always should.

With the highest expectations for the future my rate is 83/100, four very well deserved stars.

 Our Story About you by HOPE TO FIND album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.16 | 17 ratings

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Our Story About you
Hope to Find Progressive Metal

Review by Raccoon

4 stars Finally, a metal album that brings multiple genres to the table!! Too often I hear Symphony X clones, Dream Theater clones, but here, it's a whole different beast. It's refreshing. Accordion, synths, chunky guitar, xylophones, mellotron, anyone?? For an exceptional album that holds my interest throughout, I desire multiple instruments. I know, I'm picky. And there's plenty of diversity (through the instruments, at least) to be showcased here. From the brooding, quiet, almost-ambient techno-metal opener Exile, the fun Kaleidoscope, the stunningly-beautiful guitar-sliding, piano-gracing Gently Broken, there's a little bit for everyone. That's where the diversity ends, though. Yes, the accents are a bit thick, but I don't mind. There's plenty of effects/modifications that makes Mert's voice always appealing, and credit's due for conveying emotions through his many pitches.

Exile starts us off, unlike anything I've heard before. A heavy trance-induced song with a repetitious drum pattern (are those drums??) This builds slowly, but never quite reaching a peak. Until?

Suddenly comes on; a drum-slamming, accordion-playing romp. I must say, I've always admired accordions in metal music, though it certainly isn't common. I think back to Beardfish's "Coup De Grace," probably my favorite track from the band. Anyways, back on track, things get quiet, only a minute later to belt Mert's vocals, synths, (and what great synths they are!) and a hint of xylophones. The vocals are an acquired taste. After a few listens, I've realized there's power to each word he sings.

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow is a relatively shorter track, and doesn't quite reach heights till about minute 2. In those last 2 minutes, the musicianship is stellar; everything is in-sync. Each strike of the cymbals is reflected by the guitar, increasing tempo and catchiness. A growling guitar overcomes you, almost swallowing you whole. Inside, you still hear the music of nature outside (the mellotron quietly playing in the background, creating a remarkable atmosphere).

Gently Broken is a luscious track played through calmed drums, a grand piano, a jazzy guitar, and well, it may very-well be my favorite track on this album. According to their biography, they've played alongside Riverside, and perhaps I can hear some influence there? Mellotron comes into play, and then a turn for the heavy comes at minute 4.

I've always loved little ditties, and Through the Window is exactly that. Clocking in at 1 minute, it's a cute?though haunting?tune on the xylophones. Perfect break between Gently Broken and Instructional Inspirations.

Instructional Inspirations. A (mostly) instrumental that shreds. The guitar, piano, synths, and even strings are set for atmosphere. Love the first 3 minutes.

Kaleidoscope is a fun, giddy song focused on synths, uppidy wordless vocals, and most of all, catchy. Infectious. Some proggers may think this song takes from the seriousness the album revolves around, but even before this is brought up, I'll refute their claim preemptively!! It's nice to have some light- heartedness after the 25-or-so minutes of this looming environment the album evokes.

Worth to Remember introduces real metal vocals (for one second). This is when the album seems to run on its old energy, slowly running out of steam. Sure, this is technical, and perhaps some of the best vocals Mert's produced (in this album), it all feels like it's been done before through the course of this album.

Memories is a repetitive (though complicated to play, I'm sure) acoustic piece by Zafer (I'm assuming). Again, it's a great break, yet it's nothing too unique, unlike Through the Window.

Alienation is the epic's everyone been waiting for, right? It has all the ingredients; the xylophone, the swirling keyboards, great harmonizing, a perfect ambiance for a song titled 'Alienation.' There's multiple sections, but it doesn't seem to change drastically throughout. Personally, it becomes boring after a while, and while I love the first 4 minutes that captures the 'alien' vibe flawlessly, it "loses ground," to quote the song. It seems to repeat itself a little too much afterwards, with some solos between, still returning to the same ol' jam.

Tracks 1-7 I admire, and I hope Hope to Find has a long-running career. I'd like to hear a further development to their sound, since this represents many of bands' debuts. Great, but they now have the capability to venture deeper. I want a masterpiece, and I know they can produce one.

 Our Story About you by HOPE TO FIND album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.16 | 17 ratings

BUY
Our Story About you
Hope to Find Progressive Metal

Review by secici

5 stars Do you think people once you sit around the same table and talked about the music you most admire, will someday release an album and get beyond the level you think it could only be dreamed of?

Today I witness that dream come true.

This album gives the listener all wanted from a progressive metal album, at its best.

Without an unnecessary piece of solo, without an unnecessary piece of composition. You can recognize it is the approach of the musicians and chosen deliberately

Also as a turkish music follower, I also witness the spirit of Baris Manco & Kurtalan Ekspres, the ancestors of true progressive music in turkish music history is modernized and adapted to the 2000s musical trends and got back into the scene. That spirit have risen in the bodies of 30 year old new progressive generation of musicians.

Regards.

Thanks to aapatsos for the artist addition.

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