The Best Live Releases of 2013 – Number 3

The only rule that I really abide by in my album of the year 2013 countdown, is that the music must be original. Therefore, there is no room in my list for live albums or DVDs. Normally, this is not a problem because I’m not the biggest fan in general of live releases in whatever format they come. However, in 2013, the situation was somewhat different, hence this blog post.

As the title of this post hints at, there were actually three live releases that I felt warranted special mention for different reasons. Two simply helped to reinforce a long held love, whilst the other acted as something of an epiphany, making me realise that I had been missing out on a very good band up to now.

I began by putting together a post mentioning all three, but I got a bit carried away with my reviews and so I have instead decided to create a mini countdown. In that case, first up but in no particular order, is:

Devin Townsend
‘The Retinal Circus’

Devin Townsend is a genius. Some refer to him as a mad genius and there is certainly an element of the plain bonkers about ‘The Retinal Circus’. Recorded at The Roundhouse in London on 27th October 2012 the show is effectively a ‘best-of’ live show that has been loosely wrapped up into a musical, with a story of sorts running through the show. It wouldn’t be Devin if it wasn’t something at least a little bit different and extravagant, though, would it?

I have seen snippets of the DVD and can confirm that the show is certainly an impressive visual experience, with giant screens, stage actors and even a gospel choir at one stage. However, I will admit to not having seen the entire thing due to reasons of time, technical difficulties and the fact that the audio experience is that damn great, I’ve been more than content to listen to this alone for the most part. As such, what I can say is that from a musical standpoint, ‘The Retinal Circus’ is absolutely stunning and it is worthy of a place in my Top 3 on that basis alone. Featuring live renditions of most eras of Devin’s career to date, we’re treated to some Ziltoid, a wonderfully brutal blast of Strapping Young Lad (‘Detox’ featuring Jed Simon) and everything in between, including his more recent forays into chilled-out acoustic rock.

We all know by now how diverse Devin’s back catalogue is, but what this album demonstrates so well however, is just how fantastic his entire back catalogue is. Is there a duff track anywhere on this double disc? Of course not. Does your interest wander at any time? Definitely not. At each turn, there’s just full-on brilliance. On the basis of this release, I have a new found love for many tracks, not least ‘Ih-Ah!’, ‘Planet Of The Apes’ and ‘War’.

Devin has been joined on stage by ex-The Gathering vocalist Anneke van Giesbergen and her stunning voice adds another dimension to much of the material. The other famous name involved is Steve Vai, who acts as the narrator in the musical and he adds to the humour of the show with his own understated dry wit. Speaking of humour, you cannot help but raise a smile or guffaw loudly at various parts of this show. Devin is at his cheeky, irreverent best and proves that, aside from being a musical marvel, he is also the consummate front man, uttering something amusing between and sometimes during songs, usually self-deprecating and with tongue firmly in cheek.

If you’ll indulge me, one of my favourite lines, aside from Ziltoid’s hilarious reaction to impending fatherhood, is during a slower track where I can only assume that the audience are participating in a ‘hands-in-the-air wave-a-thon’. In response to this participation Devin quips ‘anyone who listened to a black metal record today, is officially omitted from this arm-waving bullshit’. Classic.

‘The Retinal Circus’ is an album that radiates warmth and fun but, backed up by some of the best music throughout Devin’s impressive career and recorded with an impressive production, it is a release that cannot be missed. Are you a Devin fan? If you are, you need this.

2013 Is Not Finished Yet (Part 2)

My initial look at what was to come in the remainder of 2013 was based purely around albums that had confirmed release dates, that we knew would see the light of day over the next few months. But I inevitably missed a few out and in addition, I’ve been hearing a few rumours from various sources about possible releases on the horizon. So, here’s possibly a more intriguing (and potentially inaccurate) quick second part of my look at what’s to come later in the year.

For those who missed the original post, it can be found here: 2013 Is Not Finished Yet.

Fleshgod Apocalypse – “Labyrinth”

Just around the corner, Italian extreme symphonic metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse are due to release their third full-length release, “Labyrinth”. I’ve already heard this for reviewing purposes and can confirm that if you’re looking for an unrelenting and extreme metal listening experience with plenty of overblown cinematic bombast, this could be the album for you.

Iced Earth – “Plagues Of Babylon”

Where the hell is the hype for this? Maybe it is because the last album from the US power metallers was only released last year and therefore no-one expected a follow-up so soon. Whatever the reason, I only stumbled upon this by accident whilst researching something else.

“Dystopia” was the first to feature ex-Into Eternity vocalist Stu Block after the comings and goings of Matt Barlow. The guy did a great job on his debut outing with Schaffer and Co., fitting the band like a glove. The music itself was strong and so I naturally have high hopes for “Plagues Of Babylon”. Certain sources suggest an October release date, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Vanden Plas – “Chronicles Of The Immortals – Netherworld”

A new album has been written and recorded. There’s a track-listing too. However, no artwork has been unveiled and there’s no official release date according to the band themselves on their official website. Personally, I hope we see the new material sooner rather than later as the last couple of albums, “The Seraphic Clockwork” in particular, are fantastic slabs of crunchy, bombastic and epic melodic prog metal.

Pain Of Salvation – “Falling Home”

Now this is a mysterious one.I had heard definite rumours of a new album on the horizon and went off to investigate. However, any buzz seems to be muted and there is little by the way of official confirmation, aside from a small post on the band’s facebook page. Nevertheless, it appears we’re in for an acoustic album in a shared CD/DVD format.

I must admit that the last few albums from Daniel Gildenlow and Co. have left me a little cold. Pretty much abandoning their more metallic roots, Pain Of Salvation have ventured down a much lighter path, to the farthest reaches of prog rock, where inspiration has been drawn from many different genres along the way. However, the band’s earlier material is so magnificent that it is hard not to be interested when there’s talk of a new album.

Devin Townsend – “Casualties Of Cool”

The workaholic genius that is Devin Townsend inevitably features in this list. When was the last year that he didn’t I ask you?!

“Casualities Of Cool” is apparently a dark acoustic project, stylistically somewhere between “Ki” and “Ghost”, featuring vocalist Ché Aimee Dorval. As always, I’ll be interested in anything the mad Canadian produces, although my heart is set on a second instalment of “Ziltoid” and I’m hoping it sees the light of day soon.

Ayreon – “The Theory Of Everything”

Arjen Lucassen is, much like Devin above, a musical workaholic. His latest offering has been announced as being another trip into the world of Ayreon. I’m a fan of pretty much everything that Arjen has created over the years but Ayreon is arguably my favourite project.

There’s no official word yet on a release date or just as significantly, little knowledge on which other musicians are involved in the project. However, with a bit of luck, a range of some of the most talented and recognisable rock and metal vocalists will play their parts just as they did in previous episodes of Ayreon. Fingers crossed.