DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

NIGHTWISH & PARADISE LOST / LIVE IN CHICAGO HOUSE OF BLUES, IL

Nightwish is:

Featuring their new vocalist/front woman Annette Olzon (from Sweden), the Finnish metal band Nightwish took to the stage at the House of Blues in Chicago on Friday night, October 27th, 2007 in ferocious support of their latest release, Dark Passion Play. The crowd was more than eager for Nightwish’s original blend of symphonic bombast, metal crunch and ethereal beauty.

The entire crowd took constant pleasure in the band throughout the whole show. Nightwish delivered spot-on renditions of songs past and present from their catalogue. More than half of the set was selected from their latest cd, however, they dug deeply for a few gems from their past such as Wishmaster and songs from Oceanborn and Century Child. Under the guidance of keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, the band delivered each song as a surgical strike-sounding as close to their cd versions as humanly possible. Normally, this would be a detriment, but a band like Nightwish pulls this off with no problem, as they have much territory to cover with their powerful, multi-instrumental arrangements.

Although Nightwish is not as hardcore progressive as many might like, this show proved that they bring a symphonic quality to their sound that is decisively bolder than what most of their peers are doing. Holopainen is an accomplished keyboardist. Although not a flashy player he is an active and necessary part of the rhythm section-a responsibility he held down with excellence. Watching him on stage is even more entertaining knowing that he composes virtually all of the band’s material by himself. He performs like a proud father watching his children (the songs) shine on stage at the hands of his talented band mates.

Also worth mention are the skills of drummer Jukka Nevalainen and vocalist Annette Olzon. Nevalainen is an exceptional and spot-on metal drummer, who makes his duty seem effortless. Olzon comes off as a classically trained vocalist of high caliber who knows how to carry her own and present herself in front of a metal crowd. The combined talents, showmanship and humility of Nightwish made for an excellent show.

U.K. doom metal band Paradise Lost opened the evening. Frankly, I was looking forward to a great set by this band that has a musical history spanning back into the 1980’s. Their recordings over the years have consistently showed Paradise Lost as an artsy (dare I use the term progressive?), dark, doom metal band. But what the crowd saw that night was 5 musicians who looked like they were playing for 5 different bands and who each wanted to be in a different place. I assumed that the musical pedigree of Paradise Lost would have raised them to a higher standard in the performance, but it was not to be. Paradise Lost are a band to listen to on cd alone.

Nightwish's website: www.nightwish.com

Paradise Lost's website (myspace): www.myspace.com/paradiselostuk

NELSON LEE