Review:
'HIGH COUNCIL, THE'
'Motion Denied'
- Genre: 'Heavy Metal'
- Release Date: '2007'
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Our Rating:
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The High Council (http://www.highcouncil.com) is a four-piece band that combines the instrumental complexity and classical influences of progressive rock with the headbanging rush of "...And Justice for All"-period Metallica and the breakneck chord changes of System of a Down. In other words, the group rocks and does so with a sense of purpose.
While there isn't much originality here, the High Council can definitely fulfill that late-night craving for heavy-metal thunder. The first track, "Samsul's Blizzard," opens with an acoustic intro that quickly reveals the group's prog-rock origins, most likely filtered through by listening to a lot of Queensryche. The lyrics seem to convey an environmental theme as Samsul is apparently some sort of ocean god who is going to punish man for polluting its waters. Just when you think such fantasy-fueled lyrics went out with the '70s, think again. As Samsul builds up his rage, so do the guitars, exploding into a wall of pyrotechnics not too far off from Metallica's "One."
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The ghost of late '80s Metallica (before they cut their hair and crossed over into pop) also haunts "Far From Home"; however, the crisp, chunky riffs evolve into an orchestra of white noise as guitarists Bob Saunders and Steve Donahue venture into their own form of wizard's magic, simultaneously assaulting and hypnotizing the listener. Killer stuff.
By the third tune, "Dystopia," the High Council enter the System of a Down sweepstakes; thankfully, they're not pale copies of the original, merely a group that is obviously in awe of them. To their credit, the High Council rip into scorching solos that'll build their own fan base.
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author: Adam Harrington
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READERS COMMENTS
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I've been following High Council for nigh on 3 years now and must say that they are well worth checking out. The music thrashes you, lyrics are intriguing, and the stage antics are amusing. Headbangers are always welcome up front where the band will come to interact with the crowd. Raise your fists, show the horns, throw up the irons because as they say "High Council will rock your face off, then rock it back on free of charge."
A point of note, the website is actually http://www.highcouncil.us
------------- Author: Coppermane
12 July 2007
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