Tonight - STEVEN WILSON, GHOST B.C. in Minneapolis

One my biggest disappointments is now not being able to attend tonight's solo performance from Steven Wilson at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis due to my post-surgical state. Metal fans may be familiar with Steven's exceptional production and performance work on Opeth's groundbreaking (and best) albums, Blackwater Park, Deliverance, and Damnation, as well as serving as producer or engineer for other artists such as Anathema. This eventually led to the Storm Corrosion project with Opeth guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt released in 2012. Steven is also the brains behind progressive rock titans Porcupine Tree, whose Deadwing album would probably land on my desert island list. I've seen both of Porcupine Tree's shows at the Fine Line, once on the In Absentia tour with Opeth in 2003 and again in 2005 on the Deadwing tour, and they were nothing short of stunning. Steven's current tour with his solo band is to promote his excellent third solo album, The Raven That Refused To Sing, that was released earlier this year. His solo albums don't rise to the godliness level of Porcupine Tree, but it should nevertheless be an amazing show. If you are a progressive rock fan, drop whatever you are doing and get down to the Fine Line tonight. This is an 18+ show that starts at 8:30; tickets are $22.50 at the door.

Check out the official video for "The Raven That Refused To Sing" by Steven Wilson.

Just down the street from the Fine Line at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis is the return of the mysterious Ghost B.C. with Ides Of Gemini. I reviewed the latest Ghost B.C. album Infestissumam here (6/10). It should be an interesting show, and I'd bet that songs from the new album will sound much better live. This is a 16+ show that starts at 8:30; tickets are $20 at the door.

Here's a live version of "Year Zero" by Ghost B.C., though all the pre-recorded vocals are pretty lame.

Album Review - GHOST B.C.

Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam

Loma Vista/Republic, 2013

6/10

Creepy and unpredictable, Ghost B.C. sounds like the evil bastard child of Blue Öyster Cult. The BOC comparison is especially apt with the vocal delivery, sounding like the melodic, aloof-sounding voice of Buck Dharma. The first half of the album rambles on with heavy use of organs and simple, bouncy guitar riffs that wouldn’t expect from what most people refer to as a doom metal band. It’s interesting, but the production and mix of the album Is horrendous. I love the vocals, but the keyboards and, especially, the drums are way too loud, the guitars too thin, and the bass is all but lost in an indistinguishable mess. “Ghuleh/Zombie Queen” and “Year Zero”, midway through the album, are able to finally rise above the poor sonics. Starting as an eerie ballad, “Ghuleh/Zombie Queen” veers into psychedelic surf rock that builds into massive chords in a Kansas kind of way that leads to a fast, epic ending. Meanwhile, “Year Zero” is built around a cool song structure borrowed from Passage-era Samael that will have you pumping your fists while singing “Hail Satan!” The only other song of note is “Depth Of Satan’s Eyes”, which shows signs of life with a driven, purposeful riff. Aside from the aforementioned songs, most of the songs left me bored, however, which is a shame because Infestissumam holds massive potential that is simply left hanging out to dry. I really admire the adventurous spirit and experimental nature of the album, but I can’t get behind weak songs hindered by a poor sound. I’ll wait and hold out hope that Ghost B.C. can get it right on the next album.

Ghost B.C. performs on Saturday, May 4 at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis with support from Ides Of Gemini.