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Communic - Conspiracy in Mind

If you look up any reviews for Communic, you will find plenty of comparisons to Nevermore.  Fair or unfair, it's undeniable that these Norwegians ply the same progressive form of traditional heavy metal.  And then there's the fact that vocalist/guitarist Oddleif Stensland sounds a lot like the late Warrel Dane.  I'm not here to cast aspersions or use the "r" word (hint: it rhymes with "'zipoff"), though.  At the end of the day, the more music out there that can be described as Nevermore-esque, the better.  Conspiracy in Mind is their debut full-length, and it came out in 2005.  It's teeming with catchy hooks, melodic leads, and sophisticated arrangements.  Favorite cuts?  "Ocean Bed" and the title track, not that there are any weak links.  Check it out!

Sebastian Bach - Child Within the Man

Am I really dishing on a Sebastian Bach album in 2024?  Damn the odds (and the torpedoes).  Before you smirk disparagingly in my direction, I'll have you know that Baz's track record as a solo artist is pretty much spotless.  Don't believe me?  Scope out 2007's Angel Down, which ranks up there with Skid Row's finest moments.  It's not a competition, but for what it's worth, this stuff torches the modern iteration of his former band.  Say what you want about the guy; he can sing.  What is he, 94?  The fact that he can still hit some of these notes is low-key astounding.  Overall, Child Within the Man is a sprightly, dynamic slice of hard rock that features as many memorable choruses as it does guest guitar solos.  I think Orianthi plays on "Future of Youth."  I forgot that she existed.

If you can stomach the generic songtitles, I'd advise eyeballing "(Hold On) To the Dream," "Crucify Me," and the ultra-slick "About to Break."  Hey, you can't listen to black metal all of the time.  I mean, you could, but you can't wear corpsepaint in the rain, now can you?