{"id":10659,"date":"2023-12-20T23:58:34","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T04:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=10659"},"modified":"2023-12-20T23:58:35","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T04:58:35","slug":"preterist-blood-moon-rising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/20\/preterist-blood-moon-rising\/","title":{"rendered":"PRETERIST: Blood Moon Rising"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Surprise of the Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each year there is always the anticipation of our favorite artists\u2019 new release, and with that anticipation come the expectations. And always the inevitable process of comparison to what we\u2019ve previously experienced. But one of my favorite moments is when you discover an artist unbeknownst to your head or your ears who delivers a memorable listening experience \u2013 one without expectations \u2013 like a breath of fresh air!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, that band and release in 2022 was Thee Final Chaptre \u2013 So Let it be Done<\/a><\/em>. This year Preterist \u2013 Blood Moon Rising<\/em> takes the \u201csurprise of the year\u201d award. Originally self-released in 2022 as a digital only full-length, Bill Roxx (Roxx Records) was so impressed that he just had to bring Blood Moon Rising<\/em> to physical media on CD \u2026 and thanks to Bill for making it happen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preterist is primarily a one-man project at this time of Finland\u2019s Simon J. Kok who performs the vocals, drums, keyboards, orchestrations and guitars. However, he is joined by the notorious Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia), who contributes significantly to the shred, and Egon Veevo on bass guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hour is Late, the Day is Short\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the end of 2023 was rapidly approaching, it came to my attention that there were many releases this year which had been uncovered in these digital pages. It was put upon me (no, not by Doug, but hopefully by the Spirit) to remedy this situation. This exposition of Blood Moon Rising<\/em> represents the 12th<\/sup> review in a row since that revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One for each month of the year? The twelve days of Christmas? Hmmm\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless, this review will also in this late day and hour of the year likely be the shortest on Doc\u2019s editorial setlist. Maybe\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Review is Late, the Album is Long\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is far more worthy description regarding Blood Moon Rising<\/em> than I am going to be able to cover here but suffice to say this is one of those collections of songs which make you simultaneously smile, tap your foot and bang your head. Oh yeah, and along the way, there is the reveling in the impressive musical chops!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the greatest aspect of the music is that these songs have such a positive vibe. Even though some of the subject matter is heavier, there is a light-heartedness to the melodies which is rejuvenating. Additionally, the song execution is flawless, so that even though many of the songs clock in north of 5 minutes (and the album just north of 60 minutes), nothing here ever feels monotonous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, I attribute this to careful and creative songwriting plus contributions by musicians (or in this case mostly one) with a penchant for technical execution and an outright love for what they are doing. When musicians create music for the love of music \u2013 rather than the need to crank out another release for the sake of income \u2013 the results are exactly what you can hear on an album like Blood Moon Rising<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Style<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While several different descriptives could be applied, to me Blood Moon Rising<\/em> is commercial melodic prog metal like early Dream Theater, Vanden Plas, Threshold and Shadow Gallery. The idea is that while the music doesn\u2019t necessarily appeal to mainstream consumers (too complex, too instrumental), the music \u201csounds\u201d like that if those consumers had any sense, they would embrace the music. Catchy hooks, singable choruses, great rhythms and highly discernable vocals. You\u2019ve got all of that \u2013 plus the outstanding instrumental complexity\/execution \u2013 with Preterist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, there is the Euro power metal thing going on here as well which is just all the more reason to embrace the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vocals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kok has the pipes to take this band a long way. Well, that\u2019s what we would say \u201cback then\u201d when quality \u201csinging\u201d mattered. Seriously, his voice isn\u2019t abrasive, his words are clear, and he can carry melody exceptionally well. What more do I need to say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Music Production<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the recording volume is a bit below the \u201cindustry loudness\u201d standard, I love it! At low and high volumes, the EQ balance is great, just turn the dial to \u201cdial it in\u201d to your preference. Well done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Instruments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know exactly how Grimmark and Kok divided up the guitar leads, but it\u2019s all just so good. The keys play an integral part here, keeping this squarely as more prog, and they not only add great atmosphere but contribute to the \u201ckey\u201d melodies as well. And this drumming? If Kok is doing all this and delivering the high level of drumming exhibited on Blood Moon Rising<\/em> as well, then wow! Impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Songs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here is the cop-out part of this review. My normal approach would be to discuss all 12 tracks in some detail. Honestly, that would take me into the longest review I\u2019ve written this year. Let me say this, if you have been around long enough to have experienced the magic of Dream Theater\u2019s Images and Words<\/em> when it was released (or when you first listened to it) then you have a slight inkling of what is going on here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0I\u2019m not saying Blood Moon Rising<\/em> compares to that one in terms of impact, scope or even quality, but to listen to these songs repeatedly they just keep getting better. I can\u2019t pick a favorite (or even highlights) as all these songs are really good. There really isn\u2019t a boring or repetitive song in the canon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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