[fathervic]

Hi there,
I'm looking for some suggestions to add to my music collection.
I've mostly been into thrash metal (Megadeth rule), but more recently have been listening to the likes of Tool and PT but usure of other bands to look at within those similar styles.
PT was introduced to me by Nigel from the Chord Co. and just fell in love straight away (with the music that is). Definately prefer the likes of In Absentia and Deadwing - I got On the Sunday of Life and it was way too weird and probably go as far in saying one of the worst albums in my collection.
Got the most obvious suggestions like NIN, a Perfect Circle, some Pink Floyd etc
Tried some Spock's Beard - found it too 'noodly'... Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
And as a suggestion from me, I picked up a great find a little while back from Fopp just for the hell of it as it was only £5...- Vex Red's 'Start with a Strong and Persistent Desire'. Stunning album and would thoroughly recommend it

[Floodedstatue]

Originally Posted by fathervic

Hi there,
I'm looking for some suggestions to add to my music collection.
I've mostly been into thrash metal (Megadeth rule), but more recently have been listening to the likes of Tool and PT but usure of other bands to look at within those similar styles.
PT was introduced to me by Nigel from the Chord Co. and just fell in love straight away (with the music that is). Definately prefer the likes of In Absentia and Deadwing - I got On the Sunday of Life and it was way too weird and probably go as far in saying one of the worst albums in my collection.
Got the most obvious suggestions like NIN, a Perfect Circle, some Pink Floyd etc
Tried some Spock's Beard - found it too 'noodly'... Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
And as a suggestion from me, I picked up a great find a little while back from Fopp just for the hell of it as it was only £5...- Vex Red's 'Start with a Strong and Persistent Desire'. Stunning album and would thoroughly recommend it

Sounds like you need some Opeth in your collection!! I'd start with 'Blackwater Park' (produced by Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson) or the new record 'Ghost Reveries'. Both albums offer a perfect blend of Opeth's dark/light side

You might also want to check out a band called Riverside. Last year's 'Second Life Syndrome' is influenced by PT and is in the vein of the darker/heavier PT records that you mentioned you prefer.

Lastly I would recommend underrated Swedish metallers Katatonia. Their last 3 albums are supremely good, though the new one 'The Great Cold Distance' particularly shines!

[PaulBoy]

Three great choices there by flooded
Another band I'd suggest you check out would be Devin Townsend especially Synchestra & Terria CD's
You mentioned Tool so hopefully you've got the new one already (?) If not get it! Amazing stuff & well worth the wait IMHO ... Paul

[probedb]

Totally agree with Opeth...absolutely amazing band!

[higenbs1]

The natural progression from PT is definitely Opeth, particularly if you like the more recent PT stuff. Anathema are also worth mentioning, particularly their albums A Natural Disaster and Judgement.

If you want to investigate further into the more mellow side PT, then both Pineapple Thief and The Pure Reason Revolution are worth checking out (PRR are my current fave).

I agree with your comment about On the Sunday of Life, it's probably their weekest (apart from the tracks Nine Cats and Radioactive Toy). However, their remaining back catalogue is extremely impressive though, perhaps not as heavy as IA or Deadwing. Stupid Dream is about to be re-released which is genius, and Up the Downstair, Signify and Lightbulb Sun are all worth purchasing.

If you get a chance to see PT live, you must go. They're even heavier than on record!

Every Porcupine Tree fan needs to hear Oceansize, especially if they like Tool as well.

[karkus30]

You might like Dream Theatre. Not to mention Rush and King Crimson, that are really the bands that revolve in the slightly heavier but melodic end of the rock spectrum.

Slightly skewed but still relevant, would be Faith No More, Janes Addiction the Melvins these travel a parallel path which is more rock and roll than pure progressive.

[fathervic]

Well folks...
Been out on my luch break and picked up Katatonia's '...Distance' and Opeth's Ghost Reveries. On a breif blast, I think I can get in to the Katatonia stuff.
Quite disapointed with Riverside as I couldn't find them anywhere so will have to do some searching on the net. So a big thanks to Flooded for his suggestions.
I'll nip out tomorrow again to check out the other suggestions so many thanks in advance to you other peeps...
As for the PT back catalogue, I'd rather hear some samples before I buy one after the disappointment of Sunday of Life.
Just out of curiosity, had anyone heard of Vex Red album I mentioned? they just seem to have no profile anywhere...

[Floodedstatue]

Originally Posted by Mandel

Every Porcupine Tree fan needs to hear Oceansize, especially if they like Tool as well.

Good shout! Oceansize toured with PT for a bit recently.

[Floodedstatue]

Originally Posted by fathervic

Well folks...
Been out on my luch break and picked up Katatonia's '...Distance' and Opeth's Ghost Reveries. On a breif blast, I think I can get in to the Katatonia stuff.
Quite disapointed with Riverside as I couldn't find them anywhere so will have to do some searching on the net. So a big thanks to Flooded for his suggestions.

No worries, mate. The Kata' album has some real subtle melodies. It's a hard-hitting and rewarding listen I think!

Just had a brief look and the cheapest 'In Stock' place I could find the new Riverside album was at AmazonUK.

[davidm]

Got to agree with the suggestions here -Opeth

I would add that Dream Theater - Train of Thought as a must buy as well. It is a good starting point for their heavier sound

[The Dude]

Originally Posted by fathervic

Just out of curiosity, had anyone heard of Vex Red album I mentioned? they just seem to have no profile anywhere...

They've gone mate , one album done then the singer went all pop-idol and broke up the band..
It's a great debut album, they were a great band (two of them anyway)
Ben (Drums) is playing with Killing Joke these days the last I heard from him....

Another vote for Dream Theater from me (it was actually Ben got me started on DT, with 'Images&Words' I think)...

The Smashing Pumpkins should also be hiding in your collection somewhere, if not already....

[fathervic]

Tool live - more tickets released but seem to have all been sold again (at least for the Glasgow gig)
Well, I went and ordered the Riverside album and I hope should be here tomorrow. Still don't know what to expect as I couldn't find any samples but Flood was right about the other 2 so can't go far wrong.
Have to say Dude, I never really got in to the Pumpkins...
DT have always been a band I've meant to go and check out but never got around to it *hangs head in shame*.
Still trying to find Mandel's suggestion - the shops here seem to be rather short so looks as if some more online searching is required...

[ultralight]

Here are a few suggestions:

CAVE IN: "Jupiter" / "Antenna"/ "Perfect Pitch Black"
CIRCA SURVIVE: "Juturna"
PEOPLE IN PLANES: "As Far As The Eye Can See..."
30 SECONDS TO MARS: "30 Seconds To Mars" / "A Beautiful Lie"
ARK: "Ark" / "Burn The Sun"
MARTIN GRECH: "Open Heart Zoo" / "Unholy"

As a long shot I'd also recommend MEW: "Frengers" / "And The Glass Handed Kites"

Nothing released just yet but also check out ENTER THE HUNT www.enterthehunt.com who should be releasing something soon. They feature ex Candlemass members and former Dive singer Krister Linder who is just awesome.

VEX RED split up a few years ago, the singer released another record under a new band name but I can't remember what.

[rOAdeh]

I'll also add in Chevelle as someone who try to emulate the 'Tool' sound - it's not as good by a long shot imo but still quite enjoyable

[skimber]

Three suggestions with a Steven Wilson link (vaguely!)...

At the mellower end of the spectrum I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Blackfield, the side project of PT's Steven Wilson with Isreal's Aviv Geffen. Great self-titled album and a new one out in the coming months hopefully.

Just been listening to Mabool, the latest album from Orphaned Land. Not heard it all yet but sounds quite promising. Think Porcupine Tree and Opeth meeting for a jam in an Arabian desert. S.W. has been tipped to produce their next album.

And last (and most tenuously!!) Pure Reason Revolution who's "The Dark Third" is one of the, no, THE best album I've heard in ages. Apparrently SW was going to produce the album but couldn't fit them into his schedule. I'd say out of all theses suggestions PRR are probably the closest to PT in terms of contrasts between light and heavy and approach to music, but with very much their own sound.

Definately concurr with Opeth, and Riverside aren't too bad either. Couldn't get into any of ultralight's suggestions I'm afraid... Seem a bit out of place to me... more indie, except for Enter The Hunt... quite liked "One" (It's not a cover Metallica fans).

And just for a bit of vareity check out "Peeping Tom", the latest project from ex Faith No More frontman Mike Patton, my no.2 album of the year with tool's 10,000 days at no.3

[fathervic]

hhhmmmmm... lots to process and digest. Managed to hear some of the other suggestions and definately feeling it.
Oceansize and Chevelle suggestions are certainly on my next purchase list. Also picked up Katatonia's 'Tonight's Decision' just coz it was there and have been thoroughly enjoying 'Great Cold Distance', and have to say... - a little disappointed. On this one they seem to come across as some kind of Paradise Lost wannabe.
Anyone heading to Download this year? Pretty decent line-ups with Tool there on the Friday - shame I'm away that weekend
I just hope Gigantour comes to the UK this year...

[fathervic]

my Lateralus on vinyl has been despatched today

[karkus30]

Suddenly thought of one you should get its the Deftones -White Pony have a listen to track 9 (Passenger) and you should recognise the vocalist...yep its Maynard from Tool.

Chevelle has been mentioned, I picked this up in San Francisco having heard it on local radio. Initially it sounded OK but really is not a patch on Tool IMO

[skimber]

Get Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine and have a listen to track 6 (Know Your Enemy) and you should recognise the vocalist...yep its Maynard from Tool. :D

Agreed on Chevelle... found them fairly bland tbh. Same with Oceansize, checked them out a while back when I heard that they were supporting PT in europe.... did nothing for me and thought the vocals were very mediocre.

[eviljohn2]

The Green Jellÿ album "Cereal Killer Soundtrack" has plenty of Tool connections although it doesn't really sound much like current Tool material...

Danny Carey is the drummer whilst Maynard provides vocal help in Three Little Pigs and is mentioned in the closing track.

[karkus30]

Seems there are lots of these. I saw the Melvins last year and it seems that Tools guitarist might have been on stage (I really cant remember as the line up does change). Dale Crover (Melvins drummer-superb he also took some part in the drumming duties in Nirvana) also performed in Tool. They were all involved in some way with Rage against the Machine and in various guises with Mike Patton. We could probably write a rock discography on how many connections there are to Tool.