Amberian Dawn

It was a quieter week on the Rock Band Network due to some server shenanigans, but that doesn’t mean there’s a drop in quality. Amberian Dawn lead the charge in terms of Playstation releases while the Xbox 360 had a pair of gems to choose from. With Rock Band Blitz coming over the hill it’s time to stock up on DLC and there’s no place better to look than the RBN!

Xbox 360: Vargas – Hoy

This song is unique in so many ways that it begs to be in your Rock Band collection, even if you can’t speak a lick of Spanish. Combining a swing style, potentially even ‘big band’ sound with breathy, raw vocals, Hoy immediately sounds different than most other Rock Band tracks. Couple that with the fact it’s in Spanish – complete with some brilliant harmonies – and you’ve got a song that’s fun to play, lively and just plain cool.

Keys take precedent throughout the song, with a jaunty feel that translates well into the Rock Band charting style. Anyone brave or talented enough to attempt it on Pro Keys mode will find a challenge that is especially rewarding – there’s so much to play that you simultaneously feel like the root and focus of the band as a whole. Chords, fiddly melodies and even a brief change in keyboard type make the keys track numero uno for fun.

Drums feature a swing beat that’s rarely seen in other tracks, meaning drummers will find something that isn’t necessarily tough but remains fresh to play. Meanwhile, bass offers a subtle yet pleasantly complicated accompaniment, with a few hammer-on patterns that’ll catch you out. Given the relative lack of guitar in the song, trumpets and sax are charted to guitar – something that always seems giddily silly but never fails to be guiltily enjoyable. Hoy can occasionally sound like a mash-up between a Bugsy Malone getaway chase and the Casino Night Zone track from Sonic, but that’s wholly a compliment to how awesome it sounds.

Vocals are tricky for non-speakers of Spanish but the harmonies are too good to ignore – the highlight being the bridge section with its extended and intricate sustains. Round up a couple of friends and you’ll be replicating the luscious sound in no time!

Sounds like: Closest RB approximation could be Brian Setzer, but it’s a little different.
Perfect for: Harmonies, keys, full band

Playstation 3: Amberian Dawn – Circus Black

The long-awaited release of a Nightwish track through official Rock Band channels should hopefully boost interest in Amberian Dawn this week. Three tracks coming to PS3 will undoubtedly help increase the band’s exposure and, being the most prevalent supporter of the RBN in terms of song quantity, Amberian Dawn are well worth your time. We’ve already had their song Talisman as a previous recommendation but Circus Black, from their latest album, is equally mentionable. Taking everything that makes Amberian Dawn awesome and then multiplying that by ten, Circus Black is a track of pure symphonic metal with all the trimmings.

Guitar and vocals are the main highlights here, although the other instruments also have outstanding charts as well. Operatic vocals are tough to replicate at the best of times and Circus Black features a stunning lead, in addition to demonic choirs, for singers to attempt. It’s all about range so gargle some magic Daltrey-brand mouthwash and put those vocal chords to good use. Meanwhile, guitar is varied in difficulty – there are downtimes where a slow alt-strum will get you through but the solo near the end adds a degree of challenge to the mix. Playing guitar with such an over-the-top orchestral accompaniment always feels special and Circus Black does not disappoint in this respect.

Drums are a relentless barrage of bass pedal and tom rolls. Steel those leg muscles for the challenge ahead – it’s a good selection of different patterns but that pedal will be a nightmare for most players. Bass and keys round out the track with charts that are equally difficult, especially the keys part that gives the song its demented circus atmosphere. For those looking for even more bass pedal punishment a 2x Bass Pedal version is available as well!

Sounds like: Recognisably Amberian Dawn, just on steroids
Perfect for: Vocals, guitar, keys

Throwback Track: Stan Bush – The Touch

With the buzz surrounding Transformers: Fall of Cybertron at peak levels, there’s no better time to remind people that Stan Bush’s classic track The Touch is available through the RBN! The song initially featured on the soundtrack to the 1986 Transformers: The Movie, although the version in game is a fantastic sounding re-record. If you hate the new direction Transformers finds itself going in, or are a fan of the series looking for a little history, then check out this slice of 80’s cheese. If you couldn’t care less for fighting robots then the track is still a contender for your digital bucks, given that it rocks!

Dripping in glorious eighties positivity, The Touch has everything: a no holds barred vocal anthem, soaring guitar solos and that special nostalgic feel, even for those who have never heard the song before. While the instruments aren’t always difficult to play – bass and drums aren’t particularly challenging – it still manages to feel fun, especially as part of a band. For some it might be a tongue-in-cheek piece of silliness, for others it has all the same ingredients that make Journey songs iconic.

The song was previously featured in Guitar Hero: World Tour as downloadable content but made its way to Rock Band with the help of fans and charting group The Authority. With two solos that are difficult but not impossible, solid charts for bass and drums as well as a vocal part that has been subsumed into popular culture, The Touch is a great song to have and now is as good a time as any to buy in!

Sounds like: Your childhood
Perfect for: Guitarists, vocals

Another week, another awesome batch of tracks! Will you be picking up any tracks this week? Are there any you’re looking forward to playing that have been announced?

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PS3 RBN DLC for 8/21

August 16th, 2012 | Author: OsagaTheGreat

Unless otherwise noted, all songs are $1.99.

Alternative

The Cold Goodnight – Hurricane *

Metal

Amberian Dawn – Circus Black
Amberian Dawn – War in Heaven
Amberian Dawn – Sampo

Rock

Jerry Naylor – Don’t Ever Change

Songs marked with * are $0.99

[Official announcement]

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