Rose of Jericho

Posts Tagged ‘Rose of Jericho’

PS3 RBN DLC for 8/7

August 2nd, 2012 | Author: RockBandAide

Unless otherwise noted, all songs are $1.99.

Metal

I, Omega – The Ravenous

Pop-Rock

Prog

* Denotes $.99 track pricing.

[Official announcement]

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RBN Highlights: Rose of Jericho, Septicflesh, Nevermore

June 27th, 2012 | Author: James

As usual, this week saw another diverse bunch of tracks unleashed through the Rock Band Network. From returning favorites to Egyptian metal, this week’s recommendations cover a lot of genres, all of them offering something a little bit different and unique. It was a tough job to single out these three tracks for recommendation but there’s always the chance that others will feature as a throwback track in later RBN Highlights. For now, peruse these three choices and add something new to your Rock Band library today!

Xbox 360: Rose of Jericho – Romancing the Ordinary

A staple of the Rock Band Network since its beginnings, Rose of Jericho create mature, impressive pop/rock songs that are always a worthy purchase. Romancing the Ordinary, taken from their album Out of the Maze is a fantastic example of the quality of their songs and how well they translate into Rock Band charts.

The most distinguishing feature of a Rose of Jericho song has to be Andrea Russie’s intoxicating vocals. Romancing the Ordinary features some soaring, beautiful melodies and the addition of harmonies really benefits the song – the whole song has an eighties driving-song vibe to it, with the dual vocals really proving a highlight. The harmonies are slightly differing melodies which often turn out to be some of the most rewarding as it’s not simply a case of singing the same tune a little higher – instead you have to work out the alternate melody. Once you do, however, nailing the harmony really makes you feel like you’ve achieved something. The lead vocalist has a lot of range to cover as well – there are some wonderful highs to hit that might take a few attempts. Luckily, a lot of the note tubes are quite long, allowing the vocalist time to work up to the correct note.

Guitar focuses on a catchy riff that wouldn’t seem out of place in a blink-182 song. After the intro there’s a fun chord part that crops up in unison with the drum entrance before a run of triple- and double-chords spices things up a little. This is one of those tracks that really comes together in the chorus – drums kick into a driving beat with snare fills and simple yet effective pedal work. Bass maintains a steady yet interesting rhythm throughout and there’s even a nifty solo that reminds me of Bill and Ted for some reason. Add in a keyboard part that has a tricky chord section (as well as a slightly easier individual key section) and this track really stands out as a highlight within the Rock Band DLC library.

All of this for only 80MSP as well! Even without the bargain of a price point, Romancing the Ordinary is definitely a must-buy for any fan of pop, rock, female vocalists and expertly charted songs!

Sounds like: An upbeat Evanescence
Perfect for: Vocalists, drummers, guitarists

PS3: Septicflesh – Anubis

Well, this is certainly unique! A metal song with strong Egyptian overtones, Anubis by Septicflesh is a fine choice for anybody looking for something decidedly different to spruce up their Rock Band library.

Imagine the Hollywood scores of yore, the old epics set in the ancient world, yet performed instead by a metal band. The song wouldn’t seem out of place in a modern day ritual to some Egyptian deity. Every chart is fun (and rather challenging) to play especially should you choose to pick up the 2x Bass Pedal version for the drums.

For a metal song it’s also fairly easy-listening, potentially because of the hint of classical music thanks to the often present string section. The production values really add texture, offsetting the potentially abrasive vocals. Yes, there’s a fair amount of spoken/growled vocals but they work well given the context of the track and the sung chorus really has the feel of a chant to it, appropriate to the titular deity. Drums move between frantic pedal-heavy sections and much simpler yet equally effective rhythms, always keeping your attention while you try your best to maintain a note streak.

Guitar and bass are also very interesting – you might have to take a few seconds to adapt your ear to the strange songs at the beginning. Once the song is in full swing there’s a good amount of variation including triple chords, plenty of HOPOs and more. Bass can often become a bit of a strum-fest, but it all adds to the power and aural texture of the song.

For something a little different – and for one of the coolest band names to grace the platform – Anubis is more than worthy of your attention.

Sounds like: A metal reinterpretation of Hollywood epics
Perfect for: Drummers, metal fans

Throwback: Nevermore – The Obsidian Conspiracy

This week’s archive choice is a fantastically frantic track from Nevermore. The Obsidian Conspiracy is amazing on every instrument – blistering guitar, mental drums (that come, again, in standard and 2x Bass Pedal versions) and rich, powerful vocals that recall Serj Tankian.

You’ll immediately get the measure of this track with the crazy guitar riff that opens the song. Not even twenty seconds pass before a short but tricky solo segues into a descending run of HOPOs that are sure to cause cramp in many hands around the world. This immensely tricky pace never really lets up throughout the song – perhaps the chorus only offering an oasis of relative calm amidst the sea of ludicrous riffs. Add in a brilliant solo that is a constant zigzag up and down the frets and this is a must-buy for any guitarists up for the challenge.

Drums recall the best of Dream Theater with expert use of cymbals and a constant variety of fills and flourishes with the added difficulty of double bass available for those with the correct setup. The bass chart completes the rhythm section and, although not as difficult as the other charts, is more than satisfying enough for those thrill-seeking bassists.

The vocals really tie the song together – without them there’s every chance the craziness of the other instruments could appear like a wall of noise. Instead, the powerful delivery and tricky harmonies (very similar to the Rose of Jericho type of harmonies) really give direction and help the song coalesce into a brilliantly mad yet surprisingly catchy piece.

All three song choices today clock in at the five minute mark, providing even more bang for your buck. The Obsidian Conspiracy is five minutes of blistering riffs that are charted with expertise and, even if you aren’t a metal fan, is deserving of a listen.

Sounds like: System of a Down, in a way
Perfect for: Everyone looking for a high-tier challenge

That wraps up this week’s picks… We’re always looking for more recommendations so feel free to give us yours in the comments below!

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