It is available as a standard CD package, Limited Edition 2 CD package with instrumental and a cappella versions, 2 LP + … is rather experimental, Metal Allegiance is heavy as hell, Flying Colors is The Beatles poppy inspired, The Winery Dogs is down-to-earth classic rock and the lists goes on and on. Albums include Psychotic Symphony, MMXX, and … If their debut was the band warming up, then this is the band living up to their potential, with what feels like ease.Musically the band is in familiar waters as well, delivering a solid bland od classic and modern prog metal/rock. There is far more focus on and characteristic in the songwriting.
There is far more focus on and characteristic in the songwriting.
Joined Portnoy were ex-Dream Theater/Black Country Communion keyboardist Derek Sherinian, Mr. Big/The Winery Dogs bassist Billy Sheehan, ex-Guns N’ Roses/Art of Anarchy guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and ex-Yngwie Malmsteen /Trans Siberian Orchestra singer Jeff Scott Soto.As mentioned above all the band members deliver on colossal level with especially Soto impressing and Sheehan getting more room to prove just how unique his playing is. Two years ago, Portnoy took part in what might just be his most star filled project to date – Sons Of Apollo. There is still a gap between the vocal/melodic metal side of the music and the technical wizardry, but with MMXX they have closed that gap quite significantly when compared to the debut. You might consider helping us using the button below. “MMXX” Album ArtworkSubscribe to our newsletter for weekly dose of insighful posts about the world of musicSons of Apollo continues to bring their dizzying array of prowess in their respective instruments on MMXX, bringing the band’s sound to the new decade with a more focused collection of songs, and a more diverse range of influences and styles. Sons Of Apollo have more than adequately answered the call – these songs represent significant improvements over the debut. At the same time the band never compromises their prog metal base, staying true to the fact cemented by the debut – that this is Portnoy’s most Dream Theater-like project.Thanks to Sons Of Apollo 2020, or MMXX if you will, has started with a bang. The members’ initial chemistry and potential is brought to fruition on their sophomore album, with carefully crafted songs where shredding moments abound. Epicness and swagger walk side by side throughout eight tracks and sixty minutes of melodic prog extravaganzaWe work hard to bring high quality editorial content to our readers, and we are glad you keep coming back to us! The songs feel less as jams and their flow and compact-feel is ever-present despite often long running time. The songs feel less as jams and their flow and compact-feel is ever-present despite often long running time. O.S.I.
Since exit from Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has been bussier than ever and keeping up with all of his projects and guest appearance can be quite a task.
The album feels more diverse, but despite the diversity all songs fit well together, perhaps because the overall approach is consistent regardless the core of the song.
We'll be eternally grateful! With the release of ‘MMXX’, Sons of Apollo have delivered a perhaps heavier follow up to their debut, but one that doesn’t do anything that their first one didn’t do. Bumblefoot is still to deliver those bone-chilling guitar leads that he belts-out in Art of Anarchy and Guns N’ Roses.Sonically we’re on familiar grounds, but the production is more balanced nonetheless the drums which come across as integrated part of the overall sonic experience, rather than sticking in their own direction which as bit of case on the debut.And here two years after the debut the band is already ready with the follow-up. All hat, no cattle, and you just can’t help feeling cheated somehow. My only hesitation with this band?
... but many of the songs just aren’t much to wank home about.
As requested, here’s Sons Of Apollo / ex Guns N’ Roses Ron BUMBLEFOOT Thal album “Barefoot“, his first collection of acoustic recordings re-interpreting his own songs in a stripped-down bare form.