• Rami Rouhana’s Favorite Music from May 2015

• Arcturus – Arcturian

Recommended: Game Over, Warp.

Arcturus! Need I say more? Oh, sorry for those who do not know Arcturus yet … The band is one of the best in the Underground, in other words this band has immensely innovated in the music of today, covering several genres, blending much of them and creating new ones.

Arcturus is a star in our Galaxy which is called Haris-el-sema in Arabic, from حارس السماء ħāris al-samā’ (Wehr, Hans (1994). Cowan, J. Milton, ed. A dictionary of modern written Arabic.)

Arcturian is an Alien race and considered one of the most advanced civilizations in our Galaxy. “It is the fifth-dimensional civilization that is a prototype of Earth’s future. Its energy works as an emotional, mental, and spiritual healer for humanity. It is also an energy gateway through which humans pass during death and rebirth.” (real or not, here is the source: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vida_alien/alien_races01a.htm)

So, how does Arcturian sound as an album? The trivial first description would be Alien, a music infusing a lot of electronic effects while the metal riffs run alongside drums blasts. The vocal style of ICS Vortex is not the typical metal voice you hear but it is quite a good and versatile voice that fits the music. Give it few listens if Arcturus is new to you and then you will be hooked. One of their best albums, a well worth a listen is “The Sham Mirrors”.

Here’s “The Arcturian Sign”:

For fans of: Avant-Garde Metal, Progressive Metal.

• Patrick Saad’s Favorite Music from May 2015

• Leprous – The Congregation

Recommended: The Price, Rewind.

With one hit album after another, Leprous has been climbing the modern era Prog mountain since 2011. Their latest album “The Congregation” is a well balanced album filled with the trademark “Leprous” sound with memorable songs and experimental touches here and there (hints of their earlier Avant Garde sound). They have such a smooth flow in their songs although they really go extreme at times but still manage to sound ear friendly!

Here’s “The Price”:

For fans of: Avant-Garde Metal, Progressive Metal.