A Cup of Tea & Biscuits

Ruska by Apocalyptica from Apocalyptica (2005) Again, something that I haven't given thought to, but something that crosses my mind when I'm reading of, listening to or watching some grand departure. I'm not sure I would ban crying, because whatever is said, you do want someone to grieve for you at least a little bit. Because when you lose someone close and important to you, there is a void that gapes in your heart and soul and you know that it cannot be filled. I suppose for me, in this case, I would prefer a song that speaks of that void. The path to its healing come after, but at my funeral I believe I would like to listen to Apocalyptica. This song, whose title means 'autumn leaves' in Finnish, has all of the elements of sorrow and distress oozing out of it. The 'crescendo' always makes my heart wrench, always. It can be interpreted in many ways - like in this video for LOTR. I think it would be apt for me - it personifies my taste in music, my love fo...

Master Passion Greed by Nightwish from Dark Passion Play (2009) It reeks of rage and anger and raw, intense power - in the harsh-ish vocals and drums and guitar riffs. Perfect, don't you think? Following the exit of Tarja Turunen , Tuomas Holopainen , the marvelous poet that he is, wrote about how much pain she caused the band, and how they are coping with it. This song is a gathering of those feelings; Bye Bye Beautiful is the other. Following is an excerpt from Bye Bye Beautiful. Did you ever hear what I told you? Did you ever read what I wrote you? Did you ever listen to the words we played? Did you ever let in what the world said? Did we get this far just to feel your hate? Did we become only pawns in the game? How blind can you be, don't you see? You chose the long road but we'll be waiting! His expertise with song writing and music in general speaks volumes of his talents. And Marco Hietala . Ah, what can I say about this man that I have not said before ? I love h...

Rule the Word by Kamelot from Ghost Opera (2007) The opening of this song gets me into the head banging mode each time, the soulful wail of the violin has my heart lurching out of my chest as I wait for the low tone of Roy Khan (aah the voice gives me the shivers, all the good type ;) ) and the pulsating rhythms and Khan's building vocals! Thomas Youngblood is one heck of a song writer, and since Khan joined him, they've made brilliant songs and albums. I must admit that while I love most of their songs, the album with the most number of my favorites is Ghost Opera. LOVE IT! P.S. What is it with Scandinavian countries and amazing music that the rest of the world never understands? Sad update - I just found out that Roy Khan HAS LEFT KAMELOT!! :( :( OMG!! - band announcement was made in April, 2011. When a new day reaches dawn, I feel it's worth the wait But I tumble and I fall, when up against my fate When the barricades come down, I build it up ...

Our Solemn Hour by Within Temptation from Black Symphony (2008) The only song of Within Temptation that I've heard on the radio is ' The Howling ', even that I heard almost 3 years ago. Sharon den Adel 's voice is beautiful - she does make it on my list of 'favorite female metal singers' and along with the rest of the band, produces amazing music. Strong vocals, lyrics with deep meaning and beautiful symphonies. This song, Our Solemn Hour, begins with part of Winston Churchill's speech to the people of England. Sanctus espiritus ... yes, I would like to hear this on the radio, live, everywhere! Written by: Robert Westerholt; Martinus J.E.; Martijn Spierenburg; Sharon den Adel Sanctus Espiritus, redeem us from our solemn hour Sanctus Espiritus, insanity is all around us Santus Espiritus, Santus Espiritus, Santus Espiritus In my darkest hours, I could not forsee That the tide could turn so fast to this degree Can't believe my eyes...

Age of Shadows by Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Ayreon from 01011001 (2008) Arjen Anthony Lucassen is a genius. He's created an entire world through his music. Literally! Ayreonauts on Planet Y and all of the intricacies involved in living on an alien planet, trying to find oneself, expanding and exploring new horizons, even finding a new home (on earth). It's like reading a science fiction novel, except it's being sung to you with perfect space sounds! I love all of the singers that have contributed to this project, each of them unique in sound. I may have listened to this song a total of 10 times before I learned the lyrics, and no I did not cheat and look it up online! I was quite proud of having done that, and while I know the lyrics to almost every song I listen to this was the first one that popped in my head. [Tom Englund:] We never saw this coming, pride comes before a fall We never heeded the warnings, buried deep within us all [Chorus:] ...