A REALLY GOOD BAND: IRIS DIVINE
Friday, March 6th, 2009 at 3:56pm by Vince Neilstein
I found out about Alexandra, VA’s Iris Divine because they sent us a message on MySpace. As the source of many a shitstain band, normally I don’t bother checking out bands who send us messages on MySpace because, frankly, who has the time… but I guess that day “divine” inspiration struck and I was turned on to a very good band. Iris Divine aren’t nearly as heavy as most of the bands we write about here, but what they lack in brutality they make up for in creativity. In just MySpace lead-track “Unspoken Tragedy” there’s elements of Dream Theater, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, Porcupine Tree, and Queensryche, seemingly disparate influences, but somehow it all works. It’s un-pretentious prog-metal with a very creative edge, really unique chord progressions and arrangements, first-class musicianship and a knack for songwriting to bring it all together.
So that’s my sales pitch for Iris Divine. They’re just really good. Check ‘em out.
-VN
I agree. They are pretty good. And I just don’t understand the narrow-minded view that metal *must* be brutal to be good. Or that adding any amount of melody – gasp! – makes something less metal. Might as well write off any forefather in the genre then.
I take it back…sort of. They’re a damn fine band. I’m buying the EP.
You were right with your band comparisons vince. could easily see a blend of all thise guys in this band
I am digging the band a lot
the balance of the mixing of genres is fucking great
shit’s pretty dope!
“normally I don’t bother checking out bands who send us messages on MySpace because, frankly, who has the time… “
Isn’t that the truth. Another great band from VA on myspace that doesn’t get enough credit it Absolute Vengeance. Check them out sometime if you get a chance.
That was pretty terrible shit… Any band that quotes tool as a favorite always turns out to be Shitty. I have a friend who is in love with tool. He fucking sucks and so does his band.
If you like Iris Divine’s music online, you have got to see them live. They put on one hell of a damn fine show, are total class, can hang with the thrashiest of the thrash and heaviest of the heavy, and are awesome drinking buddies to boot. They’re not afraid to smile and have a good time on stage, but at the same time, they can plow through Battery like nobody’s business. You have no idea how good this band is until you get to see them up close and personal. Amazing talent; absolutely amazing.
I too like the sound of this band… In the first few seconds of Unspoken Tragedy, I heard a bit of Tesla influence in the vox… Different is good…
Anyone who likes this band, would more than likely like this band too:
Exotic Animal Petting Zoo / http://www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo
They are Killer!
Ian