FREE MUSIC MONDAY - AEOLIST

Coming from the UK, Aeolist is a super technical Progressive Metal band bringing creative thinking and off-time insanity. There's even serious touches of taste and melodic thinking in there. Formed last year, they've already managed to make some light ripples throughout the metal underground with their brand of heavy music. They played UK Tech Fest this year, for example (as a shred worthy replacement for Neosis).

The band just dropped their debut, self-titled EP independently (with support from our friends at Monolithic Music and Hold Tight! PR). And a great debut it is. From tracks "I" through "IV" the band provides a memorable aural assault with purpose and direction. (read the rest of the review here).

The entire EP is actually available for the price of your choosing on Bandcamp! Free counts as a price in this case. If you want to grab a physical copy as well, grab it here! This band deserves all the support they can get.

Links: Facebook // Bandcamp // Merch

AEOLIST SELF-TITLED EP REVIEW

Coming from the UK, Aeolist is a super technical Progressive Metal band bringing creative thinking and off-time insanity. There's even serious touches of taste and melodic thinking in there. Formed last year, they've already managed to make some light ripples throughout the metal underground with their brand of heavy music. They played UK Tech Fest this year, for example (as a shred worthy replacement for Neosis).

The band just dropped their debut, self-titled EP independently (with support from our friends at Monolithic Music and Hold Tight! PR). And a great debut it is. From tracks "I" through "IV" the band provides a memorable aural assault with purpose and direction.

When I listen to Aeolist, the big "P" word comes to mind... Potential. The UK has one of the healthiest, rapidly expanding tech-metal movements in the world. There are a lot of smart, talented kids picking up instruments and making awesome things happen. The flood gates opened years ago, but Aeolist has the talent and creativity to help keep it going. I have a feeling this band is only getting started.

The EP itself begins with the single "I". This might be the strongest track on "Aeolist", wasting no time as it punches into your eardrums. It serves as a great introduction, giving a great idea of what to expect. Listen through the full EP stream above. If you dig the track, here's some great news for you... Aeolist is offering up the six-minute "I" for a "name your price" download through their official Bandcamp page. Get it while you can!

The rest of the EP follows suit in the path carved by "I", all with their own strengths... and in some cases, weaknesses. "II" took time to grow on me, but I'm glad it has. It brings one of the most off-kiltered, awesome instrumental surprises on the EP alongside it's fury. "III" is a heartfelt and powerful track drawn into the instrumental introduction of track "IV" - really showing off this bands creative side. Melodic heaviness strikes back before beautiful instrumental music ultimately closes out the experience.

This is a great release but there are a few minor flaws present. First and foremost, it seems as if the band is still trying to nail down their own sound. Most of the time these guys are dead on, but there are small segments in every song where something feels awkward. Though that's entirely objective. Next up, the vocals are essentially good - but they could be stronger. Practice makes perfect. Other than that, these guys have more or less got it. It was tough rating this one, but in the end "Aeolist" gets an VIII / X (8 out of 10).

I already mentioned the potential here. Expect incredible things from Aeolist as they continue to mature as musicians moving into the future. Missing out on these guys might be a mistake.

Links: Facebook // Bandcamp

BANDS TO WATCH OUT FOR - AEOLIST / FIRST FRAGMENT / ABIOTIC

Here's a collection of three bands you'd best be keeping an eye on.

There's a new band on the verge of blowing minds. Coming from the UK, Aeolist is a super technical Progressive Metal band that brings all the shred and off-time insanity one could possibly hope for. There's even serious touches of taste and melodic thinking in there. Missing out on these guys might be a mistake. Be on the lookout for their debut EP dropping November 14th in association with our friends at Monolithic Music!

Links: Facebook // Bandcamp

Coming from Canada, Tech-Death talents First Fragment are definitely a band to watch out for. This is an incredible musical unit bringing evident purpose and direction. As with most bands in the genre, you should expect extreme heaviness, brutality, and technicality pushed to it's limits. First Fragment delivers all of this and more. Currently they're working on their debut full-length and from the sounds of it, it's going to be a monster. You can sample 2010's "The Afterthought Ectasy" below.

Links: Facebook // Merch

Coming out of South Florida, Tech Death 5 piece Abiotic have been tearing shit up (especially their bassist) since 2010. However, changes recently took place as they swapped one vocalist for another. Currently, the re-aligned band is working on a follow up to 2012's blistering "Symbiosis". Should be heavy \m/ Check the classic "Vermosapien" down below, listen to the new vocalist here, and be on the lookout for much more where that came from!

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Merch

FREE MUSIC MARATHON (LAP 1 / 4)

I'll be out of town for the next four days but I didn't want to leave The Circle Pit hanging. So here's something I set up last week to kill all the memory left on your iPod.

THIS IS THE FREE MUSIC MARATHON!

We've helped promote a lot of free music over time. This is the cream of the crop. And it ranges from big bands to the deep underground. Click a link, any link. You may just find a new favorite. No matter what, you'll find free music and tunes available for the price of your choosing. All of these artists deserve support, so don't be afraid to throw some dollars if something really makes you happy.

This is the first lap of four. 25 links a day. Let's go!

We'll officially be back in full operation on Wednesday.

The Safety Fire
Intervals
Heart of a Coward
CHON 

The Afterimage

Acrania
Cyclamen
Aeolist 
Rosetta
A.I.(d)
Native Construct
The Storm Picturesque
Ganesh Rao
Crow Black Sky
Polyphia 
Dorthal 

Things We Lost

The Ulex
Bend The Sky
Last FM
Maleficus Angelus
Remaining Chaos
Puig Destroyer

Breed of War

The Odious

AEOLIST SELF-TITLED EP PREVIEW

There's a new band on the verge of blowing minds. Coming from the UK, Aeolist is a super technical Progressive Metal band that brings all the shred and off-time insanity one could possibly hope for. There's even serious touches of taste and melodic thinking in there. Missing out on these guys might be a mistake.

Formed last year, they've already managed to make some light ripples throughout the metal underground with their brand of heavy music. They played UK Tech Fest this year, for example (as a shred worthy replacement for Neosis).

The band just dropped a teaser for their upcoming, self-titled EP. It's sounding damn incredible to say the least. The main event will be released independently on November 14th. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.

If you want to go beyond the teaser with an early taste of what's to come, here's some great news for you... Aeolist is offering up their six-minute track "I" for a "name your price" download through their official Bandcamp page. Get it while you can!

Links: Facebook // Bandcamp