X-PANDA is a
progressive metal band founded in April of 2009 in Estonia. The band has
not been around for long, but have built a reputation of great music
and stellar live performances. The band, which is comprised of Kaarel
TAMRA, Risto VIRKHAUSEN, Karl-Juhan LAANESAAR, and Tamar NUGIS, make
music that is both highly progressive while simultaneously accessible
and catchy. Their music has a powerful melodic edge as well as a great
metallic basis as well as jazz fusion hooks and enhancements. The band's
debut studio album, Flight of Fancy, was released in 2011. "Flight Of
Fancy" is a fantastic debut from a great new group. The production is
almost unbelievably good for a debut album and no serious fault can be
found, even when specifically looking for one. The choirs are real, as
are the violins. Plenty of synthesizer effects are thrown into the mix
to further emphasize the atmosphere, which is quite jazzy and always
adventurous. X-Panda perform their music with confidence and
professionalism. "Flight Of Fancy" features mostly instrumental music
that emphasizes strong songwriting and atmosphere. The overall mood of
the album is quite positive and energetic, but there are plenty of
deliciously dark (but no less energetic) moments along the way. When it
gets heavy, it gets pretty darn heavy, but never for too long. The riffs
and melodies are always catchy, fun and delightful and there are plenty
of surprises along the way (Dickybirds sounds like an epic battle theme
from a Final Fantasy game at points). The devastating closing number
"Revelation" is guaranteed to both make you sing along and leave you
wanting for more of the same. X-Panda have created one of the most
enjoyable albums that the prog rock/metal has seen in recent years and
they have earned their place in every prog fan's collection.
Line-up / Musicians
Kaarel Tamra/keyboards
Risto Virkhausen/guitars
Tamar Nugis/bass,vocals
Karl-Juhan Laanesaar/drums
Guests musician:
Teele Viira/vocals
Toomas Vana/trombone
Kreete Perandi/french horn
Mihkel Kalip/trumpet
Kristi Timma/violin
Tartu Youth/Choir
Discography
Flight of Fancy 2011
1.Intro
2.Black
3.Dickybirds
4.Flight Of Fancy
5.Siren
6.Journey Of A Dream
7.Keyboard Solo
8.Rhythm Department
9.Calm Waters
10.Crystal Gazing
11.Revelation
Listen or download X-Panda Dickybirds for free on Pleer
Listen or download X-Panda Siren for free on Pleer
Labels: Estonia, Progressive Metal, X
