[Review] O.S.I. ‘Fire Make Thunder’

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Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 22, 2012 @ 9:34pm
Category: Music / News

[Review] O.S.I. Fire Make Thunder
For those of you who don’t know O.S.I. (shame on you!), they could easily be considered a supergroup of prog metal masters. Featuring Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater) and Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) as the two staple members, their albums have seen appearances from Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth, Bloodbath), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), and several more. With credentials like that, this is a band that practically demands notice.
I’ve personally been a fan of this band for several years. That’s why I was so excited when I heard that a new album, Fire Make Thunder, was set for release. Now that I have it, does it live up to my expectations?

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[OMFG] OSI Announce New Album: Audio Samples Available

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Posted by JonathanBarkan on January 24, 2012 @ 3:16am
Category: Music / News

[OMFG] OSI Announce New Album: Audio Samples Available
HOLY CRAP! Talk about the best news I’ve heard so far this year! One of my favorite bands, OSI, is going to be releasing a new album entitled Fire Make Thunder on March 27th. They’ve already released the album artwork (above) as well as the tracklist and audio samples from the album, which you can check out below. Preorders have started here.
Formed in 2002 by Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Dream Theater), OSI has used guest musicians to create amazing electronic influenced prog-metal. This new album will again see Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) on drums. Gavin recorded drums for the band’s 2009′s Blood, which I highly recommend you pick up if you haven’t heard it. 

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Dream Theater’s James LaBrie Set For New Solo Record Release

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Posted by JonathanBarkan on July 23, 2010 @ 8:17am
Category: Music / News
Dream Theater’s James LaBrie is easily one of the defining, elite and naturally talented vocalists the world has to offer and after selling over a million albums worldwide he further challenges himself with an aggressive and dynamic new solo effort. The much anticipated new full-length offering, Static Impulse, also marks LaBrie’s first solo effort in over five years and is sure to please his legion of diehard fans, as well as win over many new devotees in the process. Be sure to stay tuned to www.jameslabrie.com for new information.
 
Static Impulse also features the immensely talented longtime songwriting partner and keyboardist Matt Guillory. Another notable performance is Peter Wildoer from metal titans Darkane on drums and screaming vocals. The group is rounded out by Marco Sfogli on guitars and Ray Riendeau on bass. Static Impulse is set for a September 28th release on InsideOut Music and was mixed and mastered by the renowned Jens Borgen (Opeth, Katatonia).
 
LaBrie states: “Hi everyone. The release of Static Impulse is one that the whole band is psyched about. This is modern Metal and as heavy and relevant as any other band out there going in a similar musical direction. There are riffs that will blow your head off and melodies both musically and vocally that are hypnotic. Get in the driver’s seat and let the ears bleed. Enjoy and see you out there with a tour to follow up and support this release.”
 
Guillory further comments: “One year and two months in the making and we’re finally done. I’m really pleased with the way this record came out. James sounds fantastic, as well as the rest of the guys. Without a doubt, it’s our heaviest record thus far yet at the same time, it’s also our most melodic. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
 
In addition to Dream Theater’s numerous studio and live releases, LaBrie has also appeared on releases by Fates Warning, Redemption, Trent Gardner’s Explorer’s Club, Leonardo The Absolute Man, Frameshift, Ayreon’s The Human Equation, as well as tribute albums to Rush, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Queen. 

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OSI Signs With Metal Blade

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Posted by JonathanBarkan on May 13, 2010 @ 5:37pm
Category: Music / News
OSI (Office Of Strategic Influence), the hard rock duo formed by Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Chroma Key, Dream Theater), has inked a deal with Metal Blade Records! The band has gained a strong underground following since its inception in 2003. OSI already has 3 full length records and an EP in its catalogue of music. Their 2009 album, Blood and includes guests Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth). Past participants include Mike Portnoy on the first two albums, Sean Malone and Steven Wilson on the debut, and Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) on Free. OSI is currently working on their fourth album and Metal Blade debut for a late 2010 release.
OSI’s music can’t easily be pigeonholed and is a completely different animal when compared to its founders’ other projects. The music is a combination of dark rock chorus’ with atmospheric, often industrial keys and is an eclectic mix of both Moore’s and Matheos’ influences.
Metal Blade founder and CEO Brian Slagel adds: “We are very excited to welcome OSI to the Metal Blade Family. I have been a big fan of the band and all of us here can’t wait to work on the new album.”
Keep an eye out for more news and updates as the band continues work on their new album!

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