Jason Bieler And The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra - Songs For The Apocalypse

Jason Bieler was the guitarist of the legendary band Saigon Kick. Remember their sublime ballad Love Is On The Way. Saigon Kick lived for ten years then Jason founded Super Transatlantic, a band with which he made an album in 2000. Meanwhile, in 1998, he released a solo album, Houston We Have A Problem. In 2018, he released out Where Dreams Go To Die.

On January 22, 2021, under the name Jason Bieler And The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra, a new album named, Songs For The Apocalypse, will be released. Jason plays all the instruments but receives several renowned guests, as diverse as they are varied. And it's an album worth listening to. And even several times because the fifteen titles take us through several musical landscapes. It's strange sometimes, subtle often, and always technical. And surprising.

The introductory track, Never Ending Circle, is a strange and astonishing instrument. Children's choir, keyboards, acoustic guitar and curious noises. Welcome to the world of Jason Bieler ! Apology is heavy, reminiscent of Jason's work with Saigon Kick and even sometimes Dream Theater. The vocal harmonies are skilfully put in place and the interventions of the guitars absolutely shattering.

Video of Apology

Same thing for Bring Out Your Dead, on which Dave Ellefson (Megadeth's bassist) plays. The rhythm is as thick as the vocals are light. Devin Townsend's solo is as extravagant and technical as the rest of the song. A progressive atmosphere for Annalise, a soaring and tortured piece with a complex drum rhythm. The keyboard solo is unique, like the whole atmosphere of this title.

Video of Bring Out Your Dead

Stones Will Fly, My Only Hope, is slightly more classic, more accessible. The bass is here held by Pat Badger, bassist of Extreme, and the guitar solo is offered by Butch Walker. Down In A Hole remains heavy, technical and extremely groovy. The drum beat is complex here too, and Jason Bieler's vocals are very pleasant. Anthem For Losers is more accessible, rock with a pop chorus, sometimes a bit 60's. Here and there we can feel some Beatles influences in 2020 version.

Jazzy guitar and drums on the short Horror Wobbles The Hippo, to a horror movie atmosphere. Beyond Hope is an original title. It's a title Ron Thal should love. Besides, that's good because he's the one who plays the solo, as crazy as the title itself. It's exotic, dancing and oriental.

Video of Beyond Hope

I also really like Crab Claw Dan, which is also more accessible. The vocal harmonies are magnificent and the bass line irresistible. Fresh as an evening by the sea. Born of The Sun is progressive, arabic, rhythmic and Clint Lowery's solo (Sevendust ...) is technical even if a little short. Baby Driver is a refreshing short instrumental with a touch of electro. Alone in The World comes back to rock. Jeff Scott Soto is the vocal guest on the track. Fast, technical, progressive.

We calm things down with the ballad Very Fine People. Acoustic, pleasant. Four minutes of pure happiness. The last title FKSWYSO is melancholy. Sounds of onlookers, keyboards and nostalgic voices.

A slightly crazy, progressive, rock, jazzy, daring record, always of a high technical level that you will have to listen to several times in order to be able to appreciate all its sonic richness. Have no fear, get yourself this Songs For The Acopalypse, you won't regret it.

Tracklisting :

01. Never Ending Circle
02. Apology
03. Bring Out Your Dead
04. Annalise
05. Stones Will Fly
06. Down In A Hole
07. Anthem For Losers
08. Horror Wobbles The Hippo
09. Beyond Hope
10. Crab Claw Dan
11. Born Of The Sun
12. Baby Driver
13. Alone In The World
14. Very Fine People
15. FKSWYSO