Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
Tackling the works of Ronnie James Dio should not be taken lightly. AjDIO is clearly invested in doing the legend justice. Ajda the Turkish Queen’s vocals were front and center, but it was her uncanny knack for RJD’s mannerisms that turned the set into performance art. The band was locked in. The guitar tones were spot on. On top of that, the whole night was put together to raise money for Girls Rock Campaign Boston. What’s not to love here?
Ajda and Tony from Black Fortress Of Opium stripped back the band’s work for a set at O’Brien’s. The gifted duo slipped into the alternate arrangements with ease, showcasing both the songs and performances.
Black Fortress Of Opium are mesmerizing. They pull you into their world with each new painted landscape and lingering melody.
Black Fortress Of Opium wove a beautiful tapestry of sound that draped The Middle East stage in intricate textures. It was a perfect backdrop for the haunting melodies that danced about the room.
Black Fortress Of Opium
Stratospherical
2012
Black Fortress Of Opium have crafted a weighty work with Stratospherical. The record opens ominously with “Blood Diamond”. The song features dynamic guitars* and bombastic drums supporting Ajda The Turkish Queen’s haunting voice. We stay immersed in this Led Zeppelin meets Siouxsie And The Banshees world on “Afyonkarahisar Battle Cry”, this time adding mandolin and a melodic bass line to the mix. “Blind” brings lush vocal harmonies to the fore.
Stratospherical branches out a bit at its midpoint. “Right Around Here” parts the dark skies with an indie-pop arrangement that would be tagged as upbeat were it not for the subject matter. The melody and vocal treatment make Ajda sound like an in-tune Liz Phair. Tony Savarino drops a timeless guitar solo into “Southern Hymnal”. “Cherry Blossom” has a killer swampy guitar riff at its core. The acoustic “Get The Timing” has an open feel that stands out among the otherwise dense production.
The album closes with “This Dark Clovd”. The song returns to the same exotic place that launched Stratospherical. We leave as we came, awash in a sea of swirling guitars and enchanting harmonies.
Where to get it:
* Check out the cool “Paranoid Android”-esque guitar line at the 2:38 mark. Awesome.
