It's not so hard to see a musical project living today. Sometimes, these projects are used by a particular musician to express his/her personal ideas, and on others, it's just a way of doing things on his/her own way, without having to deal with differences between the band members. AND JASON BIELER AND THE BARON VON BIELSKI ORCHESTRA's "Songs for the Apocalypse" is a kind of album that could fit on both sides.

Jason is a long time fighter in the Metal/Hard Rock scene, being active since the 80's, with his name linked to names as SAIGON KICK, SUPER TRANSATLANTIC, TALISMAN, and others. This album is his second solo album, and on its music, you'll find traces of Hard Rock, Glam Metal and traditional Heavy Metal, but with Modern Metal touches, cathartic moments with a clear Progressive scent, and with a strong melodic appeal, but created on contrasts of technical moments and some accessible parts. And it's a fun album for sure, that kind that the listeners will hear again and again without becoming bored or tired.

It seems that Jason took the responsibility to produce the album (I can be wrong, of course), and it songs in a very good way, defined, with strong instrumental tunes and the due dose of aggressiveness and weight. And it shines with some guests that are presented on the album: David Ellefson, Devin Townsend, Benji Webbe, Clint Lowery, Butch Walker, Andee Blacksugar, Bumblefoot, Clay Cook, Todd LaTorre, Ricky Sanders, Pat Badger, Edu Cominato, Kyle Sanders, Kevin Scott, Stephen Gibb, Jeff Scott Soto, and Emil Werstler.

For someone who aren't used to contrasts, maybe "Songs for the Apocalypse" can sound weird or hard to swallow sometimes, but as the curtains are opened, the massive weight of "Apology", the accessible charm of "Bring Out Your Dead" and of "Stones Will Fly", the clear Hard Rock/Progressive Rock appeal of "Anthem for Losers", the 90's Hard Rock embodiment of "Beyond Hope", the strong heavy approach on Glam Metal melodies of "Born of the Sun", the very good vocals heard on "Alone in the World" and the tender ambience of "Very Fine People" are the best ones.

Once more: maybe "Songs for the Apocalypse" can be hard for some to be assimilated. But the more you hear the album, the better it will sound. Thank you for such good experience, Jason.