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Recently in metal...
March 7, 2010
Vildhjarta - "Shiver" The music on this song is fantastic during the first bit. I wish this song was just that first 40 seconds over and over. However, GENRE BAD. And I apologize for the vocals in advance. They made me gag a little because, here on earth, in this reality, in this decade, someone thought those vocals were "cool" enough to record, and cool enough to record like that. Here's hoping the band's full of teenagers who haven't been exposed to anything better. The good news is, the rest of their songs seem to mostly be just technical metal... so yay for them. March 5, 2010
I was doing "research" today and came across this band's demo on Shiny Grey Monotone. It has three songs that are also all available on their myspace. Check them out, and try not to be taken aback by the Russian you find... It sounds like awesome whether you understand it or not. February 26, 2010
This song is pretty easy to like... Apparently they will live to kill again. Get it from the 2010 album Horse. Yes, they're trying not to be searchable on the internet. Nevertheless, you can find that song in their site's sidebar. February 13, 2010
I like how I can call me fucking around on the internet, if it's musically related, "research". I was doing "research" last night and randomly found this song as someone's live show video. I looked up the song and ended up doing some mass downloading all because I needed to find it as an mp3. In any case, it sounds...really...good. It feels fairly typically thrash but, you know, modernized for the kids who don' growed up on the em teevees. And fucking catchy as shit lyrics. I like the way the singer's voice is [produced] here, too. You'll find this on their self-titled 2005 EP. You'll also enjoy how the second song sounds like Black Sabbath after the first sounds like Metallica. Here's the vid (and check out the rest of that user's videos while you're at it): February 12, 2010
Dear White Mice, My neighbors are big fans of 90s rock. I generally wouldn't mind occasionally running into this music, even invading my sleeping and working space, but in the morning - barely hours after I've fallen asleep - every day for the last three days? No fucking thanks. My previous neighbors didn't understand that when I turned on Superjudge as loud as it would go and left the room for an hour that I wanted them to turn their fucking music down. I think it was a cultural difference. I did, however, enjoy the idea of my ignorant former neighbors having to endure my favorite Black Elk songs. I think my newer neighbors might understand that crazy, chaotic, intense music played at volumes far beyond necessary might mean I'm sick of listening to Hootie & The Blowfish when I'm trying to fucking sleep. And using said description to brainstorm a possible band I could throw on the stereo, I immediately thought of you and Ganjahovahdose. Unfortunately, I do not own a high quality CD version of this album, and I'm not sure a mix CD is going to be nearly as effective as one made legal. I suppose that's entirely my fault for being both horribly distracted and broke. All the same, I think they're getting "The Narcomacauleakcolicost" for dinner tonight. Love, saturnine PS. Narcomacauleekalcoholicost? PPS. lol, just read your about.com page: Pros February 11, 2010
Look what I "found" today, kids. An honest to goodness MSN blog article about a local band. If you read the whole thing, you get treated. February 9, 2010
Someone's been doing some leakin', and thus the album has arrived to the internet. It's actually late considering some in Europe already should have had this, but all the same... White Hills just released their self-titled album. Not very creative of them, but I'd put my name on this if I were them, too. It's wonderful. If you have 13 brain minutes to spare, check out the song "Let The Right One In". I can't help but notice the similarity of this name to a recently popularized Swedish vampire movie. The lost, droney bullshit you'll find in the song fits the movie style as well. Maybe it's a coincidence, but I doubt it. By the way, if you can tolerate this song, go listen to Headdress. February 6, 2010
I don't know what the fucking deal is with the numbers, but HOLY something-or-other! LISTEN RIGHT NOW. Apparently they're touring in support of 0130 (album name) with Ninth Moon Black here soon. Nice. PS. Blackwaves. February 6, 2010
I was trying to put together a comp of bands that have "evil" songs last year. I didn't finish it, but I kept the rough draft and consequently ended up listening to it many times since... particularly because of this song. "Evil Is" kind of reminds me of Children and, more loosely, Saviours. Early Man's toured with a bunch of different metal bands ranging from modern thrash to cheesy 80s power metal to stoner metal - from me you'll recognize Red Fang and High on Fire - so I suppose many other comparisons would make sense. Either way, give that song a listen. February 6, 2010
A few weeks ago, my pal Ren posted some Eggnogg song(s) online. Being still over-saturated, I skipped them... only to later have him post them at me instead. I gave them a shot, and sure enough, this live performance video 'did it': That's the song "Northern Lights". The songs on their 2009 album entitled III are each individually welcoming various states of doom, but this one is particularly mellow throughout. Even though it's accurate that they've been compared to Electric Wizard, it's an unfair way to approach Eggnogg as a first time listener. Despite being low and slow like said band, I think they can carve their own way with marching guitar bits like at the end of this song. You can also listen this and others on their myspace. February 5, 2010
I was wrong. [This. changes. everything.] Diesto's best song off their new album is "All Eyes Upon You". The title song is just a bit easier on the ears, easier to get into without a base. No worries, I'll change my mind again in a month. Or whatever. It doesn't matter what's "best". I just keep listening to it. Must be that long outro bit. It's weird how music changes with time even though recorded music stays the same, in present day case, forever. February 3, 2010
I can't... believe... I haven't posted this song yet. Two years, two and a half years!, and still nothing. And after listening to it eight million times, or 84 times since mid-2005 according to last.fm... 5 hours of my life, gone. "Blue Sky Mind" Naturally, of the Blue Sky Mind album that came out in 1996. It's too bad I didn't have a last.fm (or audioscrobbler as it was at the time) eight months earlier than I did, because then I might have a record of actually hearing this for the first time and be able to say something definitive like it was one of my first listened favorites, but I forget now what order these songs went in after "Electric Sleep". Yeah, it sounds like Black Sabbath. What are you going to do? Everything around here does. Odd, considering I tended to avoid Sabbathisms even when I was exposed to them growing up. Sunday is a shitty day, and even now after all of this I'm still cracking up at "serious" metal. That "then you know they'll tell you a story" line at 1:20 pleases the Gemini in me. No, the other one. Oh, and in case you haven't heard, there's a new Sheavy album out this year. Possibly even two of them... February 2, 2010
Good low mood, sleepy (but not unconscious) drone metal here: "Guns And LSD". They seem to come across as instrumental even though they have vocals. Those of you who're into anything around the heavy Isis to SunnO))) camp will appreciate them - and if it tells you anything, which it should, they've currently listed shows with Wolves In The Throne Room and Ninth Moon Black. February 2, 2010
I tried sampling OvO in the past, likely originally having something to do with them touring with Subarachnoid Space. I've given them a few chances based on myspace/vids, but the "dark" metal hilarity factor wasn't working out for the ten seconds I was going to give it. Recently, however, I got ahold of 2008's Crocevia... The first song "Ostkreuz" reminded me of Rabbits right off, though I'm not sure if that connection is authentic because I don't own the song I was immediately reminded of. All in all, it's actually alright even though the vocals sent me into giggle fits the first time or two. The second song on the album, however, seems like it's supposed to be obnoxiously funny. "Tiki 2020" starts with a really misleading drum/guitar bit, the song switches up, and then here come the vocals... I assume that's Italian or maybe German, but from across the ocean it sounds like nonsense language a kid randomly makes up and suddenly turns into a song. For some reason, I'm reminded A LOT of the Melvins circa "If I Had An Exorcism" despite them being literally musically dissimilar. As for a closer musical relation, I'm thinking black metally sludge layered in retarded humor. I wonder if any of these songs are about prancing through the dandelions... February 1, 2010
Tweak Bird just posted a new song to their myspace:
It sounds more relaxed than Reservations material, more in line with what's been seen of them live this last year. Still spaced the hell out, especially with the indefinable instrumental bit... oy vey. And today was Melvins' first day in the studio, in which they posted this video of their dual percussion abuse: Also, today I heard Trent Reznor's recording? Recording what, I guess we'll find out. Ditto on Parade of Storms, though I'm sure they're recording a Parade of Storms of album. And that damn TB song put me right in the mood for Ancient Age's "Angela". If she'd've listened to me, she would still be aliiiive. January 31, 2010
Boy, are the Grammys out of touch or what? ... That's like me asking you guys what the hell is the deal with airplane food. I'm out of it today. Yesterday was my day to recover, but it has poured into today. Strange since I didn't exert myself in any real way, but I guess it has been a while since I've had a show. I woke up with my arm really sore, probably from trying to balance myself and maintain a really small area (I had my arm up most of the time since it had nowhere else to go). And my feet fucking hurt, but that's usual news. I need new shoes. Musically(!), the Swamp posted the band Cosmotron over the weekend and what I hear sounds pretty nice. It's sort of a bridge between driven Kyuss-y material and what Weedeater does in terms of constantly sounding fuzzy. The "Gila Monster" song on their myspace right now is probably the clearest example of what I'm trying to say. In other words, go have a listen. You won't regret it. Time to go finish up that recovery process... January 27, 2010
And now I'm listening to the new Rob Zombie. Who knew this day would ever come. I didn't even know he had a new album coming out until the other day. I think I stopped really caring what he was doing musically at approximately the age 18, the week after I got "I'm Your Boogie Man" stuck in my head. I remember telling an ex that the song was stuck in my head and he had never heard it, so I sent him to Napster. Jesus Frankenstein, indeed. One of these days I'm going to get all nostalgic about the Swamp and that guy Spiritbeggar, who posted this album... So. Here we go. 1. Starts like a stereotype of "current" metal, ImmOpeshUggaHammer (bad comparisons, oh well)... and then moves into something else more classic sounding. Freakin' unfocused. I like the bass riff thing in the non-"hey" vocal parts. My guess this has made it to the radio already... I haven't listened to the radio in probably a year, so... who knows. Maybe you do. 2. Oh boy, a movie/sound track. Holy moly, that sounded familiar for a second there. It changed. Hmm. I'm taking it that this album won't be available at Walmart. What a weird concept... Oh, there we go with the familiarity again. What song is that? Electric Head? Yeah... a slowed down Electric Head. Maybe I'm wrong, I'm having issues here trying to identify the exact thing I'm hearing. 3. Another piece of movie. And what's this, Manson Magnet of Reality? I think I've heard this before... Wikipedia is telling me yes, I have. It's pretty easy. 4. Now we're gonna get southern/country emotional. Long intro, or...? lol. Okay, long intro. I like how bands think they're innovative by having completely irrelevant intros to songs. I wonder how long it took Rob to remember the lyrics to this song. He's getting old, I'm thinking two lines is one too many at this point. 5. More random familiarity. I think the proper way to say that was "when the night comes", not "when the night come" because now I'm wondering what the hell day come is. Perpetually 14... 6. Church bells = virginity. Oh shit, we're going black metal on your ass. Gotta dress in black rags and prance around the damn trees now, brb. WHITE PAINT. I HAVE STICK. DEATH FACE. 7. ... Well, it's groovy. Nice? 8. Wiki told me I may have heard this one. I'm not recognizing it so far. It sounds... like a song. 9. Fairly typical almost-the-end-of-the-album drawn out slower track... The undefinable borrowing is getting to me, though. 10. Another groovy style track... 11. Classical music meets metal: That's never been done before. Fairly good intro, though, and at least it works as its presented in the rest of the song. The [seeming] drum outro is a bit..long... though it comes back to song, song. Drum solo, then. Sarcasm aside, it's alright. Nothing shitty, but nothing that'll blow your mind either. Younger people or those who've only just barely touched on Rob Zombie (or metal of any kind) won't know the difference, and Rob Zombie's "image" will make it work, so I'm guessing it's going to do well and get good general reviews. January 24, 2010
When I did a quick search on Glazed Baby just then, I found this: If you're familiar with Glazed Baby, Whitey sounds quite similar... More doomy and, I suppose, relaxed in sound. Give a couple of those tracks a sample... "Texxxass 69" is easy on the ears albeit probably a bit overwhelming for the average listener, "Resurrection Day" is bluesy, and even though I normally skip passed live tracks, I'm liking "A Sinking Ship"... The most of you will find it part of a well balanced musical diet. January 24, 2010
Meatjack has a very lovely (beauty is in the eye of the beholder) song entitled "Cold Flight". I've been meaning to make this post for ages, now, but I keep thinking the song belongs to Glazed Baby for some reason and thus seem to lose the song. Perhaps I discovered these bands in short order of each other, but they do have some obvious similarities. Either way, the song comes from the 2003 album Days of Fire... and is virtually invisible to the internet community. You will benefit from downloading it at one of the obvious venues. It's pretty good. January 23, 2010
Mendozza has two new songs on their myspace from their upcoming (1/29) album Cabra Noche: "Sludgehammer" and "Witch Hunt". Nah, that second one's not a re-title of "Fairies Wear Boots", nope. January 20, 2010
Red Sparowes' new album is due out April 6th. Here's a pretty teaser: January 20, 2010
Salvador's album: HERE. Go listen. You've got options - pick one. Also, is it just me (no.) or did Kirk also design Diesto.net? January 20, 2010
Acid King. Busse Woods (1999/2004 reissue). I've heard this name floating around since I joined the Boris On Black Fire parade, but haven't bothered to get this until recently. That makes me ten years late. In reality, I'm probably only as late as I feel... so I suppose I'll be sterile forever. I'm glad there's nobody worth listening to who actually discusses stoner-sludge (of the 5 people) because then I can be the deer-in-headlights authority myself. In other words, commence listening or I'm going to cry and stomp my feet. Or whatever. It's a relaxed, simple, jam-my, Wednesday morning when you don't have work, kind of song. If you like that, you'll like this. January 18, 2010
Another teaser from the KARP documentary: There's also two other vids under that youtube account. January 13, 2010
New High On Fire track. In case you hadn't already heard. It's better than that shitty live video that was going around. Snakes For The Divine = February 23rd. January 10, 2010
This won't exactly follow a "first time's the worst time" format because I've heard over half of the album already, in pieces. For what I haven't heard in recorded format via Diesto's myspace, I've heard live. Instead, this'll look more like an actual review. Semi-professional writing here at Sounds of Sagittarius?! GASP.
To repeat myself and have an intro, Diesto was/is: - one of the first local (Portland) bands I listened to/liked High As The Sun is their new album. It's been recorded, but I don't think it's been turned into a consumer product yet as their former record label appears to be dead... Or something like that. Either way, it's not been "released" yet and I'm not sure when it will be. That sucks, but what can you do.
Recorded & Mixed in July & August 2009 Tracklist: For fans of: Isis, YOB, Baroness, Neurosis, Electric Wizard, current PDX/Northwest metal...
After listening to a few of these songs several times before this week and giving the album a couple of full front-to-end "spins", one thing is obvious about the new album: High As the Sun is far more introverted than Isle of Marauder and Outland, and I'm assuming Doomtown as well. The songs are more gentle and, overall, much longer than songs they've written in the past. On first listen, it seemed like an awkward, possibly "inspired" change in style after having grown used to what they put out with Isle - the album I discovered them with. Over the last few months that they've had the song "High As The Sun" up on their myspace, however, I've grown to really like it. Though it sounds little if anything like Isle of Marauder material in its strange feeling of (possibly ironic) optimism, it just stands out. It may actually be their best song to date, though I suppose I should give it a little more time to make such a statement. Still, if you haven't heard it yet, I recommend you do so even if you don't listen to anything else from the album.
An instrumental theme of this album seems to be a particular high, almost piercing guitar sound. In some songs, it's part of the intro or otherwise momentary, but in "All Eyes Upon You", it's immersed in how the song moves and changes. It becomes a bit of an overkill for me towards the end of the album ("Waiting For The Fall"), but some people like that, and it does add to the overall central feel of the album. Once the second track "All Eyes Upon You" hits around the two minute mark, it turns into a slow, groovy, non-violent headbanging doom-a-thon fans of Isis, Electric Wizard, and YOB will find easy to appreciate. After about five minutes, the song suddenly quiets paving the way for some super sad, shrill guitar and gradual fade-out. Followed by "High As The Sun", which comes across as stupidly happy regardless of all that bass, the songs are in direct contrast of each other. Instead of being awkward, the songs actually sit back-to-back quite well. Next comes "Lowlight". Here, the semi-optimism from the previous song becomes unhappy camper once again. The sadness from "All Eyes" seems to be more of a fearful distrust and self-hate here, particularly once it finds a background of semi-psychedelic instrumental psychosis one might find in the midst of a Wolf Eyes track or set to a horror movie scene where the protagonist has lost all hope. "Waiting For The Fall" then momentarily returns to a doomy beat and a comparatively lighter feel. Short of the tense intro, though, it's probably the weakest song of the album. Last song "The Longest Day" is what's typically expected of a final track. It takes a while to warm up, but once it does it comes across as one of Diesto's best. It's also the first on the album where you can almost clearly hear the lyrics short of the title words... and I mean "almost", as nearly all of the vocals on High As The Sun are well blended into the music and thus intellectually distant and ethereal rather than meant to be heard literally.
Once again, this album has yet to be released, but you should go listen to "High As The Sun" on their myspace regardless. In the meantime, they are playing a free show on Saturday, January 23rd at Duckett's (825 N Killingsworth) with Seattle metal band Hellgrammite and Portland's Honduran. I'm sure they'll play a few of these tracks for a better-than-myspace sampling... Edit: It seems Google's spoiling it for you all anyway, so: Diesto.net. Don't forget to support the band, folks. January 7, 2010
Song: "Gimme Back My Bullets" This song is relaxed and good for relaxing. I miss seeing these guys live... They don't seem like it by listening alone, particularly with a song like this that doesn't stand out above like most others they've done, but the two shows I've seen them do have been very nice. Warm and inclusive sound, and their stage presence is outstanding. I recall hearing/seeing this song and, despite being a bit underwhelmed by album listens, thinking it sounded great live. See, in trying to find a link, I just found out it was a cover. I had no idea.... because I was born in the 80s. Nevertheless, I've recently heard about them doing shows nowhere near here, and I'm jealous. January 5, 2010
I can't find any real information on this band, which is unfortunate. They sound familiar to some Portland/Seattle bands, and I could see them playing with a band like Black Elk or Rabbits. They're new and far, far away, so I doubt that's going to happen... but you may also notice the similarities. Two videos (of several I found). January 2, 2010
Song: "Antler Wings" Hey, like, this song doesn't bore me to death. Congratulations, Ancestors. It's a first. And possibly also a first for Ancestors to fit a whole song on a single side record... This split comes out sometime in 2010 from Volcom. I suggest you head on over to Volcom right now and sign up for their split vinyl club. January 2, 2010
I went through every album I mentioned in the former "top albums of 2009" posts and picked a song for every artist that I thought stood out, threw them all in a folder, and then spent hours trying to organize said songs somehow. Of the 70ish songs, I've only managed to make 25 of them fit together in a way I can appreciate. I thus made two comps... SWAMP MONKEYS THE SAGITTAL PLANE Swamp Monkeys is the lighter of the two. Though I play around with the mood a bit with Sagittal, it's definitely more "metal" as a whole. I've tried to include known artists as well as those that aren't exactly names in their genres yet. If you like any of these songs already, especially if you don't recognize some artists, download away. I swear, you'll be better off for it. December 25, 2009
Song: "Starlady" I didn't realize how "ironic" me listening to this band today was until I started to write about something else in this text box "for" you guys. I suppose nearly every band I like would be ironic, but yeah. Pentagram. .... I should do a show where the main character wants to change the name of Christmas to "circle jerks" and describes giving presents to ungrateful six year olds equivalent to "accidentally" coming on someone's face. This character will be a 54 year old alcoholic who was a minister until "that incident in front of 7-11". "I bet those Indians don't celebrate bullshit holidays like Circle Jerks," they say in a huff, pointing at some invisible person in the corner. Halfway through the rest of the rant, punctuated by a sudden "HEY!", the connection drops. I make a statement or two about the importance of mental health care and not being too proud for a weekly sit-down with a shrink. Two calls later, a nice-sounding lady finds the show and apologizes for her dad. They don't normally let him near a phone, but you know... you should be nice to everyone on Circle Jerks. The punch line is the obvious one about his daughter needing to go wash her son's face now. k thx bye! Heartwarming family Christmas stories make me feel more whole inside. I'm glad we could have this momentary time of psychological bonding, internet. Til next time I have something irrelevant to say about a song I like... love to hate you!! <3 December 6, 2009
Song: "Girth and Greed" Only the first minute and 33 seconds of that video is the song here. I wasn't paying attention when I downloaded this a week or two ago, but now that I've had to do the research, it's a bit annoying to discover the other band personnel connection (which, now, is obvious). Nevertheless, this song is pretty awesome and straight to the point, something Isis never achieves... I'm pretty sure you have two minutes to spare, so if you're as musically ignorant as I am and haven't heard this song before, check this out. December 4, 2009
Aww. Now that I've used that title, I can't use it again. I will mourn for the loss. That said, there's this band Damnweevil and they've decided to do the new streaming album on the internet thing, so go do them and likewise the business of music a favor: It's Always Darkest Before It Goes Pitch Black. Have to say I'm liking "Pay In Blood". If you can't get the player to work, it's also available on myspace.
Categories:
metal
December 3, 2009
Song: "Children of the Grave" I have a habit of turning on certain bands and, if distracted, forgetting I'm listening to music at all. It's 'just there'. Of course, this song doesn't just end... It ends with a long pause and suddenly repeating its title. I can't count the number of times I've been sitting here working away on something, forgetting about the music, and suddenly having "children of the grave" whispered at me at ridiculous volume... causing me to jump. Jerks. Also, I just want to let everyone in the movies know that when you do scenes involving the late 60s/early 70s or Vietnam, it's okay to skip out on the cliche "loud" druggie music to enhance the scene. You don't do it to the 80s or 90s or 2004, so feel free to stop doing it to Vietnam. We here on Planet 2009 understand that there was semi-significant music around that time without your further aid. Also, I'd like to note that glamourizing the 70s is proof that god loves fags. We're almost on the second decade of the millennium, here. People who lived through the decade turn into the 70s at ages where music was relevant to them are old enough to be in nursing homes, now. Get with the program. Note to self: Pretend to get with the program without appearing hypocritical having just posted "Children of the Grave" to the ol' bloggy blog. Also consider finding out which program I'm suppose to adhere to, perhaps while I also consider my open homophobia and why I can't use everyday language to describe things as opposed to non-PC language. When finished considering, flush. December 2, 2009
Song: "Esoteric Surgery" This is kind of low of the list of songs you need to hear by Gojira, and not exactly a good introduction to them as a whole... but it's catching my ear quite a bit lately. I thought it was sort of funny today when, talking about Saturn conjunct my Mars in my 12th house, this song came on random... "You have the power to heal yourself" is the first line. You have the power to heal yourself All illness can be healed Flesh bodies mute and blinded Esoteric surgery a dissection of the soul All illness can be healed Suspended floating in empty spaces I wonder if Joe has Moon aspecting Neptune. A lot of his hippy bullshit comes down to hallucinatory nonsense. Of course, I can't find his birthday. Also, I'm sure 30% of the population has "moon aspecting neptune", or some other ridiculous figure like that, so who knows what the fuck I'm seeing here. I have Moon sextile Neptune and I obviously have a bad handle on reality when it comes to my writing... Projection. Wow, that last paragraph was a useful contribution to the internet. I hope you're grateful. I know I am. Post! November 21, 2009
Song: "Triad" I'm glad I can sit through this whole album now and be unaffected. I am also glad it's still good, anyway. I am not glad that, in listening to it, it sounds like everything else I listen to lately. Musical growth? Nah, just new, subtle cover versions of "Triad". That's what I get for reflecting. I'm gonna go sit in the corner and cry about how I love Tool now. November 17, 2009
Song: "The Lie That Is Sin" The newest Yob sounds better six months and six days after its initial sting. Possibly due to deprivation, dehydration, and sleep disturbance. I kind of knew I'd like this better when I felt like stabbing a needle in my eye (as opposed to frolicking through a field of daisies). Holy long-ass intro into the actual "song" bit of this song. Did you know that Yabby's playing a show January 29th at Rotture with the band Bloody Panda? Now you do. Well, you do as long as the date remains in tact. November 13, 2009
Song: "Shaman Of Ur" This band is better than Them Crooked Vultures. And guess what? This band's album officially released today. I don't see a link up for you, the internet, to buy it yet... but all the same, you should tell these guys that you want to spend your money on their purdy wittle vinyl recording. Seriously. Especially for "Pyres", but this song, too. November 10, 2009
Song: "The Destroyer" Heh. This album was released the day of a new moon in Gemini and the first song is called "The Destroyer". If only I could hear the lyrics in order to figure out what the song's actually about. In any case, I love the energy of this song. ... Strangely, the first song that came on after this was "Over The Mountain", aka "don't need no astrology". November 10, 2009
Song: "I" I followed the Red Fang poster this way. Cliche as fuck name, but kids, that is exactly what they sound like. If you've been around me a while and you like the stoner metal and doom I post, this band should go really well with you. Seriously, on first listen I'm already impressed. AND!!! They have their album free to download. November 9, 2009
Song: "Ganges" I think this song is heavy but I'm just not sure. Please convene on the matter and report back. Yes, you have to spend $10 to find out. It's worth it, and you'll be supporting current Pacific Northwest metal while you're at it. November 9, 2009
Song: "Relics" Sounds like someone's been channeling the Wiz. (Or maybe that's Sleep. Hard to tell.) The other song they have up right now, "Weedy Gonzales" initially sounds like Salvador minus vocals. In other words, despite this being very new, it's warm and familiar. You're probably down for another dose of doom if you're still hanging around these parts, so have at 'em. Edit: Just a few days after I posted this, they took "Relics" off their myspace. The other tracks should do in the meantime, however. Also? I've been quoted. Sweet! November 4, 2009
Oh em gee, guys. High On Fire's tentative release date for their newest, already recorded album is February. And hey, look, a new song you can barely hear because someone has a shitty mic on their camera! Says the one who can't focus video after their camera starts recording, WHICH SUCKS.
Categories:
metal
November 3, 2009
Song: "Shot The Cat" Did someone around here recommend this band at me? It sounds like all/any of you who I talk to, so I can't recall even by educated guess... I also can't find this song online. Why not? Dumb. The lyrics are stupid, apparently about someone's drunken behavior, but somehow it works. Plus? Bass. November 1, 2009
Song: "Thong Song" One of the weaker Kyuss songs. And that's saying a fuck of a lot, since this song is great. And now I'm getting distracted by other Kyuss songs. I haven't listened to them properly in a while. I forget how much I love them... until I have an internal conversation with myself wondering who my favorite band is these days seeing as how I barely listen to Tool or Kyuss lately. It's tough to say. But after listening to "10,000 Days" and Blues For The Red Sun, I simply don't care anymore. October 31, 2009
Song: "Storm Shadow" I don't think I've posted this band before. Since this is my first time, I will start by saying I am far too girly to be listening to this and I have nothing worthwhile to contribute except to share it with you in hopes that you manly men can interpret it for me. Please and thanks. I'm going to get back to my Tori Amos now. Ladies, this ^ is you. Get on this now. Three women, all "girlfriends", at their shows is bullshit. Take that birth control and leave the house for once. You can do it.  October 29, 2009
Song: "Christ Hunt" This song's lyrics: KRAH MUH LAH HAK MEGH RARGH FLUUH. I've been listening to this a lot lately. Where did I go wrong? Hey, you can hear words on the Crucifire version! October 28, 2009
Song: "The Sweetest Curse" This thing is getting all sorts of ridiculous praise which I'm trying hard not to pay attention to. First time review aside, it seems it's actually good. It has that contrasted heavy meets light sound that I think Torche does better, and I'd still rather listen to Akimbo for the whiny yelling + heavy sound and a dose of entirely worthwhile, inspired, groovy beat, but all the same... It works. As is apparent, I love insulting music while simultaneously praising it. Sounds like I have self esteem issues I need to work on. Ha-ha! Never! You're all a bunch of fucking losers! I love you, thanks for visiting. PS. To the youtube person, I am actually ignorant enough to call Baroness a prog band. October 25, 2009
Song: "Eyeless" Heyyy. I haven't posted this song yet. I'm pretty sure I didn't care for this song at first, but it wore off on me over a few months. I suppose it inadvertently echoed what I was dealing with at the time. Some of the lyrics matched up well with my general thinking. It ended up becoming my favorite song of theirs, even well after I jumped off the bandwagon. Ten years... Weird. Then again, in ten years I'm going to be annoyed or embarrassed that I listened to [enter bands here] too much, so oh well. October 25, 2009
Song: "Naked" That video is completely youtubed in quality, but still... It's something. The title reminds me of this one time. I was talking to a friend online, and she was telling me unimportant bullshit as we all know women do. For some reason, she was describing what was going on around her in real life, even though I had absolutely no form of reference. Apparently someone knocked on the door for her dad, and they were outside. She noted that she saw them just outside the window. She said something like, That strange man is walking under the window now. And I said "Is he naked?" She replied, No, but I am. Please come and rape me. I'm so soft and impressionable. And I said, Bitch, I don't need your herpes. And then she cried. I could hear her sob even eight time zones away. And it was good. Anyway, the story ended with her LOLing herself retarded because I asked if that stranger was naked. I didn't realize it was that funny, but nevertheless... I still remember. The song is way better than my shitty story. October 24, 2009
Song: "Pyres" I haven't posted anything from these guys in nearly a year, and only the one song is not suitable. So here you go. This one is new - brand spankin' new, in fact. This doesn't even come out til mid-November. If only for this song, I suggest you get it. PS. BLURN! October 23, 2009
I didn't even know Saviours had a new album coming up. Well, of course they did, but I didn't know it was so soon until the internet sky cracked open (and so it was). Sounds like they did concentrate on new stuff at that show last month. And where the fuck did they get time to record this? They've been on a non-stop tour the last two years with every band that'd have them. That song that I thought was a cover is called "Slave To The Hex". If you find it, listen to it. Especially with the beginning, especially with a video I've yet to work on or upload, it's pretty good. October 22, 2009
Song: "Dulcinea" Annual overdose-on-Isis time again. It must be because they were one of my first artists here. I've been listening to that song a lot. (It could also be because of all of the damn rain and gloominess lately.) Looking for that post, I discovered that I haven't posted another Isis track since those first ones. What the shit? So here you go. As much as I pick on Isis and Isis clones, this song is pretty fucking amazing. Definitely a grower, so if you're not a fan of sitting still and listening to a song that's the length of 2-3 average songs, give it some time. The early middle and very end bits will reach your brain at some point. PS. Tool. October 20, 2009
Song: "Spanish Werewolves" I'm going to have to attach a laminated address travel tag to my pants so I get home safely from this one: Nether Regions is opening for FU MANCHU! here on Friday. !!!!!1~ I hate to be so enthusiastic when you all know I have no enthusiasm but I had caffeine today and this is AWESOME news. As I said before, Nether Regions were really good live last month. I hope Dante's and the Fu crowd treats them well. Oh, and Salvador(!!!!111!1`) is opening for them, too. October 17, 2009
Song: "Shitlist" Oh L7, you make'a me the happy. If it weren't for your warm lady voice and low bass & drum, I'd fear I hated all women singers-groups ever. Nope. I still think I should do a video for "Shitlist". Hate, even as representation, however, is exhausting. October 12, 2009
Song: "Reap What You Sow" This is me erasing those vocals in my head. This is also my first post in days. I have shit-all to say or share. I recall feeling about like this, this time last year. I wouldn't be surprised if I felt the same way in 2006 and 2007... so perhaps it's an annual transit thing (Sun conjunct my Saturn & Pluto). Maybe I could write about that. ... Too late. October 9, 2009
Song: "Christmas On Earth" This song sounds like its album title. ... Distorted. This particular song sounds like White Hills. The rest is more Monster Magnet after a crack bender, or any one of those psychedelic/"head" bands. And it sounds like the myspace/youtube version of the song is a little different, so you'll need to find this one as per the actual album... PS. Title immediately made me cringe, then I connected it with Zillagord, and life was good again. October 7, 2009
Song: "Turk, Taylor, and Jones" This stupid band has been stuck in my head all fucking day. Jerks. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it to their show here on the 10th, though I've been wanting to see them again in fresher circumstances. Here's hoping they make some decent money from their current tour and album release so they wander back this way again soon. October 4, 2009
Song: "Disciple" Has Slayer ever toured with Ministry at all? Some lyrical themes and some of the same sounds are familiar. In other news, it's hard not to like this song. October 3, 2009
Song: "Eyebone" I'm still pissed off and frustrated with existence. I wish Black Elk was today. "What's my NAAAAME?!" This song is to the musical palette as birthday cake is to one's diet. Completely unnecessary but the first couple of bites are great. 30 second clip (that says a lot): here. October 2, 2009
Song: "Queen" This'll hold you over. Because you haven't heard it before and it totally wouldn't be expected of me or the blog. Strangely, the second week in, school is already trying to kill me. Not sure if it's a conspiracy or just a delusion based on the previous three months of laziness. September 28, 2009
Song: "Geneva" If you're familiar with Russian Circles, this song is a bit unassuming at first. Once the intro and building up, post-rock crap is done with, it has some guitar work that... is spiffy. 2:22, if you lack patience like I do.... but it's more effective in context. Well, all Russian Circles sounds better in context... September 27, 2009
Or, rather, a documentary recommendation. I'm not sure where I originally heard of it since the file I found has been sitting on my hard drive so long... but all the same. You can find the movie online. As a warning, it's not very in-depth - more broadly considering of the whole topic. Therefore, certain genres and MAJOR bands I'm sure you know are not listed or discussed. Also, the first couple of minutes of the movie are all WRONG with the hand gestures. If people only knew how stupid they looked to someone who grew up in a family of deaf people. If you're going to be a douchebag metal "fan", try to at least keep your thumb in check. Similarly, a couple of those interviews/etc made me "lol". Especially the one with the guy from Gorgoroth. Granted I was laughing through the Norwegian black metal piece anyway, but holy crap... What theatrics on that guy. I'm surprised they stayed quiet through those pauses. I totally watched "A Little Princess" and "Stardust" before that movie. These and other reasons why I'm not accepted in the metal community. lol, again. One Nine time.
Categories:
metal
September 26, 2009
Song: "Monarch" Post-show musical bender complete. Enter new band here. The tension build up meets the 1:08 - 1:48 bit is, also, "nice". September 24, 2009
I forgot that I live in the mail void. Perhaps the KWC record will arrive tomorrow... In the meantime, I will suffice on a streaming version of Russian Circle's new one, Geneva. It seems less pointed than the previous record... less high, dotted sounds. But it sounds like Russian Circles. Maybe they've spent a little too much time around Red Sparowes, but it still sounds pretty "nice". This album should make it to the internet in .rar format in 3, 2, 1... September 23, 2009
Song: "Women" I can't hear all of the lyrics from this album yet, but this and a couple other songs on here made me laugh. This song is the most "insightful"... and totally lame. This goes really well right after the new Black Cobra. It's sort of like a cross between earlier Big Business (or Karp or...) and Black Cobra with a few songs. But yeah. Overwhelmingly hardcore/punk thing happening. And the worst kind of vocals, ever - "talking" singing. Like everything that was left over from all the why-me from Here Come The Waterworks and Mind The Crappy Production. September 23, 2009
I should get Kowloon Walled City's new one - Gambling on the Richter Scale - in the mail very soon. If it's not in the mail already (still need to check - my mailbox is halfway across the earth), it will probably arrive tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about it. I pre-ordered the whole set/package - shirt, black/silver LP, CD. I've been watching the KWC guys put everything together through their blog and twitter, and they announced they were shipping pre-orders eight days early. I got my shipping notification the next day. Assuming it's not in the mail yet, but tomorrow, they're five days ahead of schedule. Them's good business. In less direct to artist fashion, I also pre-ordered other albums due to be released September 29th. God Is Good by the band OM was one of them. I didn't care all that much about OM before, my appreciation has been pretty limited to songs like "Flight of the Eagle", but this album is too "good". Doomriders also has an album out 9/29, but I decided to skip it over until I've established a clear base with them. Of course, from all of my love-talk in the direction of Black Cobra since my first listen of "Sugar Water" last year, you should know that I pre-ordered their new album: Chronomega. Assuming amazon behaves, I should have the album sometime in the next two weeks. I woke up today and found it had leaked. I have the time today, so... Why not make a song-by-song "live" listening post? (breathes) Here we go.
1. Negative Reversal. Immediate thought: doesn't sound wildly different from the myspaced version. It'll probably clear up in experience in time, although I'm scared this might be a bad rip. Obviously I've heard this before, so there's not much to say. It's familiar to BC's earlier speedy heavy stuff. space. 2. Machine. Yeah, this sounds like a bad rip. Now I'm pissed off. Would it kill you leakers to maybe listen to your copies before spreading them everywhere? Maybe even tell us in advance that though it says it's 160kbps, it's really 96? I'll keep going, but yeah... if BC did this on purpose to their sound, they made a really shitty move and should be punched in the face for being a disgrace to themselves. This song sounds like it's going to need some time to sink in. I'm sure it would sound heavier and more stompy than "fuzzy" if it sounded right. Chaos does come out from the guitar, though... 3. Catalyst. Here comes the BC opera. Myst soundtrack, like one of those "scary", ambient electronic rooms you're supposed to be looking for something but you have no idea what it is. Uh-oh, here comes music. Now we're black metal. Oh, thank god, we're not black metal anymore. I can get behind this. It's on par with all that love I used to talk about, and still... wtf? sweeet. ... That was great. I like this one for sure. Fucking great. Even sounds awesome in shittiest quality ever. Very doomy after all that ambiance... what we like about BC. I drink too much tea break time! Second listen: yes, like. 4. Chronosphere. Dead world? http://cnc.wikia.com/wiki/Chronosphere Maybe time world. Headbanging material. Like that guitar sound. Really easy to get into. Got that stoner rock/metal driving feel. I think the vocals might actually sound somewhat relevant to the song. PETTING MY BOBO. Yeah. Yeah. Really nice, here. 5. Zero Point Field. Right off, testing the drummer's ability to not fail at his job. Kind of wavers into a slower pattern after that. Not as immediate as the last two tracks, but still pretty nice. ... Then there's a musical interlude. I'm expecting it to return to something. Will it?....No. 6. Lightning In His Hand Torche? SAVIOURS?! heh! The 1:30 back and forth thingy is nice. Something about it sounds really familiar, not sure where from. The middle-end is ...familiar Black Cobra territory. That's me not saying "nice" again. Another break. Cookies. 7. Storm Shadow Well, hi there. I didn't see you come in. Thanks for breaking down my door. I didn't need that, anyway. ...The little boys are going to lose their shit when they hear this live. I'm going to have to wear body armor. Nice. Very, very nice. 8. Glacies en Spiritu Wow, there hasn't been any real low point on this album yet. It's all 'intense' except for that piece in front of "Catalyst" so far. Again, semi-clear vocals that might be important to the song. 9. Nefarian Triangle OMG acoustic Black Cobra! lol. ...and it picked up, too. The ending is sort of quiet... very much in contrast to the rest of the album. (blink) And that's it. Well, since it wasn't the quality expected, this album is a lot like the first time I saw them live. The sound limitations of the room wasn't right for them, and though I got into them live and really enjoyed it, their set seemed too short and I was left wanting much more. On first listen, I already know I'm going to be listening to this a lot - especially once my CD arrives and I can rip this album for myself. Time will tell how it holds up against their EPs. With the lack of quiet periods or subtlety, so far it seems more chaotic and intentionally striking than the previous two. I'm looking forward to my vain attempt towards figuring out the lyrics, and, of course, hearing this album performed live. If you haven't bought this already, be sure to do so soon. In conclusion, my love... for Black Cobra... still so vast. September 20, 2009
[64] Diesto, Nether Regions, Rabbits, Saviours, Red Fang (2009) There were no electrical problems on my way to this show. Amazing, but true. This place was not nearly as crowded as early as it was last year for Witchcraft, playing the same festival on the same Saturday at the same venue. This was really nice during the first two bands, as there were decent views pretty much everywhere. Still, I really, really expected to see more people there for Diesto. Even Red Fang's crowd energy was a bit low considering... But, all in all, it was a "showcase" apart of a weekend festival. Obviously there were going to be plenty people there who were not aware of the bands or their full material. Diesto had a nice soundcheck. They played what seemed to be a full song (for their half-listening audience of ten). I was quickly reminded that this venue has really great sound for metal. I can only struggle to figure out what they played, but I think all of it was brand new material off their upcoming album, High As The Sun. I could be wrong on one of the songs, but it was all pretty mellow like I've heard from the new material put online so far. As expected, they sounded great. They played "Beyond The Graves" first... did a couple of songs... and finished up with "High As The Sun". Between bands I had some rare socializing, which was apparent after a bit why it's rare. One of the guys from NR gave me a dirty look once they hit the stage like it was my fault that this dude had his back to the band and wouldn't stop talking to me after I told him I wasn't fucking leaving with him. (Maybe I should have worn my new Mongoloid Village shirt...) But holy shit. Nether Regions were really good. They sounded really warm and some of their songs were fucking speedy, especially in regards to the drums. I will definitely need to try my hardest not to get sick or broke in the next weeks so I can see them with the similarly great Black Elk. And Mico de Noche, too. I've seen Rabbits before. I keep confusing them with The Ax in memory since I saw them both at the same venue with the same band (Ancient Age), but, er, The Ax works better for me. I wasn't into the most of their set. Strangely, this is when the crowd picked up and there were some clear fans in the audience. Saviours. I've seen them before. They were not like this time. It was like a different band entirely. I want to say something definite like they played all new stuff, but I'm not sure at all what they played. I only have properly listened to a little bit of Saviours' material. One of the songs sounded like a cover, though since it was so dissimilar from the rest of what they did/do. It sounded like 70s-80s speed metal. Motorhead? Either way, I liked it. As for their set as a whole, I had the same reaction as the first time I saw them: "I can't wait to see Fu Manchu." I think this is the break I took when I found myself standing next to two local promoters who I see everywhere on one side and at least two of the guys from Black Elk on the other. wide eyes. I finally said something in actual English words to Nate since last year's moment of dumb. And this was my seventh(!) Red Fang show. This is after skipping them twice this year to do things like not die of heat exhaustion and recover from the Melvins, so I suppose it could be worse. This... show... was... rea... lly... good. I'm not sure what it was exactly about this that made it stand out. They weren't doing anything onstage that was particularly unusual. Perhaps the sound was just better, all in all. Maybe it was internal, like I felt better overall and it effected how I "interpreted" the show. I looked at the crowd a couple of times and I didn't get an especially conscious feeling from them until the very end, so I know it wasn't run-off. Perhaps, just perhaps, it was their fucking setlist!  Since you can't read the first one under the David's pedal, here you go: Bird on Fire That's SIX songs that haven't made it to consumable record yet. And you know what? They all sounded fucking fantastic. Jesus christ, I love this band. On the way out, I thought I was grabbing a setlist from Aaron but it turned out to be lyrics for one of the songs. I have no clue which one and will need to update this once I figure it out. I'm thinking it's "Bunny Ranch" but the lyrics don't really give away enough to say for sure. Plus for some reason I think a song with such a name would have less serious words. I'll check it out in due time. Also, I was thinking that these guys might be getting fucking sick and tired of seeing me at every other show they've played the last two years but between me and mister enthusiastic arm monster standing next to me, I got a little love. Disbelief. After the show I wanted to ask Aaron what the hell's going on with Ancient Age since they never answered my email but he disappeared when I wasn't paying attention. I was also hoping to run across Mark of Diesto, but I skipped over the opportunity when I had it thinking I'd get another. Ah, well. I finally fucking went to one of their shows! That's something. September 15, 2009
Musicfest Northwest starts tomorrow. This MFNW is hardly what it was last year, but there are a few good bands scattered about the venues in town. Entrance is playing Holocene on the 17th, OM on the 19th should be decent. Their new album is fucking great - I hope someone brings in a video camera. Even just a digital sound recording would be great. For the majority of people who might read this, though, there is one show in particular that I think the lot of us should and likely will attend. But assuming you're unaware or need a little push... GO SEE RED FANG. They're playing Saturday 9/19 at Ash Street Saloon. They're supposed to start their set about midnight... However, due to the lack of actual metal at the fest this year, this venue ought to be packed well before midnight and you may have trouble getting in if you procrastinate. Seriously, don't show up late. The lines and crowds last year were ridiculous. Doors open at 7pm, and the first band, Diesto, plays at 8pm. Don't be a disrespectful fucking idiot and miss them. The other three bands are great in their own right, but if you like Red Fang, you need to show up for Diesto. They have a bunch of new material that I'm sure they'll be playing live for, what, the first time? Second? You can hear some of it on their myspace. It's pretty nice, and I don't know who I'm more excited about seeing between these two bands. Also, to cover the bases, Nether Regions will play at 9pm. I can't imagine them being anything short of decent despite not seeing them since their formation. I mean, they're opening for Black Elk and Seattle's Mico de Noche next month... And those myspace tracks are pretty doomy. Must be pretty good. Rabbits will follow at 10pm. They have a sort of punk/garage-y version of metal sound, sludge, sort of like Akimbo. They've played alongside pretty much every low-sounding metal band in this city plus a few punk/psych/experimental pseudo-rock bands. And then there's Saviours. Do I need to say anything about them? They tour a lot. They've hit Portland at least five times in the last two years. You probably know who they are even if you're completely unconscious on the local "scene". But yeah. Yeah. Really. You need to go to this. This show could very well be the last time you will be able to see Red Fang for the price of $10. If you have yet to see them, for the love of all music ever (but especially hard-rockin' metal), do it now.
Oh, and add yourself to the last.fm event if you're going! September 14, 2009
 This shall be the third Into Darkness festival since they began last year. The first was in March 2008, featuring such bands as Subarachnoid Space, Red Fang, Middian (who have since changed their name to Age Eternal), Russian Circles, Red Sparowes, Witch Mountain, Indian, Grayceon, and Agalloch. The very first day, with Subarachnoid Space and Red Fang, is one of the best shows I've ever seen - this is saying a lot, as I had only just barely touched on either of their discographies and I very rarely open up to a band on first listen. Unfortunately, I had to leave early so I ended up missing Middian entirely that night. They broke up just after this show. It sucks that I had my chance and missed it. The second fest was in October 2008. Here, SunnO))), Grails, Ancient Age, Purple Rhinestone Eagle, Trees, Thrones, Nachtmystium, Dark Skies, and Subarachnoid Space once again graced Berbati's Pan with their white-clad presence. While it seemed one of the days was reserved for a few touring bands who didn't necessarily fit what seemed to be the as-created local essence of the fest, a free fourth day was added onto the bill. Free. This is how awesome the people are who put this show together. On round three, there definitely seems to be a return to the first fest's overall local feeling. Similarly, these lineups have clearly been chiseled to represent a particular subgenre-based demographic per each day. Day one features Earth, the return of Subarachnoid Space both to the fest and to Portland after a States tour, Makoto Kawabata, and an Italian band quixotically titled ?aloS. The first day appears to be the dreamy, drone day - a gentle introduction into what is to come. Day two has more of a black metal feeling. Headlining is Agalloch - a Darkness veteran. They'll be sure to cause jealousy out of SunnO))) with their fog machine abuse and burning wood incense appreciation assuming opener Soriah alone doesn't do the trick. This show also includes Amber Asylum and Fauna, a name that lends itself very difficult to find a myspace/website for even though I'm sure it exists out there, somewhere. Day three is my favorite as it is doom day. Opening the show is Atriarch, a new metal band who was at least partially once responsible for Graves At Sea, who I am very looking forward to being pleasantly surprised and/or pleasantly disappointed by. Following is Witch Mountain, containing the guitarist for the currently on hiatus Iommi Stubbs, whose drummer is also the face of Nanotear, the promoter and creator of this entire fest and therefore default awesome. Ludicra then bridges the emotional gap between "Indian Passage" and "The Lie That Is Sin" for headliner YOB. The final band of the fest has gotten nothing short of respect between the fall of Middian and the release of The Great Cessation. This room ought to be packed with people who missed YOB's first Portland show this year, so my advice is to BUY ADVANCE TICKETS. All of these shows take place at Berbati's Pan, a block south of Burnside at 231 SW Ankeny Street in Portland, OR, Halloween weekend. Thursday 10/29 Friday 10/30 Saturday 10/31 If you are interested in attending all three days, buy a three day pass. Even if you're attending only two days, you may save a little money on fees if you purchase the three days pass in advance. In short, if you are within driving distance to Portland and you have the resources, go to this festival. Berbati's is one of, if not THE best sounding venue in this city and Nanotear's support for Oregon-based metal and the general music scene is unmatched. Go. September 13, 2009
Song: "Sweet" Sounds like Torche... I mean Floor... I mean ? I had a song by these guys hiding out on my hard drive a year or two ago... No idea where it went. Can't even remember what it was called. Damn. Oh. "New Cross". Thanks, internet. Yeah. That was/is a good song but I couldn't find material on them when I tried so I gave up. I think I was even going to post it, once. Randomly this album showed up online at a blog I read a few days back. I had almost forgotten about them. Nice. September 6, 2009
Song: "Cremation Ghat I" More pretentious hippy shit from Om. Did you see that interview they did for Such Hawks? Fuckin' stoners. I hope I don't ever sound like that and I'm serious. Still, this is Tool quality decency. It's out 9/29 just like Kowloon Walled City and Black Cobra and Doomriders. September 29th is a very heavy day this year. Get a pre-order if you like "II" on their myspace - the half-conscious blogosphere is already eating this album up. September 5, 2009
Song: "Sovereign Nocturnal" I just checked these guys out because they're playing a show here with Kylesa and Bison BC. For the bands I'm familiar with, these guys sound like a cross between Agalloch and Opeth. They have high compatibility with Wolves in the Throne Room, which is another obvious one. Any of these bands should tell you a whole fucking lot about what this band sounds like. The good news is, they're not quite so boring and may actually appeal to those of us who emotionally matured by the time we started listening to metal. If I ever get a concussion and decide I want to start a black metal band, I'm going to put a bunch of leafless trees and dark people in black robes on my album cover. Then when I have concerts, I'm going to wear pastel sundresses with neon pink hair and, between songs, tell my audience about cute things my pets do and how much trouble I have finding the perfect shade of lipstick. The doors will be, of course, locked when I start showing baby bathtime pictures on the screen. Then some random thinks-he's-tough heavyset leather-wearing guy in the audience gets ass-raped with a drumstick by Bertha, our drummer, on stage while I make the crowd sing "I'm Gonna Go Eat Worms". When she's done, I'll say "IF YOU DON'T FUCKING CHEER UP, YOU'RE GETTING THE MIC." And then we laugh maniacally. Feminism is awesome. September 2, 2009
Song: "Awesome Kong" Last year I went to a show intending to see what I could of Salvador and Kowloon Walled City. I hadn't totally listened to either of their material and had no real understanding of their sounds aside from obviously knowing I was going to get some kind of metal show. They both turned out to be better than expected, almost to the point of offense because I'd missed Salvador shows before and the audience at this particular show was a little unconscious. After KWC, this band I'd barely even researched hit the stage: Madraso. I had low expectations due to the lack of information and only giving their myspace tracks enough of a listen to know they were some hard punk hybrid of metal. The thing about myspace is that it reduces the quality of songs and tends to make them quieter. Subtleties are lost. With only a sample listen, I doubt I would have picked them up well anyway. They had bass. The two bands before sounded fine, clear... but it was obvious that the volume had been turned up when Madraso started playing. The lowness in their sound was fucking fantastic. Even when they went off into material that wasn't immediately appealing, they just plain sounded good. This song has a bit of that bass I heard - meaning, it's obvious, even being myspaced. The internet is telling me that it's a wrestler's name, and it does sound like some sort of combative pursuit. Also, I want you to listen to this video. It doesn't have much as far as visuals, but... sound. Good. (And hey, about the end of this song... had they been listening to "Lateralus"?) August 30, 2009
Give or take a day, October 18th this year is my 10,000th day. I wrote this in 2006. anyway, today... THIS april 20th? i get to remember this day as the first time i ever heard "10000 days". I heard Opiate, Undertow, and Aenima around the same time in my life. I might have overheard a couple of their popular songs on the radio before this time, but 1997 (when I was 15) is when I was first exposed to the band. About a year later, I decided to actively take an interest in the band's music. I listened to Aenima pretty much every day for a year, and therefore songs like "Stinkfist" and "Pushit" are strongly attributed to my teenage angst. Over the next few days I kept writing about the album, and my mind changed on a few things. Especially "Jambi". Fuckin' "Jambi". August 30, 2009
Song: "Fang" I'm pretty sure the moon doesn't do that. August 29, 2009
Song: "Scorpionica" When I first had Orange Goblin material, I was immediately drawn to a few songs and didn't care about any others. This is generally how I start out with new bands, and if they're going to impress me as a whole or fill any sort of aesthetic void in my life through other songs, it'll be a while before I know it. This is one of the songs that got through over time... "This is stoner rock/metal" is about all the song needs to be described. It's a little too white noisey for an introduction to the genre if you're coming from a radio background, but it moves well and there's that little bit of guitar fuckery in the middle that breaks up the hum so it's not "difficult". Then again, is any stoner rock difficult? No. August 22, 2009
Song: "King Beef" I hear an instrument or some kind of sound in this that I haven't heard with Torche before. Not sure what it is. It's the light echo sound (it's not present in the video) - you tell me. Also, it's one of the least "smiley" songs they have. August 20, 2009
Song: "Smoke and Mirrors" In a short time span, I found this on a blog and was sent it via email. I can't remember if the chicken hatched or the chicken existed in the first place, so... hi. I'm months behind on this one. Nevermind it being a year old to begin with. This sounds like someone stomping around, growl-screaming about not getting an extra scoop of ice cream. Mary got an extra scoop, WHY CAN'T I?! And they're like, this is what happens when you don't clean your room. STOMP STOMP STOMP. SLAM. And in the distance, you hear it clearly even though it's muffled behind a door, "I HATE YOU!" But it's not really hate. It's really love. In disguise. </LSD> August 19, 2009
Song: "Next Attack" Little slow on the start but then it goes all metalli-thrash. Nothing revolutionary happening here, but it's likable for its familiarity at least. Also, is it just the hair making them look young, or were these guys not even born yet when Metallica became a household name? Not that there's anything necessarily wrong with that... but, yeah. Weird. August 19, 2009
Song: "Dark Horse" All it takes is one gateway song until you're onto more songs and then harder bands and sooner or later you're listening to hardcore metal all the time. This one gets really good at two minutes in. Listen to "Plagues", too, while you're at it. It has the "doom" more of you around here appreciate. August 18, 2009
Song: "Retina Sees Rewind" I didn't realize Cave In could be good. Sounds like Torche. Those of you who know what "view source" means might be having nice times at my blog these days. If you have firefox it'll come up green. There's better ones in my history... August 17, 2009
These guys don't sound like my inner thoughts at all. Which leads us to the question... what do my inner thoughts sound like? Nope, nobody wants an answer to this question. Just check out the vids they have on their profile. August 16, 2009
Song: "See Thru" "WHAT IS YOUR FUCKING PROB-LEM?!" Yeah, the intro to this song isn't remotely sincere sounding. Sounds like a couple of 20 years olds in a fight about who's going to do laundry and the guy just stands there in silence looking embarrassed by existence and she's thinking in her head that he's jacking off in his mind over some other girl, perhaps, if I could believe his "trying to be angsty for the record" response. And he's low. So low... It's all his fault. If he would have done laundry for his psycho girlfriend like a good little boy, he wouldn't have had to write this crappy song. Don't worry, man. We girls who don't play the girl game get "WHAT IS YOUR FUCKING PROB-LEM?!" on our answering machines, too. You're not alonnnnne. I tell them I have brain AIDS. I'm sure you actually do, considering you thought that would make a good introduction to a song. August 16, 2009
Next time I see SunnO))), I'm wearing a digital alarm clock around my neck. It'll go off halfway into their set, blaring at full blast. It'll be one of those clocks that has a setting for both the evil buzzing noise and one for the radio. AM radio will go off first, and when I don't respond, it'll buzz continuously. Even though I'll lose my life, my corpse will be the coolest hipster at the hipster pool party after that. Thanks to the runner from chevy for letting me steal his joke and, HEH, "amping" it up. PS. Sounds like Torche:
Categories:
metal
August 16, 2009
Song: "White Dwarf" God damnit. After I saw this video it occurred to me that maybe the album I have is mistitled. Fuck. After the domain, too. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck you guys, whoever was the jerk who uploaded this originally. This place should really be called "spiritmolecule.com". ... Nah. STD works. I'm contagious. ... Nevermind. Anyhow, this video is a great supplement to the fact that Zoroaster hasn't returned to the west coast in ages. I'm going to go seethe over my new, lyricless identity now. August 15, 2009
Song: "High As The Sun" I'm sure you guys will remember me writing about Diesto about two months ago, and possibly if you've been around this long, a year ago when I joined the Swamp. In either case, I wrote about them being heavy and sludgy, and they are... but this song has a lighter feeling than what I've heard from Outland/Isle of Marauder material. Ultimately the adjectives still fit, but there seems to be a broader emotional spectrum here than with previous albums. We shall see... Also check out the other song they posted, "Lowlight". It's darker and will probably remind you a bit of current favorites among stoner/metal music geeks in the northwest. August 15, 2009
Song: "Counteraction" I would rather a different song but I don't see anything else from this album, so here's just a sample start so you get the idea. I can't remember how I found these guys other than myspace, likely sometime in 2005. Possibly a little before or afterward. Either way, I could immediately tell from their music that they grew up the same generation as me - in fact, they're all exactly my age. I wouldn't be remotely surprised if any of them were friends with people I went to high school with, either, because it all sounds horribly familiar and possibly not just because of the obvious radio band similarities that they have going... First band they remind me of is Floater, who I don't actively listen to but the "sound" of the music is about the same. They had a song up a while ago that was a System of a Down rip off. It's clear someone in the band is a Tool geek. Sensing some Deftones/Korn appreciation as well. Essentially what I'm noticing here is a mid-to-late 90s alt metal radio thing. I think the sound they had before was more obviously dated in worship, as this seems a little heavier in sound overall. Actually, it sounds warmer and therefore nicer in general. Might have something to do with not having myspace quality being in the way for once. After Kyuss and Electric Wizard and Gojira and Black Cobra Elk Bird FangO))) Sabbath, I don't think I can sincerely return to this until my next spine adjustment appointment... but I know a number of you aren't strapped to the stonerisms and tear-inducing screamings and heavy bass/drums like I am today and will, actually, care for this without a problem. It's funny that I premised these guys but didn't warn you when I posted Reverse Dotty. August 12, 2009
Song: "Chorus of Flies" Free stuff is great/awesome/really nice/more compelling than shit I have to pay for and more often resulting in me actually paying for and liking something... or writing something up on TEH INTERNETS for others who may not have been aware of the stuff to begin with. I think that was a very long hint. I'll try harder not to be obvious next time. They remind me of something, not sure what. Due to the amount of Akimbo in my head recently, I'm seeing that... but maybe I'm confused with Torche because I was listening to that, too. Not sure it matters, you're going to get it and find out for yourself anyway. August 10, 2009
Song: "The Baying of the Hounds" Thanks to yesterday's attempt at entertaining all of my unamusable finger-mutes, I had a horrible time trying to sleep because Opeth would not leave my fucking brain. So here you go, the missing link. Ah, my sarcasm. I was resistant on this band due to the high number of nerdy assholes listening so I don't think I gave this song a chance until last year after realizing that their singer has the sexiest speaking voice I've ever heard. Gradually the music began to stick, and unexpectedly I came across a situation where I was alone in a big room hearing this song against my will, unfortunately about to spend the next month with the song stuck in my head. It's sort of funny in a sick way how these things happen. And also, I have a need to break out in song in front of Bobo, "you are everything - they are nothing!" I will try not to but one of these days I'm not going to be able to help it. Let's hope there's no company over that day. So am I the only girl offended that I can't reach the vocal heights of, say, Tweak Bird? Even in falsetto, it's just not happening. But I will try anyway. It's for a good cause. BOBES. August 9, 2009
Song: "Doom Moon" I have another parody coming. Til then, here's a band you probably heard of before I did that sounds inspired by Earthless. And what do you know, they're related. Red Octopus has a show coming up in Seattle with Sandrider, too... We here are Sounds of Sagittarius don't have very narrow listening habits at all. No idea who "we" is. It's just me. Me and Bob. Good luck finding information on this band. Apparently they only operate as a figment of your imagination. August 7, 2009
Song: "Love" Been stuck in my head for around twelve hours now. For about ten minutes it was Caleb Bird's high-pitched singing (neh neh neh neh neh neh NEH NEH to a portal in the sky-iiigh) because I thought about how I needed to get those videos done, and it went straight back... I wonder if astrology is more interesting in France. I've seen charts done up in german and swedish and spanish, but not french yet... Thank god, I can't read it worth shit. August 6, 2009
Song: "The The Empty" I was going through random shit online and ended up on a forum for a lady comedian. Said lady has several tattoos on herself, many quite visible. She seems to dress specifically so that they are, indeed, visible. People on this forum were whining that the tattoos were below her and that they were ugly in so many words, suggesting ways to remove them. There were several pages and much lengthy commenting in agreement about this... Very, very ironically, one of her tattoos is of a feminist symbol - it's actually the biggest one and the one they were bitching about the most. Let us imagine a tattoo of similar size on a man, a male comedian or actor perhaps... What would that forum's stick-up-ass members say about his tattoos? Likely the exact opposite, maybe something about "character". Sure, there would be a couple who would say they hated tattoos or whatever, but it wouldn't be somehow "below" said man. It would be apart of something bigger, a social decision, not a personal criticism. I know better than to read forums, but yeah... That little double standard there pissed me off. People are fucking evil, judgmental pricks. Similarly, they kept whining that she was "angry" or "seemed angry". Uh, okay, well, see... comics aren't FUCKING CLOWNS. Plus she's a political and social critic sort of comedian (think Bill Hicks), so essentially she's required to be dissatisfied. It's like when people bitch about musicians being moody. Uh, FUCKING DUH?! ARE YOU FUCKING RETARDED? I get a similar amount of blatant stupidity out of people I encounter on a regular basis, though personally shaped. Excuse me for not being a sheep and not playing the social standards game. Fuck you. If you don't like what you get, you know where the fucking doors are. I wish my "Abortions Tickle" shirt still fit. Love you long time, Le Tigre. Lyrics: All that glitters is not gold [x4] I went to yr concert and I didn't feel anything (oh baby) why won't you talk to me? All that glitters is not gold I sat through yr movie but I didn't see anything You don't say, you don't say August 4, 2009
Song: "Vasoline" I was going through 90s tapes a couple of weeks ago. Even though it was taking me at least until a notable lyrical piece to remember where most of the songs on the tape came from, and I hadn't listened to this particular song in ages, I immediately recognized it. It was sort of like staring into a mirror and really seeing yourself even though you see yourself in the mirror all of the time... Not sure that makes sense the way I've phrased it, but yep. I had a username for years that I stole from this song. It's difficult to remember why I liked this song so much before, why I haven't been listening to it other than maybe it stopped fitting what I wanted to hear. What's its appeal? It doesn't seem all that great on the surface. Maybe I've been blinded by over-listening. Er, can you blind hearing? Anyway... it's weird. I like it. Don't know why. But it's there. Enter enthusiasm here. August 3, 2009
Song: "Diabetic Feet" I took apart and cleaned both of my keyboards today. I got greedy...
What did that have to do with this song, you ask? Nothing. But I will alter this entry once this song is available on, say, myspace. Keyword in that sentence: alter. Ha. Hilarious. I made the pictures fit the song. I win. Tomorrow, crack. Also, I accidentally replaced the I and the U switched on my main keyboard... Nope, that wasn't Freudian at all. August 3, 2009
Song: "The Long Walk" I don't know exactly what "hardcore" is, but this might qualify. I'm seeing more sludge/doom than anything, but there's some "hardcore" or maybe punk-ish element to it as well. Nice, warm sound. These guys are doing some shows soon with Kylesa and Bison BC and I believe Red Fang as well, so... you know... if you like any of those bands, you'll like this one guaranteed. Also, be sure to give this myspace track (and more) a listen because this band is criminally low on plays. July 30, 2009
Song: "Lester Stillwell" Better but not free from the suck yet. This song starts out very energetic and tapers off, then re-builds in a more stoner-ish way... Very 'I went to art school' of it, but it still sounds great. I think this album has three more listens before it enters 'favorite albums ever' territory. July 28, 2009
Song: "Birdhead Looking At Goldenhands" I'm a bit at a loss with this band. I've tried a few times to listen to them but nothing has grabbed me or 'set the mood' for me yet. They're heavy and loud and have plenty of familiar, appreciated elements, but nothing about the music really stands out for me to turn generalized, boring "respect" into like. I spent an hour or so last night just watching videos of them, though... And holy crap, Valient has a shitload of charisma. Observe: July 25, 2009
Song: "Conan Troutman" I heard it was going to be a hundred degrees, and just like that... KYUSS TIME! It's highly unlikely that my core "audience" has not heard Kyuss... but if, for some reason, you have arrived here and the word Kyuss did not immediately strike the "yay!" part of your brain, "Conan Troutman" is a good place to start. It's short and sweet and easy. I wonder if Conan's middle name is Rainbow.
Edit: Fucking weird, I did it again. The last Kyuss post was during an Aquarius Sun and Pisces Moon, and this is a Leo Sun and Virgo Moon. Exactly opposite in both ways. ...And the 100 Degrees post of last year has the same astrology as this post. Leo Sun and Virgo Moon. WTF. Not intentional. July 19, 2009
Song: "Fingertraps" This band would be an excellent opener for Red Fang. Someone who is involved with booking do something about this. They've both played with The Ax, if you need a bridge. In any case, I just found this album today. The music gets a bit disjointed on first listen, but it's simple and short and there are only two instruments going on here so it's not like it "sounds" difficult. Though this post is for "Fingertraps", check out "Ajax" on their myspace for the idea. I'll try to give up my two-person band addiction next year. Edit: Check this out. |
CommentReadersLast.fm |
Perhaps second best and the first song of the album, "Beyond The Graves" starts out a bit like "Marauder" from Isle, but instead of going into bass-heavy, relatively speedy drumming, it stays low and slow. "Beyond The Graves" comes across as self-conscious and brooding even when the song picks up with a standard doomy march. The mood shifts somewhat with initial drunken rambling vocals that I'm not sure actually fit the song, but the vocals towards the middle of the song fit the slower changes well.
Overall, High As The Sun is a good album. It does what it does well, the mood is built upon and maintained throughout the album, and it stays instrumentally familiar while still providing something new with each song. You may need to have a history of listening to doom, slower stoner, or prog/post-metal bands to approach High As The Sun at its level, but people who are simply new to Diesto won't have any trouble with this album. In other words, if you haven't heard them yet, this is a good place to start.
