Song: "Mount North"
Artist: Immortal
Album: All Shall Fall (2009)

While I technically have not posted "Hordes to War", I did put it on a song mix early this year. Of the two songs, I believe "Hordes" may be more immediately effective... but it's been a while and I'm about over it. This song, however, could stand for a post of its own.

I normally ironically whine about black metal being "whiny", and though this song does have that shrill sound and snore-inducing cookie monster vocals, I am going to forgive it. Its lyrical content is pretty neutral and the music simple and easy while also being emotionally effective, so... okay. For now, you may pass go, Immortal.

Song: "Atlantis Swing"
Artist: Whitey

I'm loving this song lately. It's live, it's on myspace, there's not much to it, and it's not technically advanced. However, it's warm and good and easy on the ears. With the rest of their music, both the tracks on myspace and the album I have, it seems Whitey's turning into one of my favorites.

Yes, there's going to be a DVD of the last Fall Into Darkness shows. Check out the very nice trailer and laugh at the boys in their soup cans.

If you're feeling up to it, play Where's Waldo: Sounds of Sagittarius with the video. Name every band in the trailer that I've posted on Sounds of Sagittarius (whether as a song or a show review) and get a gift.

Oh, and I'm doing the Fall Into Darkness website. So far so good considering my limited resources.

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.

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.

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

* Fun-loving, free-flowing nature of the band bleeds into its cool, groove-oriented songs.

Cons

* Terrible production.

I don't know what the fucking deal is with the numbers, but HOLY something-or-other! LISTEN RIGHT NOW.

BLCKWVS - "0134 E9".

Apparently they're touring in support of 0130 (album name) with Ninth Moon Black here soon. Nice.

PS. Blackwaves.

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.

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.

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...

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?

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).

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
01. Chinese - Fingertraps
02. Madraso - Infants
03. Black Sleep Of Kali - Chorus Of Flies
04. Kowloon Walled City - Diabetic Feet
05. Naam - Skyling Slip
06. Wildildlife - Shining Son
07. Mico De Noche - Ganges
08. Clutch - Abraham Lincoln
09. White Shit - Surfing Your Life Away
10. Black Cobra - Chronosphere
11. Converge - Reap What You Sow
12. Mastodon - Divinations
(DOWNLOAD)

THE SAGITTAL PLANE
01. YOB - Burning the Altar
02. Immortal - Hordes To War
03. Snailface - Drug School
04. Kylesa - Scapegoat
05. Tombs - Golden Eyes
06. Salvador - Pyres
07. Baroness - The Sweetest Curse
08. Wizard Smoke - I
09. Part Chimp - Trad
10. Priestess - Trapped In Space & Time
11. Saviours - Slave To The Hex
12. Fight Amp - Bad Listener I
13. Zoroaster - White Dwarf
(DOWNLOAD)

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.

Song: "The Lie That Is Sin"
Artist: YOB
Album: The Great Cessation (2009)

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.

Song: "Shaman Of Ur"
Artist: Salvador
Album: Cleansed Through Fire And Blood (2009)

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.

Song: "Scumbag Blues"
Artist: Them Crooked Vultures
Album: Them Crooked Vultures (2009)

I have decided, upon 2-3 listens, that I like this song. I do not, however, have the mental incapabilities or benefit of doubts to take in the whole product. But this song sounds nice. Reminds me of something, I don't know what, but my first thought was Liam Lynch... well, before I heard the recycled Queens of the Stone Age riff.

I tried to quickie review Them Crooked Vultures about this time yesterday, but I don't think it was remotely entertaining. I wasn't even my usual sarcastic, angsty self because I was tired.

Basically all I did was say that the album sounded like Josh. And that I'm not impressed. People who would/will be impressed are people who do not come from the Kyuss-Zeppelin camp, whose knowledge of QOTSA is limited to the last album or two, or are following Dave who seems to welcome mediocrity.

So keep your standards and expectations low, folks.

I'll return to it later when the burn cools off. I didn't like Era Vulgaris the first time I heard it, and it's fairly typical that I don't like music the first time(s) through, so we'll see how I feel in time.

That said.

Puscifer came out with a new thingamajig yesterday, entitled "C" Is For (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here). I've heard most of the songs in some respect already, so it doesn't have an especially novel feel... but it's something to have.

I've already talked about "Polar Bear" here, but... It seems a general improvement alone over "V".

I think I only listened to "V" entirely through once. Afterward, I just picked songs, and lately I almost never listen to it. I don't even listen to the original "REV 22:20" anymore, actually. I suppose it has a lot to do with bad timing. I posted "Queen Bee" as one of my first songs here, right when it came out... Also that was right when I was deciding I'd rather listen to High On Fire and Electric Wizard than electronic rock. I'm sure if "V" had come out a year or two beforehand, it would have had its time.

(...a seed of hate from the day i was born...)

But yeah, "Polar Bear" is pretty good. Kind of like Portishead minus the pretentious art school shit. It's fully digestible.

"The Mission" I have also posted, and it sounds like it's the same mix. This song doesn't have a whole lot of hope with me, as it's going to forever be latched in my brain right next to the spot dedicated to Ren. I watched The Fifth Element again a few months ago, once connected in my head to two old friends both named Mark, but somehow these very direct and physical/visual references have muddled in light of the one person I know not named Mark. I'm curious to see what connections falter whenever I see Resident Evil again. Nevertheless, "The Mission" lost its objectivity for me.

"Momma Sed"... I can't recall what the original sounds like now, but this version is pretty nice. It sounds like Pink Floyd wanderings, breezy depression straight out of The Wall. I prefer this version of mister Maynard over the throaty pseudo-rap.

I also don't remember the original version of "Vagina Mine". Hmm. I'm sure it sounds better than the original, since I made it to the end. And the end is pretty nice.

Woah, for a sec there I thought "Potions" was going to go QOTSA on me. ... It's pretty weird how Maynard's associated music and vocals have changed over the years. I wonder who, in 1992 or 1996, would believe he'd eventually come out with a self-released mellow electronic rock album. It seems a little off-the-wall, such a jump. He's made some gradual changes over the years that have made sense in context, but... it makes you wonder what kind of ridiculous garbage you'll be up to in 15 years.

"The Humbling River" is pretty mellow, too. With the violin bit, it sounds familiar to A Perfect Circle, but still maintaining that overall electronic/experimental sound. I smirked at the song title/lyrics, considering his Moon in Cancer.

Boy is it nice to listen to a group of songs from an artist and not be immediately and constantly reminded of dozens or hundreds of other artists doing the same thing at the same time... This went down much smoother than expected. I don't think I even made one sarcastic, bitchy, or stupid comment! Oh wait, I see one. Well, anyway... Thanks, Maynard! This was better than "V" by a leap.

I didn't catch to stop the album when it was finished and my winamp decided it was time for me to listen to Black Cobra "Negative Reversal" now. C is for... Chronomega.

Song: "I"
Artist: Wizard Smoke
Album: Live Rock In Hell (2009)

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.

Song: "Ganges"
Artist: Mico de Noche
Album: Brothers of the Sonic Cloth/Mico de Noche split (2009)

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.

Song: "Relics"
Artist: Atolah
Album: Relics (2009)

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!

Didn't do my research so I don't know if this is good or worthwhile, but since you guys normally like free shit...

Jalamanta re-issue + BOC cover

Song: "Storm Shadow"
Artist: Black Cobra
Album: Chronomega (2009)

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.

Song: "The Sweetest Curse"
Artist: Baroness
Album: Blue Record (2009)

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.

Song: "Resistance"
Artist: Muse
Album: The Resistance (2009)

The beginning of this song is dull, but it speeds up and gets kind of catchy. And it seems this whole album is 1984-based... The book, naturally. The movie sucks.

Nah, I just said that cuz I'm a jerk.

In any case, you know what's awesome? Five assignments and two midterms to accomplish in two days. Here goes more procrastination!

Song: "Pyres"
Artist: Salvador
Album: Cleansed Through Fire And Blood (2009)

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!

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.

Song: "Polar Bear"
Artist: Puscifer
Album: C is for (insert sophomoric genitalia reference here) (2009)

Puscifer has a new single. It's apparently on the radio. It sounds safe, too. Nice and mellow. Gotta say I like it.

Hey: this album comes out November 10th.

Live album review of Baroness' Blue Record - GO!

1. Yeah whatever.

2. I haven't really understood the Mastodon / Baroness connection. Probably because I started listening to Mastodon around 2006 and didn't pick up Baroness til probably late 2007 after I'd gotten over the majority of the Mastodon infatuation. With at least a year, maybe two year separation between them in my history, to me they seem like separate entities entirely. This song makes that connection make sense, however.

Song's not too bad, might actually be listening to it in the future. Ending - the hell?

3. Crap, I can already tell this one's going to be good, too. ... I like the beat of the song as far as the drums go. Kind of too much to take in at once at times, though. This record's starting to smell like tequila... Wonder if they have the same producer as some other band I know.

4. lol. Not expected. Hm, none of those bands I thought of are related to this one by production. I was actually picturing a venue, and a particular person in relation to the venue is actually related to the producer. Maybe just a weird psychic guess. It does feel sort of like a lot of other bands I've been listening to in recent years with the "moist" bass sound.

Well that ended sort of abrupt.

5. Not sure what to say about this one... Kind of repetitive 'concept' but like an instrumental track, not annoying. Once again seeing the Mastodon relation I wasn't seeing before. Obviously crackey Mastodon.

6. Church music. This is a lot better than Wolfmother, though (duh). What's this pause here? The ambiance. Clearly these guys are "sensitive". I fear Russian Circles is gonna pop out now. Here comes the high plucky guitar! And it's getting louder......

7. Heh, pretty close. ..... The heck is with the psychedelic vibratory guitar all of a sudden? .... and now a fuzzy guitar bit. JIMMAY! This no-guitar piece right here is where he sets his gee-turr on fire. Hm, this isn't epic at all.

8. What do people have against V's. Yuck, I hate when I can hear the strings click and whine back in songs. ...RUN, TO, THE, HILLLLSSS.... No, I guess not. This is getting really annoying. And even more so. Fuck.

9. Okay I'm cool with you guys getting to the point now. Massive jackoffery located in this direction - half price to 15 year old Dream Theater fans!

10. Sounds southern, sort of.

11. (waits) Baroness' "we appeal to girls, too" song per the album, I guess. 2:30 - finally the song changes! OMG WORDS. I thought it was going to be all instrumental. I'm not sure these "hardass" vocals fit this song. And it's over.

12. Last one and only three minutes. Hey, this sounds familiar. Must be a clip out of that other Bullshit song. Sounds like a damn lullaby. No words yet? Nope! None. It's funny that I just listened to this whole thing and I haven't even listened to Mastodon's new one all of the way through yet.

And that's it.

This album smelled like sweet hard liquor something awful. Pretty powerful overall sound, really nice and clear music. Accessible. Not too far down into "fag metal" even when approaching it with a few of these tracks, but still pretty easy on the ears. I can see why it's getting praise.

In conclusion,

I am going to cover two birds with one stone here and mini "live" review both Priestess' Prior To The Fire and Wolfmother's Cosmic Egg in the same entry, at the same time.

I have heard "Lady Killer" by Priestess so far and that's it. Everything else is brand new to me.

History: I love/like a few Priestess tracks, and the rest are kind of boring. I initially thought Wolfmother was interesting and their popularity made them quickly not interesting at all, made worse by realizing how fucking annoying they are. I suppose if I were 10 or 15 years old, or still had that mindset, I might like them better. This is probably what we're gonna get from this review, folks.

Priestess - 1. Lady Killer
It took a bit to settle in my mind, but I have decided that I like it. The quick guitar is pretty familiar to every single fucking band in the stoner through thrash genres. Vaguely reminds me of "Christ Hunt" by Saviours, since that's what I've liked a lot of lately.

Priestess - 2. Raccoon Eyes
I don't like that raccoon has two consecutive double letters. And I'm waiting for a beat. I wonder if this guy is popular with the ladies with a voice like that. Yep, no like-ah.

Priestess - 11. Trapped In Space & Time
Already sounds like it's gonna be good, despite being generic. This song is reminding me of recent Black Cobra even though saying that is against my religion. (Oops I accidentally had random on.)

Priestess - 3. The Firebird
heh. Well, I guess it's possible for this guy to sing without being too annoying. What's with the raspiness? Did you smoke before you recorded this? You been hanging out with Buckcherry?

Wolfmother - 1. California Queen
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club x QOTSA =. Oh, there goes the voice. Screeeeech. Hm, the stompy rolling sound is actually nice. What the hell kind of breakdown is this in the front of your album? Am I getting paid for this blog yet? Smells like fog on the horizon.

Wolfmother - 2. New Moon Rising
Irrelevant intro. Now with the non-"voice" voice. Masters of Reality. Who produced this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moulder

LOL. He said "wo-mon" again.

Anyway, this is like elevator music for a metal themed department store.

Wolfmother - 3. White Feather
Fucking shit. (skips)

Priestess - 4. Murphy's Law
I know, life is hard little Priestess, but you're gonna be okay.

Priestess - 5. The Gem
Another familiar sort of song, though now I don't know who. Long-ass intro. And then it picks up to something. Hmm? (waits) I wonder now if they've been on tour with Saviours for real. ... Gonna say it's not bad, just kind of mediocre.

Ooh, Ren will like this:
http://www.last.fm/music/Priestess/+similar?page=5

Wolfmother - 4. Sundial
Nice start. Reminds me of some hair metal band I can't identify. Oh, dur! Guns N Roses. HEH.

Wolfmother - 5. In The Morning
Yeah, that's just what I want to imagine: Wolfmother, in the morning. (vomit) Oh christ, it's a gentle song. Should have figured. cuz nothing lasts forever, even cold November Rain... HOLY SHIT. SAME OPENING 1st/2nd LINE LYRICS! Is this a joke? WTF! I can't believe it... WHY WOULD YOU RIP OFF GNR.

Wolfmother - 6. 10,000 Feet
Please god don't be a Tool/HOF rip off. ... Phew, we're safe for now. Oh shit, I know this one, too. What's this one, the symphony era of every lame popular metal band during the 90s?

Wolfmother - 7. Cosmic Egg
A sped up ZZ Top. Seriously can't do anything by yourself, can you? Next.

ZZ Top - Gimme All Your Lovin
I haven't heard this in ages.

Now I'm reading shit about how Wolfmother and Slash collaborated on "a song". Hm. Hard to say where.

Wolfmother - 8. Far Away
WTF. Now you're ripping off fucking AN AMERICAN TAIL! MY FUCKING GOD WHY. lol at the ice cream truck music.

Priestess - 6. Communicating Via Eyes
Holy shit, hippies. Then it turns into a "real" song. This sounds great after five Wolfmother songs. No wonder the general public has low standards.

Priestess - 7. Lunar
This is rockin'... and now it's not.... and now it is... and now it's not. Familiar to the sludge brand of stoner metal without getting too deep. "hey ey ey ey eh" is a crappy lyric, however.

Priestess - 8. It Baffles The Mind
I'm expecting something Spinal Tap here, and.... Oh okay, you're going to be serious. Sounds like it's fun to sing, though. Hey, decent music, too. I'm sure I'll be returning to this one.

And it baffles my mind that I'm going to finish the Wolfmother recording now.

Wolfmother - 9. Pilgrim
(sigh) Back on their personal stereotype. Can see it ending up on the radio if it isn't there already.

Wolfmother - 10. In The Castle
Back to GNR impression. No I would not, at least not with you. I think I'm suffering stockholm syndrome at this point, however, since the song itself isn't that bad.

Wolfmother - 11. Phoenix
Wow, now they're doing something from Kyuss family. Uh, Brant Bjork? With a shitty vocalist, of course. Thank god that didn't continue. That would really hurt my soul to think that Wolfmother was getting more attention than fucking Brant Bjork, as he's still putting out albums. :(

Wolfmother - 12. Violence of the Sun
This song is currently how I feel about life listening to this crap.

Priestess - 9. Sideways Attack
I think I heard this before, actually. Pretty energizing. But... You're a what?

Priestess - 10. We Ride Tonight
Bulls, cars, horses, each other? ... And this song actually has a "riding" sort of beat. It, of course, changes. Could have just kept going with the flow, there, you know.

Wolfmother - 13. Back Round
A Fu Manchu for retarded people with a parrot for a singer. What's new?

Wolfmother made me want to kick a small animal like usual. Here are bands you should listen to INSTEAD OF Wolfmother and still gain the same overall results: every other band in the history of the universe.

Priestess is, for the most part, forgettable but they still put out better music than the vast majority of popular artists, and thus you should get this here album if you're inclined.

In conclusion, buy Black Cobra - Chronomega with your money instead.

I'm gonna go listen to the new Alice In Chains and cry now.

Song: "Spanish Werewolves"
Artist: Nether Regions
Album: demo? (2009)

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.

Song: "Bird Signs"
Artist: Subarachnoid Space
Album: Eight Bells (2009)

My last SubSpace writing completely sucked in terms of quality. Here's a better one. You ready?

This is really good.

Song: "Reap What You Sow"
Artist: Converge
Album: Axe To Fall (2009)

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.

Song: "Christmas On Earth"
Artist: Vibravoid
Album: Distortions (2009)

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.

Song: "Uprising"
Artist: Muse
Album: The Resistance (2009)

This, too.

Test your knowledge of the band, or music in general, by watching the video. It's funny in a sad sort of way.

The first part of the interview is the best part.

Someone translate.

Song: "Geneva"
Artist: Russian Circles
Album: Geneva (2009)

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...

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...

Song: "Women"
Artist: White Shit
Album: Sculpted Beef (2009)

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.

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.

Quit sucking Shrinebuilder's collective dick and go listen to the new FU MANCHU track.

myspace.com/fumanchu

Signs of Infinite Power is out in t-minus 29 days...

(PS. 3 of the first 7 plays were me. Myspace is totally more awesome than facebook.)

Song: "Drawing The Line"
Artist: Porcupine Tree
Album: The Incident (2009)

This song starts off "pretty" and delicate but takes a turn... which I hadn't noticed in my quick sampling of the album early on.

The way he says "line" the fourth time in the chorus, in addition to the stompy beat... I say it's at least fair enough for a repeat listen.

He's taking control, ho!

Song: "Akathesia"
Artist: Subarachnoid Space
Album: Eight Bells (2009)

At first this song like, er, am I supposed to give a shit? Seriously, why am I listening to this pointless fucking art-noise? (I turned off Britney Spears for this?!)

Just as you're about to lose patience and click ahead to another just-as-difficult all-build psych-out Space'd song, it hits.

2:45.

EE!

I have a thing I call "shiver". It is the exact moment between sober and the state of inebriation, punctuated by a twitch or shiver. This song is a little like the shiver.

If you would rather not try as hard for aesthetic reward, go for "Bird Signs" on their myspace. So far you don't have a choice unless you have $10.

Or a friend in the diamond business. OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY TIL EIGHT, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY TIL FIVE.

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!

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
Earth, Subarachnoid Space, Makoto Kawabata, ?aloS
$10, 21+, 8:30pm doors

Friday 10/30
Agalloch, Amber Asylum, Fauna, Soriah
$14, All Ages, 7pm doors

Saturday 10/31
YOB, Ludicra, Witch Mountain, Atriarch
$12, 21+, 8:30pm doors

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.

Song: "Sweet"
Artist: Part Chimp
Album: Thriller (2009)

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.

Song: "M.L.K."
Artist: The Entrance Band
Album: The Entrance Band (2009)

Wow. I thought it sounded like hippie drivel when I heard it live, but that was nothing. I like the guitar/bass, though. It has a nice slow beat... but yeah. Holy god damn. This is like the hippie anthem. Especially at the end. Fuck.

Since this hasn't hit the blogosphere yet as far as I can tell, I'll get this up soon.

Song: "Time Flies"
Artist: Porcupine Tree
Album: The Incident (2009)

A couple of years ago it was normal for me to do work/research on bands I was thinking about seeing live. In the last year, I just... don't. Laziness, perhaps, or maybe just not caring. It's not like I'm going to be able to setlist a band any better if I listen to their material beforehand, and if I already know them then I should have an idea what to expect regardless of new material. Plus it's nice, in some cases, not knowing what you're going to get out of bands. The love and the hate is a little more pure.

In this case, this album finds me just days beforehand. I haven't listened to the majority of PT's discography, and though I really like some of their work, it's not with intensity or sick curiousity. There are only so many ways you can present acoustic mixed with standard electric rock and continue to sound interesting to someone who mainly listens to a heavier, louder, largely more aggressive sound. But, hopefully, if/when I do see them, they'll surprise me like they did when I saw them the first time... I'd been listening to Mastodon's "Blood And Thunder" on repeat that week and I left the show pretty touched.

Today OM is winning over Porcupine Tree, so all I can say that this isn't half as awesome as three quarters of the new OM record... but, as for what I've sampled, this song has a familiar PT sound - circular, icey toned with warm vocals that seem nostalgic rather than "present". It seems to go off into Pink Floyd-ish, "Money" territory at some point - can't believe I caught that on first listen. It's nice, albeit long... but that's Porcupine Tree for you.

(For the record, the clip up there is only half the length of the actual song.)

Song: "Cremation Ghat I"
Artist: OM
Album: God Is Good (2009)

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.

Song: "Awesome Kong"
Artist: Madraso
Album: Van Horne (2009)

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"?)

Song: "Abraham Lincoln"
Artist: Clutch
Album: Strange Cousins From The West (2009)

I keep forgetting to post this song.

I read through some show reviews a while back for this band and there seemed to be a consensus on this song being good. I paused my angst long enough to see if I could get into it, and yeah, it's okay. A little bit too much like Big Business' "The Drift", but... that's a good song, and this is okay, too.

Females. Go listen to them.

I have yet to form an opinion or get my head around their sound because my internet refuses to work long enough to even get through one song, nevermind the seven live tracks they have up right now. You, however, may be blessed in the internet department. If so, check them out.

Song: "Queen of the Void"
Artist: Midday Veil
Album: demo?

They sound a little bit like Headdress here, but somewhat more conscious and "full" sounding. Plus, female vocals that don't remotely make you want to punch a hole through someone's face. RARE.

By the way, the song is a free download at last.fm... among several.

Song: "King Beef"
Artist: Torche
Album: Chapter Ahead Being Fake - Boris/Torche split (2009)

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.

Song: "Dark Horse"
Artist: Converge
Album: Axe to Fall (2009)

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.

Song: "Retina Sees Rewind"
Artist: Cave In
Album: Planets of Old (2009)

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...

Song: "White Dwarf"
Artist: Zoroaster
Album: Voice of Saturn (2009)

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.

Song: "High As The Sun"
Artist: Diesto
Album: High As The Sun (2009/2010)

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.

Song: "Always"
Artist: Masters of Reality
Album: Pine/Cross Dover (2009)

FINALLY getting released. Hm. I don't see it online anywhere. Fuck. More waiting. But what's this, two songs on the myspace? Oh, okay. Well, let's see...

Sounds a little on the QOTSA side, moreso than one would naturally expect but nothing too extreme...

Nice, either way. Looking forward to more.

Song: "Counteraction"
Artist: Quandry
Album: End Insight (2009)

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.

Song: "Chorus of Flies"
Artist: Black Sleep of Kali
Album: Black Sleep of Kali (2009)

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.

Song: "Diabetic Feet"
Artist: Kowloon Walled City
Album: Gambling on the Richter Scale (2009)

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.

Song: "Fingertraps"
Artist: Chinese
Album: The Conquest Of Tomorrow Today (2009)

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.

Song: "World's On Fire"
Artist: The Prodigy
Album: Invaders Must Die (2009)

Literally? Not so much. But it's supposed to be pretty hot today, and it's already a billion degrees in my living space at 8-9am thanks to yesterday's heat never really letting up. Hopefully the morning humidity burns off soon so today isn't too awful.

Song: "The Treatment"
Artist: Sepultura
Album: A-Lex (2009)

Things I Take Showers For:
- My own peace of mind after six days of going unwashed
- After applying chemicals to my hair
- Social functions
- The bus
- The grocery store
- Visiting the mailbox to pick up my new headphones

They have bass.

...like this song.

Song: "Dimestore Diamond"
Artist: (the) Gossip
Album: Music for Men (2009)

My headphones completely gave out shortly after the last song. Sometimes when 'phones break you can twist the cord and hold it in place to get sound... which I was doing, but I accidentally moved the cord out from under the tape and it wouldn't go back. In other words, I'm using earphones now. I can hear everything around me in addition to the low quality sound that earphones produce. Like the fan across the room, neighbors outside... meh. Kids, don't use earphones unless you don't give a fuck about your hearing or music in general.

I bought a new style under the same brand I've been using... I hope they're worth it when they get here.

Anyway, I didn't listen to this album short of "Heavy Cross" until I put in my earphones yesterday. It may sound way off from what I "hear"... and so far the first minutes of the album are cool but I'm not impressed with the rest.

This song is first on the album (good choice). It's pretty simple and has a fairly classic sort of sound, including for them. As always, good, clear vocals. I bet they'll do a video of this song, and it'll be some kind of fashion show thing.

Song: "Negative Reversal"
Artist: Black Cobra
Album: no title yet (2009)

They just put up a new song. It's at 95 plays right now. No, just refreshed. 100.

Though myspaced in quality, damn... My huge crush on this band's music is never going to lift.

Song: "Start a Band"
Artist: And So I Watch You From Afar
Album: And So I Watch You From Afar (2009)

Russian Circles.

What do I win?!

Oh, hm. I already said that. Apparently.

Well, it's still funny.

Hey, this band's name and this song title form a complete sentence!

Song: "A Looking In View"
Artist: Alice In Chains
Album: Black Gives Way To Blue (2009)

This is my first-ever listen of the "new" AIC.

Sounds like generic radio-ism thus far. In other words, it's apparent that this was released with the intention of sounding like a version of the old AIC so those who've been asleep the last ten or fifteen years will still suckle the product. I'm fearful of what's coming.

I'll try again another time when I'm not having aesthetic PMS. But yep. First impression: no.

... Let be known that I said I was going to boycott this entirely and I failed due to curiousity. I do not get over my boycotts easily, so we'll see what happens. Singles usually suck so it might be a fair album after all. Three months to find out.

Song: "Trial of Dred Scott"
Artist: Black Congress
Album: Black Congress / MuhammadAli split (2009?)

Was someone listening to the Melvins when they wrote this song?

Either way, the music's good and it gets better.

Edit: Reposted. Maybe this time I can spell it right.

Song: "Craigslist"
Artist: Weird Al Yankovic
Album: Craigslist (2009)

This song is grand. Weird Al doing a Doors impression. Add video skills from Liam Lynch, and you get... this:

I still have a copy of Alapalooza around here somewhere...

PS. http://twitter.com/alyankovic.

Song: "The Lost White Brother"
Artist: Headdress
Album: Lunes (2009)

It's like SunnO))) and Fever Ray meeting up in the middle.

Song: "Heavy Cross"
Artist: The Gossip
Album: Music For Men (2009)

This video is so much better than the one for "Standing In The Way of Control". I'm not in the mindset for the sound of The Gossip these days, but I'm still looking forward to this album...

Song: "Blank and White"
Artist: Marilyn Manson
Album: The High End Of Low (2009)

This song made me LOL. It's awful, frankly, but I was letting it play regardless because I'm trying to give ... peace a chance. Yeah.

So anyway, I was listening not-so-consciously, working on shit. The song was about to end, and though I'd been bored with the song this whole time because it's the same old crap, I was suddenly struck with conscious recognition of what goes on in the song. There's a moment at the end... it's, just, priceless. Nice one, there, Briananson.

This entry needs editing so bad but I have no idea where to start.

Song: "Born Too Late"
Artist: Old One
Album: go here.

Would you believe me if I said I was distracted by finals? Yeah, I wouldn't believe me, either. Stupid school.

Anyway, I picked this up from the Swamp yesterday and though they have the song on their myspace, it sounds better as a live version. It's also a little faster.

If you like stoner/doom, get the friggin' song.

Song: "Gods, Frauds, Neo-Cons And Demagogues"
Artist: Wino
Album: Punctuated Equilibrium (2009)

This album seemed to have a lot of hype around it. It sounds pretty close to a lot of stoner rock and lighter-end doom... It just has a little extra something do it, or possibly something less. I think, for that reason, I'm a little lost. I like the drum-heavy title track even though the first moments of the song are misleading... so maybe it'll grow over time.

Now this song is much more comfortable and familiar to my style. Bass. And a slow decline.

Song: "Set Guitars to Kill"
Artist: And So I Watch You From Afar
Album: And So I Watch You From Afar (2009)

With a few quick listens, this band reminds me a lot of Russian Circles. This song and a few others are way more energetic than what Russian Circles puts out... apparently because there are more people to round out the sound.

Thanks to Zillagord who I found this from and downloaded only because of its cover. Was the artist having a drug-filled afternoon or was there a list of requirements?

Song: "Angela"
Artist: Ancient Age
Album: ... (2009)

If you've been following me a while, you might recognize this song. I'm re-posting it. This is necessary because now there's finally studio-made audio for the sharing.

If you like Black Sabbath-induced stoner/doom metal, you need to hear this. I'm not kidding. It'll be the best six and a half minutes of your life since that one time.

Ancient Age's album should be out here soon.

Song: "Underwolf"
Artist: Reverse Dotty
Album: Licorice Whips (2009)

When I woke up yesterday this song was first on my list to post, but at this point... exhaustion. It's not quite as effective at 7am. Still, for general space-out music, this works... and of course being surprised by vocals suddenly appearing at over 3 minutes in is fun, too. Especially what he says.

Dear Reverse Dotty (and the candy cane shivs), I'm sorry for screwing up your original "similar artists" at last.fm. You really sound nothing like Diesto at all... or Garadama. LOL. And who the fuck else is listening to 57chevy? I thought I was the only one. I CAN NOT AND I WILL NOT... I will not be saved.

Song: "Dead Angel"
Artist: Candlemass
Album: Death Magic Doom (2009)

I have not actually listened to Candlemass before yesterday. I suppose that I've heard them being that I've been familiar with their name for years... but yeah.

This is another song that immediately stood out. I get a little annoyed with this "epic" lyrical thing because it sounds so often like it's two seconds away from announcing its homosexual requirements for card games and jewelry, but at least the music's good in this case.

Song: "Racoon City Limits"
Artist: Black Smokers
Album: Used (2009)

I went through a bunch of newly downloaded stuff yesterday and tried to quickly find what worked. Mostly this was just obnoxious, but a few things stood out... This song, for one.

This song brings back visuals of my growing-up best friend acting like a psycho fucking freak and dancing like a moron. I'm fairly certain if she ever heard this, she would immediately react to it because it's so "her"... just crazy enough not to get kicked out of society. I suppose she left the rest for me.

Song: "Hay"
Artist: Reverse Dotty
Album: Licorice Whips (2009)

I love dodgy lyrics. "Third Alternative", "Pardon My Freedom", "Prison Sex"... and now some "Hay".

Urban dictionary is trying to tell me that "dodgy" is British slang. I'm like, bitch, do I look British to you? ... on the internet? Yes. :(

Anyway, I love it that violin and fucking people in mysterious places has been combined, here.

PS. Depeche Mode. "Master and Servant"? No, just... the bands. They're similar, given the obvious 30 year musical differences.

Song: "Burning The Altar"
Artist: YOB
Album: The Great Cessation (2009)

YOB posted a new song tonight (AKA 20 minutes ago... Amazing, this technology).

It is as one might expect. Very loud and challenging to those with adult-onset ADD.

Their newest album is tentatively scheduled for a July release.

Song: "Rise Up And Fight"
Artist: Crippled Black Phoenix
Album: 200 Tons of Bad Luck (2009)

I was going to post this earlier but I kept forgetting what song it was thanks to the miracles of distraction. Now that I've finally remembered, here you go.

This sounds like Pink Floyd's "One Of These Days".

A local high school put on a concert last night with YOB headlining.

a) I wish I were ten years younger, and...
b) I wish I had gone to high school in this neighborhood instead of the one I did.

because then I would have been able to C a band of relative decency at my high school.

All we had at Hickville were Z100-style DJs when there were football games. And being underage with no choices, it was the same sort of thing at "clubs". Plus I was made fun of for my musical choices, even when people had no idea what those were. My high school reunion ought to be interesting (not that social networking sites haven't taken away some of the surprise).

Actually, this is all silly because, at this age, a network of musical friends have been created, I can actually talk to various band people myself, I've been quoted by TAD!, I can talk Monster Magnet with one of my favorite band's drummer and his slowly degrading sanity, and I can get into any place I feel like getting into also without having to worry about whether or not my friends like my music so I have a ride to get to shows. Now is actually way better...

but yeah. Still jealous of those kids.

Song: "Show Stopper"
Artist: Peaches
Album: I Feel Cream (2009)

This song is going to contribute heavily to my early hearing loss. Bass, bass is great, we love bass. Sped up, slowed down, upright, electric, monitor-throwing, whatever... It is good.

Song: "We're From America"
Artist: Marilyn Manson
Album: We're From America (2009)

If you're familiar with Marilyn Manson, the lyrics of this song aren't going to be too surprising or new to you. If you liked him before, even years ago but you tuned out, you'll like this now. Musically, I think this single has improved over the last album by far. It seems more like something from the last decade in feeling. It has a nice hyper danceable beat that seems pretty radio/consumer-friendly despite the lyrics, so I imagine that if you skip listening to this now, you're going to end up hearing it anyway...

Song: "I Feel Cream"
Artist: Peaches
Album: I Feel Cream (2009)

This album has Peaches singing on it. I know, you may think that Peaches, being a vocalist, would be a singer as well... Not so much. She mostly raps and sing-talks. This album features some actual, proper, traditional feminine singing. I have to say I'm surprised by the difference in her singing voice. ... Range much?

Valley girl speak aside, this song is very much a space out dance song and completely inappropriate after the last ten posts even though I think [good] dance-electronic music and stoner rockdoompsych are cousins. Not a popular opinion, but hey, fuck you, I'm awesome.

Song: "Upon The Flesh of Angels"
Artist: Taciturn
Album: Demo (2009)

I just heard/heard of this band ten minutes ago while doing research for my shows list (June 26th). They have two songs up on their myspace currently and there's a bit of a dissonance between them so I'm not really sure what this band "does" as a whole yet... but this song ought to please some of you.

For those of you looking for or interested in Roadburn stuff, people started uploading some decent quality videos to youtube days ago... There's much more than this, but you'll have to go looking for yourself. Give it a month and I'm sure there will be ten times what you can currently find.

White Hills:

Neurosis:

Saint Vitus:

The Atomic Bitchwax:

Church of Misery:

Mono:

OM:

AmenRa:

AmenRa again:

Song: "Good To Die"
Artist: Red Fang
Album: Red Fang LP/CD (2008/2009)

I woke up with "Prehistoric Dog" stuck in my head. Not sure what caused this. I wasn't thinking about it in any respect. But there it was.

I haven't posted this song yet. Red Fang uploaded it to their myspace, I think, last summer... but I had posted too many of their songs in short order at that time, so I decided to wait. I think it's been long enough now.

The best part of this song is the last minute and a half. Especially 2:35 on.

For anyone who isn't in my blog sphere, you should note that, today, Mind the Drift by Big Business was leaked.

Seeing as how I sort of heard it already, I have no comments to share on its songs.

Song: "Dancing on Landmines"
Artist: Snailface
Album: Snailface (2009)

Being timely and relevant is dumb. Even dumber, having a correctly organized folder of music. I lost and then forgot about this album. However, I was reminded of it again due to mindgrinder... so here you go. You have to download the whole album because it's free and because I said so.

PS. This is the project that the guys from Kowloon Walled City did for RPM Challenge. It is of near-equal greatness as their EP but much more mellow/stoner-ish.

Song: "Ostia"
Artist: Zu
Album: Carboniferous (2009)

This song has bass. And, apparently, saxophone on crack.

Song: "It Ain't Love"
Artist: MSTRKRFT
Album: Fist of God (2009)

This wore off... even though it's still "meh".

Song: "Strike"
Artist: Sepultura
Album: A-Lex (2009)

This song is a bit like the beginning of the Helms Alee song I just posted.

And, as may be apparent from my repeat postings from it, I highly recommend this album.

The "pure" part cracked me up, but otherwise? Watch it.

mindthedrift.com

This. is very hard to listen to.

Song: "More"
Artist: Peaches
Album: I Feel Cream (2009)

Uno mas. I wonder what was given, here. I hope it wasn't herpes. Like diamonds, herpes are forever.

Peaches has a Pluto-Jupiter-Mars-Uranus conjunction... all square Venus. This album should be another interesting display of Mars in Libra being a happy little It.

Song: "Vuvuvu"
Artist: MSTRKRFT
Album: Fist of God (2009)

MSTRKRFT has apparently gone in the direction that I witnessed live last year (ie. not interesting). Some of this has potential to wear given the proper mood, but... It seems like a backwards step. Where's the classic feeling of... let's say, "Easy Love"? It's just unmistakable... You know it's that band that has no vowels in their name, and it grabs you even though you don't want it to. It's just too god damn light and fluffy. This new shit sounds like little more than Daft Punk rip offs.

And while this Vu song is cliche in its simplicity... It'll have to do. I like how the song sounds like it's name, at least.

Song: "Battle For The Sun"
Artist: Placebo
Album: Battle For The Sun (2009)

This song seems like a more logical next step from Sleeping With Ghosts than Meds is/was. After listening to it a few times... I have to say I like it.

Song: "Chip Away"
Artist: Jane's Addiction
Album: NIN/JA Tour Sampler (2009)

Not too bad... I've heard the NIN tracks, though, thanks to internet cleverness. Street Sweeper? No thanks. But this song is cool enough.

For the record, if you don't want the sampler, you can listen to the song in the little player on that page.