The awaited release from melodic death metal's "The Black Dahlia Murder" was a lot less than I expected. The initial idea of the album is great, but upon listening, I found myself becoming annoyed with the somewhat repetive sound of guitars and drums.
Hollywood's own seem to have succomb to the filtered sound of today's modern metalcore. The vocals are repetitive and seem forced rather than flow creatively. This may be due to the fact that this is the first album they have put out with their new bass player (Bart Williams) and drummer (Shannon Lucas). I'm saying that they ruined the album themselves, but they surely did not help the effort. The vocals are one thing in particular that took away from "Nocturnal". Previous TBDM (The Black Dahlia Murder) vocals combine an interesting mix between a low gutteral sound and a higher scream. The current lyrics, although as uninteligible as before, sound more like wicked witch of the west than a death metal singer. I was greatly disappointed. Another blunder I found while listening was that the guitar has a lot more bass sound than older recordings. Now, to some more bass is a good thing, because it can make the sound more "heavy", but in respects to TBDM, there was much more than it required. They're often melodic breakdowns do not require a low sound because they are playing higher up on the guitar, it just reduces the once harmonious sound to muffled noise.
To sum it up, it was a great effort and probably took a lot of time ad what not, but it simply does not compare to older TBDM. Sometimes change can make all the difference...
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ithyphallic
The latest release from the death metal outfit, Nile, has raised the bar once again. Their latest release, "Ithyphallic" delivers with intricate guitar work, creative time signatures and surprisingly melodic undertones really make the listener connect with the albums title.
These North Carolina natives combine the death metal genre with themes of ancient Egyptian mysticism and use of B.C. era instruments. With band leader, Karl Sanders, on vocals, guitars and other miscellaneous instruments, Dallas Toler: guitars/vocals, and Geoge Kollias: drums and percussion. These 3 mesh very well together. Each of them is a master of their instrument. For example, Kollias is said to be able to drum faster a few beats per minute above humanly possible. This is their sixth release in the past 9 years and is by far the strongest thus far.
"Ithyphallic" (2007) really breaks the mold of death metal as a whole. Using more odd timing and transitions than most bands they know how to keep the listener interested throughout the entire song. This album takes a more melodic approach than some of their others. With songs like, "The Essential Salts", a song entailing a ritual practice where a mummy is bolied in order to reanimate the dead, combines a fast delivery of guitar and vocals with an interesting melodic undertone. The last minute of the song changes from low muddy guitar into a 3 guitar hamony on an asending scale. Another track worth listening to would have to be "Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In The Water". Despite it's lengthy title, the song is a fast and technical wonder. Although one of the shorter songs on the album, "Papyrus" uses tempo changes and Kollias' drums to keep the song moving at all times.
So overall. Nile's "Ithyphallic"? Best death metal album in 2007. Period.
These North Carolina natives combine the death metal genre with themes of ancient Egyptian mysticism and use of B.C. era instruments. With band leader, Karl Sanders, on vocals, guitars and other miscellaneous instruments, Dallas Toler: guitars/vocals, and Geoge Kollias: drums and percussion. These 3 mesh very well together. Each of them is a master of their instrument. For example, Kollias is said to be able to drum faster a few beats per minute above humanly possible. This is their sixth release in the past 9 years and is by far the strongest thus far.
"Ithyphallic" (2007) really breaks the mold of death metal as a whole. Using more odd timing and transitions than most bands they know how to keep the listener interested throughout the entire song. This album takes a more melodic approach than some of their others. With songs like, "The Essential Salts", a song entailing a ritual practice where a mummy is bolied in order to reanimate the dead, combines a fast delivery of guitar and vocals with an interesting melodic undertone. The last minute of the song changes from low muddy guitar into a 3 guitar hamony on an asending scale. Another track worth listening to would have to be "Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In The Water". Despite it's lengthy title, the song is a fast and technical wonder. Although one of the shorter songs on the album, "Papyrus" uses tempo changes and Kollias' drums to keep the song moving at all times.
So overall. Nile's "Ithyphallic"? Best death metal album in 2007. Period.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
20 minutes with the president
Part One: I probably wouldn't talk about America's issues if I was given 20 minutes with Barack. I mean, I'm just some guy. I'm not about to tell him how to do his job. Our conversation would probably revolve around his college days, his kids, how he met his wife, etc. Although I would have to find the right moment to give him an awesome high five. That would be sweet.
Part Two: 1. When I'm in my 20's I'm hoping to start writing. Probably vonnegut-esque writing (satire and what not). And if fail in my attempts to start writing i'll go back to school, if possible, and become an english teacher. The reason i would teach english is because englsih, to me, is a difficult subject to get punk kids such as myself interested in. I think i would do it.
- We will have found a renewable fuel resource, although i think it will either be way obvious like corn, or more obsure, like whale oil or something. from genetically enhanced whales. yeah, whales. The issue of social control will be closely addressed. Like going way overboard with public safety and all that. Hopefully it won't be a futuristic "1984". I hope we have passed racial and gender predujice, although thats quite a feat in itself. I also hope we as a planet can work together instead being separated by location.
2. Well, if we're not all dead from the latest and greatest in nuclear technology I believe the Earth would be a rather tranquil place. If its not all taken up by industry and production I believe that it will be a place where we can live freely. More so than today.
Part Two: 1. When I'm in my 20's I'm hoping to start writing. Probably vonnegut-esque writing (satire and what not). And if fail in my attempts to start writing i'll go back to school, if possible, and become an english teacher. The reason i would teach english is because englsih, to me, is a difficult subject to get punk kids such as myself interested in. I think i would do it.
- We will have found a renewable fuel resource, although i think it will either be way obvious like corn, or more obsure, like whale oil or something. from genetically enhanced whales. yeah, whales. The issue of social control will be closely addressed. Like going way overboard with public safety and all that. Hopefully it won't be a futuristic "1984". I hope we have passed racial and gender predujice, although thats quite a feat in itself. I also hope we as a planet can work together instead being separated by location.
2. Well, if we're not all dead from the latest and greatest in nuclear technology I believe the Earth would be a rather tranquil place. If its not all taken up by industry and production I believe that it will be a place where we can live freely. More so than today.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Monday
Went to a hardcore show on saturday. all 5 bands (Condominium, Question, Herds, The Agenda Chronic Seizure) were all really awesome. I swear, I witness some of the best stages presences when I go to these things. Its a spectical really. From jumping into the audiance to clothing removal. I believe that this is true musical expression
Let Go
-Let Go-
Delirium
At first glance, decisions made
Unstoppable
Pursue with blind faith
Thoughts turn to words
Words to actions,
Actions to hollow words
Lie
What was once bright has now become dim
The feeling fades
Apathy sets in
Parasite
Try to imply
To let her know
She feels so strong
She won’t let go
Delirium
At first glance, decisions made
Unstoppable
Pursue with blind faith
Thoughts turn to words
Words to actions,
Actions to hollow words
Lie
What was once bright has now become dim
The feeling fades
Apathy sets in
Parasite
Try to imply
To let her know
She feels so strong
She won’t let go
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Oct. 7th blog
Two Sundays ago. My band had a show at Eclipse Records in downtown Minneapolis. We played with 2 touring bands (Get Rad & Lewd Acts) and one big local band, In Defence. The show went very well. The venue was pretty awesome and had a nice layout for the type of music we play. The bands we played with were cool to us and joked around with us since we're all much younger then them. In Defence and Get Rad actually mentioned us and pointed us out during their sets. The other bands were really awesome as well. The highlight of the night was during In Defence's set people began stage diving. I got up and dove 3 times. Got some pretty good air the first time, but the other two times I was caught poorly, and the next dropped. The bruise on my ass just went away. A good Sunday night if I've ever had one.
Love Metaphor
Love is like a worm. It can be divided many times but still live on. It can be as such when love is blind or hides in the darkness.
Love Poem
Robert Browning: Meeting at Night
1The gray sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.
2Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, through its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!
<http://www.poetry.com/lovepoems/lovepoems.asp>
The theme is two lovers are meeting at night. The author is saying that lovers can be driven apart but can never be separated emotionally.
A metaphor that is used: the entire poem is essentially a metaphor of the lengths one goes to to reach that special someone.
1The gray sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.
2Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, through its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!
<http://www.poetry.com/lovepoems/lovepoems.asp>
The theme is two lovers are meeting at night. The author is saying that lovers can be driven apart but can never be separated emotionally.
A metaphor that is used: the entire poem is essentially a metaphor of the lengths one goes to to reach that special someone.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Poetry Critique
Spirits Of The Dead
By: Edgar A. Poe
Thy soul shall find itself alone
'Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone;
Not one, of all the crowd, to pry
Into thine hour of secrecy.
Be silent in that solitude,
Which is not loneliness- for then
The spirits of the dead, who stood
In life before thee, are again
In death around thee, and their will
Shall overshadow thee; be still.
The night, though clear, shall frown,
And the stars shall not look down
From their high thrones in the Heaven
With light like hope to mortals given,
But their red orbs, without beam,
To thy weariness shall seem
As a burning and a fever
Which would cling to thee for ever.
Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish,
Now are visions ne'er to vanish;
From thy spirit shall they pass
No more, like dew-drop from the grass.
The breeze, the breath of God, is still,
And the mist upon the hill
Shadowy, shadowy, yet unbroken,
Is a symbol and a token.
How it hangs upon the trees,
A mystery of mysteries!
(http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/poe/spirits.html)
I chose this poem because I really like the way Poe writes. Not because he writes about death and sarrow and whatnot, but because of the mood that his writing is able to set. He creates a vivid image and makes the reader share the feeling he is writing about. The title definitely fits with the idea of the poem and sets the mood for the work.
A personification he uses is,"The night, though clear, shall frown." The phrase describes the scene and conveys an underlying emotion to the reader. An example of a metaphor would be, "From thy spirit shall they pass No more, like dew-drop from the grass." He uses this to compare the presents of spirits to an everyday occurance such as dew drops on grass. It helps the reader better understand and connect with the feeling he is writing about.
The tone of this, like many of Poe's poems, is eerie, dark and mistifying. He succeedes in doing this by using rather dark metaphors and the idea of being among the dead.
By: Edgar A. Poe
Thy soul shall find itself alone
'Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone;
Not one, of all the crowd, to pry
Into thine hour of secrecy.
Be silent in that solitude,
Which is not loneliness- for then
The spirits of the dead, who stood
In life before thee, are again
In death around thee, and their will
Shall overshadow thee; be still.
The night, though clear, shall frown,
And the stars shall not look down
From their high thrones in the Heaven
With light like hope to mortals given,
But their red orbs, without beam,
To thy weariness shall seem
As a burning and a fever
Which would cling to thee for ever.
Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish,
Now are visions ne'er to vanish;
From thy spirit shall they pass
No more, like dew-drop from the grass.
The breeze, the breath of God, is still,
And the mist upon the hill
Shadowy, shadowy, yet unbroken,
Is a symbol and a token.
How it hangs upon the trees,
A mystery of mysteries!
(http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/poe/spirits.html)
I chose this poem because I really like the way Poe writes. Not because he writes about death and sarrow and whatnot, but because of the mood that his writing is able to set. He creates a vivid image and makes the reader share the feeling he is writing about. The title definitely fits with the idea of the poem and sets the mood for the work.
A personification he uses is,"The night, though clear, shall frown." The phrase describes the scene and conveys an underlying emotion to the reader. An example of a metaphor would be, "From thy spirit shall they pass No more, like dew-drop from the grass." He uses this to compare the presents of spirits to an everyday occurance such as dew drops on grass. It helps the reader better understand and connect with the feeling he is writing about.
The tone of this, like many of Poe's poems, is eerie, dark and mistifying. He succeedes in doing this by using rather dark metaphors and the idea of being among the dead.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I've got the straight edge
Starting today me and a friend of mine have decided to start living the straight edge lifestyle. For those who don' know, "straight edge" is not smoking, drinking or using recreational drugs. The reason we have decided to go this way is because of our dissatisfaction with the mindset of people here at EHS. There is definitely no shortage of people saying "get high, get high" and after doing so, we realized that its pathetic. People doing whatever it takes to get ahold of booze or drugs for the weekend is just sad. Sickening really. If they could take a step back and look at themselves and listen to what they are saying, they might think different. But the attitude we're noticing is people just do the things they do just to either gain acceptance or for some cheap thrill. Its just stupid.
"I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got the straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope'
Cause I know I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got the straight edge"
- Ian Mackaye
"I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got the straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope'
Cause I know I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got the straight edge"
- Ian Mackaye
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Metallica: Death Magnetic
On Friday, September 12th, the heavy metal band, Metallica, released their latest studio album: Death Magnetic. At first glance the album can seem a tad cheesy in their attempts to use a "metal" album name/cover art. But after listening to it couple times through it is their best work in a while. Metallica have not release any new meterial since June of 2003's "St. Anger." This album, although creative, was a large let-down due to the lengthy songs, awkward tuning, and a complete lack of guitar solos. Death Magnetic brings Metallica back to their former glory with speed, agressive lyrics and the revival of Kirk Hammet's soloing. Even though the shortest song on the record clocks in at just over 5 minutes, the song's steady tempos and impressive guitar work keep the listener ingaged for hours.
Narrative Passage
Here is my conclusion: "I think this memory sticks in my mind because being in an environment where people interacted freely and were very easy going kind of made me feel at home. Even though at first I felt out of place, by the end of the night, I felt at home."
-I feel I could use some work on summing up my experience. As of now the ending kind of repeats itself and sounds rather cliche. I am trying to come up with another way of saying I felt at home/ comfortable.
Ideas?
-I feel I could use some work on summing up my experience. As of now the ending kind of repeats itself and sounds rather cliche. I am trying to come up with another way of saying I felt at home/ comfortable.
Ideas?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Discovery
Some things I could blog about:
Music (metal/punk)
Movies
Egypt
Concerts
Friends
Local concerts
Dreams
Poetry
Vacations
Things I like
Things I hate
My brothers
School
Drums
My band(s) (Hospital Bombs/Cryptogram)
Careers
Futurama
Resturants
Fast food
How I am invisible to small children
Pilgrim Drycleaners
Fears
ect.
Music (metal/punk)
Movies
Egypt
Concerts
Friends
Local concerts
Dreams
Poetry
Vacations
Things I like
Things I hate
My brothers
School
Drums
My band(s) (Hospital Bombs/Cryptogram)
Careers
Futurama
Resturants
Fast food
How I am invisible to small children
Pilgrim Drycleaners
Fears
ect.
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