G Devil | May 27, 2008
ATMOSPHERE
When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
Rhymesayers
Told you we listen to hip hop too! Yes people, there is such a thing known as GOOD hip hop and Atmosphere has been pumping it out for a few years now. If you don't know who or what Atmosphere is or about here's the skinny. Atmosphere consists of Slug and Ant (Slug spittin the lyrics while Ant lays down the beats…I think... give me a break, I'm a metalhead by birth!). Regardless of who does what, the sixth full length studio album, When Life Gives You Lemons…, is aptly named. The overall message is do the best with what you have and stop bitching. Not the usual message conveyed in today's hip hop is it? No it's not. That's because this is underground shit. The rhymes are very personal and everyone can relate to them. You don't have to be sporting 50 inch rims on a Bentley to appreciate Atmosphere, and that is what I enjoy most about this album.
Besides the lyrical content the music behind the words is pretty damn solid. The rhymes dominate the album but Ant uses a diverse range of sounds to compliment them. Live instruments are chosen more over turntables and samples. The result is a more real feel and a great album to add to any collection.
TESTAMENT
The Formation of Damnation
Nuclear Blast Records
The trash metal gods from Cali are back!!! And holy shit they are fucking pissed! There was once a time when what was known as the Big Five ruled the metal scene. The Big Five consisted of thrash metal bands, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and Testament. Some people argue that Testament wasn't included and the Big Five was actually the Big Four but whatever. Testament never gained the notoriety of the others during its time but purists know the deal…Testament was the shit. And with their first release in seven years they show they still know how to play with the best of them.
The Formation of Damnation has been described as a mix between albums The Gathering and Practice What You Preach. They aren't breaking any barriers here but they are taking thrash from the roots and showing a new breed of listeners what it was all about. Fast, speed-heavy riffs with intense drumming. Guitarist, Alex Skolnick, who has previously denounced metal, is back in the lineup. Don't fret. Any feelings the guy has had towards metal have been put to rest. The guy is flat out good and adds the perfect compliment to the drumming of Paul Bostaph, the rhythm of Eric Peterson and the vocals of Chuck Billy. That's 80% of the original lineup boys and girls! It's like a fucking history lesson listening to this album.
Lyrically the band tackles a variety of topics ranging from current events to politics to religion. I believe The Evil Has Landed is the first song to ever reference the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City. I'm sure they'll be people out there who will say that they shouldn't have went there but I say its about fucking time. What better way to get some people to open their eyes then to put it to the ungodly sound of thrash? Other great tracks include the title track The Formation of Damnation and F.E.A.R. (which was written by Skolnick). Overall the album is a scorcher and made this old headbanger dig up his old thrash collection.
G Devil | May 11, 2008
Its been a while since our last addition to our series on dating was posted. Hopefully since then all you lonely cats out there found someone to snuggle up with or have the proverbial one, two, or three night stand. In this installment in our series on dating we dive into the whole online dating scene. Writing for us this time is Tara Diamond-Kule, a self professed, online dating guru. People actually have her manage their dating profiles on dating sites, so she must know what she's talking about. Enjoy!
Moral Dilemas in Online Dating
by Tara Diamond-Kule
I have gone a lot of “blind dates” from any number of online dating services. I started in 2000 with “Love@aol”. It was free and the searching criteria weren't very advanced. There weren't that many people to choose from. There was still a stigma attached to online dating. I added Jdate to narrow my dating field down to religion. The sites got better, the method of matching people got more involved, and the sites starting charging for membership. Love@aol became Match.com and now Match somehow involved Dr.Phil. E-Harmony is matching people via a 45 minute survey. I'm convinced that there are more sites now for selling yourself than there are for selling most other things. It's opened doors for those not interested in the bar scene or too busy to go out. It's easy, relatively inexpensive compared to a night out, and gives access to a larger pool of people. There's now free sites again under the guise of “networking” such as Friendster, then Myspace and now that adults are allowed to get in on the action- Facebook.
I ended up meeting who would end up being my husband on Jdate in 2004, so I never really used the social networking sites I mentioned above for dating. BUT- apparently many others do use these. How do I know this? There's now this strange phenomenon of playing out your entire relationship for the entire free networking site audience to see like a movie unfolding. I never cease to be amazed at the amount of information people put out on these sites for public consumption. The public display of information in the form of the “comments” section is only the newest obstacle in online dating. It all seems to be a minefield to finding true love.
It is rare to find that amazing combination of physical, emotional, and mental connection that you want in a relationship. It seems it used to be that if you found that, you were at least content for long enough to see if could work out in the long term. There was a process. You made a plan to go out. You showered, shaved, washed your hair, put on a cute outfit, got in the car, drove somewhere, and had to be cool and fun IN PERSON. If by chance you did all that work AND met someone worthwhile, you were interested in seeing where it might lead. You came home and you went to sleep with a smile on your face. That was before online dating went mainstream.
Now there's a different game, different rules, and shorter attention spans. It has been the traditional role of the man to approach a woman. Not in online dating. It is so much less intimidating to send an email than it is to walk up to someone you find attractive, male or female, when they are out. Now you have women taking the pressure off the man to make the initial contact. Men are now getting to enjoy the attention that used to be mostly reserved for women. It has then become almost an ego stroke. Even if they aren't to reply, they like to see it happening.
Online, you can be in your pajamas at 2am and find 1000 or 10,000 people who at least on paper, meet the criteria you think you are looking for in a partner. You make contact with an email, you then move to the phone, and finally, make a plan to meet. In most of my experiences, the build-up/anticipation was better than the actual person. I am lucky that I am one of those people who can make conversation with anyone but that quality was actually to my detriment in plenty of scenarios I'd rather forget. I could talk to someone for ten hours, but that doesn't mean that great phone conversation would translate into attraction or chemistry in person. It had been a rare few that I was interested enough to make it to a second date. I sometimes wondered if I was quickly dismissive of certain people because I knew how easy it was to meet someone else via the net. I wanted to be bowled over but I also didn't want to fall victim to the “grass is always greener” cliché.
You would think that it is the same online or offline, but it isn't. There are more options online and different rules. Figuring out the rules is the tricky part. I “account manage” jdate and match.com profiles for a few friends of mine. What that entails is writing their profiles, taking attractive photos of them, then “hot listing” and “favoriting” good potential candidates for them to make contact with. On occasion, I've taken it upon myself to write a witty email to those potential dates, hoping to get my friends' foot in the dating door. Unfortunately, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink and it is no different in online dating. Because there's such a buffet of candidates, it's sometimes more difficult to score even that first reply. Some people want to do all the contacting, some only reply to those who contact them- never making the initial contact.
Before online dating, if you met someone and you had a few dates, there was that element of mystery before you had the “exclusivity talk”. If the person you were having great dates with was also dating other people it was virtually your guess. But, you certainly didn't have to come home from what you thought was a great date to see his/her profile glaring at you with a little icon blinking “I'm online, chat with me now”. Or, the day after that date to see his/her face with the words “logged in today at 8am” or “online within one hour” next to it. Seeing that, especially on more than one occasion can really ruin your day, by making you paranoid that you were manufacturing the connection you were so sure you felt. It takes away the mystery and it causes confusion where there might not be a need for it. It is also just too tempting to check when they were last checking out the dating site, so in a way, it makes rational people become psycho.
Now, with the whole “Comments” section thing on the networking sites, it's even worse. You think you're dating someone pretty seriously, only to see flirty comments back and forth with your beloved and someone else. You don't want to seem jealous, but hey, that's how you started your relationship- witty banter back and forth. What's different about their witty banter?? There have been instances where I've been bored, looking at people's pages of people I don't even know. As I read back and forth between that person and their “#1” or “Top Friend” I could connect the dots and know their whole relationship tale. By their “status” I can tell if they're lonely, angry, sad or bored. Most times, it's also easy to deduce why they feel that way or WHO made them feel that way. It's also easy then, I'd assume, that anyone who reads and wants an “in” with one half of that couple could know exactly when and how to strike on their own behalf. It's basically like leaving your house open and unarmed when you go out for the night only to be robbed and surprised at how that happened.
When I was online dating, I knew I was on there to meet someone for a serious relationship. I'd went on over 200 first dates over five years. But, I had to be a bit hypocritical. I didn't want to go out with guys who'd gone out on a comparable number of online dates. I feel like men have the upper hand in this game- there just seems to be more women (generally speaking) who want to settle down. In my experience the men who have gone out on a comparable number of internet dates really like the juggling aspect of it all. They like the ease of getting a date and the variety that comes along with this medium of dating. Interestingly though, I didn't want to go out on a date with an online dating virgin. If he hadn't been around the online block, he is usually still being seduced by the ego feeding of receiving many emails. It becomes like being a kid in a candy store. There's a small window in which to catch someone at a time where they've online dated enough to know the ropes, to have gone out on enough disappointing dates but before they get so jaded that they are then dating for “sport”- basically just to go out with as many people as possible.
A dating scenario for both men and women has been having a great date only to come home, and instead of flipping through cable, they log on to the net. They can't help themselves from logging into the dating site, they read their messages, maybe reply, and now, they've basically diluted their feelings on the date they just had. It's like Dating Attention Deficit Disorder. They may ask the person they went out with out again, but it isn't a priority. There's still MORE people to choose from. It takes much more effort to stop looking than to keep dating the same person to see where it goes. They're putting the effort into the wrong thing.
I am not saying that Online Dating is a bad thing. I readily convince friends and strangers to put themselves out there online. The main upside is access to people you wouldn't ordinarily meet. It's easy and convenient. It's just important to have your own rules of self-preservation. You have to be ready to give someone a chance without the distraction of trying to date a harem vs. one person. Be self aware. When you have too many options, you can get greedy, and you lose. You lose “Pretty Great” because you are in constant pursuit of “Better”. Sometimes “Better” only exists in your head and you end up with nothing.
If you are single, online dating opens up the door to amazing people and possibilities. The great love of your life isn't going to knock on your door; you need to put yourself out there. I am 100% confident that had it not been for online dating, I wouldn't have met my amazing husband who only lived a few towns away. We just didn't run in the same circles. I'm thankful everyday I didn't let five years of online dating make me too cynical to be open to love when it came around. I have other friends who've met their spouse's online and seem to have great relationships. It DOES work. You just have to be invested in letting it work.
Take it for what it is- it's just another way to meet people. I get so annoyed when people who've never done it shun it like they're too good for it though. I think everyone should TRY it. If nothing else you'll get some funny stories to entertain your friends and/or other potential dates. But- It isn't a game show and people aren't a prize. Your goal shouldn't to be the person with the most dates, “Most Popular” in your area, or get laid the most. Keep something for yourselves and your relationship- the world doesn't have to know your business. Hopefully you'll meet your “match” by going out with different people and figuring out what you want in a long term partner. When you find someone great, respect that connection and feel lucky to have found it. Don't take it for granted because by the time you figure out that you have done that, it's too late to fix it. Their “I'm online” icon will be flashing for someone else.
Moral Dilemas in Online Dating
by Tara Diamond-Kule
I have gone a lot of “blind dates” from any number of online dating services. I started in 2000 with “Love@aol”. It was free and the searching criteria weren't very advanced. There weren't that many people to choose from. There was still a stigma attached to online dating. I added Jdate to narrow my dating field down to religion. The sites got better, the method of matching people got more involved, and the sites starting charging for membership. Love@aol became Match.com and now Match somehow involved Dr.Phil. E-Harmony is matching people via a 45 minute survey. I'm convinced that there are more sites now for selling yourself than there are for selling most other things. It's opened doors for those not interested in the bar scene or too busy to go out. It's easy, relatively inexpensive compared to a night out, and gives access to a larger pool of people. There's now free sites again under the guise of “networking” such as Friendster, then Myspace and now that adults are allowed to get in on the action- Facebook.
I ended up meeting who would end up being my husband on Jdate in 2004, so I never really used the social networking sites I mentioned above for dating. BUT- apparently many others do use these. How do I know this? There's now this strange phenomenon of playing out your entire relationship for the entire free networking site audience to see like a movie unfolding. I never cease to be amazed at the amount of information people put out on these sites for public consumption. The public display of information in the form of the “comments” section is only the newest obstacle in online dating. It all seems to be a minefield to finding true love.
It is rare to find that amazing combination of physical, emotional, and mental connection that you want in a relationship. It seems it used to be that if you found that, you were at least content for long enough to see if could work out in the long term. There was a process. You made a plan to go out. You showered, shaved, washed your hair, put on a cute outfit, got in the car, drove somewhere, and had to be cool and fun IN PERSON. If by chance you did all that work AND met someone worthwhile, you were interested in seeing where it might lead. You came home and you went to sleep with a smile on your face. That was before online dating went mainstream.
Now there's a different game, different rules, and shorter attention spans. It has been the traditional role of the man to approach a woman. Not in online dating. It is so much less intimidating to send an email than it is to walk up to someone you find attractive, male or female, when they are out. Now you have women taking the pressure off the man to make the initial contact. Men are now getting to enjoy the attention that used to be mostly reserved for women. It has then become almost an ego stroke. Even if they aren't to reply, they like to see it happening.
Online, you can be in your pajamas at 2am and find 1000 or 10,000 people who at least on paper, meet the criteria you think you are looking for in a partner. You make contact with an email, you then move to the phone, and finally, make a plan to meet. In most of my experiences, the build-up/anticipation was better than the actual person. I am lucky that I am one of those people who can make conversation with anyone but that quality was actually to my detriment in plenty of scenarios I'd rather forget. I could talk to someone for ten hours, but that doesn't mean that great phone conversation would translate into attraction or chemistry in person. It had been a rare few that I was interested enough to make it to a second date. I sometimes wondered if I was quickly dismissive of certain people because I knew how easy it was to meet someone else via the net. I wanted to be bowled over but I also didn't want to fall victim to the “grass is always greener” cliché.
You would think that it is the same online or offline, but it isn't. There are more options online and different rules. Figuring out the rules is the tricky part. I “account manage” jdate and match.com profiles for a few friends of mine. What that entails is writing their profiles, taking attractive photos of them, then “hot listing” and “favoriting” good potential candidates for them to make contact with. On occasion, I've taken it upon myself to write a witty email to those potential dates, hoping to get my friends' foot in the dating door. Unfortunately, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink and it is no different in online dating. Because there's such a buffet of candidates, it's sometimes more difficult to score even that first reply. Some people want to do all the contacting, some only reply to those who contact them- never making the initial contact.
Before online dating, if you met someone and you had a few dates, there was that element of mystery before you had the “exclusivity talk”. If the person you were having great dates with was also dating other people it was virtually your guess. But, you certainly didn't have to come home from what you thought was a great date to see his/her profile glaring at you with a little icon blinking “I'm online, chat with me now”. Or, the day after that date to see his/her face with the words “logged in today at 8am” or “online within one hour” next to it. Seeing that, especially on more than one occasion can really ruin your day, by making you paranoid that you were manufacturing the connection you were so sure you felt. It takes away the mystery and it causes confusion where there might not be a need for it. It is also just too tempting to check when they were last checking out the dating site, so in a way, it makes rational people become psycho.
Now, with the whole “Comments” section thing on the networking sites, it's even worse. You think you're dating someone pretty seriously, only to see flirty comments back and forth with your beloved and someone else. You don't want to seem jealous, but hey, that's how you started your relationship- witty banter back and forth. What's different about their witty banter?? There have been instances where I've been bored, looking at people's pages of people I don't even know. As I read back and forth between that person and their “#1” or “Top Friend” I could connect the dots and know their whole relationship tale. By their “status” I can tell if they're lonely, angry, sad or bored. Most times, it's also easy to deduce why they feel that way or WHO made them feel that way. It's also easy then, I'd assume, that anyone who reads and wants an “in” with one half of that couple could know exactly when and how to strike on their own behalf. It's basically like leaving your house open and unarmed when you go out for the night only to be robbed and surprised at how that happened.
When I was online dating, I knew I was on there to meet someone for a serious relationship. I'd went on over 200 first dates over five years. But, I had to be a bit hypocritical. I didn't want to go out with guys who'd gone out on a comparable number of online dates. I feel like men have the upper hand in this game- there just seems to be more women (generally speaking) who want to settle down. In my experience the men who have gone out on a comparable number of internet dates really like the juggling aspect of it all. They like the ease of getting a date and the variety that comes along with this medium of dating. Interestingly though, I didn't want to go out on a date with an online dating virgin. If he hadn't been around the online block, he is usually still being seduced by the ego feeding of receiving many emails. It becomes like being a kid in a candy store. There's a small window in which to catch someone at a time where they've online dated enough to know the ropes, to have gone out on enough disappointing dates but before they get so jaded that they are then dating for “sport”- basically just to go out with as many people as possible.
A dating scenario for both men and women has been having a great date only to come home, and instead of flipping through cable, they log on to the net. They can't help themselves from logging into the dating site, they read their messages, maybe reply, and now, they've basically diluted their feelings on the date they just had. It's like Dating Attention Deficit Disorder. They may ask the person they went out with out again, but it isn't a priority. There's still MORE people to choose from. It takes much more effort to stop looking than to keep dating the same person to see where it goes. They're putting the effort into the wrong thing.
I am not saying that Online Dating is a bad thing. I readily convince friends and strangers to put themselves out there online. The main upside is access to people you wouldn't ordinarily meet. It's easy and convenient. It's just important to have your own rules of self-preservation. You have to be ready to give someone a chance without the distraction of trying to date a harem vs. one person. Be self aware. When you have too many options, you can get greedy, and you lose. You lose “Pretty Great” because you are in constant pursuit of “Better”. Sometimes “Better” only exists in your head and you end up with nothing.
If you are single, online dating opens up the door to amazing people and possibilities. The great love of your life isn't going to knock on your door; you need to put yourself out there. I am 100% confident that had it not been for online dating, I wouldn't have met my amazing husband who only lived a few towns away. We just didn't run in the same circles. I'm thankful everyday I didn't let five years of online dating make me too cynical to be open to love when it came around. I have other friends who've met their spouse's online and seem to have great relationships. It DOES work. You just have to be invested in letting it work.
Take it for what it is- it's just another way to meet people. I get so annoyed when people who've never done it shun it like they're too good for it though. I think everyone should TRY it. If nothing else you'll get some funny stories to entertain your friends and/or other potential dates. But- It isn't a game show and people aren't a prize. Your goal shouldn't to be the person with the most dates, “Most Popular” in your area, or get laid the most. Keep something for yourselves and your relationship- the world doesn't have to know your business. Hopefully you'll meet your “match” by going out with different people and figuring out what you want in a long term partner. When you find someone great, respect that connection and feel lucky to have found it. Don't take it for granted because by the time you figure out that you have done that, it's too late to fix it. Their “I'm online” icon will be flashing for someone else.
G Devil | May 2, 2008
THIS IS HELL
Misfortunes
Trustkill Records
Strong Island Hardcore. If I were writing a review about a band ten years ago, those three words would have been enough to describe the sound of whatever band being written about. What exactly is Strong Island Hardcore you might ask? Besides the obvious and hailing from Long Island, NY, for a band to be labeled such, it must have a yeoman like work ethic, crushing sound and a take no prisoners approach to shows. Ladies and gentlemen, Strong Island Hardcore can not only be heard in This Is Hell's most recent release, Misfortunes, but it can be felt.
As far as hardcore is concerned, Misfortunes is a breath of fresh air into a scene many have labeled “dead”. Lead singer, Travis Reilly rips through each track with a relentlessness not matched by many in the biz. The album is a huge step up from the band's first release, Sundowning, which wasn't a complete album. It had some bright spots (Permenace) but more often than not, that album lost steam. Misfortunes is the band's penance for the mistakes made in Sundowning. It is perfect from beginning to end. Tracks such as Disciples and In Shambles are sure to be crowd pleasers, while other tracks such as Reckless, Fearless Vampires and Without Closure are short, fast and furious.
Final word: Buy it. You won't be sorry.
www.myspace.com/thisishell
CHILDREN OF BODOM
Blooddrunk
Spinefarm Records
What can be said that hasn't been said of the legendary Children of Bodom? Yes, I said legendary. I don't think I'm far from the truth either, and I'm sure the majority of you would probably agree. By my count, this is the band's sixth full length studio release. Blooddrunk is a good blend of power metal, sans keyboards, and thrash metal. Their previous album, Are You Dead Yet?, landed them huge success in the states, and Alexi Laiho and Co. deliver again with Blooddrunk.
The album, like those previous, start and die with the chops of Alexi Laiho. He gets pretty technical on tracks such as Blooddrunk, and Tie My Rope. Some would say he gets too technical just for technicalities sake, but combined with the support of the rest of CoB, it just plain works. Children of Bodom loyalists will love this album, newcomers may not. I suggest giving one of their older albums a listen first just to have a point of reference (Try Hate Crew Deathroll or Hatebreeder).
My only gripe is the cover song, Ghost Riders in the Sky. CoB usually does a great job in selecting an out of nowhere song to cover and making it sound just plain deadly (see Oops I Did It Again for further details). But listening to a bunch of Nordics yodel yippie-kay-yay is just painful. Try again fellas.
Final Word: Buy it along with a six pack of Karhu (The most popular beer in Finland) and enjoy.
http://www.cobhc.com/
THE PARLOR MOB
And You Were a Crow
Roadrunner Records
Throwback is a word that comes up when I listen to New Jersey's own, The Parlor Mob. Part Led Zepplin, mixed with part Black Sabbath and a splash of Rush, The Parlor Mob has tapped into a sound of rock and roll's past and have done it with style, and sophistication. The band's first full length release, And You Were a Crow, delivers the goods.
I first saw this band perform at my 30th birthday party last year. They put on an extremely energetic show, and how they bounced around in a jean that tight, is still a mystery to me. But fashion aside, this band flat out rocks out on all cylinders. The talent in this band transcends in the album. The retro guitar licks and drum fills keep the album moving at a good pace throughout. But the showstopper of the album is the voice of lead singer, Mark Melicia. A friend of mine stopped him after a set and told him he was Geddy Lee incarnate. I disagreed and still think his sound is eerily similar to Robert Plant. You buy the album, and you be the judge.
And You Were a Crow also showcases the band's talent in songwriting. Hard rocking tracks such as Hard Times, The Kids, and Bullet will keep your foot stomping to the beat while slower tracks such as When I was An Orphan and Everything You're Breathing For are perfect if you had a convertible and were going on a long road trip.
Final Word: Rent Dazed and Confused, roll a doobie, grab a cold Schlitz and listen to the fuzzed out sounds of The Parlor Mob!!!
www.myspace.com/theparlormob
Misfortunes
Trustkill Records
Strong Island Hardcore. If I were writing a review about a band ten years ago, those three words would have been enough to describe the sound of whatever band being written about. What exactly is Strong Island Hardcore you might ask? Besides the obvious and hailing from Long Island, NY, for a band to be labeled such, it must have a yeoman like work ethic, crushing sound and a take no prisoners approach to shows. Ladies and gentlemen, Strong Island Hardcore can not only be heard in This Is Hell's most recent release, Misfortunes, but it can be felt.
As far as hardcore is concerned, Misfortunes is a breath of fresh air into a scene many have labeled “dead”. Lead singer, Travis Reilly rips through each track with a relentlessness not matched by many in the biz. The album is a huge step up from the band's first release, Sundowning, which wasn't a complete album. It had some bright spots (Permenace) but more often than not, that album lost steam. Misfortunes is the band's penance for the mistakes made in Sundowning. It is perfect from beginning to end. Tracks such as Disciples and In Shambles are sure to be crowd pleasers, while other tracks such as Reckless, Fearless Vampires and Without Closure are short, fast and furious.
Final word: Buy it. You won't be sorry.
www.myspace.com/thisishell
CHILDREN OF BODOM
Blooddrunk
Spinefarm Records
What can be said that hasn't been said of the legendary Children of Bodom? Yes, I said legendary. I don't think I'm far from the truth either, and I'm sure the majority of you would probably agree. By my count, this is the band's sixth full length studio release. Blooddrunk is a good blend of power metal, sans keyboards, and thrash metal. Their previous album, Are You Dead Yet?, landed them huge success in the states, and Alexi Laiho and Co. deliver again with Blooddrunk.
The album, like those previous, start and die with the chops of Alexi Laiho. He gets pretty technical on tracks such as Blooddrunk, and Tie My Rope. Some would say he gets too technical just for technicalities sake, but combined with the support of the rest of CoB, it just plain works. Children of Bodom loyalists will love this album, newcomers may not. I suggest giving one of their older albums a listen first just to have a point of reference (Try Hate Crew Deathroll or Hatebreeder).
My only gripe is the cover song, Ghost Riders in the Sky. CoB usually does a great job in selecting an out of nowhere song to cover and making it sound just plain deadly (see Oops I Did It Again for further details). But listening to a bunch of Nordics yodel yippie-kay-yay is just painful. Try again fellas.
Final Word: Buy it along with a six pack of Karhu (The most popular beer in Finland) and enjoy.
http://www.cobhc.com/
THE PARLOR MOB
And You Were a Crow
Roadrunner Records
Throwback is a word that comes up when I listen to New Jersey's own, The Parlor Mob. Part Led Zepplin, mixed with part Black Sabbath and a splash of Rush, The Parlor Mob has tapped into a sound of rock and roll's past and have done it with style, and sophistication. The band's first full length release, And You Were a Crow, delivers the goods.
I first saw this band perform at my 30th birthday party last year. They put on an extremely energetic show, and how they bounced around in a jean that tight, is still a mystery to me. But fashion aside, this band flat out rocks out on all cylinders. The talent in this band transcends in the album. The retro guitar licks and drum fills keep the album moving at a good pace throughout. But the showstopper of the album is the voice of lead singer, Mark Melicia. A friend of mine stopped him after a set and told him he was Geddy Lee incarnate. I disagreed and still think his sound is eerily similar to Robert Plant. You buy the album, and you be the judge.
And You Were a Crow also showcases the band's talent in songwriting. Hard rocking tracks such as Hard Times, The Kids, and Bullet will keep your foot stomping to the beat while slower tracks such as When I was An Orphan and Everything You're Breathing For are perfect if you had a convertible and were going on a long road trip.
Final Word: Rent Dazed and Confused, roll a doobie, grab a cold Schlitz and listen to the fuzzed out sounds of The Parlor Mob!!!
www.myspace.com/theparlormob
G Devil | April 26, 2008
With summer come many things. Mostly all of them are good. The warm weather just makes you wanna reach out and hug someone doesn't it? If you answered yes, then leave my website, never return, and fall on a knife…repeatedly. There's only one thing on our mind here at the Syndicate once the temperature goes up…and no it doesn't involve your mother and corn oil. Music festivals ya big dummy! Here's a quick guide to a few tours we deem worthy of labeling “cool”. Some you have heard of, maybe some you haven't. Obscure or not, here's a little guide to help you decide how to spend your summer.
1. THE BAMBOOZLE
The Where's and When's: May 3rd and 4th in beautiful East Rutherford, NJ at Giants Stadium. (The home of the Superbowl champion New York Football Giants by the way…fuck you New England)
http://www.thebamboozle.com/
Current Lineup: Way too many to list. Without a doubt Bamboozle is the most diverse two days of music of the summer and it just keeps getting bigger. Just to name a few how about Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Eat World, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Paramore and Bret Michaels…yes, I said Bret Michaels. Rumor has it that he will be performing Poison songs as well as growing his hairline back for an encore.
Most Notable Act: Minus the obvious headliners I'd have to go with my boys in The Mighty Mighty Bosstones performing on the second day. This band gave so many punk and hardcore acts an opening shot back in the day, its good to see them performing at a big event again. They are sure to put on a sick set fueled with anti-New York Yankee comments.
…Oh and a little band called Every Time I Die will also be scorching a stage.
To Go Or Not To Go: The lineup isn't really my taste but there are a few great bands sprinkled in there to keep it interesting for two days. I'll be going just for the Bosstones alone. And I'll also be helping my buddy Chris at the WWW.ROBOTSWILLKILL.COM booth. Ladies stop by and play some grab ass with us. It's worth hanging out at the table just for the sheer comedy that usually ensues. My only gripe with The Bamboozle? They go for quantity, not quality. I'm not one for fifteen minute sets. With some bands that adds up to a whopping 5 songs. Also, with concerts such as this there are multiple stages. You may not be able to see a band your interested in because another band is playing at the same time. So until they perfect cloning, you're fucked.
2. ROCK STAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL
The Where's and When's: From July 9th through August 19th, coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.mayhemfest.com/
Current Lineup: Slipknot, Disturbed, Dragonforce, Mastodon, Underoath, Machine Head, Walls of Jericho, Black Tide, Suicide Silence, The Red Chord, Five Finger Death Punch, 36 Crazyfists, Airbourne.
Most Notable Act: Of course, the obvious, Slipknot, who has been dormant since their last release Volume 3.0 (The Subliminal Verses) in 2004. Other than the bands various side projects we haven't really heard of anything from the masked boys from Iowa in a while. A promise of a new album this year is rumored and all signs point to it being true. The band has gained its share of enemies over the years and may have lost some of its following. But the true maggots will gather once again to see a truly talented band this summer. Call them sellouts, soft, non-purists of metal…call them whatever you'd like. But fair is fair, they put on one hell of a kick ass show. And if you have never seen Walls of Jericho perform live, you're sorely missing out. Lead singer, Candace Kucsulain, isn't just a pretty face, she's probably one the most aggressive vocalists to take the stage, hands down. I dare you to scream out “Show us your tits!”
To Go Or Not To Go: I'll be going. The lineup is fucking intensely heavy as well as diverse. Power, death and thrash metal all in one day. Plus you get a good time to rest when Disturbed take the stage. Kind of like nap time in pre-school.
3. HOT TOPIC SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR
The Where's and When's: June 20th through July 28th coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.myspace.com/summerslaughtertour
Current Lineup: The Black Dahlia Murder, Kataklysm, Vader, Cyrptopsy, The Faceless, Despised Icon, Aborted, Born of Osiris, Psycroptic, White Chapel
Most Notable Act: Hands down The Black Dahlia Murder. If you've seen them live you know what I'm talking about. Although it is true, listening to them will take at least five years off your life with how heavy they can play, but who wants to live forever anyway?
To Go Or Not To Go: I'd vote yay. All those in favor? I'm down with any band I have to turn the album upside down in order to read the name. This tour isn't for the faint of heart though. Expect a good dose of pig squealing vocals and double bass till your ear drums bleed.
4. VAN'S WARPED TOUR
The Where's and When's: The grand-daddy of the lot starts June 20th and goes through August 17th coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.warpedtour.com/warpedtour/index.asp
Current Lineup: Depending on when and where you are you may see a different lineup. But just to name a few how about Angels and Airwaves, The Horrorpops, Norma Jean, August Burns Red, Street Dogs, The Vandals and Family Force 5. Again, check the website for the lineup near you.
Most Notable Act: For me, I'd have to say All That Remains. One of the most energetic metal bands I've ever witnessed.
To Go or Not To Go: The tour has a great dose of diversity to it this year. I remember going to the very first Warped Tour circa 1993-94 (I think?) and the lineup was mostly punk and hardcore bands. My friends and I were in heaven watching the bands we use to cram inside of a high school gym play out in an open field environment. The tour has come a long way and assuming the weather is good it can be a great day. But again, the one thing I hate about these enormous tours is that a bands set is usually only 15 minutes. I can't seem to find the finalized lineup for my area (Englishtown, NJ) but from the looks of it All That Remains will be playing there so sure as shit I'll be in attendance.
5. SEVENTH DAGGER FEST
The Where's and When's: May 24th and May 25th at The Mad Hatter, 620 Scott Street, Covington, KY 41011
http://www.myspace.com/seventhdaggerfest
Current Lineup: xTyrantx, Rhinoceros, Thick as Blood, xNever Againx, xCool Your Jetsx, The World We Knew, The Wrath , Search Bloc, xAFBx, Battleground(Reunion), xBarcadiax, Suicide Pact, Eyes To The Sky, The Pledge, Birth Of A Hero. Notice anything about the bands? If you said a lot of them have the letter “X” in them give yourself a handjob! Seventh Dagger is a record label who only signs Straight Edge bands, so yes boys and girls, it's safe to say there will be no booze at this event. But fuck the booze when you have bands like xTyrantx and Rhinoceros to give you a buzz.
Most Notable Act: Alex, I'll take Old School Hardcore for five hundred please. The answer is xCool Your Jetsx. What is the old school hardcore sound I grew up with? This band brings me back to the days of Judge and Youth of Today.
To Go or Not To Go: If I can get a road trip going, I'll be there. No I'm not straight edge but many of my friends are. Does it even matter? Its suppose to be about the music anyway ya knucklehead.
6. GIGANTOUR 2008
The Where's and When's: April 12th – May 22nd in North America….oh shit! That's now!!!
http://www.gigantour.com/2008intro.html
Current Lineup: Megadeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy, High on Fire.
Most Notable Act: I've seen each of these bands live at some point in my lifetime. Megadeth is a legend of thrash metal and is worth seeing. However, I'll have to go ahead and say Children of Bodom just may steal the show, with no disrespect to the rest of the lineup. If you didn't know already, High on Fire is a badass thrash metal band from California which may be likened to Motorhead and Disfear. So expect plenty of beer drinking with this lineup.
To Go or Not To Go: Megadeth thrives in big arenas. But for me personally, I'd rather see the other bands headlining in smaller venues, but that's just me.
So that's about all we got for you on our end. How about you guys? Any good tours that we didn't list? Write in and let us know about them. We're always looking for something to do during the summer. Kicking sand in kids' faces can get old really fast.
-GDeViL
gdevil@whitedevilgear.com
1. THE BAMBOOZLE
The Where's and When's: May 3rd and 4th in beautiful East Rutherford, NJ at Giants Stadium. (The home of the Superbowl champion New York Football Giants by the way…fuck you New England)
http://www.thebamboozle.com/
Current Lineup: Way too many to list. Without a doubt Bamboozle is the most diverse two days of music of the summer and it just keeps getting bigger. Just to name a few how about Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Eat World, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Paramore and Bret Michaels…yes, I said Bret Michaels. Rumor has it that he will be performing Poison songs as well as growing his hairline back for an encore.
Most Notable Act: Minus the obvious headliners I'd have to go with my boys in The Mighty Mighty Bosstones performing on the second day. This band gave so many punk and hardcore acts an opening shot back in the day, its good to see them performing at a big event again. They are sure to put on a sick set fueled with anti-New York Yankee comments.
…Oh and a little band called Every Time I Die will also be scorching a stage.
To Go Or Not To Go: The lineup isn't really my taste but there are a few great bands sprinkled in there to keep it interesting for two days. I'll be going just for the Bosstones alone. And I'll also be helping my buddy Chris at the WWW.ROBOTSWILLKILL.COM booth. Ladies stop by and play some grab ass with us. It's worth hanging out at the table just for the sheer comedy that usually ensues. My only gripe with The Bamboozle? They go for quantity, not quality. I'm not one for fifteen minute sets. With some bands that adds up to a whopping 5 songs. Also, with concerts such as this there are multiple stages. You may not be able to see a band your interested in because another band is playing at the same time. So until they perfect cloning, you're fucked.
2. ROCK STAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL
The Where's and When's: From July 9th through August 19th, coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.mayhemfest.com/
Current Lineup: Slipknot, Disturbed, Dragonforce, Mastodon, Underoath, Machine Head, Walls of Jericho, Black Tide, Suicide Silence, The Red Chord, Five Finger Death Punch, 36 Crazyfists, Airbourne.
Most Notable Act: Of course, the obvious, Slipknot, who has been dormant since their last release Volume 3.0 (The Subliminal Verses) in 2004. Other than the bands various side projects we haven't really heard of anything from the masked boys from Iowa in a while. A promise of a new album this year is rumored and all signs point to it being true. The band has gained its share of enemies over the years and may have lost some of its following. But the true maggots will gather once again to see a truly talented band this summer. Call them sellouts, soft, non-purists of metal…call them whatever you'd like. But fair is fair, they put on one hell of a kick ass show. And if you have never seen Walls of Jericho perform live, you're sorely missing out. Lead singer, Candace Kucsulain, isn't just a pretty face, she's probably one the most aggressive vocalists to take the stage, hands down. I dare you to scream out “Show us your tits!”
To Go Or Not To Go: I'll be going. The lineup is fucking intensely heavy as well as diverse. Power, death and thrash metal all in one day. Plus you get a good time to rest when Disturbed take the stage. Kind of like nap time in pre-school.
3. HOT TOPIC SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR
The Where's and When's: June 20th through July 28th coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.myspace.com/summerslaughtertour
Current Lineup: The Black Dahlia Murder, Kataklysm, Vader, Cyrptopsy, The Faceless, Despised Icon, Aborted, Born of Osiris, Psycroptic, White Chapel
Most Notable Act: Hands down The Black Dahlia Murder. If you've seen them live you know what I'm talking about. Although it is true, listening to them will take at least five years off your life with how heavy they can play, but who wants to live forever anyway?
To Go Or Not To Go: I'd vote yay. All those in favor? I'm down with any band I have to turn the album upside down in order to read the name. This tour isn't for the faint of heart though. Expect a good dose of pig squealing vocals and double bass till your ear drums bleed.
4. VAN'S WARPED TOUR
The Where's and When's: The grand-daddy of the lot starts June 20th and goes through August 17th coming to a venue near you. Check the website for more details.
http://www.warpedtour.com/warpedtour/index.asp
Current Lineup: Depending on when and where you are you may see a different lineup. But just to name a few how about Angels and Airwaves, The Horrorpops, Norma Jean, August Burns Red, Street Dogs, The Vandals and Family Force 5. Again, check the website for the lineup near you.
Most Notable Act: For me, I'd have to say All That Remains. One of the most energetic metal bands I've ever witnessed.
To Go or Not To Go: The tour has a great dose of diversity to it this year. I remember going to the very first Warped Tour circa 1993-94 (I think?) and the lineup was mostly punk and hardcore bands. My friends and I were in heaven watching the bands we use to cram inside of a high school gym play out in an open field environment. The tour has come a long way and assuming the weather is good it can be a great day. But again, the one thing I hate about these enormous tours is that a bands set is usually only 15 minutes. I can't seem to find the finalized lineup for my area (Englishtown, NJ) but from the looks of it All That Remains will be playing there so sure as shit I'll be in attendance.
5. SEVENTH DAGGER FEST
The Where's and When's: May 24th and May 25th at The Mad Hatter, 620 Scott Street, Covington, KY 41011
http://www.myspace.com/seventhdaggerfest
Current Lineup: xTyrantx, Rhinoceros, Thick as Blood, xNever Againx, xCool Your Jetsx, The World We Knew, The Wrath , Search Bloc, xAFBx, Battleground(Reunion), xBarcadiax, Suicide Pact, Eyes To The Sky, The Pledge, Birth Of A Hero. Notice anything about the bands? If you said a lot of them have the letter “X” in them give yourself a handjob! Seventh Dagger is a record label who only signs Straight Edge bands, so yes boys and girls, it's safe to say there will be no booze at this event. But fuck the booze when you have bands like xTyrantx and Rhinoceros to give you a buzz.
Most Notable Act: Alex, I'll take Old School Hardcore for five hundred please. The answer is xCool Your Jetsx. What is the old school hardcore sound I grew up with? This band brings me back to the days of Judge and Youth of Today.
To Go or Not To Go: If I can get a road trip going, I'll be there. No I'm not straight edge but many of my friends are. Does it even matter? Its suppose to be about the music anyway ya knucklehead.
6. GIGANTOUR 2008
The Where's and When's: April 12th – May 22nd in North America….oh shit! That's now!!!
http://www.gigantour.com/2008intro.html
Current Lineup: Megadeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy, High on Fire.
Most Notable Act: I've seen each of these bands live at some point in my lifetime. Megadeth is a legend of thrash metal and is worth seeing. However, I'll have to go ahead and say Children of Bodom just may steal the show, with no disrespect to the rest of the lineup. If you didn't know already, High on Fire is a badass thrash metal band from California which may be likened to Motorhead and Disfear. So expect plenty of beer drinking with this lineup.
To Go or Not To Go: Megadeth thrives in big arenas. But for me personally, I'd rather see the other bands headlining in smaller venues, but that's just me.
So that's about all we got for you on our end. How about you guys? Any good tours that we didn't list? Write in and let us know about them. We're always looking for something to do during the summer. Kicking sand in kids' faces can get old really fast.
-GDeViL
gdevil@whitedevilgear.com
G Devil | April 18, 2008
AVON JUNKIES
A Merchants Tale
Unsigned
Being a Staten Island local and into the music scene it's hard not to run into local favorites, the Avon Junkies. All one has to do is attend one of the Junkies' shows to see what this band is about. They are a fusion of metal, punk, ska, funk, jazz. And anything else I missed can probably be thrown in there. But the bottom line is these guys know how to rock, and rock well at that mind you. That's what happens when actual musicians play together and the Avon Junkies are chock full of talented musicians.
Their first full length release, The Merchants Tale, is a collection of nine pieces. That's right; I said pieces, not tracks. Most of the pieces clock in at an average of 5-6 minutes. The use of trumpets, trombones and banjos makes the time fly, and before you know it you're listening to the album on your second or third run. Its hard to say which track is the ear grabber on Merchants. But if you insist, I would have to go with the opener Never Be followed by the quasi love song, Bullshit. Did I even mention the lyrics that go along with this magnificent sound are matched perfectly? Take this line in Lost…”Don't try and pretend like all we have is strictly in the bed. I remember the times we used the floor instead.” Fucking brilliant.
So support a local band, support good music and become a Junkie. Grab The Merchants Tale and add a little color to your music collection.
www.myspace.com/avonjunkies
BLOODSIMPLE
Red Harvest
Bully Goat/Reprise Records
Red Harvest has been out for a few months now and either I have been living under a rock or the marketing for the album sucked. I'm willing to bet it's the latter. For those who don't know, Bloodsimple is a metal project embarked on by Tim Williams and Mike Kennedy (formerly of New York hardcore legend, V.O.D.) When their first release hit the stands (Cruel World) I was pissing in my pants with excitement. I thought it would be a similar sound compared to V.O.D., of which I was and still am a HUGE fan of. I wasn't disappointed with Cruel World but it's seemed that the band was trying really hard to mesh a little of the old with the new. It was a decent album, but their identity was yet to be revealed.
One complete listen to Red Harvest, I'd say that the identity has been found. Tim's vocals are still one of the best in the business. He's been doing the dual scream/melodic vocal thing since 1996-97. Bands today need two singers to reach the range he can. Red Harvest is a straight punch to the mouth. Heavy breakdowns litter the album while Tim harnesses all the emotion he can into each track. Top tracks would have to be the title track, Red Harvest, Dark Helmet (intense breakdowns), and sure to be a crowd favorite and my own favorite, Dead Man Walking. The opening riff will send chills down your spine. Promise.
Bloodsimple has taken a step in the right direction where most bands seem to falter. I'm not surprised due to their pedigree. I'm sure its going to continue.
www.myspace.com/bloodsimple
DISFEAR
Live the Storm
Relapse/Feral Ward Records
Haven't heard of Disfear? Well wake the fuck up and have a cup of metal. Former At The Gates vocalist, Tomas Lindberg and fellow Swedes go for the jugular on the band's sophomore effort. There's nothing fancy here. A total blue collar approach to an old school metal sound and it's pulled off beautifully. Think Motorhead on a cocaine binge…for a week. It's not taking anything away from the band's talent. The guitar work and drums are off the chart, and Lindberg's legendary growl has never been better. Not much has changed sound wise since their first release, Misanthropic Generation. To anyone who isn't a fan of Gothenburg metal the tracks may tend to blend into one another, making it difficult to tell when one song ends and another begins. But traditionalists will surely be banging their heads to the dark, groove metal sound that is brought forth on Live The Storm. The band does a good job with the changeups and the use of choruses. Just enough to get you amped up for the next song. Top tracks include, Get It Off, Deadweight and my personal favorite, Phantom. Catch them on tour in the states now before they go overseas. You'll be in for one hell of a show.
www.disfear.com
THE SWORD
Gods of the Earth
Kemado Records
Throw back heavy metal act, The Sword have released their second full length, Gods of the Earth. The highly technical Austin, TX act is back, chock full of another dose of Norse mythology and fuzzed out riffs. If Black Sabbath were to be reborn in this day and age, Ozzy Osbourne's new name would be J.D. Cronise and Tommy Iommi would come back as Kyle Shutt. That should give you an idea of what The Sword sounds like just in case you've been in a coma since their debut album, Age of Winters. I've only given the album about two full listens so far but I've found myself bobbing my head to the deep beats and grooves cut through with perfect precision by the band. An absolute score and must buy. Top track? Try How Heavy This Ax and Lords on for size.
www.myspace.com/thesword
A Merchants Tale
Unsigned
Being a Staten Island local and into the music scene it's hard not to run into local favorites, the Avon Junkies. All one has to do is attend one of the Junkies' shows to see what this band is about. They are a fusion of metal, punk, ska, funk, jazz. And anything else I missed can probably be thrown in there. But the bottom line is these guys know how to rock, and rock well at that mind you. That's what happens when actual musicians play together and the Avon Junkies are chock full of talented musicians.
Their first full length release, The Merchants Tale, is a collection of nine pieces. That's right; I said pieces, not tracks. Most of the pieces clock in at an average of 5-6 minutes. The use of trumpets, trombones and banjos makes the time fly, and before you know it you're listening to the album on your second or third run. Its hard to say which track is the ear grabber on Merchants. But if you insist, I would have to go with the opener Never Be followed by the quasi love song, Bullshit. Did I even mention the lyrics that go along with this magnificent sound are matched perfectly? Take this line in Lost…”Don't try and pretend like all we have is strictly in the bed. I remember the times we used the floor instead.” Fucking brilliant.
So support a local band, support good music and become a Junkie. Grab The Merchants Tale and add a little color to your music collection.
www.myspace.com/avonjunkies
BLOODSIMPLE
Red Harvest
Bully Goat/Reprise Records
Red Harvest has been out for a few months now and either I have been living under a rock or the marketing for the album sucked. I'm willing to bet it's the latter. For those who don't know, Bloodsimple is a metal project embarked on by Tim Williams and Mike Kennedy (formerly of New York hardcore legend, V.O.D.) When their first release hit the stands (Cruel World) I was pissing in my pants with excitement. I thought it would be a similar sound compared to V.O.D., of which I was and still am a HUGE fan of. I wasn't disappointed with Cruel World but it's seemed that the band was trying really hard to mesh a little of the old with the new. It was a decent album, but their identity was yet to be revealed.
One complete listen to Red Harvest, I'd say that the identity has been found. Tim's vocals are still one of the best in the business. He's been doing the dual scream/melodic vocal thing since 1996-97. Bands today need two singers to reach the range he can. Red Harvest is a straight punch to the mouth. Heavy breakdowns litter the album while Tim harnesses all the emotion he can into each track. Top tracks would have to be the title track, Red Harvest, Dark Helmet (intense breakdowns), and sure to be a crowd favorite and my own favorite, Dead Man Walking. The opening riff will send chills down your spine. Promise.
Bloodsimple has taken a step in the right direction where most bands seem to falter. I'm not surprised due to their pedigree. I'm sure its going to continue.
www.myspace.com/bloodsimple
DISFEAR
Live the Storm
Relapse/Feral Ward Records
Haven't heard of Disfear? Well wake the fuck up and have a cup of metal. Former At The Gates vocalist, Tomas Lindberg and fellow Swedes go for the jugular on the band's sophomore effort. There's nothing fancy here. A total blue collar approach to an old school metal sound and it's pulled off beautifully. Think Motorhead on a cocaine binge…for a week. It's not taking anything away from the band's talent. The guitar work and drums are off the chart, and Lindberg's legendary growl has never been better. Not much has changed sound wise since their first release, Misanthropic Generation. To anyone who isn't a fan of Gothenburg metal the tracks may tend to blend into one another, making it difficult to tell when one song ends and another begins. But traditionalists will surely be banging their heads to the dark, groove metal sound that is brought forth on Live The Storm. The band does a good job with the changeups and the use of choruses. Just enough to get you amped up for the next song. Top tracks include, Get It Off, Deadweight and my personal favorite, Phantom. Catch them on tour in the states now before they go overseas. You'll be in for one hell of a show.
www.disfear.com
THE SWORD
Gods of the Earth
Kemado Records
Throw back heavy metal act, The Sword have released their second full length, Gods of the Earth. The highly technical Austin, TX act is back, chock full of another dose of Norse mythology and fuzzed out riffs. If Black Sabbath were to be reborn in this day and age, Ozzy Osbourne's new name would be J.D. Cronise and Tommy Iommi would come back as Kyle Shutt. That should give you an idea of what The Sword sounds like just in case you've been in a coma since their debut album, Age of Winters. I've only given the album about two full listens so far but I've found myself bobbing my head to the deep beats and grooves cut through with perfect precision by the band. An absolute score and must buy. Top track? Try How Heavy This Ax and Lords on for size.
www.myspace.com/thesword
G Devil | April 7, 2008
(This is the first part to a three part series on dating and relationships. Yes, we here at WDS are professionals in not only the criminal underworld, but in our spare time we take out the dames and romance the hell out of em. Afterall, your only as powerful as the gal you have on your arm right? So read on, give us some feedback and take some notes!)
DATING SYNDICATE STYLE (PART 1)
Dating. It's a term that can scare the pants off many, yet it always makes for the best stories at the bar, over dinner, or on those long upstate drives to ditch a body or two. It crosses all boundaries. Gender, race, religion…everyone is dating these days, and everyone has dating stories. But dating today as opposed to say 20 years ago is drastically different. Traditional “Have her home by midnight” dating is almost non-existent these days. Who has the time to actually go out and personally meet people? Ugh…just the thought makes me crave some prescription drugs. No folks, today we have all types of dating. Not only do bars and clubs sponsor singles nights, speed dating and blind dating, but let's not forget internet dating! Match, True, eHarmony? Take your pick. Not specific enough for you? How about Blackplanet for you chocolate lovers, Mi Hente for the spicy Latina lovers and my all out favorite, Jdate, for the Hebrew in all of us. In short, if dating weren't already a twisting road of insecurities and fears, in 2008, it's become an absolute and total gridlocked, ten lane, highway of calamity.
Enter Dawn Turzio. A writer, half by trade and half by fate, she's penning a book on all of her experiences in the world of dating. We agree to meet a local Starbucks to talk shop, have a latte, and maybe bitch about an ex or two. Oh how I love girl talk! On my way over to the java joint, I start thinking to myself, “I hope this isn't going to be a man-hating session.” Quickly I remind myself who exactly I'm meeting up with. Dawn, a Staten Island native, has been writing, blogging and penning her work for a few years now, and it's always managed to maintain my interest. Not satisfied with just a literary outlet, she decided to try her talent musically and through poetry readings. The gal has substance to her. So hell, if she wants to call the male species a smelly pack of pigs, so be it, she probably has some merit to the argument.
I walk into Starbucks, order myself a skinny latte. Yes, I'm watching my weight. The stereotypical, liberal, looking barista hands me my overpriced, yet tasty beverage when I get a text message. “I'm in the back”, texts Dawn. I make my way back there and it's as if she was expecting a photographer to be tagging along with me. There she is, laptop open, notebook in hand with a pen behind the ear. I realize she's not searching for a photo op, she's actually fucking writing! “LoL”, I say to myself.
At first glance, any straight man would think how in hell does this girl have any bad dating stories? Shouldn't guys be waiting in line for this? Almond shaped eyes, olive skin and jet black hair, and she can read and write fellas! I don't care what anyone says, if a girl doesn't have a brain there really isn't any use in talking to her, at least at my age. I sit down next to Dawn, exchange some small talk and we get down to business.
The book she's working on is presently titled Love, Sex and Uniforms. Catchy title right? Yes, if you haven't guessed, Dawn has a tendency for dating men in uniform, so sailors rejoice! Dawn explains to me that the book details her dating after a serious relationship ended. She doesn't set out to find said men in uniform, but they always seem to fall in her lap so to speak. Yes, the stories are highly entertaining, but is there a message to be learned here? Dawn says yes.
“The big dramatic question the reader finds themselves asking throughout the book is, "Will this girl ever find a normal guy? And, will he be in uniform??" It's a serious story sprinkled with humor. I can't write seriously, I'm wildly sarcastic by nature. I think that's what has the men reading my work. It's got that raw flow, I don't sugarcoat shit. A man told me that my writing, "Shoots straight from the hip." AND, if I remember correctly, YOU had said that you enjoy reading the excerpts...saying, "It's like Sex and the City but you don't feel gay reading it!" I thought that was a kick ass compliment!”
I am a straight man, I assure you. You give me a guy who hasn't been forced to watch Sex and the City or any other chick flick and I'll show you a man who doesn't get laid!
While having Dawn read a few excerpts to me I get the sudden urge to flip on repeats of Sex and the City. (Oh….my….god… DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD?!?!?). Guilty as charged. While I blame shows like Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives for the downfall of dating, I wondered what Dawn thought on the topic:
GDEVIL: What's your feeling on television shows such as Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives? Do you think they give women a certain level of empowerment? Or do you think the multiple relationships and acts of adultery displayed on such shows have more of a negative effect?
DT: I believe that most forms of expressive life have thrown morals and values out the window. I thoroughly enjoyed the show Sex and the City and still like to watch a re-run whenever I have the time. Desperate Housewives was an interesting show at conception but I'm not a big fan anymore. The show, Army Wives, is Desperate Housewives with a military twist. Though I haven't watched many episodes, it was hard for me to get into (and I was a military girlfriend and sister for many years.) I'm done with the fluff. My book LOOSELY falls under the Sex and the City meets Army Wives umbrella. It actually is a metamorphosis of Jarhead, The Notebook and Eat, Pray, Love.
Being single and engaging is multiple relationships and being involved and engaging in multiple relationships (adultery) are two VERY different worlds for me. I don't promote the latter and have participated in the former. Being single affords you the opportunity to "play" and "experiment." Being committed does not. I strongly believe that if someone in a relationship feels the urge to stray, reconsider the reasons why you're IN a relationship to begin with. People often forget that it is someone's emotions that are being messed with. Not cool.
Love, Sex and Uniforms isn't completed yet, but if the stories read to me that cold evening in a Staten Island Starbucks are any indication, we could have our own local celebrity writer on our hands. If you can entertain me with stories of dating, love and inner searching, then your battle is half won. Stories of men who really have no clue had me saying “Who would do that?!” Other stories included a Chris Daltry look-a-like, a model with a mutant sized cock and maybe an actual con artist.
(Here's an excerpt Dawn let us peek at)
“My eyes stared at his name, social security number and blood type that were printed onto the tags. Blood type A. I don't even know my own blood type, I thought, but I know his. My fingers played with the chain for a little while as I laid back and stared into space. It's been three years since we broke up, but somehow, Jake's ghost still managed to find its way into every nook and cranny of my life.”
For more on Dawn Turzio please check out:
http://www.writer-interrupted.blogspot.com
photo by Brookside Photography
So all this talk of dating had me hankering for more information. I wrote a friend of mine who blogs on the subjects of dating, relationships and everything that falls in between. She directed me to a colleague of hers. I write her and in return she emailed me this previously posted article of facts and stats on dating. Enjoy!
10 dating statistics you ought to know
By Meredith Broussard (www.msn.com/dating)
Let these facts and figures give you some great lucky-in-love ideas—including where to go to meet people and how to wow them.
Have you ever looked at the person you love and wondered, "What were the odds of us meeting and winding up head over heels?" I did the other day, and because I wondered it out loud—and because the person I love is a social scientist—he immediately looked it up in a book called Sex in America: A Definitive Survey. The odds were actually pretty good, he informed me. Sixty-three percent of married couples meet the way we did, through a network of friends.
To me, this 63 percent figure was a revelation. I always knew dating was a numbers game, but I'd never thought to take that saying literally. But as I continued browsing through my guy's extensive, factoid-heavy book collection, I realized that there were statistics confirming just about every dating phenomenon I'd ever experienced. So why not let the statistics guide you in your search for a lasting love? With that in mind, I put together a list of 10 factoids every single person should know:
1. 44 percent of adult Americans are single, according to U.S. Census figures. This means there are over 100 million unattached folks out there. So, if you've ever worried, "There's nobody out there for me," know that there's hope!
2. Statistically, the find-someone odds favor guys: There are 86 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women, although in some regions the gender ratio favors women, especially out west. Paradise, Nevada, a suburb 10 miles from Las Vegas, has 118 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women. Other cities where gals got it good include Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tempe, Arizona; and Sunnyvale and Santa Ana, California. A coincidental bonus for women thinking of relocating: All of these cities are sunny and warm.
3. The best place for single people on the prowl is New York, where 50 percent of state residents are unmarried, and Washington, D.C., where a whopping 70 percent of the population is single. The worst places are Idaho, where 60 percent of people are married; and Utah, where 59 percent of people are married.
4. Think you'll find love while perched on a barstool? Think again. Only 9 percent of women and 2 percent of men say they've found a relationship at a bar or club—blame it on the beer goggles. So if you're lonely and looking, you're better off hitting on cuties at Starbucks.
5. Got someone hot in your sights and want to reveal your interest? Fifty-one percent of people use flattery, according to the book Are You Normal About Sex, Love, and Relationships? Or, try touching them, a tactic used by 25 percent of single folk. Still another 23 percent utilize the schoolyard approach and send the word out through a friend.
6. If you're into online dating, you're hardly alone: 40 million Americans use online dating services; that's about 40 percent of our entire U.S. single-people pool. So if you haven't tried it yet, maybe it's time to dive in!
7. Profiles and photos go together great. Online, being bashful will get you nowhere. Women and men who post their photos receive more than twice as many emails as those without photos, according to a study published by economists at MIT and University of Chicago. Some numbers!
8. On a date, first impressions do count: Men take only 15 minutes to decide if a woman is worth a second date. For women, the clock isn't ticking quite so fast—they ponder whether to get together again for an hour or so.
9. The number one problem for couples in America? Disagreements about money, according to a poll by the University of Denver. So, don't write off a date just because you two bickered over the dinner bill; everyone clashes over cash.
10. If you're feeling like your relationship is hitting the skids and want to bail, the painful face-to-face approach might not be necessary: An estimated 48 percent of online daters report that their breakups have happened over email. Call it rude or just plain convenient, but it happens a lot.
Meredith Broussard is the editor of an upcoming anthology, The Encyclopedia of Exes: 26 Stories by Men of Love Gone Wrong. Her website is www.failedrelationships.com
So how about you guys out there? Got a ridiculous dating story you'd like to share? Go on a blind date with an amputee and magically fell in love? Did you date a sociopath? Let us know about it. If we post your story you'll get some free swag. Just email your story to:
info@whitedevilgear.com
Make sure you include your name, address and shirt size.
Until next time
Keep it evil
- GDeViL
DATING SYNDICATE STYLE (PART 1)
Dating. It's a term that can scare the pants off many, yet it always makes for the best stories at the bar, over dinner, or on those long upstate drives to ditch a body or two. It crosses all boundaries. Gender, race, religion…everyone is dating these days, and everyone has dating stories. But dating today as opposed to say 20 years ago is drastically different. Traditional “Have her home by midnight” dating is almost non-existent these days. Who has the time to actually go out and personally meet people? Ugh…just the thought makes me crave some prescription drugs. No folks, today we have all types of dating. Not only do bars and clubs sponsor singles nights, speed dating and blind dating, but let's not forget internet dating! Match, True, eHarmony? Take your pick. Not specific enough for you? How about Blackplanet for you chocolate lovers, Mi Hente for the spicy Latina lovers and my all out favorite, Jdate, for the Hebrew in all of us. In short, if dating weren't already a twisting road of insecurities and fears, in 2008, it's become an absolute and total gridlocked, ten lane, highway of calamity.
Enter Dawn Turzio. A writer, half by trade and half by fate, she's penning a book on all of her experiences in the world of dating. We agree to meet a local Starbucks to talk shop, have a latte, and maybe bitch about an ex or two. Oh how I love girl talk! On my way over to the java joint, I start thinking to myself, “I hope this isn't going to be a man-hating session.” Quickly I remind myself who exactly I'm meeting up with. Dawn, a Staten Island native, has been writing, blogging and penning her work for a few years now, and it's always managed to maintain my interest. Not satisfied with just a literary outlet, she decided to try her talent musically and through poetry readings. The gal has substance to her. So hell, if she wants to call the male species a smelly pack of pigs, so be it, she probably has some merit to the argument.
I walk into Starbucks, order myself a skinny latte. Yes, I'm watching my weight. The stereotypical, liberal, looking barista hands me my overpriced, yet tasty beverage when I get a text message. “I'm in the back”, texts Dawn. I make my way back there and it's as if she was expecting a photographer to be tagging along with me. There she is, laptop open, notebook in hand with a pen behind the ear. I realize she's not searching for a photo op, she's actually fucking writing! “LoL”, I say to myself.
At first glance, any straight man would think how in hell does this girl have any bad dating stories? Shouldn't guys be waiting in line for this? Almond shaped eyes, olive skin and jet black hair, and she can read and write fellas! I don't care what anyone says, if a girl doesn't have a brain there really isn't any use in talking to her, at least at my age. I sit down next to Dawn, exchange some small talk and we get down to business.
The book she's working on is presently titled Love, Sex and Uniforms. Catchy title right? Yes, if you haven't guessed, Dawn has a tendency for dating men in uniform, so sailors rejoice! Dawn explains to me that the book details her dating after a serious relationship ended. She doesn't set out to find said men in uniform, but they always seem to fall in her lap so to speak. Yes, the stories are highly entertaining, but is there a message to be learned here? Dawn says yes.
“The big dramatic question the reader finds themselves asking throughout the book is, "Will this girl ever find a normal guy? And, will he be in uniform??" It's a serious story sprinkled with humor. I can't write seriously, I'm wildly sarcastic by nature. I think that's what has the men reading my work. It's got that raw flow, I don't sugarcoat shit. A man told me that my writing, "Shoots straight from the hip." AND, if I remember correctly, YOU had said that you enjoy reading the excerpts...saying, "It's like Sex and the City but you don't feel gay reading it!" I thought that was a kick ass compliment!”
I am a straight man, I assure you. You give me a guy who hasn't been forced to watch Sex and the City or any other chick flick and I'll show you a man who doesn't get laid!
While having Dawn read a few excerpts to me I get the sudden urge to flip on repeats of Sex and the City. (Oh….my….god… DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD?!?!?). Guilty as charged. While I blame shows like Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives for the downfall of dating, I wondered what Dawn thought on the topic:
GDEVIL: What's your feeling on television shows such as Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives? Do you think they give women a certain level of empowerment? Or do you think the multiple relationships and acts of adultery displayed on such shows have more of a negative effect?
DT: I believe that most forms of expressive life have thrown morals and values out the window. I thoroughly enjoyed the show Sex and the City and still like to watch a re-run whenever I have the time. Desperate Housewives was an interesting show at conception but I'm not a big fan anymore. The show, Army Wives, is Desperate Housewives with a military twist. Though I haven't watched many episodes, it was hard for me to get into (and I was a military girlfriend and sister for many years.) I'm done with the fluff. My book LOOSELY falls under the Sex and the City meets Army Wives umbrella. It actually is a metamorphosis of Jarhead, The Notebook and Eat, Pray, Love.
Being single and engaging is multiple relationships and being involved and engaging in multiple relationships (adultery) are two VERY different worlds for me. I don't promote the latter and have participated in the former. Being single affords you the opportunity to "play" and "experiment." Being committed does not. I strongly believe that if someone in a relationship feels the urge to stray, reconsider the reasons why you're IN a relationship to begin with. People often forget that it is someone's emotions that are being messed with. Not cool.
Love, Sex and Uniforms isn't completed yet, but if the stories read to me that cold evening in a Staten Island Starbucks are any indication, we could have our own local celebrity writer on our hands. If you can entertain me with stories of dating, love and inner searching, then your battle is half won. Stories of men who really have no clue had me saying “Who would do that?!” Other stories included a Chris Daltry look-a-like, a model with a mutant sized cock and maybe an actual con artist.
(Here's an excerpt Dawn let us peek at)
“My eyes stared at his name, social security number and blood type that were printed onto the tags. Blood type A. I don't even know my own blood type, I thought, but I know his. My fingers played with the chain for a little while as I laid back and stared into space. It's been three years since we broke up, but somehow, Jake's ghost still managed to find its way into every nook and cranny of my life.”
For more on Dawn Turzio please check out:
http://www.writer-interrupted.blogspot.com
photo by Brookside Photography
So all this talk of dating had me hankering for more information. I wrote a friend of mine who blogs on the subjects of dating, relationships and everything that falls in between. She directed me to a colleague of hers. I write her and in return she emailed me this previously posted article of facts and stats on dating. Enjoy!
10 dating statistics you ought to know
By Meredith Broussard (www.msn.com/dating)
Let these facts and figures give you some great lucky-in-love ideas—including where to go to meet people and how to wow them.
Have you ever looked at the person you love and wondered, "What were the odds of us meeting and winding up head over heels?" I did the other day, and because I wondered it out loud—and because the person I love is a social scientist—he immediately looked it up in a book called Sex in America: A Definitive Survey. The odds were actually pretty good, he informed me. Sixty-three percent of married couples meet the way we did, through a network of friends.
To me, this 63 percent figure was a revelation. I always knew dating was a numbers game, but I'd never thought to take that saying literally. But as I continued browsing through my guy's extensive, factoid-heavy book collection, I realized that there were statistics confirming just about every dating phenomenon I'd ever experienced. So why not let the statistics guide you in your search for a lasting love? With that in mind, I put together a list of 10 factoids every single person should know:
1. 44 percent of adult Americans are single, according to U.S. Census figures. This means there are over 100 million unattached folks out there. So, if you've ever worried, "There's nobody out there for me," know that there's hope!
2. Statistically, the find-someone odds favor guys: There are 86 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women, although in some regions the gender ratio favors women, especially out west. Paradise, Nevada, a suburb 10 miles from Las Vegas, has 118 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women. Other cities where gals got it good include Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tempe, Arizona; and Sunnyvale and Santa Ana, California. A coincidental bonus for women thinking of relocating: All of these cities are sunny and warm.
3. The best place for single people on the prowl is New York, where 50 percent of state residents are unmarried, and Washington, D.C., where a whopping 70 percent of the population is single. The worst places are Idaho, where 60 percent of people are married; and Utah, where 59 percent of people are married.
4. Think you'll find love while perched on a barstool? Think again. Only 9 percent of women and 2 percent of men say they've found a relationship at a bar or club—blame it on the beer goggles. So if you're lonely and looking, you're better off hitting on cuties at Starbucks.
5. Got someone hot in your sights and want to reveal your interest? Fifty-one percent of people use flattery, according to the book Are You Normal About Sex, Love, and Relationships? Or, try touching them, a tactic used by 25 percent of single folk. Still another 23 percent utilize the schoolyard approach and send the word out through a friend.
6. If you're into online dating, you're hardly alone: 40 million Americans use online dating services; that's about 40 percent of our entire U.S. single-people pool. So if you haven't tried it yet, maybe it's time to dive in!
7. Profiles and photos go together great. Online, being bashful will get you nowhere. Women and men who post their photos receive more than twice as many emails as those without photos, according to a study published by economists at MIT and University of Chicago. Some numbers!
8. On a date, first impressions do count: Men take only 15 minutes to decide if a woman is worth a second date. For women, the clock isn't ticking quite so fast—they ponder whether to get together again for an hour or so.
9. The number one problem for couples in America? Disagreements about money, according to a poll by the University of Denver. So, don't write off a date just because you two bickered over the dinner bill; everyone clashes over cash.
10. If you're feeling like your relationship is hitting the skids and want to bail, the painful face-to-face approach might not be necessary: An estimated 48 percent of online daters report that their breakups have happened over email. Call it rude or just plain convenient, but it happens a lot.
Meredith Broussard is the editor of an upcoming anthology, The Encyclopedia of Exes: 26 Stories by Men of Love Gone Wrong. Her website is www.failedrelationships.com
So how about you guys out there? Got a ridiculous dating story you'd like to share? Go on a blind date with an amputee and magically fell in love? Did you date a sociopath? Let us know about it. If we post your story you'll get some free swag. Just email your story to:
info@whitedevilgear.com
Make sure you include your name, address and shirt size.
Until next time
Keep it evil
- GDeViL
G Devil | March 31, 2008
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
Scream. Aim. Fire.
Sony BMG
British metalists BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE are back with their second album release, Scream. Aim. Fire. Rumor had it that the band was to change their style for this release. Which in my eyes would have been an enormous mistake. Just look at the results of other similar bands such as Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold when they decided to throw us a curveball with their styles. Poop. Cocky. And shit. That's what is the typical result. However, BFMV seemed to have delivered regardless of some minor changes.
For one, the vocals come in with less of a growl. But it's not as drastic as it sounds. Singer Matt Tuck actually does have a voice and can use it rather well in this capacity. He can still sound angry but on this album it's more smooth and easier to listen to. Besides, it fits perfectly with the bands emo-type lyrics and song material. Musically, the album reminds me of Dokken. And for those of you who are too young to know who Dokken is, go through dad's record collection and listen. They were definitely influenced by them.
The title track Scream Aim Fire is the opening track and sets a good tone for the rest of the album. They take a political turn lyric-wise, dealing with the war and the tactics their government is using to “lure” men into the military. I don't know anything about that, but the double bass and breakdowns are pretty kick ass. For the most part the coming tracks revert back to their emotional writing of ballads. Hearts Burst Into Fire is probably the tear jerker of the album and no joke, it's my favorite. The heaviest track is Waking the Demon. Monster riffage and Tuck's vocals are brought to a growl more often than any other track.
Overall, it's a solid sophomore effort. No need to worry about “selling out” here just because they may have changed or added a few things here and there to separate them from the rest of the cookie cutter emo-metal bands.
http://www.myspace.com/bulletformyvalentine
TOO PURE TO DIE
Confidence and Consequence
Trustkill Records
I have never heard of this band before. While walking the aisle at the local record shop, the cover of the band's debut album, Confidence and Consequence, caught my eye. The manager of the shop put a little sticker on it that said “Manager's Pick!!! The Second Best Band to Come Out Of Iowa!!!” It left me wondering, who the hell was the first best band? I'm guessing it had to be Slipknot, but I could be wrong. Anyway, it was enough to peak my interest, so I bought it and threw it my cd player for the ride home.
What I heard was a very raw sounding album. Nothing over the top or overly inventive, but more of a back to basics metalcore sound. Nothing fancy. Like blue jeans and a white t-shirt… you can always pull it off and still look good. Two tracks that really got me excited were the title track, Confidence and Consequence and 99. Other tracks, while good, didn't really hold my attention as well. That's not to say they weren't any good however.
I did a little research on the band and found that this album is actually a re-release done over with a new singer (Paul Zurlo). Apparently past fans feel that the new singer doesn't mesh well with the lyrics and are calling for the old, unknown to me, singer. Regardless, Confidence and Consequence is a pretty solid album just the same. Maybe they'll let the new guy do it more his style than trying to copy the past.
http://www.myspace.com/toopuretodie
MICHALE GRAVES & DAMIEN ECHOLS
Illusions
SOS Records
Ex-Misfit frontman and all around Republican good guy recorded 15 tracks of folkie, raw, and inspirational indie goodness. Say what!?! Yes. You heard me correctly. That guy who ran around, and still does, with a skull painted on his face, who gave the Misfits a much needed boost, is actually ditching the face paint and letting it all hang out so to speak.
Anyone who knows Graves knows that he is an uber conservative. In January 2004, Michale helped found conservativepunk.com in which he also contributes and writes for. Michale has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Times, National Public Radio, WABC, Fox news, WLIB and USA Today and news outlets all over the world speaking and debating issues relating to pop culture, politics, counterculture, rock music and the entertainment industry. In October 2004, Michale addressed The Young Republicans Club of New York City and received a standing ovation. He was made an honorary member of the club and placed on their board of advisors. Kind of rare in the punk scene don't you think?
Who is Damien Echols? He's a guy who, along with three others, were convicted of multiple homicides in Memphis circa 1993. They have been in prison ever since, awaiting a death sentence that has been overturned more times than an overdone pancake. I won't get into the specifics of the story, but it sis interesting. Go check it out here
But I WILL speak on the album. Afterall that's why you're here I assume, not for politics. If you were expecting the Misfits then place this cd back on the rack and continue along. Although you may want to here Graves' acoustic versions of Misfits faves, Dig Up Her Bones and Crying On A Saturday Night. Other noteworthy tracks would be Frostbite and Wormwood. Lyrically sound recordings throughout. The album is more along the lines of Nick Cave, but in this writer's opinion, its better and has less gay in it. Give it a listen while sippin on some sort of alcoholic cocktail on a quiet evening at home and give the headbanging a rest.
http://www.myspace.com/gravesmichale
PARKWAY DRIVE
Horizons
Epitaph Records
Australian metalcore? You betcha. This is by far one of the best albums I have heard, regardless of genre, in quite sometime. I believe this is their third release and why I have never picked up any of their stuff is beyond me. I'm in the process of obtaining the rest of their albums, but Horizons can stand on its own, without knowing any background on the band.
The band is all about monster breakdowns and scorching solos. They are prevalent on every track and make a listen to the entire album go by in what seems like a blink of an eye. At first purchase I listened to the album in its entirety six times. Favorite tracks are Carrion and Boneyards but that was pretty difficult to narrow down to just two.
http://www.myspace.com/parkwaydrive
BURY YOUR DEAD
Bury Your Dead
Victory Records
About a year ago BYD released Beauty and the Breakdown and this writer, along with many others anointed them the Kings of the Hardcore Breakdown (If they hadn't yet already). BYD as a band has been through a lot. They have had more lineup changes than the Spears' sisters have had pregnancy tests. They have dodged bullet after bullet that would have been the nail in the coffin for any other band. Guitarist Eric Ellis was jumped after a show in Milwaukee which caused the band to drop off the tour they were on (I believe Hell Yeah was the headliner so no harm, no foul in my book, that band sucks). So in about a year, and three vocalists later, BYD is back with their fourth full length.
Vocalist, Myke Terry (Cassius) is the current throat of BYD. He's not a dramatic shift from the former singers of the band so on this album, you don't lose anything in that department. They do change it up a bit and add some more melodic vocals on some tracks. In my opinion it makes BYD a little easier to listen to if you've never heard them before. But this band has never been about being easy on the ears. When hardcore/metalcore aficionado speak of BYD, they speak of breakdowns. The art of the breakdown… when all the music comes together in a tribal crescendo, has been re-written again and again by BYD, album after brutal album. The breakdowns continue on Bury Your Dead. That's really all that has to be said isn't it?
www.myspace.com/buryyourdead
Until next time, keep it evil, and see you in the pit.
GDEVIL
Scream. Aim. Fire.
Sony BMG
British metalists BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE are back with their second album release, Scream. Aim. Fire. Rumor had it that the band was to change their style for this release. Which in my eyes would have been an enormous mistake. Just look at the results of other similar bands such as Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold when they decided to throw us a curveball with their styles. Poop. Cocky. And shit. That's what is the typical result. However, BFMV seemed to have delivered regardless of some minor changes.
For one, the vocals come in with less of a growl. But it's not as drastic as it sounds. Singer Matt Tuck actually does have a voice and can use it rather well in this capacity. He can still sound angry but on this album it's more smooth and easier to listen to. Besides, it fits perfectly with the bands emo-type lyrics and song material. Musically, the album reminds me of Dokken. And for those of you who are too young to know who Dokken is, go through dad's record collection and listen. They were definitely influenced by them.
The title track Scream Aim Fire is the opening track and sets a good tone for the rest of the album. They take a political turn lyric-wise, dealing with the war and the tactics their government is using to “lure” men into the military. I don't know anything about that, but the double bass and breakdowns are pretty kick ass. For the most part the coming tracks revert back to their emotional writing of ballads. Hearts Burst Into Fire is probably the tear jerker of the album and no joke, it's my favorite. The heaviest track is Waking the Demon. Monster riffage and Tuck's vocals are brought to a growl more often than any other track.
Overall, it's a solid sophomore effort. No need to worry about “selling out” here just because they may have changed or added a few things here and there to separate them from the rest of the cookie cutter emo-metal bands.
http://www.myspace.com/bulletformyvalentine
TOO PURE TO DIE
Confidence and Consequence
Trustkill Records
I have never heard of this band before. While walking the aisle at the local record shop, the cover of the band's debut album, Confidence and Consequence, caught my eye. The manager of the shop put a little sticker on it that said “Manager's Pick!!! The Second Best Band to Come Out Of Iowa!!!” It left me wondering, who the hell was the first best band? I'm guessing it had to be Slipknot, but I could be wrong. Anyway, it was enough to peak my interest, so I bought it and threw it my cd player for the ride home.
What I heard was a very raw sounding album. Nothing over the top or overly inventive, but more of a back to basics metalcore sound. Nothing fancy. Like blue jeans and a white t-shirt… you can always pull it off and still look good. Two tracks that really got me excited were the title track, Confidence and Consequence and 99. Other tracks, while good, didn't really hold my attention as well. That's not to say they weren't any good however.
I did a little research on the band and found that this album is actually a re-release done over with a new singer (Paul Zurlo). Apparently past fans feel that the new singer doesn't mesh well with the lyrics and are calling for the old, unknown to me, singer. Regardless, Confidence and Consequence is a pretty solid album just the same. Maybe they'll let the new guy do it more his style than trying to copy the past.
http://www.myspace.com/toopuretodie
MICHALE GRAVES & DAMIEN ECHOLS
Illusions
SOS Records
Ex-Misfit frontman and all around Republican good guy recorded 15 tracks of folkie, raw, and inspirational indie goodness. Say what!?! Yes. You heard me correctly. That guy who ran around, and still does, with a skull painted on his face, who gave the Misfits a much needed boost, is actually ditching the face paint and letting it all hang out so to speak.
Anyone who knows Graves knows that he is an uber conservative. In January 2004, Michale helped found conservativepunk.com in which he also contributes and writes for. Michale has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Times, National Public Radio, WABC, Fox news, WLIB and USA Today and news outlets all over the world speaking and debating issues relating to pop culture, politics, counterculture, rock music and the entertainment industry. In October 2004, Michale addressed The Young Republicans Club of New York City and received a standing ovation. He was made an honorary member of the club and placed on their board of advisors. Kind of rare in the punk scene don't you think?
Who is Damien Echols? He's a guy who, along with three others, were convicted of multiple homicides in Memphis circa 1993. They have been in prison ever since, awaiting a death sentence that has been overturned more times than an overdone pancake. I won't get into the specifics of the story, but it sis interesting. Go check it out here
But I WILL speak on the album. Afterall that's why you're here I assume, not for politics. If you were expecting the Misfits then place this cd back on the rack and continue along. Although you may want to here Graves' acoustic versions of Misfits faves, Dig Up Her Bones and Crying On A Saturday Night. Other noteworthy tracks would be Frostbite and Wormwood. Lyrically sound recordings throughout. The album is more along the lines of Nick Cave, but in this writer's opinion, its better and has less gay in it. Give it a listen while sippin on some sort of alcoholic cocktail on a quiet evening at home and give the headbanging a rest.
http://www.myspace.com/gravesmichale
PARKWAY DRIVE
Horizons
Epitaph Records
Australian metalcore? You betcha. This is by far one of the best albums I have heard, regardless of genre, in quite sometime. I believe this is their third release and why I have never picked up any of their stuff is beyond me. I'm in the process of obtaining the rest of their albums, but Horizons can stand on its own, without knowing any background on the band.
The band is all about monster breakdowns and scorching solos. They are prevalent on every track and make a listen to the entire album go by in what seems like a blink of an eye. At first purchase I listened to the album in its entirety six times. Favorite tracks are Carrion and Boneyards but that was pretty difficult to narrow down to just two.
http://www.myspace.com/parkwaydrive
BURY YOUR DEAD
Bury Your Dead
Victory Records
About a year ago BYD released Beauty and the Breakdown and this writer, along with many others anointed them the Kings of the Hardcore Breakdown (If they hadn't yet already). BYD as a band has been through a lot. They have had more lineup changes than the Spears' sisters have had pregnancy tests. They have dodged bullet after bullet that would have been the nail in the coffin for any other band. Guitarist Eric Ellis was jumped after a show in Milwaukee which caused the band to drop off the tour they were on (I believe Hell Yeah was the headliner so no harm, no foul in my book, that band sucks). So in about a year, and three vocalists later, BYD is back with their fourth full length.
Vocalist, Myke Terry (Cassius) is the current throat of BYD. He's not a dramatic shift from the former singers of the band so on this album, you don't lose anything in that department. They do change it up a bit and add some more melodic vocals on some tracks. In my opinion it makes BYD a little easier to listen to if you've never heard them before. But this band has never been about being easy on the ears. When hardcore/metalcore aficionado speak of BYD, they speak of breakdowns. The art of the breakdown… when all the music comes together in a tribal crescendo, has been re-written again and again by BYD, album after brutal album. The breakdowns continue on Bury Your Dead. That's really all that has to be said isn't it?
www.myspace.com/buryyourdead
Until next time, keep it evil, and see you in the pit.
GDEVIL
G Devil | February 8, 2008
Well...I went to the Velvet Revolver show last week and feel the need to bring attention to Scott Weiland. All I can say is cheat, cheat, cheat!!!! Aside from the fact that they went on almost an hour late, due to the fact that they couldn't find Scott, he then went on to suck! Don't get me wrong, the band was tight as hell but Scott is struggling and I don't mean with just addiction! I tried really hard to hear Scott but just couldn't! I could hear all the backup vocals loud and clear but his voice was almost non existent! When I mentioned cheat, here's what I meant by that....I can understand crowd participation but having the crowd sing a lot of the song, every song, COME ON!!! I know bands use props, example: Scotts megaphone....its good for the beginning of maybe one song, possibly for show or to make a statement. But when he needs to use it every song, then he's just cheating his way through having to actually sing a song cuz his voice is spent! Honestly when I did hear his voice, it sounded like shit! This man actually wants to reunite Stone Temple Pilots! It will be interesting to see if this happens, due to the fact that I think he's finished. I don't think time off will help this guy! Coming from a fan, I hope he proves me wrong!
Tonya (Detroit)
G Devil | January 17, 2008
The Syndicate (along with everyone else in the world probably) got its hands on a concept drawing of J.J. Abrams' monster from the upcoming sci-fi thriller, Cloverfield. Here's a trailer...
Pretty intense looking huh? The monster in this drawing kind of looks like a mutated whale that has a bad case of crabs. No wonder it hits New York City! Its not attacking the Big Apple! No, its just trying to get into a free clinic to clear up its crab problem!
All joking aside, this could be the monster or it may very well not be. Nothing is confirmed as the writer and director and anyone involved with the movie are operating in stealth mode. They are actually putting out counter-intelligence on the movie so not to ruin any surprises. I suppose in the age of internet piracy and mass information trading you have to take such steps. Either way, I'm looking forward to the movie which opens in theaters everywhere on January 18th. Finally, America might be able to compete with the Japanese...in the monster movie genre.
Pretty intense looking huh? The monster in this drawing kind of looks like a mutated whale that has a bad case of crabs. No wonder it hits New York City! Its not attacking the Big Apple! No, its just trying to get into a free clinic to clear up its crab problem!
All joking aside, this could be the monster or it may very well not be. Nothing is confirmed as the writer and director and anyone involved with the movie are operating in stealth mode. They are actually putting out counter-intelligence on the movie so not to ruin any surprises. I suppose in the age of internet piracy and mass information trading you have to take such steps. Either way, I'm looking forward to the movie which opens in theaters everywhere on January 18th. Finally, America might be able to compete with the Japanese...in the monster movie genre.
G Devil | January 15, 2008
She's graced the covers of tattoo and hot rod mags. With a single glance she could melt a man (or woman's) heart. She goes by the name Devil Doll, but when the lights go down and the show stops, her friends call her Colleen. However, one thing is for sure, no matter what you call her, she commands your attention. While on stage she can shoot an innocent bystander with such a sensual stare one may go straight into cardiac arrest. In the same night, after the show, she would be happy to shoot the breeze with any one of her fans. She's unattainable yet totally approachable. She has the uncanny ability to make any listener think she's singing to you and only you. Like the mythical Medusa, her simple glance can be deadly. But instead of being turned to stone, I'd be turned into a gelatinous puddle of babbling mush that use to be a man. I knew when I sat down with Devil Doll herself I'd need two things. A will bonded in steel and some breath mints…
GDEVIL: First off. What's the status on the new album, Return of Eve?
DD: It came out online October 1st, in stores November 1st. It will change your life.
GDEVIL: Life changing? You mean I might have a shot at kicking that naughty habit I have? Excellent! But seriously, I love "Queen of Pain" because every song tells a story. Can we expect similar writing in "Return to Eve"?
DD: Of course, all the songs are based on stories. Some true and some not true. And stop dressing up like a school girl already G. It's creepy.
GDEVIL: I'll try. You currently reside on the West Coast, but aren't you an O.G. Brooklyn gal?
DD: I was actually born and raised in Old Brooklyn, which is a section of Cleveland. But, I did used to live in Brooklyn NY for a while...
GDEVIL: There's a Brooklyn in Cleveland?! Wonder if they have good pizza? Anyway, I like to pretend "King of Brooklyn" is about me. It's not is it?
DD: That is a hate song, why would you want it to be about you? I swear all the New York guys always say that to me. Every last one of 'em.
GDEVIL: What can I say, I'm not very original. Besides, I'm the self proclaimed King of Brooklyn so it's hurting my image. You're one of the busiest gals I know. Yet between gigs and photo shoots you always seem to make time for us fans. How do you do it?
DD: I haven't a fucking clue. When I figure it out, I'm gonna bottle it and sell it...actually, it is ALWAYS and FOREVER about the fans.
GDEVIL: Speaking of photo shoots, will you be blessing us with any new ones soon?
DD: I took a break from shoots and I am going back in the beginning of the year.
GDEVIL: Your band is made up of extraordinary musicians. How'd you all hook up originally?
DD: I picked them out of a "musicians that don't suck" catalog. It has worked very well I have to say…
GDEVIL: Who's in the main lineup these days anyway?
DD: That would be me, me, and me. I don't always play with the same lineup.
GDEVIL: A whole band of Devil Dolls. Interesting…
DD: We would either never get anything done, or take over the world.
GDEVIL: I could live with either. Being a past resident of NYC, your opinion on this issue should be quite interesting to hear. What are your feelings toward the eventual extinction of Coney Island as we know it? No more side show, Mermaid Parades and dare I say it, the Cyclone!!! All replaced by high class condos.
DD: I think it sucks. Our country is in deep shit. We have sold our souls to high-dollar, smooth-talking pricks. There are things I love about NY and most of them are now gone. It's turning into fucking Disneyland. And if Giuliani starts doing well in the polls I'm gonna throw up. Before you know it, we're all gonna wake up with computer chips in our necks. At that point I'm gonna go completely "Mad Max" and blame it on Catholic School.
GDEVIL: Oooooh I can jump on your shoulders and we can be Master Blaster! Ever since I first saw you guys perform at Viva Las Vegas 2003 was it? I've had this dream of you crooning "Happy Birthday" to me all Marilyn Monroe-like. Can this happen already please?! Hell it doesn't even have to be my birthday!!!
DD: You never asked...
GDEVIL: This is me asking! Introducing people to your live act for the first time has always been a pleasure for me. The look on their faces is just pure enjoyment. But have you ever played a show where you felt as if you just weren't being received well at all? Kind of like the Blues Brothers at that country-western bar?
DD: Hahahaha, Oh yeah, I think everyone has had those gigs where you wish there was chicken wire. It is also weird in parts of Europe. People are very stoic and polite a lot of the times with no expressions on their faces, then you finish a song and they all clap really hard and then. Silence. Weird. 4 weeks later I still wasn't used to it, and then I thought to myself, if we were to come out on stage naked we would probably get the same response. I felt a little better.
GDEVIL: Naked Devil Doll shows? Sign me up!
DD: You're such a perv.
GDEVIL: Anything else you'd like to say before we take the spotlight off ya?
DD: Yeah, what's with some of these anorexic girls on your site? Yeah, not too into chicks who look like boys, I think women should look like women, and our society has shoved plastic surgery and boyish figures in our faces for too long. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, you know I still love you.
GDEVIL: Preach on sister. Preach on. And I love you too.
www.devil-doll.com
GDEVIL: First off. What's the status on the new album, Return of Eve?
DD: It came out online October 1st, in stores November 1st. It will change your life.
GDEVIL: Life changing? You mean I might have a shot at kicking that naughty habit I have? Excellent! But seriously, I love "Queen of Pain" because every song tells a story. Can we expect similar writing in "Return to Eve"?
DD: Of course, all the songs are based on stories. Some true and some not true. And stop dressing up like a school girl already G. It's creepy.
GDEVIL: I'll try. You currently reside on the West Coast, but aren't you an O.G. Brooklyn gal?
DD: I was actually born and raised in Old Brooklyn, which is a section of Cleveland. But, I did used to live in Brooklyn NY for a while...
GDEVIL: There's a Brooklyn in Cleveland?! Wonder if they have good pizza? Anyway, I like to pretend "King of Brooklyn" is about me. It's not is it?
DD: That is a hate song, why would you want it to be about you? I swear all the New York guys always say that to me. Every last one of 'em.
GDEVIL: What can I say, I'm not very original. Besides, I'm the self proclaimed King of Brooklyn so it's hurting my image. You're one of the busiest gals I know. Yet between gigs and photo shoots you always seem to make time for us fans. How do you do it?
DD: I haven't a fucking clue. When I figure it out, I'm gonna bottle it and sell it...actually, it is ALWAYS and FOREVER about the fans.
GDEVIL: Speaking of photo shoots, will you be blessing us with any new ones soon?
DD: I took a break from shoots and I am going back in the beginning of the year.
GDEVIL: Your band is made up of extraordinary musicians. How'd you all hook up originally?
DD: I picked them out of a "musicians that don't suck" catalog. It has worked very well I have to say…
GDEVIL: Who's in the main lineup these days anyway?
DD: That would be me, me, and me. I don't always play with the same lineup.
GDEVIL: A whole band of Devil Dolls. Interesting…
DD: We would either never get anything done, or take over the world.
GDEVIL: I could live with either. Being a past resident of NYC, your opinion on this issue should be quite interesting to hear. What are your feelings toward the eventual extinction of Coney Island as we know it? No more side show, Mermaid Parades and dare I say it, the Cyclone!!! All replaced by high class condos.
DD: I think it sucks. Our country is in deep shit. We have sold our souls to high-dollar, smooth-talking pricks. There are things I love about NY and most of them are now gone. It's turning into fucking Disneyland. And if Giuliani starts doing well in the polls I'm gonna throw up. Before you know it, we're all gonna wake up with computer chips in our necks. At that point I'm gonna go completely "Mad Max" and blame it on Catholic School.
GDEVIL: Oooooh I can jump on your shoulders and we can be Master Blaster! Ever since I first saw you guys perform at Viva Las Vegas 2003 was it? I've had this dream of you crooning "Happy Birthday" to me all Marilyn Monroe-like. Can this happen already please?! Hell it doesn't even have to be my birthday!!!
DD: You never asked...
GDEVIL: This is me asking! Introducing people to your live act for the first time has always been a pleasure for me. The look on their faces is just pure enjoyment. But have you ever played a show where you felt as if you just weren't being received well at all? Kind of like the Blues Brothers at that country-western bar?
DD: Hahahaha, Oh yeah, I think everyone has had those gigs where you wish there was chicken wire. It is also weird in parts of Europe. People are very stoic and polite a lot of the times with no expressions on their faces, then you finish a song and they all clap really hard and then. Silence. Weird. 4 weeks later I still wasn't used to it, and then I thought to myself, if we were to come out on stage naked we would probably get the same response. I felt a little better.
GDEVIL: Naked Devil Doll shows? Sign me up!
DD: You're such a perv.
GDEVIL: Anything else you'd like to say before we take the spotlight off ya?
DD: Yeah, what's with some of these anorexic girls on your site? Yeah, not too into chicks who look like boys, I think women should look like women, and our society has shoved plastic surgery and boyish figures in our faces for too long. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, you know I still love you.
GDEVIL: Preach on sister. Preach on. And I love you too.
www.devil-doll.com