ALBUM REVIEWS: THY WILL BE DONE, CATHERINE, AMARNA REIGN Wednesday, August 19, 2009 THY WILL BE DONE In Ancient Times Stillborn Records
There's brutal, then there's kickin babies in the teeth brutal. After their second release its apparant that TWBD do not like babies. Alright maybe they like the crying little meatbags a tad bit but that doesn't take anything away from In Ancient Times. The album is aptly titled since it sounds as if lead singer, J. Costas, has tapped into some old, twisted, demented spirits and spat them out in the form of insane vocals on this record. Combined with bone crushing riffs and heart pounding drums, its easy to see In Ancient Times as one of th ebest metal albums recorded this year. TOP TRACKS: Mourning Without The Sun, And Fire Will Fall, New World Idolatry, Machineries of Debt, Until the Ancient of Days FINAL VERDICT: Thy Will Be Done have carved a great niche for themselves and have quietly earned the respect of many with their intelligent lyrics and blue collar approach to music. There's no evidence of sophomoric slump going on here. An ace among jokers. RATING: 5 out of 5Tim Tebow's girlfriend!
CATHERINE Inside Out Rise Records
Upon reading the liner notes I was made aware that Bryan Lemasters, the original vocalist for Catherine, passed away due to cancer at the young age of 23 in December of 2008. Catherine was a different band with Bryan at the mic, and I was skeptical about anyone replacing him. The new lead singer, Nick Bradwell added some melody to Catherine's already impressive breakdowns and blastbeats. It was obvious that this was a different Catherine altogether. The transformation which started on The Naturals, comes to fruition on Inside Out. TOP TRACKS: Prosthetic Limbs, Turbulence, Mr. Monroe, Scene Not Heard FINAL VERDICT: Inside Out is dedicated to the life and memory of Bryan LeMasters. The first Catherine album (Rumor Has It..." will always be a favorite of mine. But the new sound has grown on me and maybe over time I'll come to love the new as I have the old. But lest we forget our past. RIP Bryan "with a Y" LeMasters RATING: 3 out of 5Tim Tebow's girlfriend!
AMARNA REIGN Atonement Unknown Label. Unsigned? I'm sure not for long.
Stumbled upon this band while being home from work injured. Good thing about having a bunch of sick days is I get to sift through the shitty albums and try to give you guys something goo to check out rather than just trash every cookie cutter band out there. Amarna Reign is anything but boring and everything about interesting. Combining many different melodies with brutal aggression seems to be their fortay. Can someone say "Next best thing"? Someone sign these guys already! TOP TRACKS: The Fall, Deceiver, Into the Sky, The Fight (Isn't Over) FINAL VERDICT: The best $6.93 I've spent on iTunes in quite some time. RATING: 4 out of 5Tim Tebow's girlfriend!
Ok, so I've been doing this for the last few UFC events and so far the feedback has been extraordinary. Thank you all for reading and continuing to write in on the MMA stuff. Means a lot to me. That being said I have to tell you I was pretty damn psyched for UFC 101! The headliner and co-main event had all the ingredients for upsets. The lightweight title was up for grabs by the ever impressive Kenny "Kenflo" Florian. The guy has heart and determination. He would need it going up against the formidable BJ Penn, a surefire shoe-in for the Hall of Fame someday. Then another underdog, Forest Griffin was set to battle with the indestructible Anderson Silva. Again, I'm a sucker for underdogs and both Florian and Griffin define that term to the tee.
I score most of the bouts using the usual 10 point must scale. Cage control, aggression, striking and grappling. The winner of the round gets 10 points, the loser receives 10 or less (I try never to have a draw round, but it happens at times). If the bout goes to the scorecards, I compare my scores with the real judges. I'll have to say that most of the time I'm on point with the judges decisions. So there are the rules, now on with the fights!
KURT PELLEGRINO vs. JOSH NEER (19-4) (25-7-1)
ROUND 1: Pellegrino, the crowd favorite since he is from Point Pleasant, NJ, staying with the "stick and move" mentality. Move into clinch, Pellegrino with a big slam. Moves into full posture and lets lose some hammer fists. Neer, attempts an armbar from the down position. Pellegrino slams Neer sans Rampage Jackson. Neer attempts another armbar from the down position at 1:48. Pellegrino escapes, round ends on the ground. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Pellegrino
ROUND 2: Good leg kick by neer at 4:35 as fighters try the standup game this round. Pellegrino shoots for takedown, Neer stuffs it. Pellegrino attempts another takedown and sends Neer to the mat passing to half guard. Armbar attempt by neer, Pellegrino escapes. Pellegrino is on top but Neer is giving him a really hard time passing half guard. Neer is being extremely active from the bottom. Triangle choke attempt by Neer at 1:30. Pellegrino shrugs off submission attempt and moves to the mount position to back control at :48. Choke attempt by Pellegrino is unsucessful. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Pellegrino
ROUND 3: Both fighters trade blows at the standup game. Big takedown by Pellegrino as he catches a kick from Neer and drives him to the mat. Oma Plata attempt by Neer, unsucessful. Triangle choke attempt by Neer at 1:30, suppressed by Pellegrino. Pellegrino gains the mount and both fighters start talking some trash to each other. Reverse by Neer at :30, to standup. Neer sends some vicious elbows to Pellegrino's head as the round closes. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Pellegrino
GDEVIL'S DECISION: Pelegrino by Unanimous Decision (30-27)JUDGE'S DECISION: Pellegrino by Unanimous Decision (30-27)
SUMMARY: Pellegrino controlled the tempo of the fight from the opening bell. Neer was very active from the bottom, and we all know most judges oversee that. Even with that, I felt that Neer's submission attempts were pretty much just to show he wasn't just laying there. He exploded at the end of round 3, but too little, too late.
RICARDO ALMEIDA vs. KENDALL GROVE (10-3) (12-5)
ROUND 1: Almeida wants to take the fight to the ground immediately. Attempt stuffed by Grove. Clinch along the cage to stand up. Soild right by Almeida. Grove moves to double underhooks and pushes fight against cage. Takedown by Almeida at 1:40. Almeida passes to back-side control and delivers some knees to Grove's midsection. Grove forces standup but is slammed big time by Almeida to close the round. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Almeida
ROUND 2: Solid right by Almeida to takedown. Armbar attempt by Grove, Almeida escapes. Grove has a quick kneebar attempt but its unsuccessful. Grove on his back, showing good control, body triangle by Grove. Almeida works the ground and pound at 1:50. Huge punches raining down by Almeida at 1:15. Grove forces standup against fence. Big uppercut by Grove at :30. Another takedown by Almeida to close the round. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Almeida
ROUND 3: Leg kicks by Almeida. Lands a solid right to single leg takedown. Grove fights to standup against cage. Lands some knees and takes fight to center of the cage. Almeida drops to his back, big hands by Grove. Ref resets fighters. Almeida is looking tired, hanging his hands. Fight goes along the cage again, Grove lands a nice knee to the face of Almeida. Driving takedown by Almeida. Grove pushes off with his feet to standup and gets clocked by a solid right from Almeida to close round. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: Almeida 10-9
GDEVIL'S DECISION: Almeida by Unanimous Decision (30-27)JUDGES' DECISION: Almeida by Unanimous Decision
SUMMARY: Kendall Grove suffers a setback. He simply did not do enough to score any points or even make any attempts to even win the bout. Almeida showed excellent control throughout the entire fight even though he was sort of gassed by the end of Round 3.
AMIR SADOLLAH vs. JOHNY HENDRICKS (2-0) (5-0)
ROUND 1: Standup sparring to brawling blows traded by both fighters. Major uppercuts by Hendricks. Ref steps in and stops fight.
JOHNY HENDRICKS BY TKO at :29 in 1st ROUND
SUMMARY: If there ever were a time to use WTF it would have been after watching this fight. TUF 7 winner Sadollah got robbed. Yes he got rocked but he was clearly fully aware of his situation and was making clear attempts to defend himself. Boooo to referee Dan Mirgliotta!
FORREST GRIFFIN vs. ANDERSON SILVA (16-5) (24-4)
ROUND 1: Forrest misses with headkick. Both fighters paw at each other, sizing each other up still at 3:10. Silva catches Griffin with a left and sends Griffin down to the mat. He gets up and the fight continues. Silva starts to taunt Griffin, dropping his hands. Silva knocks down Griffin again, this time he offers to help him up! Griffin steps in while Silva lands a stiff, walking away jab and sends Griffin to the mat for the third and final time.
ANDERSON SILVA BY KO at 3:23 in 1st ROUND
SUMMARY: Another WTF!?!? Honestly, Forrest has always been a fan favorite for his heart and desire. Both of those attributes were absent in this poor showing against a superior fighter. The questions have been popping up on MMA blogs everywhere, where does Forrest Griffin go from here? That's a question only Forrest Griffin can answer.
MAIN EVENT
BJ PENN vs. KENNY FLORIAN (13-5-1) (13-3)
ROUND 1: Penn catches Florian's leg, right hook by Penn knocks both fighters down. Florian gets up. Both fighters pressing against cage. Nice elbow by Penn. Clinched at 3:48, breaks to standup. Penn charges in with 1-2 combo, backing Florian against cage. Single leg takedown attempt by Florian stuffed by Penn. Penn lands a stiff left which rocks Florian a little and follows it up with a right knee. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 BJ Penn
ROUND 2: Leg kick by Florian. Lowers head and drives Penn into cage. Clinch along cage breaks up. Single leg takedown attempt by Florian, stuffed by Penn. Both fighters clinch. Florian just misses with a hug elbow coming out of the clinch. Single leg takedown attempt by Florian, unsuccessful. Again drives Penn into cage. Penn answers with a uppercut/left hook combo. Florian lands a big leg kick to close the round. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 Kenny Florian
ROUND 3: Florian drives Penn into cage. Both fighters trading blows. Good body shots by Florian. Florian goes for a takedown while clinched. Penn breaks away and lands an uppercut while Florian lands an elbow. Takedown attempt Florian, stuffed by Penn. Driven into cage. Clinch along cage with Penn's back aganst cage. Penn quickly reverses and lands a big counter punch to close the round. GDEVIL'S SCORECARD: 10-9 BJ Penn
ROUND 4: Big lefts by Penn. Clinch against cage. Penn explodes with some big punches. Takedown by Penn, lands in Florian's half guard. Florian landing some good elbows from his back. Penn lands big rights to Florian's face and passes to mount. . Florian rolls giving up his back. Fighters go back and forth from Mount to back control till Penn is able to slip in a rear naked choke at 3:54.
BJ PENN WINNER BY SUBMISSION (Rear Naked Choke)
SUMMARY: BJ Penn really is that good. While Kenny Florian (everyone's favorite Ben Stiller double) is still one of my favorite fighters in the UFC, you have to hand it to Penn. Coming off of a loss to GSP really motivated this guy. Really good fight by Florian though.
NOTABLES: Aaron Riley defeated Shane Nelson via unanimous decision in the Lightweight Division. Jon Howard gets the split decision over Tamden McCrory. Up and coming Alessio Sakara defeats Thales Lietes via split decision. Matthew Riddle gets the UD over Dan Cramer. Jesse Lennox wins by TKO over Danilo Villefort in the 3rd round. Want a name you'll be hearing a lot of in th enear future? George Sotiropoulos (common spelling). He has a crazy ground game and it showed in his submission win over George Roop.
WEC
Sunday, August 9 Las Vega, NV
What a fucking weekend! UFC 101 followed by a great WEC card which is highlighted by Miguel Torres vs. Brian Bowles!? Sign me up.
The first bout televised was Leonard Garcia vs. Jameel Massouh. I've seen Garcia fight before and I remember his boxing was off the charts. You could tell the entire crowd, the telecasters, Leonard Garcia ad his corner were all over-hyped for a quick victory. Not so. The opening round Garcia ROCKED Massouh with a right from Hell! Massouh, calmly and surprisingly recovered from it and ended that round on top with some impressive groundwork. Because of the knockdown I gave that round to Garcia, but it was close without it. The second round, in my opinion, belonged to Massouh. He nearly choked Garcia out but for some odd reason he let's go of a Bravo Choke just when Garcia started to go limp. Massouh owned that round big time. The third round was nothing special. All standup ad neither fighter made any aggressive moves to win the fight. I scored the match in favor of Massouh 29-28. The judges gave the split decision to Garcia.
In other fights: Takeya Mizucagi defeated Jeff Curran. Danny Castillo scored a great knockout victory over Ricardo Lamas. And douchebag, Dominick Cruz wins over Joseph Benavidez. Why douchebag? Because the fight was a snoozefest. When asked if he feels he should be next in line for a title shot he asked the crowd what they thought and their response was almost total silence.
MAIN EVENT
BRIAN BOWLES vs. MIGUEL TORRES
ROUND 1: Bowles rocks Torres with a big right. Torres recovers, clinch along cage. Takedown by Bowles followed by some elbows. Torres forces Bowles to standup while he remains on his back. Delivers some vicious upkicks as Bowles makes a move into guard. Armbar attempt by Torres. Bowles responds with a wicked right hook with rocks Torres to the ground. Bowles follows up with more rights to the head. Ref steps in and stops the fight as Torres is clearly knocked the fuck out.
SUMMARY: Hooray for the underdog. Bowles just looked like a bigger, thicker fighter compared to Torres. However, Torres will bounce back despite the loss. He's a feared and tough fighter in the WEC.
ALBUM REVIEWS: AUGUST BURNS RED, GOD FORBID, POISON THE WELL Thursday, July 30, 2009 AUGUST BURNS RED Constellations Solid State Records
One day I was bored out of my mind and decided to see what iTunes suggested listening I would appreciate. A band called August Burns Red popped up and I decided to give it a try. The album I listened to back then was named Thrillseeker. Since then, I've been a rabid fan, and their number of plays on my playlist trumps most bands on my iPod. Constellations is the third full length release from the Pennsyvania quintet. As with the previous albums, ABR doesn't dissappoint with their signature heavy breakdowns and odd-meter riffs, only this time they throw in a little melody exemplified in "Indonesia". ABR is three for three so far as I'm concerned. TOP TRACKS: Where do I start? "Existence", "Ocean of Apathy" has a pretty groovy stoner breakdown riff in the middle of it, "White Washed", "Indonesia", "The Escape Artist", "Meddler", "Rationalist"... FINAL VERDICT: Metalcore never really did anything for me until I heard these guys. I mean you can throw a rock and hit the next "up and coming" metalcore band these days. The genre is just over-saturated with, well...shit. August Burns Red stays true to the wonderful musical catastrophe it created when they first started. RATING: 4 out of 5 Assbanditos
-GDeViL
(Yes, that's ABR doing aBritany Spears cover)
GOD FORBID Earthsblood Century Media
I'll be the first to say I have missed the train on NJ metal artists, God Forbid. Their most recent release, Earthsblood, is, sadly, the first I have heard from this band. I guess God Forbid has always been one of those bands I hear so much about, but never actually got a chance to listen to? Or I'm just a complete hermit? My therapist would agree with the latter. So without hearing any previous work by God Forbid I had a great and rare opportunity to give this album a purely unbiased review. Earthsblood comes five years after their previous release, Consitution of Treason. Its been reported that guitarist, Dallas Coyle, left the band almost immediately followong this release (He has been replaced as far as i know by ex-Darkest Hour guitarist, Kris Norris). After a month of listening to the album I have to say I'm sorry I haven't tuned into God Forbid sooner. Straight up metal goodness. TOP TRACKS: "Empire of the Gun", "The Rain", "Bat the Angels", and the single-worthy "Walk Alone" FINAL VERDICT: Earthsblood made me realize how many times I've passed the chance to go see these guys play at a small local venue. I'm kicking myself in the balls now. I got the chance to listen to their earlier stuff and as usual, I like the previous releases more. This album, although good, was a bit too cleaned up compared to the older stuff, but again, a great album through and through. RATING: 3 out 5 Assbanditos!
POISON THE WELL The Tropic Rot Ferret Music
Poison The Well have always been the average girl at the high school prom in my opinion. In other words, they ain't the ugly duckling with no date, but they aren't the prom queen either. A respectable 6 or 7 on the 1-10 scale if you will. That's why when I picked up PTW's latest album, The Tropic Rot, I wasn't expecting to be blown away, and I wasn't expected to listen to complete crap. For argruments sake, I have never been a huge fan. Not that I didn't like them, I just never got around to getting into them. Speaking to a few die hard PTW fans, I hear that this album is sort of a return to their original sound. At first listen, I would compare this album to a Deftones album sans White Pony era, only grittier. Not a bad thing to sound like at all. TOP TRACKS: "Sparks It Will Rain", "Cinema", "Antartica Inside Me", "Are You Anywhere", and "Makeshift Clay" FINAL VERDICT: Beautifully chaotic sounds that will keep you interested for sometime. If this is a return to their original sounds I'm impressed. Solid effort. RATING: 4 out of 5 Assbanditos!!!
BURN HALO, EARTH CRISIS, NARROWS Monday, July 20, 2009
BURN HALO Burn Halo Rawkhead Records
Grab yer tightest jeans and get ready to rock the fuck out! Well, sort of. Throwback bands seem to be the thing. As my grandfather once said, everything goes in cycles...even glam metal. Burn Halo borders on the 80s sound that made spandex a fashion statement. Coming from that era (fuck you i know I'm old) I can appreciate it to an extent. The band stareted when former lead singer, James Hart, of Eighteen Visions fame met up with Zac Malloy, formerly of The Nixons. The two began writing enlisting the help of Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold), Daniel Adair (Nickelback), and Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction). The resulting sound is something I would have lisetened to way back in the day when nullets and denim jackets were the shit. TOP TRACKS: Dirty little Girl, So Addicted, Our House FINAL VERDICT: Glam metal is a bit hasty when describing Burn Halo. Afterall there were some good bands that came out in that era (Motley Crue, Skid Row...). There are a few ragin tracks on the album that make me want to rip lines like Nikki Sixx, but there are also a bunch of ballads that border upon suckin your dad off in the shower. Raw rock n roll. I can deal with that. RATING: 2 out of 5 Kim Kardashian Asses!
- GDeViL
EARTH CRISIS To The Death Century Media
What's this? Kids breaking out the fat markers and painting X's on their hands? "sXe" is labeled on every article of clothing? A "Straight Edge" resurgence? All this can only mean one thing. Either Earth Crisis has delivered yet another powerful album or the fashion industry has infected yet another aspet of the punk/hardcore lifestyle. Yes, Earth Crisis has reunited and have put out a another brutal album with To The Death. And sadly, yes, straight edge has seeped into fashionistas hands, but thats a whole other issue. Its been a while for the Syracuse quintet but they collectively still bring it. They pack intensely brutal riffs and their signature use of gang vocals and breakdowns have never been better. Lyrically, Karl tackles some serious subject matter and answers it with his militant stance on these topics (drug use, animal rights, terrorism, the media, etc...). Not for the faint of heart. TOP TRACKS: To Ashes, Security Threat Number One, Control Through Fear, To The Death, Cities Fall FINAL VERDICT: Definitely worth the 8 year wait. No I'm not Straight Edge, not by a long shot. But I can appreciate good hardcore and Earth Crisis delivers. I'm usually not one for political beliefs but some of their (Earth Crisis) stances on certain topics should be heeded. RATING: 4 out of 5 Kim Kardashian Asses! -GDeViL
Narrows New Distances Deathwish Inc
Narrows is a force to be reckoned with. With members spread from London to Seattle, the transcontinental project is a mix of artists who worked with Unbroken, Over My Dead Body, These Arms Are Snakes, Nineironspitfire, Tropics, and Quarantine, just to name a few. The debut “New Distances” is an aural masterpiece, if there ever was one. “New Distances” is a melodic and technical album with some intense and fierce vocals. The influences of the American hardcore pioneers and London’s punk rock foundations blend beautifully in tracks like “Changing Clothes” and “Chambered”. Rating: 4 out of 5 Kim Kardashian Asses! -Amanda
Dana White & Co. outdid themselves with this card. The UFC, in my opinion, is doing everything correctly when it comes to marketing and pushing their product. And don't kid yourselves, it is, and always has been a product. But hell, its probably the most true sport out there right now. To watch a UFC event these days can probably be compared to watching a boxing match circa 1920. Before it was untouched and tainted by promoters, bookies and Don King. I digress. The night of fights included notables Dan Henderson Vs. Michael Bisping, Thiago Alves Vs. Georges St. Pierre, and the main event, heavyweight title bout, Frank Mir Vs. Brock Lesnar. As Bruce Buffer says.... IT'S TIIIIIIME!!!!!!
ALAN BELCHER Vs. YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA
Belcher has the most horrendous Johnny Cash tattoo on his left bicep. Looks more like a bloated Homer Simpson doing an Elvis impression. Akiyama is apparantly the Japanese David Hasselhoff.
GDeViL's Scorecard: Round 1: 10-10 draw Round 2: 10-9 Belcher Round 3: 10-9 Akiyama GDeViL's Final Score: 29-29 for the draw Realtime Score: Akiyama by Split decision.
Some people will say Belcher was robbed but Akiyama scored a knockdown at the end of Round 3 that probably pushed him over the edge for the split. Either way it was too close for me to call it.
JON FITCH Vs. PAULO THIAGO
Jon Fitch is one of the UFC's original badasses. I'm hoping he gets another shot at GSP for teh title eventually. Thiago seems to be an up and coming beast.
Round 1: 10-10 Draw Round 2: 10-8 Fitch Round 3: 10-8 Fitch Winner by Unanimous Decision Jon Fitch
Realtime Scorecard: Jon Fitch by Unanimous Decision
DAN HENDERSON vs. MICHAEL BISPING
This is what I paid $44.95 for. Both fighters were coaches in this past season of TUF. Henderson leading Team USA while Bisping lead his countrymen of Brits, Team UK. Suffice to say Team UK pretty much made the bickering Americans look like patsies, so the only one left to save face was Dan Henderson when he takes on Bisping at UFC 100. If you saw the season you saw how Henderson is a really laid back, quiet guy while Bisping is a shit-talking limey. The season ended with Bisping talking his usual smack and Henderson calling Bisping a "douchebag" and having a need to shut his mouth up. Game on.
Round 1
Henderson stalks Bisping from the start of the round. Its clear that Bisping is adopting a stick and move mentality while Hendo is looking for the homerun shot. With :45 left Bisping has a bloddy nose. Clinch game up against the fence where Hendo feels right at home laying on some knees to The Count's midsection. Bisping breaks free of the clinch and attempts to shoot on Hendo. Hendo laughs and ends the round with a strong right.
GDeViL's scorecard: 10-8 Henderson
Round 2
Round opens and both fighters looking to keep it a standup duel. At 3:50 Hendo lands a strong right. Bisping keeps his feet but keeps circling to his left (Hendo's right) which proves not to be such a good idea. Henderson faints a left leg kick followed by a HUUUUGE right which sends Bisping to Howyadoin Land. Henderson adds insult to injury by landing an even bigger right after Bisping went down. Totally legal as the ref didn't make any gesture to indicate fight was over. Total highlight reel material.
Henderson by Knockout
The setting was spectacular. I love anytime a shit-talking punk gets his mouth shut by a crafty veteran. Its gonna take a lot for Bisping to overcome this loss. He was so cocky and arrogant going into this fight and I just don't see him having any humility. I mean he was obliterated by that punch. Seeing him in a daze asking, "What happened?" really put a smile on my face and hearing Dan Henderson say "I think I finally shut his mouth up" was icing on the cake.
WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
GEORGEST. PIERRE vs. THIAGO ALVES
GSP enters wearing his usual gi and gay-ass spandex underwear. I'm going on record saying GSP is more than likely a gay man. A gay man who can kick my ass, as well as probably most of the earth's population. I also think his "life's partner" is his coach, Greg Jackson. I'm just talking here. But if you heard his inspirational chatter to GSP between rounds, you couldn't help but just feel uncomfortable. Alves enters wearing Brazilian colored board shorts and paces back and forth during the introductions like a mental patient just out of the asylum.
Round 1
Opening jabs and leg kicks traded. GSP scores easy one leg takedown at 3:50. GSP delivers some ground and pound before Alves escapes to standing using sheer power. GSP goes for another takedown but Alves stuffs it. Alves charges in with some fierce Muay Thai kicks, GSP counters with a takedown. Alves again uses brute force to get to standup but suffers cut to right eye to close the round.
GDeViL's Scorecard: 10-9 Georges St. Pierre
Round 2
Alves trying to land some bombs. Both fighters seem a bit hesitant. GSP making great use of the Superman Punch to leg kick combo. GSP scores another takedown seeminly at will. On the ground GSP mauls Alves and almost achieves the mount. Alves bleeding badly from nose due to an elbow or two...or three. GSP is able to maintain great control from teh top position. Alves finally makes great escape to standing with :23 left.
GDeViL's Scorecard: 10-8 Georges St. Pierre
Round 3
Alves scores a good left hook, stuffs another takedown attempt. Lands some decent kicks before GSP takes him down to the ground again. Alves explodes to standing with no dmagae taken by either fighter. Alves lands a good right hand at 1:10. At :40 Alves gets knocked down by GSP. Ground and pound by GSP. Alves holds on and recovers by end of the round.
GDeViL's Scorecard: 10-9 Georges St. Pierre
Round 4
Alves face is welted up pretty badly at this point. GSP explodes to a leg shoot to takedown. Maintains half guard, passes to mount. Looking for an arm triangle. Alves scrambles and achieves top position in full guard, delivers some ground and pound. GSP makes some good defensive moves and escapes to standing. That's teh first time I've seen GSP on his back in a while, maybe even ever but Alves delivered littel to no damage. Leg kick Alves, takedown GSP. Alves gives up back, GSP attempts rear naked choke. Alves survives round.
GDeViL's Scorecard: 10-9 Georges St. Pierre *GSP states that he has a pulled groin in his corner.
Round 5
Alves strikes first with good leg kick. GSP answers with a shoot takedown. Alves escapes to standing again using pure strength. Both fighters trade some strikes. GSP shoots agin for a takedown. Alves escapes to standing (see the pattern?). GSP shoots again for another take down and maintains half guard till the bell.
GDeViL's Scorecard: 10-9 Georges St. Pierre GDeViL's Final Score: 50-44 George St. Pierre.
Real Time Decision: Georges St. Pierre by Unanimous Decision
Seriously? Can anyone stop GSP? After the fight he made some hints that he would bump up to middleweight and take on Anderson Silva. When you think about it, there really is nothing left for him to do but that.
MAIN EVENTHEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
FRANK MIR Vs. BROCK LESNAR Referee: Herb Dean
Frank Mir enters to Kanye West wearing Echo Unltd. t-shirt. A hemotoma is noticeable on his right temple, sustained in training. Left leg is very taped up. Brock enters to Enter Sandman (yawn...can someone say "Jock"?) wearing his usual Deathclutch t-shirt.
Round 1
Brock immedscores a takedown and lands into halfguard. Both fighters seem very patient on the ground. Brock fires some short, stout rights which cut Mir on the bridge of his nose. Mir still very patient but receiving lots of damage while on the bottom from Brock's continuous right hands. GDeViL'S sCORECARD: 10-8 Lesnar
Round 2
Mir lands a great knee but falls on his back. Surpisingly Brock lets him up. I was getting teh feeling that Brock was just going to lay on top of Mir for five rounds if it lasted that long. Mir gets up lands some big knees to Brock and attempts a flying armbar. Attempt stuffed by Brock and lands on top into halfguard. Pushes Mir up againts fence and obtains wrist control over one of Mir's hands. Brock lands a big power right into the face of Mir. Mir is dazed and Brock goes for the kill with more vicious right hands before Herb Dean stops the fight.
Winner by Knockout (TKO) Brock Lesnar
Brock celebrates by giving the middle finger to the crowd and spitting all over the fence and camera during a closeup. Frank Mir's face looks like a Sicillain style pizza pie, bloated and red. In my opinion there is no one strong enough to deal with Lesnar in his division. I can't stand teh way he fights though and I'm definitely not a fan of his antics. Any fatty can just lay on top of someone and pound away with those ridicuous looking short punches. He just looks so uncoordinated. Is he good for MMA? Its a matter of opinion I guess. He brings his WWE persona to the UFC and that could be potentially hazardous for a sport which many still claim to be a joke.
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, GOD FORBID, BURY YOUR DEAD Tuesday, July 7, 2009
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Roadrunner Records
Once upon a time, there were a group of New England metalheads who started a band and called it Killswitch Engage. They conquer most of the land and can actually be labeled pioneers in the New England metal scene...maybe even some would be so bold as to call them gods? A talented and colorful bunch these guys ahve always been. This being the third album released with "new" lead singer, Howard Jones. Jones may have stamped his style permenant;y on this album. Maybe that's why its a self titled? Hmmmm I wonder? While I'm still prevy to Jesse David Leach on vocals, there is no denying that Jones has a spectacular voice. Since Leach's departure it seems as if KE has been adding more and more melody to their tracks, and for good reason. To showcase Jones' vocal talent and abilities.
TOP TRACKS: Never Again, Reckoning (probably the heaviest track on teh album), Save Me, I Would Do Anything (sure to have teenage girls all heartbroken and lovey dovey...bleh)
FINAL VERDICT: Melody is now a part of metal apprantly. At least Killswitch was one of the first (in recent times) to successfully incorporate it into solid music. Where others have failed miserable KE continues to do what they do best. Is it the best Killswitch album? Not for me, Alive and Still Breathing will always hold that title. But this is the best Killswitch album lead by Howard Jones.
WDS RATING: 3 out of 5 J.J. Walker heads
-gdevil
BURY YOUR DEAD IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL Victory Records
Melody, melody, melody. Seems to be a trend these days doesn't it? That's all well and good, but coming from longtime, Massachusetts heavy-hitters, BYD, its something unheard of. You could see teh shift starting to take place on their previously self titled BYD album when former Cassius singer, Myke Terry, took over the vocals. The previous album grew on me, but to me, its wasn't Bury Your Dead. Likewise on It's Nothing Personal. The breakdowns remain volitile and many, but the offtempo rythms BYD have been known for are thrown off course (or back on course rather) by Terry's use of melodious verse. But don't get me wrong, he can still bring it in teh barking department.
TOP TRACKS: Hurting Not Helping, Deadend Lovesong, Broken Body, Lion's Den
FINAL VERDICT: I like it. Much like their previously release, it started growing on me the more i listened to it. One thing. I think its time they changed their name. It's Nothing Personal is a completely different Bury Your Dead and hardcore fans are sure to shun the new stuff. Think of them as a much heavier Sevendust maybe? WDS RATING: 3 out of 5 JJ Walker heads
-gdevil
Gallows Grey Britain If we were lucky enough to see Every Time I Die and The Sex Pistols have a baby, they would name it Gallows. This UK band’s latest album “Grey Britain” is a welcome change from some of the dribble that has been coming from American bands in recent years. The music is refreshingly fast and raw with some profoundly gritty lyrics. This album is quite the kick in the knickers. Tracks like “I Dread the Night” and “Death Voices” have a sound that has been lost in the American Hardcore/Punk scene for years, and I for one, am excited to hear it again. WDS Rating: 4 out of 5 JJ Walker heads
-Amanda Maylene and the Sons of Disaster III When I first got my hands on this album, I had some mixed feelings. The March 2007 album, “II”, was a tough act to follow, but Dallas and the boys pulled it off. While some of the tracks lack that southern tough guy punch that Maylene and the Sons of Disaster are notorious for, songs like “Step Up (I’m On It)” and “Oh Lonely Grave” absolutely make up for it. This is definitely the album you want blaring when your give your cousin that second look or rattling the speakers in your rusty old pick-up truck on the way to the liquor store. WDS Rating: 3 out of 5 JJ Walker heads
CHIMAIRA, CKY, HATEBREED Tuesday, May 26, 2009 CHIMAIRA The Infection Ferret Music
The monster known as Chimaira returns with their fifth full length release entitled The Infection. The Ohioans pick up where they left off with Resurrection, and they still seem to be enjoying their split from Roadrunner Records (this is their second release on the NJ based Ferret Music). Chimaira doesn't stray far from their usual formula of dropped tunage, angry vocals and ferocious double bass drums. But why try to fix something that isn't broken is what I always say? The band did some interesting marketing to push the release of this album. The "Spread the Infection" campaign was a great way to get out the word of a new album by utilizing the rabid fans of Chimaira. Grassroots promoting at its best.
TOP TRACKS: The Venom Inside, Destroy and Dominate, Secrets of the Dead FINAL VERDICT: The one thing I noticed upon first listen is that The Infection is a slower tempo than anything released in the past. Heavy, yes but just not as brutal and relentless as say, The Resurrection or The Impossibilty of Reason. Personally, their best work was on the self titled album. Overall not a bad effort and worth adding to the collection.
CKY Carver City Roadrunner Records
Skate stoners, cKy, newly signed to Roadrunner, are back with their fourth full length release in about four years. The thirst for stoner rock is quenched to say the least. With Carver City we get more of the same fuzzed out guitar sounds and solid drumming as heard on previous CKY outtings, however, I find myself actually digging every song on this album as compared to An Answer Can Be Found. In a word, that album was "eh".
TOP TRACKS: Hellions on Parade, Imaginary Threats, Plagued by Images (sick composition!), Karmaworks
FINAL VERDICT: CKY always seem to proclaim their next album the best rock album of all time. I'm not ready to bestow such lofty claims onto them, but Carver City is an absolute beast. As good, if not a tad better than IRD and Vol. 1.. . there I said it.
HATEBREED For The Lions E1 Music
Usually, I'm not one for cover albums. Ever. In a few instances I can tolerate them and yes, sometimes, SOMETIMES, one comes across and slaps ya in the face and says, "THIS IS GOOD SHIT!" Hatebreed scores a homerun on their tribute to all things heavey on For the Lions. What makes a good cover/tribute album? Song and band selection. Hatebreed, being one of hemost successful hardcore bands to crossover to metal digs through a sordid array of metal, punk and hardcore classics and new bands such as NYHC legends, Madball, trash metal gods, Slayer and hardcore godfathers, Bad Brains and Agnostic Front. The list is too long to write, but the album plays through like a rollercoaster time machine that will take you back to what made heavy music worth listening to.
TOP TRACKS: All of them. I'm prevy to ther cover of Agnostic Front's Your Mistake and their version of The Misfits' Hatebreeders is insane.
FINAL VERDICT: Young or old you must get this album. I'm actually hoping all of you young fucker's take heed and actually listen to REAL hardcore...and not that shit your filling your empty space between that ridiculous flourescent colored baseball hat your wearing.
MASTODON, VOLBEAT, DEATHCYCLE Sunday, March 29, 2009 VOLBEAT Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood Mascot Records
A dash of Misfits, a pinch of Johnny Cash, and a touch of Life of Agony. Mix it all together and what do you get? Danish Elvis-Metal rockers, Volbeat. These guys have just been introduced to me and I am thoroughly impressed! I, along with thousands of other fans, have always been a fan of the Misfits (and yes, I am privy to the Michale Graves era over the Glen Danzig...fuck off) but do not for a second think Volbeat is another Misfits clone. No sirree. Think of Volbeat as the guys who will fill the need for a metalbilly genre. Don't think they're metal? Check out the raging double bass and melting riffs on Hallelujah Goat and get back to me.
TOP TRACKS:Back to Prom, Hallelujah Goat, Maybellene Hofteholder, We, Wild Rover of Hell, Light A Way
FINAL VERDICT: I've been searching for something like these guys ever since the Misfits and Graves split ways and Jerry Only thought he can be a one man band. 50s style swing-rock fused with rockabilly and metal. You really can't go wrong. Check out their rendition of I'm So Lonely I Could Cry and their cover of Social Distortion's Making Believe. But why, for the love of Danish patries would you go on tour with Nightwish!?
MASTODON Crack the Sky Relapse Records
Prog metal has seen some talent injected into itself in recent times. (Gojira, High on Fire, The Sword, etc...) But none have left the scene wanting more such as Mastodon. I'll be the first to say I don't know all too much of the band. I know I liked a few songs off Leviathan and who the hell didn't like Remissions? That being said I gotta say I'm pretty disappointed with Crack the Sky. Musically its on par with or as good as anything else the band has released but vocally I think its crap. At times I thought I was listening to Ozzy as the vocals on Crack the Sky are a shitload more cleaner than any previous release. I'm not too happy about that as I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke, don't go and change your vocal style".
TOP TRACKS: Crack the Sky, Divinations
FINAL VERDICT: Maybe I'm just not big enough a Mastodon fan to appreciate the band and what they do musically. I could do without 10 minute tracks and as said earlier the Ozzy-like vocals, but these guys can definitely play, bar none. With that I decided to post an old video instead of something off the new album.
DEATHCYCLE Prelude to Tyranny Lifeline Records
Yawn. No disrespect but its all been done 3x over already. Deathcycle recently played their final show and from what I hear it was a pretty sick way to go out. Sadly I have never seen them live.
TWO FROM THE VAULT: AS FRIENDS RUST vs. THE LUNACHICKS Tuesday, March 3, 2009
AS FRIENDS RUST
Here we go again (no not the Shelter song) I’m trying my hand at reviewing again. This time it’s not an album, it’s a band. That band is As Friends Rust. Besides winning an award for having one of the best band names ever, they were actually pretty damn good.
I don’t feel like getting into the whole, who, what, where etc of the band but I will say they are from Gainesville, Florida. Vocalist, Damien Moyal you might remember him from such great bands such as Culture, Morning Again and oh let's not forget Shai Hulud for a short period after AFR. If you don’t know any of those other bands you should go check em out. To start out with I love the songs on 6 song EP. Especially Half Friend Town and Like Strings. Oh and their cover of the Circle JerksOperation is great. The whole cd is fast and full of heartfelt lyrics. Damien’s voice has a great smooth aggression to it.
Their next album, Won is a great sophopmore effort which shows off AFR's maturity. The music is still fast but has great melodic breakdowns. Opening with a song like We On Some Next Level Shit is a great start. In a smart way it pokes fun at the kids that are always telling you what’s best for you. As far as great auto-biographical lyrics, Fourteen Or So has it nailed down. This song is fast and just filled with honesty. Laughing Out Loud probably has the best and most disturbing opening lyrics, “sometimes I’d like to know the insides of my wrist”. This song has great melodic/screaming, back and forth vocals. There’s just a great feeling of acceptance and fed up in this one song. The music echoes the lyrics perfectly. The record takes a darker slower turn. But it holds up. It’s not one of those records that your all amped on for the first 5 songs and than you have it on and it’s over and you didn’t even realize it. Ten ends the album perfectly.
Last record I’ll sum up is A Young Trophy Band in the Parlance of Our Times. Ok granted the title is kinda ehhh. The songs also gained wordy titles but their word play titles so it works. For example “more than just music, it’s a hairstyle”, wordy wise ass title and great song. It’s slower but still strong. A lot of it I believe has to do with Damien’s voice and lyrics. It maintained the honest and angst. The music also raised it’s levels. The rest of the band has a great way of mirroring the feelings in the lyrics, or vice versa. There is only six songs on the cd, so it does go pretty fast even though the songs are slower. Especially with a 46 second sorta ballad. And well than there’s the last song, Where The Wild Things Were. This is another one of Damien’s auto-bio songs. It basically picks up from where he left off. It starts fast than leads into a great breakdown and than picks back up. You start to understand his issues a little and his acceptance of himself with them.
If you ask me, if you like bands like Avail or even the Bouncing Souls, you’ll probably like As Friends Rust. The sincerity in each note and lyric is astounding.
The year was 1994. I, along with Chris and some other of our friends made the trip into the city to see a great lineup at Irving Plaza. The Offspring may have been the headliners (don't laugh, back then, they weren't all about the pop and were actually a great act to see) but the real show-stealers in my book were a band called The Lunachicks.
As soon as they took the stage I'll have to admit I fell in love. There stood Theo Kogan, lead singer of The Lunachicks, decked out like a barbie doll on speed, grilled with tattoos, towering above all who gazed upon her. Sigh.... my heart and groin still remember that night, because it was the first time I saw an all female band actually kick some ass. Theo is one of the best front-person I have ever seen perform. She was the whole package. Gorgeous, talented and hysterical. Yes, to see a Lunachicks show and not laugh is pretty much unheard of. I was a fan from the moment she answered a heckler who yelled out "Show us your tits!" with a belly bursting belch from hell. I tell ya, a small part of me died when I heard she got hitched to Toilet Boys guitarist, Sean Pierce. (And let's not forget Gina Volpe, guitarist...she was friggen hot as well!)
The band formed in 1987 according to their bio. I got hooked on them when they released Binge & Purge in 1992. That album in my opinion showcases The Lunachicks at their most raw. Tracks such as Apathetic, Superstrong and This Is Serious are the top tracks and were all show-closers even in more recent years. The best way to describe The Lunachicks were by no means, redefining music in any way. They were all about having fun and kicking ass. But they did it in a way that empowered females but never shunned away the fellas.
One can find great tracks on all of their records. I kind of lost touch with them when they released Pretty Ugly, but Binge and Purge, Jerk of All Trades and Luxury Problem will always have a home in my iPod. As will any tattoo mags with Gina and Theo in them...double sigh...
(Since calling a hiatus in 2000, members of the band have went in various directions. Theo has been heading Theo and the Skyscrapers while landing various acting jobs. Gina Volpe is vocalist for the power trio, Bantam, who happen to be pretty damn kickass. Squid was, or is a tattooist in NYC someplace.)
ALBUM REVIEWS: BLACK TIDE, DEADLOCK, GHOST OF MAINE GHOST OF MAINE EP & THE HEALER SINGLE UNSIGNED
What grabbed me first about these guys is the name of the band. First off, they aren't from Maine. They are in fact, an up and coming blend of music and brutality from lil ol Indiana. Secondly, after first listen, you totally forget what the band is called and are lost on a beautiful arrangement of technical metal goodness. Its not math rock by any means but you can tell these guys know how to play and aren't just killing time between weekends playing in backyards. Why aren't these guys signed yet? I have no clue. I imagine it won't be too long before someone gobbles them up. Alas, if only we had a label...
TOP TRACKS: The EP is absolutely incredible. Most notable are "Isn't That Right Mr. Scream?" and We All Float Down Here (Stephen King's It made me afraid of clowns forever). Their more recent release is a single entitled The Healer which is also pretty killer.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: You should download everything by this band as I did. Do it now so when they do cruise through a town close to you as an opener who steals the show you look like you know your shit by singing along to who is one of the best unsigned metal bands I've head in a while.
DEADLOCK Manifesto Lifeforce Records
Sig heil for Deadlock! German metal marauders have been around for quite some time, ever evolving into the melodic metal-core fusion we have today. Deadlock has written the book on diversity with Manifesto. The melodic chants of Sabine Weniger are perfectly complimented with the furious death barking of Johannes Prem throughout the album. The samples and keyboards add to the diversity of the album.
TOP TRACKS: Martyr to Science, The Brave/Agony Applause, Dying Breed GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Diversity is good for many things. Like your 401k plan. I'm all about trying new sounds out in metal but sometimes its just a bit much. At times I feel Deadlock is trying to do too much on Manifesto. I mean, I'm all for keyboards and saxophones but I could do without the hip hop guest vocals (unknown artist) at the end of Deathrace. Metal is metal in my book. I have to see this band live in order to see some metalheads start boppin their head to rhymes. Top notch.
BLACK TIDE Light From Above Interscope Records
Yes its a year old. Forgive me for not being on top of everything that is rock and roll. And that my friends is exactly what the Black Tide are! Rock and fucking roll!!! This album made me want to dig out my Iron Maiden dungaree jacket and give the middle finger to the local authorities. This kids are obviously influenced by old schoolers such as maiden, Manowar and Metallica (OLD Metallica!). I say kids because the average age of the members is around 16-17 years old. What do a bunch of kids know about good, old school metal? Who knows. maybe they had cool older brothers to show em the way like I did.
TOP TRACKS: Shockwave, Warriors of Time, Shout, Light From Above, and yes...the cover of Metallica's Hit The Lights rips it up.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: New? No. Refreshing? Yes. It's good to know some people know their roots. Is it a marketing ploy? Who cares. Black Tide pulls it off perfectly and will have you bangin your head for hours.
TWO FROM THE VAULT Monday, February 9, 2009Ever hear an old school hardcore/punk/metal guy complain about the "scene"? Chances are if you've been reading my blogs for a while now you're more than likely tired of reading about how i think the "kids" today are all jerkoffs and don't have a clue about music..blah, blah, blah... So today I decided to let my friend Chris from Robots Will Kill do the ranting, or in this case, reviewing. He's so jaded he refused to review a new album and dug through his collection to write up an old one. Hey whatever man, I'm just glad the guy can actually form sentences...more or less. I thought this was a pretty good idea. Maybe, just fucking maybe, some youngster will read about these albums, check them out and realize there's more to music than crying about murdering a girl who broke your faggot, emo heart. I joined in the fun and grabbed an new/old album to review. At least mine is a brand new compilation of an old band. Beat that Chris! Enjoy!
ENSIGN Love The Music, Hate The Kids Blackout!
I remember being at a show on Staten Island and this band shows up with H2O. They weren't billed to play and we were all standing there as they set up wondering who the fuck these guys were. The mystery band ended up being NJ natives, Ensign. That night they played an extremely short set, but it was enough for me to buy their EP and to follow them for years to come. Fast forward about 13 years and here I am, still listening to Ensign. I chose their 2003 release Love The Music, Hate The Kids (Love that title). The album features cover songs of bands who influenced them over the years. Tim Ensign's voice has always had a great old school sound. So when he does Underdog's Say It, it actually sounds as if it were recorded in 1988. And musically? The band is tight as hell. Take a listen to the breakdown on Say It. It's on point! For me, its great to see what influenced a band I basically grew up on. Having similarities with their taste in music, you get to see why you actually like them o begin with. Ensign covers Bad Brains, to The Descendants to Infest, Bad Religion and so on. I remember when they use to do Inside Out's Burning Fight, Tim would take over on bass, and Nate led what would end up a huge sing-along, pile on the mic, frenzy. i mean every fucking kid in the place would be on stage singing their hearts out, so hearing on this album took me back to a VFW hall someplace in New Jersey. The way hardcore was meant to be heard.
TOP TRACKS: I'm Not A Loser (The Descendants), Trial (Verbal Assault), Say It! (Underdog), Telltale (Killing Time), I Will Deny You (The Dwarves). ~ Chris of RWK
FINAL VERDICT: Worth every penny. Especially for me since years ago some dick broke into my car and stole most of these original cd's. Fucking savages in this town.
MOUTHPIECE Can't Kill What's Inside: The Complete Discography Revelation Records
There once was a time when bands played in the auditoriums of Catholic elementary schools, V.F.W. halls and the local Moose Lodge. The shows, while not of the greatest sound quality, definitely put forth the most energy hardcore and punk could and would, ever harness. Call me old, but I would trade today's over produced shows for yesterdays DYI shows any day. Hell, back then we didn't even call them "DYI" shows! It was just a fucking show. Of course we did it ourselves! Who else would have a bunch of hardcore/punk kids throw each other around like animals in their establishment?! My favorite was going to a Veteran's hall for a show and seeing some of the Vets who take care of the place as we were leaving. The look on their faces were always priceless. Like "We just allowed this to happen in our place!!?" Anyways, Since the subject of today's update is "old school" I decided to write about a band who I think is the total embodiment of old school, DYI, hardcore, and that band is a little group from New Jersey known forever as MOUTHPIECE. Yes, I'm from NYC but I think there as no hardcore scene like the 90s NJ hardcore scene. And if you had to crown someone king, Mouthpiece would definitely be in the running. I have yet to see a sing along, pile on bigger than when Mouthpiece sang Can We Win. True, Mouthpiece was a straight edge band, but they didn't preach or shut anyone out of their shows. They didn't put on the tough guy act and didn't start any cliques. They were there for the music and the "kids" who supported them. Old school. Anyways, Can't Kill What's Inside is a complete discography that contains everything ever recorded by the band. This includes 1995's "Face Tomorrow" EP, 1994's "What Was Said" full-length, the self-titled 7" from 1991; and tracks from the "Anti-Matter", "It's for Life", and "Words to Live by, Words to Die For" compilations - in addition to three previously unreleased tracks that were recorded live way back in 1991. As a bonus, the disc also contains mp3's of a 13-song, surprisingly clear-sounding live set recorded at CBGB's in 1996 (and it appears this material's available as part of the album on iTunes as well, which is awesome) and the video for "Cinder". But most interesting are the liner notes. Lead singer, Tim McMahon must have known they were on to something special, because he kept track of every show they ever played, where and with who and when. It's an absolutely awesome album.
TOP TRACKS: All of them. Fuck you. I said ALL OF THEM.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: It seems redundant to even say, but if you're fan of hardcore, past and/or present it would behoove you to have this album in your collection. I said ALBUM! Buy the fucking thing in a record store so you could read the liner notes. Reading is fundamental ya dolts! ~ gdevil
AND NOW THE NEWS...2/6/2009 Friday, February 6, 2009
Welcome to yet another addition to the Riot Act. As you all know, I have plenty to say on the many different topics of the world. Sometimes...most times, it gets me in more trouble than what its worth, but that's the greatest thing about this country. I can call anyone I want an asshole on the Internet (or in person at times) and not fear being thrown in a Turkish prison for the rest of my life. I'm going to try and sift through the morning paper on a weekly basis and give my opinion on some of the headlines, because I know your all sitting there in your fucking cubicles with some mindless comic strip someone cut out staring you in the face making a piss pour attempt at being witty about how monotonous your work day is. I figure I would try to livin you up a little, maybe cause a revolt or two. If I can take responsibility for at least one Office Space gang beatdown of a fax machine, my job is done. And now....
THE NEWS!!!!!
SINGLE MOM TURNS HERSELF INTO BABY FACTORY
You've all heard about the single Californian mom who had herself impregnated an insane eight times through in-vitro fertilization, or as I like to describe it as a spermicidal turkey basting? If you haven't heard of her you will. She just scored her first television interview with Ann Curry of NBC. If having eight children at once isn't insane enough for you, how about the eight will add to Miss Nadya Suleman's brood of six! That's fourteen total children people!!! Last I checked this country was bordering on fiscal suicide. People are having a hard enough time paying their bills and this lady is popping out children as if she gets a prize for having the most! Oh wait, she actually DID score a prize. A television interview??? I know the networks are after ratings but rewarding someone for totally irrational behavior by giving them their 15 minutes of fame is just wrong. The article in the New York Post goes on to state that Nadya has been on disability since 2001. Apparently she suffered a back injury during a riot at a psychiatric hospital where she worked. She has collected $165,000 in disability from 2002-2006. By my math that's about what? $27,000 a year? I don't know one tax paying, hard working couple who can live on that themselves AND raise ONE child. How the fuck is the Octomom going to raise 14 kids on that!?!
No idiot. It's controversial because a.) you don't have a job and b.) YOU DON'T HAVE A JOB!!!! And kiss any hopes of landing a husband goodbye lady. I've heard of "baggage" before but any guy willing to take on fathering responsibilities for 14 kids needs to have his head examined as well.
Prediction. Out of the fourteen kids this loon is "raising" I bet at least 6 of them land in jail, crazy, handing out blowjobs in seedy motels for meals, or a combination of all three scenarios. Nadya, are you sure you weren't a patient at that psyche hospital you use to work for? Hmmm, I wonder? All I know is not one cent of my taxes better go towards this irresponsible jerkoff who states in the article, "After the first successful IVF...I just kept going". I'm not knocking single mom's by any means, but it has to be difficult for one WORKING single mom to raise ONE kid let alone fourteen.
OBAMA'S TAX DODGIN' CABINET NOMINEES
Before I even get into this I will say this. I despise politicians. They are all full of shit. I don't care what party they are in, what they promise, what color they are or what cult religion they follow. Bottom line, they are all in it to get over on the working man. With that said I find it pretty funny that Obama has attempted to name four nominees to his cabinet who all have had a problem paying their taxes in the past. I won't start bashing Obama because I don't need the zombies that follow him sending me hate mail on a daily basis. All I will say is that if I were running something important as say, the country, I would probably look into people's financial history before naming them to something as important as say, the Treasury Secretary. Just my opinion is all. And even if I let it slip my mind, because I am running THE COUNTRY and all, wouldn't I have people that look into that for me? Just sayin.
MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON
Captain Chelsey B. Sullenberger, the pilot who crash landed a plane loaded with 150 passengers in the middle of the Hudson River was interviewed by CBS' "60 Minutes". I believe every pilot should be forced to take flight lessons from Captain Sullenberger and his crew. Nuff said.
TSA FASHION SHOW
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) will be allotted $50 million dollars to purchase new uniforms. I have a better idea. How about instead of squeezing the overweight, sometimes overzealous, but always rude glorified security guards into new uniforms, how about spending the money on training them to speak English? Speak English already? Good, how about spending the money on more training so they catch more people trying to stuff C4 explosives in their shoes? I've flown a lot in the last few years. And I gotta say most of these people are absolutely incompetent. I can't tell you how many times I have packed my carry-on in a haste and forgot a pocket knife in one of its pockets. I have been through security unscathed. Never once pulled to the side and made to disrobe....ok one time, but that was voluntarily.
A WORD ON MICHAEL PHELPS
The half human, half dolphin found himself in a heap of tuna shit this week when a photo of him hittin a bong surfaced. WHO THE FUCK CARES! I firmly believe I am the only person in this country that does not smoke pot and I don't have a problem with the Olympic super star taking a few hits after collecting how many fucking medals? No, being a sports superstar shouldn't get you out of trouble, but seriously folks, is this THAT serious? First off if I were Phelps I would vehemently deny it. "Yes its a photo of me an d a bong, but it wasn't marijuana, it was that delish tobacco I tried in China while conquering the entire world in watersports", is exactly what I would say. How the hell can anyone prove it was actually marijuana from a photo?!?!? Mike. If you want a lawyer, I'm available.
MOVIE REVIEW: HE'S JUST NOT INTO YOU
Joking. I have what they call a penis, attached to it are two testicles. I would not be caught dead seeing this movie. And men, please... if your girl "makes" you go see it, leave her where she stands. Any girl who makes their boyfriend, husband, slave see any movie which stars Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Anniston all at once is a sadist and enjoys watching you in pain. The only excuse to see this is if Miss Aniston is nude throughout the entire flick, which sadly, does not occur. An shame on you Justin Long for indulging in such a script!
BLACKENED, CANDIRIA, THE REDEMPTION SONG Friday, January 30, 2009 BLACKENED This Means War Think Fast Records
Yet another all star lineup of hardcore goodness. You'll have to love this cast of characters since the band boasts a pretty impressive roster. Vocalist, Jay Reason (The Distance). Guitarists, Chris Legg (Fastbreak), and Wayne Lozinak (Hatebreed, Two By Four). Bassist, Chris Beattie and drummer, Dave Russo (Hatebreed) have collectively joined forces to put together a brutal batch of old school hardcore perfectly blended with a modern, metal feel.
TOP TRACKS: Every track is intense and worth every penny. My favorite on the album is Unfinished Business, a two minute throwback to the early 90s.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Could hardcore be making a third run at a golden age? All these band members these days are gathering together creating some really great side projects. I'm hoping Blackened is more than a side project and we get to see a lot more of them. Never heard of some of the bands these guys are a part of? Get on that. Fastbreak have been around forever. Hell they were like 13-14 years old when I saw them open for H2O years ago!!!
CANDIRIA Kiss The Lie Type A Records
The mystery that is Candiria. This band went from being the most hyped band in NYC and beyond to almost absolute obscurity in what seemed, at least to me, a blink of an eye. Personally I was never a big fan. I saw them open for Shadows Fall a few years back and remember my legs going numb from listening to some intensely long metal jam sessions followed by jazz, followed by death metal growls. If anything, Candiria was (or is) extremely diverse. I did a little homework and found out a few things about their sudden fall from the spotlight. The band was apparently involved in some sort of accident while on tour some time ago. They have since received financial settlements, some members have left the band indefinitely and others seem to still be a part of it. They had Kiss The Lie completed but the record label didn't want to release an album in which a band couldn't tour and promote. After some back and forth, the label eventually released the album and voila! Another Candiria album for its many loyal fans.
TOP TRACKS: Here's the kicker. I read on the band's Myspace page that when iTunes posted the album they screwed up the track listings. So I like a few songs on the album...a lot. But the names of the songs may not be the real titles. Anyway, according to iTunes, the following tracks rip shit up: Sirens, Legions, Splinter, The Sleeper
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: I'm glad I finally gave this band a chance. While they aren't my usual cup o tea, I can appreciate the diversity and changeups the band uses. They are, without a doubt, extremely talented. Vocalist, Carly Coma, can handle the barking and soothing, almost R&B like sounds while the drumming of Ken Schalk is amazing. Jazz to metal to jazz and back. It'll keep you busy that's for sure.
THE REDEMPTION SONG Plays Dead In Stereo Future Destination Records
What do you get when you fuse the vocal styling of The Refused with poppy, metal riffs? You get a little band by the name of The Redemption Song. you also get a good dose of what modern hardcore should sound like. Apocalyptic? Yes. But I wouldn't peg them for Shai Halud clones. Not by a long shot. There's enough gang vocals in here to satisfy the old school crowd and enough pop-punk-metal riffage to keep the new cats movin on the floor. An absolute keeper by all standards.
TOP TRACKS: This is the album that has been on repeat on the old iPod since i got it. I can't find a bad song even if I tried. Summer of Love, M.I.a, Semper Fi, My Love...is my absolute favorite on this album.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Much like the media and Obama, I have total man-love for these guys? Of course, leave it to me to start resurrecting a band which broke up in 2007. Does anything really stay dead in hardcore though? I think not.
THE GHOST INSIDE, GOJIRA, UNITED NATIONS Friday, January 9, 2009 THE GHOST INSIDE Fury and the Fallen Ones Mediaskare Records
Breakdowns! Getcha fresh new breakdowns! Previously known as A Dying Dream, THE GHOST INSIDE's debut album, Fury and the Fallen Ones delivers a good dose of hardcore breakdowns, some catchy hooks and delivered with an intensity most bands of the metalcore/harcore scenes lack these days. Yes, This album makes me want to get out the dancin shoes and start throwing haymakers in a mosh pit in your neighborhood. No these southern Californian rockers aren't re-inventing the wheel when it comes to hardcore, but you don't have to do so in order to create your own identity. Just as long as you do the basics well enough to keep us all interested, and The Ghost Inside obviously dishes it out like no other.
TOP TRACKS: Faith or Forgiveness, The Brave (listen to this at least once a day), Shiner, Revolutionary, The Lion War
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Brutal. From opening to end I wonder how many kids get knocked out at their shows because I find myself randomly throwing windmills in the most random places while listening to this album. Overall a very solid hardcore album.
GOJIRA The Way of The Flesh Listenable
Got some time to kill? Cause if its one thing you're gonna need when listening to Gojira's album, The Way of the Flesh is time. It clocks in at over 70 minutes! Hell the title track alone is longer than most punk albums I own! But I can say this much, it'll be the best hour you have if you are a fan of Sepultura-like metal. The Way of the Flesh is a very dark, ladden with technical and progressive guitar riffs that are sure to make any student in the art form say "wow!" I haven't heard their first album (From Mars to Sirius) but I am told by fans that their sophomore effort is exactly what was to be expected...metal perfection.
TOP TRACKS: The off timed beats in Toxic Garbage Island are insane. Adoration of None, Esoteric Surgery, Vacuity
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: When I first did some research on these guys i was stoked that they were from Bayonne. Then I found out they are actually from Bayonne, FRANCE! Hey at least the French didn't surrender when it comes to metal!
UNITED NATIONS United Nations Eyeball Records
Two words: screamo supergroup. Yes, my friends there is such a thing and its aptly named United Nations. The group consists of Thursday's Geoff Rickly and Glassjaw's Daryl Palumbo. The rest of the band is rounded out by members of various screamo/grindcore bands such as Converge, The Number Twelve Looks like You and Made Out of Babies. That's a lot of talent in my opinion. However, please, for the love of baby Jesus in a tuxedo shirt, please do not call this hardcore?? With that said, if you are a fan of any of the member's original bands, screamo, grindcore I suggest you purchase this album, or steal it from a friend. The genre of "screamo" tends to scare me away. Song structure is usually scattered and chaotic, but I've learned that that is the idea behind the madness.
TOP TRACKS: No Sympathy for a Sinking Ship, Resolution #9, The Shape of Punk That Never Came (helloooooo Refused!), Model UN
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: I liken the sound on this album to the Refused and even At The Drive In. Hell if you read the top tracks section you'll see that they do a spin off of one of the best albums of all time in the Refused, The Shape of Punk to Come. For anyone not familiar with any of the bands that influenced this group/album United nations may not be for you. But if you remember hearing One Armed Scissor and wetting your pants, all hail United Nations.
WD SYNDICATE'S BEST OF 2008 Saturday, December 27, 2008
WD SYNDICATE BEST OF 2008
Happy holidays from the Syndicate! Hopefully Santa made his yearly visit, dropped off some toys and didn’t make out with you girl in the meantime. If you’re reading this you survived the annual holiday shopping frenzy and your kicking back with some eggnog while wearing that ugly sweater your Aunt Tootsie made for you (yes, I had an Aunt Tootsie). In all seriousness, we here at the Syndicate wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday.
With each passing year we are always subjected to all these year end reviews, or best of lists. Frankly I’m not impressed with many or any of them. So being that WD SYNDICATE made its official relaunch in 2008, I felt it necessary to put our own spin on the best of 2008. From, music to politics, 2008 was far from boring. So without further adieu, we bring you the BEST OF 2008!
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ok here are the ground rules for this category. At first we were going to go by genre. But listing Best Punk Album, Best Hardcore Album, Best Metal Album, Best Metalcore Album, Best Emo Album (if that even exists), and so on and so on would just be counter productive. No, we wanted the best fucking album put out in 2008 hands down. The best album of 2008 should blur the lines of genre and make it to your playlist the most despite your so called musical allegiance.
CANCER BATS Hail Destroyer
Obviously this was a tough category, especially when combining all musical genres. But Canadian rockers the Cancer Bats hit a home run with Hail Destroyer. Combining genres such as metal, hardcore, punk and southern rock, we here at the Syndicate found it virtually impossible not to give this award to them! The album is an absolute rager from beginning to end and does not let up at any point. Songs such as Harem of Scorpions, PMA Till I’m DOA, and Regret are absolutely mosh pit inducing numbers. I challenge anyone to name a song better to get over getting played by a chick than Sorceress. Working day and night got you down? Try throwing on Deathsmarch while stuck in the cubicle next time. I’m willing to bet your ripping off your cheap tie and throwing windmills by the copy machine in no time.
Runner Ups: (1) Parkway Drive Horizons, (2) H2O Nothing to Prove, (3) Gojira The Way of the Flesh, (4) Testament The Formation of Damnation, (5) The Gaslight Anthem The’59 Sound,
WORST ALBUM OF THE YEAR
To be the winner of this prestigious award a band has to have two elements. One, the band has to suck to begin with and two, the band has to put out an album that is complete garbage. Hey they say, consistency counts for something right? The Worst Album of the Year should be exactly that….garbage that just annoys you just for being played. It’s the album that either hasn’t made it to your iPod or you immediately skip over any of its songs while on shuffle. And the loser is…
METALLICA Death Magnetic
It’s of no surprise that our WORST album of the year is apparently Revolver magazine’s BEST album of the year. Just goes to show you who sucks dick at the rest stop bathroom and who doesn’t. How anyone can name this drawn out album the best of 2008 is beyond us. Here at WD headquarters the consensus seems to be that Metallica lost its teeth when it released the radio friendly, hard rock, Black Album. They left metal behind and joined the ranks of Led Zepplin, CCR, Pearl Jam and their classic rock motif. Ok, maybe we’re being a bit harsh on the guys here. With all due respect, we know that without the monster that was Metallica, many of today’s bands probably wouldn’t exist. Their music has inspired many…but the keywords “was” and has”…past tense. The leader of the big 5 of thrash hung up its chops, licks and fast paced riffs with Justice and never looked back. Sure Death Magnetic has its moments, but for such a juggernaut we were expecting so much more…and utterly disappointed yet again (hello St. Anger!). The Unforgiven III?!?!? Come on now!!!!
Runner Ups: (1) The Offspring Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, (2) Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy, (3) Saliva Cinco Diablo, (4) Nickelback Dark Horse, (5) Fall Out Boy Dave de Sylvia, (6) Judas Priest Nostradamus.
COMEBACK BAND OF THE YEAR
Bands come and go and sometimes, come back again. Sometimes they are better off not coming back. It’s a tough obstacle to overcome and any band that can do it successfully are usually a force to be reckoned with. 2008 was filled with comebacks. Some more commercial than others, but only one will win the Syndicate’s title of Comeback Band of the Year…
H20 Nothing To Prove
New York hardcore legends came back with glorious anger with the release of Nothing To Prove. After a seven year hiatus which included branching out into various side projects (Toby Morse - Hazen Street, Todd Morse - Juliette and the Licks and The Operation M.D., Rusty - P-Nut Jewelery) the band regrouped and put together an album that made us feel like it were 1994 all over again. The album is fun, fast and furious. Plenty of gang vocals and guest appearances (Lou Koller of Sick of it All, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Roger Miret of Agnostic Front) litter the album and give it a great old school feel but the guys go through great lengths not to be "preachy", chasing away new listeners. The album was followed by nonstop touring which the band has always been known for (Dropkick Murphy's, H2O, and Civet on the ALL ROADS LEAD TO BOSTON TOUR). A good part of my life has been spent at H2O shows and its great to see the guys haven't lost a step. They are one of the best hardcore bands to perform live, always have been. After a seven year layoff, they learned a lot about life and it shows in both the album and their live performances. At the end of the day, they got nothing to prove.
Runner Ups: Testament, Motley Crue, AC/DC
BIGGEST LETDOWN ALBUM
This category is not at all similar to the Worst Album of the Year in that the “winner” of this award isn’t necessarily a disaster of a band that induces sleep or suicide. Everyone has bad days and maybe this band just wasn’t feeling so hot when they recorded the biggest letdown since you told your parents you were dropping out of school to pursue your acting career.
ALKALINE TRIO Agony & Irony
I can hear thousands of emo kids crying their mascara off already. I know, I know…we’re a bunch of savages for naming Alkaline Trio as the recipient of this award. I’m sure I’ll lose about 10 minutes of sleep over it. Agony & Irony was over-hyped and disappointing. No one wanted this album to be better than what it was than we did! There’s only about two really good songs on this album and comparing it to the band’s predecessors is futile. It just doesn’t compare.
Runner Ups: (1) Rise Against Appeal to Reason, (2) In This Moment The Dream, (3) All That Remains Overcome.
BEST TV SHOW
Again, we’re combining all the genres here. Comedy, thriller, mystery, cop shows, all got to compete for the best show on television. New, old, it didn’t make a difference. It had to hold our attention for the entire season. That means we would lie, cheat and steal in order not to miss an episode. But being we all have DVR or Tivo I guess that just makes us really bad people huh?
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Another tight race but the gang from Sunny won in convincing fashion, and for good reason. Hands down it is the most original, most entertaining, most shocking and most hysterical show on television today. If Danny DeVito ran for president the Syndicate would vote for him. The Syndicate’s own, Gdevil was Greenman for Halloween! They did an entire show about a mystery poop!!!! Is there anything more funny than poop humor? We don’t think so, and if you do, you’re probably on the wrong website.
Runner Ups: (1) Sons of Anarchy, (2) Dexter, (3) Burn Notice, (4) Psyche, (5) True Blood
HOTTEST “UNKNOWN” GIRL ON MYSPACE
Fire up your engines boys and girls. This award goes to the hottest amateur model/gal on Myspace. Looks are one thing, but the winner of this one isn’t just lips, tits and a great ass. She also has to have a good attitude. One where if you leave a comment on her page she actually writes you back saying how sweet you are, making your ego as well as other body parts swell. By “unknown” we mean she hasn’t graced the covers of Maxim, FHM or Stuff (is that still out?) just yet, but she’s also not just posting camera phone pictures of her in the ladies room. Please ladies, some professionalism por favor? Our Hottest Girl on Myspace has to have mostly all or some professional photography in her profile.
Jessenia Vice
Instead of telling you all why Jessenia won, how about we just post a photo or two and tell you we hope she does a WD shoot in the near future. We have a feeling the title "Unknown" won't be for very long. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Jessenia Vice…
Runner Ups: Jessenia won by such a large margin we actually sold all of the runner ups to Middle Eastern men to be sex slaves.
BEST PORNO
Best pornographic film. Yes, pornography is on everyone's mind. Don't front. Even the holiest of holy's have indulged in a Debbie Does Dallas video or two..or three. Porn has come a long way since the cheesy music and over abundance of pubic hair circa 1970s and 80s. Have you seen the crowd the AVN's get each year in Vegas??? Fact of the matter is the porn industry is one of the largest in the world and like it or not (WE LIKE IT! WE LIKE IT!) its here to stay. So why not have some fun with it? The best skin flick as judged by WD SYNDICATE has to entertain as well as arouse. We're artists here for god's sake! Give us more than a suck, slam, money shot for our dollar!
Tattoos+hot gals+porn+money shots = WD SYNDICATE'S Best Porno of 2008! This one from Burning Angel is sure to take the wrinkles out of your pants. Directed and delivered with the quirky comedic genius of Brookyln's favorite Jew, Joanna Angel, COMT#4 assembles a gorgeous cast including Jessie Lee (GDevil's favorite), Casi Nova, Dasi Marie, and the smoking hot Jezebelle Bond. The girls produce scorching scene after scorching scene but in true BA fashion, never taking themselves too seriously. You'll find yourself laughing while choking your chicken for sure. And who doesn't want to laugh AND whack off???
Runner Ups: (1) Babysitters, (2) Honey Bunny, (3) Fuck Me In The Bathroom
BEST FREE PORN WEBSITE
Why waste money on porn when you can get some quality skin flicks for free via the internet? If you choose to throw money out of your window you probably ate some paint chips when you were younger. Yes there are some quality pay sites out there, and if you are looking for a specific sort of fetish such as midgets, bondage and/or choking then maybe you should steal mom’s credit card and go nutty…no pun intended. Till then here's the Syndicate's best free porn site of 2008...
Pornhub is awesome. It’s updated a bunch of times daily and you rarely see the same video twice. Your not getting snips of videos, mostly your getting whole clips! No more skipping on the money shot for us! Another feature includes a great search engine to find all the scenes of your favorite vixen or genre. Why waste time searching when there’s spankin off to be done??
There are zillions of websites out there. Hell even WE have a website! Who would have thought! If you can think of it, there’s a site for it. Hairy footed women who perform topless car washes? Google it. I’m sure something will come up. The winner of this award should be able to keep you busy for hours and piss off the IT department so much they eventually block it from work computers.
Got hours to kill? Procrastinate much? Dodgin doing actual work? OVGUIDE is the place to be. It breaks down all that is the internet into categories and then gives you the best sites to surf on. Check it out!
Runner Ups: WWW.WDSYNDICATE.COM Come on, did you really think we weren’t gonna plug ourselves here???
BEST MMA FIGHT
Congrats to MMA for pretty much making the fiasco known as boxing a thing of the past. Let’s just all hope and pray that greed, money and power doesn’t infect what is probably the most entertaining sporting events of recent time. With that said, there were some great MMA fights had in 2008. UFC, WEC, Affliction all promoting big name cards and putting some quality fights for display. The Best MMA Fight of 2008 should have it all though. Great storyline, great fighters and of course, a great fight.
Couture vs Lesnar
This was a tough decision but in hindsight we felt that the Couture vs Lesner fight had it all. The salty veteran warrior verse what seems to be the future, immoveable object. In the end, Couture fell to Lesner in respectable fashion. The fight brought great debate the next day at the water cooler as yuppies and pencil pushers talked about as if they were starting a Fight Club of their own in the parking lot.
Runner Ups: (1) Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver, (2) Chuck Lidell vs. Rashard Evans, (3) Eddie Alvarez vs. Joachim Hansen
BEST ART WEBSITE
Yes, we’re a cultured bunch. We can appreciate good art even when its just for art’s sake. Just don’t show me a lump of shit and tell me it’s man’s plight against the system. The winner of this category should be able to hold anyone’s interest, even if they aren’t art aficionados.
I swear, favoritism had nothing to do with this selection. So what I’ve known the head honcho over at Robots for upwards of 20 years (shit, just gave away my age didn’t I?). This is in no way a plug for the fastest growing, most informative street art and graf site in the world. I swear. (How was that for subtle Chris?)
BIGGEST DOUCHEBAG
The list was long. Too long. We kept adding to it as the days went on and finally we had enough and decided to just name a whole bunch of douchebags to the list. They are all deserving of praise. Douchebaggery seemed to run rampant in 2008 and sadly it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Please do everyone a favor. If you see douchebaggery occurring in your neighborhood, please do something about it. Much like terrorism, if you see something, say something. And the douchebags are...
There you have it folks. The best and worst of 2008 as viewed by us at the Syndicate. The views expressed in this article are the soul opinions of WD SYNDICATE. If you disagree with or are offended by any you're probably a douchebag yourself and may very likely end up on next year's list. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
MOVIE REVIEW: THE WRESTLER Monday, December 22, 2008
So here I am sitting at my desk after baring witness to an indie movie which as of last week, I had never heard of. Tonight I battled the balmy cold weather to make my way to a small theater in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to see The Wrestler. The Landmark Sunshine Theater. For years I have always walked right past this place and never even thought about stepping foot in there. Usually its lined with the trendy, indie, overly liberal rot that infests my city like the bubonic plague. Only instead of puss filled blisters they bring really stupid furry hats and way too tight shirts, and of course their piss poor attitude. So when I saw the latest movie starring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei was showing there, I gasped a little. I hope it's worth dealing with fake city dwellers and freezing tempertures.
I've been on a bit of a Mickey Rourke kick lately for some reason. The other night a friend brought over a movie called Barfly and ever since I have been looking up any flick with the walking, plastic surgery disaster known as Mickey Rourke in it. The ugly fucker has been in some show stopping movies and in my opinion, has always given his characters that "badass" appeal. Barfly was an awesome movie and I'm glad it took so long for me to see it. Had I seen it when I was younger I totally wouldn't have appreciated it fully. (So yes, Janine, thank you!).
The Wrestler is a movie about a wrestler's fall from the spotlight and how he copes with normal everyday life. For me, it reminded me of the old school WWF and brought back some great childhood memories I had. I remember watching wrestling with my brother all morning long on Sundays, trying to recreate the moves we saw I heroes pull off. I remember how frustrated my brother would get when he could not, for the life of him, figure out how to get me in a "figure four leg lock", even when I would let him position me. It was damn confusing for us! "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorf, Ivan "The Polish Power" Putsky, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Ric Flair, Classy Freddie Blassy. The list goes on and on. We'd watch for hours and beat the crap out of each other during the commercial breaks. Back then wrestling was still trying to pull off being a legitimate sport and anyone who called it a "stage act" got a beatdown right there on television! I remember watching Regis Philbin getting supplexed after calling wrestling fake for cryin out loud! It was a soap opera for kids then, and nowadays its the same. It just targets grownups and it dropped the "this is real stuff" act.
As staged as it is the blaring fact is that wrestlers have not lead such poignant lives equal to their superstar or celebrity status. For a while it seemed that the pro wrestlers of yore were dropping like flies everyday. It was a sad reality that these once harrowed superhumans were passing well before their time. But why? These guys had millions chanting their name. They had everything. Fame, glory, fortune...right? This is where Rourke's character, Randy "The Ram" Robinson takes center stage. The movie centers on Rourke's differentiation between life in the ring and reality. Through a series of twists and turns The Ram is forced to choose between the glory or the reality, leaving for a great ending in my opinion. One you'll have to see the movie yourself to see.
Pluses for the movie:
Mickey Rourke kills it on screen once again. His fucked up face perfectly casts him as a beat up wrestler. If he wanted to go into the biz he really could. I'm willing to bet he spent a lot of time with the small time wrestling circuits to really grasp the lifestyle.
Marisa Tomei is a stripper. Which means we finally get to see her do some nudity. And much like Rourke, she did her homework in some stripclubs to learn the ropes. And we ain't talking the high class kind, we're talking truck stop titty bars. Sign me up! Always had a thing for you Marisa. Right up there with Alyssa Milano.
Acting, screenplay and camera angles were all fucking top notch. If this doesn't win some Oscars I am never paying to see another movie again.
THE FUCKING SOUNDTRACK KILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quiet Riot was the first metal record (yes, I said RECORD) I ever owned!!!!
Things that sucked about the movie:
I'm sure some will bitch about the ending. Without giving it away it sort of pulled a Sopranos on you. I liked it though.
Nothing really sucked except the asshole who kept yanking my seat back every time he had to get up during the movie, the two fucktards who yapped as they were 10 minutes late and tried finding a seat in a packed house, and the other two jerkoffs who camped out on the floor next to me as if it were Central Park and we were having a god damned picnic.
RZA, IN THIS MOMENT, LAST OF THE BELIEVERS, WHOLE WHEAT BREAD Sunday, December 21, 2008
RZA Digi Snacks Koch Records
I’m biased. I’m from Staten Island, which is the land of Wu Tang known as Shaolin. So as many Staten Islanders, I will back anyone who makes it big from this rock no matter what or how they do so. With that said the Wu Tang can put out an album of them smoking marijuana and I’d buy it AND give it a good review. But I’ll try to be as impartial as possible here. RZA is the brains behind the Wu. I’ve always said he saved the best beats and rhymes for his own albums (Though GZA may be his right hand man in my opinion). This album is chock full of great soul and jazz hooks combined with only the way RZA can tell a story. TOP TRACKS: Long Time Coming, Money Don’t Own Me, Creep, Drama, O Day (a tribute to the craziest motherfucker ever to lay down some rhymes..Old Dirty Bastard) GDEVIL’S VERDICT: Its not the best of RZA’s work but its entertaining just the same. Killa Bees in the swarm!
IN THIS MOMENT The Dream Century Media
You want to know what drew me to In This Moment a few years back? It was their cover of Slayer’s Postmortem coupled with the fact a female singer was barking out vocals on par with Tom Araya. Not to mention said female singer is smoking hot and the band backing said singer is tighter than a virgin’s daughter on prom night. That lead singer’s name is Maria Brink. She’s been in Revolver’s Hottest Chicks in Metal issue forever it seems and for good reason… she’s stunning. I was pretty psyched when I received this album in the mail. ITM was one of the first bands who let me interview them for this site and I will always be a fan no matter what they put out. Which brings me to The Dream. If you were expecting something heavy like I was, you’ll be somewhat disappointed. It’s obvious they are branching into a different direction musically, tapping into a more radio friendly sound. Maybe they are, as many musicians claim to be, “maturing”. TOP TRACKS: The Underworld (Her Kiss), Empires Fall and Rise Again (The Great Divide), Imagine (Violent Skies)
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: As much as it pains me to say, I just can’t get into The Dream. Maria does have a beautiful voice, and the band is absolutely talented, but I’m a big fan of their heavier sound. You don’t even hear a heavy riff till the sixth track and double bass till the ninth. But I tip my hat to a band who has worked extremely hard to achieve the position they are at. Kudos.
LAST OF THE BELIEVERS Paper Ships Under a Burning Bridge Adrenaline Music
Fast paced, hard driving hardcore. This five song EP is worth every penny of the five bucks I spent on it. Upbeat lyrics sang with both clean and heavy vocals that you don’t need a decoder ring to interpret. No they aren’t reinventing the wheel but they are doing something not many bands can say…they are putting out good music. Sidenote...the band is made up of ex-Rise Against from what I understand.
TOP TRACKS: All five of em!!!!
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: Somehow, someway I can foresee many cute chicks rocking out to Last of the Believers. No I’m not calling them a chick rock band, I welcome any band who can bring some broads into a scene dominated by sausage for as long as I can remember! Great EP, great old school feel. I can’t wait to actually see this band live.
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD Minority Rules Fighting Records
Pop-punk goodness. They bill themselves as “Dirty South Punk Rock”. Hey, whatever gets you through the day fellas. Bottom line Minority Rules is a refreshing, fun, fast paced album that brings me back to the days of Face to Face, No Use For a Name and Less Than Jake. Musically they are fucking brilliant. Guitar, bass, drums...all top notch. To get that good of a sound out of a three-piece band is something not many bands can pull off. Oh yeah, if it’s worth mentioning at all, they’re a trio of black fellas. Last time I heard an all black punk band and was blown away? Bad Brains. Just sayin. Oh and the last three tracks sidetrack away from punk and lay down some pretty good hip hop tracks.
TOP TRACKS: Broke, Loud & Clear, Miss Perfection, No Future, Overrated, Feel Like Shit
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: I saw these guys for the first time opening up for Madball and Suicidal Tendencies and found myself in the pit not knowing any words to their songs or anything. They fucking rock and this album is brilliant. Its the most diverse punk band out there right now...they covered Slayer's Reign in Blood and Bone Crusher's Never Scared. How's that for a melting pot??
SHAI HALUD, SCARLET GREY, ALL THAT REMAINS Monday, December 15, 2008 SHAI HULUD Misanthropy Pure MetalBlade Records
The revolving door of post-hardcore sound slams one home with Misanthropy Pure. The human race hating group who has had more lineup changes than Madonna has had sex partners puts it all together for one hell of a progressive hardcore sound. (First recording with vocalist Matt Ian mazalli). I never understood the "post-hardcore" label. I mean does that mean the said band happened after hardcore? If i had to describe Shai Hulud it would be "Post Apocalyptical Hardcore". Misanthropy Pure is something to listen to when the end of days nears and the great Kutulu arises from the depths of the sea...or you can just listen to it like I do when driving recklessly and have to get someplace in a hurry. Shai's off-timed beats and misnthropic lyrics are abundant throughout but the drastic breakdowns are what draws my attention. Nicely done and well worth the wait.
TOP TRACKS: Venomspreader, Misanthropy Pure, We Who Finish Last, Set Your Body Ablaze (the new guy gets a crack at the best SH song ever!) GDEVIL'S VERDICT: If you have never heard Shai Hulud before and are into that whole math rock, metalcore stuff being pumped out now, Misanthropy Pure is a great addition. These guys pioneered the sound so many bands have copied an put forth as their own.
SCARLET GREY Limited:Black Self Released
Glam chick rock by a bunch of dudes. I got turned on to this band by a friend of mine who did a photo shoot for God's Girls.com. Reason being they have a song entitled, yep you guessed it, God's Girls. I felt obligated since she is hot although I was a bit apprehensive when she said "Your not gonna like this but give it a listen anyway." Way to sell a band! While Scarlet Grey isn't my usual cup of whiskey, they are certainly deserving of some praise with their album Limited:Black. A bit pop, a bit glam, a bunch of ooooooo's and ahhhhhhh's to line each track. Yes your girlfriend will probably like it more, but she may be that much happier you turned off the metal for once and showed your soft side.
TOP TRACKS: Mr. Sinister, God's Girls, She's Liquor
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: As much as I make fun of them I can't stop listening to them. Kind of reminds me of Alkaline Trio minus all the talk of killing yourself or your loved one. Not bad at all.
ALL THAT REMAINS Overcome Prosthetic Records
I wait for a new ATR album like a kid waits for Santa on Christmas morning. I have raved about this band in the past for both its albums and its live performances (although I was a bit peeved that they dropped off their tour with In Flames recently). Bottom line however, if you like metal, you more than likely have an appreciation for ATR. So Overcome is no surprise a pretty good album. What's different on it you ask? Well for one they parted ways with Killswitch Engage mainstay, producer Adam Dutkiewicz. Instead they elected the services of Jason Suecof (Bury Your Dead, Cannae, Devildriver). I'm not sure how much influence he had on the sound of this album but it definitely gives off a more mainstream vibe, take that for whatever its worth.
TOP TRACKS: Before the Damned, Undone, Relinquish GDEVIL'S VERDICT: While its not a bad album by any means, I don't think its ATR's best. I was expecting something a bit more brutal and less melodic. Then again, melody ain't such a bad thing, and no one really does it better than All That Remains. All hail Oli!
SASQUATCH AND THE SICK-A-BILLIES Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Let me first start off by saying that I don't claim to be a writer, a critic, or know every aspect of music, but I do know what I like. With that said here's one guy's perspective on the Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billys show on Dec 7th at Otto's Shrunkin Head in NYC that me and Chris of Robots Will Kill headed to.
If you haven't been there here's the layout. The place is small with a tiki lounge feel to it. A small bar in the front room with a couple of booths. There's a narrow hallway that leads into a room that's not any bigger than your folks living room. Oh and squeezed into that hallway is a photo booth and a hunting video game. In that room is a small stage, maybe ten inches off the ground and some seats & tables on the outer wall. As for Sasquatch, if you haven't seen him, fucking get out there and check these motherfuckers out! I assure you they will not disappoint. From the lead singers antics such as deep throating the mic to the tons of nose picking, earwax licking hijinx... all without missing one goddamn guitar riff. It's a show that's sure to blow your fucking head off! Sasquatch is a three piece band that's as tight as a frog's ass who will make you appreciate side saddlin, hony tonky, dirty country rock. The style reminiscent of their forefathers of country; you can hear similarities from the driving bass lines from the Reverend Justin K to the drumming styles of Snake. Its great to see a band that's committed to the sound they love so much. I mean, here's a band that drives out from Pittsburgh, Pa to do a show for "FREE" on a Sunday to a handful of people. That says something to me. Hearing them cover the Misfits' Hollywood Babylon and Metalicca's Am I Evil in pure rockabilly form is a treat everyone should take in once in their life. Than there's the random 4 Non Blondes cover of What's Goin On, which was kind of odd, yet fun.
This is just some of the antics Sasquatch and the boys had in their 2 hour set (yes once again for FREE!). Oh and another great treat was when Sasquatch was just calling out drummer's styles and Snake would play them at random. For example, he went from Louis Prima (whose birthday it would have been) to Hank Williams Sr. to Slayer and than to the rhythm halting White Stripes.
***NOTE!!! This video was ripped from a previous show..just notice Sasquatch's reaction to the heckler...priceless***
Get out there and support the scene before there is no scene from...
CRUEL HAND, KANYE WEST, CIVET, NORMA JEAN Sunday, December 7, 2008CRUEL HAND Prying Eyes Bridge Nine Records
Notice a pattern in the reviews lately? Cruel Hand is another band signed to Bridge Nine Records (Energy was in last weeks updates). Reason being I just saw both of them open for fellow Bridge Nine bandmate, H2O, in what was a great show at the Blender Theater here in NYC. Cruel Hand put on a set that impressed me so much I splurged and bought their cd, Prying Eyes. The Maine quintet continued to impress me with 12 tracks of hardcore onslaught. The breakdowns are furious and many and proved to be big crowd pleasers at the show. They have a slight metal touch which was reminiscent of old school NY hardcore legends, Leeway (they even did a cover at the show) but are a band who is uniquely its own.
TOP TRACKS: I dig em all. No lie. I have been playing this cd nonstop since I bought it. Dead Weight, Life in Shambles, Hounds, No Known Graves, Prying Eyes…the list goes on.
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: Go and buy this album. If you like fast, furious, metal and punk infused hardcore you’ll love Cruel Hand. The singer’s voice reminds me of Brian Dingledine, vocalist of holy terror hardcore act, Catharsis of the mid 90s. The riffs remind me of Leeway. What’s not to love?
KANYE WEST 808s and Heartbreak Roc-A-Fella Records
Look. Even a crusty metalhead punk dirtbag such as myself needs some love makin music in his playlist. It shouldn’t be a surprise if you find such artists such as James Brown and Barry White shoved in along with Hatebreed and Iron Maiden on the ol’ ipod. So please don’t give me any grief on why Kanye made it in on this week’s reviews. Everything is fair game and if that’s not good enough for you I got a nice shiny boot I can lodge in your ass. Comprende? The first thing that I noticed on 808s is the presence of some serious percussion on many of the tracks. Kanye’s use of real instruments is a draw for me when it comes to his work. Another feature I noticed is Kanye’s use of synthesized vocals on most, if not all of the tracks. It gives it a “West Coast” style and personally, I can visualize myself in a tricked out Caddy with hydraulics jamming to 808s. The most interesting tidbit I also noticed on this record? Kanye doesn’t really rap on it. He’s singing for the most part. It’s more of an R&B album than a hip hop album in my opinion. I’m sure Kanye’s detractors will have plenty to say about that. TOP TRACKS: Welcome to Heartbreak, Heartless, Amazing, Love Lockdown, Robocop...yes, a track named Robocop.
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: If you don’t buy it, try stealing it or burning it from a friend. For most of you out there I’m sure it’s not your style. But if you’re in the mood for something different, trying to get over that gal who ditched you, it’s not a half bad album. Many of the tracks tell of heartbreak and sorrow, and it’s no surprise why. Kanye’s mom passed away while writing this album and to top all off, his woman left him! If that’s not inspiration for some bluesy shit I don’t know what else is.
CIVET Hell Hath No Fury Hellkat Records
What do you get when you add sexy to a stripped down garage punk band? You get Civet! While not breaking any kind of barriers with their second full length, Hell Hath No Fury, they prove that staying the course is just fine….especially when you’re a quartet of hot chicks. Honestly, I would probably sell my own mother into slavery for a night out with all of these girls (sorry mom). It’s just that they really are gorgeous, and they all have that damn punk girl snarl down pat! Oh. Did I mention the record is actually good too? The album has a crunchy, old school, punk vibe and each track is fueled with gang vocals and Civet’s signature femme fatale attitude. TOP TRACKS: Son of a Bitch, All I Want, Brooklyn (by law, I have to like any song with “Brooklyn” in it), Hell Hath No Fury GDEVIL’S VERDICT: While its not groundbreaking material, it’s still good ol fashioned, kick in the ass, punk rock music. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!
NORMA JEAN The Anti Mother Solid State Records
Norma Jean cleaned up their act a little, so to speak, on their fourth album entitled The Anti Mother. The metalcore quartet from Georgia adds a little melody to their repertoire…ok, how about A LOT of melody? Without a doubt, The Anti Mother is the band’s most melodic to date. How does something as peaceful as melody work with the destructive force of Norma Jean? It will probably welcome a little more radio play and more than likely be ear-friendly to those who haven’t heard Norma Jean ever before. I applaud such actions and personally like the way the band experimented in this album. They also enlisted guest vocals by Deftone’s frontman, Chino Moreno and Saosin’s own, Cove Reber. Not only do these heavy hitters lend their pipes, but they also co-write on their respective guest tracks. Not too shabby.
TOP TRACKS: Vipers, Snakes, and Actors, Birth of the Anti Mother, Robots 3 Humans 0, Surrender Your Sons (Chino Moreno track), And There Will Be a Swarm of Hornets (a nine and half minute rager).
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: A good edition to Norma Jeans arsenal. New listeners will be pleasantly surprised I’m sure. But I would love to see their faces after they listen to Redeemer afterwards.
ENERGY, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM, BLOODCLOT! Sunday, November 30, 2008ENERGY Invasions of the Mind Bridge Nine Records
Fans of melodic hardcore will appreciate the latest from Energy. While it’s a bit more refined than their previous release, Punch the Clock, Invasions is no slouch. The songs on Invasions mix a good dose of melody with angsty punk aggression to keep everyone happy. They tend to tap into a unique emo-esqe sound, similar to early AFI. Their use of gang vocals and choruses are sure to incite many a sing-a-long in upcoming shows.
TOP TRACKS: Hunter Red, 400, Contact, Satellite and the Hit, Brickstone. Considering there are 11 tracks, two of which are instrumentals and one is 28 second quickie, I’d say that’s a great ratio. GDEVIL’S VERDICT: I haven’t been able to stop listening to this album. It’s a good change of pace from the usual heavy shit I listen to. Invasions of the Mind is something you can throw on to get past second base with that emo chick you’ve been hitting on.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM The ’59 Sound Side One Dummy Records
Fans of garage rock rejoice, The Gaslight Anthem has arrived with their fourth full length release, The ’59 Sound. This is my first crack at listening to Gaslight and without knowing a thing about them I knew they were from the rock capital of the United States…New Jersey. The parallels made with The Gaslight Anthem and early Bruce Springsteen are uncanny on this album. It’s evident that they are and have been heavily influenced by The Boss. That may be okay for my dad who is now 60 but what about the kids? Rest easy children. This is intelligent, stripped down, blue collar rock and roll anyone can enjoy.
TOP TRACKS: Great Expectations, The ’59 Sound, Miles Davis & The Cool, The Backseat, Meet Me By the River’s Edge
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: If it ain’t from Jersey throw it back! Jersey has been the birthplace of Springsteen, Bon Jovi, big hair and some toxic fumes. You might as well add The Gaslight Anthem to that growing list of things that rock from the armpit of America!
BLOODCLOT! Burn Babylon Burn (self released by Bloodclot!)
NYHC’s godfather, John Joseph is back with his new project, Bloodclot! Truth is the guy has never truly left the scene to begin with. When anyone mentions New York Hardcore there are two frontmen that stand out in my mind. They are, and in no certain order, Roger Miret of Agnostic Front, and John “Bloodclot” Joseph of Cro-Mags fame (I was also a fan of his short lived side project, Both Worlds, a while back). These guys were the blood and sweat that gave the scene its boldness…or its balls more or less. With hardcore taking on different sounds these days its great to see Bloodclot! come out with Burn Babylon Burn. It stays true to the old school hardcore code of delivering a message, not something coated with flashy guitar solos or fashionistas preaching about whatever cause is the trend these days. The album has some serious breakdowns to go along with Joseph’s realer than real lyrics, and if anyone knows how to lay down meaningful and insightful lyrics there’s no one better than John Joseph. But let’s also give credit to the rest of Bloodclot! shall we? As I said before, there are some major breakdowns on this album, sure to make any pit a moving mass of picking up change, fist pounding riot.
TOP TRACKS: Revolution, Parallel Lives, Asleep At the Wheel (great metal chorus which reminded me of Leeway), The Turning Point, Stirring In the Hearts and Minds.
GDEVIL’S VERDICT: In this day and age it seems as if there are millions of bands and with technology and the internet its getting easier for so many of these bands to be heard. Here’s my gripe. If your going to send me friend requests on Myspace, Facebook or any other mind numbing social networking website, HAVE SOMETHING TO FUCKING SAY!!! Seriously, it seems to me that many of these cookie cutter bands follow the same formula and sing about meaningless nonsense. Bloodclot! is not one of these bands and I hope many of you younger cats out there read this and take notice. You may not have grown up on Cro-Mags or Bad Brains, but I assure you without them, many of the bands you listen to today would be irrelevant. On a sidenote, John Joseph has a book out entitled The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon. (published by Punkhouse). I urge anyone who grew up in New York City in the late 70’s and 80’s to go out and buy it.
TRIVIUM, UNEARTH, METALICCA, BLEEDING THROUGH Sunday, November 23, 2008TRIVIUM Shogun
Roadrunner Records
Once upon a time there was a thrash metal band who ruled the music world with an iron fist and face melting guitar licks. That band went by the name "Metallica". Today Metallica have turned into a joke. A bunch of primadona rock stars who still think that they're relevant. In my opinion they lost their right to be labeled "metal" years ago, but that's just me. But nevertheless, back in their day (pre black album) their music destroyed and was used as influence for many bands that followed them. Trivium must have took notice. Their new album, Shogun, is what Metallica probably would have sounded like had they not lost their balls.
TOP TRACKS: Into the Mouth of Hell We March, Of Prometheus and the Crucifix, Shogun
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Buy it. Cut the sleeves off that ratty, old Metallica t-shirt and prepare for headbanging.
UNEARTH The March
Metal Blade Records
My friend Amanda turned me on to Unearth almost two years ago. I believe she said something to the effect of "Unearth will rip your face off!" Coming from an extremely attractive, tattooed gal I did what any red blooded, male would do...I touched myself repeatedly, then went out and bought Unearth'sIII Through the Eyes of Fire. Simply put, I have been a fan ever since. Unearth's recipe for success lies in their ability to pull off insane fretwork while keeping the tempo amped to the extreme. Its good to see a band actually get better with each album using the same formula rather than "experiment" with new sounds. I'm so sick of that bullshit from bands who have only put out two-three albums. The March is the perfect addition to Unearth's arsenal.
TOP TRACKS: We Are Not Anonymous, The March, Crow Killer, The Chosen
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: From now on whenever a hot tattooed girl tells me anything, I listen.
METALLICA Death Magnetic
Warner Bros
Ok. If you read my review on Trivium's album Shogun, you probably know where I'm heading with this review. Metallica fans, if not anything, are absolutely loyal so I'm sure I'll get a lot of negative feedback when i say...this album is absolute garbage. Hell Metallica could put out an album of them farting in a coffee can and everyone will buy it. Let me explain. I hold Metallica to such a high standard I tend to be really hard on them. Ever since the Black Album I've said they lost something. They lost their edge while acting like pompous rock stars in the meantime. They deserve all the credit in the world for what they have done in the world of metal...but alas, they aren't metal anymore. They have re-created themselves into a hard rock band, and by all means, that's perfectly fine. Musically, this album is leaps and bounds better than that last album they put out. I can't even, and won't even speak its name. The guitar work and drums at times brought me back to the times of Ride the Lightening. But the vocals are what bother me. Somewhere along the line someone got in James Hetfield's ear and told him he has a brilliant voice. And while some of the all time best Metallica songs are ballads, I still liken the Hetfield growl of Kill Em All. At times he seems to draw out words when there's no need to, and it just gets really annoying (See The End of the Line). And do i really need to comment on on The Unforgiven III???? Going to the well a few times shows a lack of motivation and creativity in my opinion.
TOP TRACKS: The album isn't ALL bad. It's just not MY Metallica. That Was Just Your Life, All Nightmare Long and the 10 minute raginistrumental Suicide & Redemption had me banging my head like it was 1988 all over again.
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Regardless of how many times I badmouth them I always end up buying their new album. Like ex-bassist Jason Newsted once answered when asked if Metallica were sellouts, he answered, "Yes. We sell out. Every single show." As long as they keep pumpin out albums, the fans will buy them and I'll keep holding my breath till they go back to their old ways. Till then, I have a slightly used copy of Death Magnetic if anyone's interested.
BLEEDING THROUGH Declaration
Trustkill Records
Orange County's metalcore marauders are at it again with their fourth full length entitled Declaration. Its the heaviest thing I've heard recently. I don't care if they have a hot keyboardist, if its one thing Bleeding Through has been known for is that they always go heavy. Their last album The Truth was a bit of a let down for many BT loyalists because they experimented with ballads and vocal ranges. Declaration seems to be just that, a declaration stating they can still keep it heavy while keeping it interesting. I couldn't listen to the album in its entirety on first listen. It kind of got on my nerves and seemed repetitive. But once I was in the mood for something brutally heavy I gave it a try and was pleasantly satisfied. One thing I noticed was the presence of the keyboards actually. In the previous albums, Marta's keyboards are more background, elevator music in my opinion, and the band could record with or without her and still pull off the same sound. But on Declaration Marta's keyboards are pushed more into the forefront, giving off a dark, eerie, atmosphere, proving she's way more than a piece of ass on stage.
TOP TRACKS: Declaration, Orange County Black and Blue, There Was a Flood, Sister Charlatan
GDEVIL'S VERDICT: Declaration is growing on me the more I listen to it, as did any previous Bleeding Through albums. Would a person who never heard BT before appreciate the album? Eh. Don't think so. But OG fans can rejoice that they ditched the power ballads from The Truth and returned to punching people in the face.
UFC 91: COUTURE VS. LESNAR Sunday, November 16, 2008
So here I am on a Saturday evening. Its raining cats and dogs here in Staten Island. The weather reports a tornado may actually touch down here. In New York City!? All signs point to a somewhat quiet night inside. One thing is for sure, this guy is not going anywhere in this monsoon. So what to do? Order up some cheap Mexican food and watch what has been labeled the most anticipated MMA bout of the year.... UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar. Other than the heartburn achieved by shoveling down six tacos, it was a pretty damn entertaining evening.
***(ANY VIDEOS BELOW ARE FROM PREVIOUS BOUTS OF ONE OR BOTH FIGHTERS)***
Bout 1: Damian Maia (9-0) vs. Nate Quarry (16-2) Referee: Herb Dean
Maia is a two time world jiujitsu champion who is suppose to be a ground game technician. Quarry is on the come back after having back surgery. One of his sponsors is Nuvasive Tech who supplied the technology to "rebuild" him...I just thought that was cool.
Round 1: Quarry gives up his back early in the bout. You can actually see Maia licking his chops as he sinks in a rear naked choke for a first round submission.
Damian Maia wins by tap-out (rear naked choke) 2:13.
Bout 2: Josh Hendricks (18-4-1) vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3) Referee: Steve Mazagatti Hendricks is a burly guy who is currently on an eleven fight win streak. Took a year off so he may have some rust. He'll be testing it against a Brazilian JiuJitsu champ in Gonzaga, who is just a beast. He rolls out of the locker room to Danzig'sMother...so I have my prediction already. I remember seeing him knockout Cro-Cop and being pretty impressed...
Round 1: Heavy blows are traded by both monsters from the opening bell. You could hear the sickening thuds of each punch landed. Gonzaga landed more clean punches though. Gonzaga starts to land some serious knees while in a stand up clinch then unleashes a vicious right cross to Hendricks' head that sends him to the mat. The ref stops the fight as Hendricks is in La La Land.
Gabriel Gonzaga wins by TKO at :61.
Bout 3: Matt Brown (10-7) vs. Ryan Thomas (9-2) Referee: Herb Dean
Matt Brown (Ultimate Fighter alumni) replaced Matthew Riddle (knee injury) on short notice for this fight. So who had the upper hand with this? Recent fights like this show the new fighter winning a slightly higher percentage of the time. In my opinion it presents a problem for both fighters. Its like getting ready to take out the prom queen only to find out you got stuck with her fat cousin instead.
Round 1: Thomas takes it Brown early. They go to the ground where its pretty even as both fighters trade offensive guards.
Round Winner: DRAW
Round 2: Again the fight goes right to the ground. Brown manages to get Thomas in an arm bar. Thomas attempts to slam Brown two times (sans Quentin Jackson) to no avail as Brown is able to flip Thomas onto his back and gets full hyper extension on the arm bar.
Matt Brown winner by tap-out via arm bar at :57.
BOUT 4: TamdanMcCrory (11-1) vs. Dustin Hazelett (13-4) Referee: Steve Mazagatti Two tall, lanky fighters. McCrory prides himself on his Greco Roman background while the bearded hillbilly Hazelett, who entered the ring to CreedanceClearwater Revival, has been studying the "rubber guard" extensively.
Round 1: Excellent strikes traded at opening bell. Fight goes to the ground where Hazelett's rubber guard comes into play. Hazelett ties up McCrory in an OmaPlata. McCrory manages to roll out of it but lands right into a tight arm bar.
Dustin Hazelett wins by tap-out via arm bar at 3:59.
BOUT 5: Jeremy Stephens (15-3) vs. Raphael Dos Anjos (11-2) Youngster Jeremy "Lil Heathen" Stephens whose three-fight win streak was snapped with a recent unanimous-decision loss to Spencer Fisher, will welcome Brazilian Fury Fighting lightweight champ into the UFC.
Round 1: Good strikes exchanged from opening bell. The fight goes to the ground where Dos Anjos shows great control, putting Stephens on the defensive for most of the round.
Round Winner: Dos Anjos (2-1)
Round 2: Great right hand and knee combos thrown by Stephens. Dos Anjos times one of these combos just right and spears Stephens to the ground where he locks on a tight anaconda lock around the torso of Stephens. Stephens defends well and manages to escape mounting Dos Anjos, landing some serious elbows during an effective ground and pound.
Round Winner: Stephens (3-1)
Round 3: The biggest right hand of the night is thrown by Stephens. I mean he winded up like Popeye does after eating spinach. Sends Dos Anjos hurdling to the mat where Stephens goes for the kill, following up with some more punches before the referee puts an end to it.
Jeremy Stephens wins by TKO :39.
BOUT 6: Kenny Florian (12-3) vs. Joe Stevenson (34-8) Kenny Florian is one of my favorite fighters. Not only does he look like Face from the A-Team but his fighting style is just insane. Joe Rogan made some comments that everyone takes his ground game for granted because his opponents are focusing with his Muay Thai skills. Stevenson (who resembles John Leguizamo) has an impressive record and is a skilled wrestler and Brazilian JiuJitsu black belt is looking to make a name for himself with a win over Florian.
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Round 1: From the opening bell Florian looks to use Muay Thai kicks to open things up. Stevenson gets in close and pins Florian to the fence. Florian escapes and manages to take Steveson down to the mat. An excellent transition fom stand up to ground game. Florian applies a rear naked choke.
Kenny Florian winner by tap-out via rear naked choke 4:03.
MAIN EVENT: Randy Couture (16-8) vs. Brock Lesnar (2-1) Referee: Mario Yamakazi Here it is folks. The main event! Randy "The Natural" Couture meeting maybe his toughest challenge in his career. He's without a doubt, a legend in MMA fighting and the UFC. And at 45 years old he can still bring it. His opponent, who I am balloting to nick name "Baby Fenster" is 31 years old and outweighs him buy about 45 lbs, and oh yeah, has a 85 inch reach! When the fighters touch gloves one is instantly reminded of Rocky being dwarfed by the gigantic Russian destructive force, Ivan Drago.
Round 1: Both fighters hunt each other before clinching. Brock throws a few knees that land to the body before Randy sneaks big right to Brock's head. Brock shoots on Randy for a take down. That boy can friggen move for a big guy because its lightening fast. They trade guards at about 2:00. But Brock can't do anything from half guard and seems winded by end of the round.
Winner: Draw
Round 2: Round opens with a big elbow by Brock to Couture's head. Randy, stunned, begins to lean on Lesnar as he pushes him up against the fence. It gives Randy enough time to recover. At 3:37 Brock gets cut on right eye by some good shots by Randy. Brock throws a 1-2 combo and lands a big right to the left side of Couture's head which sends him to the mat dazed. Brock rains a flurry of hammer punches until ref stops the fight.
Brock Lesnar winner by TKO at 3:07 in the second round.
Fight Summary: This was a classic battle of experience versus ability. Not taking any ability away from Randy Couture but at first glance the fight looked as if it would be lop-sided. I mean what in hell does this Lesnar guy eat?! Couture put up a great fight in my opinion, and Brock., although I dislike him for his arrogance, deserved the win and fought a little better. A lot of people are blogging today about how the ref stopped it too early but i call bullshit on that. I think the ref gave Couture ample time to recover but after 30-40 hammer punches by this behemoth you can't blame the guy for stopping the fight in the interest of safety. Could Couture have continued? Of course he could have. But that's what separatesMMA/UFC from a random street fight. The only question now is will Randy Couture hang up the gloves? Only he knows the answer to that.
SLIPKNOT, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, FOXBORO HOT TUBS, THE OFFSPRING, CANCER BATS, MOTLEY CRUE, SPOILER NYC, STICK TO YOUR GUNS, H20 Wednesday, November 12, 2008
STICK TO YOUR GUNS COMES FROM THE HEART Century Media
I got turned on to this band by a friend who stated, and I quote, “If you thought hardcore was dead Stick To Your Guns is a fucking zombie!” Brain eating undead aside, he was part right. STYG throws an uppercut with their new album Comes From the Heart. Its chock full of the positive messages of hardcore songs of yore but its got an updated sound. Will old school cats think this is hardcore? Will they call it metalcore? It’s a matter of opinion really, and you know what they say about opinions right? They’re like assholes, everyone has one. Anyway, OG STYG fans may badmouth the new album because the vocals are more geared to traditional hardcore and not metalcore. I applaud this move. Hearing the melodic changeups in the vocals is a refreshing change of pace in my mind. One can only hear so many Cookie monster vocals before he wants to rip his ear drums out with a spoon. Top tracks include: Heart from the Heartless, Enough’s Enough, and Accessory Children. GDeViL’s Verdict: Buy it. Support the hardcore scene and pay these guys their due. They have a great sound yet stay true to hardcore roots. I had the chance to see these guys live at the Revolver Thrash and Burn Fest and the energy they pumped out on that stage could be felt by everyone.
HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Swan Songs Octoscope Music
A bunch of masked Eminems!!!! But they mix a good dose of metal/rock instruments and hooks? Yes they had a song on the latest version of the Madden video game and yes they are yet another band who has used Myspace to their advantage but who the hell is gonna hold that against them in this day and age? HU is the real deal. A gangsta rap mashup with hooks reminiscent to pop/punk and metal. So far I’m diggin it. I’m looking forward to seeing them live and see what kind of crowd they draw. Top Tracks: Undead, City, California…aw hell, I can’t stop listening to this shit, all of em. GDeViL’s Verdict: This is what happens when the word “genre” is ignored. Kudos. Think Linkin Park only with balls and actually good hooks. The masks are a nice touch fellas but putting the album out the same week as fellow masked cohorts’ (Slipknot) may not have been such a good idea. Does anyone remember Mushroomhead? Bottom line, buy the album and get yo drink on.
SLIPKNOT ALL HOPE IS GONE Roadrunner Records
The original masked men from Iowa are back with their fourth full length release, All Hope is Gone. I’ve read a few initial reviews of the album and was not shocked most writers had mixed feelings on the album. Understandable given the subject. Slipknot has disappeared for a few years with its members branching off doing their own little side projects. Many felt that the monster known as Slipknot may have been sleign for good, that they lost their edge. I disagree. The “nasty nine” are back and as usual, they are pissed off. Let’s remember folks, normal bands have, at the most, five egos to deal with when making music. We’re talking about nine musicians here. Its an accomplishment in itself that they put this many albums out, and really, have they actually put out a bad album? No. Consider All Hope is Gone a mixture of all the previous albums, but please let’s not call them “Nu metal”. What the fuck is that shit anyway? Nu??? Slipknot is metal. All hope is NOT gone. Top Tracks: Gematria (The Killing Name), Psychosocial, Butcher’s Hook, All Hope is Gone GDeViL’s Verdict: I had the opportunity to actually hear Slipknot before seeing them. What I heard was a magnificent symphony of violent noise. When I saw them live in a small venue in NYC I could not believe that all these masked motherfuckers were on the stage at once making such heavy music. I’m a big fan of drumming in any metal band. Joey Jordinson is at his best and is undoubtedly one of THE best in the business. But the percussions of Shaun Crahan and Chris Fehn are astounding and can be felt big time on this album. Obtain this album by any means necessary.
SPOILER NYC Grease Fire in Hell’s Kitchen I Scream Records
Blue Collar, nitty-gritty, oi-punk. That’s what you’re gonna get with Spolier NYC. Their first album, Grease Fire in Hell’s Kitchen is exactly that. A messy, greasy, out of control, raging kitchen inferno, in what use to be one of NYC’s toughest neighborhoods (like the reast of the city, its being infiltrated by heartless yuppies). But when the smoke clears and the fire is put out, you’re left with a deliciously greasy burger and fries. Did I just call this album a burger? Whatever. The band is fronted by Alan Roberts of Life of Agony fame just to give you the pedigree on this one. Top Tracks: Ruined, Grease Fire in hell’s Kitchen, Suicide Motel GDeViL’s Verdict: Looking for a no frills punk album you can cruise to in your rebuilt Merc while picking up tattooed, Betty Page look-a-likes? This is the album to do it to.
H2O NOTHING TO PROVE Bridge 9 Records
There was once a time you could throw a rock in NYC and hit a lightpole which bared a flyer boasting of some hardcore/punk show being held within the city. CBGB’s, Wetlands, Tramps, Coney Island High and The Continental. All venues which showcased shows almost on a weekly basis. All gone. Every single one has closed shop, along with many of the bands which graced their stages in the days past. It appeared that for a while the NYHC scene may have died? H2O was born from the guts of the NYHC scene. Their music was a throwback when they first hit the stage back in 1995 and here we are now, in 2008, seven years since their last release and Nothing to Prove is a much needed breath of fresh air into a scene that many feel has lost its path. The members of H2O isn’t going to claim being saviors of a lost scene, but with their latest release, I don’t think anyone would argue the point. I always say that the scene today reminds me of punk and hardcore of the late 70s and 80s. Music has become more visual than audio. Much of it doesn’t have a message, or better yet, it doesn’t have a message worth listening to. Back then it was disco and hair metal that invaded good music. Nowadays its emo, prog rock and all this crossover nonsense. Is it good? To an extent. But I just feel that its always good to go back to your roots more often than not. I’m not saying H2O is saving the world or anything but Nothing to Prove is a much needed wakeup call for a scene that at times loses its way. The seven years hiatus has done these average joe’s some good. Refuled and refreshed they put out a classic hardcore album for the ages. Top Tracks: What Happened?, Fairweather Friend, A Thin Line, Undconditional. GDeViL’s Verdict: Old school cats will either love or hate this album. But putting all the shitty hardcore scene politics aside, this album is absolutely solid and totally worth the seven year wait. Although a couple pf more tracks would have been nice. Good work guys and thank you!
MOTELY CRUE SAINTS OF LOS ANGELES Eleven Seven Music ELES
Not many bands can claim they’ve been to hell and back… and back and forth again. For one band, not only has this journey to hell been done numerous times, but I think they’ve actually accumulated enough frequent flyer miles to own their own little corner in the fiery abyss. Yes, the Crue is back with their first full length recording in years. Saints of Los Angeles is aptly titled after the “glam” rock band who outlasted all the wannabe’s from back in the day. Saints brings back the raw sound only the original Crue can concoct. Top tracks include, Face Down in the dirt, Motherfucker of the Year, and Welcome to the Machine. GDeViL’s Verdict: Buy it. Not only buy it, but buy tickets to Cruefest as well. Its sure to be one of the top acts to see this summer…assuming the band keeps it all together and doesn’t relapse. The saddest sight I ever seen was a fat, bloated Vince Neil falling off a stage in New Jersey as he forgot the words to Livewire.
Cancer Bats Hail Destroyer Metal Blade Inc.
Canadian metal/hardcore/punk crossover miscreants are at it again with their sophomore effort Hail Destroyer. This album has quickly made its way to into the “most played” category on my playlist as of late. While CB have been labeled a hardcore act, its easy to hear the many influences that keep Hail Destroyer rockin. They do a great job of combining hardcore, punk, metal with a touch of southern rock. The result is an easy two thumbs up. Top tracks include: Hail Destroyer, a sure crowd pleaser, Harem of Scorpians, for the sick breakdowns, and my personal favorite, Sorceress, an ode to evil bitches everywhere. GDeViL’s Verdict: Buy it and see how many times your neighbors complain on you for cranking the decibel level to “ungodly”.
FOXBORO HOT TUBS STOP, DROP & ROLL
Green Day puts out a throwback 60s, garage band album. Yes, from the boys who brought you Dookie, comes a side project known as Foxboro Hot Tubs. The hipsters of Williamsburg have been drawn to this like a newly opened baggie of dope, but regardless, it’s a pretty interesting listen. Top tracks include, Ruby Room, She’s a Saint Not a Celebrity, and 27th Ave Shuffle. However, all of the tracks have been known to make your ass shake, even if it is just a little. GDeViL’s Verdict: Steal it from a hipster. Preferably maim the fucker while ripping it from his cold, dead hands too. This way you get the double satisfaction of ending the gentrification of NYC’s neighborhoods and scoring a good album to play at your next bash.
THE OFFSPRING RISE AND FALL, RAGE AND GRACE Sony/BMG
Pop-punk California darlings The Offsrping are back! But does anyone really care? After listening to their full length, I was almost hooked into saying “Yes, I care.” But sdaly after the first four tracks the album nose dives into a pile of main stream pop garbage. Top Tracks include: Half-Truism, Trust in You, You’re Gonna Go Far Kid, Hammerhead. GDeViL’s Verdict: Burn it…literally. Just set the fucker on fire. The offspring had something special when they released Ignition and Smash, but they lost me forever when they put out that Pretty Fly For White Guy penis discharge
MICKEY FEATHERSTONE ON VELVET REVOLVER Friday, September 5, 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)
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, TOO PURE TO DIE, MICHALE GRAVES, PARKWAY DRIVE, BURY YOUR DEAD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
AVON JUNKIES, BLOODSIMPLE, DISFEAR, THE SWORD
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.
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.
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.
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.
WD SYNDICATE 2008 SUMMER TOUR GUIDE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
ATMOSPHERE, TESTAMENT...Hip Hop and Thrash?? WTF?! Monday, August 4, 2008
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.
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