| Demons and Wizards - Touched by the Crimson King |
[Aug. 7th, 2005|01:32 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  optimistic | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Demons and Wizards - Winter of Souls | ] |
I haven't updated in a while. Get over it. Also, get over the title -
it is neither alluding to King Crimson, nor is it about a guy touching
people's crotch. Alright? Good. Fuck off.
Demons and Wizards - Touched by the Crimson King
Crimson King - We open with
the hard fast and galloping pace that Jon Schaffer always likes to set
with his music. And then in comes Hansi Kursh with a slightly
electronically altered voice to give him an awesome sounding echo.
Though, I've never been a fan of power metal lyrics, unfortunately.
This song is just cool. And the chorus I believe is well done on this
song in particular. Though, I really wish this song wasn't nearly as
long as it was, it just kinda kills it. Especially when it hits the
slow droll, budda budda in the middle. Though, Hansi's voice is more
preferrable to Tim Owens in my mind. When Hansi screams,
"Belieeeeeeeve." about 2:36 into the song, when I first heard that, I
was hooked. Well, technically I was hooked at the very beginning of the
album with the galloping pace. This is one of the album picks.
Beneath the Waves - Since I
have the extra tracks, and this song really didn't stick out before.
I'll just refer you to the shorter, more preferrable done version. This
one is just too long, and doesn't click at all.
Terror Train - Uh. I don't
much care for this song either, this isn't a bad song mind you. It just
didn't strike me as good at Crimson King did, and I just heard Crimson
King. The sound is good, but I wish they'd done different lyrics with
this song. As is, it's pretty lame. "Beneath the Demon Mooooon." Wasn't
it Beneath the Waves just a moment ago? Eh.
Seize the Day - Argh! If only
this song was SHORTER. Demons and Wizards seem to hit creative peak
with shorter songs, like three minutes long. I really enjoyed this
song, but the chorus just drug on .. and on.. and on. This would have
been the song I recommend that you get before listening the album, had
it been shorter. It's still an album pick mind you, but it isn't good
enough to listen to the album for.
The Gunslinger - Eh. Aside
from the incredibly crappy lyrics that this song presents. The instant
transition to the galloping guitar that Schaffer always does, is
awesome. About a minute into this song, it picks up and definitely
kicks ass. At least the first couple times you listen to it, it used to
send shivers up my spine with how awesome the transition was. But, no
more. As I've listened to this a few times, and it doesn't have that
affect on me. Another -meh-.
Love's Tragedy - I think I
prefer their slower songs, as I liked Love's Tragedy about as much as I
liked Seize the Day. This was an awesome song when I listen to it
again, and again and again. It doesn't seem to lose the effect that
songs like The Gunslinger and Terror Train do after a few listens. The
choruses are done very well on this song, and the heaviness is well
placed, Hansi's voice does VERY well on this track in particular.
Wicked Witch - This song just sucks.
Dorian - This is my album
pick. Dorian exemplifies everything this album is about to me. It's of
course a theme based song, based on Dorian Gray. If you don't know who
Dorian Gray is, you probably won't understand this song, though it does
a pretty good job of explaining things from his point of view. The way
this song is played out I thought was well done, heavy - slower middle
(verging on tedious) - and then heavy to end.
Down Where I Belong - This
sort of helps me decide that I prefer their slow songs far more then
their faster songs. Though, it seems to lack some creativity on the
musical end. It's an okay song, don't get me wrong - but it doesn't
seem too .. inspired? The sound is rather played out, and I wish they'd
come up with things like they did on their first album. This song just
comes off as whiney, really - it's okay.
Immigrant Song (Led Zepplin Cover)
- Awwwwwww Ahhhhhhhhh Ow. Not that I ever really cared for the original
Immigrant Song to begin with, but I think they did an excellent cover.
Probably the best that I've heard from any band that covers this song -
though, I've never heard another band cover that song. .. Not sure why
they picked THIS song to cover. Eh, in either case - they did an
exceptional job.
((Bonus Tracks here on.))
Lunar Lament - Good bonus track. Should have been on the actual album.
Wicked Witch (Slow Version) - Why? The original sucked. This sucks even MORE in slow motion.
Spatial Architects - I kinda like this.
Beneath the Waves (Edit) -
This made the bonus tracks worth it. If you get the bonus tracks
version, this is the whole reason for it. This is a great reason why
Demons and Wizards should stick to SHORTER songs. They rule, yes. But
they rule more when they're creative and inspired. Going beyond three
minutes, seems to kill them. Unless it's a song like Gallows Pole. Eh,
maybe it was just their work with their real bands that did it.
Synopsis: Schaffer and Kursh
seemed uninspired I though, for this album. This wasn't a
disappointment by far, infact, this ruled. With tracks like, Crimson
King, Love's Tragedy, Dorian, The Immigrant Song, and Beneath the Waves
- how can you go wrong? While the previous release by this band had me
banging my head harder, and for much longer - this album will keep my
interest for a long while. There are alot of 'okay' tracks on this
album, in comparison to the previous album that had alot of GREAT
tracks on it, tracks that just make you go - "Yes. This rules so much."
Gallows Pole, Winter of Souls, The Whistler, and Heaven Denies being
the songs that I preferred most from the initial release, although I
liked them all. And it's ALWAYS nice to hear Schaffer not doing the
tired old, 'stuttering' hand, like he did on this album. He didn't do
it on the initial album, aside from the first song. And that song
ruled, so it was alright, same with Crimson King. Overall, I don't
think this album lives up to the previous album, but it has it's
moments and is definitely a highlight for Metal in general this year,
it kicks ass - and that's all that matters.
Three and a half stars. |
|
|
| Kamelot - The Black Halo |
[Jul. 16th, 2005|04:10 pm] |
I've recently just been privvy to The Black Halo. Something I shouldn't have stuck my nose up at - when I first heard Kamelot came out with a new album. Just because I didn't like their previous ones, doesn't mean I wouldn't like this one..
I've only heard a few songs off this album, but it sounds very awesome actually. When I get ahold of it, I'll actually review it. Till then..
The March of Mephisto, is the first song I heard from this band. At least for this album. Duh. I start with title tracks when I look for something. After hearing a few samples, I decided I needed to actually HEAR this song. So, I did. And it was grand. And I'm going to buy this album.
S'all there is to it.
Will update sometime later with the new Demons and Wizards album, when I get my grubby little hands on it. |
|
|
| Dream Theater - Octavarium |
[Jul. 12th, 2005|12:26 pm] |
God, I'm lazy. But I finally feel that I am capable of reviewing this album now.
Dream Theater
Octavarium
The Root of All Evil -
This song generally has a good feel to it in my opinion. I LIKE the
song. Though, it really does just seem like it's a 'This Dying Soul' 2.
For those of you that don't know, This Dying Soul is the second track
on Train of Thought from Dream Theater. That's a good song too. This is
one of the standout tracks on this album in my opinion.
The Answer Lies Within
- I'm not much for sappy songs. So, my opinion on the matter might be
just a little more then biased. I like the occasion slow song, but this
one does nothing for me at all. Sappy song with no surprises in tempo,
or lyrics. Or length.
These Walls - Now.
This is probably my favorite song from the album, aside from the title
track. I noticed some people compared this to a Linkin Park song,
simply because of the same time signature. Who the hell cares? Linkin
Park is not comparable to Dream Theater, nor is Dream Theater
comparable to Linkin Park. They are two completely different bands,
with two completely different songs. This song sounds a little like a
Linkin Park one to you? Then don't listen to it, s'that simple. I like
this song, myself. It has a good beat to it, it has surprises in the
tempo changes, and sounds good to me. I'm not sure if it'll sound good
to you, but then again, I don't care.
I Walk Beside You -
Some people said this was a U2 rip-off song. I dunno? I don't listen to
U2, so I can't say. I don't care in either case, I don't like this song
-either-. I tend to hate Dream Theater's slower songs for some reason.
Panic Attack - Between
this song and These Walls, it seems like every other track on this
album is a good one. This is the fastest song on the album, I believe,
I don't search for tempo changes at every turn. When I notice them and
appreciate them, I care, but I usually don't. This song maintains a
good speed throughout it, and the lyrics aren't deplorable or silly
sounding. They actually sound pretty good, as LaBrie's voice reminds me
a bit of the work he did on the Solo album, though that's to be
expected.
Never Enough - Now,
this has influences from the particular genre that Muse does. Though,
some people might make a direct association with Muse, they might be
right. I'm not sure, but I think that's what Dream Theater was going
for on this one. Apparently they're a fan of other people's music. I
don't really like this song myself, likely because I don't really like
Muse's style. If you like Muse, you'll probably like this, but I don't
care for it too much.
Sacrificed Sons - Do yourself a favor. It's 11 Minutes about 9/11. Skip this.
Octavarium - Ah. The
23 minute long epic. The longest song in the Dream Theater catelogue.
It's even longer then the established classic, A Change of Seasons.
God. About 4 minutes into this song, is where it really picks up,
before that is sounds like a Pink Floyd intro to me. I was surprised
they used flutes, by the by. While Dream Theater's songs usually have
some sort of 'story' behind them, I've read somewhere that some people
can't tell what this one is about. I can. This song deals with a young
man's psyche, and this man has an accident. And then you're taken on a
trip inside his brain after he becomes stupid. It's as if Dream Theater
was telling you that people in comas possibly might have thoughts, and
dreams beyond sitting in the bed. For the actual sound? This is no
different from any other Dream Theater epic, in that sounds good.
Although the first four minutes had me thinking, "Ugh." The rest of the
song takes you on a rollercoaster ride, and is really enjoyable after
the first listen. This IS the reason to listen to this album, and there
is no doubt in my mind of this.
Synopsis: This album
is a good one, if Train of Thought turned you off from the band because
it doesn't 'hold true' to their sound. Then this album will please you.
If you like generally slower paced music that focuses more on the music
rather then the technical masturbatory process of it, this album will
please you. They keep solos to a minimum on this album, and it really
does shine through, though part of what makes Dream Theater special is
their ability to pull OFF solos. I was a little disappointed with the
lack of an instrumental, but with an album that focused more on music
then showing off, it isn't truely missed. Though the album's sound is
definitely not the same as some of their other ones, it is NOT a bad
sound. I rather like the fact that Rudess was given more time to show
on this album, especially with throwbacks to bands like, Styx, Pink
Floyd, Black Sabbath - and others throughout the album. I really wonder
if Dream Theater was trying to create something 'original' with this
album, or whether this album was a way of paying tribute to all of
their influences over the years, in a different manner then just
playing their songs? Dream Theater does not disappoint it's hardcore
fans, though and outside might shake their head at it.
Overall Rating: ***1/2
Rating system explained: When something is rated, it is rated on an
artist's past material. Does it match up to what they did in the past?
Does it sound as good? Or better? I don't rate based on other bands, it
wouldn't be fair to compare Dream Theater and Megadeth to one another
for example. They're not really the same type of music, though there
are similarities.
Lame: Nothing is Good About
This Album. As the name implies. There is nothing good about this. It
is horrible, and should be boycotted.
1/2: Shit Album. This album is a piece of shit. It has one standout song, at best.
*: Bad Album. This album is just a step above a piece of crap. It might have 2 good songs on it.
*1/2: Not Worth Your Time
Album. This album isn't worth your time, and much like worse albums, it
might just be better to find a way to get the couple songs off here
worth listening to from a friend.
**: A Few Good Songs Album.
This album doesn't suck persay, but it might have more then a good
percentage of songs that suck balls.
**1/2: Okay Album. These albums aren't really worth buying either, but the Artists are potentially worth supporting.
***: Decent Album. This rating
and above, all records are recommended buys. This simply means that
there ARE songs that are boring, but the good songs outweigh the bad
and you should support this artist.
***1/2: Good Album. Exactly what it says, a Good album. Nothing phenomenal, but nothing that's too horrible either.
****: Great Album. In a world
where good music is rare now and days, this album shines like a shiney
beacon of hope. It makes you orgasmicly happy to have heard it, or to
think of having it. Though it's a great album, there seems to be
something just missing.
****1/2: Amazing Album. The
talent is here, there's just something missing. Maybe a song that
botched it by being lame, or just out of place on the album. The talent
is perfect, the songs are perfect, but something about it seems amiss.
*****: Classic Album. There is
nothing that could be done differently, or any better. This album is
not only revered by Internet dorks, like myself, but by the Main Stream
as a commercial success. Examples: Master of Puppets, Dark Side of the
Moon, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.. etc.
|
|
|
| Album: Touched by the Crimson King |
[Jul. 6th, 2005|09:22 am] |
Slow for me musically, lately.
New album out from Demons and Wizards, Touched by the Crimson King.
Looked at MTV today, threw up. Ate a muffin, and drank some water. Threw it up when some band called Hawthorne Heights came on. Sounded like a cat shitting razor blades, if THAT good.
Good god that was terrible.
Anyhow, Touched by the Crimson King is a fairly decent album. I think I like it more then their original release, but like any Prog Metal, or the like. I usually give these things time to set in. Not going to rate it at the moment, because I might change my mind later. Will rate later. For now, I just like it, and think that it may possibly be better then their original.
Gallow's Pole
"Call me Messiah. I am God." |
|
|
| The Gods of Guitar |
[Jun. 24th, 2005|01:14 am] |
| [ | Tags | | | dave mustaine, dimebag darrel, eddie van halen, eric clapton, jimi hendrix, jimmy page, joe satriani, john petrucci, steve vai, ted nugent, tommy iommi, yngwie malmsteen | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Motorhead - Dirty Love | ] |
The Gods of Guitar
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eric Clapton
Jimi Hendrix
Jimmy Page
Eddie Van Halen
John Petrucci
Dave Mustaine
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Dimebag Darrel
Ted Nugent
Tommy Iommi
...And that is all. Be off! |
|
|
| Awesome Musical Celebrity Deathmatch Possibilities |
[Jun. 20th, 2005|08:21 pm] |
| [ | Tags | | | black sabbath, celebrity deathmatch, dave mustaine, dio, eddie van halen, megadeth, metallica, mtv, ozzy osbourne, ronnie james dio, van halen, yngwie malmsteen | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Rainbow - Long Live Rock n' Roll | ] |
Oh, god. I would love to see this.
Yngwie Malmsteen
versus
Eddie Van Halen
Why? You might ask.
Eddie is known for his now-legendary shredding on Erruption. However, during a concert of Yngwie's. He played Erruption for his opening, stopped and yawned. Then proceeded to rip Erruption a new one by shredding a new version of it, which actually ended up on one of his CDs.
Who would win?
Van Halen. Duh. He's much cooler then Yngwie, despite Yngwie being one of my Guitar Gods.
Ronnie James Dio
versus
Ozzy Osbourne
Why? This should be simple.
Ozzy was the lead singer for Black Sabbath. Then Dio took over when Ozzy got drugged up and left. Then Dio left. And then came back. Then Ozzy came back, and Dio left. Dio, despite having superior pipes, has had less commercial recognition.
Who would win?
Ozzy. Because MTV is lame.
Metallica
versus
Dave Mustaine (Not the whole band, too much of a Handicap for Mustaine. It's overdoing it as is.)
Why? Duh.
Metallica kicked Dave Mustaine out of their band in 1981, for the same thing that Lars, and everyone else around them was doing. Drinking, and getting drugged up. Dave formed Megadeth, and kicked Metallica's asses on many levels later on.
Who would win?
Mustaine. Duh. |
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| More fucking Thrash please! |
[Jun. 16th, 2005|03:20 am] |
God. If I had a dollar for everytime I said I loved Thrash Metal, I dunno how rich I'd be. But I'd be kinda rich, or something like that. That said.
Overkill rules.
Just listening to - 'Half Past Dead' and thinking how kickass this band actually is. I managed to nab a few of their CDs afterwards, and will likely give them stars at a point where I've listened to them more thoroughly. But this is essentially one of those classic Thrash groups that will never die. Ever.
On ANOTHER side note.
Megadeth's - The System Has Failed.
Possibly the best Megadeth album ever released, while not as complex as Rust In Peace, an album I don't think Megadeth could ever repeat - even in concert. The System Has Failed simply has some of the most kickass Megadeth tunes I've ever listened to. Verging on Commercial, and Metal. This album has gotten them play on MTV, which REALLY surprised me. And at the same time, made me annoyed. Because if little dorkchops that listen to SlipKnot and KoRn actually get into Mustaine, they may ruin his appeal for me. Because he'll be getting that, 'Pop' money.
We all know how money ruins Metal *Cough* lica *Cough* |
|
|
| Blah blah blah. Dream Theater - Octavarium |
[Jun. 14th, 2005|02:26 am] |
Okay. I like this album. I don't feel like writing some long drawn out review.
Good Tracks Include
Everything.
If you're a fan of Dream Theater, or of Progressive Rock in anyway shape form, you'll enjoy this album. Even if others are saying it's sub-par. Give it a few more listens then you have, dipshits. Dream Theater is still my favorite band with this release, though Iced Earth and Blind Guardian rule too. Meh.
This album just tends to be a bit more mellow then albums past, namely ToT. And while it might not be a technical masterpiece, like Scenes from a Memory was - and still is. This has it's own good qualities. It's very easy to access music, though I can't say the songs have really stuck in my head. Aside from the 23 minute epic, Octavarium.
This is a piece of music worth listening to, in my metal opinion.
Four out of Five Stars. |
|
|
| Why Megadeth rules! |
[Jun. 2nd, 2005|11:09 pm] |
If you looked at this title, and seriously thought I was going to explain why Megadeth ruled, you're either a douche, or you're not a .. no you're a douche.
If you looked at this title, and thought anything other then the ladder part of this statement, you're a slimey twat ball.
If you looked at this title, and didn't know Megadeth was coming out with any new material, you're a fucking pansy.
If you looked at this title, and thought, "Oh. Megadeth, that stupid ass death metal band.", you suck cum out of a guys anus, after another guy has already violated it several times, and it wasn't you.
If you looked at this title, and thought about Metallica, fuck you.
If you looked at this title, and thought Dave Mustaine should run for President, you rule.
Any other response to this, and you're just a dipshit. |
|
|
| Random Ratins: Dio |
[May. 28th, 2005|12:40 am] |
I don't feel like writing a song by song analysis, so I'll just list albums, and their ratings and their ratings for this one.
Dio
Holy Diver
*****
Released after his tenure with Black Sabbath, this album rocks hard, fast, and holds your attention the whole album. At least if you like the same music I do. Holy Diver is absolutely a classic song, no less.
Dio
Killing the Dragon
**1/2
Well, this is just Dio. Dio always rocks. Though, this rocks less then Dio usually does.
Elf
Elf
***1/2
This is a great album, actually. Old Old, Dio. Very bluesy, very easy on the ears, and it rocks. Not Metal rocks, but just.. yeah, Rock Music rocks.
Rainbow
Long Live Rock n' Roll
****
This is a great album from Dio as well, from Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow no less. Though some of the songs might turn you off if you're not into the Fantasy Related style of music. I find it ridiculous sometimes, but the album rocks hard regardless. Gates of Babylon, and Rainbow Eyes being the standouts.
Dio
Magica
*
...The only reason to listen to this is Magica Story. Just download it.
Black Sabbath
Dehumanizer
***1/2
This is one of those albums that doesn't quite hit you at first with how good it is. But, it is good. And there are several songs that just grow on you. TV Crimes, and I being my favorite songs from this album.
Black Sabbath
Heaven and Hell
*****
I shouldn't have to say anything other then the 5 stars. But, sometimes it's needed. This IS absolutely my favorite Black Sabbath album. Every song on this album is good, period.
Black Sabbath
The Mob Rules
****
This is a great album in it of itself. It doesn't quite live up to Heaven and Hell, but there are some definate classics on this album. Voodoo, The Mob Rules, The Sign of the Souther Cross - being my favorites.
\m/ Metal. \m/ |
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| Baha.. too funny to resist.. |
[May. 28th, 2005|12:14 am] |
Too funny to resist this.
"MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has
posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's
official web site:
"It has come to my attention that there was a show in Greece where an
allegedly 'full-on' Satanic band [ROTTING CHRIST] was going to be
playing, as well as one in Israel too [referring to DISSECTION — Ed.].
No one knows for sure what their intent or content is, so I am not
going to say they are.
"Yes, I said that I was not really interested in playing with Satanic
[bands], and that is because I changed my outlook on life and my
spritual beliefs over three years ago. I became a Christian, yes, and I
have made even more mistakes now that I have, because there are things
I do that I know I should not do, and things I do not do that I know I
should.
"Plus I have helpful people like the guy in this thread who is quick to
point out my failings, and volunteering as my self-appointed judge to
remind me of everything that I am doing wrong.
"Yes, I did say I would prefer not to play on concerts with Satanic
bands. That doesn't mean I won't, it doesn't mean I would not talk with
the bands either, (sometimes it is just for fun anyway with these
bands). But to make a life-altering change and then not have some kind
of affect would not have been a change at all, would it? It's not much
different from staying away from booze if you have made a decision to
be sober.
"The concerts that I headline or I put together is usually my choice
who I want to play with; festivals are different. If I don't feel it is
right for me to do something, then like I said in this post here I
would just respectfully decline. I would not ask that anyone be taken
off if they were already confirmed.
"I have to draw the line and stand for my beliefs or they aren't
beliefs at all, are they? I don't expect anyone to fully understand
this, but I know many of you do, and I thank you for your support.
"To the Droogie that is set on insulting me about my beliefs, I
understand. It is easy for a person with no beliefs to mock someone who
does. I don't know if you do (I hope so), but it appears not. Because
if you did, you would say, 'Well, those are Dave's beliefs, they are
not like mine, but if mine are to be respected, than so should his.'
"I doubt you will think things through like this before you come on
here and attack me for my beliefs again, but here's to hoping. And ya
might want to check the guidelines of this site too; we are pretty
friendly here, but personal attacks don't sit well here.
"And if not, I imagine someone will prolly buy your ticket and I will dedicate a song to your abscence at the concert
"The moral to the story is this . . . I don't like certain bands and that will never change that in me."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=36422
"Reactivated Swedish death metallers DISSECTION have officially
cancelled their previously announced appearance at the Metalist
Festival in Israel. A statement on the matter from DISSECTION mainman
Jon Nödtveidt reads as follows:
"I unfortunately have to inform you about the fact that DISSECTION have
been cancelled from the Metalist Festival in Israel (a gig which was
100 percent confirmed), obviously as a result of Mr. Dave Mustaine of
MEGADETH (who are headlining the festival) not wanting to play with
Satanic bands (according to himself because of his new-found Christian
beliefs)! I'm also informed that we are supposed to share the bill with
MEGADETH at Fury Fest (France) later in June so I therefore want to
say, on the behalf of both DISSECTION and myself; Mustaine, you dare to
put yourself in our way but you don't dare to meet us? You want to have
DISSECTION cancelled because you do not dare to face true opponents in
faith?! You think this will stop us?! We are Satanists, yes, truly
enemies of yours! For we are the antithesis to cowards like you! If you
are a man of true belief, meet us in France at Fury Fest and stand up
for it! Or will you have us cancelled this time too?"
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=36679
First off. I'm not laughing at Mustaine in the least, nor the..
no, I am laughing at the Death Metal band. Not because I don't,
'understand' their lyrics or anything to that extent. I'm laughing at
them because of how stupid they're being. Just READ what they responded
with. "We are Satanists, yes, truly enemies of yours!"
Either they're just joking, or they're completely retarded. Now the
bits that get me, of course, aren't the articles themselves! But the
fans! Good god, I love these people. Posting such mind expanding things
such as, "Because he plays there
bands with beliefs different than his own are not allowed? Fuck dave he
is a big pussy. Megadeth has been dead for 15 years, kill yourself
please." Now, what did -Dave's- post say? Oh yeah, that he WOULD
play with the groups, but would prefer not to. He mentioned
preferences, so the promoters decided to keep Mustaine penultimately
happy, and kick the groups out that offended the Legend. This is all
stupid, Blackmail the Universe rules, and Mustaine is still a Metal God.
On a side note,
"who cares about megacrap"
"FUCK U DAVE!"
"Fuck you and the rest who back up
Mustaine on this one- Horrible bands? yeah maybe for some fucking snot
nosed NU metal kid like yourself who only likes whats cool and hip
Metal is not MTV faggot. Haild Dissection and the true Death /black
metal cult eternally. BREAD TO STONE!!!!!!"
Yeah. This is why.. this is posted on Roadrunner Records website. Gee.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/
Best band here? Either Nickleback or Type O Negative. And they're both
mediocre to me at best. This is the label that has SLIPKNOT on it. Come
on, these twits aren't Metalheads. Just some people that have no
inciling to what Metal is, or was, and trash Dave - and listen to
Scream-o and Death/Black Metal and seem to think that makes them
hardcore or whatever the hell they do. And all their bands are.. pretty
much on MTV. Whatever. |
|
|
| Favorite Albums.. Yeah. |
[May. 27th, 2005|10:12 am] |
| [ | music |
| | Iced Earth - Stand Alone | ] |
My favorite twenty albums (For now.) in no particular order.
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Blind Guardian - Nightfall in Middle Earth
Boston - Boston
Demons and Wizards - Demons and Wizards
Dream Theater - Images and Words
Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory
Iced Earth - Days of Purgatory
Iced Earth - The Horror Show
Judas Priest - Screaming For Vegenace
Megadeth - Peace Sells
Megadeth - The System Has Failed
Metallidoof - Master of Puppets
Metallidoof - Ride the Lightning
Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Queensryche: Operation Mindcrime
Symphony X - The Oddessy
Van Halen - Van Halen
William Shatner - Has Been
Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force - Black Star |
|
|
| James LaBrie - Elements of Persuasion |
[May. 24th, 2005|04:46 am] |
Crucify: Interesting opening. Heavy guitars, then enter the one guitar
soloing on in, though it's trying to hard to be Petrucci.. eh. Intro
dueling guitars riffing their hearts out, and .. ew. LaBrie doing an
attempt at a Heavier voice. Then the chorus. LaBrie's heavier tone
isn't necessarily a bad thing, I enjoy the heavy, but he's not really
suited for it quite as well as some other singers. I enjoy his choruses
more. This isn't a bad song, good opener.
Alone: Silence for 14 seconds then the one opening guitar, and a Linkin
Park style opening. When I first heard this I didn't quite mind it, it
didn't blow me away, yet it still doesn't. This song just sounds like
one of those Nu-Metal commercial acts that I really can't stand all
that much. I don't like this song.
Freaks: ... I don't know what to say about this song.
Invisible: What the hell is this? This is like the fifth 'Invisible'
that I've seen in the past 5 months. Can't anyone think of a differen't
name then Invisible? Like, 'Optic Sensory Refraction Impared'? Bah.
Lost: Two things. 1.) The Sound Bytes on this suck. 2.) The Piano saves
this song, with LaBrie's melodic voice.
Undecided: This sounds too much like, "As I Am" by LaBrie's work with
Dream Theater, just less talented. I don't much care for this.
Smashed: Boooooom.
Pretender: Opens with a decent Riff, LaBrie's chorus is damn good on
this one, and the riff throughout the song is constant, the Guitar solo
doesn't hurt either.
Slightly Out of Reach: Ugh. While this song isn't too bad, it really
just sounds like something off of, "Scenes from a Memory". While that's
not a bad thing, and I wasn't really expecting LaBrie to define
anything new with this CD, it's just lame to hear something that sounds
like a tribute to another album that the same person did.
Oblivious: What the hell is up with these Nu Metal type names? This
song is definantly a decent song, nothing spectacular - unless you've
never listened to Dream Theater, mind you. The solos are very good, but
they lack the speed and technicality of one of Petrucci's goes.
Regardless, this song is worth listening to it, it's catchy at the
least.
In Too Deep: The album started to pick up about 3 songs back, and this
song doesn't really let up. This song is as good as the ones from
behind, even if it does sound only a riff or two differently.
Drained: This song, is probably the reason to listen to this album for
me. I liked this song alot when I first heard it, that it was the
primary reason for me buying the CD. Yes, spontaenous decisions based
on one song are fun, when I could download the song and not spend 15
dollars. Best song for me.
Synopsis: This isn't a half bad album, but it's not half good either. I
like this album, and I'll recommend it to someone trying to get into
different styles of music, from Nu-Metal. Though, if you've heard Dream
Theater, or have some taste for something other then Nu-Metal sound -
turn elsewhere. LaBrie does a damn good job of making it not SEEM like
Nu-Metal, but in the end this is all that this album is, unfortunately.
Just with guitar solos. The last 5 songs of this album are really the
only reason for listening to this, so if you want to give this a shot -
just listen to the last 5 songs and make a decision. I recommend
www.Amazon.com.
Overall Rating: ***
Rating system explained: When something is rated, it is rated on an
artist's past material. Does it match up to what they did in the past?
Does it sound as good? Or better? I don't rate based on other bands, it
wouldn't be fair to compare Dream Theater and Megadeth to one another
for example. They're not really the same type of music, though there
are similarities.
Lame: Nothing is Good About
This Album. As the name implies. There is nothing good about this. It
is horrible, and should be boycotted.
1/2: Shit Album. This album is a piece of shit. It has one standout song, at best.
*: Bad Album. This album is just a step above a piece of crap. It might have 2 good songs on it.
*1/2: Not Worth Your Time
Album. This album isn't worth your time, and much like worse albums, it
might just be better to find a way to get the couple songs off here
worth listening to from a friend.
**: A Few Good Songs Album.
This album doesn't suck persay, but it might have more then a good
percentage of songs that suck balls.
**1/2: Okay Album. These albums aren't really worth buying either, but the Artists are potentially worth supporting.
***: Decent Album. This rating
and above, all records are recommended buys. This simply means that
there ARE songs that are boring, but the good songs outweigh the bad
and you should support this artist.
***1/2: Good Album. Exactly what it says, a Good album. Nothing phenomenal, but nothing that's too horrible either.
****: Great Album. In a world
where good music is rare now and days, this album shines like a shiney
beacon of hope. It makes you orgasmicly happy to have heard it, or to
think of having it. Though it's a great album, there seems to be
something just missing.
****1/2: Amazing Album. The
talent is here, there's just something missing. Maybe a song that
botched it by being lame, or just out of place on the album. The talent
is perfect, the songs are perfect, but something about it seems amiss.
*****: Classic Album. There is
nothing that could be done differently, or any better. This album is
not only revered by Internet dorks, like myself, but by the Main Stream
as a commercial success. Examples: Master of Puppets, Dark Side of the
Moon, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.. etc. |
|
|
| Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze |
[May. 24th, 2005|04:20 am] |
Track 1: This track isn't exactly the best opener for what's about to
come my way. Poor packaging on this, because when the next song kicks
in, you'll go - Wtf? This track otherwise is a good way to open up a CD
with such a name.
Track 2: Yeah, I was expecting something a bit more mellow - given the
last thing I listened to of theirs was Songs for the Deaf. I liked that
album, alot. After listening to this song a few times, it looses
catchiness - though while it lasts it is a catchy tune. Too short.
Track 3: This song should have been the second song on the album -
rather then the one before this, just switch the orders, it would
transition much better. Nothing groundbreaking on this song, it's a
little boring - but you'll probably find yourself humming the chorus or
worse, singing it. "Everybody knows you're insane."
Track 4: This song has a kickass groove going towards it. I'd put up
the tabs for this one, but I have a feeling that no one but me would
bother with them. This song is one of the highlights of the album.
Track 5: This song tries to be the last one, this one is rather
forgettable in the end. It's just not that good after listening to the
4th track. Meh.
Track 6: This song just doesn't appeal to me. I'm sure it does to someone, but isn't me.
Track 7: The 'hit single' of this album, yippie. This is a decent song,
but Track four kicks its ass. Better then anything else I heard on MTV
the other day, regardless. Which surprises me, why are these guys on
MTV? I thought they only played Emo or Rap anymore. Best mainstream
group (QotSA) that's on TV right now.
Track 8: What the hell IS this song? I just didn't get the point of this.
Track 9: 7 minutes? For a mainstream band? Holy hell. I'm used to
tracks lasting WAY longer then this, but for a mainstream group? This
is an interesting song, should it manage to keep your interest long
enough. I think the only reason it managed to was the fact that it
was.. seven minutes. I was hoping for some kind of Epic Rock Anthem.
Track 10: This song had a grooving riff too. Thick guitars turn me on,
seriously. On a side note, every track this guy has had a distortion of
his voice. Can he not sing or something? When I think about it, I think
the answer maybe 'No.'
Track 11: I liked this track, better then the majority of songs on this
album. Although, seriously odd, and the guitar solo seems a tad out of
place. Another thing that smacked me, guitar solos in a mainstream
group. HAH. The moaning ruing the quality of this song though.
Track 12: This is just a really off-beat track. It sounds like almost
every other track on this album combined into one, and comes out
sounding bad to my ears. Not the first time I heard it, this album all
sounded good the first time I heard it. But, this one wears on you
especially.
Track 13: He ruined it muttering. This otherwise would have been the best track of the CD.
Track 14: Another 7 minute song. Boring to me. On a sidenote, just
because I say that I think a 7 minute long song is boring, doesn't mean
I don't enjoy songs that are long. It's just that the song fails to
grasp me, as the artist has taken themselves out of their own depth
without realizing it.
Synopsis: All the songs under the 4 minute mark seem to be able to draw
your attention decently for the entire length of the song. Excluding
track four. Anything above that will be boring after the first couple
listens. The QotSA seem to be lackluster compared to their 'Songs for
the Deaf' album, which I really think IS their best album -still-. I'm
sure someone out there disagrees with me heavily, but this IS my
opinion after all.
Overall: Rating: ***
Rating system explained: When
something is rated, it is rated on an artist's past material. Does it
match up to what they did in the past? Does it sound as good? Or
better? I don't rate based on other bands, it wouldn't be fair to
compare Dream Theater and Megadeth to one another for example. They're
not really the same type of music, though there are similarities.
Lame: Nothing is Good About
This Album. As the name implies. There is nothing good about this. It
is horrible, and should be boycotted.
1/2: Shit Album. This album is a piece of shit. It has one standout song, at best.
*: Bad Album. This album is just a step above a piece of crap. It might have 2 good songs on it.
*1/2: Not Worth Your Time Album. This album isn't worth your
time, and much like worse albums, it might just be better to find a way
to get the couple songs off here worth listening to from a friend.
**: A Few Good Songs Album. This album doesn't suck persay, but
it might have more then a good percentage of songs that suck balls.
**1/2: Okay Album. These albums aren't really worth buying either, but the Artists are potentially worth supporting.
***: Decent Album. This rating and above, all records are
recommended buys. This simply means that there ARE songs that are
boring, but the good songs outweigh the bad and you should support this
artist.
***1/2: Good Album. Exactly what it says, a Good album. Nothing phenomenal, but nothing that's too horrible either.
****: Great Album. In a world where good music is rare now and
days, this album shines like a shiney beacon of hope. It makes you
orgasmicly happy to have heard it, or to think of having it. Though
it's a great album, there seems to be something just missing.
****1/2: Amazing Album. The talent is here, there's just
something missing. Maybe a song that botched it by being lame, or just
out of place on the album. The talent is perfect, the songs are
perfect, but something about it seems amiss.
*****: Classic Album. There is nothing that could be done
differently, or any better. This album is not only revered by Internet
dorks, like myself, but by the Main Stream as a commercial success.
Examples: Master of Puppets, Dark Side of the Moon, Dirty Deeds Done
Dirt Cheap.. etc. |
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