Advent

The New Year is coming up and I can't be any happier to be spending it in Vegas. We will be there for 2 nights, I hope that is enough. If I remember correctly, this is the first year where I actually do something to commemorate the progression. Since the New Year's is coming up I have a list of things to improve on or taking part in.

1. Save money, times are tough further reasons should be obvious.
2. Read much more, I put too much time off from reading.
3. Drink less, Weekly drinking is unnecessary.
4. Actually start my Warhammer 40k army (yes, I am a geek/nerd)
5. Devote more of my time to the two projects I am taking part in.
6. Don't take so many things for granted, appreciate all that I have more.
7. Purchase more Non-Metal albums, hate Rap/Hip Hop even more.

I think that is all as of right now.

oh yeah I forgot an important one.
Bj and I will become smokers, haha.

High

It's been quite some time since my last post and it has been quite some time since our last excursion to Mt. High. We arrived fairly early simply because we did not want to make our descent from the mountain with weary senses. With a different group it was something great, remarkable, memorable.

The mountain had just suffered from a storm which left quite a mark on the mountain side. The mountain was littered with snow, inhabited by thrill seekers, and the natives themselves. The weather was definitely harsh, at first it was bearable but throughout the night we buried our hands in snow, resulting in cold hands, gloves served no purpose at this point. I made a joke about walking around shirtless but it seems everybody took it seriously, so might as well, I lasted a measly 15 minutes approximately. The night was filled with pictures to reflect our ascension along the mountain (soon to be posted on Anything You Synthesize).

After our voyage through Mt. High, we made our way back into the Inland Empire and decided to try something new. I don't remember the name but this diner was well-serviced, possibly one of the best waiter's I have ever had. The service was top-notched, and at this time, day, and age, everybody could care less, Francisco (our waiter) seemed to think otherwise. We were greeted with open arms and a waiter who would make sure that what was currently devoured remained at hand.

This was definitely a night to remember and a perfect example that nature can provide all that you need in terms of fun. Half of the population takes nature for granted, just take a step on the ice and your opinion will change instantly, even ask Steve. People always seek thrills yet remain in the areas which are touched by human hands far too often, a simple walk on the beach or in this case, climb up the mountain can run blood through your veins.

On a side note, my expectations on the Vegas trip are high. We managed to get approval for the car. We have armed ourselves accordingly for the task at hand, and we have suffered through too much to make sure such a task would continue on the desired path. The city of Sin provides with too much to overlook, for those that use, "what can you do in Vegas?" as an excuse, I ask you this, "what is new that you have not done in this small 20 mile radius known as Orange County?" If you know of something better than eating some of the best food, the ambiance, the companionship, and all that I have left out, please tell me, it can save me 300 dollars. . .

Solstice

Shadows of the Moon (The Winter Solstice)

Grinding my heels and my mind (from having shitty shoes and running all over the store and having the Vegas trip being in peril) has resulted in the complete overlooking of the first day of the Winter Solstice (it was yesterday), for those that don't know what it is, it is nothing great to those that have no interest in origins of religions, and it can also be referred to the first day of Winter. Anyways, work has been very hectic, I don't understand how the economy can be in such danger when I am very certain that the store has been making far more money that it has the last year. Thankfully, Xmas brings in the best of good looking people but also the nastiest and most vile. This job is not too bad. The amount of work I have to put in is well worth the eye candy.

Why couldn't I be taller and older?

Conquered

As Bj has stated, "Alondra's is the new Hat", and it has indeed been proven that it is. We made our second dine-in experience being something that was worthy of being blogged. Steve actually managed to finish the Atomic Wings, with overall ease, he did show signs of struggle during the last few. Bj, on the other hand, failed once again, but it gave us all a good laugh. Steve did manage to surpass the extreme climates that were in his mouth, but what was to come was something far worse. Steve decided to take part in the Ben-gay on balls activity and was put through excruciating pain. A video will be posted shortly. That is all, I am quite tired so further elaboration will not be done and you didn't miss much.

Profound

I am finding it hard to grasp the lyrical content of Deathspell Omega. Their use of high vocabulary and metaphors are becoming very hard to interpret into a language I am familiar with. In addition, their previous album contained words of Old English and Latin which did not help during the first couple of days. The language wasn't as rich either but it still proved to be difficult at one point or another. In due time will I be able to recite these hymns with ease. Here is an example:

The Repellent Scars of Abandon and Election

The feeling of destroying the capacity for inward peace, an insane dance with the angels of innocence admist thorns and in frenzy, the warmth of a divine blessing, a daringness which prevailed over any imaginable fear hovering on the brink of a voluntary act of contrition, but soon all pales besides the cry this shattering truth wrests from all fellow men, there is more to it than suffering and sounds of suffering, it is a process that only the extinction of a divine sould could terminate. The eye can outstare neither the sun, nor death... if I sought God it was in delirium and in the delight of temptation.

The idea of Salvation comes, I believe, from the one whom suffering breaks apart. He who masters it, on the contrary, needs to be broken, to proceed on the path towards the rupture.

Nothing of what man can know, to this end, could be evaded without degradation, without sin, - is it no burdento bear the repellent scars of abandon, of election? - it leaves but a state of supplication and deserted expanses, an absorption into despair. The existence of things cannot enclose the death which it brings to me; the existence is itself projected into my death, and it is my death which encloses it. Am I deranged? Over and above quietism! Nurtured by the multitude of man's misfortunes, a thousand halos like torches in the night of the spirit, a thousand traps, pitfalls of brimstone and the empty sky, prostrated face against the earth in frantic laughter...

I was beyond withstanding my own ignominy. I invoked it and blessed it. I progressed even further into vileness and degradation. Am I resurging, intact, out of infamy?


*Reading it is simple, understanding it is NOT*

I am pretty sure a few others have exprienced these things.

Achtung!

I guess it's appropriate to use Attention in the German tongue to come to the conclusion that I have passed my Behind-The-Wheel test, and I felt like sharing a song by that same title.

ACHTUNG!



By the way, that intro is great and that vocal solo is amazing!

Doom

It's been quite some time since I have listened to any Doom, this has gotten me back into it. Not very Doom-y as some of their older stuff, but it still worth listening to, better than fucking My Dying Bride.

Enjoy

300

I am coming close to having 300 cds, 99% being dvds, vinyls, tapes, and cds of Metal. So to commemorate such a feat, I thought naming 10 of my favorite bands would be appropriate. All of them will probably be Metal, simply because it has made such an impact on my life it would be fitting. To my amazement, the first 3 bands were easy to compile, it's the rest that has proven to be difficult.

10. Drowning the Light



This is another one of those bands that have a hard to explain sound. They play DSBM with a bit of Satanic, Occult, Vampyric influence, so I guess not very D/S. Anyways, his vocals are very reminiscent of Nazgul's but the music is self-classifying. It contains so many outside influences that at times, it's hard to classify this as Black Metal during certain times, this type of innovation cannot be disregarded. Another interesting thing that happened with this band and myself is that I wanted Azgorh's rare material in any format possible. Tapes were the easiest accessible and I, now prefer them over any other format. Life changing, this band is, haha.

9. Gorgoroth



Chances are Bj is bagging me for this. Anyways, Gorgoroth's Antichrist album was my first Black Metal album ever purchased. My 4 years of Black Metal devotion (6 years into metal, first 2 years not being fully devoted to) began with them. Their imagery was terrifying, their vocals (of earlier works) disgusting, and who, during that time had the balls to call their album, "Antichrist". It set the tone for blasphemic Black Metal, in my opinion, Sarcofago did it with the lack of research and over-exaggeration, Mayhem did it with Euronymous' disgust for society, Burzum... fuck Varg. Gorgoroth did it with depth (I honestly wish I could say the same thing about their newer material). In addition, Gorgoroth is in a dispute for the name, I will not take sides.

8. Immortal


(such a badass cover)

Although some of their stuff can be taken as a self-parody, they were the originators of "Cold" Black Metal. Their riffs sent chills along your spine, Abbath's vocals were as inhumane as ever, yet you were still able to decipher most of his lyrics, and Pure Holocaust, one listen to that and you are addicted.

7. Hypothermia



It is without a doubt that Kim Carlsson is one sick individual!
I think that's all that needs to be said of him. His personality speaks for the music. Another interesting aspect of Hypothermia is that I bought all his full lengths on a hunch, and it was all bought in one day. Without one actual listen, it speaks to me.

6. Evergrey



It's rare that a Power/Prog band will ever be frequently listened to and for some reason Evergrey has been that rarity. Englund's vocals don't hit those high notes, the guitars don't chug very often, and something I hate with all my heart, Prog. The lyrics focus on the darker aspects of life rather than the love stories or the far off lands. It shows that realistic minds do exist in the Power/Prog world. Each time I come across a Black Metal album and an Evergrey album, I actually toss out that Black Metal album, that must mean something.

5. Deathspell Omega



I had taken this band for granted for quite some time. I loved their lyrics and their addition of church hymns to emphasize their blasphemy. Their lyrics are well thought of, they have been composed of various works of literature. Their music is distinct, technical, shifting . . . demonic. Although their debut albums followed the guidelines of generic black metal, their last 2 have left a mark. Their sound has now been completed and perfected. In addition to their music, their identities are based purely on rumors, explaining the use of another image.

4. Crimson Moon



Crimson Moon was the definitive band of my religious mind set. It synthesized orations, symphonics, and all that accompanies black metal. Scorpios' vocals are raspy and have a vibration that accompanies it accordingly. Sadly, Nocturnal Overlord has been attempting to steal what glory Crimson Moon should have, Black Metal doesn't have room for the antics of N.O.

3. Alcest



Alcest was a refreshing blend of Black Metal. Their EP, which I have yet to purchase (200 dollars is not at my disposable) blended Black Metal with acoustic breaks and their newest release introduced a bit of a post-rock/shoegaze sound to it and less Black Metal, perhaps possessing NO Black Metal. With Neige's low humming vocals, it can definitely be entrancing. It was refreshing in every sense, relaxing, comfortable, atmospheric. I don't think I will ever see a song from this album being skipped, anytime is a good time for Alcest.

2. Typhus



Although I care about meaning to a great extent in terms of lyrics, but there are exceptions. Typhus has incorporated such redundant blasphemies that at times it just becomes funny. Greatfully, the music is something I have never heard before. They don't involve a great amount of speed, instead their riffs are passionate, melancholic, if you will. Their debut was in my cd player for 6 months, only to be beaten by the next band and the one previous. A perfect example of Back-To-Basics being better than overdone music.

1. Averse Sefira


(The Carcass needs instruction on Corpse Paint haha)

This has got to be a given. Their music is so complex, it is distinct. Their time signatures are off to a great extent yet it all comes together in sync. Their philosophy is created with little outside entities and infused with their lyrics. I can't see any other genre involving such ideological lyrics than in Black Metal. They don't have that elite mentality nor do they have their region serve a significant purpose. The sigils of AVRS will soon be branded on my skin.

I couldn't help it, but I think this picture is in all context's the meaning of Black Metal.



A perfect interpretation of esotericism.
Less than half of you will probably understand this.

Inspiration

Anything You Synthesize

During various trips, Bj, Mike, and myself have interpreted music into story boards. Although none of them are actually drawn out, we do create some vivid images that interpret the music fairly well. From depressive to suspenseful, we may have created masterpieces, or so we believe, and that is all that matters. It will be an accomplishment if we actually get any footage, and over Spring Break, we hope on doing so. To those that I have informed, you are informed, to those that aren't chances are, one "reason" or another will prevent you, so why bother? The costs for this trip will be great, but I am willing to sacrifice much for this to be voyage to be remembered, it will be scribed in all the books as a highlight in which we have gone above and beyond all that we actual complain about. There is so much to explore and I am willing to open up my arms and embrace what I have not witnessed. Once the new year arrives, much will be altered, no state-of-the-art computer, no airsoft/paintball guns, only Art will be worthy of my money.

A new life will begin, drastic changes MUST be made.

Suicide

It's not very often that we face a foe that makes us stop nor have we faced one that has caused us to cry. We tend to devour our meals with impunity, and the little prayers left to stand in our way are extinguished, this is possibly where the prayers are being recited by the most devoted.

Oli, Anthony, Meat, Mike, Bj, and myself made our way to Downtown Long Beach, which to my amazement is far more spectacular and cleaner than "uptown" Long Beach. I felt a bit of a comfortable atmosphere rather than being in an atmosphere which one word can lead you down to your grave. Alondra's Hot Wings was no different, it had a very cozy, comfortable, atmosphere which made are meal feel far longer. The walls were decorated with all that pertained to the Mob from pictures to articles, leaving you with a mild impression of authenticity.

We were told that this place was the creators of spicy hot wings and those rumors did not disappoint. Anthony, Meat, and I decided to take the 2nd to the spiciest while Bj went for the Atomic, meaning he had to sign the "waiver", Oli had Honey BBQ and Mike had a delicious pizza which we all shared. As soon as the wings came out you could smell the spicy's that were put on, it was as if Satan himself had ejaculated onto a chicken that he himself had forged. As soon as we dug into those wings, we were put into a state of agony. Tears began to drop my eyes after the 3rd one and Bj's tears were flaring out, or how the manager had described it, "jumped out". It was hysterical yet painful. Anthony was the only one who finished the Suicide, and Bj only went through 2, the latter still having meat. After going through the blazing wings, we decided to cool our tongues off with Deep fried twinkies which did not dissapoint.

Once we left Long Beach, we made our way back to home and stopped by at Oli's house. From here, Bj, Ant, Oli, and Meat rubbed Bengay on their balls and the results should be obvious. The reactions were priceless and thankfully, we were able to record it, so expect them up on Anything You Synthesize, the link can be taken from my page.

Vegetarianism

After doing my little trial, I am unable to live. For the past 5 days, 2 of 3 meals consumed were made without meat and the result is, I lost 6 pounds, from 130 to 124, and I barely made that 124. I ate Veggie burgers, Veggie Nuggets, Soy products, Yeast, and took vitamins to aid me in this trial, it seems that those were meaningless. When I am able to provide myself with more enriched items and don't take part in any form of working out, I will take part in this, but for now, I will remain carnivorous and barbaric!

Piled!

As a voracious consumer and an adherent of Black Metal it seems that the negative effects of online shopping has caught up to me. I purchased 3 cds (another one being free) 2 months ago and being that it was from China, the shipping has taken forever, thus resulting in receiving them later. In addition, I order 2 other cds, so in total I have 5 cds to listen to, each being quite lengthy, which I ordered 2 days ago. Fucking online shopping and delayed shipping equals delayed digesting. So far, I am content with 2 of the 5 cds, what I am really looking forward to is the Post-Black Metal projcet, Liam, hopefully that goes well. My collection grows at speeds I am unable to compete with.

On a bit of a darker note, I walked right next to Montgomery Ward (weird) and I think I may have come to the conclusion why that place has not been torn down. Rumors were circulating saying that Montgomery Ward was haunted resulting in the building still standing despite the very certain proposals from various stores. I am tempted to just find an opening and walk in there, it radiates with oddities perhaps explaining the odd chill that crept over me when staring at it and it seems that wind stirs from the inside out. Perhaps, Friday I will pay a visit to what once was living and stare into the vacant windows and hope to see the eyes of the faceless. My curiosity of what lies beyond will be the doom of me, I am certain.

DSO

The thing that I really hate about buying multiple items is the time it takes to digest them all. At times I don't even realize how great an album is till 10 months down the road. Anyways, here is an album that has taken my opinion of this band to another level.

Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum
(By divine law, go, you cursed, into the eternal fire!)

Deathspell Omega has left an impression since their last album. With such intellectual lyrics revolving around romantic, existentialist, and occult literature, they definitely do widen the Black Metal spectrum. Interestingly enough, they use biblical references in order to get their point across resulting in another ironic statement being revealed.

Deathspell Omega play a progressive, melodic, yet chaotic form of Black Metal, similar to that which was expressed in Si Monumentum... This is definitely a cacophonous affair of ferocious vocals, technical, chaotic drumming, razor sharp riffs, and the occasional prayer-like intermission. Although, the drumming can become a bit to chaotic leaving yourself confused, for the most part it is extraordinary. The drummer, who may be real or artificial (not much is known about this band's lineup), fuses together fast, precise riffs with groovy drum beats to unholy tremolo picking with inhuman blast beats. In order to become fully captivated by their music, the intermissions MUST be listened to, these are what sets the dynamics and tempo of the album, sadly, prayers are not used as much, instead, ambiance sound effects are dominant. Although they can still be enjoyed without them, you would just feel like you are missing a huge chunk.

Intellectual lyrics synthesized with guttural yet raspy vocals and hellish soundscapes is something that can't be easily ignored. This is blasphemic Black metal at it's finest, DSO have delved deep in the world of literature and have emerged with the twisted words of the Disciples to the darkest depths of a human's mind. I rate this album a 9/10.

One Final Action

Since I decided to stay up and work a bit on my homework tonight, I finished most of it and decided to begin on a few of the reviews.

I'm In A Coffin - One Final Action

I.I.A.C. is comprised of two humans, although the vocals make this duo seem to be from the darkest depths of the Void. Sad-ist and Adorable (the reason for the name is unknown) play a dissonant form of DSBM. Their style definitely branches out from the now, over done DSBM sound, simple drumming, tremolo picking, and high pitched screams.

Musically speaking, there are only three songs that really stand out those being Chapter V, Vein Deep in Solution, and Wrist Deep in Depression. Everything else seems to drag on a bit and is only added as filler material. After listening to the album a couple of times, I began to like the other songs, sadly, not that many people are as patient as I am. The drums are fairly simple, nothing over done and nothing technical like what is heard on Austere's albums. The guitars are played in an unheard of manner. They seem to be tremolo picked yet chugged at the same time, perhaps it is the effects that make it sound odd but no matter what it still has capabilities of boring the listener. If I am hearing correctly, bass is used to the fullest (particularly the last two strings), which is nowadays, unheard of. Suprisingly, that is what sets the actual mood of the album. The song writing of this album doesn't seem very much intact. The mood and the tempo is achieved, other than the 3 songs mentioned above, the song writing needs some polishing up on.

Despite the music, the vocals definitely do keep you interested, and thats what makes up for the lack of innovation in music. At times, it just becomes a dual between the guitars and the vocalists, placing far more emphasis on the vocals more than anything else. The vocals are a major point of the album, they are nothing I have ever heard before, harsh, unsettling, tormented, and negative. The only person that comes to mind that is better is Kim Carlsson, which I doubt will ever be beat, and he is the only I know of that has a shriek that screams depression.

Overall, I will rate this album a 6/10 due to the fact that the vocals are unique and literally sends chills down my back. This band has LOTS of potential, I will just have to wait to see their skill fully exercised.

Sandwiches, Amoeba, and UCLA

The trip that Bj and myself had been postponing for various reasons finally went underway. Our first destination among the list of food places and our nascent state of becoming food connoisseurs was Phillipes.

This place was to be said to be a great french dip place, I decided to go further on the edge and try something they were not known for, I came out satisfied. I purchased the Chili and to complement the taste, it was accompanied by vanilla ice cream and a nine cent cup of coffee, no matter how shitty, you can't beat the price. Bj and Oli decided to stick with what was known and purchased sandwiches, a baked apple, and the very affordable lemonade.

After our indulgence of food, we made our way to the Elliot Smith wall and of course, it is LA and today's oddity was the bike gang of Santas. It was an interesting sight, Oli said they were a bike gang and I thought they were fags, either way, interesting indeed. We got to the Elliot Smith wall and Bj paid his respects, Oli and I didn't have an intention to pay our respects, and all I knew of him was he was a writer of some sort.

Next stop was Amoeba, and of course, that is hell for me. I have the intention of going in and buying a few albums and come out buying a few more, to my amazement, I came out with nothing but another list to be created in terms of albums to get, now that I have eBay everything will be in my hands. We then made our way to Supreme and we were amazed at seeing such a large amount of cop cars heading in one direction. As we made a turn onto Fairfax we witnessed a neighborhood being blocked off, a shooting or something of large magnitude had to have gone down. Anyways, we got to Supreme and Oli managed to come up on some rare red Vans, I have no interest in shoes, so I can't further the detail of such an item, all I know is that Oli was delighted to have them in his hands, a well deserved birthday gift for himself I would assume.

UCLA was our final stop before going back to Orange County and we visited Jonaheim and Tim in their dorm rooms to provide them with a short relief from studying. It seems they are under large amounts of pressure for finals, luckily, I attend a half assed community college and don't have to worry about anything, my luck to you guys. UCLA seems to be such a spirited school, I never understood that, possibly their inspiration comes from being well treated with a massive campus. UCSD cannot contend with such beauty, UCSD is crap compared to this.

Our night ended with Korpiklaani being played in the car and another Famima!! run. It seems that the amazement of Leninade and the marble bottle will never cease to amaze us, that store has become a phenomenon that has swept the easily amused minds of ours.

ACHTUNG!
I have received Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre, a book of existentialist philosophy, along with other cds. It seems that the reviews will definitely be slowed down. In addition to the processing of the various art forms I have gathered, I will have to catch up on some put off work for 2 of my classes, I expect to have at least 2/3 of it done tomorrow, if not, don't expect to see me for quite some time.

AVRS

Even the great lords of Black Metal can't deny a drink from loyal fans. Damn, I would have saved that cup. I thought they didn't drink since at the Black Castle they were drinking Powerade, but it seemed during the tour with Gorgoroth, Wrath had some wine and obviously, Sanguine some beer.

I think I have come to the conclusion that the reason for my subsequent headaches is the fact that my hair weighs so much in alliance with the rushing back and forth of work. Yesterday and today, I went to work feeling great, but as soon as work began, my headache slowly crept. I believe it is time to tie my hair back when I am working once more. If that was the case, I think I should still cut back on my drinking for health reasons and continue further research to be sure.

In addition to everything, I have just received my I'm In A Coffin debut album with a button (interesting and added on to my jacket) and a sticker, expect a review soon, it is definitely something unique.

Gråtoner

Kim Carlsson, the master mind behind Hypothermia and vocalist of Lifelover along with a few other projects, is, to my amazement, underrated. He seems to be overlooked greatly and is only recognized for his works in Lifelover when in fact the emotion put forth in Hypothermia definitely overlooks Lifelover. Kim Carlsson's shrills send chills down my back, his music is DSBM at it's finest, setting tones throughout. The dissonant vocals blended with clean and distorted guitars overlapping simple, slow to mid-paced drumming brings up a melancholic feeling. You can't help resisting the sheer depression that blares through your speakers. This isn't your myspace "depression", this isn't Emo "depression", this is complete hate towards oneself, complete hate towards all that exists, this is self inflicted harm due to the fact that only you can be blamed. It would be wrong to promote suicide when I will never choose this path, but let this be heard when you have come to realize that you are to blame for all harm done to you.

Shoegaze

I finally received two more Shoegaze albums in my collection and I am satisfied with both of them. They both are different from each other in various ways, Panda Riot falls under the My Bloody Valentine sound, while Amusement Parks on Fire have less of a static feel. A review will be put up after further digestion, but I doubt I will have time to do two reviews especially when nothing was out of the ordinary. With music aside, I finally got my debit card and bought a couple new items for myself through online shopping. A couple cds, a shirt, and a book, finally my brain will be stimulated by something other than Pornography.

The end of the week is actually coming fairly quickly and I am looking forward to LA this weekend. I am excited to feast on things I have never tried before, particularly a Veggie Burger, for experimentation I want to change my diet for awhile. By change of diet, I will be cutting down my drinking and by cutting down, I mean not drink till New Years. Lately, I have been suffering frequent headaches and it all began from the last time I had drank. I am trying to figure out the cause of it before I get it checked out by a doctor.