Hectic

Gather 'round swine. Black Friday is a day in which everybody flocks towards the doors of many businesses in order to catch up with modern technology. Prices are dropped down by the store, putting up their profits in order to gain profit in the long run. Another day for worthless scum to drop their guards and act like savages that they truly are. Pushing, shoving, screaming, running, running that is little done elsewhere. The lack of sleep in order to save that extra 20%. I hate this day, nobody gives a fuck, nobody cares about anyone. In a shitty economy, I would think that leaving the TV behind is worth putting food on your table, especially those that have kids.

Opposer! Opposer! Will be the new vessel of everything relevant towards music, from various music videos to reviews, reviews that will be more in depth and such. I plan on making this a hobby and who knows, a job? I doubt it, but as time goes by, we will see what will happen. Perhaps Interviews will be put into order. Or even. . . booking? hahah, i can only wish.

Spacious

I can say, I love Marissa Nadler. Her looks aren't consistent but her music is. Song III is amazing and I just purchased Little Hells and I am very impatient when it comes to great music, so I downloaded the album to ease the wait. The soothing acoustics layered under the ghostly voice is a recipe for elegance. The vocal effects seems to carry on through live performance extending a small room to becoming a vast cave. It's unfortunate that I missed her live performance right before I came across Mexican Summer, but oh well, let's hope for a next time. And I am really really hoping.

I am still sick, tomorrow is Black Friday, I work early. . . fuck

Christraping

Marduk has been known for their bombastic black metal approach as of late. Armed with an MG42 as a machine gun, a rabid wolf as a vocalist, chainsaw guitars, and distant air strikes for a bass, one cannot deny their potency. Moving from a darker approach with their earlier material and having Panzer Division Marduk being the first of many aggro releases, it's horrible and definitely took some time to perfect (more like, took some time to realize the formula was horrible, better off abandoned).

Panzer Division Marduk follows a simple pattern, drums never stop, guitars are consistently tremolo picked, and the bass is thrown in the back, with Legion's cliche vocals. Their earlier material is the pinnacle of Marduk while the newer material is a nice blend between traditional black metal and orthodox black metal. Panzer Division Marduk contains nothing refreshing or even Marduk, it becomes a typical black metal band out there trying to be the next big thing while not passing that line of War Metal.

I hate this album, the only reason why I purchased it was for the theme and to simply work on my Marduk discography. You are better off with Those of the Unlight or Rom 5:12 which remain high on the list of Marduk's greatest albums. Christ was definitely raped, his ass seemed to be the desired target but the ears are what suffered.

4/10

Very boring, simple formula, humorous lyrics

Mastodon

After watching Mastodon's live performance and humming Oblivion a number of times, I gave in and purchased Crack The Skye.

Crack the Skye is near a great album but considering how much progressive-ness there is, it becomes an OK album. Listening to other songs I often wonder how could I have not liked them but compared to Crack the Skye, how could I really like this. Oblivion contains music, with vocal melodies that remain memorable, heavy chugging, while Ghost of Karella lacks a number of those qualities. Ghost of Karella and Divinations indulge in "how many riffs can I play in this amount of time", I normally don't care for conventional song structures but this is where I do, especially when Oblivion is amazing. Last Baron is this album's last song and this albums last sign of hope. The song is great with minimal neck fucking moments.

The production for the album is what you would expect it to be. Expensive, thousands of dollars and hour. Considering how intricate their music is, it demands no less. But Fuck, get the fuck out of that progressive state.

6.5/10

A real shame.

Regions

I never thought about it but certain bands are stuck to certain regions. Even if I have never listened to their music in that specific region, they manage to evoke a sense of nostalgia to when I was there. Velvet Cacoon for example serves as the mnemonic device for Oliver, Bj, and my enjoyment of watching seals moan and groan in a cold setting. If it were raining, I don't think that could have been topped. Marissa Nadler seems to create a sense of happiness by just being in the city of San Francisco. As the cold breeze welcomes you and I light my first cigarette in the city, it definitely feels appropriate. Crystal Castles on the other hand creates a sad tone. With our departure from Vegas on New Years Day, the song just blares through the speakers as the sun sets behind us and the desert fatigue seeps through our skin. As you see everyone fall asleep on the way back, the city of life becomes further and further away, it can be unsettling. Travelling is something I wish I can partake in more often.

I am sure there are more.

Marduk

Marduk is to engulf Los Angeles in flames and blood yet the bands and individuals promoting these shows still have plenty of tickets. Considering their failed attempts to breach the walls of American Law, I would expect the preparation and excitement for this show would escalate to far greater heights. Everybody was looking forward to that show but being disappointed, seems to keep them there. Each band seems to still have plenty of tickets for the show and they have had those tickets since October. Let's hope that this won't be another Kult Ov Azazel, in which the show was well promoted but nobody seems to have any sort of interest in supporting local and HUGE acts. For fuck's sake, it's Marduk, the most blasphemous band of Europe. And with Mortuus as the current vocalist, how can you deny such extravagance.

Converge

Assuming a number of delays and traffic, Mike and I decided to leave at 4:30 PM, fortunately that was barely enough to watch Converge. Throughout the whole way we were blocked by traffic disabling us from getting there any quicker.

The Palladium is a massive venue, much like a ballroom, imagine the Galaxy 4x bigger. With superb sound and a large floor, it should have been certain that things were going to be damaged. We missed High On Fire and made it for Converge who put on an amazing show. Although the pit wasn't as consistent or brutal as what I have been told, Jacob Bannon knows how to get the crowd growing. Running around the stage, licking his fingers, throwing nazi salutes (at least what seemed to be salutes), spirit fingers, and throwing the mic around got the crowd antsy. Although they didn't play Heaven In Her Arms, the set was great, a tad bit short, but they are definitely worth watching.

Mastodon was next. Although I am not a big fan or even a fan at all, Mastodon definitely play a tight set. Every instrument was fairly distinct on cue, vocals were a bit sloppy, but the back up images made up for them. The music interlocked with the images quite nicely making Mastodon's set a transcendent one.

Dethkock was next and fuck, the crowd they drew was a random one. People young and old, metalheads, punks, greasers, you name it they got. It's interesting how Dethkok didn't want to be upstaged so everything was far louder than the previous bands. With ripping solos, undecipherable lyrics, a heavy sound, one cannot help headbanging, unfortunately, they have to turn all the goodness they have into a joke, leaving people laughing at cheesy jokes. I hate the cartoon, if they were to perhaps create a serious name for themselves maybe I will support them.

Anxious

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=423265724&blogId=518771141

That blog entry by Non of Lifelover bares great news. The union between Audrey, Kim, and Non is something that is unimaginable. Kim Carlsson is perhaps of the most respected people in my books and the sheer impact he has had on my life is ineffable. Audrey Sylvain was the first and last singer of the now defunct Amesoeurs. Her out of tune voice and rabid untrained screeches and screams give her a nice edge to the female vocals cliche. As for Non, fairly new at least to my ears, he gave Lifelover an organic sound by embodying the poppy signature sound of Lifelover with the dynamics provided by his drumming. Many people criticize it for being too "metal" but I am loving it, a fine string to balance on.

Anyways, tonight I will be witnessing Converge's live ritual. I am definitely looking forward to the chaos which may ensue. I have heard mix reviews in regards to the pits and such, but I don't plan in taking part in any of them, just standing in the front slowly breaking my neck. As for the other bands, expect me in the back or somewhere else to enjoy the show.

A personality indeed

Nineteen (close enough)

I.

The carnal and spiritual should be exalted in allegiance to one another. The rejection of the carnal shall strengthen the spiritual while the spiritual's embrace of knowledge should influence the enjoyment of the carnal. Reliance on an otherworldly being is the pinnacle of human weakness.

II.

Abuse is something I am not fond of. On many levels it irritates me, while on a few I promote them. Self Mutilation is a form of self-abuse, you are haunted by failure. Drug abuse is horrid, while drug use is encouraged.

III.

Absolute individualism is unattainable, near non-existence. We are thieves, we are human. Accept that you are not yourself. Abandon trends and do what you believe is right, yet remember that what you wear, what you eat, what you do, listen to, is influenced by another party.

IV.

As of late, few words are spoken to certain individuals. My words are best conveyed through writing, my thoughts are clear, coherent, and cohesive. I am known to be straight forward, accept it, it's not going to change. I give criticism and I expect to receive it. The world isn't happy.

V.

I am almost responsible. I pay for everything myself aside from the house I live under. Food is bought with my money, clothes, my money, extracurricular activities, my money.

VI.

My palette isn't as defined, neither is yours. Self-righteous criticisms are unwelcome, we all have different tastes.

VII.

I am short tempered and easily angered. An insult to Black Metal from a person with little understanding of the art is deemed unworthy. Fuck off. I grow tired of mindless insults with little valid information to back it up.

VIII.

Large social gatherings are not for me.

IX.

Literature should be read much more. Plays and theatre art should be viewed frequently. Too little art exists in this world, too little.

X.

Young but the hardships of life have managed to take it's toll. I am miserable at times, I am happy at times.

XI.

I smoke, I enjoy it. Don't like it, oh well.

XII.

Age is irrelevant in today's time. Teenagers resort back to old customs in attempt for something nostalgic. New age hippies roam the streets while swine flock towards the hipness of the actual event rather than the message behind it. In general, grow up.

XIII.

The rivers are wide, swim.

XIV.

The goal is obscure, life is not. I have spent too long on this fork, and plan on staying there even longer.

XV.

Spontaneity is in, plans, for the most part are out.

XVI.

I am a hypocrite

XVII.

I am a liar

XVIII.

I am corrupted.

XIX.

We are Human.

Change

I attended the Qualia/Russian Circles show dressed quite differently. Instead of wearing the traditional band shirt and boots, I dressed a bit better. I sported a dress shirt and boots. Why?

I am tired of having Black Metal seen as a form of MUSIC and having a stigma of low life uneducated stoners whose only intention in life is to fuck and get drunk. I hate how the majority of the scene consists of a number of ignorant and stupid individuals. Black Metal is ART, the numerous ideologies embedded in the lyrics are vast and extensive, the atmosphere evokes a number of emotions, and those behind it perform and construct this art with the knowledge of knowing that this will not make their living. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that. This is a form of art that has changed my life and I am not going to let some hip faggot take it away just because he considers it cool, fuck that shit. Death metal has already begun the early stages of dying, Dethklok is seen as a serious band despite the obvious jokes. Dragonforce has made a name for power metal, play sloppy sweeps, chugging riffs, and have high pitched vocals to carry on the melody of the song. The majority of these retro thrash bands are gaining publicity(which isn't a bad thing), yet when quizzed about pioneering bands that they have stole riffs from they are absent minded.

In the future months, prepare for a change. Black Metal is ART, not music. Black Metal is Life, not entertainment. Black Metal is not for neon sporting scum bags.

Cut Your Flesh And Worship Satan

Mushrooms

My experience was amazing. I wouldn't go into full detail considering the many differences that my trip was to those of others. Certain things happen to different people, in a way, whatever you think kind of happens. I don't want to influence your trip. Indulge responsibly.

I bought a pack of cigarettes.

Terrestrial

Under shrooms, Velvet Cacoon's ambient tracks triggers the effects. Something that possesses nothing but tones with little to no variation creates something that can only be experienced through hallucinogens.



I witnessed the creation of a digital sea



Unfortunately, I must set foot on this Earth with what seemed to be infinite knowledge locked away.

Transcendence

Tomorrow I will disembark on a journey to the astral plane. I will depart from the telluric realm in an attempt to figure out what normal life has not revealed to me. Through the consumption of "The Flesh of the Gods" I will be released from my vessel. I have taken necessary measures such as not smoking and taking bike rides in preparation for this momentous event. If I feel nothing then it will be the weakness of the consumed items not the natural rejection of first time use (which is rare). This will be taken under the supervision of at least one person and if a companion were to take it with me, it would have to be one that I am very comfortable with and have shared many experiences together. The atmosphere must be right, overcrowding will cause a bad trip, possibly scarring me for life. I am taking this event seriously.

After today, Day 5

Behold!

Behold, what was Draconian Twilight! Unfortunately, due to a number of unforeseen events influencing my lack of dedication to have this project push forward, this is what we had recorded. My input is absent in these videos, but I assure you, I did influence of few of these riffs that James managed to manifest. This perhaps would have been some devastating black metal when complete, but life doesn't go your way whenever you like it. I am sure James will continue the project with people who are able to dedicate to Draconian Twilight.

After today, Day 4

Closing

After 2 extensive years of providing the whole L.A. metal scene with great shows from bands spanning the world, the Black Castle will close it's gates for good on January 16th, 2010. I honestly don't blame the guy seeing how a number of his shows that should have gathered in hundreds of people ironically bring it a small amount. Averse Sefira, reigning from Texas, managed to only bring in fifty people while Kult ov Azazel, arriving from Florida, only gathered 25 people. These bands are big and the cost to support their trip over here is not cheap at all. I often wonder how can bands of quality gather such a small amount of bands while Horna, a band that technically only has 10 good songs/1 album, manages to pack the venue.

The whole scene has taken this venue for granted. They all believed that this place would stay open forever considering how many people are unaware how booking shows go. Sure, the venue had shitty bathrooms due to the excessive damages done by thrashers but it seems like that was actually a few reasons that stopped people from going. I never knew that people go to shows to examine the bathrooms.

The Black Castle was practically a home, drinking was easily accessible, music in between sets were actually metal 99.9% of the time, bands had a proper setting, and the sound beat plenty of those high class venues that corrupt the L.A. music scene as a whole. It's a pity that many people would rather go to backyard shows and bondage events instead of attending a deserving band.

Haven't smoked for 1 Day

Counter

I have become curious about how many people actually read my blog now. In fact, I have been considering a change in a number of things. I plan on quitting smoking completely, which I believe is very possible since I have been able to cut back a large number lately, Hookah is still an exception. This process will begin as soon as I finish my pack. While we are on the subject of quitting, I am planning on cutting back on Monsters. I love them dearly, but fuck, I can feel my dependence or perhaps destructive nature of the drink. Maybe one or two when I go out, but on a daily basis will cease. I am actually considering downloading music, hours are so hard to come by that bands outside of the metal boundaries that release something that actually appeals to me are not worth my money. They make plenty of money as is through the many other devoted fans,large and lengthy tours, and merch. Of course, there are exceptions, such as Siouxie and the Banshees, Silversun Pickups, etc etc.

Anyways, back to what I set out to do with this post. Since a number of my friends are those that read my blog, a lot of them have actually stopped blogging, this will put my numbers to the test. I am expecting a number no more than 5 a day but who knows, maybe I am providing a number of other people with a shitty read or two.

Now I feel guilty with even considering downloading music. . . fuck that shit! NO downloading, I am sticking to my guns.

Empty

This past weekend I have gotten very little sleep. Friday night was the Riverside party which gave me a few laughs, I didn't drink very much since I was DD. Last night was the Kult ov Azazel and Tenebrous show. The opening bands were alright, nothing too great or interesting, or even worth mentioning, but the last two were amazing. The small attendance was a disappointment but it didn't change the performance, they gave the small crowd all that they could.

Despite some mishaps on behalf of Xaphan, session for Tenebrous, the sound was still great. VJS pounded on the drums and shattered cymbals and sticks while the snare was suffering from a consistent blast. Armanen's vocals were clear, raspy and scathing, almost reptilian. I couldn't resist headbanging throughout all my favorite songs which were played.

Kult ov Azazel cut plenty of their songs off their list but the songs were played with precision. One thing that isn't heard very often is that bands that release numerous albums tend to not cover a number of them. Kult ov Azazel covered their whole discography, songs ranged from Triumph of Fire to Destroying the Sacred. Dual vocals evoked a haunting atmosphere, layered with fast, technical drumming made their set one to not be missed.

And of course, while at the Black Castle, I tried a new beer, Samuel Adams Octoberfest. It was quite delicious, a nice thick flavor, smooth finish, a perfect amount of foam that stayed for quite some time. Upon first sip, you are welcomed with sweets and departed with a nice bitterness. It definitely ranks high among dark beers, blows New Castle (which I see to be overrated now) out of the water.

I made some new friends as well!