Speed Merchants: A Thrash Fanzine Vol. I

For a twenty-four page thrash fanzine found underneath my front passenger side tire, there is a certain sentimentality to Speed Merchants volume I. Sadly the sentimentality of finding something in a completely illogical place doesn't negate the fact that this fanzine is not very in-depth, has about seventeen minutes of interesting reading and just doesn't really delve into the emerging thrash scene all that well. It's a given that Bonded By Blood, Gama Bomb, Toxic Holocaust and Evile would be included and not at all that exciting to see Municipal Waste and Merciless Death listed also. Some bands are in fact appreciated such as Dekapitator and Decadence, mainly for the fact that they are not all that well known but I'm still not won over.

The zine is written by Terrorizer journalist Ian Webster. I'm not intimately familiar with Terrorizer, probably the most trend-obsessed hard rock magazine to exist, and I'm not familiar with Mr. Webster's writing but if this little magazine is anything to go by, he is more concerned with promoting the concept of "New Wave Of Thrash Metal" than promoting really good bands. Maybe it's just me but I've listened to Evile, Municipal Waste, Fueled By Fire etc. and "generic" is a more appropriate genre tag than "thrash" for these bands. Some people like generic though. This magazine just doesn't seem to expose anything other than what someone would discover trolling the internet threads for twenty minutes. It's got a cool layout, old school vibe - other than the bands - and is a REALLY quick read... it's just so surface. It does have four pages of demo reviews also but sixteen, one page interviews with no more than five questions each doesn't allow much room for a whole lot of banter. I think the best thing about the zine is that it might be named after a Razor track...

Ancient Obliteration - Destruction From The Past

I don't know what the hell "street metal" is or is supposed to sound like but I DO know it has taken me one hell of a long time to decide how I feel about self proclaimed street-metallers Ancient Obliteration and their EP Destruction From The Past. In some respects it's a really interesting listen and in other places I can't find enough ceiling tiles to count. Yet in other places, I am left scratching my head till there are red streaks across my forehead where my index finger has left a permanent gaping wound. Destruction From The Past was released practically a year ago and contains five songs interluded with ambient sections and eerie moody atmospheres. Three of those songs are older and two are newer songs written and recorded with the current line-up of Geoff Olson (Vocals), Leslie Hurteau (Bass, Vocals), Jacob Absolon (Guitar) and Marcell Fraser (Drums).

What I think I find so confusing about this release is how Ancient Obliteration make it seem so vital to keep the ambient moody sections out of the real tracks and instead as just introductions to all the tracks. Not following? Haven't heard the disc? Of the five songs on display, each track is separated by an ambient introduction / filler track. A prime example of this would also be this year's 1349 album, Demonior, where 1349 have done the exact same thing. While Ancient Obliteration have make a conscious effort to remove all atmosphere from the tracks, 1349 have carried the moods into and across their songs. I side with the later in this case though if Ancient Obliteration did use some of that ambiance in their songs, the layering would create a strange effect of thrashy uneasiness. It would at least elevate the generally mediocre riffs into a territory that hasn't been explored much in thrash. I don't think the result would be unlike a very amateur Mithras.

Ancient Obliteration tackle subjects such as monsters, strange phenomenon and occasionally feel tempted to toss in some occult imagery. Basically a strange Japanese styled monster flick written by H.P. Lovecraft and backed by a thrash soundtrack. What I like about the way that Ancient Obliteration approach these subjects, which could easily sound tired and childish, is that they simply don't. There is enough care taken to prevent their themes from sounding like a gimmick and anyone who knows me also knows I don't find gimmick bands in the least bit enjoyable. Case and point - Ancient Obliteration sound way less forced and tired than at least a dozen nameable newer thrash bands talking about zombies and beer - coughGamaBombcough - or any band writing songs about red-bearded one legged pirates raping your mom and pillaging your meager and pathetic record collection on a mission to destroy all your other pirate themed metal.

With opening track "Tokyo Tower" paving the way with some subtle far-eastern influences (particularly in some of the percussion), the songs start of rather strong though "Of Wisdom and Madness" contains a main riff akin to watching a very chaotic washing machine and dryer doing battle. Leslie Hurteau's bass is also quite loudly mixed... everywhere... and overpowers other instruments. Cool Leads near the ending of the song make up for dueling appliances but only slightly. "Portal Beast" comes next and is almost my favorite song but it is performed a little too sloppily and just doesn't seem to flow as well as "Tokyo Tower" or my favorite track "Shogun." At times the vocals in this song seem like a total afterthought. Speaking of afterthoughts..."Defiler" is so forgettable that I almost forgot to even mention it though a pretty sick bass solo rounds out the track.

But "Shogun" makes this demo worth hearing. It has great intensity, urgency and most importantly, great riffs that make the other songs seem trite. The guitar solo is awesome. The track simply ends the release on a high-note. My only complaint comes with mixing. Leslie is once more a bit too loud for my tastes - heresy being a bassist myself I know - but at other times, the mixing is really good so, I don't know... The last forty or so seconds are my favorite moments of the whole release and are the closest Ancient Obliteration come to creating atmosphere within the songs themselves. While this song is really good, it also is so far superior in quality to other tracks that I wonder why some of the older songs would even be considered. Being a newer song, I would have loved to see more newer material on the disc (I'm willing to look past "Defiler" in a hope that other songs would be as good as "Shogun.") This all said, I'm not convinced the "street metal" tag will catch on or even makes sense at all, but I like the music these guys are conjuring and with some more time to ferment and more attention to details I'm pretty sure Ancient Obliteration will raise a few eyebrows.

Dio - Obituary

R.I.P

Playlist - 06/09/10

Something like this:

01. Enforcer - Diamonds - Diamonds
02. Enforcer - Diamonds - Live For The Night
03. Enforcer - Diamonds - Midnight Vice
04. Primititve Graven Image - Traversing The Awesome Night - Design
05. Neftaraka - Raw Ist Law - The Knoll
06. Dio - Dream Evil - Night People
07. Dio - Dream Evil - All The Fools Sailed Away
08. Savage Death - Deadly Playground - Social D
09. Coroner - Punishment For Decadence - Skeleton On Your Shoulder
10. Coroner - Punishment For Decadence - Masked Jackal
11. Metal Inquisitor - Doomsday For The Heretic - Thane Of Cowder
12. Annihilator - Alice In Hell - Wicked Mystic
13. Razor - Evil Invaders - Iron Hammer *
14. Mystifier - Goetia - An Elizabethan Devil Worshipper's Spellbook *
15. Neglektum - Beyond The Frozen Mist - Beyond The Frozen Mist **
16. Faith Or Fear - Punishment Area - The Shadow Knows
17. Manowar - Defender EP - Gloves Of Metal
18. Overkill - Taking Over - ElectroViolence
18. Whiplash - Power And Pain - Spit On Your Grave
19. Eliminator - Breaking The Wheel - World Obliteration
20. Valkija - Avengers Of Steel - Son Of Thunder
21. Briton Rites - For Mircalla - The Right Hand Of Doom
22. Zeke - Devil's Island - Kill The King***
23. Znowhite - Act Of God - War Machine
24. Wolf - The Black Flame - Steelwinged Savage Reaper
25. War Master - Thrones Of Tyanny 7" - Undead War Machine
26. Watain - Sworn To The Black - Underneath The Cenotaph
27. Watchtower - Energetic Disassembly - Meltdown
28. Nyctophobia - Beyond The Pillars - War
29. Bolt Thrower - In Battle There Is No Law - Forgotten Existence
30. Dictator - Dysangelist - Sanctus

Requests:
* Tony - Paterson (Thanks for listening and great requests!)
** Mahvtoole
*** I am never listening to you again Lumberjack

Decaying Citadel - Split Update

Check out the Decaying Citadel myspace page to hear a pretty terribly compressed Bathory cover which will appear on the upcoming split.

News - Rhythm Pit - The Matter of Opinion

A few this to mention. This week, my radio show may not happen due to some issues with our antenna. If the case, my Dio - tribute show will be postponed until next Wednesday.

Also, Decaying Citadel's side of the Autumn Reflections / Decaying Citadel split is finished. I think it sounds like the slab of doom it was meant to sound like. Three songs including a cover of Bathory's Satan My Master and a re-recording of Dread Saviour Arise, Decaying Citadel's split will be sure to make fans of anything doom glaze over.

Also, Ancient Obliteration - Destruction From The Past review should be posted in the next few days some where. It's coming, just a really difficult review to write.

ALSO, I need help. I can not find any information on this demo tape. I am looking for a release date:

Playlist 05/19/10

01. Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell - Heaven And Hell

Tune in next week, for a three hour dedication show to the legend who is Dio.

02. Sammy Hagar - Heavy Metal: The Motion Picture Soundtrack - Heavy Metal
03. Exciter - Heavy Metal Maniac - Iron Dogs
04. Possessed - Beyond The Gates - Phantasm
05. Blind Guardian - Batallions Of Fear - Run For The Night
06. Gorguts - Considered Dead - Stiff and Cold
07. Gorguts - Considered Dead - Bodily Corrupted
08. Death - Human - Together As One
09. Darkthrone - Soulside Journey - Neptune Towers
10. Asphyx - The Rack - The Rack
11. Immortal - Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism - Crytpic Winterstorms
12. Cathedral - Soul Sacrifice - Frozen Rapture
13. Eyehategod - Take As Needed For Pain - Blank
14. Metal Inquisitor - Doomsday For The Heretic - Midnight Rider
15. Icarus Witch - Capture The Magic - Capture The Magic
16. Demons And Wizards - Touched By The Crimson King - Beneath These Waves
17. Primordial - Journey's End - Cast To The Pyre
18. Primordial - To The Nameless Dead - Traitors Gate
19. Dark Fortress - Eidolon - Analepsy
20. Haethen - Wanderer - The Light Bereaved
21. Iron Man - I Have Returned - Fallen Angel
22. Maegashira - Maegashira / Sowbelly / OSSM - The Man Who Named God
23. Valkija - Avengers Of Steel - Hatchet Blade
24. Valkija - Avengers Of Steel - Son Of Thunder
25. Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons - Brann Inte Slottet
26. Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel - Minotaur's Labyrinth
27. Desolate One - Desecrate The Night - Desecrate The Night
28. 1349 - Demonoir - Atomic Chapel
29. Infinitum Obscure - Destruction Of The Heavenly Realm Vol. XI - Messenger Of Chaos, I

LP / MC: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 21, 25, 26
2010: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel

A demo that is not trying to be anything modern or trendy? If you seek one, Axe Battler have a demo for you! They have created a demo which sets itself from the pack in its honest-to-the-roots metal approach. But does this translate into quality? Axe Battler show that for them, the old school sound of the early 1980's heavy metal has never subsided and NWOBHM is still alive in their hearts. In general, there's not much to complain about but also, not a whole lot to talk about. Axe Battler's "The Wrath Of My Steel" has good riffs, a great vibe and is an easy listen to anyone who grew up on Iron Maiden or 70's Judas Priest and is seeking obscure heavy metal. The fact that is is a tape demo, for me at least, makes it even more endearing. A lack of traditional metal bands release on the format and to get my greedy hands on a demo tape like this, with it's black and white cover, and plastic case which continually falls apart and has to be put back together, takes me to a time when I existed only in the foresight of the great Greek gods. If you want to feel what it felt like to grow up in 1982, then grab a copy of this demo, preferably by post. It's like being an adolescent and having to go down the block and get dubbed copies from the weird guy down the block with a strange obsession with Rob Halford's crotch.

Opening track "Killers Of The Night" is as classic sounding as it is benign. Though it's sure to put a smile the face of anyone who like's Iron Maiden's first two albums, past that it's pretty average in quality. Though Axe Battler use few leads throughout the song, the instrumental section of the track is full of dual guitar harmonies and a great solo courtesy of Axe Battler's guitarist Chris. J.P Battler's vocals are charming, emotional and amateur, I would chose him over any of those "top tier" power metal bands that are touted by the metal media. He doubles on bass adequately, mainly following the rhythm guitars. Second track, the title track, "The Wrath Of My Steel," follows the opening song's style closely though is a bit long-winded. It drags like a two-legged dog. Third track, "At The Backstreet" is basically a ballad (remember that 80's vibe?) and is the weakest song for me on this release. The lyrics are the least interesting, about being in love with a hooker or something... and then she has a knife? I honestly don't know and can't figure it out... But the triplets during the fast part lag and are all over the timing map. Still, JP gets my admiration for singing a ballad and he does a dashing job with it."Minotaur's Labyrinth" is my favorite on the release. It's pace is perfect, it's memorable, the lyrics are simple but excellent, recounting the Greek tale of the labyrinth. When JP screams "The minotaur is thirsty for their flesh!" I just nod my head, feel elated and relish in the moment and the passion he has for Axe Battler's music. The lead section is great, dual leads, harmonized riffs once again in the Maiden style. Some notice to kit-kicker Manuel A. He is solid across the whole demo. I like the natural sound to his drums which seem to be free of studio trickery and actually played really well - something many drummers can take a lesson from; you don't need to have triggers to sound good... just play your drums properly! I think it has something to do with bands constantly aiming for exponential extremity, drummers are pushed past what the vast majority of human drummers can play.

The Witch Cross cover is cool. I never heard the original but if it sounds as good as Axe Battler's version, I'd be in my glory. It's amazing how much more there is to discover. Axe Battler however did not escape my vigilance and I'm glad. Axe Battler are a great band, still in formative stages but given time and a chance to grow with their music and their ideas, I see them becoming a great underground metal band. I think a slightly thicker guitar sound would really help Axe Battler. "The Wrath Of My Steel" is a good demo, nothing totally outstanding but still worth listening. I see myself playing "Minotaur's Labyrinth" or maybe "Killers Of The Night" on a bi-weekly basis. This is a great find for anyone looking for current bands playing really classic sounding metal.

Playlist - 05/12/10

01. Cheap Trick - Heavy Metal The Motion Picture Soundtrack - Reach Out
02. The Rods - Heavier Than Thou - Make Me A Believer
03. Manowar - Battle Hymns - Fast Taker
04. Blind Guardian - Battalions Of Fear - Run For The Night
05. Iron Savior - Unification - Forces Of Rage
06. Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel - Minotaur's Labyrinth
07. Crimson Glory - Crimson Glory - Azrael
08. Anthem - Anthem - Warning Action!
09. Annihilator - Alice In Hell - W.T.Y.D
10. Cathedral - Soul Sacrifice - Frozen Rapture
11. Grand Magus - Wolf's Return - Blood Oath
12. Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons - Brann Inte Slottet
13. Venom - Welcome To Hell - Witching Hour
14. Desolate One - Desecrate The Night - Serpent's Blood
15. Immolith - Hymns To The Countess - Slaughter The Legions
16. Haethen - Wanderer - The Light Bereaved
17. Burzum - Det Som Engang Var - En Ring Til Aa Herske
18. Immortal - Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism - Cryptic Winterstorms
19. Dark Fortress - Eidolon - Analepsy
20. Ancient Horns - Profano - Eternal Vengeance

TRILOGY - 1349
21. 1349 - Demonoir - Atomic Chapel
22. 1349 - Hellfire - Sculptor Of Flesh
23. 1349 - Demonoir - Demonoir

24. War Master - Chapel Of The Apocalypse - Chapel of The Apocalypse
25. War Master - Thrones Of Tyranny - Undead Warmachine
26. Asphyx - The Rack - The Rack
27. Deathevokation - Blood Demo - Embers Of A Dying World
28. Defuntos - Florestas De Perpetua Solidao - Do Dundo Da Minha Alma...
29. Armored Saint - Symbol Of Salvation - Reign Of Fire *

MC / LP #'s: 01, 02, 03, 06, 09, 10, 11, 12, 14, 25, 27, 28,
2010 #'s: 06, 12, 14, 21, 23, 25,

* REQUEST - LUMBERJACK!

Playlist 05/05/10

01. The Rods - Heavier Than Thou - Heavier Than Thou

02. The Rods - Heavier Than Thou - Make Me A Believer

03. Manowar - Battle Hymns - Dark Avenger

04. Midnight Priest - Rainha Da Magia Negra - Juzio Final

05. Iron Maiden - Powerslave - Powerslave

06. Faith Or Fear - Punishment Area - The Shadow Knows

07. Blind Guardian - Battalions Of Fear - Wizards Crown

08. Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle Earth - Time Stands Still

09. Ross The Boss - New Metal Leader - I Got The Right

10. Ravage - Freedom Fighter - Grapes Of Wrath

11. Shadowkeep - Corruption Within - Corruption Within

12. Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons - Those Treasures Will Never Befall You

13. The Hookers - Speedwolf / Hookers Split - For The Master

14. Black Sabbath - Vol. 4 - Supernaut

15. Deep Purple - In Rock - Speed King

16. Maegashira - Maegashira / Sowbelly / OSSM Split - The Man Who Named God

17. Candlemass - Candlemass - Seven Silver Keys

18. Dominus Praeli - The First Battle - Waves Of War

19. Thou - Black September / Thou Split - Smoke Pigs

20. Morgion - Solinari - Nightfall Infernal

21. Asphyx - The Rack - The Rack

22. Asphyx - The Rack - Pages In Blood

23. Sapremia - Existence Of Torture - Spawn Of Desolation

24. War Master - Thrones Of Tyranny 7" - Undead Warmachine

25. Immolith - Hymns To The Countess - Slaughter The Legions

26. Burzum - Det Som Engang Var - En Ring Til Aa Herske

27. Haethen - Wanderer - The Light Bereaved

28. Primordial - To The Nameless Dead - Failures Burden

29. Imynvokad - Ad Ordines Descendens - By Blood Does The Beast Arise

MC/LP Rips: 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 18, 23, 24,  29

2010 Releases: 12, 24, 29

Saturday at Champs in Trenton: Haethen, Sapremia, Immolith and Blasphemous. Cool show for those interested. I'll be there in my normal capacity. Feel free to say hello!

Decaying Citadel - Split Update

Today, Myself and Decaying Citadel's Z.S have finished recording the vocals for their upcoming split with Autumn Reflections. All that is left is basic editing and mixing. Three songs of excellent doom.

Haethen On The Vault Tonight

Tonight on The Vault, NJ black metal band Haethen will join me in the caverns of WP887 to discuss their blackened art, their favorite bands, their recent show with Alcest, Woe and Velnias, their upcoming show with Immolith, Sapremia and Blasphemous and a host of other interesting stuff.

Their demo, Wanderer is available via their website: www.haethen.com

Tune in from 9pm-12am EST to listen in on what is sure to be a great interview and a host of great black metal as well.

Tonight's Playlist, small due to Haethen's appearance but, quality of course!

01. Venom - Black Metal - Black Metal
02. Aeternus - Beyond The Wandering Moon - Vind
03. Apolion - Necro Black Elitist Split - Primordial Hunger
04. Fornication - Stab - Evil Sperm
05. Fornication - Stab - Les Handicapes Du L Er Rang
06. Hell Rot - Vomit Altar - Goat Chapel
07. Ihsahn - After - A Grave Inversed
08. Haethen - Wanderer - Wanderer
09. Immortal - Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism - The Call of the Wintermoon
10. 1349 - Demonoir - Pandemonium War Bells
11. Burzum - Det Som Engang Var - Naar Himmelen Klarner
12. Walknut - Graveforests and Their Shadows - Hrimfaxi
13. Walknut - Graveforests and Their Shadows - Skinfaxi
14. Haethen - Wanderer - The Light Breathed
15. Sacramentum - Far Away From The Son - Blood Shall Be Spilled
16. Sepremia - Existance of Torture - Spawn of Desolation
17. Alcest - Écailles de lune - Écailles de lune [part ii]
18. Hate Forest - Sorrow - Night Harvest
19. Black Sabbath - The Wizard
20. Black Sabbath - The Mob Rules - The Mob Rules
21. Black Sabbath - Vol. 4 - Snowblind
22. Haethen - Wanderer - Hearken the Breath of Solstice Calling
23. Enslaved - Vikingligr Veldi - Norvegr
24. Bathory - Blood Fire Death - A Fine Day To Die

Haul

So, picked up some stuff down at the wonderful world that is Englishtown Auction today. Take a peak!
So while nothing too spectacular, a few personal notes. The Heavy Metal soundtrack is a gatefold with a pretty nice selection of screenshots from one of my favorite movies of all time. My only issue with the soundtrack is that it leaves out the score music which, in my opinion was part of the allure of the movie for me. Elmer Bernstein's original score is genius, particularly the entire Taarna scene. The Manowar LP is a double for me, I have the CD but I've always wanted the original LP. I asked my mom to get me it once for my birthday along with some other stuff but she opted to purcahse Cirith Ungol's Frost and Fire instead. I also already have the double disc release of Doomsday For The Deceiver but I can't pass up the LP from one of the most overlooked thrash releases. Jason Newstead is phenomenal on the record. It's a shame the crap he went through with Metallica and while I can understand the emotions from their point of view, I would really have liked to hear what ...And Justice For All would have sounded like with any audible bass at all. That recording is just downright disrespectful to Jason Newstead. I'm sure even Cliff Burton would be pissed to hear that album. The two discs were two bucks each so even though I could care less about both them pretty much, I figured "eh, why not!" The one release I am really kind of giddy about is The Rods album.
I remember reading about the band in this issue of Music For Nations from back in 1984 and just kind of wanting to check them out but never getting around to it. Looks like the wait is over. Hopefully they are as good as I hope they are. Love that album art too.

Take a look at the article. I left the attached article about Tank for the little extra something I like to give you all.
Otherwise, the haul included the following:

Fear Factory - Demanufacture (CD)
Skid Row - Slave To The Grind (CD)
Flotsam And Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deciever (LP)
Manowar - Battle Hymns (LP)
Motorhead - Another Perfect Day (LP)
Heavy Metal - Motion Picture Soundtrack (LP)
Judas Priest - Unleashed In The East (LP)
The Rods - Heavier Than Thou (LP)

Playlist - 04/14/10

Sorry about last week's playlist... never uploaded correctly for some reason... Those who missed the show, will never know what amazing songs I played.

01. Manowar - Battle Hymns - Metal Daze
02. Cydonia - Cydonia - Great Soul Of Steel
03. Metal Inquisitor - Doomsday For The Heretic - Midnight Rider
04. Judas Priest - Point Of Entry - Hot Rockin'
05. Shadowkeep - A Chaos Theory - Beware The Signs
06. Valkija - Avengers Of Steel - Son Of Thunder
07. Anthem - Tightrope - Tightrope Dancer
08. Exciter - Heavy Metal Maniac - Iron Dogs
09. Exciter - Heavy Metal Maniac - Mistress Of Evil
10. Speedwolf - Denver 666 - Denver 666
11. Indestroy - Senseless Theories - Living In Filth
12. Overkill - Ironbound - Bring Me The Night
13. Sodom - Tapping The Vein - One Step Over The Line
14. Mortuary - Blackened Images - Sacreligious
15. Mortuary - Blackened Images - Asphyxiation
16. Iniquity - Grime - Bullet's Breath
17. Akercocke - Rape Of The Bastard Nazarene - Marguerite & Gretchen
18. Bestial Warlust - Blood And Valour - Legion Of Wrath
19. Bahimiron - Pure Negativism In Allegiance With Self Wreckage - Terror Division Bloodstrike
20. Besatt - Triumph Of Antichrist - Intro / Witch Night
21. Burzum - Belus - Glemselens Elv
22. Burzum - Belus - Belus Doed
23. Cathedral - Soul Sacrifice - Autumn Twilight
24. Clamfight - Free S*** - Viking Funeral
25. Decaying Citadel - Ruin Of The Wooded Realm - Dread Saviour Arise
26. EyeHateGod - Take As Needed For Pain - Blank
27. Catacombs - In The Depths Of R'Lyeh - Dead Dripping City
28. Imynvokad - Ad Ordines Descendens - By Blood Does The Beast Arise

2010: 10, 12, 21, 22, 28,
MC / LP Rips: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 23, 28

Megadeth - Testament - Exodus

Driving... to Scranton PA. The trip took about 3 hours. Playlist on the way to the show: Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons, Annihilator - Alice In Hell, Motorhead - Live At Hammersmith, Silent Force - Infatuator...

We thought the show would be good because it was inside what was once a Masonic Temple AND because it was a nuclear fallout shelter...

Cool little record store a block away. I didn't have a chance to really scavenge around but it seemed like a neat place. Small but a decent selection. Some of their product seemed a little over priced though

Exodus... I've never been so bored at a gig in my life before. Even though I woke up slightly for "Piranha" and for Duke's absolutely disgraceful between song banter, I would have much rather seen Lee Altus perform selected Heathen solos.

Testament...


Testament were alright, I enjoyed them to some extent... they were more interesting than Exodus at least and played a strong set with older material. I didn't hear one song off their recent album, Formation of Damnation. In general, they suffered from the same problem that I find their albums to suffer from - unbreakable mediocrity. I just think they are a pretty bland and generic thrash band at this point. If I heard "Souls of Black" in their set, maybe I would have a different opinion.


Megadeth....


What were you thinking? "She Wolf?" You'll play "She Wolf" but not "Wake Up Dead"...

Anyway, Megadeth were exactly as I expected. They played all of Rust In Peace and even though I would have liked to hear "Dawn Patrol" three more times, I was happy enough to hear "Five Magics" and "Rust In Peace... Polaris."

After the show, we spent the night at my mountain house in PA. Relaxed, took a walk by the lake, talked about random crap for a little while and then went to bed. We ate at Apple Valley restaurant for lunch the following afternoon. That's pretty much it.

Playlist - 03/31/10

"There is nothing worse than a good samaritan coming to your rescue after a car accident and puking all over you after seeing your rotting festering body curled into a cylindrical mass of death."

01. Echoes Of A Red Empire - Russian Songs Of Struggle - We Shall Go Bravely Into Battle

TRILOGY - ASPID
02. Aspid - Extravasation - Intro / It Came (Aspid)
03. Aspid - Extravasation - Towards One Goal
04. Aspid - Extravasation - Where The Night

05. Coroner - Mental Vortex - Pale Sister
06. Aortic Regurgitation - Aortic Regurgitation - Damned To Serve
07. Desolate One - Desecrate The Night - Desecrate The Night
08. Embrace Of Thorns - ... For I See Death In Their Eyes - Tyrant Goat (Crowned In Glory)
09. Bestial Warlust - Blood And Valour - Legion Of Wrath*
10. Hellwitch - Storming Steels - Opiatic Luminence
11. Annihilator - Alice In Hell - Alison Hell
12. Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel - Minotaur's Labyrinth
13. Battleaxe - Burn This Town - Dirty Rocker
14. Manilla Road - Mystification - Haunted Palace
15. Axemaster - Death Before Dishonour - Destiny
16. Dokken - Tooth And Nail - Don't Close Your Eyes
17. Yngwie J. Malmsteen - Rising Force - Far Beyond The Sun
18. Cydonia - Cydonia - Legend In Time
19. Blind Guardian - Follow The Blind - Banished From Sanctuary
20. Shadowkeep - Corruption Within - Meta Morale
21. Helloween - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Pt. I: Future World **
22. Confessor - Unraveled - Cross The Bar
23. Cathedral - Soul Sacrifice - Golden Blood (Flooding)
24. Iron Man - Submission - Run From The Light
25. Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons - Circle The Wagons
26. Immolith - Hymns To The Countess - Slaughter The Legions
27. Primordial - To The Nameless Dead - Failures Burden ***
28. Apolion - Hungry Of Souls - Winds
29. Burzum - Anthology - Jesus Tod
30. Imynvokad - Ad Ordines Descendens - By Blood Does The Beast Arise****


Tape / Vinyl #'s: 7, 11, 12, 13, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30
2010 #'s: 6, 7, 12, 25, 30

* I can't help myself. Such a glorious track from the Australian masters... oft- copied but never exceeded.

** Great request from Lou! Thanks for listening buddy!

*** Request from Zach, brethren to the word wizard.

**** 33rpm version courtesy of myself. I love the sound of this slowed down. I shall continue to play it at this speed until Beleseth comes and physically removes the 7" from my hands.

Acrassicauda - Star Ledger Article

My ever vigilant mother saw this in the New Jersey Star Ledger. I thought it appropriate to post it for all to read since there are people who may find it interesting and be unable to see the article in the newspaper. I would suggest opening each picture in a new window or tab so you don't have to keep hitting the "back" button and waiting for the page to reload...

Playlist 03/24/10

New Intro, Still waiting for the perfect "Welcome To The Vault" sample. I'll find it eventually.

01. Deep Purple - In Rock - Speed King
02. Samson - Before The Storm - Dangerzone
03. Judas Priest - Killing Machine (Hell Bent For Leather) - Running Wild
04. Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel - Minotaur's Labyrinth
05. Anthem - Tightrope - Tightrope Dancer
06. Iron Man - Submission - Run From The Light
07. Iron Man - I Have Returned - Fallen Angel
08. Cathedral - Soul Sacrifice - Autumn Twilight
09. Maegashira - Maegashira / Sowbelly / OSSM Split - The Man Who Named God
10. Clamfight - Free Sh*t - Viking Funeral
11. Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons - These Treasures Will Never Befall You
12. Annihilator - Alice In Hell - WTYD
13. Faith Or Fear - Punishment Area - The Shadow Knows
14. Coroner - Punishment For Decadence - Absorbed
15. Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos - No Stone Unturned

Exodus / Testament / Megadeth Live Rant!

16. Aortic Regurgitation - Aortic Regurgitation - Damned To Serve
17. Desolate One - Desecrate The Night - Serpents Blood
18. Desolate One - Desecrate The Night - Desecrate The Night
19. Embrace Of Thorns - ... For I See Death In Their Eyes - Tyrant Goat (Crowned In Glory)
20. Mandatory - Where They Bleed - Where They Bleed
21. Ancient Horns - Profano - Eternal Vengeance
22. 1349 - Liberation - Evil Oath
23. Haethen - Wanderer - The Light Bereaved
24. Imynvokad - Ad Ordines Descendens - By Blood Does The Beast Arise
25. Burzum - Anthology - Lost Wisdom
26. Negura Bunget - 'N Crugu Bradului - Colo-n Jos Catre Apus
27. Lordamor - Lordamor - Region Of Death

Vinyl / Tape #'s: 02, 04, 05, 07, 08, 11, 12, 13, 17, 24, 25, 26,
2010 #'s: 04, 11, 15, 16, 17, 24,

Aortic Regurgitation - Aortic Regurgitation

Hong Kong unveils Aortic Regurgitation, thrashy, capable and well composed (aside for their chaotic charm) on this first EP who prove themselves keen to release speedy, infectious (not unlike SARS) and intricate onslaughts of a slightly slanted sort. Tracks such as "Infestation" contain a twisted sentiment assembled from at times awkward phrasings and transitions but even though Aortic have this going for them, at times there is a drudged up sentiment, as if everything is just a little too "safe" or "commonplace." Aortic are not too retro to try new ideas, such as the mid-song sample in "Infestation" which, when they occasionally don't work, are at least thought provoking. The tracks DO work though, especially opening salvo "Damned To Serve," which rumbles on like a beastly blackened dragon dropping blistering corpses into your town thus spreading disease and filth. It's just a matter of time before you've caught fourteen terminal illnesses can't move and begin pleading with everyone who passes to kill you because you can't get the sounds of dying out of your mind.

Influence wise, thrash is the instigator here and though its difficult to pick out specifics with Aortic Regurgitation, I think a comparison to largely unknown bands like Hallow's Eve being appropriate. In this case both bands are passionate though don't really come across that way on record. Melodically speaking, I hear Voivod but then again, Aortic could be influenced by any number of melodically awkward bands. The whole EP is layered with a 90's dying thrash scene sound too, which is odd. It's like Aortic have tried to capture the bands recording records during the demise of their own era. The vocal delivery reminds me of thrash bands that were combing the death metal waters vocally for inspiration such as Coroner or even some of the German bands which may have influenced the harsher vocals in bands after them. The vocals are harsher than those found in the Bay Area scene.

Aortic haven't left out influences from the blackened thrash of this decade either... Basically, a lot of different bands are here blended like your father's suit in a food processor.... with your father still inside. It's at once refreshing and also quizzical in the sense that while the blending of these styles is done well, there is this aura of mischievous laughter in the background telling me what I am listening to is just slightly ridiculous. That thought occurs a few times though it's fleeting. Aortic are both throwback with their riffs, experimental like some of the modern bands in the underground and also colorful... like a clown in a shag-van. It's like biting into a new fruit and sloshing the juices around in your mouth before you decide if you like the textures and flavors.

While not all the tracks are prime cuts, "Alien Worlds" for example being a bit too vast and far-fetched, there is enough to make Aortic Regurgitation's first time enjoyable for somebody. It'll appeal to thrash fans looking for more than the next atomic holocaust retro band with Repka artwork. At the very least, it will be more interesting than another new Exodus record. With some extra attention paid to packaging - nice matte card-stock, professionally printed foldout inserts with lyrics, pro-printed CDr label and a sturdier-than-normal CDr case (CDr Deluxe?) - though not quite enough to get some more interesting cover-art, Aortic are doing almost everything right to make me want to know what's going to happen next with these thrashers. Where they take their strange thrashcoction is anyone's guess.

Oh! I forgot to mention the musicianship and playing/programming on this puts many to shame. The production is clear and well mixed though still one-hundred percent underground. I love the intro to "Damned To Serve." As soon as I put it on, I thought "I hope that the release doesn't sound like this the whole way throu... Ok, thank god." Charles Wong (Guitars / Bass / Drum Programming) and Cynthia "Sin" Yim (Guitars / Vocals (Yep, Read that again - I wasn't going to Gallhammer Aortic with the whole "girls in a band" gimmick) / Lyrics / Drum Programming) are raising the bar in modern thrash inspired by classic bands but never worshiping anyone else. So while everyone's job just got harder, Aortic Regurgitation have left themselves on the high ground with plenty of ammunition and an ill equipped populace closing in on them. I smell total destruction. If Aortic Regurgitation's next release is at least as good as this release, I'm sold.

*As a total Aside, this was another of those irritating releases to spine-label for me. Usually I cut a strip from an index card to label the spine of my CDr's (I use clear packing tape to hold it in place and it works great) but with this release, the spine could not be labeled as such. I had to physically write the title on the spine with a fine tipped sharpie. While I know that the vast majority of people aren't as anal about their music collection as I am, I just wanted to throw that out there. Anyway, all is well now that I have have my case labeled properly.

Faith Or Fear - Live

This Saturday, for those looking to rock out at a good show in the area... due to my radio station guidelines, I am not allowed to post prices but I can assure you, it's less than the cost of a beer at PNC Bank Arts Center for doors. The venue is a pretty decent place too. Also, Chris sent me a link to a recent article about Faith Or Fear and the show.