Y'know, writing 2 posts in one day seems so foreign when you write like 3 posts a year. But to those few who still check this crap whenever, cool.
So we're almost to the end of another year - where does the time go? 2012 was definitely a slow year in terms of new music for me (I'm still bitter about HMV closing), but I still picked new stuff up here and there - even if it's not from 2012. So here's a summary of everything musical that happened with me in these past 11 months and 19 days:
Albums I bought/heard in 2012:
Imaginaerum - Nightwish
Th1rt3en - Megadeth
F-Zero AX/GX Official Soundtrack - Nintendo [composed by Daiki Kasho]
Opus At the End of Everything - The Flashbulb
The Power Within - DragonForce
Helvetios - Eluveitie
Shogun - Trivium
Short Songs - Silverstein
Code of Princess Original Soundtrack - Atlus [composed by ACE]
The Afterman: Ascension - Coheed and Cambria
Epsilon - Blood Stain Child
I'm Coming Home - Tommy Alto
My thoughts:
Imaginaerum: Wow.. Just, wow. This album is spectacular in the sense that it's just.. epic. And I rarely use that word. The orchestral pieces, the shifting genres, the excellence of songs, this is a truly solid album.
A- 8.5/10
Th1rt3en: And the opposite end of the spectrum; there's a couple decent songs, and at least one good one, but this just isn't that great. Sudden Death is pretty rockin' though.
D- 3/10
F-Zero GX/AX OST: I love this game, and obviously the soundtrack, but that doesn't make it perfect. But with 82 songs to pick from, there's bound to be something you like (although I hate how 10-15 of them are like 20 seconds or less.). And those tracks that keep me around are great, and I discover new gems everytime.
B+ 8/10
Opus At the End of Everything: Decent Flashbulb album. Not my favourite, but there's still some great songs. I have yet to hear his other new album yet, but I'm satisfied with what I have.
C+ 6.5/10
The Power Within: I've never heard a better DragonForce album. They try some new things here, which is nice, but it is hit and miss with it. The hits, though, they hit a home run! This is a fun album. That's the best way to put it.
B+ 8/10
Helvetios: I'm a fan of concept albums, but I'm moreso a fan of concept albums where you can listen to the songs out of order, and still enjoy it. That's basically this album. I'm not a fan of everything, but most of it is still good.
B 7.5/10
Shogun: Yay for albums released in 2008 making it to a 2012 list. This is another one of those albums I've heard before, but wanted to pick up for myself (Only Inhuman is another one of those). There's some tracks that really stand out and they make the album for me. The rest is meh; filler.
B- 7/10
Short Songs: When I said The Power Within was fun, it's still got nothing on this. Half a collection of hardcore punk/post-hardcore short songs (there's a reason for the title) and half a collection of punk rock covers, this album clocks in at UNDER 20 minutes despite having 22 songs. Even so, it's one of my favourites from this year.
A 9.5/10
Code of Princess: Thank God you were free in the sense that you came packaged with an alright game. It's okay, but there's really only one song I like and a couple others I'll let play through.D
D- 3/10
The Afterman: Ascension: Great; have 2 of my favourite band release EXCELLENT albums in the same year, and have them BOTH have new albums coming out next February? Just take my money, why don't you. Also, this is one of my all time favourite albums and probably my top Coheed album. Long live The Amory Wars!
A 9.5/10
Epsilon: Japanese melodic death metal with techno/trance mixed in? ALRIGHT WHY NOT? Seriously though, this album was pretty awesome. A few so-so tracks, but those that stood out all stood out in a way that can only be described as amazing. Definitely a welcome find.
A- 8.5/10
I'm Coming Home: Okay, yeah, Indie Pop is NOT my genre, but the guy making the music is a cool dude (you meet some interesting folks in Journalism classes) and I actually had fun listening to the album. One or two songs I didn't like, but the rest I enjoyed and had fun with.
B 7.5/10
In other news, I went to my second concert ever on February 20th: The Gigantour.
Who played: Megadeth (headliner), Mötorhead, Volbeat, Lacuna Coil.
Gotta love it when your line-up consists of 4 bands from 4 countries (US, UK, Denmark, Italy respectively). The show took place at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre, and I had floor seats so I got right up and close to all the goodness.
Lacuna Coil is not one of my favourites, but their set was really good. I recognized about a third of their setlist (Our Truth, Spellbound to name a couple) and they definitely hit it. Cristina Scabbia was excellent and definitely caught most of the attention on the stage (man alive, she is definitely one of the best looking women in metal).
Volbeat came up afterwards and BLEW EVERYBODY AWAY. I had 5 friends there, and only 2 knew of Volbeat; by the end of the night, they were on everyone's minds. The Facebook statuses pretty much unanimously read: "Megadeth was great, but Volbeat was AWESOME!" Starting off with A Warrior's Call, they ran right into Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood. And you can see that right here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150554626782693&set=vb.667302692&type=3
I can't recall the rest of their set (I got the rest of their stuff afterwards), but it was simply phenominal.
PS. Apologies for the video.
Not going to lie, I went to go get a Volbeat shirt during Mötorhead because I'm not a big fan of theirs. They did play Ace of Spades (which was awesome), and Overkill, but their set had some pretty bad mic feedback issues. They did score bonus points for the drum solo though.
Megadeth finished it off with an hour-and-fifteen set that covered a fair amount of their discog: Trust, Whose Life (Is It Anyway?), Symphony of Destruction, etc., and finished it off with Holy Wars. I said to my buddy I'd mosh during Sweating Bullets (my favourite), but they sadly didn't play it. It was still one heck of a show though!
In terms of music gaming, FFR and StepMania took a backseat this year, but I did get my first file in the game. Theatrhythm was in my 3DS for a good chunk of time and I've unlocked everything save for a couple characters. Once I get my 3DS fixed, I'll definitely be inserting it again.
I reviewed Coheed and Cambria's "The Afterman: Ascension" for my OLD university's student paper (I have a couple connections)! So I got kicked out of X school, am going to Y for a journalism degree, and yet got published in X's newspaper. I know, confusing.
Anyway, that's my year in review.
2013 already looks promising with "This Is How the Wind Shifts" from Silverstein, and "The Afterman: Descension" from Coheed and Cambria set to hit in early February, and hopefully a bunch more fun stuff will arrive soon after!
Take care, folks, stay safe this holiday season, and through New Years, an may you all have a happy 2013 being able to say "I SURVIVED 2012!"
And when things are good, bad, happy, or sad, just do one thing: Keep your headphones on.
- Trevor // Force
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Bored; So let's post!
Yeah, it's been awhile. I check this place daily, but only to check to see if other blogs I follow update. Musically, I don't know. The reviewing thing isn't as fun when it's not a new album, and the lack of any music store within a half hour takes it's toll on the music collection. Man do I ever miss HMV..
However, this is a music blog; more importantly, MINE. So dagnabbit, this is my thoughts about things.
- I lasted for like 7 months without hearing "Call Me Maybe". I then proceeded to hear it 3 times in like 5 days.. I was doing so well too... My poor ears.
I will say though, it is better than most of the crap played nowadays.
- My iTunes finally had it's second song break 100 plays (when you've got 2124 songs, you don't really focus a lot on one). "Pandemonium" by Fear of Domination takes this title.
Fear of Domination is an industrial melodic death metal from Finland. Think In Flames meets Rammstein. Funnily enough I found it in a "Top 10 Melodic Death Metal Songs of 2011" video on YouTube linked by The Unguided on Facebook (they were featured in it as well). I highly recommend checking this song out.
- I bought my first video game OST a few months back. I had 3 others, but they all came with the game, or were free thanks to giveaways (props Nintendo!). $60 spent to score 82 tracks? Uhh, yeah!
F-Zero GX/AX Official Soundtrack is now in my possession and man do I love it! Probably helps that I love the game, but details.
- I very rarely pay attention to song lyrics, but "You Always Believed" by In This Moment is really striking home lately and makes me think about a close friend I haven't heard from in a while. In my opinion, at least 75% of the lyrics can be said about us so I hope she replies soon so I can show it to her.
- After all this time, Heroes On Your Lawn At Night is still my top played song, and obviously the only other one to top 100 plays; 117 to be exact.
In fact, I recently got a stepfile of this song into FFR earning me the title of "FFR R1 Simfile Author" and a fancy yellow/orange/gold name. Only took me 5 and a half years.
- Holy smokes, the new DragonForce album is the best thing they have ever released and "Cry Thunder" is their best song and if you disagree with me, I will pull out my sword and with my titans of justice, I will slay you where you stand with the blessing of the union and freedom of man!
- Am I the only one who thinks System of a Down should release a new album? Yeah Serj released his third, and that's cool - his solo stuff is a cool little shift from System - but I would LOVE a new album of seriousness, hilarity, and rocking out. Please guys?
- Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is probably the most fun and addicting game I've played in a LONG time. Music gaming meets Final Fantasy; how can you go wrong?
Also, to prove it, it's been like 2 weeks since the game's been released (maybe 3), and I've played nearly 40 hours on it. 3DS owners, you owe it to yourself to try this out.
And yeah. That's all. I might post a few more of these now and again, but don't hold your breath.
Remember folks, keep your headphones on.
//Trevor
However, this is a music blog; more importantly, MINE. So dagnabbit, this is my thoughts about things.
- I lasted for like 7 months without hearing "Call Me Maybe". I then proceeded to hear it 3 times in like 5 days.. I was doing so well too... My poor ears.
I will say though, it is better than most of the crap played nowadays.
- My iTunes finally had it's second song break 100 plays (when you've got 2124 songs, you don't really focus a lot on one). "Pandemonium" by Fear of Domination takes this title.
Fear of Domination is an industrial melodic death metal from Finland. Think In Flames meets Rammstein. Funnily enough I found it in a "Top 10 Melodic Death Metal Songs of 2011" video on YouTube linked by The Unguided on Facebook (they were featured in it as well). I highly recommend checking this song out.
- I bought my first video game OST a few months back. I had 3 others, but they all came with the game, or were free thanks to giveaways (props Nintendo!). $60 spent to score 82 tracks? Uhh, yeah!
F-Zero GX/AX Official Soundtrack is now in my possession and man do I love it! Probably helps that I love the game, but details.
- I very rarely pay attention to song lyrics, but "You Always Believed" by In This Moment is really striking home lately and makes me think about a close friend I haven't heard from in a while. In my opinion, at least 75% of the lyrics can be said about us so I hope she replies soon so I can show it to her.
- After all this time, Heroes On Your Lawn At Night is still my top played song, and obviously the only other one to top 100 plays; 117 to be exact.
In fact, I recently got a stepfile of this song into FFR earning me the title of "FFR R1 Simfile Author" and a fancy yellow/orange/gold name. Only took me 5 and a half years.
- Holy smokes, the new DragonForce album is the best thing they have ever released and "Cry Thunder" is their best song and if you disagree with me, I will pull out my sword and with my titans of justice, I will slay you where you stand with the blessing of the union and freedom of man!
- Am I the only one who thinks System of a Down should release a new album? Yeah Serj released his third, and that's cool - his solo stuff is a cool little shift from System - but I would LOVE a new album of seriousness, hilarity, and rocking out. Please guys?
- Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is probably the most fun and addicting game I've played in a LONG time. Music gaming meets Final Fantasy; how can you go wrong?
Also, to prove it, it's been like 2 weeks since the game's been released (maybe 3), and I've played nearly 40 hours on it. 3DS owners, you owe it to yourself to try this out.
And yeah. That's all. I might post a few more of these now and again, but don't hold your breath.
Remember folks, keep your headphones on.
//Trevor
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Catching up and what I listened to in/from 2011
Yeah. I've been slacking off completely. I don't know, motivation escapes me. But, alas, here's what going on in my life as of late.
- I got accepted into the Bachelor of Journalism program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for Fall 2012.
- My music collection grew even more.
- I've been building a few player collections of my favourite hockey players. Mainly cards, but I have some cool bonus memorabilia too.
- I bought a car.
- I'm planning a trip to Ontario; I'll be going there in August if all goes according to plan.
- I still work a lot.
- DC Universe Online causes me to have little time to play any other games (namely Tales of the Abyss).
and other things.
Anyway, seeing as this is where I review(ed) music (although this may just become everything), might as well make this music related.
2011 was a good year for music (and my collection) and 2 major trips out into Vancouver brought in a major load of music. I posted about the first trip, but the second occurred the day before my 20th birthday and I added 5 more albums to my collection (which, at the time, I think was just under 80. Currently, I have 86).
But just because they were purchased in 2011, or even 2012, doesn't mean they were released then. These albums listed here were. And a short blurb to accompany them. As for 2012, I'll do another post for them later that'll stay updated.
Anything with a $ before the title means I got it elsewhere (friends/iTunes), and thus don't own a physical copy, but still listen to the album.
Back Through Time - Alestorm (Folk Metal; Scotland)
Pirates! Pretty good album, and definitely enjoyable, but not as memorable as previous releases. Although bonus points for the cover of "You Are a Pirate".
The Human Romance - Darkest Hour (Metalcore; USA)
Not bad, but, like Alestorm, lack of anything memorable means this one doesn't rate too high on my list.
Wasting Light - Foo Fighters (Alternative Rock; USA)
Well now. This is actually a good album the more I listen to it. Definitely a good variety from big headbangers, to more softer (but, nonetheless good) tracks.
Astral Rejection - I Set My Friends On Fire (Experimental Metal; USA)
Maybe the humour is gone for me, but ISMFOF seems to have just lost it this album.. although the track names are more clever than their first album.
Sounds of a Playground Fading - In Flames (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Definitely something new from In Flames. It works at times, it doesn't at others, but without trying something new, how else can a band evolve. It's still a good effort and there are a few good songs.
$ Ukon Wacka - Korpiklaani (Folk Metal; Finland)
I understand only 1% of what's being said (what? Do I look like I speak Finnish?), but who says you need to understand to enjoy music? Fun album, and one I enjoyed very much.
Th1rt3en - Megadeth (Thrash Metal; USA)
Hit and miss. VERY hit and miss. Good variety though, and it definitely has a few winners on here.
Imaginaerum - Nightwish (Symphonic Metal; Finland)
Oh. My. Sweet. Lord. Easily one of the top albums of the year. Solid concept album, absolutely gorgeous instrumental-wise. Seriously. Go listen to this album! (and see the movie when it comes out)
Illuminator - No Bragging Rights (Melodic Hardcore; USA)
I pre-ordered this one; well worth it. Best album from them yet, and a great album for those looking for something new.
Scurrilous - Protest the Hero (Progressive Metal; Canada)
Reppin' the homeland! Another amazing album from these guys. Vocally trying something new (namely, less screaming), musically, even better. And that's saying something. Definitely check this one out.
Endgame - Rise Against (Punk Rock; USA)
Rise Against continually pushes the bar with each new album, and Endgame is one of their best yet. Recommending this one.
The Unseen Empire - Scar Symmetry (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
My only beef is that it's too short. It took a few listens to fully enjoy it, but this is a solid album from start to finish.
Rescue - Silverstein (Post-Hardcore; Canada)
Taking a seemingly punk rock route with this latest album, Silverstein shows tons of growth while still keeping what they had at the start. Great album, and one I replay a ton.
In Waves - Trivium (Thrash Metal; USA)
The beginning? Awesome. After that, I really can;t find a lot for it. It's one I'd need to replay more to get into. So-so album.
$ Hell Frost - The Unguided (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Take basically the original Sonic Syndicate, add a dash of kick-assery, and boom. Enjoy. Best served ice cold and loud. Seriously, though, one of the absolute best albums of 2011.
- I got accepted into the Bachelor of Journalism program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for Fall 2012.
- My music collection grew even more.
- I've been building a few player collections of my favourite hockey players. Mainly cards, but I have some cool bonus memorabilia too.
- I bought a car.
- I'm planning a trip to Ontario; I'll be going there in August if all goes according to plan.
- I still work a lot.
- DC Universe Online causes me to have little time to play any other games (namely Tales of the Abyss).
and other things.
Anyway, seeing as this is where I review(ed) music (although this may just become everything), might as well make this music related.
2011 was a good year for music (and my collection) and 2 major trips out into Vancouver brought in a major load of music. I posted about the first trip, but the second occurred the day before my 20th birthday and I added 5 more albums to my collection (which, at the time, I think was just under 80. Currently, I have 86).
But just because they were purchased in 2011, or even 2012, doesn't mean they were released then. These albums listed here were. And a short blurb to accompany them. As for 2012, I'll do another post for them later that'll stay updated.
Anything with a $ before the title means I got it elsewhere (friends/iTunes), and thus don't own a physical copy, but still listen to the album.
Back Through Time - Alestorm (Folk Metal; Scotland)
Pirates! Pretty good album, and definitely enjoyable, but not as memorable as previous releases. Although bonus points for the cover of "You Are a Pirate".
The Human Romance - Darkest Hour (Metalcore; USA)
Not bad, but, like Alestorm, lack of anything memorable means this one doesn't rate too high on my list.
Wasting Light - Foo Fighters (Alternative Rock; USA)
Well now. This is actually a good album the more I listen to it. Definitely a good variety from big headbangers, to more softer (but, nonetheless good) tracks.
Astral Rejection - I Set My Friends On Fire (Experimental Metal; USA)
Maybe the humour is gone for me, but ISMFOF seems to have just lost it this album.. although the track names are more clever than their first album.
Sounds of a Playground Fading - In Flames (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Definitely something new from In Flames. It works at times, it doesn't at others, but without trying something new, how else can a band evolve. It's still a good effort and there are a few good songs.
$ Ukon Wacka - Korpiklaani (Folk Metal; Finland)
I understand only 1% of what's being said (what? Do I look like I speak Finnish?), but who says you need to understand to enjoy music? Fun album, and one I enjoyed very much.
Th1rt3en - Megadeth (Thrash Metal; USA)
Hit and miss. VERY hit and miss. Good variety though, and it definitely has a few winners on here.
Imaginaerum - Nightwish (Symphonic Metal; Finland)
Oh. My. Sweet. Lord. Easily one of the top albums of the year. Solid concept album, absolutely gorgeous instrumental-wise. Seriously. Go listen to this album! (and see the movie when it comes out)
Illuminator - No Bragging Rights (Melodic Hardcore; USA)
I pre-ordered this one; well worth it. Best album from them yet, and a great album for those looking for something new.
Scurrilous - Protest the Hero (Progressive Metal; Canada)
Reppin' the homeland! Another amazing album from these guys. Vocally trying something new (namely, less screaming), musically, even better. And that's saying something. Definitely check this one out.
Endgame - Rise Against (Punk Rock; USA)
Rise Against continually pushes the bar with each new album, and Endgame is one of their best yet. Recommending this one.
The Unseen Empire - Scar Symmetry (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
My only beef is that it's too short. It took a few listens to fully enjoy it, but this is a solid album from start to finish.
Rescue - Silverstein (Post-Hardcore; Canada)
Taking a seemingly punk rock route with this latest album, Silverstein shows tons of growth while still keeping what they had at the start. Great album, and one I replay a ton.
In Waves - Trivium (Thrash Metal; USA)
The beginning? Awesome. After that, I really can;t find a lot for it. It's one I'd need to replay more to get into. So-so album.
$ Hell Frost - The Unguided (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Take basically the original Sonic Syndicate, add a dash of kick-assery, and boom. Enjoy. Best served ice cold and loud. Seriously, though, one of the absolute best albums of 2011.
Friday, October 14, 2011
My music taste
Yeah, I'm shaking things up a bit. Holy crap. I'm allowed to do that here, y'know.
Anyway, I've been wondering how much traffic this blog actually gets (I'm betting low); but for those random strangers who have either been sent here through another person, or somehow stumbled upon here, welcome. The comment box is below and it'd be greatly appreciated if you all drop a note saying hi and whatnot. It's nice to know that SOMEONE actually reads this.
Anyway, the main point of this particular post: I've been reviewing music to start, and lately been showing off my top favourites, but I've never really gone in depth with music I like and bands as well. Well it's time to change that. I have too many bands I like to actually pick a favourite, but I'll do my best to pick out those I like more. Listed with them will be genre, recommended songs, and a little backstory for all who want to know.
I LISTEN TO:
Breaking Benjamin - Alternative Rock; I discovered them about 4 years ago now when their song "Until the End" popped onto my local rock radio station. I enjoyed it. So come Christmas time, I was feeling a tad selfish and wanted to pick something up. My coin flip was between Phobia by Breaking Benjamin, or Foo Fighters' Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace. Breaking won out, and thank the Lord it id. The first song I heard ended up being my 5th favourite on that album and I've been consistenly listening to them for all these years.
Songs: The Diary of Jane, What Lies Beneath, No Games, So Cold, Evil Angel
Coheed & Cambria - Progressive Rock; Rock Band. Yeah, I know. Welcome Home was first, and I foun that album later on. Now, all you'd have to do is look at my previous post to realize I've become a major fan of C&C. Enough to know about the Amory Wars Saga, but I haven't researched it enough to be able to describe every action in every song. But you don't need to know about the Amory Wars to like this band; that's what makes them cool. Not to mention, it can be trippy, but still hard rocking, with some fun twists. Not to mention, their ballads are actually really good.
Songs: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, Welcome Home, The Light & the Glass, A Favor House Atlantic, Here We Are Juggarnaut
Silverstein - Post-Hardcore; Recommended by my buddy Sam. He later sent me a few of their songs and then I progressively bought albums until I amassed all 6 of theirs. Consistently good (minus When Broken Is Easily Fixed), and it doesn't hurt that they rep the Great White North. A smooth balance of harsh and melodic vocals, Silverstein is perfect for any emotion I may feel.
Songs: Medication, A Great Fire, Already Dead, Your Sword Versus My Dagger, In Memory Of...
System of a Down - Alternative Metal; Radio, as well as my good friend Danielle. Seriously, System of a Down is amazing and there's something somewhere that everyone likes. Even my brother: a pop fan with a dose of country on the side, enjoy their song "Shimmy". I'm waiting for them to release new material, and yet I find myself finding new favourites of theirs all the time. System is random, yet serious. An amazing combination with amazing music.
Songs: Mr. Jack, B.Y.O.B, Sugar, Toxicity, I-E-A-I-A-I-O
The Flashbulb - Electronic; Flash Flash Revolution (Really fun and awesome game. Go check it out). The dark horse of this list. The Flashbulb uses EVERYTHING in his music: PVC pipes, tap-strumming electric guitar, drum n' bass, nature, steel guitar, everything. The variety is astounding, and I found out I have a fondness for D'n'B which is where it started. After listening to more of his later stuff (which has mellowed out), I found the many, MANY sides of The Flashbulb's musical creativity. All of it? Awesome.
Songs: Lawn Wake IV, Heroes On Your Lawn At Night, That Missing Week, Passage D, Chik Habit
Protest the Hero - Progressive Metal; FFR again. PtH is arguably the BEST new metal band out there. Their first LP was recorded when they were 19! NINETEEN!! I'M FRIGGIN' 19 AND WRITING ABOUT THIS!!! They can riff with the best of them, and Rody's vocal range is just amazing. It's not for everyone, but if you're a metal fan and have not yet fheard/heard of Protest, get your head out of the 80's and go dive into the pool of Protest the Hero.
Songs: The Divine Suicide of K., Blindfolds Aside, C'est La Vie, Sequoia Throne, Goddess Gagged
Older Sonic Syndicate - Melodic Death Metal; My friend Logan. Let me get this out right now. Roland/Richard era Sonic is the best Sonic. Pre- ehhh.. tis alright. Post-Roland/Nathan era is just... garbage. Stay away and save your ears. Less focus on guitar work and heavy use of synthesizers, but the balance of harsh and clean lyrics makes Sonic what they are. And what they are is awesome. Not to mention, their Swedish. +15 cool points for that.
Songs: Only Inhuman, Encaged, Power Shift, Jack of Diamonds, Freelancer
Scar Symmetry - Melodic Death Metal; Sonic Syndicate / StepMania. Yeah, I know, weird. Their guitar player produced Sonic's albums Only Inhuman and Love and Other Distasters, and I watched the Making of LaOD. Found out from there and heard my first song on the game StepMania. Please note, I've only heard Roberth/Lars era Scar Symmetry so I can't say much for their older stuff. But they have a great balance of growled lyrics as well as clean. Pretty much like Sonic, but more guitar work, less keyboard work.
Songs: Pariah, The Anomaly, A Parenthesis In Eternity, Seers of the Eschaton, Sculptor Void
DragonForce - Power Metal; Old co-worker Brendan. HA! SEE THAT? IT'S NOT GUITAR HERO! TAKE THAT! Alright, now that the hipster in me has calmed down, it's time to fight for power and glory over the fields with fire and fury while guitar solos blaze for two minutes, and you get your daily exercise air-drumming to their songs. Yeah, it's awesome stuff. And with a new singer who sounds excellent, I'm hoping for the best when it comes to new stuff.
Songs: Last Journey Home, Through the Fire and Flames, Evening Star, Heroes of Our Time, Fury of the Storm
Atreyu - Metalcore; Recommendations from many people who I honestly can't remember. They've kind of slipped off my radar, but I still have a soft spot for the first band I ever finished a discography for. I used to be absolutely hooked on these guys (My iTunes once had Doomsday with 1100+ plays. Second place had jut over 500.) and still enjoy the occasional listen. I may not be as big of a fan now, but if/when they get back together, I'd still buy their album. A nice mixture of harsh and clean lyrics, wicked solos, and just all around good music.
Songs: Stop, Before It's Too Late and We've Destroyed It All!, Doomsday, Lip Gloss and Black, You Were the King, Now You're Unconscious, Creature
No Bragging Rights - Melodic Hardcore; Warped Tour. Christian, of the band, was patrolling the line and letting people have a listen to their music and advertising. Wicked cool guy and totally chill. Awesome show too. A familiar theme here with a nice balance of harsh and clean vocals, but it's the energy they bring with their music. You can even hear it in the recordings. They're just a band with a ton of energy and potential that needs to be unleashed. Only the 23 flavours of Diet Dr. Pepper can sate their desire.
Songs: Blind Faith, Unafraid To Burn, Ode To Logan, Death of an Era, Empire: Disarray
That's pretty much it. There's a few other bands, but they've fallen off my radar. Maybe I'll post my whole CD list one day. Either way, if you've made it this far, thanks for sticking it out. As well, drop a line down below so I can tell who read this (and if you say "Go *insert favourite sports team here* Go!" in your post, I'll know you made it all the way).
Cheers guys,
Force.
Anyway, I've been wondering how much traffic this blog actually gets (I'm betting low); but for those random strangers who have either been sent here through another person, or somehow stumbled upon here, welcome. The comment box is below and it'd be greatly appreciated if you all drop a note saying hi and whatnot. It's nice to know that SOMEONE actually reads this.
Anyway, the main point of this particular post: I've been reviewing music to start, and lately been showing off my top favourites, but I've never really gone in depth with music I like and bands as well. Well it's time to change that. I have too many bands I like to actually pick a favourite, but I'll do my best to pick out those I like more. Listed with them will be genre, recommended songs, and a little backstory for all who want to know.
I LISTEN TO:
Breaking Benjamin - Alternative Rock; I discovered them about 4 years ago now when their song "Until the End" popped onto my local rock radio station. I enjoyed it. So come Christmas time, I was feeling a tad selfish and wanted to pick something up. My coin flip was between Phobia by Breaking Benjamin, or Foo Fighters' Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace. Breaking won out, and thank the Lord it id. The first song I heard ended up being my 5th favourite on that album and I've been consistenly listening to them for all these years.
Songs: The Diary of Jane, What Lies Beneath, No Games, So Cold, Evil Angel
Coheed & Cambria - Progressive Rock; Rock Band. Yeah, I know. Welcome Home was first, and I foun that album later on. Now, all you'd have to do is look at my previous post to realize I've become a major fan of C&C. Enough to know about the Amory Wars Saga, but I haven't researched it enough to be able to describe every action in every song. But you don't need to know about the Amory Wars to like this band; that's what makes them cool. Not to mention, it can be trippy, but still hard rocking, with some fun twists. Not to mention, their ballads are actually really good.
Songs: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, Welcome Home, The Light & the Glass, A Favor House Atlantic, Here We Are Juggarnaut
Silverstein - Post-Hardcore; Recommended by my buddy Sam. He later sent me a few of their songs and then I progressively bought albums until I amassed all 6 of theirs. Consistently good (minus When Broken Is Easily Fixed), and it doesn't hurt that they rep the Great White North. A smooth balance of harsh and melodic vocals, Silverstein is perfect for any emotion I may feel.
Songs: Medication, A Great Fire, Already Dead, Your Sword Versus My Dagger, In Memory Of...
System of a Down - Alternative Metal; Radio, as well as my good friend Danielle. Seriously, System of a Down is amazing and there's something somewhere that everyone likes. Even my brother: a pop fan with a dose of country on the side, enjoy their song "Shimmy". I'm waiting for them to release new material, and yet I find myself finding new favourites of theirs all the time. System is random, yet serious. An amazing combination with amazing music.
Songs: Mr. Jack, B.Y.O.B, Sugar, Toxicity, I-E-A-I-A-I-O
The Flashbulb - Electronic; Flash Flash Revolution (Really fun and awesome game. Go check it out). The dark horse of this list. The Flashbulb uses EVERYTHING in his music: PVC pipes, tap-strumming electric guitar, drum n' bass, nature, steel guitar, everything. The variety is astounding, and I found out I have a fondness for D'n'B which is where it started. After listening to more of his later stuff (which has mellowed out), I found the many, MANY sides of The Flashbulb's musical creativity. All of it? Awesome.
Songs: Lawn Wake IV, Heroes On Your Lawn At Night, That Missing Week, Passage D, Chik Habit
Protest the Hero - Progressive Metal; FFR again. PtH is arguably the BEST new metal band out there. Their first LP was recorded when they were 19! NINETEEN!! I'M FRIGGIN' 19 AND WRITING ABOUT THIS!!! They can riff with the best of them, and Rody's vocal range is just amazing. It's not for everyone, but if you're a metal fan and have not yet fheard/heard of Protest, get your head out of the 80's and go dive into the pool of Protest the Hero.
Songs: The Divine Suicide of K., Blindfolds Aside, C'est La Vie, Sequoia Throne, Goddess Gagged
Older Sonic Syndicate - Melodic Death Metal; My friend Logan. Let me get this out right now. Roland/Richard era Sonic is the best Sonic. Pre- ehhh.. tis alright. Post-Roland/Nathan era is just... garbage. Stay away and save your ears. Less focus on guitar work and heavy use of synthesizers, but the balance of harsh and clean lyrics makes Sonic what they are. And what they are is awesome. Not to mention, their Swedish. +15 cool points for that.
Songs: Only Inhuman, Encaged, Power Shift, Jack of Diamonds, Freelancer
Scar Symmetry - Melodic Death Metal; Sonic Syndicate / StepMania. Yeah, I know, weird. Their guitar player produced Sonic's albums Only Inhuman and Love and Other Distasters, and I watched the Making of LaOD. Found out from there and heard my first song on the game StepMania. Please note, I've only heard Roberth/Lars era Scar Symmetry so I can't say much for their older stuff. But they have a great balance of growled lyrics as well as clean. Pretty much like Sonic, but more guitar work, less keyboard work.
Songs: Pariah, The Anomaly, A Parenthesis In Eternity, Seers of the Eschaton, Sculptor Void
DragonForce - Power Metal; Old co-worker Brendan. HA! SEE THAT? IT'S NOT GUITAR HERO! TAKE THAT! Alright, now that the hipster in me has calmed down, it's time to fight for power and glory over the fields with fire and fury while guitar solos blaze for two minutes, and you get your daily exercise air-drumming to their songs. Yeah, it's awesome stuff. And with a new singer who sounds excellent, I'm hoping for the best when it comes to new stuff.
Songs: Last Journey Home, Through the Fire and Flames, Evening Star, Heroes of Our Time, Fury of the Storm
Atreyu - Metalcore; Recommendations from many people who I honestly can't remember. They've kind of slipped off my radar, but I still have a soft spot for the first band I ever finished a discography for. I used to be absolutely hooked on these guys (My iTunes once had Doomsday with 1100+ plays. Second place had jut over 500.) and still enjoy the occasional listen. I may not be as big of a fan now, but if/when they get back together, I'd still buy their album. A nice mixture of harsh and clean lyrics, wicked solos, and just all around good music.
Songs: Stop, Before It's Too Late and We've Destroyed It All!, Doomsday, Lip Gloss and Black, You Were the King, Now You're Unconscious, Creature
No Bragging Rights - Melodic Hardcore; Warped Tour. Christian, of the band, was patrolling the line and letting people have a listen to their music and advertising. Wicked cool guy and totally chill. Awesome show too. A familiar theme here with a nice balance of harsh and clean vocals, but it's the energy they bring with their music. You can even hear it in the recordings. They're just a band with a ton of energy and potential that needs to be unleashed. Only the 23 flavours of Diet Dr. Pepper can sate their desire.
Songs: Blind Faith, Unafraid To Burn, Ode To Logan, Death of an Era, Empire: Disarray
That's pretty much it. There's a few other bands, but they've fallen off my radar. Maybe I'll post my whole CD list one day. Either way, if you've made it this far, thanks for sticking it out. As well, drop a line down below so I can tell who read this (and if you say "Go *insert favourite sports team here* Go!" in your post, I'll know you made it all the way).
Cheers guys,
Force.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Weekly Stuff v8.
Hockey preseason is over. That means the regular season is just around the corner. Bonus! On the other hand my fantasy football team can not stop sucking for the life of them. Not so bonus. Oh well, here's another batch of songs for you all to check out. And for the love of Pete, do so.
Top 5 of this week (09/27-10/03):
5.) The Anomaly - Scar Symmetry (The Unseen Empire)
4.) Welcome Home - Coheed & Cambria (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness)
3.) The Light & the Glass - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
2.) In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
1.) A Favor House Atlantic - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
... Okay, yeah. I've been on a Coheed kick as of late. Do you blame me? Like 90% of people who knows of them, I first heard them on Rock Band thanks to Welcome Home. Picked up that album, loved it, found two more, and bam. Hooked. As you can see, my favourite is their 2nd album and for darn good reason. A Favor House Atlantic is near the end of the album, but is an upbeat, and insanely catchy song with one heck of a funny video. Heck, there's even a wicked fan made video for it too. But, alas, I'm too "professional" to link to that, so here you go. Enjoy, and then I'll shoot, you run.
Top 5 of this week (09/27-10/03):
5.) The Anomaly - Scar Symmetry (The Unseen Empire)
4.) Welcome Home - Coheed & Cambria (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness)
3.) The Light & the Glass - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
2.) In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
1.) A Favor House Atlantic - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
... Okay, yeah. I've been on a Coheed kick as of late. Do you blame me? Like 90% of people who knows of them, I first heard them on Rock Band thanks to Welcome Home. Picked up that album, loved it, found two more, and bam. Hooked. As you can see, my favourite is their 2nd album and for darn good reason. A Favor House Atlantic is near the end of the album, but is an upbeat, and insanely catchy song with one heck of a funny video. Heck, there's even a wicked fan made video for it too. But, alas, I'm too "professional" to link to that, so here you go. Enjoy, and then I'll shoot, you run.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Weekly Stuff v7.
I AM A HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING AND YOU SHOULD ALL THROW THINGS AT ME!
Sorry for not updating for like, 2 weeks.. Looks like I owe you all another top 10 list. Thankfully, this will be a bit easier to make. My laptop went down, as you may know, and so, I had to reupload all of my music. Bonus: Seeing as my iTunes playcounts get reset, I can just snatch the top 10 played songs (which will be accurate to my list) and use them.
GENIUS! (and lazy)
Also, you know you have too many hockey cards when you try to sort them by team, and then alphabetically by player, and it takes you over a week to do all the teams (minus Vancouver. I only sorted them a bit as that's my collectable team). Oh well. Whatever.
ON TO WHAT YOU ACTUALLY COME HERE FOR!
Top 10 of the weeks of (09/13-09/19 and 09/20-09/26):
10.) Passage D - The Flashbulb (Kirlian Selections)
9.) My Name Is Jonas - Weezer (The Blue Album)
8.) Blind Faith - No Bragging Rights (Illuminator)
7.) Mission Control - Hail the Villain (Population: Declining)
6.) The Anomaly - Scar Symmetry (The Unseen Empire)
5.) Welcome Home - Coheed & Cambria (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness)
4.) Louhen Yhdeksäs Poika - Korpiklaani (Ukon Wacka)
3.) The Light & the Glass - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
2.) Mr. Jack - System of a Down (Steal This Album!)
1.) Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood - Volbeat (Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood)
Danish metal time. Oh yeah. And yes, I do realize they have the same name as a Pokémon; I don't know which came first, but I highly doubt it's not coincidental. Either way, this is the 2nd song off of their album of the same name, and is the beginning of a somewhat concept album. Apparently some of the songs talk about characters who are all in the same bar, but it's just confusing to me. That, I and I haven't read up on it enough to actually figure out what's what. My bad. Either way, enjoy. PS. Holy accent.
PPS. Holy crap, Atreyu covered this song. Must listen.
Sorry for not updating for like, 2 weeks.. Looks like I owe you all another top 10 list. Thankfully, this will be a bit easier to make. My laptop went down, as you may know, and so, I had to reupload all of my music. Bonus: Seeing as my iTunes playcounts get reset, I can just snatch the top 10 played songs (which will be accurate to my list) and use them.
GENIUS! (and lazy)
Also, you know you have too many hockey cards when you try to sort them by team, and then alphabetically by player, and it takes you over a week to do all the teams (minus Vancouver. I only sorted them a bit as that's my collectable team). Oh well. Whatever.
ON TO WHAT YOU ACTUALLY COME HERE FOR!
Top 10 of the weeks of (09/13-09/19 and 09/20-09/26):
10.) Passage D - The Flashbulb (Kirlian Selections)
9.) My Name Is Jonas - Weezer (The Blue Album)
8.) Blind Faith - No Bragging Rights (Illuminator)
7.) Mission Control - Hail the Villain (Population: Declining)
6.) The Anomaly - Scar Symmetry (The Unseen Empire)
5.) Welcome Home - Coheed & Cambria (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness)
4.) Louhen Yhdeksäs Poika - Korpiklaani (Ukon Wacka)
3.) The Light & the Glass - Coheed & Cambria (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3)
2.) Mr. Jack - System of a Down (Steal This Album!)
1.) Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood - Volbeat (Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood)
Danish metal time. Oh yeah. And yes, I do realize they have the same name as a Pokémon; I don't know which came first, but I highly doubt it's not coincidental. Either way, this is the 2nd song off of their album of the same name, and is the beginning of a somewhat concept album. Apparently some of the songs talk about characters who are all in the same bar, but it's just confusing to me. That, I and I haven't read up on it enough to actually figure out what's what. My bad. Either way, enjoy. PS. Holy accent.
PPS. Holy crap, Atreyu covered this song. Must listen.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Weekly Stuff v6.
So yeah. Work's a pain, but I get to listen to music. And days off are amazing. Also, FOOTBALL'S BACK! In t-minus 15 hours and 22 minutes from the time my fingers finished typing this part, we'll be watching the kick off of the 2011 NFL season between the Saints and Packers (GO SAINTS!). I'm pumped! Also, hockey starts up again pretty soon, and like any good Canadian, it's time to breath hockey and bleed my team's colours: blue and green (Vancouver, baby!)!
But onto the musical shenanigans. I'm going to have two charts. My top 5, as usual, and a special one to herald the beginning of two awesome seasons: Top 5 sports songs!
Without further ado,
Top 5 of this week (09/06-09/12):
5.) Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood - Volbeat (Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood)
4.) Grist - Drumcorps (Unknown)
3.) Stop! Before It's Too Late and We've Destroyed It All - Atreyu (The Congregation of the Damned)
2.) All I Want - A Day To Remember (What Separates Me From You)
1.) Passage D - The Flashbulb (Kirlian Selections)
Wait, what? A drum n' bass song? With classical? Am I on the right blog? Yeah, you are. Welcome to my hidden side of my music taste: I love The Flashbulb's music. The ingenuity and creativity (using PVC pipes for songs [DIDJ PVC]) as well as instrumental skills (tap-strumming guitars [Lawn Wake IV]) mixed with beats, buzzes, and such for a truly unique musical journey.
And, my top 5 sports songs:
5.) A staple at any sporting event. The best sure fire way to get some crowd dancers and some crazy headbangers, it's: Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
4.) Goal song, intro song, chant song, whatever it is. You name it, and this song will be used for it, and used effectively. WOOHOO, it's: Song 2 - Blur
3.) It's the final period/quarter and you need to get your crowd pumped. All of the sudden. 2 notes on the bass, followed by 3 sets of 2 more notes. The eruption begins as one of the most familiar intro riffs ever shreds the sound system. All aboard, it's: Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne
2.) You've got 2 minutes left. Maybe you're winning. Maybe you're losing. Maybe you're shorthanded, or on 4th down. Get that crowd roaring and the blood pumping with Axel Rose's intro shriek, as well as an intro that just begs for headbanging. It's time for fun and games with: Welcome To the Jungle - Gun N' Roses
1.) Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
Just watch.
It's an unorthodox intro song, but one that serves it's purpose with such spine-chilling excellence.
But onto the musical shenanigans. I'm going to have two charts. My top 5, as usual, and a special one to herald the beginning of two awesome seasons: Top 5 sports songs!
Without further ado,
Top 5 of this week (09/06-09/12):
5.) Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood - Volbeat (Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood)
4.) Grist - Drumcorps (Unknown)
3.) Stop! Before It's Too Late and We've Destroyed It All - Atreyu (The Congregation of the Damned)
2.) All I Want - A Day To Remember (What Separates Me From You)
1.) Passage D - The Flashbulb (Kirlian Selections)
Wait, what? A drum n' bass song? With classical? Am I on the right blog? Yeah, you are. Welcome to my hidden side of my music taste: I love The Flashbulb's music. The ingenuity and creativity (using PVC pipes for songs [DIDJ PVC]) as well as instrumental skills (tap-strumming guitars [Lawn Wake IV]) mixed with beats, buzzes, and such for a truly unique musical journey.
And, my top 5 sports songs:
5.) A staple at any sporting event. The best sure fire way to get some crowd dancers and some crazy headbangers, it's: Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
4.) Goal song, intro song, chant song, whatever it is. You name it, and this song will be used for it, and used effectively. WOOHOO, it's: Song 2 - Blur
3.) It's the final period/quarter and you need to get your crowd pumped. All of the sudden. 2 notes on the bass, followed by 3 sets of 2 more notes. The eruption begins as one of the most familiar intro riffs ever shreds the sound system. All aboard, it's: Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne
2.) You've got 2 minutes left. Maybe you're winning. Maybe you're losing. Maybe you're shorthanded, or on 4th down. Get that crowd roaring and the blood pumping with Axel Rose's intro shriek, as well as an intro that just begs for headbanging. It's time for fun and games with: Welcome To the Jungle - Gun N' Roses
1.) Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
Just watch.
It's an unorthodox intro song, but one that serves it's purpose with such spine-chilling excellence.
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