Listen to This... September 2014

Time moves quickly and so does music. Judging by the gaps in my blog posts, I'm obviously having a hard time keeping up. Truth is, life is more important than tossing together some words and my writing is forced to yield to events beyond the keyboard. But that's a good thing. Without experiences, I'd having nothing to write about - and this year has been a good one, so far. Now, with the fall season creeping in, I might find a little more keyboard time, in between sips of pumpkin lattes and hot chocolate, of course.

Periodically, over the last year or so, a friend of mine has allowed to me crash in on his blog "Saturday Morning Playlist." Please check out his website and other work: Stacking Stones. Jason is a writing and educator, and, like me, has always held a deep passion for music and it's ability to transcend meaning beyond just notes and words.

Here are a couple of my metal-flavored posts from the past months:

DevilDriver

“Sail” AWOLNation cover

DevilDriver is a punishing metal band hailing from California (and damn proud of it, too). Frontman, Dez Farfara (who led the 90’s metal band Coal Chamber and gained fame touring with Ozzy Osbourne in the heyday of the Ozzfest music festival) leads a power groove metal machine that has churned out six records and a relentless touring schedule over the last decade. Their shows are driven by pounding drums, wailing guitars, and palpable energy from their electrifying vocalist. Circle pits are synonymous with DevilDriver and their live shows, whether out in a dusty field or in a cramped club.

The music is loud, the vocals are ferocious, and the lyrics are empowering. Themes of doing what it takes to survive, living life to the fullest, and knowing how to pick your battles are common themes among Dez’s lyrics. Though he’s a self-described introvert, Dez actively engages with his fans at shows and via social media, he is proud of life, his family, and his music.

DevilDriver has a habit of throwing cover songs into their studio albums, including a faithful version of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years.” On their latest album, they turned to the airwaves of pop rock for a cover of AWOLNation's “Sail.” I admit I had no prior knowledge of this song or the band, but like any good listener, I was eager to expand my horizons. With delicate strings balanced by gritty electronica and distorted vocals the darkly tragic original version highlights the internal struggle of human nature. DevilDriver’s metal groove machine provides a brutal contrast while preserving, and even heightening, the desperation driven by Dez’s frantic growl. The songs swings and stomps, it rattles the cage, grabs you by the collar and forces you listen to the desparate cries. Living with ADD since childhood, you get the sense that Dez connects with the lyrics and is eager to connect with you. There is power in the lyrics that is showcased equally by each band, demonstrating the universality of the messages that music can convey, regardless of genre.

"This is how an angel dies, I blame it on my own sick pride, blame it on the the ADD, baby"

In general, metalheads are resigned to the fact that the music on their iPods isn't likely to make waves in popular music in America. However, without a lick of ‘clean’ vocals, DevilDriver’s newest, Winter Kills, debuted at #32 on the Billboard Top 40, a position for the week that had them sitting between Pink and Daft Punk. And so the California groove machine rolls on.

DevilDriver - “Sail”

AWOLNation - “Sail”

Katatonia

“Buildings”

Katatonia weaves haunting melodies with a sound heavily influenced by the gothic and doom metal scenes of their native Sweden. For more than twenty years, they have crafted dark, chilling work with an air of elegance and danger, with vocalist Jonas Renske’s croon serving as the hinge and counterpoint for distorted guitar riffs and double-bass percussion. In 2012, they released a new record, Dead End Kings, which again displayed their strength in songwriting and performance. Dark and broody, the entire album oozes with a power that is both haunting and beautiful. As if that wasn’t enough, the band re-record the entire album a year later. Dethroned & Uncrowned takes the same songs from Dead End Kings and strips them bare. This is not merely an acoustic album. Instead, the band has remastered each track, removing layer upon layer until they reached down to the soul and built it up again to reimagine the very essence of each song. It’s an intriguing idea and Katatonia executed it flawless, creating another compete work with appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, which stands firmly on its own.

“Buildings” is one of my favorite tracks from both albums. The Kings version is typical of Katatonia’s gothic, emotive sound, swiftly crushing you under the weight of grinding guitars which part only slightly for Renske’s tender, determined singing. It’s a song that works well to open the Kings album and plays beautifully live. The bridge, three quarters through the song, maintains a subtle sense of urgency while building to the raucous chorus.

For the Dethroned version, the heaviness is wiped away. In contrast to the original, piano and vocal harmony stand proud, yielding only slightly to intertwining guitars. The bridge section in this version is particular haunting, with the piano and vocals, returning to the forefront to continue playing a sinister game. The addition of strings and accessory percussion complete the layering of sound.

Recording an album to a high caliber like Dead End Kings is challenging enough for a band, but Katatonia expertly execute the reinvention of their vision for Dethroned & Uncrowned. Not only do I listen to both albums on their own, but also this experiment allows me to hear the ideas side-by-side, comparing the differences in approach, textures, and feelings that each style brings forward. Overall, truly a crowning achievement that is worth much time on heavy rotation - for both records.

Buildings (Dead End Kings, live)

Buildings (Dethroned & Uncrowned)

Filter

“We Hate It When You Get What You Wanted”

I’ve been keeping up with Filter for many years now, following frontman and creative captain, Richard Patrick from breakout albums Short Bus and Title of Record, to some lesser known, like Amalgamut and Soldiers Of Misfortune. Filter has had a resurgence of late. A number of 90’s rock and alternative bands have gone on tour recently. Bush, Everclear, and Stone Temple Pilots (now with Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington at the helm) have taken to the road and reminded us of 90's rock - formative listening years for me, personally.

Filter hasn’t missed a beat either and in addition to constant touring, Richard Patrick has released two albums in the last 3 years with dynamic guitarist Johnny Radke (of Kill Hannah) and powerhouse bassist Phil Buckman. Filter has never felt so alive and current, while staying true the sound that Richard Patrick created 20 years ago.

Influenced by his days playing guitar for Nine Inch Nails, Patrick has always sprinkled his records with a healthy dose of electronica, like on the popular "(Can You) Trip Like I Do," and he does so again on the stellar opening track of this year’s The Sun Comes Out Tonight. "We Hate It When You Get What You Wanted" stumps and struts behind Radke’s boomerang guitar work. Patrick’s biting lyrics are perfectly in harmony with the electronic beeps and buzzes that envelope the track.

In this day we are surrounded by whatever fantasy people post on the internet. Well, you know what? We don’t care. And this song feels like an appropriate response to all the garbage constantly bombarding our senses. We don’t care about your perfect life or whatever you’re trying to pass it off as. On this song it seems Richard Patrick is calling bullshit. You can’t possibly be everything you claim.

This is the kind of song that you listen to with a swagger in your step, pumping your fist with your middle finger in the air. Your pretty, plastic world is nothing to be proud of, so, as the songs says, just "sit yourself down!"

Filter - Live at Boston House of Blues

FILTER toured with Bush this past fall and on October 15th, they rolled into Boston's House of Blues. This was the second time I have gone to see Richard Patrick and his band. Lining up an hour before doors opened for this early show was well worth the opportunity to stand front and center for FILTER’s electrifying set. They played six songs, taking material from their latest album, The Trouble With Angels, and hits from the early days of Short Bus and Title Of A Record. Their sound reverberates with such thick intensity. Their new material is nicely polished, yet deeply seeded with the industrial-tinged rage we’ve come to love from Richard Patrick. Unlike some bands, whose hit songs sound overplayed and exactly as written, FILTER maintains the same overall vision for their sound while modernizing everything they play. Hit songs like "Trip Like I Do," "Take A Picture," and "Hey Man Nice Shot" sound as if they could have been recorded for the Angels record.

Richard Patrick, who has been the driving force behind FILTER since its inception, puts on an awesome show. He tirelessly runs around the stage, singing and screaming from every platform he can find. For much of the set he leaned into the front rows of the crowd, singing and shaking hands with the fans. He also crowd surfed while singing "The Best Things" and used an electric drill to enhance bassist Phil Buckman's hypnotic rumbling on "(Can't You) Trip Like I Do." The set also included a killer cover of ZZ Top's "Gimme All Your Lovin'." The new songs, "Drug Boy" and "No Love" are fierce and energized, played with blistering intensity by Patrick and the band. 

FILTER manages to cram more energy and musicality into their short, eight-song set than most bands can muster over the course of an entire night. Richard Patrick belts out each song with raw, reckless abandon. I've seen plenty of bands with incredible lead singers. Some do the 'rock-star' thing by enticing the crowd; others just simply do their thing. Both produce great concerts. Richard Patrick is one of the rare vocalist who imbues his performance with such sincere emotion that you cannot hep but be drawn completely into the performance. I'm still in search of my first FILTER headlining show, but this set was definitely a memorable experience.

October 15th, 2011 - Boston House of Blues

Set List:

1. Welcome To The Folder

2. Drug Boy

3. No Love

4. Gimme All Your Lovin'

5. (Can't You) Trip Like I Do

6. Take A Picture

7. The Best Things

8. Hey Man Nice Shot

A Perfect Circle - Boston July 12

It was the hottest day of the summer so far. Temperatures in the afternoon reached well into the 90’s and even as the day grew into evening, the oppressive heat hung heavy under the Pavilion’s tent. I last saw A Perfect Circle years ago, after the release of 13th Step. It was an intense experience to watch musicians so well versed in their craft and in harmony with each other. Six years since their last tour, my expectations were high. However, I was also anxious to hear what they had planned for us. Having never really toured with the eMotive tracks, the sets would draw heavily from that album as well as their first two. There was also a rumor about a new song. The anticipation grew unbearable as the opening act closed its set.  Just as the sun went down over the Boston skyline, A Perfect Circle casually stepped on stage to deliver an epic show, drenched in their signature textures and flair; sounds as dense as the air around them.

The set opened with two songs from eMotive: “Annihilation” and their dark rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” I love this version and seeing it live was moving. Maynard was in classic form. He sounded great; his voice was tender and tragic, often within the same breath. He stood in profile, not facing the audience directly, on a raised platform in rear left of the stage. It wasn’t until a few songs in, the raucous and emotional “Weak And Powerless,” did Maynard address the hoard of cheering fans with a simple but sincere ‘Good Evening.’

From there, APC focused material from all of their albums. The covers from eMotive translated remarkably well in the live setting, allowing the band to explore the material even further than they had in the studio. With songs like “What’s Going On,” “Peace Love and Understanding,” and “People Are People” we were reminded of the state of affairs when eMotive was first released (election day, 2004). Things have not changed since APC used this collection of covers to highlight the problems we face as a society, to remind us of the darkness, and to beg us not to lose hope.

One of the highlights for me was the run of The Noose, 3 Libras (All Main Courses mix), and Gravity. All of them are standout studio tracks, but in the live setting APC allowed them to run loose to evolve in the summer heat. Billy Howerdel’s guitar work was perfect, the notes reaching out and wrapping the audience with sinewy fingers of madness. James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) added elegant harmony and complemented Howerdel’s playing with guitar and keyboards. “3 Libras” rose up from Maynard’s looped vocals. Drenched in feedback, it twisted and turned like a tortured soul. It was a beautiful monster of a song.

The final five songs completed the circle, starting with “Orestes” (from their first album, A Mer De Noms) and ending with the newly written “By & Down.” Maynard’s singing on “Fiddle And The Drum” was dead on, showing that he’s still got one of the best voices. The entire 18-song set was well produced. It displayed and, at times, extended all the emotion and passion that made the studio albums and original tours so stunning.  The bottom-heavy mixes were thrust forward wrapping the audience in sound and feeling. A Perfect Circle continues to assert themselves as one of the best bands in metal. Will they continue to tour or even record another album? Only they know and the rest of us are just here for the journey.

Complete set list from Boston  July 12, 2011:

Annihilation (Crucifix cover)

Imagine (John Lennon cover)

Weak and Powerless

The Hollow

What's Going On (Marvin Gaye cover)

People Are People (Depeche Mode cover)

The Outsider

(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? (Brinsley Schwarz cover)

When the Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin cover)

The Noose

3 Libras (All Main Courses Mix)

Gravity

Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie (Black Flag cover)

Orestes

Passive

Encore:

Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums

Fiddle and the Drum (Joni Mitchell cover)

By and Down

Source (http://www.setlist.fm)

30 Days Song Challenge: Week 4

Final post of the 30 Days Song Challenge...

day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
“The Freshmen” – The Verve Pipe. When I’m feeling sad, I turn to songs that I share similar emotions with.  It’s comforting to find something that you can relate to when you’re upset. A lot of music makes you realize that everyone has ups and downs and the important thing is to find a way to rise above all of that. If I’m looking for something to cheer me up instead, I usually turn to Widespread Panic or The Doors.

day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding

“Nothing Else Matters” – Metallica. Our first dance. We also played Widespread Panic, The Turtles, Guns ‘n Roses, and Frank Sinatra.

day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral

“Big Truck” – Coal Chamber -- Coal Chamber was one of the very first metal bands that drew me into the genre. So, it’s fitting that my birth into metal should also be played at my funeral. A staple song in any Coal Chamber set, Big Truck churns over the audience. It’s a big-rig of fist-pounding metal crammed down your throat. And as Dez says, “Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body!”

day 25 - a song that makes you laugh

“Goddamn Trigger” – Serj Tankian. This quirky track from Imperfect Harmonies offers Serj’s biting commentary on society’s inconceivable gluttony. “I have 38 rifles and a bunch of handguns and ammunition / 8 grenades, in case of scuffles…/ it’s my constitutional right/ to arm bears… We are disgusting overweight obese fucks/ A shot rang, animals scatter, bovine hormone growth chewy candy.” The music is over-the-top, swaggering along like a drunken carnival. There is a greater message in all of it, which is not so funny. As usual, Serj draws us in with his musical games only to slap us with reality.


day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument

“24 Préludes, Op. 28, No. 4 in E Minor: Largo” - Frédéric Chopin. I can play this and I own a version played by Alexandre Tharaud. This gentle Chopin prelude swells to an emotional climax before fading away. It’s written in E minor, one of my favorite of the minor keys. In Classical music, I find that minor keys evoke more emotion through dissonance and dark tension; a distinct parallel with metal music.

day 27 - a song that you wish you could play

“Light My Fire” – The Doors. I used to be able to play the main organ melody from “Light My Fire,” but it’s been many years. I started playin classical piano, but soon discovered The Doors and Ray Manzarek’s infectious keyboard/organ playing. I’ve been hooked ever since. I love metal, but The Doors will probably always be my absolute favorite band. To be honest, I can’t just leave it at one song… Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade Of Pale,”  the organ solo in Opeth’s “Lotus Eater,” Widespread Panic’s “Travelin’ Man”… the list goes on.

day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty

I don’t feel guilty about anything I listen to. Sure, there are songs or bands that I’ve grown out of, but it doesn’t mean I’m ashamed or embarrassed. Just have a look through my iTunes or phone. I’ve got nothing to hide. Did I have some questionable choices back in the day? We all make mistakes… not me, other people…

day 29 - a song from your childhood

“Pretty Woman” – Roy Orbison. We’re all influenced by the music our parents listen to. You spend the first 16 years of your life riding around in a car with them, listening to whatever radio station or cassette tape they wanted to. By the time I was 10, I’d memorized the hits from Roy Orbison, Charlie Daniels, Blood Sweat & Tears, Johnny Rivers, and many more.

day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

“North” – Widespread Panic. They released this album in the summer of last year. Around this time is when we went to see them in Boston. It was a perfect summer night on the waters of Boston Harbor. The stellar set list included “North,” “Bear’s Gone Fishing,” and “Lawyers Guns and Money.”  The album, Dirty Side Down, was a return to their laid-back, bluesy style, capping off 25 years of music.

Hope you enjoyed! Up next week: In Flames' Sounds Of A Playground Fading.

Amorphis - The Beginning Of Times

This past week, Finnish metal icons, Amorhpis released their 10^th studio album, The Beginning Of Times. This new record follows success of 2009’s Skyforger and marks more than 20 years of their brand of progressive heavy metal. Following the tradition of storytelling in their previous releases, this album takes the listener on the journey of Väinämöinen, an important and powerful God in Finnish mythology. It’s believed that Väinämöinen was a shaman and creator of the world.

“Battle For Light” opens the albums with a graceful piano and orchestra background, soon followed by singer Tomi Joutsen’s grand vocal style. The theatrical styling continues, punctuated with heavy riffs and intense growls. This song sets the stage for the entire record, showing that Amorphis is comfortable drawing from all the musical styles that they’ve amassed over the years. Lending backing vocals on several songs, is Netta Dahlberg, who elegantly accompanies Joutsen’s clean and growling styles. You can hear her on “Mermaid,” a song that tears along, bristling with energy supplied by tight riffs and plenty of synth runs. This song reminds me of “The Sky Is Mine,” from Skyforger.

The first single and video was “You I Need.” Released just prior to the rest of the album, this track gave us all a taste of what to expect from Amorphis. Heavily rooted in their Joutsen-era material and set in apocalyptic scenery, this demonstrates Amorphis pushing forward while delivering the epic prog-tinged metal that we’ve come to enjoy over the years.

The middle of the album continues through incredible storytelling. This is also the kind of record that requires the listener to sit down with the lyrics to absorb the story. Songs like “Three Words” and “Soothsayer” are standout tracks. The latter tune also features vocalist Netta Dahlberg more prominently. The duet with Joutsen is perfect as the song ends.

The Beginning Of Times finishes as strong as it started. The complex and varied “Crack In A Stone” is one of my favorites on the album. It begins subtly enough, blooming into a dense, powerful song until charging full bore in sheer chaos. “The Beginning Of Time” and “Heart’s Song” (bonus track) build on the musical themes established throughout. The use of flutes and keyboards alongside double-bass and death growls keeps each song interesting. There’s something new to find with every listen. This is clearly a band at the top of their game. Amorphis continues to write elaborately heavy and technical metal and The Beginning Of Times stand outs as another amazing chapter.

Have you heard the new Amorphis? Let me know what you think. Check out my last post about Amorhphis: http://greenchamberstudio.blogspot.com/2011/04/amorphis-forging-land.html

Listen To This - Memorial Day 2011

It's Memorial Day Weekend. It's a time to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and to remember all those who have served this country past, present, and future in pursuit of those freedoms. Thank you!

Memorial Day is also the start of summer. Finally, after months of snow and rain we can look forward to sunny skies, food on the grill, and plenty of music. For me, summer also brings traveling to see friends and family. So, this week I searched for some driving music and good tunes to kick off the summer. Here’s a sample of what I’ve been playing this week. What are you listening to?

Widespread Panic - Ball and Dirty Side Down (Remixes)

Traveling home to visit family usually involves driving through the National Forest along the Delaware River (on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey border). I always put in Widespread Panic's Ball and open the windows to let in the smell of the forest. Nothing goes with summer better than some bluesy southern rock. Ball is the first Panic album that I owned and I always go back to it. From the flowing opener, “Fishing,” to the funky “Thin Air (Smells Like Mississippi),” to the 16-minute jam of “Travlein' Man,” this album is the definition of summer music.

If that's not enough to get your summer party going, go to WSP's website (http://www.widespreadpanic.com/) and download some remixes of tracks from their latest CD, Dirty Sound Down (they're fee!). And yes, I said remixes, but the funky takes on Panic's signature breezy sound is refreshing and I'll admit that the dance beats are infectious. It's a diversion from the norm and a fun way to party with Widespread Panic.

Since about 2005, Widespread Panic has been recording all of their live shows. You can find collections of songs carefully assembled into Driving Songs. Each volume takes the best tracks from a summer’s worth of shows. There’s no better way to explore the roads on a hot summer day.

Green Day - Dookie and Insomniac

Green Day makes for great driving music. It keeps you moving and singing along, especially on those long, monotonous, late-night drives. As the road winds on and the pavement stretches out indefinitely into the darkness, I find that Green Day’s hyperactive sound and sarcastic commentary keep me moving toward my destination. I’m a product of the 90’s and Green Day’s emergence into the mainstream helped shape the musical landscape of my generation. And while I’m still a big fan of American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown, I always find myself reaching back to 1994.

Soilwork – Natural Born Chaos

No road trip or summer drive could be complete without some Swedish metal. Soilwork has been bringing their mix of hardcore and metal for years now. 2002’s Natural Born Chaos is one of their best efforts. Catchy chorus blended with ferocious vocals and pummeling guitars make this a go-to album for me. “As We Speak,” “No More Angels,” and “Mercury Shadow” are some of the standout tracks, heavy with guitars, keyboards, and soaring choruses. I even use “Black Star Deceiver” as a ringtone (and subsequently find it always playing in my head). Natural Born Chaos, like much of Soilwork’s material, packs the punches in all the right places

Listen To This - May 22, 2011

The weather here in the Northeast has been horrible. I haven’t seen the sun in weeks. With the fog rolling in off the ocean each night, I feel like I’m in a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie; just without the excitement… or the rum. So, this week I needed some music that could keep me going through the dark and dreary days of this endless monsoon.

Black Label Society – Order Of The Black

You may know Black Label Society from the radio single Stillborn, which featured Ozzy and is also found on Guitar Hero. In fact, you can battle against BLS leader, Zakk Wylde in the game as well. I saw Zakk Wylde on Ozzfest years back when he was playing two sets each night – one set fronting BLS and the other playing with Ozzy. His relentless attitude comes through in Black Label Society’s 2010 release, Order Of The Black. The album is chockfull of the head-banging, fist pumping, whiskey-fueled metal mayhem that we’ve come to expect from BLS. Songs like the opener, “Crazy Horse” and “Parade Of The Dead,” feature heavy drums, tight guitar, and Zakk Wylde’s signature wail. Just as with albums like Mafia, the rampage slows down every couple of tracks with a sweeping ballad, such as “Darkest Days” and “Time Waits For No One.” My favorite track is “Godspeed Hellbound,” which hooks you in and drives with ferocity reminiscent of “Stillborn” or “Suicide Messiah.” The album closes with a third ballad, lulling you into submission before the brutality starts all over again.

Opeth – Lamentations (DVD)

Thanks to Netflix, I never need to leave the house, even for music. I sat down this week to watch Opeth’s live concert DVD, Lamentation (2003). In the concert, Opeth plays two sets. The first set draws on their softer songs, taken mostly from the Damnation album. If you want to experience a badass death metal band opening itself up to elegant vocals, sweeping dynamics, and intricate passages, you must watch this show. You also get a sense of the band’s humble personality. Front man, Mikael Akerfeldt interacts with the crowd, remarking that there are a lot more people watching than he’d expected. You almost get a sense that he, and the rest of the band, are just average guys, playing music, and hoping that others enjoy it. Keep in mind that by this time, Opeth had been around for 13 years! The second set picks up with their heavier, prog-laden death metal (mostly from Deliverance). Both Akerfeldt's growls and clean vocals meld perfectly with blast beats, synth keyboards, and frantic riffing. I seriously recommend watching, especially on a rainy day. Start from the beginning and see where the journey leads

Listen To This - May 15, 2011

What are you listening to? Here’s what keep me going this week:

Serj Tankian – Imperfect Harmonies/Imperfect Remixes

Serj’s second solo album and 4-song remix showcase his brilliantly quirky musical side. While not as metal (or even as rock) as his first album, Elect The Dead , this one is full of electronic sounds, catchy choruses, and poignant lyrics. I find myself listening to “Gate 21” on repeat. The ablum version uses mostly piano to accompany Serj’s emotional lyrics. The remixed rock version steps up the tempo and Tom Morello (Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine) adds his signature punchy guitar work. Other highlights include the dance-beat laden “Borders Are…” and the ballad “Wings Of Summer.” Serj sings “Yes, It’s Genocide” entirely in Armenia, refers specifically to the Armenia genocide of 1915 for which Turkey has not yet formally recognized. This is album is a musical journey and Serj is a brilliant guide.

Scar Symmetry – Holographic Universe

Scar Symmetry is a new band to me. I just got one of their more recent albums, Holographic Universe. It’s what I expect and love from Swedish melodic death metal. There’s plenty of heaviness mixed with soaring choruses, and high-energy vocals. I’d say that Scar Symmetry has a bit of prog to their sound as well. There’s just enough Dream Theatre influence to differentiate them from other bands without going over the top. I’ve heard that Scar Symmetry is getting a new singer, so I’m interested to see how their sound evolves. For now, Holographic Universe delivers the metal you need.

News and Tours:

There are rumors about a new music from A Perfect Circle. In the fall, APC played several shows, back-to-back, in a handful of cities. Each night they played one of their three albums start to finish. This summer’s tour is more extensive and highly anticipated. When A Perfect Circle emerged in the late 90’s they were one of the original ‘Super Groups,’ comprising members from several already famous bands (Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, and Josh Freese, who plays drums for everyone). The term super group seems ridiculous since bands constantly trade members or form other groups. Whatever you call them, I hope A Perfect Circle continues on.

Acrassicauda has embarked on their first us tour. Acrassicauda is an Iraqi thrash metal band. After leaving Iraq (where metal can get you killed) they're spreading their punishing sound across the US. Aggressive, technical, and lyrically intense (not surprisingly), their 4 song EP Only The Dead See The End Of War is dark and awesome. You must check out this band!

DevilDriver is out on tour with Danzig in support of their 5^th studio album, Beast. I’ve been following lead singer Dez Farfara on Twitter and the shows have been met with awesome fan feedback. I’m looking forward to seeing them in July! Check out my review of Beast: http://greenchamberstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/evolution-of-beast.html

System Of A Down have started their reunion tour. I’m glad to see them back. I don’t know if there will be any new music coming soon, but at the very least I’d like them to come to the East Coast!

Valet Parn is a metal band from Greece. Check out their album. They’re on tour with long-time Greek death metalers, Septic Flesh (who also just released a new album, their seventh).

Straight Line Stitch

Male vocalists tend to dominate the world of metal music, but there are many female singers who easily stand their own at the microphone. The contrast between heavy music and elegant vocals creates drama and tension in the overall sound. Bands like Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, We Are The Fallen, and others execute this contrast with epic results. The style of alternating aggressive and clean vocals is also effective at driving up the emotion and intensity of a song. Perhaps less radio-friendly, death metal growls offer a unique emotional edge when coupled with clean vocals. Straight Line Stitch is among a group of bands fronted by a ferocious female singer who uses both vocal styles. They’ve released three albums with Alexis Brown at the helm (I just recently bought the 2^nd, When Skies Wash Ashore, which was their first major label release) and given what I’ve heard, they’re definitely a band that I’m looking forward to seeing on tour this summer.

When Skies Wash Ashore kicks off with brutal, chunky riffs and pummeling drums followed quickly by Brown’s throat-ripping vocals. Her screaming is intense and in pitch, a positive departure from the too-often atonal American hardcore. And as if the death metal growls and howls weren’t evidence enough, her softer side is gutsy and soul-soaked. A number of tracks switch back and forth, pushing the emotion and feel of the songs in varying directions.

In addition to the opener, Never See The Day, there are a number of standout tracks including Eucharist, which features clean vocals with soaring choruses backed by churning riffs. The song Black Veil highlights Brown’s dueling vocal personalities. High-speed hard rock rules on the blistering, yet catchy, What You Do To Me. The album closes with Yesterday’s Gone, a tender track about reflecting on loss. Its gentle acoustic guitar work exposes Brown’s voice and soul, never losing the intensity demonstrated on previous songs. Having just released a new album, Fight Of Our Lives, Straight Line Stitch continues honing its own brand of heavy metal. This band is definitely worth more than a few listens.

Check out the videos for What You Do To Me

... and Black Veil.

This is rock. This is life. What are you listening to?