Magic Circle w/High Command and Sweet Heat @ Great Scott

Heavy metal madness returns to Great Scott. Local favorites, Magic Circle and High Command tore it up with special guests Sweet Heat. This one was a late runner but well worth it. I think its been a whole year since I last saw High Command and a few years since Magic Circle. Get ready to step into a portal to the world of knights, dragons, and steel!

Sweet Heat
Genre: Heavy/Traditional Metal FFO: Balck Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow

I was late arriving to this set due to the overdosage of Roxy's I was craving, however I am very glad I could catch at least some of it. Sweet Heat is the type of hard rockin' blues influenced metal band that sounds straight out of the 70s. Guarantee my heavy metal aunt would love this shit. Soulful vocals with a bluesy guitar finish and even with solos. You don't see that too much anymore. This is the ind of blast from the past that reminds you of the bands your parents showed you before you knew what music was. This is rock n roll! God damn do these guys do it right. The crowd was all for it, head banging and cheering, like it really was the 70s. Granted they were the opening band so not much movement nor too many people but I really hope they got their name out there.

High Command
Genre: Thrash Metal/Crossover FFO: Slayer, Power Trip, Testament

High Command really show off the reason they got signed to a big label. Once again they begin with the classic "We're High Command" while holding up a sword  The moment that riff starts. you are in a battle of steel on horseback. Straight up if you can name a band out of Mass that thrashes harder than these guys, I will personally give you 50 bucks out of my own pocket. There were kids flying back and forth for every song that literally made me ask my self "Do these kids run on kinetic energy or something?". Its like they were training for a sporting event. Gonna say that the best part of High Command's sound was the reverb in the vocals, I don't think they had that at the Integrity show. I don't know what it was but somehow with no lights or special effects, the band just gives off this aura that makes the atmosphere perfect. Like I didn't even feel like I was in a bar. High Command go full force and give 100% every time I have seen them and I don't think that will change.

Magic Circle
Genre:Heavy/Doom Metal FFO: Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Cathedral

Then of course we have Magic Circle. A crowd favorite amongst Massachusetts metal. I will admit, I was hoping as a headliner they would have some sort of lighting effects but unfortunately they did not. Nonetheless this does not subtract from the sound or energy they gave off. It really does amaze me the way the vocalist hits those octaves. The band was in constant motion moving with the riffs and the crowd followed suit. honestly for the most part their was much movement in the crowd other than headbanging, aside from a small pit during Lightning Cage. The big reason to see magic circle is the heaviness of the band and the passion from the musicians. Like High Command, the revrb in the vocals is another good effect and with the range of his voice, the band sets the atmosphere to a similar fantasy background. Pretty cool to see these guys play in a bar rather than the Middle East this time.

All Playlists

I decided to let you all in on my spotify playlists just to give everyone a taste of what to expect on this blog. I feel most of my friends already know what I'm into but some of you may like to dig deeper and maybe discover something new.Maybe you'll hear of one of these bands playing near hear soon and you'll know I'll be there for a review. Maybe you're just curious of what I enjoy. Whatever the reason, I hope everyone checks them out and enjoys. I'm always constantly adding to them as well as making new ones.

Death Metal Playlist: Death To False Metal
   All the most extreme death metal

Gym Playlist: The Church of Iron
   This is what I lift to, a combination of metalcore, deathcore, death metal, ignorant rap, and motivating hardcore. There are two surprise songs in there, shuffle the playlist and find them, no cheating!

Skate Playlist: Bill Cuneo's Underground Pro American Wasteland Skater Extravaganza
   Obviously what I skate to. Combonation of punk, metal, stoner/sludge, rap, etc. A littl bit of everything. I made this one thinking about Tony Hawk games.

Stoner/Doom Playlist: For Sm0nking W33d and Summoning Demons only 666
   Probably the longest one. Full albums are on this one. All slow and evil doom metal subgenres.

Goth Playlist: Too Dark
   Tons of darkwave and post punk from all eras. Some death rock and industrial also sprinkled in. Everything for your goth needs with no bullshit.

Pop Playlist: Let's Fucking Party
   It's no secret I love pop music. These are my favorites.

Electronic Music Playlist: Electric Prison
   All electronic music ranging from sad, chaotic, and chill.

Chill Music Playlist: Realm of Chillin'
   Combonation of Shoegaze, indie, rap, chillwave, emo etc. All stuff I enjoy when I'm in a good non spontaneous mood.

Noise Playlist: Distorted Nightmare
   No harsh noise, I'll say that first. I enjoy the artistic and terrifying side of noise music a lot. Everything on this one has structure.

Seasonals:
  Summertime Lovin', Lovin' in the Summer (Time)
  Pumpkin Spice
 

Nicole Dollanganger w/ Seed, and Kira McSpice @ ONCE Ballroom

A night we have been waiting for since that beautiful album came out. Nicole Dollanganger finally comes to Boston. At first I was slightly disappointed the show would go past 10:00 but surprisingly enough the openers gave a fantastic performance definitely well preparing us for Nicole. Gotta point out how into it the crowd was to with everyone dressing like children and goths. Really adds to the atmosphere.

Kira McSpice
Genre: Ambient/Indie FFO: Marissa Nadler, Emma Ruth Rundle

I had no idea what to expect from this project. Almost complete darkness with only a keyboardist as well as a guitar/vocalist (aka Kira McSpice). First thing she said was "who's ready to get sad!?" as the crowd cheered. Made me think it would be something emo, but instead became this creepy but melodic wave of emotion. Kira's voice projected powerfully with the keyboardist actually playing both ambient samples as well as samples of Kira's voice. I remember my pal Keith (Deathwish Inc.) leaning over to me saying: "I feel like I'm in a horror movie". Couldn't agree more. Couldn't help but feel like I was seeing Chelsea Wolfe again with the way she was singing. Sweet lord did this woman have pipes! Overall performance was incredible and fit well with the bill. Both members performed their hearts out and for only the first act I was very impressed.

SEED
Genre: Experimental Doom Metal/Indie FFO: Elizabeth Colour Wheel, Thou, Screaming Females

The only time I ever saw Seed's name was on a flyer for the Thou/Emma Ruth Rundle collab tour, so seeing them at this show I was curious, as most know how much I L O V E D that collab set when it hit the flywheel in western Mass. I had no prior knowledge to this bands music, but to see them perform as a three piece (Vox, Guitar and Drums), well nothing could have made me more intrigued. I can't say every song was similar however they of course followed the core structure of doom metal. Very heavy for a band with no bass, but on top of that, the range that the vocalist had was impeccable add in with frightening and deafening screams. I felt like I was in the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks and Laura was screaming her head off right in my ear. The band managed to take their doom influence and tie in some stuff comparable to modern emo bands, post rock, and indie. One song they played had blast beats and tremelo picking, it was basically black metal. Seed stated that they have a record recorded but are waiting for the right time to release it. Keep up with this band, you won't regret it.

Nicole Dollanganger
Genre: Gothic Indie/Folk FFO: Emma Ruth Rundle, Marissa Nadler, Chelsea Wolfe (early)

Heart Shaped Bed was pretty high on my list last year and Nicole's guest feature with Full of Hell still terrifies me. I knew the day would come that she plays Boston and that night was this one. The only light that shined down was a velvet pink as Nicole walked out with a garden window statiioned behind her. She wore a dark dress that gave her new blonde hair a little more flair as she smiled at the crowd while they cheered. This night really saw some talented vocalists, but of course Nicole absolutely takes the cake. I'm not to used to such a quiet set but my goodness it only made the performance more powerful. The atmosphere, the garden window, the lighting, all teamed up with her haunting voice hitting the exact note she needs just makes you feel like you are on her album covers. Some songs even had a click track.
    One thing I did want to bring up was during one song, I can't remember which, there was a member of the crowd who was having a medical emergency (?). I couldn't see what was going on from where I was. Mid song Nicole asked if she was ok, and while still singing grabbed her a water. After the song, a thumbs up was given implying everything was alright and the friends yelled "Thank you so much! You're an angel!" Nicole also saves lives literally while singing and not missing a beat.
    Unfortunately this was another I couldn't stay for the whole set.

So all together this night was a true showcase of vocalists for sure, but I absolutely must give praise to Seed for the instrumentals that are very talented and kept me on my toes for the whole set. More praise as well to Scott who played with Nicole doing both guitar and keyboard and gave an even more spectacular atmosphere to the ballroom landscape. Outstanding performances by all!

Summer Playlist 2019

It's summer again. The time of year where we spend a lot of time near water and sand while we consume the suns energy while trying our best to not be consumed by our demons. it's been a while but we are back with another rock n roll playlist for y'all. Link below

https://open.spotify.com/user/1241645468/playlist/3g5qrW9XcuP4zZjn7zJY39?si=Rw2aZm4eTm21A-o-MqOIDg

Washed Out - Life of Leisure

Genre: Electronic/Chillwave FFO: Teen Daze,Craft Spells, Wild Nothing

Favorite Track: Feel It All Around

As usual, we start with the obvious. I can't believe I forgot this one last time. Best known for the Portlandia theme, Washed Out is the definition of summer with Life of Leisure. You can really tell from the cover. You'll feel like the person on the cover listening to this one. Float Face up on the water and get ready to zone out.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

Genre: Noise Pop/Indie FFO: Sleigh Bells, Interpol, The Ting Tings 

Favorite Track: Dragon Queen

This is a big one for weird music. I feel these guys had a huge influence on Sleigh Bells and on top of that, both feature members from metal/hardcore bands (This one being Head Wound City, a mathcore band featuring an ex member of The Blood Brothers). Nothing says summer like pop music, and the alternate influence encourages a hipster party, so get on it.

Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet

Genre: Indie FFO: Frankie Cosmos, Snail Mail, Petal

Favorite Track: Road Head

I have to admit, I'm still somewhat new with Jbrekkie, but that does not affect the talent they have. This is an album that screams long drive in the sun for me. A good indie album for both the highway as well as driving in the city. Not too mention getting your fill of an actual Japanese breakfast which I'm curious of what it would consist of. Hey look at that a new mission for the summer: Try a traditional Japanese Breakfast.

skycamefalling - To Forever Embrace the Sun

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore FFO: Poison the Well, This Day Forward, Hopesfall

Favorite Track: The Fall of Cain's Countenance

So Zach chewed me out for not including this in the last summer playlist. skycamefalling are a forgotten icon of 90's metalcore that reminisce the era very well (if you're old enough to remember it) Very similar to Poison the Well and unironically amongst the same era, skycamefalling have a heavy side garnished with post hardcore interludes similar to bands ranging from Refused to ISIS (the band). Zach states its a good one for a summer night, my preference is a sunset. Try it out and prove us wrong.

Miley Cyrus - She is Coming

Genre: Hip/Hop/Pop FFO: Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha

Favorite Tracks: Unholy, D.R.E.A.M.

 

Nothing More can be said than "If you didn't follow Miley through Bangerz, you don't deserve her now". I have personally been a big fan of hers since the beginning and will probably follow her til the end of time. The moment she announced this EP and I saw her wearing a Sex Pistols shirt, I knew it would be incredible. Did she disappoint? Absolutely not. She even threw us a curveball and did a song with none other than Ghostface Killah. Thank you for Coming Miley!

Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Weedeater, Fu Mabchu, Orange Goblin
Favorite Track: 100 Degrees


We discussed Kyuss in the last summer playlist, but here they are again. More blues inlfuenced stoner jams for the desert. Sky Valley can speed up at times making it a good balance of skate and smoke. I could never get tired of this band and it just screams desert heat.

BROCKHAMPTON - IRRIDESCENCE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap FFO: Tyler, The Creator, Kids See Ghosts, Run the Jewels

Favorite Track: VIVID

I'm sure by now we are all familiar with the world's greatest boy band. BROCKHAMPTON is a 14 person powerhouse of a project. I don't think I've heard anyone say anything negative about them yet and probably won't anytime soon. I feel like you could call them a modern day Odd Future in terms of a lot of members, unique style, and beats you couldn't imagine, though the two are vastly different. Honestly if you don't know about BROCKHAMPTON, you live under a rock.

Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

Genre: Country/Indie

Favorite Track: Slow Burn

This album is really turning heads amongst people who don't like country. I personally despise country as a whole, but seeing this album on Neil's top albums of 2018 made me curious. I liked what I heard then showed my mums who is into this type of music and she loved it even more than I did. Its good to trust these two. Kacey Musgraves shows far more emotion than the "I fucked my cousin while drinking a frosty brew in my pickup" country that we all hate. This is the type of project I could see at the Sinclair but Kacey's fame would bring her to a much bigger and more expensive place. Seriously though this is definitely worth your time.

ISIS (the band) - Oceanic & Panopticon

Genre: Post Metal FFO: Cult of Luna, Neurosis, The Ocean

Favorite Tracks: Maritime (Oceanic), Syndic Calls (Panopticon)

I couldn't decide between these. Oceanic sounds like you're being pulled to the bottom of the ocean while Panopticon pulls you back up. As you float there you look around and notice there is nothing but water for miles. These two albums really show the line this band had when switching over. Oceanic is considered by some to be the last REAL Isis album because everything after wasn't as heavy. Panopticon coming out after was really the first album that made these same fans call them sell outs. The band has never released anything bad in my opinion and these two are perfect for summer near the water.

Aly & AJ - Sanctuary

Genre: Indie Pop FFO: Haim, CHVRCHES, Florence and the Machine

Favorite Track: Not Ready To Wake Up

Aly & AJ are probably the biggest reason I wanted to get this blog back in action. After seeing them play the Paradise in May, I regret not writing it up. We all remember the hits like Potential Breakup Song, Chemicals React, Rush etc. but the latest EP by the duo shows there artistic side and moves in a direction towards alternative music. I swear if BRU was still on air, they would be playing this. As  for that show, you would not beleive the passion these two still have for all the old and new songs. If I were to tell you the top 3 shows I've seen at the Paradise it would go: #1 The Dillinger Escape Plan #2 Denzel Curry #3 Aly & AJ.

Maylene & The Sons of Disaster - Self Titled
Genre: Southern Rock/Post-Hardcore FFO: He is Legend, Cancer Bats, Norma Jean
Favorite Track: Bang! The Witch is Dead


Maylene is the project of the mighty Dallas Taylor after leaving UnderOath in 20..whenever it was. It's an odd transition going from preaching about God in a blackened metalcore/screamo band to a tangy smoky southern barbecue with some gator wrasslin' on the side. If you haven't heard Maylene yet, your summer barbecues ain't gonna be the same. Best experience comes with a shotgun in hand.

Jex Thoth - Self Titled
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Acid King, Blood Ceremony, Windhand
Favorite track: Nothing Left to Die


Jex Thoth is the name of both the band as well as the front woman. Very bluesy stoner metal with a hint of evil. If Windhand was a magic user build in an RPG that focused on wind, Jex Thoth would be the fire. Of course by magic user I mean witch because her vocals are haunting and hypnotizing. All you will see is an empty wasteland as you start to hallucinate from dehydration and those blues riffs will give you some psychedelic visions you won't soon forget.

Princess Nokia - Metallic Butterfly & A Girl Cried Red
Genre: Hip-Hop/RnB FFO: SZA, Noname
Favorite Track: Dragons (MB), Your Eyes Are Bleeding (AGCR)

Nokia is a shining gem amongst this type of music. Both of these releases are impeccable and bonus points for that (sic) Slipknot shirt. Nokia gained fame with her hit single Tomboy which still bumps hard, however transitioning from rap to RnB always seems to be the way to go with most artists. For example, if Drake did a whole album like Hold On, We're Going Home, maybe I would care more to listen to him. Nokia goes down this path and keeps you hooked and wanting more. Both releases best listened to with ice cream in hand, on a pier.

Beach House - Depression Cherry
Genre: Indie/Dream Pop FFO:Beach Fossils, Cocteau Twins, Washed Out
Favorite Track: Space Song


Beach House have been around for a long time but I gotta say this album I feel they really out did themselves. No matter what album it is, I always imagine myself at...well a beach house watching the tides pull in and out through the entire course of a day. Depression Cherry gives it that flavor though. This one is like the waves crashing down with the sun setting and the sky is that purple into orange color. Gotta love it.

Pinkshinyultrablast - Miserable Miracles
Genre: Dream Pop FFO: Cocteau Twins, The Naked and Famous, Them are us too
Favorite Track: Dance AM


The name suggest the visual that comes with the music. All I imgine when I hear that twinkly synth, is one of those carnival style piers like at Orchard beach, only at night and everything is lit up and I just won an oversized Minion from knocking over the whole tower of bottles. The album really speaks for itself, listen to understand.

Fu Manchu - The Action is Go
Genre: Stoner Metal/Southern Rock FFO: Kyuss, Red Fang, The Atomic Bitchwax
Favorite Track: Unknown World


Featuring former members of Kyuss, Fu Manchu are here to redefine rock n roll. The Action is go is all about skating with a blunt, no wait a fully loaded bong, in one hand and a big middle finger salute to a cop in the other. The rock n roll jam for all. I still question the album cover simply because that kid is on a pennyboard.

Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Genre: Indie/Post-Hardcore FFO: Title Fight, Crime in Stereo, I Am the Avalanche
Favorite track: Light of Local Eyes


That whole scene of indie bands touring with hardcore bands is getting more and more relevant these days. I feel Polar Bear Club were the original indie for hardcore kids, as I recall them touring with TUI or something. Anywho, this is a good sundown album at the end of the day. Just you, me and this brick wall you built between us. Before you realize the pie you ate was a bomb, you will enjoy emotion filled lyrics with a punk edge and charming indie background.

Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, m.A.A.d City
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap FFO:Compton
Favorite Track: Backseat Freestyle

You know him, you love him. Kendrick's popularity began with this one the skyrocketed with the next, and acsended beyond by winning a Pulitzer Prize. The one thing Kendrick always had was his black pride which is absolutely shown in m.A.A.d. City. This  album features the same flow but not as much of a story like Damn. and Butterfly. This is one of those roll the windows down and blast at full volume type of albums. Halle Barry....Hallelujah!

Ligeia - Bad News
Genre: Metalcore FFO: It Dies Today, It Prevails, Vanna
Favorite Tracks: Teenage Wasteland, Hoodrat
 

Remember when you were a curious young lad who would get excited when a girl shows skin? Well if it wasn't for those curiosities, I would not have discovered  this album. Ligeia were an old school metalcore band hailing from our great state of Massachusetts who were alcoholic party monsters. If you grew up with this album, I know you know every word to I've Been Drinkin'. I feel this album was the start of that melodic style that The Ghost Inside etc. type of bands commercialized. These unsung heroes were all about two things: getting wasted, and getting rejected by babes (Johnny Bravo style). Change that party music and fight everyone.

Fleeting Joys - Despondent Transponder
Genre: Indie/Dream Pop FFO: Broadcast, Drop Nineteens, Miserable
Favorite Track: Magnificent Oblivion


Fleeting Joys were ahead of their time. I guess you could call me a new listener, but I'm more than impressed. This style is getting widely respected amongst the indie crowd and I could name many that sound influenced by it. Maybe I'm over exaggerating considering this album came out in 2006 and Fleeting Joys continue to make music but whatever. Thus album just makes me think of clouds floating by the sun. Shoegaze-y indie pop or whatever you want to call it is a fantastic balance of emotion, heavy, and w a v e y.

Unsane - Occupational Hazard
Genre: Noise Rock/Sludge Metal/Punk FFO: Whores.,Coalesce, Today is the Day
Favorite track: Over Me


Most of my generation that got into heavy music did it through Tony Hawk games, I bring this up all the time. Unsane I discovered this way but I feel they didn't stick with most. They definitely kept me company however. This album is the soundtrack to dangerous daredevil stunts. It always seems to be a trend for me in the past few summers that I do something stupid. To name a few: Doing a backflip off a bridge into the Charles River, tagging a railroad track then almost getting hit by a train, pushing zach down a hill in a shopping cart, I could go on. Nonetheless, this is the wipeout album. Unsane take hints of sludge and punk, add those weird ass noise riffs and massive amounts of distortion, and give it a gory theme to make your summer far more dangerous.

Colbie Caillat - Coco
Genre: Indie Pop FFO: Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton
Favorite Track: Oxygen


This is one I hope everyone knows. If you do, you know its euphoria at the beach with your significant other. Colbie mixes tropical backgrounds with a twinkly acoustic and her beautiful, somewhat southern sounding voice. This album is favorite of mine and has been for a long time.

Monolord - Rust
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Ufomammut, Sleep, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard


Destructive, psychedelic, doom. Rust is the equivalent of tripping your balls off and being teleported into a desert wasteland where the gravity is 20x stronger. Heavy heavy heavy. Monolord are fucking heavy.

Miguel - War & Leisure
Genre: R&B FFO: SZA, The Weeknd
Favorite Track: Pineapple Skies


I discovered Miguel from hearing his interview on the Breakfast Club on the radio one day. Later that day I realized he was the mastermind behind the hit single, Skywalker. Miguel drops a modern spin on R&B that is both smooth and sexy. I honestly can't listen to this album and have a bad day. War & Leisure will drag the sun out from behind the clouds on a stormy day.

The Naked and Famous - Passive Me, Aggressive you
Genre: Alternative/Dream Pop FFO: Passion Pit, Matt & Kim, Tegan and Sara
Favorite Track: Young Blood


Another long time favorite of mine. You know those days where there's a small amount of rain but the sun shines thru like the pictures on those church fliers? That happens because someone somewhere is playing this album. I think of this as my orginal gateway into dream pop considering the twinkly and bright melodies. By the way, now you know a project from Iceland.

Playing Enemy - I Was Your City
Genre: Mathcore/Sludge Metal/Zachcore FFO: Coalesce, Knut, Swarm of the Lotus
Favorite Track: Monaco


The soundtrack to doing criminal shit. I Was Your City is for when its stupid bright out, and you wish everyone was dead. You guessed it, this one is for the city. Playing Enemy probably sticks out the most on this playlist considering its heavy, chaotic, and features members of Kiss it Goodbye. Well we gotta balance it out, besides I Was Your City is a good one for desert temperatures in the city while you scream out of pent up rage. Go fight a cop.

Rule Them All - An Alignment of Polarity
Genre: Hardcore Punk FFO: Vantage Point, Abuse of Power
Favorite Track: Lukewarm


Not long ago I took time out of my weekend to head on down to Providence to see a hardcore show since its been a very long time. Rule Them All headlined this show and the first thing I thought of was "I gotta skate to this". I gotta say, for a hardcore band they give off a melodic feel and a very rock n roll pattern with the vocals. I don't get impressed by hardcore very often anymore so definitely take my word for it.

Red Fang - Self Titled
Genre: Southern/Sludge Metal FFO: Big Business, High on Fire, Fu Manchu
Favorite Track Night Destroyer


Red Fang is one of those bands that you don't really know what to expect if you never heard them. For example when this album first came out, judging by the cover and logo I expected powerviolence. Little did I know it was a desert sounding rock n roll anthem. Red Fang's debut from front to back is something you would expect to be on a Tony Hawk game. A good skate sesh as well as a hike in the mountains. A slow sludgey sound with subtle blues influence and lots of sweet southern BBQ riffs, gotta love it.

Boris - Pink
Genre: Various FFO: Earth, Melt Banana, Kylesa
Favorite Track: Pink


Once you see the cover, Pink is the only color on your mind. Because of that I think its a good one for the sun. If you're not familiar with Boris, know that they never stuck with one genre. They never started one then matured with another, or did the Eighteen Visions thing where every album sounds different. They literally jumble every genre together for the most part. Primarily they tend to stick with a doom and punk structure, but they have released other albums that are entirely different. nyway we're talking Pink. This one is a good mix of punk rock and drone. Yeah you read that right. It's sometimes like Black flag used the same effects as Sunn O))), others its just straight drone doom. oddly enough everything fits perfect together. More credit to Japan for giving birth to incredible bands like this.

Helmet - Meantime
Genre: Sludge Metal/Grunge/Alt. Metal FFO: Melvins, Prong, Corrosion of Conformity
Favorite Tracks: In the Meantime, Unsung


I don't know many who don't like Helmet. The legedary album is more than worth the summer playlist. Not much I should really need to say other than no heavy band that formed after the 90s matters without saying "Helmet was a huge influence for us".
Avril Lavigne - Let Go
Genre: Pop Punk/Rock
Favorite track: Losing Grip


Don't act like you don't know it. Don't act like you don't love it. Don't act like you don't know every word to Complicated. Don't act like you don't know every word to Sk8er Boi.

Ho-Kago Tea Time - Ho-Kago Tea Time II
Genre: Light Music FFO: Really Cute Things, Things That Taste Really Good


Fuck you.

Church of Misery, The Atomic Bitchwax, and Toke @ The Middle East

I can't tell you how long I've waited for Church of Misery to make it to Boston. Growing up learning blues guitar felt like a drag until I heard how insanely heavy and psychedelic these guys made it. I couldn't have asked for a better lineup too with support from the rock n roll trio, The Atomic Bitchwax, and up and coming stoner heavyweights Toke. Stoners rejoice! This one's for you!

Toke

Genre: Stoner/Sludge Metal FFO:  Dopelord, BelzeBong, YOB

I am new to Toke as most seem to be. I gave a few releases a listen and just thought "heavy". Personally, I thought they may have stuck out the most in this lineup due to their more sludge metal sound. 

   The moment those lights were as green as the weed everyone smoked before the show, I knew it was gonna be good. I could feel the bass drum in my bones, and those riffs were loud and heavy, best way to start the night. While I do prefer my stoner metal to be psychedelic, these guys did do the heavy right. 

    One big thing I noticed was some emphasized tempo changes, similar to Primitive Man the other night, but not death metal style i.e. blast beats. Toke remain a slow band but kept me guessing with their drum patterns. Not too mention those vocals. Very hoarse to the point where he sounded sick...I mean that in a good way. Toke were even joined on the mic by the current vocalist of Church of Misery for a song. Just seeing his attitude, energy and movement for this one song not even by his own band, let's just call it a taste of what was to come.  For an old man he grabbed that mic and made it his bitch like an old school rock n roll machine.

The Atomic Bitchwax

Genre: Stoner/Southern Metal/Grunge/Punk FFO: Corrosion of Conformity, Fu Manchu, Kyuss

   The Atomic Bitchwax is a band I love to skate to. Some sick rock n roll riffs with a punk attitude that adds in some southern stoner background thats a good time for anyone. The speed of this band was a good unwinding from the gravity put on from Toke. Quite a change of pace.

   First off, Bitchwax's timing is absolutely impeccable. Of course I've seen my fair share of  odd time signatures with bands, but the thing about these guys is all the rock n roll made them really get into it with some classic "WOO!" and "OOWW!" and maybe even a few "BAAAYBAAAYY!"'s when these parts happened the whole band stopped for it, then continued on. I fucking love it. Nothing is more rock n roll than that!

   I was also pretty surprised to find out that there were two vocalist, considering you really can't tell the difference between them. I honestly can't think of a better definition of rock n roll than The Atomic Bitchwax, a 20 year old band with a mostly similar lineup and also featuring members of Monster Magnet with a balance of the south, stoner, and grunge. Rock n fucking rollll.

Church of Misery

Genre: Psychedelic Stoner/Doom Metal FFO: Black Sabbath, Blood Ceremony, Electric Wizard

Now we're talking. You see festival lineups all the time and you see that one band that you're like "Wow they never play, maybe I should fly out and see them" and then you remember you're broke and have responsibilities and its the same night as a show you already have tickets for. For years I have been seeing CoM on festival lineups in the US and only festivals. I thought I would pull the trigger and see them at Psycho Las Vegas but it didn't happen. Church of Misery is a bucket list band for me and I can now scratch it off.

   The room went dark as one bass note droned out. all of a sudden you hear noise from a fucking theremin (google it). These wavy crystal pattern light begin to shine the stage as the band begins. the vocalist makes a sinister face while showing a Japanese character tattoed on the palm of his hand. I wish I could translate what it represented. Those psychedelic riffs could summon every serail killers spirit from hell. In this case it felt like it did and they all possessed the vocalist at once. I swear this guys had to be at lease in his forties and the way he was moving was like a spazzy 20 year old who just got fired from his job and lit the facitility on fire. Well worth the wait.

   The one thing I couldn't look away from was not only the vocalists energy, or the palm of his hand that he kept showing, but the bassist. Tatsu, is the only original member of the band and he plays his bass hanging inches away from the floor. Like he was literally picking it from the neck. I'm not a bass player but I'm pretty sure this is as  close to classical position as you can get standing up.

    Surprisingly this set did get pretty ignorant. Born to raise hell had a pretty ignant pit as well as crowd surfers. Even mic rushes. With all this their vocalist never lost his energy. He only spoke in between songs, and it was the only time he was out of breath. I couldn't tell if I couldn't understand him because of his exhaustion or his lack of being fluent in English but the moment the next song started, he was immediately back to full energy and continuously playing the theremin. 

    Overall I would say go see Church of Misery. I couldn't believe this performance and I would put it neck and neck with Ufomammut as the best stoner doom set I've seen. I knew learning blues guitar would pay off as a kid, and Church of misery definitely prove it.

Full of Hell, Primitive Man, & Genocide Pact w/ Limbs Bin and Mourned @ The Middle East

Happy Birthday Dave Coughlin.

The night finally came for Mourned's big break: Opening for Full of Hell (took you long enough, Billy). I'll start by saying as much as I love FOH, I had to skip out due to my stupid adulthood once again, however I'm certain that they were as incredible as ever and put on an amazing set. Of course its also always an experience seeing Primitive Man as well as Genocide Pact. Good to be back!

Mourned
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Behemoth, Fuming Mouth, Gatecreeper

Mourned debuted many new songs this night. Probably 80% of the set was unreleased songs. Gotta say I'm into it. Mourned seem to be getting more and more extreme with thier music and influences as time goes on, really since the beginning of the band. These new songs really put on a full death metal outlook on them and really sheds out the hardcore influence they once had. However, one thing they will never be short of is bringing the mosh. Each song heavier than the next and the fans were rowdy with excitement...or maybe murderous intent. It got to the point where inbetween songs you could faintly hear someone in the crowd say "Whoever hit me in the back of the head three times, go fuck yourself". I'm sure it's nothing a few drinks wouldn't fix.
   Soundwise I beleive they sounded even better than the last time they opened for Primitive Man at this venue. tough to say however considering the vastly different setlist. One thing I noticed is the vocals now contain more shrieks as well as even more gutterall lows.
   Anywho, most of you know that Mourned are my brothers in arms and I will follow them forever, I mean, they were the first band I've ever reviewed and on top of that Brendan was the one who suggested I start this blog in the first place. Bias opinions aside, These guys continue to work their way into being one of the most talked about bands in both the metal and hardcore communities and their hardwork really shows with every set they play. I will never get tired of it.

Limbs Bin
Genre: Harsh Noise FFO: ?

I remember seeing Limbs Bin play a five minute set the last time I saw Full of Hell and it was actually chaotic sounding and gave me a headache, but I remember it fitting well in the night. Tonight however I just wasn't feeling it. There wasn't much flare or anything it was just noise, I got nothing. I'm sure Limbs Bin doesn't care what I have to say anyway.

Genocide Pact
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Tomb Mold, Gatecreeper, Undergang

Genocide Pact impressed me more than I thought they would. I recall a friend who saw them play with Dying Fetus not long ago say they were incredible live and I guess I should've took his word for it. I'll admit I never got that big into them but they were worth my time. Every slow riff had the crowd moving. I even saw a short fight start. Granted you don't see much karate moshing at death metal shows but some of these kids showed their stuff.
    Aside from heavy riffs, the technicality was spot on and the quality was near perfect. My only thought was the slow riffs would get repetitive every now and then, but the crowd had no problem with it. A death metal band that leaves me with bruises usually doesn't disappoint.

Primitive Man
Genre: Sludge/Doom/Drone FFO: Indian, Unearthly Trance, Lord Mantis

These guys I can be skeptical about. If you've seen Primitive Man live before you know what to expect. Heavy, slow, loud, doom. Yep that's pretty much it. Last time I felt like the gimmick wore off for me with the last few songs, but this time around I think their set was in descent shape.
   While a majority of Primitive Man's song are long and drone and really don't change too much, they every other song had tempo changes and faster drum patterns which actually wakes you up after thinking they're just doing more done songs. Of course they were as loud as ever and easily the heaviest set of the night, for me at least. Overall if you're a fan of sludge/doom metal like I am, Primitive Man is worth seeing what the hype is about at least once, you just gotta hope they aren't shitfaced.


Fuming Mouth, Mourned, Creeping Death @ Hardcore Stadium tonight at 6:30. GO!

Ten Fucking Billion: Happy Music For Happy People

FFO: Black Sheep Wall, Admiral Angry, Primitive Man

https://tenfuckingbillionma.bandcamp.com/releases

Zach and CJ formally of Taman Shud return with a new project that is the heaviest thing you will hear this year. Is it Taman Shud 2? Nope. This is Ten Fucking Billion.

   TFB leave no trace of who Taman Shud were and are a completely different band despite being the same members. Destructive, earthquake causing sludge with depressing and self hating lyrics that make you despise everything possible. You know how you are often filled with a powerful hatred but have to put on a joyful facade? This is the soundtrack to that. Ten Fucking Billion presents: Panacea For the Purged.

   Beginning the release is the song, "Diomede". It begins with a sample I can't identify but soounds like its from a very old movie being played on a projector with the device breaking down and then immediately slams in the caveman riffs. Zach's vocals still sounds like he is ripping his vocal chords to shreds and I will never understand how he doesn't. The riffs are both heavy breakdowns with borderline black metal tremelo picking behind it. Halfway through is a somewhat post-metal break where the guitar is cleaner but still dark then immediately slams in more heavy. Joining at this point is Lord Mourned, Billy Nicholls himself. Vocals go back and forth between billy and Zach as a heavy odd timed breakdown destroys the atmosphere around it (in a good way), then the outro riff begins, a heavier slower breakdown that makes you want to fight god himself. The song ends with an almost Frontierer sounding electronic as well.

   The next song is the title track which is more of a filler interlude. Mostly electronic, the beginning just makes me feel like Im sitting in a white room with my hands on my head thinking of everything wrong with my life. More strange eerie noise and feedback later is presented, almost comparable to Full of Hell's not as obnoxious noise.

   Panacea for the Purged leads right into the next song, "Tapiwa" with the most force. More Black Sheep Wall style riffs with black metal riffs behind it with more screeching vocals. Eventually the songs breakdowns slow down with odd drum timing until outta nowhere our friend Neil of Filed of Vision enters with his forceful vocals. If you've heard Black Sheep Walls first album, you will hear many similariies with this song. Halfway through there is a part comparable to a chaotic Dillinger song with quick instrumentals with the vocals matching up perfectly, then ends with a long drone. The heaviest riff begins with the words "I cannot reconcile with fate" over it. The same part is played multiple times slower and slower ecah time with the only filler between being an odd symbols only drum pattern while the guitar drones over it. You'll know its over once you hear the Dummy Bears theme song. 

Zach is a pussy.