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Warhammer 40K a Universe Where Hope is Dead and Fear and Tyranny Reigns

In regard to the universe of Warhammer 40K it is a place where powerful giants of empires fight in an eternal war with each other, trying to ascend to dominance in the universe while destroying themselves as they do so. Faltering from the insidious plague of societal and technological decline and stagnation. Fighting conflicts that feed much greater threats that threaten the very plain of existence that we as living organisms call home to. There is no hope for the individual here, and only a collective vision can save a species, calling for self-sacrifice for the greater good of society as a whole. This fervor being created from faith and blind loyalty. You may be asking yourself. “What is this lunatic alluding to?” And I retort with a mighty yip, I humble reader am talking about The Imperium of Man; the ultimate nightmare that could ever be thought of as a future for humanity. In Warhammer 40K, Earth has had a tragic history which I will touch upon soon enough. But the state of Earth or as known in the Imperium: “Holy Terra” is that of a giant gold church planet dedicated to our immortal and omnipotent God Emperor of Man. Sound’s like a cool yet contrived idea? It only gets worse from here. The reason why Earth is like this is because there was an interdimensional incident that shattered the last civilization of humanity which caused a technological stagnation and well apocalypse on Earth for various decades. Which then The God Emperor rose up with mighty armies and stabilized the land through conquest, uniting Earth and bringing it under one mighty empire. Where there was no religion, and technology was pinnacle to its development. Human civilization was forever changed, since democracy was killed when humanity broke, and the anarchy that ensued lead to authoritarianism which eased into the living hell that is the Imperium of Man

Humanity in this universe is deeply religious due to the “death” of the Emperor of Man which granted him the title of God, as well as militaristic and xenophobic. The individual works in factories or farms as servants to a higher class of nobles, and is always under threat of alien invasion, chaos insurgency or even inquisition. The way we interact in society in this grimdark future is that of fear or hostility. Those who aren’t of the hive and must kill to survive on a daily basis in the sprawling cities that are home to billions are too afraid to show any character in their jobs. Since dissent from the ideology of the Imperium is heresy, and punishable by death or servitude in the military. Both ending the same way. This society however not only focuses on normal life but military life as well. Where normal soldiers deal with the horrors in our universe. Ranging from ravenous hordes of aliens to the unholy beings that only live to cause terror and suffering to anything that is living in our realm of existence. The soldiers live like the common citizens, struggling to survive in the hostile world that is the frontline and their own society. Since everyday is a struggle to survive, whether from the enemy or your own superiors. Another aspect of how we interact with each other is through religion. Rather being an irrelevant topic like in our secular society today, religion is a means of control and a show of loyalty. Those who do not worship The Emperor are enemies to the state and are outcasts to their society. Which are hunted by the massive and intricate administration that manages the loyalty of thousands of imperial worlds. The only thing that is valued in society is purity, and service. As with the quote of the quote “Only in death does duty end”. Which shows how valued and forced the idea of service is within the society itself. Being one of the things that define its people. Purity in the society is represented with the quote “Burn the heretic. Kill the mutant. Purge the unclean. In the name of The Emperor let none survive.” This quote shows how xenophobic and close minded the imperium is. Hating difference both on the genetic, and ideological level.

This world is not really grounded in any issue that could be seen within our society since the issues in this one is overkill in comparison. Since we don’t really have to deal with daemons nor anything of the lie. However, to give the topic the benefit of the doubt I think the issue that this reflects is how easy we are to fall under authority when we are scared. Like many of the fascist societies that have risen, the imperium is united under fear, force and necessity. Since there are too many threats in the universe that it would seem ridiculous if we didn’t. This leads to another issue present in our modern society and that’s militarism. Nations such as America glorify their military or at least used tom which can be seen in the imperium since the military is how someone secures a higher place in society at great risk to the point where duty is encouraged. Just as it was in the United States during the Vietnam war and so on. And in Warhammer we succumbed to these issues, not by choice but forcefully by a man so powerful that he powers the entire space travel system in a decaying state of coma.

This is an extremely entertaining future. Since its full of action and horror, one that may be terrible, but it surely has entertaining things to it. Since a Universe where there is a parallel dimension full of demons and gods that can directly affect ours with just a small rift in the fabric of reality is surely one of note. Where Stalingrad and Kursk combined is a casual Friday for the military and there are massive superhuman men in power armour that can shoot acidic bile and kill machines mightier than what you my humble reader or I can comprehend. But in all honesty, I don’t care for this future since in all honesty it scares me. It’s one of eternal suffering and horror and if it were real every moment of my mortal hour would be in anxiety and fear of my own government and more external threats. It does have an appeal due to how cool and fun the concept is and the stuff that happens. Which I can show in a few images.

This is why its well-regarded. The battles are fun, and amazing. The universe is well developed and one of the most interesting if not the most. Which is the main reason for tis draw.

Lastly, the universe is grounded in reality and I suppose likely due to our lack of knowledge of anything outside of our solar system. For all we know this could all exist and waiting with hungry eyes for us to ascend and become the brutal totalitarian state that is The Imperium of Man in all its glory. So, in the matter of possibility we have no evidence that this happening to us to be impossible or possible thus making it feasible in nature. So due to the lack of evidence it can be possible for all we know

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3 Reviews Assignment

Mini Review One: A Glance Into the Black Mirror

Black Mirror as a whole is a rather intuitive show that focuses on the commentary of humanity’s increasing production of technology and its ever-growing presence in society. It does this by using close to distant futures of a society (Usually dystopian, apocalyptic or even an alternate present) where we as people not only rely on them to live but lose our basic nature because of them. As can be seen with one of the first episodes “A Million Merits” Which personally is the most gripping and mind boggling of the series as it gives us a completely foreign environment, and how humanity has a adapted. The moral being of how we lost ourselves because of our screen time, forgetting on how we interact with ourselves and others. It communicates its message through subtlety and more obvious manners. Whether the rather present awkward way that our main characters interact, to the weird filings of people in the mess rooms looking down instead of at each other. Aside from this one example the overarching structure of this show is to that of the like of “The Twilight Zone” from earlier generations of television and greatly differentiates itself from it by using its setting and structure. There is no introduction, nor eerie music. It’s just the plot and we are left pondering until the twist at the end. Which overall makes Black Mirror to be one of the greatest shows of our generation in its current state. With its originality and cleverness.

 Mini Review Two: Infinity War More Like Infinity Bore (Self Title High-five)

           Infinity War is by far the most mixed review movie I have ever seen in my seventeen years of life. I don’t think I’ve never loved and hated a movie as much as this. To start, the settings and camera work was rather pleasing to the eye. With use of a lot of wide shots to show the chaos that Thanos and his minions cause throughout the film. Showing the brilliantly made set pieces. Unfortunately plot and characters is where Infinity War seems to drop the ball. I will regress on that statement a bit though however, since my personal favourite characters were Thanos, Strange, Stark, Rocket, and Thor. They were the most likeable and well sensible characters of the film. Seeing as they changed Starlord from a charismatic and clever leader of the Guardians of The Galaxy to an emotional wreck who acts in the most obnoxious and rash manner that basically smashed his initial character. The plot deviated from the comics as well which is disappointing but to be expected since I doubt people want to see a Thanos helicopter rather than a space ship that looks like a giant wheel with thrusters. But aside from my slight rant, the story is no longer a tragic love story of Thanos trying to appease Death, but that of a moral and ethical quandary of how to fix the universe itself. It may be amiable but it isn’t infinity war as it should be. My last issue is character development wise. Anyone that isn’t who was mentioned previously are just moles waiting to be whacked by Thanos, not really having too much of an impact. Which is why they just feel like throw aways to most of the audience that aren’t wearing rose coloured glasses. Which leads me to conclude this with a final statement and a quote from myself after my viewing. “What?!” (Chris 2018).

 Mini Review Three: The Joke is That I Killed My Clever Titles

           The Killing Joke is a rather serious comic which I found to be one of my favourite comics of all time since it was brilliantly made. It shows how determined some characters are to convince others are to be like them and how they’ve changed throughout their history. For example, we get to see the greatest incite to the psyche from a mild-mannered husband who was desperately trying to create a better life for his family. Which even in this past flashback things seem odd, as if his madness has bled in and is directly affecting what we see ourselves which is reinforced as the Joker makes a remark about it in the comic itself. Aside from his past, the present Joker is by far the most deadly and sadistic we have ever seen by far. Yet giving him humanity with his past and his regrets in life. The second character is The Batman unsurprisingly. He plays a pivotal role in this plot as a character who is at the end of the line. Finally giving into the one thing he vowed not to do. The plot for this comic is rather engaging, as all the characters are well done and the tragic story of Joker’s last and greatest rampage. A truly great end to a character that has defined villainy for many of his successors.

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Batman Blog 1 and 2

Bruce Wayne as a Character of Self Loathing and Pain

Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight Returns books is an interesting incarnation. He’s different from his other character models physically and personality wise. In this version, he is very much so a deeply depressed character, he is traumatized by the deaths of those he loves including his parents and adoptive son, Dick Grayson. And this has made him seem to be insane and much more obsessive than his future adaptions which made him seem insane but no to this extent. In Frank Miller’s version he seems to be crazy through calculated. Such as Hamlet from the William Shakespeare play of the same name. Bruce is also physically beefier for lack of better terms, being a man of more muscle than agility unlike the more modern version where he is usually both strong, and fast. I would describe this version as a gritty bulkier hero for just being a normal human. Which I think is to mimic that of Gotham’s bulkier gothic style of architecture since Frank Miller wanted to make a world that fit his batman as well as a batman that fit his world. An example of this strength is how he handles the mutants, beating them senseless through walls and using nothing but his brute strength despite his age. Showing the reader how strong of a man and brutish Bruce has become. Overall, I would say that I do like this version of Bruce since his darker side is a pivotal development in Batman’s history since it transitions the character from his more goofy phase and into the dark Caped Crusader that we know and love.

   Superman V.S. Batman: The War of The Two Worlds

           Frank Miller’s final confrontation between Batman and Superman is the greatest face off in D.C. history. In this version it isn’t just a battle of beliefs, it’s a battle of two separate worlds and politics themselves. Superman representing a puppet of the corrupt and militarized America that is seen to be in the comic book. And Batman, a popularist that wants to bring justice to the world by his own means, means that he decides is suited. Which stymies the bureaucracy and the government that Superman serves. The climate itself is served as resolve between the two characters physically and ideologically which Batman wins in the end by hitting Superman with a Kryptonite tipped arrow and beats him silly. This is symbolic since man has finally triumphed over this godlike being. But that aside, it shows that Superman can be beat and if he steps in Batman’s way history will repeat itself, also proving that Batman’s side is superior to his. Showing that the people are more powerful than the administration and government. It also shows that without Superman, physically he is just as much of a man as Batman and mortal, giving Superman a revelation that he can be bloodied, and can be beat for he is taking his godlike status for granted. Overall, I think this climax and resolution is one of my favourite since it shows how mortal Superman truly is, and the genius of Batman. Planning and plotting this for decades. A truly spectacular glance at Bruce’s brilliance as a strategist and hero.

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Jens Carlsson, a blog on the one and only Swedish version of Hansi Kursch

When the thought of Jens Carlsson comes to mind, one would think of two very different styles and genres being carried by one single soul’s voice, you may ask me? “Chris why are you even using this artist? He’s a nobody, my hipster dog doesn’t even know of him.” Well you see here reader; the reason why is because (I can) despite his lack of fame, he actually has a lot of merit to his name that not many know of, as his role in his respective bands are important, and to his credit he is one of the best for his scene as a vocalist. Which makes things that much more interesting for you to read about yourself and that much more joyful for me to dedicate my time to writing as such a character and medium of entertainment holds a certain passion in my heart. 

To begin with we have Jens “Not Hansi” Carlsson (As pictured to the above and no I didn’t model my hair after his), the vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and writer for a band that he is a founding member of; Persuader (1997-). Jens has held the roles of vocalist for the band’s entire life, and thus far. However, that was not his only, he has also done vocals for two other bands; Savage Circus, and Dark Empire where he has been the vocalist for multiple albums of each. Each band has been flagged under the sub-genre of Power Metal as its base, with hints of slight influences from other genres such as Speed, or Thrash Metal. One thing to note of Jens is that his vocal range as Hansi Kursch the vocalist for Blind Guardian. During his tenure in every band he has had a captivating voice, leaving a lasting impression of melodic brutality being able to match each theme of every album he’s in whether it’s the violent apocalyptic tone of Persuader to the maddening dreamlike atmosphere of Savage Circus.

Jens style is very that of a thrash-power vocalist, mixing thrash and brutality into a mix of a melodic barbarism to best describe his vocals. When he is writing his lyrics for his personal band they are more based on religious cynicism and apocalypse rather than anything itself as projected in his band Persuader, seeing as its where his vocal range shows its true colours. Using the song “When Eden Burns” as an example his voice gives incite on the shear chaos that is being generated by the context of the song, making the listener feel as distraught as the soul that see’s his paradise burn before his very eyes. When not at the mantle of lyricist, he still maintains the ability to project the tone through his harsher voice yet taking on the style that that album portrays. Still maintaining his style of melodic harshness in a more clean and powerful vocalist medium.

In each of his albums that he does vocals for there is the recurring theme of general loss or I suppose anything positive being taken away by a greater power within each song creating this cynical feeling that resonates through instrumentals and lyrical content. For example, in Persuader’s “Wipeout”. It’s a simple yet has an impact on the song that essentially tells the story of the beginning of humanity’s end through our own creation on the scale of that of the divine. The divine ruining the lives of humans is a common theme that is present throughout each album either being the thesis of the album or just present in each song. It holds merit in at least song in every one of his albums especially in Persuader, with the aforementioned “Wipeout”, and “When Eden Burns”. However, as evidence that such over arching theme is in his other work in different bands; “Evil Eyes”  by Savage Circus is the greatest example. Melodic, yet the lyrical content is that of a darkened horror creating death and destruction on the world. A type of song where Jens’ role as the harsh melodic vocalist shines to that of apotheosis.

As mentioned prior his main themes are that of death, destruction, cynicism, and religion. Most of these themes are present in all his work, no matter what band he is in, which is more then likely why he is offered such roles in other work. Within the story of each band that is present in each song is that of losing to the far greater power. In “Wipeout” it is a nuke, in “When Eden Burns” it’s the Serpent of Eden burning it to the ground, and “Evil Eyes” it’s a dark power laying waste to create an overarching powerful yet horrifying ballad of death to put it likely. However, there is known to be the work that makes adds to the lunacy that each of his song brings to the table. From his album “Fiction Maze”, there is a certain song that changes the stability that each song maintains throughout their albums, from the self titled song “Fiction Maze” it’s an odd yet refreshing deviance that adds to the manic apocalyptic tone that his work is known for. However, the theme of his work is not limited to his lyrics nor instrumentals. The album art captures the tone throughout the art of each album cover itself.

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As pictured above, each theme is present within the album cover and even title, giving the listener expectation of what is to come in the music they are about to experience and setting the constantly maintained feel of all his work.

 Overall Jens is a phenomenal artist and holds the rite of being labeled as an Auteur as his presence in each album he has a role in is projected in its themes, and content making each memorable as their own piece rather then collected as one. I can think positive whenever I hear his work or think of his accomplishments (slightly because of favoritism creating bias) .But, to look at it objectively, he has had a long-lasting impression in his line of music even if not popularly recognized by a large following because of his passion for music, and skill at being both a guitarist and vocalist that can cycle to high and low ranges to compare to that of the venerated Hansi Kursch.  

 References:

https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Jens_Carlsson/15479

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Persuader/987#band_tab_members

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Dark_Empire/63043#band_tab_members

 https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Savage_Circus/44952#band_tab_members

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The Shining, A Not So Nonsensical Review

When one thinks of the shining, they think of one if not the best horror thrillers in cinema. Well... They are correct on that assumption as it was one of the most enthralling films I have ever watched in its genre. However old it may be it always brings chills to any viewer with its ambiance, and just general atmosphere that was masterfully created by Stanley Kubrick. And to me that is one of the many reasons why I think so highly of this film. 

There are many elements that I can mention of the film that make it such a wondrous film, however for the sake of not drowning you out with my incessant ramblings of praise I will mention the ambiance, acting, and most importantly the music.

The ambiance of this film for its entirety was creepy, and strange. No matter where you were there was always a lingering pessimistic thought of what was the worst to come for our poor protagonists and even our antagonist. Most notable being the Room 237 kiss scene. It was a scene where throughout the entire encounter I felt sick as if there was a pox in the air and I was inflicted. Even during the climax of that scene when creepiness turned into absolute terror I was on the edge of my seat in worry, wide awake anticipating the worst (well whatever would be worse than a naked decaying old lady laughing and chasing you could be it was still there).What made that so engaging wasn’t just the setting but it was a combination of the setting, music, and greatest of all the viewers very own mind What really ties the film together that adds to the horror aspect isn’t artistic design, its the viewer. The directors work establishes a base, but the viewers own mind makes it much more potent adding to the film’s brilliance.

The acting for this film is phenomenal, whether its Shelly Duvall’s weak and frantic Wendy Torrance, or Jack Nicholson’s greatest character, the deranged and murderous Jack Torrance. I could mention Danny, and Dick, however I think Jack and Wendy deserve to be spotlighted here as the casting for the two is perfect. Shelly Duvall’s general harmless look is a perfect suit for the shy, and fearful to Jack Nicholson’s general crazy appearance. The best scene (Source here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpipB4yehk) that captures this duality is the axe scene, it shows just how far gone Jack is while his wife cowers in the corner with a knife screaming and terrified struggling to fight back, and every swing and dent put into the door causing more of a panic for Wendy as Jack rants and smiles crazed with blood lust. The fear is genuine and the insanity raging, overall the perfect scene to capture what this movie is, a story of a man slowly falling into a murderous psychosis while his once dear wife and child struggle to survive from his mad and sometimes humorous antics.

The music for this film helps keep every scene captivating, it adds to every aspect to the film as it is one of the most integral parts of the film. It keeps us fearful by pricking at our very fears, enticing the worst thoughts and making us quiver at every movement. Its as if Kubrick is creating our own psychosis. Which I find to be phenomenal as it is an unbreakable aspect of the film. The scene that shows this at its pinnacle is the page scene where Wendy investigates Jack’s mad scribbling, the scene becomes more intense after every new page is scene and that’s all thanks to the music. It is truly astonishing how it causes so much tension. Overall creating a truly minimal yet terrifying experience.

Overall Stanley Kubricks “The Shining” is a film that will and has stand the test of time as one of if not the greatest thrillers of all time, with horrific imagery and fear inducing music being a major part of this movie’s longevity and renown that we see today.

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The Band That Exposed The True Freaks Of The Week

The song “Freak of The Week” is talking about social media and how it turns people into fame craving masochists. It also essentially states how pointless it is for that since those who follow such action are just a “freak of the weak”, however are still eager to cause harm, or make fools of themselves. It also indirectly states the audience are the sadists watching as we give these deranged people fame. 

There happen to two examples which can prove my thesis from the text itself, those would be the verses “ Spreading like the plague! Hole in one! Touché! Seven million views! In a single day!” Essentially this line shows the popularity of these individuals that are wiling to sacrifice health to become famous and how venerated they are in fame, catching the temporary eye of the people for a small duration yet feeding their vanity. The second line;  I'm the ultimate high! Stick around watch me die! Something to be remembered! Essentially this line communicates that the individuals that are dare devils, dangerous challenge starters, and reckless fame seekers are willing to even give up their very life to just get the slightest amount of fame and be remembered even if for a while. This connects to the overall message of how people on social media will go mad with hunger for the attention of others, on social media.

 (As seen from the music video, a man receiving a cannon shot to his stomach as a part of a stunt)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2vzBdIejVY

Personally I agree with the themes of the song since the goal of fame drives people manic. Models on instagram starve themselves and become obsessive, people ruin relationships over youtube jealousy, and others cause self harm for a glimpse of glory. Social media is a raging beast that unfortunately if mistreated can consume someone’s life and drive them to do actions that would seem most insane to a normal person, but sadly as long as there are people there will be those who seek endless attention from others.