#i miss when deathcore was good | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

scenekidfancams · 1 year

Text

4 Cool Gay / queer artists and for pride this year (2023)

I wanted to help some queer and ally musicians boost their songs. As a trans-woman I think its important to understand that pride is important as much as change. Focusing on the hardships we have faced is very important but our victories are much more. So here are some (4) artists I (rose) recommend for pride.

Mikie mayo (any/all pronouns).

Mikie mayo (aka bunny boy) is a definitely hard to pin down Philly musician and occasional roller-coaster content creator. Mikie can be seen dabbling anything from indie pop, easycore, scene metalcore with bay area and internet rapper legend Lil B, scene electropop hyperpop, eurodance and dance pop about roller coasters and go karts, to beach pop, generally being pretty much a banger machine. Mikie's music is like ice cream w/ your favorite toppings on a warm summer day, very good and sugary sweet.

(photos by cam.i.z on ig)

these are my favorite songs / music videos by mikie mayo

youtube

Mikie has requested I let you know they have a new song about their partner and the couch they have.

click here to pre-save.

(photo by @ h0t_t0xiic on IG, couch and art by mikie's partner @ HoneyHatCompositions on IG )

FFO: eichlers, falloutboy, I set my friends on fire, dynasticc, dreamrats, cedar point amusement park, glaive, 100 gecs, etc.

(photos by rae mystic)

We Are The Union

I'm gonna cut to the chase on this one. If you want an emotional experience as a trans woman / transfemme or really any trans person to make you not feel alone and like ska / ska punk listen to Ordinary Life by we are the union. the first time I heard morbid obsessions I was working a part time (as full time really) at home depot in my small hometown in pa. I felt like as a trans woman and generally depressed person I couldn't be myself and go back to school. My boss there was the most transphobic piece of shit, and he always misgendered me and but me down. it wasn't until I quit that job and when I shifted to being myself inspired by my thoughts at the time that I accepted that I was fully a trans woman. I really related and still relate to Miss Reade Wolcott and her struggles with gender identity and be a trans woman in a transphobic world but also like her I am who I am. I would also could relate to jer and their struggles of being boxed in music genres and having what they love constantly undermined and diminished / not taken what I have to say seriously as a queer person.

youtube

FFO: New Tone, hoity toity, catbite, Eichlers, Bad operation, Kill Lincoln, etc.

Genres: ska pop, ska punk, alternative ska.

(photo by jtphotos)

Jisei (leda xo its/its and alexis she/they)

Jisei are the best queergrind band I have ever heard. the most raw queer emotions I have ever heard. Some of the best riffs I have ever heard. Imagine deathcore for the girls and the gays. The duo also make the most real lyrics I have heard in a while. For example one of I think the most topical songs they have had is "Pull Yrself Up by Your Pleasers". Pull Yrself Up by Your Pleasers being about christian nationalism and the alt-right abusing and tearing away the seperation of church and state without seeing a hint of irony. I hate the "Just asking questions" transphobia , and even though that might seem like solely a usa proving that Jisei hailing from vancouver proves that transphobia is a worldwide issue and if so called "cis allies" aren't for us 100+ %, fuck 'em.

FFO: Thotcrime, Sissy xo, hopscotch battlescars, Suicide Silence, and a lovely day for bloodshed.

Genres: Cybergrind, cyberdeath, deathgrind, deathcore, queercore and queergrind

seeyouspacecowboy.

(band photo by shutter happy jose)

last on the list here we have the one of the most popular queer scenecore bands ever. see you space cowboy. the most gay and hard band at the same time they well as sass as much as hardcore. Picture if saosin, the devil wears prada, or thrice, and/or attack attack! were queer and trans and say exclaimed faggot as fun mosh call. That would be see you space cowboy, started by brother and sister connie and ethan, seeyouspacecowboy is one of the most popular bands in screamo, metalcore and hardcore, and scenecore all at the same time. will excellent songwriting and angsty queer lyrics complimented with crushing riffs and piercing panic chords, seeyouspacecowboy will worm your way into your heart and crush your rib-cage at the same time. As a fan of vocalist connie sgarbossa, she was one of the people who helped me come out as a trans woman in the first place. The fact that a queer trans woman who screamed and force herself to the front inspirational. Yeah the fact we have to be forced to be heard kinda sucks, but it can be done and her presence in the scene made that very well known. Also it kinda helps that they spread the word on trans liberation and mental health from and trans and queer perspective and what can be done to combat transphobia in a very passionate and heartfelt way. I highly recommend their whole catolgue from their sass/whitebelt eras, to their metallic hardcore stuff, to mall scenecore era currently.

Genres: Scenecore, sasscore, whitebelt, queercore, "screamo", mall screamo, metalcore, scene metalcore, hardcore, metallic hardcore.

FFO: attack attack!, tdwp, i set my friends on fire, lacerated, thrice, norma jean, and underoath etc.

pride should be celebrated.

one last thing from a trans woman,

gender doesn't always equal sex.

gendered pronouns / pronouns in general have existed since the beginning of time.

drag queens aren't always trans.

trans people don't care about where you pee and where you are, they just wanna pee in their gendered bathroom.

cis isn't a slur.

terf isn't a slur.

leave trans people alone.

4 notes · View notes

koemiii · 2 years

Note

Hii! I'm here for the matchup if it's alright.

Sexuality: AroAce, but I'd like a QPP [Queerplatonic partner] i am fine with being paired up with both genders.

Pronouns: He/she/they [any of the three is fine]

🏹 — AESTHETIC:

Metalhead all the way, and the other 1% knightly aesthetic.

🕸️ ; PERSONALITY — My personality is basically a brazilian on crack, I'm very loud and chaotic. I alternate between being clever and walking headfirst into a brick wall, I'm also very oblivious and blunt, you'll have to explain something to me at least 10 times again if i don't understand, i also like to make jokes, and puns sometimes! In general i just adore making jokes and getting a good laugh. I am just a crackhead. Speaking of crackhead, my humor is extremely broken; I'll laugh at anything ranging from the most chaotic thing (examples: a goddamn picture of an m&m, a horse with high heels, a piece of bread falling, the word balls, someone flying, literally an image of a tree with music) honestly anything ranging from just that will make me wheeze like my lungs just exploded, I'll be laughing like a deranged fox. I am seen as pretty chill, I'm honestly a happy-go-lucky person and I can socialize with everyone, i have a habit of cursing and invent the most absurd sounding curse words my favorite ones are “you blithering feculent shithole” “What in the name of sweet dong tickling horse fuck?!” “bunch of putrid douchesquatting cretins” “you shitsmearing fuckass” and finally “how can you be such a fucksquatting pain in the waste chute” i also have a knightly persona and act like a knight despite my use of constant profanity. 'Tis but the truest way of the knight! Any chance i get to act like a knight, I'll take it. if I'm in the presence of an animal and you're talking to me? I'll pay more attention to the animal. I usually miss major signs due to me being an oblivious asswhiffer. i also have a habit of usually just agreeing on anything and never really taking action, just obeying orders lol- i basically act like an actual knight to their queen/king. 😭

🕸️ ; HOBBIES — drawing my QPP partner in a cute art style,reading, writing, playing the guitar, cracking my bones- like how people crack their fists, i do that except with every bone in my body, ankles, shoulders, neck, fingers you name it. Acting like a knight, or just whatever random clusterfuckery my dumb fuckass of a brain can come up with

🕸️ ; LIKES : animals,cats,ice cream,peanuts,the color red,Greek mythology,heavy metal/deathcore metal,dad jokes or any jokes, romcoms, cold food & drinks, the season of winter.

🕸️ ; DISLIKES : Tea, Coca Cola, Strawberries, Hot food, The season of Summer, icing and cake, any bug.. i guess there's not much.

INSECURITIES: my face i actually have a baby face and it ain't good, the scar on my left eye, my fear of thunder and thunderstorms it leaves me sobbing, another fear is bugs it also leaves me sobbing no matter the size of the bug i will scream so loud. The fact that I cook bad :'(

SOMETHING I LIKE IN A PARTNER: uhm anything really i don't think i even have a dislike.

---

BONUS:

🕸️ ; AFFECTION — I love making "fun" of people.. in a loving way. like I'll say something that's like “Hi there little stinky baby!” In a high pitched voiced to someone i find stinky [mean demeanor or just tsundere behavior] basically like how cat owners talk to their cats, if they mess up a word I'll also mimic them in the same high pitched tone while rubbing their face and lightly squeezing it adding a “you're so cute! Such a cutie!” everytime, if I'm far away; I'll be giggling and doing squeezey hands. I also love cuddling! I love being the little spoon despite being tall. I love drawing my partner in a cute art style! Only way to describe my love language is basically affectionate teasing. I'm very clingy too-

----

I really like spiders! They actually don't scare me at all, in fact when i see one i pet them using my finger and let them crawl on my hand. I actually have a pet spider too! His name's bobby and he's a tarantula! His species name is Arizona Blonde

Hope this wasn't too long..

Hihi!!!! How are you? Ahh you're like me in someway!! My humor is brokenmm too like ur mum. /j

results down there!!

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

Your fated partner is... Hutao!!

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

Y'all will definetely go out to have a movie date and theme park hangouts i'm sure of it. Life's no fun without these things!!

You and Hutao share the same broken humor. She has patience in explaning everything to you despite your nature!!

You and her's like two peas in a pod. Loud and chaotic? Her thing.

The habit of absurd sounding curse words from you, hmm...she has learnt a few- well, maybe not a few. A plenty of them to count. Or maybe you can't count anymore. Okay. Too much to count.

Ooh you act like a knight? She's interested in roleplaying with you!! She just geniuely loves the vibes you radiate (especially around her.)

Do you know, Hutao loves to write poems!!! So I think this will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas on poems, stories...etc.

Everytime she hears you cracking a bone, she'll never miss the chance of selling you coffin(s). She thinks you’re helping her to boost income!!!

There's a cat outside the Wanghsneg Funeral Parlour. Hutao feeds it daily wayy before she met you. She has been friends with the stray cats n dogs in Liyue since she's stil young!! Sometimes takes you to where the animals are. She knows you like them!

She's into heavy metal/deathcore metal too, not surprisingly. I feel like since you and her share the same aesthetic, she steals your clothes 24/7 and doesn't even tell you until you ask her hehehe. She just gives you back a cheeky smile when she returns your clothes.

You and her sleep together everynight. And those nights are always filled with bedtime storytelling, from you telling her Greek Mythology to her telling you histories about Liyue which she heard from Zhongli.

When it's winter, y'all go out to have a snowball fight!!

In conclusion, although she seems to sell you coffins everyday, she doesn't want to lose you. She doesn't want you to die on her too fast. As her partner, it's her job to protect you!! She loves you so much.

Woww...you love spiders and you even have a pet spider!!! That's so great!! But Hutao rembers that you dislike insects...hm, well, maybe spiders hold a special place in your heart just like herself.

Bobby's cute!! She knows that. Finds it amazing too, letting Bobby crawl onto your hand. However she had tried selling bobby pint-sized coffins.

Hutao loves your cat so much!! Whenever she and Morrigan cross paths in the home, she'll pet them. Who can resist a floofy and warm cat, she says.

I assume the origin of Morrigan's name have became some night's bedtime stories with you telling her.

·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳BONUS!! -ˏ͛-

Everyone has their own insecurities and fears, so it really doesn't matter to her. She understands. She promised that she'll protect you!!

She doesn't find your baby face bad. It just makes you yourself unique!! Instead she finds it cute and she doesn't hesitate to tell you that you're cute. That's really what she thinks and this isn't your flaw. It's what makes her little stupid boo special!!

When it's having a thunderstorm, she know that you'll be scared. She may seem unrealiable at first glance but she's wayy more than that. She'll engulf you into her, cover your ears and whisper comforting words. May even pat your head too!! So don't be scared.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

sorry if this took too long!! hope you like this ;) lmk in the comments if i missed anything please!!

#genshin matchups

5 notes · View notes

thisaintascenereviews · 2 years

Photo

End Of The Year: 2022 Edition

We made it, folks. It's the end of the year, and you know what that means? It's end of the year lists season, which is my favorite time of year. There's nothing I love more than seeing what everyone loved throughout the year. I don't usually do "worst of" lists, because I don't listen to a lot of music that I actively dislike, but I do hear albums I don't like throughout the year, nonetheless. I still, however, craft a best-of list, and I'll be doing things similarly to how I've done it in the past, having some honorable mentions before I dig into the real list. The honorable mentions are albums I really like, but they didn't completely stick the landing for one reason or another. I won't be writing a lot about those albums, but I only wanted to include around (although I did end up including a bit more than that), just so my list wouldn't be very stacked and messy. My best-of list is only comprised of 20s this year, but let's get started with the honorable mentions, beginning with...

Turnover - Myself In The Way

I haven't listened to the last few Turnover albums, but from the singles they put out before Myself In The Way, I was excited for whatever they cranked out; what we got was a smooth dose of disco and funk with a helping of shoegaze on the side.

Norma Jean - Deathrattle Sing For Me

One of metalcore's most reliable bands, Norma Jean tried a lot on their latest album, Deathrattle Sing For Me, and while it's a bit of an overwhelming listen, the moments that hit really do hit.

Weston Estate - Maggie Valley

This alt-R&B group made up of all POC members are on the rise at the moment, and their debut is a hooky, groovy, and fun affair that makes you long for more.

Caamp - Lavender Days

The only folk album on my list, Caamp is a catchy little band whose new album, Lavender Days, is the perfect fall / winter album to play when you got a cup of hot chocolate and a warm fire.

He Is Legend - Endless Hallway

Sludge, groove, and metalcore band He Is Legend is one of the most underrated bands in the scene, and for good reason -- their blend of sounds is very unique, and although their latest album, and their first in three years, Endless Hallway, is a bit long, it's still a lot of fun.

Jack Harlow - Come Home The Kids Miss You

Jack Harlow has had a great year in 2022; between releasing a number one single, hosting SNL, and being nominated for multiple Grammys, he also dropped a pretty good album this year with some great guest stars and catchy hooks to boot.

Taipei Houston - Once Bit Never Bored

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has a pair of sons that released their debut album this year under the name Taipei Houston, but they don't play thrash like their old man. Instead they play some riff-heavy blues-rock, and if you want riffs, you got them in spades on the debut, Once Bit Never Bored.

Comeback Kid - Heavy Steps

Hardcore has had a really good year, and Comeback Kid can add to it with their newest album, Heavy Steps, and while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it's some damn good hardcore that will have you tearing up the living room from moshing so hard.

Action/Adventure - Imposter Syndrome

Easycore has had a good year, too, but one of my favorite albums in that vein is the debut album from Action/Adventure, entitled Imposter Syndrome. It, too, doesn't quite reinvent the wheel, but it's a lot of fun and executed quite well.

Distinguisher - Under The Weight

I'm a sucker for a good breakdown, and metalcore / deathcore band Distinguisher do just that with their latest EP, Under The Weight. This EP doesn't do much other than provide some crushing breakdowns and insane vocaalss, but it's a good little 15-minute EP that does what it does quite well.

Wet Leg - Self-titled

Nominated for a few Grammy's this year, British post-punk duo Wet Leg has been making waves this past year, and their self-titled debut album is a lot of fun. It's a cheeky album that has some fun, clever, and sarcastic lyrics, complete with a dry sense of humor, but with some good riffs and hooks to boot. This was a lot of peoples' most anticipated release, and I understand why, especially for indie fans in any capacity.

No Pressure - Self-titled

Parker Cannon of The Story So Far released a debut album with his other band, No Pressure, and instead of being like his original band, they have a 90s skate-punk and classic pop-punk sound going on. The album is really short and doesn't offer any new flavors, but it's still a lot of fun. It's the perfect summer album, and it's one of the most fun albums I've heard this year.

Okay, we're done with the honorable mentions, so let's move onto the list proper, but before we do that, I wanted to talk about this past year, and how it's been, mainly musically speaking. Like every year, it started off rather slow, but it was nice every wee for a majority of the year to have at least one to listen to and talk about. I'm the kind of person that likes to blindly listen to things, and if something sticks, it's really exciting to me. I found a lot of stuff that way this year. I found a lot of random albums and bands just from looking at the new releases on Apple Music each week. A few albums on this list are from bands / albums I found from doing that, but a lot of it is from bands that I already know, or at least knew something about. This year has been rough for a lot of people, myself included, but if one thing is certain, music has still been there to help us and guide us when we need it. It's been there as an escape, and I've definitely needed it this year, but we got some great albums to talk about to close out and celebrate the end of the year. This list is going to come out towards the beginning / middle of December, versus at the end, like I've always done, because nothing is coming out of note for the rest of the month. I'm just going to lock it in early, because I'm excited to talk about these albums, so without further ado, let's get onto my top twenty favorite albums of 2022, starting with...

20. Foreign Hands - Bleed The Dream

A 00s metalcore resurgence and revival has been on the horizon for the last few years, and it's in full swing now. Foreign Hands is a perfect example of that. Comprised of members of Wristmeetrazor, another solid metalcore band whose last album I was relatively mixed on, this band takes that early 00s sound and runs with it. This EP takes that sound and does something cool with, making it both retro and modern at the same time. The band will have to step it up more on their next release, just to make themselves stand out more, but this EP rules.

19. Alexisonfire - The Otherness

If established bands already weren't releasing new albums, bands were also getting back together, including Canadian post-hardcore royalty Alexisonfire with their first album in nearly 13 years, entitled The Otherness. This album dials back the post-hardcore sound they're known for, and instead has elements of rock, blues, and psychedelia, which makes for a unique and diverse sound that also gets to show off Dallas Green's vocals.

18. Lamb Of God - Omens

This year marked a lot of established bands releasing albums, like I said earlier, and Lamb Of God was no exception. Omens, their new album, was a hotly anticipated album, and for good reeason. This groove metal / metalcore band has been an establishment for the last 25 years, give or take, and Omens is a good addition to their discography. Some people didn't like it, because the band kept doing what they do best without adding to their sound, but I think that's a strength. This album is their strongest in years, and it proves that they're here to stay. They have a formula, but like other bands on the list, it's their formula, so they make it work.

17. Phoenix - Alpha Zulu

If someone told me at the beginning of this year that French band Phoenix would come back after five years and release one of my favorite albums of the year, I wouldn't believe you, but it's true. Alpha Zulu is one of my favorite albums this year, espeically for being extremely catchy and fun. They took a lot of influence from all of their albums, so this is an amalgamation of everything they've done for the last 20 years. It's great when bands can release strong albums this late into their careers, and it shows that they still have some tricks up their sleeve.

16. Miss May I - Curse Of Existence

Metalcore band Miss May I was one of my favorite bands back in the day, but their output has been inconsistent for the last decade. Their last couple of albums weren't all that great, but they're back after a five-year break between albums with The Curse Of Existence, and this album rules. It's a great old-school sounding metalcore album, complete with catchy hooks, breakdowns, and some great solos that sound like they were ripped straight of the 90s Swedish melo-death scene.

15. Slipknot - The End, So Far

Slipknot is a national staple at this point, and while their new album, The End, So Far, isn't aptly named, it's still the end of their time at Roadrunner. This LP, however, takes a lot of different ideas and throws them into a blender. They have their standard heavy cuts that work pretty well, despite being relatively typical, but they also have some bluesier, more atmospheric, and softer cuts that are really interesting. The album gets a little too long, hence why it isn't higher on my list, but it's got some really great stuff.

14. Assault - A Blind Eye

Thrash has had a really good year, and not just from the bigger bands, but a lot of the underrated bands, too, one of which being Ohio's Assault with their debut album, A Blind Eye. It's a short little thrash album that blends together thrash, groove metal, and metalcore, but they're still a thrash band throughh and through. It's a killer record, and if you want an unknown thrash band to sink your teeth into, look no further.

13. Venom Prison - Erebos

Speaking of genres that had a good year, death metal is doing great, too; a lot of great albums came out this year, but Venom Prison dropped a great follow-up to their critically acclaimed first two albums with Erebos. It's a bit of a departure from their original sound, although not by much. It includes some clean vocals and more atmospheric moments, but it's still a punishingly heavy album, and shows that this band still has a lot of fire in their veins.

12. The Devil Wears Prada - Color Decay

The Devil Wears Prada is another metalcore band whose output has been inconsistent the last decade, and despite 2019's The Act being a decent album, I was surprised at how good their latest album, Color Decay, ended up being. It's a great mix of their newer sound, which is more alt-metal, with the metalcore stylings of their earlier work. I was surprised by it, and how well they were able to balance both sounds without comprimising their heaviness. The heavy moments were aplenty, too, but if you haven't listened to this band in awhile, do yourself a favor and check this one out.

11. Escuela Grind - Memory Theater

I randomly found Escuela Grind when their new album, Memory Theater, came out a few months ago, and this is a fantastic slice of grindcore that also manages to throw elements of death metal and hardcore-punk. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it packs quite a punch within the 22 minutes it spends in your ear, and despite the audio assault you'll experience, you'll keep coming back.

10. High Command - Eclipse Of The Dual Moons

I didn't get into High Command when their debut album came out a couple of years ago, but I made sure to listen to this thrash-meets-fantasy-inspired band when their follow-up came out, entitled Eclipse Of The Dual Moons, and this thing is a ripper right out of the gate. It's quite lengthy, clocking in at 48 minutes, and the last song is around 15 minutes, but it takes you on a wild ride, nonetheless. These guys take thrash, crossover, and power metal, namely through the song lengths and overall aesthetic, and ultimately throw it all into a blender that yields some awesome results.

9. State Champs - Kings Of The New Age

I was so surprised by the new State Champs album, Kings Of The New Age, but in the best way. This album is so tight, catchy, fun, and breezy, it's hard not to enjoy it. I don't listen to a lot of pop-punk anymore, but i was enthralled by this album. It's so catchy, and while the lyrics didn't do much for me, they don't need to. This album knows exactly what it is, and what it wants to do, so it owns it. This is the best this band has ever sounded in their decade-plus long existence. This would have been my favorite pop-punk album of the year, but there's one more that I liked a little more.

8. Yard Act - The Overload

British post-punk band Yard Act had my first favorite album of this year with their debut, The Overload, a catchy and visceral album that tore into politics and ideas that are running rampant throughout today's world. It was a very captivating album that showcased all the best qualities of the band, even if it didn't do anything to move their genre forward. Not all albums need to do that, but as long as you can make an album that's just great on its own without trying too hard to tug on peoples' nostalgia, that's good enough for me.

7. Stand Atlantic - F.E.A.R.

My favorite pop-punk album is the new third Stand Atlantic F.E.A.R, which stands for "fuck everything and run," which I like, because it fits the theme of the album, as well as maybe the year. This record marks somewhat of a stylistic shift for the band, as they incorporate more pop and hip-hop sounds, but they doubled down on the hooks and melodies, making for a very catchy album with some clever lyrics that paint a rather deprecating and angry picture. The lyrics can come off rather bitter at times, but with a clever twist on thingss, versus just being bitter for the sake of it. The lyrics are part of the charm, but the whole record is just great.

6. Elder - Innate Passage

"Progressive-rock" is sort of a dirty word for me these days, as well as many other people, because of how pretentious the genre can be (and often is). When it comes to prog, I like some 70s prog bands, such as Kansas, Pink Floyd, Yes, and Rush, and that's when prog began, at least got much more popular, but it had its roots in the late 1960s. I decided to check out the new album from stoner-doom-turned-prog band Elder, entitled Innate Passage, and I absolutely love this album. It's so good. I don't normally listen to prog, at least modern stuff, but this has me wanting to listen to more stuff in this vein. It's a bit long, clocking in at 54 minutes, and each song is about 10 minutes, although there's one that's 15, but it never feels boring or bloated. The song ebb and flow in a very fluid way, and the album keeps my attention throughout it. Vocals are a bit sparse here, but there are some really cool and impressive solos, as well as some instrumental sections that kick things up a notch. There's a lot of atmosphere on this album, but it's one of the biggest surprises of the year. It sounds like it came right out of 1974, but in the best way.

5. Cloud Rat - Threshold

Top five, baby, let's go. Kicking it off with the new Cloud Rat album, Threshold, and these guys are a grindcore band from Michigan that I've been a fan of for years, but they haven't released a proper album in some time. They have put out a lot of splits, EPs, and compilation albums over the last few years. I was looking forward to their new one, because if there's a grindcore band worth paying attention to, it's this one. This album also absolutely delivers. It's a punishing half-hour of grindcore with some traces of mathcore and hardcore, so fans of those genres should find something to enjoy here, too.

4. Terror - Pain Into Power

Terror is a hardcore staple at this point, kind of like a few other bands I've talked about on the list, but that doesn't mean any of their music hits less hard. Their new album, Pain Into Power, is one hell of a record. This album features George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher of Cannibal Corpse, of all people, but for 18 minutes, this thing goes off. This is the best the band has ever sounded, and while I was never the biggest fan of them in the past, this one and their last album really changed my mind on them and got me relly into them.

3. Seth MacFarlane - Blue Skies

Jazz is most certainly a genre that's underrepresented on my list, as well as many other peoples', but the new album from Seth MacFarlane, entitled Blue Skies, changes that. You may know him as the creator of Family Guy, American Dad, and The Orville, as well as starring on all of those shows (in the cases of Family Guy and American Dad, voicing multiple characters, no less), as well as writing and directing the Ted movies, but he also has a music career that he started a little over a decade ago. I knew he released music, but after getting into Family Guy for the first time in a decade, I found that he put out a lot of music. As I write this, I'm also currently getting into his Christmas album, 2014's Holiday For Swing, but he released a great album this year, entitled Blue Skies. This record is meant to be a lot of fun and energetic, versus sour and downtrodden compared to his last LP, and it delivers on the energy. MacFarlane has always opted to have a sound like that of Frank Sinatra, whom he owes a lot of credit to, not just for his sound, but his voice has an eerily uncanny resemblance to the late crooner, and it sounds fantastic. I almost thought this would have been my most played album this year, but instead it's Jack Harlow's debut, which I'm not too surprised by, but that's still kind of strange.

2. Municipal Waste - Electrified Brain

Ever since Municipal Waste dropped The Last Rager EP a couple of years ago, I've been eagerly awaiting a new album, especially since their last album came out in 2017. Electrified Brain, their new album, has been one of my favorite albums for the majority of the year, at least since it came out. I can play this album front to back all day and not get sick of it. This is so much fun. In a year that was also pretty bad, Electrified Brain brought the party. This is what Municipal Waste does best, and for a party thrash / crossover record, no one does it better than these guys. If you want a good time, and you don't care about being challenged or feeling like you have to think (which is not a slight against the band, but you don't need to put on your thinking cap when listening to a song like "Ten Cent Beer Night," or something like that), you'll have a ton of fun with this one.

1. Undeath - It's Time... To Rise From The Grave.

This is it, folks -- my favorite album of the year. When this LP came out in the beginning, there was almost no doubt in my mind that this would be my favorite. The new Municipal Waste album is a close second, and if this didn't come out, that would have gotten it, but the new Undeath record, It's Time... To Rise From The Grave, takes the top spot. This meat and potatoes death metal band from New York has this old school sensibility but uses modern production, making for an interesting bridge between the past and present. This record is fun, dumb, and loud, but in all the best ways. I didn't have more fun listening to any other album this year, and these days, fun is what matters most to me. I do like weird and strange albums, but I just like having fun. I just gravitated towards albums that were catchy, fun, and easy to come back to. I do have a few weirder albums here, but a lot of my favorites were just straightforward, which is completely okay. I can't imagine another album that would have taken the top this year, even though my top three were kind of hard to decide, but Undeath seems like the right choice for me.

I'm locking in my list early this year, as I said earlier, but that doesn't mean the reviews will stop. I'm going to slow down, though, and I have some lists together that I want to put out, as well as some ideas for other things. I might review some Christmas albums, but I'm excited to see what comes out next year. Metallica just announced a new album a couple of weeks ago, so that's exciting, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. I just wanted to say that I have some things in the works, but if you read anything I put out, or you support me in any way, thank you. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy New Year. Cheers.

2 notes · View notes

kwispayne · 9 months

Text

The Top 10 Albums Of 2023

Ironically the year that I had my hearing loss start was the year I listened to so much music. Thank you very much bandcamp for providing alot of free entertainment., Hopefully my condition doesn't affect my idiosyncrasies.

A good mix this year and trying to cull anything this year wasn't the easiest. But I think this is the best i could come up with.

And as always, I didn’t hear every album this year, this is my person list and I counted anything released this year.

10. Pupil Slicer - Blossom

With their first album Mirrors, I was hooked with their chaotic blend of abrasive math core and powerful deathcore moments. When I saw the track times on this, I was surprised to see no shorter songs, and this being a concept album, I was expecting something very different and forward thinking. In many ways this is what I thought, but it isn’t complete foreign waters for the band. One of the most interesting things about this band is that they do their perspective genres in such a way, I draw blanks on making comparisons. Kate Davies approach to guitar and the choices she and the rest of the band make are some of the most unique sounds I’ve heard all year. And her vocals are like something I would expect to hear in a mental ward. One of the most exciting bands to come from the UK at the moment.

Genres: Mathcore, Post Hardcore, Extreme Metal, Progressive Metal, Deathcore

Country of origin: England

9. Cattle Decapitation - Terrasite

Their last release Death Atlas just barely missed my list the year it came out, but I knew that it was a modern metal masterpiece and whatever these guys do next would blow me away. And they never fail to deliver. Concept wise and cover art already sold me on this album, with the band taking their misanthropy to knew satirical, creative and sadly true levels, musically this album is technical, progressive, insane and forward thinking compared to their other death metal associates. As always, David McGraw’s drumming is the best in modern extreme metal but the rest of the bands musical ability is just as otherworldly. When it comes to vocals in extreme metal, if a vocalist can do something exciting or different with their voice it always impresses me, but Travis Ryan is something else. His range and approach to this style is unlike any I’ve ever heard and how he delivers his lyrics with his ability to change his voice is thespian level. One of the best death metal albums ever made in my opinion.

Genres: Death Metal, Technical Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Progressive Metal

Country of origin: USA

8. Squid - O Monolith

They made my top 10 with their debut and I knew that these guys had a lot more to offer. A perfect follow up to Bright Green Fields, with amazing songwriting and technical ability, what the album also offers is a more succulent and palatable offering. Not contemporary in the slightest but close enough to be enjoyable by indie heads. Ollie Judge’s vocals on this album are just as manic as ever and some of the arrangements both technical and choice of instruments are mind-blowing. It just proves that modern prog in the UK is as vibrant as it ever was, with these guys, Black Midi & Black Country, New Road being the holy trinity of indie avant prog. I know whatever these guys do next, it is going to be amazing.

Genres: Art Rock, Experimental Rock, Progressive Rock, Indie Rock, Avante Garde

Country of origin: England

7. Good NightOwl - Capital

Financially I haven’t been as generous with artists. So to keep my musical palette fed, I have been searching online for anything free I can download. I have some found some gems, but this is a diamond in the rough (there’s a lot of rough sadly). A one man project, Good NightOwl is a beautiful diverse musical journey. Complex with rhythm, melody and harmony, Daniel Cupp’s vocal and instrumental ability is nothing to be sneered it, with his vocal range being very impressive. Production wise it isn’t the cleanest, but what he is able to create is nothing short of amazing. If you’ve ever seen this guys You Tube stuff, he doesn’t seem to take himself very seriously, but on this album he does add some interesting satirical views on capitalism and consumerism. Good news is that his new album is out at the start of next year, and I highly recomend you give him money to make even more music (and odd comedy).

Genres: Progressive Rock, Eclectic Prog, Math Rock, Crossover Prog, Art Rock, Experimental Rock

Country of origin: USA

6. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth & The Beginning Of Merciless Damnation

When these guys released Infest the Rats Nest, I think everyone (especially metalheads) were begging for them to return to this thrash metal style. So thankfully they’ve returned with this sound, but this time it’s proggier and heavier. The talent these guys possess never fails to impress me. The dynamic switch between Stu Mackenzie & Ambrose Kenny Smith’s vocals make this lyrical story of fantasy, environmentalism and apocalypse potent, enjoyable and kind of enjoyably goofy. Also naming your album this title and giving it this artwork, of course I’m going to be interested in this. I hope I am hearing this style from them in the next few years. These guys can do no wrong for me as they are currently one of my favourite bands.

Genres: Progressive Metal, Stoner Rock, Thrash, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock

Country of origin: Australia

5. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - The Silver Cord

A first for my lists. A band releasing 2 albums that both ended up in my top 10 of the years. When I heard that this album was going to be fully electronic, I was overly interested because they did do something similar on Butterfly 3000. But this album is nothing like the fun that that album was. In many ways this album is one of the most musically interesting and lyrical journeys these guys have ever travelled down. From beautiful synth odysseys, fun disco tracks, hardcore big beat moments that wouldn’t feel out of place in early The Chemical Brothers or The Prodigy to some of the most beautiful introspective moments I’ve heard these guys wander down. This album is also oddly presented, as it has extended versions of each track. The album itself is fine as it is, but the extended editions do show us a more experimental side to these guys. (as if they aren’t experimental enough) As I say with each King Gizzard release, I hope that this isn’t just an experiment for these guys, because anytime that switch genres, they usually do better than bands in these contemporary fields.

Genres: Electronic, Progressive Electronic, Psychedelic Rock, Big Beat, Disco, Krautrock, Electropop

Country of origin: Australia

4. Haken - Fauna

There’s a part of me that really just wants to say “business as usual,” but that makes it sound like Haken don’t really swerve too much out of their comfort zone, and with each album these guys have made, it’s been an ever ending musical experience and journey. Constantly moving forward musically, technically and concept wise, these guys just again prove that there are on the best progressive metal bands going to today. Everyone brings their A game, and it contains the bands catchiest, most technical, most oddest and most diverse musical palette these guys have ever created. Quite possibly my favourite album from these guys. I am very much looking forward to anything these guys release in the future.

Genres: Progressive Metal, Djent, Progressive Rock, Eclectic Prog, Experimental Rock

Country of origin: England

3. I Am The Manic Whale - Bumper Book Of Mystery Stories

A band I knew nothing about until my brother introduced them to me, and I’m very thankful that he did. There always seems to be such amazing underground prog bands that are coming out of nowhere these days. These guys are very much in the poppier vein of the prog sound, like a British Spock’s Beard, but there is also the childish nostalgic curiosity of Big Big Train, being a concept album being about storybook like stories the band came up with. Musically these guys are fantastic, with amazing musicianship and complex passages along with great catchy melodies. The band’s strongest force though is vocalist Michael Whiteman who puts on the disguise of an eccentric narrator throughout. Also I love concept albums that bring back themes throughout and this album is full of brilliant moments. I am very happy to have found these guys and look forward to what they will be bringing in the future.

Genres: Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog, Eclectic Prog, Hard Rock, Pop Rock

Country of origin: England

2. Empire State Bastard - Rivers Of Heresy

Being a fan of both Biffy Clyro & Oceansize, I was over the moon to hear that these guys are working together. I then heard that they were making an extreme metal album, and I was overly curious. While these guys have flirted with heavier sounds in their previous projects, it’s never been this abrasive and caustic. But it’s the insanity that makes this album what it is. Simon Neil’s vocals are the most manic I’ve even heard his contemporaries reach heights of. And thankfully these guys were able to get drumming legend Dave Lombardo to provide a perfect accompaniment to this insanity. Musically diverse, Mike Vennart shows of his multi genre bending talent as he showed on his stuff with Oceansize, but more manic than he’s ever been. I really hope this isn’t a flash in the pan or a one time thing. This is one of the best projects these guys have ever been part of and I’m really hoping to hear more from this project.

Genres: Extreme Metal, Post Hardcore, Grindcore, Art Rock, Experimental Rock, Stoner Metal

Country of origin - Scotland & England

Sleep Token - Take Me Back To Eden

When these guys first burst on the scene, I actually missed their first album Sundowning, but from the singles I heard I did know there was something special in them. So when it came to the follow up This Place Will Become Your Tomb, they decided to tone down the metal and show a softer side, which if I’m being honest, left me wanting more. So on their 3rd album, the guys have decided to become heavier yet at times also softer than they’ve ever been. And this is the sound these guys needed to obtain. This is the sound that speaks to me the most and personally I feel is the most unique and forward thinking sound in modern metal today, which I hope will pave the way for future metal acts. From the introspective beauty to the incredible harsh, this album is an emotional rollercoaster. Musically tight throughout switching from genre to genre, the real highlight is Vessel’s vocals, as he is able to create a complete palette delivering his lyrics in an almost Shakespearean way. At times listening to this I have been close to tears (which was very cathartic after they year I had). I hope the mystery behind this project continues and that these guys revel in the success this masterpiece has given them. A high contender for album of the decade.

Genres: Progressive Metal, Post Metal, Art Rock, Djent, Pop, Electronic, R&B, Experimental Rock, Progressive Rock

Country of origin: England

0 notes

xmystophalesx · 2 years

Text

Best New Heavy Metal Releases Week of December 30th, 2022

Probably the smallest list I have ever done. There usually aren’t a lot of albums being released during the last two weeks of December or the first few weeks of January. To be completely honest however, there were more than a few absolutely terrible albums as far as production is concerned. I just can’t bring myself to recommend an album that feels like work to listen to.

All that being said, there were a few highlights that got the “best of the week” designation. So lets get to a few of these highlights.

Akiavel-Veni Vidi Vici (Melodic Death)**

Do you miss the earlier aggression of Arch Enemy but wish they could keep some of the more hook laden moments they are currently known for? Well, this is the album for you!

Krvna-For Thine is the Kingdom of the Flesh (Black)**

Old school Black Metal with touches of melody that are very reminiscent of Emperor and even a bit of Immortal. One of those albums that is done quicker than you expect and leaving you wanting more.

Dying East-Dying East (Thrash/Death)**

Don’t have a lot of info on this band, other than this is a debut album and they are from Croatia. What I know, however there are a ton of great riffs on this album. The Death Metal vocals sound a bit out of place here, but still work. Better vocals and this could have made a push for pick of the week.

Bloodclot-Souls (Crossover/Hardcore/Punk)**

I’m not the biggest fan of Crossover Thrash or Hardcore but when it is done well it REALLY works. Bloodclot has it figured out and they crush it on this release. Feels like a mixture DRI and Hatebreed but only the good parts of each. A band to definitely keep track of if you are into this genre.

That will do it for this week and the year of 2022. 5492 albums listened to this year for this blog. If that sounds insane, you are 100% correct. I have found some truly incredible music, so it is also 100% worth it. Music is life and you should fill your soul with happiness by listening to as much of it as you can….:)

All worthy of a listen if you like the genre

*= standout in that genre

**=best of the week regardless of genre

Best of the Week

Akiavel-Veni Vidi Vici (Melodic Death)**

Bloodclot-Souls (Crossover/Hardcore/Punk)**

Krvna-For Thine is the Kingdom of the Flesh (Black)**

Dying East-Dying East (Thrash/Death)**

Standout in their Genre

Blackened Corvus-Until We Die (Heavy/Groove)*

Cryptic Carnage-Scriptures of Torment (Death)*

Decathect-Decathect (Black/Progressive)*

Scolf-Scolf (Melodic Death)*

Kossuth-Necronym (Technical Death/Progressive)*

Runelord-Doomsday Script (Heavy Power/Traditional)*

Nakhiel-Solar Wind Illumination (Melodic Black)*

The Crippler-I’m Just Gonna Let Myself In (Thrash/Grind/Death)*

Antares-V (Melodic Death)*

Ultra Nightmare-Era Indomitus (Death/Industrial)*

Chabtan-Compelle Intrare (Melodic Death/Deathcore)*

Worth a listen if you enjoy the Genre

Since the Death-I Belong to Christ (Death/Black/Christian)

Ouija-Fathomless Hysteros (Black)

Cinerarium-Hang Drawn and Quartered (Death)

Imperium of Vanity-Countdown (Symphonic/Melodic)

Hades Descent-The Solitary Path to Armageddon (Death/Symphonic)

Satanic Warmaster-Aamongandr (Black)

Pick of the week was VERY close between Akiavel and Krvna and by the slightest of margins it is taken by Akiavel with a very strong 4.5 bulldog stare downs out of 5!

0 notes

dustedmagazine · 3 years

Text

Dust Volume 7, Number 10

Chillingsworth Surfingham is Dust’s first ever musical teddy bear.

That craptastic summer is done, no more heat dome, or fires, or inland hurricanes and or continual threat of catastrophe, and we greet the change of seasons with a sigh of relief. Now that things have calmed — and cooled — down, we can dig into the piles of new releases in acid folk, jazz, metal, punk, rap and, our favorite, unclassifiable, to find what’s good and what’s not. This month’s sonic explorers include Jennifer Kelly, Bill Meyer, Ray Garraty, Justin Cober-Lake, Ian Mathers, Chris Liberato, Bryon Hayes and Jonathan Shaw.

Adeline Hotel — The Cherries Are Speaking (Ruination)

The Cherries Are Speaking by Adeline Hotel

When we last caught up with Dan Knishkowy, he was mostly concerned with improvised guitar, tracing smoke-wispy blues licks in the ruminative Good Timing from earlier this year. The Cherries Are Speaking deploys a more varied collection of sounds: a jaunty, jazzy saxophone from David Lackner, some lush and evocative strings from Macie Stewart and piano, the instrument that Knishkowy turned to in the long months of the pandemic. The result is a set of songs that veer more towards baroque pop than stripped down country folk. The title track, for instance, swells with lavish sonics, a fluttery flute, some vibrato-laden violins, a blowsy soft-toned saxophone. The piano parts are clear but simple, picking out sparkly counterpoints to Knishkowy’s blues vocals on “Raspberry Stains,” adding arpeggiated flourishes to “We Go Outside.” Knishkowy’s longtime rhythm section of Sean Mullins and Andrew Stocker offers subtle, jazz-infused grounding, while guest vocals including Eric D. Johnson (more in Bonny Light Horseman mode than Fruit Bats), Caitlin Pasko and Vivian McConell (from V.V. Lightbody) fill out his quiet melodies. You might not even realize there’s no guitar at all in The Cherries Are Speaking until you check the credits. You won’t miss it. There’s plenty to hear without it.

Jennifer Kelly

Robbie Avenaim / Chris Abrahams / Jim Denley—Weft (Relative Pitch)

Weft by Robbie Avenaim, Chris Abrahams, Jim Denley

If I told you that there’s a new record by a trio that includes Chris Abrahams, and it consists of one 45-minute-long track, you might think that you have a pretty good idea how it sounds. And if you said, “it sounds like the Necks,” that would be understandable but also inaccurate. While this trio, does, like the Necks, operate in the zone of long-form, spontaneous music-making, both the instruments used and the personalities wielding them ensure that this sounds different from any trio you have ever heard. Abrahams sticks to synthesizer, with which he cultivates an insectoid environment embedded with quietly glassy interludes. The breathy curlicues, low blows and amplified keypads of Jim Denley’s bass flute lob sounds out of said environment as comfortably as frogs conversing in a country pond. But it is Robbie Avenaim, a frequent associate of Oren Ambarchi, who really sets this session apart. He plays prepared typewriter, running its rustle and clatter through an unidentified chain of preparations that makes one forget where the sounds came from and further focuses the ear upon the way this music establishes its own space for the duration of its existence.

Bill Meyer

Atræ Bilis — Apexapien (20 Buck Spin)

Apexapien by Atræ Bilis

This debut full-length from Canadian filthers Atræ Bilis is quite uneven and unoriginal. The band runs through all possible types of death metal (skipping only grind-infused ones). The lowest point is two tracks with the similar structure. “Open the Effigy” and “By The Hierophant's Maw” both venture too close to deathcore territory. The highest point is probably “Hymn of the Flies”, highly technical with sound signatures and changes in tempo and punchiest riffing. The rest of the CD falls in between and will be rightfully forgotten after a week or two.

Ray Garraty

Bevel — Angler Senses (Astral Editions)

Angler Senses by Bevel

You have to respect a man who tells it like it is. “I love my cat more than I could ever love you,” pledges Via Nuon, who is the singer, guitarist, and “all the other instruments not played by these jazz guys”-ist of Bevel. Many individuals who have sustained long-term relationships with both humans and felines know exactly how he feels. And as you listen to this album, which is confined to the humble realms of the digital and cassette-spheres, you will have other experiences of understanding. For while this album is being released on Astral Editions, which is mostly devoted to stuff too fringy for the Astral Spirits jazz label, a couple decades back this record would probably have gotten released on Secretly Canadian and gotten a high-profile review on Pitchfork. Maybe the latter will still happen, and maybe that imaginary reviewer will tell you the same thing as me — Mr. Nuon knows what he’s doing. His skills as a guitarist and baroque pop arranger are beyond reproach, and the vulnerability imparted by his singing makes up for his challenges at nailing each and every pitch. And when you listen, he speaks truths that are no less true for being as mundane as your life. All respect to his cat, and to him, too.

Bill Meyer

Cherry Cheeks — S-T (Total Punk)

S/T LP by CHERRY CHEEKS

Cherry Cheeks makes a brash, herky-jerk kind of punk rock, with clanky chunky bitten off bass fighting off brutalist drumming and a guitar crashing through from the floor upstairs. It sounds like a band, but it’s actually the one-person, pandemic project of one Kyle Harms, originally from Orlando, but now relocated to Portland, Oregon. There’s a degree of conflict in these songs that makes the one-person business faintly unbelievable, but if you haven’t had an argument with yourself these long COVID months, you’re probably doing it wrong. In any case, the stop-start aggro of “Go Outside,” will likely sound good to anyone who likes Bodega. The fanciful yet forceful stomp of “Two Bugs,” may call to fans of Terry. In “Boxes,” the bassline banks off walls and caroms off angles, while a firestorm of guitar rips through whatever it leaves standing. The cut, perhaps inspired by Harms’ recent cross-country move, rattles a chorus of “Everything comes in boxes, boxes” that is unnervingly aggressive. There are wild swirl of keyboard and tunefulness pushed to Jay Reatard-esque levels of agitation, and all in all, 25 minutes of pure fun.

Jennifer Kelly

Chillingsworth Surfingham — Chillingsworth (ATOM)

youtube

Every few years we need a surf guitar revival. Usually, it takes a Tarantino movie or some indie-rockers taking a vacation. Probably it's no indication of an imminent revival, but the Bobbleheads' John Ashfield gets to the beach in a new way. He's created a teddy bear alter-ego named Chillingsworth Surfingham, and given him free range of his Dick Dale collection. Were Ashfield simply rehashing the old tropes, this Chillingsworth album could simply slide into your novelty pile and await its time in the cutout bin (or whatever the new version of that old pile is). Ashfield finds more interesting routes, though, adding some psych and some darker material to the sounds. After the first few seconds of opener “Coronado,” he never fully plays to expectations. “Cowboy a Go-Go” toys with the ideas, but undercuts any attempts to enforce solemnity. “I Was There” highlights the shadier side of the genre while adding synth flourishes for a strange sort of experience. Ashfield's joy in the music runs throughout the disc, but that doesn't mean he hasn't worked at crafting something original. Both fun and intriguing, Chillingsworth Surfingham turns out to be a stuffed animal that does more than just play around.

Justin Cober-Lake

Eluvium — Virga II (Temporary Residence)

youtube

Matthew Cooper started his Virga series of ambient albums out of creative restlessness and nostalgia, not the kind of cooped-upedness that’s led to so much similar work (crucially, the first instalment was in late 2019), but the sonic darkness of the first half of Virga II might make listeners wonder if the focus of the project has shifted in the interim. Not that the growling static of “Hallucination I” or the billowing noise of “Scarlet Hunter” are totally new registers for him, it’s just that you might need to go back to debut Lambent Material in 2003 for comparison. In the second half, though, the calmly glowing shoals of “Touch Returned” and the title track get closer to what Virga I was doing; both sides are equally compelling, the storm and the calm after, and it will be interesting to see whether Cooper takes these new generative tools he’s built and goes farther afield with them; there’s clearly fertile territory out there.

Ian Mathers

Los Esplifs — Estraik Back (Self-Released)

Estraik Back by Los Esplifs

Los Esplifs reinterprets the clip clopping, side-swaying, heavily percussive forms of the cumbia with a lived-in love. The band, mainly a duo of jazz organist and multi-instrumentalist Saul Millan and Afro Cuban All Star Caleb Michel, brings jazz fusion and kraut rock into its fiery interpretation of “Y El Monsoon,” but plays “Otro Pais,” relatively straight, with intricate multi-timbred percussion and languid, ultra-romantic vocals. “Galaxia” puts a psychedelic sheen on cumbia’s off-beat thumping cadences, little frills of organ and swathes of wah wah’d guitar curling out of the steady rhythm. “Tekno Cumbia” pushes the traditional form even further out on a limb, with sing-song-y synths and rave-y four on the floor. The disc closes with an odd “Eskit,” in which gravel-voiced Spanish speakers seem to argue about whether they are Latino or LatinX, but why put things in boxes? Estraik Back certainly doesn’t.

Jennifer Kelly

Glenn Echo — Fixed Memory (Self-released)

Fixed Memory by Glenn Echo

Glenn Echo, an experimental songwriting project headed by Matt Gaydar, has been around for a little over half a decade, moving steadily during that time from a fairly standard, whispery, guitar-based confessional indie folk towards something odder and more elaborate. Fixed Memory layers scratchy found sounds, electronic elements and unsettling rhythms over its plaintive melodies, landing somewhere in the vast spaces between, say, Iron and Wine and Radiohead. Some of the songs, “Moon and Wine,” for instance, are well-executed but conventional, their feathery picking and soft harmonies needing not much more than a guitar, a mic and a stool to take shape. But “Hearth” is edgier and more remote, powered by chilly synthetic tone-washes and skittering electronic rhythms, and sung in an eerie tenor that evokes Thom Yorke (and it’s perhaps worth mentioning that one of the very earliest items on Glenn Echo’s bandcamp.com page is a Radiohead cover). And yet Gaydar never lets complexity swamp the pensive prettiness of his melodies. “Drink Up This Fire” has a careless, jazzy lilt to it, sung at a murmur and framed by the slightest, most transparent bits of guitar. Solo songwriters are a dime a dozen, but this is more interesting and better.

Jennifer Kelly

Havukruunu — Kuu Erkylän Yllä (Naturmacht Productions)

youtube

These Finnish mutants are usually slotted into the pagan black metal subgenre but only the final track “Talvikuu,” describing an ancient battle, betrays the band’s pagan roots. It’s probably the weakest cut on the whole EP, and who needs another battle hymn in Finnish pagan upholstery anyway? Seven-minute-long “Mustan merkin enteen alla” is another failure, attempting cosmic metal but delivering only clichés, from keyboard to clean vocals. Still, the first three cuts save the day with straight ahead, no-experiments, filthy vomit of black metal at Archgoat-like speed and a no hostages approach to riffing.

Ray Garraty

Izzy Johnson — earth tones (Driftless)

youtube

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” proposes the Michigan state motto. It seems that Izzy Johnson would agree. In a press photo for their debut album, earth tones, the lifelong Michigander sits serenely in a field of spent wheat, soaking up some winter sun. Meanwhile, in the video for “Loving,” Johnson and pup take a walk through the peaceful, snowy forests of the state’s southern nature preserves. But the album’s ethereal soundscapes are elemental in ways not implied by its title: Johnson’s vocals blink to life suddenly like fireflies, casting a warm, blurry aura around them before flickering out again. And their guitar playing has the fluid feel of a warm country breeze, with slow-picked lines that trail off like colorful streamers into the sonic ether, blending with harp, flute, keyboard, and more. It’s a beautiful place to visit, whether you’re just stopping to enjoy the view, or looking for somewhere to go get lost.

Chris Liberato

La Luz — S-T (Sub Pop)

La Luz by La Luz

Seattle’s all female surf punk band, La Luz, waited until the fourth full-length to make an eponymous album, but this one is good enough to want your name on. The band, led by Shana Cleveland (who has made some very fine solo albums lately, too), brings a cool, melodic polish to songs that flicker with Nuggets fire. “In the Country,” which circulated as a single earlier in the summer, layers cooing, sighing vocals over a desert dry instrumental that’ll remind you of Ennio Morricone. “The Pines” is even better with sharp, slicing surf licks, tambourine-jangling beats, and an undeniable undercurrent of wistful melancholy. Cleveland is a talented guitarist steeped in surf, soul and freakbeat, but she doesn’t wallow in history, instead bringing these forms cleanly and clearly into the modern day.

Jennifer Kelly

Sylvin Marc / Del Rabenja — Madagascar Now Maintenant ‘Zao (Souffle Continu)

Madagascar Now by Sylvin Marc / Del Rabenja

The France-based Souffle Continu label has reissued a handful of albums created by or associated with pianist Jef Gilson, and this one is the most exciting of the bunch. Multi-instrumentalists Marc and Rabenja, both from Madagascar, were in the jazz combo Gilson named after the African island nation’s people: Malagasy. On this recording they share bandleader and composer duties, with most of the compositions crafted by Marc. The A side features a modern take on traditional Malagasy song forms. Rabenja’s compositions feature the valiha, a tubular harp that sounds sort of like a zither. Traditional xylophones and tambourine-like instruments provide accompaniment. Marc takes Madagascar into funk territory, aided by the elastic bass of his cousin, Ange “Zizi” Japhet. Japhet and Marc also pull off some seriously bad-assed vocalising; could they just be Madagascar’s answer to James Brown? On the flip the band, which also includes Gerard Rakotoarivony on bass and Frank Raholison on drums, establishes themselves as a force capable of cranking out post-bop and free jazz. Rabenja switches to tenor sax and Fender Rhodes, while Marc takes up the bass. The three Marc-penned pieces swing either jauntily (“Del-Light”) or urgently (“Ô Ambalavoa ‘City’” and “Rotaka”). The latter is a fiery blast that shows off the instrumental prowess of this quintet. Lovingly restored on vinyl, Madagascar Now is an essential artifact for those interested in the Malagasy sounds — both traditional and jazzy — of the 1970s.

Bryon Hayes

MVW — CLASSIC$ (AWAL)

youtube

Michael Vincent Waller has so far been known as a composer, and as MVW he’s not so much moving away from that world as applying it to a new context. Specifically rap, and the most striking thing about his inaugural CLASSIC$ EP under the new moniker is just how natural he and fellow producer Lex Luger make all the orchestral elements feel on these tracks. Whether it’s Jaydonclover providing sung interludes (and possibly the de rigeur producer ID at the beginning of many of the tracks) or the way Chicago rapper Valee nimbly darts around and through the beats, strings and other elements, CLASSIC$ makes what you might call orchestral trap and, even more impressively, never makes it sound like a novelty mashup. Among the brief tracks, the Valee showcase “Still Do” and trio cut “Really Wanna Know” stand out, the former for its loveliness cut with Valee’s verbal astringency and the latter for how woozy and off-kilter the looped string figure feels, perfectly underpinning each rapper. The possibilities are, to say the least, intriguing.

Ian Mathers

Yann Novak — Lifeblood of Light and Rapture (Room40)

Lifeblood of Light and Rapture by Yann Novak

Serial ambient producer Yann Novak’s music is a cathartic exercise for him. Slowly Dismantling, his previous album for Room40, dealt with impermanence and identity; this collection of compositions is meant to overcome a twisted sort of fatalism. Ironically, the actions we take to escape the destructive tendencies of our own species often lead to the destruction of our own minds and bodies. Novak sees the hedonistic escape of his past reflected in humanity’s reliance on technology and its various distractions today. It’s a very salient viewpoint, especially considering that certain social media channels have recently come under fire for poisoning our youth in the name of profit. Sonically, the four extended pieces that Novak offers are far more hopeful. He synthesizes organ-like chords that waft in bright, colorful patterns. This isn’t necessarily cheerful music, but it is the almost sanguine antidote to the gloominess of Ravedeath, 1972-era Tim Hecker. With Lifeblood of Light and Rapture, Novak intended to shine a little light in a time of almost insurmountable negativity, and he has succeeded.

Bryon Hayes

Offset Jim — Rich Off The Pack (Play Runners Association)

youtube

Offset Jim runs out of things to say ridiculously fast – in the first minute of this release. For the next 21 minutes, he strains to find new ways to say the same thing, repeating words in different combinations. Always down to earth, he’s downright pedestrian here. His usual skill with hooks is missing, too. A few guests fill out his uninspired verses, including AllBlack, EST Gee, Babyface Ray and Aitch. It’s hard to believe but they have even less to say than their host. A song called “Make No Sense” says it all: if you are rich off the pack why record such dull music? It makes no sense, really.

Ray Garraty

Brigid Mae Power — Burning Your Light (Fire)

Burning Your Light by Brigid Mae Power

Fresh off a string of well-regarded full-lengths, which began with her self-titled Tompkins Square album in 2016 and culminated in last year’s Head Above the Water, the Irish folksinger shows no qualms about taking on the big guns. This six-song covers EP reinterprets canonical material in fragile, idiosyncratic style. What her version of Aretha Franklin’s torch jazz, gospel-choired “It Ain’t Fair” gives up in sheer force and power, it makes up in flickering, soul-searching sensitivity. The manicured, polished twang of Patsy Cline’s “Leavin’ on Your Mind,” gives way to spare, pensive desolation. Dylan may swagger and howl and declaim in his original “One More Cup of Coffee,” but Power asks quietly, gracefully, stoically for a little more time with a lover on his way out. These melancholy songs—rounded out by cuts from Songs:Ohia, Townes Van Zandt and a traditional folk tune—don’t get in your face; they seem instead to ask you to respect the singer’s reticence. She doesn’t need to yell to get your attention.

Jennifer Kelly

Sorguinazia — Negation of Delirium (Iron Bonehead Records)

Iron BoneHead Productions · Sorguinazia - Black Spell Of Supremacy

You don’t hear a lot of black metal coming out of Canada — but it’s north and it’s white and it’s really, really cold. Conditions seem propitious. This new LP of kvlty, nasty black metal by Sorguinazia suggests that the Canadian tundra and charnel tar sands can produce music as hopeless and tormented as that which comes from more notorious climes in Scandinavia. Sorguinazia comprises a duo who identify as Xolaryxis and Axczor and make songs that have a sort of tidal action, swirling and churning with vertiginous, weirdly forceful playing. It’s pretty interesting: Xolaryxis’s guitar has the requisite icy brittleness, but his notes also bend and distend. At 42 minutes long, Negation of Delirium makes for a whole lot of bending and distending. Luckily, Sorguinazia saves some of the best stuff for the end of the record. “Saraswati” starts with a field recording of rain, a familiar element of many atmospheric moments on black metal records; eventually a distant drumbeat thrums under the sounds of rainfall, and there’s an occasional metallic jangle, perhaps a tambourine. The band lets that ride for well over three minutes. It’s simultaneously meditative and suspenseful. The sounds fade, there’s a moment of silence, and then “Neuromancy” commences; it’s a particular venomous version of the band’s characteristic black metal chaos. It’s hard to say why Saraswati, Hindu goddess of music, erudition and art, might be invoked just before such a savage sonic experience. Transcendence through decadent musical magic? But why Hinduism? Maybe the band digs the sensory overload of much Hindu iconography and ritual. At their best, Sorguinazia’s songs gesture toward such experiences. They’re a black metal band worth watching.

Jonathan Shaw

Zelma Stone — The Best (Self-Released)

The Best by Zelma Stone

Chloe Studebaker, who records as Zelma Stone, has had a rough few years, losing an older brother, her mom, her grandfather and a close friend in succession. But with this third EP this year, she seems to be gathering her strength and getting on with things, assuring us, on “Money Honey,” that “I’m fine now, I’m fine now, I’m fine.” She is certainly a velvet-voiced singer, murmuring soothingly then kicking it up into a blues-y diva-ish crescendos. And she’s got a way with laid-back rock tunes that simmer until they boil but never lose their tunefulness. A crack band helps her get these songs across, including Tyler English from Everyone Is Dirty, doing some evocative pedal steel and electric guitar, and jazz bassist Jodi Durst, here laying down a soulful underpinning. Studebaker reminds me a whole lot of an artist named Arrica Rose (sometimes heading the Dot Dot Dots). They share a vocal timbre, but it’s more than that. They’re both polished but genuine rock interpreters who can sing and play and lead a band in a rock goddess way that has become far less common than it used to be. I’d say she’s considerably more than fine.

Jennifer Kelly

Various Artists — Blackford Hill Transmissions Vol. 1 (Blackford Hill)

Transmissions / Volume One by Various artists

The Scottish experimentalists here run the gamut from unearthly folk to space age electronics and sometimes bring them into alignment. A 31-track compilation curated by Blackford Hill proprietor Simon Levin features a few medium well-known names like King Creosote, whose fragile tenor wafts over the hums and moans of wheezing synths in “Stopping Out (Concrete Antenna Reinterpretation)”, and Richard Youngs in full electronic mode in “Thought Plane 2020” with wobbly beats made of notes that phase in and out of pitch. Many of these artists seek to bridge natural and cyber-derived music, as in the gorgeous “Oxgangs Elegy” from Water of Life, which merges the sound of running water and wildlife with cool, meditative synth sounds and a dopplering siren that comes from far away. Rob St. John of Water of Life makes another rather impressive appearance in “Surface Tension,” which merges piano and autumnal string arrangements and a guitar in a cut that hovers magically about a foot off the ground in meditative tranquility. Classically trained Emily Scott, who sometimes performs with Modern Studies, contributes a serene chamber string-and-voice reverie in “The Garden,” while Mac Tella Nan Creag wreathes a stoic traditional Scots tune with whistling synth tones in “Lament for the Sons of Uislu.” Ultramarine’s “Ebbtide (from Blackwaterside)” is abstract and lyrical along the lines of Jon Hopkins work, while Andrew Wasylyk’s “Adrift Amid a Constellation (Tommy Perman Remix)” sets percolating synth motifs atop a steady four-on-floor dance beat. There’s a lot here, and you will undoubtedly find your own favorites. The search is part of the fun.

Jennifer Kelly

Various Artists — Tymbal (Fuzzy Panda Recording Company)

Tymbal by Destroyer of Worlds

Depending on the type of news you consume, you may not have heard about Brood X at all, or it might have been practically all you heard about through May and June of this year. One of the many notable things about cicadas, of course, especially en masse, is just how loud they can be. So, DC’s Fuzzy Panda Recording Company provided 25 different musicians with hours of field recordings of Brood X, and then asked them to produce tracks using only those sounds as source samples. Given the number of those trying their hand and the rather singular nature of cicada sounds, it’s not too surprising that a decent number of the resulting tracks on Tymbal sound at least part of the time like anyone who’s lived around cicadas might expect them to sound. That doesn’t mean those more straightforward attempts don’t have their own buzzing, restless energy, though, and the places where contributors do stretch further and turn the cicadas into something more striking (the stuttering computer sound of Chester Hawkins’ “Plague Madrigal,” Small Craft’s luminous “they, like the comets, make but a short stay with us,” and the closing and impressively self-descriptive “Brood X Mechanical Dancebot '38” by Love of Ruins, to take just three examples) make Tymbal something special.

Ian Mathers

Wreche — All My Dreams Came True (I, Voidhanger)

All My Dreams Came True by WRECHE

Surely one of the more bizarre recordings to be issued anywhere this year, Wreche’s All My Dreams Came True is the product of one John Steven Morgan, an Oakland-based composer and keyboard player with a serious love for black metal. So far, so good — but check out the first half of “Mysterium,” a combination of flowing, new-age piano; lush, melodramatic synths; percussion that manages to blast but also to sound jazzy and restrained; and Morgan’s strangled screams. It’s completely bananas, a synthesis of musical styles that have no business being in conversation with one another, much less being in a band together. The song’s second half gives itself over to compositional forms that are recognizably blackened — especially if one has in mind the more performative and epic modes of black metal — but the instrumentation and musicianship retain the stamp of Morgan’s singular hand. And the record only gets more spectacularly strange; see “The Darkling Thrush,” which starts with what feels like a nod to Chopin, and then explodes into operatically scaled intensities. And then the song goes on like that for over nine minutes. The freaks at I, Voidhanger have an ear for this sort of wackiness, and a knack for presenting recordings like All My Dreams Came True without any winking or smirking. The record itself is an undecidable thing, dancing forever on the threshold that separates access to idiosyncratic genius from uncomfortable voyeurism—that feeling you get when you’re prying into someone’s private obsessions, with all the infernal distortions that inform an obsession suddenly on naked display. The more you listen, the more you’re convinced that there’s something profoundly moving about Morgan’s music. He sure can play.

Jonathan Shaw

1 note · View note

bthenoise · 4 years

Text

We’re Starting To Lose It So We Made A Fake Music Award Show To Remember The Quarantine By

We are losing our minds and we aren’t talking figuratively like The Pixies. Every morning waking up in quarantine feels like an episode of Punk’d.

Where is Aston Kutcher -- oh right, it’s 2020 -- Where is Chance The Rapper? we ask ourselves as we peel ourselves out of bed for what feels like the millionth time.

Seriously, though. We know you guys are feeling the same way too. We read the tweets. We see the TikToks. Ya’ll are losing your goddamn minds just like us.

The good thing is, to help with this sense of craziness as best as we possibly can (which isn’t saying much, we aren’t doctors after all -- shout out to all the amazing medical teams out there!) we have constructed the first and hopefully last 2020 Noise Quarantine Awards.

Featuring highly coveted awards such as Best Soundtrack To Fuel Your Hatred For The Government and Best Song To Steal Toilet Paper To, the awards below are meant to shine a light on all the positive things to come out of 2020.

We know it sounds like an impossible task to put “2020″ and “postive” in the same sentence but somehow we did it.

Check out the awards below.

Fantastic Features Award

youtube

Silverstein - A Beautiful Place To Drown

Honestly, there are probably about ten different awards we could give Silverstein’s sensational LP A Beautiful Place To Drown. From start to finish, this is hands down one of the band’s best albums yet. However, for the sake of this very serious and very made-up award show, we are happy to present the scene staples with the Fantastic Features Award.

Not only did the band include familiar favorites such as Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo, Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier and Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie, but they also went out of their way to include other artists such as emerging rapper Princess Nokia and Intervals’ guitarist Aaron Marshall. Now if that doesn’t deserve an award, we don’t know what does.

Back Off Pit Daddies Cause This Song Slaps Award

youtube

A Day To Remember - “Mindreader”

But there’s no breakdown! How am I supposed to mosh to this? Would you quit your whining? It’s pretty much impossible for A Day To Remember to write a bad song. And sorry to break it to you pit warriors, they definitely didn’t start with their newest track “Mindreader.

Best Album To Eventually Soundtrack The Next Matrix Movie

youtube

Code Orange - Underneath

Does this one really come as a surprise? Essentially creating their own genre of technology-influenced metalcore (computer core, maybe?), Code Orange’s Underneath is the perfect soundtrack to any type of action-packed, dark web-based, sci-fi thriller like The Matrix trilogy. Now would you like the red pill or the blue pill?

The Welcome Back, We Fuckin’ Missed You Award

youtube

The Ghost Inside - “Aftermath”

A world without new music from The Ghost Inside is a world we don’t want any part of. Thankfully, for the first time since their tragic bus crash back in 2015, the metalcore maestros have returned with the hard-hitting and incredibly emotional track “Aftermath” taken from their soon-to-be-released self-titled album. So for that, the least we could do is present the band with the Welcome Back, We Fuckin’ Missed You Award.

Honorable Mention: D.R.U.G.S (aka Craig Owens) - “King I Am”

Best Song To Listen To On Repeat And Realize You Successfully Killed Two And A Half Hours Of Your Quarantine

youtube

Loathe - “Screaming”

There is nothing made up about this whatsoever. We seriously thank Loathe for creating mind-altering music that transports you to a new dimension. “Screaming” is a gem and the band deserves to be awarded for it. Oh, and also, I Let It In And It Took Everything is an amazing record everyone needs to hear ASAP.

Best Album To Get Drunk And Talk About Your Feelings To

youtube

Violent Soho - Everything Is A-OK

We’re not sure exactly what it is about Australia’s Violent Soho but they always seem to bring the deepest and darkest emotions out of us. Their latest LP Everything Is A-OK is no different. From track one to track ten, the band’s first new album since 2016 is an emotional magnet attracting feeling after feeling leaving us desperate for a drinking buddy and a good cry.

The If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It Award

youtube

August Burns Red - Guardians

August Burns Red has been a prominent staple of the heavy music scene for years. Since bursting out of Lancaster, PA with 2005′s Thrill Seeker, the two-time Grammy-nominated act has been a constant source of inspiration with their bruising, top-notch musicianship. Fifteen years later, with the release of their ninth studio album Guardians, the metalcore vets are still as heavy and hard-hitting as ever deserving of our If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It Award.

Best Album To Eventually Soundtrack The Next Season Of Black Mirror

youtube

Enter Shikari - Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible

Enter Shikari is easily one of the most unpredictable bands in our scene. One minute you think you have them and their eclectic sound pinned down, then the next they release their genre-shattering LP Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible. With cinematic twists and turns from the rock-oriented opener “THE GREAT UNKNOWN” to the cosmic tornado that is “{ The Dreamer’s Hotel }” and circus-themed “Waltzing Off The Face Of The Earth,” Enter Shikari’s spellbinding LP is a perfect fit for something just as fascinating as the next season of Netflix’s Black Mirror.

Best Album To Get Your Medical Degree To

youtube

Vermicide Violence - The Praxis Of Prophylaxis

We understand it’s not easy to comprehend deathcore lyrics. However, if you’re in need of a good study buddy while you prepare for the boards, look no further than Jarrod Alonge’s new parody album The Praxis Of Prophylaxis. Covering high-end medical topics such as vaccines, gingivitis, asthma and more, Vermicide Violence’s new LP is sure to help a lot more than those Grey’s Anatomy re-runs.

The Tasmanian Devil Award

youtube

Rotting Out - Ronin

The Tasmanian Devil award is a highly coveted prize (possibly one of our most coveted) given to the album with hands down the most circle-pit-inducing tracks. While there have been some pretty good options this year, the record that stands out the most is Rotting Out’s first new album in over seven years, Ronin. Without going too far into detail -- because honestly, it’s pretty obvious why we picked this record -- if you’re able to stand still while listening to these fiery ass songs, you’re probably a cop.

Best Album To Get Drunk And Talk About Your Feelings To Part Two

youtube

Spanish Love Songs - Brave Faces, Everyone

Really? You’re gonna complain we used the same category twice in a made-up award show only created cause we’re stuck living fucking Groundhog Day over and over again? Instead, how about you put that same energy into enjoying Spanish Love Songs’ brilliant, tear-jerking album Brave Faces, Everyone. You won’t regret it.

Best Soundtrack To Fuel Your Hatred For The Government

youtube

Anti-Flag - 20/20 Vision

Regardless of if you’re really into politics or not, it’s practically impossible at this point to not swear at our so-called “leaders” up in Washington DC. So if you’re looking for the best album to fuel your hatred for the Head Cheeto In Charge and all his helpless minions, look no further than Anti-Flag’s powerful 20/20 Vision.

Honorable Mention: The Homeless Gospel Choir - This Land Is Your Landfill

The Album Most Likely To Get You Out Of Mosh Pit Retirement

youtube

Polaris - The Death Of Me

This record is the definition of “slaps.” From beginning to end, Polaris’ punishing new album The Death Of Me is a heavy-duty rollercoaster ride that will leave you with a melted off face and an endless desire to jump back in the pit and crack a few skulls.

Best Album To Rip A Phat Riff To

youtube

Hot Mulligan - You’ll Be Fine

Hot Mulligan are a bunch of jokesters but there’s nothing funny about their new album You’ll Be Fine -- alright, maybe a few of the song titles are a little silly. The band’s latest release is a guitarist’s delight with ringing mathcore-like riffs that will leave you both jubilant and jealous. Case in point, give the infectious opener “OG Bule Sky” a spin and get back to us.

Honestly, Fight Us, This Song Is A Bop Award

youtube

All Time Low feat Blackbear - “Monsters”

We know what some of you cool cats and kittens are thinking: But this isn’t pop-punk!? Since when does Blackbear get a scene pass? Listen up. No, this song isn’t “Dear Maria, Count Me In” but who cares? It’s 2020 and musical genres are dead. Enjoy the good music while you can before we’re all dead too, okay?

Honorable mention: PVRIS - “Deadweight”

Best Song To Steal Toilet Paper To

youtube

The Chats - “Drunk N Disorderly”

If you haven’t had the fear of potentially wiping your ass with a washcloth over the last few months, this award probably isn’t for you and your 30 extra rolls of toilet paper. However, for us regular folk who have a limited supply of TP, The Chats’ fast-paced High Risk Behavior track “Drunk N Disorderly” is the perfect song for stumbling into someone’s home and swiping a roll or two.

Wow We Didn’t See That Coming Award

youtube

Falling In Reverse - “The Drug In Me Is Reimagined”

Ronnie Radke has never been afraid to push boundaries musically. Whether it’s rapping on a track or dropping an upbeat, synth-laced single like “Bad Girls Club,” the former Escape The Fate frontman always seems to have something new up his sleeve. This year, to help celebrate 2011′s The Drug In Me Is You becoming gold-certified, Radke and Co. released an epic piano-lead version of their fan-favorite title track. The results? A majestic dream-like experience worth repeating over and over again.

If You Hurt Mother Earth One More Time We Swear You’re Dead Award

youtube

In Hearts Wake - “Worldwide Suicide”

There’s been a lot of talk about global warming over the past few years. Recently, while we’ve all been stuck at home, skies have become clearer than ever as wild animals roam the barren streets. This is a dream come true for earth-friendly metalcore act In Hearts Wake.

Now as some cities start to reopen, let us remind you: If you even think about going back to your wasteful, pollution-heavy ways, we and In Hearts Wake will come for you with the same force and brutality as heard on their newest track “Worldwide Suicide.” Watch your back.

Sure It’s Different But Still Kicks Ass Award

youtube

The Used - Heartwork

This isn’t The Used you knew in junior high. Bert McCrackin and Co. have returned with a fresh-faced 2020 LP that is sure to make you feel some type of way. Featuring guest appearances from members of Blink-182, FEVER 333 and Beartooth, The Used’s latest is a heavy-yet-dancy addition to their beloved-and-never-stale catalog.

Better Not Sleep On This Record Award

youtube

Charmer - Ivy

Look, you literally have nothing but time on your hands. Why not spend it discovering new music from bands who deserve your attention? Seriously, turn off Love Is Blind and Too Hot To Handle and give Charmer’s moody 11-track release Ivy a try. You can thank us later.

Honorable Mention: Big Loser - Love You, Barely Living

Holy Shit We Can’t Believe That Just Happened Award

youtube

Dance Gavin Dance - “Calentamiento Global”

Four words we’ve all been thinking since Dance Gavin Dance dropped their highly anticipated album Afterburner: Tilian can speak Spanish!?

Giving the entire Swancore community a jaw-dropping moment with their new experimental track “Calentamiento Global,” in the song, DGD’s brawny frontman shows a little latin flavor with lyrics like “Te adoro, mi reina. Eres la única que veo.” Unsurprisingly, like most Dance Gavin Dance (or should we say Baile Gavin Baile) experiments, the post-hardcore act totally nailed it.

The Back To Basics Award

youtube

The Amity Affliction - Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them

The Amity Affliction caught a lot of flack for their experimental 2018 release Misery. While entirely unwarranted as the metalcore vets were just looking to expand their sound, for their 2020 LP Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them, the Aussie outfit returned to form with their breakdown-heavy musicianship and brooding lyricism. Still have doubts? How about you give “All My Friends Are Dead” a spin or two.

Skankin’ Pickle Award

youtube

Skatune Network - Ska Goes Emo, Vol. 1

Here’s a fun one. Adding to the list of things we never thought we’d see in 2020, go ahead and add a ska record covering some of your emo favs like My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Blink-182. Already known for his creative covers, Skatune Network really outdid himself this time around with his Ska Goes Emo LP. Who would have guessed you could skank so well to “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)?”

The 2020 Glow-Up Award

youtube

The Word Alive - Monomania

The Word Alive has seen a lot of change over the course of their ten-year career. From 2010′s hard-hitting album Deceiver to this year’s impressive LP Monomania, the band has really grown into who they are today. For the first time, instead of putting out the music they’re expected to release, the Arizona act really stepped out of their comfort zone and dropped the music they wanted to make resulting in one of this year’s freshest and best so far.

Chocolate Covered Cranberries Award

youtube

Four Year Strong - Brain Games

For five long grueling years, we went without new music from easycore noisemakers Four Year Strong. This February, that all changed with the release of the band’s killer seventh studio album Brain Pain. Bringing the guitar-lead heaviness fans have come to love over the years along with their infectious pop-punk-leaning songwriting, Four Year Strong’s new record is the perfect balance of sour and sweet -- like chocolate covered cranberries! Who’s hungry?

19 notes · View notes

patricksilverrose · 4 years

Text

My Favorite EP’s of 2020

It’s that time of year again! I’m a bit late on this since it took me a bit to finish off my list of new releases, but it’s time now! Here we will be looking at my top 5 favorite EP’s of 2020. I will also be doing a post on my favorite albums of 2020 in a day or two, so I’ll be sure to link it here once it’s up.

Before we get into this, let me explain my system. I compile a list of majority of the releases I checked out over the year and have them separated into three categories: the good, the ones that have potential to be favorites, and the favorites. The good will have ** marked next to them and the potential favorites will have *** next to them. I didn’t have many releases this year that didn’t make it onto my list, which is great to hear.

As always, let me give some disclaimers. First and foremost: these are my personal thoughts and opinions on these releases. If you think a release should be higher, lower, or not even on my list, that is on you. Second: I am a metalhead, so most of the releases you will see on here are metal releases.

Without further adieu, let’s look at these releases starting with the honorable mentions!

Suodeth - Aja** Space of Variations - XXXXX** Disconnected Souls -Warring Elements** Aesop - Ephermeral** Circus of Fools - Contracult** Face Off - Machines** Emphasis - Spiral of Time**

Exlibris - Shadowrise*** Aborted - La Grande Mascarade*** Divitius - Primordial*** The Inferno Doll - Sacrifice*** Lutharo - Wings of Agony*** The White Swan - Nocturnal Transmission*** Qveen Herby - EP 9*** Become Zero - When Numbers Became Words*** Katya - Vampire Fitness*** Winter's End - Into the Sea***

Now it’s time for the top 5!

5. Qveen Herby - EP 8

This EP is wonderful. It definitely got me back on the Qveen Herby hype train. The production on a lot of these songs is definitely the style that I was missing from them since EP 5. It's fun, catchy, and in your face.

Favorite songs: 1. Dump Truck 2. Self Aware feat. Durand Bernarr

4. Aeonian Sorrow - A Life Without

This EP really took me by surprise. Their debut album was wonderful, but due to the fact that they're a funeral doom metal band it was a bit droney for my liking. This EP is everything that I love about this band though. Crushing guitars, dreary landscapes, and heartbreaking lyrics.

Favorite songs: 1. My Solitude 2. The Endless Fall of Grief

3. Eklipse - In Portrait

I was so shocked to see a new release from these ladies. They went through a major lineup change (only their cellist, Linda, remains from the original lineup), but it's still the same band that I fell in love with several years. From covers of metal songs to pop songs, this classical string quartet never fails to impress.

Favorite songs: 1. Weak Fantasy (Nightwish cover) 2. Thought Contagion (Muse cover)

2. Netta - Goody Bag

I wasn't expecting to love this release as much as I do. It's so much fun, but then again it's Netta that we're talking about here. If I needed a quick pick me up, this was a release that I decided to put on. It just radiates positivity and fun times.

Favorite songs: 1. Cuckoo 2. Bassa Sababa

1. The Big Jazz Duo - Samael

I know. I'm shocked too. I never once thought I would have a deathcore release be a number 1 favorite for me. This EP is pure insanity. The production is solid, I love the intensity and the use of orchestrations, and it's overall an absolute blast to listen to.

Favorite songs: 1. Fall of Valtiel 2. Red Pyramid

And those are my favorite EP’s of the year! It’s definitely interesting that only two of my top 5 are metal releases, but that’s how things turn out sometimes. But if you want a more metal list, keep your eyes out for my top 10 favorite albums list in the coming days! Again, it’ll be linked at the top of of this list once it’s up so you can go check it out.

1 note · View note

scenekidfancams · 1 year

Text

410 Local Diy, Hardcore and Emo - June 2023

I've decided I want to highlight more local bands so here's a playlist

Bedroom Floor - Six feet / Konso / bankai

(I couldn't chose one song because this band is so good)

Bedroom floor is a self proclaimed "Carroll County Emocore" band hailing from carroll country maryland. Featuring members of Blackened Hardcore band knifesplitter, Bedroom floor is a djent/metallic hardcore project. When I think of Bedroom floor I think of the best parts or djent, kaonashi and counterparts. The vocals while sometimes off key on bankai add a real raw emotional authentic feel to the song. Six feet is a mosh anthem filled with two step/breakdown riffs, splash fills and aggressive bass and guitar chugs, the songs compostion is perfect for crowdkilling and doesnt overstay its welcome. and Konso literally sounds like deathcore kaonashi which i love.

Genres - djent, deathcore, mathcore, and emotional metallic hardcore.

FFO: kaonashi, counterparts, reflections, sworn in, the contortionist (later works).

Tix for Bedroom Floor Show w/ MD Deathcore Giants In Dying Arms

Deep Rest - The Equalizer

Deep rest kicks ass while being more open than most bands about the police brutality in Baltimore and being Black in Hardcore. The violence at the hands of the police state is not really something to take lightly but Deep rest still serves it up in great way, through hardcore.

also these lyrics haunt me.

"You killed my brothers How the fuck should i act? You killed my sisters How the fuck should I act? I see empathy is what you lack Now its obvious you think its a crime to be black Life is hard enough A worry for generations to come".

Genres - Metallic Hardcore, sludge metal, beatdown metalcore, and political hardcore.

FFO: Kharma, Knocked loose, sunami, Queensway.

Facebook if you use that.

ICUP - very weird

this is a maryland noise pop and hyperpop project from scenekidsfancams very own emrldenvy and Kyle from notveryradio.

this is literally the most obnoxious shit and I love it.

FFO: Black Dresses, Death Grips, merzbow, weatherday, if grant kirkhope made bass boosted donkey kong music.

https://twitter.com/NotVeryRadio

Strangers - Empty (feat. tyler beam)

Elkton Band Strangers is if Spite had more nu metal weedlies and bounce riffs in their songs.

I highly recommend their track "empty" feat. tyler beam. The track just pummels you in the face with the most nasty caveman shit ever.

AND THE VOCALS HOLY SHIT

Genres, Deathcore, Nu-Hardcore, Nu-Metalcore, Nu-Deathcore, Beatdown Hardcore, Rap Metal.

FFO: /papercut, e-town concrete, king-810, and spite.

The flat stanleys - me vs. your friends

Sadly while the flat stanleys isn't a band anymore due to complications with frontman Brian Radin's mental health. the most inventive emo / folk punk to come out of Bmore and maryland at large was from them. me vs. all your friends comes from a really dark and personal place that I relate too.

Genres: Folk Punk, Indie Emo, Emo, Rock.

FFO: Modern Baseball, The front bottoms, Morning Dew

Thus Spoke Zarathustra - Artery Records could never

Based out of Elkton Post-Myspace Scene Deathcore band is one of the best bands in the myspace / scene deathcore revival bands. They have what A lot of bands don't complicated but catchy riffs and hooks. most bands do riff salad without at least making an effort to connect it. Thus Spoke Zarathustra are nostalgia but keeping it fresh.

Speaking on their last project. "The Sun Will Never Shine Upon Us" -

This Project was made for anyone missing that time in like 2007 when Emmure and suicide silence were selling the gold foil logo on their gym shorts in the back yard of some dude's house when no one wore deodorant when you wished they did. This goes out to anyone who can't wear that Medium sized Chelsea Grin shirt anymore because they are old now.

FFO: Chelsea Grin, The Black Dahlia Murder, Emmure, Suicide Silence, and In dying arms.

Genres - Myspace Deathcore, Brutal Deathcore, Scene Deathcore, Old School Deathcore. Deathcore. Nihilism, Nietzschecore, sad deathcore

Playlist - coming soon.

0 notes

totalconcentrationpenisbreathing · 4 years

Text

It’s time y’all get to know me a little bit better :)

Full Name: Alex Cole Brandon

Age: 17

gender identity: genderfluid

sexuality: bisexual, grey asexual

3 fears: Wasps, being alone in elevators (don’t judge me,) betrayal

3 things (activities) that I love: Dirt biking, writing stories, working on anything mechanical

Best friend: Don’t have one best friend, really. There’s more like tiers, there’s the people who I hang out with and then there’s the people who are like family to me, who I would do next to anything for.

Best first date: Don’t think I can call any of the ones so far “best”. They all were with people I really didn’t want to be with but was too scared to accept who I was and what they’d think of me at that time, so I’ll say the one my boyfriend and I will get to have once quarantine passes. We would have had one before and we’ve known each other for several months, but complications be complicated. I can’t wait until we can see each other again.

How tall am I?: 5’7”

What do I miss: When things were simpler, when my parents and I had a better relationship, Chris Fehn, my boyfriend

Favorite color: Blue, I also just love the bi flag aesthetic

Favorite quote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”- Hunter S. Thompson

Favorite places: The robotics lab at the school I do robotics at, the Green River Valley, Mt. Clifty, Lake Pand Oreille in Idaho, my bedroom.

Do I use sarcasm: I very rarely don’t

Music Taste: I will listen to just about anything but mainly I like metal (heavy metal, Slipknot because they deserve their own category, metalcore, and deathcore,) punk, hardcore and post-hardcore, hip-hop, and lofi

First thing I notice in new person: eye color, positive or negative gaydar reading

Eye color: blue

Favorite style of clothing: Emo, emo all the way, anything emo. All black and androgynous as fuck. Can’t really pull it off in front of my parents, but one more year and I’ll be able to do what I want with my appearance

Meaning behind my URL: 77 is my self-proclaimed lucky number, my birth name and last name both have seven letters. Chaotic is just…I mean go look at the rest of my blog

Favorite movie: the original Star Wars trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1

Favorite band: Slipknot

How I feel right now: calm, content, lonely lofi vibe.

My relationship with my parents: we’re okay, a little bit shaky, they know about me being bi but not genderfluid so obviously they still call me by my birth name. They’re Christian, and the kind of Christian to condemn LGBTQ+ people and say that GNC people need to be put in a mental hospital, so while I appreciate that they raised me it’s just… you know.

Tattoos and piercing i want: left eyebrow w studs, right side of bottom lip ring, thorn pattern tattoos down both of my arms ending in roses on the backs of my hands, possibly a slipknot lyric that really speaks to me across my upper back. I have a couple in mind.

The reason I joined Tumblr: I wanted to be part of a larger community that was more accepting of self-expression and being queer than that of the family I grew up in and the media they surrounded me with.

How long does it take me to get ready in the morning?: I like slow mornings but I can be ready in 15 minutes if need be

Where am I right now?: my bedroom

Do I like my music loud or at a reasonable level?: Lofi I like to play soft. Anything else? FUCKING CRANK THAT SHIT, KILL MY EARDRUMS

Do I live with my Mom and Dad?: unfortunately

How often do I wear a fake smile?: every day

What is something I disliked about today?: my boss was a dick, that’s normal though

Talent, if any: I’m 17 years old and a B-class enduro rider (dirt bike things) that’s about it though

Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens?: I believe that both exist in some form

What’s the weather like right now?: your typical Washington sky, overcast. I like it though, bright sunlight is too much for me. It’s 10 PM.

Do I like the smell of gasoline?: yes, absolutely. Being on a dirt bike since age 5, I love the smell of gasoline, especially 2-stroke premix smoke. That’s the good shit.

What was the worst injury I’ve ever had?: I’ve had a few broken bones but the longest recovery was when I broke my foot, mainly because I didn’t go to the doctor until it started causing problems. I have permanent nerve damage in my left leg from it.

Favorite animal?: DOG

What was I doing last night at 12 AM?: Listening to a podcast

What’s a song that always makes me happy when I hear it?: Surfacing by Slipknot. The perfect contradiction.

How can you win my heart?: be kind to me and have gorgeous eyes, take notes from my boyfriend I guess. No heart winning right now though, I’m quite happy with who’s won it atm thank you

What would I want to be written on my tombstone?: Mime Stampede

What is my favorite word?: probably Fuck. It’s so versatile!

If the whole world were listening to me right now, what would I say?: look to your left and to your right. See those people? They matter just as much as you do. Don’t let anything about them take away from that, and treat them as such. Love yourselves, and let that reflect on how you treat others. The world’s a bit of a messed up place but if we work together, there’s a chance we can do something to make it a little bit less of that.

and finally, here’s as close to a picture of me as i want to put up. Hope you enjoy :)

#about me #long post

1 note · View note

thisaintascenereviews · 11 months

Text

Carnifex - Necromanteum

Something I briefly brought up in my review of Thy Art Is Murder’s new album, Godlike, is that I’m not that into deathcore album, because a lot of it sounds the same and it’s just gone into a direction that I’m not into. A lot of bands have either fallen off or changed their sound (regardless if it’s in a good or bad way), and the new bands that are replacing the old guard just aren’t it. I mean, I liked some of these bands a few years ago, such as Lorna Shore, Signs Of The Swarm, and a few others, but I haven’t been too impressed with their recent outputs. Lorna Shore’s latest album was good, but it was very bloated to say the least. Thanks to them, too, the idea of blackened symphonic deathcore is now the big trend that a lot of bands are following and it’s not something I care too much for. It’s either that, or trying to be as “brutal” as possible, and I just miss the days when deathcore bands were basically death metal bands with breakdowns. The days of early Whitechapel, Veil Of Maya, Suicide Silence, and Despised Icon are gone, which bums me out, but I will say one thing — when those bands were big, deathcore was mocked mercilessly by the metal community, but now, it’s absolutely beloved.

California deathcore crew Carnifex is another one that was a big name back about 15 years ago, and while they’re not as big as they used to be, they’re still trucking along, and they’re one of the legacy bands of the genre now. They’re back with their new album, Necromanteum, and it’s their first in a couple of years. I never spent much time with 2021’s Graveside Confessions, but I did love 2019’s World War X. That album is the precursor to these other deathcore bands suddenly utilizing that blackened symphonic sound, because I feel like Carnifex was one of the first bands to do it, but I digress. I was looking forward to this, as I do really like this band still, and they’re a deathcore band that throw a lot of death metal influence into their sound, but they have a more noticeable black metal influence now. Necromanteum is very much a blackened symphonic deathcore album, and I don’t know if it’s where there are a lot of bands with this sound now, or they don’t add anything to this sound to make it stick out, but this record doesn’t feel fresh. It’s really good, and showcases the band at their best at times, but it almost feels like a standard Carnifex album.

Even then, a generic album from this band is a lot better than some deathcore bands’ best albums. This album isn’t bad at all, and in fact, I’d say it’s pretty damn good. If you enjoy Carnifex at all, you’ll like this album, as it doesn’t stray from their formula, especially from the last few records. That’s why it is slightly disappointing, but even then, that’s like complaining that a cheeseburger at your favorite hole in the wall diner is the same as every other time you’ve had it. Sure, it’s the same thing, but it’s still just as good, and they have a couple of tricks up their sleeves that still make it worthwhile. In their case, vocalist Scott Lewis is one of the best of the genre, and they have some awesome guitar solos and breakdowns throughout the album that are utterly killer, even if they don’t reinvent the wheel by any means. That doesn’t mean it isn’t really good, and it doesn’t mean that it’s not worth listening to if you’re a deathcore fan.

#carnifex #necromanteum #deathcore #death metal #black metal #heavy metal #Scott Ian Lewis

0 notes

eldritchsurveys · 4 years

Text

749.

How do you feel about full length beards? >> I have no specific feelings about them. Seems like they’d be obnoxious to care for, though. Have you ever been to a circus? >> Maybe? I don’t think so, but who knows. Do you know anyone who’s gone to a Fat Camp? >> No. Do you use Facebook IM everyday? >> No. How many surveys have you done already today? >> This is the first one I’ve done today. This is also the last one in my drafts, so unless some new ones magically appear in the tag real soon, it’ll probably be the only one I take today.

What’s the WORST show on Adult Swim? >> I don’t know, the only ones I watched were ones I liked. Do you have any relatives that have shunned you, or vice versa? >> --- Has anyone ever posted a HORRIBLE picture of you for everyone to see? >> Er, I don’t know. Not any time in recent memory. Which grade in school was the most fun for you? >> Ha... Which would you rather have, a new puppy or kitten? >> I would rather not have an animal foisted upon me right now. I don’t feel up to caring for another creature. Does drama seem to follow you everywhere you go? >> No. Do you ever just want to go away to a new place where no one knows you? >> I mean, hardly anyone knows me here, so what’s the real difference. I just want to go away to a new place where there are less people in general. You’re ordering a pizza, you can have any kind of toppings, what are they? >> When I order pizza, I get pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, and often some kind of pepper. Do you hit ‘quiet’ or ‘ignore’ on your cell? Which one usually? >> Er... when it rings, I just let it ring. Gives the person a chance to leave a message if they’re actually someone trying to reach me for something important. Do you ever regret giving your number to people? >> No, because I don’t give my number to people. Have you ever been told that you’re afraid of your own shadow? >> No. Have you ever tried Gouda cheese? >> Sure. Does/did your high school have pop machines? >> The last high school I attended did have vending machines. (I don’t remember if the other high schools did.) Do you use a public computer, or do you have your own? >> I have my own. Do you ever find it odd how you type LOL when you’re not really laughing? >> No, because I understand that its function has moved far beyond representing actual laughing-out-loud. Have you ever gambled? >> Aside from, like, scratch-off tickets, no. Do you know anyone who’s won the lottery? >> No. If you could work at any retail store, which one would it be? >> I wouldn’t, though. What’s the shortest you would ever cut your hair? >> I buzz my head every three weeks or so. Do you listen to any deathcore? >> Maybe. I don’t pay enough attention to genres to know. Do you subscribe to any teen magazines? Which ones? >> No. Do you know someone who never smiles? >> No. Has anyone ever made you feel uncomfortable at work? >> --- Do you still watch South Park? >> I actually watched an episode the other day, on recommendation. It was pretty good. I think South Park is a real hit-or-miss show, where the hits are decent but the misses are so heinous that that’s all anyone remembers, lol. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to actually watching it, it’s just not engaging enough for me, but I’ll always give a specific episode a shot if it’s recommended to me. Tell me one movie you’ve seen recently that sucked: >> I mean, I’ve seen several “ehhh...” movies recently, but none that I’d say were so blatantly awful that I needed eye bleach or anything. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot was probably the most ehhh of the bunch, but that’s the thing about that property -- it wasn’t terribly amazing to begin with, it was just easy to watch for some cheap laughs. So, like... expectations aren’t exactly high. Have you ever carved something into a dinner booth somewhere? >> No. When’s the last time you were carded at a bar? >> Last time I was at a bar that wasn’t Gardella’s, I guess. I get carded pretty regularly at new places or places I don’t frequent. Do you smoke little cigars? Have you ever tried them? >> No. Yes. You’re babysitting, what do you expect per hour for pay? >> --- What’s the last thing you returned at a store? >> I don’t remember. What’s the name of the last cat you pet? >> Spooky. Do you still look at clouds and make shapes of them? >> No. I don’t recall ever doing that, although it seems people do it in media a lot. If you had to dye your hair for one year, what color would you pick? >> No. I don’t even have enough hair to warrant dyeing it. Who’s got your heart? >> --- What’s your television addiction? >> I don’t have one. Have you ever stringed green beans before? >> No. What do you do to make yourself more relaxed when you’re nervous? >> I don’t know how to make myself more relaxed when I’m nervous. I just try to barrel through. Do you cook? If so, what’s the last thing you made? >> Not usually. Have you ever had any painful dental work done? If so, what? >> I had a tooth extracted, but it wasn’t anywhere near as painful as having a rotted tooth with an exposed nerve for two-plus years had been. How do you usually spend your Saturdays? >> Same way I spend any other day, mostly. When we’re not in pandemic mode, we also usually do grocery shopping on Saturdays and go to the Wayland house for laundry. Do you make your own jewelry or clothing? >> No. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re bored? >> My experience of boredom is such that I don’t want to do anything when I feel it. It’s a pervasive restlessness. So I can’t possibly have a favourite thing to do in that state, because everything is equally unsatisfying (even things I generally enjoy doing). Do you use drawing to describe what you’re feeling? >> No. Do you like the smell of new school supplies? >> I don’t even know what that smell is. Do you give everything you do 100%? >> No. I don’t have that kind of energy. Do you shop at any independent music stores? >> Occasionally. There’s one downtown that I sometimes go to for records and patches. How do you feel about mainstream music? >> My negative feelings about modern music are directed towards the industry, not artists or genres. There’s a lot of popular music I enjoy, and there’s a lot I don’t. Just like with anything else.

What song lyrics describe your mood at the moment? >> --- Do you have healthy eating habits? >> My eating habits so far have not caused me any trouble, so I’m not going to stress about it.

If you could transform into any kind of animal, what animal would you be? >> *waggles my spider legs at you* Are you superstitious? If so, what are you superstitious about? >> No. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be? >> I mean, many places. What food disgusts you the most? >> Bananas. What is your favorite thing to cook? >> --- One place you would never want to get lost in in the dark? >> The rainforest? idk. Are you claustrophobic? >> In certain circumstances. What is your worst flaw? >> I don’t know. One thing that always creeps you out? >> Waterbugs. What is your biggest fear? >> Various possibilities around death. If you could be reincarnated, would you come back as another human or an animal? If an animal, what kind? >> --- Ideal way you’d like to die? >> Painlessly? I mean... If you could be roommates with anyone of your choice, who would you pick? >> I don’t want a roommate. What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? >> *shrug* Your favorite kind of dog? >> Pit bulls. Do you have any scars? If so, how many? >> Yeah. Many. What is your favorite scary movie to watch in the dark? >> *shrug* Would you rather be buried or cremated when you die? >> Buried, please. Preferably as green as possible. What is your favorite thing to drink? Alcoholic and non alcoholic? >> Alcoholic, absinthe. Non-alcoholic, ginger tea. What is your favorite food around the holidays? >> --- Easiest way to scare you? >> Depends on how on edge I am that day. Tell me one of your biggest secrets? >> --- What was your last nightmare about? >> I don’t remember. I wake up with emotional impressions more often than with actual dream details.

#surveys #survey #random survey

2 notes · View notes