#volbeat interview

[leviabeat]

Volbeat and Asinhell's Michael Poulsen shares the secrets of his success and happiness

Emily Swingle | Metal Hammer | 5/8/24

From bruising hard rock to thrashing psychobilly breakdowns, Michael Poulsen is a heavy metal chameleon. Starting out in death metal band Dominus, the formidable Dane quickly realised the heavy music scene needed a makeover - and along came Volbeat, throwing out big anthems infused with the bounce of 50s rock’n’roll.

Although Volbeat’s latest release, 2021’s Servant Of The Mind, was met with acclaim, Michael deemed it a perfect time to switch things up once more. Last year ushered in his most ferocious outing to date - an 80s-tinged underground death metal monster of a side-project called Asinhell. We sat down with the man himself, to understand what motivates his hectic hunt for a new sound.

DREAM BIG

“A lot of kids dream of being firemen, football players or huge wrestlers… but I always wanted to be a rock star. From a very young age, I was a dreamer, lying on the floor with my head between two speakers, listening to music and drifting away for hours. My parents would come in and tell me I was gonna ruin my ears, but I just couldn’t stop myself.

I created this bubble of sound, just fantasising about the performers and how I could surround myself with music. The idea of becoming a musician wasn’t at the front of my mind, but I was definitely flirting with the idea. The signs were always there.”

IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT

“For my new project, Asinhell, we wanted to be true to the old-school metal sound. Yes, we have access to all this hightech, fancy studio equipment - but we wanted to do it like the old days. Fridays have become ‘Death Metal Fridays’, and we’d rehearse in [drummer] Morten Toft Hansen’s small garage. We even recorded it like we used to, back in the days when we were very young and didn’t have coin for anything. And it was exactly what we wanted.”

STIR THE POT (MUSICALLY SPEAKING)

“When it comes music, everything is about my roots. I started playing death metal when I was 15 or 16, but I also grew up with lots of 50s music. My parents were always listening to Elvis, Johnny Cash and those kind of performers. When I was in my death metal band, Dominus, you weren’t really allowed to mix different elements into the music. So, when I formed Volbeat, I made it my mission to cram as many different genres and inspirations as possible into the sound. It felt so liberating.”

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

“The struggles I’ve gone through have led to where I am now. There’s no good without bad, light cannot live without the darkness. You have to stay focused, stay positive. I’ve always had that mindset. People go through awful things, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I’ve faced challenges, I’m in the right place now, so it’s been worth it.”

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU

“One of the greatest challenges of my life was becoming a father. Suddenly, it’s not all about you - you’re secondary. Life definitely changed when I had kids. You become more aware of existence, and don’t want to waste time on the wrong things. It forces you to become a better person; you need great personality to bring that to your kids, to make sure they’re good people. Being a parent is an amazing challenge.”

MUSIC CONNECTS US ALL

“When I started, the internet wasn’t really a thing. It was all about getting out there, meeting people - and music was how you could do that. When you loved, say, extreme underground stuff, you quickly became aware of the scene, and you could get involved with those groups of people. The underground scene has always been about connecting with other people.

Even now, you see fans travelling to different cities, different countries, and they immediately know they’ll meet like-minded people at a show. No matter where you go, if there’s a concert, or a music community, you know you’ve got a friend. There’s something very special about the music community.”

LET A PROJECT SPEAK FOR ITSELF

“Before the internet, how you promoted yourself was totally different. The only way to be heard was by tape trading, sending out flyers, or meeting people in people in record stores or venues.

The internet can make it easy to over-hype yourself - and I never want to over-hype my own music. I hate it when certain bands are shoved in your face – you see them everywhere before you’ve even listened to one note. Music shouldn’t be pushed to a level where it becomes overexposed. If it’s good, people will find it.”

YOU SHOULD SEE THE WORLD

“When we started touring, it was magical. Suddenly you were going to another country that you’d never been to, and the next day, it’d be somewhere else new. I’d get home and my family would be so excited, saying, ‘You’ve seen more of the world in one week that we have in our whole lives!’

The lessons you learn when traveling are so important. I’d say traveling is an incredible thing to experience and that everyone should immerse themselves in as many cultures as humanly possible."

...BUT HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

“There comes a time when, after many years of touring, you just want to be at home. I’m not really a fan of traveling, nowadays. I like being with my family, picking my kids up from school, from kindergarten. I am a homebody - when I get back from tour, sometimes it’s a battle for my wife to get me out of my house!”

FAMILY COMES FIRST

“I have a twin sister, and we have such a strong connection. But having a child only made me more aware of how ridiculously special a family connection is. My daughter was born a little too early; when my wife started going into labor, I was actually on tour with Metallica in the US, maybe in New York.

My wife called in the middle of the night saying, ‘My water just broke’, and I knew I had to be there - even if that meant canceling a show with Metallica. When I went to the hospital and held my daughter for the first time, it was the most amazing thing. I can’t even describe it.”

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

“I’m a very bad sleeper, so sometimes with touring, the lack of sleep is terrible. Tour buses are a nightmare. When you’ve not slept in five or six days, it really impacts your energy, and my voice really suffers. So I’d say sleep is essential. In terms of the body, I’ve also really gotten into running - I just love it. I need it. It’s like a drug for me, that runner’s high. Runner’s high is an actual high, I promise you!”

WHILE YOU’RE AWAKE, BE USEFUL

“The biggest challenge I’ve ever faced was losing my father. You become very quickly aware of what life is all about, but also how short it is. My father always said, ‘Michael, while you are awake, be useful.’ That’s a great life lesson – I live by it. I’m not good at sitting around doing nothing. Before music, I’ve always had hobbies, be that football, cycling, or breakdancing - I even came second place in a breakdancing competition once.”

…AND IF YOU CAN’T BE USEFUL, KEEP BUSY!

“I’m always extremely busy, and I always want to be. I surround myself with good people who inspire me to keep pushing myself. I’m very, very proud of what I’ve accomplished in my musical career. I could retire if I wanted to, but that’s not how I function. I’m always inspired, I love what I’m doing. Ultimately, life is all about experience. I believe that the more we live, the more we get done, the better people we become.”

[born-to-lose]

Double shift last weekend and this is the only picture I got (which my coworker actually took with me for her Facebook story RIGHT when I looked like shit and it was low effort makeup day because I had to be there early to open the bar)

[black-arcana]

Former NIGHTWISH Vocalist ANETTE OLZON Releases Music Video For New Solo Single 'Hear My Song'

Anette Olzon, the former powerhouse vocalist of NIGHTWISH and one half of the dynamic duo behind THE DARK ELEMENT alongside former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen, has released the official music video for her new solo single, "Hear My Song". It is taken from her third solo album, "Rapture", which is being released today (Friday, May 10) via Frontiers Music Srl.

Set to captivate audiences worldwide, "Rapture" promises to deliver an electrifying blend of heavy melodies and soaring vocals that solidify Olzon's esteemed status as one of the premier female voices in the metal genre.

Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed second solo album, "Strong", Anette once again teams up with acclaimed Swedish guitarist and producer Magnus Karlsson to craft a musical experience that pushes boundaries and excites the senses. Together, they have curated a collection of songs that showcase Anette's unparalleled vocal range, complemented by Karlsson's masterful riffs and the addition of growls by Johan Husgafvel, adding a dynamic layer to the album's sound.

"Rapture" seamlessly navigates through various musical genres, from symphonic to melodic power metal, with hints of melo-death, while maintaining an irresistibly catchy and melodious essence. Olzon's performance on this album is her most versatile yet, proving her ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to her signature style.

Renowned mixer Jacob Hansen, known for his work with PRETTY MAIDS, VOLBEAT and THE DARK ELEMENT, returns to the fold to ensure that "Rapture" achieves the perfect balance between heaviness and hookiness, resulting in an album that is both impactful and memorable.

"Rapture" is set to unleash its sonic fury upon the world, cementing Olzon's status as a force to be reckoned with in the metal music scene. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer power and beauty of Anette Olzon's "Rapture".

"Rapture" track listing:

01. Heed The Call 02. Rapture 03. Day Of Wrath 04. Requiem 05. Arise 06. Take A Stand 07. Cast Evil Out 08. Greedy World 09. Hear My Song 10. Head Up High 11. We Search For Peace

Recording linup:

Anette Olzon - Vocals Magnus Karlsson - Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Anders Köllerfors - Drums Johan Husgafvel - Growls

The Swedish-born singer originally joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 and recorded two studio LPs with the band before being dismissed in 2012 in the middle of the group's North American tour. She was replaced by former AFTER FOREVER frontwoman Floor Jansen.

Olzon reflected on her time with NIGHTWISH in a 2021 interview with Finland's Chaoszine. Asked how she looks back on the entire five-year experience, she said: "Well, it's mixed emotions. It was a hell of a ride. You know how it was with the media in Finland. And for me, I didn't understand what was happening because I didn't know how big the band was, since I don't live in Finland. So it was really fun the first years with everything and also crazy. I wasn't home a lot. They did their heaviest touring when I joined. All of a sudden, they wanted to do so many long weeks [on the road]. I remember just that I had a five-year-old son [and] I came home after five weeks. I was home one week. I didn't almost have time to unpack my bags before I went off again for four weeks. So I don't remember everything, to be honest. There are so many things that I don't remember. And also, of course, the last years where it wasn't such a nice atmosphere between us. And I had my third child, and things happened.

"So I remember it both with really happy, happy feelings, but also with very, very negative and sad feelings," she explained. "But, of course, it was an amazing experience, and it was my dream that came true to be a full-time singer in an amazing big band. And they are a super-good band. So I bless the albums that we did and will always cherish that time, of course."

Not long after Olzon was fired from NIGHTWISH 11 years ago, she claimed that an argument arose between her and NIGHTWISH when she asked for an Australian tour to be postponed during her pregnancy. Keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen suggested that Jansen should front the band on a temporary basis, but Olzon said no.

Anette explained in a 2014 interview: "I would have been too pregnant to go to Australia, so I wanted to push the dates back, but Tuomas didn't want that. Discussions about a substitute came up, and at first, I was, like, 'Yeah, well, okay.' But when they mentioned Floor, it was an automatic 'no' from me. I didn't think it was a good idea, because I knew what would happen — I knew the fans would love Floor, because she's a metal singer and I'm a pop singer, and I wanted to keep my job."

A year after NIGHTWISH fired Olzon, the band released a statement denying that she was dismissed because of pregnancy or illness. "We discovered her personality didn't fit this work community, and was even detrimental to it," the group said. NIGHTWISH went on to say that Anette was initially receptive to the idea of hiring a temporary replacement if she couldn't "manage everything," but that she later "took back her decision, and the difficulties really started. Fear of losing money and position seemed obvious." The band also insisted that "Anette and her company" were "paid a fifth of everything that was done during her time" with NIGHTWISH.

Since the end of her stint with NIGHTWISH, Olzon also formed THE DARK ELEMENT with Liimatainen. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2017; a follow-up, "Songs The Night Sings", came out in 2019.

Olzon and noted progressive metal vocalist Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB) released a collaborative album titled "Worlds Apart" in March 2020 via Frontiers Music Srl. The project was issued under the moniker ALLEN/OLZON. A follow-up album, "Army Of Dreamers", arrived in 2022.

[a-silent-symphony]

“Life is short”: Nightwish singer Floor Jansen opens up – only in the new issue of Metal Hammer

Following her successful cancer surgery, Nightwish’s Floor takes us inside her brand new chapter in the latest issue of Metal Hammer

The new issue of Metal Hammer(opens in new tab) features Nightwish on the cover – and a brand new exclusive interview with their unstoppable singer Floor Jansen.

Inside, Floor opens up about the difficulties of the last few years, including her breast cancer diagnosis. Following successful surgery, she tells us why she’s determined to make the most of 2023, by releasing debut solo album Paragon and recording a new Nightwish record. “It’s not like I think ‘I’m gonna die’ all the time,” she explains, “but I realise how life is short. Time is not endless. We have it now.”

In the same issue, we ask Nightwish founder Tuomas Holopainen to rank the band’s albums from worst to best. But which will come out on top?

Elsewhere in the issue, we revisit the gigs that changed metal forever. From Black Sabbath birthing a genre, to Slipknot huffing dead crows and Mayhem throwing raw meat, it’s all here.

We also celebrate metal’s love affair with Dungeons & Dragons, chat to legendary composer Danny Elfman, save cats with Obituary, put your questions to Ville Valo, and meet rising symphonic stars Beyond The Black. Oh, and there are some Iron Maiden puzzles to solve, too!

Plus: Bad Omens, Napalm Death, Cassyette, Pupil Slicer, Dream Evil, Holy Fawn, In Flames, Volbeat and much, much more.

Only in the new issue of Metal Hammer, on sale now. Order it online(opens in new tab) and have it delivered straight to your door.

[antihibikase2]

"So, I was offered to be the headmaster-"

Nate hangs upside-down from the Mankey bars; he was no longer as small as he used to be when he was twelve, but he was happy he could still find himself enjoying the playground as if he was.

"Headmaster? For the school?"

"Yes. The league has been thinking of renovating the school to be bigger, and finding new staff,"

Cheren pushes his feet against the grass- embarrassingly enough, it doesn't do so much as lightly sway him and his swing like a delicate feather at Driftveil Drawbridge.

"Something about offering a similar experience as the massive academy in Paldea."

Nate thinks for a bit.

He's seventeen now, months away from hitting eighteen and having more responsibilities on his plate; becoming champion at twelve was an ideal he had reached and made into his truth, and he would forever be thankful for big bro Cheren (and Hilbert, he supposed) for holding his hand through the entire ordeal.

The thought of big bro Cheren finally being rewarded for his long wait, his patience, it made Nate smile a little.

"Why not!" He chirps. "Our little city of Aspertia is gonna be bustling like Driftveil if we do! Well, and you'll be getting an amazing opportunity!"

"I mean, yes, it would greatly be beneficial for our city, but-"

"You'll do great, big bro! After all," He grins cheekily. "You had a hand in raising this champion, right?"

From his Master Ball, Nate could just feel the way that Zekrom rolled his eyes at him.

Cheren snorts slightly.

"You know that's not what I'm worried about."

"I know."

He was no longer as downcast as he was when Nate met him five years ago, no longer plagued by horrors that none of them were able fully to grasp- he had been quite content living his quiet, simple life as a humble teacher and gym leader, having had enough of the brief time he was momentarily thrusted into the spotlight against his will.

Nate knew full well his insecurities were not stemming from his own lack of confidence in his abilities- but his fear of being gazed upon, only to be perceived as something that was anything but him.

The revered Heart, the pure Vessel, the ruined Ghost-

"Do people still bother you for that?"

"Of course. There was only so much my brother and the rest of the league could do after all,"

The mention of his brother brings a feeling of warmth- he had just received a present from him from Alola, he should open it as soon as he got home.

"And I can't blame people for being curious. Beebee's books mentioned every nook and cranny. Of course people connected the dots and assumed she was involved in something deeper involving the legends- and that included her friends."

Not to mention The Order of The Heart- as far as the league was concerned, their members were still scattered about the region.

"But,"

He smiles slightly.

"I think it's getting easier to handle. I've been skirting my way around it. People just assume I'm too busy for their nonsense- besides, between us, who looks more ridiculous? The guy that barges into a school to ask its teacher about rumors of him being a human sacrifice? Or the human sacrifice itself standing before him, alive and well?"

It no longer burns his tongue when he says it like it is- just as how it had been when he was fourteen, naive and unsuspecting.

"Big bro, you should definitely pick up lying-"

"Oh I do,"

"You do?!"

"If they insist on getting a firsthand interview from 'The Heart' reborn," He knows he has full permission to utilize his memories as he wishes- The Heart would have gladly let him. "They shouldn't be surprised when he starts cursing them out for 'awakening him from his slumber'- what do they think, that the dead would be content with constantly being badgered about the way they died?"

"Hell yeah, stick it to 'em, big bro!"

"Language."

The orange sky fades into purple, the lights from the city accompanying the stars that slowly start to fill the sky. Very soon, the Illumise and Volbeat would join, and Aspertia would become a city of lights- different from Nimbasa at the mainland.

"..would you take it though?"

"Hm?"

"Bein' headmaster! I think you'd do great at it- and it's not just for Aspertia and future trainers, but.."

He feels like he's twelve again, looking up at the podium where the newly assigned sixteen year old Cheren Slater stood before him, ready to partake in their first gym battle.

"..I really think you deserve it. You've worked as hard as everyone else, and you've waited long enough."

"Nate.."

"Champion's orders," He grins again. "You can't turn it down!"

He can- he knows full well that he has the choice to.

Being the mentor of the champion meant that he had the power to influence his decisions- but Cheren wasn't willing to do such a thing.

He had enough of wanting more; whatever hand he was dealt with, whoever he was now, he learned to be gracious- though that didn't mean he held his tongue when he felt he deserved better.

He definitely did- he knew that much.

But he could never turn back time, just as The Heart could never take back his wish.

The silence in his chest, stillness like water, his cold palms; the tranquility that came with his embrace, his soothing, wintry touch-

It had grown to be a part of him; something that those he loved accepted.

"I suppose I can't,"

He chooses to entertain Nate's inner child- goodness, he was taller now, and in a few months, he would be an adult.

He couldn't be any prouder.

"Stay by my side?"

There's no hesitation. "Of course!"

"Even through the paperwork?"

"Well, maybe not that- that's what you have big bro Hilbert for!"

He expected that much. He doesn't mind.

Nate offers to walk him back to his apartment, and in turn, Cheren offers for him to stay for dinner with him and Hilbert- though he makes an exaggerated expression, there's a skip in his step as Nate thinks about sinking his teeth into big bro Cheren's delicious cooking, sharing a meal with both him and the half-brother he had finally grown to love.

As they pass by the trainer school, closed down for the night, Cheren could not help but smile, warmth blooming in his chest.

[poke-entomology]

What's the weirdest thing that's happened to you, like having a legendary being steal your hogie roll or somthing

Italian herb with ham and provolone actually... But it was probably that time I found a gynandromorphic Ilumise. They're so pretty! An Ilumise's coloring and body form, but a Volbeat's tail light and antennae! They even found a lady friend one night around sunset~

...But yeah, they like to carry me around places. Ever see a tiny bug lifting a grown human? I mean, it's not fast or anything, only around 3mph at top speed. But they did carry me to an interview that was on an island so still pretty impressive!

[socalcutiesau]

Levis Dresden files AU

Name: Levi Harry Silverstein

Age: 12-19 depends when you wanna meet him. But default will be 19

Sex: Male

Orientation: He doesn’t know, everyones hot!

Marital status: not married

Temperament/personality: Shy, goofy, dorky, bubbly

job: - Busser/Waiter/cook/baker at his Families delicatessen

-Carpenter at his families construction company.

-Wizard (in training)

-novice detective./

-inventor of magical gadgets.

Family: mother, father, grandmother, uncles and aunties, six older female cousins, three older male cousins, one younger male and female cousin.

Friends: none yet.

love interest: none yet.

Appearance:

Race: Magical Human

Skin colour: pale

Physical traits: freckles, gap in his two front teeth

Height: six feet

Weight: 150

Build: thinish build but muscular from years of dance and work with his male family.

Eye colour: brown

Hair colour/length: a reddish brown, shoulder length, flipped out and fluffy

Likes and interests: kids, making stuff, hunting for fey and aliens, helping people, cute girls and handsome boys, strong women, sensitive men, cats, frogs, wizards , unicorns

favorite foods: besides hebrew, italian

Bands: voltaire, greenday, volbeat, beatles, dean martin

Books: count of monte cristo, vampire novels, adventure romance novels

movies: pirate films, vampire films interview series specifically and the lost boys, buffy, twilight for what it could have been and not what it was

Dislikes: abusers of any kind, the way super bright sunlight feels on his skin, bug bites , talkative villains

Food: banana, quinoa

Band: modern country

Book: religious texts that don’t talk about verifiable history

movies: religious films

Quirks: he loves inventing, investigating, cooking and swears like a sailor

Originates from: Riverside California

Lives now: Riverside, California AND Chicago Illinois

background story: The silversteins packed the whole family and moved to Chicago to open new branches of their Construction and Delicatessen businesses. Levi was somewhat relieved because he was never much liked by the other children in his school because he was shy, quiet and liked weird things like aliens and fae folk as well as believed in magic.

So when they moved to chicago when he was in middle school and Levi found a real wizard in a phonebook of all places he was thrilled! He thought for sure he would fit in better here. But he didn’t.

His family spends half the year in Chicago and the other half in Riverside running their business. Levi felt he would never find a community that accepted him until he began to display magical abilities and he in an attempt to figure out what was going on stumbled into the magic scene and found weirdos like himself. Levis mood was instantly lifted and he began to explore the magical mysteries around Riverside and Chicago every day.

[ghostcultmagazine]

Catch up on what you missed this week in the world of Rock and Metal news with our show! #musicnews #rocknews #interviews #newmusicfriday #metalfestivals #tourdates #metalconcerts #vinylcollector #metalmerch Check out our new Affiliate partner @merchbar-musicmerchvinylre7215 official licensed band merch and music! Discounts on every order with our link: https://bit.ly/MerchbarGCM Check out our linktree - updated daily with top stories https://ift.tt/k5Raisv Please donate to Jesse Malin's recovery fund via Sweet Relief https://ift.tt/Jwl1GF0 Buy us a Ko-fi https://ift.tt/0V7OXoJ or We now take Cashapp $ghostcultmag Follow us on Twitch: https://ift.tt/lGnQfiP Sub to us on Reddit: https://ift.tt/l04vpu3 #ripmeanpetekowalsky Year of The knife update, Jesse Malin, Unearth, Camp Punksylvania, Heavy Business Podcast, Glacially Musical Podcast, Grand Funk, Merchbar, Ozzy Osbourne pulls out of Power Trip - Judas Priest in, Inkcarceration Fest this weekend, Bloodstock Open Air is 4 weeks away, Crucial Fest 2023, Hordes X Fest books Hellripper to headline, Burque Rock City fest day lineups, Farm Aid, Overkill - Exhorder - Heathen - Sunlord tour, Volbeat - Halestorm - Badwolves dates, Meshuggah to tour with In Flames, Profanatica, Megadeth + Biohazard mini tour, Porno For Pyros tour, Narcotic Wasteland tour incoming, Protest The Hero tour, Mudvayne tour incoming, Corey Taylor tour dates, Ice Giant tour with Scorched Earth, Slightly Stoopid and Sublime with Rome, Capra European Tour, Cryptopsy new album and tour, Converge books west coast dates, VOB Retas tour, Misfits Arizona tour, Creed 25th Anniversary tour, Duncan Evans tour, Turnstile cancels a UK date, Nothing Moore tour cancelled amidst controversy, Ghost new cover from "Insideous The Red Door" movie, Svalbard new album and video, Clutch shares new live album, Metallica new trailer for movie concert event, Puddle of Mudd returns, DFL re-issues a classic, Princess Goes (Michael C. Hall) new album, Inhumand Condition covers B.O.C., EYE Am full band interview, Stryper live stream incoming, Slomatics new album, Foreigner farewell tour live album, Keith Emerson boxed set, Axeslasherhot sause from Sauce Leopard, and in our mailbag - a new/old Melvins album from AmRep! Gear we use: - ***These are affiliate links and Ghost Cult makes a small commission on every sale. Set up A: Sony A7 III - https://amzn.to/3tQm422 Tamron 17-28 - https://amzn.to/3ePrlTd Tamron 28-75 - https://amzn.to/3fqCjgY Desview Mavo-P5 Monitor- https://amzn.to/33LlTub Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod - https://amzn.to/3hxbL0e Lighting: YONGNUO YN600L - https://amzn.to/2QkNrn5 YONGNUO YN300 Air - https://amzn.to/2QjN5gu Dfuse Softbox - https://amzn.to/3uQq4AN Aputure MC - https://amzn.to/3oirFgx NanLite PavoTube II 6C - http://bit.ly/NanLitePavoTubeII Light Stands - https://amzn.to/3uSBl3x 5 in 1 Reflector - https://amzn.to/33KHdjo And our iconic Rope Light https://amzn.to/3ycdmyz For the full list of Ghost Cult gear: http://bit.ly/OJCPicsKit

[halfcrackedguru]

A Message from the Universe ~ Being Your True Self

A Message from the Universe ~ Being Your True Self, Multiple Sufi Wisdom Oracle Cards Today's Message from the Universe encourages you to show the world who the true you really is. You might have an upcoming job interview or you may be meeting someone new. You might even want to show something you've created to the world. Whatever way you are being asked to show up, it is your authentic self that will win the day. It's tempting to try to paint a picture of yourself that is more palatable but this will only hinder you. Of course, you don't want to tell a dirty joke at a job interview or tell your partner's parents the intimate details of your relationship, being inappropriate is not what you're going for. What you might want to do is admit that you're nervous, this will not only endear you to people, it allows for the best of you to feel safe enough to be seen. That being said, there will always be people who don't value who you are. Those are not your people. If you must meet with someone like that then just be kind to them as well as yourself. You can be the juiciest and sweetest peach on the planet but some people just don't like peaches. Put your authentic self out there and people who like peaches will not only be drawn to you, they will be inspired to be just who they are because they see you shining! TODAY'S CRYSTALS: - Amethyst - Fluorite - Gray Banded Agate - Tigers Eye TODAY'S DECK - Sufi Wisdom Oracle CHECK OUT THIS DECK: - Ask Your Guides Oracle TODAY'S MUSIC: - "Foo Fighters, These Days" - "Volbeat, Heaven Nor Hell" Thank you! Your tips and donations help to pay for the website and other costs that help me to bring these messages to you :)

Read the full article

[thesoundlabyes]

We chatted to Jon of Volbeat at Download Festival to chat about their new record, the evolution of the band and plans for the future! Hear what he had to say at https://youtu.be/dWoJZ8LO2o0 (Link via bio) #Interview #Volbeat #NewMusic #DownloadFest #DownloadFestival https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce4BijFsPyb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leviabeat]

[tisthenightofthewitch]

‘Blasphemous’: how metal band Ghost became the acceptable face of Satanism

Fronted by 'anti-Pope' Tobias Forge, Ghost are one of the world's heaviest stadium bands – and it's all thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tobias Forge wants you to know that “Death metal has always been a very humanistic thing. When we’re talking about darkness, death, despair, it’s to express our discontent at the world. It’s our way to explain how s___ things are”. The 41-year-old mastermind behind Ghost has spent the last 12 years taking influences from the murky underground worlds of black metal and mixing it with radio friendly pop. The result is something that’s as much ABBA as it is Cradle Of Filth.

They’ve been touted as future Download Festival headliners, have supported Foo Fighters, Metallica and Iron Maiden in stadiums around the world and they’ll be supporting the release of fifth album Impera with a European arena headline tour of their own. Almost three million people listen to them every month on Spotify, with the band appealing to lifelong punks and metalheads while also acting as a glam introduction to the world of heavy music. In a scene full of legacy acts, Ghost are the sound of the future.

For the first half of their career though, no one even knew who was in Ghost. On stage the band were led by demonic anti-Pope character Papa Emeritus or one of his successors (one for every album) while the band was made up of a gaggle of “nameless ghouls” who also handled interviews. It was even rumoured that Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl was an occasional member of the gang.

Then in 2017 those nameless ghouls filed a lawsuit over unpaid profits, revealing Tobias Forge’s identity as the man in charge. The case was dismissed and fortunately, Forge took his unmasking in his stride. “I’ve read every classic rock biography of every band I’m a fan of [and] the same s___ takes place in every single one,” he said at the time.

Then, as if to prove there was more to the band than mystery, he wrote 2018’s brilliant, synth-driven Prequelle: a record of survival set in the mediaeval plague era. It went on to elevate the band even further and was nominated for the Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammys (their second Grammy award after winning Best Metal Performance in 2016).

“I am as much of an exhibitionist as anyone else who has ever put on a guitar and walked onstage but I like the idea of being able to step in and out of my celebrity,” says Forge, explaining the reason for Papa Emeritus. “If Bono comes to dinner, you’d expect a long spiel about Greenpeace. I don’t have to be that person, but I still get to play a rock star.”

Stadiums, award ceremonies and talk of stardom are a world away from where Forge started his musical career. Aged 15, he joined his first DIY punk band and spent the next few years experimenting with death metal and alternative rock in a variety of underground bands. “There’s a natural limiter on how successful you can become, playing extreme metal,” Forge tells me over Zoom, a day off from a US co-headline tour with Danish rock band Volbeat.

He formed Ghost in 2006 as a way to combine traditional rock (he’d grown up idolising The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd) his love of theatre (The Phantom Of The Opera and Cats have both been hugely influential, with Forge calling Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals “mind-blowing”) and the horror and darkness of death metal. The result is something flamboyant, dramatic and, he adds, “with a lot more visual elements than your average grunge band.”

“Without the music, we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere,” says Forge. “I know a lot of bands that look cool, but suck.” Ghost released spooky debut single Elizabeth in 2010 without any press photos “to let the music do the talking” and signed a deal soon after. Debut album Opus Eponymous followed later that year. While most other occult rock bands were happy to “stay on the carpet, as we say in Sweden” Forge wanted more. “My background might be in underground punk but I never wanted to limit us.”

Blending rock, prog and metal with Eurodisco and 1980s pop, as well as taking influence from the gothic worlds of Tim Burton’s Batman and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, new album Impera is about the self-destruction of society. Played out against the backdrop of Victorian England, it’s another leap forward for Forge – even if society appeared to be crumbling as he created it. “When I was writing Prequelle” says Forge, “the world was in a relatively stable place but I wasn’t in a good place mentally. For Impera, I was in a way better place but the world was in complete disarray.”

The album also sees the band engage with life more directly, a change in direction from Ghost’s early albums dealing in fantasy and escapism. Sure, the stories told on driving metal anthem Twenties (a rebellious call to arms against the disparity between social classes) and the wailing Driftwood (about religious hypocrisy) are set over a hundred years ago but their messages are relevant today.

Epic closing track Respite On The Spitalfields talks about the fear Jack The Ripper stirred in Victorian England, and how the fact he was never caught meant women were afraid to walk the streets of London after dark. Sound familiar? Throughout Impera Forge sings about the abuse of power.

“That abuse of power is the central mechanism that corrodes, but also builds societies,” Forge says. “We like to think we’re so enlightened in this modern world but right now, people believe in taking away other people’s rights, rather than the opposite. It’s all to do with control and money. Politicians are pro-life not because of their religious beliefs, but because if you have a baby, you’re going to stay in one place and buy s___ like a good little capitalist.”

That said, Impera is an optimistic record, all pomp and empowerment. From the wailing guitar riffs of opening track Kaiserion to the thundering reassurance of the anthemic Call Me Little Sunshine, Ghost’s fifth album is a constantly surprising, consistently brilliant listen that’ll appeal to both the mosh pit, and the theatre stalls.

“I believe in karma,” says Forge. “I believe that the bad empires, the ones that are actively trying to destroy the world, will fail. Especially if they’re based on some crazy person who is trying to go against the will of the people,” he adds, weeks before Putin mobilised.

Forge explains that “pop culture has always been a symbol for freedom”. MeToo and the Black Lives Matter movements were driven by protest songs and lyrics were often the source of snappy slogans painted on banners. Even the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion has taken on Twisted Sister’s 1984 hit We're Not Gonna Take It as one of their unofficial anthems.

“The reason we don’t tour certain places of the world is that they would refuse us, because of what we sing about,” says Forge. Ghost has never played a show in China, and has also faced issues in America. Their second album Infestissumam was delayed because four different US manufacturers refused to print its “blasphemous” artwork – a 16th-century depiction of an orgy – while in 2018 a horrified Texan pastor led a protest outside their “devil-worshipping” show.

But Forge does not worship the devil, and has said that his views are more aligned with modern-day Satanism, which is centred around atheism, scientific scepticism and a passion for wildlife and nature. “I believe in pop culture, in freedom and in being kind. I believe in people having fun, and that they have the right to put their genitals into whomever consents. I believe that love is stronger than hate,” he says.

Backed by an eight-piece band, Forge will launch Impera with an arena tour of the UK and Europe. It’s set to be Ghost’s most ambitious run of shows yet – and that’s saying something.  “Everything is about the live show. That’s where you’re making memories with people. I compare a lot of what we do, with what I’ve experienced as a fan of other bands. “

However, according to Forge, “everything we ever do is always a lesser version of what I intended it to be.” He’s been sketching out stage shows and plans for world domination since before Ghost had even released a song. “We’re still working off that to-do list.”

“From the outside, it might look like our success has happened overnight but it’s taken us years to get to where we are today,” Forge continues. “Compared to AC/DC though, we still feel like a new band. We’ve got plenty of improvements to make before it’s time to throw in the towel.”

Telegraph

[black-arcana]

Former NIGHTWISH Vocalist ANETTE OLZON Releases New Solo Single 'Rapture'

Anette Olzon, the former powerhouse vocalist of NIGHTWISH and one half of the dynamic duo behind THE DARK ELEMENT alongside former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen, has released the official music video for her new solo single, "Rapture". It is the title track of her third solo album, "Rapture", due on May 10 via Frontiers Music Srl. The clip was created by Patric Ullaeus from rEvolver Film Company and can be seen below.

Set to captivate audiences worldwide, "Rapture" promises to deliver an electrifying blend of heavy melodies and soaring vocals that solidify Olzon's esteemed status as one of the premier female voices in the metal genre.

Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed second solo album, "Strong", Anette once again teams up with acclaimed Swedish guitarist and producer Magnus Karlsson to craft a musical experience that pushes boundaries and excites the senses. Together, they have curated a collection of songs that showcase Anette's unparalleled vocal range, complemented by Karlsson's masterful riffs and the addition of growls by Johan Husgafvel, adding a dynamic layer to the album's sound.

"Rapture" seamlessly navigates through various musical genres, from symphonic to melodic power metal, with hints of melo-death, while maintaining an irresistibly catchy and melodious essence. Olzon's performance on this album is her most versatile yet, proving her ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to her signature style.

Renowned mixer Jacob Hansen, known for his work with PRETTY MAIDS, VOLBEAT and THE DARK ELEMENT, returns to the fold to ensure that "Rapture" achieves the perfect balance between heaviness and hookiness, resulting in an album that is both impactful and memorable.

"Rapture" is set to unleash its sonic fury upon the world, cementing Olzon's status as a force to be reckoned with in the metal music scene. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer power and beauty of Anette Olzon's "Rapture".

"Rapture" track listing:

Heed The Call

Rapture

Day Of Wrath

Requiem

Arise

Take A Stand

Cast Evil Out

Greedy World

Hear My Song

Head Up High

We Search For Peace

Recording linup:

Anette Olzon - Vocals Magnus Karlsson - Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Anders Köllerfors - Drums Johan Husgafvel - Growls

The Swedish-born singer originally joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 and recorded two studio LPs with the band before being dismissed in 2012 in the middle of the group's North American tour. She was replaced by former AFTER FOREVER frontwoman Floor Jansen.

Olzon reflected on her time with NIGHTWISH in a 2021 interview with Finland's Chaoszine. Asked how she looks back on the entire five-year experience, she said: "Well, it's mixed emotions. It was a hell of a ride. You know how it was with the media in Finland. And for me, I didn't understand what was happening because I didn't know how big the band was, since I don't live in Finland. So it was really fun the first years with everything and also crazy. I wasn't home a lot. They did their heaviest touring when I joined. All of a sudden, they wanted to do so many long weeks [on the road]. I remember just that I had a five-year-old son [and] I came home after five weeks. I was home one week. I didn't almost have time to unpack my bags before I went off again for four weeks. So I don't remember everything, to be honest. There are so many things that I don't remember. And also, of course, the last years where it wasn't such a nice atmosphere between us. And I had my third child, and things happened.

"So I remember it both with really happy, happy feelings, but also with very, very negative and sad feelings," she explained. "But, of course, it was an amazing experience, and it was my dream that came true to be a full-time singer in an amazing big band. And they are a super-good band. So I bless the albums that we did and will always cherish that time, of course."

Not long after Olzon was fired from NIGHTWISH 11 years ago, she claimed that an argument arose between her and NIGHTWISH when she asked for an Australian tour to be postponed during her pregnancy. Keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen suggested that Jansen should front the band on a temporary basis, but Olzon said no.

Anette explained in a 2014 interview: "I would have been too pregnant to go to Australia, so I wanted to push the dates back, but Tuomas didn't want that. Discussions about a substitute came up, and at first, I was, like, 'Yeah, well, okay.' But when they mentioned Floor, it was an automatic 'no' from me. I didn't think it was a good idea, because I knew what would happen — I knew the fans would love Floor, because she's a metal singer and I'm a pop singer, and I wanted to keep my job."

A year after NIGHTWISH fired Olzon, the band released a statement denying that she was dismissed because of pregnancy or illness. "We discovered her personality didn't fit this work community, and was even detrimental to it," the group said. NIGHTWISH went on to say that Anette was initially receptive to the idea of hiring a temporary replacement if she couldn't "manage everything," but that she later "took back her decision, and the difficulties really started. Fear of losing money and position seemed obvious." The band also insisted that "Anette and her company" were "paid a fifth of everything that was done during her time" with NIGHTWISH.

Since the end of her stint with NIGHTWISH, Olzon also formed THE DARK ELEMENT with Liimatainen. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2017; a follow-up, "Songs The Night Sings", came out in 2019.

Olzon and noted progressive metal vocalist Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB) released a collaborative album titled "Worlds Apart" in March 2020 via Frontiers Music Srl. The project was issued under the moniker ALLEN/OLZON. A follow-up album, "Army Of Dreamers", arrived in 2022.

[notafraidofredyellowandblue]

Richard Kruspe interview - Berliner Zeitung 2021-11

published 2021-11-11, by Björn Springorum

Richard about the new Emigrate album, and for the first time (that i remember) in the recent set of interviews he gave, he throws in a traditional RZK quote 😊

Disclaimer:

Before taking offense with anything RZK says in this interview, please consider

although my intention is do translate as correct as possible, there may be nuances lost in translation (neither english nor german is my first language)

the interviewer may have written down RZK's answers with a different nuance than Richard intended

Interview with Rammstein guitarist Richard Z. Kruspe: "Emigrate was my salvation"

Without his solo project Emigrate, he would no longer be with Rammstein, says Richard Z. Kruspe. Now his fourth album is out: "The Persistence Of Memory" 

Berlin- Before the colossal Rammstein circus travels the world again, guitarist and composer Richard Z. Kruspe quickly wrote a few demons off his soul. His most recent Emigrate album “The Persistence Of Memory” contains pieces that have never been used over the last 20 years, a rather interesting Elvis cover with Rammstein singer Till Lindemann and a lot of knowledge from the life of it's creator.

On previous albums of your solo project Emigrate there were always quite a number of guests. This time only Till Lindemann can be heard - on a cover of the Elvis classic "Always On My Mind". How did that happen?

Years ago our record company wanted to do an Elvis cover album. I started to write, but at some point I discarded it. But I was so incredibly fascinated by Elvis' voice in this song. No matter which instrument I used up in the studio, it always prevailed. So I considered putting the song with my music and his voice on the album and thought about who could sing this song. Iggy Pop? Michael Poulsen from Volbeat? But somehow I never thought of Till. Sometimes it's just too obvious. He is simply the only one who can sing like that. I asked him, he wanted to, and we ended up recording the whole thing as a duet because I found it more emotional that way.

////////////

To the person

Richard Kruspe was born on June 24, 1967 in Wittenberge as Zven Kruspe. Before he devoted himself to music, he had success as a wrestler and then trained as a cook. In every spare second he played the guitar, through his band 'Das elegante Chaos' came on the radar of the Stasi, fled to West Berlin, but later returned to the former GDR and met Till Lindemann in Schwerin.

With him he founded Rammstein on January 1st, 1994. Almost 28 years later he released seven studio albums with this band and sold over 20 million records. An eighth Rammstein album will follow soon.

////////////

So there is harmony between you?

I am old enough to enjoy our relationship. There are no longer those little fights and egos that clash. Now it's all about having fun.

That wasn't always the case with Rammstein ...

I used to fight for everything, for every word. Now I choose my battles very carefully. I don't fight everywhere anymore. I now have the foresight that I don't always know everything better. The balance of the band is more important than my eagerness. This realisation is what kept Rammstein alive.

Is that also due to Emigrate?

Yes. Emigrate has solved many problems that needn't have been. At Rammstein, some of the guys always wanted to contribute as much as I did, but couldn't. That led to envy and stress, which I couldn't understand because I was of the opinion that the others wanted it that way. It felt good to let all my energy flow into another project, to work with completely different people. As far as cooperation is concerned, Rammstein is of course a tight corset. That's a good thing, that's how it functions, but I needed and still need Emigrate for my balance. It was my salvation. Without Emigrate I would no longer be with Rammstein. Still, with every new Rammstein album I think: Okay, but this really is the last one.

Does that also apply to Emigrate? In the run-up to the release of “The Persistence Of Memory” it was said that it might be the last album.

One will see. This album may be the end of an era, the clasp before something new begins.

The album consists of old songs that were never published or finished. A look back before moving on?

Maybe it took that look back to start something new, yes. My present was unpleasant and my future was empty. So I basked in my past. It was the only thing I had. I came across all of these old songs and ideas and looked at them again. They helped me move back into the present so that I could finally look into the future again. A journey back in time back to inspiration.

Why was the present unpleasant? The last Rammstein record including a huge stadium tour broke all records again ...

After the last Rammstein record I fell into a deep hole and was lost in my world. Different wars raged inside me and I felt like I had to stop playing music. I no longer saw any point in it. It was a really hard crash landing that I had never experienced as such before. There was a real emptiness in me. Even for us, this stadium tour was definitely something new. And when everyone tells you how great and good you are, whether that is true or not, then you are like in withdrawal when it is over. I first had to get back on the ground again. So I fled into the memories, into the past.

The Persistence Of Memory” also features “Freeze My Mind”, the very first song you wrote in 2001 for Emigrate. At that time, "Mutter", Rammstein's big breakthrough, also appeared. What was your life like at that time?

Back then, my life was marked by an insane disappointment. It resulted from the fact that I felt misunderstood. I had this anger inside me, this need to show it to everyone else. It was like entering a new world and I had to keep moving. It was definitely a step out of the comfort zone. Hence the name Emigrate. It all made sense. I wrote “Freeze My Mind” in New York City, it must have been around September 11th. During that time I lived in New York and saw the second plane crash into the tower. To see how people fell out of the tower was extremely shocking for me.

So with Emigrate it was also about a certain increase in self-esteem?

I think the greatest motivation always comes from wanting to prove something to someone. Whether these are the parents, whether these are your colleagues, or maybe it is you yourself. It's about feeling your worth. You want to please, but that can also be a big trap. Especially when writing. At Rammstein I have to stop very now and then when I notice that I'm writing a second "Du hast". But I always ask myself: Do I just want to please again? This is very, very thin ice. On the one hand you don't want to lose your own identity, on the other hand you want to keep trying new things. A difficult topic. In this context, I like to speak of that healthy naivety that one had in the beginning. One should strive for that.

Some bands become caricatures of themselves at some point.

Yes, maybe it's just that every art or band has a specific time in which to it is creative. After that one just only repeats oneself.

The Beatles also wouldn't have maintained this insane creativity until this day.

Absolutely! Maybe it's just a law of the universe and we're all fooling ourselves. I keep continuously ask myself the question if I still have anything to say. What motivates me? Am I only doing this because I have nothing else to do? Or am I really passionate about it? Of course, it helps to have a band through which I am financially and economically secure. Many others are a lot worse off, I understand that.

-----

See, finally the "this will be the last Rammstein album" quote that he always uses after every single Rammstein album... i was almost getting worried he'd forgotten 😁

[sagehaleyofficial]

HERE’S WHAT YOU MISSED THIS WEEK (6.10-6.16.20):

NEW MUSIC:

Alternative singer and rapper De’Wayne Jackson has signed with Hopeless Records. The musician also addressed the current state of America he has witnessed through his new single “National Anthem.”

Post Malone and Tyla Yaweh released a music video for their new collaboration titled “Tommy Lee.” During a recent interview, the Mötley Crüe drummer for which the song is named revealed behind-the-scenes tidbits about the song.

Evanescence posted a video of members Amy Lee and Troy McLawhorn covering the pop song “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama. The cover was recorded in isolation, as both musicians can be seen performing separately in their homes.

Last Friday, Grey Daze released a video for the song “B12,” which honors the late singer Chester Bennington. Additionally, the video features the talents of Korn guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch.

Halsey took to Twitter on Sunday to share an original version of the Manic bonus track, “Wipe Your Tears,” only available on the album’s Japanese edition. She shared the song with fans in celebration of Pride Month without telling her label.

Last Saturday, Black Veil Brides released a cover of Bruce Springsteen‘s song “American Skin (41 Shots),” written following a New York police shooting in 1999. The band also urges fans to donate to anti-racist organizations as protests continue.

Members of Run-DMC, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies and Volbeat teamed up on a charity medley to give back to Music Unites. The medley, titled “CB’S RUNDMC JAM,” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.

TOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer revealed the rescheduled international dates for their Hella Mega Tour, now set for 2021. The new shows, held at the same venues, begin on June 9 in Vienna, Austria and end on June 30 in Dublin, Ireland.

Goldenvoice and AEG announced the 2021 dates for Coachella, following the festival’s cancellation this year. The first weekend will take place on April 9-11, 2021 and the second on April 16-18, 2021.

Due to coronavirus, Jimmy Eat World have unfortunately cancelled their 2020 tour with the Front Bottoms, Turnover and Joyce Manor. They announced the news to fans yesterday on social media.

OTHER NEWS:

Following a previous statement, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reopened to the public yesterday. However, a number of regulations have been set in place for future visitors in light of coronavirus.

Asking Alexandria drummer James Cassells and his wife Brandi announced that they are expecting their first child. Mrs. Cassells took to Instagram to reveal their baby is due this December.

Dashboard Confessional frontman Chris Carrabba revealed he was involved in a motorcycle crash this past Saturday. The singer took to social media to explain he has sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently recovering in the hospital.

Twenty One Pilots sent fans out on an online scavenger hunt to find a series of codes to unlock content related to potential new music. Last month, frontman Tyler Joseph was unsure of how the new songs would compare to previous albums.

Halsey launched the Black Creators Funding Initiative, a fund made to promote black creators’ art and visions. The initiative gives resources to artists and funds numerous projects within the arts

___

Check in next Tuesday for more “Posi Talk with Sage Haley,” only at @sagehaleyofficial!

[tealtowntar]

quarantine q&a

tagged by @karlsshark! ty kelly ily

are you staying home from school/work? 

yeah man i’ve been trapped in my house for literal weeks at a time this is not an exaggeration i didn’t go outside the walls of my house one(1) time for a whole week, twice now, its disgusting; i’m on spring break but online school is still hell on earth ✌🏻

if you are staying home, who’s there with you? 

my parents and my 8 year old sister(send help)

are you a homebody? 

eh sure, i can be but i like going out and doing things too

what movies have you watched recently? 

my mom and i have been watching a movie every night so um, batman begins, interview with a vampire, the rock, eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, outbreak, i rewatched parasite the other night, i have a feeling theres a bunch of brad pitt movies on the way which im sure kelly will be glad to hear, oh yeah we also watched the departure which was wild and i honestly don’t know how much i enjoyed it

an event you were looking forward to that got cancelled? 

ummm everything? im uhh senior in high school and yeah everything’s been canceled, prom, grad night, graduation, i was supposed to go to the galapagos this spring break and my aunt was gonna take me on a trip to Japan for my graduation celebration, also THE OLYMPICS?????? im Devastated. anyway.

what music are you listening to? what are you reading?

a lot of Volbeat? and like uh 80′s rock?(and 2000′s pop punk but we don’t have to talk about that) I’m reading Not Much, mostly pie recipes and information pages about fish

what are you doing for self care? 

i mean my sleep schedule is currently 6am to 2pm so the only thing im doing for self care is going to sleep before the sun comes up because that annoys me and eating dinner at the time when dinner is appropriate even though sometimes i want a second dinner after that since its probably more like lunch for me

i’ll tag @davidpastrnut and @readthelines!