Time Warp!

Traditionally, a new year is a time when people make resolutions and vow to change the way they do things. Often, these resolutions are broken in a matter of weeks, if not, days.  In that spirit, I have decided to open the year by going back in time a little bit.

As I have said in this blog before, there is not a whole lot of new things happening in the Christian Music arena.  There are a lot of things I could say to that, but it will have to wait for another time. However, since I don't want to be too one-sided, let me take this post and devote it to "old skool" Christian Rock/Metal.  When I say "old" I am NOT talking about Audio Adrenaline, or D.C. Talk from back in the 90's, so get it out of your head right now!  What I am talking about is a little older...say from the late 70's early 80's period.

A friend of mine gave me a stack of CDs for Christmas, and I went through them all and chose a few to share with you...my faithful readers.

Spoken Self-Titled

First up is Spoken.  These guys have been around for a while, but have recently decided to make a come back with a secondary self-titled album.  I like what I hear out of these guys with one minor exception.  Their lead singer sounds a lot like the singer from 30 Seconds To Mars.  If you happen to be a fan of 3SM, then you are in luck, and probably want to check these guys out.

Next to the party is Se7enth Seal.  No I didn't miss-spell that...  This band came as a HUGE surprise to me.  I wasn't expecting to hear the onslaught of sound that I heard from a name like that.  These guys are comparable to older Godsmack or Disturbed.  I had the disc in my player for around a week solid.  This one definitely grows on you.

Eternal Decision

Eternal Decision boasts a pre-haircut Metallica type of sound.  If you have ever been a fan of Metallica, and you appreciate extremely biblical lyrics, you should give these guys a listen.  I have copies of their debut album and their third effort, cleverly titled "ED III" (no one said creativity had to extend to album names). The first album almost tries TOO hard to sound like songs from "And Justice For All" or "Ride The Lighting".  Their third effort changed things up a little bit.  For starters, the sound quality was WAY better, and the style took on more of a blend of Metallica and Megadeath.

Not everything I listened too was worthy of compliment though.  In fact, A LOT of what I listened to ended up getting trashed (or worthy of becoming a coaster on my desk).  Groups like Sinbreed and Goliath are prime examples of this.  A great number of groups from this era in Christian Metal, especially Sinbreed, spent WAAAY too much time trying to sound like Judas Priest.  The squealing high vocals with almost incomprehensible lyrics drove me INSANE for the 30 seconds that it lasted in my player.  I just couldn't stand anymore.

Dick Clark - Oompa-Loompa

Speaking of not being able to stand crappy music... Pop Deflator fans, brace yourself.  Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve was anything but.  The musical line-up was absolutely horrid!  The only thing I could justify listening to was One Republic, who I don't even like!  Was the music for 2011 just that bad that EVERYTHING sucked?  I beg to differ!  Foo Fighters were named the best Rock Band of 2011 with the release of "Wasting Light"...so I know that something good came out of last year.

Lady Lightbulb

With all respect to Dick Clark himself, I have to wonder what the TV station was thinking when they broadcast this pile of junk across the airwaves.  Not only was Lady Gaga dressed like a giant lightbulb, but the song she sang (at least in my head) sound almost exactly like Madonna's "Express Yourself" from the early 90's!  Furthermore, I really feel sorry for Dick Clark himself.  I know that his health has been down as of late, but why try to hide that with a metric ton of makeup?  For those readers who have seen the broadcast...you know what I am talking about.  HE LOOKED ORANGE!  They took Dick Clark and made him an Oompa-Loompa!

Hopefully, this year will bring change.  Change in the Christian Music Industry, the "secular" Music Industry, and people's brainwashed heads.  Good music is out there...you just have to know where to look!

Holiday Break(down)

It's the holiday season!  It's time to reflect on the year and remember the things that are special to us.  So in that same spirit, I thought I would look back at my experience as a blogger.

When I found out that I was going to have to write a blog as part of my course curriculum at school, I was devastated.  I hated blogging!  My personal opinion of it can be perfectly expressed in the picture you see to the side. 

Somewhere along the way, however, things changed in my perspective.  I still maintain that those people who use a blog as an online diary should really not blog (at all, if not, so often), but as I have come to find/write, their are those of us who put useful content out there.  People like you, the readers, make it worth it for us.

Digging through pages and pages of links to find content was always a challenge, but still proved to be rewarding when I found something genuinely interesting. From what's new in the music industry to album reviews, I have honestly enjoyed putting stuff out there. The main problem I have had is finding content about Christian Rock/Metal music, as some of you have probably noticed.  This is about to change...

This week I am showcasing two Christian Metal bands! What good is a blog post if all I do is talk about my experiences blogging.  Let's get to it...

Phinehas - Thegodmachine

Something amazingly awesome has come out of my home state of Illinois!  Allow me to introduce you all to a band called Phinehas.  They are signed with Red Cord Records out of Loves Park, IL, and have recently released their album Thegodmachine.  I have had this album in my car for the last week, and have not been disappointed.  They boast an August Burns Red (ABR) sound style for the most part. The interesting thing to note in my ears is the Guitar Hero style solos that come from the sound-scape of this record.  Featuring lots of growling, double bass kicks, and heavy breakdowns; this album is sure to please any fan of metal.  The lyrical content is also very solid in it's Christian theme.  Nice job guys!  You can find out more about Phinehas by checking out their MySpace and Facebook pages.

Saving Grace

Next up is Saving Grace.  These guys have been around for a while now (since 2005) and hail from the little country of New Zealand.  These guys have a similar sound to ABR as well, but their breakdowns remind me of Bless The Fall as well.  I guess I'll let you guys be the judge on that one.  Their debut album Behind Enemy Lines is what they are best known for, but you can find out what the band is up to now by checking out their MySpace page.



That's all for this year...since it's the holidays, I encourage you all to get off the internet and spend time with your families.  This especially applies to our neo-gothic, emo-kid crowd.  I don't care if you hate your parents, spend time with them anyway!  It's not their fault that you choose to be miserable and write stupid poems about ice burning like fire.

Arena Rock!

Wilkes-Barre PA will never be the same after last night's performance at the Mohegan Sun Arena!

I had the pleasure of working as a Pop-Deflator once again.  Starky and I attended the show last night and had an interview with the opening band, Rains.  Be sure to watch the Facebook page for the interview post.

Rains

As far as the actual show goes, the entire show was actually really good.  I can't say that I was disappointed with any of the performances that were given.  Rains started out the night showcasing their blend of rock with a little country influence.  During the interview they shared with us that they did not want to make that "cookie-cutter" sound. Amen to that, good sirs!

Hatebreed

Hatebreed followed and really got the crowd warmed up and active in the show.  They put on a great heavy metal show, but the most interesting thing to me about their set was the almost patriotic nature of the banter between songs.  There was a lot of "God Bless America" statements and a respect for the soldiers that I admired from such an aggressive group.

All That Remains Bassist

The third act was All That Remains.  I have heard them on the radio and on discs before, but to see them live is something entirely different.  The shocking revelation that the bass player is not only female, but also the growler of the group had my jaw on the floor.  I made sure to give her some horns from the pit where I was busy snapping the photos from the show that are being used in this blog!  Yep, you heard right...these concert photos are all me baby!

Five Finger Death Punch

Finally, on to the headliner...Five Finger Death Punch.  If you are unfamiliar with their sound, they have a pretty cool blend of a 12 Stones sound with the crunch of a good metal band... so rest assured metal-heads, there is plenty of screaming and growling for you too.  The coolest part of their set was when they brought a group on really young kids on the stage.  These kids were crowd surfed up to the stage and then introduced as the "Future of heavy-metal music" by the lead singer.  That had to be the greatest moment of their young lives!

Thursday

Enough about the show...how bout some news? Get ready for the eye-liner (or guy-liner if you prefer) to run on the faces of the emo-crowd once again.  Thursday has announced that they are on an indefinite hiatus following their U.S. and Australian Tour.  The band released No Devolucion recently, and I could tell that, while the content was still good, they seemed as though they were getting tired.  The mix on that album, in particular, seemed lazy and not properly balanced at all.  Before I incite an angry mob, let me just say that I am a fan of Thursday, but of all of their efforts, No Devolucion fell short for me.  I much prefer the quality and energy behind A City By The Light Divided.

Album Cover for Hats Off To The Bull

Chevelle is set to release a new album next week (December 6th) entitled Hats Off To The Bull.  This is the group's sixth studio effort, and from what I can tell of their single on the radio, it proves to be a harder sound for Chevelle, but not a big departure from the signature sound we have come to know.

Last but not least, Angels and Airwaves (AVA); Love: Part 2 released on November 8th this year.  I took a listen to the album and I was not disappointed in my expectations.  AVA is known for their anthem style music, and obscenely long intros to songs.  Love: Part 2 is no exception to this rule.  The band has released a dual disc package featuring Love: Part 1 and Love: Part 2 that is available in any retail store.  You can also find it on iTunes and Amazon

Album Cover for Love: Part 1&2

Everybody Stop....Now Skank!

That's right kids, this week Ska is making a comeback.  For those of you who missed the mid to late 90's, the Ska movement was insanely popular and has been part of the underground since then.  I remember bands like Reel Big Fish, Buck O Nine, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones sparked a flame in a lot of young punks back then... well ladies and gentlemen, they're back!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are releasing a new album in December this year called The Magic of Youth.  You can listen to a single off of that record called Shotgun here.  All I can say, after listening to this track myself, is FINALLY!  The Bosstones have their signature sound back.  It was so nice to hear horns again. Make sure to keep up to date with the Bosstones progress by following their Facebook page.

Some other Ska-related news is that Reel Big Fish announced a UK tour.  Rocksound.tv has the dates for the UK leg of the tour, so be sure to check that out!

Rise Against

Although they might not be termed as "Ska", Rise Against has been around for a number of years, and they have stuck to their original sound too.  The band recently released a new record, and so (as the natural progression goes) they are currently on tour to promote the album entitled Endgame.  The dates for the UK leg of the tour can be found by clicking here. The band is touring with Tom Morello formerly of Rage Against the Machine. For those of you who don't live in the United Kingdom, but rather in the United States, you can view the U.S. tour dates by clicking here.  As an added bonus to the U.S. tour, Rise against plans to play with A Day to Remember, The Menzingers, and joining the tour in February will be none other than Glassjaw!

Skillet - Is that guy liner?

I hate to kill the buzz that I've created, but an ugly truth has come to my attention lately. In the realm of Christian Rock, there has been a certain band by the name of Skillet that has been very successful as of late.  Here is my gripe...although they have recently scored their fourth Top 10 mainstream hit, I really have to ask; is it really them?  When Skillet first started out, their sound was completely different than it is now.  They went from something sort of techno-grunge to this hard (using the term loosely) rock sound.  Since the change, they have gained a mass of emo-kids for a following and have influenced the producers of Christian Rock albums to make every other Christian band sound like they do.  Thus, my point is, when I listen to a Skillet song, who am I hearing?  Is it them, or is it Ashes Remain, or 12 Stones?  Continuing this trend of sounding the same are bands such as House of Heroes, and I Am Empire, who mysteriously took on the same sound as long time Christian rockers Disciple.  So please, producers of the Christian Rock, DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!  Canned music is not good music, be original...please.

Last but certainly not least (and much needed after that rant) is a piece of news from our dear friends August Burns Red (ABR).  A while ago, I reviewed their latest album called Leveler.  Well the fun and goodness of that album are far from over. ABR just released a video for the song "Empire" from the album.  Why wait?  Watch it right here... right now.

A Night to Remember...

This weekend was an opportunity of a lifetime!  Since joining up with the Pop Deflators crew, I haven’t had a whole lot of things to report outside of the usual news.  This has now changed!

Lead Singer Michael from Red

This show very quickly became one of the greatest concerts I have ever had the pleasure of going to.  The Chameleon Club, in Lancaster PA, hosted the Kill Th3 Machin3 tour that Red has been on over the last several months.  On the tour with them was Brian “Head” Welsh.  The opening act featured Echoes The Fall from Phoenix, AZ, and Icon for Hire from my home state of IL.  Quite honestly, I never knew something that cool could come out of Decatur.

"Head" Welsh

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sonic onslaught that came my way last night, allow me to explain. Echoes The Fall is EXTREMELY similar to 12 Stones in the way that they sound.  Even the lead singers vocal style was on par in comparison.  If you like 12 Stones then you should definitely check out Echoes The Fall.

Icon For Hire

Icon for Hire was the next act on to the stage, and despite some technical difficulties in their part of the show, they came out to be really cool.  If I had to compare the bands sound to anyone, I would say they most resemble the sound and style of Paramore, but with a little bit more of an edge to their music.

Brian "Head" Welsh

Moving on to Brian “Head” Welsh… all I can say it that I was blown away!  I grew up listening to Korn, when Head was a part of it, and nothing about his style has changed.  What has changed is that Head has made a radical decision/transformation in his life after accepting Christ.  He has already made a solo album, and published multiple books. His best seller is Save Me From Myself, and is available in bookstores, and of course Amazon.

Head’s part of the show was absolutely awesome, but what’s cooler than that was that we (the Pop Deflators) were able to meet Head and his drummer for an interview outside the club.  You can watch for the video to be posted on the Pop Deflators Facebook page soon.

RED

Then there was the headliner, Red. I almost feel like the opportunity to see them was an act of redemption of sorts for me. Last year, they were in Reading PA for the Winter Jam Tour.  I missed my chance to see Red due to the fact that the arena was filled to capacity. Keeping with fire code, security had to force everyone waiting in line out of the venue.  At any rate, Red performed and rocked the house as expected. They played songs from all three of their albums, and even threw in a drum solo (loved it)!

Lead guitarist Anthony and drummer Joe

The fun didn’t end there either. Earlier in the show, the Pop Deflators had an exclusive interview with Anthony, the guitar player from Red.  That interview will also be posted on the Deflator Facebook page soon.

That’s all for now kids! Until then, keep rockin!

P.S. I took all of the photos used in this blog post!

Won't You Be My Neighboor(hoods)?

So much to talk about, so little time.  This week we have news about Dave Grohl, Vans Warped Tour, Underoath, Weezer, The Devil Wears Prada, the much anticipated album review of Blink 182's Neighborhoods, and of course a good dose of deflation toward pop music.

They say celebrities die in threes, and as the week unfolded this could be found to be true.  Almost anyone who knows how to read has heard about Steve Jobs, but did you know that former Weezer bassist, Mikey Walsh, also passed away on October 8th?  Walsh played with the band from 1998 - 2001.  The band has commented on their Twitter page regarding the loss.

Jackson - Black or White?

As long as we are talking about deaths... can I take a minute to reflect on Michael Jackson?  Oh wait, it's my blog, you have to listen to me... HA!  Leaving all speculation regarding his reputation outside of the music industry (i.e. various legal battles and love children that may or may not exist) he did contribute quite a bit to modern music.  My problem is this, when his death happened a year ago, the entire media world was stuck on him.  Other major news events were happening, but all you heard about was the "King of Pop".  Is it right to overshadow the rest of the world because one man dies?  Especially one who is quite possibly trying to become a woman?  I mean look at the photo... I guess it really DOESN'T matter if he's black or white!

In the quick headlines of the week...

Dave Grohl rocking out!

Dave Grohl recently filled in on drums for Cage The Elephant.  The group is currently on tour with the Foo Fighters, but suffered a the loss of their drummer, who was sent to the emergency room for a burst appendix on October 11th.

The Devil Wears Prada has entered the multimedia realm with the reNlease of their new mobile game entitled Zombie Slay.  The idea came from their E.P, called Zombie. The app can be purchased for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch at the Apple App Store.

Vans Warped Tour has also published the tour dates for the 2012 tour. Check them out here.

Underoath, who played a show with Come Back Kid, and The Chariot on October 13th at the Chameleon Club, recently released the video for their song Driftwood. You can view the video below.

Lastly, simply because I don't care about the band, and I don't see how this is possible, My Chemical Romance may have leaked information about a new album coming out in 2012.  I would love to know how they are going to record a new project without a drummer.  I realize that studio musicians are available, but shouldn't you be focusing on finding a drummer whose not a thief first?

Now the moment you've all been waiting for.... The Blink 182 review!

Plainly said, I am ADDICTED to this album! Neighborhoods has not left my CD player since I bought the record.  When I first laid ears on it, I was skeptical, but it grew on me and now I can't stop.  As a drummer, I have always counted Travis Barker as one of my main influences, but I was not prepared for the audio onslaught that he gave me in this album.  Barker came out of the box in a big way for this latest record!  That is not to discount anything that Tom and Mark have done either, the entire record is a fantastic fusion of the old and new.  They set out to make a record that has pieces of everything they've done in it, and they succeeded.  Borrowing from the influences of Boxcar Racer, Plus 44, Angels & Airwaves, and their own older style, the album is a cornucopia of the members history as musicians. Tracks such as Up All Night, Ghost on the Dance Floor, and Hearts All Gone will be stuck in your head for days on end.  If you have ever been a fan of Blink 182, you NEED to pick up this album!  As always, you can find it at any major chain, Amazon, and iTunes.

Underoath Video:

Aliens, Angels, and an Apple

This week we talk about Steve Jobs, Evanescence, Alien Ant Farm, Angels & Airwaves, and preview some upcoming concert in the Philly area.

This week is a big one for the news! Almost everyone is talking about Steve Jobs passing, and the impact that it will have on the future of Apple and technology in general.  I too regret that he's passed on, but I have to be honest and say that I sort of saw it coming.  The last picture I saw of the former CEO, he did not look well at all.  None-the-less, it didn't take away the shock factor of hearing that he's passed.  Facebook statuses and Twitter tweets are exploding with well-wishers and statements about him.  Video links and stories can be found just about anywhere on the web, including Alternative Press.  They have posted musicians reactions to Jobs passing.  You can view those reactions from artists such as Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, and more by clicking here.

The world of music is always changing and evolving.  One of the biggest trends right now is "older" bands coming back out of the woodwork and producing new albums.  Evanescence and Alien Ant Farm can now be added to that list. Alien Ant Farm is set to release their new album in 2012, but details are sparse as of right now.  On to Evanescence...

Evanescence

Granted, Evanescence hasn't really been absent that long, but in my opinion they have.  When the first released Fallen, their break out album, featuring great singles like "Bring Me To Life", "My Immortal", and others, they set a tone that I don't feel has been matched in any of their other efforts.  Open the Door featured a darker sound, but wasn't quite up to the caliber that their debut was.  Evanescence is currently back in the studio working on an upcoming self-titled album.  The first single from the record has been released and it getting some serious air time on local radio. "What You Want" can be heard and downloaded on YouTube and iTunes.  Singer and front-woman, Amy Lee, says that the band has a much more mature sound; one that they've always sought after.  Personally, I have heard the new single, and I am still not impressed...keep trying guys.

Speaking of new albums, Angels & Airwaves is set to come out with a new one called, LOVE Part Two.  The album releases in November, and will be the last record that drummer, Atom Willard, will play on.  The band’s publicists are calling the split “amicable”.  If you are anything like me, you have no idea what amicable means, so feel free to look it up at dictionary.com.

Looking to the future, Thrice will be coming to the Philly area on October 13th.  The band is currently on tour promoting their latest album, Major/Minor.  I did a review of the album about 3 posts back, if you are curious.  Also, fear not Blink fans, the review of Neighborhoods is coming soon!

Angels & Airwaves

Until then...