In The Wake of a Hurricane

Hey everyone!  It's been a while...

This post is covering a lot of "new" things.  I put that in quotes because it's more than likely new to me and not to the rest of you who lead normally paced lives.  In any case, this time around we have new music from As I Lay Dying, Anberlin, and of course...the Deftones!  I also have some news about Underoath, following my last post, Josh Freese and A Perfect Circle, and some very sad news about the Foo Fighters.

*******NEW MUSIC*******

Cover art for Awakened

As I Lay Dying came out with their latest album back in late September, so many reviews have already been written about the album in general.  After listening to it myself, I have to agree with a review posted by Chris Gap in the iTunes store page.

"Awakened is one of the most surprising and difficult to explain of the 2012 releases so far. In a few words, it’s a confusing and over stimulating album first listen through. Since I figured you’d want me to cut to the chase, I’ll list the pros and cons before my review and you can decide if I’m credible enough.
Cons:Every song is an epic shred fest (minus the instrumental); it can get exhausting listening when the usual As I Lay Dying dynamics are something along the lines of heavy, soft, heavy, middle, ect…here it is fast with it being fairly heavy every song. One or two choruses may be just a little too “poppy” for fans.Even though it’s about the same length as past releases, the ending just feels too abrupt and leaves you “needing” more. 
Pros:Best production quality of any of their past releases. Best use of gang vocals yet.Best pronunciation in screams yet.Most audible and well mixed clean vocals yet.Verse lyrics are poetic and deep as always, however, Tim (lyricist) manages to simplify the chorus lyrics to something catchy and to the point unlike most past releases. Best solos yet. There’s a variety of styles on the album. Josh (clean vocals) gets to show his prowess as a vocalist even if a decent chunk of fans hate clean vocals in general.These songs will be great live. "

Vital Cover Art

Fans of Anberlin have been chomping at the bit for a solid record since 2007's release of Cities, which is regarded as their gold-standard. The latest record that debuted on October 16, entitled Vital promises to be Anberlin's best work to date.  Boasting the return of producer Aaron Sprinkle, this record promises to be much more aggressive than the last two.  From what I've heard, that is true.  However, there is a "newer" element to their sound.  The use of synth is something that people are becoming used to in music lately, especially when it comes to mimicking that "poppy" 80s sound. There's a good mix of fast and slow pieces on the album as well, adding to that quality that we found in Cities. Overall, I have to say... nice job guys!

Koi No Yokan Cover

Last but certainly not least is our friends the Deftones.  These guys have been rocking in their own unique way for a really long time.  For those who follow the band, you already know that it's been a while since we've seen a new record from the boys.  Well it's coming, and coming soon.  In fact, the Deftones are currently our tour to promote their latest album, Koi No Yokan. The tracks that have been released so far are "Tempest" and "Leathers"...at least that I have heard.  The sound still has that classic "other worldly" etherial edge to it, but combines it with the sudden explosiveness we've all come to know and love from the Deftones.  This almost seems to throw back to their older records sound, which is okay in my book.

They will be playing a show at the Electric Factory on October 28th.  I know that's TOMORROW!  But at least you can get one last, really good, show in before hurricane Sandy wipes us all out. If you want to listen to some samples of the Deftones new record, you can visit their PureVolume page. 

*******MUSIC NEWS*******

On the heels of my last post, I found out some new information about Underoath.  I've already reported that they are breaking up after playing for 15 years together, but the new part is the album, Anthology 1999-2013 that will be released in November. For more information, click here.

This next piece of news might be older, but it still bears mentioning. Revolver Magazine reported that Josh Freese, the drummer from A Perfect Circle (APC) has quit the band. Freese has been drumming with APC for 13 years, but is quoted as saying he "has no plans of returning."  For more info on this, check out the article from Revolver.

Dave Grohl

And now for the sad news concerning the Foo Fighters....they are going on hiatus, but this does not mean that they are breaking up.  They are just taking a really long break.  Revolver posted a letter written by frontman, Dave Grohl, following his comment during a show saying, "I'm not sure when the Foo Fighters are going to play again." Check it out here.

So there you have it, folks.  Normally, I would tell you what to look forward to, but hurricane Sandy is about to hit the east coast, so I will be getting myself ready to hunker down and survive.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

I write this post with a somewhat heavy heart...

It came to my attention, sometime ago, that one my all-time favorite bands launched their farewell tour and will be releasing a new album.  That band is Thrice.

Thrice at the House of Blues

Thrice started way back in the late 1990s as a kind of heavier punk style band.  Personally, I didn't catch on to them until they released Artist In The Ambulance, their 3rd album.  Since that point, I have watched as this band transformed themselves time and again from an aggressive "rip-your-face-off" style to a more theological/etherial style that I came to fall in love with.  Vheissu was that transformational album in my opinion.  It had the right blend of aggression and etherial-ness that has trademarked Thrice's more recent music. In honor of that, I have been listening to Vheissu a lot lately.

Enough nostalgia... as stated above, Thrice will be releasing their last album, Anthology, on October 30th. The farewell tour is already underway. Be sure to visit thrice.net for all the details on the shows and album info.

This is not the last we will hear from Dustin Kensrue, however, he is talking about plans to release a worship album.  This would follow his folk project that he released 2-3 years ago.  I can't wait to hear the result.

Also on the breakup list is Underoath.  They have decided to hang things up, and will be releasing more information on a final tour sometime this week.

*******NEW MUSIC*******

Now that I've depressed everyone with the news above, allow me to make up for it with a little taste of things to come. 

Return to Life Cover

War Of Ages has released a new album entitled, Return to Life. For those who may not know much about the band, I would check them out.  They aren't the hardest thing I've ever heard, but certainly not light on the metal scale.  They have a nice blend of rock/metal that serves as a bridge between something like RED and something like Impending Doom.  My personal opinion and probably only downfall to the album was the need for more of a bottom end.  There are moments in the tracks that a nice bass blast would take it to the next level... but I was left hanging.

Self-Titled Cover

What didn't leave me hanging was the new stuff from Texas in July.  They are currently streaming their new self-titled album.  You can check that out here.  I like what I hear when it comes to the quality of music and aggression.  My one critique would come with the sonic profile of the album as a whole.  After listening to the whole thing, the songs all start to sound the same until track 6 or 7.  I've heard of bands having a signature sound, but that's taking it a little too far guys. 

*******UPCOMING NEWS*******

Coming up in future posts, I have interviews with local bands in the Philly area, as well as new stuff from As I Lay Dying and...wait for it..... THE DEFTONES!!!!  Stay tuned...

Back From The Dead!

Hello to what is left of the followers I had!

Where I was

I know I have been gone for 4 months, and I am deeply sorry. You may have thought that I fell off the face of the Earth...nope! I was just on the other side of it. I spent some time in Asia this summer doing a teaching gig, and with sketchy Internet connections, I didn't really get a chance to keep up.  I promise I will make it up you.

A lot happened while I was gone, and I've been working to get caught up with what's current in the music world right now.  Here's what I've found...

The Wedding

There is a metric ton of new albums and music coming this Fall!  The first of many releasing new records is The Wedding.  Their new album entitled No Direction is due out on the 25th of this month. After listening to a preview of the album, I can say that the signature sound that The Wedding put forth in Polarity still exists in the core of their music.  Added to this, is a slightly more edgy tone.  Harder, darker, and with traces of The Almost or House of Heroes in the mix, this album is a step in the right direction for The Wedding. The ballads are still classic in the sound they put forth.  Overall, the album shows that the band knows who they are, but aren't afraid to try new things as well. You can also check out the video for the title track here.

Also in this realm of rock/metal goodness are As I Lay Dying and Memphis May Fire both with new projects.  As I Lay Dying has released quite a few new videos and songs that are available through AP Music News.  Memphis May Fire already released Challenger back in June of this year, but they recently covered a Bruno Mars song called, "Grenade". The song will be featured on Pop Goes Punk vol. 5.  You can stream it here.

Challenger Album Cover

The list of artists with new music goes on and on... Unfortunately, I don't have the time to cover all of them, but I smiled when I saw that Ben Folds Five has released a new song! "Away When You Were Here" is available for anyone who has every appreciated Ben Folds unique stylings to listen to.  The link is on Alt Press.

*******CONCERT INFO!*******

Hatebreed LIVE!

If you are looking for something to do TONIGHT...

Hatebreed is playing at the Electric Factory in Philly!  The show starts at 7:30.  The line-up also includes Whitechapel, All Shall Perish, and Deez Nuts.  Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Electric Factory website!

*******COMING SOON!*******

Keep your eyes and ears open people... I've got news on Thrice's Farewell Tour, and two (2) new bands to the Philadelphia area that you may want to check out.  Stay tuned!......

The Dark Side of Oz...

The Wizard of Oz

Something happened to me about a month ago.  I have only recently been able to formulate this event into words... it was that mind-blowing.  You may have heard the rumors, or you may have done this yourself, but folks I am here to tell you that Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon synchronizes with The Wizard of Oz.  It's true...

I first heard about this phenomena from my friend and fellow blogger, Justin (who recently guested on this blog). I admit that I was completely skeptical.  I thought there was no way, without making a ton of really lenient excuses, that the two could ever work together.  I was wrong!!

In order for this to work, you have to start the album after the third (3rd) lion roar in the MGM opener.  Then, if you did it right, just sit back and watch.  Here are a few tips to know if you got it right:

You're in sync when the following happens:

Bicycle Entrance

• The bell section of the first track starts when the "witch" enters on her bicycle
• When Pink Floyd sings "balanced on the biggest wave" Dorothy is balancing on the fence post
• Dorothy falls at the Tin Man's feet when the heart beat sound starts the second time through the album
• "Money" plays while the cast gets spiffied up in Oz.

If you can't tell by the list, you are going to have to listen to the album more than once for this to work.  Like I said, I was skeptical the first time through, but the second and third time through Dark Side of the Moon was just enough to make my brain melt out of my ears.  This literally made me feel like I was on something, although I have never done any drugs in my life.  Every dance step was in time with the music. Almost every scene cut lined up with the timing of the songs, and of course the lyrics pretty much described what was happening on the screen if you allow some creativity.  For instance, while "Us and Them" is playing Dorothy is being introduced to the munchkins and sent off on the yellow brick road.

In total, the album plays 3 and a half; almost 4 times to finish the movie... but the fun doesn't end there!

Dorothy meets the Tin Man

If you happen to have a special edition copy of The Wizard of Oz, you are in luck, because the brain melting doesn't stop when the movie is over!  The "making of" special, hosted by Angela Lansbury, also (extremely strangely) syncs up with the album, if you continue to let it play through after the original movie.  If you have a DVD, make sure to pause the album so you don't miss out.  When Justin and I did this, we used a VHS copy.  By the end of the "making of" section both Justin and myself were on our knees with our heads in our hands wondering how this could be happening.  Justin had been through the movie experience before, but no one knew about the "after party" that was the special.  It was too much for our brains to take.

The Dark Side of the Moon cover

If you want to try this venture, good luck to you.  I will warn you all though, my mind stayed blown for 3 days after this.  Enjoy your trek in the "merry old land of Oz".

And Now... A Word From Our Sponsors

Well guys, sometimes you can't be everywhere, and other times you don't have the right words to say.  In this case, I don't have anything to say.  This post features a review of the recent Devil Wears Prada show at Croc Rock in Allentown, PA.  Ladies and gents... I give you Justin Tayvin

If you like his style you can find more of his thoughts on his own blog.  Click here.

What's happening my fellow rockers and metal heads and lovers of all things syncopated! I am bringing you the down-low straight from the mosh pit of the first show I have been to in a really long time! The lineup was stacked with Oh, Sleeper, Let Live, Every Time I Die all opening for The Devil Wears Prada.
Oh, Sleeper was first up and they never disappoint with their live show, the had a slight line up change since the last time I saw them with a new bassist and a new drummer. But these changes mad no difference in the technical soundness of Oh, Sleepers show. They shredded and did an awesome job of  getting the crowd fired up for the rest of the show, playing a few tracks from each album. Ending the set with one of their classic breakdowns, the stage was set for a high energy show.
Let Live was next up and though I am not a huge fan of their music, they did put on an emotionally charged performance. By this time the place was really starting to heat up, literally. The sweat was pouring off of the people on the floor and the pit was getting serious. Let Live's set ended with their frontman jumping off the stage grabbing the light rigging and proceeded to climb/walk on the crowd around the perimeter of the rigging all the way back to the stage. I must say it was awesome and we were all primed for Every Time I Die.
Now, I have always been a fan of ETID and have seen them live before. Their show is like one big wild, hardcore party. The place got nuts real fast as they opened up with their new single off of their newest album, which is a blistering track. They played all of their big hits and it was getting wild. I found myself in the pit raging hard and letting the music take over. It was UNBEARABLY HOT and I ended up ripping my shirt off during the song Werewolves and swinging it wildly around my head. Every one fully enjoyed the ETID set, it was relentless, with no stoppage in the action! Never a dull moment with ETID. Bodies flying, both members of the band and the crowd were body surfing and the crowd was moshing and singing with all they had! I was so friggin' hot in the venue but the greatest thing about Croc Rock is the fact that they have 2 huge garage type doors that open up to the outside to relieve the heat and let in fresh air and a loud cheer rose from the crowd as the doors rose.  I have to admit, I was pretty spent after their set and I knew I was going to have to find a second wind for TDWP.
And find a second wind I did. After what seemed to be way too long of a set change, TDWP came out and opened up their set with 3 straight songs from their latest album, Dead Throne. Strobes popping and lights flashing and their lighted upside-down triangle trinity symbol added to the atmosphere. I was totally recharged and ready to throw down. TDWP has matured so much since the first time I saw them at Purple Door, like, 5 years ago and they sounded great. They continued to batter us with heavy jams only to show mercy for a brief moment when their front man, Mike, grabbed a guitar to everyones surprise and they marched through an instrumental piece. After that it was on like Donkey Kong and things only got heavier as the set moved on. I thought they did an excellent job at diversifying the set with songs from almost all of their albums. At some point close to the end of the set a guy got knocked out cold as the ferocity of the pit reached its' highest levels. As TDWP finished up the crowd chanted and called for an encore. TDWP obliged and came back to play to more songs. The set wrapped up an everyone began to file out tired, sweaty, neck sore from head-banging and hoarse and we all had smiles on our faces.
For me this was the first hardcore show I have been to in a while and I couldn't have asked for a better way to get back in the scene. To sum it all up, totally awesome, brutal, and such a great display of the brotherhood of hard music and the young talented artist of todays hard music scene. I absolutely cannot wait for the next show, which might just be For Today and MyChildren MyBride...
Anyway, thanks for reading, a huge thanks to my boy Joe for letting me guest write for his blog.
Maybe I will see you in the Pit.
Live Free
~J

All shots used in this post were taken during the Devil Wears Prada set by Justin.

Metal Mania!!!

Ladies and gentlemen... I present to you, Metal!

In this post we have Christian Metal, American Metal, and even what some may call "pseudo-metal".  Okay, I may have made that last one up, but you will see what I mean shortly.

To start off, let's talk about Christian Metal, and by that I mean Impending Doom, and MyChildren MyBride, specifically.

Baptized in Filth album cover

Impending Doom has released a new album in the last few months.  I know this may not sound like a big deal to the average person, but for those who are fans of the band, or of hardcore metal in general, the release has been highly anticipated.  It has been two years since the band released their last full-length album entitled There Will Be Violence. The band has now released Baptized in Filth in March, and it is every bit of the face-melting, awesomeness that fans have come to expect from the guys.

Whereas I do appreciate the raw aggression that their music has, and the adrenaline-fueled need to destroy things as I listen to it, I also realize that the band is lyrically astounding.  You may be thinking "There are lyrics?"  Yes, yes there is!  In fact, they are quite deep, and extremely theological in nature.  These guys definitely know their Bible...and make it rock!

Speaking of bands that tear your throat out...MyChildren MyBride have been on a rampage since 2008's release of Unbreakable. The group tour's almost non-stop, and the release of their latest self-titled album already has them on the road.  In fact, they are coming to the Philly area on April 14.  The show will feature the band and guests For Today.  Pop Deflator's is working on covering the show, so keep an eye out, you may see one of us there.

What about the secular realm of Metal?  What's going on there?  I'm glad you asked (even though you really didn't).

Self-Titled Album Cover

Of Mice & Men also has a tantalizing offer your sonic pleasures.  The band released their current effort The Flood in 2011, but I just got the chance to listen to it recently.  I never admitted to being on top of things...get off me.

People who are familiar with the band already know that the band was founded by Austin Carlile, of Attack! Attack!  Thus, the band's sound remains in that vein of clean vocals and style, but add a punishing brutality to the sound-palette.

On to that "pseudo-metal: comment that I talked about.  I know I have spoken highly of Five Finger Death Punch in the past.  Unfortunately, I have to express how disappointed I am in the band's current single "I Remember Everything".  This song does not sound like 5FDP at all!  It sounds more like Nickelback, or early 90's Staind, where every song was about "daddy issues".

There are many more bands that I could talk about, but unfortunately I don't want to write that much, and I'm sure you are tired of reading by now.  So in that state of mind... be sure to check out Like Moths to Flames, Fit for A King, and Memphis May Fire.

Mediocrity vs. Greatness

Let me start this off by saying how incredibly sorry I am that I haven't posted anything in two months.  I apologize to my readers for making you wait for new material, but trust me when I say that I have tons!!  So much in fact, that I really can't cover it in one post.

So this post is going to cover the basics....

Two different album covers. Same great music.

My friend, and partner-in-crime, Ash Starkweather, of Pop Deflators, sent me a link to stream Less Than Jake's new EP entitled Seasons Greetings.  It's been about 4 years since anyone has heard anything recorded from these guys, and their last major-label album release is 2006 didn't strike me as their best effort, just being honest.  Seasons Greetings, for me anyway, is a return to the Less Than Jake that I know and love.

Readers of my blog know that I grew up on punk rock and ska style music.  That said, it's FANTASTIC to hear horns return to Less Than Jake's sound. Granted the return of the ska-styled sound came in 2008 with their return to indie labels and release of GNV FLA, but I missed out on that one. Most of the EP features the signature LTJ sound that fans have come to know and love. The tempo is up and very ska-like throughout a lot of the album.  However, the band is sure to leave room for a half-tempo chorus or two where it's needed. Welcome back boys, many happy returns!!

Check it out for yourself by clicking here.

So now it's time to have some good old-fashioned fun.  Let's take apart the band Halestorm, shall we?

Halestorm is what I would call a chick-rock version of Motley Crue... at first glance.  The first song I heard by the band, "Loves Bites (So Do I)", gave me this impression.  Unfortunately, the group didn't live up to the precedent they set with that song.  The rest of the what I heard on the band's website, www.halestormrocks.com, left me sad and expecting more.  There's a lot of slow melodic songs featured on the site, which seems to speak against the aggressive style set forth by the "Love Bites" song.  Honestly, "Love Bites" (in my opinion) in the only really good song the group has.

Halestorm

Again, let me say that I am generally a fan of chick-rock. I listen to Fireflight, Flyleaf, Evanescence, and similar bands of that sort.  So when I heard about Halestorm, I was optimistic, but sadly let down in the end.  Obviously, someone thinks better of them than I do, because the group is signed with Atlantic Records.

There's much more to come... Stay tuned (especially if you love Metal).