Back in 1993, Metallica released their live box set, Live Shit Binge & Purge. It was the bands first official live release and the contents of this set are truly something special. Besides the live audio CD’s/cassettes, there were 2 filmed shows in the box set as well. One from the LA Sports Arena in 1992 and another that has now become legendary from Seattle in 1989. The Seattle show in particular was from the bands Damaged Justice tour. This show is an absolute gem not only for the set list but for the unholy and ruthless approach the band had at the time. It’s all right there from the way the band played to their attitude. It’s truly one of those shows that if I had a time machine, I would most certainly go back and see. If you’ve never seen this, you are in for quite a treat. If you have, well, watch it again because it’s awesome!
Quicksand is one of those bands that has been a huge influence on a slew of bands whether you know it or not. Their first two albums, Slip and Manic Compression are quintessential albums that any rock or heavy music fan should listen to and have in their collection. Quicksand is one of the best bands to come out with the now described as “post-hardcore” sound. Recently, I went back through the Quicksand catalog and came to the realization that I can’t figure out what album I like best between Slip and Manic Compression. So, naturally, I thought why not bring it here and let you all help deceide what is the best album. So here we go.
Slip, the bands debut full length came out in 1993. This album features songs like “Fazer,” “Dine Alone,” “Lie and Wait,” “Omission,” “Transparent” and so many other great tracks. This album is what many bands often refer back to as one of those that really influenced and inspired them. The tones on this album along with the songwriting is absolutely astonishing. It’s no wonder that this album left a mark on so many people.
Manic Compression, is the second full length and came out in 1995. This would be the bands last album until 2017’s Interiors. This record features songs such as “Thorn In My Side,” (which was featured in Empire Records), “Delusional,” “Landmine Spring,” “East 3rd Street,” and “Supergenius.” To some, this album is the more influential album. I can see why as the production on this is quite better thanks to Wharton Tiers, who worked with Helmet, Sonic Youth and many others.
It’s a pretty difficult decision to pick one or the other but, If I really had to I’d probably go with Slip but, only by a smidge. Slip to me just has this more organic and raw approach that still has bits and pieces of where the members of the band came from before with their respective bands. Also, the songs just hit me harder than the ones on Manic. Perhaps too it’s because it was the first album I heard from them. I still remember seeing the videos back on MTV (oh how I miss when MTV played videos). Both are stunningly great albums and it all comes down to a matter of preference.
A few weeks ago I introduced you to the band In Parallel and their incredible new song “Leave It With The Ghost” off thier upcoming EP, Fashioner (Out September 4 via Wiretap Records). Now, they have just released another new track from their EP entitled “Deep Dark” and it’s really really damn good. It’s got this really cool 90’s alternative vibe mixed with a bit of U2 (The Unforgettable Fire era). Also, the pre-order is now up to purchase their EP Fashioner, which by the way was mixed by Ken Andrews of Failure, so you know it sounds extra good too! Definitely check out what In Parallel has to offer. This band is phenomenal.
I really love going back through albums at different points in time and connecting with songs that I might have not had that connection with at first. On Nine Inch Nails debut album Pretty Hate Machine, there is one song in particular that stood out on my most recent listen. “That’s What I Get” is that song and the more I listen to it now, I hear so many different things in it. This song has an interesting history too. The song was not originally intended to the be on the album, but was rather meant for b-side material, due to not fitting in lyrically with the rest of the songs. Which makes total sense. This track also harks back to “Down In It” based on the use of the same recognizable melodic synth voice. Also, it sort of feels like a precursor to some of the songs on The Fragile in a strange way. When you listen to it and hone in on the verses musically along with the “hammer” synth bassline, there is some of that on songs like “The Mark Has Been Made,” “The Way Out Is Through.” Either way, this song is a great deep cut in the Nine Inch Nails catalog to sink your teeth into.
Many years ago, the mighty Cave In did something daring and courageous. They took on one of the greatest bands of all time and put their spin on one of their best songs. That band would be Led Zeppelin and the song was “Dazed and Confused.” Seeing as though Cave In is the type of band that is willing to take a chance and expand upon what they’ve done, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they would tackle such a song. Just listen to their opus that is Jupiter (which by the way just turned 20 years old this year). Not only did they pull it off in a great way, they even went as far as opening their sets with their version of it a few times in the early 00’s. If you are a lucky one out there that owns their Anomalies Volume 3, you get the almost 11 minute long version of it. This is just the 6 minute live version but, it’s worth every second you listen.
Cave In- Dazed and Confused (Live at Marquee Theatre 2003):
And just because it’s awesome, listen to Jupiter while you’re at it!
Back in 1996 when the Ramones were performing their final concert, it was recorded for posterity. The show featured several special guests, including former band member Dee Dee Ramone, as well as members of bands who were influenced by the Ramones such as Lemmy from Motörhead, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen of Rancid, and Chris Cornell and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden. During this time, was at the height of the Punk Rock resurgence of the 90’s. This show took place at the Palace in Los Angeles, now known as the Avalon. Of all the collaborations that evening, the one with Rancid is my favorite. Check it out!
Melodic hardcore is one of my favorite sub-genres of heavy music. There’s something about mixing the grittiness and heavy riffs with a melodic tinge that really is catching. That being said, I’d like to introduce you to Be Well, a new band with roots that extend far back and then some. Be Well have come out of the gates with a blend of melodic hardcore and post-hardcore to deliver a very emotionally charged sound. The band is made up of a who’s who of familiar faces, on vocals, Brian McTernan (Battery and renowned producer/engineer), Peter Tsouras (Guitar) and Shane Johnson (Drums) from Fairweather, Mike Schleibaum (guitar) of Darkest Hour, and Aaron Dalbec (Bass) of Bane and formerly of Converge. Be Well’s lyrics are extremely personal, relentless and deep courtesy of Brian McTernan chronicling his struggles with depression, fatherhood, loss and then some. There is a sense of hope to it all in the end though. The bands debut album, The Weight And The Cost, arrives on August 21 (via Equal Vision Records) and so far based on the songs released, this album is sure to be a banger. Hopefully too, once all this madness in the world subsides, we can all catch Be Well live get to see these songs really come to life.
Spoiler Alert!!! DEADSY IS BACK!!! A few weeks ago, Deadsy announced their return and those of us who are fans, couldn’t be happier. Via their instagram back in mid July, the band announced not only their return but, also that they will be releasing a new album entitled Subterfugue, their first in 14 years. A new single/video is due out in late fall of this year.
Deadsy is a very interesting band. They got lumped into the whole “nu-metal” scene but they were far from that. If anything they are just electro-rock. The origins of the band date back to 1995. Elijah Blue Allman and Alec Puro started off writing songs and recordings demos and sought a record deal not long after. Then in 1996, Sire Records would make that a reality, signing the band. The band recorded their self titled debut album but, it wasn’t necessarily released. It’s a very rare release these days if you can find it. Not long after, the band began writing for their next album, Commencement. Only a few songs were written for the album at that time, as the band had planned to re-release most tracks from the self-titled album. Not long after, due to record label business, Deadsy would dropped from their label becoming free agents. While the band would be searching for a new label. the group also welcomed new members into the fold. Not long after, Jonathan Davis of Korn (a longtime friend of the band) signed Deadsy to his Elementree Records label. The band would go on to perform on the 2001 Family Values tour with Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park, Staind and Static-X. Their album Commencement would be released in 2002 with the first single being “The Key To Gramercy Park.” Sadly though, the album and single didn’t reach the heights that it should have and soon after, the Elementree label folded and left Deadsy looking for a new label home yet again. The band did continue to tour and work on new music. Then in 2006, their new album Phantasmagore was released via Immortal Records. Deadsy was invited to join the 2006 Family Values tour with Korn and Deftones. They would go on to be the support act for another Deftones run later that year as well. Phantasmagore saw the band delving more into an alternative/industrial vibe while still keeping their pseudo goth/electronic aesthetic going. Over the years, I personally, have really come to enjoy this album. Then in 2007, it was announced that Deadsy was going to take a break. That break would go on to last until 2018. In the years between, Elijah Blue Allman would work on a solo record, which to this date has yet to be released but, a few demo tracks are floating around online, and they are really good songs. The other members of the band would go on to form other bands or join others like Orgy and The Dreaming. Then in 2018, Deadsy would reunite to perform a semi-acoustic set alongside Queens Of The Stone Age at San Quentin Prison in California. And now, here in 2020, Deadsy are back!!!
As I mentioned, Deadsy were unfairly lumped into the wrong scene and the label issues really put a damper on what this band could have done. Their albums are pretty stellar and full of really great songs. The bands live show too was one to watch. It was quite a visceral performance to watch. Deadsy had a very interesting musical style too courtesy of Allman’s vocal style and lyrical approach, as well as the guitar playing, the energy of the drums and synth layers provided by Carlton Bost, Alec Puro, and Renn Hawkey. Having Deadsy back in this day and age is a great thing. Through the years, I’ve noticed a lot of people starting to discover the band or them coming up in conversation. So it’s nice to know that people have really taken the time to realize how good they were and are. I really look forward to what Deadsy has in store for us all.
Today, Gojira released a new song, “Another World.” No other information was given only that this is a stand alone single. The band is still working on the follow up to 2016’s, Magma. I for one, am stoked on anything new Gojira puts out. They are one of the best bands out today. And their live shows, well those are simply amazing! Check out the video for “Another World” which was directed by Maxime Tiberghien & Sylvain Favre.
Bon Jovi was the first band I was ever a huge fan of. Ever since I was three years old, I’ve been a fan. My first concert ever was Bon Jovi back in 1989 (I was almost 5 at the time) when they were touring for their New Jersey album. Skid Row (yes, that Skid Row) was the opening band on that tour. One day I will write a whole elaborate piece about that show. Anyways, this morning while I was getting ready, “Wanted Dead or Alive” popped in my head but it was a particular version. Back in 1989, on the MTV Video Music Awards, Jon and Richie, took the stage, just the two of them with acoustic guitars and performed “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” That performance would go on to live in infamy. Not only for how amazing it was but, because it was the inspiration for the MTV Unplugged series. So, here we are now, over 30 years since that performance, and it’s still one of the most memorable ones I’ve ever seen.
Bon Jovi- Livin’ On A Prayer/Wanted Dead Or Alive (1989 MTV Video Music Awards):
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AUDIOECLECTICA 