Month: April 2021

Band Of The Week: Holy Wars

A while back I wrote about the band Holy Wars. From the moment I heard the music, I knew it was 100% authentic. Now here we are in 2021, and Holy Wars is on the verge of releasing their first full length LP. For the past few years, singer Kat Leon and guitarist Nick Perez have been diligently working to craft new material that not only feels like a wild ride but, also is chock full of bombastic beats, hard charging riffs and vocals that are uncompromising. The first two singles off the upcoming album, “Little Godz” and “TV Dinner” have been taking the music world by storm. “TV Dinner” is quite an interesting track. Speaking about the song, Kat Leon said “TV Dinner’ is a fun, energetic punch to the face making you thrash around your bedroom while at the same time, spotlighting a societal meaning to the lyrics.” I’d say that is pretty spot on. And the accompanying video is quite a statement as well. If this is the direction Holy Wars is headed, there is no stopping the ferociousness. The fusion of dark pop, indie rock, punk, hard rock and even bits of hip hop make for one hell of an intriguing mix. Do yourself a favor and check out Holy Wars!!!


TV Dinner:

Little Godz:

Tainted Love (Cover):

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DEU7khtLw30%3Fstart%3D1

Memorable Live Performances: Nine Inch Nails at The Wiltern 2009
Nine Inch Nails @ the Wiltern in LA (9/10/09) | San Francisco Bay Area Concerts

Back in 2009, Nine Inch Nails announced a series of shows to sort of say goodbye for the time being. It was a very bittersweet thing to hear but, as a fan for many many many years, it made sense. Before the shows were announced, Nine Inch Nails spent the summer on the road with Jane’s Addiction (with all the original members). That was origianlly supposed to be the end but, seeing as Nine Inch Nails would be playing at different times and under the backdrop of a sunset many a times, it just didn’t feel quite right for that to be the end. Instead, a series of shows were announced in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to attend 3 of the 4 Los Angeles shows. The final one was at The Wiltern and what a show it was. Over 3 hours (yes, THREE HOURS) of nonstop Nine Inch Nails at it’s absolute finest. The setlist was utterly perfect and beyond emotional. Thankfully too, there were a group of fans in the audience that night filming it all and they put together one of the best live shows I’ve ever been to. Without giving anything away, I highly recommend you taking the time to watch/listen to this show!


Nine Inch Nails- Live At The Wiltern:

New Release: Quicksand- Inversion

The legendary Quicksand are back with their first taste of new music since 2017’s Interiors. Speaking on the new single “Inversion” singer/guitarist Walter Schreifels had this to say “The music to ‘Inversion’ was very squatter punk at first.” “To get something going vocally I started singing in an English Niel Nausea kind of vibe (Nausea are a peace/squatter punk band from the Lower East Side of Manhattan). The lyrics reflect the push and pull of being very connected through technology while at the same time being the most emotionally isolated group of humans to ever walk the planet and fun stuff like that.” After listening to the track a few times already today, I can tell you that this one packs a lot of energy and sounds like something you might find on their classic albums Slip and Manic Compression.


Quicksand- Inversion:

New Release: Gojira- Into The Storm
Image result for gojira fortitude

April 30th will be a great day as Gojira will be releasing their long awaited new album, Fortitude. Today though, Gojira released another new track, “Into The Storm.” According to singer/guitarist Joe Duplantier “This song is infused with the concept of civil disobedience. Acting accordingly with our deepest wisdom and standing for what is precious and good in this world. The only possible revolution is the one that blossoms from within us. Change will come from individuals. Laws are meant to be bent and shaped to our vital needs. LAWS WILL FOLLOW!” All I can say is that these 3 songs released so far, have me extremely pumped for this album!


Gojira- Into The Storm:


Gojira- Amazonia:

Gojira- Born For One Thing:

Anticipated Albums: Zao- The Crimson Corridor

The mighty ZAO are back with their first full length album in 5 years, The Crimson Corridor (out April 9, 2021). ZAO’s new 60-minute, 11-song opus ranks as the near-three-decade-old group’s longest record since 2004’s The Funeral Of God, offering themes surrounding the manifestation of depression, anxiety and anger. Musically speaking The Crimson Corridor is all about extremes. Throughout the album, there are plenty of the band’s signature crushing riffs and abrasive vocals as well as moments of quiet tension. It’s been many years since I’ve seen ZAO live but, I do remember them being one hell of a hard act to follow. This new album sure feels like they are going to be decimating stages in the very near future!

ZAO- Transitions:


ZAO- The Crimson Corridor:

Instrumental Songs: Nine Inch Nails- The Mark Has Been Made
Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile - Amazon.com Music

It is no secret that Nine Inch Nails is my favorite band. I’ve spent many many days, nights and years, delving deep into the catalog. When you take a real close listen to a lot of the songs and the order they were placed in on the albums, you really get to feel the vibe. For example, The Fragile (my all time favorite NIN album and favorite album EVER), on disc 2 (better known as the right disc), there is an instrumental song called “The Mark Has Been Made” that is a wonderful almost segue into the next song “Please.” This instrumental is a beast live too. Take a moment and let this one sink into your head!


Nine Inch Nails- The Mark Has Been Made:


Nine Inch Nails- The Mark Has Been Made (LIVE):

Title Tracks: Pantera- The Great Southern Trendkill
Pantera – The Great Southern Trendkill (2012, 180, Vinyl) - Discogs

I’m probably in a very small minority with what I’m about to say. To me, the best Pantera album is, The Great Southern Trendkill. This album emits a level of heavy that I think even surprised everyone involved in the making of it. I’ve always been very fond of the vocal production on this one too (courtesy of the masterful Sean Beavan working out of Trent Reznor’s studio in New Orleans). There’s something a bit more powerful and in your face about Philip’s delivery on this album. One thing is for certain, the first song on the album, the title track, “The Great Southern Trendkill” is one of the best title tracks. Everything about this song is badass. This is one of those title tracks that stands out amongst them all!


Pantera- The Great Southern Trendkill:

Memorable Live Performances: Alice In Chains at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996

Today is April 5, 2021. 19 years ago today, Layne Staley died. Though, it wouldn’t be for another 2 weeks until his body was found in his home. It’s still a very sad thought in my mind. I even remember being a senior in high school when I heard about it, and I was devastated. Thankfully though, we still have all the great music Layne created and was a part of. In remembrance of what a talent Layne was, let’s celebrate him by doing something a tad bittersweet. What you have here is the very last concert (I’m not counting the unplugged show) Alice In Chains played with Layne in 1996. This show in particular was when Alice was asked to open up for KISS. Also, this is a fun note, the picture at the top is me in front of Layne’s house (his was the very top floor). Enjoy this show!!


Alice In Chains: Live at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996:


Band Of The Week: Rollin’ Coffin

For well over 20 plus years now, I’ve been a fan of Tim Williams from Vision Of Disorder and Bloodsimple. I will never forget hearing VOD for the first time and being absolutely taken aback by the vocals I had just heard. It sounded like Jim Morrison was fronting a hardcore band and I loved it! So, naturally as I have done for many many years, I found myself at the record store buying up all the VOD albums that were out at the time. Then when VOD took a break, Bloodsimple was formed and that was awesome as well. And then after that VOD came back and it’s been a more than welcome comeback. Now though, Tim has branched out on his own and unleashed a side of himself that is a bit stripped down while still keeping the brutal honesty that fans of Tim have come to love over the years. Which now brings me to introducing you to Rollin’ Coffin and the first song released from this new project “Runaway.” Speaking on what the song means Tim said “‘Runaway‘ is all about breaking away from what you have known, good and bad. “To seek freedom without a sense of doubt or consequence. It’s about not being afraid to shed your skin and start again.” That sounds pretty damn good to me. The track was produced by Jon Markson who has worked with Drug Church. There is so much more to come from the project that Tim describes as “These songs are a stripped down version of myself, creatively, coming from an honest place. Sonically, I wanted to achieve a unique sound. A loose, almost dangerous, approach to a different chapter in my musical journey.” I personally can’t wait for more! 2021 is shaping up to be one hell of a good year for new music!

Rollin’ Coffin- Runaway:

The Other Side: Noumenah
Noumenah3000.jpg

Over the last few years electronic music has taken the world by storm. It’s in everything you hear these days pretty much. Through the flood of electronic artists, there are a few that have really done something interesting with it and expanded upon the sound. One such artist is Noumenah also known as Andrew John Napier. His music draws from an expansive and eclectic myriad of influences. On his debut album, Seet, the lush soundscapes feel like they belong as part of a score. The interesting part of Napier’s music on this album, these instrumental tracks feel completely immersive. There is a bit of a narrative to it all as you listen. The ebb and flow of the parts and rhythms make this album something more than just your average electronic album. Having depth in this genre can really take the music to new heights and Noumenah does that with the right elements.


Noumenah- Seer: