In a couple weeks the band 10 Years will release their new album (How To Live) As Ghosts. This new album is shaping up to be quite a tremendous album for the band. Rather than self producing as they did on their previous two releases, they chose to work with Tennessee native and the very in demand Nick Raskulinecz. From the two songs released so far, “Novacaine” and “Burnout” you can tell there is a fire burning inside these guys again. The new album comes out October 27th!
When you look back at Alice In Chains’ discography, most people tend to look at Dirt and Jar Of Flies as the bands masterpieces. Facelift is often looked as a great album as well. Their self titled and final album with Layne is often overlooked. The album, most commonly referred to as “the tripod” album due to the three legged dog on the cover, is quite possibly one of the deepest and darkest albums the band has ever written.
This album is truly a remarkable record filled with all the things you know and love about Alice In Chains. In a way, it has a bit of a Jar Of Flies vibe to it with the way the acoustic layers are put in, as well as the signature heavy sound. Something else that I’ve always held in high regard about this album is that Layne wrote all the lyrics for the album minus three songs (“Grind,” “Heaven Beside You,” and “Over Now,” all of which Jerry sang lead on). Before this album was recorded, Layne spent his time working with Mike McCreedy on the Mad Season album.
I remember first hearing this album when it came out in 1995 and I was hooked, and that’s not just because “Again” was a rad song. There are so many great songs on this album that have truly become timeless classics like “Sludge Factory,” “Shame In You,” “Brush Away,” “Head Creeps,” “God Am,” and “Frogs.” Though Alice In Chains never toured on the record, probably due to Layne’s increased drug use, some of these songs were performed live during their Unplugged performance. My favorite of these songs done at that time has to be “Sludge Factory.” What a great song that is. I really wish the band would play more from this album live these days. Layne’s performances on these songs are absolutely remarkable. He’s always had a knack for creating great vocal melodies but on this album he really set a standard for how it should be done. Something else about this album that I’ve always loved is the way it flows. The themes of depression, isolation, drug use, anger and death are all found throughout but, the way the arrangement of the songs are on the album, really leaves a lasting impact the way all the emotions hit you.
I highly recommend you all taking some time and re-introduce yourself to this unsung masterpiece. Not only will it leave you with a sense of awe but, it will add another level of love for Alice In Chains.
Alice In Chains wasn’t the type of band that had many b-sides from their albums. The box set that came out, Music Box, was filled with two new songs, all the songs you know and love and demo versions of a lot of their songs (some of which were never properly recorded). On it as well were a few songs that were left over from the Facelift and Dirt era. The following are those songs that were written and recorded at that time.
I really don’t understand why this keeps happening. There seems to be a trend nowadays of taking a classic song and then a very unoriginal/uninspiring takes said song and absolutely ruins it. Recently, Avenged Sevenfold released a cover of the classic and very profound “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. I don’t even need to say anymore but, I have to say that this is probably one of the worst covers I’ve ever heard. Their version reminded be that Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit and Johnny Reznick from the Goo Goo Dolls did a really bad version of this song too.
So which one is worse?
Avenged Sevenfold- Wish You Were Here:
Fred Durst, Johnny Reznick, and Wes Borland- Wish You Were Here:
Here’s a good cover version… At least Scott Weiland can sing it properly.
There are a slew of bands in the underground that really seem to be getting the “passion” and “art” elements that are missing from mainstream music. When you are inspired rather than influenced it shows in the music that is created and the performances while on stage. A while back when I went to see Superjoint, there was a band that stole the show and left me really intrigued. That band was Child Bite. Their inspired blend of Faith No More, The Jesus Lizard, Black Flag and Mr. Bungle is unique and much needed in music today. Their most recent album Negative Noise is 12 songs full of unbridled art rock, alternative, and post punk. Child Bite are a band that when you see them live, it all makes sense. Child Bite packs a ferocious bite of enigmatic energy and ignites like a molotov cocktail. Do yourselves a favor and check out this band!
Zombieland was a really fun movie. I still watch it a lot when I want a good laugh with a side of violence. I’ll never forget seeing it in the theater and then the opening credits started rolling and Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” begins. What a great way to open the movie.
Remember how I said that 2016 was a great year for music? Well I still can’t take certain albums from last year out of rotation. Among all the great albums released, there is one that I’ve really dug from first listen. I’m talking about the album RESIN by Interstelar. The band’s ability to write such great songs really keeps you engrossed in listening. The way they are able to mix the stoner/doom genres with bits of classic rock and sludge is pure art. I’ve heard so many “stoner” bands over the years but, not many can even come close to how good Interstelar is.
Every song from beginning to end on Resin not only rocks but emits a vibe that puts you in a bit of a trance and lets you escape through the music. From the moment the chunky riffs in “sILO” starts, you know feel the groove. “Resin” is one of those epic songs that could be on the first Down album. “High Horse” is an absolute gem. It’s ballad-esque feel really showcases the bands songwriting ability. “Hold It” is a sharp rocker that would be perfect for a road trip mix. “Opposite Daze” is a bit of an experimental song but doesn’t stray far from the sound of the band. There is a definite influence of The Cult on this song. “Armada” is damn near mind blowing. Listening to the song there is a bit of a Tool vibe that really helps to guide along the sludge. “Behold” brings the album back around to the “ROCK” and it’s done with such grace. It’s the perfect flow of songs. Closing out the album is “Sequoia,” a more solemn song that has bits of a psychedelic feel the way the guitars come in and out.
Singer Jason Kothmann has a voice for the times and harks back to an era that is based on feeling. The guitar work by Kothmann and Gary Gladson is on par with that of the classic bands of the genre but also, they add a bit of a modern twist with their tone. The rhythm section of P. J. McMullan on drums and Joe Puccio on bass are so in the pocket it’s as though you are feeling each beat and pulse. Not only is Interstelar a great band of musicians but their album is one that needs to be in every music fans collection.
A while back I was starting to compile a list of the best end of album songs. During this process I noticed how big the list was and it got a bit overwhelming. So, I thought I’d make this a category instead, that way you all can truly enjoy all the great songs in small doses rather than be bombarded by them all.
For the first one, I present to you all the great end of album songs by The Doors. They were true masters of making an “album” and knew just the right way to end it too. Every one of their albums had a great closing song.
The Doors- The End (from The Doors):
The Doors- When The Music’s Over (from Strange Days):
The Doors- Five To One (from Waiting For The Sun):
The Doors- The Soft Parade (from The Soft Parade):
You know the saying “music can save lives?” Well, I truly believe that. There is a real sense of healing power through music no matter the genre. With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to The Mendenhall Experiment. Guitarist Brandon Mendenhall who has cerebral palsy, started to learn how to play guitar at age 19 as a way to work through his physical limitations. The band which originally formed in 2008, has seen its share of line up changes over the years but, in 2014 the line up was solidified with the additions of Nate Stockton (who is also deaf), Mike Lira, Bruce Lira, and Mario Valadez. The Mendenhall Experiment is more than just your run of the mill heavy rock band. Instead they use music to help change the perspective people have about those with disabilities and inspires hope to those that have one to overcome it. Through the years they have played shows and toured with the likes of Korn, Fear Factory, POD and more, leaving a lasting mark with those bands and their fans.
This past May, The Mendenhall Experiment released their self titled EP featuring 6 songs of heavy melodic rock. The EP also features a few guests like Korn’s James “Munky” Shaffer on the song “Prosthetic” and former Nine Inch Nails multi instrumentalist and producer Danny Lohner on “Find A Way Out.” If you are looking for sharp melodies and hooky guitar parts, then The Mendenhall Experiment is the band for you.
There is a new force to be reckoned with in the extreme music circles. Hailing from Sweden, God Mother is here to leave you with a severe case of whiplash and change your perception of heavy music. God Mother was founded in 2012 Michael Dahlström (drums), Daniel Noring (bass) and Jonatan Lindgren (guitar). When they formed the band, they sought to combine their influences form hardcore, metal, grindcore and sludge. Until the addition of Sebastian Campbell (vocals) in 2013, drummer Michael Dahlström was the bands vocalist. God Mother have released 2 EP’s and one full length album (so far), that are a very take no prisoners heavy approach to what they do. Most recently though, while The Dillinger Escape Plan was touring through Sweden, they handpicked God Mother to be their support band for those shows. Then when it came time for South By Southwest, Dillinger guitarist Ben Weinman invited the band to be a part of his Party Smasher showcase at the event.
Now, God Mother are gearing up to unleash the fury that is their upcoming album Vilseledd. I’ve had the opportunity to hear this album and it is absolutely crushing and heavy in all the right places. You can just tell from the couple songs they’ve released that God Mother are here and are taking over. Even Ben Weinman has said “God Mother is an undeniable force majeure that demands attention like bands did in the old days, by just being that f—king good. Torch, officially passed!”
So do yourselves a favor and check out God Mother and all they bring to the table. Your ears and your CD/Record/Digital collection will thank you!
