Bands That Should Return: Botch

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Through many heavy music circles there are certain bands that when they are brought up, people get really excited. Amongst a few friends of mine, when we are talking about heavy bands, Botch always seems to be brought up. Botch was one of those bands that were pioneers of what is commonly referred to as “mathcore,” due to their off time rhythms, and complex intricacies. Throughout their short but very influential career, Botch managed to release two very acclaimed albums, American Nervoso, and We Are The Romans, along with a few EP’s and splits. Their live shows are still notorious for being a bit of a free for all of aggression and intensity, just like fellow mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan, whom they have shared the stage with many times. Botch officially decided to break up the band in February 2002 and performed their final show on June 15, 2002 in their home of Seattle. Tensions were growing within the band amongst its members and the direction of how the band should go, thus leading to the break up. Over the years when asked vocalist Dave Verellen has said, “I’d be first in line to keep this goddamn band together.” Other members like guitarist Dave Knudsen, who would go on to form Minus The Bear, has said “I could totally see doing anything with any of those people that’s not Botch but something else that’s creative and fun… and maybe more aggressive.” Though in 2014 bassist Brian Cook, now of Russian Circles was quoted as saying that he would never reunite the band, but in another 2014 interview, he revealed that the other members of Botch felt like the band ended too early and that they had been urging him to stop saying the word “never” in regards to a possible reunion. So hopefully in the next year or so we can get a Botch reunion. With The Dillinger Escape Plan taking a lengthy hiatus after they finish touring on their new album Dissociation, Botch can come back and carry the flag for the style they helped to pioneer.

Band Members and Bands They Are In Now

Dave Verellen (Vocals)- Narrows
Dave Knudsen (Guitar)- Minus The Bear
Brian Cook (Bass)- Russian Circles, Sumac
Tim Lantona (Drums)- N/A

American Nervoso:

 

We Are The Romans:

Anticipated Albums: Korn- The Serenity Of Suffering

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As far back as their first album I’ve been a Korn fan. Over the years I’ve had mixed feelings about the albums they’ve released, being that they haven’t been that good. The last good “Album” they put out (in my opinion) was Issues. I always hoped that they would come back with a new album that lived up to how good their self titled debut and Issues were. Well I can happily say that it seems like Korn has really put in the work to release their first worthy album in a very long time. Based on the two songs they have released from the upcoming The Serenity Of Suffering, Korn is back!!!

A Different World (with Corey Taylor):

 

Insane:

 

Rotting In Vain:

Band Of The Week: Kolm

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The ability to mix genres is no easy task. There has to be an element of purity to it. Some bands can do it and Kolm is one of those. By mixing progressive rock, with ambient soundscapes, a bit of electronics, and some good old heavy riffs, Kolm has created a captivating sound. Not to mention they do this a three piece band, which brings its own merit. Their self titled EP stretches past the norm and leaves you wanting more. Next week Kolm will be sharing the stage with three other great bands, With Our Arms To The Sun, Socionic, and Mal. I would recommend not missing this show!

 

 

 

http://kolmband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Kolmband

Audioeclectica Podcast: Josh Of With Our Arms To The Sun

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I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Josh Breckinridge the vocalist/guitarist of With Our Arms To The Sun. We discuss their upcoming new album ORENDA and upcoming tour dates, music tastes, and have an all around fun conversation.

Enjoy!

-Brian

 

Podcast: Conversation With- Josh of With Our Arms To The Sun:

 

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Live Review: The Dillinger Escape Plan and Author & Punisher @ Constellation Room

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An eruption of beautiful chaos is how I saw The Dillinger Escape Plan last night. It had been almost ten years since I last saw them play live and they didn’t disappoint at all. This band has always been one of the most energetic, dangerous and violent bands I’ve seen, and last night was no different. On this run the band is playing small tiny rooms, thus making the intimacy factor very intense. I myself haven’t even been in a pit in many many years, but last night I felt compelled to go and let it all out on the floor for a couple songs. Dillinger unleashed a fury live, that most bands would be jealous of. They are unrelenting in their prowess and dedication to play like each show is their last show.

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Opening the show was Author and Punisher. This one man band is a sight to see live. Tristan Shone, a mechanical engineer by trade, custom designed and fabricated most of his “instruments.” His music is best described as industrial doom metal. The sheer intensity that Tristan emits during his shows is gripping. This was my second time seeing him live and his live shows and material keeps getting better. I’d love to see him add some visuals to add to the already intense music he plays. Author and Punisher was a great opener for what was about to come.

 

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Starting off the set with “Prancer” from One Of Us Is The Killer was one hell of a way to kick it off. Following that was their newest song “Limerent Death,” which the crowd seemed to know the words to and were really happy to hear. When Dillinger played “Panasonic Youth,” that’s when it all came out. From that point on there was no escaping the fury the band and crowd were putting out. Singer Greg Puciato and guitarist Ben Weinman were like madmen jumping and climbing around on stage without losing a beat, while the rest of the band held down the rhythm yet were destructive in their own way. Other songs that stood out from the set were “Room Full Of Eyes,” “Hero Of The Soviet Union,” “One Of Us Is The Killer,” “Happiness Is A Smile,” and “Farewell, Mona Lisa.” Closing out the night was “The Mullet Burden” and “Sunshine The Werewolf.” At the end of the “Sunshine” the band invited everyone up on stage to sing and jump around , which was quite something cool to see. Not to mention the guys in the band diving on top of those on stage to finish off the song.

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What a show this was. It was everything I wanted it to be. Sure, it would have been nice if they had played some songs off of Calculating Infinity, but I was more than satisfied with what they played. Their upcoming album Dissociation will be their last for a while so I expect much more violence and chaos at their shows as they continue on for the next year or so. Shows like this are what’s missing from a lot of rock and metal shows. The element of danger and recklessness, really bring the music to life. These guys might be older but they still play like they are in their 20’s and bring it each and every night. I for one will have to go see them at least one more time before their end comes. I highly recommend you all go too. Even if you aren’t into the music, this is something that every fan of heavy music needs to experience in their life.

 

Set List:

Prancer
Limerent Death
Milk Lizard
Panasonic Youth
Room Full Of Eyes
Hero Of The Soviet Union
Nothing’s Funny
One Of Us Is The Killer
Happiness Is A Smile
Good Neighbor
Farewell, Mona Lisa
When I Lost My Bet

Encore:

The Mullet Burden
Sunshine The Werewolf

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Interstelar- Resin

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I’m quite fond of the “Stoner Metal/Rock” genre. There is enough “heavy” in the music to go around, and there is the slowed down element as well that brings it all together. Bands like Black Sabbath and Down have it down to a science and their formula has been imitated for many years now. Some bands though bring out something more than just the sludgy slowed down metal. Interstelar, a band that has been a previous band of the week, just released a new album entitled Resin, that brings something more to the table. Their blend of Sabbath and Down branded rock is mixed very well with added inspiration from The Cult and Corrosion Of Conformity. Tracks like “siLO,” “Resin,” and “Behold,” really hone in on the stoner vibe. Then there is a song like “High Horse,” that adds soothing and sweet melody, along with a vibe that puts you at ease. Lyrically the songs are on a different plane all together. They range from the social climate of today to everyday things in life, and it’s done in a way thats not intrusive or off putting, that it takes away from the mood of the music. Interstelar know how to make this genre their own and expand upon it. I “highly” recommend you take a listen to this album and hear for yourself.

 

Interstelar- Resin:

 

https://www.facebook.com/interstelarLA

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

Top Ten Bands: G

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We continue the alphabet with the letter G. Again these are in no particular order. And I’m always looking to add to the list so feel free to leave suggestions!

 

1) Guns N Roses
2) Germs
3) Gojira
4) Green Day
5) Peter Gabriel
6) Genesis
7) Garbage
8) Godflesh
9) Marvin Gaye
10) David Gilmour

 

 

The Other Side: Zachary Kibbee

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The fun thing about writing this site is getting to hear so many different bands/artists. Every now and then something gets sent my way that really stands out to me. Over the years I’ve really been able to appreciate a good song no matter the genre. Recently Zachary Kibbee came to my attention. There is something interesting about this guy. His bluesy approach is quite captivating along with his voice. You can tell his influences which include The Black Keys and The Beatles, have set him on his way. You might have even heard some of his songs and you didn’t know.  His song “My Own Two Feet” was used in a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 commercial, and many of his other songs have been featured television shows and films including “Agents Of Shield,”  “Rake,”  “Benched,” and “The Drop.”  Zach’s newest album Songs From The Mud is bluesy with a bit of a rock edge to give it some grit. I would suggest Zach to anyone looking for some groovy blues rock. Zach is definitely on the right path.

 

See Right Through You:

 

Haunted:

 

Gone:

 

End Of Days:

 

Your Own Way:

 

https://www.facebook.com/zachary.kibbee

http://www.zacharykibbee.com/