You don’t get much more iconic 90’s than the film True Romance, Christian Slater, Brad Pitt, Tony Scott (director), Quentin Tarantino (writer) etc. That’s just that the film part. One the music side adding in Soundgarden’s “Outshined” to the mix really ups the auntie!
There are many scenes in True Romance that are pretty iconic. There is one though that, during the editing process, using a temp track (a place holder until later music is picked during the editing process), has stood the test of time in all aspects. Brad Pitt’s character “Floyd” is the consummate stoner. The whole scene plays out in such a great way. Then you add in “Outshined,” especially the opening riff, it all really fits the vibe of the scene quite well.
True Romance- Brad Pitt “Floyd” with Soundgarden “Outshined” Scene:
The idea of finding a band name that encapsulates the music is never easy. Luckily for Richard Patrick of Filter and Photographer and There Is No Us vocalist, Jim Louvau, A Place To Kill was not taken, as that is quite the band name to debut their new band. There’s an eerie feeling that resonates through the post industrial sound. By delving into EDM and its many sub genres, A Place To Kill has found its kill room.
Each song found on their debut EP, blends crushing electronics that hit at fun nuances, trap beat rhythms, and unadulterated dual vocals that alternate between seething aggression and controlled chaos. These are songs designed to hit hard, provoke, and challenge the status where electronic music can go. The songs themselves from “The Killing Field” through “Something Inside Of Me” explore intriguing themes of the world of today and the future of tomorrow. Through the screams, melodic undercurrents and other urgent vocals, these themes are conveyed in a manner that calls you to attention. Songs like “Jet Engine,” “What Feels Right,” and “Drown In A Sea Of Sorrow,” carve their own niche into the lyrical themes that accentuate the heavy distorted synths, deep grooves, and eerie atmosphere that amplifies the direct unease.
The duo of Richard and Jim is quite seamless. You can hear in this that both have a great contrast of styles and influences that makes A Place To Kill not the run of the mill/generic electronic project. There’s a great deal of potential where this can go and I’m quite intrigued by the possibilities.
The end of the world is closer than ever and having a soundtrack to accompany that feels right. A Place To Kill have made an EP does just that. And live is going to be absolutely crushing and have the crowd screaming and dancing to usher it all in.
Here we are at episode 21 now for The Audioeclectica Podcast! What a fun episode this one is. Episode 21 is all about side projects. I love a good side project as it gets to explore other ideas and concepts that might not otherwise be a part of the main band. On this episode we talk about a multitude of projects like The Black Queen, Down, Puscifer, Chino from Deftones many projects, Mike Patton’s many projects, Mad Season, The Smile from Radiohead’s Thom and Jonny, and so many more! So find yourself your favorite place to stream and listen away! Let us know what your favorite side project is!
The Audioeclectica Podcast- Episode 21: Side Projects:
When you hear an album or a song that sonically catches your ear first, you know that what you’re hearing is meticulously crafted. The was exactly what happened the moment, I heard Monolord’s song “You Bastard,” the first single from their long awaited new album, Neverending. Across forty minutes and only eight songs, Monolord, has taken doom/stoner metal into higher ground that will make your speakers excited.
The thing with doom metal is that it can be drawn out and go nowhere. Thankfully, Neverending is not one of those album. Instead, Monolord, makes quite the engaging album. The focus and sequencing of this album is remarkable. From the way “Iodine” kicks off the album, you know you are in for something more. “You Bastard” feels like it’s straight out of the 1970’s, the way the fuzziness sounds and plays out. “Inside A Collider” is a trip of a song. Plus the placement of it makes for an interesting turn. Then it’s back to the heavy with “Crystal Bridge” which, also hits with a left turn that’s just so perfect. “Oozing Wound” is a killer song with a bass riff that would make Justin Chancellor of Tool stunned. “The Masque” and “Invisible” are a 70’s burner for sure. So much so, that such a trip back, it might make your pants into bell bottoms. Closing out the album is “It’s Neverending.” This just might be the bands heaviest song to date. There’s epic qualities to this song that feel like they are pulled from the depths of doom.
As great as the album is, the other star is the production by Sylvia Massy. The way this album sounds is a triumph. Especially in an age where technology is heavily relied upon, going back to the well, sounds oh so right. The dynamics of each instrument, note, vocal, and subtle nuances are divine. This is truly one of the best sounding albums of the year. Sylvia is known for her work on early albums by Tool and System Of Down. And here, it’s brilliantly done by a seasoned professional who truly knows and understands what albums and real sounds truly sound like.
Do yourself a favor and carve out about an hour to sit with Neverending and let it just transport you back to the 1970’s but in a 2026 way. Albums like this will become sonic standards for the future. Especially when making this kind of music.
The time for new Mastodon has arrived!! While this news is superb, it is a little bittersweet, as this will be the bands first album without the recently departed, Brent Hinds.
“Your Ghost Again” is a great welcome back for Mastodon. This song has the heaviness, psychedelia, and emotional energy that has become signature throughout their illustrious career. There’s a bit of a Once More Round The Sun vibe to this song and a tinge of Blood Mountain. Be sure to listen till the end, as it’s quite the treat!
When you ignite the future with the right bands, there is a good chance you can see where music is headed. For too long, modern heavy music has gotten too overproduced and frankly generic. Granted that sounds like a blanket statement, when there are bands out there that don’t fall into that trap. Instead what’s happening is a bands full of youngsters are providing a resurgence of a more raw and invigorating sound. There is one band in particular that has caught my attention for some time and has chosen the punk and hardcore route, XCOMM.
XCOMM have released their debut album, Time To Burn, and just like its title, that statement rings very true in a multitude of ways. Across eleven songs and thirty minutes, this unrelenting five piece band, rip through the gamut of the best of what hardcore punk is. While influences like Minor Threat, Black Flag and Bad Brains are the foundations of the genre and can certainly be heard here, Xcomm don’t rest on that. What you hear is part homage and the rest is pure and full of promise.
Kicking things off is “Reasons” a shotgun blast right out of the gate. This is just that start of the boiling tension that starts this album. Also the video for this song was directed by Dean Karr and perfectly executed that feeling. Check it out! Next is “Hot Pursuit/One and Nothing” a two for one song that shows that promise I mentioned earlier. Just listen. “Fake ID” is a fun barnburner of a track. And again, a fun video worth watching. “Borrowed Happiness” is a thrashy punk song that hits at the right melodic tinges. The title track “Time To Burn” is a to the point statement. “Pirates” continues the onslaught with guest vocals from Ghostmane. “Running Zeros” is a departure from the frantic frenzy. In fact this standout is song that shows another side of the band. There’s some great little subtle nods in this song as well towards those inspiring bands. “Relevance” returns to the punk sound with a snarl and crashing backdrop. “No Teeth” will definitely get circle pits going. It has that vibe right from the beat drop. “Purity” is eighty seconds of a a slamming good time. Closing out the album is “Negativity.” Don’t get that twisted though, this song packs a ton of optimism for what’s to come from XCOMM.
What Ross Robinson was able to get from XCOMM on Time To Burn is exquisite. The raw prowess of the production combined with ferocity of the songs really makes for a great listening experience. Having seen the band live, a good amount of their live energy is here in a way that only Ross can capture. Each band member has their own moments through that shows not just their musical abilities but, shows how each member plays a dynamic role in these songs.
XCOMM are without a doubt legit. They have the live show, songs and energy to make you a fan. Time To Burn is a great debut and one hell of a way to get your attention. There is a definite throwback element to this album too that, if you came of age at certain points, will remind you of that time in the best of ways. It’s worth noting too that for all the seriousness on this album, it’s also a fun record. And who can’t use a little fun in their life?!!
A Perfect Circle has returned with a brand new song called “Starless.” This new song kicks off their upcoming European/UK Tour, their first in eight years.
“Starless” is a track that is guitar driven through Billy Howerdel, with a vocal delivery by Maynard James Keenan, that takes many different shapes as Josh Freese’s drums propel the song through intriguing twists and turns. This song live is going to be one that truly hits.
Very much looking forward to more new music from A Perfect Circle! And this is a very welcome back!
Back in the early 2000s at the height of nu-metal there were a few bands that came out onto the scene only, these bands were more rock. Heavy rock to be exact. Quite a few of these bands got lumped into the nu-metal category unceremoniously. They were heavy rock bands that were more hard metal than anything else. Instead of having more to do with Korn or Deftones, there was one particular band of that era that has always had my ear. They went back to the roots and were inspired by bands like Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica with nice twists and turns into sludge, blues and a hint of psychedelic rock. That band is Systematic.
Systematic broke out in late 2000. The band gained critical attention when they were announced as one of the first signings to the label, The Music Company, which was Lars Ulrich of Metallica’s record label. The bands debut album, Somewhere In Between was released on May 22, 2001. The album was produced by Peter Collins (Queensryche, Rush, Alice Cooper) and mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Slayer, Helmet, Rage). That summer Systematic was a part of the second stage of Ozzfest. They also appeared on the HBO show, Reverb.
Somewhere In Between is a sonic assault of pure heavy rock. The songs are written and arranged in such a way that the dynamics swing with each chord and note change. Rhythmically, it’s driving and flowing. There’s a fun tension in the way the rhythm section tightens and loosens to accentuate the down-tuned guitars. And thought he guitars are down-tuned, there’s still a clarity that shines through. Then you add in the vocals. Never hurts to have a singer that can really sing! The way the lyrics are conveyed is a sweet bonus. And the songs! There’s not one ounce of filler on this record. From “Dopesick” all the way through “Thick Skin,” it’s unrelenting. Those two tracks along with “Beginning Of The End,” “Deep Colors Bleed,” “Glass Jaw,” and, my personal favorite, “Bedsores,” are great stand out tracks. The title track packs quite the gut punch or two.
Systematic’s second album, 2003’s Pleasure To Burn, went even more into the rock realm. This record saw a lineup change as well including Slayer drummer, Paul Bostaph joining. The band worked with producer Howard Benson on this album. Which provides a stark contrast between their debut and follow up. While Somewhere In Between was grittier and heavy, Pleasure To Burn, is the more alternative side to the band. There’s still big rock songs like “Not Like You,” “Pleasure To Burn” and “Infected.” The focus though is more on the slower mid tempo songs like “Where We Live And We Die,” “They Say (My Soul Was Lost),” and “Leaving Only Scars.” The band would go on to tour as part of the Jäegermeister Tour with Breaking Benjamin and Stereomud among other tours. Sadly though in 2004, the band announced they were disbanding.
The members went on to form other bands and projects. Most notably, singer/guitarist Tim Narducci started the bad Spiralarms with Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero and Stone Temple Pilots drummer Eric Kretz. I saw this lineup of the band in 2005/2006 and my what a band! Later lineups of the bad included Mark Hernandez and Chris Kontos. Bassist Johnny Chow, who was part of the Pleasure To Burn era, would join Stone Sour and Cavalera Conspiracy. Paul Bostaph went to play with Exodus and Testament before returning to Slayer. Original drummer Phillip Bailey most recently has played with (one of Audioeclectica’s favorites), Spirit In The Room.
2026 is the twenty fifth anniversary of the release of Somewhere In Between. It’s crazy to think I’ve been listening to it for that long. And yes, it’s been in steady rotation for me since I bought it in 2001. That record really is an underrated standout from the time. Especially during a time when there was a music identity crisis, Systematic knew exactly who they were and what they wanted to do. Most recently, Systematic’s original lineup of Tim Narducci, Adam Rupel, Phillip Bailey and Nick St. Denis have announced their return. Personally I’m very excited about this. It’s about time Systematic got their due as a great heavy rock band. I look forward to what’s to come! We need rock bands like this! No more over produced, generic, played out “rock.”
Jane’s Addiction was one of the most influential and volatile bands of all time. Their undeniable influence is still heard in bands today. The enigmatic foursome created music that was groundbreaking and genre defining. In a way alternative music wouldn’t be what it is without Jane’s Addiction.
The bands second album, Ritual De Lo Habitual is highly regarded as a masterpiece and a classic for many great reasons. While the album spawned two massive radio hits in “Stop” and “Been Caught Stealing,” it’s the albums deeper tracks that really solidified this as a groundbreaking album. In particular the song “Three Days.” The subject matter of the song deals greatly with addiction and the mortality of it, the music is what truly makes this song so special. Rather than rely on making a hard rock song, the band created an epic that is almost eleven minutes long. Surprisingly, “Three Days” was released as the second single from the album. The guitar work on this song by Dave Navarro reaches near stratospheric heights. The layers and textures Dave creates and plays with stretches the bounds of unpredictability and artistry. The guitar solo on “Three Days” is one of those that is as intriguing as it is intense. The mood and vibe it gives off matches perfectly with the lyrics and vocals. Then you add in the rhythm portion and it all clicks on levels untouched since. Dave Navarro is a pioneer of alternative rock guitar and rightfully so!
Throughout their time, the Ramones, were quite the prolific songwriters. In only a few short years, the band managed to write so many songs. Having four people in the band that had something to say be it musically or lyrical was quite profound.
By the time the Ramones hit their fourth album, they were tour de force. Their impact left an undeniable mark and impression on the kids and more. Their album Road To Ruin, was released in September of 1978. While it has gone on to become a fan favorite, and my favorite Ramones album, this record didn’t quite sell well. This was also the first album without Tommy Ramone, who was replaced by Marky Ramone. You can hear the difference in playing style between Tommy and Marky.
The first song on Road To Ruin is my all time favorite Ramones song, “I Just Want To Have Something To Do.” The song kicks off a truly great album. The mid tempo vibe the song has gives it a very different approach than being super fast. “I Just Want To Have Something To Do” is one of those songs that hits just right. There’s a frustration in the lyrics and Joey Ramone’s vocals deliver it with precision. There’s way the song is slower allows the listener to truly hear the subtle nuances that Johnny, Dee Dee and Marky play with. Johnny especially on guitar. His signature downstroke style of play shines through on this song in a great way.
Ramones are legendary for all the right reasons. Their album catalog is astoundingly good and full of great songs that have gone overlooked. Road To Ruin is a great example of a band experimenting with different styles all the while keeping their roots.
Now you have something to do by listening to “I Just Want To Have Something To Do.”
