In Flames, Samael, Seraphim Shock
So I finally found out why In Flames hasn't put out any new material and have basically sat stagnating upon the vile creation they call an album "Sense of Purpose." Jesper, the founding member, has been having personal problems and has left the band permanently. Apparently it's to pursue rehab of sorts. I'll be brutally straightforeward it is time for them to retire. It was arguably time to retire after "Come Clarity," which also wasn't a great album compared to Whoracle or Clayman, or even arguably Reroute to Remain. (I loved that album personally) Some bands get better with age. Some, like In Flames, should have quit while they were ahead. They were one of the founding bands of the "Gothenburg Swedish Metal" sound and to have fallen so far astray as they did is truly saddening. When one of the originator of a sound sells out it is just...bad. Good night In Flames, I will remember you fondly as I replay "Whoracle" and "Clayman." My favorite song will always be "Satellites and Astronauts" as it was so mindblowingly spiritual for me, and "Cloud Connected" an "Episode 666" will always give me an endorphin rush when I hear them.
Before I sink into a pit of depression over this fall of sorts...
Let's talk about a band who has gotten better with age: Samael. Have you ever heard a singer's voice sound so sexual, so unbelievably erotic? Can you tell I am infatuated? That is Vorph's voice in Samael. Now I'm not talking about their brand new material from "Above." I don't know why they decided to go all out black metal again after years of being industrial/goth/metal, and I really don't get why Vorph's voice is completely drowned out on the new album. But on "Eternal," "Passage," and parts of "Reign of Light" and "Solar Soul" his voice is just damn sexy. I encourage anyone and everyone to listen to "Further," "Moonskin," "Angel's Decay" and "The Cross." I also highly encourage getting one's hands on the Xytras Instrumental version of "Passage," it is beautiful music not just for metal fans. I know there are folks who love to harp on Samael for their use of a drum machine, and that they can never put out an album like "Ceremony of Opposites" but I disagree. They are uniquely talented and creative, who cares what instruments they do/don't use? As long as it sounds good! It is this kind of elitist snobbery that drives me bonkers, and don't want to hear it. It is 2010 for Pete's sake, the technology is out there I see no harm in using it, as long as it isn't abused and we are forced to listen to autotone in every song known to mankind.
Speaking of bands that evoke a certain naughty reaction, Seraphim Shock was supposed to come out with new material on Valentine's Day but their releases were pushed back. I was incredibly disappointed as all their music has been excellent and fun thus far. "White Trash Satan," "Welcome to Heaven," and "After Dark" are great songs, but I truly encourage listening to all of their music as it is all really creative and diverse. I would describe them as "Slutty Vegas Stripper Metal." Seraphim Shock sounds like sin and vice in a postapocalyptic world where nothing else matters. If you mixed up Type O Negative, Rob Zombie, and The Misfits with some techno this is what you get. I imagine sitting in a jet black 2010 V8 Camaro or Charger, playing this loud with all my windows down, and booking 90 down I78 in Jersey. Naughty Naughty Decadent Music. Fun.
Before I sink into a pit of depression over this fall of sorts...
Let's talk about a band who has gotten better with age: Samael. Have you ever heard a singer's voice sound so sexual, so unbelievably erotic? Can you tell I am infatuated? That is Vorph's voice in Samael. Now I'm not talking about their brand new material from "Above." I don't know why they decided to go all out black metal again after years of being industrial/goth/metal, and I really don't get why Vorph's voice is completely drowned out on the new album. But on "Eternal," "Passage," and parts of "Reign of Light" and "Solar Soul" his voice is just damn sexy. I encourage anyone and everyone to listen to "Further," "Moonskin," "Angel's Decay" and "The Cross." I also highly encourage getting one's hands on the Xytras Instrumental version of "Passage," it is beautiful music not just for metal fans. I know there are folks who love to harp on Samael for their use of a drum machine, and that they can never put out an album like "Ceremony of Opposites" but I disagree. They are uniquely talented and creative, who cares what instruments they do/don't use? As long as it sounds good! It is this kind of elitist snobbery that drives me bonkers, and don't want to hear it. It is 2010 for Pete's sake, the technology is out there I see no harm in using it, as long as it isn't abused and we are forced to listen to autotone in every song known to mankind.
Speaking of bands that evoke a certain naughty reaction, Seraphim Shock was supposed to come out with new material on Valentine's Day but their releases were pushed back. I was incredibly disappointed as all their music has been excellent and fun thus far. "White Trash Satan," "Welcome to Heaven," and "After Dark" are great songs, but I truly encourage listening to all of their music as it is all really creative and diverse. I would describe them as "Slutty Vegas Stripper Metal." Seraphim Shock sounds like sin and vice in a postapocalyptic world where nothing else matters. If you mixed up Type O Negative, Rob Zombie, and The Misfits with some techno this is what you get. I imagine sitting in a jet black 2010 V8 Camaro or Charger, playing this loud with all my windows down, and booking 90 down I78 in Jersey. Naughty Naughty Decadent Music. Fun.