Friday, March 02, 2012

Gig : Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg

Legendary punk rock icon, Marky Ramone (The Ramones), alongside Michael Graves (The Misfits) will be visiting the Philippine shores this coming April. The only downside of this show are the front acts, Slapshock and Sandwich? Lame.
 


"All the horror movies are real, real … real in my mind" - When We Were Angels 

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Review : Street Sweeper 'S/T' (7")


Straight out of Boston, MA, comes this raging five-piece hardcore band, Street Sweeper. This EP kicks off with a fast and heavy song entitled, Neighborhood Stomp (no, it has nothing to do with Murdario Stomp), which is about being out of line. Second track, White Hats, shows you how these boys deal with their lifeless and weak society. Check out the chorus of this song: "Because we're the sweepers of the truth, just believe that. We're taking over the streets and I'm a see to that." Place Of Fear, is a song about confronting the inner issues of life. Being honest and sincere with yourself is what the track Steppin Back is all about. Last song, Ten of Truths, discusses how to live life with no regrets. Artwork by Chris Morgado, who sings for The Wrong Side and who also did drawings for COA, Outbreak, The A-Team, Think I Care, and War Hungry. 7" vinyl comes on black and red coke bottle vinyl, I got black which is limited to 125 pieces. For fans of Backtrack, Guns Up!, and Mental.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Review : Stephen Kasner: Works 1993-2006 (Book)


From the dark brooding shadows of Cleveland, OH, Stephen Kasner was born. An innovative musician, amazing photographer, and of course, an outstanding artist. This book compiles all of his drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs from the early 90's up until 2006. His medium focuses on the sinister aspects of life and the grim ambient arts. Featuring testimonials from Douglas Max Utter, Dwid Van Hellion, Nick Bougas, and Shana Nys Dambrot.  Stephen Kasner also did album artworks for Himsa, Integrity, Lotus Eaters, Pale Creation, and Triac. Sadly, Stephen was recently diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Hope he gets well soon. If you are wondering what your  deepest, darkest nightmares will look like on canvas, then better get hold of this book.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Vault : Revolution On Canvas, Volume 1: Poetry From The Indie Music Scene


I bought this book from a used bookstore for twenty pesos/fifty cents. Edited and compiled by Rich Balling of RX Bandits fame, this book is a collection of poetry, prose, haiku, and short stories from the independent music scene. Inspirational writings from Joseph Karam (The Locust), Shane Told (Silverstein), Mike Burkett (NOFX), Russ Rankin (Good Riddance), Aaron Barret (Reel Big Fish), Tim Mcllrath (Rise Against), Joey Cape (Lagwagon), Jason Cruz (Strung Out), and a lot more. Foreword by H2O's Rusty Pistachio.

"Pop punk takes over
Music in cyclical sense 
Don't quit your day Job"
- Brandon Bondehagen (Christiansen)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Reviews : Sick Of It All 'Nonstop' (CD+DVD)


Legendary NYHC band, Sick Of It All, proves that they are still the toughest and the most dedicated band from Queens. To celebrate the band's twenty-fifth anniversary, they decided to re-record all their greatest and hardest hits like Injustice System!, Just Look Around, Pushed Too Far, Us Vs. Them and of course, one of the best hardcore intros ever, Clobberin' Time! The limited edition comes with a DVD documentary entitled 'The Story So Far' which originally came out on VHS during the first quarter of 2001 under Fat Wreck Chords. Lou, Pete, Craig and Armand gives you a brief introduction on how Sick Of It All came into fruition, they will take you to the places where they usually hangout, share their insights on the hardcore-punk community and how it affects their day to day lives. There are also some notable interviews with Zoli Teglas (Ignite), Lars Frederiksen (Rancid), former Sick Of It All roadies Toby Morse (H2O) and Tim Shaw (Ensign) regarding the band's pride and sincerity. Do yourself a favor, grab a copy of this CD/LP, put it in your player and start stompin', nonstop!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Review : Inner Dam 'Through Darkness, Broken Hearts and Open Veins' (CD)

 

During the last quarter of 2007, I was browsing Myspace and checking out different mid to late 90's hardcore/metalcore bands, when I landed on Inner Dam's page. What made me curious to check out this band is their apocalyptic and dark album covers/artworks. I listened to the first track in their Myspace playlist, which is 'The Last Seconds Of Forever'. While listening, I sent them a message to inquire if they still have some leftover stuff for sale. John messaged me back and told me that they are all out of Inner Dam stuff, damn! On the brighter side of things, John and I became good friends. He is also into fanzines, slasher movies and collecting action figures. One day I got an e-mail from him, telling me that Inner Dam's discography will see the light of day soon. I was stoked! It will be released under Self x True Records which is based in Moscow, Russia. Included in the discography are all their EPs and unreleased songs along with 7 cover songs from Unbroken, Chokehold, Undertow, Helmet, 108, Inside Out and Integrity which were recorded in 2010. I got my copy from John. Those who are not familiar with this band, they play metallic hardcore which tons of heavy riffs and unyielding breakdowns. Lyrics deal with condemnation, deceit, endless suffering, questioning faith, hate, and the immoralities of mankind. Now, give your Avenged Sevenfold CD a rest, and start listening to some real metallic hardcore that will leave you bruised and broken!  

Reviews : Les Doux 'Dialects' (CD)


Les Doux is a three-piece screamo band from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They've been around since 2009, and released their self-titled EP during the first quarter of 2010. 'Dialects' was released last December and contains four interconnected songs which is basically about the perspective of a person involved in 'the story of a son who abandoned his family and/or home'.  The story of the tracks in this EP kinda reminds me of 'The Prodigal Son'. From the opening guitar riff of the first song, 'Interrogative', you know that this band is precised in delivering their music. No frills, just pure emotional expressiveness. It was then followed by a slow yet heavy song entitled 'Declarative'. Third song, 'Exclamatory', has some upbeat guitar riffs and irregular drum patterns. 'Imperative', the last track, has to be my favorite. It has a good gang vocals during the middle part and it leaves you with a mellow down instrumental groove. The vocals remind me of Defeater and Modern Life Is War. If you like your music emotional and insightful, then you better check this out.

"You put this distance between us
And you abandoned your home
You must remember,
Don't ever forget
A fathers love
will last you through death.." - Imperative

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Profile : Chuck Hodi (Artist)

The dark artist.

 
The Mourning Ritual

 
ACEO - Dark Art

 
Vincent Price

 
Every day is a emotional struggle

 
Pope for the Dead

 The Addams Family

Contact him for prints, originals, dark art, artwork, and lowbrow art.