It's not easy to wander about this little world and think about the experiences and people you've had the memorable experiences with.
More often, these people have come and gone - few remain to become an important part of your life, your circle of friends, no matter how big or small.
When you've come to a point where it seems like it was time to let another dry leaf descend from the tree, you let it fall, not thinking too much about it other than that it is simply another leaf.
Is it important to let these leaves fall? Or should you nuture the tree, keeping it in good health, to make the leaves stronger, longer lasting?
Should I finally let go and resign, thinking my judgment was right? Or should I accept the olive branch, let go of my anger instead, risking blaming myself yet again?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Experimental rock is NOT extreme music.
There are people who give metal a bad rep or pigeonhole it, but love to proclaim how "out there" or apparently "extreme" the bands they like are simply because they use electronics or guitar to create noise.
Please, f**k off. These people have no concept of extremism in music. Extremism in music embodies not only the music, but the philosophy as well. Don't tell me that Deathspell Omega's amazingly dark music combined with their deeply researched lyrics is tame in comparison to Sigur Ros.
In my opinion, and as a generalised statement, I strongly feel that metal is the only true haven for music extremity today. Outside of it is experimentation, but not extremism. Rule-bending, not rule-defying.
No way.
Please, f**k off. These people have no concept of extremism in music. Extremism in music embodies not only the music, but the philosophy as well. Don't tell me that Deathspell Omega's amazingly dark music combined with their deeply researched lyrics is tame in comparison to Sigur Ros.
In my opinion, and as a generalised statement, I strongly feel that metal is the only true haven for music extremity today. Outside of it is experimentation, but not extremism. Rule-bending, not rule-defying.
No way.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Festival of the Dead 2006: Recap
On Saturday November 4th, two weeks after Megadeth, was the first Festival Of The Dead.
Boasting NeObliviscaris (VIC), Lord (NSW) and headliners Nevermore (US) among others, this was to be a major event on the Sydney metal circuit, going over two nights. The dates had some people pretty upset as one of the shows clashed with Metal For The Brain in Canberra. As a result, some forumers went to that event instead. Still, the turnout for FOTD was a good one.
My main reasons to attend FOTD were for Nevermore, to cheer on for Lord, and also to finally see for the first time, NeObliviscaris, with whose violinist I've had a few short chats online with regarding Early Music styles. The plan was to spend time with him (Atheny) and shoot some photos perhaps from even the stage.
On the morning of FOTD, Tompeth posted an urgent thread on the UM Lord forum: NeObliviscaris had been forced to cancel FOTD at the last minute due to time restrictions imposed by the Gaelic Club. This had myself among others EXTREMELY angry at this unfortunate change in events, including Tompeth, Ikil and NeObliviscaris themselves.
I found myself quickly losing enthusiasm to go, but eventually, I decided there was a higher purpose: to see Sash, deathgate and Pipsqeek again (with whom I was overdue for a good chat with). Gigantour had left me on a social high I've not had for some years, I wanted that to continue with FOTD with these great people.
I arrived at the pub down the road from the Gaelic late and as I approached I saw the waving arms of deathgate through the window. "You're two hours late!" was actually heartwarming, knowing that some people were looking forward to getting together again was a great indicator for the night.
So here I bumped into pipsqeek, deathgate, Sash and his sister, Sash's friend Ben (complete with his mighty Death t-shirt), mightyravendark, Emmz, her best friend Megan, and a few others.
Not being used to hanging out in groups anymore (let alone people in general it seems!) I felt a little nervous, so a couple of beers later I felt more relaxed and ended up having a great opening chat with pipsqeek (either that or I just kept waffling on).
pipsqeek didn't have a ticket, and given he'd been insistent on wanting to catch up at this event (and I'd also hassled him to make sure he came), I didn't want the chance of him not being able to get in given how far he'd travelled, so I pushed for us all to line up so we could make sure he'd be with us.
Eventually, the doors opened and we got pipsqeek in. Wandering in I started to think about food (coupled with the fact that I had already had 2 drinks and I don't really drink anymore, food was a safe idea). pipsqeek myself, Ben and mightyravendark and Sash (who joined us as dinner started - funny that!) ended up scoffing down a wonderful $5 fish and chips meal at the pub as a result, and through this informal dinner I realised that pipsqeek and sash are possibly two of the most interesting people I have met in some time. Not only that, but Sash can eat faster than than you can find porn on BitTorrent!
The conversation had turned somewhat deeper and away from music, rather more towards life and experiences. It was refreshing to finally meet other metalheads not only in my own age range, but also of various ethnic backgrounds too (it became very apparent later in the night that a whole bunch of us were immigrants or wogs, and funnily enough our group was probably the woggiest!) As the night went on, various points about families and cultures came up. I loved this strange aspect being present at a metal gig, it was comforting. Most importantly, I realised that I had bumped into and possibly well befriended some really lovely people, and this drove my energy for the rest of the night.
As a result less of the night involved watching the bands (excluding Lord and Nevermore) as it did chatting, drinking and hanging out. I loosened up and found myself feeling like I was making friends for the first time in years (I had wished that Alex had been here too). It felt unusual given I've been hibernating for so long, but I felt proud of myself for pushing myself to do this.
Around this time, I got to spend some time with Ikil, who among the younger metalheads I've come to know, has a really mature outlook and interesting views. The poor guy was exhausted - having a stressful job, combined with having gone to Canberra to see NeObliviscaris and come back to Sydney in time for FOTD. It was great to see him once again, albeit he could barely keep his eyes open and stand up. Still, we managed to keep chatting about why Black Metal simply just f**king rules!
The Lord show was excellent - we all paused for this one! Lord Tim and company had a great time and the crowd loved every second of them (I think more responsive to them than to Nevermore), waving their hands about, singing at the top of their voices and bouncing a giant beach ball around the crowd. I managed to get some nice photos of their show, as well as some even better video footage (stills directly below).
Outside it had started to rain harder, but we continued to hang out out there until Nevermore came on.
The response for Nevermore was also fantastic, but the show was marred by excruciatingly loud volume. I have never heard a show so loud - a number of people went outside because it was too much to deal with, even people with earplugs weren't coping. By the time Nevermore were halfway through their set and having filmed some of it, I decided to simply stay outside, it was just too much, my ears were killing me! (I think I will take up pipsqeek's idea of custom made earplugs after all.)
Outside I found pipsqeek, Sash and deathgate (who had been quiet for ages given she was quite smashed the poor lass... she had a permanent smile on her face though!) talking to some guy who had some of the funniest and outrageous comments I had ever heard about... everything. From music, to band members to people on Cityrail trains we all laughed minute after minute.
I wish I could remember the jokes, but Sash and this guy (who somehow traded his Dimmu longsleeve for mightravendark's Immortal one) constantly told muso jokes about guitarists and drummers. I can't recall the last time I laughed this hard - my stomach and throat were sore the next day!
By now FOTD had ended and people were filing out into the rain. I was exhausted... not used to drinking so long and being up so late, I was ready to go home... but before I knew it, Sash was dragging me up the road to the pub where half of the gang already were seated and digging into food. I can't remember how, but a small heated political discussion with Sash and Ben took place. This was really refreshing and proved that I had finally found some people that I could chat to other than how pissed they were (trait of the younger kids) or how much money they have and how cool they are (trait of everyone who lives in Bondi).
Eventually I reached my limit: I wanted to get get home and sleep so I reluctantly signed off leaving the rest of the gang inside chatting away (and apparently there until around 5am that morning!).
Festival of the Dead was a great event (but not musically in my opinion - I can only take so much cheese in a single lifetime as this ended up being a Power Metal event). But as a social event, FOTD served a great purpose. I feel like I made some really great new friends, and I hope I get to see them again soon.
When I got home I sat in bed for a while looking at all the great photos and footage I got. It was strange to wake up the next day at around 11am, feeling dry from alcohol but also with a sore throat from chatting so much. I couldn't get the grin off my face for a while :)
Boasting NeObliviscaris (VIC), Lord (NSW) and headliners Nevermore (US) among others, this was to be a major event on the Sydney metal circuit, going over two nights. The dates had some people pretty upset as one of the shows clashed with Metal For The Brain in Canberra. As a result, some forumers went to that event instead. Still, the turnout for FOTD was a good one.
My main reasons to attend FOTD were for Nevermore, to cheer on for Lord, and also to finally see for the first time, NeObliviscaris, with whose violinist I've had a few short chats online with regarding Early Music styles. The plan was to spend time with him (Atheny) and shoot some photos perhaps from even the stage.
On the morning of FOTD, Tompeth posted an urgent thread on the UM Lord forum: NeObliviscaris had been forced to cancel FOTD at the last minute due to time restrictions imposed by the Gaelic Club. This had myself among others EXTREMELY angry at this unfortunate change in events, including Tompeth, Ikil and NeObliviscaris themselves.
I found myself quickly losing enthusiasm to go, but eventually, I decided there was a higher purpose: to see Sash, deathgate and Pipsqeek again (with whom I was overdue for a good chat with). Gigantour had left me on a social high I've not had for some years, I wanted that to continue with FOTD with these great people.
I arrived at the pub down the road from the Gaelic late and as I approached I saw the waving arms of deathgate through the window. "You're two hours late!" was actually heartwarming, knowing that some people were looking forward to getting together again was a great indicator for the night.
So here I bumped into pipsqeek, deathgate, Sash and his sister, Sash's friend Ben (complete with his mighty Death t-shirt), mightyravendark, Emmz, her best friend Megan, and a few others.
Not being used to hanging out in groups anymore (let alone people in general it seems!) I felt a little nervous, so a couple of beers later I felt more relaxed and ended up having a great opening chat with pipsqeek (either that or I just kept waffling on).
pipsqeek didn't have a ticket, and given he'd been insistent on wanting to catch up at this event (and I'd also hassled him to make sure he came), I didn't want the chance of him not being able to get in given how far he'd travelled, so I pushed for us all to line up so we could make sure he'd be with us.
Eventually, the doors opened and we got pipsqeek in. Wandering in I started to think about food (coupled with the fact that I had already had 2 drinks and I don't really drink anymore, food was a safe idea). pipsqeek myself, Ben and mightyravendark and Sash (who joined us as dinner started - funny that!) ended up scoffing down a wonderful $5 fish and chips meal at the pub as a result, and through this informal dinner I realised that pipsqeek and sash are possibly two of the most interesting people I have met in some time. Not only that, but Sash can eat faster than than you can find porn on BitTorrent!
The conversation had turned somewhat deeper and away from music, rather more towards life and experiences. It was refreshing to finally meet other metalheads not only in my own age range, but also of various ethnic backgrounds too (it became very apparent later in the night that a whole bunch of us were immigrants or wogs, and funnily enough our group was probably the woggiest!) As the night went on, various points about families and cultures came up. I loved this strange aspect being present at a metal gig, it was comforting. Most importantly, I realised that I had bumped into and possibly well befriended some really lovely people, and this drove my energy for the rest of the night.
As a result less of the night involved watching the bands (excluding Lord and Nevermore) as it did chatting, drinking and hanging out. I loosened up and found myself feeling like I was making friends for the first time in years (I had wished that Alex had been here too). It felt unusual given I've been hibernating for so long, but I felt proud of myself for pushing myself to do this.
Around this time, I got to spend some time with Ikil, who among the younger metalheads I've come to know, has a really mature outlook and interesting views. The poor guy was exhausted - having a stressful job, combined with having gone to Canberra to see NeObliviscaris and come back to Sydney in time for FOTD. It was great to see him once again, albeit he could barely keep his eyes open and stand up. Still, we managed to keep chatting about why Black Metal simply just f**king rules!
The Lord show was excellent - we all paused for this one! Lord Tim and company had a great time and the crowd loved every second of them (I think more responsive to them than to Nevermore), waving their hands about, singing at the top of their voices and bouncing a giant beach ball around the crowd. I managed to get some nice photos of their show, as well as some even better video footage (stills directly below).
Outside it had started to rain harder, but we continued to hang out out there until Nevermore came on.
The response for Nevermore was also fantastic, but the show was marred by excruciatingly loud volume. I have never heard a show so loud - a number of people went outside because it was too much to deal with, even people with earplugs weren't coping. By the time Nevermore were halfway through their set and having filmed some of it, I decided to simply stay outside, it was just too much, my ears were killing me! (I think I will take up pipsqeek's idea of custom made earplugs after all.)
Outside I found pipsqeek, Sash and deathgate (who had been quiet for ages given she was quite smashed the poor lass... she had a permanent smile on her face though!) talking to some guy who had some of the funniest and outrageous comments I had ever heard about... everything. From music, to band members to people on Cityrail trains we all laughed minute after minute.
I wish I could remember the jokes, but Sash and this guy (who somehow traded his Dimmu longsleeve for mightravendark's Immortal one) constantly told muso jokes about guitarists and drummers. I can't recall the last time I laughed this hard - my stomach and throat were sore the next day!
By now FOTD had ended and people were filing out into the rain. I was exhausted... not used to drinking so long and being up so late, I was ready to go home... but before I knew it, Sash was dragging me up the road to the pub where half of the gang already were seated and digging into food. I can't remember how, but a small heated political discussion with Sash and Ben took place. This was really refreshing and proved that I had finally found some people that I could chat to other than how pissed they were (trait of the younger kids) or how much money they have and how cool they are (trait of everyone who lives in Bondi).
Eventually I reached my limit: I wanted to get get home and sleep so I reluctantly signed off leaving the rest of the gang inside chatting away (and apparently there until around 5am that morning!).
Festival of the Dead was a great event (but not musically in my opinion - I can only take so much cheese in a single lifetime as this ended up being a Power Metal event). But as a social event, FOTD served a great purpose. I feel like I made some really great new friends, and I hope I get to see them again soon.
When I got home I sat in bed for a while looking at all the great photos and footage I got. It was strange to wake up the next day at around 11am, feeling dry from alcohol but also with a sore throat from chatting so much. I couldn't get the grin off my face for a while :)
Gigantour 2006: Recap
On Sunday October 22nd, I finally saw a band I have been waiting for since 1988. Along with Iron Maiden, Megadeth stands among the highest quality metal ever.
As a metal fan, I wanted to achieve to two major things: to see Iron Maiden live (did this in 1992), and to see Megadeth live (Sunday 3 weeks ago).
Fox Studios was packed with so many metalheads that the place was almost devoid of any person wearing a colour other than black. All kinds of metalheads standing proud in band shirts, chatting about metal , drinking with friends or making new friends.
I found Tompeth in the line at the Hordern. We chatted Black Metal for a bit, and then I moved over the to the pub across the road to meet up with Stormster and his gang. I was a bit nervous, having lost the knack of meeting so many new people at once. Things settled quickly, and Stormster, his friends and I got chatting quickly. As we were leaving the pub we bumped into some members of Lord and more forum members, and my barrage of photographs began.
This first photo I took alone captured a great spirit of everyone's excitement for Gigantour: I gathered everyone together (almost 10 or so of us), and got someone else to take the pic. As we awkwardly shuffled about (the pub was full to the brim), someone at a table infront screamed at us "TRUE METAL!!!" and we all yelled and growled, goat signs held high! The photo came out perfectly!
The line-up outside the Hordern was huge. It stretched all the way around into the street behind the hall, and there we waited for some time as we finally got to the front gate of the Hordern where we placed out bags into a cloak room. After doing a merchandise raid for my Megadeth tour shirt and hat, we ran inside just in time to see the brutalising performance of Angela Gossow and Arch Enemy.
The crowd was a living mass of bodies and flying hair. While not really my style, Arch Enemy's show was great, I can see how a lot of the young kids love them, and why Arch Enemy deserve respect. Gossow is a fantastic (and gorgeous) frontwoman. Soulfly was on next, but I wasn't up for them. Megadeth was my main reason for attending, so I decided to head back out to the courtyard and see if I could find any more forum members.
Over the next hour, I met deathgate, Sash, pipsqeek, mightyravendark, ladymessiah, Emmz and a horde of other people (everyone pictured below). deathgate and I got on instantly, and her husband sash is one of the biggest personalities I've met in recent times (little was I to know that I would bond even stronger with pipsqeek, sash and deathgate two weeks later at another event, I love these guys!). So after a few more drinks(!) and many more photos with everyone, my finale of a journey started back in 1988 was about to come: Megadeth!!!
Running into the hall with ladymessiah (who I lost as she had to run to the ladies), I ran into Stormster and his friends who were around 10-20 metres dead centre from the front of the stage. After chatting to them for a while, I decided to take the plunge, and made my way to around 2 metres from the front of the stage, a little off to the left...
... and before I knew it, the show had begun! Mustaine and co erupted on the stage, and the mosh began. Hair flying everywhere, bodies twisting and writhing in a big collective mass, people rolling and being tossed above the crowd as they surfed. The heat was increasing rapidly, before I knew it was covered in sweat and gasping for the cool air above the crowd, while headbanging my ass off and rapidly losing my voice.
After a couple of songs, I pulled out my camera and shot some great footage of Mustaine in action. I stayed in the pit until around halfway through the set, and decided to back out due to a sore neck and being too hot. I moved until I was around 9-10 metres from the front of the stage. Putting my glasses on so I could see clearly, I silently watched the rest of this amazing show.
I couldn't stop grinning the whole time, and I found myself gawking at Mustaine, just as I did with Iron Maiden in 1992, realising that I was finally watching this amazing band, that they were here! Every song was fantasticly executed and Mustaine was having a great time. It was a fitting finale to a long two-part journey I've been waiting to complete for almost 20 years. I clutched my Megadeth merch with pride!
After the finale, to which we were treated to an encore with, a group of us emerged from the show tired, drenched but victorious!
We were all exhausted (and some of us drunk), but I overall deeply satisfied with the outcome of this fantastic and long overdue event. Mustaine has already started to make plans for Gigantour 2007, and I for one will NOT miss it because Gigantour 2006 was incredible. Electric, everyone holding their breath, it was almost a confirmation that Metal has finally returned to it's place in the spotlight here in Australia.
Counting down the months to Gigantour 2007!
As a metal fan, I wanted to achieve to two major things: to see Iron Maiden live (did this in 1992), and to see Megadeth live (Sunday 3 weeks ago).
Fox Studios was packed with so many metalheads that the place was almost devoid of any person wearing a colour other than black. All kinds of metalheads standing proud in band shirts, chatting about metal , drinking with friends or making new friends.
I found Tompeth in the line at the Hordern. We chatted Black Metal for a bit, and then I moved over the to the pub across the road to meet up with Stormster and his gang. I was a bit nervous, having lost the knack of meeting so many new people at once. Things settled quickly, and Stormster, his friends and I got chatting quickly. As we were leaving the pub we bumped into some members of Lord and more forum members, and my barrage of photographs began.
This first photo I took alone captured a great spirit of everyone's excitement for Gigantour: I gathered everyone together (almost 10 or so of us), and got someone else to take the pic. As we awkwardly shuffled about (the pub was full to the brim), someone at a table infront screamed at us "TRUE METAL!!!" and we all yelled and growled, goat signs held high! The photo came out perfectly!The line-up outside the Hordern was huge. It stretched all the way around into the street behind the hall, and there we waited for some time as we finally got to the front gate of the Hordern where we placed out bags into a cloak room. After doing a merchandise raid for my Megadeth tour shirt and hat, we ran inside just in time to see the brutalising performance of Angela Gossow and Arch Enemy.
The crowd was a living mass of bodies and flying hair. While not really my style, Arch Enemy's show was great, I can see how a lot of the young kids love them, and why Arch Enemy deserve respect. Gossow is a fantastic (and gorgeous) frontwoman. Soulfly was on next, but I wasn't up for them. Megadeth was my main reason for attending, so I decided to head back out to the courtyard and see if I could find any more forum members.
Over the next hour, I met deathgate, Sash, pipsqeek, mightyravendark, ladymessiah, Emmz and a horde of other people (everyone pictured below). deathgate and I got on instantly, and her husband sash is one of the biggest personalities I've met in recent times (little was I to know that I would bond even stronger with pipsqeek, sash and deathgate two weeks later at another event, I love these guys!). So after a few more drinks(!) and many more photos with everyone, my finale of a journey started back in 1988 was about to come: Megadeth!!!
Running into the hall with ladymessiah (who I lost as she had to run to the ladies), I ran into Stormster and his friends who were around 10-20 metres dead centre from the front of the stage. After chatting to them for a while, I decided to take the plunge, and made my way to around 2 metres from the front of the stage, a little off to the left...
... and before I knew it, the show had begun! Mustaine and co erupted on the stage, and the mosh began. Hair flying everywhere, bodies twisting and writhing in a big collective mass, people rolling and being tossed above the crowd as they surfed. The heat was increasing rapidly, before I knew it was covered in sweat and gasping for the cool air above the crowd, while headbanging my ass off and rapidly losing my voice.
After a couple of songs, I pulled out my camera and shot some great footage of Mustaine in action. I stayed in the pit until around halfway through the set, and decided to back out due to a sore neck and being too hot. I moved until I was around 9-10 metres from the front of the stage. Putting my glasses on so I could see clearly, I silently watched the rest of this amazing show.
I couldn't stop grinning the whole time, and I found myself gawking at Mustaine, just as I did with Iron Maiden in 1992, realising that I was finally watching this amazing band, that they were here! Every song was fantasticly executed and Mustaine was having a great time. It was a fitting finale to a long two-part journey I've been waiting to complete for almost 20 years. I clutched my Megadeth merch with pride!
After the finale, to which we were treated to an encore with, a group of us emerged from the show tired, drenched but victorious!
We were all exhausted (and some of us drunk), but I overall deeply satisfied with the outcome of this fantastic and long overdue event. Mustaine has already started to make plans for Gigantour 2007, and I for one will NOT miss it because Gigantour 2006 was incredible. Electric, everyone holding their breath, it was almost a confirmation that Metal has finally returned to it's place in the spotlight here in Australia.
Counting down the months to Gigantour 2007!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Heaven Ablaze
Some time ago, whilst searching for Nortt's "Ligfærd" album, I came across an Australian mailorder label called "Heaven Ablaze".
Run by a friendly gent named Steve, Heaven Ablaze stocks true underground Black Metal releases as well as various other CD's, vinyl, tapes and merch.
Don't expect your more "well known" titles here - the speciality is more obscure, darker and more direct Black Metal hordes, including Heaven Ablaze's own roster along with those from Total Holocaust Records in Sweden.
Heaven Ablaze's stock is well priced, Steve is very helpful and quick in response (unlike other labels who sometimes don't even reply to enquiries!) I highly recommend his site for anyone looking to acquire true underground Black Metal, while also paying excellent prices.
Official Site: Heaven Ablaze Records.
Run by a friendly gent named Steve, Heaven Ablaze stocks true underground Black Metal releases as well as various other CD's, vinyl, tapes and merch.
Don't expect your more "well known" titles here - the speciality is more obscure, darker and more direct Black Metal hordes, including Heaven Ablaze's own roster along with those from Total Holocaust Records in Sweden.
Heaven Ablaze's stock is well priced, Steve is very helpful and quick in response (unlike other labels who sometimes don't even reply to enquiries!) I highly recommend his site for anyone looking to acquire true underground Black Metal, while also paying excellent prices.
Official Site: Heaven Ablaze Records.
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