Deviation of Paths

The last number of years have seen me concentrate on extreme metal (chiefly, Black Metal and its subtypes) to a level I never thought I would.

What began in my early days of the mid-late 80's with New Wave of British Heavy Metal, onwards through to Thrash Metal and briefly Death Metal, I can say with a level of "security" that as far as Metal goes, I have found my home in Black Metal - I percieve it as the most extreme, versatile, superior and intelligent subtype, and also as yet the most uncharted of metal territorities.

I feel can safely say that I feel I have reached a point where my exploration of Black Metal will slow: in terms of its history, politics, extremism and trajactory I have learned probably more than many people would care to (but by no means have I explored everything). Nevertheless, I feel I have hit my ceiling with Black Metal - I have probably analysed it further than most and will now patiently keep one eye open for the important releases, but my appetite for new bands has definitely ground to a slower pace: for the time being, I feel comfortable.

My journey in Black Metal has somewhat ended (or should I say paused) at its beginnings: with Darkthrone. It is through them that I have finally realised Black Metal's aural and philosophical scope. Ironically, Darkthrone (and also Agalloch) has led me outside of Metal again by way of their rockier influences (Darkthrone) and also their non-conventional influences (Agalloch).

With enthusiasm I have not felt since the mid-90s, I've started to explore Indie from where I left off sometime back in 1997 or so, and have come to realise that while the world (and I) mourned over Cobain and grunge's death with him, a new form of music began to emerge by 1999: Post Rock.

Post Rock, along with Drone (while not related to Post Rock) and also Indie (Punk influenced) are three forms which are currently holding my interest strongly, although with the latter it is more familiar territory for me.

Post Rock and Drone explore aural structure without structure. They create convention by destroying convention. Both musical subtypes construct by process of deconstruct. It's funny how my taste can be - these characteristics are exactly what drew me to Techno (Detriot/Chicago/UK styles) back in the early 90s as well. I seem to have a thing for minimalism (not only with aural art, but also with architecture for example), but "aurally speaking" this is the first time that I have found anything post-techno to draw my attention to it again: I guess the resonance of sound is an ever ongoing study.

A close friend in Norway would probably bang his head on the table if I finally told him that SunnO))) had finally kicked in after him trying to get me to see the fuss for the last few years. Yes Alex - it's finally making sense ;)

Similarly, a good colleague Tom has been trying to drill Post Rock into me for a good year or so now, and it's taken his own band, sleepmakeswaves to make the realisation occur for me.

And so begins what I feel could be another new phase in music: tomorrow night sees me heading over to Newtown to see arguably one of the most prolific Post Rock bands in history - Mono, and as seems to be a pattern these days, this will be yet another gig which will not see me concentrate on Metal, but instead on extremism without power or aggression instead.

Generation Y: The most stupid generation so far

A very interesting article was raised over at news.com.au's site, regarding Generation Y. Oddly enough, I've thought for some time that Gen Y (mostly the mid to late Gen Y's) have ... some kind of "problem".

My team at work was made up mostly of Gen Xer's. The lot of us, despite differences at times, got along. We all "got" each other, we all behave well and respect others, and in the corporate world, we know there are things you do, and things you just don't do.
In recent times, we've had some turnover (probably about time I moved on as well) and lo and behold, an influx of Gen Y kids have come in. Each one is arrogant, has terrible work ethics, exhibits unacceptable workplace behaviour and is totally counterproductive. Pretty much every one of us Gen X'er's want to kick the living crap out of each and every Gen Y kid in our department.
I really feel that Gen Y (mid to late Gen Y) is the biggest disgrace our society has seen. They're lacking in intelligence & morals, have little to no ability to effectively self-manage themselves (and not just in work, but in a variety of situations). They are politically docile, linguistically inept, historically starved, and as selfish as can be, existing in an small bubble with very thick walls. Sure - they're technologically savvy. Woop-dee-fucking doo. That's not enough to be intelligent or an effective contribution to society.

Their culture is even more pathetic - countless brand advertisements convey a revolution. What fucking revolution? What are they rebelling against? Generation X, and most importantly, generations before Generation X did the all the work. Take our favourite bimbos Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie - the pinnacle of face-slapping to the defiant and strong women who burned their bras in 1968, these two stupid Gen Y idiots have successfully helped to bring women's stature in the 21st century back to that of the 1950's by promoting the demure, weak woman.
Gen Y is useless, quite simply. Cultureless, grey, shallow and completely directionless. Despite trying, I can't even get myself to have a conversation with most of them, they take the levels of stupidity to new heights. I feel embarrassed for them and even more so for their parents. How can anyone possibly raise their children like this?

The scariest thing of all is that this is the future of our country. One of these brainless dumbasses is going to be leading our country one day - how the hell are they going to do it? By crying when they don't get their way? Will they sulk in Question Time? Will they not respond to you unless you SMS them or befriend them on ShitSpace?

Interview with Nortt

One of my favourite (and one of the most unique) of all Black Metal bands, Nortt, was interviewed by Mortem Zine very recently. An average review (mostly due to the questions, not Nortt's ability to answer or express himself). Nevertheless, good to read some new info regarding this stunning musician.

Of note, a new album is halfway through recording and the next after already being planned...

Ne Obliviscaris Interviewed by metal.de

Xenoyr (above far right, bottom row), the grim vocalist from Australia's new avantgarde black metal masters Ne Obliviscaris has been interviewed by metal.de over in Germany.

The interview covers Ne Obliviscaris' unique virtuoso violin style, the band's hope to someday tour Europe and other countries, and of course THAT amazing demo "The Aurora Veil" which has left many salivating for more music from this amazing new sextet.

Interview here.
Official Ne Obliviscaris myspace here.

Note that anyone wishing to acquire a copy of the infamous demo should do so quick! Head over to:
- the band's myspace page or
- their forum or
- send an email to neobliviscaris dot merch at gmail dot com
to make enquiries before copies run out and this release turns into an expensive collector's item!

id Software's Todd Hollenshead speaks

An interesting interview by game tech site joystiq with id Software CEO Tood Hollenshead.

The interview covers John Carmack's appearance at Apple's WWDC 2007 Keynote, as well as Carmack's foray into cell phone gaming engines, and also some thoughts about the growth of the Apple platform as a gaming platform. The interview is quite in-depth, and one of the better id-based ones I've read for some time.