Sunday, June 30, 2013

DevilDriver

I never listened to Coal Chamber.  In fact I didn't even know that the lead singer of DevilDriver was the same guy from Coal Chamber. And to this day, I still don't really care.  This was the first song I ever heard from DevilDriver and I was instantly hooked.  The drumming was insane, the hooks were all there, and the heaviness was intact.  You can probably tell that I love guitar melodies within my metal and DevilDriver delivers.  There are some hardcore and punk elements as well which when done correctly, really makes for good listening.  Check out ALL of their recordings; they are monsters.
DevilDriver is about to release a brand new album.  I really hope the recent Coal Chamber reunion shows didn't interfere with what has become a great American Heavy Metal band.  As I have said previously, the past 10-15 years have been great for metal in this country, and DevilDriver waves that flag proudly.


Saturday, June 29, 2013

King Diamond

I put Mercyful Fate on the Concrete List but not King Diamond.  Why? Well, KD is still active as a band and MF is not.  That is the only reason.  King Diamond, the legendary leader of his eponymous band, really does not need anyone to blog about his greatness.  But who can resist?  The band has been so good for so long.  And now that King has come back from heart surgery and is fully recovered, we can expect great things over his 3 album deal with Metal Blade Records.  The live concerts I have seen from the past year show that King is back and actually better than ever now that he has gotten his health in order.



Thursday, June 27, 2013

Skeletonwitch

The past 10-15 years have been really fucking exciting in the world of American metal.  Up from the depths of the 90's (we all know what happened there...don't get me started) bands once again found that the public was coming back to REAL metal.  Such is the case with Ohio based Skeletonwitch.  Not quite death metal, not quite thrash, not quite black metal, they are a glorious combination of all.  Super fast but with great melodic guitar work, and that higher pitched vocal technique, you cannot go wrong with these guys.  Pick up any of their albums and you will be happy.









Monday, June 24, 2013

Kvelertak

I love Norway.  No, I have never been there.  No, I don't know anyone from there.  All I know is Norway (among the other Scandinavian nations) produces some of the best metal and it makes for this American's life that much better.  Today I'm talking about newcomers Kvelertak.  They just released their 2nd album and I have to say, I have no idea what any of their songs are about.  For all we know, they could be about rainbows and puppies.  Honestly, the list of lyrics I find objectionable is pretty short so I'm fairly confident I don't have to worry.  What am I talking about?  All the songs are in Norwegian!  All the song titles are in Norwegian.  But it totally works for me.  The music is a thrash/punk blend commonly referred to as D-punk named for Discharge from back in the day (check out Disfear also).  I love this style of music as it really brings out the aggression that makes punk great AND includes the musicianship that thrash requires.  Not clean vocals, but not too guttural for my non-death metal friends.  Get out there and get some Norwegian metal!
Hail and Horns



Sunday, June 23, 2013

It's Chuck Billy's birthday

Pure American thrash describes Testament in every way.  Since 1987 these guys have NEVER strayed from the true sound.  If anything they got heavier as the years went by.  Listen to their albums from the past 10 years and you would be amazed at how true to the thrash sound they have remained.  Chuck Billy can sing and does death growls.  The guitar work has always been superb.  And in recent years with Dave Lombardo or Gene Hoglan on drums, the percussion has been massive.
Those of us in the metal community have always given them the recognition they deserve and continue to do so.  Souls of Black was when I first heard them, and that was my hook.  Wish thrash legend Chuck a happy birthday!
Hail and Horns


It's Glenn Danzig's birthday

What can I say about Danzig that hasn't been said?  The man created a genre of music that we now call horror punk.  When you can honestly say you created a genre of music, you can claim legendary status.
When Glenn quit the Misfits and formed Samhain, then energy was there, the drums and rhythm got a bit more complicated, and the stage was set for the band that still carries his name.  The first Danzig album is the first album I ever bought in CD format (and still have it!).  I was (am) blown away by the mix of speed, power, tempo, and time changes.  Danzig got a little off task in my opinion when the original lineup left and Blackacidevil 5 was released; but I think over the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th albums, he has gotten closer to that feeling from the first four records.  Recently I listened to all the albums again (not the 5th one).  Still unreal.
So wish Glenn a happy birthday today, crank up whatever you want, whether it's Misfits, Samhain, or Danzig, and GIVE THANKS, that you get to hear it.



Saturday, June 22, 2013

Six Feet Under

Love death metal? Love groove metal? Then Six Feet Under is your bag.  Chris Barnes left Cannibal Corpse in the mid 90's to start Six Feet Under and people were, understandably, concerned for the future of both bands.  Why would Barnes leave one of the most well known and beloved American death metal bands?  Barnes needed the slower paced, groovy, sound that he could not produce in CC.  I have been a fan of Six Feet Under from the start because I have always loved death metal that has the medium pace to it (I love speed too) and this band filled that spot.  My only complaint is about the album True Carnage.  The production levels make Barnes's vocals almost unintelligible.  Now, I know what you are going to say....the growls he uses are unintelligible no matter what.  Go listen to other albums and then listen to True Carnage and you will understand.  Recently Six Feet Under went through lineup changes and the guitar work is at a higher level, which is nice.  So if you are a fan of good old fashioned American Death Metal but really like to "take it easy" while listening, then I highly recommend Six Feet Under.  (Their cover of Judas Priest's Grinder is killer).






Friday, June 21, 2013

The Other

The Other started out as a Misfits tribute band and then moved to original music. Obviously their sound is classic horror punk. Which I love. Really. Total ass kicking punk rock.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Dark Tranquillity

Swedish melodic death metal legends Dark Tranquillity have been doing it right for twenty plus years. Yeah they started out a little more death than melody but who didn't? They evolved quickly into one of the best examples of the genre and are consistently putting out quality. The new album Contruct is no exception.  I highly recommend all of their albums.


http://youtu.be/CbrtuZNfS4o

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Show No Mercy

Battlecross has gotten a great deal of attention lately because they scored a spot at the Orion Festival this year.  And let me say, it is deserved.  Their second album War of Will will soon be released and from what I have heard, it is going to be amazing.  Pursuit of Honor, the debut album showed a perfect mesh of American styled speed, European guitar melodies, and vocals with a growl edge but not too guttural, and I was an immediate fan.  They got a ton of play on Liquid Metal, which of course, is the only place on the radio a true metal band can get air play.  Also check out all the online places like Metal Injection and MetalSucks and you will notice that the band has become the new favorite.
Battlecross is the next generation of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal in my opinion.  They take what Unearth, Shadows Fall, and Lamb of God started, and move it forward quite well.  Most are assuming, based on the two released tracks, that the new album is going to be killer.  I am also assuming this, and can't wait.  Go out and get Pursuit of Honor, and then listen to the new songs, and you will notice the polished effect that touring had on this band; and we all benefit.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Progressive and melodic and death? How is that possible?


Before I talk about In Flames, I want to mention the bands that The Metal Health discussed just so all those amazing bands get mentioned one more time: Evile, Gojira, Hypocrisy, Ghoul, Amon Amarth, Calabrese, Children of Bodom, and Dew-Scented.  I love every one of those bands; please check them out!

Today though I am discussing another Swedish group who helped to define the modern melodic death metal sound....In Flames.  I came to In Flames later in my music career and after hearing them for the first time, I wondered why.  What had prevented me from hearing them and listening as long as I had been listening to Hypocrisy, Dark Tranquillity or At the Gates? Still not sure.

In Flames is the perfect mix of hard rock, death metal, melodic metal, and progressive metal.  I guess you could compare them to the Finnish group Amorphis and how their sound progressed over time, but In Flames has sounded like that for most of their career.  Yes, they started with a heavier sound early in their career as well, but moved toward a progressive sound quicker than Amorphis.

So, if you are interested in quality musicianship, guitar melodies, death growls, clean vocals, and hooks, then In Flames is your band.


Hail and Horns

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Concrete List

I am only going to give band reviews on bands that are currently active.  I don't see the point in telling you how great Led Zeppelin is.  You should know that already.  Now, I know Black Sabbath just released an album but do I really need to tell you about them? If you need my advice on whether to listen to Sabbath or not, then you are beyond help.  For that matter let's just go ahead and create what I am calling The Concrete List.  This list will be the bands that rise above the rest; don't need to be mentioned because if you listen to heavy metal then you already know; shit like that.

1. Black Sabbath
2. Led Zeppelin
3. AC/DC
4. Iron fucking Maiden
5. Judas fucking Priest
6. Motorhead
7. Metallica
8. Slayer
9. Megadeth
10. Anthrax
11. Mercyful Fate
12. Guns N Roses
13. Pantera (in memorium)
14. Death


You may agree with my list and you may not.  I left off some of the most legendary metal and punk bands, and I know that I did.  It's just that the above bands really don't need to be mentioned at all, and I might want to do an entire blog about Venom or Diamond Head or King Diamond (totally).  Misfits? Fuck yeah. Ramones? Yes please.  So The Concrete List is there so people don't write to me and say, "why the fuck are you talking about Lamb of God when you haven't even mentioned Angus Young yet?"  Understand?

Hail and Horns

The Metal Health is No More

From this point forward this blog will only refer to music; specifically heavy metal.  I will talk about bands, as The Metal Health has already done, but I will also talk about specific musicians, shit that pisses me off, and probably throw in a good jab at shitty bands too.  So far The Metal Health has discussed some great bands, and this blog will possibly bring them up again. Because Hypocrisy fucking rules and it is impossible not to mention them multiple times.

Kick back and enjoy the new and improved blog.  I will name it after one of my favorite albums all time by one of my favorite bands of all time:




SHOW NO MERCY!!

Super food of the day

Beer.

That is all.


Kick ass band of the day



Gojira
France
Progressive death/thrash
Sounds like: Mastodon, Opeth, Meshuggah

Not much to say about Gojira; the drummer is insane, they are from France, they shred. Being in a progressive metal frame of mind is difficult for some people but when you are ready, Gojira is possibly the best out there.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Super food of the day

Burger King is the latest eatery to offer sweet potatoes and for good reason.  Helping to build your immunity is just one of the many huge benefits you get from eating this food.  Sweet potatoes contain glutathione which is a super nutrient all by itself.  Check this out! Glutathione is an antioxidant so it helps ward of cancer and stroke, but it also fights Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and liver disease. Pregnant women who eat sweet potatoes will also help fight off cystic fibrosis and there is some research out there that it helps fight HIV.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-717-glutathione.aspx?activeIngredientId=717&activeIngredientName=glutathione

Obviously the sweet potato fries you would get at Burger King have some downside.  However it is always good to see places try to incorporate healthier choices for people.  Sweet potatoes are super easy to prepare and I recommend baking them or mashing them yourself.

Kick ass band of the day



Anyone who knows me knows I love horror punk/rock.  The new generation of bands that call Misfits their biggest influence have added guitar melodies, swing, and rockabilliy to the sound.  One of the best is the band of three brothers from Arizona; Calabrese.  Already veterans of the scene they are currently preparing to release their 5th full length album.  Keeping their lyrical content "tongue in cheek" but at the same time maintaining the rock sound we desire has really become their specialty.  As a popular meme out there says, "one does not simply not sing along to Calabrese."

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Super food of the day

Almonds!



This anti-inflammatory is high in sterols which help lower your bad cholesterol.  Almonds also have amino acids which speed muscle recovery.  If you can contain inflammation around the joints and help your muscles recover from your workout, then you are really helping your over all health and fitness level.  I love almond butter but make sure you read the label before you buy some.  If you are not careful you could buy a kind that has added sugar which you should avoid.  If you are lucky you have a store that sells just plain crushed almonds, the way it should be.  Eat them as a snack in the afternoon or add them to your favorite yogurt for an extra boost.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Kick Ass band of the day



Ghoul
USA
Thrash/grind-core
Sounds like: Murderdolls; Wednesday 13(my best approximation)

Calling themselves "splatter thrash" Ghoul has a unique sound.  Combining horror punk lyrics with a thrash sound and growling death-like vocals, they have carved (pun intended) out a place in the music industry that sets them apart from others.  Ghoul also has the whole creepy and mysterious image thing down pat as they refuse to identify themselves and look like The Scarecrow on meth when they play on stage.

Super food of the day

If you are an endurance athlete then you already know this; chocolate milk is awesome.  The combination of whey protein, calcium, vitamin D, and yes, sugar and carbs, make for one amazing recovery drink.  There is a ton of research and support out there including a huge national ad campaign featuring Hines Ward, who just completed an Ironman triathlon.

http://gotchocolatemilk.com/become-one/hines-ward

There is a high amount of fat and calories so go for reduced fat versions, and as usual, get organic so you avoid growth hormones.  Personally, I use it as a post workout drink.  One 8-16 oz glass is plenty to help your muscles recover from whatever you just put your body through.





Thursday, June 13, 2013

Super food of the day

Summer is here and there are some great super foods that are in perfect season at this time.  One is the KIWI.

This bone builder/strengthener contains potassium which I have talked about many times.  Kiwis also have the immunity builder vitamin C, and lutein, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.  If you can take it, eat a kiwi with the skin intact.  I know the "furry" part is gross to some of you, but if you can handle it, the skin is very beneficial.  Add kiwi to any fruit salad or yogurt mixture.  Kiwis are a nice sweet way to get some of the nutrients you need!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Kick ass band of the day



Amon Amarth
Sweden
Melodic death
Sounds like: Dark Tranquillity, Evocation, early Amorphis, Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy

Lyrics all about the Norse mythology they grew up with, Amon Amarth takes the label melodic death metal to perfection.  Guitar melodies, death vocals, swords, dragons, gods, double bass; there isn't much more you could ask for.  A new album comes out next week but check out them all.  You can hear the evolution of their sound as production gets a little cleaner with each album (to be expected).

Super food of the day

Here is a really easy one and I picked BLUEBERRIES because it is the perfect season to get some really tasty ones.  It is best to get organic of course so you avoid the pesticides, or even better, find a farm where you can pick your own.  Blueberries help keep your immunity up and contain antioxidants which of course, are cancer fighters.  Blueberries work in a variety of ways; you can eat them plain, in cereal, make jam, add to pancakes or muffins, etc.  It is so easy to find multiple ways to use this super food.



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Band of the Day



Children of Bodom
Finland
Melodic thrash/death
Sounds like: Hypocrisy, Dark Tranquillity, Dragonforce, Holy Grail

In honor of their brand new album being released today, I thought it was appropriate to make Children of Bodom the kick ass band of the day.  The ridiculous guitar wizardry of frontman Alexi Laiho matched with the unreal speed of keyboardist Janne Wirman make a unique sound in the metal world.  Even though I mentioned some bands that fall into the same category as COB, no one really sounds quite like them.  If you can find a band that matches the keyboard, guitar, and SPEED to what they do then let me know (I think Dragonforce is the closest).  Oh and bonus points for loving The Ramones!

Super food of the day

Let's build some muscles today.  If you are doing any kind of strength training, then the kind of food you eat can make a huge difference.  So today's food of the day is an easy one:  EGGS

I know in the past eggs have gotten a bad rap for cholesterol, but the truth is now coming out that eggs are an extremely important part of your diet.  Eggs contain protein which helps those muscles and muscle tissue come back stronger after a workout; and choline which enhances the role of the proteins.  Choline is also an essential nutrient for pregnant women as a choline deficiency increases risks of birth defects.  A choline shortage can also lead to liver problems and inflammation.

Buy eggs that come from free-range chickens and hormone free.




EAT THOSE EGGS!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Band of the Day




Dew-Scented
Germany
Thrash/death metal

Sounds like: Slayer, Carnal Forge, Nightrage, The Duskfall

I never thought I would find a band even remotely close to Slayer regarding sound or style.  Honestly, my guess was that any attempt would be foolhardy anyway since few bands are as massive as Slayer.  That being said, one of the closest bands to create that sound is Dew-Scented.  A mixture of raw vocals, Slayer-like guitar melodies, and pounding rhythms, Dew-Scented also has a brutal thrash sound, clearly influenced by German thrash pioneers Kreator and Destruction.

Super food of the day

Need a super food that is also tasty? Look no further than FIGS!   This immunity booster contains potassium, manganese, antioxidants, and help to lower insulin levels.  Potassium helps lower blood pressure and keep calcium in your body; manganese functions much like potassium and helps bone strength; while antioxidants of course help fight all kinds of cancer.  Figs are a great way to get some sweetness into your diet without the fat and calories.  Look for the dried variety at your local natural food store.  Try them plain or chop them up and incorporate them into a homemade energy bar!



Sunday, June 9, 2013

Band of the Day



Evile-England
Thrash
Similar to: Metallica, Slayer and old school thrash

Evile has resurrected the sound from the Eighties that we all love with modern a production sound.  Not quite clean vocals but cleaner than death growls. If you think 1986 was one of the greatest years in music then you need to listen to Evile.

Super food of the day 6-9-13

Need some vegetables in your diet? Yeah, you know that you do.  If you are like me, then you are tired of mushy, wilty spinach (which is a super food, but I hate the way cooked spinach tastes).  Look no further than

------>Bok choy<------



This staple of Asian cuisine has everything spinach has, without the mushy parts: calcium, vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, beta-carotene, and potassium! WOW!

Calcium keeps teeth and bones strong; Vitamins A and C keep your immunity up; folic acid lowers levels of damage to arteries; iron helps store oxygen in the body; beta-carotene reduces risk of cancer; and potassium lowers the blood pressure and helps you absorb the calcium.


That is an amazing food with amazing qualities!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Super food of the day

Since I went fishing today the super food of the day is


------>Wild fatty fish<-----

Example-mackerel or salmon
Try to stay away from farm varieties; be wary of high mercury levels in farm raised fish.




High in Omega-3 which is an anti inflammatory, and DHA/EPA which help fight off colorectal cancer

Friday, June 7, 2013

Band of the day

Band of the day:

HYPOCRISY (Sweden)

Melodic death metal
Similar bands--Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth, Evocation, Arch Enemy, early Amorphis, Bloodbath, Dissection

This band has been around for 20 years and their latest album contains everything you could possibly desire regarding this genre.  You don't need me to wax poetically about them! Just know that they are the real deal in every way when it comes to metal.  Need somewhere to start? Try their new album End of Disclosure; Abducted; or The Final Chapter.  Hell, get them all, but if you had to start somewhere....you can start there.

http://www.hypocrisy.cc/home/


National Doughnut Day

I find it fascinating that the USA, a country dying from diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease would celebrate a food item with zero positive qualities (the doughnut).  The argument that it is ok to have a treat once in a while is fine, if you are in fact, having a doughnut once a year.  However, I don't think a $12 billion business (via @IBISWorld) exists when people just have them once a year.  Therefore I am going to give a short and sweet description of the so called "super foods." These are the foods you SHOULD eat.

------>Today's super food is<------
                  Pineapple


This fruit is a natural anti-inflammatory which also has antioxidants; antioxidants fight cancer and heart disease.