Black Bubblegum has done all the hard work for us, confirming all dates for this fall's Opeth / High On Fire run. Opeth and High On Fire will be supported by Nachtmystium (first half of the tour) and Baroness (second half) and we think that's just swell. Tickets are on pre-sale now, full tour routing below.
Opeth, High On Fire - 2008 Fall Dates:Sep. 16 - Buffalo, The Town Ballroom - NY*
Sep. 17 - Philadelphia, Trocadero - PA*
Sep. 18 - New York, Nokia Theatre - NY*
Sep. 19 - Worcester, The Palladium - MA*
Sep. 20 - Quebec City, Theatre Imperial - QC*
Sep. 21 - London, Centennial Hall - ON*
Sep. 23 - Cleveland, House of Blues - OH*
Sep. 24 - Chicago, House of Blues - IL*
Sep. 25 - Grand Rapids, The Orbit Room - MI*
Sep. 26 - Milwaukee, The Rave - WI
Sep. 27 - St. Paul, Myth - MN*
Sep. 29 - Winnipeg, The Garrick Centre - MB*
Sep. 30 - Saskatoon, Odeon Events Centre - SK*
Oct. 01 - Edmonton, Edmonton Events Centre - AB*
Oct. 03 - Vancover, Commodore Ballroom - BC*
Oct. 04 - Seattle, Showbox@The Market - WA*
Oct. 06 - San Francisco, Regency Center @ The Grand Ballroom - CA**
Oct. 07 - Los Angeles, Wiltern Theatre - CA**
Oct. 08 - Las Vegas, House of Blues - NV**
Oct. 09 - Tempe, Marquee Theatre - AZ**
Oct. 10 - Albuquerque, Sunshine Theater - NM**
Oct. 11 - Denver, Ogden Theatre, CO**
Oct. 13 - St. Louis, The Pageant - MO**
Oct. 14 - Kansas City, The Beaumont Club - MO**
Oct. 15 - Dallas, House of Blues Dallas - TX**
Oct. 16 - Austin, The Monarch - TX**
Oct. 17 - Houston, Warehouse Live - TX**
Oct. 18 - New Orleans, House of Blues - LA**
Oct. 20 - Ft. Lauderdale, Revolution - FL**
Oct. 21 - Lake Buena Vista, House of Blues - FL**
Oct. 22 - Atlanta, Center Stage - GA**
Oct. 23 - Cincinnati, Bogart´s - OH**
Oct. 24 - Raleigh, Lincoln Theatre - NC**
Oct. 25 - Norfolk, The Norva - VA**
Oct. 26 - Baltimore, Rams Head Live! - MD**
* w/ Nachtmystium
** w/ Baroness
July 11, 2008
Opeth and High On Fire and Nachtmystium and Baroness, Oh My
July 8, 2008
Tour: Opeth, High On Fire, Baroness
More dates have been announced for Opeth's previously-announced fall tour. With support from High On Fire and Baroness (and Nachtmystium in their native Chicago?), this is shaping up to be one of the best tours of the fall. Dates, which are still unconfirmed, are below.
Opeth recently released Watershed, which seems to be getting mostly positive, but somewhat mixed reviews. The album is a good effort with many wonderful moments, but it doesn't latch on to the listener the same way as Blackwater Park or Ghost Reveries do.
Opeth - Watershed Rehearsal Tapes (from the Watershed bonus DVD):
High On Fire and Baroness both released top-notch albums in 2007, with both albums reaching both crustcake gerf and beatmasterspeech's Top 10s.
Opeth, High On Fire, Baroness - 2008 Fall Tour:9/18 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
9/23 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
9/24 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
9/26 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
9/29 Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick Centre
9/30 Saskatoon, SK @ The Odeon Event Centre
10/1 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Event Centre
10/6 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Grand Ballroom
10/8 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/9 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
10/10 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/14 Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club
10/16 Austin, TX @ The Monarch
10/21 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
10/22 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theatre
10/23 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
10/25 Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
June 30, 2008
Monday Metal Update 6/30
Metal Injection is reporting that Opeth has announced the first two dates of their planned fall North American tour with High On Fire and Baroness. The House of Blues website, however, lists the Chicago support as High On Fire and Nachtmystium. This is going to be one of the best tours of the fall, and as soon as all the details are sorted out we'll let you know.
Opeth - Fall 2008 Dates (so far):
September 24 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
October 6 - San Francisco, CA @ The Grand Ballroom at the Regency Center
[Carcass]
In other awesome tour news, reunited death metal legends Carcass have announced several dates with more to follow. Confirmed dates and the rest of Monday Metal Update after the jump.
Carcass - 2008 Dates:
June 27 - Tuska Open Air (Finland)Dates for the so-called 'Blackest of the Black' tour have been confirmed. The tour features an old love, Danzig, and a new one, Skeletonwitch, along with Dimmu Borgir, whose polished epic 'commercial' Black Metal we find thoroughly entertaining. Also along for the ride, Moonspell and Winds of Plague.
June 28 - Gods Of Metal Festival (Italy)
July 4 - Metal Camp 08 (Slovenia)
July 9 - Rockwave (Greece)
August 2 - Wacken Open Air (Germany)
August 16 - Brutal Assault Festival (Czech Republic)
August 17 - Sziget Festival (Hungary)
August 29 - Hole In The Sky (Norway)
August 30 - Loud From The South Festival (Holland)
September 6 - Nokia Theater (New York, NY)
September 27 - Witchfest (South Africa)
October 9 - Capitol, Perth (Australia)
October 10 - HQ Complex, Adelaide (Australia)
October 11 - The Arena, Brisbane (Australia)
October 12 - The Metro Theatre, Sydney (Australia)
October 13 - Billboard, Melbourne (Australia)
October 18 - Loud Park @ Saitama Super Arena (Japan)
November 15 - Danish Metal Awards (Denmark)
Blackest of the Black 2008:
Oct. 09 - Ft. Laudersale, FL @ Revolution
Oct. 10 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
Oct. 11 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Oct. 13 - Richmond, VA @ Toads Place
Oct. 14 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Oct. 15 - New York, NY @ Roseland
Oct. 17 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
Oct. 18 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
Oct. 19 - Toronto, ONT @ Sound Academy
Oct. 21 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Oct. 22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth
Oct. 24 - Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Theater
Oct. 25 - Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
Oct. 26 - St. Louis, MO @ Pageant
Oct. 28 - Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
Oct. 30 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
Oct. 31 - Kansas City, KS @ Uptown
Nov. 01 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Theater
Nov. 03 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
Nov. 04 - [to be announced]
Nov. 05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater
Nov. 07 - Portland, OR @ Roseland
Nov. 08 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox At Market
Nov. 10 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Down will be heading down under for a handful of dates in October. The band will be touring Europe soon, including some dates with Metallica and The Sword. Visit Down's site for ticket info.
Down - 2008 Dates:
Jul 10 Markthalle HamburgNwsbyts:
Jul 12 Live Music Hall Koln
Jul 13 KB Malmo
Jul 14 Tradgarn Gothenburg
Jul 16 Bergenhus castle Bergen *
Jul 18 SKK Hall St Petersburg *
Jul 20 Skonto Stadium Riga *
Jul 22 Parco Nord Bologna *
Jul 23 Ptofi Nord Budapest %
Jul 25 Levski Stadium Sofia *
Jul 27 Ali Sami Yen Stadium Istanbul *
Jul 29 Barby Club Tel Aviv
Oct 10 Brisbane, The Arena (18+)
Oct 11 Sydney, UNSW Roundhouse (Licensed All Ages)
Oct 12 Melbourne, Palace Theatre (18+)
* w/ Metallica, The Sword
% w/ The Sword
• Revival thrashers Warbringer have lost their drummer and are currently seeking a replacement.
• A Swedish school teacher has been fired before ever setting foot in a classroom due to his participation in a Black Metal band.
• Metal Kult has an interview with Kurt Ballou and Jacob Bannon from Converge.
Continue Reading...
June 3, 2008
Crustcake Reviews: Sleep - Dopesmoker
by crustcake gerf (NYC)
"Follow the smoke to the riff-filled land."
So goes the legendary line in Sleep's monumentally epic tribute to pot, the aptly-named "Dopesmoker." "Dopesmoker" is both song and album, each one and the same-- more than sixty minutes of octave-drone punctuated by periodic movement, occasional guitar solos, and bombastic vocals. "Dopesmoker" is a stoner-doom masterpiece, the magnum opus of the now-defunct California trio.
According to All Music Guide, "[Dopesmoker] lingered in unreleased limbo [...], the subject of a vicious legal dispute between [Sleep] and their record company, London, which refused to release Dopesmoker as delivered by the band-- that is, a single, 60-minute-long song."
This disagreement ultimately led to Sleep's dissolution, and Dopesmoker didn't see the light of day in its intended form until years later, in 2003, thanks to Tee Pee Records. The version I reviewed is Tee Pee's latest pressing of the LP, which features a touch-up job by cover-artist Arik Roper. The record is gorgeous, all the art having originally been done in watercolor in Roper's signature style.
There's a problem though. You can't fit a 60+ minute song one one side of a 12" LP-- as a result "Dopesmoker" is awkwardly broken up into parts. The record is certainly a beautiful addition to your collection, but I recommend just listening to it digitally. Dopesmoker also comes with a bonus track-- a live cut of the song "Sonic Titan"-- but, much like this sentence, it's almost an after-thought.
[cover + wax]
[inside spread]
[back cover - detail]
If you're reading this blog, you're more than likely fairly familiar with Sleep already-- Al Cisneros (bass, vocals), Matt Pike (guitars), Chris Hakius (drums)-- and Sleep's children: Om and High On Fire. Om is more-or-less Sleep minus the guitars and the rough edges (and now, sadly, minus Hakius), whereas Matt Pike's High On Fire opted for a sludgier, aggressive, more 'traditional' metal sound.
Both bands may have, each in their own way, transcended their roots in Sleep, but that does nothing to diminish the importance of Dopesmoker to the doom metal canon.
Dopesmoker is available now from Tee Pee Records.
9.5/10 [Audible]
8.0/10 [Physical]
Download: Sleep - "Dopesmoker (excerpt)" [MP3]
Listen: Sleep [MySpace]
Buy: Sleep - Dopesmoker [Amazon]
May 15, 2008
Crustcake Picks - LA Shows 5/15 - 5/21
by beatmasterspeech (LA)
If I wasn't feeling like a plugged-up piece of shit right now, I'd be preparing for the Abysmal Dawn CD release show tonight at the Knitting Factory. Their new album Programmed To Consume is out now and is one fine example of modern death metal.
Supporting them tonight is another personal fave, Dreaming Dead (formerly known as Manslaughter). This amazing blackened thrash band features Elizabeth Schall (Winterthrall, The Iron Maidens) and Mike Caffell (drums, Exhausted Prayer). You definitely do not want to miss the best of LA's local brutality. And look out for our upcoming interview with Abysmal Charles (vocals/guitar, Abysmal Dawn).
Now, if you've got the coin for it, some of the old school heavy hitters are in town, Megadeth and Metallica.
Metallica is coming down from the bay to take part in KROQ's annual "Weenie Roast y Fiesta." Tickets are sold out by now but you can always try eBay or Craigslist. But honestly, check out the line up first... you have to sit through some serious top 40 modern 'rock' until Metallica takes the stage and even then you don't know if it's gonna be a St. Anger set with one oldie or a completely killer set from the Black Album and before... It may be too pricey and risky (lawn tickets start at $55!).
Gigantour makes its LA area stop this year at the Long Beach Arena (featured in the classic Live After Death Iron Maiden DVD). This year's Gigantour features High On Fire, Job For A Cowboy, Children of Bodom, In Flames, and of course tour organizers Megadeth. I'm on the fence with this one. I love High On Fire but in an arena it might not be as awesome... The others I'm just meh about... I mean Megadeth is awesome but it depends on how Dave is feeling that night, you know?
LA show picks 5/15 - 5/21:Thursday 5/15 - Abysmal Dawn, Letum Ascensus, The Cauterized, Dreaming Dead, Isolation Infamy @ The Knitting Factory [tix]
Saturday 5/17 - Metallica (KROQ's Weenie Roast) @ The Verizon Wireless Ampitheater (Irvine,CA) [tix]
Wednesday 5/21 - Gigantour @ Long Beach Arena [tix]
May 5, 2008
New England Metal and Hardcore Fest - Photo Wrap-Up
words and photos by Jesse Angelo
For the last ten years The Palladium in Worcester, Mass-- quite possibly the dankest venue in all of New England-- has hosted The New England Metal and Hardcore Fest, better known simply as Metal Fest. For those of you who haven't been, it's three days of metal and hardcore-- two stages at a time-- packed into the Palladium. It's sometimes long, painful, and/or bloody, but it's always a blast.
Day one featured the Gigantour line-up: High on Fire, Job for a Cowboy, Children of Bodom, In Flames and Megadeth. Before the mayhem began, I enjoyed a tailgate in the parking lot across from the Palladium with my friends Eric and Steve:
We've been coming to this lot and tailgating for almost ten years, but this year some old troll came and kicked us out. Good thing there's a bar right next door! A few Irish car bombs and we were back on track:
The scene outside of the Palladium:
Equipment lined the streets around the venue:
Metal Fest organizer Scott Lee on the phone outside of the Palladium:
The line to enter wrapped around the block:
Yeah, yeah, it was a total sausage fest...
After making my way inside, High on Fire started playing. If you're surprised to see Matt Pike wearing a shirt, keep in mind it was only 5pm.
Job for a Cowboy was up next.
Gigantour really brought some cool lighting gear with them!
I'm not really a fan of Job for a Cowboy, so after watching a few songs I decided to check out the merch.
Scott Lee now has a clothing company. My favorite item has to be that giant mug shot t-shirt!
Myspace had a table where they were giving away bandannas and pins. They didn't look to be in high demand.
Metal Maniacs had a huge area where band signings were taking place.
Children of Bodom came up next:
In Flames were great, but to be honest I was having trouble paying attention to their set. I was so excited for Megadeth!
Hell yeah Megadeth! I saw them once before last year with Heaven and Hell. I never was a huge Megadeth fan, but they are a lot of fun live.
"Skin O' My Teeeeeeeeth!"
Dave Mustaine is the only original member at this point.
And there you have it! Photos from the rest of the festival will be up later this week, and be sure to check out all the interviews from the fest at Boston.TV.
February 29, 2008
Flick Friday - High On Fire, R.E.M., Dimmu Borgir, Lambgoat
by crustcake gerf (NYC)
If you missed High On Fire's recent New York gig at Europa, like I did, now's your chance to make up for it. WoozyFly.com (terrible name) was there and captured the show on video. I gotta say, the sound is fantastic. Watch part 1 here and then head to WoozyFly.com to see part 2.
High On Fire - Live at Europa, Greenpoint, Brooklyn 2/10/08 (click through to watch):
The godfathers of alternative rock, R.E.M., are back with their 14th studio LP on April 1st. Their video for lead single "Supernatural Superserious" is pretty lamesauce, but the song is swell. If you're an old school R.E.M. fan, that is. Metalheads may not dig, but we've got something on deck for y'all.
R.E.M. - "Supernatural Superserious":
We'd love to post an Xasthur or Deathspell Omega video here, but music videos and 'true' Black Metal aren't exactly bedfellows. Instead, we'll have to settle for BM's rockstars, Dimmu Borgir, with "The Sacrilegious Scorn." Strap on your gauntlets and don your chainmail, fellow metalheads, it's time for battle.
Dimmu Borgir - "The Sacrilegious Scorn":
And, via MetalSucks, we just had to show you this...
Lambgoat shows its true colors:
Download: High On Fire - "Waste of Tiamat" [MP3]
Download: Dimmu Borgir - "The Sacrilegious Scorn" [MP3]
February 7, 2008
Crustcake Picks - NYC Shows 2/7 - 2/13
by crustcake gerf (NYC)
Big week in NYC. Here's a quick rundown...
Tomorrow, UK punkers Gallows will be in the 'burg, then on Saturday Early Man will be rocking the tap bar at the Knitting Factory. Hopefully Early Mike has cured his hangover by then-- he was in rough shape on Tuesday after the Exodus show.
Sunday, we've got High On Fire (who I have nothing but love for) with A Life Once Lost and Saviours in Greenpoint. Monday, garage rockers No Age and then Saviours again on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, after all that (mostly) metal, check out MGMT, who recently released their debut full-length as well as a new video, at Bowery Ballroom with Violens (members of Lansing-Dreiden).
Or, head to Carnegie Hall for the Tibet House benefit featuring Sufjan Stevens, Band of Horses, Ray Davies (of The Kinks), minimalist composer (and Tibet House co-founder) Philip Glass, and Tom Verlaine (of Television).
See you out there!
NYC shows 2/7 - 2/13:Friday 2/8 - Gallows, This is Hell, Cancer Bats @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Saturday 2/9 - Early Man, Hull, Under Satan's Sun, Inswarm @ Knitting Factory (Tap Bar)
Sunday 2/10 - High on Fire, A Life Once Lost, Saviours, Car Bomb @ Europa
Monday 2/11 - No Age, High Places, Rings, Skint @ Market Hotel
Tuesday 2/12 - Saviours, Titan, Children @ Luna Lounge
Wednesday 2/13 - MGMT, Yeasayer, Violens @ Bowery Ballroom
Wednesday 2/13 - Sufjan Stevens, Band of Horses, Ray Davies, Philip Glass, Tom Verlaine @ Carnegie Hall - Isaac Stern Auditorium (Tibet House benefit)[MP3] Early Man - "More to Me than Meat and Eyes"[MP3] Saviours - "Into Abaddon"[MP3] No Age - "Everybody's Down"[MP3] MGMT - "Time to Pretend"[MP3] Violens - "Violent Sensation Descends"
January 21, 2008
Crustcake Picks - New Music 1/22
New York's MGMT are one of Rolling Stone's Artists to Watch in 2008, but don't take their word for it-- take ours. After bursting onto the scene with 2005's Time to Pretend EP (Cantora Records), MGMT landed a tour with Of Montreal (who are, incidentally, from Athens, GA and not Montreal). Their major label debut, Oracular Spectacular, has already been out digitally for a few months (and it's quite a trip), but the physical manifestation hits stores tomorrow.
Speaking of Athens, GA-- garage rock trio The Whigs are back tomorrow with their sophomore effort Mission Control, which has been in steady rotation over here at crustcake HQ. It's sure to elicit feelings of nostalgia for the bygone days of Generation X's teen spirit.
The real fun begins, however, with Saviours' Into Abaddon. Already the proud owner of two 9/10 ratings (Lambgoat, Drowned in Sound) and a positive (if convoluted) review from Decibel, Into Abaddon is sure to be punishing your eardrums for many months to come.
More after the jump.
Saviours are on the road right now with High On Fire and A Life Once Lost through February 23rd. They'll continue on from there for some dates through the northwest, down through the midwest, and into Texas, before heading to the UK for dates with Black Cobra and label-mates The Sword. All dates available on their MySpace page.
Looks like the 2008 record release party is finally picking up! Here are our picks:Black Mountain - In The Future [Amazon]
Disfear - Live the Storm [Amazon]
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular [Amazon]
Mono - The Sky Remains the Same as Ever (DVD) [Amazon]
Pelican - After the Ceiling Cracked (DVD + 3" CD) [Amazon]
Saviours - Into Abaddon [Amazon]
The Whigs - Mission Control [Amazon]
Check Largehearted Boy for a more comprehensive list of tomorrow's new releases.
MGMT - "Time to Pretend" (David Letterman):[MP3] Black Mountain - "Tyrants"
[full album stream] Black Mountain - In The Future[MP3] MGMT - "Time to Pretend"[MP3] Saviours - "Into Abaddon"
[MP3] The Whigs - "Right Hand on My Heart"
January 18, 2008
More Metal Updates Than You Can Shake a Sword At
It's a metal day over at Brooklyn Vegan, with three metal posts so far (four if you count Rush, but why would you?). Black Bubblegum sure is on top of his game!
Included are updates on Disfear, J2, Cursed, Lair of the Minotaur, Psyopus, Megadeth, In Flames, High On Fire, Converge, Baroness, The Red Chord, Coliseum, and the same Sweet Cobra video we posted last week.
Phew!
Black Bubblegum also touches on The Sword's forthcoming sophomore LP, which has been in steady rotation since it hit my desk recently. Gods of the Earth is big folks; epic lyrical themes, pounding percussion, and giant riffs abound.
NYC's Kemado Records are poised for a one-two punch of riffin' revival metal in early 2008-- in addition to Gods of the Earth (out April Fool's day) they're also releasing Saviours new one, Into Abaddon, next Tuesday (also in steady rotation at crustcake HQ).
On top of all that, over at MetalSucks you'll find an update on Century Media's latest acquisition, LA's Intronaut. My partner in crime, beatmasterspeech, will be talking to Sacha and the dudes this weekend, so check back here next week for the interview.
TGIF! Crustcake gerf, signing off.
January 7, 2008
Metal - Still 'Hip' or 'Hip' Again?
So, apparently metal is cool again. The three (probably) most influential 'indie' sites have all been showing metal some love lately-- Pitchfork hooked up Baroness' Red Album with a robust 8.4 last year, Stereogum has also given Baroness some love, and Brooklyn Vegan now has their very own heavy metal correspondent. And many more examples are out there to be found, if one had the slightest inclination to look.
Ok, so maybe this phenomenon isn't exactly new-- certain metal acts, for one reason or another, have always garnered the attention of indie rockers and a wider circle in general. And it's not always the 'best' metal acts that pop onto non-metal radars either, nor is it always the most successfully promoted. What is the common thread, if any, that ties all metal bands with crossover success?
Though it may not really be all that new, the phenomenon is becoming more pronounced of late. Maybe it has something to do with the notion that, to quote an associate of mine, "the dust is all up in the air [in the music industry] and while the industry is economically shifting, reviewers are looking in new windows."
It's certainly not news that the music industry is changing at an alarming (well, alarming to those with a stake in the old model, that is) rate these days, and perhaps that has something to do with shaking things up a bit and breaking down genre boundaries.
I'm sure many of our regular readers will have opinions on this topic, which they should feel free to holler out.
In 'apparently-metal-is-cool-again'- related news, Brooklyn Vegan has an update on the activities (tour dates) of all three ex-Sleepers in early '08. With Om and High On Fire hitting all the major markets, Neurosis and (possibly, probably, hopefully?) Mastodon taking over the Brooklyn Masonic Hall for two nights, Doomriders and The Sword (among others) releasing new albums, 2008 is already shaping up to be a good year in crustcake-land.
December 21, 2007
Crustake Gerf's Best of 2007
10~
Delta Spirit
Ode to Sunshine [Amazon] [iTunes]
Delta Spirit are still relatively unknown and, as such, Ode to Sunshine hasn't been finding its way on many year-end lists. This album is a solid effort, though (there isn't a single bad song on the thing), and I am completely convinced that Delta Spirit will be reaching quite a few more ears in '08.
Crucial Cut: "Trashcan" [MP3]
9~
Baroness
Red Album [Amazon]
After a promising start with 2003's First and 2005's Second, Baroness are suddenly making waves in the music industry. They are favored by the indie-rock-leaning likes of Pitchfork and Stereogum-- the kind of endorsements that are priceless in the short term but may ultimately lead to a severe backlash. These guys are the real deal though, and with a little luck could very well become the next 'big thing' in metal.
Crucial Cut: "Wanderlust" [MP3]
8~
High On Fire
Death is this Communion [Amazon]
Though overall it falls just short of the bar set by 2005's Blessed Black Wings, Death Is This Communion was the year's strongest 'conventional' metal record. Not to belittle High On Fire-- I mean 'conventional' only as a way of distinguishing them from the quite unconventional likes of Om or Torche. Death is this Communion does have and edge on Blessed Black Wings in a few areas, though. The album's tone is more varied, Matt Pike's vocal performance is stronger and more self-assured, and drummer Des Kensel gets a few opportunities to shine as well, including his very own track, "Headhunter."
Crucial Cut: "Fury Whip" [MP3]
7~
LCD Soundsystem
Sound of Silver [Amazon] [iTunes]
It takes a special dance record to really make an impact on me. The New Deal's self-titled 2001 release was one of those records. So too, is LCD Soundsystem's sophomore effort, Sound of Silver. Besides nine solid tunes, Sound of Silver-- much like The New Deal-- features live drums, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, vocals... well, you get the idea. Dance stalwarts Daft Punk and newcomers Justice have their place, to be sure, but in the world of dance music, nothing tops a solid record of original songs performed by instrumentalists.
Crucial Cut: "All My Friends" [MP3]
6~
Radiohead
In Rainbows [Amazon]
The best part about Radiohead's In Rainbows was its absence of the typical 6-month hype-fest that surrounds traditional album releases. Most big name releases are over-hyped, over-marketed, and generally shoved down our throats, and it was refreshing that In Rainbows saw its release only ten days after the world first learned of its existence. Expectations were shattered and the music itself was allowed to do the talking, making for a very enjoyable listen.
Crucial Cut: "Bodysnatchers" [MP3]
5~
Torche
In Return [Amazon] [iTunes]
Torche will destroy you with their bomb string. Read my review.
Crucial Cut: "In Return" [MP3]
4~
Om
Pilgrimage [Amazon]
'Art music', as awkward a phrase that may be, is the best way to describe Om. Equal parts heavy metal and heady metal, Pilgrimage finds Om reaching new levels of subtlety, musicianship, and intellect.
Crucial Cut: "Bhimas' Theme" [MP3]
3~
Jesu
Conqueror [Amazon]
Jesu's Conqueror accompanied me on many late-night subway journeys early this year. Hearing this album now calls to mind memories of those frigid winter evenings, my breath visible as I paced about the subway platform deep in the heart of Brooklyn, making footprints in the fresh snowfall and listening to Justin Broaderick's haunting, sorrowful shoegaze.
Crucial Cut: "Transfigure" [MP3]
2~
Arcade Fire
Neon Bible [Amazon]
The consensus seems to be that Neon Bible doesn't live up to Arcade Fire's 2004 debut Funeral, but I prefer the former. Neon Bible is simultaneously epic, dark, foreboding, grandiose, intimate-- in short, a masterpiece. Arcade Fire are honest and sincere, if perhaps a bit preachy, and they're more endearing than a child.
Crucial Cut: "My Body is a Cage" [MP3]
1~
Witchcraft
The Alchemist [Amazon]
Timeless rock n' roll. Doesn't get much better than this. Read my review at The Tripwire.
Crucial Cut: "The Alchemist" [MP3]
December 20, 2007
Beatmasterspeech's Best of 2007
First let me start off by saying there was a ton of quality shit this year. Second, I feel as if 2007 has come and gone too quickly for music and me. I’m pretty geeky and obsessive when it comes to collecting catalog albums, and so I feel as if I still haven’t gotten to a few great records out there in ’07 land. However, the albums below definitely defined this year for me. Read on and feel free to yell at me!
10~
Anaal Nathrakh
Hell is Empty, and all the Devils are Here [Amazon] [iTunes]
Pure and disgusting power, this album is unrelenting. The vocals will make you shit yourself!
Crucial Cut: "Shatter the Empyrean" [MP3]
9~
Sweet Cobra
Forever [Amazon]
Rock n' roll spirit is still alive. 333 parts skate punk + 333 parts sludge = Forever.
Crucial Cut: "Jackals and Arabs" [MP3]
8~
Despised Icon
The Ills of Modern Man [Amazon] [iTunes]
A successful marriage of hardcore and death metal. Thick, brutal, and punishing.
Crucial Cut: "Sheltered Reminiscence" [MP3]
7~
Rwake
Voices of Omens [Amazon]
If you’ve ever wondered what the bastard child of Pink Floyd and YOB would sound like, this is the album for you.
Crucial Cut: "Inverted Overtures" [MP3]
6~
Jesu
Conqueror [Amazon]
Broadrick displays his genius once again. Beautifully uplifting and apocalyptic at the same time.
Crucial Cut: "Conqueror" [MP3]
5~
Neurosis
Given to the Rising [Amazon] [iTunes]
The masters that defined an entire movement have made another impressive statement with Given to the Rising. It’s a definite audio experience.
Crucial Cut: "Water Is Not Enough" [MP3]
4~
Earth
Hibernaculum [Amazon]
I ended many a night lying in bed listening to this record. Each song is a movement within a perfect dark spaghetti western soundtrack.
Crucial Cut: "Ouroboros Is Broken" [MP3]
3~
Baroness
Red Album [Amazon]
A perfect evolutionary step for an already amazing band. This record really brought them into the ‘indieground’ spotlight.
Crucial Cut: "The Birthing" [MP3]
2~
High on Fire
Death is this Communion [Amazon]
Fist pumpin’, iron horse ridin', whiskey chuggin’, head banging heavy fucking metal!
Crucial Cut: "Rumours of War" [MP3]
1~
Big Business
Here Come The Waterworks [Amazon]
Let’s just say this was my cup of coffee of sorts on the way into work each day since its release early this year. I guarantee you’ll catch yourself humming these tunes by the water cooler on bagel day.
Crucial Cut: "Hands Up" [MP3]
November 28, 2007
Crusty Clip of the Week - crustcake gerf
2007 seems to be the year of the reunion, but if there is one band above all others that I'd like to see hook up for a new album and/or a few shows it would be 90's doom masters Sleep. Reunions have a way, however, of not living up to expectations-- the chemistry just isn't the same and can often feel forced.
Wouldn't want to ruin the magic-- no, perhaps it's better that they stay separated. After all, Sleep's break up has given us Om and High On Fire, two bands that may very well have, each in their own disparate way, transcended the greatness even of Sleep.
Sleep - "Dragonaut" (1993?)*:[MP3] Sleep - "Dragonaut"
* If you know what year this clip is from, please share.
October 24, 2007
High On Fire - New Video + Tour, Tour, Tour
High On Fire, who are currently wrapping up their tour with Mono, Panthers, and Coliseum, will be conquering Europe this winter with Chicago's Pelican before returning stateside for the second leg of their massive Death is this Communion World Tour, this time with support from A Life Once Lost and Saviours. Also joining them for the final seven dates of said tour will be LA's Intronaut, a band you can expect crustcake to be watching closely.
Watch High On Fire's video for "Rumors of War", just released:
[MP3] High On Fire - "Rumors of War"[MP3] Pelican - "Winds With Hands"
High On Fire [MySpace] [MP3]
Death is this Communion [Amazon] [iTunes]
Pelican [MySpace] [MP3]
City Of Echoes [Amazon] [iTunes]