God Is Dead?

"Is it the end, my friend?"

          - Black Sabbath, 'Black Sabbath'

In 1968 four guys from Birmingham got together to form a band. in 1968 heavy metal was born. 

Last night I was fortunate enough (after lost tickets, an extremely stressful hour trying to find the tickets then buying new tickets) to see Black Sabbath for the second, and final time. It is a night I would sell my soul to the devil to relive a million times over. Or just once more. The memories are something that will last a lifetime.

I literally could not fault the band, the only downfall would be original drummer Bill Ward not rejoining with the rest of the original line up. Despite years of a hedonistic lifestyle and more substance abuse than the rest of today's music industry combined, Ozzy, Tony and Geezer were on top form. I can't think of the words to say to do the show justice.

49 years on and the band could not be mistaken for the OAP's that under normal circumstances they would be classed as. Tony Iommi is still the godfather of guitar players, an incredible talent that has inspired millions of musicians world wide. His game changing riffs sounded just as fabulous and dark as ever. Geezer Butlers solo showed the, often overlooked, gift he has musically. And Ozzy Osbourne is everything you expect from "The Prince of Darkness," the evil laughing, the "Oh lord yeah" and the general demeanour of his stage presence, even with the occasional dad moves and strange cuckoo noises. Seriously if anyone knows what that is about please do share. 

On February 4th 2017 Black Sabbath will be laid to rest.

"The voices echo in my head,

Is God alive or is God dead?

Is God dead?"

          - Black Sabbath, 'God Is Dead'

Just A Memory

On Friday I checked another one off the bucket list. I went down to Glasgow again to see Escape The Fate. And it was epic. They put on a fantastic show and totally left me wanting more. Like normal people (so I'm told) leave gigs feeling satisfied and happy. I leave a gig over the moon, completely in love with the band and desperate for more. As in got home from Glasgow and watched live videos on YouTube while I got ready to go out that night. 

I'm already excited for the next time. Whenever that may be. And as amazing as the gig and performance was, later in the night is what made my life complete. After wondering around in the rain and snow we found a Brewdog pub, had a couple more drinks then the horrendous cheesey music drove us back to Cathouse where our friends already were. And holy shit what a night it ended up being. Members of the band, along with the support bands were in the club chilling. It was surreal. By the end of the night they were sitting/dancing at the table next to us just living life. And I have to admit, Craig Mabbitt is just as beautiful in person, and seems like a really nice guy. 

The Last Sunrise

Last Monday was an emotional night. It was The Last Sunrise. It was bittersweet, not only did I get to meet one of my favourite bands for the second time, and was still as star struck/unable to function like a normal human being just like back in 2007. I got see one of my favourite bands for the third time. But it was also the last time.http://lovehateculture.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/i-will-wait-for-this-moment.html?m=1 

Main support band Ashestoangels were fantastic. I've only listened to them a couple times prior to the gig, having only heard of them from supporting Aiden. They put on a hell of a show, one of the most energetic bands I've seen. And are the perfect pre Aiden band. I am now officially a fan.

Aiden were, as usually, amazing. The unbelievable passion from frontman William Control is unstoppable force that will always be carried on in his solo projects, a comfort for fans. The setlist spanned across Aidens discography, playing sophomore album The Last Sunrise in full. It was a night that will never be forgotten, a memory that will always be treasured. And when the DVD from the last London show is released, it'll be relived. 

RIP AIDEN

Artwork

As I mentioned in my last post I loved the artwork for Ice Nine Kills "Every Trick In The Book," and since I've been swamped with coursework, and haven't really had time to write lately, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite album artworks. 

Escape The Fate - "Dying Is Your Latest Fashion" 2006

I'm not saying this was Escape the Fate's best album, far from it. I like the album, but I love the cover. It's a bit sleazy, a bit debauched, and a lot amazing. And it's probably the biggest reason I'm tempted to get my lip pierced, and it kind of resembles what I look like when I wake up the morning after a night out. I'm sure other people can relate to this too right? It pretty much sums up the album, a kinda wrecked, kinda trashy.

Aiden - "Knives" 2009

Anther cover that reflects the album. Knives is full of nightmarish analogies, an album of dark, twisted ideas and lyrics. The album artwork shows a creepy kid, vampire like in nature. This could be a reflection of the entire album, or a reflection of song "Let The Right One In," a tribute to the Swedish vampire film of the same name. Either way it resembles the things nightmares are born from, and has the right amount of creepiness.

HIM - "Dark Light" 2005

"Dark Light," is the second album not to feature frontman Ville Valo on the cover, and the first to feature artwork that is neither Valo, just the Heartagram or a combination of both. The album is itself is mythical, and there is something quite eerie about a skyscraper in the middle of the sea. It's the perfect accompaniment to the lyrical and instrumental content, and an amazing piece of artwork to bring HIM away from their classic style.

Falling In Reverse - "Just Like You" 2015

Like with every other aspect of Falling In Reverse, if you don't take any of it seriously, it's good. If you take it with a light heart, "Just Like You," is a great album. If you take it too seriously (like most critics do) then it sucks balls. But go fuck yourself, it's meant to be funny. Or at least I assume it is. The album artwork is true to this. Half naked girl, comical belt.

 

Nirvana - "Nevermind" 1991 

The "Nevermind" album artwork has become an iconic image. Worldwide hundreds of millions of people have seen it. It's simple, yet has an impact on you. It can be looked at primarily as an imaged the band liked, and idea they had. It can be looked at as more, as a symbolisation of society chasing the dollar. Either way it's the image of a generation, the image of a scene, and an image that will always be there.

Every Trick In The Book

Ice Nine Kills released their new album, "Every Trick In The Book," today. I literally only heard of the band last night, through an amusing video on Buzzfeed, and was intrigued to check out the band. I've been listening to "Every Trick In The Book," on repeat all day now. So thanks Buzzfeed.

Not only is it an amazing album, with thought provoking lyrics and strong instrumentals, it is a tribute to some of the best horror inspiring literature. A refreshing break from the majority of music released focusing on dark issues and relationships. The album artwork needs a mention too, a simplistic cartoonised depiction of horror characters, it sums up the album in one picture. And looks fucking incredible. 

Opening track "The Nature of the Beast," starts off in a very stage musical style, which had me doubting the album to start with, first impressions and all that you know. This lasted about 30 seconds and I was hooked. 

"Communion of the Cursed," is a haunting tale, with the perfect balance of clean cut vocals and screaming. 'So where's you saviour tonight? As angels fall from the sky.' is best line of the whole album.

An overall twisted album, that at times has the right amount of debauchery to satisfy any fan. And although I've never read a lot of the books the songs reference, this didn't take anything away from the experience. 

'Cause We Have Had Enough

Between drowning in coursework, not feeling 100% and just generally struggling with motivation, I haven't posted in a couple weeks. And I had no intention on saying anything about recent tragedies, but some of the comments I've read lately, I feel the need to write this.

Last night (or early hours of this morning...) Papa Roach announced they were pulling out of the remaining dates on their European tour with Five Finger Death Punch, who were still continuing with it. While most of the comments were understanding there was still the usual asshole talking shit about it. Questioning why they were pulling out, why other bands were continuing and not them. Go fuck yourselves, seriously. In light of all the shit that's been going on lately is not seeing a band really that much of a disaster?! And if a band feels it isn't safe to continue please remember it's not just them they're thinking about. It's their crew, their family, their fans. 

With all the shit that's going on in the world this is a time to stick together, not a time to single out bands or artists, or to question motives. If a someone doesn't feel the security is up to scratch, or it can't be secured then cancelling is the best way forward. The world doesn't need another massacre on it's hands. And no band, artist, event planner etc should be left to feel the weight of this on their shoulders. 

Life will always be full of "what if's?" but "what if we hadn't played the show?" isn't something anyone should be left with.

And if this shit isn't already real enough for you then try reading this, watching the interview and tell me you don't feel anything, and that your still pissed you favourite band is doubting doing a tour.

I Will Wait For This Moment

I couldn't sleep last night. This has become a recurring theme in my life, and after a few hours of tossing and turning I thought I'd at least try to be productive. After an hour of failing to get the motivation to do coursework I ended up just listening to music. I ended up listening to songs I've not heard in a while, songs that bring back memories of times gone by. I've always regarded music as a catalyst for emotion and evoking the nostalgia for the past. Music is with you every step of your life and can help put into words what you're feeling or going through when you don't know how to. So I decided to do a post on the top 5 musical moments in my life. Really it's just another excuse for me to ramble on shit about music, and spend an hour or so procrastinating.

1. Aiden

I can't tell you the first Aiden song I listened to, I can't tell you where I was, how I felt, or that in the moment it instantly changed something in my life. But I can remember seeing they were playing in Aberdeen, and getting a ticket to go, more because a band was playing in Aberdeen than anything else. That's when my love affair with Aiden began. I started listening to them after buying that ticket and I got obsessed. I remember meeting them at One Up on Belmont Street before the gig, getting my already wrecked jeans signed (they've still not been washed...) and getting a photo taken with Angel, 'cause I was too shy to ask Wil Francis. I remember being right at the front of the gig, where there were no barriers between the floor and the stage, and Francis saying there was no need for the security staff acting as barriers. And the best part, I remember Francis taking my camera (this was back when cameras on phones were shit) and taking a 'selfie' with the crowd in the background. I lost the photo when my old laptop broke. I never backed it. I'm sure there is a way to get it back, but I'm technically challenged. It was true love after that gig. A couple years later I went to Glasgow to see them again, and it was just as magical as the first time. And in January I will be seeing them for the last time, and hopefully this time at the VIP meet and greet I won't be too star struck or shy to function. But probably not. Thank god for alcohol.

Check out Aiden's website where you can get their full discography as a free download, and for full tour dates.

2. Sixx AM/Motley Crue

I do remember when I first hears Sixx AM. I was surfing through the music channels back in the day, like you do. I stopped on Kerrang! where the video for 'Life Is Beautiful,' was playing. Something about the song made me stop and listen. And I was hooked. I immediately bought the album, then the book, then started listening to Motley Crue. And if you've seen any of my previous posts about Sixx AM or Motley Crue there isn't really much else to say.

3. Motorhead

I grew up with Motorhead. My dad is obsessed. Motorhead has always just been there, a constant in my life. It's one of the things I can remember always being there, much like my mums obsession with Meatloaf's 'Bat Out Of Hell' album (I know all the words to all the songs from childhood car trips) Motorhead was a staple of life. I was around 14 or 15 when my dad first took me to see Motorhead with him. It was one of, if not the first, proper rock gig I had been to. And I loved every minute of it. I'm not entirely sure how many times I've actually seen Motorhead now, I think it's around 6 or 7 but I could be wrong. After experiencing the atmosphere of an amazing live performance I was left craving more, and this is when I really fell for live music. 

Motorhead are touring the UK at the start of next year.

4. HIM

I can't remember which song I heard first, but it was the release of the 'Dark Light' album that got me. So I'd guess it was 'Vampire Heart,' the first track on the album. 'Dark Light,' was the first album I bought that wasn't cheesy pop music. And it's the one that started it all. Probably one of my dads proudest moments too. That album changed my life, in regards to my taste in music. I would still regard it as one of the best, most influential albums I've ever bought. It might not be one that will stand for the test of time, or even be the one they are remember for, but to me, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember feeling like everything made a lot more sense. It woke the true music fan within me, and that's stayed with me since.

5. Guns 'n' Roses

If you've read my blog before you'll know I'm not a fan of Guns 'n' Roses post Slash. I can remember 'borrowing' my dads 'Appetite of Destruction' CD (my dad now still borrows CD's from me..) and it clicked. It was like with HIM, it just felt right. I appreciate that Axl Rose is a talented musician, I can appreciate that what remains of Guns 'n' Roses are still making good music, but I just don't like it. The early music is brilliant, and deserves all the praise it gets. Sometime around 2006 I think it was I was reading Kerrang! magazine and saw the tour announcement, Guns 'n' Roses were playing in Glasgow with Bullet For My Valentine. I was excited. I loved Bullet at the time, so off me and my dad went. It was one of the worst atmospheres I ever experienced at a gig. Bullet were fantastic, but the majority of the (older) crowd didn't care, they weren't there for a support band they'd never heard of. It was a strange atmosphere, with a blatantly obvious mentality people were there for the main act, and the main act only. Two hours and near riots later Axl finally got on stage. By this point I was already over it. They put on a good show, but my heart wasn't in it any more. And this when I first realised that music could be a let down. When the band stops caring about the music and the fans and more about the money the magic is lost.