I want to start highlighting riffs that catch my ear, ones that will Riff Your Face Off. Many of these riffs will likely not tickle your fancy, but just give them a couple listens preferably at very very loud volume. There really isn't any better way to appreciate them. Also, until I find a good way to upload sound-clips to highlight just said riffs, I will have to link to YouTube videos which many times have inadequate renderings. Nonetheless, seek the album version if you have the means.
The first riff goes to Born of a Broken Man by 90s alt metallers Rage Against the Machine. Its not so much heavy as its bluesy infusion makes you want to bang your head. The first time I heard it I feel in love and hopefully you will too. If you can get the album version please do, this YouTube clip does not do it justice.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ladies and Djentleman, we can now begin at the Periphery of 8-string use
A recent trend has spread like wildfire throughout the heavy music scene: djent. It takes its roots in Meshuggah style 8-string riffs that make a "djent" sound with certain effects. Regardless, the point here is EIGHT STRINGS. It is necessary to fuel this fad good or not because it will help topple the monotony of six string vocal-led music that is destroying us one single-without-an-album at a time.
The top dog in djent is Periphery led by the talented guitar extraordinaire Misha Mansoor. This guy can write a riff, and riffs run part of my life (as I will demonstrate with a new series I have in the works). Alot of people poke at their current singer, Spencer Sotelo, because he's radio rock, and they are partly right but with the groovy riffiness and 8-string madness covering up the more unbearable parts, keep him. Their self-titled album released last year at #128 on the Billboard which basically means heavy metal giant Daughtry better start djent-ing and borderline extreme metallers Nickelback will have to incorporate groove into their straight forward mish-mash of triple kick laden death metal speed.
While many of the songs have those "funny" names some emocore/screamo bands adopt (Buttersnips, Ow My Feelings), it doesnt take away from the heavy nor should it deter getting behind these 8-string pioneers. Also prominent in their presentation is the futuristic/serene/cosmic artwork adorning djent albums.
All in all, Periphery are staying on the playlist for awhile, and make for some great stomp action on Friday nights before (during) drinking festivities.
The top dog in djent is Periphery led by the talented guitar extraordinaire Misha Mansoor. This guy can write a riff, and riffs run part of my life (as I will demonstrate with a new series I have in the works). Alot of people poke at their current singer, Spencer Sotelo, because he's radio rock, and they are partly right but with the groovy riffiness and 8-string madness covering up the more unbearable parts, keep him. Their self-titled album released last year at #128 on the Billboard which basically means heavy metal giant Daughtry better start djent-ing and borderline extreme metallers Nickelback will have to incorporate groove into their straight forward mish-mash of triple kick laden death metal speed.
All in all, Periphery are staying on the playlist for awhile, and make for some great stomp action on Friday nights before (during) drinking festivities.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Orange Amps are Paving the way for 8-String Domination
It's no secret that I have a love affair with the awesomely heavy and sludgy Orange Amps. They have basically been a staple in the fusion of hardcore and heavy metal we have seen (think Fall Out Boy but heavier). With such great sound, you know you will be treated to a great live show when you see the roadies hauling these badboys out on stage after the shitty opener you skipped.
So what amazingly heavy/sludgy prog bands equipped with 8-Strings have had the foresight to realize the eventual dominance of Orange amps?
Godsmack look-a-likes Charm City Devils who use Orange to boost their radio rock sound with a heavy smash-face attitude
Punk-metal fusionists Hawthorne Heights who have paved the way for radio metal worldwide (sooo underrated)
One of the most progressive mosh-pop bands Mayday Parade. Their live show is ten times louder live with these orange boxes sitting front row
Nu-metal pioneers Slipknot use them too, only they dont employ 8-strings which really hurts their sound. If Vermilion was recorded with 8-strings, I think the speakers in my car would be blown
Insane Clown Posse are so heavy they don't even use instruments
We all know the great progressive/tech/death/shoegaze duo Insane Clown Posse over at Psychopathic Records but to jog your memory here is their newest hot single that really asks the questions that people are afraid to confront.
When I pressed play my ears were literally obliterated with their complex song structures and non-traditional vocals. So while they may never get the radio respect they obviously deserve (shout-out to De-triot), they will just keep pushing the boundaries we thought surrounded heavy music. The solo at the end is so incredibly mind altering that I think that maybe Hendrix had come back from the dead to play it. It was that good.
Some of the lyrics are funny, but powerful. "Fucking rainbows after it rains" is funny at first but then reminds you of just how beautiful rainbows are and how the music itself gives a soundscap-y feel that moves you ya know? Violent J says it himself, "And music is magic, pure and clean," Shaggy backs him up, "Pure motherfucking magic"
One point that gives ICP some serious street cred in the music scene (although mostly the music-y types who are obsessed with technical skill since this music seems to fill that niche), is there infamous line regarding their asking the question we all ponder from time to time (especially at church) How do magnets work? What needs to be said about this line has been said, and the philosophy behind it is deeply moving. More importantly is the line after it: "And I don't wanna talk to a scientist Y'all motherfuckers lying, and getting me pissed" which exudes sophistication that draws the listener deeper into this progressive post-metal masterpiece. It gives off that inner city feel of distrust for science that we need nowadays to make sure that robots don't overthrow our society. The use of "Y'all" calls out to all the rural homeboys who walk two or three miles to school everyday, all because of the scientists.
This wont be my last post about post-rock trancecore/doom/goregrind giants ICP. They are "two" good for one post.
When I pressed play my ears were literally obliterated with their complex song structures and non-traditional vocals. So while they may never get the radio respect they obviously deserve (shout-out to De-triot), they will just keep pushing the boundaries we thought surrounded heavy music. The solo at the end is so incredibly mind altering that I think that maybe Hendrix had come back from the dead to play it. It was that good.
Some of the lyrics are funny, but powerful. "Fucking rainbows after it rains" is funny at first but then reminds you of just how beautiful rainbows are and how the music itself gives a soundscap-y feel that moves you ya know? Violent J says it himself, "And music is magic, pure and clean," Shaggy backs him up, "Pure motherfucking magic"
One point that gives ICP some serious street cred in the music scene (although mostly the music-y types who are obsessed with technical skill since this music seems to fill that niche), is there infamous line regarding their asking the question we all ponder from time to time (especially at church) How do magnets work? What needs to be said about this line has been said, and the philosophy behind it is deeply moving. More importantly is the line after it: "And I don't wanna talk to a scientist Y'all motherfuckers lying, and getting me pissed" which exudes sophistication that draws the listener deeper into this progressive post-metal masterpiece. It gives off that inner city feel of distrust for science that we need nowadays to make sure that robots don't overthrow our society. The use of "Y'all" calls out to all the rural homeboys who walk two or three miles to school everyday, all because of the scientists.
This wont be my last post about post-rock trancecore/doom/goregrind giants ICP. They are "two" good for one post.
Mission Statement: Get In the Pit and Destroy 6-strings
In 1998, Kid Rock ripped everyone's faces off with Devil Without a Cause. Notably the single "Bawitaba" destroyed everyone who thought six strings ruled the world and denied John Bonham as a drumming god. This blog will look at songs that break the heavy threshold and also songs that need to ditch their Marshalls and Mesa Boogies and jump on the Orange bandwagon and just chug their riffs a downtuned note or two.
It is likely you will disagree with nearly everything this blog may say. That is nearly intentional. If you have never headbanged to Saliva's "Rest In Pieces" you probably don't know anything about metal.
We will save the metal scene today by replacing one 6-string with an 8-string at a time. (Take that semi-hollow and shove it up your electro-acoustic)
It is likely you will disagree with nearly everything this blog may say. That is nearly intentional. If you have never headbanged to Saliva's "Rest In Pieces" you probably don't know anything about metal.
We will save the metal scene today by replacing one 6-string with an 8-string at a time. (Take that semi-hollow and shove it up your electro-acoustic)
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