Monday, July 30, 2012

Spotlight: The Dark Knight Rises

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“In the final part of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman must face a foe unlike any he has ever faced. In The Dark Knight, Batman saved Gotham, but could not save himself. Taking the blame for Harvey Dent's crimes, he was hunted by the Police, and thus had to leave the task of protecting Gotham in Gordon's hands. After what seemed like ages, Gordon finally brought peace to Gotham, and it was enough to convince the Dark Knight that Gotham was safe and that Bruce Wayne need never put on the Batsuit again. However, eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, a new foe emerges, and threatens to destroy Gotham. When this masked foe Bane proves too much for Gordon to handle, Batman must break his 8-year exile and return to defeat Bane from fulfilling his devious plan and claim his rightful place as the true Savior of Gotham.”


Christian Bale (American Psycho, The Fighter, Terminator Salvations) as Bruce Wayne / Batman
Tom Hardy (Bronson, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Inception) as Bane:
Anne Hathaway (Alice in Wonderland, Bride Wars, Rachel Getting Married) as Selina Kyle
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, Hesher, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) as John Blake
Michael Caine (Educating Rita, Little Voice, The Cider House Rules) as Alfred Pennyworth
Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Harry Potter, The Contender) as Commissioner James Gordon
Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, Invictus) as Lucius Fox
Marion Cotillard (Midnight in Paris, Inception, Nine) as Miranda Tate


Before I jump into my thoughts I must warn you there may be spoilers. Christopher Nolan did a good job wrapping up the trilogy with the nearly three hour epic. Although it was lengthy I enjoyed it to the fullest. Tom Hardy did a very good Bane as he beefed himself up for the role. He wasn’t as buff as he could have been, but I guess Nolan was going for a more realistic buff. The way his voice sounds like he is in pain all the time so it is perfect for the character. Michael Caine was very emotional in Rises more so than the other two in the trilogy. The scene where he cries is pretty sad. Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman was alright but I think they could have one better. Obviously Christian Bale did a good Batman again, but one thing about his lines is the fact for obvious popularity they brought back the “where is…” bit. I’d not might if it wasn’t over done or this was the first time but you could totally tell it was put it for laughs. The person who stuck out the most to me was Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, possibly-Robin-in-future-if-there-is-a-Justice-League-movie. (don’t quote me but I’ll bet you) To be honest I didn’t think was going to be any tie in to Robin, considering Christian Bale said if Robin was in the movie he wouldn’t do it.


I really enjoyed this movie and for it being the last of the trilogy I thought it was great. I definitely recommend seeing it, but maybe with a bullet proof vest. On the topic, I am very sorry for the victims and families of those injured or killed in the shooting at the Aurora, Colorado screening. I am glad Christian Bale went to see those people and also that he did it without the press finding out until after.


Semi-final Week Two: Dead 3 Days vs Vesperia

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Top 3 reasons why your band needs professional promo content vs amateur content
-Image: Your band will look professional and be taken seriously
-Show Opportunity: The chance to play bigger shows with bigger bands
-Exposure: Reaching new fans and building on the ones you have
The biggest names in metal have professional content. If your serious about your music career, Ax Media Studios will take you to the next level.
We offer a wide range of services from music videos, live concert, photography, studio recordings, playthroughs, cd and logo design and much more! Visit our site for more information on how we can take YOUR band to the next level!
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This poll closes August 6th at 12PM
Winner of this goes on to face Placentophagia for the $100 or $75 prize
Loser of this week goes on to face Left Hand Creation for the $50 prize




Dead 3 Days vs Vesperia
Winner of this goes on to face Placentophagia for the $100 or $75 prize, loser of this week goes on to face Left Hand Creation for the $50 prize
Dead 3 Days
Vesperia
See Results

Guest review of "...to North" by King of Asgard written by Left Hand Creation bassist Rob Holden

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I would just like to take the time to introduce a guest reviewer that is helping me out by bringing you a more in depth look at some of the albums I will be reviewing. Rob Holden is the bassist of Oshawa, Ontario based metal band Left Hand Creation. They combine all types of metal and make it their own with brutal riffs and gut wrenching vocals. You can like their page here and you should show some support for local bands!





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1. Intro
2. The Nine Worlds Burn
3. The Dispossessed
4. Gap of Ginnungs
5. Bound to Reunite
6. Nordvegr
7. Up On The Mountain
8. Plage-Ridden Rebirth
9. Harvest (The End)
10. …to North

“KING OF ASGARD took form in 2008 by founder Karl Beckman. Teaming up with long time fellow worker, Karsten Larsson, once together in the well known viking horde Mithotyn. Now re-entering their roots, the foundation of King of Asgard was a fact. Both musically as well as in the Norse heritage used as lyrical approach. In January 2009 the first recording was done. Resulting in the demo "Prince of Märings", a seven track disc recorded in Lotang studio. In November the same year, Jonas Albrektsson (ex-Thy Primordial)  joined KING OF ASGARD. The three piece now took serious form, meanwhile the demo recording was well received and caught the interest of Metal Blade Records. In December of 2009 KING OF ASGARD inked a deal with METAL BLADE RECORDS! Sonic Train Studios in VarbergSweden were booked and in March 2010 the debut album was recorded together with engineer Andy LaRocque. KING OF ASGARD nailed down thirteen songs of folk based blackened death metal reminding of times of old. During the summer a video was shot for the album opener "Einhärjar", produced by Rickard Moneus from the production company 1897 (www.1897.se). KING OF ASGARD's debut album "Fi'mbulvintr" was released in August of 2010 and made an astonishing impact on the scene. Still, the band was in need of a second guitarist for future live events and after all Lars Tängmark was hired for the job in August of 2010. KING OF ASGARD finally started being active as a live performing act and played a bunch of successful festivals and club shows during 2010 and 2011. In early 2012 KING OF ASGARD finished the songwriting for their second album and returned to Sonic Train Studios in April, again with Andy LaRocque at the helm, to record "...To North". Another video will be shot in May, yet again with producer Rickard Moneus.”


King of Asgard is a melodic Norse death metal band from Sweden, and is releasing their second studio album “…To North” on Tuesday, July 31st. The album opens with a power chord, which then cuts out into battle horns and war drums; instantly settling the score for the rest of the album, making it seem normal to be hearing distortion guitar over battle sounds. Excellent. Thirty four seconds of ball tickling and then we get into the first track “The Nine World’s Burn”. The riffs in this song are mid paced and very catchy and powerful. Instantly you will notice the guitar tone is larger than life, accompanied with a powerful bass tone that is so high in the mix it rattles your eye sockets with each listen. Once this song gets going it will become an instant favorite, good luck putting this album down!  It will be very difficult to convince listeners that this is NOT an Amon Amarth copycat band, even though many ideals, sounds and structures are very similar. No doubt that the Power Of Thy Sword type of metal may be overdone in the industry now, King Of Asgard found a way to renew and combine many different elements into a masterpiece; Including clean vocal chants, female opera-folk cross over style singing, classical harp and acoustic medleys and a vast array of guitar harmonies throughout the album.

“The Dispossessed” holds the same theme as the rest of the album, however, this song introduces old school black metal influence as well, reminding me of early Amon Amarth mixed with Dissection and Bathory (How awesome is that!). “Gap of Ginnungs” is my favorite track off the album. A slower paced, simple but powerful battle epic. Step aside Manowar; you are no longer king of the boner metal! This track is also the debut of KoA’s fantastic vocal ranges in chants on this album. Each track after this continues with the same battle themes and unwavering heaviness throughout a powerful melodic overtone. The track “Nordvegr” is another favorite of mine.

As much as I can rave on about this album, the immediate negative that I must discuss with you now, is their very disappointing ending to the record. The self-title track “…To North” is a mediocre instrumental, leading me to believe that the previous song “Harvest(The End)” would be the implied ending to this great masterpiece of an album, however, I feel it was also their weakest song throughout. But no matter! With an ending like that, one is only compelled to go back to the beginning and listen to the first eight tracks over and over again!

I recommend this album to anyone that has ever had sex while watching Lord Of The Rings, slain a mighty hero, burned a witch at the stake, or successfully bred many fire-hybrid dragons. For anyone who was terribly disappointed with Amon Amarth’s new album, never fear! Save your pocket change and head out on the 31st to pick up King Of Asgard’s album!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Semi-final Week One: Left Hand Creation vs Placentophagia

You are seeing this because they are a gold level sponsor
Top 3 reasons why your band needs professional promo content vs amateur content
-Image: Your band will look professional and be taken seriously
-Show Opportunity: The chance to play bigger shows with bigger bands
-Exposure: Reaching new fans and building on the ones you have
The biggest names in metal have professional content. If your serious about your music career, Ax Media Studios will take you to the next level.

We offer a wide range of services from music videos, live concert, photography, studio recordings, playthroughs, cd and logo design and much more! Visit our site for more information on how we can take YOUR band to the next level!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This poll closes July 30th at 12PM
Winner of this goes on to face the winner of next week for the $100 or $75 prize
Loser of this week goes on to face loser of next week for the $50 prize




Left Hand Creation vs Placentophagia
Winner of this goes on to face the winner of next week for the $100 or $75 prize, loser of this week goes on to face loser of next week for the $50 prize
Left Hand Creation
Placentophagia
See Results

Friday, July 20, 2012

Review of King of Asgard's "...to North"

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Top 3 reasons why your band needs professional promo content vs amateur content
-Image: Your band will look professional and be taken seriously
-Show Opportunity: The chance to play bigger shows with bigger bands
-Exposure: Reaching new fans and building on the ones you have
The biggest names in metal have professional content. If your serious about your music career, Ax Media Studios will take you to the next level.

We offer a wide range of services from music videos, live concert, photography, studio recordings, playthroughs, cd and logo design and much more! Visit our site for more information on how we can take YOUR band to the next level!
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Buy This Album
Website
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1. Intro
2. The Nine Worlds Burn
3. The Dispossessed
4. Gap of Ginnungs
5. Bound to Reunite
6. Nordvegr
7. Up On The Mountain
8. Plage-Ridden Rebirth
9. Harvest (The End)
10. …to North

“KING OF ASGARD took form in 2008 by founder Karl Beckman. Teaming up with long time fellow worker, Karsten Larsson, once together in the well known viking horde Mithotyn. Now re-entering their roots, the foundation of King of Asgard was a fact. Both musically as well as in the Norse heritage used as lyrical approach. In January 2009 the first recording was done. Resulting in the demo "Prince of Märings", a seven track disc recorded in Lotang studio. In November the same year, Jonas Albrektsson (ex-Thy Primordial)  joined KING OF ASGARD. The three piece now took serious form, meanwhile the demo recording was well received and caught the interest of Metal Blade Records. In December of 2009 KING OF ASGARD inked a deal with METAL BLADE RECORDS! Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden were booked and in March 2010 the debut album was recorded together with engineer Andy LaRocque. KING OF ASGARD nailed down thirteen songs of folk based blackened death metal reminding of times of old. During the summer a video was shot for the album opener "Einhärjar", produced by Rickard Moneus from the production company 1897 (www.1897.se). KING OF ASGARD's debut album "Fi'mbulvintr" was released in August of 2010 and made an astonishing impact on the scene. Still, the band was in need of a second guitarist for future live events and after all Lars Tängmark was hired for the job in August of 2010. KING OF ASGARD finally started being active as a live performing act and played a bunch of successful festivals and club shows during 2010 and 2011. In early 2012 KING OF ASGARD finished the songwriting for their second album and returned to Sonic Train Studios in April, again with Andy LaRocque at the helm, to record "...To North". Another video will be shot in May, yet again with producer Rickard Moneus.”

The intro of this song feels like a little battle between guitars and horns, then there is the sound of what I believe is marching. The battle for Asgard begins with "The Nine Worlds Burn" which is lead into nicely by the intro. The first riff is so very ear catching and sets this album up nicely with a black/folk feel. I think when it comes to mixing folk and black this band does a superb job. Near the end of this song there female vocal epic folk part and it gives me goosebumps. The first time because it was unexpected and really appealed to me, it made this song possibly my favourite. To keep going with the more folk sounding side of the band we have "The Dispossessed". I found that the chorus stands out the most with how catchy it is with the riff playing and the overall feel. On to the black and darker side of this album we have "Gap of Ginnungs". The way this songs riff are laid out I feel they nailed the black metal side of things nicely. The rhythm and solo type bit at the beginning was a nice mood setter and the chorus in this song is even catchier than the song prior with the backing vocals. The solo is excellent and it may possible be a dualing solo, but either way it’s awesome. This song is another one of my favourites. "Bound to Reunite" is another song with a black feel. Starting from the beginning riff in this song it feels really heavy and dark and when it leads into the vocals a more folk-y riff is born from it and it just sounds perfect. I like the drums in this song with the ride cymbal patterns, it just so badass sounding after hearing it so many times and paying attention to it. "Nordvegr" has a awesome sound lead at the beginning and the riff after is awesome. The little squeal that is done in the main riff is dirty sounding, it makes it another one of those catchy moments. "Up On The Mountain" starts off with a really black riff with the fast heavy strumming which leads into a soft little acoustic riff and some epic folky chanting or whatever you would call it. The riff after this part is really groovy and folky and may be one of my favourite riffs off this album. Although it is kind of slow, the groove the riff has feels really gloomy and I like it. When the chanting is repeated the drumming over top of it makes it feel more tribal. "Plage-Ridden Rebirth" doesn’t let you get ready for anything, with no breathing space, and just hits you with a fast black riff. The lead about three fourths of the way in had a nice folk sound to it but was short lived, although it makes an appearance again after another riff but longer and even folk sounding and plays to the end. "Harvest (The End)" has a really TYR influenced style in the beginning of this song, but I would not say it was bad thing at all and I very much approve this riff. This song has another one of those catchy choruses. The last song, which is the title track, "…to North" is just an instrumental and showcases the folk side of King of Asgard.

This album is one that I would recommend to both black and folk metal listeners. This album is great the whole way through and is probably one of my favourite albums of this year. They know how to mix the two genres perfectly. You should definitely pick this up when it is released on the 31st. I will definitely be picking this up on vinyl, because I am a hipster like that.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Review of Embracing Soul's Luna

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1. The Raven
2. Luna
3. Immortal
4. Apollo
5. The Raven (Orchestral)

Formed in 2009, Embracing Soul has developed a gothic/rock/metal sound unlike any other in Canada. Beginning as a two piece recording duo, Chelsea Pisano and Brandon Iajecznyk spent the first year of Embracing Soul recording songs as they wrote them. Soon, they expanded, adding band members such as Thomas Collier on rhythm guitar, and began playing shows. They developed their debut LP Shadow for release in early 2010, and continue to expand their sound with their 2012 EP “Luna”. “Luna” was released through Illusive Records, and they also have a music video directed and edited by Mad Carni Productions. Embracing Soul has shared the stage in small Toronto venues with such bands as The Agonist, Burning the Day, and The Catalyst.

The Raven is the first song on the album and brings a heavy feel with the grimey riffs. The soft parts are really nicely done and the solo is alright and the tone helps make it stand out. The second song is the much more catchy, Luna. I really like the mix between male growls and female vocals and it reminds me of After Forever. The layered vocal tracks Chelsea laid down for this song, sound eerie to me and the solo in this song was a lot better than The Raven. I find as the album goes on I dig the guitars more and more and it shows in Immortal. The sweep bit in between chugs makes me laugh because it sounds awesome, its just a little random technical diddle and where it is in the riffs makes it funny to me. The growls in this song are good and this solo is better than both songs before it combined. Now, for possibly my favourite track on the album, Apollo. The beginning of this song, with the soft guitar and vocals, is really soothing. Then the music starts with this really pirate/folk like riff, and having a soft spot for folk metal I loved it. The solos in this song are all nicely done and plentiful. The last song on this album is an orchestral version of The Raven. I’m not one for listening to orchestral tracks at the end of songs but this is a pretty decent track.

If you like female fronted bands then this is for you. Although they do have an Evanescence feel to them, they are way heavier than them. I would more so say that they feel like After Forever and the likes because of the heavy feel. If I had to pick my favourites it would have to be Apollo and Luna. These guys are a good band from Ontario and I can’t wait to hear more of their stuff.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Elimination week four: Accursed Spawn vs Dead 3 Days

This round and poll ends July 23rd at 12PM

Which bands do you want in the tournament?
You can only choose one
Accursed Spawn
Dead 3 Days
See Results

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Review of Placentophagia's Feast On Thyself

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1. Feast On Thyself
2. Ceremony Of Atrophy
3. Flesh Fetish
4. Embryophile
5. Cadaver To The Unborn

“PLACENTOPHAGIA is a grotesque death metal band from Ottawa, Ontario. Formed in 2010, this five-piece mental unit have been striving to deliver solid, catchy death metal and trying to turn as many heads in the process. Vocalist Jay Donnelly brings unique flavors to the band, adding her own gross elements to an already demented mix. With a variety of different styles interlaced within each song, it's easy to see the band's wide array of musical influences. Brought together by a love for the dark, sadistic, taboo-esque side of humanity, PLACENTOPHAGIA is a refreshing blend in an over-saturated market. Their debut album 'Feast On Thyself' was recorded in free-time at Autopsy Records in Ottawa, ON. Short and sweet like your average rape, this album demonstrates what the band is trying to achieve: catchy death metal that leaves the listener questioning their own sanity and morality.”

This album starts off with eerie footsteps and a shriek which leads straight into the brutality of the first track Feast On Thyself. The main riff that is all high strumming is catchy, probably because its almost like that through the whole song. When the song calms down, for a few seconds, the drum part sounds pretty cool. Ceremony Of Atrophy, the second track is heavy straight through to the end and had a little groove to it. The clip at the beginning of Flesh Fetish is creepy, especially since its Sigourney Weaver in Copycat but all voice effected. This song has some great technical riffs and the double kicks in this song are like machine guns, the break down bit was a nice head bobber and wasn’t too boring. The album doesn’t ever give up on its in your face feel it proves with Embryophile. The little solo in the middle of this song is nice and surprising since it is the only one on the album so far. The last song, Cadaver To The Unborn, had a nice mix of technical riffs and heavy riffs which flowed well. The solo near the end of this song was nice and was a great way to end the album. In the style of the name of the band they end of with a gruesome clip of a baby crying and the sound of a guy panting and screaming. I’ll let you figure out where and what that clip is yourself.

This album, knowing how it was recorded was put together very nicely and I wish it was longer. The fact that a female can throw down some death metal vocals and also front a band of this lyrical matter just goes to show she’s a total badass. I hope to see these guys soon and can’t wait to hear any new stuff they put out. If you like gruesome death metal then this album is for you and if you enjoyed it as much as I did you may be left hungry for babies.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Elimination week three: Besegra vs Vesperia

This round and poll ends July 16th at 12PM

Besegra vs Vesperia
You can only choose one
Besegra
Vesperia
See Results

Monday, July 2, 2012

Elimination week two: Esoteric Doctrine vs Placentophagia

This round and poll ends July 9th at 12PM









Esoteric Doctrine vs Placentophagia
You can only choose one
Esoteric Doctrine
Placentophagia
See Results