Tuesday, January 31, 2012

ITP V.012 UPDATE: METAL NEWS FEATURES WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK



ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 METAL NEWS FEATURES (NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND, HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS), DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS) WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK, I'm sorry, I'm busy and TIRED. Of course, this journal will stay active, just to piss off people and if you don't like it, go play in traffic, here's the rope.

ITP V.012 REVISED SCHEDULE:

MONDAY: 2/6/2012: ITP V.012 NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND (2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

TUESDAY: 02/7/2012: ITP V.012 DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS-(2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

2/8/2012: ITP V.012 HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS-2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

MORE REVIEWS NEXT WEEKEND..


ITP V.012 REVIEW: ELUVEITIE: HELVETIOS
ITP V.012 REVIEW: ABORTED: GLOBAL FLATLINE
ITP V.012 RE RATE BLASTBACK (RE RATE OF OVER OR UNDER RATED RELEASES 2009, 2010, 2011)
Writing the metal news features monthly NFTEMU, DAMNED IN BLACK and HUMANITY IS DOOMED) would be a little redundant, (I used to post ITP METAL NEWS FEATURES MONTHLY).. I'm thinking about perhaps posting the metal news features bi monthly or quarterly, per quarter touring cycle. There fore, more potential time for ITP V.012 REVIEWS:ITP REVIEWS will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (time, mood and stability permitting).
It's time to get to WORK on ITP V.012, long hours as it will be. Yes, I said I would do this late last year, and it is officially DONE. ITP's author JUST started an account for this blog on TWITTER. Again, I just started the ITP V.012 TWITTER account in JUNE, so it will take me a while to build a following and to follow others. Keep in mind I'm a NUBIE to TWITTER as I will have an secondary private TWITTER account for myself. I'm digging TWITTER already.Do NOT add ITP V.012 if you're a phisher or SPAM BOT, because we hate that crap.
Look to the RIGHT of this journal (DISCLAIMER) for ITP V.012 anticipated weekly review schedule..Please TWEET me your band news and tour dates @ITPV012, send me a bulletin or message to SWORDSANDGRAVES@MYSPACE or add me on MYSPACE, TWITTER or Individual Thought Patterns V.012 on FACEBOOK.:Looks to the RIGHT of ITP V.012: I've also added ITP V.012 on a NETWORK of Extreme Metal blogs VIA FACEBOOK and BLOGSPOT entitled NETWORKED BLOGS hit me up for an add as I don't want to lose touch with my metal compadres and I want to meet new metal heads as I really do enjoy the extreme metal bloggers on BLOGSPOT and elsewhere on the net. All bands on MYSPACE add me on FACEBOOK and I might even start a secondary FACEBOOOK account. So please, all friends on MYSPACE for SWORDSANDGRAVES, ITP V.012 on FACEBOOK, BLOGGED, BLOGCATALOG and technorati.com follow ITP V.012 on TWITTER.

FOLLOW ITP V.012 ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/#!/ITPV011

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal- \m/ -l-

GILEAD MEDIA FESTIVAL 4/28, 29th, 2012 ELECTRIC LOUNGE, OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN: LOSS, ASH BORER, MUTILATION RITES CONFIRMED



Promoters for the 2012 GILEAD MEDIA FESTIVAL (doom, experimental, black metal festival) set to take place 4/28, 29th, 2012 at ELECTRIC LOUNGE, OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN have announced the festivals lineup.

FROM GILEAD MEDIA FESTIVAL: For six years Gilead Media has had the pleasure and the honor of working with some of the most incredible bands in heavy music. It is now time to come together to celebrate those bands and the history of the label at the Gilead Media Music Festival. Join us on April 28th and 29th, 2012 in Oshkosh, WI at The Electric Lounge and Lanes for two days of awe-inspiring performances from Gilead Media artists and select other bands from across the spectrum of heavy music.


2012 GILEAD MEDIA FESTIVAL LINEUP:
Thou
False
Leech
Minsk
Frodus
Krallice
Get Rad
Kenoma
Barghest
Northless
Ash Borer
Fell Voices
Arms Aloft
Indricothere
Heller Mason
Mewithoutyou
Rocky Votolato
Dakota/Dakota
Hewhocorrupts
Phoenix Bodies
Mutilation Rites
Black September
The Paper Chase
A Scanner Darkly
...Of Sinking Ships
Hundred Year Hex
With Childlike Eyes
The Appleseed Cast
Crossing The Atlantic
Mouth of the Architect
The Cancer Conspiracy
Uncle Bob Drives A Combine
Black Arrows of Filth & Impurity
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

‎MESHUGGAH: ANNOUNCE SPRING 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH: Baroness and Decapitated




Swedish progressive thrash warriors MESHUGGAH have announced a spring 2012 NORTH AMERICAN tour with DECAPITATED and BARONESS.

FROM MESHUGGAH:
The Ophidian Trek' :

Swedish masters of the extreme MESHUGGAH will be taking their sonic arsenal on the road and detonating sound systems in cities across the U.S. and Canada on “The Ophidian Trek” tour, which launches on April 29th in Houston. Direct support for all 19 shows will come from BARONESS; opening each night will be special guests & label mates DECAPITATED from Poland.

States drummer Tomas Haake of MESHUGGAH: “We’re really stoked to be coming back again!! A new album and two really awesome bands to join us on our trek across the U.S. and Canada!! There’s one word that comes to mind: Sweeeet!!”

DECAPITATED guitarist / founding member Vogg adds: “FUCK YEAH! DECAPITATED withMESHUGGAH! We’re so proud and happy to be part of this amazing tour! It will be a huge honor to share one stage with such a great fuckin’ band! Cannot wait!”

Complete “The Ophidian Trek” tour dates with BARONESS & DECAPITATED are:

4/29/12 House of Blues - Houston, TX

4/30/12 House of Blues - Dallas, TX

5/01/12 Emo’s - Austin, TX

5/03/12 Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ

5/04/12 House of Blues - Anaheim, CA

5/05/12 House of Blues - Hollywood, CA

5/06/12 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA

5/08/12 Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC - CANADA

5/09/12 Showbox Sodo - Seattle, WA

5/11/12 Odgen Theatre - Denver, CO

5/13/12 First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN

5/15/12 House of Blues - Chicago, IL

5/16/12 St. Andrews Hall - Detroit, MI

5/17/12 Sound Academy - Toronto, ON - CANADA

5/18/12 Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA

5/19/12 Palladium - Worcester, MA

5/20/12 Olympia de Montreal - Montreal, QC - CANADA

5/22/12 The Fillmore - Silver Springs, MD

5/23/12 Terminal 5 – New York, NY

MESHUGGAH’s eighth studio album, KOLOSS, will be released in North America on March 27th. The North American deluxe digi-pak version will include a bonus DVD.

KOLOSS can be pre-ordered now from Amazon.com.

Sign up here to receive the latest MESHUGGAH news.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008’s obZen has sold over 82,000 copies in the U.S. and debuted at #59 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, clinched the #14 spot on the iTunes Top Rock Albums chart, was the #1 Most Added metal album on the CMJ Loud Rock and FMQB radio charts.

Alive, MESHUGGAH’s 2010 live DVD, debuted at #8 on the Nielsen SoundScan Top Music DVD Video chart.

DECAPITATED’s Carnival Is Forever debuted at #11 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart last July and captured the #43 position on GuitarWorld.com’s “Top 50 Albums of 2011” list.




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

OPETH, MASTODON, GHOST ANNOUNCE SPRING 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR



Swedish progressive death metal legends OPETH have announced a spring 2012 NORTH AMERICAN tour with MASTODON and GHOST. OPETH and MASTODON will CO-HEADLINE switching off headlining slots.

FROM OPETH: This April, Opeth will embark on a North American tour with none other than Mastodon and Ghost!! Details are available here: http://bit.ly/yP6iVa


‎Opeth & Mastodon - Heritage Hunter Tour
With special guest Ghost

North America 2012

04 Apr - Portland, ME @ State Theater
05 Apr - Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theater
06 Apr - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
07 Apr - Toronto, ON @ The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
09 Apr - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10 Apr - Wallingford, CT @ The Dome
11 Apr - New York, NY @ Roseland
13 Apr - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater
14 Apr - Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
15 Apr - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
16 Apr - Knoxville, TN @ TN Theater
18 Apr - Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
19 Apr - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
20 Apr - San Antonio @ Back Stage Live
21 Apr - Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Stree
23 Apr - Denver, CO @ Fillmore
25 Apr - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
26 Apr - Hollywood, CA @ Gibson
27 Apr - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre
28 Apr - Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
30 Apr - Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theater
01 May - Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum
03 May - Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Ctr
04 May - Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
05 May - Saskatoon @ The Odeon
06 May - Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cumming
09 May - Washington DC @ The Fillmore
10 May - Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
11 May - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
12 May - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Music Park


VIDEO BELOW: OPETH/MASTODON/GHOST: HERITAGE/HUNTER TOUR TRAILER:


Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP V.012 UPDATE: METAL NEWS FEATURES WILL BE POSTED THIS WEEK: NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND V.012 PART ONE TONIGHT



ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 METAL NEWS FEATURES (NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND, HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS), DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS) THIS WEEK.

ITP V.012 REVISED SCHEDULE:

TUESDAY: 1/31/2012: ITP V.012 NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND (2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

WENDSDAY: 02/01/2012: ITP V.012 DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS-(2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

THURSDAY: 2/02/2012: ITP V.012 HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS-2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)

MORE REVIEWS NEXT WEEKEND..


ITP V.012 REVIEW: ELUVEITIE: HELVETIOS
ITP V.012 REVIEW: ABORTED: GLOBAL FLATLINE
ITP V.012 RE RATE BLASTBACK (RE RATE OF OVER OR UNDER RATED RELEASES 2009, 2010, 2011)
Writing the metal news features monthly NFTEMU, DAMNED IN BLACK and HUMANITY IS DOOMED) would be a little redundant, (I used to post ITP METAL NEWS FEATURES MONTHLY).. I'm thinking about perhaps posting the metal news features bi monthly or quarterly, per quarter touring cycle. There fore, more potential time for ITP V.012 REVIEWS:ITP REVIEWS will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (time, mood and stability permitting).
It's time to get to WORK on ITP V.012, long hours as it will be. Yes, I said I would do this late last year, and it is officially DONE. ITP's author JUST started an account for this blog on TWITTER. Again, I just started the ITP V.012 TWITTER account in JUNE, so it will take me a while to build a following and to follow others. Keep in mind I'm a NUBIE to TWITTER as I will have an secondary private TWITTER account for myself. I'm digging TWITTER already.Do NOT add ITP V.012 if you're a phisher or SPAM BOT, because we hate that crap.
Look to the RIGHT of this journal (DISCLAIMER) for ITP V.012 anticipated weekly review schedule..Please TWEET me your band news and tour dates @ITPV012, send me a bulletin or message to SWORDSANDGRAVES@MYSPACE or add me on MYSPACE, TWITTER or Individual Thought Patterns V.012 on FACEBOOK.:Looks to the RIGHT of ITP V.012: I've also added ITP V.012 on a NETWORK of Extreme Metal blogs VIA FACEBOOK and BLOGSPOT entitled NETWORKED BLOGS hit me up for an add as I don't want to lose touch with my metal compadres and I want to meet new metal heads as I really do enjoy the extreme metal bloggers on BLOGSPOT and elsewhere on the net. All bands on MYSPACE add me on FACEBOOK and I might even start a secondary FACEBOOOK account. So please, all friends on MYSPACE for SWORDSANDGRAVES, ITP V.012 on FACEBOOK, BLOGGED, BLOGCATALOG and technorati.com follow ITP V.012 on TWITTER.FOLLOW ITP V.012 ON TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/#!/ITPV011

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal- \m/ -l-

ITP V.012: REVIEW: LAMB OF GOD: RESOLUTION



BAND: LAMB OF GOD (RICHMOND,VIRGINIA,USA) GENRE: THRASH/METAL CORE LABEL: EPIC/ROADRUNNER RECORDS RELEASE DATE: 1/24/2012

PREVIOUS RELEASES (CATALOG): WRATH TOUR 2009/2010 (LIVE RELEASE-2012-ROADRUNNER RECORDS *LIMITED EDITION WITH PRE ORDER OF RESOLUTION-EPIC RECORDS), HOURGLASS VOLUME III CD ANTHOLOGY (COMPILATION-2010-EPIC RECORDS), HOURGLASS VOLUME II: THE EPIC YEARS (COMPILATION-2010-ROADRUNNER RECORDS), HOURGLASS VOLUME 1: THE UNDERGROUND YEARS (COMPILATION-2010-ROADRUNNER RECORDS), HOURGLASS: THE ULTIMATE ANTHOLOGY (COMPILATION/BOXED SET-2010-ROADRUNNER RECORDS), HOURGLASS: THE SUPER DELUXE SET (COMPILATION/BOXED SET-2010-EPIC RECORDS), WRATH (2009-EPIC RECORDS), WALK WITH ME IN HELL (DVD-2008-EPIC RECORDS), UNHOLY ALLIANCE (SPLIT DVD-VIDEO-2007-AMERICAN RECORDINGS-Children of Bodom / Lamb of God / Slayer / Mastodon / Thine Eyes Bleed), SACRAMENT (2006-EPIC RECORDS), KILLADELPHIA (2005-LIVE RELEASE-EPIC RECORDS), KILLADELPHIA (2005-DVD-EPIC RECORDS), ASHES OF THE WAKE (2004-EPIC RECORDS), TERROR AND HUBRIS (2004-DVD-PROSTHETIC RECORDS), AS THE PALACES BURN (2003-PROSTHETIC RECORDS), NEW AMERICAN GOSPEL (2000-PROSTHETIC RECORDS)


BEST RELEASE(S): RESOLUTION (2012), ASHES OF THE WAKE (2004), NEW AMERICAN GOSPEL (2000), AS THE PALACES BURN (2003)

TRACKLISTING: LAMB OF GOD: RESOLUTION:

01. Straight For The Sun
02. Desolation
03. Ghost Walking
04. Guilty
05. The Undertow
06. The Number Six
07. Barbarosa
08. Invictus
09. Cheated
10. Insurrection
11. Terminally Unique
12. To The End
13. Visitation
14. King Me



ITP RATING: ****
PRODUCTION: **** 1/2
SONGWRITING: *** 1/2
PERFORMANCE: ****

In 1990, Richmond Virginia college students (guitarist) Mark Morton, (drummer) Chris Adler and (bassist) John Campbell formed a metal band called BURN THE PRIEST on LEGION records. MORTON temporarily left the fold for graduate school and in 1995 RANDY BLYTHE joined the fold on vocals.

After BURN THE PRIEST recorded many split releases, Mark Morton returned to the band in 1997. BURN THE PRIEST released a full length produced by STEVE AUSTIN (TODAY IS THE DAY), played many DIY shows as guitarist Willie Adler re-joined BURN THE PRIEST replacing ABE SPEAR..After being banned for the projects name, and feeling the band name was immature, BURN THE PRIEST changed the projects name to LAMB OF GOD and inked a deal with PROSTHETIC RECORDS.

LAMB OF GOD released the bands PROSTHETIC RECORDS debut and sophomore efforts "New American Gospel" and "As The Palaces Burn" as the band toured relentlessly. LAMB OF GOD's first U.S. tour was with fellow Richmond, Virginia metal warriors GWAR. In the wake of the 'NU METAL' craze, metal core and a nu wave of thrash bands emerged from the American metal scene as with many of their metal core contemporaries, LAMB OF GOD were dubbed the "The New Wave Of American Heavy Metal".

Hard work and relentless touring finally paying off, LAMB OF GOD scored a major label deal with EPIC RECORDS (2004-ROADRUNNER/EPIC consolidated deal) and unleashed the bands break through release ASHES OF THE WAKE. Since the second half of the last decade, LAMB OF GOD have unleashed two more releases on EPIC RECORDS including SACRAMENT and WRATH.

LAMB OF GOD have since toured major metal festivals worldwide including OZZFEST, SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, DOWNLOAD, UNHOLY ALLIANCE (WITH SLAYER), GIGANTOUR, WACKEN OPEN AIR. LAMB OF GOD's riveting live shows have been documented on DVD (KILLADELPHIA) as the band resurrected the mosh pit craze "The Wall Of Death" first started in the New York Hard Core scene.

LAMB OF GOD are a groove laden thrash band with a more tempered post PANTERA sound, influenced by Southern blues and the 80's thrash and post hardcore/metal core scenes.

Here at ITP V.012 we have LAMB OF GOD's latest release "Resolution". Many in the metal scene ask, now with a major label support will LAMB OF GOD take risks and evolve past the faceless PANTERA/SLAYER clones for a musical evolution or rehash the same Southern core/groove?

LAMB OF GOD's "Resolution" kicks off with a 2:10 short opener "Straight For The Sun", and like a shot of whiskey and a quick drunken kick to the teeth, (vocalist) RANDY BLYTHE's inhales and belts out a terrifying scream as he is backed by some brutal down tuned groovy riffs.

LAMB OF GOD's "Desolation" kicks off with some kick ass rhythm guitar, rolling riffs and intense thrash energy as by now you should be moshing where ever you may be, and if someone is standing next to you, lmao, LEVEL them to the ground... LAMB OF GOD's "Desolation" is rounded out by some tight rhythm guitar riff/groove transitions courtesy of guitarists Willie Adler and Mark Morton and a shout along chorus: "DESOLATION, still searching for no where".. \m/ \m/

LAMB OF GOD's "Ghost Walking" enters with a countdown to three and an insightful bluesy acoustic guitar intro as the band kicks in with a brutal segue of tight thrash/groove. LAMB OF GOD vocalist RANDY BLYTHE's barks/screams are a soapbox as the rest of band are a soundscape to your urban, working class chaos. LAMB OF GOD lay down some quality if not generic thrash, good solos as "Ghost Walking" is a quality song.

LAMB OF GOD's "Guilty" is more of the same, tight, generic groove laden thrash played with conviction.

LAMB OF GOD's "The Undertow" revels punk/hardcore swagger, with SLAYER-esque riffs ripped straight from the tab book thrown in for pit appeal (1:34)..

LAMB OF GOD's "The Number Six" again is riddled with metal core cliches, an attempt at generic metal core with sung choruses, Gang vocals ("You dug your own grave") boring spoken word all strung together in some incohesive attempt at angst.

As many musicians use instrumental tracks as an opportunity to shine or shred, LAMB OF GOD's instrumental acoustic breathier "Barbarosa" is nothing memorable as the acoustic, blues intro of "Ghost Walking" is mucho better.

LAMB OF GOD's "Invictus" is a sludgy hardcore influenced number with featuring a quality performance by both guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler ruined by occasional gang vocals. The sludge I like, I can do without the core.

LAMB OF GOD's "Cheated" is a 2:34 punk/hardcore infused tune, an easy two stepper for metal/core hardcore pit veterans with a stage diver punter vibe..

LAMB OF GOD's "Insurrection" features a quality well produced combo of CLEAN and screamed, menacing vox courtesy of vocalist RANDY BLYTHE as the band segues into some instinctive well written thrash. LAMB OF GOD's "Insurrection" features a variety of rolling thrash grooves, slightly toned down for a melodic touch, good track.

LAMB OF GOD's "Terminally Unique", for starters evokes a technical guitar riff, similar to "Laid to Rest" from "Ashes of The Wake" before resorting to metal/core/emo
melodic/tech. LAMB OF GOD's "Terminally Unique" continues on with some rolling, thrash grooves and dramatic tribal drumming as RANDY BLYTHE screams "Awaken, your life is passing by".

LAMB OF GOD's "To The End" and "Visitation" extend the bands PANTERA cliches, cloning their Southern metal contemporaries grooves as the NOLA scene want their riffs back. LAMB OF GOD may pull every rehashed PANTERA/SLAYER riff out of the bag, never competing with the originality of that scene, or shredding talent of DIMEBAG DARRELL.

LAMB OF GOD close "RESOLUTION" with the bands most ambitious track to date "King Me", a consolidation of spoken word, blues, classical, opera and thrash. LAMB OF GOD's "King Me" features the operatic vocals of AMANDA MUNTON with a full orchestra. "King Me" kicks off with bluesy guitar strumming, AMANDA MUNTON's operatic vocals and RANDY BLYTHE's spoken word. As the orchestra kicks in, BLYTHE mumbles some spoken word, and BAM, LAMB OF GOD kicks in with the usual generic thrash consolidated by awkward spoken word and operatic vocals.

LAMB OF GOD's experimental track "King Me" is of the old adage "You do your thing, I'll do mine" as the tune works in parts when BLYTHE shuts his awkward spoken word mumbling.
When LAMB OF GOD unconsciously play their brand of thrash, AMANDA MUNTON's operatic vocals do compliment the band, as indeed she is talented.

LAMB OF GOD have shamelessly pulled off PANTERA, SLAYER cliches for years as if the band should be motivated by anything other than "if it aint broke don't fix it" motto. LAMB OF GOD's "Resolution" experiments with vocal variety (clean and operatic), and the usual trend hopping punk/'core and melodic elements, a nod to the bands predecessors and perhaps redefining the band for a long haul.

LAMB OF GOD's "RESOLUTION" communicates at best within the relentless straight up thrash of the first few tracks, guaranteed pit anthems as the rest of this entirely too long release is rehashed, predictable riff o'rama, NOT at all distinguishable from their metalcore/thrash peers.

LAMB OF GOD's lack of versatility make them a predictable listen as the bands last release WRATH (2009) felt like rehashed outtakes from the bands most commercially accessible release SACRAMENT (2006). The delicate balance of an established band of LAMB OF GOD's status catering to the fans versus breaking out of formula proves to be a conservative transition..
LAMB OF GOD's "Resolution", although awkward in experimentation might be a righteous concept as experimentation of blues, classical and opera genres prove to be far more natural than one might think.

If LAMB OF GOD rise past the generic aspects of the bands influences and define a new musical identity it will not come at the expense of HEAVY, the bands brutal intensity will break bones in the pit. While not redefining the thrash genre, LAMB OF GOD's RESOLUTION is a tighter, transitional balance of testing new waters, played with conviction.

LAMB OF GOD have hit pay dirt not on originality but on brutal live shows straight from the metal core pit and yes, they've "picked up (YOUR) change" in the process, as we expect RESOLUTION to debut in the top 5, a chart topper and solid release.


Check for you teeth on the floor of the pit.

ITP RATING: ****
PRODUCTION: **** 1/2
SONGWRITING: *** 1/2
PERFORMANCE: ****




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Monday, January 30, 2012

GUNS AND ROSES PLAN CLUB SHOWS: NYC, NY/EAST COAST



Legendary glam era hard rockers GUNS AND ROSES plan on intimate club shows one being at the WEBSTER HALL (NYC, NY) the original site of the old RITZ club, also the site of the bands first show as LIVE AT THE RITZ (MTV SPECIAL) was filmed at the legendary club.
GN'R will celebrate their return by reclaiming the venue as The Ritz with signage and the name appearing on the marquee. The New York takeover in February marks the first time the band will appear at Roseland and Terminal 5, beginning on February 10, 2012.

FROM GUNS AND ROSES:
February 10 - Roseland Ballroom - New York, NY
February 12 - Terminal 6 - New York, NY
February 15 - The Ritz (Webster Hall) - New York, NY
February 19 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
February 23 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD
February 24 - House of Blues - Atlantic City, NJ

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

WARBRINGER: ADAM CARROLL (GUITARIST) LEAVES BAND, ANDREW BENNETT JOINS WARBRINGER ON GUITAR



Ventura, California thrash metal warriors WARBRINGER have announced guitarist ADAM CARROLL has left the band as ADAM BENNETT will replace CARROLL on guitar.

FROM WARBRINGER:
Longtime member Adam Carroll has decided to leave the band.

"To all fans and friends, I, Adam Carroll, have officially quit Warbringer. I have financial issues at home that have to be addressed sooner than later. I hope you all can understand and respect my decision. It's been some of the best years of my life and I appreciate all the support you the fans have given us and continue to give. I will forever be part of the Warbringer family. Many thanks and until I see the rest of you again, keep the metal alive. Cheers!"

The band enlisted friend and talented, young guitarist Andrew Bennett for the purpose of filling in live for this tour with the hope that he may become a permanent member of the group as he continues his audition process where it matters most – on the stage and in the van.

Comments Andrew Bennett, "Last month I received a message from the guys, which basically stated that Adam was requesting to step out. As a result, they were searching for a possible replacement, who could learn the material in time for the upcoming Iced Earth and Symphony X tour. Being excited as I was at the idea of playing with them, I jumped at the opportunity and started learning some tracks. Around the beginning of this month I went down and jammed with the guys and the rest is history. I am eternally grateful to my friends in Warbringer for giving me the opportunity to play with them and I am very excited about what the future may hold. But, one thing that I would like to make clear is that I don't view myself as Adam's replacement, as much as I view myself as filling the position instead of him. Adam's work with the band and time with them is not something that can be erased and I would just like to make it clear that I respect him greatly. He has left big shoes to fill and I have a lot of work ahead of me if I am going to honor his legacy with the band. I'm looking forward to interacting with, and playing for the fans on the road! It's time to shred!"

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 "SLOW LOAD" SAFARI/MOZZILA BROWSER ISSUES



ITP V.012 UPDATE: Seems like ITP V.012 is a "slow load" today, and perhaps, at least I am having some browser issues as ITP V.012 loads better in MOZILLA FIREFOX, not so well on SAFARI . I might download new versions of browsers today, as in turn that might delay the ITP V.012 schedule. Sowee.
ITP V.012 UPDATE: 7:54 EST USA: I'm using neither nor regarding MOZILLA and SAFARI right now, using a different browser, seems better on a different browser. LATER, will post LAMB OF GOD review tonight, I'll see if I have enough energy for NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND PART ONE V.012.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

OPETH/MASTODON SPRING 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR: FIRST DATES LEAKED



Swedish progressive death metal legends OPETH are set for a spring 2012 North American tour with Georgia, USA sludge/metal warriors MASTODON and special guest GHOST. The first few U.S. dates of the OPETH, MASTODON, GHOST tour have been leaked via TICKETMASTER.

FROM TICKETMASTER:
APR
11
WED
Roseland BallroomNew York, NY
07:00 PM
Mastodon & Opeth
Details: Mastodon, Opeth
More Info »
presale begins:Wed, 02/01/12
10:00 AM

United States Of America (2)

APR
15
SUN
STAGE AEPittsburgh, PA
06:30 PM
Heritage Hunter Tour feat Mastodon and Opeth with special guest Ghost
Details: Opeth, Mastodon
More Info »
on sale:Tue, 01/31/12
12:00 PM
APR
25
WED
House of Blues Las VegasLas Vegas, NV
05:30 PM
Heritage Hunter Tour feat: Mastodon and Opeth w/special guest Ghost
Details: Mastodon, Opeth, Ghost
More Info »on Live Nation
presale begins:Thu, 02/02/12
Thanks-Stay Metal, stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 REVIEW LAMB OF GOD RESOLUTION WILL POSTED LATER TODAY, METAL NEWS FEATURES WILL BE POSTED THIS WEEK


ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 REVIEW LAMB OF GOD RESOLUTION WILL POSTED LATER TODAY, ITP V.012 METAL NEWS FEATURES (NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND, HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS), DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS) THIS WEEK.


ITP V.012's author will post the REVIEW LAMB OF GOD RESOLUTION LATER TODAY, hang tight after I goet a few hours of SLEEP.




ITP V.012 REVISED SCHEDULE:



SUNDAY NITE/MONDAY MORNING: 1/30/2012: ITP V.012 REVIEW: LAMB OF GOD: RESOLUTION (LATER TODAY)
MONDAY: 1/30/2012: ITP V.012 NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND (2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)
TUESDAY: 01/31/2012: ITP V.012 DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS-(2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)
WEDNESDAY: 2/01/2012: ITP V.012 HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS-2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)


MORE REVIEWS NEXT WEEKEND..
ITP V.012 REVIEW: ELUVEITIE: HELVETIOS
ITP V.012 REVIEW: ABORTED: GLOBAL FLATLINE
ITP V.012 RE RATE BLASTBACK (RE RATE OF OVER OR UNDER RATED RELEASES 2009, 2010, 2011)


ITP V.011 BEST OV 2011 first week in FEBRUARY..

Writing the metal news features monthly NFTEMU, DAMNED IN BLACK and HUMANITY IS DOOMED) would be a little redundant, (I used to post ITP METAL NEWS FEATURES MONTHLY).. I'm thinking about perhaps posting the metal news features bi monthly or quarterly, per quarter touring cycle. There fore, more potential time for ITP V.012 REVIEWS:


ITP REVIEWS will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (time, mood and stability permitting).
It's time to get to WORK on ITP V.012, long hours as it will be. Yes, I said I would do this late last year, and it is officially DONE. ITP's author JUST started an account for this blog on TWITTER. Again, I just started the ITP V.012 TWITTER account in JUNE, so it will take me a while to build a following and to follow others. Keep in mind I'm a NUBIE to TWITTER as I will have an secondary private TWITTER account for myself. I'm digging TWITTER already.Do NOT add ITP V.012 if you're a phisher or SPAM BOT, because we hate that crap.
Look to the RIGHT of this journal (DISCLAIMER) for ITP V.012 anticipated weekly review schedule..Please TWEET me your band news and tour dates @ITPV012, send me a bulletin or message to SWORDSANDGRAVES@MYSPACE or add me on MYSPACE, TWITTER or Individual Thought Patterns V.012 on FACEBOOK.:Looks to the RIGHT of ITP V.012: I've also added ITP V.012 on a NETWORK of Extreme Metal blogs VIA FACEBOOK and BLOGSPOT entitled NETWORKED BLOGS hit me up for an add as I don't want to lose touch with my metal compadres and I want to meet new metal heads as I really do enjoy the extreme metal bloggers on BLOGSPOT and elsewhere on the net. All bands on MYSPACE add me on FACEBOOK and I might even start a secondary FACEBOOOK account. So please, all friends on MYSPACE for SWORDSANDGRAVES, ITP V.012 on FACEBOOK, BLOGGED, BLOGCATALOG and technorati.com follow ITP V.012 on TWITTER.

FOLLOW ITP V.012 ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/#!/ITPV011




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal- \m/ -l-

ITP V.012 REVIEW: LOSS: DESPOND



BAND: LOSS (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA) GENRE: DEATH/FUNERAL DOOM/METAL LABEL: PROFOUND LORE RELEASE DATE: 5/31/2011

PREVIOUS RELEASES (CATALOG):FO(U)R BURIALS (2011-SPLIT EP-REISSUE-Mournful Congregation / Otesanek / Loss / Orthodox-PARASITIC RECORDS), FOUR BURIALS (2008-SPLIT EP-Mournful Congregation / Otesanek / Loss / Orthodox-BATTLE KOMMAND RECORDS), WORSHIP/LOSS (2005-SPLIT EP), NECROS CHRISTOS/LOSS (2005-SPLIT EP), 2004-LIVE WITHOUT HOPE, DEATH WITHOUT REASON-DEMO), CONCEPTUAL FUNERALISIM (2004-REHEARSAL DEMO)

BEST RELEASE: DESPOND (2011)

TRACKLISTING: LOSS DESPOND:
1. Weathering the Blight
2. Open Veins to a Curtain Closed
3. Cut Up, Depressed and Alone
4. Deprived of the Void
5. An Ill Body Seats My Sinking Sight
6. Despond
7. Shallow Pulse
8. Conceptual Funeralism Unto the Final Act (of Being)
9. Silent and Completely Overcome
10. The Irreparable Act

ITP RATING: ****
PRODUCTION: ***
SONGWRITING: *** 1/2
PERFORMANCE: **** 1/2



Founded in 2003, Nashville, Tennessee death/funeral doomsters LOSS have been breaking open the coffin of funeral doom for almost 10 years, consistently releasing splits with well known funeral doom projects and so goes doom, at a snails pace, making a name for themselves in the funeral doom scene.

After many mutations, LOSS finally inked a deal with well known experimental, extreme metal label PROFOUND LORE and have released their first full length and debut DESPOND, perhaps one of the best doom, and perhaps underrated releases of 2011.

LOSS conjure bleak images of despair melding death/doom/ambient/noise and elements of black metal into a cauldron of depressive atmospheres, enough for serotonin levels to drop into a suffocating plea of suicide.

"DESPOND", the PROFOUND LORE debut by LOSS kicks off with the track "Weathering the Blight", a spoken word intro/track accommodated only with lightly plucked guitar chords.

LOSS, "Open Veins to a Curtain Closed" is played with a simple, funeral doom beat, awesome gurgling death vox and mournful, melodic guitar.. The floor drops on"Open Veins to a Curtain Closed" (2:18) as LOSS take an instrumental break backed with beautiful spoken word and a gorgeous non distortion guitar solo as at 5:18 the tune segues back into melodic funeral doom. "Open Veins to a Curtain Closed" segues into blackened chants as LOSS vocalist Mike Meacham (guitars and vocals) switches gears into black metal rasps for variety as the song breaks down into some godly/melodic doom.

As LOSS shed insight on the depressive disease of "cutting", "Cut Up, Depressed and Alone" evokes a beautiful melodic, instrumental intro, bluesy and engaging as the vocals drip through like blood from severed veins. LOSS drop the serotonin levels, as at 3:01 "Cut Up, Depressed and Alone" breaks down into a melancholic instrumental of plucked (non distorted) guitar, beautiful in atmosphere.."Cut Up, Depressed and Alone" segues back into a melodic, mournful hymn of despondent bliss.

"Deprived of the Void" is a 3:08 ambient drone track, dark, bleak in atmosphere, sinister in tone, as LOSS takes listeners on a breathier in between despondent, melancholic mourning.

"An Ill Body Seats My Sinking Sight" crawls in on a funeral doom journey before segueing into beautifully performed, melodic twin guitar solos, bluesy, creepy and psychotic. LOSS pronounce each riff with repetition as the segues seem to seamlessly weave a trance like thread into a subconscious, depressive haze.

The instrumental title track of "Despond", is the sound of psychosis, as LOSS evoke bleak piano, and whispered spoken word emulating the mind of a psychotic and audio hallucinations, descending into mental madness.

"Shallow Pulse" evokes quality songwriting as LOSS combine funeral doom with a bluesy, depressive haze, a trance of bleak BLACK SABBATH riff o' rama, comforting in sorrow, excellent in riff selection and transition.

LOSS evoke some wondrous and beautiful twin guitar solos, on "Conceptual Funeralism Unto the Final Act (of Being)", setting for a bleak and melancholic atmosphere, gorgeous. "Conceptual Funeralism Unto the Final Act (of Being)" segues at a snails pace (3:44) into only the main guitar melody, Mike Meacham's pained growls and choral backing vocals.. "Conceptual Funeralism Unto the Final Act (of Being)" evokes an intimate atmosphere between the listener and a lonely journey into this nameless disease called depression.

LOSS add vocal variety on "Silent and Completely Overcome" (Brett Campbell of PALLBEARER guest clean vox) with absolutely gorgeous clean vocals, "I do not remember, a depression sutch as this"..."Silent and Completely Overcome" dips into a bi polar mood, as LOSS explores the dark despondency of cutting pronounced by Mike Meacham's death vox and beautiful melodic riffs and solos. Like a bi polar, LOSS evoke a dramatic segue into blastbeats and black metal rasps (6:14), and a transition into a stoner/doom, clean vocal, melancholic bliss.

LOSS close "Despond" with the primarily instrumental track "The Irreparable Act", evoking a sad plucked guitar, the soundtrack to permanent act over perhaps a temporary problem, as the protagonist feels trapped in his own oppressive condition. "The Irreparable Act" features a consolidation of spoken word, heavy doom, funeral procession keyboards as when the Gregorian chants seep in, you know he's gone, someone chose death over life, and as the listeners shutter with that decision, he is free, and you are free to make your own choices.

LOSS has unleashed a stunning debut, "DESPOND" is a tormented journey through the abyss of self mutilation, depression and death. DESPOND is relentless in tone, despairing in atmosphere an articulate and heart wrenching journey into the depths of the human condition.
LOSS employ a variety of vocal styles and consolidate wondrous riff transitions with quality songwriting as every tune has it's own personality. LOSS weave melancholy instrumental passages with bluesy/funeral doom, excellent riff transitions, crushing guitar tones and excellent (early OPETH/KATATONIA/MY DYING BRIDE) twin guitar interplay.

"DESPOND" succeeds where a lot of funeral doom fails, LOSS offer alot of potential in the bands variety, a sonic, cathartic cleansing of the neurotransmitters for a despairing Prozac Nation. Most funeral doom is littered with too much repetition, as songs sound identical.. LOSS consolidate a mixture of melancholy, bleak tones for a crushing, intimate and engaging listen.

"DESPOND" is no remedy, as LOSS offer just a reflection of the often dysfunctional human psyche, as LOSS have unleashed one of the best debut's of 2011, if not one of last years best releases.

:shutters: Anti-Psychotics and Anti Depressants not included.

ITP RATING: ****
PRODUCTION: ***
SONGWRITING: *** 1/2
PERFORMANCE: **** 1/2

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Sunday, January 29, 2012

HYPOTHERMIA: POST NEW TRACKS "Tusenfaldiga Sår" and "Dö av ren vilja" FROM '"Svenskt Vemod" ON SOUNDCLOUD


Poster available on a2-format. Mail your order to Hypothermia__@hotmail.com


Swedish DSBM (depressive, suicidal, black metal) project HYPOTHERMIA have posted two new tracks entitled "Tusenfaldiga Sår" and "Dö av ren vilja" on SOUNDCLOUD from the projects anticipated new release entitled "Svenskt Vemod" due to be unleashed independently soon in 2012.


FROM HYPOTHERMIA:
In November we recorded our 4th album "Svenskt Vemod" which has been lying in wait since several years for the right moment. It features six tracks which closes the gap of evolution between Rakbladsvalsen & Gråtoner as well as the progress from there to "Skogens Hjärta" which in fact is the 5th album and it will make more sense to some when "Svenskt Vemod" is available and we aim to have both of these releases out simultaneously. A sample will be available soon and this page will expand downwards with news about plenty of other things that are in the works. We have also been so thoughtful to create pages at some other places around the web for all of you who prefer places like facebook or tumblr for reading and sharing updates rather than sharing a link to this page and the links to these will always be at the bottom of this page.

More things are to come!


FROM HYPOTHERMIA: "Tusenfaldiga Sår" FROM "Svenskt Vemod": This song is entitled "Tusenfaldiga Sår" from the album "Svenskt Vemod", performed by Hypothermia and was recorded, mixed and mastered by Profane Sound at Bohus Sound in November 2011. This is the pre-mix which will be available for download until the whole album is released. More information and updates will be available at the official pages linked at www.unjoy.com/Hypothermia:



FROM HYPOTHERMIA: "Dö av ren vilja" FROM "Svenskt Vemod" This song is entitled "Dö av ren vilja" from the album "Svenskt Vemod", performed by Hypothermia and was recorded, mixed and mastered by Profane Sound at Bohus Sound in November 2011. Lyrics contributed by Ravenlord. This is the pre-mix which will be available for download until the whole album is released. More information and updates will be available at the official pages linked:




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MALTA DOOM METAL FEST 2012: CONFIRM THE BLACK




Promoters for the 2012 MALTA DOOM METAL FEST, set to take place 11/2-4, 2012, Republic of Malta (venue TBA) have confirmed Italian doomsters THE BLACK.

FROM MALTA DOOM METAL FEST PROMOTERS:
MDM Update X: ....and the one many have been waiting for....well at least I have bloody well been! Without further delay we can now confirm that those heavy doom metal legends THE BLACK from Italy are now added to the MDM 2012 billing...led ably by Italian true metal iconand the multi-talented Mario Di Donato (winner of the Premio Dante Alighieri for his contribution to Italian art and culture), THE BLACK are indeed one of Italy's most seminal bands on par with DARK QUARTERER and STRANA OFFICINA...so get ready for an educational tour and enjoy THE BLACK's colossal riffage...posers please stay home!


After the huge success of the past three editions of the Malta Doom Metal festival we are making the requisite preparations to ensure another worthy edition of MDM on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2012 celebrating doom metal and its diverse shades and hues with the best the genre has to offer both locally and moreover internationally. It is our resolve to continue to build this festival and ensure that Malta is the No 1 destination for doom and related genres in Southern Europe!

The billing so far:

DAWN OF WINTER (GERMANY)
FOREST STREAM (RUSSIA)
SLIT (MALTA) special sludge show
HOODED PRIEST (NETHERLANDS)
SORCERER (SWEDEN)
IRON VOID (ENGLAND)
OBLIQUE VISIONS (MALTA)
MORTALICUM (SWEDEN)
GRIFFIN DEVICE (MALTA)

lots more bands to be announced shortly!

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

THE WEST TEXAS DEATHFEST 2012: ANNOUNCES LINEUP




Promoters for the WEST TEXAS DEATH FEST 2012 set to take place 3/30-31, 2012 @ Vientiane Nights, 6007 E. Amarillo, Blvd Amarillo, Texas has announced the festival lineup. 2012 will mark the FINAL year of the WEST TEXAS DEATH FEST.

FROM WEST TEXAS DEATH FEST 2012:
THE WEST TEXAS DEATHFEST 2012...

line-up is as follows...

FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH
1. 6:00-6:25 Astringency/Local
2. 6:35-7:00 Dawn of Ages/Local
3. 7:10-7:35 Another Texas Murder Scene/Local
4. 7:45-8:10 Dyscarcia/Local
5. 8:20-8:45 Predominant Mortification/College Station, TX
6. 9:55-9:20 Impaled Offering/Albuquerque, NM
7. 9:30-9:55 Despise the Sun/Colorado Springs, CO
8. 10:05-10:30 Giant of the Mountain/Dallas, TX
9. 10:40-11:05 Variations of Dismemberment/Del Rio, TX
10. 11:15-11:40 Crypt Infection/Ventura, CA
11. 11:50-12:15 Diminished/Houston,TX

SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST.
12. 4:25-4:50 Age of Heresy/Local
13. 5:00-5:25 Solemn Curse/Local
14. 5:35-6:00 Cazic/Denver, CO
15. 6:10-6:35 Genocaust/Tucson, AZ
16. 6:45-7:10 Necrambulant/Mesa, AZ
17. 7:20-7:45 Xapharon/Corpus Christi, TX
18. 7:55-8:20 Meathook/Phoenix, AZ
19. 8:30-8:55 Skinned/Ft. Collins, CO
20. 9:05-9:30 Horde Casket/Norman, OK
21. 9:40-10:05 Obsidian Throne/Dallas, TX
22. 10:15-10:40 Abolishment of Flesh/Dallas, TX
23. 10:50-11:15 Insentient/Los Angeles, CA
24. 11:25-11:50 Torn the Fuck Apart/Topeka, KS
25. 12:00-12:25 The Gurchick Tree/South NJ

Venue;
Vientiane Nights
6007 E. Amarillo, Blvd.
Amarillo, Texas

Hotels...
special rates will be available at;
Fifth Season Inn
www.fifthseasonamarillo.com

Tickets will be available locally at...
Tarpley Music

and online by this Wednesday...
www.ticketstorm.com

This will be the final year for this fest. Thanks to all the bands and especially all the fans!

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-