Review of Empyrium's Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays..

Empyrium's third full-length and is actually an Acoustic Folk type album with its roots coming from narcotic, nocturnal, necrophobic alike (or whatever you may understand from these words). Before exploring it, this particular album usually very much compared to Ulver's Kveldssanger (released in 1996) which you can say that, it is some sort of inevitable because of the similar theme carried by both bands, 'Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays' released in 1999 and I personally feel this album have a calm sound as compared to Ulver, although both bands had tried to combine the perfect sort of melancholy elements. It really carries to precisely give a feeling of a bucolic, tranquil pastoral mood, the dark lyrical theme have the context of countryside, story of ghosts; the moors, beacons , the meadows and everything that can create the atmosphere of something that's called doomy-gloomy (gothic). Delightfully composed enchanting classical guitar blends a realistic feeling, the choir combination with flutes creates a soothing/depressive effect.

The album is mainly by the husband-wife duo - Ulf Theodor Schwadorf & Nadine Mölter, while Thomas Helm appeared as a guest vocalist. Albeit the most consistent things in this album is the guitar along with natural effects, the use of flute, the choir and lastly the lyrical theme.
Here, Helm is the man that I can give a complement; he had poured his natural emotions in the album through his vocals, another thing that I feel is there is something that Marcus is lacking, I didn't feel the emotions that esoteric thing in his vocals (though he has a baritone range in vocals- what else I can say?), “The Shepard and the Maiden Ghost” if you see it is full of lyrics but actually the whole song is whispered. If I don't talk about 'Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays' - the intro, than it would be bad for me. A nicely composed instrumental, one of favourite since times ago, the breeze and blowing wind creates the effect of lullaby.

The standouts on this release are the last two songs. “Many Moons Ago” which a  recitation of the story of a man who has seen the ghost of a girl.(OMG! Creepy! but not horrible!). “When Shadows Grow Longer” is a remake of a previous Empyrium song, but done much better. Helm and Stock are able to harmonize nicely.
At last, this is a strong acoustic album, as a fan of acoustic stuff this is like a treat for me. The album could have made more better but still it gives you something great to listen when you are thinking about the hazy moor, whispering laments. This is mourn.

Review of 'The White' EP By Agalloch

I have always been so fond of acoustics, being a pro-crustie it sounds lil awkward but still I really love good music. Again I have Agalloch here, like there are somethings that can be called as mandatory and this band is surely be one of them: underrated, progressive, creative, soothing, melancholy, meaningful and last but not the least blend of beautifully composed guitars. As a atmospheric/dark/neo-folk addict; this is like heaven.

'The White' is the band's fourth EP released in 2008 but actually recorded in between 2004 to 2007, unlike the previous EP 'The Grey' which contains only two instrumentals and not so impressive, this one surely be a class apart. Agalloch is considered to be one of those bands that are always be so anticipated because of their avant-garde nature. Well, lets come back to the review thing, this EP was restricted to 2000 copies only and released via Vendlus Records. It contains seven tracks out of which three are instrumental (or more) because of the extensive use of acoustics and long solos.

The songs "The Isle of Summer," "Summerisle Reprise," and "Sowilo Rune" contain samples from the 1973 film 'The Wicker Man'. "Birch White" in which several quotes spoken by actor Christopher Lee are used. While spoken dialogue in music can usually be annoying, things work very well here; bestowing upon the music, an unsettling, existential theme. Here it features vocalist John Haughm reciting the poem "Birch Tree" by A.S.J. Tessimond (info taken from Meallum).

I must say John Haughm is the man who writes, plays, composes what he feels through the sorroundings, something that's hidden just like a cauldron of light which makes everyone to look towards it when in dark but few can see the nocturnal darkness which has something that can't be explained.

To me this is more like an instrumental extended-play, I really appreciate the supporting melody of keyboards, Jews harp, goat horn, well there are number of different instruments that have used and make this masterpiece. The cave voice by Victoria Knippschild is just the way it needs. What can I say about acoustics, simply out of this planet. The cryptic harmony is sentenced.

Not a typical work, it is esoteric.

Review of compilation Kocytean by Katatonia

Katatonia is like a must have band in my playlist for many year. The post-Scandinavian blends with Canterbury inspired sound is the prominent  feature of this act. Well, I usually don't prefer to listen or even check compilation type stuffs until it has some new elements or remastered version but still when it comes to Katatonia, I seriously couldn't stay behind.
So, 'Kocytean' - pretty unusual name or seems like more esoteric or dwelling, derived from Greek mythology called 'the river of wailing' or some underwater thing. The compilation is limited to some 2000 copies and released as 12" vinyl. It contains 6 tracks, three tracks on each side of the record. This is a Record Store Day exclusive release that has been celebrated on April 19th. Starts with the artwork, the name says everything 'Travis Smith' who did artwork for Amorphis etc. While surfing the web I came across that Anders comments on how the idea came up behind the artwork “I had this scenario playing over and over in my head and together with my graphics shrink Travis Smith decided to convey them down into a series of four images where it takes you through struggle, despair, tranquility and hope”. - enough said. A mighty and sacred piece of art, the last image is very much similar to the art of their previous track 'Unfurl' which purely explains the image: 'Releasing the vapor into the lungs, letting the wings unfurl.'

Opens with 'Unfurl' - which appeared in 'July' EP 2007, perfectly combines the electro & post-melo sound together; a more atmospheric doomy style followed by "Sold Heart" was originally released on the EP "The Longest Year." Renkse's harmonized vocals is just amazing, used mostly clean guitar along with reverb in this song. Then we have 'Ashen' which appeared in 'Night Is The New Day' in 2009, a more electro-harmonic based vocal along with the combination of traditional clean and distorted guitar work but the tempo is not the same and variates in between.'Second' is from 'Dead End Kings' released back in 2012, one of my favorite track has a fairly slow tempo which upbrings with rhthm guitar, love the guitar work in this song, twinkling back in the whole song. The second last rack 'Code Against Code' is taken from my favorite album 'The Great Cold Distance' starts of with a delay-clean guitar, there is a drum interlude in the song and it has nearly the same pattern through out the song. The last rack is  'The Act of Darkening' taken from 'Dead End Kings' it has one depressive pattern from the start followed by acoustic strum and beats having some violin in behind; lovely track BTW soothing, calm and moderate. For Katatonia lovers and collectors, it is surely be a must have. :)

Review of 'Rewarded with Ingratitude / Infernal Hatred' split by In-Quest/Sarcastic Terror

 

Greek death metal? OSDM? Well I couldn't get enough of the Scandinavian & Florida based OSDM shits! I may have checked out many Greek death metal acts (which are mostly of the new-wave) but old-school; right now Dismaed's 1995 demo 'Messages from the Place of the Dead' and Decay's 1992 demo tape 'Ceremonial Torture'  and last but not the least there was a band called 'Nocturnal Death,' (I don't remember any release of them but still got to have their name because of  the grind masters 'Naplam Death') are coming in my mind & now here I have Sarcastic Terror's split with one of my good-name Belgian act 'In-Quest' to write about. I came across this split called 'Rewarded with Ingratitude / Infernal Hatred' back some years when I was giving a listen to the 'In-Quest' discogs. It was released in September 1995 and contains four tracks; one by 'In-Quest' called 'Rewarded with Ingratitude' which was also appeared in their demo 'Xylad Valox' released back in the same year & three by 'Sarcastic Terror' among two of them: 'Intro' & 'Putrescence' were appeared in their self-titled demo, released back in 1992 only 'The Last Act of Subsidence' by them was newly recorded.

I mainly reviewing 'Sarcastic Terror' so 'In-Quest' shall not be in here. Starts with the recording; it wasn't recorded precisely there's alot humming in the back, I don't know the format of release but still like the vintage style. OSDM is always remain the most in my playlist and for eveyone who loves the kvlt way should have this split. If you really tote Xysma or Baphomet sick shits then this split is for you. Guitar along with the blast-beats and the same vintage style of death metal, you still can't get enough of it. Unfortunately with no valid reason, the band soon gone hiatus and later split-up. It was their last recording and I haven't seen any of their personnel formed any other badn except for their guitarist who was in 'Nocturnal Death' and some other local underground bands.

In the last, when it comes to the favourite one so it would be ' Putrescense' although the song has a coherent pattern but still it does kick-ass headbanging stuff with crushing riffs and heavy blast-beats, ‘The Last Act of Subsidence’ is one sick track and heavy as fuck, I love the rhythm pattern also I want to add-in that this split acts as a main influence for brutal death metal due to the fade-up growls. In this split there is no neo-classical influenced solo as you can have in like Obituary's Cause Of Death or Dismember's Dreaming In Red. Highly recommended for a DM freak! not for the core-kind punks!

Black Satan.... My KH-2

My KH-2 is not LTD, it is ESP. Chinese made (don't know the year). The guitar comes with glossing black finish also it has 24 jumbo frets, skull-inlays, thin neck (neck contour is very smooth), Floyd Rose bridge, locking nut, three-way pick selector, two tone control and one master volume knob; a set of EMG 60/81 pick-ups which I think is not active in my guitar because I see no battery compartment in the back. So for sure it is passive, something like EMG HZ. But whatever it does sound bad-ass.

This guitar is a beast. I play metal mostly (death/progressive/thrash) but also some blues/neo-classical/hard rock/grunge/jazz type stuff and it suits me in most cases but I use my Fender Stratocaster for playing blues etc. I can get every sound from it from classic Guns N' Roses to Slayer to Gojira. Clean, twang, punk to dirty real dirty. My signal chain goes to Zoom G1 Next and then to Yamaha TG-25; I also use Line 6 Spider IV 30. As an amateur bedroom guitarist, it really fits the way I play. The guitar is never noisy but earlier when I get it along with poor cables, it gave me buzz and hum while the guitar is not playing but soon when I replaced it with a better one - the problem wiped out. 

Well, when I decided to buy this satan; the first thing inspired me was the finish and the skull-inlays which give it a brutal look. The black finish is so fascinating No doubt one of the finest ESP ever made. The main con was the action; the tone knob was erasing the sound due to loose controls which I later get it fixed along with adjusting the truss inside, rather everything was perfect. The neck contour finish till the neck is so smooth. The classic golden ESP logo on the headstock looks great.

Yus, for sure I can depend upon it, though I have never gigged with it but still I can trust on this. Playing this for the last four months and I can surely say it will never bend me down. The durability (finish, sound, everything blah blah blah!) depends upon the handling and care, just don't abuse it and it will stay with you till your death. I clean it after each play and also cleans the fretboard once in two-months with lemon oil (yes, I do love to take care this baby). Strap buttons are solid and it gives a good sustain.

I had three choices at the time of buying this guitar: Ibanez GIO, Jackson Warrior and Epiphone Les Paul Standard and now I can say, it was one of my finest purchase ever. Sounds epic, looks brutal, suits my metal-head playing style so what I shall need any more? I am also willing to buy ESP M-10 (passion for guitars - reason). If anything bad happen to this, I will probably never unwind myself. It is like a companion for me now. Every time I play, it puts smile on my face. Best for shredding and solo type stuff.

Originally written for  & can be accessed here:

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/electric_guitars/esp/ltd_kh-2/

...........We Die Young!!

<==== A mosh-pit yus!!

In Pakistani media, coming to mainstream is very easy if you really know the humour of the people over here; what they want to listen? how much should you glitter yourself to commercialize?. Well we do have the answers in the form of several posers who have brought up and still emerging which every one can look through and feel by seeing towards the music TV channels - plagiarize of the Indian cinema oriented music.

<=== Priests of hardcore..

 I don't know what to say but the mainstream media is providing a podium to these mediocre; so how the music videos they make? enough bucks in the chamber? here the notorious idea - taking a mademoiselle from the streets along with some bunch of goofs trying to impress her or something with the similar shit; blah! I can't define it, a fag comes up with some emo style wearing some wayfarers along with some more bunch of guys and start doing something really crap, weird music; eerie lyrics and some random shitty dance - no shit given just wrote what I saw and still seeing through the tv channels, where their is ARY Musik, AAG, Oxygene all are ruining the real talent by not giving chances to the underground struggling acts.

<;=== (The geeks of metal)

Rohail Hyat of CokeSickStudio, I just don't understand this guy, I really admire his work with Vital Signs but what the hell he did to Coke Studio? keep on inviting the same materialistic faces. Fuck it man! Here Nescafe Basement is like a wind of change, a podium that nourishes the creative minds  - under the supervision of Xulfi ex EP guitarist, the folks did great job.


Well here comes some pros too, Its a very good thing too in this all environment! Really?? WTF then? Some FM Radio Stations do need real applause for upbringing the talent, I would like to name City Fm 89 (especially the Wes Malik; a real guy who truly knows how to present. His healthy humour is very appreciable, he often invites many underground bands and plays 'hidden' tracks; artists like Isloo based Heavy metal act Blackhour have gain a good recognition and last but not the least Gibran Nasir the frontman of Messiah - one of the first metal bands to came through hosted 'Black Sunday' which totally devoted to the metal scene but unfortunately it is no more due some reasons. How can I forget 'All That Jazz' by late Masood Hasan, he was finest in his creative selection of vintage jazz, one of my favourite columnist he was.). Also 'The Awakening' on FM 94 plays a pivotal role in the same case. Radio One FM 91 (Umair Afzaal, the guy who runs Shor Bazar Artist Management along with some mates, through which have done many interviews of several underrated artists to aware the unaware guys WTF is 'music'!. Poor Max Cavalera, hahah! poor and sick us! the mathafuckin' circumstances didn't allow him to come in here. well here are the interviews that can be accessed here:

(A dream that fucked apart.......................)

1. Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, Sepultura) interviewed on 1st March 2013 with Munib Nawaz on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan
Recording: soundcloud.com/fm91-shorbazaar/max-cavalera-soulfly-cavalera
2. Joel Ekman (Isaac James, Stone Sour) interviewed on 29th March 2013 with Munib Nawaz on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm91.../joel-ekman-stone-sour-isaac

3. James Black, Rick Jackett (Finger Eleven, Blackie Jacket Jr.) interviewed on 2nd April 2013 with Khurram Suleman on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 

Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm91.../james-black-rick-jackett
4. Terry Glaze (Lord Tracy, Pantera) interviewed on 4th April 2013 with Khurram Suleman on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm.../terry-glaze-pantera-lord-tracy

5. Paul Allender (Cradle of Filth, White Empress) interviewed on 5th April 2013 with Munib Nawaz on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 

Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm91.../paul-allender-cradle-of-filth

6. Shawn Dailey (Hole) interviewed on 11th April 2013 with Khurram Suleman on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 

Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm-91.../shawn-dailey-hole-blood-moon

<==(Hymn to the dying EP, I also own one :))

7. Barney Greenway (Napalm Death) interviewed on 18th April 2013 with Iman Azmat on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm-91.../barney-greenway-napalm-death

Blackhour boys! =======>

8. Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) interviewed on 27th May 2013 with Khurram Suleman on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm-91.../gus-g-ozzy-osbourne-firewind
9. Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails, Angels and Airwaves, Paramore, The New Regime) interviewed on 25th April 2013 with Khurram Suleman on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm-91.../ilan-rubin-nine-inch-nails

Multinational Corporation's Jamat Al Maut - I also own dis crust shit! 

====>

10. Sami Yusuf interviewed on 7th August 2013 with RJ Sophie on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/fm-91-shor-bazaar/sami-yusuf-ramadan-specia
11. Troy McLawhorn (Evanescence, Seether, Dark New Day, Doubledrive, Still Rain) interviewed on 23rd August 2013 with Munib Nawaz on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/91shorb.../troy-mclawhorn-evanescence
12. Robert Trujillo & Chloe Trujillo (Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves) interviewed on 20th September 2013 with Munib Nawaz on Radio 1 FM91 Music Is My Lifeline Pakistan 
Recording: https://soundcloud.com/91s.../robert-trujillo-chloe-trujillo

<=( Good pals of mine, Dionysus guys)

Bands running by many friends (Hassan Buay, Sheraz Ahmed, Farhan Rathore, Waleed Ahmed etc.)  of mine: Multinational Corporations, Foreskin, Myosis, Dionysus, Takatak, I See Insanity, Inferner, Basheer & the Pied Pipers, Bumbo Sauce, Malang Party, Qayaas, Usman Riaz, Odyssey, Blackhour, ehl-e-rock, Project Barkeley  and countless there are, I can't put all the names here - yus! because there are enormous talent

hidden here, I don't know whether am I giving the fuck while writing all this? but yes trying to aware those who don't know the real face.

HELLFEST is on its way for the third edition and it is so delightful to see this time because radio stations promoting the event and good to see the sponsors supporting the scene. Happening in Isloo! I am KHI. no worries still!, happy to see people are appreciating the event. Hopefully it would be great and safe

<==== (At Catacombs 2013)

Here is the list of Pakistani metal bands: http://www.metal-archives.com/lists/PK

Don't forget to google for some real shit coming your way! \m/ stay heavy! stay shredded! 

See Us Sleep Behind The Glass...Unaware of crime! (Review of The Great Cold Distance (2006) by Katatonia)

When I listen 'In Silence Enshrined' and then 'Unfurl', I emphasize myself to think; time amends. Well the kvlt doomy Katatonia which I still love to listen is no more since 'Discouraged Ones' (1998) which was the first release to offer clean vocals. Despite of changing the genre, the playing style, vocals, lyrical theme; they still underrated while this had alienated a number of people who love the old-school but they opened much wider to approach the fans of alternative/progressive, but indeed it is debatable, I went no backward nor I feel estrange from one of my favourite band.
'The Great Cold Distance' is the seventh full-length which enlighten their departure from doom/death towards unclassifiable genre but why not to assigned? because the new wave of Katatonia has a blend of different style: doom/alternative/progressive/depressive/gothic; but still they are a metal band and that is fair enough.
Well, the consistency brought much improvement from predecessor 'Viva Emptiness', the art-work, the lyrical workout everything is good as compared. Personally, I really enjoyed the album, one thing is that Jonas knows how to nib down the moor of feelings. Each song has its own theme, just by seeing the lyrics may be someone thinks it is as usual but by listening the song and then grasping, one can know what its all about. BTW, I can't imagine that Renske has got some very melodic and melancholy throat as he growls (not any more) but also sings very smooth and serene which complements the music of Katatonia.

(I have the same poster in my room) 

The distorted guitar work is good ranging with some heavy power-chords but still as a fan of acoustic, I am missing it. It could have made a good impact but nonetheless a good one. I think bass solos should have in the album which suits the dark/depressive sense but not a big issue though. Some folks said, the album do have good writing/vocal skills but more or less every song have the same pattern of composition, same heavy pseudo riffs along with the drum strokes. Well, Katatonia is a creative act. I don't feel this but yeah, they have their own style so one can say yus there's Katatonia (a trademark).
Its a must have for everyone not only for the metal-heads. It has a arm wide open. Cheers! \m/

(The Unfurl official tee and the poster that I have)