Monday, August 31, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches from Tales of the Tomb


How long has it been since someone called to us from the beyond of the Lockdown? 

Well, here we have a dispatch from a lovely group out of Edmonton Alberta.

Normally this is the point where I would make a little quip about the Stanley Cup Playoffs....but well, we saw what happened with the Blues.

Check out their BANDCAMP to stream their latest.

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such. 

Meowtal with Chris Van of Dividing The Element


So, if I might be a bit serious for a moment, after all this is a web journal, which at its core is about what the author is doing on a daily basis. As of today, I no longer have any parents. My mother passed on just under a week ago.

This is the first time I've put pen to paper, so to speak, since then. It's ironic that it's the pet column, which had to be suspended this summer after my kitten, Floyd, died. 

More than anything, this is simply a small reminder that everything is temporary and we should be having the times of our lives every day. 

BUT...this is about Dividing The Element's Chris Van. He has a strange, and slightly large cat as near as I can tell. The photo up there seems a bit fuzzy, or perhaps it's fuzzy because of these delicious Midwest Coast IPAs by Urban Chestnut Brewing. 

Dividing The Element is one of the few, the proud, the African Metal Bands. 

They're based in Zimbabwe. I'd heartily suggest checking out their BANDCAMP page here. You can get your stream on or purchase their debut album.

It's likely to leave you hungry for more.

Now, let's find out about this oddly shaped cat.

1. In my house, we have three cats named Wickett, Louis IX, and Jiji. How many do you have and what are they called?

Friday, August 21, 2020

Hometown Tales with Sons of Butcher's Ricky Butcher

Look, it's LONG SINCE BEEN TIME that Glacially Musical mentions the CFL and I will tell you today that right now Canadian Football is the greatest American football league in the world until the Battlehawks return to take flight.

Now that I've done a little tire pumping for the Canadian Football League, it's time to point out that w're talking to Sons of Butcher. They're based out of Hamilton, Ontario.

You may be interested in their brand of metal. You can check that over on the BANDCAMP.

Let's find out what their digs are like.

1. St. Louis City is my hometown. I've lived here for most of my life in and around the city. Where are you from? 

Album Review: "Origins Vol. 2" by Ace Frehley

 Origins Vol. 2 by Ace Frehley 9/18/20 (eOne Heavy Metal)

This will be the third Ace Frehley album I have done a review on. My review of Spaceman created quite a flurry, but I'm brave! I'll go again.

If I'm being honest, there's no scenario that comes to mind where I'd be less excited to listen to this. His last album was a train wreck and the previous LP was the first covers record, which would have made a great EP.

Upon hearing about this one...many of the same guests, doing songs by many of the same artists, and well, Ace's vocals have deteriorated to nearly unlistenable. The single for Space Truckin though... it was quite good.

Then we found out this track was recorded during the Anomaly sessions. My personal opinion is the inclusion of this track made Ace to leave his "is that good enough" attitude at the door.

All signs pointed to this album being his Ghostbusters II, but instead he turned in The Empire Strikes Back. 

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Fresh Fries with Draemora

You know, you're probably thinking about this Covid-19 Pandemic as much as I have and you know what? 

I'm tired of all the food that's around my house in South St. Louis, except that Shaved Duck. It's been too long since I've gotten a smoked half chicken.

So, my comfort food has become literal food. It sucks when something metaphorical becomes literal and your existential crisis is exacerbated by the fact there's no McDonald's close enough to get the fries home quickly enough to eat them.

So, today we're talking to a Seattle band called Draemora. They rock that progressive death metal there. As a Gen X'er who's been at war with Seattle since 1993, it's nice to hear some extreme metal out of that city.

Whilst you're getting hungry reading about what they're eating, check out their latest VIDEO.

Who Are You with Andy Barton of Grimgotts

It's time for another installment of the column that's totally not about me being lazy and not having to format a text interview. This is about learning about the artist from their own mouth.

Totally it. While you're considering whether or not that's true, you can always check out the vaunted Grimgotts BANDCAMP page. 

They just dropped their latest EP last week. Earn some metal cred buy purchasing an EP in Great Britain Pounds.

Also, check out the man below.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Beer Thirty with Illuminated Minverva

Welp. 

We're still neck deep into the pandemic and I dunno about you, but I'm drinking beers to help me deal with this bullspit.

So, along with Pandemic Dispatches, it seemed only appropriate to reactivate the Beer Thirty Column. Not only do I love beers, my readers love beers, and what self respecting metal head doesn't enjoy a good beer?

Today, we're talking to a Calgarian from Calgary, Alberta. I mean, that was obvious wasn't it? Anyhoo, Illuminated Minerva is totally into beer. 

But what about their music I hear you thinking. 

They play some instrumental prog metal. You can hear it over at their BANDCAMP page.

But for now, BEER!

Vinyloscopy with Tyler from Capra

Well, did you know that folks also dig records and dig expounding on their records? Well, today undergoing a Vinyloscopy is Lafayette, LA natives, Capra.

Lafayette is one of the cities in Louisiana that I wouldn't be able to name, so, you win Tico Torres.

You win this round.

Whilst their working on their debut LP, they have recently dropped a digital 7". You can check that out over here on their BANDCAMP page.

It's just about the right length to listen to whilst reading below...

1. Listening to Black Sabbath's eponymous debut the night I got it blew me away. What's the album that sounds the best on vinyl compared to digital sources?

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Classic Spins with Kore Rozzik

Who's been checking in on New York City's Kore Rozzik?

Maybe it's time we learn some more information about these guys? Today they're taking a stab at the Classic Spins column. 

It's probably the most answered one I have done.

For some reason, it really seems like Musos wanna talk about Music.

I mean, who knew??? Anyway, you can buy their new record on wax HERE

1. My favorite kind of album is the concept album. The Wall is my absolute favorite. Beyond the amazing songs, it has spectacular nostalgia for me. What's your favorite one and why? 

For me Alice Cooper automatically comes to mind. I would say he is the king of concept records.  Welcome to my nightmare is a classic. 

5 Min Origin Stories with Cryptonight

You know what nobody does? 

Djent/Doom Metal.

Well, here's a good chance for you to find out more about Djoom Metal. Surely this can be done well right?

Admit it, you're interested now. In your mind, you're starting to wonder if these two opposite ends of the metal spectrum can exist in the same space.

Find out HERE.

While you're finding out, check out what Jekyll thinks about how they started it all.

1. Is there an event you can point to you that made you say, wow, that's the instrument I want to play? Not like guitar or drums, but the reason why you play the model you do?

Monday, August 17, 2020

Meowtal with Habu's Alex

First off, here's an apology for Habu. When this column started, it was in honor of my (now) late kitten, Randall "Pink" Floyd. He sadly died very early and very young. 

It was basically impossible to even keep transcribing these interviews.

But, time has helped us heal as has the arrival of our newest family member, the formerly feral, Jiji.

So, enough, of that mushy stuff, but let's talk about Habu. They're a progger band from Angolland. You can read more about their latest record HERE

While you're thinking about their sweet guitar solos...

Check them out via BANDCAMP.

In my house, we have three cats named Wickett, Louis IX, and Jiji. How many do you have and what are they called? 

- We have a dog named Shep, and two ferrets named Flapjack and Tinkerbelle. 

It's obvious where our cats got their names. Where did yours get theirs? 

Fresh Fries with Brandy and the Butcher

Let's check back in with Brandy and the Butcher. For the life of me, I'm still not 100% sure I know what they are. 

It's seeming like it might time to check out that album of theirs again. 

I know I reviewed it a few weeks back. It's something....that's for true.

Well, I took a moment to revisit the album, and I can tell you that's still a little difficult to articulate in a concise fashion, but I'll tell you that I did go ahead and preorder it on vinyl.

Dude....$18 shipped...Go to BANDCAMP NOW!

1. Let's not pretend. Fast food is delicious. What is your favorite fast food joint? 

I've always had a soft spot for Popeye's. 

Their spicy fried chicken sandwich is BADASS and I'm always down for a fried shrimp snack with cocktail sauce. 

Friday, August 14, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with pILE of pRIESTS

Again, we're listening in to a band who's been locked in the doors for the past few months. 

Today, we're hearing form Colorado based metallers, pILE of pRIESTS.

Check out their latest HERE.

1. How are things going where you are? 

It has been a pretty crazy ride the past few months. With the Covid crisis, to now the tragic murder of George Floyd and the protests that have followed; things are rather chaotic here in the US. 

But overall for us in the band, it has been great, the new album has been getting some great responses.

Review Round Up 8/14/20

Mortal by Necrot (8/28/20)

If you don't me a little bit of personal repetition, one of the greatest things about metal is just how underground it really is.

It wasn't until this lock down that I personally heard Bolt Thrower and now it's time to finally listen to another metal band that's nearly universally lauded.

So yes, this is the first time Necrot has ever seeped into my earholes and brain.

It's certainly what I expected and a little bit of what I didn't expect. The band is aptly named and they sound like decay.

They've got an amazing old school feel without ever sounding nostalgic for the good old days. The guitar solos particularly make me warm and fuzzy.

Vocally it's just astounding. Raw and pained.

If you're looking for some mid-tempo death metal, this is probably a record you should be checking out.

Rating A- Bandcamp

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Josh Kay of Alizarin

You know what I love about being a Midwest Based metal journo? I get totally ignore the coastal metal elites from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, Tampa, Boston, and NYC.


Those guys need to have their high horses taken down from beneath them. Flyover Country forever! (Until I move to either San Francisco or Philadelphia.)


So, let's talk about today's metal band from (checks notes) Los Angele...oh balls.


Check their music out on BANDCAMP.

Fresh Fries with Angelic Desolation

If you're looking for some death metal from the green state of Colorado, you might be wanting to check in with Angelic Desolation.

In fact, I believe these fellows have a new record in the offing. Hell, you can order that stuff now on BANDCAMP.

1. Let's not pretend.  Fast food is delicious. What is your favorite fast food joint?

- Chick-Fil-A. It pulls apart like real chicken. For someone that really doesn't eat fast food very often, that makes me feel better about myself and my terrible decision.

2. When I was young, I remember hanging out at Hardee's eating roast beef (not their fried chicken), and smoking cigarettes at the table.

Tell me about some big changes at the place in your lifetime or tell me which part of my sentence is the most surprising and why.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Rivetskull

We are all looking to be heard in these dark times. Today, you can hear from Rivetskull. They're an LA based metal band.

Check out their latest video HERE.

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such?

We are all located in the Seattle and Los Angeles area where the stay at home orders have been very strict.  

They have been allowing people to get back to work under certain conditions and requirements, but there are definitely no music venues opening and there is no expectation for that to happen anytime soon.

Who Are You with Simon from Vestal Claret

There's an old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a video? This video features at a minimum 2,000 photos. Toes that mean that this video is worth TWO MILLION words even though there's nowhere near that many spoken?

Anyway, who cares about my waxing stupid about nothing, let's talk about the band shall we? 

Should you be of that persuasion, and you're interested in some betwitching tunes, you might wish to check out the BANDCAMP.

But let's let Simon handle the talking...

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Classic Spins with Jupiter Hollow

If you'd be interested, Jupiter Hollow, was willing to give us the the inside scoop for the kinds of recods they listen to.

Check out their music HERE.

1. My favorite kind of album is the concept album. The Wall is my absolute favorite. 

Beyond the amazing songs, it has spectacular nostalgia for me. What's your favorite one and why? 

De-Loused in the Comatorium. 

Every nuance is meaningful and the visage of nonsensical lyrics is truly a goldmine into the narrative. The Mars Volta’s 6 beautiful records are among my favourites ever made.

 2. My very first album was Live Evil by Black Sabbath. Since then I've had a strong affinity for the live record, even if they're a bit fake. 

KISS set the bar with Alive!. Surely, it was fake, but it's got the best concert feel of any one.

Tell me about your favorite live record?

I hate live records. 

5 Min Origin Stories with Evertrapped

 

Let me be honest briefly, and then I'll bet back to the awkward metal takes.... 

My personal computer died a few weeks back when I spilled beer on it. I've now unlocked hoosier level 5 I think.

Anyway, here's to being back happy and writing hard. 

Today, we're talking to Evertrapped again. It's fun to get to know these bands in a new and odd way.

They've gotten in on our Pandemic Dispatches and Classic Spins, but let's find out more about these Montreallers on the eve of the Montreal Canadiens returning to the NHL Playoffs.

While you're reading, might I suggest a bit of reading music? Check their latest VIDEO.

Monday, August 10, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with BADGUYSWIN

Let out your scream of rage and denial. There are people in the USA still not taking this pandemic seriously. This is even when they've lost people to the virus.

Mask UP.

Check out this VIDEO from BADGUYSWIN and see how they're dealing.

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such.

We live in small-town Canada, so things haven't changed much for us. 

There are social distancing precautions in stores, many restaurants are take out only and the parks are closed. On top of some businesses choosing to temporarily close or work at reduced hours, major events that fuel the town's economy have also been cancelled. 

2. How long have you been sheltering in place at this time?

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Two Car Train

You know as well as I do that our living inside of our homes has us going crazy.

Take a minute and listen to this music and you tell me that you're not happier for having heard something so new, so pure.... HERE

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such.

Things have been drearily looked down as is everywhere else. No venues to play, tour plans cancelled...

2. How long have you been sheltering in place at this time?

Since about March 18.

3. What has been cancelled on you that you were looking forward to?

Shows and summer festivals that we were booked to play.

4. How have you been passing the time indoors?

Been writing like a madman. Creative juices have been flowing.

5. Loads of artists have been talking about how they're being creative. When the lockdown is over are ya gonna be ready to hit up the studio?

Ready to hit the studio? We are already in the studio. Been working on a few new singles. Been recoding at Fader Mountain (Formerly Little Mountain Sound) with producer Darren Grahn (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Cher, Black Eyed Peas, Monster Magnet etc)

6. What crazy projects have you been considering since you've been in quarantine?


Myself personally, Film Production. Just started doing it. Few projects have already been greenlit for Netflix

Who Are You with Brandy and the Butcher

I've really been digging on Brandy and the Butcher lately. I need to get myself over to BANDCAMP to purchase their new record.

Tell me what do you think of it?

In the mean time, here's what they have to say about things.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Saints of Death

About three weeks ago, our new British Columbian friends, Saints of Death, released a ripping new record called Ascend To The Throne which you should be stuffing into your earhole right now.


Get that going while you're reading about how the boys in Vancouver are holding up during this global pandemic.

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such.

We're pretty fortunate being from BC. 

Although we've been in quarantine like the rest of the world, BC has done a pretty good job of dealing with it compared to the other regions of our country. We just can't wait to get back to rehearsing, touring, and writing.

2. How long have you been sheltering in place at this time?

Meowtal with Adzes

Have you heard of anything that's been happening there out on the West Coast that might concern you and make you worry about the state of our democracy?

Well, Adzes, has been fighting the good fight against Capitalism via Sludge Metal.

If you're not thinking about Jesus Built My Deathsquads right now, what are you even doing in this world?

Check it out on BANDCAMP right now!

1. In my house, we have three cats named Wickett, Louis IX, and Jiji. How many do you have and what are they called?

We have two cats and a dog.  The cats are named Zeppo (although he most often gets called Lil Man) and Zelda, and the dog is Daisy.

2. It's obvious where our cats got their names. Where did yours get theirs?

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Rebel Priest

Let's continue howling into the void of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Check out the latest release from Rebel Priest on BANDCAMP and in the meantime...

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such.


Canada has had a pretty lucky go, especially where we are in Vancouver BC. with a limited amount of cases and the new “phase 2” coming into action allowing bars and pubs to open has reopened social life for us here in BC. 


Although, we still don’t get live shows, the community has gotten together harder than I think I’ve ever seen it. Everyone is hungry, everyone is itchy… this is the type of zeitgeist we’re experiencing, the NEED for a show is brewing and coming soon!~


We sheltered collectively for about a month, one of the 3 of us was what was deemed an “essential worker” so he really got the short end of the stick. 


AND I’d say that whole on work/off work situation has been very complicated; but we’ve come together as a crew… knowing that we were able to rely on each other the same way we did, as we were on tour, relying on the simple chemistry of the band. 


It was super refreshing to deal with each other on such an honest level… that's bein’ a band baby!!


WORST QUESTION hahaha… for real tho, we as well as many other bands had so many things cancelled this year; we lost 2 Canadian tours this year and are waiting on baited breath for JAPAN, we’d love to go back or get to our buddies on the east side of our great country (Villain, Skullfist, Luger, etc)… 


Some great local shows, Flotsam and Jetsam was scheduled for May 28… haha the more I bring up , the less I’d like to do this question… Let's pass for now, are we allowed to pass it on to next year ??


Writing songs of course!! when your jam space is huge, and your only a 3 piece… you can social distance safely and rock out hard as well… 


We’re a clean and generally healthy bunch; can’t say we were to stressed here, to be honest… BC , especially, Vancouver has seemed to dodge the worst of COVID19 thus far...


Oh, the Priest is always ready… but on a less “band pragmatic stance” , we like to have fun, writing together is fun for us… we do the best working together, we simply took the time to find what worked the best.


I could answer this all day long


For real though, what do I splurge….. hmm well we’ve been cooking up a DVD, a TV show, a NEW album amongst MANY other ideas… with all the time, we’ve talked about going in about every direction we can think of going. let's take things to the next level


How do we build a scene?? let's take this thing to the next level, how do we progress past covid19? as a global/musical population??




Vinyloscopy with Dethlehem's Brutalitus the Bloodbeard

BANDCAMP that I think you would do well to listen to.

Fair warning, the vinyl edition is edited a bit as it doesn't have the story elements in there as well, because there's just too much!

This is their fourth album, and it's time to find out they're listening to records.

Let's get it on!

1. Listening to Black Sabbath's eponymous debut the night I got it blew me away. What's the album that sounds the best on 
Brutalitus: Hmmm that's a tough one because so many albums sound better on vinyl. If I had to choose ONE I would probably say.....

Monday, August 3, 2020

Pandemic Dispatches with Feleth

Let's check in with another band on the lockdown train. Who else wishes all the selfish jerks would just mask up for a month and we could have this kicked?

Anyway, check out their SINGLE here.

1. How are things going where you are? The laws and such.

It’s going pretty well. We’re located in the middle of nowhere so the quarantining has been chill. We had about 3 weeks before cafés started opening, but they still don’t recommend going to them.

As of now luckily everyone affected by corona is healthy and recovered.

Fresh Fries with King Gorm's Francis

One of the great things about living in this pandemic is the glut of fast food I've stuffed into my gaping maw.

I've been a fast food junkie for a long, long time though. Now we're going to learn about some metal dudes and how they crush the fast food, at home and on the road.

Up first is the eminently regal, Francis, of King Gorm. 

I gave their new record an A+ in my most recent review round up. Won't you listen to it whilst your reading it. You'll have to work up an excuse not to buy it.

Here's the BANDCAMP link.

1. Let's not pretend.  Fast food is delicious. What is your favorite fast food joint?