LP Review: "The Blinking Light/Peace On Earth" by Rudy Stone

The Blinking Light

I have a spectacular idea for an album, a concept album naturally.

Between jam sessions, which there's usually about 2-3 months between them, ideas come to me. What about a musical record that's based around the comings of the seasons?

Could you possibly imagine how big that would be?

Unfortunately, as I only "play" guitar, it would be really hard for me to get it down, as it seems to me that a project of this size needs a larger sound than the six strings on my Les Paul can give voice to.

So, this idea's been kicking around in my head for about four years now. You know what I found out like three months ago?

Some Italian gentleman named Antonio Vivaldi had already done it. It's truly a great thing I hadn't voiced this idea because there are people in my life that might have suggested I go through with it!

Stream: "Blur" by Alexa Dark

Rock singer and guitarist, Alexa Dark has released her new single as a way of saying hello!!

Her debut EP, Empty Drinks/Empty Hearts will be released late summer. In the mean time follow the breadcrumbs.

As with anybody who's anybody and folks like me who're nobody, catch up with Alexa Dark on Facebook.

7" Vinyl /Review: "You Know I Loved It" by Nyiko

You Know I Loved It

There's a giant world of music out there and it's always fun to learn more about genres that aren't really well represented in my personal library.

Years ago, my cousins and I were sitting in their living room watching the Twisted Sister concert video on VHS and Dee Snider talked quite about where they were going to film this video, because there was quite a lot going on.

 It seemed to him that the right venue was staggeringly important. As a reviewer, I'd just think that getting a full and rowdy house was all that mattered, but hey, what do I know right?

Though the sisters are from New York, they couldn't do this concert in their hometown because New Wave had taken over New York City. Now, back then New Wave was an unknown unknown. I didn't know that it existed and that I didn't know what it was.

Concert Review: Vaudevileins

Picture this, it's Memorial Day Weekend and my family is out of town. My wife has taken our daughter to her twenty year college reunion on the East Coast. After that, they're headed to see another old friend from college.

My holiday weekend was going to consist of beers, records, and Lunar Silver Star Complete on the original Playstation. As of Saturday at about 7:00pm, this weekend had been a great success. I'd even completed the major task I was assigned: The DMV on her new car.

So, Saturday, I watched the mighty Arsenal win their record thirteenth FA Cup and had been having beers and records since then.

During a break in the action, I popped onto Facebook and came across the fact that Vaudevileins were playing at El Lenador on Cherokee.

LP Review: "Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes" by Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes

Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes

In most contemporary Christmas time movies, the nuclear family always has children scattered around these United States.

The parents tend to live in the Midwest or the South. Their children have all moved across the country to live their lives.

Those movies tend to have great introduction scenes, because these (now adult) children aren't arriving at the same time in Bloomington, IL.

Sometimes they even have to rent cars to get to the snow covered ranch houses they grew up inside of.

So, we always learn about these kids. The standard trope is seeing them in their suits telling their office friends about how they have to get back to Montana for Christmas because Mom might not be around much longer. This goes on until they're all in the house.

The last child though...this one doesn't always arrive alone. Sometimes they bring a new friend....

Video Premiere: "Defining Me" by Eyes Wide Open

Good morning. We're pleased to bring you the first single from And So It Begins by Eyes Wide Open.

The record won't drop until September, but in the meantime, get a good slice of it down here.

Let them know you're awake on Facebook.

Interview: Space Witch

As a young boy Dr. Who fascinated me, for a time anyway. Though, not a fan these days, the theme music has definitely left an indelible mark upon my psyche.

Perhaps it was the pinball game we played at The Silver Ballroom all those times?

Probably not.

Upon first, second, and third listens, Space Witch seems to be the band that should've been the soundtrack to that show. Not just because their music is reminiscent of Dr. Who's theme song, but because the music feels like Dr. Who and a hundred other Sci-Fi shows.

They took some time to answer my questions at the Glacially Musical Intercontinental Space Exploration Center of Greater Manila.

Check it out!

Video: "Since C.A.Y.A." by Shabazz Palaces

Shabazz Palaces have just released their latest single from their upcoming album,Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star, on Subpop Records.

Preorder here and shout at them on Facebook.

LP Review: "Kneel Before None" by Death of Kings

Kneel Before None

We all come to music a little bit differently. Some of us are lucky enough to have parents that share music. In fact, that's the type of parent I'm trying to be.

Some of us have older siblings, or friends.

My journey largely started with my cousins. When we were at a very young age, music was a big part of our lives. So, when those formative years cross my mind, there are always stories from my youth with Jamie and Al.

There was a time before Thrash Metal was widely recognized as anything. (Naturally, it was a thing, as this was the mid to late Eighties.)

We were sitting on their front porch while I was visiting. Plenty of Marlboros lit and burning. There was talk of heading out to this place called Candyband. As this was utterly foreign to me, I asked, what do you do at Candyband?

Stream: "Die-Sect" by Pyreship

It's been a long time since we discussed the amazing Pyreship record, but here's your chance to get a little bit more hyped up on it.

Tell them what you think on Facebook.

Concert Reveiw: Delain at Concord Hall in Chicago April 28, 2017 Photos and words by Danny Nichols

Delain is a Dutch Symphonic Metal in the style of Nightwish.  Even thought Delain had already become a force in Europe and garnered significant attention in the United States, I was unfamiliar with them a year ago, when my wife recommended I give them a listen.  Soon after their fifth album Moonbathers appeared in my inbox and they announced a North American tour with my favorite band HammerFall.   Clearly the universe was pointing me in the direction of Delain.  I wish the universe had not waited so long to introduce me to this amazing band.

Charlotte Wessels

I was surprised by the number and the dedication of the Delain fans.  This first thing I noticed as I approached the venue, after an epic battle with Chicago traffic, was the many Delain t-shirts donned by queuing metalheads.  A few brief conversations revealed many were not casual fans either, but enthusiastic and knowledgeable followers as excited to see their the Delain set as I was for HammerFall.  Their status as co-headliners was well deserved.

Video: "Seaquest" by Sleepy Sun

In advance of the upcoming LP release, Private Tales, Sleepy Sun have just released the video for Seaquest.

To the best of my knowledge it's not about any cartoons.

Check out the clip below and question them about things on Facebook.

LP Review: "The Liars Bend Low" by Pyreship

The Liars Bend Low

In November, a simple conclusion hit me, in the coming years music is going to be really great.

That's because pain breeds art.

Consider the Vietnam War Era. When we look back at those years some of the true titans of music were stalking the earth: The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the list goes on and on.

Those days were a time of upheaval in the world. The people were at unrest.

We are not even halfway through 2017, and there have been several amazing albums. It appears the pain being caused around the world is most definitely creating amazing art.

Double Vinyl Review: "Construct" by Archivist

Construct

Would you mind if I took a moment to wax nostalgic just for a minute. It's unclear to me how many of my current readers have been with me since the beginning.

This blog started off as a testament to my commitment to new music. Once it was realized that there were ten new albums in my car from that year, it was a revelation.

When Glacially Musical started, it was ab out my personal journey into modern music. Like most people of a certain age, new music had lost its sheen. Like my generation, I had aged out of appreciating  new music, new bands.

These days, that very idea is repellent to me. Music is our life's blood. Art is the most wonderful thing we have. My courses in ancient literature taught me a great deal about music. Because about 60 years ago, Music took the place of literature in telling us about modern events.

Sorry, nostalgic mode is now off. Let's move forward and discuss the most excellent double LP from Archivist.

Stream: "CHRONOMETROPHØBIA" by NØMADS

Perhaps you've noticed that NØMADS have been releasing a bunch of singles and you've been able to hear them right here?

Well, if not, here's the latest single from Brooklyn's NØMADS. They're a bit left of center and make some great tunes.

Check them out on Facebook and Bandcamp. ($1 Vinyl!)

Video: "Abyss of the moonbow" by heaven in her arms

As always being an avid fan of Japan, this was something I couldn't pass up.

Be sure to check them out on Facebook and if you dig this track, pre-order it HERE, available in both CD and LP.

DLP Review: "Erosion" by Cydemind

Erosion

There are times when your buddy here feels like Abraham Simpson yelling at the world and demanding that the United States removes three states.

He also says he'll be dead in the cold, cold ground before he recognizes Missour-AH, but as we're in Missouri, it's probably something different right?

My personal windmill is the hyper factioning of all the metal sub-genres. Certainly there are different kinds of metal and a factioning isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It's the overuse of these ideas that gets on my nerves. In the now (seemingly) distant past, friends spoke of this new thing called Folk Metal. There was no way it would ever make it into my music library. My mind was closed at the time. What made that particular type of metal so interesting was the inclusion of new instruments into the fold.

Video: "Juice" by Andy Gabbard

Andy Gabbard of The Buffalo Killers has just released his video for Juice off of his upcoming solo record on Alive-Natural Sound.

Check it out!

Metallica Showed Me Subtext

There was a time in my life when it never really occurred that song was trying to tell me anything other than the single story.

Granted, I was much younger then than I am now. This was when I was very much into Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Led Zeppelin.

Naturally, those bands are a pretty big deal, but none of them really said anything that was outside of what they sang.

Years later, I would get into Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, and Metallica.

Even though subtext is still my personal Achilles Heel, I can tell you that Metallica's songs were about something bigger than just moving you for the moment.

In the Eighties, when they came up, that wasn't a really big deal. The Ronald Reagan Era, i.e. the plastic life of lies and treason, was in full swing when Master of Puppets came out and George H W Bush was still maintaining Reagan's policies in 1989 when ...And Justice For All was released.

While Metallica was singing about how men were wasted on the battlefield, Ozzy Osbourne was preparing to sing about transforming into a werewolf or getting high. Though, honorable mention goes to Killer of Giants.

Video: "Organic Nucleation" by Dark Matter Secret

Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to review this album, but let's make sure we all pass along the awesomeness of this single.

Use your words to say hi to them on Facebook or preorder the album here.

LP Review: "Plastic Surgery" by Heavy Traffic

Plastic Surgery

What an age to be alive?

Last night, I took in a show by the Leonas w/Morrigan at The Tick Tock Tavern. It was a pair of string bands that have nothing to do with this save giving us venue for a conversation.

My friend's wife asked me about plague metal...well that's not a thing yet, but it will soon be...because every kind of metal soon will be.

Music in the Twenty First Century is basically like fusion cooking. For the record, my newly minted Slow Cooked General Mi-Tso Chicken was spectacular.

Due to there only being so many chord progressions and scales, it's getting harder and harder for bands to keep things new and fresh. Some do and some don't, but those that can are able to raise their heads above the din and be heard.

Stream: "Medicine" by Quiet Hollers

One of the best surprises of 2015 for me was The Quiet Hollers. Their brand of open ended pop coupled with modernized "down home" instruments was just one of my favorite albums of that year and yes, the vinyl sits proudly on my shelf.

This year, they're back with Amen Breaks releasing on July 7th. Check back for the full review down the road, but in the meantime, check out the first single Medicine.

Holler at them on Facebook!

Stream: "All That Light" by Skye Steele

Check out the latest single from Skye Steele.

He's out on tour starting this week.

Upcoming Skye Steele Tour Dates:

5/17 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe Live (w/ The Minimalists)

5/18 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall (w/ The Minimalists)

5/19 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre (w/ The Minimalists)

5/21 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center (w/ The Minimalists)

5/27 - Brooklyn, NY - Come On Everybody

5/28 - Baltimore, MD - The Holy Underground

6/01 - Atlanta, GA - The Casa Nova

LP Review: "Beyond The Dark Border" by Horrid

Beyond The Dark Border

Many people have told me that I bear a resemblance to someone they know. In the past, my jobs were in the public, so meeting new and (not so) interesting people daily and hearing their (totally not) original stories was part of the job description.

Many people wanted to tell me that I look just like Mike Myers and has anyone ever told me this?

The standard response became, only every day since about 1992.

Now that my visage is older and Myers has aged differently than me, it doesn't happen as much as it used to, but there's still an effect there.

Here's the strong takeaway, if you see someone that you believe resembles a celebrity, don't tell them. The difference between the chances you're the first and nil are basically incalculable unless you're the entire geometry department at MIT.

7" Vinyl Review: "2AM. Chinatown" by Julian Jasper

2AM. Chinatown

Let's get started with my beloved St. Louis Blues. At the time of this writing, we're getting the injury reports of what they were really dealing with during the playoffs.

As someone who wanted the Nashville series, it didn't disappoint in terms of games, but our boys didn't have the stamina this year. That or a threatening power play.

So, for this guy, I say go on you Predators and win your first cup.

That said, there's a lot more to life than sports. For instance, there's vinyl to listen, to review, and to love.

My little vinyl column here has ginned up to precisely what I wanted it to become. Bands, labels, and PR firms have taken to it and there's plenty still sitting on my shelf waiting for spins. Listening to music for the first time on the old school (or new school colored) vinyl is just really the best. As I typically only buy albums I've heard before on vinyl, I'm very thankful for the opportunity!

Video: "Timeout" by Ivy Crown

Newcomers, Ivy Crown, have released their first single. So see it, see below. This group is full of bad asses.

Their stories are as interesting as their music. Hopefully this is just a teaser for what they have in store.

Check them out on Facebook.

Video: "Desire" by Megafauna

Austin rockers, Megafauna are back and bigger than ever.

Check out below for their latest video, Desire. Hit them up on Facebook in order to find out what makes Austin weird.

You can pick up their latest album, Welcome Home, and previous records on Bandcamp on CD, LP, or Digital.

LP Review: "Claw Machine Wizard" by Left Lane Cruiser

Claw Machine Wizard

Years ago, I faced one of the most awkward tests of my young life.

After my relationship of twelve years came to an end it was hard. Naturally it was a difficult situation for me as it would be for anyone.

It got hard when it was time to head over to the family's house for the holidays.

For years and years, there was always a second person by my side. Someone who helped me get through these gatherings and keep me company. I was also kept safe because it always took an ungodly amount of booze to make it through these celebrations.

So, here I was feeling young, exposed, and like a failure at life. In the end, it was easier than I thought. There was no surprise as to why I arrived and left alone.

Video: "Midday Moonlight" by Blackbird Hill

Here's some heavy French blues from the gents in Blackbird Hill.

Pick up the record HERE and tell them comment allez vous on Facebook.

Interview: Terminal Nation Gets Me Up To Speed

One of the genres of metal out there that's a little hard for me is Grindcore. If I'm being honest, I just don't like the term core being added to the end of other metal genres. I'm kind of like Jeff Walker in 1991 like that.

But as someone with eyes wide open, it's nice to get to know the other kinds of music that I don't do a whole lot in my personal listening.

Stan from Terminal Nation was kind enough to take some time for us and talk about the genre, the scene, and life in general.

(Recently declassified from the Guantanamo Bay Glacially Musical Offices and Michael Flynn had nothing to do with this transmission.)

Glacially Musical: Thank you for taking some time for us. How are you guys doing today?

Video: "Vinden som piskar ditt ensamma lik" by Siniestro

It's time Sweden exports something else to the USA besides metal and hockey players.

But that day is not today. Check out the latest from Siniestro and ask them what the title means in English on Facebook.

LP Review: "Reapers" by Dreadlords

Reapers

It's been over ten years, but something kind of mystical happened to me.

Let's back up the truck a little bit with some explanation. I'm from St. Louis. It's the closest thing I have to a hometown. In truth, my life has been all over the STL Metro Area and even Rural Missouri.

My high school years were spent in Illinois and when they were done, my car was already packed and my life picked back up in St. Louis without as much as a goodbye.

That chapter was closed. There was essentially no contact after that. But ten years after the fact, my mind started buzzing about an old friend of mine. Now, remember, this was pre-social media. I began frantically trying to re-connect with her. Months passed, and out of nowhere, there she was at a Beer Festival I was at.

Strange how the flotsam and jetsam of our life works that way isn't it?

Stream: "Ataxophobia" by NØMADS

New York's strange punk duo, NØMADS continues their bass driven assault on the world the release of their next single, Ataxophobia.

Check it out by hitting play and check them out on Facebook to find out what all that bass to your inner soul.

Why HammerFall Is The Greatest Band In The World: Photos and review of their show at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, April 28, 2017 by Danny Nichols

On November 27, 2002, I had tickets to see Dio perform at Pop's in Sauget, Illinois.  The opening band was a leather clad power metal outfit from Sweden called HammerFall, which was heretofore unknown to me, or most of America at the time. 

Video: "Condemned To Burn" by Science of Sleep

Science of Sleep has released their latest video Condemned To Burn on YouTube.

Be sure to check it out below. Ask them for a sleep study on Facebook and check out the full album on Bandcamp.

LP Review: "Morphine Moonshine" by Demonsmoke

Morphine Moonshine

Let's take the time to apologize for the lateness of this particular review. Demonsmoke originally contacted me a few months back about their track, Spewing Disgust, and it was streamed on Glacially Musical.

It was truly a great song in my eyes and it made me really anticipate my review of this album. Unfortunately for your friend and humble narrator, technical issues have really gotten in the way of writing up this particular album, and this review is being published after the record's release.

My PC was upgraded to a new computer with a sidecar hard drive in order to save space and be able to work faster. Well, after the screen on my old on was ruined by my cats last  year, it was only a matter of time for this upgrade to happen, but it's taken awhile to finally get off my bum and do it.

Supposedly, moving my iTunes library over to the external hard drive was supposed to only be a matter of clicks, but as it turns out, it's been much more of a pain in the butt than that. So, I'm late getting to things.

Vinyl Review: "Microwave Dreams" by John Wesley Coleman III

Microwave Dreams

Have you ever had a really bad day?

Today, well, frankly, it wasn't that bad, but it was a rough one. Aside from the birthday party, the battery on my hybrid hitting purple, and having to go get a new extension cord for my new electric lawnmower....

I'm beyond wiped.

The irony of my complaining about technology not suiting me while writing about being a Luddite, well, that's certainly not lost on me whatsoever.

I suppose, it's just that somethings we don't need to improve upon. Cars? Yeah, we need to improve upon that. I drive a hybrid for several reasons. Naturally, the fact that on a normal week my Prius gets better gas mileage than my Honda Civic did on it's best day is wonderful. Helping the planet is also a great thing.

Stream: "Carry Me Home" by Death On Fire

It's time for everybody's favorite thing in whole world....VIKING FUNERAL!

I mean, what else would Death On Fire be?

Either way, shoot some arrows at them via purchasing the single below.

EP Review: "Beneath" by Merchant

Beneath

Because they are on my brain, let's talk about the nachos that are presently cooking in my house. Well, slow cooking. The chicken won't be done for another five to six hours.

At the time of this writing, the Blues will be hosting the Nashville Predators for Game 1 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs...and it's hard to keep focused on anything else.

Nachos though. That's what I'm making for dinner, but not just any nachos, slow cooked barbecue chicken nachos.

I'll give you the secret. Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and chicken breasts. Cook them in your crock pot for about 8 to 9 hours, add some extra time if they're frozen.

I add garlic powder and cracked pepper to the sauce before it starts going.

When plating, microwave the tortilla chips, sprinkle liberally with shredded cheese. Then add your meat and again add shredded cheese. Then comes the nacho cheese. My personal favorite is La Preferida in the can. Add jalapenos, sour cream, and anything else you'd like.

Video: "Cutter" by R Ring

R Ring is the new project from Kelley Deal (The Breeders) and Mike Montgomery (Mike Alpine).

Below is the first single off of their record, Ignite The Rest.

Find out more and maybe order this record HERE.

Stream: "You Drink Lacroix" by Bad Mechanics

Let's just take a moment to drink in the absurd. How many times have you tasted a beverage and then demanded everyone in your circle drink it only to watch them all drink it and spit it out.

Well...that's how the Bad Mechanics (or maybe just me) feel about LaCroix mineral water.

Tell them they're wrong on Facebook.

LP Review: "Beyond The Thresholds" by Marthyrium

Beyond The Thresholds

There are few things in this world greater than a milkshake.

The trifle is up there. If you've never had that cake, be sure to get your hands on one. They are so packed together and full of all sorts of flavors. Why, it would be impossible to try one and not be hooked.

But what might be a bit more relevant to us today would be the (not so) humble concrete. These are available at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, at either location on Route 66 or South Grand in St. Louis, MO.

If you've been through St. Louis and didn't get one, you missed out. What these things are is essentially ice cream, but custard instead of proper ice cream. They are the thickest thing you've ever experienced in terms of desserts. Sometimes they'll turn them upside down before handing them to you and they don't move, hence the name concrete.

Video: "What Remains" by Cydemind

From the northern Canadas comes a band that fuses classical and metal together in away that's never really been done before.

Check out Cydemind's latest single below. Make sure you ask them about snow on Facebook or send them some pennies on Bandcamp.

Stream: "Strawberry Milk" by Mantra Love

If you've been looking for some psychedelic rock from Texas, Matra Love might just be the band for you! This single is a bit different featuring space rock textures, Lou Reed-esque vocals, and crunchy guitars.

Just check it....and luck for you....

Stream their latest single, Strawberry Milk, below. Don't forget to order that milkshake from them on Facebook.

LP Review: "Devolution : Decay" by Winter Deluge

Devolution : Decay

Last night I was discussing myself and why I feel like I'm pretty easy to get along with. My wife disagreed with large swaths of what my statements depicted.

That's life though isn't it?

It's so very hard to see ourselves for how we truly are. On the Anna Faris Podcast, Sharon Stone was talking about why it's so awful to admit that we're attractive.

Perhaps it's the American culture, but we are conditioned to either see ourselves in an idealized or demonized manner.

If it's so hard to understand precisely what the person we know the best is, how can we really look into anything else to see what they are. Communication is so encumbered, so hard. What if someone you're talking to isn't just an open book?