Pterodactyl Problems release "Sabbath Medley" video

Toronto rockers Pterodactyl Problems have just unveiled a video for their stunning "Sabbath Medley". The song features a unique take on 4 classic early Black Sabbath tracks and proves just how versatile the band really is.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8cb4BdehKw0

The Sabbath Medley will also be available on all streaming platforms in the next few days.

Songs in the medley:
Iron Man
War Pigs
Paranoid
N.I.B.

Pandemic Dispatches with Serene Dark

As I do on a mostly daily basis, it's time to check in with a death metal band hailing from Canada's capital city of Ottawa, Ontario.

Let's find out how Serene Dark is weathering the storm of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

While you're here, click on over to BANDCAMP.

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

This were we live in Canada are slowly starting to get back to normal. The last 3 months have been kind of crazy, a lot of us were out of work.

Our drummer is an essential worker so he has been very burnt out.

Vinyloscopy with Jack Reynolds of Battle Born

I love commitment to a bit. How could I not? Kiss is one of my favorite bands in the world..

GWAR, Lords of the Trident, etc.

Band that have a sound and a look that goes with that sound...it makes me feel like they're really thinking about what they're doing.

Should this sound good to you, I'd suggest you rush right over to BANDCAMP and find out more.

1. What's the album that sounds the best on vinyl compared to digital sources?

There’s something so magical about spinning an album that was recorded, mixed and mastered 100% analogue.

I wouldn’t say it’s always a better listening experience, but it’s just so fascinating on those rare occasions where that still happens this millennium you can subconsciously feel a lot of the craft of actually making a record, when you know you’re listening to music that has never touched a computer.

There aren’t many recent examples to pick from... I’d have to say ‘Random Access Memories’ by Daft Punk is my favourite that ticks that box.

2. I was laying in bed one night and couldn't sleep and I figured, it was time to start buying records. How did you come to the idea that it was time to start buying vinyl instead?
It was the traditional introduction for me: raiding a parent’s stash of old records. God bless my mum for owning just about everything Billy Joel ever released.

I did really well out of that. Fleetwood Mac, Genesis… I had to buy my own Springsteen, but you can’t win them all!

3.For my old stuff, it's vinyl worthy, for new stuff, it's all vinyl if available. Do you buy everything on wax or do you have a vinyl worthy category?

Oh it definitely has to be vinyl worthy; I’m not made of money! I’m actually quite harsh with records when I’m making the vinyl decision.

For me, it needs to be something that I love front to back. No skips allowed.

4. My second living room is where I keep it all. Upstairs, my 1971 Sherwood 7100-S, Receiver,  1975 Pioneer PL-200, and 70's Sansui 5 way speakers. Tell us all about your vinyl set up.

It really is nothing special - some mid-range Sony turntable running through a cheap Panasonic speaker set.

I’d need to replace the whole lot before I could brag about any of it. A high-end player and sound system are first on my shopping list when the Battle Born EP makes me a millionaire rockstar.

5. Do you read the lyrics and go over the inserts when you're spinning?

On my first listen of a new vinyl, I’m definitely the guy who sits there drinking in every detail of the insert and the gatefold.

That is certainly part of the experience. It’s different on repeat listens though, I’m more likely to zone out and soak it all in.

6. When someone says, I'm stupid for buying records, I tell them, thanks, more limited edition colored vinyl for me, what's your answer?

This is where we find out that my friends are cooler than yours, because I’ve never been told that!

I do understand the convenience of digital and streaming. Honesty hour: I recently caved and got Spotify. But it’s a completely different listening experience.

When I put on a record I’m not looking for a soundtrack to whatever else I’m doing; listening to the record is what I’m doing.

7. My first album ever was Live Evil by Black Sabbath, so I'm stuck on live albums. What's the best live album on vinyl?

When you say the L word I will always reach straight for Iron Maiden.

I’m torn between ‘Live After Death’ and ‘Rock in Rio’.

It depends on my mood, those are pretty different setlists. ‘Rio’ might just take it 5 and a half times out of 10. (Ed note: Rio is better than After Death)

9. Listening to records is my comfort food for my soul. As mentioned earlier, I have a living room dedicated to it. I normally drink a beer or two whilst listening to music I love. Describe your normal listening experience.

It’s just good for you, isn’t it?

I definitely enjoy it most when I’m not doing anything else. On a good day, listening to a record that I know and love, I’ll only open my eyes to change sides.

Pandemic Dispatches with Paradise

We're all keeping on keeping on during this Pandemic. Let's check in with Paradise.

Isn't that precisely what we're all looking for right now? On a personal note, my family had our vacation canceled. As I type this, I should be driving back from Florida...had all gone like it was supposed to have...we'd probably be in Kentucky looking for Antique Malls bursting with records. 

Anyway, make sure you check out the BANDCAMP.

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

Well Here in Montreal One of the most badly hit cities in Canada, things are slowly opening up but there is little hope for indoor public gatherings, concerts, and such things.

5 Min Origin Stories with Chad McMurray of RivetSkull

From over there in Seattle, WA, we have a group called RivetSkull...not sure what that name conjures up in your soul, but for me, I'm instantly transported to the worst Metallica recordings I have ever heard....Night of the Rivvit Heads...

Which make St. Anger sound like Master of Puppets..

But, these folks aren't anything like that at all. 

They're a modern day proto metal band. How many bands like that can you name? They took all the metal and gave it a miss and went back to the godfathers.

Check out their record on BANDCAMP.

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?

Pandemic Dispatches with Oscar Souto of Anonymus

Let's check in with Anonymus. As their website is in French, I choose to believe that they are from the Northern Most reaches of PQ.

Now, if you want to be confused, their new record is in Spanish. I dunno. This is some David Lee Roth stuff right here.

Check our their video and read on to see how they're riding this all out.

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

Well, I think we all live the same thing in the music business. Concerts and tours have been cancelled for everyone all around the world so it’s hard for every musician, promoter, and everybody working in the show business. 

Vinyloscopy with Evertrapped's James Brooks

Let's learn a bit more about Evertrapped. You might recall their Classic Spins column from last month, but today, let's talk about records with them.

 There's nothing better in the world than those spinning circles if you ask this guy. If you're looking for a soundtrack to listen to whilst reading this, you might be interested in their latest VIDEO.

Now let's find out about those circles.

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? 

5 Min Origin Stories with Held In Secret

It's been bugging me that I may have misnamed this column, but it seems semi-appropriate, so I'm sticking with it.

Once again, I'm hearing from our friends to the north, Held In Secret. I love that their press photo features the snowy wastes of Northern Canada.

Or maybe Southern Canada.

Perhaps the Maritimes? Nope, they're from Ottawa.

Anyway, check their groovy tunes on SPOTIFY. Stream it so much that Spotify has to send them a Twoney.

For now, though, let's talk shop.

Pandemic Dispatches with Evertrapped

Welp...It was cool talking about Montreal earlier, we're doing it again with Evertrapped. Stream their latest Melo-Death offering on BANDCAMP.

Or kick them a Looney and buy it.

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

Things here are starting to open up a bit. I think a lot of people are just getting together and no one's really bothering anyone else about it too much these days. 

The laws are not surprising but to a certain extent when I hear things like other people calling the cops on folks they see hanging out in a park or whatever is a bit much. 

And then some of these people getting ridiculous tickets just for hanging out at their own risk. So in that regard, it can be a bit much but it doesn't seem that bad now.

Vinyloscopy with Junkowl

To Montreal, PQ we go once more. It's a romantic place for me. Though I've done business there, I've never been...one day perhaps. I'll see my beloved Habs play hockey....on a tv in a sports bar because even though it's in Canadian dollars, I still can't afford that shiz.

For my hockey fight fans, yeah, I'll wear my Chiefs du Laval jersey to a game in Laval or Thetford Mines, or wherever I can find an LNAH team.

But while I'm there, I'd probably also take some time to check out the metal.

Here's some checkable metal right here on BANDCAMP.

Now, onto the records.

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?

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin is the first album that I ever compared with the cd version, listening to the record and then the cd.. 

The record just sounded bigger and better.

Pandemic Dispatches with Gary of Nuclear Winter

Today Gary Stautemeister of Nuclear Winter is reaching out to us from behind the wall of quarantine.

Check out his upcoming EP on BANDCAMP.

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

It's not been too bad here. The lockdown has been fairly relaxed and luckily there were no major shortages of anything in the shops. 

Normally people here panic buy for any little reason but surprisingly that hasn't happened. Hopefully we'll move to an even more relaxed lockdown soon.

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

The lockdown started at the begining of April.. but from the start we were able to travel around. 

We just had to avoid certain areas, like the city centre.

Classic Spins with GorIvsh

Classic Spins is probably the column that's gotten  more bands excited than any of the others.

It makes perfect sense.

This is the time for a band to nerd out and deep dive on their favorite records.

Check out GorIvsh on BANDCAMP and maybe find something to love.

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? 

The Fucking Cunts Treat Us Like Pricks by Flux Of Pink Indians. Harsh noises, mangled loops, songs bouncing in and out of the mix, poignant art; it's a brilliant statement. 

Pandemic Dispatches with Solar Flare

Another day and another band I'm checking in with. In the days of our current pandemic, I just want to make some connections.

Check out their BANDCAMP.

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

Pretty ok for the most part. They’re opening up some places. Unfortunately shows are still weird and up in the air for now. Hopefully we can get back out soon!

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

Since sometime in the middle of March. It’s such a weird crazy time we’re in.

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

5 Min Origin Stories with Killitorous

One of the things I continually hear in my personal crusade for new music is why in the world should I listen to this band?

I have all the music I need.

Well, Killitorous answers that question better than I ever could on their BANDCAMP bio:

Killitorous is a three guitar technical death/grind band that features endless blastbeats, non-stop screaming, and relentless 90's movie referneces.

OK, I'm interested.

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?

Pandemic Dispatches with Torizon

Time for another check in. Today's Pandemic Dispatch features, Torizon from Brisbane, Australia.

Check their BANDCAMP.

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

The laws are different in each Australian state and it’s starting to feel like each state is it’s own separate country.

Although the restrictions may seem harsh to some, they have had an incredible effect on curbing the spread of covid 19. Our numbers are low with zero transmission and no new cases for days or weeks in some areas.

Vinyloscopy with Lakeman

Lakeman checks back in with Glacially Musical. There's something about those Canadian underground bands that I totally dig.

Maybe it's just that I love Canada and want to become a Canadian.

Either way, stream them on BANDCAMP and read 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 vinyl compared to digital sources?

I have a theory that the best way to listen to something is on the medium it was mixed for. So all those classic rock albums are kind of meant to be heard on vinyl. 

Whereas Korn or Deftones might be suited to listen to on a shitty Walmart boom box on a cd. Alexisonfire might be meant to listen to in mp3 format with earbuds on public transit.

The band will usually cater to the format they suspect they will release it on, this is why compression was becoming such a problem in modern music. So with that in mind thank gawd vinyl is coming back.

Vinyl Reivew: "Moanin' At Midnight: The Howlin' Wolf Project" by Tomas Doncker

Like the good man, Inigo Montoya said, Fezzini said to go back to the beginning and it seems most appropriate that I, your friend and humble narrator do precisely the same.

In 2020, my stream of vinyl records to review has dried up.

This is not a complaint, but a statement of fact and I stand with those bands who couldn't fulfill the promises. How do you ask?

That's a fair question.

I bought their records, usually on Bandcamp Fridays, and did Glacially Musical Roots reviews of them. I've been coping by drinking beers and buying records. See, I've been basically inside of my home since mid-March.

But I love you, so I stay. Gladly.

Roots: "Titans of Creation" by Testament

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it in the past, but Testament were the opening act at my very first show in 1992. Sadly, they didn't stick with me like they should have.

In those days, I had little money to buy music. So, I was continually buying, selling, and trading out CDs in order to afford something here or there, and my only Testament CD ended up on the chopping block.

Regrets.

Since those days though, I've added that long lost CD to the collection on vinyl, along with Formation of Damnation and now they're latest.

Titans of Creation is what they are. It's balls out comfort food for the soul. This band is what they've always been. They've got things to say and the talent to make you bang your head while they're doing it.

If you've liked any of their records, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Classic Spins with Cryptonight

Why don't you take a minute and stream this record.

HERE.

Look at this group of ICE DOGS right here. Wait...no, they're not Ice Dogs...they're STEELHEADS.

Yeaaaah...that's pretty metal.

Well, hopefully you're digging on the Black Ritual right now and you're ready to hear about the records they love.

1. My favourite kind of album is the concept album. The Wall is my absolute favourite. Beyond the amazing songs, it has spectacular nostalgia for me. 

What's your favourite one and why?

The Cryptilian says: In theory, many albums that I listen to are concept albums because I listen to a lot of Death Metal, and most Death Metal bands have a recurring theme for their albums… Death. 

The concept is always about death and it is rarely specific, which makes for a very succinct way of writing concept albums.

Pandemic Dispatches with Brandy and the Butcher

In today's Pandemic Dispatch, I'm checking in with Columbia, SC's Brandy and the Butcher. Over the years, they've dropped singles and EPs. Right now, their debut LP is being pressed in Athens, GA.

Check it out on BANDCAMP.

1. How are things going where you are? 

Slowly opening back up now- bars are reopening but not for live music yet. 

We aren't planning to play until September we tentatively have some shows with Emily and the Blackouts and Voodoo Glow Skulls.  

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

Vinyloscopy with Josh Kay of Alizarin

During this Pandemic, I've been listening to and purchasing crazy amounts of records. If you're anything like me, you need to get a dose yourself.

Today we're checking in with Josh Kay of Alizarin and his records. Check  'em out on BANDCAMP.

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?

King Crimson’s Red would have to be up there (particularly the Steven Wilson remix). Speaking of Wilson, I have to take a moment to express that his record Hand. Cannot. Erase. sounds phenomenal in any format. One of the best-mixed albums I’ve ever heard. 

Pandemic Dispatches with Hydraform

Today we're going to check in on Denver metal quartet, Hydraform.

Let's see how it's going for them. Stream their latest album HERE.

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

We’re a band that always likes to say “things could be worse”, so we’re going with that for the time being. All of us in the band have things in our personal lives that we’re struggling with, some related to the pandemic and others not so much. 

One thing that has been universally hard for the four of us is the monotony of waking up every day and knowing that each new day will be just like the one before it for the foreseeable future. 

Pink Floyd Deep Dive #5: I'm Going To Start My Own Theme Park With Hookers and Blackjack

It's been some time since catching back in on this project, but it's about time to get back into it. With the LPs lined up...it was a bit difficult to determine how to proceed.

In the end, there will be three more posts about this band. This post is just about the Roger Waters Solo catalog.

All in all, he's released four solo records, not counting the three-ish solo records with Pink Floyd.

After these, I'm going to do two more posts featuring only live records and they'll be in a shoot out style.

PEW PEW PEW!!!

Now it's time to crane our collective necks to the redoubtable Mr. Waters's first solo excursion: The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking.

Pandemic Dispatches with Antonio from Places Around the Sun

I find the world I am living in to be terrifying. So, that's why these pandemic dispatches exist. It's worth learning how artists are dealing with this.

Today we look to Portugal and I will send you to BANDCAMP.

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

Things here in Portugal are getting gradually better. The number of confirmed cases everyday is lower and all, but we’re still in a lighter form of lockdown, few businesses opened up, some schools are open and everyone is taking really shy steps outside.

I feel like our government is testing the ground, I understand that we have to get back on track so the economy doesn’t take a harsher hit than it already has taken, and I hate to feel pessimistic, but something in me tells me it might be a little too early to go out like it’s all over, like some people do. But lets see how things evolve!

5 Min Origin Stories with AK of Special Ops

Once again we are talking to the Montreal Metal Horde of Darkness but still a bit light, Special Ops.

You should be jumping all over their latest SINGLE HERE.

While you're streaming that glorious gold, let's find out more about how they got started.

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?

Yes there definitely is, and I have to thank Ebay for it, yes you can laugh. I was the only guitar player in the band at the time, and we needed to heavy things up, but dropping to lower keys meant losing the higher spectrum of things, so I decided to try a 7 string.