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.

Roots: "Glacial Gods" by Twin Wizard

Let's call a thing what it is, there was no way in the world that I would be able to resist writing about this album more.

Seriously, it's called Glacial Gods. It's kismet, karma, fate, or some other such thing.

On top of that, it's the kind of doom metal that makes my spine tingle and my knees shake. Out of the ashes of what could've been one of the most amazing doom bands of all time, Telekinetic Yet, comes my new friends Twin Wizard, and honestly, this is a lot like James Leg going solo.

We lost the Black Diamond Heavies, but four Leg records later, I'm still getting that music. As long as there's a tangent to that band, I think I'll be good.

There are few copies left. HURRY!

Roots: "Dark Synthetic" by Secret Shame

In the olden days, I'd say welcome back to the show that never ends, and that's precisely what I feel like Glacially Musical has become. I mean, look at this. I'm writing a throwback column now.

Just like every single metal fan in the world, it's not the only music that I listen to. I even listen to punk rock, on occassion, if the musicians are good enough.

Today, I'm looking at the latest release by Secret Shame. They did an AMAZING Tour Tales, should you be interested.

Hopefully they were able to complete some of that tour.

As for their record. I've listened to it at least four times since it arrived on my doorstep. I really wish I could tell you precisely what's going on here and how it makes me feel.

Well, I can tell you how it makes me feel. Once the needle returns to its holster, I just want to listen to this to this album again

It keeps dragging me back in. Dark Synthetics is a challenge. Can you understand what we're trying to tell you?

Not today, but soon, I hope.

Roots: The Glitter of Infinite Hell by Clouds Taste Satanic

You know, if there's anything in this world I totally dig, it's whacked out doom metal and hanging out with my daughter.

The latest (re)release by Clouds Taste Satanic gave me just that opportunity.

I mean, there's really not a whole lot to SAY about it. It's a cool AF looking double splatter LP that features precisely no vocals, no lyrics, but amazing instrumental doom and the best packaging this side of Hell's Central West End.

That's what drew me to these guys. The cover, packaging, and color of Evil Eye was just too striking to scroll on by when I saw that pentagram.

The music contained within matches the packaging. That's a truly amazing feat.

Roots: "Extreme Power Metal" by Dragonforce

Welp. Dragonforce has the honor of being the first show I was attending to be canceled. First it was moved, then canceled.

All of this sucks, but that's the pandemic in which we live at present.

Honestly, it's been a very long time since I've really checked in on our international friends of Benetton Power Metal crusaders. There's been some member shake ups since when we last spoke, but in the end, Dragonforce remains the same.

They're the comfort food for the metal soul. It doesn't really seem like there's been any significant growth or change in the band, but who the  fuck cares?

Just crank those amps to 11 and melt my face off. 

Roots: "The IVth Crusade" by Bolt Thrower

In the summer of 2012, when I'd had every single slinger  and attended every single fish fry in St. Louis, I realized it was time for a change.

What became of that change was Glacially Musical. It was an idea that maybe I could acquire a larger audience by not writing about STL comfort foods.

So, as of right now, I'm creating a new column that that takes it back to the roots where I buy records and I tell you about them.

Here comes hot take Tuesday with Bolt Thrower.

Really, though I've seen the name bandied about on Twitter and in metal circles for what seems like an untold amount of decades, I've never heard them.

Hearing the reverence when their name was spoken though...it made me interested. So, based on C Rage Records's recommendation.... I picked up The IVth Crusade.

Here's where I tell you how amazing this record is that and it's changed my life for the better and there'll never be another band as good as Bolt Thrower.

Don't get me wrong, this is a great record, but honestly, it's not 1992 anymore, and I lack the proper context.

It's a lot like The Rolling Stones I guess.

But here's the unboxing video. I'll send you a CD if you comment on the post with the impersonation I'm doing.