What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, The Saw, and I am back with another Choice Cuts blog. Today we will be highlighting some of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands from down under, Parkway Drive.
Parkway Drive is from Byron Bay, Australia, and are one of the most popular bands within the heavier realm of metal. They have been paving the way for other metal bands to follow them. I like to think of Parkway Drive as the Metallica of the heavier sub-genres of metal. This is because they are one of the first bands (that I have heard of/seen) that are playing sold-out arena shows. This is typically seen from the big thrasher bands or the new wave of metal that hit the U.S. back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I have only seen Parkway Drive at local venues but never in an arena. I’m sure they put on one hell of a show because their light show and stage presence in a venue can’t be beat. Hopefully I will be able to see them in the future in an arena!
Here is a list of my favorite Parkway Drive songs (in no particular order): · Carrion · Romance is Dead · A Deathless Song · Wishing Wells · Absolute Power · Crushed · Wild Eyes · Dark Days · Unrest · Karma · Idols and Anchors. · Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
What are some of your favorite Parkway Drive songs?
Y’all… I am so mad at myself that I am JUST NOW listening to this band!!! WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME THAT CYTOTOXIN GOES SO HARD???? My dad texted me a few months ago and was telling me to listen to their most recent album, “Nuklearth,” that was released in 2020. I am so happy that I listened to my dad and gave this band a shot because I absolutely love them. They have the perfect blend of chunky riffs, blasts beats, double bass, and growls that create a brutal sound.
This band is literally the definition of brutal death metal. The technicality that this band performs at is insane! Especially the drums, I always hear something new on the drums each time I listen to their album “Nuklearth.” I honestly have no idea how they make this seem so easy when they play live. Speaking of live shows, they have never been to the U.S., they only play shows in Europe and I am so jealous! One of the things that stood out to me when I first listened to Ctyotoxin was their vocalists. To me, the vocals sound a lot like Phil Bozeman from Whitechapel. Grimo is Cytotoxin’s vocalists and him and Phil Bozeman have similar vocal ranges within their songs, which I love!
Cytotoxin is a technical/brutal death metal band from Chemnitz, Germany, that formed in 2010. There’s not a lot of information on the band but I did come along some cool facts on their record label, Unique Leader’s, website. The band name, Cytotoxin, was influenced by the Chernobyl disaster which was a catastrophic nuclear accident that happened in April of 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and I have the next band up on the slab in The Saw’s Choice Cuts! And you all will not be surprised by the band that we are talking about today. We will be talking about a band that has been one of my favorites for years now, a band that I have seen countless times, and the band that influenced my DJ name. If you guessed Whitechapel, then you guessed right!
Today, I will be highlighting some of my favorite songs by my boys in Whitechapel. This was really difficult for me because I love so many of Whitechapel’s songs! But I had to narrow down my songs because if I didn’t this blog would just be a list of every single Whitechapel song. I think my favorite thing about this band is their evolution. Throughout each of their albums, you can hear the progression of the band throughout the years. If you were to listen to Whitechapel’s first album, “The Somatic Defilement,” and then listen to their most recent album, “The Valley,” the band sounds very different. Although they can still be picked out by Phil Bozeman’s powerful vocals and their chunky black metal/deathcore riffs, the overall structure and theme of their albums change. Although all of the albums are brutal and heavy in their own way, each album incorporates different musical components that help the sound of the band evolve. I think that is why I enjoy Whitechapel so much; not one album sounds the same, there is always something different going on. I think this evolution is important and beneficial not only for the listeners to hear the cabler of the musician’s musical talent, but also for the band. They are able to try things and fully embrace themselves into the music so it can continue to be fun and enjoyable for them.
And without further ado, here is the list of my favorite Whitechapel songs!
· The Saw Is The Law · The Somatic Defilement · Ear to Ear · Vicer Exciser · This Is Exile · Possession · Breeding Violence · Reprogrammed to Hate · Make It Bleed · I, Dementia · Let Me Burn · Mark of the Blade · Elitist Ones · Forgiveness is Weakness · Brimstone · When a Demon Defiles a Witch · Hickory Creek (the original, and the acoustic version)
What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and we are going to talk about a laser show that I went to this past weekend. The light show was hosted by Cabin Fever and this drive-in laser show is the best way to get out of the house with you family or friends while during the Pandemic! There are two different light shows that you can choose from: A regular laser show, which played 40 second snippets of songs, paired along with some lasers! These songs can range from classic hits, to what is trending and popular today! This is even great for those with young children. The other light show that you can choose is Laser Floyd. That is the one that I chose. What is Laser Floyd you ask? It is the most action packed 40 minutes that will leave you mesmerized!! This light show consists of the play-through of Pink Floyd songs with the visual effects done by lasers.
I was super excited to go to Laser Floyd because I love Pink Floyd. I have heard people in real life and in TV shows talk about Laser Floyd and that is what first piqued my interest. I am also a big fan of light shows. Back when shows were a thing, I would observe the light show that the bands would use and comment on them. We all know how much The Saw loves a good light show!! Laser Floyd was a light show on steroids. The show kicked off with the song “Time” and it really puts you in a trance. There were two jumbo screens that had tiny laser projecting images and pictures onto them during the songs. These images were telling the story of the songs that were playing which I found super interesting. When “Time” came on, all you see is a clock on the jumbo screen, and as soon as the vocals kick in, the lasers appeared throughout the sky and the trees. It was so beautiful when I first saw it that I got chills.
They then went on to play “Money,” “Another Brick in the Wall Pt.2,” and “Eclipse,” along with many others! The colors of the lasers blended beautifully to give the viewer a type of psychedelic experience. I literally sat there in awe with my mouth wide open for the entire 40 minutes. The lasers and the laser images kept my attention the entire time and it was truly a great experience. The vibe overall was very relaxing. Attendees were free to either sit in their car or sit around their car to view the light show. They had the music playing on speakers so you could hear it, but at 11PM when the sound ordinance went into effect, the music could be heard on your radio! I ended up sitting in my car and listening to the music through my stereo during the show.
It was an awesome experience to see Laser Floyd! Drive-in laser shows are perfect for children and up to adults! There is something for everyone to enjoy at the laser shows!
Welcome to The Saw’s Butcher Shop. I am your host, your Master Butcher, The Saw. But you already knew that. I’m back with another installment of The Saw’s Choice Cuts, and this time we’re going to zero our sights on Cannibal Corpse, Butcher Crew!
You already know I love some Death Metal, and I’m sure you know I love some Cannibal Corpse, too! Now, in my opinion, one must divide Cannibal Corpse into (at least) two eras: The Chris Barnes era and the Corpsegrinder era. BTW, you should already know that Chris Barnes is my favorite Death Metal vocalist! So, we will divide my favorites list between the two eras – Barnes and Grinder. Here are my favorite Cannibal Corpse songs:
Chris Barnes:
The Bleeding
Force Fed Broken Glass
Staring Through the Eyes of the Dead
Scattered Remains, Splattered Brains
I Cum Blood
The Cryptic Stench
Hammer Smashed Face [one of the greatest songs ever! My favorite by Barnes.]
Favorite record of this era – Tomb of the Mutilated
George “Corpsegrinder” Fischer:
Evisceration Plague [my favorite by Grinder.]
Skewered from Ear to Eye
Compelled to Lacerate
Five Nails Through the Neck
Death Walking Terror
Heads Shoveled Off
Hideous Ichor
High Velocity Impact Spatter
A Skeletal Domain
Scourge of Iron
Rabid
Favorite record of this era – Evisceration Plague
What are some of your favorite Cannibal Corpse songs?
Metallica (aka “The Black Album”) was released by the metal giants, Metallica, on August 12, 1991 by Elektra Records. It was the band’s fifth studio album – Kill ‘Em All (’83), Ride the Lightning (’84), Master of Puppets (’86), and …And Justice for All (’88) – and the second in the series for Elektra Records (Justice). Of course James Hetfield mans the helm as singer and guitarist, Kirk Hammett plays lead guitar, Lars Ulrich is on drums, and the wildman Jason Newsted plays bass (he started with the band after the death of Cliff Burton, during the Master of Puppets tours).
Metallica is fundamentally far removed from everything that came before it. The band, known for its speed and mastery of the Thrash Metal genre, began to separate from that era on Justice; but they came totally apart from it for this record. The incredible riff writings of Hetfield are definitely still here, and thrash has been replaced by bone crushing heavy metal of the highest order. The epics of the previous albums, with the multiple, twisting, layered riffs and extended length songs are replaced by quickly-to-the-point power chords and hooks. I think the most interesting development is (comparatively speaking) how slow the songs are on this record! I mean, they are certainly heavy, but far slower than the thrash of old. Though the band says it was never a goal for this album, the new direction was a HUGE commercial success. In my opinion, this record serves as a clear dividing line, that stands on its own, between the “old” Metallica and the “new.”
Metallica is the band’s best-selling record. It debuted at #1 in ten countries, and spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboards Top 200. The record is one of the best-selling albums worldwide, and one of the best selling in the United States. In December 2019, Metallica is the fourth album in American history to spend longer than 550 weeks on the Billboard Top 200. It is certified 16× Platinum by RIAA as of 2012, and has sold over 16 million copies in the US to date.
Favorite songs: Sad But True (will bash your brains in) ; Don’t Tread on Me (is a bop) ; Enter Sandman ; My Friend of Misery
What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw here and I have a new blog segment that I like to call my Choice Cuts. Where I pick a band and I share some of my favorite songs with you.
For my first post in this segment, I wanted to pick a band that is near and dear to my heart – Upon A Burning Body (UABB). I have been listening to this band since I was in high school and they were one of the bands that I have seen and hung out with the most. UABB is one of my favorite metalcore bands, and they have some of the catchiest choruses and riffs. Any time I hear a UABB song, I automatically start dancing and singing the songs, I just love them so much!
Here is a list of my favorite UABB songs (in no particular order because that would be tough)
Texas Blood Money
This was the first song they dedicated to me when I saw them in 2018!
So, we all know that I love me some Tash Sultana, and when I found out that they were coming out with a new album, I absolutely geeked. Tash Sultana is just a breath of fresh air and their music always speaks to me. Their new album, “Terra Firma” is no different.
This album is very different from their previous album, “Flow State” (which we all know is one of my favorite albums of all-time). Sultana incorporates different musical themes and instruments throughout each song; I think this is cool because it makes each song different and unique. Almost every song makes me feel like I am the main character of a movie and I absolutely love it. Let’s take a look at some of the songs that stood out to me on the album.
The album opens with an instrumental track, “Musk,” which sets the tone, really, well for the rest of the album. It appears that Sultana is sticking to some of her musical roots but is also adding a little bit of flavor so the songs don’t sound the same. Their second song, “Crop Circles,” has to be one of my favorite songs off the album because it reminds me of their album “Flow State,” but with more of a jazzier feel. “Greed” is also another great song which talks about the music industry and how they only love you when you “make it big.” This song has the jazz, indie, lo-fi type vibe which I am in love with. Another song that I keep playing off this album is “Dream My Life Away” which is a very dreamy song. The song says a lot even when, lyrically, the song says so little. Sultana has always been good at capturing emotions not only though their lyrics but also through their instruments.
Overall, this album is very enjoyable. It contains 14 songs and takes an hour to play front to back. The vibe of the album is jazzy with a hint of indie and upbeat tempo. I really enjoyed listening to this album and even though it is far different from “Flow State” it is definitely worth a listen.
Rating: 7/10
Favorite Songs: Crop Circles, Greed, Musk, Dream My Life Away
How’s it going, Butcher Crew?! Today I have collected for you three albums that are heavy on my rotation lately. All three records were released during 2020, and all three were released by Unique Leader Records. Watch these three bands. And enjoy the madness of these three albums that made The Saw’s Choice Cuts. They will surely pound you into dust!
Where Only Gods May Tread (2020, Unique Leader Records) is the 5th studio album from the British Brutal Death Metal band, Ingested. Now, I’m here to tell you, this band delivers the beat-downs in quick order! Jason Evans utilizes many different forms and types of vocal techniques – most notably, screams and gutterals in a more DeathCore fashion. In fact, IMO, Sam Yates and Sean Hines (guitars), Lyn Jeffs (drums), and Brad Fuller (bass) masterfully deliver the beatings in a sort of Brutal DeathCore/Technical Death Metal assault that will leave you gasping for air. Formed in 2006, Ingested have some miles on their carcasses! As an example of their crushing abilities, they’ve toured with the likes of Black Dahlia Murder, Carnifex, 3 Inches of Blood, Aborted, Disentomb, Enterprise Earth, I Declare War, Kublai Khan, Despised Icon, and Cryptopsy to name a few.
Favorite Songs: Follow the Deceiver; The Burden of Our Failures; Leap of the Faithless
Rating: 9/10! This one will beat your brains in, for a long time!
Revive The Throne (2020, Unique Leader Records) is the 7th full length album from the German GrindCore/Brutal Death Metal band, Stillbirth. This band is as old as me, forming in 1999! Now, here is what I like about these butchers, they strongly incorporate the CORE (as in HardCore) aspect into their efforts. With multiple tempo changes, mid-riff (the GrindCore aspect), and crushing, gurgling gutterals, this record will give you whiplash. Lukas Swiaczney is the vicious vocal master, Dominik Konig also gutterals, and plays bass, Martin Grupe is banging, smoothly and quickly on drums, Jens Strack and Simon Sturmlinger slay the blistering dual guitars, and Lukas Kaminski is like a steam roller on the 2nd bass. Double gutterals and double bass players?! You know the beatings are life threatening!
Favorite Songs: Degraded to Mutilation; Panem et Circenses; Dethrone the King
Rating: 8/10! Skull splitting frenzy!!
Nuklearth is the newest album (2020, Unique Leader Records) by the German band, Cytotoxin. Right from the start, I’ve got to say that this band is like the WhiteChapel of Technical/Brutal Death Metal (and you already know that I love some WhiteChapel!). But this record… what an incredible piece of work we have, here! The arrangement, style, and structure of the powerful music by Fonzo and Jason (guitars), Stocki (drums) and Vitalis (bass) is nothing but pure, “Chernobyl Death Metal” (as Cytotoxin, themselves, refer it), and Grimo’s vocal delivery is nearly perfect – brutal gutterals and growls (reminding me of Phil!). Cytotoxin formed in 2010 and Nuklearth is their fourth full length album.
Favorite Songs: Soul Harvester; Coast of Lies; Nuklearth
Rating: 10/10!! This record will bang for MANY years to come!!
The second studio album from All That Remains, This Darkened Heart, was released on March 23, 2004 (Prosthetic / Razor & Tie). The band’s debut record, Behind Silence and Solitude, as well as its third release, The Fall of Ideals, are very good records in their own rights; but it is their sophomore release that stands in a category all its own.
So, All That Remains was first listed as a “Heavy Metal” band, with This Darkened Heart listed in the genre of “Melodic Death Metal.” Later, the band would come to be known as one of the first bands of an evolving sub-genre known as Metal Core, while the vocal style of This Darkened Heart is a perfect example of very early “Death Core;” though, the music (and its composition) is very much Heavy Metal, leaning toward Death Metal. Today, this combination of styles would be considered a band’s way of breaking out of the various “Core” genres. But in 2004, this is the expression of a band forging an entirely new brand of Metal.
Philip Labonte (Shadows Fall) is the founder and lead vocalist of All That Remains. He is one of the visionaries of the, then, forming new genre of Metal. His first band (in the mid-90s) was a Death Metal band called Perpetual Doom, where he also played guitar. He left the band to join Shadows Fall as the lead vocalist, recording the band’s debut album, Somber Eyes to the Sky, in ’97. He left Shadows Fall the following year due to “musical differences,” and formed All That Remains. In 2010 Labonte filled in as the touring vocalist for Killswitch Engage. And in 2016 he filled in as lead vocalist for Five Finger Death Punch. Labonte had a great band with him for This Darkened Heart with Mike Martin and Oli Herbert on guitars, Matt Deis on bass, and Michael Bartlett on drums.
I understand This Darkened Heart to be a bridge between Metal genres. While All That Remains went on to be more Metal Core, this record, with its combination of styles, really helped the logic of the evolution of sub-genres. My dad (The OG), as an Old School Death Metal head, remembers when this record dropped. “Oh, I loved the riffs of the songs, and Philip’s vocals were incredible. But I also recognized that there was something different being developed, here. The structures of the songs were departing from the style of pure Death Metal, while the riffs were very Old School. And the vocals, while delivered with “gravel,” were more melodic, but not like Melodic Death Metal. We knew that something new was happening.”
There are exactly 0 wasted songs on This Darkened Heart. This is truly a great record that still, today, speaks to the struggles and suffering of life lived in community; the darkness of loneliness and the light of friends and loved ones. This record, itself, is a light in that darkness.
Favorite Songs: Focus Shall Not Fail; Tattered on My Sleeve; This Darkened Heart
Rating: 10/10!! A perfect record at the perfect time
