Author: THE SAW

Categories
Miscellaneous

Do You Like Watching and Learning about True Crime?

What’s going on Butcher Crew, it’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and today we are going to talk about True Crime. This has always been a subject that fascinated me because I have always been curious as to why people do the things that they do. I also like to understand the sociology and the psychology of a person. I like to try and analyze the individual and see if I can come up with my only theories as to why people are the way they are or how an event could happen. 

Below, is a list of shows that I enjoy watching that are based on true crime: 

  • Mindhunters – Netflix 
    • This TV show is based on actual FBI agents and their cases! This show follows around two FBI agents who helped create the term “serial killer” and also develop the behavioral science/psychology department at the Bureau. 
  • Night Stalker – Netflix 
    • This documentary goes through the investigation of the Night Stalker. There are interviews with the detectives that were on the case, family of the victims, and surviving victims.  
  • American Murder: The Family Next Door – Netflix
    • This case was wild!! A mother and her two daughters go missing and the father is acting rather calm… I wonder why… 
  • Evil Genius – Netflix 
    • Follow the investigation to see who was behind the man who was told to rob a bank with a bomb attached to him. The people in this case are wild. 
  • The Ripper – Netflix 
    • Follow the investigation in England, when the Ripper was out on the streets. 
  • Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile – Netflix 
    • This film follows around Ted Bundy (played by Zac Efron) and his gruesome murders. This film also shows the point of view of Bundy’s girlfriend, who did not know what her man was up to. 
  • Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes – Netflix 
    • This film has audio recordings of interviews with Ted Bundy and his killings. These are fascinating to listen to because you get a glimpse of the personality behind the killer and his reasonings to kill. 
  • Hotel Cecil – Netflix 
    • Follow along with the investigation of Elisa Lam and dive through all the conspiracy theories and went along with this strange disappearance. 
  • Honorable Mention: Bailey Sarian’s YouTube channel
    • Bailey is a YouTuber who does her makeup while she talks about a true crime story. She does a great job at laying out all the information and giving you a good picture of what happened. She is very passionate about what she speaks about and she does a wide variety of true crime stories. 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

Band of the Week: Belphegor

Belphegor

 Belphegor is an Austrian extreme metal band from Salzburg, that formed in 1991. When they first became a band, they used the name Betrayer, but in 1993 they named their band after the demon Belphegor. Their music has been described as “diabolical death/black metal.” The band was created by vocalists and bassist Maxx, guitarists Helmuth Lehner and Sigurd Hagenauer, and drummer Chris. 
 
The band has jumped from different labels throughout their existence; they were briefly signed to Perverted Taste Records in 1994. They were then on Last Episode (now called Black Attakk) in 2000 but left because the band felt as though the label was a “rip-off.” They then preceeded to release their live album, Infernal Live Orgasm, on their own label, Phallelujah Productions, until they signed with Napalm Records in 2003. They only stayed with this record label until 2005 because they felt like the label did not support them enough. Belphegor then signed with Nuclear Blast Records in 2005. 
 
Belphegor has also had their fair share of band members. Throughout their formation and switching amongst record labels, the lineup constantly changed. Here is their current members: Helmuth Lehner (guitar and vocals) and Serpenth (bass and backing vocals). They have members that only play live: Martin “Molokh” Arzberger (guitars) and Pawel Jaroszewicz (drums). 
 

Discography: 
 
·      The Last Supper (1995)
·      Blutsabbath (1997)
·      Necrodaemon Terrorsathan (2000) 
·      Lucifer Incestus (2003)
·      Goatreich – Fleshcult (2005) 
·      Pestapokalypse VI (2006)
·      Bondage Goat Zombie (2008) 
·      Walpurgis Rites – Hexenwahn (2009) 
·      Blood Magick Necromance (2011) 
·      Conjuring the Dead (2014) 
·      Totenritual (2017) 
 

Stay Metal, 
 
THE SAW 
Categories
Playlists

Shower Playlist

Black and white graphic of someone showering.

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, The Saw, and today I am sharing with you my playlist that I listen to while I’m in the shower. I take my showers very seriously and I like to set a vibe while I’m showering. It is one of the only places where I can self-reflect and relax. It’s also a place where I have my one-woman concerts. I have the worst singing voice, but in the shower, you best believe that I sound like Ariana Grande. 

These songs are some fun sing along songs that I like to dance around to while showering, this is probably the favorite part of my day because it’s just straight vibes. 

  • Olivia Newton John – Hopelessly Devoted To You 
  • Mac Miller – Self Care 
  • Frank Ocean – In My Room 
  • Tyler, The Creator – 2SEATER 
  • The Internet – Special Affair 
  • Smino – Amphetamine 
  • $not – GO$HA 
  • $uicideBoy$ – O Pana! 
  • Isaiah Rashaad – Tity and Dolla
  • Saweetie & Doja Cat – Best Friend 
  • Megan Thee Stallion – Body 
  • Drake – Hotline Bling 
  • TLC – No Scrubs 
  • Seether – Careless Whisper 
  • Staind – Outside 
  • Ariana Grande – Positions 
  • Lady Gaga – LoveGame 

These have been my go-to songs while I’m jamming out in the shower. I like to keep it light and playful while I’m showering. Gotta get the right vibes. (:

What songs are in your shower playlist? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
New Album Review

New Single Review: Cannibal Corpse – Inhumane Harvest (2021)

Violence Unimagined Album Cover

THIS IS NOT A DRILL; I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! CANNIBAL CORPSE RELEASED A NEW SINGLE AND ANNOUNCED THEIR NEW ALBUM!!! 

Okay, now that I got that out of my system, let’s talk about this new Cannibal Corpse single, “Inhumane Harvest.” This song was released on February 2nd and this was honestly the best way to start the month. This song embodies everything that I love about Cannibal Corpse; crunchy riffs, deep growls, and technical drumming paired along with it. 

Bassist Alex Weber says that Cannibal Corpse’s new album, “Violence Unimagined” was approached in the same writing style similar to their previous records. The band tries to make each song they write, the heaviest, most memorable songs that they can come up with. He also says that the band wants each song to have its own character. In other words, the band wants the listeners to be able to listen to the song, easily recognizing what song it is. This rings true because out of all the Cannibal Corpse songs that I know, I can name the song just by the opening riff. I think this talent is credited to Cannibal Corpse and how they create their songs, but also because I am a metal freak. 

Cannibal Corpse’s new album, “Violence Unimagined” is set to release on April 16th via Metal Blade Records. Do you see how brutal their album cover is for this album (see above)? That just means the album is going to be even more brutal and I cannot wait to hear what this album sounds like. 

Track List: 

01: “Murderous Rampage”

02: “Necrogenic Resurrection” 

03: “Inhumane Harvest”

04: “Condemnation Contagion”

05: “Surrounded, Kill, Devour” 

06: “Ritual Annihilation”

07: “Follow The Blood”

08: “Bound And Burned”

09: “Slowly Sawn”

10: “Overtorture” 

11: “Cerements Of The Flayed” 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: System of a Down – Toxicity (2001)

System of a Down - Toxicity

Toxicity, the second studio album from the Nu-Metal band System of a Down, was released on September 4, 2001 by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Retaining the aggressive, heavy sound and feel of their debut, System of a Down (1998), their sophomore record blended smooth melodies with various instruments (sitar, banjo, keyboards, piano, and etc) in varying styles of music (folk, progressive rock, jazz, Armenian and Greek influences, and etc). This blend accentuated the vocal abilities of the band while the crushing riffs, on the other hand, expressed pure power and aggression. 

Over 30 songs were recorded at Cello Studios in Hollywood, CA for Toxicity. The band narrowed that number down to 14 for this record. Many of the others were re-recorded later for the band’s next record, Steal This Album! (2002). The band covers a lot of ground in the lyrical content of this record, too. For example, “Chop Suey” is about drug addiction; “Prison Song” explores the policy of Mass Incarceration, mandatory minimum sentences, and the lack of rehabilitation. And many of the songs are metaphors for the politics of the modern economy (this theme would go on to dominate later albums).

System of a Down are Armenian-American musicians: Serj Tankian – vocals, keyboards, stringed instruments including guitar on “Aerials” ; Daron Malakian – guitars, sitar, and vocals ; Shavo Odadjian – bass ; John Dolmayan – drums. 

Toxicity sold 220,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at #1 on Billboard 200 and the Canadian Albums Chart. It was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA in November of 2002, and has sold over 2.7 million copies in the US to date. All the singles released for Toxicity reached the Billboard 100, and “Aerials” hit #1 on both the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and Modern Rock chart. The record received perfect ratings from AllMusic, Kerrang!, and Blabbermouth.net; praised for its groundbreaking sound and innovation. 

Rating: 10/10!! This is an incredible record, both vocally and musically!

Favorite Songs: Needles ; Deer Dance ; Chop Suey ; Toxicity 

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
DJ Highlights

Ordering the Multiple Personalities: E. and The Saw

So, I have two differing dominant personalities – The Saw and Erika. When I was little the two were less pronounced or identifiable, but upon reflection of my thoughts and actions of the time, they were formulating and strengthening. I loved “girl” things, but also things that weren’t usually associated as “girly.” 

Later, in grade school, unless I was around a select group of friends, what became known as The Saw had to be quieted and hidden from view. In college this all changed. WKNC offered me the opportunity to fully identify and develop The Saw, while clearly recognizing the vast difference it is from Erika. This is me! These are who I am!

Usually band members have alter-egos when they’re on stage, kind of like actors in a movie or play. I often describe The Saw as an alter-ego, a persona cultivated for the radio airwaves, or the show I’m at in an official capacity; but the personality is more real, more concrete than that. There are two parts to me that make me whole – Erika AND The Saw. 

Erika likes hippy esthetics, incense, and plants. The Saw likes skulls, the color black, and corpse paint. Erika watches The Jersey Shore and The Bachelor franchises. The Saw likes Sons of Anarchy and any horror movie. Erika, all kinds of music and genres; The Saw, the heaviest Metal on the planet. I could go on and on! The two live fully side-by-side. When you listen to The Saw’s Butcher Shop you’ll even hear Erika from time to time. 

But for all their differences they are united in their fierce love of friends and family, honesty, integrity, and character. This is me! This is who I am! Embrace you; those personalities, traits, and quirks that make you who you are. Self-reflect. Self-examine. Work on those things that make you a better version of you. And love you. You know that I love me! 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
New Album Review

Gatecreeper – An Unexpected Reality (2021)

Gatecreeper An Unexpected Reality

Gatecreeper is a Death Metal band out of Arizona that quickly became one of my favorites. They formed in 2013, so they have done a lot of work in a relatively short amount of time. I would categorize the band as Death/Doom Metal, for the most part, with hook-riffs and some vocal components of Grindcore/Hardcore.  

They are signed with Relapse Records, on which they’ve released two full length records: Sonoran Depravation(2016) and Deserted (2019). This year (2021) they surprised us with an EP release, An Unexpected Reality, on Closed Casket Activities. 

Gatecreeper is:

Chase “Hellahammer” Mason – vocals

Eric “The Dark Cowboy” Wagner – guitars 

Sean “Hell Mammoth” Mears – bass

Matt “Thunder Rage” Arrebollo – drums

Israel Garza – guitars 

An Unexpected Reality is a banger, where the first seven songs are heavily influenced by the Grindcore and Hardcore genres, connected together by feedback, to seem as though they’re one song; and the last song, “Emptiness,” stands alone, completely different from the first, in a dark, doomy Death Metal posture. The first seven are 6:45 in length, combined; while, the last song is 11:06 on its own. This record is full of great riffs and powerful vocals, regardless of the style of any song. I love it!

Tracks:

Starved – 1:03

Sick of Being Sober – :58

Rusted Gold – :56

Imposter Syndrome – 1:07

Amputation – :31

Depraved Not Deprived – 1:11

Superspreader – :59

Emptiness – 11:06 

Favorite Songs: The first seven, and Emptiness! LOL  

Rating: 9/10!! 

Categories
Miscellaneous

The Saw’s Butcher Shop – Vinyl Edition

One of my favorite things in this world is my record player. It is a 1992 cassette, CD, and record player and it gives me those ‘90s and grunge vibes that I love, oh, so much. After reading DJ Butter and DJ Mango’s posts about their vinyl collection, I decided to hop onto the trend. 

I just went through all of my vinyls because I got an app called Discogs that lets you upload your vinyls and create a library. You can also add vinyls, CDs, and cassettes to a “Want list” and so I will be notified if/when there are some for sale. Discogs is also an online store so you can buy and sell your albums. I updated my library with this app and I listed out some of my favorite vinyls from my collection to share with my Butcher Crew! 

Tash Sultana – Flow State 

You already know how much I love this album, it’s one of my all-time favorites. I told myself that when I got a record player, that one of my first purchases would be this album on vinyl. I listen to it almost every day. 

Obituary – Inked in Blood 

I love me some groovy death metal and Obituary are the kings of groovy death metal. This vinyl is very special to me, not only because it’s one of my favorite albums and the cover is wicked, but because it is signed by all the band members! What a flex! 

Cattle Decapitation – Death Atlas

I was really excited when I found this gem at Sorry State Records in downtown Raleigh. These guys are badass and Death Atlas is such a masterpiece. It was one of my favorite albums of 2019! This album is an essential piece for my collection and I am happy that I found it. 

Death – Leprosy

This was the first vinyl I bought. I got it before I even had a record player because Death is such an influential band that I would have been a fool to not buy it. I hardly see Death records, so to see one of my favorite albums for sale, on vinyl, and in perfect condition, I had to secure the bag. 

Kiss – Alive II 

I have every Kiss record (that they made with their makeup on) on vinyl and they were all released on Casablanca (which is rare to see since Kiss records from them are not seen often). Alive II is my favorite because it’s a double record, it has pictures of the live stage and the individual members. 

Celtic Frost – To Mega Theron

I like some black metal, and Celtic Frost is one of the OG’s. They are so awesome and this is one of my favorite Celtic Frost albums and it is a classic black metal record. The artwork on the inside cover is awesome, too! 

Iron Maiden – Live After Death

One of my favorite Iron Maiden albums and my favorite Iron Maiden cover! This cover is so cool, I have it on a shirt. This album has my favorite song, “Hallow Be Thy Name” and to hear it on vinyl gives me chills. It is literally their best live record. 

Boundaries – Your Receding Warmth 

I literally just bought this vinyl and I cannot wait for it to get in because it is one of my favorite albums currently. I want to try and get all of my favorite albums on vinyl and I am so happy I get to add this to my collection. 

Honorable Mentions:

  • AC/DC – Back in Black 
  • Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath 
  • Fleetwood Mac – Rumours 
  • Grim Reaper – See You In Hell 
  • Jimi Hendrix – The Essential Jimi Hendrix
  • Led Zeppelin – IV 
  • Michael Jackson – Thriller 
  • Prince – 1999
  • Quiet Riot – Condition Critical 
  • Rush – Exit… Stage Left 
  • Van Halen – 1984 
  • Saturday Night Fever (The Original Movie Sound Track) 

What are some of your favorite vinyls from your collection? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW  

Categories
Miscellaneous

The Saw’s Life Hacks: Back to School Edition

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and today we will be talking about going back to school. I don’t know what it is, I love being on break and doing nothing, but I love preparing for a new semester and getting my school supplies and area together. It’s a time to start over and create better study habits. I will be giving you guys some of my tips and tricks that I use in order to be successful in school and start off the new semester with ease. 

School Supplies

            This is probably one of my favorite things about going back to school, I. LOVE getting school supplies. Usually, each student has their “core” supplies that they buy in order to organize their materials for class. Here is what I do: first, I get a planner. These help me keep track of all of my assignments, readings and papers. I don’t like taking notes on my computer, you can say that I am old-school. So, instead I buy a binder, loose leaf paper, and dividers in order to keep track of all of my class notes. This is cheaper than buying notebooks for each class, it uses less paper, and it keeps everything in one place. Highlighters, pencils, and pens are a must. Get some pretty colors to make taking notes fun! 

Clean your study space

Since all of my classes are online, it is important to keep my school space clean and organized. Working in a clean space will do a lot of positive things for you; it’s as if a clean workspace makes a clean headspace. I like to have my space cozy and neat. This helps me be able to sit down for large periods of time doing work. I also have a shelf that is dedicated to all my textbooks and binders so all of my school supplies are in one place. 

Syllabuses are your BFF

            When you get your syllabus for all of your classes, print those out and keep them for the entire semester. These will have all of your due dates, more information and requirements for those assignments, the class schedule with the readings, and contact information for your professor. I like to give each class that I am enrolled in a different color pen and write down all of my due dates and writing/reading assignments for each class. This helps me stay on top of my work and keeps me less stressed. When I know what is going on weeks in advance and I can plan accordingly is when I do my best work. 

I hope my tips can help! Do you have any tips and tricks that have helped you through school? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Miscellaneous

Let’s Get Metal: Décor Edition

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! We are almost a month into 2021 and I know some people want to spice up their lives; whether that be going to the gym, changing their hair style, or even changing up their room. 

Today, we will be talking about how to add some ~~spice~~ to your room. I get compliments on my room and how I have it set up. My friends like the vibe and aesthetic that my room has. I have a dark hippie-metal vibe going on in the lair. So, if you want to add some dark hippie vibes to your room, here are some of the things that I did to spice up my room. 

Find a main theme and work around it.

I really love skulls, so I have a lot of items that involve skulls. If I am being honest, I have nine skulls in total. They are all designed in different ways and I have placed them around my room to set the theme. I have them on my nightstand, printer, bathtub, and my dresser. I also have posters of skulls and even skull ashtrays! Some people may say that I have an obsession, but I call it taste. 

Have an accent wall.

When I moved into the house that I am living at now, the girl who had my room before me painted a wave of eyes on one of the walls. I loved it when I saw it and I thought it would add to the aesthetic of my room. I didn’t want to cover up the eyes, so I added my bed and some small furniture around it. If you do not have a wall of eyes (if you do, please show me; that would be so cool), you can always paint an accent wall or design something on one of your walls (if you are allowed to). You could also add some tapestries to a wall to accent it! I have collected tons of tapestries from different smoke shops and also mall outlets. These tapestries can help you add some color to your room and also find other color furniture or decorations that match the tapestry. 

Make your room smell good.

Okay y’all, I love candles. They are my absolute favorite. I get candles from Target, TJ Maxx, Walmart, and literally anywhere or any business that makes/sells candles. Scents can also help set the vibe of your room. You can get some dark earthy scents, floral scents, fruity/tropical scents, or even clean fresh scents! I like my musk scents or heavy fruit scents. I think they go with both my dark hippie and metal vibe. The colors and designs of candles and candle holders can also help create your aesthetic. 

If you don’t want candles, you can always get wax burners. They have some cute burners that can help bring your room together. I have a sugar skull wax burner and also a Himalayan rock burner. They give off cool light designs on your wall and create a way to have some dim lighting in your room that is great for relaxation. 

And if you are feeling really fancy, incents will always help you get the hippie vibe. 

Accent Furniture 

I have an old school record player/ stereo that I placed by my windows in order to be the centerpiece of my room. I placed some plants, incents, and skulls on top of it in order to add my aesthetic to it. I love vinyl’s and record players because it gives me those ‘90s vibes. I love the ‘90s and my record player is from 1992 so it fits in perfectly. 

How are you guys decorating your rooms? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW