Category: Blog

Categories
New Album Review

New Album Review: Testament – Titans of Creation

So much attention is paid to “The Big Four” (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer). But this designation leaves out many important and influential bands from the two waves of thrash metal that swept through the country (Metal Church, Exodus, Overkill, and Death Angel, etc.). Testament is one of these bands, which had a huge effect on metal in the 80s and 90s, and are a major influence in much of the sound in many differing genres of metal today.

In 1987, the San Francisco Bay area band released their debut album, The Legacy (Megaforce). May of ’88 saw the release of The New Order and in August of ’89 the band’s breakthrough record, Practice What You Preach was released. Though the band has seen more than its share of musicians pass in and out, and despite the fact of two members being diagnosed with cancer (both, now, fully recovered), Testament has steadily released new music (12 studio albums through 2019).

On April 3, 2020 Testament’s 13th studio album saw the light of day. Titans of Creation (Nuclear Blast) brings great thrash/Death Metal/Hardcore sound, as you’ve come to expect from these… well, titans! And that great sound is brought to you on this record by nothing less than a literal “super group!”

Chuck Billy, with his powerful voice and equally powerful presence (he literally looks like a titan!) has been the “voice" of Testament on every single record – spanning 33 years. Eric Peterson (founding member, guitars) and Alex Skolnick (longtime member, guitars) weave some incredibly masterful riffs, leads, and pure groovy/crunchy licks on this album. Ladies and gentlemen, playing bass is the great Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Obituary, Autopsy, Control Denied, Iced Earth, Sadus, and no less than 20 other bands!!). Another legend, Gene “the Atomic Clock" Hoglan (Death, Dark Angel, Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Dethklok, and more than as dozen others) drives this record with his patented creative arrangements of machine-like double base, symbol work, and snare/tom combinations.

Testament recorded their last record, Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) with this same lineup, so this new record doesn’t break new ground but delivers on the full force sound that you’ve come to expect from these longtime heroes. Like every Testament album some songs stand out:

Favorite Songs: Night of the Witch ; City of Angels; The Healers

Rating: 8.5

Bonus: Favorite songs through the Testament Years: Into the Pit ; The New Order ; Disciples of the Watch ; Practice What You Preach ; Souls of Black ; Over the Wall ; Electric Crown

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Playlists

Best Songs of April (so far)

 

April has already been a fantastic month for releases, and it’s only been a week. I’m excited for this month of music, especially since a lot of artists are releasing content right now. Considering everything happening in the world it’s really nice to have comforting new music from people who are acknowledging the changes while focusing on trying to embrace the brighter sides of life. Whether the music directly relates to the state of things right now or not, I strongly appreciate all the artists who are continuing to put out their work and giving us all something that we can enjoy and let inspire us.

  1. ‘Level of Concern’ by Twenty One Pilots – Tyler chooses to acknowledge the struggles and heaviness of the world right now from the very first line of this track, and I have to say it’s an amazing comfort to hear from the band right now. Just this week, on the Get Psyched Podcast, my friend Darius and I talked about the history of the band and predicted that the band would be releasing something new soon. We even mentioned that we hoped they would come out with something that related to the current state of things, so I have to say the timing of this release is perfect (The link to that episode will be at the bottom of this article). The rest of the song definitely lives up to Twenty One Pilots reputation, but it has a very new and different sound, and it’s nothing short of amazing. It’s catchy, comforting, and has a very developed sound. I get strong ‘Indie Pop’ vibes from this song, it feels less ‘electronic’ in a certain sense of the word, and it definitely stands out from other works from the band. If a new record is coming with this new sound I’m here for it.

  2. ‘Chosen Family’ by Rina Sawayama – I’ve talked about this artist on the blog before, and her highly anticipated album that’s being released April 17th, and this latest single has me even more excited for the debut record. It’s a much softer song then the last track released, but the music still holds up to her style. Its harmonics, synths and even a moment with electric guitar blasting in at the end really make the track stand out and feel uniquely hers. The lyrics also tell a beautiful story spreading the message of what it’s like to be so close to someone that they become your family, regardless of blood. How powerful and important our ‘chosen families’ are. The message and her soothing vocals make this track a perfect one for feeling appreciation for those you love most.

  3. ‘My Friend’ by Hayley Williams – Hayley is another artist I’ve talked about recently on the podcast, who keeps blowing me away with her new releases, and just dropped a new track and video that warmed my heart. This track reminds me of Rina’s in the sense that the music is enticing, the vocals are smooth and beautiful, and the message is that of appreciation and love for someone close to you. The lyrics talk about being seen in every state by someone and staying close regardless, it’s heartwarming and engulfes the themes of true friendship. These new themes and sounds from petals to armor really show some growth, change and talent from the artist: it continues to excite me for what’s to come.

Now’s a great time to enjoy some new tunes and also take a moment to think of all of the people we love and appreciate most, and these songs are a great way to do both. There are definitely way more I haven’t mentioned, but you can find some more tracks in the playlist below. What are your favorite tracks that have been released this month?

Link to Twenty One Pilots Podcast Episode: https://getpsyched.transistor.fm/episodes/lets-talk-music-the-history-of-twenty-one-pilots-ft-darius-payne

Link to Full Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CHgt25jDtqy9eyIHKKP3n?si=fJ_jKrGQRW20cS-RZ2i7ng

– DJ Psyched

Categories
Non-Music News

Community Resources for COVID-19

Greetings to all who are apart of the Wolfpack community, and the Triangle area. It is so important for each of us to enable our friends and family to access necessary resources during the coronavirus situation. I have compiled a list below with many different resources for students and other individuals in the RDU area. For NC State Coronavirus Response updates, go to their website. For general updates, please refer to the CDC. 

Basic Resources:

  • Pack Essentials: NC State students experiencing challenges in accessing basic needs such as food, housing, and educational supplies should submit a Pack Essentials form. This form can help students get financial assistance and other resources, based on need. In addition, the Pack Essentials Emergency Grant has received generous donations, enabling it to help thousands of students. I definitely recommend applying if you need any kind of assistance. 

  • Wake County Food Pantries: This Google sheet has contact information for food pantries in Wake County. Please check the document to see locations available near you and any notes relating to changes in their hours of operation. 

Technology Resources: 

  • Internet Access: The North Carolina DIT put together a list of resources for internet access, including free and affordable internet services within North Carolina, as well as information on how to access free Wifi in certain locations. 

  • NCSU Libraries: Although NCSU Libraries buildings are closed, they are offering many useful online services for students. They allow long-term loans for technology, PDF copies of your textbook chapters, and more great resources. 

  • Textbooks: Wolfpack Outfitters and VitalSource have partnered to provide free access to ebooks through May 25th. All you need to do is create an account with your NCSU email address at the VitalSource site. 

Health and Wellness:

  • Telehealth and Medication: To help prevent further spread of coronavirus, many health offices are moving toward online appointments. In addition, many different insurance companies have offered free prescription shipping and other policies which may benefit anyone taking regular medications. You should check your primary care doctor and insurance company policies to see if it can help you. In addition, NCSU Student Health is offering “reduced and limited” services. You can find more information on their website. 

  • Mental Health: The NCSU Counseling Center is available for telehealth appointments through the phone or through secure video chat. You can find more information here. 

  • Exercise: NC State Wellness and Recreation is offering different programs such as virtual fitness classes, wellness tips, and at-home workout routines. Find more information here. 

I hope that these resources are useful. Remember that even if you do not need these resources, sharing this information with others can go along way in helping members of our community. 

Stay safe and be well, 

Miranda 

Categories
New Album Review

Mordrake by Xenobiotic

Album Review: Mordrake – Xenobiotic

Favorite Songs: Saphris, Fractured, Light That Burns the Sky

Xenobiotic is a hidden gem I randomly found scrolling through someone’s Instagram page. When I listened to their song Saphris, I was instantly hooked. It honestly shocked me to see that their monthly listener rate was moderately low on Spotify, given their unique sound and incredible talent. Unfortunately, it was difficult finding information on them, so it took some digging. The band originates from Australia, which is a hardcore country in itself (have you seen pictures of their spiders?), and consists of Nish Raghavan and Cam Moore on guitars, David Finaly on bass, TJ Sinclair for vocals, and Mikey Godwin on drums. This team perfectly combines sounds of black metal and technical death metal with a refreshing, progressive approach to lyricism. Their name itself, Xenobiotic, refers to something relating to a substance, typically a synthetic chemical, that is foreign to the body. Their artwork immediately caught my eye, and while you can’t judge a book by its cover, their album Mordrake is as complex, chaotic, and beautiful as the artwork suggests. The humanoid figure appears to be mummified or strewn in some form of web and is cutting or ripping open its chest to reveal a moon, mountains, and dark figures. In my opinion, this is just as brutal as any song on the album and suggests something dark and profound.

 Mordrake opens with Insomnia, an eerie, atmospheric sound that quickly descends into heavy, melodic riffs, carefully placed drums, and deep gutturals and bone-chilling shrieks. The album proceeds to get heavier with each song, inducing a whirlwind of emotion and aggression without becoming too overwhelming. Light That Burns the Sky showcases TJ’s range and power, as well as their meaningful lyricism. It seems to highlight the process of cognitive dissonance and the confusion and desperation that often follows. My favorite song, Saphris, has a beautiful, atmospheric introduction – the calm before the storm. It explodes into an intense, overwhelming breakdown that grows into a violent expression of heartache, unfurling into disarray. Needless to say, this is one of the most beautiful, powerful metal songs I have ever listened to. There are not enough words I can find to describe the emotion expressed in this song. Saphris, a nickname for the medication Asenapine that is used to treat mood disorders such as schizophrenia, perfectly induces the feeling of internal chaos, uncertainty, and hope that is felt in mental illness. Mental illness seems to be a common theme and they perfectly capture the numerous intricate facets it presents. Their music calls for reflection of oneself and the nature of the human psyche and emotion. I truly hope Xenobiotic get the recognition they deserve one day, and I am so excited to have found a band I can continuously fall back on when I need the release. Give them a listen and strap yourself in for a brutal, emotional experience!

–  Sarah

Categories
Weekly Charts

Afterhours Chart 4/7

Artist Record Label
1 HURLEE Beating For You [EP] Apparel
2 LONE Not Seeing Is A Flower [EP] Ancient Astronauts
3 HOT CHIP A Bath Full Of Ecstasy Domino
4 DEATON CHRIS ANTHONY BO Y Self-Released
5 SASSY 009 KILL SASSY 009 Luft
6 GRACE IVES 2nd Dots Per Inch
7 BRIJEAN Walkie Talkie Native Cat
8 FINN, INDIA JORDAN H.U.R.L/F.U.R.L [EP] Local Action
9 CARIBOU Suddenly Merge
10 COWGIRL CLUE Icebreaker Vada Vada

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

Band of the Week: Slaughter to Prevail

Slaughter to Prevail (STP) has got to be one of the heaviest bands that I have ever listened to. I remember the first time I heard STP, I was with my friend, Nate, and he started to play them and I looked over at him and said, “who the hell is this?” I immediately loved what I heard. Their sound is heavy and brutal and don’t even get me started on the vocals, it is insane. If I had to guess what Satan sounds like, I would say he sounds like this vocalist. The power and intensity of his voice is absolutely crazy.

My friends went to see them a couple of months ago and said that the music is playing and STP’s singer let go of the mic and started yelling, you could still hear him over the music!! Homie has a strong and loud voice!! I have never seen STP but I have tried many, many times. The first three times I was planning to see them, something came up each time: either the band couldn’t get in the country because of their visas, their bus broke down, or the show got canceled. I could have seen them the most recent time they came through NC, but I had schoolwork, and that is a bigger priority for me (#nerd, I know).

Before forming Slaughter to Prevail, British guitarist Jack Simmons was a part of a deathcore band called Acrania, and Alex Terrible (a Russian vocalist) gained a huge following on YouTube for his cover videos. Terrible was originally a part of a Russian deathcore band We Are Obscurity, but the group fell apart trying to find a record label. Simmons recruited Terrible with Russian drummer Anton Poddyachy to form Slaughter to Prevail. When they released their EP Chapters of Misery (2015), and their videos had millions of hits on YouTube, they signed to Sumerian Records in 2016. Slaughter to Prevail released their first full-length album, Misery Sermon in 2017.Terrible stated that the album was inspired by the hate and misery seen in everyday life, especially since metal shows in Russia were often canceled due to religious reasons.

The band is noted for their heavy and dark themed songs with a deep focus on Terrible’s deep guttural vocals. They are known to be influenced by Suicide Silence, Bring Me the Horizon (old school BMTH), and Carnifex. The band is also known for wear full-face masks that are gnarly as hell. Most of the songs are in Russian but some do feature English lyrics.

Current members:

·      Aleksandr “Alex Terrible” Shikolai (vocals)

·      Mikhail “Mike” Petrov (bass)

·      Evgeny Novikov (drums)

·      Robert Brown (guitar)

Discography:

·      Chapters of Misery (EP) (2016)

·      Misery Sermon (album) (2017)

·      Agony (single) (2019)

Favorite song: Hell (this was the first song I have ever heard by them!!!)

Have you seen Slaughter to Prevail? What are some of your favorite songs?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Miscellaneous

A Listener’s Approach to Problematic Artists

Disclaimer: everything stated in this blog post reflects my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect WKNC’s views. 

Often, I come across “problematic” artists. Today, the spread of news media is nearly instantaneous and thus as music listeners we have virtually unlimited access to information about our favorite artists. Because of this availability we are easily able to judge and analyze the actions of artists. There are so many “problematic” artists today, from misogynistic lyrics, artists who are known abusers, to musicians who are supportive of causes the general public is not, and more. 

My favorite example of an artist whose views I disagree with is Kanye West. After years of political activism I aligned with, he publicly announced his support of President Trump, who has done significant damage to the country and whose political stances I am personally opposed to. Despite the unwavering support through his other allegedly problematic actions (Taylor Swift incident, anyone?), this definitely soured my opinion of West and his music. To this day, I can’t enjoy it to the same degree as before. 

In addition, there are a ridiculous amount of artists I have completely abandoned all support of when I heard the physical or sexual assault allegations against them. Especially in my own local DIY scene, so many allegations have come out against band members that I no longer feel comfortable in those spaces. 

The reason I’m writing this blog is as a discussion of how we, as music listeners, approach this conundrum. Are we allowed to like music done by bad people? Am I okay with supporting an artist whose values are extremely skewed from my own? I have reflected on these questions for years, since I was old enough to do research about the musicians I listen to. For me, it boils down to my gut reaction. When the evidence seems sufficient and the action is unforgivable (to me, personally) I feel the need to completely let go of the artist and renounce any support I once had for them. When it’s a lesser issue, like a political difference or distasteful comment it is easier for me to separate the music from the person who created it, and thus I can still enjoy the music. 

Let me know if any of you feel similarly, or different. I am always interested in different perspectives. 

– Miranda 

Categories
New Album Review

New Music Review: Donna Blue

EP REVIEW: Donna Blue – Inbetween EP

BEST TRACKS: Desert Lake, Inbetween, Billy

FCC Clean

Danique van Kesteren and Bart van Dalen are a dutch couple that make up Donna Blue. So far, the band has only released singles and one EP, but even having just tasted a little bit of the music they are capable of producing, I can tell that Donna Blue is onto something and that we can expect a lot more in the coming days. The duo has latched onto a dying genre but they honor it exceptionally well. Listening to this EP, you will be transported to another time and world. You’ll go back to a hot, windy summer night in the desert, with tumbleweeds blowing and rattlesnakes shaking.

The Inbetween EP is best described as dark and sultry desert rock. Desert rock is one of my favorite genres but new albums in this genre are hard to find, as they are few and far between. Sometimes you just have to be lucky enough to stumble upon one, like how I was with this EP, and how you are as a result of reading this review. Desert rock is a smoother, slower, more lonesome-sounding version of Spaghetti Western soundtracks like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. This EP is trance-like and bordering psychedelic.

The first track, Desert Lake, opens with the trill of a guitar and a signature rattlesnake shake. When Kesteren’s somber voice comes in, saying “Something in the wind today reminds me of the night you ran away,” I feel elevated to a different realm. Then a whistle comes in, and I feel like I’m being witness to a Clint Eastwood showdown. The third track, Inbetween, is a dark and mysterious sleeping spell. Just when it almost lulls you softly into a trance, the song flourishes up like a bonfire from the ashes, and jolts you back awake.

Recommended If you like The Handsome Family, or Gene Clark.

-Safia 

Categories
DJ Highlights

Just Metal things to do while Self-Quarantining

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, your Master Butcher, The Saw and I hope you all are doing well during these times! I know most of us have cabin fever (and not like the movies, thankfully), and we want some fun things to do while being cooped up in the house! Well have no fear, because The Saw is here to give you some ideas as to what to do while being stuck at the crib. But you guys should be used to self-quarantine because there is no exit in the The Saw’s Butcher Shop. Remember?!

Here are some fun, but metal things to do while you are bored:

·      Metal musical chairs

This is a fun twist on the game musical chairs! This idea is self-explanatory, grab some chairs, get your family and play the well-known game, but with some metal! Bonus points if you head bang while walking around the chairs.

·      Try not to sing/dance/head bang

I really enjoy this game because it is so hard not to move to some metal songs!! They have some great YouTube videos of songs that you can try the challenge with and you can also create your own. What fun! I have done one of these over the air at the radio station and it was really hard not to move to the breakdown in Domination by Pantera. You can have some fun with this and segment the game into genres! I always lose to groovy death metal and hardcore. Some bands that I always lose to are Six Feet Under, Obituary, Kublai Khan, and Bent Life.

·      Practice your mosh moves

If you are like me, I don’t get in the pit often because I am not confident in my skills. But while locked in the house, you can stay in your room and practice your moves all night! I have gotten better at my 2 step and my crowdkilling moves. Y’all better watch out when shows start coming back, you’ll find me in the pit.

·      Have your own concert

Am I the only one that has shows and dance parties in my room? Don’t lie, I know y’all like to throw down in the comfort of your pjs. You can play some air instruments and jam out and even dance! And the best thing is that the bands sound the exact same and there is no one standing around to judge your dance moves or hit you in your own little mosh pit!

·      Have a Black Metal photoshoot

My house is surrounded by the woods, and that makes a great spot to get your black metal on! Put on some corpse paint, wear the blackest of black clothing that you own, and stand out in the woods and take some dark, gloomy, black metal photos! If you have people with you, remember to social distance! Hide behind some trees and see who can take the creepiest photo.

Remember to have fun and keep yourself entertained while in the house!

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (4/3)

This week I’ve been listening to almost only electronic music, including some of my favorite alt-electronica tracks from the past few years. Hopefully you all enjoy this, and as a reminder you can listen every one of my Friday Favorites here. 

What We Drew – Yaeji

I try to listen to a variety of music, and that extends to songs sung in a variety of languages, like this one in Korean. I adore the simplistic drum beats paired with electro tones, and Yaeji’s voice is super pitchy and high, reminding me of one of my favorite artists, Grimes. Definitely listen to this if you want to hear something out of the box. 

let’s relate – of Montreal 

One of my favorite tracks of all time, hands down. This song has nostalgic value to me, but more than that, it’s just a well-produced song that has an amazing vibe. The tones just coalesce into a gorgeous melody that I never get tired of hearing. If you are a fan of electronic or alternative music at all, I highly recommend this track. 

Orange Shirt – Discovery 

The entire album LP by Discovery is a good one. I chose Orange Shirt particularly because it’s lesser known than some of Discovery’s other tracks, but I think it deserves a little attention. It’s such a catchy song with the best mixture of synth pop elements. It’s definitely been an earworm for me in the past, hope I can put someone else on to it! 

Are You Feeling Sad? (ft. Kali Uchis) – Little Dragon

Little Dragon has had a great impact on my life as a music lover, and she helped me really dig into the electronic scene. I also happen to be a big fan of Kali Uchis’s vocals, so I really appreciate the vocals in this song. Its melody is a bit chaotic and leans more toward the genre of pop than I usually like, but overall I think it’s such a cool song. 

As always, I’m so thankful to everyone who takes time to read my posts and listen to my recommendations. Wishing that everyone is keeping safe and healthy!

– Miranda