Perhaps the sweetest treat of Halloween was the release of Queensway’s new EP, The Real Fear. Hailing from Baltimore, they brought the riffs on 2017’s Swift Minds of the Darkside and continue that legacy here. The first song shares the same name as the album, and is certainly something to fear. The buildup that lasts for about half of the song does a perfect job of introducing the work and the rest of the song brings the super groovy guitar work they honed I’m on their previous EP, perfect for fighting your friends to. The next song, Fantasy, continues the trend and brings in some cleaner vocals and goes out with a bang. True Light brings in some very spacey and dynamic background effects and leads in to some vocals that through a rappy flow into the mix. This song also has the drummer shine, utilizing some more double bass (a welcome addition to many hardcore songs). Track number 4, Passion, starts with some mostly clean guitar before jumping right into the madness. This trend of clean intros is something I personally love and I hope to see more of it in the future. It ends on a bright note with some more great riffage and drum work. Tomorrow Will Be Mine, the final song, does a great job bring this nearly 15-minute long banger to a thrilling conclusion. The track utilized more of the rap style vocals, slightly reminiscent of some E-Town Concrete, which is not a bad thing. Overall, this long-awaited EP has proven Queensway still brings the pain. Catch them in Winston-Salem at Break Time on November 12th with Sanction, Vatican, Fuming Mouth, Riot Stares, and The Burning Wind.
Frank Ocean’s newest track “In My Room” dropped on November 2nd. It features a lot of Ocean’s smooth, flowful rapping. He compares the music industry to sex: “Horny for the game / first they kiss then they bite soft” and talks about his time in the spotlight despite his reclusivity: “I need a new face, I’m tired of these weirdos.” He also talks about expensive items that only fame could’ve allowed him to have: “forty nine diamonds stuffed in my bracelet.” Lastly, in the chorus, he speaks on newly acquired love: “Every night you were in my room / My room, my room with me / I guess I can’t state my feelings too soon / I don’t know you / And I can’t put no threats in the air.” Obviously, Frank has a lot going on, but the track is a beautifully produced banger.
Sometimes I spend more time making study playlists then I actually spend studying, so I decided to make this blog post so that you won’t have to do that. I’ve tried just about everything from alpha waves, white noise to the lo-fi streaming video on youtube that’s become incredibly famous, so I figured I’d list my top study music choices so you can find what works best for you
Star Wars Soundtracks : As a huge Star Wars fan this has always been a favorite of mine to study to. It can be a little distracting when super popular themes come up but for the most part it blends pretty well into the background and just sounds like the epic orchestra scores that they really are. Any soundtrack without vocals could probably work here too.
EDM music to study to : There’s a surprising amount of playlists with this title but they all work pretty well, if you’re more into electronic/edm type music this might be a good option for you. I prefer anything without vocals really so I often switch between all of these to keep myself from getting bored, but this one really stands out for keeping you from falling asleep. Studying makes me sleepy, so it’s a bonus that this playlist usually keeps my brain awake long enough to actually focus on something.
Alpha Waves : This is for sure my go to ‘grind time prime time’ music. Something about it just really makes me get into the zone, probably because it’s the one playlist that I wouldn’t ever listen to unless I was studying. It’s relaxing and the playlist I use from spotify really hasn’t gotten old yet so I definitely think it’s worth trying.
Lo-Fi Hip Hop Beats to Study to : I feel like just about everyone has tried this so there must be something to it. I listen to it all the time and honestly it’s about the same realm as edm studying, just a matter of preference. Some of the songs are more upbeat and some are more chill, I think the variety keeps it from getting old.
White Noise : Technically not music I guess but some people like it, I am not a huge fan so that’s all I really got there.
No matter what you choose to study I’ve been told that what really makes studying music successful is that you ONLY listen to that specific music while studying, that way your mind knows it’s time to study and doesn’t try to relax. Variety works for me too, I switch between all of these pretty regularly to keep things interesting. So what’s your favorite music to listen to while studying?
Artist Record Label 1 QUEENSWAY The Real Fear [EP] Self-Released 2 COUNTERPARTS Nothing Left To Love Pure Noise 3 DYING WISH “Enemies in Red” [Single] Self-Released 4 EMMURE"Pigs Ear" [Single] Sharptone 5 CREEPING DEATH Wretched Illusions e One 6 GATECREEPER Deserted Relapse 7 NILE Vile Nilotic Rites Nuclear Blast 8 VALLEYS Fearless Tragic Hero 9 AMON AMARTH BerserkerMetalblade 10 KNOCKED LOOSE A Different Shade Of Blue Pure Noise
Modern Diet has grown to be one of my absolute favorite bands. I first heard the band back in 2016 with their song ‘Red Eye’. That song is still one of the first I mention when people ask what my favorite song is. Needless to say, I was pretty excited when they released a 5 track album earlier this year, they’ve also released two singles since. Personally my all time favorite tracks of theirs are that Red Eye song and Echo Parade, I’d definitely recommend those two if you’re interested.
I would describe their sound as indie rock, but the vocals and instrumentation definitely have a unique style about them that is hard to describe, you’ll know a Modern Diet song when you hear it. I’ve always loved their lyrics too, it’s not too ambiguous but not too obvious, it’s like that perfect mix of poetry and chaos that makes you really think. I love focusing on their lyrics when I listen but I always get lost in the music too. I’ve played their music on one of my radio shows before and they actually saw it on my instagram story and reached out to give me a download of their newest album on bandcamp, so I’d say their pretty cool people and I can’t wait to see what this New York based band does next.
The band’s self-titled debut album, Van Halen was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA from August 30 – September, 1977 and was released by Warner Bros. Records on February 10, 1978. “Diamond" David Lee Roth is the vocalist (and acoustic guitarist on Ice Cream Man), Eddie Van Halen plays the (groundbreaking) guitar and sings backing vocals, Alex Van Halen is the drummer, and Michael Anthony is the bassist and backing vocalist.
In 1976, Gene Simmons (KISS) discovers Van Halen and finances a three-track demo, which does nothing for the band in attracting record labels. But the demo does get the attention of Marshall Berle (the bands future manager) and he catches their sold-out show in their hometown of Pasadena. After killing it at (the legendary) Whiskey a Go Go and the Starwood club, Warner Bros. were ready to sign them to a deal. The band’s first tours after recording their debut were opening for Journey and Montrose in the US and, later, for Black Sabbath in Europe and the US.
The cover photo for Van Halen are pics taken at the Whiskey a Go Go, along with a pic of Eddie’s original signature guitar, Frankenstrat, a replica Fender Stratocaster that is now housed in the Smithsonian Institute.
The record hit Gold Status on May 24, 1978 and Platinum October 10, 1978 (4½ months later!). On October 22, 1984, the record achieved 5x Multi-Platinum status; 6x Multi-Platinum on February 1, 1989, 7x Multi-Platinum on September 29, 1993, 8x Multi-Platinum on July 11, 1994, and on August 7, 1996 the record reached Diamond status by RIAA (that’s a certified ten million copies sold, yo!).
The music world and their fans were enamored with the charismatic, sex symbol in Roth and the electrifying pioneer of the six-string in Eddie Van Halen. Nothing of it’s time sounded at all like Van Halen. With Roth’s powerful stage presence – swagger, martial arts, and screeching vocals; as well as a bluesy billow – and Eddie’s “jaw-dropping" techniques – he was doing in reality what most other guitarists only imagined in dreams – Van Halen reawakened the Rock/Hard Rock world.
Eddie Van Halen
David Lee Roth
Runnin’ With the Devil is the opening track, followed by a perfect example of Eddie’s brilliance, the instrumental, Eruption. Following that is the cover of the Kink’s, You Really Got Me (Roth insisted covers were the way to go, for someone else had already done the work). Side One is completed by Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love and I’m the One. Jamie’s Cryin’ leads off Side Two, followed by the heaviest track on the record, Atomic Punk. Feel Your Love Tonight and Little Dreamer smooth out the roughness. Ice Cream Man is a cover of John Brim’s song, and On Fire ends the offering with a blaze.
Favorite Songs: Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love, Little Dreamer, Atomic Punk
Rating: 10/10!!
Fun fact: I used to make my dad play Little Dreamer all the time when he was dropping me off at elementary school! It will always be one of my favorites!!
October 24, 2019 was the day that Obituary returned to Raleigh! And you already know that ya girl was there to see those rednecks from Tampa (F***en) Florida! With them on this tour was (the not so redneck) Abbath; along with Midnight, Devil Master, and one of our Local Butchers, False Prophet.
Now, I’ve got to admit, I missed False Prophet (which really sucks because I really like them). They played “at doors,” which were at 6:00, and I had class until 5:45. I made it in to see Devil Master, who put on a straight-up, in your face, no nonsense set. The whole band was in costume, complete with a rhythm guitarist Dracula, and a keyboardist in a bad-ass hooded robe! Other than the lead guitarist having to tune after every song, the band pounded through their set list without hesitation. They came, they played, they kicked ass! BTW, I’m still not sure whether the keyboardist was real or some type of machine, but he never raised his head, never came out of role, and I never even saw him leave the stage when their set was over. He just… disappeared.
Midnight was a three-piece band full of energy and sound! The three – guitarist, bassist and singer, and drummer – were all hooded with black masks over their faces. I’m telling you right now, these guys lit it up! The crowd came to life for Midnight, and the band responded to that energy. They were constantly on the move, interacting with the crowd, and running the full stage. Midnight had a great set that night! I’d like to see them again!
So, Abbath was up next. Hailing from Norway and steeped in the Black Metal genre, I was excited to see what was to come. For those of you who don’t know, the singer/guitarist (“Abbath Doom Occulta”) is one of the founders of the legendary band, Immortal. They pretty-much invented Black Metal. His first love was KISS, and you can see that influence in his stage presence and performance. If you can imagine, he is like a darker, more evil Gene Simmons (the Demon), spit straight out of the depths of Hell. Abbath left Immortal and formed this band of the same name in 2015. And they are taking some serious strides! What. An. Awesome. Show!! The powerful presence of Abbath, himself, was matched by drummer, Ukri Suvilehto. His playing and interaction with the crowd (from behind the kit) was hypnotizing. The walls, floor, and (I’m sure) ceiling reverberated his double base drums! They didn’t leave behind the other stringed instruments, either. The band, Abbath, operated like a well oiled machine. The light show and smoke machine added to the dreaded ambiance of this hellish display. They played for well over an hour. It was a blistering beating of crushing riffs and blast beats, over staggering double base and the agonized screech of Abbath’s vocals. It was exquisite!! When it was over, all I could think was, “No one but Obituary could follow that. They’d better bring it!”
Second picture taken by Courtney Breen.
And bring it they did! If you’ve never seen Obituary their show begins with piped-in country music, which is overtaken by the crunching riffs of the song, Redneck Stomp, a groovy instrumental. When they hit the stage, they were energized and ready to go. Obituary has been around so long (late 80’s, and earlier as Xecutioner) that their entire stage show is pretty-much patented! Trevor (rhythm guitar) holds the trademark for riff master/hair slinging headbanger. Kenny (lead guitar) is in charge of harmony and spooky/eerie wails, shrieks, and monster leads. Terry (bass) is a large and ominous presence, always middle/stage left; quiet, other than his bruising bass beatings. Donald (drums), in my opinion, invented Death Metal drumming. He is obviously ADHD (and I’ve met him, so…) and his technique takes on those qualities – always moving around the kit, feet of fury, hands a blur, with the crash of symbols; pounding the listener into dust. And then there’s John (vocals). You can listen to their first record, Slowly We Rot, or their most recent self-titled, or anything in between, and John’s raspy growl is consistent. His live edition lacks nothing, and is even more emphasized by his stage presence and his exaggerated lean out over the crowd as he gutturals the agonizing lyrics that are Obituary. They operate so well together, either they practice all the time or, because they’ve been together so long, and know so well their long and hallowed catalogue, that they no longer have to practice – They are the personification of Obituary. They can’t possibly play all of the fan favorites, so they pick some and turn it out! The crowd gutturals along with John and sways back and forth, “hair banging,“ with Trevor. What an experience!
This was an epic show! And all right here in Raleigh!
This band is one of my all time favorites. They are the perfect combination of rock, punk and girl power. This album reflects feelings of depression, anger and isolation. It is my go to album to play in the car while I’m driving and scream out the lyrics. You can hear the despair and anger in Clementine Creevy’s voice and the lyrics are beautifully written.
My favorite songs from this album are Daddi, Isolation, and Stupid Fish. This album is unlike any others that Clementine has written. The flows and transitions between songs are genius and the use of the instruments is magnificent. The guitar and the drums stand out to me the most on this album. The lyrics are incredibly impacting and you can easily relate to them if you have ever felt depressed, lonely or angry towards someone. All of the songs are unique in their own way and have their own little twist to them.
I recommend this to any edgy punk girl looking to find some empowerment. Clementine is a true badass and this band is amazing live. I got to see them perform this amazing album with their other great songs in Asheville this summer at the Orange Peel. I was looking forward to moshing hard but it was more of light pushing and swaying, which was not what I was expecting. This band and this album blew my mind and my expectations.
