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Everything is Bigger in Texas

Chuck Norris isn’t the only reason you don’t mess with Texas. Some of the best metal bands have came from Texas and holy shit… they all go hard. The scene here is very unique because these bands have a distinct Texan sound that no other bands have. The riffs go hard and the breakdowns go even harder. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite bands from Texas.

Upon A Burning Body

I have already covered this band before, but these boys embody their Texas pride in songs such as Texas Blood Money. They are heavily influenced by Pantera because in that same song mentioned previously, they chant “respect, walk” which is a very popular chant in the Pantera song, Walk. These San Antonio natives put on a killer live show and I definitely recommend seeing them if you get the chance. Their songs are some killer riffs and catchy chants that you will be singing all day.

Favorite song: Sin City

I Am

Okay, this band has some of the best riffs that I have ever heard. They combine heavy ass riffs with killers grooves that will make you move your feet. These Dallas natives show their “Texas Death” attitude with pride. I have gotten to see this band once and all I can say is, WOW. They came out with so much energy and really captivated the crowd with their intensity. Everyone went crazy and I hope that they come back soon.

Favorite song: In Lust We Trust


Kublai Khan

Okay, this band is one of my absolute favorites. These Sherman locals take hardcore punk to the next level with some ass beating riffs and powerful barking vocals. I reviewed their newest record, Absolute, and if you haven’t listened to this album or band, you are really missing out. They bring the beatings like no one else. The riffs are simple but the intensity and weight of their sound makes them powerful. Have some pent-up anger? Release that shit with some Kublai Khan.

Favorite song: High Hopes

Creeping Death

No, I am not talking about the Metallica song Creeping Death, but the band from Dallas. I just got to see them for the first time and interviewed them on their tour with High on Fire and Power Trip. THEY ARE SO NICE!!!!!! They incorporate different mixes of genres from death metal, thrash metal, and a hint of hardcore. They have been influenced by other bands from Texas and their singer is really good friends with Riley Gale, the lead singer for another Texas band, Power Trip. Their riffs go hard and Reese’s vocals are amazing. They sound exactly the same live as they do on record. GO SEE THIS BAND!!! THEY ARE SICK!!

Favorite song: Peeled from Reality

Pantera

Does this band even need to be explained? From Arlington, I would argue that Pantera has influenced almost every band that is around today. Before Dimebag (RIP), there weren’t riffs like this; he opened the door for bands to experience with different riffs and opened the door for heavier music. I wish I could have seen this band live, but my parents have seen them tons of times. My mom was in a Domination pit and has met them. I’m hella jealous.

Favorite song: Drag the Waters

What are some of your favorite bands from Texas?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

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Playlists

Songs to fit the vibe

 

Music really hits differently based on your mood, so I’d talk about some songs to fit an uplifting vibe. I’ve made about a hundred different playlists for pick-me-up songs, from ‘Hype Music’ to ‘I love these songs with everything in me’. It’s like one of those youtube compilation videos you watch that have oddly specific titles but somehow fit your mood just right, anyhow without further or do here are some of my favorite pick-me-up tunes

  • Natural Supersoul by Superfood

    • If any song could make me feel like the coolest thing it would be this song, the vibe is so mellow it makes you kinda grove along, but the lyrics really always get me feelin like a Nat-ur-al Sup-er-soul

  • Younger by A Great Big World

    • Nothing quite like a throwback song to make you remember the good old times of childhood life

  • Hanna’s Theme by The Chemical Brothers

    • This song has no lyrics, it’s just really nice humming, call me crazy but I find this song so peaceful and relaxing I used to listen to it every night while falling asleep

  • One Day by Matisyahu

    • This song is just beautiful, and I think the message is really powerful

  • Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club

    • I’ve never made a good vibes playlist without this one, it’s a must to me, if you ever feel like things never workout this is the song to put on, because it’s a nice reminder that something good can work

What are some of your top good vibes songs?

– DJ Psyched

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Playlists

October Tunes

Another month is over and again some more real good music was released. This month I want to highlight three albums that I really enjoyed. In no particular order… 

Networker by Omni

Networker is the third full length album by the band and it’s sound is very classical older-school indie rock. The thing that really made this album stand out to me was the guitar and bass work, the riffs are incredibly ear catching and the vocals just match so well that it feels like it was made for the genre. I would recommend Sincerely Yours, Courtesy Call and Skeleton Key first. These anthems have been on repeat since I first heard them.

Friends by Future Crib

Another album that really caught my attention for its guitar work. I think this album is exactly what I think when I hear ‘indie’ and I absolutely love it. I feel like this music would be so nice to listen to live. There isn’t much more to say then you should start with Astronaut, Pocket and Alone.

Heavy Lifter by Hovvdy

I was instantly hooked when I first heard the song Mr. Lee. I am a sucker for catchy intros, and the higher pitched vocals really fit the vibe this song has. I feel like I could sit outside and listen during the day or chilling in my bed at 3am and it would hit so different but so right both times. It’s hard to describe the sound this album has but it’s very indie and kind of dreamy feeling to me. I would also recommend So Brite and Cathedral.

– DJ Psyched

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Playlists

Metal Songs to Study to

It’s almost that time of the year… exam season!! I know exams can be stressful, but metal makes everything better. It is hard for me to study without music (because I am a sleepy girl), and it’s hard to study with music sometimes because I just wanna dance and headbang.

I have a handful of metal songs that I listen to while I study. Even though I have to fight the urge to headbang and do my weird dances in the library, these songs are very helpful when trying to get work done. The majority of these songs are instrumental, which is very helpful for me while studying. Having songs without vocals seems to help me concentrate better. I hope these songs bring you good luck on whatever you are studying for. You got this, Butcher Crew!!!

Study Vibes Playlist

·      Obituary – Redneck Stomp

·      Death – Voice of the Soul

·      Wretched – The Stellar Sunset of Evolution Pt. 2 (The Rise)

·      Sylosis – Where The Sky Ends

·      Rings of Saturn – The Heavens Have Fallen

·      The Faceless – (Instru)mental Illness

·      Rivers of Nihil – Terrestria II: Thrive

·      Decrepit Birth – Sea of Memories

·      Obscura – A Transcendental Serenade

·      Revocation – Enter the Hall

·      Fallujah – Chemical Cave

·      Dark Matter Secret – Emergence of Time

·      Cannibal Corpse – From Skin to Liquid

·      Currents – My Disguise

·      Polyphia – G.O.A.T.

Happy Stu(dying)!!!

Stay Metal,

THE SAW  

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Playlists

College Explained through music

You know that feeling when you hear a song you relate to and you’re just like YES. Well, I’ve had a lot of those moments with songs that remind me of college.  I’ve talked about my playlists that I make every semester, but my favorite thing about them is that I now have a few anthems that really define my college experience. You can judge them for yourself from the playlist linked below, but this is my college experience explained through music…

  1. Sober by FIDLAR

  2. Art School Wannabe by Sorority Noise

  3. Hollow Life by Coast Modern

  4. I’m Just A Kid by Simple Plan

  5. Fine, Great by Modern Baseball

  6. Laugh Til I Cry by The Front Bottoms

  7. Sweet Disaster by DREAMERS

  8. Life’s To Short by Wild Party

  9. Something Good Can Work by Two Doors Cinema Club

  10. My Good Grades by Cecil Frena

  11. This Is Home by Cavetown

What would your list look like?

https://open.spotify.com/user/1218329188/playlist/7eg26Brb82AVtKnsDkn2bH?si=kTLT55seRpaDNMBwRpt0ng 

– DJ Psyched

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Playlists

Hallow-Rap playlist

Rap music is littered with lyrics about death, violence and bloodshed. A lot of people think this is one of the worst things about rap music. I think those people lack perspective. Whether you’re rapping about carrying the weight of death in your own community or if you’re rapping about perpetuating violence yourself; rap music’s subject matter is sometimes scary, especially because it is often sourced from real life experiences. Here are some creepy sounding songs that talk about some terrifying aspects of the black experience.

  1. Casket Pretty – Noname

  2. Pet Cemetery – Tierra Whack

  3. Thieves in the Night – Black Star

  4. The Devil’s Shoestring – MF DOOM

  5. Rage – Rico Nasty

  6. Heaven’s Little Bastard – Bbymutha

  7. Suicidal Thoughts – Notorious B.I.G.

  8. Flowers and Rope – Princess Nokia

  9. The Art of Peer Pressure – Kendrick Lamar

  10. Goth Kid – Princess Nokia

  11. Sandwitches – Tyler The Creator

  12. Freestyle 4 – Kanye West

  13. Deathwish – Comethazine

  14. Dark Night Dummo – Trippie Redd

  15. Elm Street – Jimmy Wopo

  16. Bad Guy – 21 Savage

  17. Faucet – Earl Sweatshirt

  18. Bobby Bitch – Bobby Shmurda

  19. Nuketown – SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD

  20. FlatBed Freestyle – Playboi Carti

  21. Paranoia – Chance The Rapper

-cellardoor xx

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Playlists

Spooky Season Playlist

Okay, so Halloween is every day for me, but I get hella extra when October hits. October is the only time of the year where almost everyone is getting their spooky vibes on and it makes my heart happy. Horror movies 24/7, going to haunted houses with the homies, and eating candy are only some of the activities that go on during this time. What’s not to love???

You want to know what else is spooky? Metal. Why do you think I love it so much? Below is a playlist that I created for all of your spooky season endeavors! So, sit back, relax, and blast this playlist throughout your haunted house or in your car!! You already know your Master Butcher has your back  (literally, your spine) for all things scary (: welcome to The Saw’s Butcher Shop y’all!

The Saw’s Spooky Season Playlist (link to Spotify below, sorry my Apple Music Butcher Crew).

·      Halloween Theme Song

·      Heads on the Wall – King Diamond

·      Halloween – King Diamond

·      This is Halloween – Marilyn Manson

·      Rotting in Vain – KoRn

·      Twist – KoRn

·      No Place to Hide – KoRn

·      Black No.1 -Type O Negative

·      My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend – Type O Negative

·      Summer Breeze – Type O Negative

·      Dragula – Rob Zombie

·      Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie

·      Superbeast – Rob Zombie

·      Demonoid Phenomenom – Rob Zombie

·      Meet the Creeper – Rob Zombie

·      Feed My Frankenstein – Alice Cooper

·      All Hallows Eve – Type O Negative

·      Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden

·      The Number of the Beast – Iron Maiden

·      Bark at the Moon – Ozzy Osbourne

·      Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath

·      Dead Skin Mask – Slayer

·      Raining Blood – Slayer

·      Seasons in the Abyss – Slayer

·      South of Heaven – Slayer

·      A Touch of Evil – Judas Priest

·       Creeping Death – Metallica

·      Enter Sandman – Metallica

·      Shout at the Devil – Motley Crue

·      Psychosocial – Slipknot

·      Duality – Slipknot

·      The Devil in I – Slipknot

·      Wait and Bleed – Slipknot

·      Kill or Be Killed – Spite

·      Kill or Become – Cannibal Corpse

·      Bloodstained Cement – Cannibal Corpse

·      Evisceration Plague – Cannibal Corpse

·      Hammer Smashed Face – Cannibal Corpse

·      Code of Slashers – Cannibal Corpse

·      Chopped in Half – Obituary

·      Slowly We Rot – Obituary

·      Ten Thousand Ways to Die – Obituary

·      Straight to Hell – Obituary

·      Turned Inside Out – Obituary

·      Inked in Blood – Obituary

·      Back from the Dead – Obituary

·      Lycanthropy – Six Feet Under

·      My Hatred – Six Feet Under

·      Murdered In The Basement – Six Feet Under

·      Insect – Six Feet Under

·      The Poison Hand – Six Feet Under

·      Where the Slime Live – Morbid Angel

·      Let The Knife Do The Talking – Hypocrisy

·      Symbolic – Death

·      Low Life – Death

You can find the Spotify playlist that includes all these songs here

What are some of your favorite spooky traditions? What songs are in your spooky playlist?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Playlists

September Tunes

 

2k Indie is all about spotlighting new indie music from smaller bands, and last month was full of good new tunes. So as part of a new monthly series, I want to highlight some of these new releases. These tracks all come from late August through September, and a full  playlist can be found at the end. 

  1. Messing With My Head by Smoothiboi Ezra // This artist has definitely caught my attention in the last few weeks. Her voice is so smooth and her lyrics are interesting to me because she kind of just says what’s on her mind but makes it sound so much smoother than just talking. This song’s theme is definitely something a lot of people can relate to, feeling as if someone’s messing with your head. The guitars in the track are also simple enough to let the lyrics stand out but accompany nice because the tone isn’t quite angry or sad, but somewhere right between.

  1. Gettin’ Older by Balue // Now this track stood out to me at first lesson because the artist has a very unique tang to his voice and he sings as if he’s speaking to someone. But the lyrics get me the most because I think everyone in college can relate to feeling like they’re getting older. The chorus is pretty catchy and the music is interesting throughout, the texture of the piece is pretty full and thick feeling. There is a smooth guitar solo around the end that pushes past all the backing instruments and it really keeps this track flowing. ‘Gettin’ older, still feeling pretty cool’ ヽ(⌐■_■)ノ♪♬

  1. Pheromones by Your Neighbors // The music got me on this one right away, its very funky in a way. The vocals have a nice drag to them and the music isn’t the traditional vibe I get from a lot of indie music (whatever that is). The track is catchy enough to groove along to but it also has a few layers and it’s pretty interesting to listen back and really try and hear everything. The guitars are also light and super catchy, and the electronic elements throw in really keep this piece interesting.

– DJ Psyched

Playlist to More // https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32tELiKlcSGbsrKQsbMyS1?si=DRBsQ4L_TWWHaHSAS114LA

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Playlists

Ultimate Autumn Playlist

Last fall as a small freshman, I spent many mornings sitting alone in Clark dining hall cultivating playlists. Many of the songs on these playlists had much jazz and soul influence (but not all of them), and I have found myself going back to these songs as the season approaches. These tunes will have you feeling like you’re in “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” or longing to wear your best turtleneck. The hottest fall soundtrack will accompany you on your walks to class. If you’re into any of these things, hopefully this post finds you well. 🙂 **These songs are not strictly autumn themed, but their sound will hit you right in all of your autumn-loving places**

1. Tis Autumn – Red Garland Trio

2. Para Machuchar Meu Coração – Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto

3. Baseball Theme – Vince Guaraldi Trio ( or any song from this soundtrack)

4. Make a Smile for Me – Bill Withers

5. Try Me – James Brown

6. Piece of Clay – Marvin Gaye

7. Voila – Francoise Hardy

8. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye – Bettye Swann

9. Thank You – Bonnie Raitt

10. Autumn Leaves – Nat King Cole

11. Time of No Reply – Nick Drake

12. Diamond Day – Vashti Bunyan

13. Moon Dreams – Miles Davis

14. Alone Together – Chet Baker

-Elizabeth Esser 

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Playlists

Top Ukulele Tracks

 

When I first started playing guitar I struggled badly with barre chords until one day I had the brilliant idea of practicing them on a ukulele. It did help but I quickly ran out of songs to learn and that’s when I started looking out for more ukulele based songs and these are my current top 5. So if you’re looking for some good ukulele tunes make sure to check these out.

U Could Find by Smoothiboi Ezra: This stripped back track is one of my absolute favorite heartbreak songs. The lyrics are just adorable and Ezra’s voice is so smooth it feels as if it was meant to be accompanied by a ukulele. I can’t help but feel happy when I listen to this song, anyone who’s ever been heartbroken will connect with her and the fact that it’s not too sad or bitter, just expressive, is perfect. 

Kalmia Kid by chloe moriondo: Again one of my favorite things about a lot of ukulele based tracks is how adorable and and uplifting this song is. The lyrics are reflective of nature but said in a very childlike way. It makes me feel like a young kid just enjoying life and all its aspects, and i’m swept away by Chloe’s voice. Her live version on YouTube is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy it.

Stolen Heart by Tyto Grey: This song is much less happy than the last two. Once again we have another heart break track but with the slow chord progression, light double strums and static over the vocals this song feel more like someone still in that sad phase of a post break-up. The chorus gets me singing along every time (the pic above is from my short cover of this) and it’s perfect for anyone starting to sing, the vocals are easy to follow but the emotion makes this track one I come back to often.

Spooky Ghosts by SNCKPCk: Now we have more of that classic ukulele vibe in this track. This song is a bit silly and cute, like a lot of SNCKPCK’s songs. It also has a childlike theme to it that makes it the perfect song for someone who makes you feel pure joy. The way he says ‘I’ll love you forever, forever, forever’ really makes this tracks.

You’re my world by Atlas: This track definitely stands out and I absolutely love it. The ukulele progression is so catchy and the artist starts out with rapping. There is also sung hook in the song that really pulls it together. However, the rapping is just perfect, his lyrics are very earthy and poetic and it’s so easy to vibe to this track and sing along.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7HB4D8K5G2oAnwQHod3OKa?si=dIMNVD9BThe_wDnKZuIOUg

– DJ Psyched