I suddenly woke up this morning after dreaming about Orang-utans. Beautiful, gentle orang-utans literally monkeying around the enchanting forests of Borneo. This was a pleasant surprise after months of weird, recurring dreams. Has that ever happened to you? I still remember the first time I dreamed EXACTLY the same thing a few nights in a row and I honestly thought it was the effect of having a Psychology degree. Needless to say, people have thought me to be a specimen of the Crazus Eccentriculus but it does happen. I'm still doing some research into it, so look out for my first very intellectual psychology post!
Orang-utans have been on my mind for quite a long time now. It's probably since the day I saw a bunch of tiny toddlers being wheelbarrow-ed around an Orang-utan Sanctuary, all of them trying to push their mates off. This video ---> isn't the same as what I watched on TV but it's as cute as. Look at them just sitting there!
A couple of months ago, I watched an episode of The Jeff Corwin Experience, where he visits the beautiful country of Indonesia and get up close and personal with the Orangs themselves. I've loved and admired Jeff Corwin since I was a kid , and he's always inspired me to just go out there and do what you can to help the gorgeous creatures of the animal kingdom. I guess that's how my house ended up with my five babies. They're not just animals, or dogs, or pets. They're my family. They've been there with me through everything. No expectations, no judgements. Just pure love. And that's pretty much the connection I have with any animal. It's unconditional. As harsh as this may sound, I don't think people are capable of that kind of unconditional love. Love yes, but unconditional? Quite rare.
Orang-utans are one of the most endangered species in the world as per IUCN status and are currently seen out in the wild only in the dense rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Have a look at the IUCN website. http://www.iucnredlist.org/ There's a classification system of how much in danger or how safe a particular species is. And it is positively shocking to see the pages and pages of Endangered and Critically Endangered species. It's not just a few. It's a few hundred, a few thousand.
I've always had a special love for the Great Apes, and I don't know what it is about these large, orange creatures that make me feel so good, but they do. As ironic and weird as this statement may sound, they seem so much more human than human beings themselves. I'm hoping my dream does come true and I get a chance to wheelbarrow a whole bunch of them around their gorgeous natural habitat in Borneo. That'd be awesome.
P.S: If you get a chance, watch The Jeff Corwin Experience episode of him in Borneo. =) His interaction with Orang-utans is truly something else.
Metal has been a massive part of my life for years now and has, contrary to popular belief, taught me things I couldn't have learnt otherwise and brought out a more emotional side, something which even my own species isn't capable of doing. Ask a random person what they think Metal music is? You'll definitely get replies such as , " It's just noise!!!", or my personal favourite, " That music where people sound like they're throwing up?". There's a whole list of hilarious responses to the above question. Many times I've even pretended to scorn on the very existence of heavy music just to see what other people think. What can I say, it's the psychologist in me that wanted to experiment. It's this, and of course my eternal love for the metchul world that propelled thoughts into this article.
Many times, I've been told that the kind of music I listen to has a bad effect on the mind and that it is depressing. Although scientifically or whatever, this may have been proven, it's not entirely true and there are living pieces(or people) of evidence that prove otherwise. That's when I link people to the lyrics of songs by Gojira, Decrepit Birth, Tool, Amorphis, Insomnium, I could go on and on, rather than the songs themselves. Lyrics play an integral part of metal music. They have an underlying and rather in-depth emotional meaning. It just goes unnoticed by a non-metal-head because of a mass belief in the evil intended in that kind of music, because of loud distortions and blast beats being misunderstood as there being no rhythm, talent or concept behind the music, which of course, is far, far away from the actual truth.
The genre of metal isn't just an ordinary one and is definitely an acquired taste. It's very rare that you suddenly wake up one day and say, "I want to hear death growls", and blast Amon Amarth to the extent that your neighbours curse you behind your back. It's a gradual process. But when you become a hardcore metal-head, you're constantly mentally consumed by another world, a world which boldly faces the ideals, the theories and the feelings that everyday society shuns and calls taboo. The songs sung and played by bands of the heavy calibre, are not just normal songs. There is always more than meets they eye, the same can be said about what you hear when you tune into metal. At first, all you can hear is down-tuned guitars being played at raging speeds, the drums showing no mercy on your sense of hearing, growls that are positively blood-curdling. But what does a member of The Brotherhood hear and feel?
He or she hears a subliminal message, one that declares the reality of life that we are ignorant to today, the undeniable elegance with which guitar riffs compliment the clean vocals and raspy growls, heck the fact that a song can have cleans and growls together is magic to any adoring metal-head's ears. Peace. Not anger. Not hatred. A feeling of calm, and being at peace with oneself and with the world.
Head to a metal gig? No, you won't see lighters being waved from side to side, or people dressed in bright celebratory colours. You will see black, (well mostly, I've seen girls in bright pink with My Little Pony bags), a sea of black t-shirts, each one a tribute to the wearer's favourite band, long hair of various long lengths, and of course piercings in the most unheard of places. Moshing for minutes on end, crowd-surfing, not to mention, my favourite form of and possibly the only form of dancing I will ever do (besides maybe a waltz or two), Head-banging. The rush that you get, when you windmill in time to the track that's playing, it's unbelievable. I've never been happier than I have when I'm rocking out to my favourite band and whipping my hair on people's faces without being looked at like I've gone completely mental. Of course, too much can lead to severe injuries but you have to be smart enough to be in control of how much you put your neck through.
I've been in Sydney for a few months now and the scene here for us metal-heads is sheer paradise. Even though there's not that many of us, gathering at a small pub or hall to listen to bands that really know their stuff, it's an absolute pleasure. For a few hours, you meet other members who are part of an uncommon breed of human beings just like yourself. There's no judgements, no worries, no misunderstandings. If understood and listened to the right way, metal can bring you that inner peace that people in suits and ties rave about in their million dollar best sellers. It can make you accept the way the world is, in all of it's flaws and finery and the best part? Be happy with it.
You'll be surprised as a lot of people I know, to find that metal-head's are actually soft-hearted creatures and not always out to slay someone. They're not ALL junkies with no purpose in life. Those are a class of people that use metal to justify whatever it is they're doing that society frowns upon, therefore giving the rest of us peaceful metal lovers a generally you're-not-healthy-in-the-head reputation. I've also met some very, very intellectual people at gigs and it's so nice to hear what people who share a similar love of music have to say if you're ready to listen.
What am I really trying to say here? What is this woman's point you ask? My point here lovely people is that metal isn't all negativity and Satan chants. There's that too. But even that, if listened to with a certain amount of objectivity, can be enjoyed. Underneath the armour of black clothing, excessively pierced and tattooed bodies, you'll find a normal human being with a passion like no other for a genre of music that inspires them and brings out feelings like nothing else can. That ladies and gentleman, is the power of what we like to call The Metal Brotherhood.
I've always been a creature of the nocturnal. I'm not quite sure why. But my brain has never seemed to adopt the concept of shut-eye during hours of normalcy. Initially, during my time as a school-goer, I'd be up till 2 or 3 AM, which was the usual time I'd slowly drift to sleep, and much to the surprise of many, I'd be up by 6.30 in the morning, reluctantly getting ready for school. Don't get me wrong here, I did love school, I just didn't fancy having a bath or studying physics which had no relevance in my eccentric life whatsoever. I'd watch football, randomly browse the Tube, talk and giggle late into the night with whoever was willing to listen. It was during these late nighter's that I also discovered some very interesting food combinations, one of my all time favourite's being pineapples, olives, parmesan and maple syrup on crackers. Creativity abounds best during the ungodly hours.
Many years later, I'm still awake while the rest of humanity is in the midst of secret dreams and their REM cycle. I've been told many times that it is an unhealthy habit, and that I should somehow trump it. I have tried, many a time to put myself to sleep, even going to the extent of ensuring no food is accessible, and my iPod and laptop were locked. The horror. You know the funny part though? I do get up when I have to even if I have only had about two to three hours of sleep. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, ( I do catch up on my sleep later during the day sometime or whenever I can ), but I'd say I have some weird sort of stamina. more mental than physical. I'm not going to dwell into the science of 'being nocturnal' but all I can say is, it's not as bad as it is made out to be. At least that's what I think.
I have done excessive research on the matter mind you. And everywhere I read, I come across the word 'Insomnia'. One of my favourite words by the way. Sounds so very classy. I'm not an insomniac. Insomnia is in fact, the 'inability to sleep'. I can MOST CERTAINLY sleep. This is coming from a person who can sleep for 9-10 hours straight without waking up. And I assure you I do not have an even remotely stressful life. =P
It's as I read somewhere, the natural 'state of being'. That's just how I function.
And that's when I came across something really interesting. It's called the 'Circadian Rhythm'. In other words, it's a sort of internal clock on which our bodies run, and sets the natural pace and rhythm to which we live. Pretty fancy hey?
I'm trying to work on bringing down the nocturnal behaviour down to a minimum because it really just is not healthy. I had dark circles. DARK CIRCLES. THAT'S LIKE A UNICORN WITH ANOTHER HORN.....ON IT'S BUTT. POSSIBLY WORSE. I woke up one morning, because that's what one usually does, excuse the stating of the obvious. The first thing I usually do is brush out my hair. Not my teeth. My hair. Yes I am slightly obsessed when it comes to my hair as I have mentioned before. So I woke up with great difficulty.
This is how I feel in the morning.
This is how I look in the morning;
I figured I would use this precious ungodly hour of the day to put down a list of things I do that keeps me awake. I guess I have nothing going on around me so late and I love that time. It's blissful if I do say so myself. I just sit and do whatever I feel like. Or fly. Depends on the mood really. I'm not always sitting you hear? I AM NOT. One thing I'm yet to do during my hours of awakening ( bahahahahaha ), is, picture this if you will, sneak out of the house with my car keys and drive off into the mysterious nothingness of the night. I've gotten as far as just outside my gate so that is definitely on my to-do list. You know, be all fancy, swipe the keys off the key holder in the kitchen and head for the great outdoors in my fancy black chariot, although my keys are usually in this weird psycho looking basket which is held by a bear. Not a real bear of course. The stuffed kind. I'm talking teddy bear types. Not a real stuffed bear. And my car isn't even remotely chariot-like although I'd like to imagine so.
If you didn't already realize what all the hullabaloo about driving off into the 'mysterious nothingness' of the night is, it's this: I'M GETTING MY LICENCE IN TWO DAYS BEECHES. Oh the joy, the freedom, the sheer awesomeness that is me and my mad driving skills. But I shall save that for another post. Indeed I shall. Brace yourselves for yet another bout of narcissism.
Got my license by the way. Now to get one in Sydney and jack a car I can drive.
TO THE LIST: (charges with light saber in one hand and bejeweled sword in the other)
1. Listen to music till my ears pop out from the sides of my face. Apart from the fact that this is what I do 90 % of the time I'm awake, I love my late night music sessions. It's peaceful, I don't have constant interruptions from unwanted sources ( HA. you're not here Mum..nyaaah). I don't even realize the time float past. Not only is it one of the best times to listen to music, it gives you the chance to actually hear what you're listening to. Do I not make sense to you? Think about it. Do you actually know what you're listening to, besides just knowing the name of the band/artist and the song? I get a chance during these ungodly hours to kick back, eat sour candy and take in whatever it is I'm listening to. The lyrics, the melody, the brutality, the rhythm. It all makes a little more sense in the depths of the night.
2. Watch Stand Up Comedy and laugh myself to sleep. Live, Laugh, and Laugh some more. That is a policy I very strongly believe in. Where would we be without a good laugh hey? Wal-Mart that's where. Or face-down in elephant poop. Don't ask me why, this is just what I think. I have this really really weird habit. If I'm watching something funny, and I mean, really really funny, I rewind it and watch it again. And again, till I literally believe in the non-existence of my torso. Such as this scene from the movie Hotel Transylvania:
Aw man. Epic stuff. I remember watching this on a night flight to Sydney, and I kept bugging my sister to watch just that one scene. oh, everyone was sleeping too while I was cackling like a witch high on crack. Good times. Woke some people up too. I WAS the cause of that.
I love watching stand up comedy. I've posted lots of videos and there are some more due! Honestly, you forget everything when you watch a comedian trip on the world. Especially when it's someone like Dylan Moran *swoon* .
3. Exhibiting Literacy
Being literate, I think it's important we give our educated minds a little attention every now and then, a break from the nutters people are in real life. I'll write anything. To-Do lists, the chorus of a song, yes, my blog. If you let your mind wander a little, and trust me it really isn't that hard, I forever live in a constant state of daydream, you'll find that there are things inside the little crevices of your cranium that you had no idea even existed. Keeps your mind alert, clear and well, makes you awesome. I have extra respect for people that read and write. On their own. I don't mean University assignments and text books. But taking that little extra effort to dig deeper into something. or dig out as the case may be when you're being all creative and whatnot. If you want to get an idea, albeit a slightly exaggerated one of what I look like when I'm being creative, there you go.
4. TEEVEE Show Binge:
I think my best (or worst) is two seasons in two days. I think it was Arrow. I can watch a lot. My eyes have un-human abilities. I don't wear glasses either because I'm so excessively cool like that. It's good to just kick back and mindlessly watch something , because it does just that, lessens the mind, if that made any sense but I'm sure you know what I mean. I'm a sucker for anything that's crime and law related, also with a little comedy thrown in like Castle and White Collar, even Dexter. Dark and psycho thrillers like Hannibal absolutely get me hooked and I think I finished that in two or three days too. I'm a little bit picky about the shows I watch, it needs to entice me on the first few episodes or I'll just get bored. But yes binge! iz gud.
There's lots more, but I have an itch on the bottom of my big toe and I don't like that. Also there's this ONE mosquito which is plaguing my very being right now so I'm off to battle the little bugger.
Stay heavy dewds. I shall return with more on my Nocturnal Nemesis.
So today I was having lunch with a friend of mine, and we were just talking about how we have the most abnormal reactions in awkward or emotional situations; hysterical fits of laughter, sarcasm, or just faces of stone. I'm not too great with emotions or expressing them. I'm sort of like Hannibal that way, you can never really tell what I'm feeling because either I'm really quiet or I'm laughing like a hyena on crack. I don't particularly like the rest of the world knowing how I feel either so I like it that way, although many times it has gotten me into bouts of trouble leading to me expressing too much pent up emotion or just not giving two shits at all. But then it comes right back to hysterics and sarcasm. My two defence mechanisms. So on my usual daily internet junkie spree, I came across the phrase, 'Brain Dump'. Basically, it means just that, dumping all the shennanigans your brain has to put up with inside your cranium and letting it all out, or atleast some of it out. And what better way than to blog about it hey? Now now, this is not about me letting out my 'pheelingzz and eeemoshaanz', but more or less to give you kind peasants an idea of what really goes down in my supersonic noodle-organ every now and then. The Brain-Dump section of my blog you could call it. And trust me when I say, I have THEE most random thoughts, so I'm sure this will be rather entertaining for you to read. And like I always say, I take great pride in my Chinese Zodiac Rooster trait of being honest so this is me, being completely honest. I'm really excited about this new addition to my virtual creative life so here's Brain Dump #1
DECEMBER 12th , 2013
1. I really need to put an earring into my sixth piercing before it closes. AGAIN. Discussing piercings today with someone, I'm considering one on my inner ear lobe but apparently it kills and takes one whole bloody year to heal. Well I don't blame the body really, snipping off bits off skin with a needle isn't really the brightest of ideas. then again, my ears are hot shizz. Also I love the sound when the piercing is done, makes everyone else around me flinch. I'm a little messed up in the head like that but I like it. Contrary to popular belief, I still need to squeeze the life out of someone's hand when I'm getting one done. Adding more holes to your body isn't all fun and dandelions. Also, why in Honolulu's name would anyone pierce their friggin cheeks? stick a jewel on there if you really want shiny cheeks!!!!!! or body glitter.
2. People have the wrong idea about metal. Look what it's done to add to the Christmas cheer!
This band is so awesome! They make me want to hug a tree,wear a tutu and headbang all at the same time. Someone turned up in a tutu last month to a gig. Another chick with a My Little Pony bag. I'm not quite sure why they must be so very rebellious. who would've thunk you could be rebellious with a My Little Pony bag? My idea of rebellion was shoving 43 grapes into my mouth, listening to European bands growl Satanic verses and colouring my hair red. Balls that was, I'm so glad it's back to normalcy now. I love my hair. It's like my baby. Pretty soon I can use it as a scarf for Sydney's winter. It's not quite there yet, more like a replacement for a coconut bra. Not that I like wearing coconuts but it serves the purpose.
3. I love how even after atleast 14 years of using the internet I still keep like 2962936238 tabs open. Doesn't slow down anything for me, people are just jealous of my mad tab skillz. Writing down memos are so 20th century anyway. Tabs are the way to go!
4. I'm still contemplating this 365 day photo challenge. What if I miss out one day? Do I take two the next day? I'm sure no one will notice. Or I could just count one day from the next year and start my own Calendar. That could work. I might have to take selfies. I find selfies and skype the two most awkward things EVER. I've taken a few selfies but it's been with the aim of showing people my gorgeous self. Oh how I do love me. Is all forms of social interaction meant to make you look like a total retard? On twitter it looks like you're talking to yourself and on Skype it looks like your looking at yourself. Unless the other person switches on their video then it's cool. But what the hillabean do you do staring at each other? Every time someone says, COME ON SKYPE, all I can think to myself is, " Man, why? I have eyes, ears and nostrils just like you. They're just positioned differently."
5. I really need to find another job. I'm hoping someone replies to my emails at some point or I'm just going to have to walk around wearing a signboard to make myself a little more seen to potential Employers. Maybe some fresh donuts hanging off my ears. I still have room believe it or not.
6. I have so many posts to finish. ljehweihfwlefkjlwefj. Baby steps they said. Patience they said. WHO ARE THESE STUPID PEOPLE.
7. I'm hungry. again. two bowls of cereal, a whole Indian lunch of fried rice, three curries and a Samosa, followed by Mushroom and Tomato Penne and then two bowls of rice with gravy and pickle for dinner. Oh not too mention the three bottles of Organic Cola I drank in a matter of 15 minutes. man I downed those beeches at supersonic speeds. I'd be a pretty darn good drinker of beers and the like. I reckon I could hold my own though and not get all 'hungover' and wack in the head. I'm wack in the head as it is. I ate too much chocolate as well. CRUNCH I shall return on the weekend. What a name for a gym. CRUNCH. It's a wonder I even joined gym, is that name supposed to motivate non-gym people like me?
8. To the couple sitting in front of me slobbering on each other's faces - Did you know the human mouth has more germs than USA and Canada put together? Don't even ask me how that's possible, but it's a fun fact. I like fun facts. You two sound like birds with diarrhoea. If that's what you call romance, I'd rather have donuts hanging off of my ears.
9. - So I'm looking at this as a base for my new endeavour, and it's like the Universe really does want to challenge me. 1. Your backyard on a Snowy day. What about for people that don't have a backyard, like me? What about for people that live in a country where of course, it refuses to snow when it's supposed to, like a normal country. I may have to change these a little. Or I'll just do what I always did to pretend it was snowing and rub some thermocol together on plants. Man, my creativity levels just astound me. Why is there that stupid curvy red line under thermocol? I DO NOT WANT THE WORD THERMAL I WANT THE WORD THERMACOL. How are computers smart? I don't get it. Don't you spell it like that?
10. I cannot get over how intense this video is.It's dark, brutal and has a wolf. What I wouldn't give to see Behemoth again. One of the best nights of my life. Seeing Nergal's face just gave me so much strength. My spirit animal is apparently an Otter but I'm definitely more of a Wolf. I want my own Wolf.
I friggin love Behemoth. I should read up more on Mythology. It's been a while.
11. When I grow up, because apparently I haven't yet, I want a room full of just these.
I'm an honest person. Sometimes brutally honest. And as experience has taught me, being that brutal doesn't sit well with, unsurprisingly most of the human population. People like hearing what they want. Yet no one is prepared to listen to what they need to. Which further pushes me to make people see reason in the brutal truth. I cannot stand ignorance, just like I have a strong dislike towards those who seem to be under the impression that they're the sole great beings walking Planet Earth. As anti-Humanimal as I sound for the most part, I really am not. But I am an anti-lets-chop-some-animals-up-and-satiate-our-taste-buds-because-there-are-in-fact-too-many-of-them. I hyphenated that for you so it's easy on the irises (irii?) but it has more effect when you un-hyphenate it.
Now since I'm honest and all that jazz, let me get straight to it. Also, just to put it out there, never do I use the word 'hate'. If you've read a previous post, you'll see why. And as I said before, I only use it when I really have zero tolerance for something. And I think I've reached a point in my life where I've further understood myself and I can safely say that I absolutely hate the fact that animals are killed for people. I didn't understand it when I was 3 and I certainly do not comprehend it now. When I was a child, albeit a weird and rather eccentric one, I knew something wasn't right with the world when I walked past the meat section in the supermarkets. I'd go to the rather humorous extent of pacing up and down that aisle, head high up, nose revealing the elegant nostrils of a 3 year old and with just one phrase I'd impact the reactions of my fellow supermarket-goers greatly; "SHMEH-LAAAAAAAY'.
Translation: Smelly. This positively wreaks. Much to the embarrassment of my family, who would conveniently disappear into either sections leaving me to my young blood protests, they found it hilarious. But I was making a point then. It's not easy trying to communicate when you're that age. No one gets you! Heck no one gets me now even!
As is common being a Vegetarian, I'm forever asked how I survive without meat, how I'm even standing without so much as a flinch when I haven't consumed the dead flesh of another being. I'm very firm but subtle in my views and I don't discuss my opinions or anything about how I feel until I completely trust a person. sometimes it takes more than trust too. Many times in the past, due to reactions, I've just backed off about things when it comes to me. I let the bare minimum surface. This isn't to say that I have a lot of secrets or I keep things to myself. It's more I keep TO myself. Sounds anti-social, but it works for me. Until a few days ago, I was asked yet again why I'm a grass-eater.
Another thing I always make clear to people is that I will not judge you if you eat meat ( well maybe a little), you can do whatever you want. It's just that I don't. But when I'm pushed, sometimes I say things which make people wish they didn't bother asking me questions at all. Said person didn't really say anything harsh, but what he did say caused me to feel so much hatred because of the general attitude of the human race towards the animal kingdom. "It's just meat."
People only see the close-to-end result. Or the end result. But do you see the process? Do you see how your curries and roasts end up that way? What you see are names on a Menu. Just lumps of meat which to people who eat meat are just like piles of vegetables. They bear no meaning. It's just food. It's normal.
It isn't normal. It's a tragic affair happening everywhere on a daily basis in all of the 200 odd countries in the world at every given second. This isn't to say that Meat should be stopped. But instead of being in a constant state of denial, think a little before you buy your next hamburger. Or before you talk to a Vegetarian. Or before you meet me. Meet what's being killed. I can cook my own dinner from scratch. But can you?
Also I've been wondering, it's positively shattering what went down in the Philippines. But has anyone even considered giving a minute of their time to a little place in Japan called Taiji?
I think you should. You'll understand me better then.
I laughed to myself at how appropriate the band I was heading to see that night was, Moonsorrow, as one of the craziest thunderstorms recorded in the city, raged down on the people of Sydney, everyone shuffling around like minions looking for any form of transport to get them out of the gripping wet cold. Walking to trains, trains to bus, bus to a taxi and then on my feet again, I ran as quick as I could to what is fast becoming my second home, the Manning Bar to witness a night of beautiful Finnish Pagan metal magic.
Unfortunately I missed the opening band Dead River Runs Dry, who describe themselves and their music as "A charred black slab of ruthless venom that only Australia could spit out".I had listened to their 2012 release WINTER 2012, filled with black metal goodness but I'm sure I would've enjoyed watching and hearing them live as well. Hoping to catch them the next time.
I entered the venue, wet and exhausted but my body ready for a night of metal, just as Germ's members were doing their sound-check. Germ, are slowly becoming one of my favourite local acts. The first time I caught them was, when they opened for Enslaved and honestly I was all a mix of shock and awe. As a haunting and beautiful symphonic intro plays, the dark, hooded and masked figures of Germ come on stage, reminding me of bats. Now there is something special about this band which I absolutely admire, they lead you into believing that they are all about the black metal symphony when the vocalist, Tim Yatras, with a mystic, depressive demeanor powers in, with screams that remind me of banshees, piercing through the ghostly black metal melody. My word, does he have some insane vocal chords. this is definitely not something a lot of people would like, let alone consider music but I was beyond impressed especially the second time around. The guitar segments are a treat to the senses, I had my eye constantly on the lead guitarist and my eyes were close to popping out of their sockets! His hands move at a supersonic speed. The band as a whole is awesome to watch, the vocalist disappearing in dramatic pauses, only to come back and unleash those vocals with even more gusto. An epic part of their performance is when the multi-talented Tim unleashes his brutal less depressive side on the drums, tribal-ing up the sound and the mood a notch. It truly is something you need to develop a taste for but trust me, once you see these guys, you'll wrap your head around their style which is intense, unique and beautifully depressing. Finally, the heroes of the night, the gorgeous Finnish men of Moonsorrow. There's just something about Scandinavia and mythology that psychs my brains out. Throw in some metal and you've lost me. That kind of music literally takes you into a whole other world, and with Moonsorrow? It's all about the dark and eerie depths of the mysterious and historical land of Finland. Adorning red paint that was splashed across their bodies and faces, entering the stage to the beautiful symphonic, key filled intro of Tyven as frontman, Ville Sorvali strides in topless, his band mates dressed in black leather outfits, I knew I was in for a heavy and fun night.
With a powerful presence, the Finnish Viking outfit burst into Sankarihauta with such a blistering sound that I could feel my ear drums vibrate. Horses neighing in the background, that mid-paced pounding of the drums, majestic riffs, the sound of swords slaying, gives you full visuals of brutal armies charging at each other in a struggle to win a battle. Ville's voice is something else. The chanting, elements of flute and chants just adds to the beauty of the Finnish epic based track. They definitely brought out the charming side of metal too. There's a small guitar solo towards the end of the track that sounds even more perfect live. You cannot help but love this band that dedicate their music to the folk tales and epics of their country. There were the traditional war horns and beers raised in respect, a fan dressed in a kilt, Moonsorrow started off on a highly energetic note. The guitarist causing a riot with his mad headbanging,along with the vocalist, it was so much fun to watch! One of my favourite things about this band is that each member contributes to the singing, be it leads or backing vocals. Various pitches and vocal tones add to the magnanimity of their melodic folk music as well as doing justice to the length of these songs. Seriously, these guys are contenders against the likes of legendary band Opeth and their awesomely long tracks. Powering through some of their most brilliant work, 'Kivenkantaja', 'Pimea', 'Kylaan Paasa' which has a definite didgeridoo or atleast something like it featuring in spurts throughout the length of the track, riffs beng hammered all over the place and powerful screams with some beautiful symphonic segments in between all of this. The rhythmic clapping during this track followed by the traditional 'Oi Oi' yells, Marco Tarvonen's insane drumming, really got the crowd going completely bonkers.Truly makes you want to go to war or atleast break something just to have this song playing in the background. Another one of my favourites Jotunheim blasted out. WHAT A TRACK. 19 beautiful minutes of sheer folk awesomeness. I was in a complete trance listening to this track, which begins with a beautiful instrumental passage, slow paced melodic guitar riffs opening your mind to the beauty of the Scandinavian country. The sound of birds, the soft sounding keys, send you into a calm state before without any sort of warning suddenly transcends into a beautiful balance of crushing folk and black metal, the vocals both growls and the backing chants in an atmosphere of heavy and acoustic add to the charm of this track. One of their most amazing songs yet! After a conversation with the crowd about their homeland, Moonsorrow prepared the adoring audience for their final 15 minute track of the night, with one of the most amazing tracks ever composed by Moonsorrow, from their 2011 album "Varjoina kuljemme kuolleiden maasa", the crowd was in a riot as 'Kuolleiden Maa' echoed through the air. The power of this song is magnificent as is the charisma of the Finnish five-piece, gracing our shores for the very first time. It was a beautiful night, bringing together metalheads from all over Sydney to witness one of the greatest folk metal bands of all time. Yes it was one hell of a night, the night that was Moonsorrow.
Behemoth. The very sound of that name is enough to give you a chill down your spine. It creates visuals of a beastly power that has an inevitable magnificence and can grip the minds of people in an instant. Needless to say, that is exactly the persona of Polish blackened death metal band Behemoth. The moment Soundworks touring dropped this announcement, I felt an array of emotions rush through my head all in a matter of seconds. I could hardly believe it yet again that the year I get to Sydney, a band I go crazy for was heading my way.
The first act of that epic night were Sydney's five piece death metal outfit Exekute . I had never come across these guys before but that's the beauty and advantage of getting to a gig early, you discover some pretty amazing bands/musicians which you may have been previously ignorant to. How were Exekute you may ask? My favourite phrase, 'Sheer Brutality', wouldn't even begin to define how good they were. The rather large crowd were already losing their shit as the band came on stage., I was taken by surprise when I saw a rather peaceful, looking and short human take to the front of the stage, and I couldn't help but think stereotypically for a second, because he did not seem to look like the frontman of a death metal band. Oh, how insanely wrong I was, because looks are truly deceiving. From the very start, Fred Jaya unleashed the power of his brutal vocals, with me having to constantly lift my jaw up off the ground. For a person just walking in, no one would've suspected that this was just the start of the show. Circle pits had broken out, fans head banging all over the place, it was insane! One song that stood out to me was 'Sledgehammer Symmetry', crushing vocals, mad heavy riffs , drumming at a supersonic pace, it was a masterpiece. You do not want to miss out on these guys the next time they're playing.
Italian metal maestros, Hour Of Penance were up next and being a big fan, I was beyond psyched to see this band live. After a few minutes of sound-check, the band graced the crazed fans gathered in high numbers at the Manning Bar. As hoped by me, the first song of the set was 'Ascension' which is one of my all time favourite HoP tracks, and my favourite off their 2012 release 'Sedition'. Truth be told, I was a little bummed when there were issues with the sound, with the usually powerful Paolo's voice not being heard quite clearly. Moving away from his mic, there were random sounds, the backing track being heard more significantly than the sounds of the instruments. But Hour Of Penance being Hour Of Penance, they moved past the sound problems soon enough, only to put on a show deadly enough to brutalize your eardrums. These guys are the epitome of perfection live! 'Decimate the Ancestry of the Only God', another epic track left my brain rattling inside my head, because decimate is what they did. The band's music has a sound that can bring you to your knees and the way in which they delivered this song was not only perfect, but so friggin effortless that it just makes you think. I really hope they come back to our side of the hemisphere again soon.
Post Hour Of Penance, I was getting so restless, as was the rest of the metalhead bunch, all of us anticipating what was most certainly going to be one of the most memorable nights of our lives. Minute after minute with the tension of waiting increasing, and after what seemed like an eternity, the lights dimmed. Death growls, roars and whistles pierced through the Manning Bar as it was filled with the doomish melody. Thus appeared on a Sydney stage for the second time in their illustrious career, the hooded, ghostly figures of Behemoth, taking majestic strides, heads bowed down. It was absolutely magical and the show hadn't even started yet. To call it a show, to me, would be criminal, because it was so much more than that.
Nergal, the man is a legend and has an aura about him that just orders respect. Corpse paint, a chickenfoot garland and his ghoul-like black hooded glory, he yells to the crowd, "It's good to be alive!", the response being the deafening roars of Behemoth's devotees. I could feel a tear roll down my face, inspired by a man who for over a year has given Leukaemia the finger and come back more powerful, more brutal and brought it out in Behemoth's music. As the majestic figures of Orion and Seth took their place on either side of the frontman, and former Decapitated drummer Krimh, there was an intense feeling floating in the air as the well known opening to 'Ov Fire and Void, ripped out sending the maddened crowd into an absolute frenzy. With every song that was played, the energy kept rising, my neck unforgivably losing all sensation, the blood rushing to my head. Never before had I been in such a crazy atmosphere, but I wanted more. Everyone did! Just when I thought my life couldn't get any better, the polish death metallers burst into their newest song 'Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel' off their upcoming album 'Satanic'. Needless to say, I lost it. Fist pumping, screaming, I literally am at a loss of how to describe what the scene was like that night. This was only half-way through the set.
Playing more favourites, Decades of Therion, At The Left Hand Ov God, Chant for Eschaton 2000, there was just so much emotion, energy and power at The Manning Bar. Orion and Seth blasted their respective guitars delivering riffs that melted face and made you want to break something. They play with such a deadly speed, the stage presence commanding the utmost respect for one of the greatest black metal bands in the world. Inferno being absent was filled in by Kerim 'Krimh' Lechner who was a first class beast on that drum kit. I swear when you see this man drumming, you have no idea what is going on because you can see no feet, no hands and no fingers, beasting his drum kit at a shattering speed, his muscles and demonic face bringing the hearts in my eyes out. Suddenly, out of nowhere, painted in white and adorned in fake blood comes a figure who beat the shit out of the drums, adding an indefinite tribal flavour to the night. Ending their amazing set with the likes of 'Lucifer', Nergal wearing his famed Apostasy mask, looking more brutal than ever, Behemoth ripped through their final track of the night, the crowd going crazy one last time. Dramatically slowing down, the lights dimming until we were left in complete darkness, the sounds of the guitars fading out, the heavy breathing of fans, it was an absolute blessing to have witnessed what we did, and with a limp body I left, The night that was Behemoth.
I always try and avoid using public washrooms. I will HOLD IT if I have to. But the few times i have ventured off into the world of the commoners peeing facilities, I have ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS come across that species of women who are putting on their face for atleast the second or third time that day. At a gig recently, a metal gig, I went in to change and I see a girl there with her whole friggin make up kit spread out on across the length of two sinks.
I was a little bit on the not-too-well side last week. My new job, which I shall be writing about soon because it's rather interesting, has been keeping me on my feet. From work at the end of the week it's usually straight to gigs. Sunday is when I crawl into my blanket and disappear, lost in an abyss of sleep and recurring dreams. As is common when you see someone who isn't in the 'pink of health' as they say, I was told a number of times to consume little demonic pellets that supposedly are powerful enough to fight the demonic little shits in your body that cause you to have whatever it is that you are down with. Let me get straight to it.
I DO NOT APPRECIATE THE CONCEPT OF MEDICATION. It does not help me in the least. I've seen it, my family has seen it. Yet people don't believe me when I say they do nothing to help me when my health is on the offside. It's funny because my body just does not react to medications. But ten thousand gallons of water, a few bars of cocoa and a long run and hey! I'm back in action. Weird? I belive so. But welcome to my world children, where the Weird dominates and the Eccentric rule.
I was about 8 when I had to take my first meds. Atleast that's as far back as I can remember. I was at my gran's place when I fell pretty sick. She instantly brought out an entire pharmacy and placed it before me. Luckily I only had to take two but even that I wasn't too keen on. This is something I tell people when asked what is it that I'm scared of: It's swallowing medication. That is my fear. Not spiders, not the dark, not heights, not spoons. Medicines. I DO NOT LIKE THEM. She attempted to make me swallow two of them, which took me about 15 minutes because I kept drinking water in preparation to swallow the little buggers but eventually my fear got the better of me and along with the medication came out lunch.
It's been 13 years since that little ordeal and even though I have conquered that fear, considering I take supplements everyday, I still don't like medication. And haven't taken any in the past few years. Unless I REALLY have to. Which has been only a couple of times. I haven't been to a doctor in years as well. Many people tell me that that isn't a good thing because I need to be 'aware' of how my body is. Which just leads me to believe how much more stupid humanity gets everyday because, I would be more aware of MY own body than someone who's actually PAID to BE AWARE and to generously write out lengthy prescriptions subsequently making pharmaceutical companies bask in the glory of wealth and you to gradually lose your mind and what's in your wallet.
I know it's a strong point of you but hey, I'm Aquarian. That's how we roll. What do I do if I fall sick though you may ask?
1. Exercise. Vigourous exercise. It is my belief that you need to sweat out whatever's inhabiting your body and get it out of your system.
2. Music. Calms your mind, your body and keeps you on the positive side of things even on your sicket, most disgusting day.
3. Eat like a starved little street urchin. I eat. ALOT when I'm not well. I had four dinners last week in a period of 3 hours. Excessive consumption of cocoa is also advised by me. When I have the flu, I eat cartons of ice cream. Fight fire with fire I always say. Eventually it'll explode the shit out of the place leading to an abyss of nothingness.
4. Watch stand-up. I remember my mum telling me about this one guy who had Cancer. Like stage three cancer. He spent all his time watching everything that was funny in the hospital and BAM. Remission! To this day I keep that in mind, sick, not sick. At the end of the day, you need to be happy and what better way to do that then watch videos of Dylan Moran and Danny Bhoy and people leaping off of trampolines falling flat on their schnozes.
Someone told me once that I was a first class hypocrite because I have a thing against medicines but I take supplements. How are they different. Really. Human stupidity levels radar going BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.
Supplements, especially the ones I take are organic and are solely consumed to make up for the nutrition that is lost out when you don't get enough from the food you eat. It's to keep your cells healthy, rejuvenated and to keep your immune system the boss of it all. Smell medication you pick up from the dentist. Go on. I ask you. You will most certainly lose the will to smell after you have smelled some of them. Smelt? Smelled? Friggin english.
I want to eat Malteasers in the rain now and listen to Insomnium.
All I can say is, a few years from now, I am definitely going to rub in the faces of my future kids ( and other people of course) that I was present for what could very well be the most epic night of my life so far. I knew from the very second that Soundwave Touring announced a double headliner tour with two of the biggest names in the metal world, that I would be there, even if I had to sell a friggin limb. The two bands that I listen to all the time, two bands who are so insanely different and unique, two bands that can literally shred your ears and rip your face off with their sheer awesomeness.
The queue was insane. people were sloshed, psyched and it just seemed like the perfect night to witness the metal magic of Lamb Of God and Meshuggah. Finally inside, I was in two minds because the Roundhouse has this brilliant balcony giving you a full view of the venue. Eventually I ended up down, and look up about 20 minutes later to see Blythe casually doing some photography and Chris Adler lazing around watching the crowd with that gorgeous beard of his. At around 8.15 the Swedish Djent-lemen, pioneers of a wave of a new musical genre, made themselves present before the gradually building up crowd at the Roundhouse, giving perfect meaning to the saying 'The Calm Before The Storm'. Taking to the stage in an abyss of darkness, Meshuggah burst into 'Swarm', which pretty much melted my very face off. And it was just the first song! The Swedish outfit played quite a few tracks off of their latest album, 'Koloss', such as 'The Hurt That Finds You First', 'Do Not Look Down', and of course 'Demiurge'. 'Demiurge' with it's massive sound was positively brutal live. My man Fredrik Thordendal, Hagstrom and Lovgren were majestic, shredding guitar ever so effortlessly and Tomas Haake being a beast.It was beautiful to watch, although the light show I felt could've been toned down a bit as the band was not entirely visible. 'I Am Colossus' made my heart do funny things to say the least. The band has this powerful aura when performing and watching them while listening to some of my favourite tracks just made me appreciate even more how intense and skilled they are as well as the intricate nature of their music. Jens Kidman was an absolute stunner, his vocals captivating the place, ricocheting off the walls of the Roundhouse, possibly giving new meaning to a literal 'breakdown'. Throughout their set, Meshuggah made it clear that their sole purpose was to destruct eardrums with their deafening and brutal sounds and destruct they did. Ending their set for the night with a couple of tracks off of 'Catch Thirtythree' and another tight song, 'The Last Vigil', it was a performance that will stay fresh in my head for a long, long time to come.
Now the beauty of a double headliner such as this, and despite this being me stating the obvious, is that, it wasn't over. The now packed Roundhouse, people pouring into every nook and cranny possible, it was Lamb Of God time. After what seemed like eons of a wait, they burst onto the stage like raging bullets. I had tears seeing Randy Blythe, considering the ordeal that the man has been through. For him to return on such a massive note, proves that music can break any barrier and he proved it that night. The crowd lost their shit when all of the classics such as 'Ghost Walking', 'Ruin', 'Walk With Me In Hell', 'Omerta' and 'Contractor' blasted on. The atmosphere was signature to that of an LoG concert, a brutal wall of death, circle pits with people giving two shits about losing limbs, not to mention all them headbangers. Chris Adler was the epitome of perfection as Campbell, Morton and Willie Adler brutalized. At this point my neck was, hanging by a thread, literally. Back on stage for an encore, and which I found hilarious, was a random appearance by Michael Starr of Steel Panther who are soon to be touring Australia too. It was a rather amusing and interesting appearance at that, with Starr asking the ladies in the crowd to flash him, generally tripping on Randy and after a point it just got weird, and he was escorted off stage leaving Randy with an extremely shiny blue vest. Putting on said vest, Randy broke into my all time favourite 'Redneck' while I simultaneously went on to break my neck. It was amazing. The love for the band was overwhelming and it just goes to show how strong the metal brotherhood Down Under is.
Ending their epic set with Black Label, Lamb of God left the stage with a heavily satisfied crowd. Randy Blythe -The man is a legend and I have so much respect for him. That night meant the world to me and I'm so happy that I was a part of it. Watching two of the greatest bands that ever existed on the same night put on a show that brutalized minds and bodies, it was perfect.
Eminem. Someone I grew up listening to. The man is a legend. And he continues to live up to his legacy of being a 'Rap God' as declared on one of his tracks off his latest, The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Regardless of the excessive use of colorful language, Eminem has evolved as a rapper and as a person which is seemingly obvious with this album. I only like a few tracks, but those few are REALLY something.
It was a Saturday evening after a long, long day at work, as I went to the awesome Bald Faced Stag Hotel for a night of live music. The Stag is one venue I really love hanging out at, because it's a comfortable, personal venue, not too big. You get to see the bands floating around, being themselves, setting up. The act for that night was Circles, who I've over the past few weeks since the release of 'Infinitas', which is nothing less than magnificent and a musical masterpiece.
First up were Beggars Orchestra, five piece outfit from my hometown, Sydney. I'll get right to it. I was blown away. Even as I'm writing this I'm not sure how exactly to describe these guys but they were fantastic. Something that I have noticed ever since I started attending a lot of gigs here is that the opening acts never really get the support they deserve. People always arrive late for the headliners which annoys me because that's how you miss out on some brilliant music. But Beggars Orchestra had the small venue quite full with a lot of people I've seen for a first act. I actually put it down on my phone that night to listen to these guys in abundance when I got home because they were amazing. Melodic, powerful, heavy, that gorgeous pairing of death growls with clean vocals, Beggars Orchestra were there to mesmerize, and did so effortlessly. Like I always say, it's difficult to explain and describe music in words, you need to hear and feel it to know what it's like. They are definitely worth the listen and more.
After a quick break during which the next band were setting up and the crowd were fueling themselves with a round of drinks, Red Bee took to the stage. I liked what I heard, although initially the band was lacking a bit in stage presence. But that changed as they performed an energetic set, getting people psyched out of their wits, headbanging, jumping around and enjoying the heavy grooves and riffs Red Bee has to offer. The band was pretty funny and seemed quite at ease, pausing for occasional banter and conversation with the crowd in between songs. They ended their set with the vocalist declaring three parts to the final song: Clean Tone, Slightly Distorted and the 'Lose your Effing Shit' part. That was enough to make the crowd go bonkers, and was an awesome end to their set!
Dawn Heist were the final act before Circles came on, and are also from Sydney. Another band that I haven't heard much of but definitely making it a point to. Once the band started playing, I couldn't help thinking that they have a scintillating and unique sound, one that you couldn't really classify under one particular genre. There's just so much going on, brutal djent-influenced breakdowns, that trippy techno/electro music in the background, the clarity of the clean vocals supported by the sheer brutality of raspy growls. They have an amazing energy on stage as well and it was such a pleasure watching them and listening to them live! I am fast becoming a big fan of them.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for, all the way from Melbourne, CIRCLES. My word, they were WAY more awesome than I had expected them to be. Kicking off their epic set with one of my favourite tracks of 'Infinitas', 'Another Me', vocalist 'Perry' had me in a complete trance. The emotion and energy he emanates when singing instantly takes you into a completely different world. With the progression in their music, at first your in a state of calm before those riffs and breakdowns attack the senses and literally make you lose your mind. The lyrics, which are quite audible, add so much depth and feeling to the tracks. 'Erased' was another definite stand out from the set for me. That beautiful symphonic intro, mystic chants of 'don't want to be trapped by fear' gradually transcending into those heavy djent riffs, and beautiful ambient melodies merging in the background, Perry powerfully yelling ' Nothing really matters now'. Damn, those lyrics are intense! You cannot help but move your head in time to their fast yet melodic tunes.
The band as a whole put on a great show, power-packed and electrifying. For a debut album by this amazingly talented band, it's a friggin masterpiece to say the least. CIRCLES have an aura about them which certainly goes against any stereotypical definititon of djent and progressive metal, combining the two to create something that is unimaginably mind-blowing and beautiful.
It was a perfect night at the Stag with some insane music and amazing support for the opening bands and finally the magic and awesomeness that is CIRCLES.
There are just those some bands that stand out among the rest, for whatever reason. Korpiklaani are one of those bands for me. Being my first ever folk metal band that I listened to, I've always been fond of the Finnish six-piece ever since I heard the always epic and famous track, 'Vodka'. Little did I know that I would get to see that track performed live this soon.
When Korpiklaani announced their first ever Australian tour, I was nothing short of friggin excited. Like I said, their music just cannot be missed and you can't help but like the band that dedicates it's music to the goodness of alcohol. The most ironic thing that night was definitely the fact that I don't drink but I love a band whose lyrical themes are primarily about drinking. I made my way to the Manning Bar, eagerly awaiting the doors to open and once they did, my excitement knew no bounds. There were still a few minutes for it all to start while Trollgasm were doing their sound-check, so I hung around the merch stands with a friend, until I spot that HAT. It was none other than the awesome Kalle 'Cane' Savijarvi, guitarist of Korpiklaani. He was just floating around and actually came in the direction I was standing, when I seized the opportunity to take a fan-girl picture.
It's always nice to meet the bands, especially before a gig, psychs me out even more and so far I've been really lucky meeting a few! Dubbo-based band Trollgasm kicked off the night and did a pretty good job at getting the crowd all set for the magic of Korpiklaani. I had never heard them before, but I liked what I heard. Fast-paced, folkey, little bits of symphony incorporated by a violinist.
Troldhaugen were up next and WOW. If it were possible, my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. The stage presence of this band is like nothing I have ever seen. One by one each member of this crazy, progressive, folk metal band entered the stage on a rather silent, very sophisticated note, the sophistication rather significant with their classy outfits, blazers, vests, the whole enchilada. Two minutes later, without any prior warning, Troldhaugen blasted into what was definitely one of the most energetic performances I've seen. I LOVE their music, which has some fine elements of swing and jazz fused with the awesomeness of good ol' folk metal. They reminded me a lot of Diablo Swing Orchestra and Weird Al. But my, did it certainly get the crowd going! The vocalist was definitely my favourite, with his insane eyes lighting up and looking rather demonic but in a hilarious way. He danced, jumped, did some really fancy stints on stage and kept the crowd really entertained. If this madness wasn't enough to handle, from heavy folk swing metal, the music transcended into the ever famous 'Call Me Maybe'. I burst out laughing as did everyone else present, it was just too much! It didn't stop with that, because a few minutes later,Troldhaugen introduced to the world a new concept of dubstep and metal. Absolutely brilliant, humorous, this band is definitely one you cannot miss if they head your way.
After what seemed like an eternity to me, it was the moment I had been waiting for since August. Members of the six piece Finnish group made their way on to the stage with awesome folk music playing away in the background, while drummer Matti 'Matson' started clapping, getting the now packed crowd at the Manning even more psyched. On they came one by one, with Cane declaring with a huge grin " We are Korpiklaani! Now it's time to partaaaay!" And party we did! It was such a happy atmosphere and I knew that I was in for an amazing, fun night! I wasn't wrong =)
Jonne, the vocalist, made a grand entrance and burst into song, beginning the set on a heavy, fun note with 'Tuonelan Tuvilla'. It only got crazier from that point with some of the best Korpiklaani tracks being played such as 'Juodaan Viilna', 'Wooden pints', 'Rauta', 'Ievan Polka', and of course 'Vodka' which was FINALLY played after much yelling and screaming from the crowd. Jonne was AMAZING. Powerful, gruff vocals that was enough to make you want to break something and run around the place like a crazy, drunk person! Which is exactly what it was. People headbanging, dancing their versions of Finnish folk, not to mention a special appearance made by the Pope, a guy who clearly made quite an impact on the audience, crowd surfing.
Sami, the accordion player was tops, not to mention the sheer awesomeness of the Violin-Guitar fusions. Cane and Jonne were an absolute riot and you couldn't help but laugh when seeing the two Finnishmen running up and down the stage, arms flailing, hair flying and generally having the time of their lives.The energy was outstanding throughout the set, fans going crazier with every song that played, throwing themselves at each other, beer and spit showers being the thing of the night. And by crazy I mean a woman in the crowd flinging her bra on to the stage with the amused members of Korpiklaani watching their vocalist respectfully and enthusiastically hang it on the mic stand.
It was an amazing set by Korpiklaani at The Manning Bar, ending it with a three song encore, the last track of the night being 'Beer Beer', another favourite of mine. Jonne took the oppurtunity to prance around with a beer bottle on his head, before he downed it all. You'd think after three and a half hours that it was the end of a great show, but the energy levels in the room that night, especially at the end seemed to prove otherwise.
It's hard to put down in words the atmosphere that night. It was a fun metal party of sorts and at the end of it all, I can only remember that I was one happy metalhead. You had to be there to know what it was, but it was definitely one of the best times I've ever had, one of the best gigs I've been to. Korpiklaani signed off saying this was their first time Down Under but definitely not their last.
Friday, 1 November 2013
GUY ON THE TRAIN LOOKING AT MY EARS:
SO I STARE BACK:
I kid you not, that is literally how that scene went. For about 5 minutes.
It was hilarious. This happens atleast twice a week. My ears bring up some mad conversations. One guy actually asked me if I was a fan of pain. Dodge alert. But you know the really funny thing? People think I've gone wack in the head for having an abormal number of piercings on my ears. Just when I thought I'd seen it all, I came across a girl recently, (now many), who had her cheeks pierced. And now I don't mean the down south cheeks, although with the current decline in the length of shorts that girls wear these days, I wouldn't be surprised if I happen to see those cheeks too. Anyhoo, her cheeks man. Her friggin cheeks. Family are you reading this? Just below her eyes. I mean, where does the back of the piercing even go?
So on that rather shocking note, strange man I met on the train, there seem to be a whole lot more individuals in the human population who fancy pain. I'm certainly not one of them.
Everyone has dreams. Hopes. Big fairy floss like reels of goals that they want to achieve. One of my many dreams sprouted right from when I was a little ye-high munchkin pinking up slimy snails and trying to feed Giraffes with bubble gum. Thus began my journey to becoming a part of the Animal World, even though humans are already considered as being right at the top, I don't. Mum's pretty certain that that's where I belong though, right Jan?
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a non-profit marine life conservation organisation and pretty much tops my bucket list. It was founded in 1977 by the fiesty Paul Watson, a former member of Greenpeace. The man is an absolute beast if I do say so myself. I mean that in the best way possible. We need more people like him in the real world where Wildlife Conservation isn't just about filing papers and recording a depleting number of species and speculations; it's about taking action. Hardcore action to protect the beings who can't speak for themselves and who need our human abilities of reasoning and rational thinking to help them survive.
I found out about this organisation a couple of years ago when I was reading an article about Gojira and how they support Sea Shepherd. I looked it up and fell in love with it instantly. Gojira is still working on their Sea Shepherd EP, which I hope comes out really soon. Anyway, one of the main reasons I became fascinated with this organisation is the kind of work they do. They pursue their objectives using 'direct action' tactics. And by direct action, they really mean direct. Captain Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd has been criticized on many levels for his aggressive approach to marine live conservation, and although his and the organisations tactics may be of an aggressive nature, it is definitely required given the current status of whaling and excessive harm that the seas and it's inhabitants face.
With hardly any support and backing and being a 100% fund and donation run organisation, Paul and his crew have come a long long way with their objectives. Not too long ago, I was fiddling around on Twitter when I just happened to check Sea Shepherd's page. At 4 in the morning, already being unable to sleep, I found out that Sea shepherd was bringing the SS Bob Barker to Sydney for the weekend. As is my reaction to many things, I literally fell off my bed and decided to celebrate by jumping around my little apartment and then eat Reeses. Jokes apart, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. They were docking at Circular Quay, and giving free tours of the ship as well as an insight into what Sea Shepherd and it's crew do and face in their quest to protect the marine world.
Without a second thought, I got my arse up early that Sunday morning to get to Circular Quay. The closer I was getting to the ship, the more I couldn't help thinking to myself, " Things happen. Things you want do happen. You just have to let it come to you and happen in their own time." Yes I know, sometimes I'm too wise for my own good but what do you do.
It's a dream of min eto work with the Sea Shepherd crew someday and I feel like that day is soon approaching considering the work Sea Shepherd Australia do. It's massive. Intense. The things one of the crew members was telling me blew my mind out of my head socket.We watched videos of the Sea Shepherd ship being massacred by the Japanese ships and I'm thinking to myself - These guys are friggin legends. I asked her what's involved in becoming a part of the crew, and she basically said - As long as you sign a contract that states Sea Shepherd isn't responsible if you die, you're welcome aboard. Good shizz. But that's what life is all about. No not dying, that would be a little bit ironic. It's about taking risks for things you believe in. This is something I believe in strongly. With each day, I see more and more things that make me believe that I HAVE to do something, my tiny little part to save the awesome creatures that make up the Animal Kingdom. They need a voice to represent them like Jeff Corwin says. I want to be one of those voices.
This was a night I had been waiting for since early on this year. I
caught the Soilwork announcement when I was at work and literally yelped
in sheer happiness much to the surprise of those around me. When asked
what I was getting so psyched for, I merely said, "Soilwork" and
flashed.... a grin, guys, a grin. Guessing that it was probably one of
the many 'loud noise' bands I listen to, no one further questioned me.
I
got off work as early as I could on Thursday evening (October 3rd) to get home, and
then head to the Manning Bar for one of the most epic nights ever. The
bar is inside the University of Sydney campus which is insanely and
rather annoyingly huge, I worked up a good appetite before getting into
the gig, leading me to be a starved soul for four and a half hours but
the pangs of hunger were soon forgotten. The doors opened later than
scheduled but the best part about gigging is the wait. I kept myself
entertained watching a couple of very drunk, rather Giant-like, Irish metalheads explicitly bantering about their respective body parts, followed by them bouncing up and down like little girls. It was hilarious and quite hot. I do like me an Irishman. A long-haired metalhead at that.
I entered, found a
good spot to chill, Tensions arise were just about done with their
soundcheck and with no prior warning just took to the stage like raged
bulls. They had this energy about them that I really admired . Fun and rather unique music, they had a little bit of everything from heavy to hardcore going on in their set! I'm only a few gigs old in Sydney, but I know for a
fact that it is common decorum to not miss out the opening acts just to
wait and see the headliners. Every band works hard to be up on a stage
in front of people, but somehow some people don't seem to get that.
Sadly Tensions Arise had only a few people hanging around, but they were
cheering hard for them.
Up next, were Melbourne band Death Audio. I quite liked them, they were heavy, melodic, my kind of music. The clean vocalist had such a captivating voice, very country-jazz like and it just went so brilliantly well with the growls and the heavy tunes. These guys reminded me a lot of Ne Obliviscaris. They had a brilliant stage presence as well entering on stage with the Aussie flag in hand, bossing the scene in general. They really psyched the mood up even more and I was getting all fangirl-ish and excited!
After a
few minutes, the lights dimmed, and the Swedish metallers took to the
stage. I must have looked like a blooming idiot because I just could not
stop smiling. The crowd at the Manning Bar ,which was now packed, was
getting restless until all was quiet. You know that saying, "the calm
before the storm"? Soilwork exhibited that perfectly, literally causing a
riot with their opening track 'This Momentary Bliss' and I was ecstatic, this
being one of my favourite tracks off their latest album. The Manning, which was close to oh so silent, suddenly became a raging madhouse!
Many songs played during the set were off their latest double album, one of my favourite metal albums this year, 'The Living Infinite". Long Live The Misanthrope, Parasite Blues, Rise Above The Sentiment, al sounded even more brutal live than I expected. The moment the beautiful symphonic opening for Spectrum of Eternity began, I had more tears and the biggest friggin grin on my face, as was the case with Tongue. From the very moment Bjorn "Speed" Strid took to the stage along with his band, it was just one hell of show.
Soilwork's overall performance that night is not something I can perfectly put down in writing. From start to finish, they were absolute beasts on stage, every member of the band bringing it their all. Sydney was one heck of an audience, with people singing along, cans of beer being thrown around, girls giving crowd surfing a whole new definition, it was absolutely insane. A few fans even got Bjorn to wear a very special crown, which he said looked like a very ancient fruit basket. No one wanted the night to end, and Soilwork was back after constant chants with a three song encore playing one of my all time favourite tracks Stabbing the Drama. What I loved though was how towards the end, Bjorn told the crowd to embrace the moment and to forget capturing everything on Instagram and the like. The man had a valid point. Hee, he mentioned how at one show, there was one guy capturing the whole gig on his iPad. Funny species dem humans.
Soilwork will always remain as one of my top favourite metal bands, and they proved why that night =)
It was a pleasant windy evening as I made my way to The Factory theater for one of Sydney’s and my most memorable nights. I still remember when Amorphis announced their first ever Australian tour, I couldn’t help but think of how insanely lucky I am. I definitely moved back at the right time. It's been tours galore this year and this is just the beginning.
Before I get into anything, I have to rave a little about the venue. I LOVED IT. Compared to the others that I’ve been to, the factory theater was so awesome. It was spacious and comfortable, had a slight elevation towards the center of the place for people who didn’t want to be right up front, and I don’t know how else to describe it really, but I felt so at home there. Got a good view too except for the occasional bald headed specimen popping up and down in front of me. As long as I could see my main man Tomi, I was a happy camper. Just in general, the place had a really good feel to it, I did notice how neat it was, but I'll quietly take back that comment after I came back home with my boots and me smelling like beer and all dem other alcoholic shenanigans.
I walked in just as The Eternal were beginning their set. I’ve only heard a few tracks by this band but I really liked what I heard. Nice progressive sound, doomish feel and well paced music. I really liked the vocalist, he had a soothing voice that went really well with the rest of the bands sound. I do hope I get to see more of them, they're definitely a good band to see and hear live.
Up next were sydney based band Datura Curse. They were SUCH a fun, energetic and extremely unique band . I only listened to their new release a few days ago and they are really really worth the listen and more. Better yet, they sound insane live! Strong , raspy vocals, catchy and rhythmic guitars, all in all, really intense music. Not only does their music have the perfect blend of heavy death growls, melodic metal and beautiful clean vocals with a bit of rock thrown in, with a lot of metalcore, some of their lyrics are amazing, deep deep stuff. Their vocalist was a total riot. Trying to get a crowd pumped can be a bit of a challenge but he didn’t give up. Initially throwing the crowd subtle hints to get themselves up front, after a couple of songs, he took it upon himself to occupy the empty spaces and enthusiastically got off the stage and got a few heads banging. The band had an amazing stage presence, and although I feel like the audience could've given them a little more applause than what they got, they were cheered nonetheless. Definitely a band to keep an eye and ear on!
After about a half hour changeover, it was the moment I had been waiting for for months. With ‘The Wanderer’ featured on the ‘Circle’ album cover at the back of the stage, the lights slowly dimmed and I could feel the excitement gripping all of the fans gathered to watch and listen to one of the best melodeath bands of all time. One by one, members of the six piece Finnish outfit came on stage, taking their positions and getting ready to shred face. Finally, (picture me with hearts in my eyes when you read this bit), out came in power strides, fists high up and with those absolutely gorgeous dreadlocks, Tomi Joutsen, frontman of Amorphis. I knew instantly that I had bagged a good spot because he was right in front of me. I had to elbow a few taller creatures that were obstructing my view but I had my way.
Wasting no time, Amorphis kicked off their set on a heavy note, playing Shades of Gray off their latest album. If jaws could literally drop, rest assured mine was already on the floor. Tomi’s vocals were unmatched. He has such a magnificent presence on stage, and an even more powerful voice. I don't know what it is, but there's just this aura of pride and sheer awesomeness about him, and by now you can see that I have quite a huge crush on the man. Also, TOMI JOUTSEN HEADBANGING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ALL YOUR BUCKET LISTS CONSIST OF BUT BLOODY HELL, WATCHING THIS GORGEOUS FINNISH MAN HEADBANGING. An absolute must. Please refer to video, you'll understand fully what I'm talking about. He actually has to pause for a few seconds to let his dreadlocks come forth before he can actually start headbanging. *swoon*
I did gradually get pushed towards the back due to a semi pit that was attempting to create havoc but lucky for me I got more space to unleash The Hair. It was hilarious because there were people doing this weird,random folk-y dance too! Good fun!
Esa Holopainen. Lead Guitar. = BRUTALITY REDEFINED. Probably one of my favourite things about this band's music is the magic that is brought in by the melodic keyboard segments by Kallio who absolutely owned. The same can be said about every member of Amorphis, it was such a tight performance, they sailed through it effortlessly, without any major sound issues.
The set had them play quite a few tracks off ‘Circle’ such as Narrow Path, Hopeless Days, The Wanderer and Nightbird's song. And holy mother of god when I heard the symphonic intro to Nightbirds song, I had goosebumps all over. And then went completely mental. Hands down, one of the best Amorphis songs ever written and one of the best live too. I’m pretty sure my hair whipped a couple of people in the face. Heh. Longhairawesomenessyo. The progression of that song is absolutely beautiful. You get a true sense of what Melodic death really means. Listening to The Wanderer too, I had tears, singing along, I was in my happy place. The lyrics on that track were something I related to. Read them. Simple, yet meaningful and emotional.
The setlist for the night was a treat with Amorphis playing some of their classic tunes like Sampo , Silver Bride and Sky Is Mine from Skyforger, another one of my favourite albums. My night was made when they played tracks from one of their oldest albums Tales From The Thousand Lakes, the first ever Amorphis album I came across. I have a thing for concept albums and this one is a beauty. By now you are aware of my obsession with the Finnish and all things folk. Amorphis base a lot of their music on the traditonal folk tales or folk epic of Finland called Kalevala. And Tales From The Thousand Lakes is a masterpiece. You I Need and My Kantele were my other much loved tracks of the night. What was thought to be the end of the show, the crowd yelled for three more songs, and Amorphis kindly obliged with a three song encore, confirming that not only are they one of the greatest melodeath band that ever existed, but that they are one of the nicest too.
By the end of it all, I wasn't tired. I was refreshed, ecstatic and felt so insanely good. The music that you choose to listen to shouldn't just be because you like one particular genre or a specific band. It should make you feel a happiness that nothing else can. Which is the effect that Amorphis have on me. I was so grateful to be a part of their first time in Sydney that night, because it was beyond amazing. Hoping I get to see more of them in the near future, or I'll just stick to my original plan and move to Finland.
Amorphis bid farewell with Tomi thanking Sydney for having them and saying that they loved the country! Yes, it was definitely a night I will never forget =)
