en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal The Last.fm journal for kensai_D. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/10/03/3yfgyy_cd_collection_%28127_and_others_%3D%5D%29 Sun, 3 Oct 2010 07:46:45 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/10/03/3yfgyy_cd_collection_%28127_and_others_%3D%5D%29 No one ever reads these anymore, but just for personal record. My current CD collection stands as such:

30 Seconds to Mars – A Beautiful Lie

A Perfect Circle – Mer De Noms
AFI – DECEMBERUNDERGROUND
Alice Cooper – Welcome to my Nightmare
Alice Cooper – A Fistful of Alice
Amon Amarth – Twilight of the Thunder God
Angels & Airwaves – We Don’t Need to Whisper
Angels & Airwaves – I-Empire
As I Lay Dying – The Powerless Rise

Bane of Isildur – Stormlords
Billy Idol – Greatest Hits
Black Sabbath – Greatest Hits [Nems]
blink-182 – blink-182
Bullet for my Valentine – The Poison
Bullet for my Valentine – Scream Aim Fire
Bullet for my Valentine – Fever
Burn the Priest – Burn the Priest

Chimaira – Chimaira
Chimaira – Resurrection
Cog – Sharing Space
Coheed and Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume 1: From Fear through the Eyes of Madness
Coldplay – X&Y
Coldplay – Viva la Vida
Cradle of Filth – Dusk.... And Her Embrace
Cradle of Filth – Cruelty and the Beast
Cradle of Filth – Lovecraft & Witch Hearts
Cradle of Filth – Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder

Dark Tranquillity – Projector
David Bowie – A Reality Tour
Dead Letter Circus – This is the Warning
Dimmu Borgir – In Sorte Diaboli
Disturbed – The Sickness
Disturbed – Believe
Disturbed – Ten Thousand Fists
Disturbed – Indestructible
Disturbed – Asylum
Down – Down III: Over the Under
DragonForce – Inhuman Rampage
DragonForce – Ultra Beatdown
Dream Theater – Systematic Chaos

Eminem – Recovery
Evanescence – Fallen

Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape
Forgiven Rival – This is a War

Gackt – MOON
Gackt – The Seventh Night ~Unplugged~
Gackt – DIABOLOS

Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast

Judas Priest – British Steel

Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser

Lamb of God – Ashes of the Wake
Lamb of God – Killadelphia
Lamb of God – Wrath
Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park – Meteora
Linkin Park – Minutes to Midnight
Linkin Park – Road to Revolution
Linkin Park – A Thousand Suns

Machine Head – The Blackening
Marduk – Panzer Division Marduk
Marduk – Wormwood
Megadeth – Countdown to Extinction
Mercyful Fate – Melissa
Meshuggah – Destroy Erase Improve
Metallica – Kill ‘Em All
Metallica – Ride the Lightning
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Metallica – ... And Justice for All
Metallica – Metallica
Metallica – Load
Metallica – ReLoad
Metallica – Garage Inc.
Metallica – S&M
Metallica – St. Anger
Metallica – Death Magnetic
Metallica – Six Feet Down Under EP
Michael Jackson – Off the Wall
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Mudvayne – The Beginning of All Things to End
Mudvayne – The End of All Things to Come
Murderdolls – Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls
Murderdolls – Women and Children Last
Muse – Black Holes & Revelations
My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

Naetu – The Burning Lands
Nightwish – Once
Nile – Ithyphallic
Nirvana – Nevermind

Opeth – Ghost Reveries
Opeth – Deliverance
Ozzy Osbourne – The Essential Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne – Scream

Pantera – A Vulgar Display of Power
Paramore – Riot!

Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine – Evil Empire
Rage Against the Machine – The Battle of Los Angeles
Rage Against the Machine – Renegades
Rage Against the Machine – Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium
Rammstein - Liebe Ist Für Alle Da
Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe 2

Satyricon – The Age of Nero
Secondhand Serenade – A Twist in my Story
Slayer – Reign in Blood
Slayer – Divine Intervention
Slipknot – Slipknot
Slipknot – Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip
Static-X – Machine
Static-X – Shadow Zone
Static-X – Beneath... Between... Beyond...
Static-X – Start A War
Static-X – Cannibal
Static-X – Cannibal Killer’s Live
Static-X – Cult of Static
Strapping Young Lad – The New Black
Synperium – Transfiguration
System of a Down – Toxicitiy
System of a Down – Hypnotize

Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift – Fearless
tool – Lateralus

The Veronicas – The Secret Life Of...
The Veronicas – Hook Me Up

Wednesday 13 – Transylvania 90210
White Zombie – La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1
Within Temptation – The Silent Force

Alsoo...
 
Garry Schyman – Sounds from the Lighthouse (BioShock 2 Soundtrack)
Petri Alanko et al. – Alan Wake OST
浜渦正志 – Final Fantasy XIII – Original Sound Version
PUFFY - boom boom beat / お江戸流れ星IV]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/05/30/3o8mgc_cd_collection..._again..._i_can%27t_think_of_anything_else_to_post_xd Sun, 30 May 2010 05:05:27 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/05/30/3o8mgc_cd_collection..._again..._i_can%27t_think_of_anything_else_to_post_xd Okay, so, you're getting sick of reading these, I'm just bored seeing as I have a day off doing nothing for once so I thought I'd just update again. Same deal as last time, those in bold are new entries and those that were in italics last time have since been removed from the list as they are not relevant (in my opinion anyway):

P.S: I have also decided to include three soundtracks I have thanks to collector's editions of stuff, they are right down the bottom of the list.

30 Seconds to Mars - A Beautiful Lie

A Perfect Circle - Mer De Noms
AFI - DECEMBERUNDERGROUND
Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God
Angels & Airwaves - We Don't Need to Whisper
Angels & Airwaves - I-Empire

Baha Men - Move It Like This
Bane of isildur - Stormlords
The Beatles - 1
Billy Idol - Greatest Hits
Black Sabbath - Greatest Hits
blink-182 - blink-182
Bullet For My Valentine - The Poison
Bullet For My Valentine - The Poison - Live At Brixton
Bullet For My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire [Deluxe Edition]
Bullet For My Valentine - Fever

Chimaira - Resurrection
Coheed and Cambria - Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness
Coldplay - X&Y
Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Cradle Of Filth - Dusk..... And Her Embrace
Cradle Of Filth - Cruelty And The Beast
Cradle Of Filth - Lovecraft & Witch Hearts
Cradle Of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder [Special Edition]

David Bowie - A Reality Tour
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
Disturbed - The Sickness
Disturbed - Believe
Disturbed - Ten Thousand Fists
Disturbed - Indestructible
DragonForce - Inhuman Rampage
DragonForce - Ultra Beatdown
Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

Evanescence - Fallen

Foo Fighters - The Colour and the Shape
Forgiven Rival - This Is A War

GACKT - MOON
GACKT - The Seventh Night ~Unplugged~
GACKT - DIABOLOS

Kate Miller-Heidke - Curioser

Lamb of God - Ashes Of The Wake (on a side note, this album is censored, which shits me off)
Lamb of God - Killadelphia
Lamb of God - Wrath
Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park - Meteora [Enhanced CD]
Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight
Linkin Park - Road to Revolution

Machine Head - The Blackening
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Marduk - Wormwood
Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction
Meshuggah - Destroy Erase Improve
Metallica - Kill 'Em All
Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Metallica - ...And Justice for All
Metallica - Metallica
Metallica - Load
Metallica - Reload
Metallica - S&M
Metallica - St. Anger
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall [Special Edition]
Michael Jackson - Thriller [Special Edition]
Mudvayne - The Beginning Of All Things To End
Mudvayne - The End Of All Things To Come
Murderdolls - Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

Naetu - The Burning Lands
Nightwish - Once [Bonus Tracks]
Nirvana - Nevermind

Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power
Paramore - RIOT!
PUFFY - boom boom beat / お江戸流れ星IV

Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine

Satyricon - The Age Of Nero
Slayer - Reign in Blood
Slayer - Divine Intervention
Static-X - Wisconsin Death Trip
Static-X - Machine
Static-X - Shadow Zone
Static-X - Start a War
Static-X - Cannibal
Static-X - Cannibal Killers
Static-X - Cult of Static
Synperium - Transfiguration
System of a Down - Toxicity
System of a Down - Hypnotize

Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift - Fearless
Tool - Lateralus

The Veronicas - The Secret Life of...
The Veronicas - Hook Me Up

White Zombie - La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1
Within Temptation - The Silent Force

Soundtrack things:

Garry Schyman – Sounds From The Lighthouse
Petri Alanko – Alan Wake OST
浜渦正志 – FINAL FANTASY XIII Original Sound Selection]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/04/18/3knnxw_cd_collection_-_update Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:22:42 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/04/18/3knnxw_cd_collection_-_update It's been a while since I posted my CD Collection all those months ago, it's also been a while since I've really posted anything on here. Anyway, since I've got around to finding myself a job and gaining more self-confidence, helped with enhancing my CD collection, so I thought I'd update it... If anyone cares :)

PS: Those in bold are new entries and those in italics have since been sold or disposed of appropriately

30 Seconds to Mars - A Beautiful Lie
A Perfect Circle - Mer De Noms
AFI - DECEMBERUNDERGROUND
Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God
Angels & Airwaves - We Don't Need to Whisper
Angels & Airwaves - I-Empire
Baha Men - Move It Like This
Bane of isildur - Stormlords
The Beatles - 1
Billy Idol - Greatest Hits
Black Sabbath - Greatest Hits
blink-182 - blink-182
Bullet For My Valentine - The Poison
Bullet For My Valentine - The Poison - Live At Brixton
Bullet For My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire [Deluxe Edition]
Chimaira - Resurrection
Coldplay - X&Y
Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Cradle Of Filth - Dusk..... And Her Embrace
Cradle Of Filth - Cruelty And The Beast
Cradle Of Filth - Lovecraft & Witch Hearts
Cradle Of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder [Special Edition]
David Bowie - A Reality Tour
Deep Purple - Extended Versions
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
Disturbed - The Sickness
Disturbed - Ten Thousand Fists
Disturbed - Indestructible
DragonForce - Inhuman Rampage
DragonForce - Ultra Beatdown
Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos
Forgiven Rival - This Is A War
GACKT - MOON
GACKT - Crescent (was a bootleg)
GACKT - The Seventh Night ~Unplugged~
GACKT - DIABOLOS
Kate Miller-Heidke - Curioser
Lamb of God - Killadelphia
Lamb of God - Wrath
Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park - Meteora [Enhanced CD]
Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight
Linkin Park - Road to Revolution
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Marduk - Wormwood
Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction
Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Metallica - ...And Justice for All
Metallica - St. Anger
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall [Special Edition]
Michael Jackson - Thriller [Special Edition]
Murderdolls - Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
Naetu - The Burning Lands
Nightwish - Once [Bonus Tracks]
Nirvana - Nevermind
Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power
Paramore - RIOT!
PUFFY - boom boom beat / お江戸流れ星IV
Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
Satyricon - The Age Of Nero
Slayer - Reign in Blood
Slayer - Divine Intervention
Static-X - Wisconsin Death Trip
Static-X - Shadow Zone
Static-X - Start a War
Static-X - Cannibal
Static-X - Cannibal Killers
Synperium - Transfiguration
System of a Down - Toxicity
Taylor Swift - Fearless
Tool - Lateralus
The Veronicas - The Secret Life of...
The Veronicas - Hook Me Up
White Zombie - La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1
Within Temptation - The Silent Force]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/28/3dgruv_album_of_the_week_%25233 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:44:15 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/28/3dgruv_album_of_the_week_%25233 (I apologise for the lateness of this post, but due to problems with our ISP and other related issues, I’ve been unable to access the internet for the past week or so, regardless I drafted this post on Friday the 22nd January 2010, as such it is accurate to the week 17th – 23rd)

Paramore – Brand New Eyes



Tracklist
1.Careful
2.Ignorance
3.Playing God
4.Brick by Boring Brick
5.Turn It Off
6.The Only Exception
7.Feeling Sorry
8.Looking Up
9.Where the Lines Overlap
10.Misguided Ghosts
11.All I Wanted
12.Decode

Recently my friend who used to live a fair way away from me, about a two hour drive, had moved and decided to stay around for a while. He never used to listen to music all that much, until he discovered Muse (*sigh*) but then he discovered Paramore. Since then, that’s what he predominantly listens to. After visiting another friend’s place, I noticed that she had two of their albums on her computer, I took it upon myself to steal these *.mp3’s for myself, and once I got home I began to listen to them... To my surprise, this album really caught my attention, thus I chose it for this week’s highlighted album.

Given that my only previous encounters with Paramore were “early morning, before school” affairs on Channel [V], where this led me to have a brief obsession with the songs “Misery Business” and “Crushcrushcrush”, and after hearing that “Decode” had been chosen to appear in the Twilight soundtrack, I was quite cautious about listening to this, but it turns out to be a rather decent song. The opening track caught my attention, and all the way throughout the album Williams’ voice emotionally and strongly gets the attention of the listener.

Notable songs from the album:

Ignorance – Starts strong and never slows down. Unlike my last two albums of the week, the songs that really deserve a listen on this album focus on the lyrics, and these are some of the strongest I’ve heard in recent years of “mainstream”

Brick By Boring Brick – Simply amazing, if you haven’t heard this on the radio or TV yet, you’re really missing out, the lyrical themes and composition make this, in my opinion, one of, if not THE, best Paramore song.

Turn It Off – Just listen to it, it explains itself as you go. This had a strong meaning with me due to recent events, but it’s inspirational as well, reminding you that you can overcome problems. I like it and think you will too.

Decode – I was wary of this, what with it being associated with Twilight and all, but the song itself is really good. The strength in the vocals combined with the composition of the music evokes us, as the audience, to really feel the emotions that they’re trying to convey. A superb way to finish off this album.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/28/3dgrbn_album_of_the_week_%25232 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:35:27 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/28/3dgrbn_album_of_the_week_%25232 (I apologise for the lateness of this post, but due to problems with our ISP and other related issues, I’ve been unable to access the internet for the past week or so, regardless I drafted this post on Friday the 15th January 2010, as such it is accurate to the week 10th – 16th)

植松伸夫 (Nobuo Uematsu) – Final Fantasy VIII OST



Tracklist:

Disc 1:
1.Liberi Fatali
2.Balamb Garden
3.Blue Fields
4.Don’t Be Afraid
5.The Winner
6.Find Your Way
7.SeeD
8.The Landing
9.Starting Up
10.Force Your Way
11.The Loser
12.Never Look Back
13.Dead End
14.Breezy
15.Shuffle or Boogie
16.Waltz for the Moon
17.Tell Me
18.Fear
19.The Man With the Machine Gun
20.Julia
21.Roses and Wine
22.Junction
23.Timber Owls

Disc 2:
1.My Mind
2.The Mission
3.Martial Law
4.Cactus Jack (Galbadian Anthem)
5.Only a Plank Between One and Perdition
6.Succession of Witches
7.Galbadia GARDEN
8.Unrest
9.Under Her Control
10.The Stage Is Set
11.A Sacrifice
12.Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec
13.Intruders
14.Premonition
15.Wounded
16.Fragments of Memories
17.Jailed
18.Rivals
19.Ami

Disc 3:
1.The Spy
2.Retaliation
3.Movin’
4.Blue Sky
5.Drifting
6.Heresy
7.Fisherman’s Horizon
8.ODEKA ke Chocobo
9.Where I Belong
10.The Oath
11.Slide Show Part 1
12.Slide Show Part 2
13.Love Grows
14.The Salt Flats
15.Trust Me
16.Silence and Motion
17.Dance With the Balamb Fish
18.Tears of the Moon
19.Residents
20.Eyes on Me (performed by 王菲)

Disc 4:
1.Mods de Chocobo
2.Ride On
3.Truth
4.Lunatic Pandora
5.Compression of Time
6.The Castle
7.The Legendary Beast
8.Maybe I’m a Lion
9.The Extreme
10.The Successor
11.Ending Theme
12.Overture

Sorry for such a long tracklist, I considered choosing only one of these CD’s, but given that each disc captures a different range of emotions and sounds, I couldn’t just decide which one disc encapsulated the essence of Final Fantasy VIII the most. While listening to this soundtrack, I relived in my mind the wonderful tale of Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartily, Seifer Almasy, Zell Dincht and so many more.

What made me decide to grab this album was a sudden urge to listen to the wonderfully edited and remixed music available on NewGrounds’ Audio Portal combined with the release date of Final Fantasy XIII being announced here in Australia (March 9th!!!), I couldn’t resist listening to the music behind my absolute favourite game of all time. For those of you who haven’t experienced the majesty that is the storyline of Final Fantasy VIII, don’t disregard this. The music arranged by 植松伸夫 is wonderful; each piece delivering a new distinct emotion and “sense of being” to the listener.

The sounds produced onto this four-disc collection steadily grow, progress and blend so much so that, at the end of the fourth disc, whether or not you have played Final Fantasy VIII or not, you have been taken on a journey. One that dramatically begins with the operatic “Liberi Fatali” (Fated Children), etching the latin words “Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec” firmly into your mind, the peaceful and upbeat tunes that follow dragging you out, embracing you into the splendour of the orchestra. By this point, 植松伸夫 suddenly breaks this guise of safety, with the latin chorus of “Liberi Fatali” recurring time and time again throughout the collection.

植松伸夫’s skills as a composer are hard to match, especially in the realm of video game music where, in my opinion, the only other person to come close to matching 植松伸夫’s skill is that of Koji Kondo. If you like orchestral music, if you care for music with passion, if you like to relax or if you just like your music to carry you away into another world, then definitely give this a listen. This link here provides a wonderful source to listen to all of these tracks, please do yourself a favour and get swept away in the genius and sounds of 植松伸夫.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/07/3bjqh2_album_of_the_week_%25231 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 04:31:19 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2010/01/07/3bjqh2_album_of_the_week_%25231 This is the first in a series of posts I hope to update weekly. As the title suggests, each week I find a new obsession to listen to, from rekindling an old musical favourite to discovering something new, I will update this regularly with the albums that I deeply enjoy and discover each week. On with the post, and first up is:

Static-X - Cannibal



Tracklist:
01 - Cannibal
02 - No Submission
03 - Behemoth
04 - Chemical Logic
05 - Destroyer
06 - Forty Ways
07 - Chroma-Matic
08 - Cuts You Up
09 - Reptile
10 - Electric Pulse
11 - Goat
12 - Team Hate
13 - Light It Up (Bonus Track)

Static-X are a band that hold a lot of sentimental value to me. Wayy back in 2003 when all I used to listen to was Jet and other similar artists, my friend EuanDemonStorm snuck his iPod Mini into school one day and let me listen to what he was listening to. That song was Destroy All. I was blown away with how different it sounded compared to anything else that I had heard at the time, and thusly my adoration for Static-X began.

Back in the 1990's, Wayne Static (the founder of Static-X) formed a band called Deep Blue Dream alongside Tony Campos. Although the band failed, Static-X rose from the ashes of Deep Blue Dream with Koichi Fukada joining on guitar and Ken Jay on drums, this was the line-up that saw the release of Wisconsin Death Trip in 1999. 8 years later, after numerous changes in the lineup, Static-X released their heaviest album to date, blending simple riffs with brutal vocals and harsh drumming, resulting in one of the most addictive metal albums I've ever heard.

Notable songs from the album:

Cannibal - Harsh vocals, strong lyrics. The title track manages to exceed all expectations

No Submission - Heard before on the soundtrack to Saw III, the song's speed highlights Static-X's musical flexibility

Behemoth - Just listen and hear for yourself, it's that good

Goat - With such a simple name, the song turns out to be surprisingly good. Repetitive, but in a way that makes you listen

Light It Up - Although it's a bonus track, and most versions of the album don't have it, this song is one that I'm surprised didn't make the CD.

Thus concludes the first of what will become a weekly updated post. Leave me any thoughts you may have.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/12/04/37ma4h_top_40_artists_of_2009 Fri, 4 Dec 2009 02:31:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/12/04/37ma4h_top_40_artists_of_2009 1. Gackt (2800 plays)
2. Amon Amarth (1009 plays)
3. Versailles (858 plays)
4. Static-X (764 plays)
5. Metallica (683 plays)
6. girugämesh (588 plays)
7. MALICE MIZER (560 plays)
8. Linkin Park (540 plays)
9. Marduk (532 plays)
10. Moi dix Mois (439 plays)
11. The Veronicas (401 plays)
12. Taylor Swift (380 plays)
13. Breaking Benjamin (363 plays)
14. Cradle of Filth (339 plays)
15. Lamb of God (318 plays)
16. Chimaira (295 plays)
17. 雅-miyavi- (294 plays)
18. Bullet For My Valentine (278 plays)
19. Disturbed (265 plays)
20. Genki Rockets (262 plays)
21. Avril Lavigne (237 plays)
22. In Flames (221 plays)
23. NewGrounds (212 plays)
24. Naetu (201 plays)
25. Alestorm (196 plays)
26. Firewind (186 plays)
27. System of a Down (184 plays)
28. Lily Allen (157 plays)
29. Slayer (155 plays)
30. Lacuna Coil (151 plays)
31. Secondhand Serenade (149 plays)
32. Alter Bridge (148 plays)
33. DragonForce (140 plays)
34. Creed (137 plays)
35. Motörhead (126 plays)
36. Sum 41 (123 plays)
37. Dimmu Borgir (120 plays)
38. Rob Zombie (116 plays)
39. Candlemass (113 plays)
40. Satyricon (113 plays)]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/11/29/375kw8_amon_amarth_-_28th_nov._%2709 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:34:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/11/29/375kw8_amon_amarth_-_28th_nov._%2709 Sat 28 Nov – Amon Amarth

Awesome.

That's usually a good start to a review, and thus it is how I will start this one. It... Was... Awesome. 8:00 the doors opened, giving us all half an hour to grab our merchandise and prepare for the Vikings to command us and lead us into battle... But that's not what happened, instead we walked in and were greeted with the first supporting act of the night, Eye of the Enemy... Now, don't get me wrong, I do have a broad range of musical tastes (especially when it comes to metal) but I really had trouble getting into this. Although they were the first act, I think it's safe to say that most people there didn't think much of them. The mosh remained still, those of us in the mid-section remained still and those further back were even more motionless. The tuning and organising of the sound led to the vocalist being practically impossible to hear, leaving just the guitars and drums to give is the impressions of what they had to offer. However, most every song sounded the same and, overall, I found these guys fairly disappointing, especially when compared to Cradle Of Filth's first support (Naetu) when they were in Sydney... Was this to be our modern sign of the coming storm? Well... No.

After the 15 minute intermission, Bane of isildur (which I still have trouble pronouncing) made their way onto the stage and fixed everything that was wrong with the previous act. The vocals, the costumes, the performance, the music, the energy... Everything just suited the feel of the night and was truly preparing us for what was to come as they eagerly led us without fear into the main act of the night. I don't have much else to add about these guys except that they were really good and definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of Amon Amarth or the like, last.fm offers free downloads so it is worth your time.

30 minutes passed. 30 silent minutes of waiting, they felt like an hour. The crowd was eager to get started, and suddenly the lights went dim. An instrumental/orchestral track began playing, the lights started to come on then silence. Music stopped. Lights went out. Darkness. Nothing to hear but the crowd, but even the roars of excitement were silenced out of fear when the riffs of Twilight of the Thunder God began. The entire theatre was filled with Johan's vocals coming from each and every person there. Johan made great interaction with the crowd, consistently questioning and performing. Combining light-hearted humour to settle our nerves, once we were calm, Amon led us on one hell of a victorious march, going through some of the best songs that they've released.

The set-list (please bear in mind I am writing this from memory)

Twilight of the Thunder God
Free Will Sacrifice
Valkyries Ride
Bleed for Ancient Gods
Varyags of Miklagaard
Where Silent Gods Stand Guard
Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags
Runes to my Memory
Asator
Victorious March
Live for the Kill
Death in Fire

Amon Amarth left the stage, the crowd drew them back, as to be expected, and they closed the set with

Cry of the Black Birds
Pursuit of Vikings

(I apologise if this is not the correct order, these were the songs in the show however, but if anyone would like to correct me, please do and I'll make the relevant changes)

Overall, Johan's interaction with the audience, the bands' clear passion for what they do and the atmosphere and sound just culminated into one hell of a concert. This review may be generic, or sound biased, but the concert was brilliant and, if ever they come back, I'll be there and I hope you will too. They truly are the masters of war.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/11/11/35jlfr_album_of_the_year Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:52:17 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/11/11/35jlfr_album_of_the_year Just curious as to what some people might think. In my opinion, the 5 albums below (in no particular order) have been my favourites this year and I'd just like your opinion on which one (if any) you would classify as "Album of the Year"

A - Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony
B - Alestorm - Black Sails at Midnight
C - Lamb of God - Wrath
D - Marduk - Wormwood
E - Candlemass - Death Magic Doom

Well, they're my five favourites what are your opinions? Let me know.

Also, some honourable mentions:

Chimaira - The Infection;
GACKT - Slo-Pachinko Gladiator Evolution Original Soundtrack;
Korpiklaani - Karkelo;
Lacuna Coil - Shallow Life;
Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You and;
Static-X - Cult of Static

So yerr, let me know your thoughts : )]]> http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/10/25/33y27t_albums_of_2009%2C_as_i_see_them_%28part_1%29 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:17:56 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kensai_D/journal/2009/10/25/33y27t_albums_of_2009%2C_as_i_see_them_%28part_1%29 This is just a post discussing my thoughts on some of the new releases this year that I've managed to get my hands on and listen to. Each review, per se, will only be brief as I have a fair few to get through, but long enough to share my thoughts on them. Please, leave your comments and let me know what you think. Starting in alphabetical order, first "cab off the rank" is:

Alestorm - Black Sails at Midnight

Well... What can I say about this? Compared to their earlier effort (see Captain Morgan's Revenge) this just falls flat. Tracks like "Leviathan" and "Chronicles of Vengeance" try to fool you into thinking you were listening to their first major release, however it's a pity that the best track on the album is just a cover. If you liked Captain Morgan's Revenge, then do yourself a favour and listen to it again, just louder, rather than bother listening to this.

Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony

Following on the heels of 2006's Phobia, I was a little anxious to see how this one would turn out. However, I'm happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Songs like "Give Me A Sign", "Anthem Of The Angels" and, of course, the first single "I Will Not Bow" just remind me of why I fell in love with BB. In my opinion, this is their strongest album to date and definitely worth checking out.

Candlemass - Death Magic Doom

Wow... That's all I can say. I don't have much knowledge about Candlemass as I've only heard one album prior, that being 1987's Nightfall, but this album made me listen. From the moment "If I Ever Die" began, I knew that this album was going to be good. Starting off strong, it goes from strength to strength with "Hammer Of Doom" right through to "My Funeral Dreams". Maybe I don't have enough knowledge of Candlemass to make an accurate judgement that most will agree on, but, based solely on my own personal tastes, I strongly recommend listening to this at least once.

Cannibal Corpse - Evisceration Plague

Meh... I never really could get into CC, Vile is just better. Sorry, but I just didn't like this album. There was nothing that made me think "Holy Crap, I better sit down and listen or else this album will kick my arse" so if you like CC, then check it out I guess, but... Meh

Chimaira - The Infection

Aaah... This is where it gets interesting. I still like Resurrection better, but The Infection really does try to improve. It took me a few listens before I started to appreciate how well this album comes together. Each song has it's own unique style to it, whereas Resurrection's songs just flowed into each other, The Infection is like a collection of songs that Chimaira felt you HAD to hear. Tracks like "Frozen in Time" and "Impending Doom" take time to start, but, like "Six" before them, they are worth the wait. No album is perfect, but this has definitely been one of my highlights this year.

Deathstars - Night Electric Night

Hmmn... What to say about this one... I don't know... I mean... It's Deathstars... If you've heard Synthetic Generation or Termination Bliss, then you know what to expect. Nothing here stood out and screamed at me, the songs are catchy sure, but that's how Deathstars roll... Not much to say, it's not brilliant, but it's not crap, it's just... It's Deathstars.

Okay... So I have more albums to get through than I thought, so I'll get around to posting up my thoughts on some more of 2009's albums soon, and, don't worry, they'll be in alphabetical order. First up in the next part will be Evermore's Truth Of The World: Welcome To The Show... Yerrr, didn't see that one coming? Meh, I don't like it anyway, but more on that next time. Leave me your thoughts and I'll get back to you soon.]]>