A Band Called Death (2012)

When I was a wee little lad, I was told that The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were the originators of punk.  Also when I was a wee little lad, Death was a death metal band from Florida, started by Chuck Shuldiner.  Well it turns out that three brothers from Detroit played some very fast rock n' roll before The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.  And there was already a band called Death before Chuck changed Mantis to Death.  This documentary caught my attention when Sean Boyle of Hellbeard mentioned it on his Facebook status.  And I was surprise when I saw that Scott Mosier (Kevin Smith's friend/producer) helped to get this doc released.

In the documentary, we meet the Hackney brothers (Bobby, David, Dannis).  Sons of a preacher, they grew up in the Motor City known as Detroit, where Motown was a huge thing.  In 73', they formed a band called Death after trying to start a funk/rock n' roll band.  The sound was very fast and loud, that people today would consider it "proto-punk".  They recorded a demo and shopped it around to record labels, but no one was interested.  most of the labels thought the sound was too aggressive.  And the band's name didn't help either, even though in the doc, they explain the meaning of the name, which was meant to be seen as a positive light.  But soon enough, they were signed to Groovesville, but sadly, they had trouble in trying to market Death.  Because of this, Death will disband.  Bobby and Dannis would start a reggae.  David would write songs by himself.  Years later, David would pass away.  This would be a shame because later on, a record collector purchased a 45 and was amazed by Death's sound.  He would write about them on his blog and upload two songs from Death.  Later, other music fans would listen to them and also give high praises.  But when Bobby's son, Bobby Jr., heard the two songs, that would make a huge impact on Bobby and Dannis.  They finally got the recognition they deserved.  Because of all the interest, the remaining Hackney brothers would reform Death.  Later, they would release their first album and start touring.

This was a really touching documentary about not just music, but family.  The Hackney brothers were really close.  David had a message and luckily his brothers were able to spread it to concert goers, nationwide.  A Band Called Death is a great documentary in general.  Even if you're not a fan of punk, the Hackney's story is still interesting.  Bobby and Dannis seemed very humble and don't make a big deal about they were the "first" to do this or that.  But it's nice to see that a band like them have finally got recognized.

Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

This movie caught my interest when I heard that it takes place during a making of a Italian giallo.  Being a fan of Dario Argento, I had to seek this out.  I do have to say that this is a strange film.  Some may not like it, others will find it interesting.  There were times where I get lost in the story, but just seeing things get crazier for the main character, just makes me want to see what happens next.

We are introduce to Gilderoy, a middle-age bloke who took a job in a Italian horror flick, working as a sound engineer.  When Gilderoy see's what film he's working on, he begins to feel uncomfortable.  Also some of the actress doing the dubs are also not big fans of the film, either.  Producer Francesco Coraggio doesn't makes things easy for his staff.  When Gilderoy tries to get his flight ticket reimbursed, Francesco always gives him excuses.  Or when a actress has a scene where she screams, he makes them do it over and over again.  By the end of the second act, things do start to get weird for Gilderoy.  First, someone tries to break into his room.  Then later someone tries to attack him in his sleep.  By the end of the film, you start to wonder what was this movie all about.

Me being a fan of Italian horror, behind the scene stuff, and sound recording, I found this movie to be interesting.  Of course I wasn't really that big on the third act.  I felt like there could have been more.  The atmosphere was great.  It gave really creepy vibe.  Very similar films by Bava and Argento. The average movie goer may not fancy this film a lot.  But if you're interested in seeing how dubbing and sound effects were done back in the days, then you might find it fascinating.  It may not be the greatest horror/psycho-thriller, but it was a decent flick.

Escape From Tomorrow (2013)

Escape From Tomorrow made a lot of noise last year when it was said that the movie was filmed at Disney World, without the permission of the Disney Company.  Have to say that the film-makers had a lot of balls.  Luckily, Disney didn't sent out their lawyers to cease-and-desist the film.  Thinking that doing such a thing will bring attention to the film.

Of course the movie was shot guerrilla style.  Most of the actors had to remember their lines, since they couldn't re-shoot anything.  And even though there was some green screen shots, it didn't hurt the film that much.  I really don't want to say it had a  Lynchian  feel because it was black & white, but it did have some nightmare-ish parts in which a David Lynch fan like myself, really enjoyed.

The movie opens up with Jim, who's on the phone with his boss, while on holiday.  He is told that he is being let go.  Without wanting to alarm his family, he decides to hide it from them and just enjoy his last day on vacation.

While roaming around Disney World, Jim takes a fancy on two teenage girls from France.  Of course this is the beginning of a creepy obsession.  Jim tries to enjoy his vacation, but while riding "It's A Small World" (I believe), Jim starts having hallucinations.  After that, Jim takes his son to the Buzz Lightyear ride.  Jim once again, sees the French girls and follows them around the park.  Because of this, Jim makes a lot of questionable decisions (like taking his 7 yr old son to Space Mountain).  There are also some odd characters that Jim meets, like the man in the motor cart and the lady with the heirloom necklace.  By the end of the film, things really start getting crazy for Jim, as thing begin to unravel about the "Happiest Place On Earth".

I really enjoyed the weirdness and craziness of Escape From Tomorrow.  The acting was pretty good.  I sort of felt for Jim.  He losses his job while on holiday.  His sex life doesn't look to well.  And he has a son who disobeys him.  These are some things that I fear about life.  I don't want to say I can relate, but more that I understand.  You can watch the film on Netflix, and if you enjoyed it, I'm pretty sure you can find the DVD at many retail stores.  So if this movie interest you, check it out and just kick back.  It's the best way to enjoy this film.

Big Bad Wolves (2013)

When you got a thriller like "Big Bad Wolves"; coming from Israel, you're gonna have a lot of people talking.  Most likely because you really don't hear too much horror/thriller movies coming from the Holy Land.  Of course you've seen the blurb from Quentin Tarantino on the movie poster.  But don't let that be your deciding factor.  If you've seen Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado first film "Kalevet"; also known as "Rabies" in the US, then you'll enjoy their second feature.

The movie begins with three detectives taking a man; who is accused of murdering a young girl.  They interrogate the accused by giving him a beating.  They get a call from the chief who tells them to stop because there wasn't any evidence.  Later the chief gets a anonymous call from someone who found the body of the missing girl. When they find the body, her father shows up.  This event makes the father to take things in his own hands.  Later, the detective who was in charge of the case was let go when a video surfaced on youtube, where the detectives were roughing up the man they brought in for interrogation.  Still believing that the man is the suspect, he follows the suspect and takes him to the woods and tries to get him to admit for the murder.  The father shows up and hits the detective with a shovel.  The accused man was grateful, but didn't know that the father wanted him for himself.  The father takes the detective and the suspect to a house far away from the city.  In there, he tortures the suspect to get him talking.  The suspect claims that he didn't do anything.  The father continues torturing him.  Because the suspect is taking a lot of pain, we start to think that maybe he wasn't the killer.  Or maybe he can handle a lot of pain.

I really enjoyed Big Bad Wolves.  The acting was great.  There was some dark humor which made this flick enjoyable.  And even though the torture scenes weren't gory, they sure were brutal.  The ending was really sad, but don't let that steer you away.  If you enjoy revenge flicks, then check out Big Bad Wolves.

Kantation - Discovery (2013)

During my late teens/early 20's, I use to read this awesome magazine from Canada called Brave Word & Bloody Knuckles (BW&BK).  In every issue, they have a promo cd featuring new music from new and established bands.  When I was a wee little lad, I was introduced to bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Saxon.  So when I started listening to Power Metal, it was nice to see that traditional sound was still going in Europe.  Sadly, I didn't get really into the scene since I was more interested in death metal/grindcore; and later sludge/post-metal.

Kantation is a band started by Martin Debourge; who I met through myspace, and features guitarist Nano Lugo (the main man who got Kantation going).  Also in guitar is Jeremy Jimison (Head Transfer Process), Brian Khairullah handling the low end, and Vinny Galore beating the skins.  Together, they made a really killer Power Metal album that I can headbang and sing along to.

Discovery opens with "The Maze".  Great riffs and a enjoyable chorus.  I can see why this song is being made into a music video; be sure to check it out soon.  Another song I really enjoyed was "Distant Eyes".  Love the first lyrics; "Wake up and See.  You won't believe.  A tale of our demise"  And "Ride" is great way to end "Discovery".

Martin DeBourge, you never disappoint, you cheeky bastard.  And to Mr. Lugo, you really got a awesome Power Metal band that I can get behind.  And with Khairullah, Jimison, and Galore, they made Discovery a enjoyable experience.  Looking forward to their next release.  Proud to give this album "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

For more info on Kantation, follow these links:

website: www.kantation.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kantation

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/kantation

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kantation

Kyng - "Burn The Serum" (2014)

Finally, Kyng has put out their 2nd full-length, "Burn The Serum" (Razor & Tie Records).  Ever since "Trampled Sun", I've been waiting for Kyng to put out some new material.  And with "Burn The Serum", things have gotten even better.  They sound better.  There's some new elements into the mix.  This album did not disappoint.

The opening track ("Burn The Serum") is a favorite.  Love how it has that classic rock sound with a bit of 90's alternative.  And then it transcends into a much heavier sound.  On "Lost One", I don't remember Eddie and Tony playing anything like that.  It sure had a lot of energy.  It's great to something like that from Kyng.  "Electric Halo" had a ZZ Top feel, mixed with Judas Priest's "You have Another Thing Coming"  It's very throwback.  A song I was happy to see was "In the Land of Pigs".  If you remember in their old myspace page, their headline says "in the land of pigs, the butcher is Kyng".  But of course it was a awesome track.  And what's that, that I hear on "Big Ugly Me"?  Why it's a synth choir.  DUDE!!!!!  That is awesome.  Hope they decide to use a hammond organ on the next album.

Glad to see that Kyng didn't suffer the "sophomore jinx".  Their fan base is getting huge.  They got a good label behind them.  And coming soon, Kyng are gonna put out their first muisc video.  So be sure to catch Kyng when they're at a town near you.

"Burn The Serum" Gets "5 Hitlers punched in the Face".

Chelsea Wolfe - "Apokalypsis"

 

In this day and age, it's really hard to be original.  All we can do is make the best art that we can.  If it sounds good, then hopefully that will be enough.  But Chelsea Wolfe has created something so unique, some of us have a hard time to label her music.  And when you can't put something in a box and put a tag on it, then you've created something very original.

The best I can describe Chelsea Wolfe is that it's a cross between folk and doom metal.  Her vocals are very lovely, but also have a haunting feel, thanks to the reverb.  You can also say that there is also a Black Metal influence.  Especially her shriek on "Pale On Pale".

Other than "Pale On Pale", "Demons" is also a great track.  Of course "Demons" is a re-recorded track from Chelsea's first album, "The Grime and The Glow"  I do have to say that I enjoy the "Apokalypsis" version.  "Tracks (Tall Bodies)" is also great.  That's a song I like to put on when I just want to relax.

Of course by now, you've hear many awesome things about Chelsea Wolfe.  Especially since she had some sessions on PBS.  So if you're looking for some new music, I recommend "Apokalypsis" by Chelsea Wolfe.  And if she is coming to a town near you, totally go and check it out.

This album gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face"