Ghost- "Infestissumam" (2013)

It was about a few years ago that Ghost took the underground rock world by storm.  Was praised by Darkthrone's skin man, Fenriz.  Later a lot of major acts started to take notice (Phil Anselmo, James Hetfield, etc).  They were signed by Lee Dorian's label, Rise Above.  And Metal Blade made sure their debut album, "Opus Eponymous", got a decent distribution here in the US.  And of course there was the mad love they were getting from Decibel magazine ( who had them on the cover, twice).  

Last year, it was reported that Ghost got signed to Republic Records for a lot of cash.  Fans were now wondering if Ghost will outdo Opus.  And people who weren't familiar with them, were wondering if they were worth the hype.  Despite the over-the-top Satanic image, Ghost can really write some really catchy tunes.

As soon as I put in the cd, I knew I was going to enjoy this album once I heard the opening track.  One thing I notice was that the production didn't have that old school sound like the first album.  But it still had that Ghost feel.  "Secular Haze" is a way better song than "Ritual".  And "Year Zero is now my favorite Ghost track (before that, it was "Satan's Prayer").  And of course the chorus for "Monstrous Clock" was a great way to end the album.  Of course if you have the deluxe version, you also get two bonus songs (which includes a ABBA songs).   The lyrics still have a Satanic theme, but there are more church/Hammond organ than in the first one.

If you're a fan of Mercyful Fate and Blue Oyster Cult, you will dig this.  Most metal fans will be put off because they aren't a death metal/black metal band.  But if you can get pass their image, you will really like this band.  And I do have to admit, their image does bring something to their live shows.  "Infestissumam" totally gets "5 Hitlers punched in the face".  Come together, together as one.  Come together, for Lucifer's Son.

Django Unchained (2012)

 So Tarantino finally does a spaghetti western.  But with a touch of soul.  I'm aware that a lot of people on the internet complain that Tarantino is unoriginal or overrated.  In my opinion, Quentin makes some decent flicks.  And I like listening to the dialogues between his characters.

I'm also aware that Django Unchained got a lot of heat for the over-use of the "N" word.  Luckily, lead actor, Jamie Foxx came to Quentin's rescue.  I do have to say that most of the characters who use the "N" word are very hateful characters.  And they do get what they deserve.

So the movie is about Django, a slave during the 1800's.  He is rescued by Dr. King Schultz, a bounty hunter  disguised as a dentist.  Schultz takes Django in as his assistant and they ride around killing white folks who are slave traders, collect their bounty and then sell the bodies to doctors.  While going around and killing, Schultz is also trying to help Django look for his wife, who was sold by their previous owner.  Dr. Schultz finds out that a plantation owner by the name of Calvin Candie, owns a slave that speaks German.  They visit Candie and offer him to buy one of his slaves.  When Candie's house slave, Stephen finds out the real reason why Dr. Schultz and Django are there, he tell's Candie and everything turns to a bloody mess.

I have to say that Tarantino has really made up for Death Proof (which was one of his weakest films).  Christoph Waltz is just lovable.  Bette than his "Jew Hunter" character in "Inglorious Basterds".  Jamie Foxx is a bad arse.  And Leonardo DiCaprio did an amazing job as Calvin Candie.  And even though it was a small role (but effective), Samuel L. Jackson was fun to watch, too.

If you're familiar with Quentin Tarantino's films and enjoy his dialogues and violence, then you will love Django Unchained.  The soundtrack was also great.  I have to say that Tarantino has some good taste in music.  And just because a movie says the "N" word like a hundred times, it doesn't mean the movie is racist.

Code 415 Podcast Episode #4

Today's is a Wrestling Theme episode.  So most of the music are intro music from some of your favorite wrestlers.  So while you wait for Wrestlemania 29 to begin, kick back and listen to music from CM Punk, Chris Jericho, and Daniel Bryan's old theme song from ROH.  Enjoy the podcast.