Myrkur - "M" (2015)

Okay, let's point out the obvious;  Many people have a love/hate relationship with Myrkur's music.  Some find it beautiful and unique.  Others say it's not "trve" to the Black Metal standards.  When I listen to Myrkur, I hear a woman who is just giving her take on Black Metal.  No following any guidelines, just playing her heart out and hoping that what comes out is something special.  If you heard Myrkur's S/T ep, then you should know what to expect from her first full-length album, M.  So what Myrkur gives us is a atmospheric black metal journey, in a bigger scale.
M starts off with "Skogen Skulle Do".  A song that gives you a taste of Heaven, before sending you down to Hell.  "Onde Born" is a beautifully written song,  This is a song geared towards fans of Alcest, than Burzum or Darkthrone.  And the same thing can be said about "Jeg er Guden, I er Tjenerne".  Then you have tracks like "Nordlys" and "Bysunn Lull", which may not fit in a Black Metal album, but it does give a feeling of loneliness and isolation.  "Mordet" and "Skadi" definitely shows that Myrkur can play some serious, grim Black Metal.  And then there's a bonus track called "Skaoi".  Another song that opens up with choir singing, before going into the Black Metal shriek.  Which is a huge part of Myrkur's sound.
M may not be for everyone.  But for those who don't mind some melody in their Black Metal, might enjoy it.  The dark and the light do blend very well, without forcing the two sounds together.  What also may have made this album sound so great is Krystoffer Rygg (aka Garm), who helped to produce the album.  If anyone knows anything about Black Metal and Experimental music, it would definitely be him.  Huge fan of Ulver, so it's great seeing him work with Myrkur.  And the blokes in Nidingr did great filling the rhythm section.  If you're not sure about this album, you can always stream it at bandcamp and youtube.  Hopefully that will give you an idea and know whether to purchase it or not.  But I'm happy I bought this and show my support.  M is quite the Atmospheric Black Metal experience.  And I can't wait to take another journey into the sound that Myrkur has brought into the World of Black Metal.

You can purchase M at https://myrkur.bandcamp.com/album/m

Rating: "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Code 415 Podcast: 9-11-15

On today's episode, we remember the people we've lost during the 9/11 attack.  We think about our loved ones and how we should never take them for granted.  And to never forget.  United we stand.  Divided we fall.

Playlist:

Attack At Dawn - "June 29th, The Day You Almost Died" (demo)

https://www.reverbnation.com/attackatdawn

King Woman - "King of Swords" (Doubt)

https://theflenser.bandcamp.com/album/doubt

Hellbeard - "Colloused" (Scarecrow)

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hellbeard

Neko Case - "Red Tide" (Middle Cyclone)

http://www.anti.com/artists/neko-case/

Dorthia Cottrell - "Moth" (Dorthia Cottrell)

http://dorthiacottrell.bigcartel.com/

Tom Waits - "Road To Peace" (Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards)

http://www.anti.com/artists/tom-waits/

Code 415 Podcast: 9-11-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Lights And The Windows - "Lights And The Windows e.p." (2015)

For a couple of years, I've been following Lights And The Windows bringing their ambient-driven Post Hardcore/Alternative sound to the SoCal scene.  You hardly hear bands in the LA/OC area playing the sound that LATW are doing.  And because of that, it really makes Lights And The Windows stand out.  Especially hearing them live, it is quite the sonic experience.  A while back, there was some issue with their rhythm section.  But despite the bullocks that was happening within the band, they were able to get into Fuel Music Studio with a new line-up, and record their first release.

The e.p. opens up with a rework of "New Days Sun".  This one took time to get use to, since I've heard the demo version many times, last year.  This one had a much bigger feel.  Of course that has to do with being in a professional studio.  And I also don't remember if the bass was up on the mix in the demo version.  But on the e.p. version, the bass sounded really tight.  The band has also included gang vocals on the tracks "Battle Cry" and "Underfoot".  Definitely a nice touch to their sound.  "Underfoot" has a nice alternative rock sound.  But I have to say that "Battle Cry" is the most progressive track on the e.p.  The song starts off with almost a NWOBHM/Prog Metal feel.  Maybe it's because of the way Stefan delivered his vocals, which were excellent on that song.  Then "Battle Cry" goes into metallic hardcore territory when the gang vocals come in.  "Fall Down" displays the post-rock sound that a lot people praise LATW for (or at least I do).  The ambiance in Devin's guitar tone is something to get yourself lost into.  If the band were to submit a song to Heidi & Frank's "Should I Stay, Should I Go" segment, "Blazing Heart" would be perfect.  It has a pretty sweet hook that I'm sure your average listener would fancy. And finally we end with "Myopia".  A song that I pretty much heard grow.  I remember Devin sending me a mp3 file called "pt. in E".  And years later, that intro would become what "Myopia" is now.  The track finishes up with a solo which is described as "instrumentals of awesomeness".

To appreciate a band like Lights and the Windows, you need to have a understanding of post-rock and progressive music.  The e.p. is catchy without sounding generic.  And it is also heavy without having to be heavy.  In an early interview with Dimebag Darrell, he mentions how being heavy doesn't have to pertain with sound.  If you want it to be heavy, you have to do it with feeling.  And to me, that's what Lights And The Windows have accomplished with their S/T ep.  Also if you want to have a great listening experience, I highly recommend listening to it on headphones.  With that, you can hear every detail that makes this e.p. so enjoyable.  So if you enjoyed this band live, then it's time to pick up this e.p and enjoy the tunes in the comfort of your own home.

You can purchase the "Lights and the Window e.p." at https://lightsandthewindows.bandcamp.com/album/lights-and-the-windows-ep

Rating: "Five Hitlers Punched In The Face"

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

A Mad Max movie without Mel Gibson?  Something that was kinda hard for me to imagine.  I like to think that Gibson made that character, iconic.  He's the badarse that I want to be during the post-apocalypse.  But thankfully, Max's creator, George Miller, found someone that would make the Road Warrior proud.  Mad Max: Fury Road isn't a reboot or remake.  It's a sequel to the previous Mad Max films.  Except that we have a new Max in Tom Hardy.  Just think of this as the James Bond films.  Where many actors have taken the role of 007.

It's been many years since the last Mad Max film (Enter Thunderdome, bleh).  So it was a good thing that the movie started with a introduction of who's Max Rockatansky (don't remember if his surname was mentioned before).  We know that he was a ex-cop, who's family was killed by a gang.  And now he wonders around the Wasteland, "searching for a righteous cause".  He gets chased and captured by a clan called The War Boys.  A bunch of thin, pale, and bald blokes, lead by Immortan Joe.  A tyrant, who self-appointed himself the leader, because he controls all the water in his land.  Immortan Joe sends a convoy to the Gasoline City, and bring back gas.  We are then introduced to Imperator Furiosa, who will lead the convoy.  On their way to the Gasoline City, Furiosa takes a detour, and we find out that she has plans of her own.  Immortan Joe starts getting concern, and would find out that Furiosa has taken Joe's four wives.  So Immortan Joe gets the War Boys ready to get back what was his.  We then meet Nux, a half-life who's keeping himself alive with Max's blood.  When Nux sees his fellow comrades getting ready for action, he tries to get involved.  Sadly with the condition he is in, he's in no condition to be driving out in the open road.  So he decides to hook Max in front of the car, so Nux can continue feeding off Max's blood.  So now we got Immortan Joe and his War Boys (along with a guitarist, providing car chase music), going after Furiosa,   They catch up to Furiosa's rig, and we are treated with some crazy action.  Trying to lose Joe and the War Boys, Furiosa drives into a sand storm, which would look like suicide.  Nux tried to go kamikaze to stop Furiosa, but Max was able to stop him from succeeding.  As the storm clears, Max is set free, but Nux is still chained to him.  But at least he's knocked out.  Max catches up to Furiosa and the four wives.  He steals and tries to take off with Furiosa's rig, but the killswitch prevented Max from going far.  Furiosa and the wives catch up, in which Furiosa convinces Max to help them get to their destination.  And from here on out, Max and the gang have Joe chasing them in a monster truck, along with two other war parties trying to help Immortan Joe.  Cars are crashing and exploding.  Guns are being fired.  Bodies flying and getting run over.  And just pure mayhem in the Wasteland

If you're looking for Oscar-worthy performances, this isn't it.  This is a action film for people who want to see shit blow up and other form of destruction.  I really loved this film and had fun watching it.  I was surprise at how little Tom Hardy was involved.  But don't worry, he was still able to make Max the star of the film.  The ladies did a fantastic job in carrying this film.  Especially since action films tend to attract males.  And Charlize Theron was awesome as the badarse heroine, with a robotic arm.  If you loved the chase scene in The Road Warrior, then Mad Max: Fury Road takes that to a whole other level.  And how can I forget Hugh Keays-Bryne as Immortan Joe.  Who is now immortalized in pop culture.  Seeing that the last film that George Miller directed was Happy Feet, it's great to see him return to the Wasteland.  And bringing back a iconic figure to a new generation of movie goers.  And now, I anticipate the next sequel.

Faith No More - "Sol Invictus" (2015)

Well folks, it looks like we got what we wanted.  Not only getting the great Faith No More to get back together and play live.  But also put out a new album since 1997's Album of the Year.  Around the early 00's, I've noticed a huge demand for Faith No More.  Not sure if it's because of Mike Patton popularity (especially in Europe), but a lot of people were getting their hands on The Real Thing (1989) and Angel Dust (992).  10 years after their break-up, Faith No More have finally got back together, doing shows and festivals in Europe, before doing a tour in the States.  During that time, the band have been secretly writing material for their comeback album.  Finally in 2015, FNM have unleashed Sol Invictus to us, who've been waiting for new FNM material.

Roddy's piano opens up the title track.  It's a nice kickback song.  But things get rolling when "Superhero" pops up.  There's definitely a King For a Day vibe in it.  Not sure if anyone has mentioned that.  But hopefully you can hear it.  Unless it's just me.  "Separation Anxiety" is a perfect song that displays Patton's smooth jazz vocals and his more spastic style.  I know Decibel has mentioned that "Cone of Shame" has that "RV" sound.  And I do have to agree.  There is that bar room country sound, but by the end, it does get really intense.  Which is why I love this track.  And "Motherfucker" is definitely a track to sing-a-long.  The album finishes off with "For The Dead".  I like to think that if you enjoyed the last half of King For A Day, then you might this song.

Now let's be honest, it's been a while since these guys have gotten together to write an album.  So don't expect them to outdo Angel Dust, or another classic.  We wanted new Faith No More and we got it.  It isn't a bad album, so that's a good thing.  Everything that we know about Faith No More is in this album.  You got your soft and mellow tunes.  And you got your rock out/bouncing around tunes.  "Sunny Side Up" and "Matador"  mix both of those sounds really well.  As much as I love Patton's vocals, I have to say that Roddy Bottum's performance is just great.  His piano mixes really well with the songs, without sounding like he's trying to force it into the songs.  If you enjoyed most of Faith No More's catalog, then you should be able to enjoy Sol Invictus.  This is just a fun record to listen to, so don't expect any boundaries to be pushed.  I can understand why a lot of music mags and blogs are a bit disappointed.  Which is why you have to see it as Faith No More just doing another record, instead of trying to record the next classic.  Remember, the hype is that Faith No More have a new album.  There wasn't any claim that this was gonna be better than their earlier work.  So just enjoy and have fun with Sol Invictus.  And be glad that we'll be getting some new Faith No More.  Because it seems that these blokes are having the time of their lives.

Rating: "Five Hitlers Punched in the Face"

Ghost - "Meliora" (2015)

My, my, Ghost has really grown.  It seemed like it was yesterday, when I heard about a mysterious Swedish band, who singer looked like Satanic Pope.  And is accompanied by 4 blokes in black hooded robes.  As silly as their gimmick may be to others, to me, Ghost can back it up with their catchy song writing.  Which is why I think a lot of people feel in love the anti papal and his nameless ghouls.  When Ghost were to release 2013's, Infestissumam, fans from the underground were looking forward to that album.  Now that Ghost have become huge, the whole World is looking forward to their next release, Meliora.

I like how Meliora starts off with a old sci-fi/horror synth, before the band begins rocking it with "Spirit".  "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" has a sweet bass intro.  I also love that psychedelic guitar tone.  Very different from what we heard on the last two Ghost Albums  "Cirice", of course everyone loves that song.  From the opening chord to the first verse, this song already has you hooked.  After listening to this song, you know that Ghost have outdone themselves again. "Can you see that you're lost with out me", goddamn, I always have that line stuck in my head.  The Papal never sounded this great.  But the song that I hope will be their next single is "Majesty".  The guitar riff on that song just kicks arse.  "Mummy Dust", "Devil Church" and "Deus In Absentia" has that 70's pop rock feel, which sounds really nice.  And "Absolution" brings out that early Mercyful Fate-meets-Blue Oyster Cult sound, which is considered the band's signature sound.   

By each album, I find myself loving this band even more and more.  And the fact that they focus more on writing really catchy songs, does help a lot.  When I heard their first single, "Cirice", I pretty much knew that Meliora was gonna be another hit with the fans.  Really glad that this album exceeded my expectations, and that the band didn't feel a lot of pressure to write their follow-up to Infestissumam.  As long as Ghost doesn't rush to finish their next album, then I can see this band having a great longevity.  If you enjoyed the last album, then you're gonna dig Meliora.  So gathering around and rejoice the music, that is Ghost.  

Rating: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Code 415 Podcast: 9-4-15

Happy Labor Day, everyone.  Today's show features a lot of high energy bands.  Hope you'll enjoy today's show.

The Extreme Unicorn - "Occupy" (To The Extreme e.p.)

https://extremeunicorns.bandcamp.com/album/to-the-extreme

Anti-Heroes - "Fuck Hollywood" (American Pie)

http://www.amazon.com/American-Pie-Anti-Heros/dp/B000000EV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441419418&sr=8-1&keywords=anti+heroes

Jar'd Loose - "Carrion Guy" (Turns 13)

http://www.amazon.com/Turns-13-Jard-Loose/dp/B00JJNLX78/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1441419497&sr=8-2&keywords=Jar%27d+Loose

Code 415 Podcast: 9-4-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud