My reviews should be pretty easy to find underneath all this blog crap, so I won't bother going through a big list in usual format. I did a poor one of Biggie's "Ready To Die" classic, Soilwork's "Predators Portrait" (brilliant melodic death), Devin Townsend's "Terria" (great proggy concept), Bone Thugs' "Creepin on ah Come Up" (first record by them, not so great..) and some others I can't remember, but I'm sure you could find if you're that bored or interested.

When I first heard the song they did with Fallout Boy's singer, "Cupid's Chokehold", I didn't dig it...but like most songs I initially hate, it grew on me. Then I decided that the mix of hip-hop/rap vocals with an actual band was a promising concept, so I got their discography. I gotta admit for a bit of a poppy sound, this band is genuinely impressive. If you're bored of the same old stuff, this might be a pleasant change if you can get into it.

I've spun up a few recently from varying genres that might be worth looking into (the music/album i mean, not my reviews):

Gordian Knot - Gordian Knot - the first outting from these guys is simply ridiculous...if you're into progressive instrumental stuff, you'll enjoy this.

Devin Townsend - Physicist - not nearly as great as some he'd put out after it, but it lays some good groundwork.

She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge - this band has a real 80's vibe to them, but some songs are pretty infecticious.

New Bone Thugs and Rush is out (has been for a little while I guess) and both are pretty good records. I haven't really gotten into Snakes & Arrows yet, but from the few songs I've heard it seems like it'll be alright. As for the new Bone Thugs-N-Harmony...its pretty damn slick. Check them out for yourself if you're a fan of either

Yeah, I know it's not officially released before I hear any of that nonsense, but it's finally leaked. Wow: prolly the best word to describe it. Whereas other bands in the same vein (personal fav In Flames, Soilwork...) last records were subpar, Fiction is a fairly amazing recording. The band doesn't seem to be losing any speed in their lengthy career and has another top notch album to put in their discography.

Haven't really bothered with much new stuff cause I'm still muckin around with my library, but if you're looking for a bit of older experimentally metal, check out Devin Townsend's Infinity.

Anyways, just preaching about DT, looking forward for the official release forsure.

I just did a few reviews after checking out some albums in their entirety. This may save you some time or just take up more of it...
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Trivium - The Crusade : Now I got a feeling I'm going to piss off a lot of Trivium fans here, but I was pretty disappointed with this record. I'm not too sure what the band was thinking really. Don't get me wrong, it had a couple really good songs on it, but the attempt at being Metallica is just too much to bear throughout 13 tracks or so. I thought Ascendancy was better personally, then again I'm not that big a fan of this band.

Dark Tranquillity - Exposures: In Retrospect and Denial : I'm restating myself yet again, but if you're a fan of this band, this is a must have for a collection. There really isn't a bad track on here, and chances are its something you haven't heard yet.

In Flames - Black-ash Inheritance : Yeah...I was bored, so I figured I'd add this to my review collection. Just a few tracks on this EP, but it's a good one.
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That's about it for now, I've been transfering a lot of music from an old harddrive to a new one (still) and it's been a slow process with everything I've been trying to do with it, so it's kept me listening to older stuff and refraining from checking out new stuff. I'll try to hit up some more obscure albums for reviewing later.

-ZeeDeevel

Just did up a few album reviews and one artist (not sure if I made mention of that before)

Reviews:

- Gary Jules - Trading Snakeoil for Wolf Tickets: after a lot of hype surrounding this guys cover of the Tears for Fears song "Mad World" that was made a hit in Donnie Darko, I finally got around to checking out the rest of his material. Though the record is decent, it's important to get rid of any expectations formed around the "Mad World" track...though it shows up on this disc, the rest of the album has a completely different feel to it. A little too folky for my current tastes, but it was decent.

- Grateful Dead - American Beauty: This album is a Dead classic (despite the fact that I'm not the biggest fan at the moment of the record) and is good if you're in a mellow mood.
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I've been listening to a lot of Moonspell lately, so if anyone is familiair, what the hell is wrong with Memorial? I just don't understand this record, it seems like such a far cry from wicked Moonspell records.

-ZeeDeevel

Not to say that I was exiled from the site mind you...I just haven't been here in a while, just dropping by on the odd occurance that I need to double check an album date or something like that...so I dunno what's really new (if anything) or what's been going on.

I finally got a new computer, and thankfully it's a signficant step-up from my old 40gb harddrive that just couldn't seem to hold my music library like I had hoped. My new-found free space has sort of thrown me into an album spree, but I'm running low on ideas at the moment as I'm also trying to transfer all my old music over from my old harddrive and rediscovering bands on there I hadn't heard in ages.

Anyway, sometime during this downloading surge I came across that new Muse record, something I'd been putting off purposely for a long time. My buddy (and credible taste with all forms of music) recommended I give them a try, and I've got to say that now that I have, the album is actually a pretty good one. I rememeber Muse's old single from a previous record, and I hated it with a passion...but there are one or two tracks on this record I don't care for. There seems to be at least a little something in everything else on there.

I plan to get back to some reviewing shortly (not that anyone cares) but I've been a bit too busy for that lately and feel like I'm repeating myself too much. I would like to print a bit of a retraction in this blog while I'm at this tho....a while back, when I first started writing reviews for this site, I had a bad habit of hearing a certain album once then passing my judgement on it. I learned after many albums that you simply can't do this and have a good idea of what the record is about at the same time...so, for Dark Tranquillity's Character record (their latest) I retract virtually everything I said about the record, as I clearly wasn't thinking straight.

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-ZeeDeevel

I got (downloaded) a couple albums to pass my time/entertain me while studying in the last week and a half or so, and all seem to warrent a similar reaction. They all had good qualities to them, but they all disappointed me in some ways.

First I checked out Boy Hits Car - The Passage, as it's the bands newest release and the first in a few years. They seem to have lost their aggressive edge, lumping them in with legions of bad, Three Days Gracey type bands.

I moved to HIM - Uneasy Listening, Vol. 1, which is no new album at all (hopefully this isn't why they cancelled their tour) but rather a bunch of demo releases mixed with new dubs and remixes...it was disappointing, although some tracks did benefit from the touch ups.

Finally, I'm still working through Incubus - Light Grenades. Not too sure what to make of this one yet, I was impressed with their last outing, but this one...I dunno, something just doesn't feel right; mind you, it is growing on me and is going to take a few more listenings to wrap my head around it.
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Any suggestions on what to check out next? I'm getting insanely bored with my music these days.

-ZeeDeevel

I haven't been all that busy with the updates and random noise goin' on around mp3.com, so I've only posted a pair of reviews.

The first, All That Remains - This Darkened Heart is a precursor to the bands better (IMO) record, The Fall of Ideals. It seems to lack that certain something, but it's still a decent listen.

The second is something a little more special. Mr. Bungle - California is prolly one of the weirdest things you'll listen to, but you'd be doing yourself a favour by checking out this record. It was unfortuneately the band's last outing, but boy did they end on a high-note.

I don't got a whole lot else, bored outta my mind and going to check out the Trey Parker movie Orgazmo.

-ZeeDeevel

Hmm...this new site format really doesn't impress me much. It's a little flashier, it has some free downloads, but I don't get some of it...can we not write reviews for albums anymore? All I'm getting is artist review bunk. What's the point of all these changes? Or the rating systems of this site for that matter? They're completely useless when changed so frequently, really glad I wasted my time putting ratings on songs/albums for nothing. I dunno, I know this is still the time for bug's to be found and worked out and what not, but I'm just really not impressed by this change; I smell retirement.

-ZeeDeevel

I'm just really doing one of these to check out this level system and how it works/if it works. I've done a few reviews in the last week and a half or so, some albums better than others - as she usually goes.
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Threat Signal - Under Reprisal : This band's from Hamilton, Ontario, where I was born and live near still. They're a pretty amazing band, just starting to get big (on tour opening for Soilwork at the moment). They're a good sign for the direction that heavy metal is taking, and if you like Meshuggah or Fear Factory style stuff, this band will probably impress. They have both death and clean vocals and some pretty melodic stuff.

Kalmah - The Black Waltz: Kalmah's mint, this disc is mint. There isn't much else to say, it isn't their best, but definitely worth checking out.

Audioslave - Revelations: Alright, my curiosity got the better of me and I finally got this record. It's actually an improvement on Out of Exile IMO. Got a few decent tunes on it, but I still miss Rage.

The Black Angels - Passover: My bro recommended this band to me, and although it wsan't exactly my cup of tea, it's a great example of Indie and modern pyschadelic music. Nice and trippy, though a little dull.
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I still have a couple more on the way, one from Mr. Bungle that everyone needs to check out. The album alone will change your musical horizons http://www.mp3.com/albums/369879/summary.html

happy listening,

-ZeeDeevel

It's been a little while since I covered what I'd been up to in reviews, mainly since I've be writting very little since school started again. I can't remember where I left off and what I've mentioned or haven't, so some are gonna have to fly under the radar.
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All That Remains - The Fall of Ideals : this album was pretty great, and if you like any melodic metal at all it should appeal to some part of you. There are some death vocals, but they are complimented nicely by the clean vocals; great guitar hooks here as well.

Alexisonfire - Crisis : Alright, this is a pretty good record for something so mainstream. I gotta admit, this band as grown on me in recent months and the release of this disc only concreted my enjoyment. Check it out.

Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May : This disc is such a major improvement from their self-titled debut. This is pretty nu-metalish and radio-friendly, but there are some really good songs on this record, and Corey is pretty slick.

Amon Amarth - With Odin on Our Side : Alright, so this is my first review from this band, but for good reason. I didn't mind some of the bands earlier work, although it was a bit on the rough side of metal for me. With the new disc, the band has taken a more melodic approach to their viking metal and come up with a brilliant record.

Iron Maiden - A Matter of Life and Death : I'd been waiting a ridiculously long time to hear this disc, and sadly when I finally did I was a tad disappointed. It's a good record and definitely worth checking out, but it's a little dry in comparison to some of the previous new recordings.
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I'm working on a couple more, but I'm going to wait until this leveling bug is cleared of mp3.com (I'm a nerd). If you're bored or looking for new music, check out any of the above.



-ZeeDeevel

So I just got back from seeing the movie on opening night. The only word I can come up with that would be near fitting is "ridiculous". I was extremely impressed, as far as Tv series' turned movies, this one gets a 5/5 in my books.

Not much else to say than that, back to music

For an organization that's supposed to present itself with more class than those it opposes and is supposed to carry some kind of meaningful message, PETA has a pretty big, disrespectful mouth. http://entertainment1.sympatico.msn.ca/PETA+attack+Steve+Irwin/Celebs/Bang/ContentPosting.aspx?isfa=1&newsitemid=BSBS43250&feedname=BANG&show=False&number=0&showbyline=False&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc

The link above will show the rest of the story, but apparently PETA has decided to wait until Irwin's death to make a target out of him. As far as animal handlers go, Irwin knew what he was doing, loved and respected the animals he worked with, and only helped to promote animal rights. For a life-time (and death) dedicated to this work, he's getting spat on for "taking advantage" of startled animals and producing a false message.

I was with PETA 100% since I found out about the organization, as an animal lover it seemed the only logical decision. This incident has altered my thinking. I still support the majority of the groups work and a continued attempt that increasing animal welfare - however, as of this moment, PETA can eat a d*ck. FIND SOMETHING BETTER TO DO WITH YOUR TIME, and leave the dead in peace.

-ZeeDeevel

Coo coo ka choo

Somewhat late at posting this, although I found out a little before this time late last night from a news update. There isn't too much to say, he's all over Tv at the moment so that's doing a good enough job. May he rest in peace, anyone who loves and respects animals to that degree is a good person in my books; seemed like a stand-up guy too.

Not too sure what to play to honour his memory, but I'm thinkin' a little Marley (and the Wailers) and some Sublime. Something about the positive messages and life-loving attitude seem like it would fit nicely.

-ZeeDeevel

Well, I guess this is pretty much it for the summer. I can't say I'm too sad to see it go, since I was sorta looking forward to school. Something productive would definitely help things I think.

No new reviews to talk about, haven't really been in the mood but hope to do up a few in the following week until classes start. This isn't too say I'll stop reviewing altogether, but I'm trying to work at a list I had going for some time.

A few more Trivium songs leaked from their new album. One of my few metalcore indulgences, I really think this disc is going to be great. All they get is slack for sounding too much like Metallica now, when before they didn't sound enough like that thrash metal of old...can't win with the metal-elite I suppose.

On the subject of heavy metal, the newest Amon Amarth disc has leaked to non-elite torrent sites, so in otherwords is widely available to check out...providing you're a fan of these Vikings. If anyones interested, it sounds extremely wicked, and a pleasant change from older works (which of course is drawing criticism from the said metal-elite(ests))

Hmm...on a non-metal sidebar, listen to more Sublime.
I plan to check out the newest Audioslave disc (I dunno what sick curiousity is leading me in that direction) so if anyone reading this had heard it, let me know what you think of it.

Anyways, this blog was too long and really had little point, so I'm gonna kill it now.

-ZeeDeevel

Ridiculously bored, so posting some random musings/thoughts/music related gibberish. I haven't been doing much reviewing at all lately, my minds been elsewhere, and I suppose I'm trying to get in as much partying as I can before slowing down for school; not a whole lot else to do around here.

I've still been in a pretty metal mood lately, taking time out obviously for other bands (mainly Sublime, The Beatles and Blues Traveler this week) along the way. I got around to doing up a classic death metal band, reviewing At the Gates' Slaugther of the Soul. The disc is a great beginning to the melodic death metal genre to come out of Sweden, and was a pretty good listen.

I shifted gears a bit indulging my love of jam bands and hit up a Blues Traveler album. This was their most recent, 2005's Bastardos! and prolly the only disc of there's I've heard all the way through. I was pretty impressed, such a great band, I still have to work on finishing up the rest of their material.
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Not too sure where my musical direction is gonna take me now, I can see metal dragging itself out for a while longer. Maybe some reggae..?

-ZeeDeevel

August seems to be moving a lot faster than July, and I guess school's actually coming up. Hopefully this year will be pulled off a little smoother than last...on the plus side there are a tonne of bands with albums out between September and October, so I should have something to keep me going.

I've been trying to get into a writing mood with random odds and ends, so I've picked back up my reviewing. I think I've done about 5 or so since my last blog, or at least these are the ones I can remember.

Scar Symmetry - Symmetric in Design
                            - Pitch Black Progress

*This wraps up both albums by this band, and if you're a fan of melodic death metal like In Flames or Soilwork, you'll prolly be a fan of this music.

Sinergy - Suicide By My Side

*Made up of memebers from Children of Bodom and Dimmu Borgir, this band is a fantastic female-fronted example of power metal.

Eye Adrift - Eyes Adrift

*Bah, with ex-memebers of the Meat Puppets, Nirvana, and Sublime I really was expecting something more than this. The band offers up a mix of alt-country/rock/punk I suppose, and it's an alright cd, but not hard to see why they didn't last.

Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

*I dunno why it took me so long to get around to reviewing this one, but I finally did it to add to the Maiden collection. Such a good concept disc, nothing more needs to be said by me about it.

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Ahh, music is grand. I'm looking into some work by Blues Traveler (took me way too long to get more material from these guys, wow..) and as always will be sorting through a pile of new metal bands I've been meaning to check out. More reviews should be coming for any who care, as this helps me kill time until school starts.

keep listening,

-ZeeDeevel