Clear The Pit

Jonny Craig Kicked Out Of Emarosa

2011-04-29T10:13:00.003-07:00

Sort of old, but it seems as though not many people know. Jonny Craig has officially been ousted from post- hardcore band Emarosa. When asked about it, the band had this to say:

"As of today, Jonny Craig is no longer a member of Emarosa. This decision has been a hard one to make, but we feel it is in the best interest for the band going forward."

To which Craig replied with:

"I got no hard feelings to any of the dudes in Emarosa I am more than happy to be with Dance Gavin Dance and working on my solo shit. Hope they can keep up."

Seems as though they couldn't handle the fact that he was doing heavy drugs and tricking people into buying macbooks from him. At least he went to rehab.

Quick Hiatus

2011-04-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that quick hiatus everyone, got a little absorbed in life for a bit, but I am back and should be updating about every other day at the least. In the meantime, please check out the new video of the week. Defiler is a pretty sick up- and- coming band.

New Arsonists Get All The Girls Song

2011-04-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Arsonists Get All the Girls have been in the scene for a while and have always been pretty different from most bands in their similar genre. This time around, they have cut most of the breakdowns out and have paved the way for a more groove- laden album. Check out their new songs on their Facebook. It requires a "like" to listen.

What is Metalcore

2011-04-06T00:21:00.001-07:00

Recently a friend asked me to make an informational post about these sub- genres because it is sometimes confusing for people who have lives (unlike me) to understand. It is also hard considering that there is a lot of arguing when it comes down to it. This post will give brief summaries of multiple genres to let you make your own informed decisions. Here you go Xuian (go check out his sweetass blog at here)

A little history-
Metalcore originally started as a joke term to describe hardcore with metallic elements. Coined by Shai Hulud if I remember correctly. Since, it has evolved into something so much more.

Metal-
A broad term used to describe many types of music with various sounds. Usually heavy and downtuned, with some technicality thrown in. Dark atmosphere. Too much to type really. Many sub- genres have been created to describe all kinds of different sounds. The music usually depends on the written music itself. Examples: Dream Theatre, Dark Tranquillity, Scar Symmetry.

Hardcore-
A deviation of punk music with a much more aggressive attitude. The music isn't based on any sort of theory or skill, it is all pure emotion; negative or positive. It is completely based on the attitude you put in. Beats are very simple and riffs are generally only chord- derived with shout- out choruses and much crowd participation.. Examples: Crime in Stereo, H2O, Comeback Kid

Metalcore-
An amalgamation of both aforementioned genres, metal and hardcore, the genres tries to blend the best of both worlds. A metallic twinge with the musical skill and heaviness, plus the attitude and presentation of hardcore. Metalcore has a MASSIVE spectrum. Bands range from the more metal side (Killswitch Engage), to more hardcore (Earth Crisis), and everywhere in between. Elitism arises often on both sides, and for some reason don't like the other. They try and shove metalcore to a sub- genre of one or the other, but truth is, it is BOTH. Examples: August Burns Red, I Killed The Prom Queen, Parkway Drive.

Deathcore-
This can either be a mix of hardcore and death metal, or metalcore and death metal. The music almost always relies on it's brutality, and can either range from just very heavy and energetic, to blindingly technical or atmospheric. Vocals are typically a lot more death metal oriented. Utilizes tremolo picking, sweeping solos, fast double bass, blast beats and chromatic rhythms. Examples: Beneath the Massacre, Winds of Plague, Despised Icon.

Post- hardcore-
Generally utilizing any of the other core genres, and blending them with post- rock elements. Utilizes plenty of clean singing as well as screaming. Melodies are plentiful and often beautiful. The music is often very well written. Examples: Lower Definition, Dance Gavin Dance, Silverstein.

Djent-
Term coined by one of the Meshuggah guitarists to describe Catch 22. Not exactly a genre, but it is a sound you get when you mute notes in a certain manner. Instead of the usual "jun - juns", it comes out as a sharp muted noise "djent - djent." Pronounced like gent with a hard D sound. Examples: Periphery, Meshuggah, Permillisecond, Cloudkicker.

Tags-
Various extra tags can be thrown in before these genres to further describe their sound. Some included are: technical, melodic, progressive, generic.

Notes-
First of all, these should only be to describe the general sound of a band, and the band should not be pigeon- holed into sounding exactly like every other band like them. Debating is stupid, because most of the time it is a matter of opinion. Don't let the label keep you from listening. Secondly, and I will say this with some passion, NOTHING IS DEPENDENT ON BREAKDOWNS. Breakdowns have occurred in both father genres for decades upon decades. Only in the past decade have they been utilized in the manner specifically for the crowd to react to. They are just fun to throw down to.

Too Much News...

2011-04-05T02:25:00.000-07:00

So lately I realized I have no been posting personal enough things, just news. So I decided it might be time for me to write a review. I have yet to do that, so I suppose it is due time. Even if you don't know the band you can just pick one and I will do it. So here is the list:

The Contortionist - Exoplanet
Fact In Enraged Minds - Serpentines
State of East London - Repugnant
Silverstein - Recovery

Thank you for reading my blog everyone. Just got back into the habit of getting back to all the blogs I follow. Expect a lot more meaningful posts from now on. In other news, check out my friends band Never Means Nothing on facebook. They are decent for a pop - punk band. The tracks are pretty rough, but they are beast.

Monsters Decide to Call it Quits

2011-04-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

Deathcore/ Nu Metal band Monsters has decided to end the band. Not much was said in their statement, so I won't even bother. Apparently it is on good terms, and they all just decided to part ways. There will also be a farewell show. I am a little confused, because they just released an album a few months ago, as well as signed themselves to Emmure frontman, Frankie Palmeri's label. New album was kinda bad anyway. But I will still spin The Righteous Dead once in a while.

Have Heart

2011-04-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

Not much else to say dudes. Inspirational. Such a positive band with such dedicated fans. Wish I could have scene them myself. I also wish they were still together.

Asking Alexandria Singer Needs Rehab

2011-04-01T19:42:00.001-07:00

There seems to be an influx of crazy shit happening with bands lately. Check it out. Not a big fan of the band, and here is why. They came to my town and were really insulting. Just not nice people.

Not Another Teen Blog Post....

2011-03-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this is a music blog. I am sorry that I have really been slacking lately in the post and Morning Coffee department. To those of you that have still been supporting me, thank you very much. I promise I will return the favor soon. Unfortunately between a girlfriend, new job, and an up- and- coming band it is very hard to find free time to do this.

Now on to the post. Time to interact with my followers. I want to hear the best 10 metal, hardcore, punk, etc. performances you have ever seen in the comments section below. Let's see what you got.

My personal list?
Misery Signals
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Chariot
The Ghost Inside
For the Fallen Dreams
Within the Ruins
Veil Of Maya
Winds Of Plague
Despised Icon
Parkway Drive

Trapped Under Ice Singer Calls Out Fan

2011-03-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hardcore band Trapped Under Ice apparently fought a kid for jumping on the singer when he was stagediving. Even if you don't like the band, funny video. (Sorry for the short post, I have to go to work.)

New Periphery Song

2011-03-25T10:49:00.002-07:00

Progressive metal/ djent/ shredcore band Periphery has released a new song. This track "Frak the Gods" is going to be put out on their forthcoming ep Icarus EP. I am not gonna lie to you, this track is beyond sick. It far surpasses anything else on their first full length put out by Sumerian. Great production, amazing vocals, and as always, Bulb never fails to deliver some crazy guitar work. Here is the link to the Metalsucks post with the song in it. Happy listening!

I Killed the Prom Queen Is Back!

2011-03-25T01:49:00.002-07:00

One of the most essential metalcore bands in the past decade is Australia's own, I Killed The Prom Queen, has been slated for it's return. I am personally fucking (pardon my language) STOKED. This band has been a part of my music collection for some time now, and I had discovered them at the time just before they broke up. Of course I was a bit of a sceenie- weenie in this stage ugh... So I did not exactly appreciate them the way they deserved, but now I can't go a week without listening to some of their better songs.

They announced officially on their Facebook that they were to return. According to various internet sources, it has been found that Jona (guitar) will be doubling shows with previously posted band, Bring Me The Horizon, as will JJ Peters (Drums) with his hardcore band Deez Nuts. No original vocalist would come back so they decided to pick up the vocalist of Geelong's deathcore band, The Red Shore. Go ahead and take a look at this post in the Wiki article.

"On 9 March 2011, the band announced an Australian reunion tour with The Amity Affliction, Deez Nuts, and Of Mice & Men as part of the Destroy Music Tour in May 2011. It was confirmed that Butcher and Crafter will not return as vocalists.
On 10 March 2011, it was confirmed that Jamie Hope (ex-The Red Shore) will be taking over lead vocals for the tour. It was confirmed via the bands official facebook page this re-formation and line-up is permanent, and not just for one tour. Guitarist Jona Weinhofen has confirmed the same day that he is not planning to leave his other band Bring Me the Horizon and that he will remain in both bands."

New Bring Me The Horizon Video...

2011-03-24T12:36:00.004-07:00

Not many people liked this band passed when they were deathcore. I mean let's face it, as our musical tastes evolved, BMTH fell way behind. I personally have always thought they were pretty catchy, minus the whole "we are big rockstars now, so we get to act like douchebags" thing. Well their new songs have legitimately gotten well... Good. It may be hard to believe, but I can already see why. Since his departure from Australia's I Killed The Prom Queen, I have always enjoyed the works of Mr. Jona Weinhofen. He is a great guitarist. He brought a lot to the table for Bleeding Through (wow there are a lot of name drops in this post), and now is bringing that creativity to BMTH. Upon first hearing their new single, I could not believe that the band who had previously written an album full of Bury Your Dead and UnderOATH (more name drops, yay!) rip- offs was so good. Then I remembered why. Good luck Jona, you need it. ANYWAY, back to the news. There isn't much to say. Good song, decent video. Here ya go viewers.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=clthpi-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=B001GH3MJW&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=CC6600&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=333333&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=333333&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=clthpi-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=B003F6OZ5C&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=CC6600&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=333333&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=333333&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Endless Steppe

2011-03-23T22:40:00.002-07:00

Some of you may know just how it feels to have a genuinely small music scene where you live. My town is no exception. In my opinion, it is very rare for a band in this genre of music to create music that is catchy, and has some talent behind it. Well there is one band here doing just that. They may have dumbed their sound down a little bit to bring out that catchy element, but my good friends in The Endless Steppe have released a record to be reckoned with. While my opinion may be a bit biased since they are such good friends of mine, I personally think it is only a matter of time before they go places.

NOTE: While this is (yes), a deathcore, please do not let the term scare you away. Give them a chance. I mean it's free, what do you have to lose?

The Endless Steppe
'Momentum'

Carne Asada Fries
Godzilla
Beneath The Hide
Delusion
Oceans
Deuce No Challenge No Blitz
John WB/ Harvey Djent
Momentum
Macho Man Randy Savage

Download:
http://www.mediafire.com/?a3ihjeiykzzobg8#2
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Endless-Steppe/150735068294824

Homefront: Songs For the Resistance

2011-03-23T02:01:00.002-07:00

I know this isn't a a video game blog guys, but this soundtrack is really, really good. The covers are all really well done and have their own flair. My only problem is the mixing isn't that well done. The tracklist is as follows:

War Ensemble - As I Lay Dying
Fight the Power - The Dillinger Escape Plan feat. Chuck D
Uprising - iwrestledabearonce
War Pigs - The Acacia Strain
One - Periphery
Fortunate Son - The Ghost Inside
For What It's Worth - Winds of Plague
Us and Them - Misery Signals
Masters of War - Arsonists Get All the Girls
War - Oceano
Sunday Bloody Sunday - Veil of Maya

Here is the link for your free download.

http://www.songsfortheresistance.com/index.php

Misery Signals, The Acacia Strain, The Ghost Inside and More Announced...

2011-03-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

To release some cover songs for Homefront. Bands included are: Misery Signals (HOORAAAAAAYYYYYY AGGGGH *seizure*) Veil of Maya, As I Lay Dying, Periphery, The Ghost Inside, The Dillinger Escape Plan and many more. Here is the article posted on theprp.com.

"A number of heavy bands look to be involved with the soundtrack to the upcoming video game “Homefront“. Misery Signals most recently entered the studio to track an as-yet unspecified cover for the game. Other artists expected to appear on the soundtrack include As I Lay Dying, The Acacia Strain, Periphery, The Ghost Inside and more.
Further details are expected soon, while the game is on course for a March 08th release date on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC platforms."

For The Fallen Dreams Loses Founding Member

2011-02-16T14:48:00.005-07:00

Melodic Hardcore/ Metalcore pioneers For The Fallen Dreams have just recently lost their drummer. Co- founder of the band, Andrew Tkaczyk, has left this message to anyone interested in hearing what had happened:
"After starting this band with Jim almost 8 years ago in 2003, I can say that my life since then, has been nothing short of amazing. I have had experiences and seen things that a lot of people will never get the chance to, and I'm very greatful. I've been lucky enough to travel to places like Australia, UK, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and our own beautiful country dozens of times, to play shows and live my dream. Recently I hit a point in my life/music career where I had to make a decision that was not easy to make. I realized that it was the right move for me to step down from FTFD. This in NO way whatsoever has anything to do with any of the guys in this band. It was a personal choice that had been building up inside me for months, and it only felt right to go the path that I've chosen. Jim, Dylan, Kalan, Jaime, and anyone else who has been in this band and shared these times with me, I thank you. You all have played huge and important roles in my life. I'll never forget the times we shared.

"I wish the guys in FTFD the BEST of luck as they are recording their 3rd full length record as we speak. I guarantee all of you that this happening will not affect or slow down this band at all. They're going to make an amazing record for you guys. All of these guys are still some of my best friends and this doesn't change that. With that being said I'd like to make it clear that this also is not the end for me in music. I will be pursuing other projects in time, and I will still be writing music and releasing material on my own. I will also be writing for some other bands as well. Once again I'd like to thank everyone in FTFD, Ryan "Dog" Nelson, Craig @ Rise Records, Pantheon Agency, and anyone else who has helped FTFD grow over the years. I love you all more than words can describe!"

Their guitarist followed up with this statement:

"When Andrew came to me about his concerns I was completely floored. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the band we started, without him. To be honest, For the Fallen Dreams was on thin ice. There was a period when we thought this band was done, with everyone headed separate ways. It was hard to accept but giving up just didn't feel right. After weeks of soul-searching, and speaking with friends and loved ones, I spoke with the remaining members of the band and we decided to stick to it and write an album about all of the obstacles we overcame during the last record cycle.

"There is absolutely no bad blood between Andrew and the members of this band. He's a talented musician with a future ahead of him, we wish him the best. We are currently in talks with a few amazing drummers to fill the spot full-time, but haven't made any decisions yet. If anyone is interested in trying out, we are open to any video submissions (hocking.jamesm@gmail.com)

"Moving on, we are two weeks in at Diamond Studios in Ocala, FL with Tom Denney until March recording our third full-length album. It is expected to be released in the spring-time so keep your eyes open for new songs! Our friend Will Weatherly from Ocala is taking on drum duties in the studio. He's an experienced studio musician and is bringing a lot to the table for the record. Fans and supporters, DON'T WORRY!!! We have a lot of great tours coming up, on top of our most exciting record to date. 2011 is already shaping up to be a great year, as well as a new era for the band! Stay tuned."

New Emmure Single

2011-01-26T23:08:00.001-07:00

...-Core (as to not start fights) band Emmure has released a new single, and I am not gonna lie. I am really stoked on it. It took what I liked about The Respect Issue and Goodbye To The Gallows, and put it into this song. Their new album comes out relatively soon. I would buy it if I were you. It is gonna be sweet. Do it. NOW. DOOOOOOO IT. Anyway, heres the song...

So Very Sick...

2011-01-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

So everyone, I am very sorry I have not been posting so very often as of late...
For all 8 of you who care... I am pretty sick right now. It blows
MOVING ON. Exciting shit happening. I am going to make up for those missed few days by making some posts RIIIIGHT NAO on everything I should have before.
Reading them would be greatly appreciated.
~Chris

Tsop Wen

2011-01-17T17:50:00.002-07:00

I am a very happy camper, seeing as how the Winterizer What-The-Butt-F**k-Ever Tour is coming up this Sunday. I was never a massive fan of the band The Chariot, but they are really talented with a lot of heart in their music. I feel like they are a cross between newer The Dillinger Escape Plan and older Norma Jean. Although I feel as though I may get clobbered by some big- ass cymbal, the live show should be fun. In this week's aptly named section "Video Of The Week" I have uploaded an example of why you should try and see them yourself. Josh Scogin is a beast. Funny that they are playing with Silverstein. Speaking of which, have you heard their new stuff?! Leaving Victory made them really cut loose. Check it out if you can.

More next time on....TALES OF INTEREST!!!!!!!!

Atreyu Goes On Hiatus

2011-01-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Remember way back in middle school when you had that one gateway band into heavier stuff? Or more legit stuff. Atreyu was that band for me. It kind of sucks in a way I suppose, though I have had no interest in the for an extended period of time. Enough rambling of me back when I thought tripp pants were kind of cool...

SO. The official word on the subject is that they are just tired of touring and they need a break after a very full 11 years as a band. Even though they need to die after turning on their roots (this may just be the part of me that doesn't like selling out talking) they will not. They are returning as soon as everyone is rested up and everything.

New Monsters S/ T

2011-01-12T23:36:00.001-07:00

The new release from deathcore band Monsters has just been released through Franki Palmeri's record label False Prophet. If you want my completely honest opinion, it is definitely a little lack- luster. I was pretty excited for this album, but it is kind of forgettable. The first release they made was really good. It was catchy with some good tech parts. I just can't get into the whole I- am- gonna- rap- while- playing- this- breakdown kind of thing. Maybe it will grow on me. Who knows. Give it a try for yourself.

Some Non- sense

2011-01-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the sporadic updating everyone. I have just been so busy with life OUTSIDE OF THE INTERNET. What blasphemy, right? Anyway. I manage to catch part of Greeley Estates at a show last night. They were alright but I ended up leaving because a few friends and I opted to go to Ihop instead. They weren't playing so well anyway.

A Great Suggestion: Do not, and I repeat do not dance in pac- sun jeans. I was dancing for a friends local band, and went to do a mule- kick. The next thing I heard was an awful ripping noise and I felt like I needed a musical number like in Spongebob. Cuz nobody ever wants to dance with the fool who went and... ripped his pants... It split down the leg all the way to my knee, and also right near my crotch. Not fun America, Not fun.

The Dillinger Escape Plan on Tour

2011-01-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

A band with a truly indeterminable genre. If I had to give them one, it would probably be metal-pop-math-beer-steroid-insane-prog-post-fuckasscore.

Moving on....

TDEP is going on tour this summer with Deftones. What an odd combination (even though it's fucking sweet) I highly recommend going to see them, they put on one of the most wil live shows I have ever seen.

Here are some dates:

4/14 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
4/16 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
4/18 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
4/22 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
4/25 Kansas City, MO @ Harrah's
4/26 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
4/28 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
4/29 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
4/30 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
5/1 Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Theatre
5/4 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
5/5 Hampton, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino
5/6 Providence, RI @ Lupo's
5/7 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
5/9 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
5/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
5/11 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
5/13 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
5/14 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

Whitechapel Replaces Drummer

2011-01-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

Deathcore enthusiasts Whitechapel will be replacing their former drummer Kevin Lane. The only reason I could seem to dig up so far is that he would like to return to school in their home state of Tennessee. He will be replaced by more- than- capable- ex- drummer of Knights Of The Abyss, Ben Harclerode. It seems that there is a lot of action stirring up with some of the older deathcore bands nowadays. I still hope Elysia gets back together.