Sector 2814

Tyrannosorceress

2011-06-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing 3 song demo from Dallas band Tyrannosorceress. It's black metal tinged with some nice sludgy doom. Highly recommend it. You can download it for free through their bandcamp page: http://tyrannosorceress.com/

The Green Lantern Movie: A Few Thoughts

2011-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

When the Green Lantern movie was announced a couple years ago, I was ecstatic. I love Green Lantern and the mythos surrounding the Lanterns and couldn't believe I was going to witness it on the big screen. I then started to think...they can't pull this off. There is a scope and magnitude surrounding GL and the Corps that would overwhelm the casual movie goer, and seeing as GL isn't a well know character, the background story would have to be explained. As a huge GL fanboy, I've read the Hal Jordan origin story time and time again, and I really didn't care to see it as a movie. But as time went on, I didn't care anymore...I just wanted to see the movie.

As time went on, leaks on blogs and official info from Warner Brothers started coming out. It was an emotional roller coaster for all of us GL geeks. The announcement of Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, some blond actress (I hadn't heard of her at the time) playing Carol Ferris, the design of the suits, the design of the lantern (battery), the design of the ring, the GL cover of Entertainment Weekly, the footage from Comic Con, and a lot more started to make this movie look like it would be a huge failure. Then rays of green light started to shine through...actual completed footage was popping up all over the internet. When I saw Thor (fantastic movie by the way) I finally got to see the GL trailer on the big screen, and was blown away. There was no way this was going to be bad...it looked too good.

Last weekend my son and I went and bought our tickets for the midnight showing. I usually don't care if I see a movie right away or not, but this was different. As the week went on, the excitement mounted. Then, halfway through the week, the reviews started popping up on the internet...and they weren't favorable. It did drop my excitement down a couple notches, but I chocked the reviews up to the fact that GL isn't a well know character. I told myself whatever I could to keep up hope that this would be a phenomenal movie.

Last night at 10:30, my son and I sat down in our seats with weighted anticipation. Time ticked by slowly as 12:01 inched closer...then the movie started. A fantastic explanation of the Corps and a great opening scene setting up the main villain set a tone that if kept up would have made for the phenomenal movie I was hoping for. Unfortunately we were brought back down to Earth...literally. The epicness (yeah, I made that word up) of the movie was brought to a screeching halt with a slow paced set-up to who Hal is and his relationship with Carol and others around him. There were bits of epicness thrown back in here and there only to be overshadowed by boring crap. There were some bright spots, that as fanboy, made the movie worth it though. I'd even pay to see it again, but I think reception for this movie will be cold as more and more reviews come in. Sarsgaard played a really creepy Hector Hammond and Strong played an amazing Sinestro. Reynolds and Lively did pretty decent jobs, unfortunately there was just too much interaction between the two. I felt like they were trying to make a GL version of the Iron Man movie a lot of the time. Some of the CG kind of sucked, the Guardian designs were awful, and Parallax could have been done a whole lot better. I do have to say that the organic feel of the suits was really cool to see, but sometimes the cg suit on Reynolds didn't look right.

All in all, I wasn't completely disappointed in the movie, but I was let down a little. There are a lot of things they could have done to make it an epic that they didn't do, but it's too late now. It's a fun 1:45 of escapism and I do recommend seeing this on the big screen as opposed to waiting for the DVD. There are some visually stunning scenes that have to be experienced in a large format. If you happen to see GL at the movies, there's a really cool scene after the credits, so stick around.

New Mountain Goat

2011-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a live video of a new song from Mountain Goat.

Scion Rock Fest

2011-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

RSVPs start today.
http://www.scion.com/rock

Top 10 of 2010... In My Opinion.

2010-12-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's an amazing, lazy, rainy day... my wife and mother-in-law are making tamales, the kids are doing their own thing, I've read through most of my stack of comics, and i had a request for my top 10 of the year. so here it goes...

10) Early Man - Death Potion
This is a straight up metal album that would have fit well amongst any metal record collection in the 80's. They've got a nice mix of thrash and NWOBHM. This is definitely a step up from their previous album and is highly recommended if you like either of the comparisons above.

9) Pomagira - Baron Citadel
Pombagira is just a two piece, but their sound is so full you'd think there were a few more people in the band. Their sound is an amazing Stoner Sludge that stands up with some of the greats. They take that Sleep Dopesmoker sound and add an extra layer of heft and gravel. This album isn't too much different than their previous release, but it's still fantastic. If you like music that makes you feel like you're trying to crawl out of a tar pit, this is definitely for you.

8) Natur - 7" EP
This is another band taking one out of the 80's thrash playbook. On their myspace page they say they sound like "Your older brothers favorite metal band." I'd say that is an accurate description. I want more from these guys, but this 7" will have to do for now. With songs like Goblin Shark and Spider Baby, how can you go wrong?

7) Demonic Death Judge - Kneel
This is another great new Sludge Metal band. One of the things they have going for them is the fact that they at times break the Sludge Metal mold by adding acoustic guitar, which by the way, works perfectly with what they do. The last song on the album, Carlyle, is an instrumental masterpiece. It's a slow build up of one chord progression. You'd think that would get boring, but believe me it's amazing. Oh, and after the songs over stick around a couple minutes for an interesting surprise.

6) Mountain Goat - Smoke Filled Land 7"
This is a band that's been getting a lot of notoriety among the Stoner/Doom/Sludge scene as of late. They take that Sleep influence and make it their own with a sludgy heaviness that reminds of some of the earlier NOLA bands. These guys are super heavy, super groovy and totally kick-ass. The 7" also comes with a CD with the songs from the 7" and a bonus jam on it. Order this album now, because these guys are going to hit it big among our community soon and you'll have missed out.

5) Kings Destroy - Demo 7"
This is killer Doom Metal in the Maryland tradition. This is probably one of the most exciting and unexpected surprises of the year. It would probably be a little higher on the list if it wasn't two songs. This has restored my faith in newer bands pulling off traditional doom.

4) High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine
This was my most anticipated album of the year. It comes in and kicks your ass right away and really doesn't let go. The songs on the album are set up in an order that keeps you following along and holding on for your life the whole time. The theme and imagery works really well too. I was expecting this to be my number 1 for the year, but i think it's a slight step back from Death is this Communion. It's still a great album but i think my anticipation is what dropped it to 4.

3) Yawning Man - Nomadic Pursuits
This is the "one of these things is not like the other" album on my list. I think i've probably listened to this album more than any other album on my list this year too. If you could create an instrumental soundtrack for the desert, this would be it. It takes you on a journey of the mind through the beautiful scenery of a Southern Californian desert... it's a true sound-scape. Coupled with their 2007 album Vista Point, you could take a road trip that would take your mind off the road. Believe me, I've experienced it first hand.

2) Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini
It's only been over the last couple of years that I've gotten into Black Metal, and it's been a lengthy process of finding Black Metal that appeals to me. As a matter of fact, when i just knew the name Black Metal and nothing about it, i didn't realize there were so many sub-genres, so when I was turned onto this through one of the other blogs i frequent, i was blown away. I've heard it described as Pop Black Metal and Progressive Black Metal, but whatever it is it's amazing. The mix of guttural and clean vocals, brutal guitars and atmospheric synth, really make for a beautiful combination and is a surprise album for me, especially since it's made it to #2.

1) Lightning Swords of Death - The Extra Dimensional Wound
I love driving around with my windows down, cranking the heaviest most brutal music you can find. This was one of my favorites to play when doing that for it drew the most disgusted stares from other motorists... plus it's such a good album. LSOD have really stepped it up with this release. Its an extremely well executed album an it's one that i continue to come back to when i want here something that's up there with the heaviest of the heavy. Dont get me wrong, they add the perfect mixture of atmosphere too. If you like Black, Death, or Thrash, you'll love this like i do.

Well, that's my list. Feel free to let me know I'm an idiot for liking any of these albums.

Tan the Man

2010-06-10T13:45:00.001-07:00

I'm lucky enough to have a LCS close to me that goes all out on Free Comic Book Day. This year, among many talented writers, artists, creators, etc, was Philip Tan. Not only did he sign two books for me, he drew this sketch of Kyle Rayner. He was extremely generous and friendly and i thank him for that. Tan is definitely the man.

Happy Birthday Batman

2010-06-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

"Grant Morrison returns to BATMAN with this oversized special! And he's brought an all-star roster of artists along with him including Andy Kubert, Tony Daniel and Frank Quitely to celebrate this milestone 700th issue featuring stories spotlighting each of the Batmen from different eras – Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne. You won't want to miss this blockbuster story that paves the way for the return of Bruce Wayne and sports mind-boggling covers by superstars David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY) and Mike Mignola (BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT, Hellboy)!"

Batman turns 700 today and one of the greatest Batman writers ever jumps back on board to take over. What grant has done with the Batman during his time at the helm has not only been exceptional, but it's been ground breaking. Sure, Bruce didnt die...as a matter of fact, Batman's death in RIP wasn't even physical, but metaphorical...which pissed a lot of people off. Not only that, but his supposed physical death happened in Final Crisis. The man knows how to work a story. Needless to say, Morrison tackling all 3 Batmen (Bruce, Dick, and Damian) is a fantastic idea for a milestone such as this and i'm really looking forward to reading it tonight.

Go pick it up for yourself.

Anyone Can Be Chosen?

2010-06-08T11:30:00.001-07:00

So this is the official teaser art that Warner Brothers has released for the upcoming Green Lantern movie staring Ryan Reynolds.
For a Green Lantern fan such as myself, this has been a roller coaster of letdowns and excitement. The announcement of a Green Lantern movie was one of the greatest movie announcements i'd ever heard...I really couldn't believe it was actually happening. Then they announce that Reynolds was playing the role of Hal Jordan. He's ok and all, but i didn't want him in the movie...i'm ok with it now. Then they announce that Hector Hammond would be in the movie. I was very excited about that...until i saw the pictures of Scarsgaard as Hammond. He looked kind of stupid and nothing like what Hammond should look like. I convinced myself that the costume/makeup wasn't the finished product...so i'm ok with it now. Then they announce Parallax as the main villain in the movie. Even though there are a lot of things that could go wrong with that, i'm excited. That left me on a high note waiting for the next little tidbit of GL movie news...then this. The art that was released has the tagline "Anyone can be chosen". Really? Anyone? Did the people at WB think before they released that? There are certain criteria to becoming a GL, and not just anyone can be chosen. If that's the case, it takes away from what the heart of the GL Corps is about. If this is any indication of what kind of movie we're going to get, i'm already extremely disappointed that they're even making this movie.

End of fanatical rant about a fictional character.

The Doctor Is In

2010-06-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

I remember watching Doctor Who on PBS when i was a kid. I dont remember much except for the monsters/aliens, the theme song, and the Doctor himself (Tom Baker). I didn't realize at the time that this show had already been on the air for 15 or more years (can't remember exactly how old i was when i watched it; probably around 5) and that the Doctor i was watching was already the fourth actor to play the part of the Doctor...all i knew is that it was fun to watch even at my young age.

Jump forward 30 years.
I read quite a few blogs that have to do with comics and sci-fi, and I started to notice that there was all of this hype about a new Doctor Who...well at least that's what it seemed like to me. An actor by the name of Matt Smith was going to be the new Doctor Who and feelings seemed mixed about this revelation, but being someone who loves a good serial type show, i figured i'd give this new Doctor Who a shot...what did i have to lose right? Well, i set the DVR to record the series and when i sat down with my wife to watch for the first time since i was a kid, i was greeted with a pleasant surprise; a recap of the last 5 years of the show. I found out that not only was this not a new Doctor Who show per-say but that there have been a total of 11 different Doctors. For those of you who don't know, the Doctor is of a time traveling race of aliens that can regenerate themselves when they are near death. Apparently this was a plot device used to continue the show when the original Doctor was leaving the show back in 1966, and it's helped it to continue on 47 years (with a few years off the air in the early-mid 90's). This seemed a cool enough concept, and i didnt feel completely in the dark, so we jumped right in and started watching the actual show. I was blown away. They spoon fed me this amazing concept of time/space travel and i ate it up (i'm a sucker for anything time travel related). I've never seen a show quite like this and i think it's exactly what i've been waiting for. The complexity of where the Doctor has been, when he's been there, and who he's been there with is mind boggling, yet it doesnt alienate those who are new to the show. It actually makes you want to find out more about his past adventures...which i have. Any show that can suck you in right away and compel you to find out more about it's history is definitely a show worth watching.

The Doctors.
Like i said, i remember Tom Baker as the Doctor. I couldn't tell you much about him though (i was 5 after all). I don't think i actually even saw one of the Doctors after Baker. I assume that it was because this was a British show, and being an American kid, they just really didn't show much Doctor Who over here.
Like i said earlier, Matt Smith plays a perfect Doctor. He's goofy and quirky yet extremely confident and intelligent. I don't know if this is the way all the Doctors were, but after seeing the handful of episodes thats Matt's done, i'm assuming so.
I started watching the David Tennant episodes this past weekend, and i can see why there was apprehension when they announced a new Doctor...he was amazing. He has all of the same characteristics as Matt, yet his spin was a little different...it's really hard to explain to someone who hasn't seen the show. Both of these men did their own take on a beloved British classic and pulled it off and made it their own. It's worth noting that the show did a sort of a reboot in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor for one year before David took over. I havent seen any of his episodes yet, but i definitely plan to.

Anyway, all of my horrible grammar, punctuation and paragraph structure is all just to say that i highly recommend watching this show. I havent seen one Smith or Tennant episode that wasnt incredible and i'm assuming that that goes for the rest of them as well.

Check it out.

OMG! LOOK EVERYONE!

2010-03-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Why do bloggers blog about their "new layout" or their "new header"? It's completely beyond me. Do they think that we're that stupid that we'll think we're visiting a different blog and be so confused that we'll never visit again? And who actually goes directly to a blog anymore unless they've been linked or stumble upon it some other way. If you're not subscribed to a blog through Google Reader or some other service, you probably should be.

You can go about your business...move along.

Wiht

2010-01-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is the latest gem to come from the land of the Queen...amazing instrumental stoner/doom from Leeds. Ranging from groovy to heavy with influences from all over the stoner, doom, and metal spectrum, this album kicks ass from start to finish. Check it out and support the band.

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/wihtleeds
Download: here

The List

2009-12-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, if everyone were to jump off of a bridge, i would do it too...so here's my top 10 albums of 2009 list.

10) Veracrash - 11:11
There's something about this album that i can't quite put my finger on. It's almost if Queens did a shoegaze album this is what it would sound like. It really is an amazing piece of work from start to finish and i'm glad i stumbled upon this incredible band.

9) Pyramido - Sand
Definitely my choice for sludge/doom album of the year.

8) Black Pyramid - Black Pyramid
I cant say much more than whats already been said all over the internet about these guys. Killer stoner doom that channels Sabbath and makes it their own.

7) Red Fang - Red Fang
I first found out about these guys through their video for Prehistoric Dog. If you havent seen it, Youtube it now. Anyway, these guys go from stoner to punk with a sprinkling of the Melvins in between.

6) Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Whats there to say? Homme, Grohl, and Jones. Probably the best super group ever.

5) Priestess - Prior to the Fire
Us Priestess fans waited for a good long time for this album to come out, and it didn't disappoint. It is definitely different from Hello Master, but in a good way. They really tapped into their love of NWOBHM for this one and that makes it a great album.

4) Saviours - Accelerated Living
Into Abbadon was such a good album that i was afraid there was nothing they could do to even come close. This doesnt top that album but it's definitely a great stoner/doom/metal album. Even though it's not as good, it's still amazing!

3) Children - Hard Times Hanging At the End of the World
Another pleasant surprise this year. I'd never heard of them till i saw their video for Power Spirit (Youtube it now!) and they hooked me. They play 80's style trash and they do it well.

2) Baroness - Blue Record
I hated Baroness and I couldnt see why anyone liked them. Blue Record changed all that. My pick for metal album of the year.

1) Ancestors - Of Sound Mind
I fell in love with this band when they released Neptune with Fire. It was Sleep worship at it's best. I waited patiently or this album to come out and my expectations continued to build as i waited. I wasnt disappointed. Combining everthing from Sleep to Floyd with a heavy dose of prog throughout, they topped their last effort without any doubts. Not only is this my number one pick of the year, if i were to do a decade list they'd be in the top 10.

Mountain Goat

2009-12-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is the demo from Michigan band Mountain Goat, not to be confused with that horrible band the Mountain Goats. In the immortal words of Michael Bolton in Office Space regarding going by Mike instead of Michael, "Why should I change? He's the one who sucks."
Anyway, this is some great stoner/sludge/doom. If you're into Weedeater, Electric Wizard, Space Bong, etc, you'll really dig these guys.

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/mountaingoatband
Download HERE

Win the new Baroness record

2009-12-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

Want to win a killer Baroness package? Click here.

Super Mario

2009-11-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

"Earthless drummer and Thirsty Moon Records co-owner Mario Rubalcaba is adding two new projects to his résumé. Rubalcaba describes one of them, Spider Fever, as having “a ‘punk-n-roll’ feel to it.” Spider Fever will feature Rubalcaba on vocals and guitar, backed by The Heartaches’ Dean Reis and Billy Baggins and Cody Young from The Widows. The other is an L.A.-based group with ex-Black Flag and Circle Jerks singer Keith Morris, studio musician and former Redd Kross bassist Steven McDonald and Burning Brides vocalist / guitarist Dimitri Coats. Although they’ve yet to decide on a name, an EP is already being planned, and the band will begin playing shows in early 2010."

RIP Chuck Biscuits

2009-10-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

Legendary hard rock drummer Chuck Biscuits, whose lengthy résumé included stints in such flagship underground acts as Black Flag and Social Distortion, died Saturday after a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He was 44.
Check out the rest of the article here

UPDATE: as of now it looks like this could be a hoax. people suck.

Road trip!

2009-10-14T13:21:00.001-07:00

16 bucks for all of these bands. You can't beat that. Looks like it'll be a birthday to remember...if i can make the 6 1/2 hour drive. If you can make it, don't hesitate.

The shape of things to come...

2009-10-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

...or the way they were?

Art by Bill Sienkiewicz. if you've got a little extra foldin' money burning a hole in your pocket, you can buy the original here:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=564216&GSub=32380

It's about time

2009-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Priestess is one of the greatest exports out of Canada next to Bob and Doug, and the Trailer Park Boys. After years of waiting, it looks like they're finally releasing their sophomore album. If it's anything like their first, this will definitely be one for top album of the year. You can check out the song "Sideways Attack" from their new album "Prior to the Fire" on their myspazz page.
http://www.myspace.com/priestessband

New Truckfighters Doc

2009-09-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

This looks to be pretty good. Check out the trailer.

TRUCKFIGHTERS (official trailer)

http://www.myspace.com/truckfightersfilm

For your listening pleasure

2009-09-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

A couple previews of note are floating around the www's. The tracks below are from what quite possibly could be a toss up for album of the year. Yes, that is saying a lot seeing as these are just a couple tracks, but because of what these guys have put out in the past (or have been a part of) we're guaranteed to get two albums that completely destroy.

The first track is from new band Shrinebuilder. Being a new band means nothing seeing as Wino, Scott Kelly, Al Cisneros and Dale Crover make up this four piece. All have worked on and have been part of amazing music. This is Most definitely a super group whether you've heard of these guys or not. If you haven't, go educate yourself right away.
Shrinebuilders "Pyramid on the Moon" can be heard HERE

These next two tracks are from Ancestors. This is a phenomenal Stoner/Doom/Psych band out of LA. With epic tracks that range from Sleep to Floyd and touch on everything in between. I've been looking forward to this album since i picked up Neptune with Fire, and even though this album looks to be much different, there are definitely no complaints. These guys have matured in their writing and these two songs alone prove that.
Ancestors "The Ambrose Law" can be heard HERE
Ancestors "Bounty of Age" can be heard HERE

...And Justice For Jason

2009-08-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know (but should), Jason Newsted replaced Cliff Burton as bass player for Metallica after a tragic bus accident took his life in 1986. Unfortunately for Jason, he was never totally treated as one of the members of the band. One of the things the band did to perpetuate that feeling was to almost completely remove his bass tracks from "...And Justice For All". Fortunately for us, some one remedied that. I don't know where this originated (i found it on another blog) but it seems that some one was able to raise the levels of Jason's tracks. It's definitely different, but it's also really good. If you're a Metallica fan, this is definitely a must have.

i hope i don't get sued!

Download: HERE

The supergroup to end all supergroups.

2009-08-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

josh homme
dave grohl
john paul jones

holy crap...

Bandmates wanted

2009-08-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

I left my old band a year ago this month...it was time to move on. But after a year it's time for a new endeavor. I'm looking for musicians in the LA/Inland Empire area to start a stoner/doom/metal/psych band. I know it's a long shot trying to find anyone in my area, but it's hard to find anyone with the same musical tastes as myself. I'm looking for a drummer, bass player and possibly a second guitarist and singer. I'd really like to find some serious guys in their 20's and 30's who arent looking to be rock stars but just want to play loud and heavy. So if you're into any of the stuff posted on this blog (especially Sleep), hit me up at thevonroyale at gmail dot com.

OK, that's enough of my desperate cries for attention...bring on the heavy!

The Temple of Doom

2009-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm really horrible at reviewing albums and/or explaining them correctly so that people get an idea of what a band is like without listening to them first. So if this sounds like a weird description, just ignore me and go listen to the music on their page.
To me this is a mix of stoner metal, rock and 90's alt. I hear the 90's alt and even grunge to an extent in the way they nicely blend their harmonies and melodies. I can't quite put my finger on a specific band but it almost gives me this feeling of "i've heard this somewhere before". Believe me, that is definitely not a bad thing, and they definitely have a sound of their own. I've listened to this multiple times over the last couple days and the more i listen, the more i love it. They say their influences are Goatsnake, Melvins, Entombed, The Sword, and High On Fire...you can't go wrong with that. Give it a listen...i think you'll like what you hear.

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/blacksleepofkali

Download: HERE