HALLOWEEN HOEDOWN - “WHEN DARKNESS FALLS”

HEY. You know what happens when darkness falls? The kiddies go out trick or treating! Well, unless you’re an over-protective parent. In that case, that’s when trick or treating is over for you. LAME.

I was totally that kid that was out getting as much candy as I could, darkness or not. Brutal since birth, that’s how I roll. (No tootsie rolls though, please. M&Ms FTW)

-Julia

THIS CHAOS TASTES FUNNY… BUT IT’S GOOD!

This year’s POWERTHIRST!!! Rockstar Energy Taste of Chaos tour line-up has been announced, and it ain’t half bad- In Flames, Killswitch Engage, Every Time I Die, & (Demi Lovato’s fave) Maylene and the Sons of Disaster are headlining, with other “special” guests along the way.

When I was in high school, Taste of Chaos rolled through our area and I had a ticket to go but didn’t. Maybe because I came to my senses and realized that I don’t actually like My Chemical Romance. Regardless, the last time I paid attention to said tour was when MCR headlined… In Flames and Killswitch? Much improved. That deserves a “Get it” indeed.

-Julia

MAX CAVALERA & CARRIE PREJEAN MIGHT HAVE COMMON INTERESTS

So everyone knows about this stupid feud going on between Kerry King and Adam D of Killswitch Engage.  I haven’t bothered to comment on it, because it’s, as I said, stupid.  But then I read this quote from Max Cavalera over the weekend:

“I went to see LAMB OF GOD in that States and they were alright, but KILLSWITCH ENGAGE opened and it was the gayest show I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m not part of this scene, it’s fucking gay.’ They were acting like they were U2 and I was like, ‘Hmm….’ The attitude was so ridiculous. I don’t know these guys, they’re on my label [Roadrunner] and all, but it was completely disappointing and gay. Like really lame, such a lame band live, everything about the whole attitude. LAMB OF GOD came out and destroyed them and I don’t even like LAMB OF GOD that much, but they were so much better coming after KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. I was like, ‘If that’s what the scene is about, hey fuck it, it ain’t got nothing to do with me.’” [via Blabbermouth.]

Dude, what is with the language?  ”Gay” this, “gay” that.  I mean, everyone likes Slayer and everyone likes Sepultura (not so much Soulfly…but whatever).  [See title of blog].  Killswitch are a popular band, yes.  But it’s not like they’re in any sort of position to have any sort of similar legacy.  It’s not a big friggin’ deal if they want to crack a few jokes on stage.  Everyone knows you’re better. Calm down.  You sound like a homo-hating hick.

….says the girl who bitches about how ugly people are.  Oh well.  Still a dick thing to say.

-Elise

**I accidentally first cited this quote as something Kerry King said.  I’m an ass who can’t read.  Oh well.  Thanks, Axl.

IS HOWARD JONES THE MALE MARIA BRINK?

[Alternatively titled: Is Maria Brink the Male Maria Brink?]

Last week, I stumbled upon an article on The Gauntlet written by a fellow bloggeroo, Spinelanguage.  The post was on “Poser Bashing,” a very common topic these days.  After skimming through the predictable mentions of Attack Attack!, Disturbed and Cradle of Filth, I came to the final pick: In This Moment, a band that I, too, delight in making fun of.  The last lines read:

Insults in this area can be replaced with any metal band that has a female singer (Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, and yes, even Arch Enemy) because all of them are dependent on sex appeal; it’s literally that easy. You can also include bands like Killswitch Engage and Diecast if gender doesn’t matter.

Now, my first thought upon reading this was: Who the hell is hot in Diecast?? (Seriously, who?  I’m struggling with this one.)  My second thought was…Howard Jones?  Wow.  Have I become a slave to image along with every other mindless music “fan” on the planet?  Could it be? Let’s review:

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KILLSWITCH ENGAGE “KILLSWITCH ENGAGE”

Kudos, KsE. You got me to spend a couple more dollars on you and opt for the Special Edition of your new album. But really, I’ll cough up the cash for a couple more songs and a DVD. I’m down as long as I’m not disappointed. My brothers in metal, I am NOT disappointed!

My only qualm about it is that it’s a second self-titled LP. But in reality I don’t really give a shit. To me, a good album is one that brings something new to the table, while still staying true to the sound that made them and continues to make them who they are as a band. A good balance of sticking with what you know, and taking risks. I’ll go ahead and say that Killswitch is the leader of the pack when it comes to quality vocal melodies in melodies. I love screaming as much as clean vocals, but only some vocalists can do both equally well. The melodies on this record are like buttah, and they stand out without sacrificing the heaviness of the rest of the band.

IN SHORT: You like Killswitch Engage? Buy this album. Think you might like Killswitch Engage? Buy this album. Hate Killswitch Engage? Then why are you still reading this?

-Julia