Chevelle to release compilation album

Probably one of the most underrated bands of alternative metal, Chevelle, are set to release their compilation album Stray Arrows: a collection of favorites. While it's great that they are doing so, it is more than likely as part of the contractual agreement with their record label.

I've never really been a big supporter of buying "Greatest Hits" or "Best Of" compilations released by bands that I already own a considerable portion of their discography. I tend to see such compilations as way of money hungry record labels charging people a second time round for the same music. In addition all such compilations always tend to have a sole "previously unreleased" track thrown into the mix, in order to ensure that die-hard fans and collectors will buy the compilation.

Track list:

1. Jars (from Sci-Fi Crimes 2009)
2. Same Old Trip (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
3. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) (from This Type of Thinking 2004)
4. The Red (from Wonder What's Next 2002)
5. I Get It (from Vena Sera 2007)
6. Face to the Floor (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
7. Send the Pain Below (from Wonder What's Next 2002)
8. Sleep Apnea (from Sci-Fi Crimes 2009)
9. The Clincher (from This Type of Thinking 2004)
10. Hats off to the Bull (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
11. The Meddler (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
12. Fizgig (previously unreleased)

Disappointingly there are no tracks off the group's first album Point #1, but that is probably to be expected since they were signed to a different label at the time of its release. Another criticism is that a quarter of the tracks on this compilation are taken from the bands previous release Hats Off to the Bull. This is probably another ploy by the record label. Instead of offering those new to Chevelle a chance to listen to some of the group's older songs, the songs that most listeners will be familiar with are simply being regurgitated back at us. 

Personally I would have only used three tracks of their last album, and replaced it with an additional track from Vena Sera. While the album wasn't the strongest offering, it contains plenty of excellent tracks that have gone unnoticed by the casual Chevelle listener. The release of this compilation would have been an ideal opportunity to give such singles a second chance. I would also have liked for more b-sides, or alternative versions of the songs that have already been released, and most are familiar with. Exchanging one or two of the studio versions for a live version from one of the group's three live albums would have made this more interesting to me.

Think I'll wait until I see this album in the discount section of my local record store before I buy it. Apart from Fizgig, I already have all these tracks, and I'm sure it won't be long before Fizgig winds up on the internet for free streaming and download.

The Swarm approaches...

Blizzard Entertainment have announced the release date for the next instalment of the StarCraft II saga. On 12 March 2013 Sarah Kerrigan will make her return, along with a whole host of other nasty creatures.

The bonus content included with the Collectors Edition looks amazing. I really like how Blizzard ties their major titles together by releasing exclusive in-game content for the Diablo III and World of Warcraft realms with this release. I play neither of those though, and haven't even played StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty yet. 

I had initially intended to wait until the release of all three StarCraft II titles in a Battle Chest, but I feel that it could still be quite a long wait. Since the Zerg were my favourite race to play as in StarCraft, and considering the vast number of hours of my youth I spent playing StarCraft instead of doing school work, perhaps it is time that I re-familiarise myself with the franchise.

Win a Stephen Carpenter ESP guitar, signed by Deftones

Deftones seventh studio album, Koi No Yokan, was released today. To coincide with the release, Deftones are hosting a competition to win a signed Stephen Carpenter ESP guitar. Check the following link for details. Competition runs till 16 November 2012.

I received an email to download my digital copy of the album early this morning. The zip file only contained 10 tracks. Ironically the missing track is named 'What happened to you?' I'm guessing that the file name contains a '?' so the file is incompatible with Windows. This is mildly disappointing, but it's not the first time this has happened. Many Mac users forget, or are entirely unaware, that Windows does not allow certain characters to be used in file names.

On the plus side I can still listen to the track elsewhere, and I can take solace in the fact that I have a CD, shirt and (potentially autographed) poster on the way from the States. In the meantime I'm loving the 10 tracks that I was sent, especially Tempest, Entombed and Gauze.

--Update 14/11/2012--

I emailed Deftones online customer services to let them know that the zip file only contained 10 tracks. They were very helpful and sent me another link to download the complete album. About six hours later I received a second download link from customer services. This time the email had been sent to the entire pre-order mailing list. It contained the following message,

Earlier today you received an email to download KOI NO YOKAN.  Due to a technical issue, your download did not include Track #11, "What Happened to You?".  Please click on the button below to receive the full version of KOI NO YOKAN.

I'm super impressed with the speed that the matter was dealt with and am now able to listen to the entire album, while I wait for my CD to make its way over the Atlantic Ocean.

First track off Sol Invicto's second EP

A link to download this track was sent to the band's mailing list on 3 November, with a request that the link not be shared anywhere. That was until yesterday, when the band's official Facebook page was updated with the following status:

Free to share, download new teaser track from Initium II - 13.0, EP coming very soon, get on the mailing list to get it first.

Kindest Regards

Richie, Stephen, AJ, Eric, Dan

Without further a due, here is the link so that you too may download 13.0, the first track to be released from Initium II. Original link has been removed, but you can get the new version of 13.0 here.

Listen to Crystal Castles (III) on YouTube

For those of you, who like me, do not live in a region of the world serviced by Spotify, there is an alternative. Crystal Castles have uploaded their new album to YouTube. The entire album is available to listen to, although the videos are in a different order to that of the album.

Album Track list/ order:

1. Plague
2. Kerosene
3. Wrath of God
4. Affection
5. Pale Flesh
6. Sad Eyes
7. Insulin
8. Transgender
9. Violent Youth
10. Telepath
11. Mercenary
12. Child I Will Hurt You

Cover for The Joy Formidable's second album

Welsh trio, The Joy Formidable have just unveiled the cover art of their second full length album Wolf's Law. The cover is one of the most attractive I've seen in ages. Set for release in late January 2013, the album may be pre-ordered from here.

In addition to the album art, the complete track list was released, as well as the official video for This Ladder is Ours.

Sign up to The Joy Formidable mailing list for updates, and a free download of the title track from their second album.

Stream An Omen EP from How to Destroy Angels

The third full release made available for online streaming today, following those of Crystal Castles and Deftones. This EP from How to Destroy Angels is also set for release on 13 November. 

Track listing below:

After haven taken a listen, I can safely say that The loop closes and Speaking in tongues are my favourite tracks on the EP. This is probably to do with the fact that they sound like outtakes from Nine Inch Nails' Ghosts I-IV or one of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' soundtracks. These two songs also feature Trent Reznor on vocals, more prominently than Mariqueen Maandig Reznor.

This has lead me to conclude that I simply do not like Mariqueen Maandig Reznor's vocals. They just don't seem to tie in with the scenes set by the music at all. I'm even finding myself a little disappointed by this release as a result. In hindsight, I'm kind of glad the physical copies of the EP sold out before I got round to ordering them. It means I now have the funds to order an album that I am excited about.

While Trent Reznor is easily one of my favourite musicians, I can safely saw that his wife is not. I sincerely hope that she stays as far away from the recording studio as possible when Trent Reznor gets round to laying down some new Nine Inch Nails tracks.

Stream Deftones' new album Koi No Yokan

Listen to all the songs off the new record here. The album is set for official release on 13 November 2012.

Track listing:

1. Swerve City
2. Romantic Dreams
3. Leathers
4. Poltergeist
5. Entombed
6. Graphic Nature
7. Tempest
8. Gauze
9. Rosemary
10. Goon Squad
11. What Happened to You?

Google celebrates Bram Stoker's 165th birthday

Bram Stoker, best known for having penned the novel Dracula, would have celebrated his 165th birthday today.

An interesting bit of trivia is that Stoker's ashes are kept in an urn at Golders Green Crematorium, London. These may be visited, but only if accompanied by a crematorium employee, as there are fears that the urn may be vandalised.

Definitely an unusual attraction to see next time one is in London.

Image from Wikipedia.

Stream Crystal Castles III in its entirety

The entire new album from Crystal Castles has been made available for streaming via Spotify.

Too bad Spotify isn't available in South Africa yet.

Woman dies at Linkin Park concert

Following yesterday's tragedy, both Big Concerts and Linkin Park have confirmed that at a woman has passed away as a result of the injuries she sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside of the Cape Town Stadium last night.

Big Concerts wrote the following Facebook update in the early hours of this morning:

Following the regrettable incident at Cape Town Stadium this evening, Big Concerts would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the injured persons and in particular the family of the fan who tragically passed away from injuries sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside the stadium from gusting gale force winds. We would like to thank the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Services, and all the medics, doctors, and disaster risk personnel for their swift and professional response to this accident.

Soon after, Big Concerts reposted the sentiments that Linkin Park expressed through their website and Facebook page:

Following our performance tonight at Cape Town Stadium, we were advised that several people were injured as a result of the collapse of an advertising tower erected by Lucozade in the parking area outside the venue.

We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died as a result of her injuries.

Though we have had no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans very seriously and our thoughts are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy.

After posting their initial, nonchalant Twitter update, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!" 

5FM finally acknowledged the severity of the incident, and apologised this morning, several hours after both Big Concerts and Linkin Park had already expressed their condolences. 

The radio station issued this short apology through their Twitter account, linking to an official statement (below), "Our thoughts & heartfelt condolences are with those affected by last night's tragic accident outside CT Stadium"

5FM's official statement, which also had the band's statement appended to the end:

We are deeply saddened to learn of last night's tragic accident, in which several people were injured when, due to strong winds, an advertising tower collapsed ouside [sic] the stadium. 

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family of the fan who passed away as a result of her injuries, as well as with those who were injured.

In my opinion this is far too little, too late from 5FM, especially considering they couldn't even bother to proof read the statement dealing with the death of a concert goer.

From what I've seen, Lucozade and the contractors responsible for setting up the advertising rig have yet to release any statements.

I wish a speedy, and full recovery to those injured in the incident, and offer my sympathies to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life.

--Update 09/11/2012--

Lucozade have released the following statement.

Official Response

We are deeply saddened by these events and extend our sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured and those who witnessed the tragedy.

As tour sponsors of the concert, we are in close contact with the concert organizers and investigating authorities and will cooperate fully with them in their investigations.

Lucozade later updated their statement, saying that, "Out of respect for victims of this accident [they] will be not be actively promoting [their] tour sponsorship up to and at the final event."

Jurassic Park 3D

Nearly 20 years after its original release, Steven Spielberg's epic adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel, Jurassic Park will be released in 3D.

I was too young to see Jurassic Park on the big screen back in 1993, so I'm definitely going to take full advantage of the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen, remastered and in 3D.

The poster has the date as 05 April 2013, which is likely the U.S release date. Hopefully we non-Americans won't have to wait too much longer to see the film. In the meantime, I may just have re-watch a DVD of the original. 

As a bonus, here's Birdfeeder's slowed down version of the famous theme from the movie, originally composed by John Williams.

Linkin Park concert accident (Cape Town)

According to two recent posts about the Linkin Park show happening in Cape Town. Part of the stage a Lucozade advertising structure collapsed blew over outside of the Cape Town Stadium. The following picture surfaced on Twitter, confirming that it was an advertising instalment, and not the stage.

Initial reports claimed that at least two people were critically injured. ER24, the responding emergency medical service, have said that approximately 20 people were injured with "Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises."

5FM callously tweeted, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!"

While ER24 posted the following three updates via Twitter:

"Multiple serious injuries at Green Point Stadium #Rock-concert following structural collapse"

"20 people injured in scaffolding collapse at Green Point Stadium, strong winds" 

"Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises"

Big Concerts however continued to post pictures on their Facebook page of happy concert-goers already inside the venue, before issuing the following statement:

MEDIA RELEASE

Update on scaffolding collapse at Linkin Park concert at Cape Town Stadium

The City of Cape Town and Big Concerts confirm that twenty concert attendees were injured at the Cape Town Stadium this evening when a temporary scaffolding structure in the Stadium precinct collapsed due to high winds.

The City’s Emergency Services, including doctors, paramedics and Disaster Risk Management staff assisted immediately. The injured were treated on scene and have been taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.

The incident occurred at approximately 18h55 when high wind speeds caused the collapse of a temporary scaffolding structure. The temporary structure was a branding activation, located adjacent to the Stadium forecourt on the Cape Town CBD side of the venue.

The structure had been pre-approved and certified safe, by structural engineers prior to the event.

The remainder of the structure was dismantled and the commanding officer at the Venue Operations Centre declared the event site safe shortly afterwards.

The Stadium gates were re-opened to concert attendees. The concert is going ahead as planned.

All necessary support is being provided to those injured.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

Thankfully it sounds as if no lives were lost as a result of this tragic incident.

--Update 08/11/2012--

It has been confirmed that a woman has passed away as result of the injuries sustained form last night's accident.

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Chromium return with new video

Easily one of the most talented metal bands in the local music scene, Chromium have been around since 2008. While having been relatively quiet for the last few months, they've just released the video for the first track Half Life, taken off their forthcoming EP Bloodlust. The track sounds exceptionally promising.

Listen to more of Chromium's tracks here, including the theme from local horror film Night Drive.

Drag the Lake EP

I only came across Dingus for the first time yesterday. After reading the review that I'd been directed to, I had a look around the site and came across The Metal Microscope. I had a quick look, and the artwork for Drag the Lake's EP, I am Violence, caught my attention. I read the review, liked what it had to say, and promptly downloaded the EP. I've been listening to it on repeat for the last hour or so, and am really impressed by this young bands first offering.

As the original reviewer put it "really catchy, ...powerful deathcore." 

Dave Grohl to join Queens of the Stone Age in studio

It was confirmed today that Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) is to reunite with Queens of the Stone Age for the recording of the band's next studio album following the departure of drummer Joey Castillo. Coincidently, it was Castillo who replaced Grohl as the band's touring drummer during the European leg of the Songs for the Deaf tour in 2002.

This is not the only project that Grohl has previously collaborated with Queens of the Stone Age mastermind, Josh Homme, the two joined up in 2009, along with bassist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) to form Them Crooked Vultures.

I'm really happy to see two of my favourite musicians recording together again. This photograph posted on the band's Facebook is by far their most exciting update from the band in the last few months, unless you're fortunate enough to be going to Download Festival in June 2013.

Sound City: Real to reel

Directed by the god-like genius that is Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures), Sound City is a documentary  about the legendary analogue recording facilities of the Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, CA. 

To date the film's website has featured musical memories from prominent names in the music industry including those of Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell), Rick Rubin (producer), Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails, How to Destroy Angels), Pat Smear (Germs, Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Lee Ving (Fear, MD.45), Lindsey Buckingham (solo, Fleetwood Mac), Butch Vig (Garbage), Ross Robinson (producer), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stonesour), Tom Petty (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Traveling Wilburys), Alain Johannes (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age), Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Eagles of Death Metal), Joe Barresi (producer), Rick Springfield (solo, Sahara Snow), Jim Keltner (session musician), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) and Rupert Neve (electronics engineer).

From additional photographs posted on the website, it looks as though many of the artists and producers involved in the project are collaborating in the recording of new material that may become the films soundtrack, or possibly be released as an accompanying album. 

The initial trailer for Sound City: Real to Reel

Bittereinder | Free download

Unless you're from South Africa, you probably haven't heard of Bittereinder. Chances are, even if you are from South Africa, you haven't heard of Bittereinder. Such is the stranglehold of local radio stations and their continuous playing of overrated local and international acts.

Bittereinder [Bitter-ender], an Afrikaans trio from Pretoria, who have been around since before Die Antwoord were known as Die Antwoord, and Jack Parow was still an unknown. Sadly however, Bittereinder have a much smaller fan base than these acts, despite having been nominated for several local awards, and winning a SAMA (South African Music Award) in 2011 for their début album, 'n Ware Verhaal [A True Story]. 

This was the first track I heard from Bittereinder, and it's a favourite.

Bittereinder are set to deliver their sophomore album Die Dinkdansmasjien [The Thinking, Dancing Machine] this month, and have released the title track for free download. The Afrikaans lyrics are cleverly crafted and presented by Jaco van der Merwe. Despite many people not being unable to understand the lyrics, the music laid down by Peach van Pletzen and Louis Minnaar will be more than enough to get any non-Afrikaans speaker moving to the beat.

For more information about the band, here's an interview with lyricist/ rapper Jaco van der Merwe.

Keep it together remixes

How to Destroy Angels released the first remix of their single Keep it together by Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio) on 19 October. I didn't post about it initially, because although I liked it, I didn't think it warranted its own post.

Hot on the heels of the video for the single comes the second remix by Factory Floor. Clocking in at nearly twice the duration of the original, this remix is well worth posting about. In my opinion, this is one of those rare occasions when the remix is in fact better than the original track. It might have something to do with the fact that Factory Floor has added a catchy kick and snare beat, a couple of little synth accents and lowered the volume of Mariqueen Maandig Reznor's breathless vocals to a level that is almost inaudible. 

While I've really liked the music that has come out of the How to Destroy Angels camp, I'm still not entirely sold on the lyrics or vocal performances on some of the songs. To me they just seem out of place and almost disjointed from the rest of the song. That said, I own the CD edition of their first EP, and am probably going to order the vinyl edition of An Omen EP early next week.

--Update 06/11/2012--

As of this morning, the vinyl edition of An Omen EP is sold out on the band's website. Guess I'll have to settle for the digital version, as there is no CD option for this release.

(Un)official Sol Invicto videos.

I first came across Sol Invicto a few months ago, when looking for something else. Sol Invicto is comprised of producer Richie Londres (Cultura Londres Proyecto), A.J. Cookson, Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), Eric Bobo (Cypress Hill) and Dan Foord (Sikth). The music is a mix of drum & bass and electro, infused with Carpenter's signature guitar riffs. The band is set to release their second EP in the next few days.

The following videos to accompany tracks from the first EP Initium were entirely fan-made. Both have imagery of a dystopian future reminiscent of those from cult music videos by Nine Inch Nails, science fiction movies such as iRobot, The Matrix, The Terminator, Avatar and The Island, as well as from award winning computer games like Command & Conquer, Half-Life and Portal, interspersed with archival footage and stills of historical protests. All in all, the videos are incredibly well done and are a good visual accompaniment to the music.

First five tracks off Initium:

Last two tracks off Initium:

The Prodigy are coming to South Africa.

The Prodigy are returning to South Africa in November/ December for Synergy Live 2012. They'll be playing in Cape Town on 30 November and Johannesburg on 1 December. Too bad I'll be in Bangkok.

Latest song from Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles have made the third song from their forthcoming album (III) available for listening via Soundcloud. This is definitely my favourite of the three tracks released so far. This is also one of the albums that I'm most looking forward to hearing before Christmas.

Go give Affection a listen.

How to Destroy Angels' new music video

How to Destroy Angels have released a video of the band performing the single Keep it together in what appears to be Trent Reznor's home studio. You can watch it here.

As an aside, it's great to see Rob Sheridan involved as a musician in the band. Up until recently he has been credited as the art director for the band. I'm sure he will add an interesting element to future live shows.