Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Album: Sons of Otis - "Spacejumbofudge" 1996

Sons of Otis are from Canada and this is their first full-length called "Spacejumbofudge". Sons of Otis really aren't your typical Stoner Metal band.. You won't hear cheesy lyrics about smoking dope or lackluster Sabbath influenced riffs anywhere. This is just crushing, fuzzed out, doom-ey heavy rock. This album is raw as hell and dripping with misery and tension.

1996, Hypnotic Records

1. Super Typhoon
2. You're Nothing
3. The Truth
4. Sidebar
5. Clowns
6. Bigmuff
7. World
8. Theme
9. Anti-Nauseant
10. Windows

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H1RC2DKQ

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Interview: Al Cisneros

Here's a recent interview with Al Cisneros (Om, Sleep) that i just came across thanks to themelvins.net forums. He talks about the newest Om material, his song writing process and Chris Hakius leaving the band. Its a really good/interesting read.

"1. Having just listened to the new album (another WONDERFUL release!!), it seems as though there are a few new textures/instruments seeping into the mix. What has been behind the choice to add different sonic voices and what led to using these specific elements?

Its always what the song calls for, we didn't say ahead of time "Let's try adding something else" meaning, what was rendered is what our vision/conception of the songs required - what was necessary to bring that about in an exteriorized form - the recorded song. I hear melodies that answer other melodies, the interplay of the basslines with vocal placement to beats/percussion - and here it is not different with the augmentations. When we "heard" certain parts in the early writing, we weren't certain what instrument(s) would best bring that to be, but as the songs evolved it became clear.

2. The underlying mythos and thematic narrative behind Om always seems to veer towards Middle Eastern mysticism and spirituality. There have been Sufi poetry references and Old Testament style prophecy. I find these aspects of your music to be deeply and wonderfully captivating but I was wondering if you might give readers an understanding of where this interest comes from and how it drives your music and vision.

The verses and themes are personal prayers in a salute to the reality, or God, the light, or what you term It, That, Him or Her as.

3. Is there anything you might be able to share in regards to the departure of drummer Chris Hakius? The two of you played together for many years in different groups so I would imagine that integrating a new drummer must have presented certain challenges. What do you feel new drummer Emil Amos has brought to the band?

He quit in the middle of a tour and is now retired from playing. When he quit he mentioned his heart was no longer in it, I had felt that for some time and that is where it was challenging. In a five-piece band if one member is not putting their heart fully in it can be difficult, but in a two-piece it's very challenging. So the challenge is in the past.Emil has brought life and energy into the band, his playing style's fluidity and lyricism really permits the premise of a two-piece band to manifest - which has always been to have a dialogue between the instruments. As songwriters we really have actual collaboration, where the energy of ideas bounces off one another and ends in a higher piece of music than we could have arrived at individually. We both share the same sonic image, and are inspired to play for similar reasons. I feel what we've done on "God is Good" is thus far the most accurate in meeting up to and even surpassing the initial premise/vision. Further - I don't want to be in Sleep for the rest of my life. For me, that band and the mindset that went into it all expired in 1997. I don't understand why people who see no guitar player on stage assert that it is going to take them into that. OM doesn't sing about dragons, wizards, and pot caravans and there is not one guitar solo. I feel we are finally playing music that is present and relevant NOW - to our hearts in our life in our experience.

4. What is your song writing process? Do you usually start with lyrics or music?

It always begins with hearing it within. Then its externalized by humming it or tapping it out, then the instruments come in to play. If I don't hear a part that sticks to me, I can't expect the audience to care either. To your second question - I've had songs begin with either, whichever is the initial primary element, it always energizes the process so successive themes, riffs, beats, lyrics and melodies start to appear and fall into place.

5. I’m a huge fan of the work you did with Current 93 on the “Black Ships…” cycle of releases. How did that collaboration come about? What do you enjoy about collaborating with other artists and will there be more projects where Om works with others?

David is a big fan of our work, and has become a good friend. He suggested a split release, and thematically speaking, a cohesion in both bands is there on the 10'. We are planning some splits with a couple bands, which will be in 2010. Already have some material prepared.

6. Although a two-instrument (3 including vocals) band is not unprecedented, it is fairly rare. In what ways is this relatively small sonic palette confining or freeing? Can you envision making other instruments a permanent part of Om?

Its by far more freeing than confining. We know what we want to do and are able to do it. I think a lot of bands are always searching, then give up after trying this and that with nominal results. To the latter, I'd have to say we have to see what the songs tell us when we get there!"

You can read the complete interview here: http://www.blogsandiego.com/om_interview.html

source: blogsandiego.com

Album: Pissed Jeans - "King of Jeans" 2009

Here's the new Pissed Jeans album called "King of Jeans" - give it a listen. It's awesome.


2009, Sub Pop

1. False Jesii Part 2
2. Half Idiot
3. Dream Smotherer
4. Pleasure Race
5. She is Science Fiction
6. Request for Masseuse
7. Human Upskirt
8. Lip Ring
9. Spent
10. R - Rated Movie
11. Dominate Yourself
12. Goodbye (Hair)


Monday, August 24, 2009

Single: Sub Pop edition #3 Lubricated Goat "Meating My Head/20th Century Rake"

For my next Sub Pop single i had to choose this one from the great Australian noise rock band, Lubricated Goat! This is one of my favorite Sub Pop singles ever. If you like noise or dirty, gritty music you'll enjoy this.

1989

1. Meating My Head

2. 20th Century Rake
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TF3QFVZX

EP: Truly - "Heart & Lungs" 1991

Here's a great EP to start your week off. This is Truly's first EP called "Heart and Lungs". I really enjoy Truly's brand of sleepy, chilled out alt rock. I guess you could call them a supergroup if you were so inclined - members of this band include Hiro Yamamoto and Mark Pickerel. The standout track on this EP for me is "the Color is Magic". Enjoy.

1991, Sub Pop

1. Heart and Lungs

2. The Color is Magic

3. Married in the Playground

4. Truly Drowning

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HDLLT2XG

Sunday, August 23, 2009

News: Om's new album "God is Good"

The new Om album titled "God is Good" is set to come out in September and will be accompanied by a North American tour. They recently posted a track called "Thebes" from their upcoming album which is really well done. Hear it and see their tour dates here: www.myspace.com/variationsontheme






















"September 29th will see the release of the forthcoming studio album by OM.

The album is titled God is Good

Thebes
Meditation is the Practice of Death
Cremation Ghat I
Cremation Ghat II

The album was recorded March 2009 by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio, Chicago. Updates will be available via Drag City, omvibratory.com"

source: Om Myspace

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tours, So Many Tours: Melvins w/ Butthole Surfers, Nebula w/ Entrance, Pissed Jeans

Here are some recent tour updates - there's a lot going on at the moment. First of all.. The Melvins just announced a few tour dates with the Butthole Surfers. Do I really need to say more? I can safely say the Butthole Surfers playing with the Melvins kills the recent Down/Melvins tour lineup.

Oct. 16 - San Franciso, CA - Regency Ballroom
Oct. 17 - San Diego, CA - Canes
Oct. 18 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia w/ The Melvins

Also, Nebula is touring the US (with a few Canadian dates!) at the moment, with Entrance. This tour is just dripping with spacey, psychedelic goodness. I really enjoy Entrance's breakout album and can really feel the 70's rock influences. Nebula is obviously just legendary in the Stoner Rock world - if you have the chance to see this, don't miss it!

08.19.09 - Casbah - Hamilton, Canada
Info: w/ Entrance
08.20.09 - The Wreck Room - Toronto, Canada
Info: w/ Entrance
08.21.09 - il Motore - Montreal, Canada
Info: w/ Entrance
08.22.09 - Santos - New York, NY
Info: w/ Entrance
08.23.09 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
Info: w/ Entrance
08.24.09 - Ottobar - Baltimore, Maryland
Info: w/ Entrance
08.25.09 - Black Cat - Washington DC,
Info: w/ Entrance
08.26.09 - The Jewish Mother - Virginia Beach, VA
Info: w/ Entrance
08.27.09 - Soapbox - Wilmington, NC
Info: w/ Entrance
08.28.09 - Masquerade (Hell) - Atlanta, GA
Info: w/ Entrance
08.29.09 - Hi-Tone - Memphis, TN
Info: W/ Entrance
08.30.09 - Hi Ho Lounge - New Orleans, LA
Info: W/ Entrance
08.31.09 - Walter's On Washington - Houston, NY
Info: W/ Entrance
09.01.09 - Emo's - Austin, TX
Info: w/ Entrance
09.03.09 - Rock Bottom - San Antonio, TX
Info: w/ Entrance
09.03.09 - The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
Info: w/ Entrance
09.05.09 - The Sets - Tempe, AZ
Info: w/ Entrance
09.06.09 - Spaceland - Los Angeles, CA
Info: w/ Entrance

source: TeePee

Pissed Jeans are also doing a small tour to promote their newest album on Sub Pop, King of Jeans. I've seen them live.. you don't want to miss this either. Pure raw, heavy, noisy punk! With this and the upcoming Jesus Lizard tour these cities won't know what hit them.

08.20.09 - Satyricon - Portland, OR
08.21.09 - Chop Suey - Seattle, WA
08.22.09 - Media Club - Vancouver, BC
08.29.09 - Pi Lam - Philadelphia, PA
record release party!


source: Sub Pop

Friday, August 14, 2009

News: Nirvana's "Bleach" to be reissued with bonus material

"Bleach" by Nirvana is 20 years old and is being reissued by Sub Pop in CD form and also in the form of a double LP (on white vinyl!) on November 3rd. Its also going to include an unreleased live performance from 1990 and a 16 page CD/LP booklet. I'm all over this as a record collector and as a huge fan of this album.

Here's the track listing:

Bleach: Deluxe Edition
1. Blew
2. Floyd the Barber 3. About a Girl 4. School 5. Love Buzz 6. Paper Cuts 7. Negative Creep 8. Scoff 9. Swap Meet 10. Mr. Moustache 11. Sifting 12. Big Cheese 13. Downer

Live at Pine Street Theatre
1. Intro 2. School 3. Floyd the Barber 4. Dive 5. Love Buzz 6. Spank Thru 7. Molly’s Lips 8. Sappy 9. Scoff 10. About a Girl 11. Been a Son 12. Blew

read more about it here:

http://www.subpop.com/channel/blog/nirvanas_bleach_turns_20_re_issue_out_november_3rd

source: Sub Pop

in other news, I have a couple upcoming contributors to this blog that i'm pretty excited about. Keep reading to find out who..

Thursday, August 13, 2009

News: Scott Reeder's new project

"The as-yet-unnamed new band featuring Peter Dolving (THE HAUNTED), Jesper Liveröd (NASUM, BURST) and Scott Reeder (KYUSS) is scheduled to enter the studio in a few weeks with producer Fredrik Reinedahl to begin recording its debut album. Several drummers are expected to contribute their services during the sessions, including Peter Asp (ex-MARY BEATS JANE), Dave Witte (MUNICIPAL WASTE) and a couple of friends from Gothenburg, Sweden."

source: stonerrock

I'm always interested in hearing what the Kyuss guys are up to now - they can do (almost) no wrong! I never really got into Scott Reeder's solo efforts but I look forward to hearing more about this.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

ARTICLE WRITERS WANTED!

Attention heavy music enthusiasts:

I have no problem going on a good old music related rant now and again, but am now looking to recieve some articles from you! Whether its an informative article, a rant, rave or you just want to give your 2 cents about something. You can write about the legitimacy of a genre, reflect on what got you into it in the first place, rave about why you love a band, defend something, or simply rant about that annoying group of Black Sabbath rip-off bands that pull influence from other Black Sabbath rip-off bands. Really, write about whatever you feel is interesting.

If your article is post-worthy i'll be sure to give you all the credit you deserve - send me your links to blogs, personal websites, band sites etc. and i'll be happy to promote them along with your article. Or if you want to remain anonymous that would be cool too. The only criteria is that the article must be related to the theme of this blog, must be somewhat articulately written, and must be at least a couple paragraphs. Otherwise, go nuts!

You can send me your articles at cara102dal@hotmail.com, and title the e-mail "Ritual Room article".

I look forward to hearing from you.

-Cara

Article: The Framework of Doom

After hearing many metal fans labelling many inappropriate bands doom, and hearing many bullshit titles such as "death/doom" (from what i've heard this so called genre is just slow paced death metal), i felt the need to write this article to tell some history of the genre and to clear up what i feel doom is all about.

The Framework of Doom

Doom metal is a genre with endless misconceptions. It is constantly being confused with any other genre that has related themes and a low tempo, and is regularly overlooked by metal fans and media. But what is doom exactly?

To put it very simply, doom is music that explores themes of misery or psychedelia. It is usually slow and heavy; however it is hard to pinpoint exactly what doom “sounds like” since like any genre it is diverse and doesn’t always follow specific criteria. Obviously it isn’t always only about this one sound, and ranges from extremely slow and extreme subgenres to faster, punk infused genres. The subjects explored in doom aren’t that far off from those of different genres of metal, exploring injustice in society, mythology, addiction, religion and war.

Like all genres of metal, the roots of doom can be traced back to Black Sabbath and Pentagram. This is widely considered to be the first wave of doom, and the psychedelic themes and slow riffs are emulated and made extreme by many doom bands from then to today. Doom was refined with a second wave of doom in the 80’s led by bands like Candlemass , Trouble and Saint Vitus, who took Black Sabbath’s sound one step further and pioneered the traditional doom sound we know today. The third wave is considered to be started in the 90s by Cathedral, who made the doom sound heavier than it ever was with their album “Forest of Equilibrium”.

The emulation of Black Sabbath in many doom bands attracts fans of all types of music. In saying this, however, not everyone can appreciate the crushing heaviness, the 15+ minute songs, and the sometimes painfully slow riffs that doom has to offer. These things sometimes draw people away from doom, but are also exactly what fans love about the genre. It has a small and diverse following, but also an extremely dedicated one. True doom fans aren’t afraid to defend the music they love, which makes it suitable for some of the most knowledgeable, devoted fans in music.


- By Cara M.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Album: Hog Molly - "Kung Fu Cocktail Grip" 2001

Well, I didn't think anything could get any more primal and heavy than Tad until i heard this album. Sure, it is one of Mr. Doyle's side projects, and I hear a lot of similarities to Tad but it avoids some of the more pop influenced moments that Tad can have. The best description i can give is that this is Tad without the cushioning. I guess that says a lot becuase Tad doesn't have much of that to begin with. Although the man Tad has a bit. Anyways - this album is raw as hell and primal, heavy rock really doesn't get any better than this.


1. Mr Right
2. Octapussy
3. Alcohog
4. Heatstroke
5. Scorched
6. Hoggchronocity
7. Paycheck
8. Bitch Slapper
9. Let it Ride
10. Bloodpusher
11. Moonraker
12. Russian Mafia
13. Fuck the Red Lights
14. Short Bus
15. Autotang

Album: Girl Trouble - "Hit it or Quit it" 1988

I dont have much to say about this album other than alternative music doesn't get much better. This is Girl Trouble's debut (and best, in my opinion) album. Its extremely well done and all around a catchy good time. Standout tracks for me are "Hurt Your Heart" and "Wreckin Ball". Enjoy..

1988, Sub Pop
1. Wreckin Ball
2. Primeval
3. Hot Monkey Love
4. Riverbed
5. Hurt Your Heart
6. Old Time Religion
7. Steppin Out
8. Follow Me Down
9. She No Rattle My Cage
10. The Skin
11. My Baby's Gone
12. Where's the Loser?

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Album/News: VALIS - "Vast Active Living Intelligence System" & Upcoming material

I'm trying to avoid the obvious album choices here, and although this album has gotten tons of positive feedback in the stoner rock community, i still feel that its somewhat a hidden gem. It's definitly no recent discovery for me, but I feel the need to share this great album! Really spacey, Sabbath influenced, hazy, psychedelic rock. For those who aren't familiar with the lineup it contains Van Connor of Screaming Trees fame.

released 2002, Lunasound/Abstract

1. Indian Giver
2. Transmuter
3. Universe
4. Pass Me By
5. Mealworm
6. Yakima Preacher
7. Kill the Ones You Love
8. Universe 2
9. All Phase
10. Paper Doll
11. Love Loader
12. Pilots House

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M3X2H4CM


VALIS also has a new album featuring Mark Lanegan on guest vocals.. I wonder how this will compare to Screaming Trees material! I'm sure it will be good becuase Mark Lanegan can really do no wrong in my mind. I'll be sure to upload and review it soon - once i get ahold of it. I'm also pretty stoked on the upcoming Kandi Coded split.

"Coming Soon

2009: Dark Matter - Now on Itunes - CD Out April 14th- Small Stone
2009: Split Single with Kandi Coded - Volcom Entertainment2
009: Northwest Mind Meld - Various Artists - Small Stone"

source: VALIS Myspace

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Feature: Brothers of the Sonic Cloth

I'm sure most of you recognize the primal, heavy, musical assault that is Tad. Well.. here's his new psychedelic, equally heavy project - Brothers of the Sonic Cloth! I've been trying hard to get some more material of theirs - live shows and the like - since there isnt much. Unfortunately i havent had much luck but there are a bunch of exciting prospects in the future such as a split 10" and full album.

Listen to the few songs there are and enjoy!


http://www.myspace.com/brothersofthesoniccloth


http://www.taddoyle.com/



News: Melvins remix album "Chicken Switch" release Sept 29th

nsI'd like to take a minute to discuss the fact that a long awaited Melvins remix album is set to be released on Ipecac this September. I'm guessing they chose this year to release it to be part of their 25th anniversary celebration. This is very exciting news for fans of the Melvins, noise, or heavy music in general!

"The Melvins will release Chicken Switch, the long rumored (since 2003) remix cd with a twist, on Sept. 29 via Ipecac Recordings. Unlike usual remix cds where the remixer is given a single track to work with, for Chicken Switch each remixer was given a full album to work with and pull from to create their track (and in some cases, more than one full album was used as source material). The song names were also newly selected by their remixer.

Tracklisting:
Eye Yamatsuka — Washmachine Sk8tronics
Christoph Heemann — Emperor Twaddle Remix
V/VM — She Chokes Her Dying Breath and Does It In My Face
John Duncan — AAHHH…
Matmos — Linkshänder
Lee Ranaldo — EggNog Trilogy: i) She’s Ivanhoe ii) Cancer iii) Inebriated
Merzbow — SNOW REM REM IBVZ
David Scott Stone — Prick Concrète/Revolution M
Panacea — Queen (Electroclash Remix)
Sunroof! — The Silky Apple Butter of Youth
Kawabata Makoto — 4th Floor Hellcopter
Farmersmanual — disp_tx_skel_mach_murx
Void Manes — Overgoat
RLW— Over from Under the Dog, Girl & Boy Treatment
Speedranch — Hard Revenge Milly Bloody Battle VS. The Melvins Ozmatized Gore Police (Feat: Cardopusher of the Five Deadly Venoms) "


Source: themelvins.net

Single: Sub Pop edition #2 Mad Daddys "Take Me Back To Woodstock/Alligator Wine"

Alright, for my next choice of Sub Pop single, its this one by Mad Daddys which includes a really fun cover of Alligator Wine by Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Actually, both songs on this single are really fun in a dirty, sleazy, rock n roll kind of way. Maybe it sounds like i just described a hair metal act but for those of you that have never heard Mad Daddys i swear this is nothing close. I don't know what i'm saying anymore. Just enjoy this!

released 1989-05-01, Sub Pop

1. Take Me Back to Woodstock

2. Alligator Wine

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=C6918FCY

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Album: Big Business - "Mind the Drift" (2009)

Well.. this isn't exactly breaking news, but I have an insane amount of music to go through and it took me too long to get on the newest Big Business. Nonetheless this album is still relatively new and is a very interesting mix of heaviness, intricate instrument work and an all around catchy good time! Big Business seems to just get better and better - I'm really impressed with this album. Its not often that you find a band that balances groove and heaviness so nicely. Standout tracks on this album for me are "Cats, Mice" and "Cold Lunch". The album art is great as well.

2009, Hydra Head

1. Found Art
2. Gold and Final
3. Cats, Mice
4. I Got it Online
5. The Drift
7. Cold Lunch
8. Theme From Big Business iii
9. Cold Lunch (bonus track)
10. The Drift (bonus track)
11. Send Me a Postcard

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AXVRVI5N