Elephant on Onyx – EOO Demo

What are you gonna do when you’re up for some unknown music, given that most of your favourite bands haven’t had a new release yet? Right, read some magazines or go to the internet and trawl bandcamp.

Elephant on Onyx are a band you may (at least for the moment) only meet by chance on one of your internet safaris. Their debut EP (or demo) can be downloaded for free (or for a price of your choice) on their bandcamp site, so this may just be a short appetiser for what’s about to happen.

The four Italian’s 4 track EP often recalls the good old Fu Manchu 90s, although the overall guitar sound contains a stronger prise of heaviness. The start unfortunately comes over like a curtailed experimentation of an electro intro mixed with a short riff that also could easily have been a jingle for some cheap product on a midnight TV program. Predator thankfully saves the day and gives the direction of the characterising sound of 90s stoner and psychedelic rock.

Be it fast parts or doom, Elephant on Onyx do a good overall job, but the listener shouldn’t expect huge innovations of the genre. Moreover, the vocals sometimes drone out in a way that is way too Fu Manchesque, sometimes at the riffs cost. Nevertheless, the changes from heavy stoner parts to psychedelic melodies evoke a pretty good feeling, and one should try this appetiser and remain very curious about the way a potential full album will sound like.

Microwave Massacre

In the whole trash horror movie scene it was at one point very popular to label the movies with quotes like: the worst movie ever done, so bad that it is good , the worst horror movie you have ever seen and stuff like that in order to hope that the flick gets a cult following (c.f. Troll 2, Troma stuff). It is the same as nowadays people lable their movies with Tarantino’s favourite movie, Tarantino farted during the intro or Tarantino ate a burrito with his best friend when this movie premiered 1000 miles away. The Tarantino just as the „worst movie“ slogans have something in common, they are simply meaningless and often a lie.

Microwave Massacre (1983) is one of those movies where marketing people try or tried to merchandise and promote it with a worst horror movie of all time slogan. In this case it is inappropriate because most of the time the movie is simply not “that” bad that it is really good or funny again, except for the really genius beginning. The writers tried hard, especially with the dialogues but in the end, I think this is the problem, they tried too hard. Even for 1983 most of the dialogues are simply bromidic and often consist of pseudo trashy one-liners (some of them can be read here)  (I still have to admit that I smirked 2 or 3 times but this is simply not enough). Microwave Massacre is again one of the movies where you simply expect a little more just because of the title.

What else can you expect from the movie? Well, the actors are as talented as a paraplegic doing ballet, there are a lot of hookers and logically nudity and even more fake, plastic body parts accompanied with an incredible cheesy synth soundtrack and really awful props, loosely based on the formula of one wise man: “In order to sell your B-Movie, you have to include blood, boobs and a beast”. In the end, just imagine a bad cannibal B-Movie that lives up to nearly every single superficial cliché you know and concentrates on a man killing/eating his wife, then switches over to hookers and prepares the meat in his microwave.

To conclude, let’s say that Microwave Massacre isn’t a must see but rather an amusing can-be seen which, I personally think, you should watch with a few male (!) firends, lots of beer and pizza. Finally, as so often, do not forget to put your brain on standby and the flick may work. If you are a fan of trash give it a try.

Serpent’s Tongue – Desolation & Vices (double review)

If you’ve read a couple of my reviews you know that I’m mostly into post-hardcore and metalcore. However, I love me some hardcore from time to time, and what better way is there to do so than by checking out a new band that isn’t influenced by a record label?

This is why today’s review is going to be about Serpent’s Tongue, an Indiana based quartet. But to make things a little more interesting I’ll review both their releases, the first one being Vices which was released in March 2012.

The six songs start off without any delay and deliver punch after punch and before you even realize what’s happening to your eardrums, the EP is over. This is partly due to its Guinness-worthy length of eight minutes and a half, but also to the fact that no song sounds like the other which is something that impressed me.

If I had to describe the direction of the instruments I’d say that it has a very beatdown-esque vibe to it: relentless drum rhythms, heavily accented bass guitars and simple but effective riffs. Might not be ideal for everybody’s ears but I dig it; it makes me want to punch baby pandas…OK, maybe not.

The vocals are the one thing that absolutely sell it for me though: the vocalist screams his heart out and leaves no doubt that he’s into what he does. My personal highlight being the “intro” to the second song Faces And Revenge.

But why babble so much? Check out the record below and be your own judge.

Their second release Desolation, which was released in December last year, starts a bit differently but with the same train of thought: fuck shit up. The track count has been reduced to five but augmented in length to twelve minutes.

Luckily, the increased duration doesn’t take anything away from the intensity and you’re treated to basically the same approach in the instrumental department. The production has seen a slight change as well: whereas the predecessor was slightly rougher, this one has a bit more fine-tuned feel to it which goes quite nicely with the lengthier songs.

The vocals remain strong but with slightly more diversity, so nothing to complain about there. Another surprise there, I have to admit, since in a matter of nine months the band managed to improve upon something that was already quite enjoyable to begin with.

Again, talking about it doesn’t do it justice…so make up your own mind below.

All in all, this band definitely deserves the twenty minutes of your time, that it takes you to listen to both releases. I’d say that you get your money’s worth but that would be a lie since both EPs can be downloaded absolutely for free. If you want to keep up with future releases by the band, be sure to check out their Facebook page!

The Sacrificed – III

The Sacrificed are a white metal band from Florida and III is their, you guessed it, third release, though their first release was a self-released demo that has been re-released later on as a full-length.

At this time I am only familiar with this album (second full-length on its way to me) and from what I read it is more progressive than their earlier stuff.
The album is being compared a lot to bands like Queensryche, Dream Theater, Crimson Glory, Symphony X and the likes.
Personally, I can see why but I would never compare this to Dream Theater. This band is clearly a heavy metal band, unlike Dream Theater who, at least to me, never show their passion for classic heavy metal bands.

As a matter of fact, I would compare The Sacrificed to Fates Warning. The progressive elements in their sound are similar to those found on Fates Warning records and both bands love their metal heavy.
At times I can hear some early (The Warning era) Queensryche melodies and they actually even cover Before the Storm from said Queensryche full-length.

The album has been blasting out of my speakers for the last couple days. I love every song on it and the cover song actually made me go back and rediscover the original again, that pretty much is what a good cover is supposed to do.

My only complaint, and it isn’t the band’s fault, is the lack of money spent on this release. The booklet looks cheap, the paper feels cheap, the colours look cheap, no band pictures and the production could have been better.
Back in 1988 this band/album would have sounded way better. Biggest complaint is the drum sound, just horrible! Next time just use a drum computer, those double bass attacks sound like a cheap toy AK-47 made in Taiwan. Triggers suck!

However this should not put you off, great songwriting, awesome guitarist and vocalist. They lyrics, eventhough Christian, are not preachy and I doubt the band throws bibles at the audience like our favorite black ‘n yellow fashion criminals (Stryper for those who don’t know what I am talking about).

Love it melodic and progressive? Are you open-minded?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAae2z9pulU]

Go out and get this!

Sun Glitters – Everything Could Be Fine

In case you’ve never heard of Sun Glitters before, it’s the new project from Luxembourg’s well known artist Victor Ferreira, formerly known as Sug(R)cane. What used to be downtempo electronica is now an ocean of lush melodies, as described on his website, or chillwave; as most of us call it. What can we expect? Let’s say Sun Glitters is a neat mixture between Gold Panda, Burial and Four Tet with a sound that is very melancholic and plunges the listener into a dreamy mood (quite fitting for this time of year).

Songs like A dragonfly in the city remind me of Burial’s Untrue album, which is meant as a compliment, for that album was a milestone when it came out and I really like the gloomy atmosphere on that track. There are also “groovier” titles like Everything could be fine or the opener Beside Me, which is a very good opening title as the album really gets the listener’s attention from the first to the last second without getting too repetitive or predictable. Honestly, it’s the perfect soundtrack during a roadtrip at sunrise.

The only downside of the album is the total playtime which is 27 minutes! I mean, I don’t want to sound like a spoilt child, but if you pamper me with such good tunes I want more of it than just a small foreplay! In case you read this, senhor Ferreira, I want more! Thank you!

Luc Von Gore’s Top 10 DVD editions

Today’s post is going to be something different, something new. As I am a huge movie memorabilia and special edition fan I am going to post my favourite Box Sets. Before I start I have to explain a few things. The design, appearance and the making-up of the DVD set is in the spotlight. The movie itself just as the image and sound quality come second even though I try to chose uncut films I appreciate. And last but not least I am aware that there are tons of other nice  editions, so if you are not satisfied with the list, just put you favourite ones in the comments below. To conclude, please note that it is not me in the videos. Enough talking, here we go.

#10 The Fly: Ultimate Collectors’ Edition Box Set [DVD]

Do I recommend this edition –> unsure: This edition made it on the 10th place because it contains all 5 Fly movies, numerous extras and has a great sound and image quality. Furthermore I think that the package looks quite interesting but after I did some research I found out that the Box Set itself is made of cheap plastic and that everything has to be handled with care in order not to break anything. In the end, the box looks good but I am not really sure if I am ever going to buy it or if I just stay with the “normal” DVDs. Check it out and make your own decision.

#09 The Big Lebowski 10th Anniversary Edition

Do I recommend this edition –> yes: A limited edition bowling ball case of The Big Lebowski. It just looks perfect, nothing more to say.

#08 Sleepaway Camp Survival Kit


Do I recommend this edition –> only for fans: Here it is all about you being a 80ies slasher  fan or not. The survival kit contains Sleepaway Camp, Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers and Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland. From Amazon: “This very cool box set of the cult classics – The Sleepaway Camp Trilogy has a cute “first aid” motif with bloody handprints on the slipcover. The red paint used on the slipcover for the blood actually FEELS STICKY, like real blood! Open the slipcover up and you have pictures of first aid items like band-aids, first aid cream, gauze, antiseptic wipes and the like with the DVD’s right inside. Utter PACKAGING GENIUS! Also included is a “Sleepaway Camp Diary” that gives the history of all three films and includes addresses for cool Sleepaway Camp fan websites. All three of the features are presented in widescreen with audio commentaries, still galleries, theatrical trailers, outtakes, behind the scenes, deleted scenes and MUCH, MUCH GORE!!!” And that’s where I 100% agree!

#07 Alien Quadrilogy Deluxe Alien Head Limited Edition Box Set [DVD]

Do I recommend this edition –> only for hardcore fans: I was never an Alien fan and I never will be but just have a look at this amazing, detailled Alien head DVD holder.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFXukW3I8X4]

#06 Planet Terror (uncut) 2–Disc Limited Coll.-Edition

Do I recommend this edition –> yes: First of all, Planet Terror is, even though quite modern, one of my all-time favorite grindhouse flicks and this limited and numbered Tin Box does justice to this epic movie on every single level. The flick, with a run-time of 101 mins is completely uncut, the sound and image quality are pin sharp. The extras on the second disc are really interesting and informative. The Planet Terror blood pack just like the odored DVDs are quite useless but the adding of the famous BBQ sauce recipe is a stroke of genius and the sauce is really delicious. If you are a fan of the movie, this is the only edition you should buy! Oh, yeah here is the recipe (sorry but I was to lazy to translate it into english):

4 Portionen
1 Tasse – Tomatenketchup
1 Tasse – Sonnenblumenöl
1/4 Tasse – brauner Zucker
1/2 Tasse – feingehackte Zwiebeln
1/4 Tasse – Worcestershire-Souce
1 TL. – Senf (normalen Schärfe)
2 TL. – Paprikapulver
1-2 TL. – Chilipulver
1 – Messerspitze Zimt
3 – Knoblauchzehen, feingehackt
3- Spritzer Tabasco
Sanft von 1,5 Zitronen
Salz und Pfeffer nach belieben
Zubereitung:
Alle Zutaten in einen Kochtopf geben,
Erhitzen und mindestens 30 Min. leicht köcheln.
Vor Verzehr abkühlen lassen.

#05 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + 3 DVDs)

Do I recommend this edition –> yes

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rVsW8GkHuY]

#04 Dawn of the Dead: The Ultimate Edition

Do I recommend this edition –> yes There are tons of different editions of Dawn of The Dead out there but this one is by far the best! Disc one is the original unrated director’s cut with George Romero, Tom Savini, and Chris Romero commentaries, theatrical trailers and radio spots. Disc two is the extended edition, some footage, a Richard Rubinstein commentary and some other stuff. Disc three comes with The Dario Agento cut (which was released in Europe) and some commentaries by the stars of the movie. And last but not least Disc 4 contains The Dead Walk and the Document of the Dead documentaries, just as a feature-length one shot during the making of Dawn of the Dead, some home movies and a tour through the Monroeville mall. And now comes the best, you can buy this epic edition on Amazon for only $15.35. What are you waiting for? Buy it now!

#03 Cannibal Holocaust Limited Deluxe Statue Edition

Do I recommend this edition –>only for fans

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUEccUass38]

#02 Battle Royale 1 – Limited Ultimate Edition (5DVD+Blu-Ray+Blu-Ray 3D) (7Discs) – Uncut

Do I recommend this edition –> yes:  Quite the same as with the Planet Terror edition. This Box Set (fabric covering and hot-foil embossing) is utterly perfect. It consists of 7 Discs (Blu-ray and DVD) incl. 3D Blu-ray. Features are: Behind the Scenes of Battle Royale – Making of Battle Royale – Takeshi Kitano Interview – Shot of the  Special Edition – 42 students – Royal problems – Special Effects comparison – Behind the Scenes – At the Set – Trailer, TV-Spots & Commercials – the music of Battle Royale – Promotion & Premieres – The correct way to make Battle Royale [Birthday Version] – The correct way to fight in Battle Royale. Furthermore this edition comes with a  certificate, a poster, 8 postcards, a comic (36 pages) and a booklet (24 pages) and is limited to 5000 pieces! A well-deserved second place.

#01 Japanese DVD-BOX “GODZILLA FINAL BOX” Complete Set 2005

Do I recommend this –> for hardcore fans only: Are you blind? No? So, you know why I recommend this one. If you are not convinced yet, here is the content: Godzilla head with base, booklet, 31 discs in total: Original 30 discs + 1 optional disc (Final Wars) to complete the set covering all 28 episodes (Godzilla 1954 to Final Wars 2004) and 3 archives bonus discs. All are only in Japanese language without subtitle or translation with fucking 16kg in total. I hope I made everything clear now?! Godzilla is the mother/father of all movie monsters and this edition excludes all possibility of doubt about it.

Trepalium – H.N.P.

As teased yesterday, here’s the review of the second opening act that night: the French band Trepalium!

A lot of people have probably heard them before without even knowing it since back in 2006 their song Sick Boogie Murder raised a lot of eyebrows because of its interesting sound. In 2012 the quintet released a new record called H.N.P. which keeps elements of that sound but also adds several new ones.

After the intro is over you’ll notice that it’s still got its groove-laden guitars but they’ve tuned up the heaviness as well as the technicality factors quite a bit. One thing that struck me about them though is that there seems to be one riff that comes back in different variations all throughout the nine tracks, doesn’t bother me personally but some might find it repetitive.

When the drums aren’t insanely grooving they are are pretty much non-stop straight to your face with double bass attacks and occasional blast beats, just as I like them. The only thing that “bothers” me personally are the vocals. They are in no way bad; quite the contrary actually but I’m missing those little surprises, that were present in the above-mentioned song, that add variation to the whole thing. Nevertheless that doesn’t really influence the record itself in a negative way, so it’s probably just a personal gripe.

There is a little surprise as the tenth song on here too…a cover of Pantera‘s I’m Broken! It’s only fitting to end this record with this legendary song and I dare say that they do a very good job at it too!

In closing I’m going to go ahead and say that if you are looking for something in both the groove department as well as the heavier department, you are at the right address with Trepalium‘s H.N.P.! Check out their Facebook page and their music video below!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUMuscbjTpA]

Klone – The Dreamer’s Hideaway

First off: a belated happy new beer to all of you! Let’s start, shall we?

In November last year I went to see Gojira at den Atelier and it was a great show, but something that went unnoticed by many were the two opening acts. One of them was the French band Klone from Poitiers. The sextet plays a style of music that I’m having a hard time to define, so I’ll just go ahead and say that it’s “French metal”. By that I mean that it bares resemblances to other bands from France like Dagoba and Aqme, even though the similarities are only minor.

Immediately after you put in their most recent record The Dreamer’s Hideaway and you listen to the first song Rocket Smoke, you should somewhat know what I mean. The whole thing has a grunge feel to it but with a more modern approach and deeper tuned guitars. There are a handful of parts where the riffs are very dense and create a huge tension but, at least to me, the majority of the time they blend in nicely with the ensemble in order to avoid an overload of your senses during the fifty-four minutes.

The drums follow a similar route, even though I like them a bit better than the string instruments. All throughout the eleven songs they keep a nice groove and at times they simply explode into mayhem. Some passages could almost be from the hands of Tool‘s Danny Carey, and that’s saying something.

I didn’t choose the drum comparison randomly but mainly because in some parts the vocals sound a bit like Maynard’s. I know that it’s never a good idea to compare vocal ranges because a lot of the times people don’t feel the same way as you do but I can’t shake the feeling that they’re alike. There’s not much I can say about the production since it’s exactly how it should be: nice and tight.

All in all, I’d say that Klone is probably not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but if you’re willing to check out something new every now and then, these guys are a good start. Plus they have a saxophone. Check out their Facebook page if you want to get more information and listen to the above mentioned song below and make sure to come back tomorrow if you want to read about the second opening act from the show!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjjzyqheM0]