Download 2020

Is it just me or is Download 2020 shaping up to be the best lineup in about a decade? I’m on the verge of ordering a new 2 man pop-up tent and dropping a small fortune on a weekend camping ticket (I swore I’d never camp there again after the last time, the camp site was overrun by complete and total cunts, trust me I do not use that word lightly).

It's Been A Long Week...

It's been one of those weeks were it feels like a large whisky, a couple of bowls, a ton of freshly brewed coffee and some doom laden music are called for.

Jonathan Davis: Everyone

I walk into this place ‘cause I need help
Satan don’t want me 'cause I’m not like them
They don’t like me 'cause I frighten them
They don’t want me 'cause I’m not like them

Live the lies of a priest of the Son
Of the God that has gone and left us idle
Perfect crimes of the church of the lamb
That has left at the stake for its survival
Caught the wind of the wings of the man
At his heart that is hard to educate you
You're so blind full of faith for the Son
That you choose to ignore fill the gage, everyone

I fall quick from grace, if I don't pay them
They won't let me in if I disobey them
They don't like me 'cause I frighten them
They don't want me 'cause I'm not like them

Live the lies of a priest of the Son
Of the God that has gone and left us idle
Perfect crimes of the church of the lamb
That has left at the stake for its survival
Caught the wind of the wings of the man
At his heart that is hard to educate you
You're so blind full of faith for the Son
That you choose to ignore fill the gage, everyone

Look at them, they really need me
One more soul assimilated
Silent judgement feeds the now
One more soul is never-ending
Thus control your free thinking
Questions are never allowed
What makes you so pure?
Wanting this, obscure
I will never bow down
Bow down!

Live the lies of a priest of the Son
Of the God that has gone and left us idle
Perfect crimes of the church of the lamb
That has left at the stake for its survival
Its survival
Its survival

Everyone, everyone
Its survival
Everyone, everyone

Jonathan Davis: Black Labyrinth

I'm not actually a huge Korn fan, I like their music but I can largely take it or leave it. With that said Jonathan Davis' new solo album, Black Labyrinth, is excellent. I've listened to it all the way through a couple of times now and I can honestly say that I've really enjoyed it. I feel like I've connected with it, in a way that I don't often do, and I think I can tell where he is coming from. Several of the tracks on this album are extremely emotionally charged and that comes across well in the lyrics, his voice and the musical styles he uses. This is a real departure from his work with Korn and I feel that is to his benefit, it portrays him in a completely different light and really showcases his versatility as an artist. Black Labyrinth is definitely one of my favourite albums this year.

Gimme Some Motörhead

As I'm sure you're all aware Lemmy Kilmister, the founder member of the band Motörhead, died recently. Ever since I was a young boy Lemmy has been something of a hero to me, so when I heard of his death I felt a genuine sadness and a sense of loss. Motörhead were the first band I discovered for myself, they introduced me to a whole new world of music that changed me and my life forever. Motörhead, and metal in general, has given me a release I wouldn't otherwise have, a safe way of de-stressing and working out my pent up aggression. I am a better person for having the music of Motörhead in my life.

I was 12 when I first discovered Motörhead, my parents had recently given me a small CD player for my birthday and I was searching the bargain bins of local shops for any cheap CDs that appealed to me. I pulled out a cd called "The Best Of Motörhead" and was immediately struck by the image on the case, a snarling monstrous chrome pigs head with giant tusks and bright red eyes. That was the first CD I ever chose myself and paid for with my own money, I rushed home and immediately put the CD in my player and started to listen. It was a sound like I'd never heard before, it was loud and fast and heavy and aggressive. Listening to it made me feel energised, it made me want to growl, I listened to it almost exclusively for several weeks. Over time I bought more CDs and discovered more bands, I tested my personal preferences and developed my own taste. No matter what I listened to it always came back to Motörhead, they were my starting point and Lemmy was the nucleus of it all.

Memorial Service and Celebration of Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister