Mudvayne — “Not Falling”
nu metal
10 Songs to Help You Through Hard Times
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I haven’t been in the best place mentally or emotionally for the past month. Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore.
I know we all have those songs that make us feel good, but what about the ones that are like a balm to our bruised hearts/souls? My recent struggles have led me to a few discoveries, one of which surprised me very much.
Alter Bridge: “I Know It Hurts”
Myles Kennedy is the king of uplifting lyrics. I can name a track from each Alter Bridge album that could be on this list, but “I Know It Hurts” takes the spot because of one simple line: “Now is not forever.” Sometimes, that is the best thing to remember.
Alter Bridge: “All Ends Well”
I said Myles was the king, right? “If you believe in nothing else, just keep believing in yourself.”
Almost Kings: “Better Than This”
There are actually a couple of songs from these Georgia natives that I could have chosen. However, “Better Than This” immediately struck a chord in me. I understand it so much more now.
Asking Alexandria: “Alone in a Room”
I know, I know. I haven’t shut up about this band or this song, but the lyrics describe my mindset so accurately that it’s scary.
Linkin Park: “Heavy”
Honestly, isn’t it nice to know you’re not the only one? This song has brought me to tears more than once, especially following Chester’s death.
Asking Alexandria: “Under Denver”
“Just wait and see, just sit and breathe.”
Andy Black: “Put the Gun Down”
This was the one that surprised me. I hadn’t listened to Andy’s solo record, then I randomly decided to let it play on Amazon. I ended up with this song on repeat. I couldn’t have found it at a better moment.
Blink-182: “Adam’s Song”
Self-explanatory.
Fun: “Carry On”
“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground. Carry on.”
Modest Mouse: “Float On”
My line has always been “Don’t worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy. We’ll all float on alright.”
5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#6)
1. Midnight Blackout
A post hardcore/math rock band from France. For fans of Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, etc. You can listen to their debut EP, Hangover, on Spotify or YouTube. For a taste of what you can expect, check out “Lorenzo.”
2. Amerakin Overdose
AOD is a mix of industrial, hard rock, metal, and even a bit of pop. They hail from Oregon. For fans of Nine Inch Nails, Mushroomhead, Static-X, etc. Amerakin Overdose will be hitting the road for a summer tour, kicking off June 29th. Here is my favorite song from them, “Letting Go.”
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube
3. Advocates
A hard rock/metal/post hardcore band from Australia. For fans of early Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, Blessthefall, etc. Check out “Destructive Tendencies” from 2016’s The Complex Truth.
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube
4. Values
A melodic metal/hardcore band from the UK. For fans of early Asking Alexandria, Mastodon, Beartooth, etc. Listen to the latest single, “Hopeless,” below!
5. Marquis of Vaudeville
A truly unique band from Dallas. Best described as alternative/carnivalesque rock/psychedelic punk cabaret. I don’t know how to do a “for fans of,” but perhaps I can say if you liked the music from The Devil’s Carnival, or just Emilie Autumn, you’ll like Marquis of Vaudeville. I’m sharing the first song I listened to, and I highly encourage you to check out more.
Let’s Talk Covers (Asking Alexandria Edition)
I know I’ve been posting about Asking Alexandria a lot lately — and here’s another one!
But seriously. I stumbled across the video of them covering Ed Sheeran and it made me wonder what other covers they had done. So here we are.
1. “Perfect” (Ed Sheeran cover)
2. “What I’ve Done” (Linkin Park cover)
3. “Right Now” (Akon cover)
4. “Closer” (Nine Inch Nails cover)
5. “Duality” (Slipknot cover)
There are several more. Hop on over to YouTube and check them out. You won’t regret it.
Playlist Challenge, Day 375
Makeshift Romeo — “The Way I Was”
Weekly Focus: Bring Me the Horizon, Day Two
Bring Me the Horizon — “It Was Written in Blood,” from the album Suicide Season (2008).
Review: Sevendust’s All I See Is War
Band: Sevendust
Album: All I See Is War
Genre: Rock/Metal
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Standout Tracks: “Descend,” “Moments,” “Not Original,” “Life Deceives You,” and “Medicated”
I am not one of the Sevendust faithful, so to speak. I don’t watch the calendar and count the days until the Georgian metal band’s next release. However, when I read Lou Brutus’s praise for All I See Is War, I knew I needed to check it out.
I was not disappointed. Though I found the first two tracks — “Dirty” and “Risen” — to be par for the course, there is something about the album as a whole that really appealed to me. The latter half, in particular, really jumps out.
I have always appreciated Lajon Witherspoon and company’s lack of fear when it comes to showing a softer side to their typically hard-hitting music (“Skeleton Song,” anyone?). Needless to say, the melodic heaviness and gorgeous crooning on tracks such as “Descend,” “Moments,” and “Life Deceives You” were the highlights for me.
All I See Is War has the staples that Sevendust fans have loved for the last two decades. Add in the time-relevant lyrics and the ratio of melancholy, ruthless, and groove-driven, and you get a record that is a must for any music collection.
As a side note, I would like to say that I don’t even have the words to describe “Not Original.” Lajon’s vocal delivery is worthy of chills, and the guitar work from Clint Lowery and John Connolly carry the soulful performance to new heights. It is definitely my favorite song on the album.
Overall, I would give All I See Is War 4/5 stars. A balance of old and new, there are plenty of interesting elements here that make me excited for the future of Sevendust.
Album of the Week: Bring Me the Horizon’s That’s the Spirit
“Happy Song” has been my anthem recently, so I figured I’d give a nod to BMTH and the record that features that track, That’s the Spirit.
Weekly Focus: Bring Me the Horizon, Day One
Bring Me the Horizon — “Liquor & Love Lost,” from the album Count Your Blessings (2006).
RIP Ben Graves
I can’t believe I’m writing another one of these…
Ben Graves (Murderdolls, Dope, Pretty Boy Floyd, Davey Suicide) passed away on Wednesday, May 9th. His fiancée Lydia posted this on Facebook:
“This is incredibly hard for me to write this, but I know it is necessary because Ben has so many friends and fans.
Most of you don’t know that Ben has been battling cancer for the last 11 months. It was his decision to keep his health very quiet.
Ben passed away today, May 9th 2018, from complications due to his cancer. His diagnosis was grim but he fought a long and hard battle to try and beat it and overcome the odds. Some battles can’t be won no matter how hard you try.
Please respect me, his family and close friends while we grieve. Even though we knew it was eventually coming, the complication was sudden and very unexpected.
It’s devastating to lose someone you love more than yourself. My heart is broken, my heart died with him.
We will be taking him home to Massachusetts. I will organize a memorial for Ben’s LA friends, details to follow.”
Guys…I am at a loss. I’ve been a fan of Ben’s since 2002, when my best friend played me “Love at First Fright” by the Murderdolls (her discovery based on the fact that Joey Jordison was their guitarist).
Fuck cancer.
Mostly Music 