Things By Mike

Christy from Christy’s Coffee Break tagged me to blog about seven songs I’m currently listening to…obviously not all at the same time. That would sound awful. Maybe. I should try it. Anywhooo, these would be seven songs I’ve been hooked on lately. I thought I’d take this a bit further though and talk a bit about each song and why it has me hooked. I don’t really listen to much mainstream music, so if ya don’t recognize any of these bands I won’t hold it against you ;P

• Dark Tranquillity – Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)
  I’m a HUGE fan of Dark Tranquillity and have been for years. While their music is always very aggressive and heavy, they always have a way of lacing it with some extremely beautiful melodies and this song is no exception. The opening synth melody (which returns throughout the song) is chilling yet beautiful at the same time. I could listen to this song on repeat all day and not get bored of it.
• Deadlock – We Shall All Bleed
  This band has blown me away ever since I heard their last album entitled “Earth, Revolt”. One minute so brutal and relentless the next so peaceful and uplifting. This track from their new album “Wolves” is a great example. The song starts out like a steamroller with some pretty sick blast beats that eventually evolve into a soaring chorus topped off by the angelic vocals of Sabine Weniger. Her voice gives me goosebumps. It’s just that good.
• Volbeat – Devil or the Blue Cat’s Song
  In my opinion Volbeat are one of the most entertaining hard rock bands to come around in a long time. If you’ve ever wondered what it might sound like if Elvis were to sing along to crunching guitars and heavy rock beats, Volbeat are your answer. This song like most from Volbeat has a way of evoking the spirit of old classic rock songs while also sounding fresh and modern at the same time. It’s just a ton of fun.
• Threshold – Slipstream
  I was really surprised when I heard the new stuff from the Progressive Rock group Threshold. They got a little nasty and meaner sounding. I never would have expected to hear any deathy growls in their music but thanks to guest vocals from Dan Swano that’s just what you hear in this track. Of course there’s also the very excellent clean vocals which is the norm for Threshold. Very, very catchy track.
• Devin Townsend – Ziltoidia Attaxx!
  Ahhh, Devin Townsend…the musical genius from Canada. This guy must dream about music in his sleep. It seems like every time you turn around he’s releasing a new CD for one of his many different projects. This song takes me back to Devin’s early days with his band Strapping Young Lad. A ton of atmosphere and drum beats that have a programmed feel to them. Perhaps they are? You never know with Devin. He’s ridiculously talented.
• Dark Angel- Time Does Not Heal
  An oldie but still a goodie. I used to listen to Dark Angel when I was in high school and years later that old stuff still rocks! I’ll never forgot the first time I heard this song. I was floored by how technically brilliant it was (and still is!). The tempo shifts are crazy. This was also the first time I heard the God of all drummers also known as Gene Hoglan. I still think he secretly has four arms.
• Mors Principium Est – The Animal Within
  Of course I save the best for last. Mors Principium Est is my second favorite band next to Dream Theater. I cannot sit still while listening to this song. My headphones have fallen off at least three times while trying to write this. The track kicks off with a wickedly enchanting female vocal melody (that’s definitely inspired by middle eastern music) on top of a thumping techno beat. After a couple bars the guitars and drums kick in and the onslaught begins. That enchanting middle eastern vibe returns shortly though. Chills, man. Serious chills. Mors Principium Est continue to outdo themselves with each CD they release.

So, now according to Christy I have to tag five people to blog about the songs they’re obsessing to right now. I shall tag the following people.

• Maria from AnotherMaria.com
• Lars-Christian – It’s only fair! You tagged me a couple weeks ago ;)
• Malin of Infektia.net
• Jenny from The So Called Me
• Paula of Polliwog’s Pond

I hope none of you mind that I’ve tagged you. It’s all in good fun. If you’re a weirdo and don’t listen to music, you’re excluded =)