Good news

I have finally received confirmation that my business plan idea has been approved. I now need to discuss the next stage and can hopefully start submitting content to websites soon.

update-back after a while

If anyone is still reading this,

I know i havent posted anything in a while, its due to a number of things but im hoping to get get back on track with it soon. Im in a bit of a limbo state at the minute in regards to what is going on. But please stick around and ill try and post more content.

Kind regards
Nathan

PS- Fuck Donald Trump..

Orienteering with Napalm Death

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFB54fBRMpQ

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle was released on DVD yesterday. Here is the best bit from it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFB54fBRMpQ

Been a long time - update

Hey guys,

I know its been a while and i have been neglecting this thing a bit. Basically, it looks like I might be getting the funding to become self employed, so there could be some interesting things happening in the near future. Thats all ill say for now.

Take care,
Nathan.

Vibrion-Bacterya

CD
Vibrion- Bactreya https://www.facebook.com/VibrionOfficial/
Disembodied Records https://www.facebook.com/disembodied.rec

Tracklist
1 Day Of Replication
2 The Wrath Of The Beast
3 The Worm Immune
4 The Walls Of Caffa
5 Ill Essentia
6 Of My Burning Brothers
7 Hidden Plague Disseminator
8 Bacterya
9 Circles Are Closed
10 Mutant
Band:
Luis Guardamagna, Guitar, Vocals.
Fabian Fernandez, Bass (Argentina).
Matthias M., Bass (rest of the world).
Jonas Sanders, Drums.

Well, here is quite possibly the “Chinese Democracy” of Death Metal. This is VIBRIONS, first album in twenty years, so what can we expect? Not disappointment I can tell you that!
This album has that true old school feel to it that is severely lacking in a lot of death metal today. It is intense, makes you want to bang your head and generally BRUTAL. A lot of these young bands today should really listen to this and take note. In amongst the brutality, there is some genuinely well played and melodic parts mixing both old and new school elements.
The vocals are on fire, the drums are consistent and the guitars are thunderously heavy. At ten tracks, it feels full and by the end you will definitively have got you money’s worth.
This is my first encounter with the band, supposedly the first Death metal band from Argentina. It is nice to see that the band have grown considering that they have reportedly always used complex
and high octane riffs. Originally formed in 1992, they have a lot of experience in the business. Many of the songs are definitive songs that sound like the holocaust, being very morbid and the song structures sound devastating. This band very much has the essence of the death metal genre, but they have a particular feel and a personal slant, which means the production sounds mature and there is a complex musical personality. I enjoyed the excellent guitar arrangements it seems that are influenced by the polish DM scene such as VADER and DECAPITATED. If you want a very good death meal band with a distinctive sound, this is recommended.
Songwriting- 7/10
Originality- 8/10
Memorability- 8/10
Production- 8/10
Overall- 8/10
Nathan Foster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIJZpijHpm8

Update- reviews for metal temple.

Hey guys,

Sorry for the absense. I've been a little busy and havent had much time to do this. I am hoping to get more time to do it, as it is quite important. Recently i have written a couple of reviews for a website called metal temple. I published one on here in  my last blog, here is a link to the other ones.



http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/i_2/infernal-majesty.htm?keep_session=429276402

http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/i_2/infernal-majesty.htm?keep_session=429276402

Thanks,
Nathan

Inferior-The Red Beast

Here is a review I did of the new album "The Red Beast" by german band Inferior for metal-temple webzine.

Review Inferior-The Red Beast

Sweden’s Inferior who released their first album “Unsoiled” back in 2013 are now back with their second album titled “The Red Beast.”

They are known for their sound which is a mixture of death and thrash similar to early Slayer and Sepultura , having formed in 2006 and releasing some demos and appearing on compilations they have built a strong following in North America and look set to make their mark in Europe with this second album.

It is definitely brutal metal with the title track starting with a guitar riff before the blast beats and aggressive riffage kick in. Vocalist Kristian Karlsons voice sounds very vitriolic and the song in genial sounds like the end of the world, never relenting and making for an intense listening experience, early Kreator definitely springs to mind.

The rest of the album is very heavy and this band definitely know how to make real angry hateful metal.

I enjoyed this album and felt that it was very well played and produced. Highly Recommended.

Nathan Foster. 

Review- Morbid Angel- Altars of Madness

Earache Records
1989

Morbid are one of the biggest bands in death metal. They are one of those bands where if you if you consider yourself a fan of the genre and don't own at least one of their records, your not doing a good job of it. This, their first album is one that many would agree to be that album. It is a classic that maybe has slightly dated. Never the less, death metal as we know it would be quite different if not for this album.

The low budget production gives this album an authentic feel. It has a very good sound that can be described as "evil." Vocalist David Vincent sounds very satanic and his voice sounds very powerful.
The lyrics deal with satanic themes and are not really all that remarkable. The playing however, is among the best this genre has ever seen. Trey Azagoths guitar playing is super technical and almost classical in its approach and the of course there is Pete Sandoavl's drumming, which is widely regarded to be possibly the best in extreme metal and definitely one of the best jn metal in general.

All in all a great album for anyone wanting to get started in this genre. Highly recommended.
Nathan.

Book Review - Choosing Death The Improbable History of Grindcore and Death Metal

Albert Mudrian
2004
Feral House

This book is essential for any extreme metal fan as it is informative and so far one of the few major documents on the genre twelve years after its publication, with a recent updated version produced two years ago. It features hundreds of interviews and includes rare photographs making it almost as much as a must have as the classic albums of this genre (which are all featured at the end of the book).

Mudrian guides us through the history of the genre chronologically starting with Napalm Death and UK the scene, through to the american and European grindcore and death metal scenes. Bands featured include Repulsion, Siege, Morbid Angel,  Death, Obituary, Deicide and Carcass. He then talks about the genres ill fated relationship with major labels which essentially led to its slump during the 90's and then up to the present day (2004 in the original version, 2014 updated) with bands such as Nile, Akercocke and even Slipknot. In addition to the bands, non-musician key players from the labels are also represented.

Featuring an introduction by legendary DJ and grindcore supporter John Peel as well as former Terrorizer editor Nick Terry, Choosing Death is truly definitive. Well written, brillantly researched and and impossible to see why anyone who is a fan would not like it.

Nathan Foster.

Album review requests

Im kinda struggling to come up with albums to review so i wondered if anyone has any requests for me? I ll review anything.

Thanks Nathan.

Sleaford Mods-Divide and Exit review

Sleaford Mods
Divide and Exit
2014

Sleaford Mods are a band seen to be the antidote to much of the vapid safe music of today. They have lyrics which generally deal with being at the arse end of life. It social commentary with a very cynical twist.

Although the message is a serious one, the band are actually quite funny. "The smell of piss is so strong it smells like decent bacon" what the hell does this mean?" There are a lot of surreal sounding lines like this and the excessive profanity is used in way that does not make it seem annoying and childish.

The band is made up of just two people - Jason Williamson the vocalist and lyricist and Andrew Fearn creates the music. Although it is electronically made, it sounds more like instrumentation.

Although the music is original sounding in todays climate, there are definitely hints of other artists such as John Cooper Clarke, The Fall, Crass and the Sex Pistols. It probably isnt for everyone but those looking for something a little more abrasive sounding than Adele and Ed Sheeran, this band is definitely worth a look.

Nathan.

Good news

Ive been accepted on the national enterprise scheme into self employment. Hopefully the future will start to look better. Wish me luck,

Nathan.

Grind Madness at the BBC

In today's climate its almost impossible to imagine and radio one dj like John Peel playing something like grindcore on his show. But "peel sessions" are legendary things, particularly in this case. "Grind madness at the BBC" features 118 tracks over three discs and is essential for anyone who is a fan of this genre.

The bands featured are Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, Bolt Thrower, Godflesh, Carcass,  Heresy, Intense Degree and Unseen Terror. Napalm Death are always the first band that spring to mind and the intensity of the sessions makes it easy to see why. Early Napalm in the studio is terrifying stuff but this takes it to a whole new level. The same goes for ENT whose even more extreme sound is given an extra raw element here. In the case of Carcass, their sound on here is somewhat clearer the their studio output at the time, but in does not take away anything from the sound and the riffs are heard better than on the debut Reek of Putrefaction album, which suffered from a very muddled production.

With the lesser know bands like Heresy and Intense Degree, the sound is not quite as groundbreaking, they still sound very good and in the case of Godflesh, their very brutal sound is defineately given an added kick, with the version of the song "Pulp" on here, being a noteable work by itself and out of the context of the studio version. The added saxophone on the track is defineately something that sticks with you for a while. Bolt Throwers sound on here is not as different as their studio recordings but still sounds solid and powerful.

Grind Madness is an important historical document and still definitely is an intense listening experience nearly thirty years later.

Definitely recommend.

Nathan.

Any requests?

Hi,

Just wondering, does anyone have any albums that they would like me to review? I will do pretty much anything.

Cheers
Nathan

Righteous Pigs-Stress Related

Righteous Pigs
Stress Related
1989

Righteous Pigs are best known as the former band of Mitch Harris, who has been the guitarist for Napalm Death since 1990. This is unfortunate as they should be recognized as a band in their own right, with the likes of Pantera's Phil Anselmo citing them as an influence. Unlike the likes of Napalm and Terrorizer, the Pigs were not really grindcore being more extreme hardcore. Listening to them is definitely recommended if your feeling a little well...stressed.

This is their second album and has a better sound than their first one. Its just better made and written overall. It has decent production which helps, The guitars are heavy and the riffs impressive. The best way to describe the tone would be angry and cynical.

The best thing about this band though is the lyrics. Vocalist Joe Caper delivers them well with a tone in his voice that sounds genuine. They generally deal with negative aspects of life such as drug addiction and general things in life to be pissed off about.

Check it out.

Nathan.

Review-Discharge-Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing

Discharge
Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
1982

1977 as the year punk exploded onto the world and changed the face of music and much of popular culture as we know it. Discharge from Stoke-on-Trent formed that year and at first were little more than one of many bands who sounded like the Sex Pistols.

By 1979 the original punk explosion had ended. It gave way for off shoot movements such as post punk and new wave. At this point, Discharge started to develop their own original sound. They were now joined by a new singer called Cal and were taking punk firmly into an underground direction.

Their first proper release in 1981 already had shocked people who thought that punk could not get more extreme. The Why? ep was definitely brutal sounding but this album, released in 1982 fully showcased their apocalyptic sound. Definateately taking their cue from Motorhead, their had truly been nothing like heard at the time.

Clocking in at 14 tracks, the formula on Hear Nothing does not deviate much. The blasting snare beats and thrashy guitars are a constant presence throughout the albums run. The amp for the guitars are turned up way beyond 11. Although somewhat repetitive, it is very direct and that what makes it stand out.

Its a wonder that drummer Gary Maloney was ever able to play again given his performance here. This pioneered a style that was to become known as D beat. Many bands who fell under that lable paid tribute to Discharge by having "Dis" in their name such as Disrupt and Disfear.

Although the vocals are rather incomprehensible, the lyrics are as minimal as the music, with phrase often being repeated over the course of not usually much longer than two minutes. The theme of the album is nuclear war. This, combined with the albums graphic artwork of genuine images from nuclear wars, makes for a chilling experience.

Its safe to say that without Discharge , much of extreme music wold not exist. From Napalm Death to Metallica to even the likes of Nirvana, Discharge have much to thank for.

Nathan Foster.

Album review- Extreme Noise Terror-Holocaust in your head

Well ive decided that this blog is now goin to be mainly album reviews as other ideas aren't really working.

Extreme Noise Terror A Holocaust in Your Head.
1989

The first Extreme Noise Terror record is easily the best thing they have ever done. That probably has something to with the fact the  songs ae actually original here and not re-recordings like much of their later output was.

As the name of the band and album would imply this is not pleasant sounding music. It is pure undiluted hardcore crust punk. The production is raw. This is very much an album long before the days of pro tools. The drums at absoulutely punishing and relentless. Then there's the bass that sounds muddy and heavy.

The noteable thing about ENT was that they had two vocalists. One with a low death grunt and the other with high pitched screams. You definitely need a lyric to know what they are saying. This is th case with most crust punk. The lyrics cover anarchist and anti capitalist themes with the most famous song being the vegetarian athem "Murder."

An essential for anyone who likes their music extremely noisy and terrifying.

Classic album review- Napalm Death-Scum

Napalm Death
Scum
1987

The album that pioneered (but didn't invent) the grind core genre is nearly thirty years old. So how does it measure up now?

It's always interesting to listen to an artists earlier work when they have been around as long as Napalm Death has (getting on for forty years now). In a way it feels good because unlike anything else in their discography, apart from their early demos, nothing has come before it so it does not have expectations to live up to. Then again, as it now considered a milestone in music, maybe it does in a different kind of way.

Ground-breaking is a word that is often attached to this album. Although it was probably the band Repulsion with their Horrified who truly invented grindcore , Napalm Death were the band who brought it to public attention and became the flag bearers with this album. So hoe seminal is it?

In a way, this album is arguably not a proper album because it is cobbled together from two different recordings featuring two different line ups . For younger listeners who have discovered the band at a different point in their career, this album may seem unfamiliar on a first listen. The fact that their are no members in the bad today who even played on this album kind of put the idea across that this is arguably not really the same band. Technically it isn't. Even on this album there is barely one actual original member. Founder member Nick Bullen lefr after recording the a side, guitarist Justin Broadrick also departed around the same time, leaving Mick Harris to build a new line up and thus be the only person who played on the whole of this Delete repeated word


The main characteristic of this album is speed. There are no tracks longer than two minutes. The production is almost non existent. You cant tell that line up changes after the first twelve tracks unless your listening very carefully.

The A side was recorded in August 1986. Contained within it is one second long "You Suffer." But that is the thing with this album, it is about being listened to as almost one big long song, as the individual songs themselves are too short and fast to really be recognised as songs on their own.

The A side flows very well into the B side. It does not feel tacky or too different. The early days of Napalm Death was like a constant revolving door. And one thing is for sure that new members have always bough something new to the table. There is a little more production on the B side and more metal influence (the a side was more rooted in punk.) Future Cathedral vocalist Lee Dorrian's vocals sound like he is in intense pain, and to many calling them vocals would be a bit of a stretch.  Another thing about this album is that it seems that the vocalists are not really singing the lyrics properly, as trying to follow them on the lyric sheet is very difficult.

All in all this album does naturally sound somewhat dated due t its lack of production, but never the less it still remains a classic and a milestone.

Nathan.

Ok, so ill ask you a question...

So I  guess the idea of asking me questions didn't really work out...

So who wants to answer a question from me?

Who is your favourite band and why?

Please tell me.

Nathan.

Review - Stewart Lee Content Provider

 Stewart Lee-Content Provider
Faber


Before I start this review I should state that I am left wing which is not a popular position today. I voted to remain in the European Union. I also do not think that immigrants are causing the problems that we have in this country. I personally think things like tax evasion are a bigger problem. I am a big believer in what is today generally called "social justice." I think that paying more tax is small price to pay (no pun intended) if it meant a smaller gap between the rich and the poor. For anyone who does not hold this kind of belief this book is not for them.

For those not in the know Stewart Lee is a comedian. He is not an observational comedian. He often has long repetitive routines. The difference here is that the columns are not long. With this in mind you could say that they don't quite play to his strengths. The format is a lot tighter when compared to his lose style of stand up. The concept of the book is not entirely original as Charlie Brooker has done the same thing before, however, this is Stewart Lee so it is not going to feel unoriginal. The book acts as something of an account of everything that has happened in British politics over the last five years, starting with the Royal Wedding, through to  the Olympics, UKIP, and the NHS all the way to the present day with the medias demonization of Jeremy Corbyn.

Lee makes use of a past idea by having many of the articles followed by a comment that someone has made online, which is ill informed and out of context. These people do not understand that much of the content provided (ha!) is exaggerated and fictionalised.

Ill admit that sometimes the book does verge on self indulgence and some of the articles probably  do require repeated readings to truly understand, but ultimately your enjoyment of this book is dependant on how much you agree with the views that are being put across.

All in all, if you like Stewart Lee, youll like this book, if you don't you wont.

Nathan Foster.

Ask me some questions!

Hey

To the few people who read this, who wants to ask me some questions about absolutely anything? Ill be happy to answer. Post in the comments below.

Interview requests

In order to get this blog moving forward a bit more I am going to attempt to ask people for interviews. I think this could be very interesting and I hope that someone will actually get back to me, which is not something that has happened so far. I there are any writers or artists who are interested please let me know.

Nathan.

A little help please

Hey Guys,

Well today I'm wanting to ask a favour. I've talked about this a bit before but now I'm on my last chance to be put through to the National Enterprise Scheme. Basically can anyone direct me anywhere that shows real concrete proof that self employed writing is sustainable. I have to show my advisor in two weeks. Basically, absolutely anything at all which proves that you can make a living of it would be much appreciated. I'm researching it myself and I'm finding a few things, but any help I would be much grateful for.

Thank You,

Nathan.

Film Retrospective- August Underground Trilogy Part 3

August Underground's Penance (2007)
Director- Fred Vogel


The August Underground series isn't exactly up there with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings as one of the all time great movie trilogies. Or even Evil Dead. However, like those series, it is a complete piece of work collectively. This film, which was released four years after its predecessor completed the cycle and there ha been no more since. This film is arguably the least horrific of the three, and there is something of characterisation which was not really there in the previous two. With this film Vogel seems to have "matured" somewhat as a director. This is something that definitely spills into the film.


Vogel is once again joined by Christie with Maggot gone.  They are up to their old tricks of committing atrocious acts on camera. However this is a few years later and things seem different. Whilst they are still psychotic serial killers, they seem to have gotten older and less crazy. This is something that is evident from the start in the characters rather than the films content. In this film, their actions seem to be taking their toll on them. It would seem that the supposed death of Maggot maybe has created something of a wedge between the relationship of the two remaining characters. t would seem that Vogel realised with this film that making another mayhem-fest like the previous to would seem generic and would not have the same kind of effect. With this said there is plenty of ultraviolence and gore. And the gore does look real. It just seems that Vogel new he had created something of a monster with the first two films and the character he plays seems to be thinking that also in terms of what he has done. Vogel had worked on other projects in between the last film and this one and it seems he wanted to become a better film maker. This is just speculation, but it seems to be the reason why the protagonists seem to be tired of what they are doing onscreen.


While it is not as relentless as the previous film, the performances from the two leads are still very strong. They show their age by committing that are still repulsive but quite so much as Mordum. The fact that they almost seem to be showing remorse at times suggests the "penance" that the title alludes to. However, it seems that despite their slight reservations they cant exactly just stop doing what they are doing.


The audience watching the film could get the same feeling as the characters. The film definitely is a little duller at times. The ending of this film establishes the finality. This is easy to understand but it does feel as complete as it should. Never the less, it is shocking in a different kind of way. It definitely deserves props for adding an element of humanity that was never really there before.


In conclusion, you should see the first two before this. While it is more extreme than a lot of stuff out there, it is the tamest in this trilogy. As previously stated, the element of maturity in the characters makes it something of a more easy watch than the others. The more mature approach from Vogel surprisingly does not make the film seem pointless within the context of what the series appeal is. It's definitely the weakest and is bet viewed as part o a collective work. You could almost call it a coming of age story in a fucked up kind of way.


So that's it for this series, see you in the next blog.


Nathan.

Film Retrospective- August Underground trilogy part 2

August Underground's Mordum (2003)
Director- Fred Vogel


After disgusting everyone with the original film, two years later Fred Vogel produced a sequel. This time Vogel brought some other people in, which meant that this time the chaos was twice as big. Although it uses the same formula as the original, it adds a little more in terms of narrative and a lot more in terms of shock. I may have said that the first one was the most extreme film ever made in yesterdays blog, but I really meant that in terms of this being its sequel. Lets face it, if your going to make a sequel to a film like that then its got to be something pretty well... memorable.


This time the camera man from the first film is gone and Peter is now accompanied by a girlfriend and her brother. They basically do the same thing as in the original, which is torturing and killing people in the worst ways possible. Within the three characters is something of a love triangle. Yes, the brother and sister are having an incestuous relationship which Peter is actually aware of. This is something that makes the film more fucked up in addition to the killing.


Even though it follows the same formula as the original the performance from Christie Whiles as "Crustie" matches Vogels performance in terms of general insanity which is something that stops it from being boring. Her character essentially make his even more intense than before. Micheal Todd Schinder also gives a decent performance as the brother "Maggot"  but is somewhat overshadowed by the other two. He does have his moments however, particularly at the end.


The gore is definitely stepped up from the original which is something of an achievement given this films slightly sharper looking video quality. As well as blood, there is puke and all kinds of other bodily fluids. Blood and Gore is one thing. Puking, especially when its on people who are already being tortured and humiliated is another. However, I pretty certain that it is not real. At least I hope not. I'm not going to spoil anything here, but there are several scenes where I am glad I was not eating at the time.


When I say this is the most shocking film ever made, I am not exaggerating.  I truly believe it is. This film is not mere torture porn. It has a scene of necrophilia which looks so real that the fact that it is not does not matter. It also features paedophilia which  personally feel is something that is a little over the line. This is the last scene of the film and personally I don't see how anything could ever top it. Even though its not real it gives you the same feeling as if it was. This kind of thing was used in "A Serbian Film" but it still doesn't quite compare to this. I'm not trying to put anyone off, but brace yourself for it. Everything up to that point is sick without quite overstepping the mark.


In conclusion, this film is repulsive but it features solid performances. One thing it lacks from the original is that this time people are sure that it not real. However, with that in mind, it outdoes the original. I would probably the original is a generally better film though.


See you in tomorrow's blog for the final entry in the series.


Nathan.

Film Reterospective- August Underground trilogy

Hey all, todays blog will be the first of a new idea I have - Film retrospectives.


As the month is August, I thought it quite apt to do a retrospective on a trilogy of films that a lot of people wont have seen- The August Underground Trilogy.


August Underground (2001)
Director- Fred Vogel


The original film, released in 2001, staring it's director Fred Vogel in the lead role of serial killer Peter. When this came out people thought it was a snuff film and it is easy to see why. It unsurprisingly was not shown in theatres and was initially distributed on tape to a limited 200 copies. Many who initially saw it genuinely believed that what they were seeing was real.


Accompanying Peter (who is not named in this film) is unseen person filming the murders that he carries out. This person is also not named and barely speaks. It looks like home video footage of these two doing things to people that are beyond unspeakable. This is interspersed with footage of them doing normal things and just basically messing around. The way in which it was shown would suggest that the actors were basically pretending that it actually was real. For people who are not used to seeing "found footage" films it would be very easy to com to the conclusion that what they are seeing is not make believe.


It has to be said that this is probably the most extreme horror film ever made. It is absolutely relentless and there is very little relief.  Even for the most hardened horror fan, there are things shown here that are not easy to watch. Watching can make you feel somewhat violated and in need to watch something a bit more conventional afterwards. For someone who does not enjoy watching horror ,films they must avoid this at all costs. However, for those who are intrigued by it, it is hard to take your eyes of the screen. I did not particularly enjoy it in the traditional sense of the word, but I never the less watched it from start to finish in one sitting. I don't know what this says about me but maybe I must just be desensitised.


There is very little in the way of plot which makes it seem more real. Vogel's performance is not really one that is that far removed from his real self. Knowing this makes it more disturbing. Personally, if I was involved in making this film, I probably would feel somewhat scared. There is also very little to be found on the process of how this movie and its sequels were made, which is another thing that adds to it's realism. Vogel is clearly quite a talented actor, as none of his performance ever comes across as forced or over the top. This is quite clearly the reason why so many people are of the opinion that this film should never have been made. One piece of advice, watch this film out of the way of your grandparents or small children.


However, ultimately it is not real. It may be realistic, but there is a difference. \Watching it you do have to wonder what its purpose is. The fact that there is nothing really to like in the normal sense of the word seems to be its appeal. Now that the film has a wider distribution, people going into it probably have a clearer idea of what they are going to see. The film will also raise questions in yourself about why you actually wanted to see it. Mainstream film goers need not apply. If you think you will like it by all means give it a try but you have been warned.


In conclusion, there are not many people I would recommend this film to but what cant be denied is that it is a milestone in film making. It pushes boundaries and whether or not that is necccecarily a good or bad thing, it is never the less something. Compared to this, even A Serbian Film does not compare. If there is little to cherish in terms of the film as a piece of work, it deserves an honourable mention as something of a revolutionary experiment. Is there a film that tops this? Yes, it sequel which will be the focus of tomorrow's blog.


Nathan.

Back from Edinbrugh

Hey guys,

Sorry for the late blog. I was supposed to blog daily whilst in Edinburgh but unfortunately on the Friday I lost my internet access.

Basically the last two days I was there was the first two days on the international fringe festival. I saw quite a few shows, mostly at the stand club, which included Stewart Lee who was excellent as ever as well as some I had not seen before such as Stephen K Amos. I saw one show at another place called the Taverse Theatere which was Mark Thomas who I had seen twice befor and was also very good. All in all I had a good time but I don't think ill be going again for anoher couple of years.

Nathan.

Edinburgh day 3

So on the third day of Edinburgh I took in some of my first fringe shows. I saw two comedians who I had never seen before who were Daniel kits on and Andy zaltzman. They were both pretty good, very different styles and insightful as well as funny. At night we went to see a band called Alabama 3 who were pretty good. I didn't really know anything about them but I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, that's it for now. See ya later, Nathan.

Edinbrugh day 2

So yesterday was the second day of Edinburgh. We got up in the morning and spent the first part of the day recceing out places where we are going later on during the week. After doing that we went back to our apartment for a bit and then went around the town. Later on we went to the cinema to watch the new Star Trek film which was alright  but to be honest it not really my thing. After that we got an indian takeaway and then went home to bed.

That's it for today

Nathan

First night in einbrugh

So I arrived in Edinburgh last night and the place where we are staying is pretty nice. Basically me and my parents just went out for a few drinks last night. We went to pubs that we have been to when we have been here before. To be honest though, drinks were pretty expensive with one place being £3 a pint. We didn't stay out for to long but it was alright. Other than that there is not much more to report at the minute. Today we are going to aim to see some off the shows that are part of the Fringe that runs throughout the whole of August, even though that doesn't actually start until Friday.

Anyway see ya later,

Nathan.

Just arrived in edinbrugh

Hey guts,

Literally just arrived in Edinburgh not much to report right now. Just in the place where I'm staying and I will talk about what I get up to tonight in tomorrows blog.

Going to edinbrugh

I'm going to edinbrugh this week with the last couple of days being when the festival is on. Hopefully ill do an update on what ive done when I'm there.

Short song week-day 7

So here is the final day of Short song with a non grindcore song quite aptly entitled "Final Day."

Short song week-day 6

Short song week day 6 - the weekend is here!


Napalm Death- The kill

Short song week- day 5

So here it is guys- Short song week day 5!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12juvOBHraw Agoraphobic Nosebleed-- "Mosquito Holding Human Cattle Prod" from the album Altered States of America which features 100 tracks in 20 minutes!

Short song week- day 4

Todays short song - Wehrmacht- E!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5eHzBskOTQ

Short song week- day 3

Short song week- day 3


Todays- short song "Mega Armageddon Death part 3" by the Electro Hippies. Released in 1989, this half second epic was notable for being released as double split with Napalm Deaths "You Suffer" on the other side. Quite possibly the worst value for money musical purchase ever.


The song was not on youtube on it's own , so here is the full split in all of it's glory.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbtwObI_s4k

Short song week- Day two

Hey,

So today is day two of short song week - Brutal Truth Collateral Damage. At 4 seconds long, this did at one time hold he guniess world record for worlds shortest video until a video was made for Napalm Death's "You Suffer" which is officially the worlds shortest ever song at one second long, which is obviously an unbeatable length!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-diCM69_rA

Unfortuneately for some reason the shitty upload service from YouTube on Blogger never seems to have the videos that I'm looking for so I just had to give a link today. Sorry!

Short song week- day one

Right, basically I don't have much time this week so the posts are gonna be short. I thought I would give the weeks a musical theme so I will be posting songs under two minutes long.

Today- Dead Kennedys- Short Songs. 24 seconds

Today- a short post.

You suffer...but why?

Finding an audience- advise please

Hi

So todays post is more of ask for help more than anything.

I may of briefly explained this before but basically iv'e started doing this thing as a way of potentially getting into professional writing as a career (which I have a degree in.)

I'm currently on the dole (as well as working a part time weekend job) and I have spoken to my advisor about getting into writing via this thing called the New Enterprise Scheme, which is a route to self employment on the grounds that it can proven to be financially stable.

I have already spoken with someone from the NEA once and they basically told me that although the idea was fine they cannot yet put me through because I do not currently have an audience who I can work for, as the way this thing works is that it has o realistically achieved within eight weeks.

I told my advisor this and she said it was fair enough and she would quite gladly put me through for it again on the condition that I can build up a following and the reason I have started this blog is because I figured that this is the way to get into writing today.

When I went to see her last week she said that if this is going to happen then I need to start working on it properly quickly. I agreed to blog everyday as opposed to whenever I feel like it, which I have been doing this week.

The only thing is, although I am aware that it will take time, I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what are the best ways to get building up a following quicker.

I have started to embrace the world of social media slightly by making use of a twitter account and following people who I think may be within my demographic. I have noticed that a couple of my blog posts have had some views but its really not much.

I know some of the posts I've done probably could have been a bit better and it should b noted that they have been written in a bit of a rush.

So what I would like to know is- does anybody have any good advice for me how to really get this thing going and maybe some tips on how to make a blog stand out and get peoples attention along with any other kind of general advice as it would be much appreciated.

Thank You

Nathan.

Internet Hate

Hello ,

Subject for todays blog- internet trolling.

On his website, Stewart Lee has a section titled "Online Critiques" which is a collection of very negative things people have said about him online anomalously. After the first series of his Comedy Vehicle was broadcast in 2009, he googled himself for about ten minutes a day for around six months during which time hundred of comments were collected. Reading some of these comments, even though they are there for comedic purposes, never the less are rather disturbing when you read some of the things that people have written. Above from 1.31 onwards is a routine from his 2012 show Carpet Remnant World which picks out some of the most hilarious and vile ones .

In some ways, Lee revels in this kind of thing as it contributes greatly to his onstage persona of a cynical and bitter failure. However, he did admit that the vitriol that people felt for him because they disliked his comedy was very unsettling. For a few months it was a strange obsession finding out bad things that people thought about him, and his defence mechanism for it was that it was his "character" doing it rather than the actual him.

Lee has also stated that these comments did not knock his confidence, and in fact did quite the opposite, inspiring to do more of the things that people already hated him for. Although he does find the comments, often made by the same people amusing, he has stated that he would not try to confront any of his detractors for fear of putting him or his family at risk.

The fact of the matter is, although Lee may be the only notable celebrity to embrace internet negativity in this kind of way, he is far from alone in having it aimed at him. There are probably very few people currently in the public eye on social media who have not been met with abuse in some form or another, with politicians especially getting a difficult time. 

The question is - why do people feel the need to use the internet to say such vile and despicable things that they would probably not say to some ones face?

There is clearly a psychological aspect here, it would seem that a person who feels very insecure feels that they can give themselves some kind of personal power by making threats of violence and rape towards someone else via technological devices.

Unfortunately it seems that it is something that we will have to deal with, as it does not look like something that is going to away anytime soon. But look at it this way if it can inspire something like this then we can clearly combat it by channelling it into something funny and clever. (see video above)

Thank you,

Nathan.

Art or smut?

Hey again

Another day, another blog.

Today's topic will cover the issue of censorship in the media and the reasons why things are censored and why people think they should not be.

So what is censorship?

Censorship is the act of silencing someone who puts forth across certain views which the establishment deems "unacceptable" in mainstream society. It happens in most areas of life particularly in things such as politics and the media and this blog will look at censorship in the world of arts and popular culture.

Pretty much since the beginning of the 20th century all forms of popular entertainment have had their artists whose work has been considered offensive to some and as a result pressure groups have tried to ban it.

Mucians such as Alice cooper,ggAllen, gwar , Marilyn Manson, iron maiden , black sabbath,slip knot the sex pistols and cannibal corpse have all throughout the years been targets of censorship from pressure groups such as tipper gores parents music resource centre for their supposedly offensive lyrics and artwork.

In cinema their was the video nasty craze in the 1980's spearheaded by Mary White House with films such as "cannibal holocaust" which repotefly featured real life animal killing condemned for doing so.

In literature works such as "Ulysses" by James Joyce and J.d salingers "the catcher in the rye"supposedly had themes that were subversive and could have a negative affect.

The medium of stand comedy has a history of controversial performers since Lenny Bruce in the 1960's with his material dealing with religion and sexuality followed down the years by the likes of Sam Kinison, George carlin, Andrew dice clay , Bill hicks , Jerry sadowvitz and frankie Boyle.

In recent times the world of video games has proven to be a particular source of controversy with the hugely successful and platinum selling "grand theft auto" series.

Other things that have generated extreme controversy are things like Stewart lee's "Jerry springer-the opera" which was seen as blasphemous by Christian pressure groups.

So the question is: what makes something offensive and where do you draw the line between something that is making a genuine statement and something that is being needlessly offensive for the sake of it?


Personally, I think that freedom of speech is a crucial right for artists and for the most part I feel that artists should not be banned because s certain group of individuals do not agree with what they are saying.

However, I do feel that sometimes certain performers can say some things that certain groups may find upsetting. If a comedian tells jokes that appear to overly racist,sexist, homophobic or demeaning of vulnerable people,although I don't think they should be banned and they're entitled to their free speech, I think people can still debate on the merits of what they are saying and whether or not it is unnaceptable.

There are many other issues of censorship to be discussed and I would like to hear people's opinions in the comments below.

Thanks

Nathan

Review- Stewart Lee's Comedy Vechie.

Hello all,

In a first for this blog we will be taking a look at TV stand up comedy in the form of my favourite comic Stewart Lee.

Stewart Lee is an anti populist stand up who started his career in the 90's as part of the double act Lee and Herring, and after that he wrote the hugely successful and equally controversial musical Jerry Springer- The Opera since then he has released five solo stand up shows to date, written two books that are transcripts of those shows as well as a novel entitled The Perfect Fool and produced four series of his hit BBC 2 programme Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle, which unfortunately will be the last as the BBC announced that they had decided to cancel the show earlier this year.

This is a general overview of all four series, the last of which was broadcast  in March of this year.

Lee is a comic like no other, his style relies heavily on repetition and frequently breaks the fourth wall, essentially making him the polar opposite of contemporary mainstream comics such as Micheal Mcintyre or Russell Howard, he has never appeared on things such as Live at the Appollo or Mock the Week, two programmes that have been frequent targets of his scorn, amongst many other things.

Lee is extremely politically left wing and is known for his defence of political correctness which has been much to the ire of many internet commentators who have taken to speaking about him in extremely unpleasant ways which he complies on his website under a section entitled "Online Critiques."

In the first series, broadcast in 2009, Lee took the opportunity to take, shall we say, a different view on some of the nations most beloved staples of television and culture. His take on Del Boy falling through the bar on Only Fools and Horses was particularly different to the general public's.

The second series took the concepts further, with the last episode of the series acting as a fictional account, of where Lee claims to have been at university with David Cameron and contains material dealing with certain kinds of Bullingdon rituals which in hindsight act as a foreshadowing of what was to come out a couple of years later.

The third series was where it truly got into its stride, tacking politics, culture and Lee's own status in ways which can only be described as genius, particularly with his now infamous routine about UKIP.

The fourth and final series pushed boundaries in a way that it is quite remarkable that it was broadcast on television, with his routine about Jeremy Corbyn the cat, a ten minute routine about pretending to eat a popadom and orienteering with Napalm Death.

The series as a whole gives Lee a platform to put his views across and test the boundaries of what television viewers expect and what they will tolerate. The series is definitely not for everyone and is probably pure marmite, you will love or hate it.

In addition to the main material, the in between fictionalised interviews conducted from the second series onwards, which replaced the somewhat hit and miss sketches from the first series, first conducted by Armando Iannuci in the second series and then by Chris Morris in the third and fourth, also provide moments of pure gold as they interrogate Lee and add further on his on stage character who feels that he is a failed comedian.

The criticism that Lee gets is that he does not have an appeal to anyone beyond left wing middle class Guardian readers, and this is the case in a lot of ways. Lee is very intent on refining his audience and particularly in the case of his political views, it would be hard to enjoy his work if you don't agree with them. However, I myself do not fit into the stereotypical demographic completely and I obviously am a fan, but I do tend to agree with him on most things.

At times, the series can be a bit self indulgent and some of the routines are a little hard to find hilariously funny. Like his main influence, Ted Chippington, Lee is not always about getting people to love him and claims to like to confrontation he gets when people come to his shows not knowing what to except and not liking it.

However, for those of us who hate most of popular culture and like to it see verbally destroyed in highly intelligent and hilarious ways, Lee is the best performer in a lung time since possibly Lenny Bruce to reflect our feelings.

All in all it is (or was) a fantastic cult series that I would recommend to anyone who like their comedy to a bit more daring and experimental then what passes for laughs in the mainstream.

Thanks,

Nathan.

2016- year of shittyness

So with news today of yet another terrorist massacre in france, I've decided today to have a look at 2016 so far...

Janauary- After 2015 ended on a damp note with the passing of Lemmy from Motorhead, the beginning of 16 began with the death of another musical icon in the form of David Bowie, if that wasn't bad enough, a week later we lost acting giant Alan Rickman. All three of these men were the same age (69, Lemmy had just turned 70) and all three of them died from cancer.

February- Author of To Kill a Mocking Bird Harper Lee died.

March- Three bombing were triggered in Brussells killing 32 people and injuring at least 250. Noteable deaths- George Martin (record producer), Keith Emerson from the band Emerson Lake and Palmer.

April- This month marked the death of another musical icon Prince.

May- The quietist month of the year so far. Noteable deaths- Nick Menza, former drummer of Megadeth.

June- The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union. Noteable deaths- Muhammed Ali, Anton Yelchin ( actor).

Well that's the first half of the year so far, that's far from everything that's happened, but if I was to list it all I would be here all day. Heres hoping the second half of the year will be better, but I doubt it.

Stay happy!

Hello again

Hello again!

Well its been a while...

Basically after my last post I had hoped id have got this thing up and running by now.

But unfortunately due to being easily distracted by other things I have still not got thing off the ground properly. Last time I was at the jobcentre my advisor asked me how this was going and I basically said that I was in the process of building it up.

I think it is evident now that I need to incorporate this into my weekly routine in order to get it anywhere.

Anyway, that is all I am going to say on this post, after all how is writing stuff like this going to appeal to anyone?

Hopefully see you next week!

Getting out there

Ok, so if anyone is reading this

Ive not been finding this easy. Both in terms of motivation and inspiration.

I really want to get into writing as a full time profession as I hate what I am currently doing (which is working in a factory part time.) To be honest, this only came about when I rather foolishly went and joined an agency who would not leave me alone.

But the way I see it, at least only working weekends gives me more time to pursue this.

The problem with me is that I am quite a generally lazy person and need a kick up the arse to really get things done. Ill be quite honest, this job has done that for me. When I came out of my last job, ill be quite honest I wanted to just be back on the dole for as long as possible.

The thing is, I'm impatient and I just wish things would start to pick up. But I also realise that it is up to me to put the work in.

With this blog, its probably obvious that I'm not being as active with it as I would like to be. I think what I basically need to do is make it more of a priority.  The more I leave it, the more ill be kicking myself if I end up in another job that I hate. At the end of the day, even though there's no time limit so to speak I cant leave it too long because then there will be less chance of it happening.

Any tips I would be most grateful for,

Nathan.

Green Room - Film review

Hello again

Today will be my first review on this blog on the 2016 siege thriller Green Room directed by  Jeremy Salnier.

Jeremy Salnier first broke into the public consciousness in 2014 with his critically acclaimed thriller Blue Ruin. With his third film he goes back to his punk rock roots which sees a struggling punk band face of with a gang of neo Nazi skinheads. Although not an original concept, it is definitely entertaining. Sir Patrick Stewart gives a surprisingly menacing performance in the somewhat unlikely role as Darcy, the leader of the Nazi group. A quick warning though- if you do not like very nasty violence in cinema this movie probably is not for you.

The punk band who call them selves the Aint Rights are down on their luck playing in shithole venues often to about ten half interested people. The film starts with them nearly at the end of their tour which has not been going well for them. The four members which includes Anton Yelchin as bassist Pat are not in good spirits and are not  getting along,

As they are about to split up, an aspiring punk journalist enlists the help of his cousin to get them a gig at a venue located in the Oregon woods. When they get there they find that the place is a club for white supremacists who are naturally pissed off when the band decide to play a cover of he Dead Kennedy's "Nazi Punks Fuck Off." However, after this things start to look up for them as the crowd enjoys the rest of the bands set.

However, it is an understatement to say that their new found better luck is extremely short lived when they are about to leave and Pat goes to the titular Green Room to retrieve his lost mobile phone and stumbles across a murder. A female member of the group is laid dead on the floor as her friend Amber played by Imogen Poots is in hysterics. Now not allowed to leave for the Nazis fear of them informing the police, the punks find themselves barricaded inside the Green Room where they now have to fight for their lives.

From this point on the films becomes a complete death fest with people on both sides being taken out. The causes of death include stabbing by machete,  throats ripped out by dogs as well as some plain old shooting. The film is very effective, moving at a fast pace with genuinely shocking violence. The set design for the club is also done very well, with Salnier using his real life history as a punk as a very nice touch.

The main low point of the film is its somewhat done before story element, which can at times make it seem a little predictable.

The soundtrack which features from bands such as Napalm Death and Slayer will please people seeing this film for its alternative subculture aspect. Also their is a clever running joke in this film about the band members desert island band, where a couple reveal that theirs would in fact be artists  such as Madonna and Prince.


Broad Green Pictures, 95 minutes.

nazi punks fuck off

To anyone reading this

So this my first proper blog post, addressing the topic of racism in alternative subcultures such as punk and metal. It is a topic that I feel strongly about, being part of this general subculture for most of my life.

Even if you are a fan of the persons music (and in this case I am) anyone with a shred of human decency should be disgusted when someone shouts "White power!" on stage. Earlier this year, Phil Anselmo, best known as the former lead singer of Pantera did this and although he apologised for it immediately it was not enough for people to stop thinking "Well why the hell would someone do this in the first place?" Despite the fact that Anselmo has dipped into this kind of territory before during his time with Pantera in the 90's with his rants about how white people are labelled as racist in circumstances where black people would not be, in the year 2016, it is quite possibly more shocking than ever. However, for me the feeling is not so much shock as much as disappointment, in the fact that someone who is one of the biggest names in the metal scene can honestly think that this is in anyway an acceptable thing to do. Also, for people on the outside who think that metal is a genre that preaches hate and intolerance, an incident like this is hardly going to convince them otherwise.

So the question is- is there a genuine problem with racism in metal? For the most part, I personally do not think that there is. As someone who probably would be described on the internet as a "social justice warrior" I personally would never deny that there is racism in metal but no more or less than many other genres of music, especially punk. Metal over the ages has been seen as sexist and homophobic, but race is not something that has ever been a massive issue, unlike certain areas of punk. Despite the fact that many metal fans today are white straight men, today metal is a genre that is a melting pot for people of all kinds and creeds. Put simply, if metal does have any kind of problem then surely it is merely a by product of racism in society as a whole.

In metal, you have the Norwegian black metal scene that features the likes of Burzums Varg Vikerness, who has frequently exposed openly facsist views but is widely agreed to be an exception in a scene that actually does a lot to promote tolerance and equality but never the less does have his apologists. Anselmo also has his apologists, much in the same that Jeremy Clarkson does when he makes an off the cuff remark. Basically, there are a percentage of Top Gear fans who are racist and the same goes for metal.

Again, much like punk did in the early days, metal has used Nazi imagery for shock value, but it has always been done in a way were no one would take it at face value. The biggest example would be Slayer and their use of iron crosses and Nazi eagles on their merchandise, not to mention their most celebrated song "Angel of Death" from their "Reign in Blood" album, a song and album considered by many to be the ultimate in heavy metal, written by the late guitarist Jeff Hanemen, who expressed bemusement at the fact that anybody could think that it was endorsing the subject matter which it was chronicling.  It is disturbing and relentless, but that is everything that Slayer are about. The main appeal of metal its ability to confront taboo subjects in a way in which people can enjoy. Lyrics about love and peace would not suit a band like Slayer.

Although there are definitely a few bad apples, most metalheads are very intelligent and open minded people. The main themes of metal are that of the underdog and the outcast and the quest for individualism. Although not an openly political genre like punk, it definateately has served as an excellent critique on the injustices in  society over its forty plus year history. In metal, most politicians are bastards. It is about being free and not hurting others.

Phil Anselmo probably did more damage to himself than anyone else. Metalheads know a dick when they see one and this incident was not an enjoyable one. Even though ill always be a fan, I cant help but feel a little embarrassed by it.

Welcome to my world

Welcome reader, to the first blog post.

Hello this my new blog that I have just started and my name is Nathan Foster.

I have tried starting blogs before but have previously lacked the energy and enthusiasm to do so but this time its different. This time, my aim is to become a full time writer for a living.

With the things I post, I hope people can learn about me. The kind of things this blog will contain will be things such as opinion pieces, general observations on society and reviews. The things I will be reviewing in particular will be things such as music and maybe the odd book.

I hope people will enjoy this blog. Hopefully this time I have determination on my side.

Thank you,

Nathan.