Dave Mustaine is getting separated....

...from his wife.

Dave. Call me. I'm single.

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-p2

Necrophobic/Demonical/Spazmocity - 04 Apr 2008 - Tantogården

Necrophobic is a death metal band from Stockholm, Sweden, who came together way back in 1989 (!). They've released only a handful of albums since their inception (perhaps because, as they describe themselves, they are too "self-critical"). They also have not played that many shows as of late, and especially not in Stockholm. Despite that, their fan base in Stockholm is about as big as it gets for death metal heroes like these guys. Those who cry "death metal is dead", are...well...dead wrong.

Now, I have to admit to you, I'm not intimately familiar with their albums, so I can't give you a rundown of what songs they played, etc. What I can tell you is that they put on probably one of the best shows that I've seen in a very long time. They were clearly feeding off the energy of the crowd and were loving every minute of it. Local shows like this one are the reason why I'm here. If you're a fan of classic death metal and have a chance to see these pioneers in action, I highly recommend it.

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-p2

The MPA can Suck My Ass™

They did not shut down the Powertabs site, did they?

It looks like they did.

Mutherfuckingbastards. This has just gone too far.

Powertabs is a freeware software program developed for musicians which allows transcription of songs in an easy-to-create and easy-to-use format. Although the software is still available, apparently the Music Publishers' Association (MPA) has forced the shutdown of the site which hosted the wealth of user-generated tablature for thousands of songs. Clearly this is a move by the MPA to intimidate the masses. What organizations like the MPA do not realize that, while they see this as "a victory in protecting the interests of artists and musicians", they are in fact mobilizing and strengthening this community against them.

Personally, the site has been an inspiration to me when I literally wanted to throw my guitar out the window and laugh sadistically while seeing it hit the ground and smash into a billion pieces. The community was/is great, the tabs were great, and I still went out and bought tab books regardless. With my crappy ear, I would never be able to transcribe anything just from hearing it, and fuck! Where are you going to find a Mercyful Fate tab book anyways!? Show it to me, MPA fuckwads, and I'll friggin buy it from you...

There are rumblings on the 'net about fighting back. I suggest asking the kind people at Pirate Bay for a special category, and posting the tabs there.

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-p2

:: Metal up your Ass :: Mercyful Fate - Don't Break the Oath

I thought I would give the honor of my first "Metal up your Ass" post to one of my favorite metal bands of all time, and one of my favorite metal albums of all time - Mercyful Fate's "Don't Break the Oath".

Mercyful Fate was formed in 1980 in Copenhagen, Denmark by guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner, bassist Timi Hansen, drummer Kim Ruzz and the (in)famous King Diamond as vocalist.

"Don't Break the Oath" was released in 1984, and was this lineup's second full-length release - and a classic example of metal at its best. My favorite track on the album is the epitomical "The Oath" - the razor-sharp riffs, slightly reminiscent of Judas Priest or Accept but with a more evil vibe, cut through like a knife; the vocals are entirely unique to King Diamond: wailing, screaming, screeching, eerie and operatic. Other choice tracks include "A Dangerous Meeting" (with an intro that makes you want to pump your fist in the air!), "Gypsy" and "Come to the Sabbath" (which has a wicked keyboardish-breakdown in the middle). To be honest, there isn't a song on this album that I don't think is simply amazing. The combination of Hank Shermann's riffing and King Diamond's eerie lyrics and vocal stylings catapult this album to a cut above the rest.

Despite releasing this album of epic proportions, Mercyful Fate split up shortly after its release, citing "creative differences." King Diamond went on to form his self-title band, taking with him Michael Denner and Timi Hansen; Hank Shermann went on to pursue other (non-Mercyful Fate) musical interests. Most of original lineup reformed in 1992 and released five more full-length albums under the Mercyful Fate name, though (in my opinion) none of them came close to matching the energy of "Don't Break the Oath". Mercyful Fate disbanded once again in 1999 after the release of the album "9".

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-p2

Metal up your Ass

I'm starting a new series called "Metal up your Ass" - where I'll be highlighting metal albums from across the globe. I rarely buy newly released albums (not cause I'm downloading them, you delinquent!) 'cause I rarely hear something new I like, so most of the highlights will be on classic metal albums.
I hope to inspire both veterans and newbies, who perhaps have overlooked a classic album (or need to be reminded of its greatness).

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-p2