The Russian way

From time to time I feel the urge to blow some dust off of some more or less obscure band, just because I’m feeling nostalgic, or perhaps because I think that particular band deserves a bit more exposure. My criteria are, of course, highly questionable and debatable.

In this particular case, one can’t quite use the word “obscure” in describing Aria. They’re Russian and they’re quite past their prime, true, but when one of your songs is a duet with the gruffest, meanest German heavy metal voice this side of the Cold War, Udo Dirkschneider of Accept and U.D.O. fame, you’re one step closer to the light. The video above stands proof.

But, when this already solid piece of a metal ballad is further covered by Rammstein‘s Till Lindemann and Richard Z. Kruspe, you can safely assume you’ve reached some level of celebrity. Right?

Hear the cover below. It doesn’t matter if you already heard it, there’s always room for one more listen:

No dose of Lulu for you-hoo

Hot off the news that barely anyone gives a crap about Lulu (or rather, only 12-15,000 people care to buy it – an all time low for Metallica), it got me wondering: Dose of Metal is perhaps one of the only metal sites that has yet to review the album. And remember, Metallica take the top spot of being the band we have talked about the most.

So, why? Are we just lazy? Personally, I’d like to say no (well I am, but the other staff aren’t). Whilst I don’t wish to speak on behalf of the other writers of DoM, I know that I simply do not care about the album and I’m certainly not the only one on the site. I haven’t heard the album and I doubt I ever will. Interestingly, looking at the figures, it seems I am not alone. Presuming these statistics are accurate (and remember these are just estimations based on first day sales) then this really is an all time low for Metallica.

So what’s next for the band? People are hoping this will give them the kick up the ass to go back to their “roots”. I doubt it will though. Even now, many of the band members are calling it their finest work, as if someone has wiped Master of Puppets from their minds. Further down the line, expect lots of interviews with Lars explaining that the fans and critics “just don’t get it” and that it’s “a piece of art that must be experienced in the right mindset”. I mean, these guys have made enough money in their time, have enough awards, and have played enough sold out shows to believe they truly can do what the hell they want. And, of course, they can. But the first time, I can safely say, don’t expect the fans to be there.

Finally, can you expect a review of Lulu from DoM anytime soon? I wouldn’t like to say. I heard 30 seconds though and based on what I experienced, I award the album 5/1000. I may not have heard the album in its entirety, and I may never find out if I am a table, but that’s a risk I am willing to take.

Death ’til Death – Day 3: Morbid Angel

The picture I posted in the announcement of our Death Metal week (link below) was a big hint, which some of you might have gotten. It was a picture of Trey Azagthoth, guitarist of Morbid Angel, so it was obvious to some that these Death Metal heavyweights would be included in my list of the most important Death Metal bands sooner or later.

Morbid Angel were formed in 1984, but didn’t release their debut album Altars Of Madness until 1989. The band originally recorded an album, Abominations Of Desolation, in 1986 but they were dissatisfied with the final product and later stated it was supposed to be a demo album. It was released in 1991 at the decision of Earache Records.

Morbid Angel were the first band of the rising Death Metal scene to have significant commercial success and to sign with a major record label. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Covenant — Morbid Angel’s third studio album, excluding Abominations Of Desolation — is the best selling Death Metal album of all time.

Despite the universal acclaim Morbid Angel achieved, they were not free from controversy. Their latest album Illud Divinum Insanus received very negative reactions from fans and critics alike. To call the reception mixed would be an understatement. Their debut album Altars Of Madness remains one of the most influential Death Metal releases of all time though.

Morbid Angel were ahead of their time, and their influence on the Death Metal scene can still be felt today. Especially the Florida Death Metal scene, which includes Obituary and Deicide, was practically built around Morbid Angel. Extreme music for extreme people.

Morbid Angel – Immortal Rites

Death ’til Death introduction – Day 1: Death – Day 2: Possessed – Day 3: Morbid Angel
Day 4: Cannibal Corpse – Day 5: Nile – Day 6: Hypocrisy – Day 7: Obituary

Scott Ian wants to take away your internet connection

Scott Ian talked to ‘Broward Palm Beach New Times’ (whatever that is) about music piracy. I guess it’s safe to assume he’s not a big fan of it, eh?

When asked what the punishment for illegal downloading should be, this is what Scott had to say:

“You lose your Internet. That’s it, no more Internet for you. Seriously! Like you drive drunk, you lose the privilege of driving. You download illegally, you lose the privilege of having the Internet. The punishment fits the crime. Why these service providers don’t stop the torrent sites and put a consequence on this, I have no idea. Everybody complains about the trillions of dollars being lost, but nobody does anything about it. Believe me, if I could do something about it, I would. “

Read full article here.

Ya done goofed, guys. If Scott backtraced your downloads, the cyber police will be on your ass! What, don’t know what I’m talking about? Jeez, stop getting laid and spend more time on the interwebz, loser.

Listen, I’m not gonna get into a discussion about piracy. It is bad, it does hurt the industry, and if you do it, at least own up to it: YOU ARE STEALING.

Now I’m not one to judge people who get shit for free, but at least be honest with yourself and admit what you’re doing, and stop disguising it as ‘sharing.’ If you are into sharing, fine, let me borrow your car for a few months. You won’t mind, right? Let’s share!

I hate to quote Lars in these embarrassing times for Metallica fans, but “sharing is only fun when it’s not your stuff.” Make the jump to see the skit I’m quoting from.

Writhing

With Guido discussing some of the most influential Death Metal bands in his “Death Metal Week” series, I thought I’d highlight a band that influenced more or less nobody, but still caused me some psychological damage when I was 17.

I was never a Death Metal kid. Since none of my friends were either, my exposure to Death Metal was limited to catching a Morbid Angel or Obituary video on ‘Headbanger’s Ball.’ While good, these bands were hardly the most “extreme” bands in the genre, even in those early days. I wanted something that was uncomfortable to listen to and, if found, would force my parents to stage some sort of intervention.

Then one day, while browsing the cassette racks at the local music store, I came across The Dead Youth’s album Writhing. I knew instantly where my lawn mowing money was going. Make the jump for more.