Tales from Bandcamp: The Morningstar E.P. by The Apache Revolver

This one caught my attention by claiming to be a mix of surf rock and black metal, and a combo like that you don’t not jump on the opportunity to see if it’s something revolutionary or an absolute train wreck.  To my disappointment a combo of Dick Dale and Emperor didn’t come to fruition (with the exception of a minute at the end of the record).  What I consider surf rock, really wasn’t strongly present in the 4 songs.  However, what I did here was a really interesting proggy atmospheric black metal record with a sunny, nautical feel.  Like a combo of Rush, BtBaM, and Deafheaven.

Another thing that really caught me about the record is the positivity of the lyrical content, which fits the ‘happy’ black metal it coincides with.  Songs about loving life, beauty, etc.  It’s always nice when there is a break from the norm and The Apache Revolver pull it off quite well.  This being the bands first substantial offering, it’s very well done and the potential these guys have is astounding.  I am quite interested to see what they can do with a full length.  Anyhoo, give The Morningstar E.P. a listen and let us know what you think.  As always, if you like what you here, grab yourself a copy of the album and force your metal minded friends to listen to it.  Enjoy!!! Peace Love and Metal!!!

Thanks to the great FB Page Hipster Black Metal for turning me onto this one (as well as many other cool records).

Tales From Bandcamp: Robot Senza Nome and Other Tales (E.P. Trilogy) from Robot Monkey Arm

This interesting tidbit was sent to us some weeks ago and while not the most ‘metal’ thing in the world, maybe some of you out there will get a kick out of it, I know I did.  Basically it’s a trilogy of E.P.s by an instrumental band called Robot Monkey Arm which pay homage to great film scores like the ones you would hear in a Spaghetti Western, ’70s Exploitation Flick, or cheesy Sci-Fi movie.  The band doesn’t do exact covers, but instead uses the atmospheres of the scores to create some cool atmospheres in their original scores.  In the music you get an eclectic mix of metal, funk, prog, surf rock, chiptune, and jazz, and it’s all a damn good time on each tune.  My favorite of the bunch is a tune called “Cinema Vomitif” where there is this whole ‘James Bond does Mortal Kombat in Hell after ingesting a couple tabs of blotter acid’ feel to it.

So, if you dig movie scores, especially those of the ’60s and ’70s, and experimental music, do give this E.P. Trilogy a listen.  And as always, if you dig it pass the good word onto your buddies and stuff.  Enjoy!! Peace Love and Metal!!!

Band Links: Bandcamp Facebook

Who Wants a Sparkling Richard?

A couple of months ago I did a post on bands that did covers of metal songs in a very unmetal way (said post here).  Of all the covers I put in that post, the one that impressed me the most was by a band that goes by the delightful name Glitter Dick.  Their surf rock rendition of Slayer’s “Seasons in the Abyss” and accompanying video was just to damn rad and I have listened to the tune a number of times since.

The guys in Glitter Dick have completed their debut album, Sparkling Richard, but like many starting bands, lack the funds to get the album released.  That’s where the ever-so-wonderful Kickstarter comes in.  So, if you dig some crusty rock and roll, dick and fart jokes, and silly Slayer covers and have a wad of cash burning a hole in you wallet give a watch to the innuendo laden infomercial below, listen to that rockin’ Slayer cover, check out the rockin’ original track, and head over to Glitter Dick’s Kickstarter page to make a pledge.  I guarantee it will add a nice sheen to your johnson while you rock out with your cock out.  Enjoy!! Peace Love and Metal!!

Theme Thursday: Metal: Un-Metalized

Some may call this heresy punishable by the highest form of capital punishment, but whatever, I think de-metalized covers of songs are cool and fun.  Truth be told, being able to write a song that can be deconstructed and put back together with a completely different style and still be a great tune shows great songwriting skills on part of the original writer(s).  Here are what I consider the best of the best of un-metalized cover songs ranging from jazz interpretations, acoustic renditions, and surf rock extravaganzas.  Hope you all get as much of a kick out of these covers as I do.  Know of some other great de-metalized covers, let me know down in the comments.  Enjoy!!  Peace Love and Metal!!!!