Hatchet’s Top [3] Christmas Albums

I hate Christmas music.

Yeah, I said it.  I hate Christmas music.

Honestly, most of it stems from a burning desire to dislike anything that is popular.  And I suppose ‘hate’ is a bit dramatic.  I dislike a large majority of Christmas music, however there are a few albums that I tolerate more than others.  So here are a few albums that prove that, despite hating Christmas music, I don’t hate Jesus.  (Obviously I do not hate Christmas.  I’m just sick of terrible covers of Wham!’s “Last Christmas”)

August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin’ Hill, A Holiday Album – 2012,’14,’15Sleddin’ Hill, A Holiday Album is exactly what the title suggests.  Featuring two original songs composed by guitarist J.B. Brubaker, and various instrumental covers of such beloved Christmas classics as “Frosty the Snowman”, “Sleigh Ride”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Jingle Bells”, “O Holy Night” featuring the Lancaster Bible College Choir directed by Dr. Robert Bigley (vocals kick in around 3:35), “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Winter Wonderland”, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, “Carol of the Bells”, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, and “Joy to the World”.  You can tell the album is supposed to be listened to during Christmas due to the excessive use of sleigh bells and wood blocks.  I always enjoy a good instrumental rendition of anything, and if it’s metal, well even better.  That double-bass pedal really brings the Christmas cheer to my soul.  Also there are banjos ❤

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories – 1996
Trans-Siberian Orchestra are pretty awesome.  Symphonic anything is my favourite type of music and they certainly have some incredible tracks.  While I don’t listen to the full album as I prefer the instrumental tracks, it is definitely worth it to give the whole thing at least one solid listen.  This album is the first in a trilogy of rock operas.  My favourite track is “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” as it mashes together two of my favourite Christmas songs “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”.  All those squealing guitars and grandiose orchestras.

Christopher Lee A Heavy Metal Christmas and A Heavy Metal Christmas Too – 2012, ’13Christopher Lee was secrectly a metalhead and it’s the coolest thing.  With four studio albums, three EP’s, and a plethora of guest appearances, Lee was the oldest (probably) active metal musician evah.  If you’ve seen the original Wicker Man, then you know that Lee has one heck of a bass.  And the guy even looks like Santa!  What more could you want!?!  While I’m not sure that his operatic bass lends itself to metal, you’ve got to admit that this stuff is great.  And the idea of Saruman going Christmas caroling is awesome.  Also his song “Jingle Hell” pretty accurately describes my feelings about the season I mean I love Christmas!

Since I’ll probably do this again next year, I’ve got save the rest so I actually have something to write about.  Merry Christmas, and keep cranking out those metal covers everybody!

I’ll be watching Alien and Nightmare Before Christmas under the tree if you need me.

This has been According to Hatchet, thanks for being here!

-Hatchet ❤

[Photo Creds: Pusheen | ABR | TSO | Lee]

‘Music’: Dir En Grey in Arche

Hey bitmunchers!

Today we’ll be talking about what the title says.  Imagine that.

Dir En Grey is a Japanese visual kei band formed in 1997.  They have released 9 full length albums and many special edition live dvds.  Dir En Grey has been incredibly successful with large followings in Europe and America as well as Japan.  Their sound has evolved through every album they have released, and you can hear the group mature throughout the years.  Most of their music is a form of metal, though some of their songs could be classified as pop-rock.  Dir En Grey is comprised of members Kyo (vocals), Kaoru (guitar), Die (guitar), Toshiya (bass), and Shinya (drums, the prettiest).  The members of Dir En Grey (sans Toshiya) were formerly part of La:Sadie’s before recruiting Toshiya and releasing their first mini album Missa in 1997.

Fun fact: you can find all the band members blood types on their website, so if you happen to be a vampire you know which member is safe to drink from.

Arche (the Greek word for origin) is Dir En Grey’s 9th full length ablum and was released in 2014.  The album has also had two special edition releases featuring new tracks and acoustic versions.  Arche is characterized by the theme of pain and everything the band has accomplished since it’s inception.

Track List

1. Un deux [1 2 (it’s French)]
2. 咀嚼 (Soshaku) [Mastication (like, to chew.  I had no idea either)]
3. 鱗 (Uroko) [Fish Scales]
4. Phenomenon
5. Cause of fickleness
6. 濤声 (Tousei) [Voice of Waves]
7. 輪郭 (Rinkaku) [Contour]
8. Chain repulsion
9. Midwife
10. 禍夜想 (Magayasou) [Calamitous Night Thought]
11. 懐春 (Kaishun) [?]
12. Behind a vacant image
13. Sustain the untruth
14. 空谷の跫音 (Kukoku no kyouon) [Footsteps in the lonely valley]
15. The inferno
16. Revelation of mankind

Favourite tracks include: Un deux, Uroko, Tousei, Rinkaku, and Revelation of Mankind.  It is so hard to narrow it down, I love every song on this album and I’ve been listening to it obsessively for the past week.  If you are into Japanese music, or even just anime, I highly recommend Dir En Grey (though I’d watch their MV’s with caution due to cultural differences and questionable content.  Kind of like Disturbed’s MV’s.  Good music, disturbing MV’s (see what I did there??) All the links here are safe though, I’m looking out for you ;33).

Let me know what you think of this format, it is slightly different than previous album reviews (for reference here is my review of Balance and Composure).

I also wanted to say that my site is mobile friendly if you’re catching up on the go!

This is According to Hatchet,

Thanks for being here x33

 

(I used jisho.org for the translations)

[Picture | Facebook | Instagram]

‘New Music’: Balance and Composure in Light We Made

Hey bitmuchers!

Welcome back to Hatchet reviews music!  It’s been a while, but I’ve finally found the time (a.k.a. I’ve been sick all weekend with nothing to do) to listen to, take notes, and formulate words about Balance and Composure’s newest album.

Balance and Composure are an alternative rock/post-hardcore group from Doylestown PA (only two hours from my residence, practically a local band) and are nearly 10 years old.  They have three full length albums and several EP’s.

Balance and Composure’s third full length album, Light We Made, was released on October 7th of 2016 on Vagrant Records.  It is a bit of a departure from their previous albums, as will happen with any evolving musicians, but Light We Made is so undeniably Balance and Composure.  I wouldn’t put this album in the ‘post-hardcore’ genre, it is just too darn chill.  The music is so relaxing and soothing, it is great to lay down with a cat on your feet and zone out too.  It was a wonderful time.

Favourite tracks include Midnight Zone, Postcard, and Is It So Much to Adore?

Fair warning, the video for Postcard is a bit bizarre.

 

This has been According to Hatchet,

Thanks for being here! x33

 

Their Website | Their Facebook | Their Youtube

‘New Music’: Murder by Death in Big Dark Love

Hello Bit-munchers!  Welcome to a special Thursday edition of According to Hatchet.  This week we will be listening to Murder by Death, everyone’s favourite brand of Americana.  At least, my favourite.  Let’s get the deets!

Murder by Death was founded in Indiana around 2001 and named after the film of the same name, which I’ve been told is similar to Clue, so I’m assuming it’s highly recommended.  We have Adam Turla on vocals and guitars, Sarah Balliet on cello and keys, Dogan Thogerson on drums and various percussion, Matt Armstrong on bass, and David Fountain on piano, percussion, mandolin, banjo, and vocals.  Here is an excerpt from their biography on their FaceBook page:

‘On the surface, Murder By Death is a Bloomington, IN quintet with a wry, ominous name. But behind the geography and moniker is a band of meticulous and literary songwriters matched by a specific brand of brooding, anthem-riding balladry and orchestral indie rock.’

Big Dark Love is MbD’s seventh studio album, although they have several cover albums which can be found on their bandcamp page.  I was introduced to Murder by Death a few years ago when I was in college and immediately fell in love with Turla’s croon and the cello they incorporated into their music.  The first album I heard was Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon an album full of folky meanderings and lyrics.  For someone who hates country music, I sure do love southern folk/rock/Americana/ect. stuff.  Or really, just southern dudes/gals in general.  When I found out that Big Dark Love had come out last year I was quite peeved I hadn’t noticed.  Regardless, this album only continues the quality of music I’d expect from this group.  The opening track ‘I Shot An Arrow’ immediately draws you in, it’s so catchy.  ‘Natural Pearl’ feels like the epitome of folk music and I love it.  I highly recommend this band and all of their albums.

Whoooo.  Well, I’ve managed to post this on Thursday.  Technically it’s still Thursday.  I really need to write ahead xp

This is According to Hatchet, thanks for being here!

[FaceBook | Bandcamp | Website ]

‘New Music’: Twenty One Pilots in Blurryface

 

Hey Bitmunchers, welcome back to Music on According to Hatchet!

I’ve had a busy few weeks, and I would have rather written about Murder by Death than Twenty One Pilots, but I’ve promised you Blurryface so here we go!

I’d just like to start off by saying that I don’t understand the difference between hip-hop and rap.  I’m not a huge fan of either I think although I do listen to a lot of K-Pop.

I pride myself on having a unique taste in music.  Maybe a little too much.  I tend to be disappointed in myself when I enjoy ‘mainstream’ music (which,  I  know, is silly) and I’m of the disposition to dislike something just to spite society.  Because society cares xp.  So of course I was determined to dislike Twenty One Pilots.  I was recently forced to listen to them by a friend while setting up giant screens at school.  Then my other friend recommended all of the albums.

Twenty One Pilots was formed in 2009 by Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun.  Side note, Josh Dun spent some time in the band House of Heroes (who are coming out with a new album soon!!!!) and if you read the comments on the video for God Save the Foolish Kings they are all about Josh Dun.  For real.  There is also a 30 minute long video of Josh singing 3 words from that song.  Pilots self released two albums before they were signed by Fueled by Ramen and have now released two more albums, Blurryface being the most recent.

Blurryface combines rap/hip-hop, rock(?), and pop (all indie).  The music is pretty good and I understand why they are so popular.  I think that Twenty One Pilots could be the next Gorillaz for me, I enjoy songs/parts of songs but there is the lingering doubt about the rapping.  The chorus’ in Heavydirtysoul and Stressed Out are very catchy and I can’t stop singing those. Over all this is a good album and I do really like it, I just have conflicting feelings.  So on the off chance you’ve never heard of these guys (which, lets be real, I was the only one who hadn’t) I recommend you check them out right now.

 

This is According to Hatchet, thanks for being here!

[Sources/Links: Photo | Website | Facebook | YouTube | Wikipedia ]

‘New Music’: Baroness in Purple

“The world is great and wide But wherever you go you know I’m a step behind”

Hey Bit-munchers!

Welcome back to the music stuff!

This week we’re talking Baroness in the colour Purple.  Baroness are a heavy metal/sludgy/prog outfit from Georgia.  The band’s current line-up consists of John Dyer Baizley (lead vocals and rhythm guitar),  Peter Adams (guitar and vocals), Nick Jost (bass and keys), and Sebastian Thomas (percussive things).  Jost and Thomas joined Baroness in 2013 after the previous bassist and drummer left.  Baizley is also an artist who has made album art for many other  bands including Baroness.  Adams, along with his brother, founded the band Valkyrie in 2002, only a year before Baroness was founded.

In 2012 Baroness was involved in a bus crash in London that injured nine people  on the bus.  After recovery, and the addition of two new members, the band went on tour before buckling down to write the new album.  John Dyer Baizley discusses the writing process and the accident in a video series on Baroness’ YouTube page (his adorable daughter makes an appearance as well).

To me, for whatever reason, Baroness has got a southern heavy metal vibe (whether that’s because I know they’re from the south or that’s what it actually it, it’s pretty neat).  Each instrument is interesting to listen to on its own and I love trying to pick apart the different aspects of each song.  Then each part meshes together so well to form a chaotic yet cohesive completeness despite the uniqueness of each part.  Baizley’s voice is quite soothing even when he’s signing about how a stuck pig feels, so that’s a thing.

Purple was released in 2015 on Abraxan Hymns (Baroness’ new label) with the song’Chlorine and Wine’ being the first single and ‘Shock Me’ as the second with a music video to accompany it.  ‘Chlorine and Wine’ is just a gorgeous song and ‘Shock Me’ has one catchy hook and is quite singable.  ‘Try to Disappear’ might be my favourite song from the album though, the intro is just too good.  Baroness just really hits me with every song.  The lyrics are so poignant and sometimes strange they really draw you in thinking about the meaning.  The music is really special to me, it reminds me of a dear friend and I listen to it whenever I need a boost.  Baroness is definitely in my top 5 favourite bands, maybe I’ll talk about the rest sometime. ;3

Well, this has been According to Hatchet, thanks for being here!

❤

Sources/Links [Baroness Facebook | Official Website | Baroness Wikipedia | Purple Wikipedia | Baroness YouTube | picture source | John Dyer Baizley’s art]

‘Concert Series’: Baltimore Soundstage 4/26

(us in the harsh glare of red lights.  that’s me in the front)

Hey Bit-munchers!

Welcome to your weekly installment of According to Hatchet, where I talk about all things music and occasionally books.  I made a last minute decision (though not as last minute as some of us) to go to a concert in Baltimore during the last week of the semester, and It. Was. Awesome.  I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a concert so much.  So, on to the stuff!!

The first act was For Today.  I’ve seen them before at Purple Door (2010ish) and at the Chameleon Club (2012ish?) but I’m not a huge listener of them.  I do have two albums by them, but I didn’t recognize any songs.  They always put on a pretty good show though.

Miss May I was the second act.  This was my first time seeing these guys and man, those boys only get better with age (except for Ryan Neff’s beard).  Levi Benton’s hair was, as always, a beautiful thing.  This was probably my favourite act of the night, and I have listened to these guys most out of all the bands.  They of course played ‘Hey Mister’, ‘Relentless Chaos’, ‘Masses of a Dying Breed’, and ‘Forgive and Forget’ amoung others.

We Came As Romans was the third act.  I’ve never seen these guys before either, and it was a pretty good show.  One of the girls we went with LOVED them and she looked like she had a great time during their set.  They did put on a good show, but I didn’t recognize any songs, I don’t think they played anything off of To Plant a Seed which is the only album I have by them.

Memphis May Fire was the fourth act.  Again, I’ve never seen these guys before and they put on a great show.  They were probably my second favourite (I’ve always liked MMI better).  They played a couple songs from The Hollow and at least one from Challenger, but I don’t know their newer albums.  Matty Mullins was talking about how he doesn’t really like playing stuff from their old albums which is a shame because they are still good songs.  But, I am glad they played stuff I know.

Reflection!

Concerts are so much more fun when you go with a large group (sorry Kelly <3) and can be on the floor in front of the stage.  We had nine people with us which was really great.  When being on the floor of the venue it helps to have a personal meat shield pit protector to help you out when they open that pit up, which happened quite too often for my liking.  (I also filled the role of pit protector, which is quite fun.  I hugged a lot of people).  The venue was pretty nice, a lot larger or at least more comfortable, than the Chameleon Club.  It was of course loud, as all indoor venues tend to be and I loved their lighting rigging.  It was awesome.  I want it.  I also crowd-surfed for the first time evah with my new concert BFF which was pretty chill.  It was actually fairly anti-climactic, but I didn’t get dropped so that’s good.  I did make a harrowing trip through the pit to get back to my crew so that was terrifying.  This was definitely a great concert experience though.  The last show I went to was in November and it was fun, but I didn’t really leave it feeling awesome.  This, while I felt awful the next day and my left ear rang for two, was awesome.  It was so much fun and I’d definitely go back to that venue and more shows, I’m just a little out of practice for this whole staying up all night yet being functional the next day business.

Welp, that’s all folks.  Pic cred goes to me and Emily.

This is According to Hatchet, thanks for being here.

[Links: https://www.facebook.com/ForToday/?fref=ts | https://www.facebook.com/MissMayIMusic/ | https://www.facebook.com/wecameasromans/?fref=nf | https://www.facebook.com/MemphisMayFire/?fref=ts | https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreSoundstage/?fref=ts ]

BEST OF 2015 in Music!

4/23/16 – So I realized I never published this during 2015.  Or during the first month or so of 2016.  So have it now.

Hey Bitmunchers!

It’s that time of year again, when we look back and pretend everything about the previous year was awesome.  (I mean, it went pretty well so I’d say it was probably a win).

I’m gonna look back and let you know about my top favourite albums of 2015!!!

In no particular order…

…or a particular order.  I don’t know.

Abandon Kansas in Alligator – This album seemed to be a bit of a departure from their previous lighter styled songs to angsty indie rock.  Glorious!  Favourites include: Get Clean, Baby Please, Alligator, and (if you want to cry) What You Meant.

Coheed and Cambria in The Color Before the Sun – In a departure from their usual space epic theme, CandC bring us a rocking album about parenthood and life (as far as I know).  My favourite thing about Coheed and Cambria are the song structures and how the lyrics and the different instruments really come together for something awesome.  Favourites include: Island, Eraser, Here to Mars, and Peace to the Mountain.

Emery in You Were Never Alone – I cannot say enough good things about this album and this band.  I also saw them in concert.  I’m too old for concerts.  Concerts are loud.  Any who, favourites include: Rock, Pebble, Stone (one song), Go Wrong Young Man, The Beginning, Pink Slip.

Eyeshine in Sidewalk Dreams and Chalk Dust – I’m so excited because Eyeshine is putting out a new album in a few months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in 2017.  With grunge.  Yay!!!!!!!!  This album makes me feel so good and I can’t stop listening to it.  Favourites include: Paper Hearts, The Way the Stars Fall, Bad Company, Myself to Lose.

Breaking Benjamin in Dark Before Dawn – Breaking Benjamin triumphantly returned making you think that you’ve already heard this song before.  Classic BB album.  Favourites include: Failure, Hollow, The Great Divide.

ONE OK ROCK in XXXV – Mighty Long Fall, Memories, Paper Planes.

I The Mighty in Connector – The Lying Eyes of Miss Erray, Friends, The Frame I: Betrayal in the Watchtower.

Two Steps From Hell in Battlecry – None Shall Live, Stormkeeper, Cannon in D Minor.

Electric Century in Various Singles – I Lied, Hail the Saints.

* Muse – The GazettE – Silverstein – Periphery – Asian Kung-Fu Generation – Big Bang *

‘Music’: Woodkid

Hello Bit-munchers!

Welcome back to another installment of According to Hatchet where I blather about music I really like!  It’s fun, I promise.

This week we will be talking about Woodkid, a really, really cool musician that my sister reminded me existed when she was home for spring break (shout out to you Kiddo).  Sit back and enjoy!

Yoann Lemoine, a.k.a. Woodkid, is a Polish singer/songwriter/producer who grew up in France.  In 2013 he released the single ‘Iron’ followed by the album ‘The Golden Age’ later that year and two more EP’s.  This year, in collaboration with director Jonas Cuaron, Woodkid released the OST for the movie ‘Desierto’.  If you’re a fan of Assassins Creed, you’ll recognize ‘Iron’ as the trailer track for AC3 Revelations.  You may also recognize ‘I Love You’ as it apparently appeared in Divergent.  Fancy that.

There are four reasons why I think Woodkid is down-right incredible music.

1. HIS VOICE.  His voice is gorgeous (and so is his beard).  I prefer men’s voices anyway but his voice definitely stands out in a big way.  It’s vaguely gravely while being really smooth and rich like how chocolate sounds.  One thing, that I really don’t mind, is that he mumbles.  So that’s fun x33
2. THE INSTRUMENTATION.  These songs are grand, sweeping, cinematic masterpieces.  I love that in music.  The swell of the theme is exhilarating and by the end of the track it feels as though you’ve just watched an entire movie with fully developed characters that you actually care about.  The brass is probably my favourite aspect of the instrumentation, especially the low brass.  Low brass is bad ass.  (I’m sorry, it rhymed, I like rhymes, also it’s true).  Also, there are flutes, and I play those.  So that’s cool!
3. THE PERCUSSION.  I’ve singled the percussion out because it’s just so cool.  I really like when percussion can contribute to the melody without being pitched.  The rhythms are so interesting and engaging, they demand attention.  They add a lot of depth to the music for me.
4. THE VISUALS.  Just watch any music video for any Woodkid song.  They are mesmerizing.  The videos for ‘Iron’ and ‘The Golden Age’ are just gorgeous pieces of micro cinema.  The video for ‘Volcano’ is awesome because it incorporates a wicked cool snare line and insane programmable lights, two things I really like.

Favourite tracks include: ‘Iron’|the fun summery track ‘I Love You’|’Baltimore’s Fireflies’ gorgeous piano|the haunting ‘Land of All’|Wasteland|

I’m gonna try a thing where I add a YouTube playlist that has collected some of the songs I talked about.  Let me know what you think!

 

This is According to Hatchet, thanks for being here!

[Sources https://www.facebook.com/WoodkidMusic/fref=ts | http://www.woodkid.com/ | http://www.label-gum.com/collections/woodkid | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEt8Mhya3vI – Desierto trailer]