This week in my music player #03

Machine Head - Unto the Locust (Roadrunner, 2011)

I think that like musicians, a music listener develops a career as well. In my case I begun listening (without being really aware) to the 70's rock my father was into, then in the late 80's I started copying tapes or recording songs from the radio. It was rock, of course, but with the years I have been focusing more and more on angry and aggressive things, sometimes on the technical things, sometimes on the more noisy and brutal music. I think I would have liked this album some years ago, when I was just listening to trash stuff. I was curious, but now my opinion is that this album is somehow "weak" respect to the band's potential. Generally it sounds good, but, according to my tastes, it fails in delivering the kick. It pushes here and there, but it does not give a punch in the ears. I don't know if I really can give the idea. I would save the title track (Locust) and some other passages, but I would not give more than 6/10. The quality of the recording is ok, but I don't think it will be on top of my cd pile.

Ah! The topic of the weekend is Halloween, which for the American half of the family means partying and costuming... Here you go with the bloody toilet!

This week in my music player #02

Meshuggah - Obzen (Nuclear Blast, 2008)

The second part of 'this week in my m.p.' took longer because I had to focus on other verdammte Sachen, but now I'm here. I finally decided for the last (but not really recent) work of Meshuggah: Obzen. Years ago I heard some of their previous works, but I was focused on more frivolous things (like my studies, silly man!). The first listening was not easy, and I was almost dismissing it like "ok, but not enough". Then I thought I was just too anxious of getting to something that would catch my attention from the first listening, and I persevered (which is diabolic, as we all know...). I am proud I did it. I found myself doing something I remember I did the first time in the '90es: I was counting out. I first started tapping oddly on every surface around me while listening to Badmotorfinger (Mannometer! How much I miss those days... P.S., I discovered right now that Soundgarden are back together since more than one year. Are they mad or what?), and those signatures marked definitely my growth. Well, Obzen is filled of such things and is even more powerful than I thought first. What else can I say? Oh yes, my favourites? Combustion is an explosion, Bleed is what I was born for, and Dancers to a Discordant System makes me think I want more... (while I slap on my legs on the final fade... dudubadumdum... dudubadudubadumdum...). This is a 8/10.
I already know what I will listen next week... the glorious Machine Head!!!

And now, some pictures. Lately, guests came to enjoy the sensitive care of my beloved wife. I am talking about M. me Cattleya 3fach hybride, and M. me Cattleya copper queen. Good luck with that (and check the pictures here!).

This week in my music player #01

Born of Osiris - The Discovery (Sumerian Records, 2011)

I casually heard on Radio Rock the powerful "Follow the Sign" of Born of Osiris and I was totally blown away. In no time I was searching for the band and I found even a Wikipedia page about them. Well, after playing a couple of times the songs available on YouTube I decided to buy the album. I must say I am satisfied with the product.
Lately I have been devouring progressive, trash and death metal, but I did not find anything really inspiring. I am sure it is for my late bad mood. Anyway, I think this band is going to give me the vibration (well, it is more like an earthquake) I need to go on.
So, seems the band is classified as "technical death metal" together with Cannibal Corpse, Death, Meshuggah, Nile, Opeth (bands I personally like, but I admit I don't know so much, anyway they are on the 'to hear' list), and if this is the standard I am definitly going to spend more money on this music.
I am impressed by the work. I personally consider this album an excellent mix of technical skills and groove. Favourite songs: Follow the Sign (of course), Shaping the Masterpiece, and The Omniscent. I would give a 7.5/10 for the entire album.
I haven't heard the previous productions, but I am looking forward to do that. Anyway, some of the songs will stay in my player for a long time.