Hitting that sweet spot

Ohh man! Watch out for the riff at 0:18 which sets the song going and the tasty bit at 0:55. Kick ass stuff man! On loop since evening! Such a sweet sweet song - Wolfmother - Keep Moving!

The Hindi Connection

Being a very proud metalhead, I seldom listen to Hindi songs; no offence, but most of the Hindi stuff that I get to listen to is sheer crap. However, once in a while comes a song which appeals to something primal in me and puts a break on my usual playlist. One such song is Balram from Abhishek Dasgupta. What I like about this song (apart from the groovy song structure..duh!) is firstly, its retro bollywood theme and secondly, the hilariously fun lyrics. The song is about an innocent girl - Irawati, who is about to get her izzat looted by goondas, when Balram comes in to save the day. I just love how the song first describes Irawati's sad plight, cuts to the solo and then erupts with the entrance of Balram. Fun stuff! Its on loop since yesterday night.

RIP Amit Saigal

Courtesy: RSJ online

Papa Rock is no more. Amit Saigal - the creator of the Indian Rock scene passed away today. Its such a sad day for the Indian Rock Community. I first saw Amit Saigal at my first GIR concert way back in 2002. He used to host the show..call up the bands and stuff. He was the founder of one of India's oldest rock magazine Rock Street Journal. He was instrumental in encouraging Indian Rock bands at a time when such a thing barely existed. He created GIR which is one of the best rock gigs in India. Ohh man..its really sad. He was only 46. He drowned while swimming in a beach in Goa. 

I came back from the office at midnight...already having a f*ckd up day at the office. This was the first news that I stumbled on to. Such a sad day!   

Rush - Beyond the lighted stage

I hadn't heard much of Rush before. I had only heard the mainstream hits - Working Man, Tom Sayer and YYZ. I liked them but I never seek to listen to them. When these songs came up on my Ipod, I used to take a note and that was that. I never selected these songs to play. While randomly youtubin', I saw Rush - Beyond the lighted stage in the suggestions bar. What caught my fancy was that it was directed by Sam Dunn. I was in love with his previous documentaries - Metal - A headbangers journey and Global Metal. He has a really interesting way of telling a story. Anyways, I started watching it and was captured instantly.

The movie starts off with Neil Peart drumming in the rehearsal room, followed by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson doing their thing. They reach the stage and when the announcer announces their name, Bastille Day kicks off! I had turned up the volume and the song literally burst out of the speakers. I hadn't heard the song before and it was oh-my-god soo awesome. The Robert Plant like vocals, the loud guitars and fierce drums had me gripped. Well, they are a trio, hence, they are automatically cool for me. When I heard their songs previously, I never realized they were a trio! Their songs are decently long. And YYZ is so intricately structured that at first I had thought it was a Dream Theater song. I don't think anyone who hears them for the first time will think they are a trio!

Anyways impressed immensely from the starting few seconds, I saw the entire thing without even taking a break (not even to pee!). Its an awesome story. They have captured the band's journey in a really nice manner. Plus they had this huge lineup of guests like Kirk Hammet, Mike Portnoy, Vinnie Paul, Sebastian Bach and even Jack Black! Jack Black should be there in every rock/metal documentary. He speaks soo passionately about rock and metal that you are bound to fall in love with it.

The movie is very successful in bringing out the awesomeness of the band, something which had not been done till now. No matter how talented these guys were, they never got the commercial success that many other bands (which really suck) enjoy (am looking at you LP!). But Rush weren't looking for commercial success anyways. They just wanted to have fun and do their music and really dint care about what the others thought right throughout their musical journey. Another thing worth noting about them is their humility. There was not a drop of arrogance in them at any point of time. In fact, Neil Peart, when he was at his peak, decided to change his technique with the help of Freddie Gruber and re-invented himself! The fact that someone that huge even thinking that he can improve and needs a change is a big deal. Well, that also explains why they are as good as they are. Its a nice tribute to them. I am now a fan of Neil Peart's drumming, Geddy Lee's vocals and bass and Robert Lifeson's solos. Listen to La Villa Strangiato and be mesmerized with the awesomeness of the band. Every song featured in the movie kicked a*s. I even listened to - Working Man during my run today :) . I would be spending loads of time listening to Rush for sure!

Half Step Down - Overtures in Outer space

I first saw Half Step Down (HSD) at a pub gig @ DV8, CP waay back in 2006 and was instantly a fan. They play a mix of classic rock and blues with some elements of funk. Well, they have a unique sound. They really like to mix and match. Their piano player (Shiv Lamba) adds a different flavour to their songs and really spices up their already tight rhythm sections. Some of their songs have a distinct "Indian" sound to them. Indian rock can be best exemplified by this band. Without going into too much fusion, Half Step Down best characterizes how an "Indian" band sounds like. Anyways, their setlist is usually mix of high energy OCs and covers which normally no other band performs. I have heard them churn out awesome renditions of Jet's - Are you gonna be my girl, STP's - Plush and even Lynyrd Skynrd's Sweet Home Alabama. 

Anyways, they had released their debut album - Overtures in Outer space last year I think. I bought their CD when I went for GIR this year...and I'm really impressed. I'm in love with the title. Overtures in Outer space is a sweet album. Its an awesome mixed bag of songs. 

Working Hour

It starts with a nice catchy bluesy riff before Dhaval comes in with his strong vocals. "Another 9 to 6, thank you very much I'll give that a skip. Donning suits and ties, why do these mornings exist?" Something which we can all relate too..esp on mondays! It has a nice li'l rhythm section in the middle and a catchy chorus.

Not for Sale

After a small slow melodic intro, the rhythm guitar churns out this nice li'l riff which would get your feet tapping. The drums take over and creates this happy happy atmosphere around you. Dhaval voice is amazing...and has a hint of a classical flavour to it. This song has a very "indian" feel to it. The solo and the breakdown sounds reminiscent of Indian ocean. I like it though. Very high energy and a peppy track.

Knocking at the back of my head

It starts off in a really cool manner with the bass going pummm...baaaap...taaaoon waaaon waaaon...pummm baaaap! .. :) .. well its really cool and I had no other way to describe it! I had heard this song loads of time. They play it every time during their gig. Its a nice li'l roller coaster of a song with the pace keeping on changing. Its a fun track..lively and brings a smile to your face.

Girl Not Guitar

"Coz someday I'll be a big big star. And remember baby, that your're just my Girl and not my Guitar!" \m/ .. how cant you like this song! Awesome song to put off your girlfriend when she gets too irritating to handle :)

UKJ-18

The best track on the album for me. Its like a high energy ball. It reminds me of Zero. Really catchy and I swear you cant keep yourself from swaying to the music. It has a nice melodic bluesy solo and the chorus transcends the song to awesome newer levels of...well..awesomeness \m/ 

Circles

Circles is a different track musically. Its..I dunno...it has everything in it. It has elements of electronic, the chorus is full on rock and roll and it has these nice li'l piano interludes in between which gives it a classical touch. Nice mix of everything. 

Roll over

Another peppy, groovy track. The piano kicks in with this awesome melodious fast crescendo of notes before the drums explode and the guitars kick in. Its a fast song and it'll make an awesome song while going for a drive or drinks :). Lyrics wise its a bit cliched. Its a break up song and it has all the elements of it..lies, deceit etc. etc. A nice song though.

Stories of the Sun

Dhaval is simply awesome on this one. Really melodious and has a very Indian rock feel to it. Its a mid tempo song and has an awesome piano solo in the middle before the chorus takes flight with "I'm leaving, I'm going home". Although I never heard this song live, but I think it would sound awesome..esp unplugged. Dhaval has a nice strong voice which really carries this song forward.

Overtures to Outer space

Awesome song to end an awesome album. Its again a roller coaster. Slow verses with a fast crunchy chorus. "Change the world..you got every power in your reach today. Change your way..you just got to find the right notes to play". A message to all those who feel lost in life and are at that helpless li'l phase where they want to quit everything and just leave their lives behind. It has awesome musical sections in between with the guitars and the piano fighting it out. Amazing song.  

Overall, its a nice classic rock album. Something you can sit back and enjoy. It'll make you feel good..its a mood changer. The songs are fun and catchy and I have been listening to it for a week continuously...at work..while sleeping..while driving..and I cant get enough of it. 

GIR Day 2 -- where's my neck?

Well GIR Day 2 was a more familiar GIR for me. Yesterday, except for one band, every band was an international one. Today was the opposite. Except one, every band was from India. 

My friend ditched me at the last moment and hence I had to go alone..but thats really ok..as it is you cant talk and stuff inside with all the noise. Also, there will be no one cribbing about reaching early and stuff! I'm waay too excited for such events and I always make it a point to reach the venue at the specified time. I really dont mind waiting. 

I started from my house at 4 pm..and reached there at 4:20 or so. The line was short and the gates opened early. I entered inside to see a bunch of kids with their guitars on stage doing the soundcheck. It was funny. They must be schoolkids..."unki twacha se unki umar ka pata nahi chal raha tha". Anyways, the first thing I noticed was better sound! Waay better sound in fact. Everything was louder than yesterday which is always a good sign in a rock gig. The show went something like this.

Colossal Figures

They are the "kids" that I was talking about. They were the Redbull band which dint get a slot yesterday. Their lead vocalist is such a li'l guy :) .. but you forget that when you hear him growl. He was awesome I thought. The band themselves sound metalcore and very lamb of god(ish). The vocals are a mix of growls and clean singing. They sounded pretty good. Nice crunchy riffs and awesome drums. I liked them a lot. The only thing that was missing was the showmanship part. They dint interact with the audience at all and Delhi audience needs someone to get them going. Most of the ppl were sitting throughout their setlist. There were claps instead of screams from the crowd. Well..they could have made it better if they took the audience along the "ride".

Digital Suicide

As soon as the "kids" left, a man came holding his guitar wearing a silver shirt and a silver pant! Then came another with a coat and a hat. Yet another sat on the drums who was skinny as ever! They were the second band of the day. They are from Assam and a three piece band. 3 piece bands always fascinate me. Its really tough for a 3 piece band..all of them have to be spot on. The best 3 piece band in India for me was Superfuzz. I remember seeing them for the first time at GIR and going crazy. Those guys were simply awesome. I was expecting Digital Suicide to be similar. However, they weren't. Although they weren't *that* bad..but something was missing. They played well in patches. Some parts were awesome and the others seemed empty. They were OK..cud have been better.

October

If metal was the flavor of Day 1, it was plain ol hard rock for Day 2. October again played well in patches. Actually none of them were interacting wid the crowd at all. The vocalist just kept muttering something and laughing nervously. They are a talented bunch..some of the songs were nice. Others were a bit boring. To make matters worse, one of the guitarists' guitar strings broke. He had to rush and get another one. They were a bit on the slow side and weren't peppy enuf. I was beginning to worry a bit about how the show would go on.

Lucid Recess

They were again a 3 piece band from Guwahati. Seeing Digital Suicide, I had lost hope. However, they were pretty good. Some of their songs were really awesome. The drummer was out of this world. Awesome guy. He was soo comfortable with his thing and the drum solo at their last song (which was a tribute to a band member who passed away) was breathtaking. They were nice. Had a nice time with them.

Undying Inc

The only Indian metal act of the day. I went to school with their vocalist Shashank Bhatnagar. He's also a close friend of my close friend - Harman. Anyways, I had heard a lot about this band but hadn't seen them live. Well one thing's for sure .. they really know how to put on a show. I mean Shashank was all over the place..jumping from the monitors..working up the audience...and screaming his lungs out. Delhi loves its metal..and boy did they love Undying Inc. They went crazy. There were mosh pits..wall of deaths..everything! Personally, I think my music taste hasn't developed to their style of music. I found them to be really distorted and unclear. I cudnt make out much of the riffs. The drums were awesome and Shashank's energy was out of this world. 

Meshuggah!

Ohh man..the most awaited, anticipated band of the festival. They made us wait for almost 40 minutes. The wait was killing us. Wow..I dont have much to write about them. Well, I thought for like 10 minutes right now about what to write. I swear, I dont know how to describe them to justify how awesome they were and how monstrous their set was. All I can say is that ppl were literally in a trance. They were swaying and moving as if they were possessed. And I must say that at some level, we were. They were mind blowing. Everyone enjoyed like hell. The pits were the biggest I had seen in Delhi. It was insane. When they finished, we all were still screaming for like 5 - 10 minutes...unable to fully understand that the show was really over. They distributed some guitar picks and drumsticks and were on their way promising that they would be back.

Ohh man..what an end to an awesome festival. It had been a long time I had been to a gig and this totally made up for the lost time. Still a bit sad that the next one would take place after a whole year. Phew! what a night! The echoes of the amps are still ringing in my ears.

Great Indian Rock - Day 1

Every year I look forward to this event in Delhi. Its the only major rock gig Delhi has, apart from the handful of pub gigs. I have been attending it since I was in Class 12th. I remember going for it the first time with my brother's friends. I fell in love instantly. It has been 8 years now. Everything about it is magical. The music, the venue, the sound checks, the crowd, the oh-so-pretty rock chicks, even the li'l fillers they play between bands..I love 'em all. I swear the Killer Tomatoes tune still rings at the back of my head. In fact that song, rather those riffs are the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of GIR. Previously, they used to schedule it in Feb every year but ever since 2008 (I think), they shifted it to later in the year - Nov-Dec.

Well, today was the fateful day. It was Day 1 of the festival, featuring a monster line-up of mostly international bands. There was Demonic Resurrection (the sole Indian band) to start things off. It was followed by the norwegian metal band - Purified in Blood. Next was Tesseract from the UK and the finale was by Enslaved. There was supposed to be one more "Red Bull" band which was to perform but somehow they dint show up.

Our plan was to meet up at Mayur Vihar Phase 1 metro station. Viral, his bro and his friend Panshul were coming from Noida. As soon as the train came, Viral came out looking for me and I went inside the train at the same time. There was some confusion; he couldnt get back in the train and was left all alone at Mayur Vihar! It was soo funny. We waited for him at the Pragati Maidan station though.

After walking for 20 minutes or so, we reached Hamsadhwani Open air theater. Hamsadhwani always gets my adrenaline going...there's something bout the place. We got our tickets and stood in a long line which looked more like a circle. We could hear the bands doing their sound check. I love the sound check..its a nice preview of what's gonna happen and you are never bored while standing in line. Its like a nicely made appetizer.

Anyways, the show started at 6 pm, an hour later than what was scheduled. The show went something like this:

1. Demonic Resurrection

They are awesome. Although I must admit when I heard them for the first 2 times, I dint like 'em. I was not used to death/black metal at the time. Now, I have matured :) Anyways, they were really tight on the stage and after the first song, everyone was on their feet with the mosh pits happening in every song. They sounded so badass during Bound by blood, fire and stone and my favourite - Apocalyptic Dawn. They were really good...and a perfect start to the gig. Their set list was very short though..I think just 4 songs..cuz they started late and stuff. That was the sad part.

2. Purified By Blood

They are from Norway and a relatively new band. They sound really cool. They have these sweet crunchy guitar bits in their song which makes your head go in a perpetual up and down motion. I have their album Under black Skies. I had heard of 2 songs in their setlist - Thunderheads and Death Priest. They were all awesome though. Usually the international acts suck at GIR (except for Enslaved and the one lucky night when John Myung had come). They kicked as*! It suddenly sunk in that the show had indeed begun!

3. Tesseract

I had my doubts when they started off. I dunno, maybe their guitars weren't loud enuf or there were some sound problems..but after the first song, I was like..they would be a waste. However, from the next song onwards, they were bang on target. They were different...they had various time signatures in their song..and they used to change it *snap* - just like that. It was awesome. Their drummer and their bass guitarist were awesome! I loved the tempo changes and their song structures. I hadn't heard of them before but now I would definitely look them up. I had never heard a progressive metal band perform live and Tesseract certainly nailed it!

4. Enslaved

Ohh man!..these guys are f*ckin amazing. Last time when they had come here, they literally tore everything apart. It was the same story today as well. They were awesome. The best band of the night. I absolutely loved the song Ground which they dedicated to Purified in Blood. They were a perfect finish to an awesome night. I head banged like crazy throughout their set list. Ppl moshed like anything. They are a treat to watch and were no different today as well.

Tomorrow's gonna be another huge day. Meshuggah would be the headlining act!! Tomorrow, all are Indian bands except for Meshuggah (doh!). I can't wait!!

The only sad thing about all of this was the attendance. Usually the place is jam packed. But this time, the last rows were empty. Maybe it was due to the exceptionally high ticket rates. The pretty girls weren't there today..the only sad part of the whole evening.

Baiju leaves Motherjane

Nothing saddens me more than a band breaking up. Motherjane has been the face of Indian rock for years now. Their live shows are amazing. They are one of those bands who can really scale up to the international scene. They were awarded as the Band of the Decade in 2010 by RSJ and won the Most Popular Act of Asia in the AVIMA 2010 awards. Their lead vocalist Suraj Mani was awarded the Best Rock Vocalist too @ AVIMA 2010.

And just when I thought nothing could go wrong for them, they announced the departure of their super-awesome lead guitarist Baiju Dharmajan. He would be joining another band called WRENZ, a band he was a part of before. Its really sad..they had a good thing going. Wonder who will replace him.

The Real Great Indian Rock

I was just randomly youtubin' when I came across this nice li'l short film titled The Real Great Indian Rock. Its kinda like a montage of all the old GIR shows in Delhi and some moments with Killer Tomatoes. One might recognize Bumpy in the video..he is now a producer in MTV. I think I saw him in the Roadies series. It made me smile and all nostalgic and sh*t. I have been going to this fest right since I was in 12th. Its gonna happen this year in Dec. And I cant wait for it!! Anyways, it was nice to hear those old songs esp "Sneak Preview" by Orange Street (6:20) and the Killer Tomatoes song which is the signature tune which we hear @ GIR always. Its a well made film but it as the director (Bann of Orange Street) says..it could not have been completed due to lack of funds. I just hope people stop listening to sh*tty Atif Aslam stuff and start listening to some real music! Here's the video though.

Cosmic Egg

Wow!..what an awesome album...all bow down to Wolfmother..finally a band which would become a legend in the times to come. I always wanted to really witness a band making it big. Wolfmother came out with their first self-titled album 3 years back and they made everyone sit up and notice with their classic rock sound. They are back with their second album titled - Cosmic Egg. I finally got my hands on one of the copies and was really excited to listen to it...and it didnt let me down at all! Infact they sound better than their old self. The new members are kick-ass and Andrew Stockdale is brilliant as ever! I am just addicted to his voice. Right from the first song till the last one..this album is a masterpiece.

California Queen
The intro riff is so damn awesome! It kinda sounds like a perfect beginning to a First song in an album. The bass kicks in with the drums and you get the feeling of the incoming onslaught. Andrew Stockdale with his "Plant-like" voice starts of the proceedings of this first song. Its definitely more heavy than their previous songs..and for the better. The mid-riff is a dirty li'l awesome piece which would make you stand up raising your li'l metal horns and nod your heads; literally embracing the new band and the song. The new bass guitarist Ian Perres steals the show in this first track.

New Moon Rising
If it was the bassist in the first song, I felt the drummer Dave Atkins takes the credit for this song. Andrew Stockdale is at his best with his vocals on this one. This one is on the lines of Dimesion from their first album. The sudden rushing of the guitars are I think their trademark sound (you never know..they always surprise me with their vareity). I had already listened to this song since its video was released before the album. The lyrics seem to tell about how they want to rise up after being disbanded. A nice listen.

White Feather
The stop time guitars on this one and the bluesy licks make you go crazy. This song is a nice catchy one which makes you relax a bit after the initial onslaught. The lyrics especially the refrain "Its alright now"; I think describes the current state of mind of the band. I dont know maybe I am too fixated with initial band's "disbandment" that I am trying to relate this inside every one of their songs. I was very sad when they disbanded since it was one of the few bands which I looked forward listening to in the coming years. If you have a trio and 2 of them back out; normally you get the feeling that its over..and I am so glad this one isn't.

Sundial
The intro to this one is a nice groovy riff and the keyboards come into the picture adding some serious depth to the intro. An awesome song which would be in the back of my mind constantly. The guitars are nice and chunky and the main riff is really catchy. Its a nice song and would definitely be right up there in your playlist esp during your daaru parties.

In the morning
This one takes things a bit slow. Kinda reminds me of Vagabond from their first album. The difference here being its heavier sound. The third guitarist really adds to the sound of Wolfmother. A nice breather which would make you sit back and raise your horns during the chorus. Its here that you can really see the resemblance between Robert Plant and Andrew Stockdale! The solo is awesome...big thumbs up to this track!

10,000 Feet
This is an epic song with the violins coming into play along with the heavy guitars. The guitars are nice and heavy taking us back to the old school heavy metal era. They are nice and aggressive and the crescendo which starts at the beginning and peaks almost at the end of the track literally makes you want to jump up and crave for more. Andrew Stockdale screaches with his banshee like vocals to end this one.

Cosmic Egg
The intro is a nice fast bluesy lick followed by some loud guitars and drums. Its a groovy li'l track which would make your head go into a perpetual up down motion. There is a solo almost at the last minute of the song which adds to the bluesy-ness of the song. The main riff is soo catchy that it would ring in your ears for the times to come.

Far Away
The ballad song of this album. The acoustic guitars kick in to add sweetness to the sound. Nothing else really..its a nice soft number with a kickass solo and a nice catchy chorus. One of the songs that would end up in mixed tapes/cds that you gift to your girlfriends.

Pilgrim
It picks up the pace of the album and sounds awesome. The drums on this one are really cool. Right in the middle of the song..it changes its tempo and damn that makes you raise those metal horns right up in the air. The solo follows soon and its mayhem all around.

In the castle
The intro takes you back to the Doors era. The misty keyboard sound..and the first words "Do you want to walk into the kingdoms of the sun." makes you look forward to whats in store for you. There's this chunky li'l piece before the track explodes which is soo awesome \m/. It would definitely make you do the "air drums" if not the "air guitar". Full of psychedelic sounds..this track is soo cool..makes you wanna go back to the 70s (not that I have experienced the 70s but I have this perception of the 70s and this song is exactly that!).

Phoenix
Reaching almost towards the end of the album..Phoenix talks about "Rising into the sky" pretty obvious by the name of the track. It has nice li'l segments especially the chorus with Andrew Stockdale wailing like a banshee.

Violence of the Sun
Wow! what a kickass title for a song eh? It begins with a slow rhythmic intro but promising some exciting times ahead in the track. The mid part of the song has some really loud guitar slams which again makes you feel something is in store. The song soons comes to a slow break with Andrew Stockdale literally screaming his lungs out and guitars sound really powerful along with the rolling drums of Dave Atkins. It ends with a nice li'l solo.

Big 10 thumbs up!!

GIR XIII

I missed last year's GIR and I was really looking forward to this one. However as luck would have it..my exam dates were on the exact same weekend! Nevertheless I went for the last day's show after my exam today..and it was awesome! I finished my exam at 4:30. in the evening.and straightaway called Viral. He was at the office waiting for my call. We decided to meet at his place in like 15 minutes. Subhash was suffering from fever and so was Jain..so it was just me, Viral and Partha..who btw thought that we were going to Superstars till the half way of our journey. It was only when we crossed Superstars, he asks "Where the hell are you guys going!?" Poor guy..he was worried he wasnt "dressed for the occasion"..but he found out later..he was one of the best dressed ppl at the venue!! Anyways we reached the place at like 6:00 pm only to find that the show had begun exactly on time at 4:30 (something which has never happened in the history of GIR). We missed Boomarang and AVR. However we were in time for Bhayanak Maut. They weren't their usual self today..I have seen them perform better. However that said...they weren't bad! They had their moments and were f*ckin awesome with their sh*t. They were good enuf that I bought their new album! Next up was Superfuzz who were awesome as always. They have a third guitarist who is a li'l kid!!..but he's awesome..he adds depth to their songs. They performed their hits Sing to Me and some new songs which was a treat to watch. After Superfuzz, came Scribe..the best band of the day. They were mind blowing..even better than Bhayanak Maut. They interacted wid the audience pretty well..managing to get some of 'em on the stage along with them. It was really cool. After Scribe came on the international acts. Legend has it that International Acts apart from the bands from Norway (and John Myung \m/) generally suck! This time there was a band called Intronaut which was really bad! They had like zero energy! The growling vocals dint match with the slow pace of their songs! They were soo bad that we decided to head back for some dinner after the 3rd song on their setlist. We had met up with Sam and Naren at the venue and the 5 of us decided to spend some time boozing before dinner and hence headed straight towards Noida. We had a couple of beers and finished the night off with some really tasty food. I am just back after dropping the guys at their home..tired but happy..still listening to Bhayank Maut!..damn my neck's gonna hurt tomorrow!

Sonic Boom

I was just browsing around the net for some new music, when I stumbled upon Sonic Boom by KISS! After 11 long years, they released a new studio album and damn its awesome \m/. I am soo hooked to it! Kinda brings me back to the good ol' days of loud music, catchy riffs and easy lyrics :) Too lazy to write a review. In case anyone's interested look here.

Cosmic Egg

After mesmerizing the whole world with their "old school" sound, Wolfmother are days away from releasing their next album Cosmic Egg. They have already posted a music video of their single "New Moon Rising" on their site and they sound awesome. They were disbanded soon after their first self-titled album, which left loads of ppl shocked (including me) and I guess that explains the long 3 year wait. However, the brains behind the band Andrew Stockdale, still wanted to venture forward and hence formed his new lineup which is even better than the old one. He mentions in one of his "episodes" as part of the "Transmissions from the Cosmic Egg" videos; that instead of auditioning for new members, he sought after old friends to form his new band. Anyways am just glad they still maintained the old school hard rock/heavy metal sound. I must say the music industry is getting really good at publicizing their stuff. From a Facebook page, which is very active to online streaming serving as sneak previews of their album tracks, they kinda build up the excitement for music lovers all over. Metallica too did the same for Death Magnetic and were pretty successful with their "Fly on the wall" series similar to "Transmissions from the Cosmic Egg" series. But the bands better be able to pull off their stuff after raising the expectations. Anyways looking forward for their release on the 23rd of October. Too bad the pre-order is not for people in India. Still wondering how will I get my hands on it after the release. Below is the first single from their album "New Moon Rising" - kinda speaks about the rise of Wolfmother after they disbanded.

Death Magnetic

I finally found the time and fought my laziness to put in something about one of my favorite albums in my huge play list. It was about time Metallica delivered something brilliant..esp after getting it all wrong in St. Anger. Anyways here goes:

That was just your life
The first song of the album. It starts with a heartbeat kinda thing and follows it up with a slow dark intro which creates this atmosphere like something's gonna happen. It doesn't take time for the heavy guitars to come in...and then it explodes into a really nice fast riff which literally makes you sit up and listen. Hetfield doesn't waste much time to jump in with everything's he's got. Whew!..the lines "Almost like your life, Almost like your endless fight, Curse, the day is long, Realize you don't belong, Disconnect somehow, Never stop the bleeding now, Almost like your fight, And there it went, Almost like your life. " just gives me goosebumps! Ulrich totally holds the song together and the entire structure of the song is sooo "liquid". It flows endlessly right till the end. Hammett does justice to the solos. An explosive start to the album.

End of the Line
This song was already on their live shows as the "New song". When I heard it, it was ..well..OK..I absolutely loved the beginning but the chorus and the verses were a bit weird. The version on the album is a killer. Its like my favorite song on the album. It has a really cool catchy riff and they changed the verses and the chorus for the better. Its really cool now. It doesn't sound like a work in progress. It did kinda sound like that when I heard it first. Anyways, this song is about drug addiction. That's what I could get from the lyrics. I think its about how drugs take you in and then ultimately they start controlling you till you reach like the end of the line. Since Death Magnetic is about people in the rock/music industry who have died and stuff..this song does spread that message to a great extent. The lines "The slave becomes the master. Need more and more. Right now and everafter. Need more and more" is like the gist of the entire song. Amazing song. Really cool lyrics and a catchy melody. It sticks at the back of your head for a long time after you hear it.

Broken Beat and Scarred
This is like one of those songs which gets you all pumped up. A perfect song to lift your spirits when you are down. I mean when you hear Hetfield roar Rise, fall down, rise again. What don't kill you make you more strong. you cant help the adrenaline rush take control of you. When I listened to the words "Breaking your teeth on the hard life coming, Show your scars. Cutting your feet on the hard earth running, Show your scars. Breaking your life, Broken, beat and scarred. But we die hard " .. I cudnt help make the devil horns \m/. A perfect song for gym or basketball! Phew!..the first three songs were soo awesome that I was instantly back to the Master of Puppets era!

The day that never comes
This is like a typical Metallica ballad. I wont compare it to Fade to Black or One but it comes very close to classics like those. Its a song about hope..waiting for the day when people bury their differences but that day never comes. But towards the end, the protagonist swears that things would change and the day would come!

All Nightmare Long
My favourite track of the album. In fact its one my all time favourite Metallica song too! All Nightmare Long is a ferocious song and the guitars on this one...man!..its exactly like the old Metallica we fell in love with! Its pure thrash! The intros is like one of the best intros there can be! The part when Hetfield grunts "Hunt you down all nightmare long. Feel us breathe upon your face. Feel us shift, every move we trace. Hunt you down without mercy. Hunt you down all nightmare long." makes you wanna headbang like crazy! I think the song is about fear and how we try to run away from it and the more we try to run away..the more scared we are and the more it haunts us. The overall pace of the track is mind blowing! and..it has 2 solos!!! and Ulrich goes crazy with the double bass at the end!

Cyanide
What a cool name for a song! Its a nice catchy song with a really cool chorus. This song is about suicide and its more with the theme of the entire album. I love the chorus of this song.

The Unforgiven 3
This is like the third part of the Unforgiven song series. I loved Unforgiven and Unforgiven 2 . Unforgiven 3 is really cool too but I wish it was more powerful! Metallica used the piano on this track..which was really new for me. It does blend in well with the music. The lyrics are awesome just like it was in the previous unforgivens.

Judas Kiss
A kickass song! After hearing Hetfield roar "Bow down, Sell your soul to me, I will set you free, Pacify your demons . Bow down, Surrender unto me, Submit infectiously, Sanctify your demon" you have no choice but to sell your soul and bow down to Hetfield baby!! The best chorus of the entire album!! I loved the lyrics on this album..really kickass!

Suicide and Redemption
The instrumental song on the album. Its a nice track..the ones which really pumps you up. Its not like the Call of Ktulu which had a more of a classical touch. The riff is a down-right dirty, heavy and perfect during daaru parties! :D

My Apocalypse
The last song of the album. Makes you want more! Its an insane track. Ulrich is awesome on this one. There's this portion at 1:52 when everyone goes insane! It sounds like the old classic metallica. I wish the solo was a bit longer..it was too short for me..maybe am listening to too much Dream Theater but thats what I felt. Anyways but hats off to Ulrich on this one. He does a fabulous job!

Phew!..its a classic album and 10 big thumbs up to Metallica for finally delivering what we wanted to hear for a loooooong time. I just realized I dint mention Trujjilo at all. Well, everyone was good at some point or the other...this guy was awesome in every song! He does make the songs more heavier. I sooo want to go on a metallica concert!

I-Rock

Good friends..good music and plenty of chicks to look around..what more can one ask for. It was exactly all of the above for me yesterday. Me, Sam, Adya and Jain went for the I-rock Delhi finals at Hamsadhwani. Its my favourite venue. I have been going there since I was in school..and I never miss a chance to catch a gig there. The atmosphere is simply awesome. Anyways so, we reached the venue pretty early. We were all comfy on the concrete seats ..waiting for the action to begin..when this Airtel guy comes up trying very hard to get the crowd going. He screams in his mic "Who are the real fans of rock here"....3 hands promptly went up ( :D ). So he goes to one of them..I guess his name was Ankit or something. So he goes up and asks him to sing a song!!!. I couldn't actually believe he would actually ask that!!! Anyways the guy who is wearing this Evanescence T-Shirt starts shaking really badly (I dont blame him tho..everyone gets nervous). So mustering all the courage he grabs the mic and in the gayest voice ever..sings.." I am gooiiiinnnng under" .. damn I couldn't help laughing my ass off!!!. Ok..I cant really make much fun of him..cuz it takes guts to stand in front of a crowd and sing!..especially "Going Under"... and I admit I dont have the balls to do that..but it never stopped me from making fun of others...so haha. Back to the topic..some more guys are asked to sing and one more noob..sings "I want it that way" by the Backstreet Boys!!!!!! But I think it was intentional...that was fun!! Anyways the show began with

Rampazze
I couldnt get the name at first..but then I got it..its "Rampage". They are a really cool band!!..its just that they were the first ones to perform..and no one was warmed up. I found them to be excellent. They play Classic Rock. They are heavily influenced by AC/DC, Kiss , Aerosmith and the likes. I just loved them..they started with a really catchy song Son of a gun. Their setlist was an all OC one..and I had a really nice time listening to them.

AVR
AVR (short for Another Vertigo Rush) has a very unique sound. Its sounds like Metal..but they have loads of things going on. I was amazed with the sounds they produced with their guitars. The songs were nice and powerful. I could use a heavier vocal..but they did gel up very well. I liked them mostly cuz of their unique sound. Some of their comps are awesome..like Anger Management...I just love the drums on that one.

Frequency
I dint like them much when I saw them at Launchpad..and it was the same yesterday too. Its not that they dont play that well and stuff..ppl go crazy when they listen to them. Its just that its not my kind of music. Plus I hate them even more cuz they really butchered "Highway to Hell". Thats like one of my favourite song..and they messed it up real bad.

Tearcube
They are a metalcore band. 2 years back I would have dismissed the genre and any band which were a part of that genre. But then....I met Bhayanak Maut..who literally spun my head around. Thy are just awesome..anyways its not about them ..so I'd better move on. I had heard Tearcube on TV during the Launchpad prelimnaries. They are fun to listen to..heavy as hell. But I think the sound system yesterday didn't help them much. I wished the speakers were a lot cooler...they would have rocked much harder then. Anyways they were nice enough to make me head bang the entire time they were on stage.

Superfuzz
Superfuzz were up next. They were the headlining acts..and were as usual..right on the money. They were awesome..they played some of their new stuff which is absolutely great. They also had a new guitarist..I dunno if he's a permanent member or not..he's from Joint Family. anyways an extra guitar did make them louder..and allowed Sanchal to perform his solos better in a sense. Anyways they played their hits Four Times and Once After, Queen of my Heart, What I really think, School and an awesome cover of Communication Breakdown by Led Zepp. They really got the crowd grooving. I enjoyed the most..right then!

After superfuzz..it was time for the results. First up was "God of the Strings". It was decided by an SMS poll and was awarded to AVR's guitarist. I wanted the Rampazze guys to win..I felt they were much better..guitar wise. Anyways the best band also went to AVR..cuz of their unique sound and how well they use it and stuff. I couldn't agree more..but deep down I really wanted Rampazze to win...maybe cuz its the old school..and its the old school my friends..where all the action began in the first place!