It's not a very nice term, but dorkcore is probably the best description for Genghis Tron's jawdropping amalgamation of programmed beats, eerie samples, math-metal rhythms and damaged, world-on-fire vocals. Check out our review of the band's 2008 album, Board Up the House, which, last year, we ranked the third best record you might not have heard. And for those of you who like to live on the outer fringes, Genghis Tron have released five Board Up the House remix EPs, each of which features other artists reinterpreting their songs.
Our friends at MetalInjection.net have just posted three cool live videos from a recent New York show that prove Genghis Tron are just as inspiring live as in the studio. Click "more" to see the vids. And after their next show, don't be afraid to walk up to them. They may be music dweebs, but they're totally nice guys. And they might just help you with your math homework. Read more...
When we first clicked onto the link for UVTV's best live videos of 2008 we weren't too impressed. The 35-minute-long video stream started off with Lynam, an Aerosmith-inspired band we've never heard of and never care to hear from again. Next came a video of a trudging, screamy group called Caustic that have hair styles, tattoos and attitude, but couldn't write a decent riff if they had guns to their heads. Then came the sea of mediocrity of Sea of Treachery, which destroy any chance of listenability with drums that drown out everything but the routine vocal metalcore roar. We were about to give up and move on, but we're glad we didn't because the last two-thirds of the video stream feature track after track of spine-grating goodness.
The redemption begins with A Life Once Lost's "Firewater Joyride," and proceeds through a firestorm of quality noise that includes, Genghis Tron's jittery "Things Don't Look Good," Evergreen Terrace's rockin' "Wolfbiker" and Dillinger Escape Plan's "Fix Your Face," which could teach Caustic the meaning of their band name. The stream finishes up with Origin's visceral "Staring From the Abyss" and Dying Fetus' pulverizing "Schematics." There's also Thy Will Be Done's "In the Name Of" sandwiched in there, but you might wanna skip that; we've heard better MySpace deathcore at high school talent shows. Click "more" to watch it all, even the crappy ones. Read more...
We love it when underground metal bands get mainstream play in Hollywood. We were stoked when thrash band Powermad appeared in "Wild at Heart" in 1990 and when Cannibal Corpse had a cameo in "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" in 1994. And it's always cool to see Lemmy from Motorhead pop up in a movie like 2000's "Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV" or 2005's "The Curse of El Charro."
The most recent accomplishment by Relapse Records' crazed electro-metal band Genghis Tron especially warmed our blackened hearts. A Renholder remix of the band's ominous clutterfest "Board Up the House" will appear in the end credits of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans," which opens January 23. The song is also featured on the movie soundtrack with came out today. Click "more" to listen to the cut and watch the band's video for "Things Don't Look Good." Read more...
By now you've seen all those top ten rock and metal lists featuring Metallica, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, Gojira, Nachtmystium, Enslaved, Opeth, Amon Amarth, All That Remains, Trivium, Meshuggah et al. So here's a list of ten slightly more indie acts that might not be on your radar yet, but which you owe it to yourself to check out:
10. Arsis - We Are the Nightmare (Nuclear Blast)
Technical death metal is rarely this inspiring. A breathtaking blend of speedy unconventional guitar work, abrupt rhythm shifts, double-bass drum thunder and real honest to goodness hooks.
9. These Arms Are Snakes - Tail Swallower and Dove (Suicide Squeeze)
Post-hardcore insanity merges with strong songwriting on this Seattle band's third full album. Direct and uncompromising, TS&D blasts through challenging math rock progressions, battering ram rhythms and bizarre grooves that'll remind you equally of Fugazi and Blood Brothers. But what else would you expect from former members of Botch and Kill Sadie?
8. Abigail Williams - In The Shadow of a Thousand Suns (Candlelight)
Honestly, we're not sure why this modern black metal album didn't crack more critics' year-end lists. The band even has a super-cute chick on piano/orchestration -- and the girl knows how to compose better than a lot of classical musicians. In The Shadow of a Thousand Suns is epic, brutal and shudders with horrific beauty -- like a haunting blend of Cradle of Filth and Immortal. (Click "more" to see our seven other choices.) Read more...
