Slipknot: The End, So Far - REVIEW

September 29th I received my copy of Slipknot's newest album The End, So Far. This is Slipknot's seventh and final album with label Roadrunner Records whom the band signed a deal with way back in 1998. Slipknot were said to be making this album since 2020.

In just days before this album released on 30th September 2022, It was said that some members of the band were not happy with the production on this album and early reviews have shown a fairly mixed review of the album BUT today I am here and will be listening to this new album and posting my thoughts and what I like and don't like with the album, and it will all be done track by track. So let's push our fingers into our eyes and get (sic).

THE END, SO FAR

1: Adderall

A totally different sound from Slipknot. Clean Corey vocals and synthy mixing from Sid. I really like this one. Sets me up for a totally different sounding Knot album. This is chill and catchy. Love it!

2: The Dying Song (Time to Sing)

This was I believe the second song released prior to the album's release and just shifts us from the new sound that was Adderall to the classic Knot sound with The Dying Song. Catchy chorus and meaty drums and guitars occupy this space.

3: The Chapeltown Rag

Ah ha! The first song released from the album is here! Probably my fave thing about this song is the way it flows. It's a similar sounding song to that of one from the All Hope Is Gone album for me, and it's also similar in its end to We Are Not Your Kind song.

4: Yen

Another one that was released in plenty of time before the album. Strange how the first few tracks were the ones they put out first, decent samples of the album I suppose and quite safe choices. Yen is ok like at first listen I was not into this one, like it did not stand out and upon further hearings of the song, I find myself singing along to the chorus.

5: Hive Mind

Now again this was put out before the album and funny enough I first heard this song through Tiktok just 2 days before the album released as Slipknot used the song to promote the new album of course and encouraged fans on tiktok to mosh to it on the app. It feels like organized chaos in a song BUT I mean that well, I am enjoying hearing clown and ol' Tortilla man banging the kegs. Nice to see them get some light with this one. I kinda like this one I feel it will grow more on me after a few more times.

6: Warranty

Alright back onto stuff I have not heard prior to the album's release now. Whoever is the backing vocals with Corey in the start of this one I give props to, I liked that blend. Nice solo. Hmm I'm not quite fussed on this one. I feel like something is missing from it in a way. An incomplete feeling how odd. Maybe this one will grow in time.

7: Medicine for the Dead

Oooof nice growl Mr. Taylor, that's a nice start to this one and this feels thrashy to start and a bit of groove to it, how interesting. Again I feel the same way for this track as I did the last, am I missing something or was this lacking something. Hmm. I also wonder if there are any instrumentals on this album.

8: Acidic

Oh hello there, quite a doom opening, and then we get Corey switching from aggressive to clean and some guitar twang, and It is swapping between the two as the track continues. This feels like a cross between a CFMT song and Slipknot just in terms of it's sound as we have clean Corey, aggressive Corey among some darker metal tones of the instrumentals of which we are so use to from Knot. One to listen in with a few more times to see if it grows or not.

9: Heirloom

Alright with a name like Heirloom I'm waiting on some sort of trophy nostalgic trip haha. Some scratching from Sid is a good start. Hmm groove singing akin to Stone Sour. Again I compare this with the sound of Corey's other band Stone Sour as it sounds more like their song than a Knot song. Feel's like it's missing some catchy chorus from Absolute Zero era Stone Sour. The chorus "The moment never lasts that long" right I will be honest this chorus feels lacklustre and I don't want to say this, but I think this would have benefited Stone Sour more and the rest of the guys in Stone did their own version layering it different would be a bit better suited than this being a Slipknot song. Not bad just I don't buy into it being a Slipknot song.

10: H377

A faster paced song in terms of lyrics and that's nice to see, I like it when Corey talks fast. Catchy chorus which could catch on with time and more plays of the song.

11: De Sade

This feels like Slipknot's version of SOAD's - ATWA & Aerials in a way with some of its form and around the 3:40 mark it kinda feels like Custer. I dig this, good solo Jim.

12: Finale

Wow, no instrumentals on this album. Another song that's quite different and experimental and yet it's closing the album and I find it a shame because this was a good one again. 

The Verdict

7/10

That's the album and this has been my thoughts and scribbles on the album first hand. I had a lot of high hopes as ever for any new music from Slipknot, they are truly one of my fave bands of all time. I can't help but to feel a little bit disappointed right now. However, the potential for some of these songs to grow and get better with age is there.

Alright, what did you think of this album? Did you like it or did it make you De Sad?

Let me know!

Comment, share and let me know if there are any top tens or music or films you want me to check out or rank, and I will get onto it.

Thanks for reading, Stay (Sic) Shiny!

Top 10 Jim Carrey Films

Greetings!

So I was sorting some things on my Letterbox account the other night when I thought "why don't I make a top list of my fave Jim Carrey films" I made that exact list on my Letterboxd account, and now I make it here for you all on my blog!

I love Jim and this list was tough for me to make, and also I will only be putting one film from a series. So an example would be; Sonic 1 but not Sonic 2 (both awesome films but only one of them may enter and be listed), so enjoy!

10: Bruce Almighty

Smite me o' mighty smiter! For number 10 and the start of this list we have the Almighty one himself Bruce! A feel good comedy about a weatherman who has a very bad day and curses the lord and in response God (Morgan Freeman) gives him his powers to see how hard it is. A great comedy 

9: Liar Liar

I have lost count the amount of times I have seen this over the years. I would always put it on when this would air on ITV haha. Furthermore, I grew sick of the film at one point from seeing it so much, but I love it nonetheless, it's an excellent comedy. Fletcher Reede is an attorney and habitual liar until one day his son Max makes a birthday wish for his dad to go an entire day without lying and what follows is nothing short of hilarity. 

8: Sonic The Hedgehog

We all know this lil blue Hedgehog right? So imagine the surprise to hear Jim would play the infamous Dr Robotnik and boy did he pull it off and make it a memorable performance in not only this film, but also it's sequel!

7: The Grinch

For me without a shadow of a doubt this is THE GRINCH. Jim was perfect as Grinch they also expanded the story into more than like some half hour short from Dr Seuss, and it worked for me and I loved this more than any other Grinch film or portrayal that has come before or since. 

6: Man On The Moon

Spectacular film and performance from Jim. This is all about the life and career of the eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman. The stories behind the scenes on set were really remarkable, and they even made a documentary on the film years later. 

5: Me, Myself & Irene

From gentle to mental, meet Rhode Island state trooper Charlie Baileygates get multiple personality disorder and the comedic chaos that follows. The music and shift in personalities is so memorable and funny to me which has made this film stand out above the previous entries on this list and I have also seen it many times and laughed every single time.

4: The Mask

A timid blank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers a magical mask with powers and puts it on and becomes a hero from zero as his life changes because he goes a bit crazy with his powers and new-found charm and confidence and of course that eventually leads him into trouble. Another comedy classic, excellent and funny film and completely different to its comic book source material so much that it reinvents its counterpart and becomes a massive moneymaker which went onto spawn an animated show and some bad spin off films haha. 

3: The Truman Show

At first glance a brilliant comedy but upon further inspection with more viewings you will see how sweet and also how thought-provoking it is. Truly an amazing film! Truman Burbank is the star of The Truman Show which is a 24/7 reality TV show without his knowledge. His entire life has been an unending soap opera for the world to consume and enjoy. Everyone he knows has been a paid actor, so what happens when he realizes things are not what they seem? Find out by watching. 

2: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

He's the best there is, well actually he's the only one there is. Meet Ace Ventura: Pet Detective who is on the case to find the missing Miami dolphin's mascot and through some capers he always ensures he gets his man, woman or beast haha. A childhood classic for me just like many of the films on this list as I grew up watching a lot of Jim because he was hilarious. 

1: Dumb & Dumber

To me, this is a 5-star comedy classic, and it's also I believe the first film I ever watched with Jim in, and it's soundtrack and just overall this film always makes me laugh and quote it. Harry & Lloyd are two men whose stupidity is quite indescribable. When Mary, a beautiful woman loses an important briefcase, Lloyd tries to return it to Mary but what follows is a mad adventure to Aspen and then a battle for love.

And that concludes my list today, thanks for reading!

I have a letterboxd account, so please feel free to visit me there from this link - https://letterboxd.com/Scotty2Jonesy

Got any film suggestions or top 10s you want me to make? Hit me up!

Comment/share and tweet me @ScottyJ193

Stay Shiny!

And incase I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight!

Top 10 Jake Gyllenhaal Movies

Hello there, It's been a while since I have done a top 10 list and since I have been on a mighty binge of Jake Gyllenhaal films, I thought to myself why not do a list?

Basically with this list, I will be giving my thoughts and a little brief summary of the films just to try and flesh this post out haha. 

10: Prisoners

Keller Dove's (Hugh Jackman) daughter and friend go missing, he takes it upon himself to pursue the case as the police go after multiple leads. How far will a father go for his family. The tension and music is great, and it's shot superbly and Jake plays quite the calm character opposite Hugh. Great film! 

9: Stronger

A victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing helps the police track down the killers, while struggling with his trauma. Excellent portrayal here, not sure what else to say, it's a good film.

8: Brokeback Mountain

A beautiful and heartbreaking film. I found the performances to be just captivating to be honest just like the locations and shots on this film. It deserved its awards.

7: The Day After Tomorrow

The first film I have seen Jake in is this one and boy is climate change real, fast and dramatic! 

6: End Of Watch

Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating items from the cartel. Energetic and character driven piece, probably my fave David Ayer film with one of the saddest endings ever. 

5: Ambulance

Jake was so unhinged, it was insane! It was supposed to be a simple heist for war vet, Will Sharp. Desperate for money to cover his wife's medical bills, he seeks help from his adopted brother Danny. Danny offers Will the score of a lifetime with the biggest bank heist in LA history. 

4: The Guilty

Now this was gripping, I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. A demoted police officer is assigned to a call dispatch desk, when he receives a distress call from a kidnapped woman and terrible events unfold.

3: Southpaw

I love a good boxing film and this is one of them, I was hooked and was really enthralled into the story of Billy Hope and I also love a good edge of your seat boxing bout, there's always a nice surge of adrenaline when you are rooting for an underdog to win isn't their haha. 

2: Demolition

I recently watched this after seeing the dancing scene being memed and dubbed over with lots of different tracks on TikTok, and it's actually an excellent and gripping film, I was hooked on it and could not stop thinking about it for days after it. After losing his wife in a terrible accident, an investment banker finds hope through a woman he meets in Chicago. 

1: Donnie Darko

Safe to say, I have seen this one many times. Undoubtedly my fave film of Jake and one of my all times faves. After narrowly escaping an accident, Donnie is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit which manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. 

And that concludes my list today, thanks for reading!

I have a letterboxd account, so please feel free to visit me there from this link - https://letterboxd.com/Scotty2Jonesy

Got any film suggestions or top 10s you want me to make? Hit me up!

Comment/share and tweet me @ScottyJ193

Stay Shiny!

WWE CLASH AT THE CASTLE - THE WRITE UP!

After 30 years WWE came back to host a massive premium live event (ppv) in the UK, and they went to my backyard of Cardiff, Wales. Of course, I was in attendance, and it was an absolute electrifying experience! The fans were amazing, I ain't ever heard 62 thousand people sing Edge's theme song before and I probably never will again, amazing! I attended this event with one of my childhood best friends Lewis Griff and we both had a blast!

Amazing mural by Mad Dog Brewery!

This was the view from my seats. 

Me & LG chilling prior to the pre-show! :D

A solid 8/10 PPV. Solid matches and my highlight matches were Riddle Vs Rollins, Sheamus Vs Gunther & Drew v Roman. Saying that, I pretty much loved all the matches, well besides Liv vs Shayna.

There were lots of events and advertising down Cardiff for Clash At The Castle PPV. I toured Cardiff Castle and seen Bianca and Sheamus filming with Cardiff Blue's. There was a pop-up clash shop which had so much exclusive merch for the ppv, and it was just a beautiful sight and there were various meet and greets and appearances in and around Cardiff for the PPV that week. I held the replica WWE Universal title in The Entertainer and omg I need me a replica title, they are so cool!

ACKNOWLEDGE ME!

So yes, it was an incredible experience and atmosphere and show to be a part of, and I pray for another clash at the castle in Cardiff!

For more pics & vids please visit my youtube channel and instagram account @1stmetalgod (youtube) and @Scotty2Jonesy (youtube & tiktok)

Thanks for reading!

Stay Shiny!

DRAGONBALL SUPER: SUPERHERO MOVIE REVIEW!

Well better late than never BUT here is my SUPER, Dragonball Super: Superhero movie review! Phew that was a mouthful! So this is a review that is being written late because I did the review in form of a video first on tiktok and the other day I also posted the same video to youtube.

Peaceful times are here on Earth, but a dark plot is brewing in secret somewhere underground in a high tech city. An old army emerges from the shadows, The Red Ribbon Army are back and up to no good and they have recruited Dr. Gero's grandson to help aid their mission, to get rid of the Z fighters and take over the world! They make the great mistake of taking Gohan's daughter Pan of course and this sets the field for new latent powers being unleashed onto new terrifying foes with an even bigger menace lurking in the shadows below. How will these brave warriors save the day? Will Gohan and Piccolo be enough to stop the Red Ribbon Army and their dreaded new powerful androids, the Gamma's!? Find out in this exciting DRAGON BALL SUPER MOVIE!

I loved the voice cast, story, music, animation and the new characters were amazing, Gamma 1 & 2 were bloody brilliant!

So Dragonball Super: Superhero was an incredible and awesome experience to see it on the big screen, especially since I am a die hard Dragonball fan. I need the Blu-ray right now!!!!

9/10!

Thanks for reading!

Stay Shiny!

WWE CLASH AT THE CASTLE: PREDICTIONS!

So on September 3rd in good ol Cardiff, we have the first major WWE PPV in the UK in 30 years! 

The card is pretty good and with how unpredictable and surprising WWE has been lately thanks to Triple H, no doubt we will get something and maybe even an appearance from The Game himself to welcome us all to Clash At The Castle!

We’re just under one week from showtime, and here’s how the card looks:

WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

Winner?: Roman (i was right)

This match could go either way and of course it will have some interruptions from Uso's and Honorary Uce Sami Zayn and maybe also Karrion Kross. If Drew wins, it will be insane!

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Shayna Baszler

Winner?: Shayna 

I feel like with help from Ronda, Shayna wins this one. 

Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Sheamus

Winner?: Sheamus

I think this match could go either way, but I'd like Sheamus to get the one title that has slipped his grasp. 

Bianca Belair & Alexa Bliss & Asuka vs. Bayley & Dakota Kai & IYO SKY

Winners?: Damage Ctrl aka IYO, KAI, BAYLEY (i was right)

I think Bliss will turn Heel and turn on Asuka and Bianca.

Seth Rollins vs. Riddle

Winner? Riddle.

I think Riddle is due his break in this feud so this will be his one up. 

Judgement Day vs Edge & Rey Mysterio

Winners? Judgement Day

I see Dominik turning Heel joining Judgement Day.

Current TV points to these possible matches on the card too: Viking Raiders vs. New Day. Dexter Lumis vs. The Miz.

IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED, I MADE MY OWN CLASH AT THE CASTLE THEMED PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ITOpfNuIAcY2oDRJjR8Dy?si=212b5a5452a746c2