Scratch One Grub

If you are looking for some new metal music to kill it in the gym with or help you stay awake on your commute to or from work or just looking for that next headbanging, blood pumping, thrashing band then check out Scratch One Grub.

Formed in late 2023, these Welsh music prodigy's are looking to make waves into the South Wales music scene with the debut of their first single Bad Habit. You can check out their music video HERE!

Bad Habit the debut single hits us with melodic, synthy, metal with lyrics and vocals that can only be described as cross between Gojira meets Machine Head and the Synth electronic vibes then gives me a bit of Enter Shikari to it. It's all complimented nicely alongside eachother as the band mosh getting in our face while playing us their song in the music video. The song kicks off with a catchy riff and then proceeds with it's melodic synth and drum combination. While we get to the part the music slows down all while building itself back up we see a Rubiks solved in real time, can't say I've ever seen that in a music video before, then the guitar solo hits and that's a sexy solo. The spoken vocals near the end of the song are so groovy and gets your feet stomping, this is definitely a part crowd interaction will be thriving off. An epic first single, that makes me excited and leaves me wanting more. See you in the pit lads!

Speaking with band Member Lewis Griffiths he revealed to me that the band is made up of; Aled Trigg - Lead vocals. Alex Lewis - Guitar. Lewis Griffiths - Drums/vocals and Sean Barry - Synths/electronics. However the band are also hosting auditions at the moment for a lead guitarist and a bassist to join the group, so keep an eye out for the talented ones that make it through.

I've also been told that Scratch One Grub will bring us their second single in a couple of months time and to watch this space for the debut of their very first album! So the metal scene is looking bright with these lads making their impact and I'm excited for the future they bring us.

To follow Scratch One Grub on their journey, please give them a follow on their social media and check out their YouTube and Spotify for music and videos and more content coming soon.

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Top 10 Sleep Token songs

Sleep Token are a British rock band from London, formed in 2016. The group is an anonymous, masked collective led by a frontman using the moniker Vessel. They have been categorized under many different genres, including alternative metal, post-rock/metal, progressive metal and indie rock/pop. Progressive Metal is most likely the most apt genre to define this anonymous viral band. Thanks to the power of social media, Sleep Token have assessed a big cult following through going viral. I have never seen a band blow up faster than Sleep Token, there's been bands like these guys who have grown a following gradually such as Ghost or Slipknot. Sleep Token has taken it to another level and most of it is probably thanks to TIKTOK which has had their songs and mostly the summoning used in "thirst traps" and being dubbed as "baby making metal" to a lot of TikTok users. The band have massive headline sold out arena tours worldwide and are teasing a new era, so it's the peak time to be on the bandwagon of Sleep Token.

10: Alkaline

The object of desire in this song is being described as being composed of neither elements (acid or alkaline), but something in between, perhaps. She's mysterious, otherworldly & he can't define her, but he'll accept her fully either way as she has fully encompassed him & he is completely taken over by her, imprisoned in a way, but wilfully so, as he couldn't be happier to be in her chains.

9: Take Aim

"Take Aim" by Sleep Token appears to be a song about an intense and toxic love relationship that involves manipulation, power dynamics, and self-destruction. The singer seems to be in love with someone who provokes conflicting emotions in them, making them both feel alive and tearing them apart. "Take Aim" portrays a love relationship that is both exhilarating and destructive, where the line between pleasure and pain is blurred. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the toxicity of the relationship, but is unable or unwilling to break free from it.

8: Give

The song "Give" by Sleep Token appears to be about a desire for an intimate connection with someone else. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is willing to give all of themselves to this other person, even their darkest impulses. The song opens with the idea of finding a sense of belonging with someone else, which is represented by the idea of "carving out a home" in the dark. It seems that the narrator is drawn to the person they are singing to when they are alone, suggesting a yearning for intimacy and closeness. The chorus repeats the idea of giving all that one can give, and the bridge introduces the idea of "open warfare" and not fighting fair, which could suggest a feeling of vulnerability or intense emotionality that comes with pursuing a deep connection with someone else. The chorus also suggests a mutual desire for this connection, with the narrator wanting to taste the other person and be closer to them. Overall, the song seems to be about a desire for emotional intimacy and a willingness to give oneself fully in pursuit of that connection.

7: Blood Sport

To me, the undertones of this song display a relationship lost with a higher power. Not to say it's Christian by any means, but the lyrics definitely speak of something more than human. With mention of "Somewhere the atoms start fusing..." and "Stuck in a quantum pattern." & "Even if the earth breaks like burnt skin." To me is symbolic to rapture. "And the heavens just won't open up for me." It's not his god. So why would he be allowed in. "Would you invite me in again?" He's asking if it all came to an end, would he be accepted back. To me, it sounds like a man speaking to his higher power & not hearing anything in return - & in the end like giving up.

6: The Offering

The song "The Offering" by Sleep Token is a lyrical ode to a love interest. The singer is offering up "sacrifices" to the person they love and expressing their desire to receive something in return. The speaker uses a garden, silence, and diamonds as metaphors for the pureness and preciousness of the connection they share. They implore the listener to "take a bite" and to "turn the page once again" in order to explore their relationship further. Ultimately, the song suggests the taking of a risk in order to get closer to someone and offers a chance for the speaker and their loved one to discover something beautiful together.

5: Take Me Back To Eden

"Take Me Back To Eden" by Sleep Token seems to be a song about the deep desire to return to a state of innocence and perfection, represented by the biblical concept of Eden. The first verse talks about diving into perfect oceans and being weightless, but also feeling the need to breathe and losing that weightlessness. The chorus mentions "those eyes like fire", perhaps alluding to the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the protagonist feeling like a "waking hell" while the gods grow tired. The refrain repeats the desire to return to Eden beyond the path of reason, suggesting an almost irrational longing for a state of purity. Overall, the song seems to be a plea to return to a state of purity and to be seen and accepted for who we are, even if we have lost our way.

4: Granite

The song "Granite" by Sleep Token is a song about strength in adversity. The lyrics talk about someone feeling suffocated by the harshness of their situation, but ultimately deciding to stay strong despite their hardships. The song speaks to the power of standing firm in the face of all that life throws at us, and the importance of believing in ourselves despite the odds. The song showcases the narrator's resolve to remain calm and unshaken, implying that often the best way to survive a difficult situation is by keeping a level head and having faith in ourselves.

3: DYWTYLM

Do You Wish That You Loved Me? It is the ninth track from Sleep Token’s third album release, Take Me Back to Eden. A perspective shift across the album narrative, the song lyrically progresses from a state of obsession and guilt into a track that spans a unique melodic and lyrical shift, a seeming “resolution” of comfort, seeing Vessel observing the time passed between the albums, and begging the worth of self-hatred living vicariously through an idyllic lens, contrasting the acceptance and worth of moving on.

2: Aqua Regia

Aqua Regia by Sleep Token is a powerful song filled with metaphors and vivid imagery. It explores themes of love, change, and the struggle between the past and present. The song seems to be about a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics depict a love that is wild and uncontrollable, likening it to an animal call and a blood trail. Yet, there is also a sense of inevitability and acceptance, as seen in the lines about being a circuit board and hardware. The song uses the term “Aqua Regia,” a mixture of acids that can dissolve gold, as a metaphor. It could symbolize a relationship that is both precious and corrosive, or the transformative power of love. The writer seems to be sending a message about embracing change and letting go of the past. The references to dancing to alarm bells and fighting off change suggest a struggle to accept the new and let go of the old.

1: The Summoning

I feel this is about that divine meeting of souls when two intertwine, and it's like a force field is woven. It's that enigmatic pull that can't be explained only experienced and to attempt to pull them apart would be positively gut-wrenching. "The Summoning" became Sleep Token's first entry on the Billboard rock charts after it went viral on TikTok. The track garnered thousands of views from users who shared their takes and mimicked their favourite parts of the song.

That's my list on the elusive, viral, mysterious band known as Sleep Token. 

What did you think of this worship?

CLICK HERE FOR MY REVIEW OF TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN!

Let me know, and I'll see you again soon for another blog post :)

Stay Shiny!

Top 10 My Chemical Romance songs

OK so I swear that I made this list years ago? I could not find it (damn you Mandala effect) so I have made this anew. If you were so kind to join me in the marching band to join the black parade, I would welcome it very much! 

My Chemical Romance (often abbreviated as MCR) is an American rock band that gained widespread recognition and popularity in the early to mid-2000s. The band is known for its unique blend of punk, emo, and alternative rock, and their music often incorporates dark and theatrical elements.

The Ghost of You

A melancholic and emotionally charged song with a music video set during World War II. This song explores themes of loss, heartbreak, and the emotional impact of war. The music video, set during World War II, enhances the sense of loss and tragedy.

Mama

A track known for its dramatic and theatrical elements, often performed with a lot of energy during live shows. It touches on themes of chaos, rebellion, and survival in a turbulent world.

Na, Na, Na

A high-energy, punk-inspired song with a rebellious and catchy chorus. This high-energy track expresses feelings of rebellion, independence, and a refusal to conform to societal norms.

Bulletproof Heart

 A song featuring a blend of rock and pop elements, known for its upbeat and melodic sound. The song has an upbeat and optimistic sound, conveying the idea of resilience and not giving up in the face of challenges.

Disenchanted

A heartfelt and introspective song with emotionally resonant lyrics. "Disenchanted" explores feelings of disillusionment and the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship.

I'm Not Okay (I Promise)

One of My Chemical Romance's most iconic tracks, known for its anthemic and energetic sound. 

Teenagers

A song that addresses teenage angst and rebellion, known for its catchy chorus. 

I Don't Love You

A heartfelt and emotional ballad with a softer and more melodic sound.

Famous Last Words

A track with an anthemic sound and lyrics that convey a sense of determination.

Welcome to the Black Parade

One of, If not the band's most famous and recognizable songs, characterized by its epic and orchestral sound, and often considered a rock anthem.

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Top 10 Eminem Songs

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a highly influential and acclaimed American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the most successful and well-known artists in the history of hip-hop and popular music. Eminem is known for his complex and often controversial lyrics, as well as his rapid and skilful delivery. 

Now I loved Eminem best in his slim shady era, but he has extraordinary talents that transcend time and genres. Here's my 10 fave Eminem songs.

Rap God

The song showcases Eminem's rapid-fire lyrical delivery and intricate wordplay, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest and fastest lyricists in the rap genre. "Rap God" gained immense popularity and was particularly celebrated for its third verse, where Eminem delivers an impressive string of complex rhymes and flows at an astonishing speed. The song also touches on various themes, including his career, his impact on the rap industry, and his own influences. The title "Rap God" reflects Eminem's status as a rap icon and his influence on the genre. The song has been recognized for its technical prowess and is often cited as one of Eminem's greatest achievements in terms of his lyrical and rapping skills.

Crack A Bottle

It's known for its catchy melody and playful, humorous lyrics. In "Crack a Bottle," the three artists celebrate their success in the music industry and their ability to captivate an audience. The song's title, "Crack a Bottle," is often used as a metaphor for opening a bottle of alcohol to celebrate and have a good time. The song was a commercial success and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. "Crack a Bottle" is recognized for its upbeat and infectious sound, and it's a notable collaboration between Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent, three significant figures in the world of hip-hop.

Just Lose It

Eminem playfully mocks various celebrities, including Michael Jackson and Madonna. The song encourages listeners to let loose, dance, and have a good time. It features a catchy beat and humorous wordplay. The song was a commercial success and received attention for its playful and satirical content. The accompanying music video includes Eminem impersonating various celebrities, contributing to the overall humorous and light-hearted tone of the song. "Just Lose It" is often cited as one of Eminem's more playful and comedic tracks.

Guilty Conscious

The song is known for its storytelling style and its use of two different perspectives to present a moral dilemma. In "Guilty Conscience," Eminem and Dr. Dre assume the roles of the devil and the angel on a person's shoulders, respectively. They offer conflicting advice to a man in various questionable situations, such as infidelity and violence. The song explores themes of moral choices and the consequences of one's actions. "Guilty Conscience" is often praised for its creative and thought-provoking storytelling, and it showcases Eminem's early lyrical prowess. The song's format, with conflicting voices representing good and evil, adds a unique and engaging element to its narrative. It remains a notable track in Eminem's discography.

Sing For The Moment

Eminem discusses the power of music, the impact of his own music on listeners, and the role of artists in addressing social and political concerns. The song touches on themes of censorship, the influence of media, and the responsibilities of artists. Eminem's lyrics in "Sing for the Moment" reflect his personal experiences and struggles, making it a deeply personal and introspective track. The song's use of the Aerosmith sample adds a melodic and emotional dimension to the song. It has been praised for its depth and social commentary, making it one of Eminem's significant works.

The Real Slim Shady

The song is one of Eminem's most iconic and well-known tracks and is known for its humorous and satirical lyrics. In "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem playfully takes on various personas and engages in self-deprecating humour, as well as poking fun at celebrities and pop culture figures. The song's catchy chorus and upbeat production contributed to its popularity. The song received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. "The Real Slim Shady" is celebrated for its humorous and clever wordplay and is often cited as one of Eminem's signature tracks.

My Name Is

Eminem uses humour and wordplay to introduce himself and his alter ego, Slim Shady. The song pokes fun at various aspects of pop culture and includes references to celebrities, as well as Eminem's own experiences and struggles. The catchy chorus and playful tone contributed to the song's popularity. "My Name Is" was a breakthrough hit for Eminem and established him as a prominent figure in the world of hip-hop. It received critical acclaim for its clever and satirical lyrics and is often regarded as one of Eminem's early classic tracks.

Stan

The character Stan becomes increasingly unhinged in his letters, expressing his obsession with Eminem and his growing disillusionment when Eminem doesn't respond to his fan mail. The song's narrative explores themes of fame, celebrity, and the responsibilities of artists to their fans. "Stan" is widely acclaimed for its storytelling and emotional depth, and it is often cited as one of Eminem's greatest works. It has become an iconic and influential track in the world of hip-hop and popular music. The song's title, "Stan," has even entered the English language as a term for an obsessive fan.

Without Me

Eminem takes a humorous approach and addresses various aspects of his career and persona. He pokes fun at the controversies he's been involved in and playfully criticizes other celebrities and figures in the entertainment industry. The song's chorus, with its repeated refrain of "Guess who's back? Back again," became particularly memorable. "Without Me" was a commercial success and received positive reviews. The song's music video, which parodied various pop culture references, further contributed to its popularity. "Without Me" is celebrated for its wit and comedic approach, and it's often cited as one of Eminem's signature tracks.

Lose Yourself

In "Lose Yourself," Eminem raps about the struggles and determination required to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. The song is known for its intense and motivational lyrics, as well as its distinctive and memorable melody. The beat and Eminem's rapid-fire delivery are central to the song's appeal. The song was a massive commercial success and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003. "Lose Yourself" is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time and is celebrated for its lyrical complexity and emotional depth. It's an anthem of determination and empowerment and remains a standout track in Eminem's career.

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Poppy - ZIG album Review

Poppy is back once again with more new music and this time she drops a brand-new album akin to I Disagree onto our laps. A few songs on here I heard prior to the album's drop as they were released as singles. Zig is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Poppy, released on October 27, 2023, through Sumerian Records.

Church Outfit

Kicks off the album with its synthy bass followed by aggressive vocals from Poppy. Interesting start to the album maybe more synth, bass like instrumentals to follow. Poppy has explored and experimented with many genre's maybe this album will be metal/electronica.

Knockoff

Once again another catchy synthy club bass song. I love the chorus of this and how Poppy sings it and the accompanying vocals "I want to know" is so good. It's such a catchy one, it got stuck in my head and was played on repeat when this dropped as a single.

Hard

The most recent released single from the album, follows the tune of the last few with some more of the industrial, synth instrumental with poppy's soft sing-song voice. Quite a catchy chorus too. Oh, dear lord we get aggressive around the 1:45 mark before calming back down.

What It Becomes

This one starts off with the strong violin and then Poppy sings with silence which echoes and whirs as the instruments swell and build up. Around the 2min mark we get this distorted slowed voice before Poppy comes back with her softly sung lines.

Flicker

This kicks off with sort of electronic drum and bass along with Poppy's soft vocals, and we get some more violins to close it out.

1S + OS

Electronic and synthy as Poppy commands the track with her confident vocals following the chorus I feel. I dig this one.

Zig

The album's title track plays now, and it's quite a synthy electro pop song to kick off. This is damn catchy! Ooof them synthy breakdowns and then we get a chugging riff and some booming kick drums as we build up to the chorus and boom "when you zig, i zag, when you zig, i zag, i zig zag." Oh yeah this feels like something The Matrix films would use in the soundtrack or John Wick films in a club fight scene.

Linger

A slow acoustic stripped back start with this one until 1min mark where we get the electro feel back into this track. It's a nice one.

The Attic

Its soft, but we quickly get caught up in the fast-paced drum and bass. It's a lot to take it in, and I do feel the fast drum bass is a bit much but when the chorus swells and erupts it's a nice addition which ends with a few lovely piano tones.

Motorbike

Alright get on, we got a robotic lady walking us into the track before Poppy swiftly takes over as the robot accompanies as some back up vocals at points. The chorus is so fast and catchy, and it's good. I admit when I first heard this when it dropped as a single I was not into it but now after hearing all of the album to now and hearing this again in my headphones, I am moving and singing along best I can to it haha.

Prove It

Time for the last song on this album, almost distorted vocals and piano keys kick off this track before the vocals get more sharp and distorted as the drum and bass pounds. The chorus and vocals are quite stunning. Around 1:21 in the song we get more distorted and synth and drum and bassy. All before the track slows back down with its chorus and fades out with electronic static, that's it folks.

Although the album clocks in with 11 tracks which only lasts around 30 mins total for the album, she covers a lot of ground with tracks capturing different emotions and feels. Poppy said it best "when you zig, I zag" as she continues to branch out and explore the different musical genre's and styles of instruments to accompany her wonderful voice and creative talents. Poppy is ever evolving and creating, and I love how she does it. The themes of the album are that of love and disconnection and also a sense of empowerment, that's what I am taking away from this album. Although "I Disagree" is still my fave album from Poppy, this one is a nice entry onto her album catalogue and I will always recommend Poppy to people searching for new music because she has something for everyone and I feel she is so overlooked and underrated.

7/10

Thirty Seconds To Mars: It's The End Of The World, BUT It's A Beautiful Day (REVIEW!)

Thirty Seconds To Mars are one of my all-time fave bands and safe to say after the last album being a total dud, I can happily shout out that THEY ARE BACK!!!!! It's the End of the World, but It's a Beautiful Day is the sixth studio album by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released on September 15, 2023, through Concord. It is the first album after their debut without guitarist Tomo Miličević who left the band in June 2018. So going into the album prior to any song release I was sceptical because the last album America, frankly sucked in my opinion, and it really let me down. However, following Stuck's single release I was taken back hearing a new pop synth rock track from Mars which was also so very catchy.

From there I binged the track relentlessly until they dropped their next single, Life Is Beautiful, and again it was another chill and beautiful track I binged, and you won't believe what happened next? Well I pre-ordered the Deluxe album from HMV and then oh yes I loved their next two single's they dropped prior to the album release Get Up Kid and World On Fire. Catchy and beautiful tracks the boys dropped and so here comes me listening to this new album religiously since it dropped or rather arrived in my hands. The album I ordered got delayed a few days as this was supposed to arrive on September 15th which was the same day as my CFM2 CD and honestly this time round Corey Taylor new album was disappointing and 30STM's was phenomenal.

1: Stuck

The lead single from the album and a very funky, catchy, high energy track which Jared said celebrates the arts.

2: Life Is Beautiful

Dramatic beats with upbeat empowering lyrics that are chill and catchy.

3: Seasons

Acoustic and very chill vibes with this song as it's stripped back with again catchy and relatable lyrics. 

I have been singing along to this quite a bit in the car, well that also applies to the whole album.

4: Get Up Kid

Piano in this is stunning and so is its catchy whoa's and empowering soft chorus.

5: Love These Days

An absolute truth in a song. As with other tracks I find this relatable and catchy. 

It's a beautiful and apt song.

6: World On Fire

It feels like a song about coming out of depression as you feel your drive again and things will be better now. Nice message and it's very electronic.

7:1

Got to channel our inner Freddie Mercury with the ayy-oh's in this one haha, it's catchy and again electronic.

8: Never Not Love You 

A soft and powerful emotional songs that I feel is so relatable. I love this one, no it's more of an adore. 

I adore this song, it's very personal.

9: Midnight Prayer

The first time I heard this song I was confused because it did not sound like Jared Leto singing to me, and I was an idiot to not realize sooner that it's Shannon Leto singing this one. HOWEVER! It has quickly become one of my most repeated songs from the album. Electronic and synthy. Another very relatable song for me with this one though.

10: Lost These Days

This one is another stripped back acoustic track and feels like a follow up to Never Not Love You or rather another alternative way of telling that story of the relationship breakdow and I also relate and feel this song. It gets very electronic towards the end.

11: Avalanche

Another one of my most played tracks is Avalanche it feels like a song that was a perfect fit for the Love, lust, faith and dreams album. First time I heard this song I felt it, it hit me and it made me smile.

The deluxe edition of the album features a slowed down version of Stuck and an Alt version of Never Not Love You. Both are you know good as to be expected. I could not hear any differences in the alt version of Love.

So yes, I love this album, and it feels really special and personal to me with how I can relate and feel all the emotions from the songs and how Jared expresses the lyrics. Softer, chill, emotional and catchy is what this album is, and it's full of the human spirit and experiences of life. Honestly this album is phenomenal in my opinion and I love it to bits.

10/10

Sleeptoken - TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN (ALBUM REVIEW)

Sleeptoken the hot new metal band that has become a fast rising sensation from viral videos on tiktok to youtube shorts. Sleep Token are a British rock band from London, formed in 2016. The group is an anonymous, masked collective led by a frontman using the moniker Vessel. They have been categorized under many different genres, including alternative metal, post-rock/metal, progressive metal and indie rock/pop.

Take Me Back To Eden starts with a slow build with Chokehold kicking off the precession, around the 2 min mark the instrumentals kick off sounding like a chainsaw has just started up, and then we go back mellowy with Vessel's sing-song lyrics which are heartfelt. When the "You've got me in a chokehold" hits the instrumentals swell to accompany the message being sent, love has got a chokehold on our singer and it's not letting go.

After Chokehold we are ushered straight into my fave prior to the album the viral mega hit The Summoning. Now the summoning starts with heavy instrumentals, but again we divulge into a slow melodic tempo with Vessel the singer delivering the words in a near sinister fashion, this one is so catchy, and I have been singing along to it since I was first shown it by my best mate James. James is obsessed with this band, and so he has made me go and check out SleepToken's latest album and here we are as I am typing my thoughts on the album live as I go. The heaviness of this song intertwines with catchy slow melodic laid back sound and one moment you will be headbanging, the next you will be slow bobbing moving side to side or on your knee's singing along to the sky giving your emotions all into this song. The screams performed on this one are also so good! Around the 3:25 mark we are hit with a groovy heavy breakdown that makes you want to stomp your feet and tip bins over BUT again we are quickly hushed away to calm down and chill with the music as it build's to a softer near jazzy like sound then. Sing with me now "Oh and my love, did I mistake you for a sign from god, or are you really here to cut me off, or maybe just to turn me on. Cause these days, I would be lying if I told you that, I didn't wish that I could be your man, or maybe make a good girl bad. I got a river running right into you, I've got a blood trail, red in the blue, something you say or something you do, the taste of the divine!" Oh my god this smooth as silk, erotic breakdown in the song is so mind-blowing, it's so different but so good! Had no idea that would work so well, Sleeptoken really knows how to mix genre's and sounds together well.

We get to Granite now a slow, pop, synthy melodic song. Vessel goes into a full rap breakdown in this one, and it is quite impressive I must say. It's yet another great mix of genre's and sound, and then we have rap like what? Damn, he got bars that can flow like water just so smooth. We have a breakdown around the 2:40 mark where we are hit back with the metal to get us headbanging in a groove again and Vessel smoothes things off accompanying the metal.

Aqua Regia starts with such a beautiful laid back synth sound and joined by a lovely piano piece as Vessel make's the lyrics flow flawlessly. Piano again is so lovely with this song, it's a softer song by its nature, the acoustic guitar blends that come in are also so stunning. Catchy and chill overall.

Vore is next, and this one is HEAVY! Full on screams are here echoing in my ears like a pig to slaughter. Sleeptoken really are a band for everyone, there are songs here for everyone to enjoy. Other than the screams Vessel is whispering along until we hit near the 2min mark where the song meets a chill and Vessel is clean singing along before more of the hard hitting drums and guitars come back at us like fireworks on the 4th of July. The high notes hit before the scream comes back in is amazing. This switch from aggressive to clean vocals is impressive. I feel for me this is one of their weaker songs, I am not so fussed on Vore as I am with the rest at this point, but that's not saying Vore is bad because it's not, it is good.

Ascensionism comes now, and it's starting slow and has the melancholy like feel with its minor piano notes. Beautiful soft sung lyrics, and then we get back into trap like beats following Vessel spitting bars yet again. This is one that will get you grooving moving your head and shoulders to, it's a great flow to be fair to it. We get some whispering vocals and then out of nowhere hit back with heavy metal like woah hang on Ves, I wanted to be more prepared before my flight or fight response kicked off haha. We switch back to the softer vocals with piano soon after my fight or flight response got me all geared up anyway haha. BACK TO FIGHT NOW AS THE METAL RETURNS IN FULL HEAVY SWING TO END THE SONG!

Are You Really Ok? Plays right now, and it starts slow and acoustically with a sweet laid back guitar tuning us into Vessel's soft lyrics. A very soft rock kind of song then the heavy instruments kick off around 3mins mark but don't worry it's still pretty soft and then around 4mins mark the heavy instruments get laid back, and we are bare witness to the soft stylings once more to close us out of the song.

The Apparition comes next, and it starts with Vessel isolated and then an electric, dare I say Spanish style guitar accompanies the vocalist. 1MIN mark we get some synthy keyboard and then drum and bass, what kind of experimentation lies in this apparition? Vessel continues to near rap with the flow of lyrics he delivers along with the drum and bass instrumentals. 2min 20 mark we go back to the heavy nature as Vessel pours his emotions into the lyrics, and then he delivers lines as quiet as a mouse and then the instruments close us off with synth and drum and bass.

DYWTYLM - A near laid back Caribbean like instrumental to start with like an autotuned Vessel singing along. Do You Wish That You Loved Me is the song here if you could not tell from the acronym anyway there's a weird like blend then of computerized sounds before Vessel carries on asking his question of love? This is lovely and laid back, I really liked the unique instrumentals in this.

Time for Rain, Vessel starts off pouring his emotions into the piano on this track. As usual with sleeptoken this one starts slow but builds to some metal rhythms as Vessel keeps his lyrics flowing like a fountain. I don't know how they do it, but I am sure glad I am hearing it work out so well for them. We go from the metal back to the slow powerful emotions poured out with the piano accompanying Vessel, and we quickly get that burst of metal to end the rain.

Time for the penultimate song on the album which is the title of this album, yes it's time for Take Me Back To Eden. Slow start now will this build or will it remain calm and soft. Of course the metal comes into play from 2min 30 mark only for it to leave again 30 seconds later. Vessel comes at us with his hard hitting flow as he raps the lyrics out, damn this vocalist can do anything he wants. When the rapping starts we get the piano and sound of like a rainforest with rain and birds tweeting until Vessel comes back soft with the tempo of the Piano picking up. 5min 30 mark the other instruments join back in until 6min mark where they stop for a brief moment then we get all the instruments back in harder once more. Screams close out the song with heavy instrumentals accompanying it.

Euclid is our closing song now, what a bizarre journey of music this has been, Sleeptoken really are the future, and they have a bright one from what I have heard here. Euclid starts with Piano and Vessel flowing the lyrics then we get this near robotic synth vocals before switching back to the same piano chilled tempo with Vessel flowing the lyrics like a running water tap and this switch happens a few times in this song, it's really quite something else. Lovely song actually and we do get rushes of the heavy instruments before the soft nature plays back and this happens on and off in this song a few times. Robotic vocals and synth and a piano closes this album off.

If this is the future of metal, we are in uniquely good hands. Sleeptoken are the hot new band we should all keep an eye on because the only way forward is going up past Eden now.

4/5

Top 10 Aerosmith Songs

Here's a list that is overdue haha, my apologies for not bringing it out sooner, but it is time to delve in deep and go crazy but don't cry at this most sweet emotional rock and roll list from the legendary Aerosmith!

10: Dude (Looks Like A Lady)

The song, which originally started out as "Cruisin' for a Lady", talks about a male with an effeminate appearance who is mistaken for a female. There is a story that the song was inspired by the glam look of the members of Mötley Crüe and their constant usage of the word "dude". Steven Tyler says in the book Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith, "Then one day we met Mötley Crüe, and they're all going, 'Dude!' Dude this and Dude that, everything was Dude. 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady)' came out of that session." Joe Perry came up with the chorus riff, and Tyler came up with the chorus refrain. In his recent book, The Heroin Diaries, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe claims that the song was specifically inspired by Vince Neil, singer with Mötley Crüe.

9: Same Old Song And Dance

It's a story about people who make fucked up choices...if you don't change your ways, life's never going to change for you. It's the same old story, the same old song and dance

8: Sweet Emotion

Groupie drama much? It's a chill laid back song, and you have probably heard it many times and not known it was by Aerosmith haha. 

7: Living On The Edge

it's about how bad the world has gotten, but it's the human race's fault, "There's something wrong with the world today, and God know's it ain't his." Along with addressing religion, racism, and how people would rather put the blame on someone else other than themselves, this song says that even though there's something wrong with the world, we'd rather keep hangin' on.

6: Love In An Elevator

Self-explanatory, let's have sex in an elevator and take our love to another level haha. Quite the catchy iconic song. 

5: Crazy

great song, describing the pain of a guy whose girl messes him about, but he still loves her no matter what. Excellent guitar solo from Mr Perry, and check out 1 of the last lines where Steven goes so high-pitched, it sounds like a high guitar note...in fact, i can't tell if it is or not!

4: Cryin'

I think this song is about one of those relationships that you can't live with or without. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

3: Dream On

Steven Tyler was 17yrs old when he wrote Dream On. He also had wisdom back in the day. He writes about getting old. And not knowing where it comes from and where it goes, but to just sing with the laughter and the fear. And still after 40yrs it is their signature song.

2: Walk This Way (Ft RUN DMC)

Now the original is fine BUT the DMC collab made this song ten times better and it's so iconic! One of the most iconic crossovers in music history I would say. I had a tough time deciding if this should be number 1 or 2 and in the end and a little sing-song with my lighter raised in the air I decided this would have to be number 2 because the number one is sure to bring Armageddon.

1: I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Yes here it is! Put those lighters in the air and sway your arms side to side as you belt this song out from the top of your lungs! It is filled with raw love. Passion and feeling that can never be bought. Feelings that once you feel, you're a changed person. An unbelievable closeness between 2 people out of almost 7,000,000,000 people on the planet. That is what life is all about. When you get it, hold on forever

Ok so how was this list for you? Was it good? What would be your top 10? Let me know and as always share this list with fellow fans or any fans of music. I appreciate your time!

Stay shiny!

Top 10 Guns N' Roses Songs

I am back in the hot seat with another top 10 song list and this time from classic rockers Guns N' Roses!

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1985. When they signed to Geffen Records in 1986, the band comprised vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler.

10: Garden Of Eden

The first time I heard this I was so blown away that it was by GNR the speed of it was just mind-blowing for me to know it was by GNR. One of the underrated tracks they made and one of my faves.

9: Live & Let Die

I am placing this cover here because to me this is better than the original.

8: Patience

A beautiful song wish a lush memorable whistle. The music and lyrics of "Patience" were both written by Izzy Stradlin. The motivation for the track is generally accepted to be the troublesome relationship between Axl Rose and his now ex-wife Erin Everly, though this was never stated on the album or interviews.

7: Nightrain

A nice catchy one here and I remember it so often because of how easy going the vocals and guitar riff's are. "We were living in the Gardener Street studio, where we had one little box of a room. We had no money but we could dig up a buck to go down to this liquor store. It happened to have this great wine called Nightrain that would fuck you up for a dollar. Five dollars and you'd be gone. We lived off this stuff." - Duff - Hit Parader March 1988

6: Knockin' On Heavens Door

A tune! Beautiful as hell! Also, I had no idea this was a cover BUT hey fair play to GNR they do some banging covers!

5: You Could Be Mine

The Terminator made this song so iconic let's be fair and that's why I put it at number 5.

4: November Rain

A sombre song, powerful and beautiful. Has made me cry in the past because of the emotion and power within it. "November Rain is a song about not wanting to be in a state of having to deal with unrequited love." - Axl Rose.

3: Paradise City

Ooof what a song, what a great riff too and damn catchy. Burnout Paradise's theme song was this, and it gives me fond memories of that game. Before they got famous and everything fell to shit, the five members of Guns N' Roses were actually close friends. It was during those critical early months that the group collaborated on many of their best songs. "Paradise City" came to life one night when they were driving home from a gig in a rented van. "We were drinking and playing acoustic guitars," Slash wrote in his book. "I came up with the jangly intro to what became 'Paradise City.' Duff and Izzy picked it up and started playing it while I came up with the chord changes. I started humming a melody and played it over and over. Then Axl chimed in: 'Take me down to the Paradise City.'"

2: Welcome To The Jungle

The first song I heard from GNR was this one and who can remember playing their hearts out to this song on Guitar Hero! Is there a better opening song on a debut album than "Welcome to the Jungle?" It sets the stage perfectly for every other song on the album, and really for the band's entire career. Axl Rose once claimed the song was inspired by a chance encounter he had with a deranged man in New York City. "This guy came up to me," he said. "He said, 'You know where are you are? You in the jungle, baby! You gonna die!'" The video for the show shows Axl arriving in Los Angeles on a bus, still with hay in his mouth, and he quickly becomes absorbed by the madness of the city. MTV originally only aired it late at night, but viewers loved it, and they began playing it in prime time. It changed everything for the band.

1: Sweet Child O'Mine

Probably the number 1 most covered song for bands to play but hey it is iconic as fuck and an absolute tune so of course people would want to cover it and play it so much. "Sweet Child O' Mine" was born out of a spontaneous jam the members of the band undertook very late in the sessions for Appetite for Destruction. Axl wrote lyrics about his girlfriend Erin Everly, even if he never quite finished them. The line, "Where do we go now?" was originally an honest question. He didn't know where to take the song at that point, but it seemed to fit and so it stayed in. It became their only Number One hit in America.

Alright and that is my list, come back in a few days to see my next top ten songs list!

Stay Shiny!

IVY WHY - Burn This City

Ivy Why was originally a Dutch artist but has now expanded their horizons to band status whose genre can be hard to pinpoint considering their diverse catalogue. Unparalleled vocals, heavy guitar riffs, angelic melodies and a mix of trap style and hard hitting drums, you can see why it's hard to determine an overall genre. Ivy has multiple co-writers that have been a core element to the live ensemble and recording sessions for some time now. Most of them also have significant roles in the recent release rock/mockumentary style film; Burn This City. 

Ivy also has an integral part in We Are Going Nowhere, a platform in which Ivy writes and creates comedy sketches, podcasts and now movies, alongside two extremely talented individuals; Jamal and Devante, who also play crucial and extremely entertaining parts in the film Burn This City.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL FILM!

The film titled "Burn This City" follows musicians Rob and Lew who show us the insight's into their band and lives together as they scurry to get big. They first have to make music and publish it and to try and get a manager and chaos follows along the way from dramatic outbursts within the band to behind the scenes troubles from record labels. Follow Ivy Why to get their music out there, to get signed, to get more members and to finally, play some gigs!

This was funny, wacky, crude and full of love and heart about the highs and lows of a band and the industry quite frankly. Its actors are fantastic and standout for me was Devon Tate, he stole the scenes anytime he was in one, and I found him very captivating, I could not take my eyes away from him and his wit and problematic ways.

The lighting and camera direction and how it was made and how it all looks is also brilliant. It's the new low budget Spinal Tap mixed with Twin Town. A job well done lads and congrats to you all and all involved! I can't wait for more of this and more music from Ivy Why in the future.

CHECK OUT & SUPPORT THEM VIA THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2V0ibRUaNC60s3vFpXbBkr?si=9vMB1ct3RYKFej9xq4hq1A&fbclid=IwAR3QJBQX9CJZ8ckcOLXwUOzz69HCNchOYUzhEDqE2SETlE1rwlSuDzs_6Qw&nd=1

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ivywhyofficial

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/ivywhyoff

Thanks for reading support local music and local films and support IVY WHY.

Stay Shiny!

(Credit to Ivy Why, Lewis Griffiths & We Are Going Nowhere)

Top 10 Twenty One Pilots Songs

Now then, it is no secret at all, I LOVE TWENTY ONE PILOTS! 

Seriously! Their music is out of this world to me and a great source of happiness, fascination and inspiration. I love all of their albums, SERIOUSLY ALL OF THEIR SONGS TOO! BLURRYFACE is a masterpiece of an album for me.

Vessel recently hit 10 years old so what better time to do this list. 

This will be a tough task, BUT I am shocked that I have not already made a 21P list before, 

SO HERE WE GO!

Twenty One Pilots are an American musical duo from Columbus, Ohio. Initially a band, the group was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist Tyler Joseph along with Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, who both left in 2011. Since their departure, the line-up has consisted of Joseph and drummer Josh Dun.

#10 - Chlorine

Already at number 10 on my list, I am struggling to pick songs. Chlorine I am placing here because it's a strong catchy song with very memorable flow and instrumentals. This one is very much Tyler speaking out on his battles with mental health and with anxiety/depression/ocd. 

#9 - The Outside

OK we are on Scaled & Icy album now and man that album has some underrated bangers that need to be widely discussed more and this is one of them. This is pretty much a catchy chill but dance kinda vibe to it. The lyrics talk about being tired and taping one's eyes on a long drive because they don't want to sleep while driving. Maybe it's about the party lifestyle since when it breaks down into the rap part of the song maybe that's the trip happening and obviously this song sings about people nodding their heads and moving up and down and taking hits to join the club because you want to be part of the gang and not on The Outside as it were. Also not long after the rap part it seems like the lyrics no longer care because the person in question is happy vibin' on their own and nothing can stop them. 

#8 - Legend

Back to Trench with this absolute beautiful song dedicated to Tyler's grandad. I resonate strongly with the lyrics, this does and has made me cry as I think about my grandparents and basically putting myself in Tyler's shoes. It's a sad one but has a Cherie undertones because Tyler has accepted the grief and just know he will meet his Grandad in the future at the pearly gates. 

#7 - Guns For Hands

It's time to go to Vessel with Guns For Hands, beautiful and catchy and damn powerful. On the commentary for this track Tyler had this to say; "Guns for Hands is talking about I want to tell you that I know you have the ability to hurt yourself. You do. You have that ability. I feel like a lot of the older generation when they hear about someone struggling with it, their first reaction is like, “No, you’re not, you’re not struggling with that. Don’t think about that, you know, think about something else, you know, you’re just trying to get attention.” But this song was really trying to say like; “Listen, I know you have the ability to hurt yourself. I recognize that, but let’s take that energy and let’s point it at something else, let’s divert that, lets kind of shift that momentum and look at something like art, or something like this music specifically, or even point it at me, you know, just point it anywhere, but don’t point it at yourself.” And so that’s what that song’s saying and that song will always be important to me. And I’m not a professional when it comes to this topic, but I write songs, and I feel like someone should say something about it."

#6 - Fake You Out

Another Vessel track with this synth poppy sound with quiet gentle piano played in because this is Fake You Out. Again it's a great catchy song, and you can't help yourself join in with the "fake,fake,fake,fake" parts haha. Tyler said this about the track; "I was really excited about this one when I first started writing it. I think that the melody inside the verses is one of my favourite melodies where it goes to falsetto. I think that a lot of times I feel like writers slack on verses when it comes to melody. I feel like it’s like “these are my verses, this is kind of the part where people wait for the chorus.” And I’ve always felt like why not have the verses—the melody of the verses be just as infectious as the chorus? So I’m proud of this song in that way. Also, you know, it does the whole, you know, mash-up genre thing that everyone is freaking out about. Truly, I just didn’t know that there were rules to songwriting and, you know, so I just worked on transitioning from one genre to the next. I wanted to hear a song that did that. I’ve never heard a song do that before, I want to hear that, so I made that."

#5 - Shy Away

Fun fact this was my ringtone for the majority of 2021 haha. This was the first single released from SAI, and it delivered a new laid-back like sound to us fans which we were not really expecting after Trench but hey WE ATE IT UP AND LOVED IT AND DEMANDED MORE! The song was written by Tyler Joseph and mainly produced on his home studio as a form of tutorial for his younger brother, Jay Joseph, on how to operate all stages of a song during the recording process (writing, composing, producing). Tyler also explored elements of the electric guitar for the song, which was a barely used instrument by him, previously first used on "Level of Concern". When Tyler was first working on the voice memo of the song, his one-year daughter, Rosie Joseph, made a cooing noise in the background, which Joseph decided to keep in the very beginning of the track, for loving her being a part of the creative process in some way. The song was created while communicating virtually as the COVID-19 pandemic limited interaction between the band members. Specifically, this was the first time Josh Dun recorded his drums takes all on his own, with no sound engineers to help him or any studio assistance.

#4 - Mulberry Street

Ah-ah-ah yeah! Here we go with a chill laid back and catchy song which I adore. I always enjoy a sing and dance to this one. Tyler said this about the song; "There was a street in New York City where Little Italy is, and the first time that I ever kind of left Ohio. My manager, at the time, we had some meetings with like, record labels and stuff, and it was just a classic kid going to the big city moment. I took Josh and I, and a couple of friends to Little Italy, and we had this, you know, it was just like this, ‘I've never felt more out of place in my life being in New York City.’ Eat at some, you know, like we're going to go get some pizza. ‘This isn't the pizza I’m used to.’ You know, just something that simple, kind of really reminding you that you're not home any more. And so, this song to me was like, very, I wanted to imagine that feeling again."

#3 - Lane Boy

Alright top 3 time bay-bay and so my top 3 are from the same album *SPOILER ALERT* hehe. I cannot help myself this album is a masterpiece, I own 3 copies of the album because I have played 2 cd's to hell and they are so scratched up it is insane! Alright Blurryface so which one will take number 3? Well don't trust a perfect person and don't trust a song that's flawless. LANE BOY! Tyler is having none of it if you think 21P are going to stay in the same lane. Tyler & Josh attempt to explain a musical style that seems to change with every Blurryface single. The songs are intense and interesting, and this one, musically especially, is supercharged, a good match for the aggressive lyrics. The song describes the band's break from the direction of the music industry as well as a commitment to an entrepreneurship that doesn't focus on money. As you can hear, "Lane Boy" is unique among Twenty-One Pilots songs. The drums are still intense and, at times, a driving, reggae-style off-beat continues to come out strong. But otherwise, the BPM is faster than most of their songs, the vocal effects are fairly new, and the lyrics are some of the most pointed and aggressive they've written. The music in "Lane Boy" is unique, and so is the message.

#2 - Ride

Alright so I cannot state enough on how TOUGH this is for me to make but taking my 2nd place is Ride. The theme with this one even though it is pretty upbeat is that this about that time in your life where you feel down and out and like nothing matters, you have suicidal thoughts and anxiety and depression riddles your mind that is why the lines of "I've been thinking too much (help me)" repeats. I have been there. This song also about taking your time on this ride we call life.

#1 - Stressed Out

My name's Blurryface and I care what you think. Of course, I am going to put what is possibly my most listened to song of 21P as my number 1. The lyrics hit and connect strongly with me and I love the instrumentals, it's a chill song but has nostalgia sprinkled in along with a feeling of longing of that sadness of how far away we have come from being children and having that vast imagination and just knowing how good those old days were compared to adult life.

Alright and that's my list, it was incredibly difficult to put together given how much I freaking love 21P BUT hey what can I say? Right now these blurryface'd tunes are my current top 10 BUT this list will no doubt always revolve and change as we get new songs from the lads.

Thanks for reading, give it a share and feel free to follow or bookmark my blog to see more content!

Stay Blurry!

Top 10 Limp Bizkit Songs

Alright partner, keep on rollin' baby, you know what time it is!

Time for my Top 10 Limp Bizkit songs then, is it? Been a while and this is going to be my first top 10 of the year by the looks of it, so woo hoo! Limp have some awesome covers too, but I will not be including them here (sorry).

This list was recommended to me by James Davie. Cheers mate!

10: Eat You Alive

This song is just about pure primitive animal-like sexual attraction. It TOTALLY KICKS ASS tho, and I think it's great. The song was written by Fred Durst, John Otto, Sam Rivers and Mike Smith, and is Limp Bizkit's first single without Wes Borland, who had left the band in 2001. Durst filmed a music video featuring known actors Thora Birch and Bill Paxton

9: Ready To Go

Limp Bizkit revealed plans to release "Ready to Go" in 2012 after they signed with Cash Money Records on February 24, with Fred Durst stating, "It sounds like a monster; it literally sounds dangerous. It sounds like that left of center, that place of discomfort that created rock 'n' roll, created the (heavy) metal, where it all spawned from." This song feels like we have been waiting for, for like the past decade from Limp because it was a return to form of the Bizkit of old and of course Wes returned.

8: Livin' It Up

This song is simply, just about doin' your thing and not letting people bring you down... that's all there is to it. props to Fred for being himself and doing whatever the fuck he wants, he's free in all the ways a lot of people are not. Limp Bizkit were, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars like it was nothing when Bizkit hit the scene and became massive.

7: My Way

Chocolate Starfish really does feel like the album where almost every track could make a mad dash for radio at any moment. My Way proved to be a radio hit and entered the charts internationally, even breaking into the Billboard hot 100. While not the band's most successful single, it was popular enough to catch the ears of execs at WWE, who ultimately took the track for the official theme of WrestleMania X-Seven, helping the band expand their reach even more. 

6: Hot Dog

The opening song from Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water was the scourge of parents worldwide, its profanity-laden verses seeing Durst drop the f-bomb 49 times. Controversial, yes, but also the perfect way to kick up a storm in the mainstream media at the start of the album. This one comes from the Reznor/Durst beef. Hot Dog was the perfect clapback to Reznor dissing Durst and Fred even went as far as crediting Reznor as a songwriter, Bizkit lifted directly from Nine Inch Nails' Closer while openly mocking him throughout the track. Say what you want about Limp Bizkit, but the band could be brutal when it was time to step up to the plate. 

5: My Generation

It's almost inevitable that each new generation will face criticism from their forebears for hollowing out the spirit of society, a trope that stretches back to the 50s and possibly beyond. Limp Bizkit might have been on the nose in their reference to The Who's song of the same name (and subject), but Durst and co. had some justifiable gripes with how they were portrayed in the media, particularly following their experiences at Woodstock '99. My Generation was an anthem for exactly that, a disaffected generation of youth who were blamed for the decline of society while their elders brazenly ran the planet into the ground. 

4: Take A Look Around (Mission Impossible)

Durst was never shy about professing his love for movies (once stating he wanted to be "the only musician who puts true, good, original thoughts into music and into films that have a major impact worldwide"), so it makes sense he'd be well on board for a song which uses the Mission Impossible theme as its main motif, even moreso when considering it got inclusion on the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack. The single itself went on to become a huge hit in Europe, topping the charts in countries like Portugal and Iceland whilst achieving top 10 status elsewhere (including a no. 3 placing on the UK singles chart). It's a little goofy, but also perfect for Limp Bizkit at the height of their powers and frankly the beefed-up, metal take on Mission Impossible is everything you would hope it would be. 

3: Nookie

Fred Durst wasn't pretending he had any greater calling or drive with the first single from 1999's Significant Other, Nookie's chorus stating things plain and simple, he 'did it all for the nookie'. The song's straight-up obnoxiousness helped it crash-land into the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, peaking at No. 80. It's brash, it's dumb but to many it nonetheless represents Limp Bizkit's inexplicable charm and helped the band land a no. 1 album in the US in 1999. 

2: Break Stuff

A simple song fuelling the inner angst to drink up, party hard and say fuck the world and basically to break stuff. Break Stuff was the final line Limp Bizkit needed to cross to truly become superstars, one of the most important bands on the planet (for a hot minute, at least). The song hones the angst and aggression at the heart of Limp Bizkit's most aggro moments into a sub-three minute anthem that came to define the band more than anything else. Break Stuff's star-studded video (featuring everyone from Jonathan Davis and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea to Alec Baldwin, Dr. Dre and Eminem) also helped establish that Limp Bizkit were pop culture heavyweights, moving beyond the realms of mere music stardom. It also became a metal club staple, a mosh-call for every subsequent generation and such an inescapable force that chances are more metal fans know the opening verse of Break Stuff than the Lord's Prayer. It's just one of those days when you don't wanna wake up/Everything is fucked, everybody sucks'. We've all been there, Fred. 

1: Rollin'

Oh come on, I cannot put this any other space besides NUMBER 1. The first song I ever heard by Bizkit and best song Bizkit ever made, popular as fuck and people still do the dance motions to this day. Fred teaming with Undertaker also helped this song's popularity to mainstream. It topped the charts in the UK and Ireland, and made a decent showing elsewhere (including a no. 10 spot on the US Mainstream Rock charts, though only reached no. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100), released on the same day as My Generation to help Chocolate Starfish become an international smash. Its video featured Ben Stiller and has been streamed over 500 million times between Spotify and YouTube, such is its utterly colossal reach. To many, this song is Limp Bizkit. 

Does my list keep you rollin or did it make you break stuff?

Either way, leave me a comment or tag me on social media with your list.

Thanks for reading, stay shiny!

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!