Pictures of Winter

Here’s a fine act out of my hometown area, Enfield, CT.

The video is kind of funny.  I think this band has a decent shot at going large if they keep it up.  You can check out more music at http://www.myspace.com/picturesofwinter.

With the amount of crap out there on the radio (cough K-rock cough), you can always turn to the local bands for something new and different.  POW seems to be inspired by the brutal Blood Has Been Shed, mixed in with some Zao, and the more melodic sounds of Shadows Fall.  This group is on the uprise, as they’ve improved musically since their first EP came out a couple years ago.

Remember, always support your local starving metal band!

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HM and GWAR

Kerry Livgren and Dio

Kerry Livgren of Kansas is a Christian and wrote some cutting songs. Here is where he teams up with Ronnie Dio. Take a listen. This song is intense. Livgren is probably one of the best song writers while Dio has probably the most distinctive voices.

Because I’m in that kind of mood…

Kemper Crabb and Artistry

Growing up, I received the magazine HM (Heaven’s Metal) as a gift from my Uncle Mike.  Towards the back of the magazine, there used to be an article (and it may still be there, I need to resubscribe to HM) called The Christian & Art.  These were always interesting articles that ran deeper then the typical interviews and album reviews throughout the rest of the magazine.  From spirtuality to artistry in the Christian life, he obviously knew what he was talking about.

So, after reading the HM editor’s blog on his site, he mentioned Kemper and sparked a flood of memories.  Curious to see how he is doing, I checked out his site: http:\\www.kempercrabb.net.  He is a pastor, and a worship leader traveling around with various messages and concerts. From the video here, his Christmas concert looks awesome:

Most notable was his solo album “The Vigil” which was appreciated by the likes of Kerry Livgren, SRV, and R. Wakeman.  Click here to order (and no, I’m not getting any money for this link).  Check out the reviews, nothing but solid admiration of this album.  I believe my Uncle had this one and spun it quite frequently back then.

He is also in the band Atomic Opera and Arkangel.

Basically, a man like Kemper seems to have no limits in creativity.  As a Christian, and especially as a musician, it is easy to become pigeon holed into one particular genre.  It is all too often rare that Christians are the ground breaking cutting edge individuals setting the standards for the arts and music.  Just listening to some of his music, I realize that I have a long way to go.

Yes, the Yellow and Black Attack!

For some reason my Pandora metal channel started playing a bunch of Christian metal.

First Disciple, then Tourniquet, and now…

….

STRYPER!!

Yeah, that’s right, I like the Yellow and Black Attack!

UPDATE:

Now some Bloodgood.  Yes, 80s metal it up!

Good Mosh I Had

Living Sacrifice was on.  Wow.  I felt like I was still in High School or something.  They played nothing but old songs, and it was like they didn’t take the last 5 years off.  They definitely stole the show.

The rest of the bands?  Not so good.

It Figures

I’ve been waiting to go to the Living Sacrifice concert for months, and now I am sick.  I have about 30 hours to get better.  I’ve been fighting this cold all week, and today I am feeling at my worst.

I don’t want to miss the show.  I rarely get a chance to go out anymore and this is going to be a fun man’s night out.

5 Years Now?

What has it been, like 5 years since I last saw Living Sacrifice?  That all changes this Saturday.  The best metal band will be coming to nearby Allentown, PA.

Unfortunately, the Mrs. will be skipping this one.  It will be fun, but it won’t be the same.

Neglect

I feel terrible.  I’ve been a neglectful person for weeks now.  Somewhere in the middle of April I lost touch with her and now I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me.  I walk past her everyday.  In fact, multiple times a day.  There she is, staring at me, leaning against my wall.  Beckoning.  In the past, I couldn’t resist her curves.  No way would I walk on by without a simple caress or touch.  Now?  Now it as if she is some cheap dime store hooker.  I barely blink when I see her staring at me.  She’s hurt, I know it.  I know to the deepest part of my soul.

I hear her on the radio.  She’s crying.  She’s upset.  Why oh why has he left me alone for so long?

This wasn’t intentional.  No way.  I have had a life long love affair with you.  I couldn’t see this coming myself.  We have been through so much together.  How could I do this to you?  You helped me through some of my darkest periods of life.  You were the wise counsel when things got hard.  I will never forget that.  You gave me so much enjoyment.  I have many memories of you, my dear.

I can’t just throw this away, can I?  The entire relationship just ended because of my lack of interest?  What kind of person am I?  Heartless.  Will she ever forgive me?  While life passes by, will we meet again in unity?  The memories flood my banks.  I love her, though I have despised her.  I miss her, though I pretend her very existence is false.

Well, after some thought.  After much thought, I have reached a decision.  I can no longer be alone like this.  I can no longer neglect the one I love.  For weeks now I have ignored her.  This ends today.  I will carry you in my arms.  I will touch you, my love.  You were my first love.

We will make more memories again, my friend.

We will make more music.

My guitar.