Crash's Daily Reader

[crash_override]

Ok so I say it's high and time for me to do one of these. Having been on MB for sometime now and enjoying every minute of it, I can't see myself going without my own journal thread for too much longer. I just hope people will look at it.

I'm not going to do this the way most people do, this thread is anything goes. So whatever I feel like posting I will post. Whether it's album reviews, youtube videos, compilations, rants, random thoughts, or pictures of whatever it will get posted here. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the ride.


First I'm going to start you off with a compilation of a band that doesn't get nearly enough love here on musicbanter. This band is a band that is very important to me. In the midst of all the metalcore crap that I have ever heard, nothing has stuck out as much as this band. Their southern rock/metalcore sound is one of the most rough, catchy, unique, and unforgettable I have ever heard. If you listen to this comp., please do me a favor, listen to it all the way through. Sometimes it takes a while to grow on people, I was in love in thirty seconds, I guess it depends on the person. Enjoy.

Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster


1. Caution Dangerous Curves Ahead
2. Memories of the Grove
3. Bang! The Witch is Dead
4. Plenty Strong and Plenty Wrong
5. Darkest of Kin
6. Gusty Like the Wind
7. Mind Of A Grimes
8. Lady at the Gate
9. Don't Ever Cross a Trowel
10. Tale of the Runaways


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[Alfred]

Well, I'll definitely be watching this thread. I'd download your Maylene comp, but alas, I'm already a huge fan.

[crash_override]

Originally Posted by Alfred

Well, I'll definitely be watching this thread. I'd download your Maylene comp, but alas, I'm already a huge fan.

Cool thanks man, I'm still waiting on your top 25 dammit.

Hopefully we can inspire a few more MATSOD fans around here.

[Unrelenting]

I'll be downloading that, being a big fan of metalcore.

[crash_override]

Ok, first of all thank you to everyone who checked out the MATSOD comp. If you you listened to it, I hope you enjoyed. Next entry is about a band I got into a couple years back but let pass by the wayside for a bit. I recently re-discovered them and now I realize that they are awesome. The band formed in Hertfordshire, England in 2003 and have released two ep's and one full length album on Tiny Evil records. I have posted some youtube videos below. They combine elements of Electronica, Post-Hardcore, Pop-punk, and Metalcore. Ladies and gentleman:

Enter Shikari

[crash_override]

Album Review

Haste The Day - Dreamer

With their fouth major release, Haste the Day has seemed to have gotten back to its roots. After straying into more commercial radio-friendly territory on their previous release, 2007's Pressure the Hinges, it seems as if the band has decided that's not were they want to be. While they do grow and show forward progression with the album, they at the same time, manage to put in bits and pieces of what made them famous in the first place. Stephen Keech has most definately settled in as the bands new front man and one can tell he's no longer concerned with filling the shoes of previous frontman Jimmy Ryan. This is Keech's band now, and he is doing his best to move the band forward in a possitive manner, while keeping their old school fans and the infamous Indy sceensters pleased. The album features less cheesy predictable breakdowns than previous releases, but still manages to advertise most of its vocal swaps between Keech's robust and front-heavy screams into guitarist Brennan Chaulks singing vocals fairly obviously. Instead, most parts that could be misconstrued as a breakdown take on a sort of progressive feel. Adding dynamics to songs rather than boring one to death with chugging. There is a fair amount of chug-a-lug on the album and it is complimented by none other than its best friend, double bass kicks. But hey, we're still talking about Haste The Day here they are still a metalcore band.

'68' is a great opening track that screams "We're back!" within seconds. They were obviously trying to send a message to their listeners and old fans who were not happy with the last release. 'Haunting' and 'Resolve' are both stand out tracks, keeping the mood of the album alive and kicking. Washing away any doubt that '68' may have left you with. 'Adult Tree' is one of the weaker tracks on the album, not enough to deter you from listening on, but does not stand up to the stature of the first three songs. 'Babylon' is one of my favorites on the album, nice and heavy with good undertones provided by Brennan and a great chorus melody. 'Invoke Reform' and 'Sons of the Fallen Nation' are two nice heavy tracks that follow nicely. Up to this point we still haven't heard anything too repetitive or overly generic. 'Labyrinth' is by far the biggest departure Haste The Day has ever done, it pulls a complete 180 on everything we have heard thus far, yet it adds to the album rather than take away. Just when it seemed like things were starting to get repetitive and bland, they throw in this indie-rock sounding gem and pull you right back into the mix. The intro to 'Porcelain' follows up the mellow track nicely, but the song soon explodes into complete madness and we are back rocking on another track that proves to sound like a real progression for the band. Progressive elements can be seen on this track, as they use dynamics very well to add more to the album yet again. 'Autumn' is the albums closing track. An acoustic piece that I saw performed by Brennan at of their shows a couple years back, I'm so glad to see this get recorded finally. Although it's slightly longer and changed a bit thanI remember it. It's a fantastic acoustic track that adds yet more dynamics to the record. 'Autumn' is the most stand out track on the entire album, and closes beautifully.

All in all I think this is one of HTD's best overall releases. Maybe even the best, next to When Everything Falls. But there's no denying that the band as travelled a long way and become a much more refined and in-touch band. This album pleases all.

8/10

[crash_override]

Crash's Song of The Day - 15 JUN 2009

Artist: Merle Haggard

Song: Workin' Man Blues

Album: A Portrait of Merle Haggard (1969)

A true American worksong circa 1969, Merle Haggard's raspy and down-home voice belts out the lyrics to to this workin mans ballad in a way that noone could argue that he doesn't mean every damn word of it. The truth in the song is clearly evident, the man relates to the hard working class of southern America in the 1960's. His tales of hard work, beer drinkin', and tough times are something that every coal miner, factory worker, and truck driver probably used as a crutch at one point in time. I grew up listening to my grandpa play this around the campfire, and I never realized the gravity of this song and how much of a reality it is for so many people.

The guitar work in the song is absolutelty stellar, as for traditional country guitar playing goes, you just don't get any better than this. The driving bass line keeps you grooving through the tune seamlessly, and the drums are faint but there enough to add the perfect feel to the song. The way the band comes together on this track is remarkable. Speaking in terms of traditional country, this song is perfect from start to finish, everything an old country fan ever could want from the genre.

I'm posting the video of a live performance because, well honestly Merle kicks ass live, and the instrumental breaks are incredible (ever try finger/sweep picking a tele?). I am also linking up the album version of the song so if you're interested, you can add it to your library.



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10/10 - Crash certified Must Have Track

[xTevinx]

I bought that Haste The Day album a bit ago, maybe a week after it came out.
A bit disappointing. Keech's screams leave me wanting something better. I bet the guy from Burden of A Day could do wonders for these guy.

[crash_override]

Originally Posted by xTevinx

I bought that Haste The Day album a bit ago, maybe a week after it came out.
A bit disappointing. Keech's screams leave me wanting something better. I bet the guy from Burden of A Day could do wonders for these guy.

Yeah I completely understand, I felt the same way the first time I heard 'Pressure the Hinges' but he improved alot on this album. He's no where near where Jimmy was when he left though, he's still the best in the business.

[Arya Stark]

Originally Posted by crash_override

Ok, first of all thank you to everyone who checked out the MATSOD comp. If you you listened to it, I hope you enjoyed. Next entry is about a band I got into a couple years back but let pass by the wayside for a bit. I recently re-discovered them and now I realize that they are awesome. The band formed in Hertfordshire, England in 2003 and have released two ep's and one full length album on Tiny Evil records. I have posted some youtube videos below. They combine elements of Electronica, Post-Hardcore, Pop-punk, and Metalcore. Ladies and gentleman:

Enter Shikari

Something unfortunate:

The band I quit last year is now opening for Enter Shikari. xD