Balor's Eye "Lorcan"

Lorcan, crafted by "Balor's Eye" is really something. From Baltimore, Maryland, this progressive metal band is redefining the term "Progressive metal band". Still a new, upcoming band having only formed March 2010, they are quickly making a name for themselves with the help of their label "Dark Harvest Records". One band I want to see go far.

I fell in love with the first track "Pissing Rainbows". Not only is that a side effect of eating too many Skittles, but what a cool track name! The song itself is really good. I wasn't expecting it to be instrumental though. I thought "It's the first track, some bands don't add vocals to the first track" but to my surprise, not a single word was spoken during this album. This is the point I am trying to make though. THIS ALBUM DOESN'T NEED VOCALS! (subtle, I know).

"Door Fuhrer" was an alright track. It was shorter than the rest and as good as it was, It didn't sound like the first one as much as I has hoped. It is still a good listen, but I think the following track is a hell lot better. This song does however, keep a good pace but progressively changes sound 3 to 4 times throughout.

The third track, "Lobotomy Please" is my favourite on this album. For starters, it's a nice long track and if you enjoy the whole thing and not get bored or distracted by butterflies whilst it's playing, then you know you're onto something brilliant. I also found myself thinking back to my point. it's instrumental, yet vocals couldn't keep up and would therefore ruin this fine piece of craftsmanship.

I think this is the point where you go out and buy "Balor's Eye".

The next three tracks which completes the 6 track album, are good. I enjoyed them a lot. I listened to them a few times and defiantly decided they are good. I recommend listening buying the album purely for "Pissing Rainbows" and "Lobotomy Please".

Slipknot On The Cover Of Kerrang Magazine Issue 1358 April 09 2011

This weeks issue of Kerrang, http://www.kerrang.com/, held a top 20 list of Slipknot songs, chosen by the Maggots (Slipknot fans) to celebrate Paul Gray's (Slipknot's bassist who died on 24th May 2010) birthday which is the 8th April.

Counting down from 20:
20: All Hope Is Gone
19: Purity
18: Disasterpiece
17: My Plague
16: Sulfer
15: Eyeless
14: Left Behind
13: Dead Memories
12: Vermillion
11: Duality
10: Before I Forget
09: Snuff
08: (Sic)
07: Psychosocial
06: The Heretic Anthem
05: Spit It Out
04: Pulse Of The Maggots
03: Surfaceing
02: People=Shit
01: Wait And Bleed

I actually can see why this list is in this order. I was surprised about "Duality" and "Before I Forget" but I am very pleased with "Wait And Bleed".

I recommend picking up this copy of Kerrang soon as it has new interviews about their songs from Corey Taylor and other members. Slipknot are on the cover. You can't possibly miss it with "Ok" and "Hello" either side of it on the shelf.

Slipknot are playing at "Sonisphere 2011, http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com" which is 7th - 10th July. Hope fully see you there.

Slipknot

There is one band that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Slipknot is the band that got me interested in metal. Corey Taylor's vocals are inspiring and I love the difference between songs. For example, "People=Shit (Iowa)" is a bit more violent than "Vermillion Part Two (Vol. 3)", yet I find he does both perfectly well. They have released four brilliant albums "Slipknot", "Iowa", "Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)" and their latest "All Hope Is Gone". They also released a demo album called "Mate, Feed, Kill, Repeat." I have yet to find words to describe how they have influenced me.

Between these four albums and a demo, they have created some brilliant tracks. I could go through them all but that would take a while and as this blog in mostly my opinion, I'd end up naming every song. We wouldn't want that now. So instead I'll do my best and narrow it into the top 3 in hope to make a guide for people slowly evolving into a "Maggot"(Slipknot Fan).

1. Spit It Out: Firstly, imagine this song on karaoke. Good luck to that guy! Secondly, It's the most unique Slipknot song (In my opinion), because Corey Taylor almost raps. It is so quickly spoken that I did look up the lyrics. It is 2 minutes and 39 seconds of pure brutality. It stops me in my tracks and I can't help but smile, shortly followed by a rather quick headbang. If I were to play one song to someone who was on the verg of becoming a metal head and I had to choose a song to complete their journey, it wouldn't be this one. You can't skip straight to the best track with Slipknot. You have to earn it, so I'd show them number 2.

2. (Sic): This song pretty much is what it says on the tin, SICK! This is an epic song with lyrics such as "Fuck this shit, I'm sick of it, you're going down, this is a war" (Need to change my pants due to epicness). It's quite a simple song with some brilliant vocals, amazing drumming and guitar. This song has earned it's way into my good book. I can't help but want to break something. This is quite a heavy song, but most enjoyable. If you want to know what Slipknot are about, listen to (Sic)!

3. Before I Forget: This actually won an award in 2004 in our mainstream society. Metal music has a tendency to avoid or not be played on the radio (Due to a high amount of "foul language") This track has powerful words which make me think of the basics, what we are, underneath the skin. I may be looking into it too much, but this song makes me think. I also get to enjoy a catchy riff and a great chorus! If I had the power, babies would have to listen to this upon arrival. "Out the womb, wash, towel, Slipknot, food, sleep, nappy change!"

I am a Slipknot fan as you may have noticed, but I believe that their words are stronger than mine. I recommend a listen. I actually have the Slipknot "S" tattooed on my arm. I wouldn't go that far without buying all the albums first. If you do enjoy them, hopefully you'll be joining me at "Sonisphere 2011, http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com" to see them on the Sunday. See you there