HPGD 2014 - 40 track sampler

Find yourself some horror, some pain, some gore and some death among these 40 tracks.

Download the tracks at the name your price of $0.00 (or $6.66 if you so desire) at this link: https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/hpgd-2014-full-year-in-review-40-track-free-sampler

HPGD releases tons of metal and is located in Philly PA.

Find HPGD here: http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/indexmain.html

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Nots "We Are Nots" LP

NOTS

"We Are Nots"

Goner Records

Released: November 11, 2014

Nots are from Memphis Tennessee.

Nots blast through 11 songs in 27 minutes on "We Are Nots".

I love their DC, Post Punk, Spacey, driving noise punk rock. I hear hardcore-era Devo, vintage Sonic Youth and hardcore in Nots. This band kills.  

Check out their video of "Decadence" at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIcZBqTbbLE#t=89 and get your ass kicked.

Natalie Hoffmann (guitar), Charlotte Watson (drums), Madison Farmer (bass) and Alexandra Eastburn (synthesizer) have put together an amazing, creative and driving record. I love "We Are Nots". I love Nots. I sure hope I get the opportunity to see Nots live in the not to distant future.

Thank you Goner. Thank you Nots. 

Cheers,
Frank FOE

NOTS fb: https://www.facebook.com/memphisnots

Goner Records fb: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goner-Records/73295355242

The DiPaolos' 2014 Demo

The Di Paolos'

Di Paolo 13 - Bass, vocals, vandalism

Showtime at the Di Paolo - Drums, vocals

Di Paolo Creed - guitars, hand claps

Please give a listen to some friends of mine who got together in 2014 and recorded a demo. If you are from the Lehigh Valley PA, you know The DiPaolos' members. You have seen their previous bands. I've been in bands with them. You may have been in bands with them as well. 

They sent me their demo.

I asked them if I could share it with you.

They agreed.

Click the song title to listen/download.

"G.T.F.O."

"I Got Your Number"

"Money"

"News For You"

"Out With You"

The DiPaolos' hit my ears with a sound that I imagine the Original Sins might have created if they lived at 411 on the Southside of Bethlehem in the late 80s.

Stream. Download. Share. Enjoy.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Napalm Death "Cesspits"

NAPALM DEATH

"Cesspits"

Century Media

Napalm Death's next LP, "Apex Predator - Easy Meat" is due in early 2015.

I love Napalm Death.

I love seeing Napalm Death live.

"Apex Predator - Easy Meat" pre-orders are here: http://www.indiemerch.com/napalmdeath

Napalm Death have made "Cesspits" available for your listening pleasure via Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/napalm-death-cesspits/s-3PzUC

NAPALM DEATH & VOIVOD

Exhumed, Iron Reagan, Ringworm, Black Crown Initiate

Tue, February 3, 2015

Doors: 5:00 pm / Show: 5:30 pm

Union Transfer

Philadelphia, PA

See you in the pit February 3rd, 2015.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Vibrators "Punk Mania: Back to the Roots" LP

THE VIBRATORS

“Punk Mania: Back to the Roots”

Cleopatra Records

Released: September 16, 2014

One of the reasons I put effort into this blog is that I enjoy sharing my love of music with others. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction turning people on to the joy of music. Linked to this is the fact that I personally find it extremely difficult to keep up and even know about what is going on with all the bands and music I love.

Take "Punk Mania" for instance. I know the Vibrators were on tour and came relatively close to my area this fall. I couldn't make the two hour drive on a Monday night to get to their gig due to work, but I was aware of the gig in October. What I didn't know is that they had just released a new album. On December 20, 2014 I walked into Double Decker Records in Allentown and saw this and thought "WTF? Am I that far out of the loop?"

So here you go. If you didn't know, The Vibrators released yet another album. This one has some guest guitar work by UK Subs legend Nicky Garratt. Fourteen tracks of that comfortable, sounds like coming home, punk rock that the Vibrators are so good at creating. Influenced by punk, country, rock with the ability to be aggressive and put together a pop hook, the Vibrators (Knox, Pete, Darrell and Eddie) have strung together another great record.

"I Wish I Had A Gun", "Fix", "Blackout", "No Sweat", "Rats"... it's all good. Glad Knox and crew just keep them coming.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Vibrators fb: 

https://www.facebook.com/thevibratorsofficial

Vibrators: http://www.thevibrators.com/home.html

Cleopatra Records: http://www.cleopatrarecords.com/

Cannibal Corpse "A Skeletal Domain"

CANNIBAL CORPSE

“A SKELETAL DOMAIN”

Metal Blade Records

Released: September 16, 2014

Here is how this works.

Cannibal Corpse releases a record.

I buy it.

Whether I originally got it on cassette or CD or vinyl, I eventually upgraded to vinyl for all of them.

"A Skeletal Domain" is Cannibal Corpse's 13th LP. There are 14 in that picture and I know one of them is a double, so I think I'm doing OK. 

Cannibal Corpse really became one of my favorite bands with 1994's "The Bleeding", their 4th album. That record is still one of my all time favorite records. Cannibal Corpse is one of my "go to" bands. I can always go to Cannibal Corpse for that special cathartic release their music gives me. There are few bands that have logged more time in my ears than Cannibal Corpse. 

Check the video for "Kill or Become" from "A Skeletal Domain" at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAIX2vISe3M

I am not going to lie, when they get to the chorus of "Kill or Become", I get a nihilistic thrill:

Fire up the chainsaw

Hack all their heads off

Fire up the chainsaw

Hack their f&%$ing heads off

When it comes right down to it, Cannibal Corpse is just that, a consistent cathartic nihilistic release, that completely, creatively, rips. "A Skeletal Domain" is a classic, start to finish.

Cannibal Corpse visits Philadelphia PA at the TLA March 1, 2015.

See you in the pit.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Cannibal Corpse fb: https://www.facebook.com/cannibalcorpse
Cannibal Corpse Metal Blade: http://metalblade.com/cannibalcorpse/

Baptists "Bloodmines" Southern Lord

Baptists

"Bloodmines"

Southern Lord

Released: October 14, 2014

I loved the Baptists debut from early in 2013. Write up at this link: http://frankfoe.blogspot.com/2013/01/baptists-bushcraft-southern-lord-review.html

photo Ryan Walter Wagner

This second album continues the relentless punishment. Whether the Vancouver based Baptists are channeling swedish hardcore and metal at the same time (check "Wanting") or the Jesus Lizard and various Am Rep noise bands (check "Vistas") it is all a lovely pummeling frenzy of distortion, aggression and feedback. 

photo Ryan Walter Wagner

Check out their video for the title track here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2wNI5l1WVE

"Bloodmines" is a pleasurable aural assault that brings in many of my favorite influences into one amazing amalgamation.

Word Origin and History for amalgamation 

n.

1610s, noun of action from archaic amalgam (v.) "to alloy with mercury" (see amalgamate ).

Figurative, non-chemical sense of "a combining into one uniform whole" is attested from 1775.

Cheers

Frank FOE

Baptists FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BAPTISTS/111676572202547
Baptists Bandcamp: http://baptistssl.bandcamp.com/album/bloodmines
Southern Lord: http://www.southernlord.com/

Imagene Peise (Flaming Lips) "Atlas Eets Chrismas" (At Last It's Christmas)

Imagene Peise

(Flaming Lips)

"Atlas Eets Christmas'

(At Last It's Christmas)

Warner Brothers

Released: Record Store Day, November 28, 2014

"Atlas Eets Christmas" was previously released in a very limited quantity on CD under the pseudonym Imagene Peise (with a sticker that read "Love Is The Answer--Merry Christmas From The Flaming Lips 2007). This marks the first time these haunting takes on Christmas classics has been released on vinyl.

What you get with "Atlas Eets Christmas" is 12 haunting tracks, complete with faux vinyl pops, atypical musical sounds, unusual psychedelic arrangements, especially when listened to in the context of Christmas carols.

haunt·ing

adjective

poignant and evocative; difficult to ignore or forget.

"the melodies were elaborate and of haunting beauty"

synonyms: evocative, emotive, affecting, moving, touching, stirring, powerful; poignant, nostalgic, wistful, elegiac; memorable, indelible, unforgettable

Schroeder from the Charlie Brown Christmas (Vince Guaraldi) high on something, or maybe you can buy in to the following for a truly odd trip:

In a world full of mysterious and timely entities, no one could be more exotic or more relevant. Imagene Peise is believed to have lived for a short time in Tikrit, Iraq. Her exact birthday is unknown. She is rumored to be just 18 at the time of this recording. Her extraordinary talent as a master jazz pianist at such a young age should, alone, put her in the realm of the stellar.

Available here for the first time Ms. Peise's Atlas Eets Christmas is a strange and beautiful experience. Little is known of her musical and recording life. Most of what is known is shrouded in clouds of legend and smoke of myth. But what is clear is her expressive playing and her unique arrangements.

The Atlas Eets Christmas collection is said to be a rehearsal for a doomed or poorly recorded session. But what an inspired "doomed" session it turned out to be. The forgotten facts of the trio that accompanies her will perhaps be invisible to us forever. But, as we hear, Imagene is not the only musical star shining through. Ominog Bangh the synthesizer virtuoso (playing the outmoted The Laughing/Crying Glider Synthesizer) and Indian classical musician Shineyu Bhupal are obvious, added other-worldly treats.

Atlas Eets Christmas stands as a missed opportunity. It's uncanny coincidence of a Middle Eastern talent embracing such American themes (jazz piano, Silver Bells and Winter Wonderland) as we know now, are glimpses of a future that was never to be. With her powerful message of kindness and peace we can only imagine if Ms. Peise had become an international star her influence could have, in some other space and time, prevented the current apocalyptic environment.

We can not know if her story is truly triumphant or sad. She is rumored to have committed suicide in 1978. But if she really is gone from this world in the physical sense then she is gloriously hovering above us in the metaphysical dimension as a source of sublime pleasure and reassurance anytime we need her. By playing this CD she is reanimated and we are once again comforted by her loving vision.

Either way, a great record.

Merry Christmas

Frank FOE

Flaming Lips: http://www.flaminglips.com/

Flaming Lips FB: https://www.facebook.com/flaminglips

Obituary "Inked In Blood" Relapse

OBITUARY

"Inked In Blood"

Relapse Records

Released: October 28, 2014

I got to see Obituary live on October 11, 2013. It was an amazing show. Follow this link for my write up: http://frankfoe.blogspot.com/2013/10/obituary-in-wind-gap-pa-oct-11-2013.html

"Inked In Blood" is Obituary's 9th studio album. 

As of this moment, "Inked In Blood" is battling Eyehategod (follow this link for my review http://frankfoe.blogspot.com/2014/05/eyehategod-housecore-records.html) for favorite record of the year.

I got to spend record store day with Dave "Wolf" Weston. As we traveled to various record stores in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, I looked forward to playing Obituary's "Inked In Blood" for Wolf, as we share a common love for this type of metal and I hoped to turn him on to Obituary's latest... well, he already knew and thus we spent the 50 minutes that is "Inked In Blood", expounding, a word which here means "presenting and explaining the theory or idea in systematical detail", the level of greatness that is "Inked In Blood". 

The riffs, production, packaging, song structures, percussion intricacies, overall energy, sound and power all contribute to a brilliant record. I don't care (see what I did there?) that this is their 9th album, this is their strongest in my mind. Sure, drop the  needle, blast the digital sound in your car or through your computer, I will suggest that you experience this one at loud volume with headphones snugly fit on your head, with the lights out. Obituary packs so much detail in their sound and production that you really don't want to miss anything. You'll want to capture the drum recording's full effect in this manner. Seriously. There are parts in these songs that "kill", a word which here means "to get a powerful amount of positive feedback, popularized by Manowar", so says the Urban Dictionary. 

I am so fascinated with this record that I want to see them live just playing this record. Normally, everyone wants to see the band play their hits and when a new album comes out, they dread being tormented with new songs. Hell no. Luckily I saw them last year. I saw the classics. I want to see all these songs live.

I already treasure this record. I have listened to "Inked In Blood" relentlessly (estimate I have listened to the entire album over 30 times in the last month and a half). I believe I will listen to this record for the rest of my life.

If you purchase the vinyl, don't forget to use the digital download code as it includes two additional, non-vinyl tracks, "Intoxicated" and "Bloodsoaked".

Thank you Obituary.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Obituary: http://www.obituary.cc/

Obituary FB: https://www.facebook.com/ObituaryBand

Relapse Records: http://www.relapse.com/

Obituary is:

John Tardy  - Vocals (1984-current)

Trevor Peres - Guitar (1984-current)

Donald Tardy - Drums (1984-current)

Terry Butler - Bass (2010-current)

Kenny Andrews - Guitar(2012-current)

Focus Resources Reflection

Focus Resources Reflection

The problem with being focused on a goal or task is that it creates an imbalance.

Allocating too many of the scarce resources (time, energy, money etc...) in a specific area creates a weakness in the areas of inattention.

Reflection helps keep the imbalance from growing into an unmanageable mess.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Society Sucker 7"

Society Sucker

"Society Sucker" 7"/download

Get This Right Records

Released: September 16, 2014

Being in my very late 40s, the first thing I think of when I hear "Society Sucker" is Agnostic Front. AF has had a major impact on my life since the the early 80s. "Society Sucker" is of course one of Agnostic Front's greatest songs.

Keeping that hardcore history in mind, if you name your band Society Sucker, you have to bring the goods, else you open yourself up to some pretty harsh rips. 

No worries. North Carolina based Society Sucker, brings the hardcore brutality. As an old hardcore guy, I appreciate this and love this record. The band is also influenced by later hardcore and metal, even using that upside down cymbal breakdown initiator thing that bands used in the 90s/00s before they hit the groove mosh. The Steven Kulesza artwork even has a Sean Taggart feel.

Give it a listen at their bandcamp page: http://societysucker.bandcamp.com/

Society Sucker is built for extricating and relieving what ails you, at least temporarily. This is "dance music", if you will. Expertly crafted and recorded to provide for the ritualistic cathartic release of your poison. 

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Society Sucker fb: https://www.facebook.com/societysucka
Get This Right Records fb: https://www.facebook.com/gtrrecords

Record Store Day November 28 2014

I love record store day.

I love any day I get to browse through the racks of a record store.

Follow this link to find out the entire release list: http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases

The following are what I consider the ten most desirable records from the November 28, 2014 "Black Friday' record store day list:

Joey Ramone

Christmas Spirit... In My House

DETAILS

Format: 10" Vinyl

Label: Sanctuary

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

Originally released in 2002, this 5 song Joey Ramone holiday EP is a must for fans of Joey, The Ramones or holiday music in general. Never before available on vinyl, this red 10" EP includes "Merry Christmas", "Spirit In My House" and "What a Wonderful World."

Ronnie James Dio/Dio & Friends

Dio and Friends Stand Up and Shout For Cancer

DETAILS

Format: 12" Picture Disc

Label: Rhino

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund was formed in honor of the legendary singer who lost his life to stomach cancer, and is dedicated to supporting cancer prevention research, raising awareness and educating the public about early detection and prevention. Proceeds from this release benefit the fund.

Track List:

SIDE A "Neon Knights" – Anthrax, "Rainbow In The Dark" - Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci, Jason Christopher, "Straight Through The Heart" – Halestorm SIDE B "Neon Knights" – Ronnie James Dio (live) "Rainbow In The Dark" – Dio (live) "Straight Through The Heart" – Dio (live)

South Park

James Cameron/My Bitch Ain't No Hobbit

DETAILS

Format: 7" Picture Disc

Label: Comedy Central

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

7" picture disc featuring South Park characters. Both tracks were performed on the TV show. "My Bitch Ain't No Hobbit" is a parody of Kanye West's "Bound 2"

Track List:

"James Cameron"/"My Bitch Ain't No Hobbit"

The Flaming Lips

Imagene Peise--Atlas Eets Christmas

DETAILS

Format: 12" Vinyl

Label: Warner Bros. 

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

Atlas Eets Christmas was previously released in a very limited quantity on CD under the pseudonym Imagene Peise (with a sticker that read "Love Is The Answer--Merry Christmas From The Flaming Lips 2007). This marks the first time it will be released on vinyl.

Track List:

SIDE A: "Winter Wonderland", "Silver Bells", "Christmas Laughing Waltz (including Jingle Bells)", "Silent Night", "Atlas Eets Christmas" SIDE B: "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "White Christmas (Binson Echorec Sleigh Ride)", "Frosteeeeee", "Christmas Kindness Song", "Merry Christmas to You"

The Afghan Whigs

Gentlemen at 21

DETAILS

Format: 12" Vinyl

Label: Rhino/Elektra

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

The original record's 11 tracks, remastered. In addition, includes all original eight demos for the album, recorded at John Curley's Ultrasuede studio space in Cincinnati and are previously unreleased. The bonus material also includes the original Debonair b-sides, including "Mr. Superflow" and a cover of the southern blue-eyed soul classic "Dark End Of The Street", along with three songs recorded live for KTCL in Denver, previously issued on the What is Jail Like EP. The set comes packaged with a faithful reproduction of the original sleeve art and its striking front cover image, an homage to Nan Golden's iconic "Nan and Brian in Bed, New York City." Limited edition 3 LPs, packaged with reproductions of promotional items from the original 1993 release, including 1 of 5 different 8x10 B&W promo photos, a 2x5 sticker w/the Afghan Whigs "STAX" logo and the famous "Do Not Disturb" plastic doorhanger.

Track List:

Side 1  "If I Were Going", "Gentlemen", "Be Sweet", "Debonair", "When We Two Parted", "Fountain and Fairfax" Side 2 "What is Jail Like", "My Curse", "Now You Know", "I Keep Coming Back", "Brother Woodrow/Closing Prayer" Side 3 (the Demos) "If I Were Going", "Gentlemen", "Be Sweet", "Debonair", "When We Two Parted", "Fountain and Fairfax" Side 4 (the Demos) "What is Jail Like", "My Curse", "Now You Know", "I Keep Coming Back", "Brother Woodrow" Side 5 "Little Girl Blue", "Ready", "Mr. Superlove", "The Dark End of the Street" Side 6 "What Jail Is Like", "Now You Know", "My World Is Empty Without You/I Hear A Symphony"

Dead Milkmen
Big Lizard in My Backyard

DETAILS
Format: 12" Colored Vinyl
Label: Asbestos
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Philadelphia's legendary clown princes of punk rock's infamous debut record featuring one of the weirdest hit songs in the 80's ... Bitchin' Camaro. 2900 translucent yellow and 100 green vinyl copies randomly selected and shipped.

The Ramones

Morrissey Curates The Ramones

DETAILS

Format: 12" Vinyl

Label: Rhino/Sire

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

Morrissey, being a big Ramones fan, particularly of the early years, had always wanted to compile a "best of" album and this year he got his wish. This compilation reflects Morrissey's experience of listening to the band for the first time. With the sad passing of Tommy recently, both management and Morrissey felt this was a fitting tribute. The use of the Union Jack on the cover reflects both how important the band were to the UK music scene but also how the UK embraced them and their sound. The photo on the back cover by Danny Fitzgerald is evocative of the period and was selected by Morrissey.

Husker Du

Warehouse: Songs and Stories

DETAILS

Format: 12" Vinyl

Label: Rhino/Warner Bros.

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

Reissue of Husker Du's 1987 sixth and final studio album on Neon Green and Neon Yellow vinyl.

Track List:

Vinyl 1 Side A: "These Important Years"; "Charity, Chastity, Prudence, and Hope"; "Standing in the Rain"; "Ice Cold Ice" Side B: "You're A Soldier"; "Could You Be The One?";  "Too Much Spice"; "Friend, You've Got To Fail"; "Visionary"; "She Floated Away" Vinyl 2 Side A: "Bed of Nails"; "Tell You Why Tomorrow"; "It's Not Peculiar"; "Actual Condition"; "No Reservations" Side B: "Turn It Around"; "She's A Woman (And Now He Is A Man)"; "Up In The Air"; "You Can Live At Home"

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

DETAILS

Format: Book

Label: Blackheart Records

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

The flexi-cover Joan Jett book, designed by Todd Oldham, chronicles all aspects of Joan's career and passions through images--from forming The Runaways to her years with her band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the book features never-before-seen photos, ephemera and excerpts from thirty years worth of interviews, carefully curated by Joan herself. The 7" single contains previously unreleased live versions of classic Joan Jett tracks.

Track List:

"Bad Reputation (live) feat. Pat Smear" "You Don't Know What You've Got (live)" "TMI (live)" "Cherry Bomb (live)"

Fishbone

Truth and Soul

DETAILS

Format: 12" Colored Vinyl

Label: Asbestos

Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

More Info:

The ground breaking ska-punk-funk-rock-metal record that made Fishbone international stars gets a reissue on vinyl for the first time since 1988. 2900 Cherry red and 100 random green copies produced.

Cheers,
Frank FOE