tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17243053313118952282012-01-30T01:18:23.119-05:00Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.comBlogger1931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-61439493582652037362012-01-30T01:13:00.001-05:002012-01-30T01:18:23.129-05:00

I effing love Red Fang... and I love that they cleverly managed to add a product placement to the intro of their latest "high" concept video, all while exposing one of my favorite male behaviors - showering and getting tanked at the same time. Stranger on the L Train; photo by me.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-30960824102369093152012-01-10T21:03:00.001-05:002012-01-11T09:27:21.131-05:00

This guy! Tough as it is to admit, I'm pretty damn bored with metal these days. My first clue was when I compiled my Best Of 2011 album list and realized all the bands' logos were easily decipherable. Then I noticed that I only recognized about two thirds of the acts friends and colleagues were name-checking on Twitter, and worse still, I didn't give a shit enough to look up the remaining ones

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-67283525876441976572011-12-08T11:37:00.000-05:002011-12-08T11:37:31.870-05:00

This is not a purely metal list, just records that really stuck out for me in 2011. 1. The Kills - Blood Pressures - Ridiculously sensual, bluesy, diva-esque. This record is exquisite. 2. Pentagram - Last Rites - Groovy doom goodness. Metal in its most classic form. 3. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light - The first Foo album I've ever enjoyed. Undeniable hooks. 4. Mastodon - The Hunter - Far more

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-56605691392966702652011-11-02T23:01:00.002-04:002011-11-02T23:04:24.603-04:00

My bros at MetalSucks.net are throwing their inaugural full-scale music festival, The Metal Suckfest. Set to go down this weekend at New York City's Gramercy Theatre, the two-night affair will feature headliners Municipal Waste and Cynic, plus heavyweights like God Forbid, Today is the Day, Obscura, The Red Chord, Black Tusk, Fight Amp and a ton of others. And unlike most music festivals, this

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-77398885506758097922011-10-09T10:55:00.000-04:002011-10-09T10:55:24.077-04:00

 

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-82058114701388301922011-10-06T00:21:00.004-04:002011-10-09T10:56:11.914-04:00

Click for larger view. At this point, it's fair to say I've been to a lot of concerts. After recently watching the Wetlands Preserved documentary and finding it difficult to recall a specific highlight from the blur of shows I attended at the eponymous club, I challenged myself to come up with the top five favorite concerts of my youth without reference or research, completely biased by the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-81568937373736425392011-09-30T15:31:00.000-04:002011-09-30T15:31:23.670-04:00

Too sweet not to share. I'm sure all parents who had the misfortune of burying their child would want their memories to live on, internationally revered, immortal in their convictions and talent. This one's for you, Cliff. Can't believe it's been a quarter of a century since your passing.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-81917713558503783722011-09-23T13:32:00.001-04:002011-09-23T13:38:54.071-04:00

On Monday, I had no plans to see Opeth and Katatonia over their two-night stint at Webster Hall. But the latter's publicist made me an offer I couldn't refuse... so there I was, interviewing Katatonia for HighTimes.com backstage during the headliner's set when one of my most beloved songs, "Face of Melinda," began. In my head, I kept thinking, 'It's OK, you've seen them do it live before.' But

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-90001838095216780352011-09-21T11:46:00.001-04:002011-09-21T11:49:09.294-04:00

It still blows my mind that a week ago today, I witnessed Slayer live at Yankee Stadium. It's been a few years since they toured through medium-sized venues, and I'm not a huge fan of arenas. Yankee Stadium, though? That was history in the making. And though everyone is surely sick of Big Four coverage, I just couldn't help posting this drum-cam view video. Look at all those metalheads! BTW:

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-29505111542976077102011-09-19T23:56:00.002-04:002011-09-20T00:10:27.507-04:00

The Melvins @ Emo's Outside, 11/17/06. Photo by Mikey Brick Even though it's roughly 1,500 miles away from New York City, Austin's Emo's club has always felt like a second home. Located on Sixth Street and Red River, the music venue has been the linchpin of the downtown scene since 1992, with a large outdoor space (replete with smoke-friendly bleachers) connected to a smaller indoor club via

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-4928786573524595892011-09-16T13:49:00.007-04:002011-09-20T00:25:13.979-04:00

I probably talked shit about Metallica for a full week before the Big Four concert at Yankee Stadium, even though I'd long secured a good seat for the show. And damn it, I felt entitled to. No band—not even U2—have managed to pull such an incredible 180-degree about-face in their values and ethos. Believe me, I fully affirm Metallica's capitalist right to go modern-day DIY and fly their own G5

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-65540764620607938212011-09-08T21:07:00.000-04:002011-09-08T21:07:23.135-04:00

Photo by Samantha Marble As much as I love the instant gratification of digital media, there really is nothing like seeing your name in print. And though I've kept busy reviewing records and doing the occasional filler piece, it's been a while since I had time to write a full page worth of copy.  What got me out of my slump was one of my favorite all-time bands, Eyehategod. Though nothing

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-66760977174866831962011-07-07T01:04:00.007-04:002011-07-07T10:13:31.886-04:00

Full disclosure: I started this post on June 20, but became distracted by a number of things (finally slaying my EHG story and celebrating my birthday, plus other necessary deterrents) before focusing on finishing my half-year list of favorite releases. The list doesn't pertain to any one genre and like my Kurt Vonnegut asshole, it's uniquely my own. With that, enjoy... 1. The Kills - Blood

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-83418202353649879362011-06-06T19:03:00.001-04:002011-06-06T19:04:13.193-04:00

DOING IT RIGHT.  Black Dahlia Murder's press shot for Ritual, due June 21. ALL WRONG. iwrestledabearonce Ruining It For Everybody.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-17278067132469782032011-06-05T23:43:00.000-04:002011-06-05T23:43:13.011-04:00

International Day of Slayer, which falls on June 6, 2011, is a lot like Groundhog's Day. Both are based on antiquated traditions that are almost entirely passe, after all. Yet I can't help but get behind the spirit of something so raw and sophomoric. Therefore, in honor of this great 666 event, I dedicate my favorite chill-inducing song by the 30-year-old band to Ms. Merilee 666 and BBD Black.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-40166362804661186292011-05-21T14:51:00.002-04:002011-05-21T14:55:03.102-04:00

Yes, we're all going to die. Though I'm not really sure it'll happen exactly at 6pm today (which time zone are we working with, btw?). But just in case, I created a soundtrack to go out with that starts off heavy then gets a little groovy at the end. Fuck it, might as well bow out shaking your asses. You're all quite welcome.  Doomsday Playlist, Vol. 1 "Don't Open 'Til Doomsday" - The Misfits

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-36080999901409749502011-05-11T22:01:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:37:47.505-04:00

My boo 4 life (and friend of 16 years), Leon Del Muerte, has been in a million bands. OK, maybe not a million, but he's played bass for Intronaut, Impaled, Exhumed, Murder Construct, Phobia—plus a host of other projects. Yet he only just appeared in his first music video. The lucky outlet? D.I.S. (Destroyed in Seconds), his crusty-punk/grind hybrid. So without further adieu, kindly check out

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-28981033950839929902011-05-09T23:09:00.002-04:002011-05-09T23:24:28.960-04:00

Flash Designs by Studio 13 in Wayne, IN Friday the 13th is quickly becoming to tattoo junkies what April 20 is to stoners—a silly, irresistible annual celebration of their addictions. An ever-expanding worldwide phenomenon that involves tattoo parlors offering one-day specials of 13-themed flash pieces for $13 (though usually, the customer is expected to shell out change from a $20 for the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-68237719905821863182011-05-04T23:13:00.000-04:002011-05-04T23:13:06.982-04:00

Check out "Ordsmedar Av Rang" courtesy of Noisecreep.com and act like you know.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-51062087332131281052011-05-03T16:54:00.000-04:002011-05-03T16:54:14.330-04:00

This one's pretty self-explanatory. Songs get stuck inside my head all the time - everything from old PSA jingles to Top 40 songs I don't remember consciously listening to (ah, the gift and the curse of the day job). But the following three are my brain's go-to's. With good reason. 1. Dead Weather's "The Difference Between Us" - the hottest psycho chick song of all time. 2. Turbonegro's "

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-21803762426648203422011-04-22T15:40:00.000-04:002011-04-22T15:40:38.532-04:00

Gotta love their thoughtful seasonal planning... and all that adorable blasphemy! Order your limited edition shirt here, but be careful about wearing it to church.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-13239334234019300742011-04-21T22:33:00.007-04:002011-04-21T23:29:56.419-04:00

A friend of mine recently put me on to Halestorm's new covers EP, ReAniMate, which features an eclectic (read: terrible) selection of tracks, including Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and Temple of the Dog's "Hunger Strike." And though their ballsy take on Guns N Roses' "Out Ta Get Me" is rather enjoyable, the most dumbfounding inclusion is their version of Heart's "All I Wanna Do (Is Make Love To You

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-75227663441322278662011-03-25T18:17:00.001-04:002011-03-25T18:19:55.501-04:00

...They're gonna have to spread my ashes on Red River between Sixth and Seventh Streets in Austin. The SxSW recap is coming. Promise. Outside Emo's | Photo by Tim Griffen; stolen from BrooklynVegan.com

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-67236263016857769592011-03-20T11:45:00.002-04:002011-03-21T01:26:12.804-04:00

The inevitable happened. I fell behind on posting to fit in some much-needed sleep between seeing shows and having a week-long slumber party with some of my favorite ladies on Earth. And, because the High Times Doobie Awards fall on a Sunday this year, there's a built-in bonus day of Shiners at noon and loud bands all day. If you're in Austin, get your asses down to Emo's this afternoon for a

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-30993095871271191312011-03-19T14:19:00.000-04:002011-03-19T14:19:52.355-04:00

One of the most annoying that can happen after carefully planning out your daily band-seeing strategy at SxSW is a time change. Especially if you're not in the vicinity of a venue AFTER you've heard an act you really want to see is going on almost an hour early, and you're still headed downtown. Just such a thing happened yesterday when organizers of Full Metal Texas (an otherwise spectacular

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-25062515977970955022011-03-17T13:20:00.003-04:002011-03-17T14:09:52.359-04:00

Let's just call them the dirty dozen... the first 12 bands I saw at this year's South by Southwest, that is. The first day, as always, was a study in controlled chaos, with badge acquisitions, cell phone service checks (Hey Verizon, if the incredible iPhone service keeps up, I might name a child after you) and meet-ups to check in to. And then there's the inevitable Brooklyn Vegan showcase to

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-59654514300960563712011-03-16T02:37:00.001-04:002011-03-16T02:48:23.222-04:00

1. Metal With no less that FOUR showcases masterminded by Brooklyn Vegan's Black Bubblegum and 1000 Knives, plus the Converse/Thrasher parties at the Scoot Inn, Full Metal Texas and Metal Sucks' South by South Death affair (and that's not including actual label showcases), it'll be pretty hard to ignore all the glorious blast beats and feedback coming at you. I look forward to seeing bands like

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-17817507079633189902011-03-10T00:21:00.003-05:002011-03-10T00:24:14.847-05:00

I get why the kids don't dig Slayer these days. They're not kvlt, the speed records they set in the '80s have long been surpassed by bands with four-word names, and one can't deny that they're quickly turning into the AC/DC of thrash. Yet it's hard for me to think of any other song besides "War Ensemble" that gets my heart racing in the same way, inducing goosebumps even after its 1,000th spin.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-34668775378364581832011-03-03T23:06:00.000-05:002011-03-03T23:06:07.848-05:00

 If I were creating an eyeshadow inspired by Motorhead, I think I'd go with a glossy black creme, the kind that Taylor Momsen would smear over her Living Dead Doll eyes. M.A.C. Cosmetics chose to go another route when they bequeathed the name. The brand's version of Motorhead—part of their limited-edition Jeanius collection—is described as "a midtone dirty blue with copper pearl." Get yours now!

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-67820210297851448752011-03-02T21:10:00.002-05:002011-03-02T21:19:04.708-05:00

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Westboro Baptist Church's right to protest at a soldier's private funeral has infuriated me to the point of physical pain. As someone who thoroughly relishes their freedom of speech, it kills me that this "church"—this blasphemous, hateful, attention-whoring collective waste of human organs—enjoys the same rights as the family of a child who died for

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-13335299758184539502011-03-01T22:11:00.003-05:002011-03-02T20:50:26.355-05:00

Now that I've pried myself away from the latest Charlie Sheen meme, I'm settling in to start on one of my most dreaded tasks ever: transcribing. But it's all worthwhile, since it's for a feature on Eyehategod. Besides getting them a much-deserved full page in High Times, it presented an opportunity for me have a good long chat with frontman Michael Williams, someone I've admired ever since my

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-84305005730118720762011-02-08T17:50:00.000-05:002011-02-08T17:50:49.884-05:00

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-58053804661957416382011-02-02T23:43:00.002-05:002011-02-03T00:17:19.588-05:00

 OK, this has been out for a few weeks now, but I haven't had a chance to let it marinade. I love Louisville's Young Widows. They're austere, noisy yet unfussy, and completely reminiscent of the best AmRep fuckfest you've never heard. And it's been way too long since 2008's Old Wounds. So I'm thrilled that they've released "Future Heart," the first song from their forthcoming album, In and Out

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-11505743493475035562011-02-02T11:38:00.000-05:002011-02-02T11:38:29.114-05:00

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-78306715531012484672011-01-31T22:15:00.000-05:002011-01-31T22:15:55.600-05:00

I still hate beards and beardos, but there's something so primal and sexy about Christian Bale's scruffy, long-haired combo. That award? For hotness.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-57399881971397903902011-01-30T22:45:00.004-05:002011-01-30T22:56:52.330-05:00

I've long accepted that rappers are the new rock stars, but how dare they also take the throne for dumb tattoos away from the hesher/beardo crowd? Below is a photo of T-Pain's new Facebook tattoo. This comes on the heels of the whole Gucci Mane ice cream tattoo fiasco. What the hell is going on here, people? Below: a favorite I took of a fine red-haired Caucasian specimen on the L train (duh).

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-26037194362094446462011-01-25T00:11:00.001-05:002011-01-25T13:03:47.156-05:00

I tend to watch a lot of documentaries. Whether the subject is Joan Rivers, Banksy or even a font (2007's Helvetica), I'm usually riveted enough to stay put for the 90 or so minutes it takes for the subject to be analyzed and expounded upon fully. And, much to my delight, a bevy of quality documentaries focusing on various aspects of heavy metal have come out during the past couple of years.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-72537997472023645232011-01-20T00:54:00.000-05:002011-01-20T00:54:37.467-05:00

I was lucky enough to score tickets for the third installment of Prince's "Welcome 2 America" tour at Madison Square Garden last night. Better than the second show, but still not quite as transcendent as the first, the legend played for nearly three hours and was joined onstage by the incredible Sharon Jones (plus some Dap Kings) and jazz musician Maceo Parker. Though he did play deep-cut

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-89547391144525247482011-01-09T14:49:00.000-05:002011-01-09T14:49:33.504-05:00

Got some really sad news this morning. Merilee 666's beloved dog, Bacon, was hit by a car and killed last night. So sad. He was such a quiet, chill pup who lived to play the game, "Oops, Did My Toy Fall in the Pool?" for hours. So full of energy and love, he was only three. He and his big black eyes will be deeply missed.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-63066054475039411512011-01-05T19:42:00.003-05:002011-01-05T21:51:23.183-05:00

Yesterday would have been Pete Steele's 49th birthday. Almost fitting that this tribute should come a day too late, given his lifelong glass-completely-empty outlook. Still hard to believe he's gone. Hope you found your peace; you'll always be a Brooklyn legend. I was probably at this show. Viva, L'amours. (Watch 'til the end for all his witty heavily-accented banter.) And for all you younger

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-32844685419173417812011-01-04T21:56:00.003-05:002011-01-04T22:14:58.052-05:00

Shortly after compiling my final year-end lists, it came to my attention that there were some glaring omissions. Nowhere did I mention what might be the record I actually played the most last year—Iggy & The Stooges' Live at Richards, Atlanta, GA - October 1973. Part of 2010's Legacy reissue of Raw Power, the live CD captures Iggy Pop & co. at their nihilistic best, taunting and titillating the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-72852369764189391352010-12-26T22:34:00.000-05:002010-12-26T22:34:06.649-05:00

R.I.P. Teena Marie, R&B Soul Songstress And something a little more recent...

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-54973188973748965562010-12-26T22:19:00.000-05:002010-12-26T22:19:15.804-05:00

My dear buddy Jimmy Palmiotti let me take over his Sexy Monday column this week. Check it out right here. And enjoy the outtake below.  

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-39887972100897306372010-12-20T01:15:00.018-05:002011-01-04T22:11:09.199-05:00

I totally missed the memo about Agalloch*. And Watain. Instead, I spent my year fixating on ragged gentlemen with vampire obsessions (#2 & #3), a hearty batch of comeback kids (#1, #4, #10), and one incredible guilty pleasure (#10). Without any further adieu, here are my Top 20 Albums of 2010 & Then Some. [Important addendum HERE.] *For the record, I don't dislike Agalloch. They just take too

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-9857283046408278912010-12-15T20:34:00.000-05:002010-12-15T20:34:22.788-05:00

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-63756372228384496582010-12-13T01:23:00.004-05:002010-12-13T20:45:46.821-05:00

Am I the only one offended by Tommy Lee's choice of the font Papyrus? So 1995. I am glad, however, that he remembered the umlauts in Motley Crue because proper branding and consistency are important. Drummers can be so dumb. Click on the letter to read it in full size. P.S.: I read The Dirt. You've totally done sicker shit. Courtesy of TMZ.com

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-44141379452324145892010-12-10T01:22:00.000-05:002010-12-10T01:22:51.308-05:00

Like it or not, we're surrounded by the holidays. Beyond the insipid music and under-tipping anxiety, there's also the bombardment of ads for all forms of shlocky gifts. We're not even safe from the metal bands we know and love. Here's proof. Slayer Christmas OrnamentOne can only imagine that any tr00 fan would smash this ornament in half and carve Slayer's name into their forearm. Almost as

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-32359640988410321562010-12-07T00:51:00.001-05:002011-01-04T22:13:19.791-05:00

It was easy to rattle off my top four shows of 2010, but after that it became a real struggle to sort out which live experiences were so satisfyingly exalting that they left an indelible impression. Plus all these concerts had last year's bounty (NIN, Jesus Lizard, St. Vitus), and SxSW '09 to compete with. And it wasn't due to lack of attendance, either. It pains me to say it, but Iron Maiden's

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-58290288713739674482010-12-01T23:03:00.003-05:002010-12-02T08:14:15.836-05:00

When Steve Blush's acclaimed book American Hardcore: A Tribal History was first published in 2001, no one could have imagined the minute subdivisions in music and subsequent bastardization of the genre's suffix that were to come. (I mean, really, crabcore?) The oral history recounts days of raw punk rock created as a response to the bleak world view of the Reagan years, not an era of vapid

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-27796904035369237002010-11-08T23:27:00.010-05:002010-11-08T23:50:22.548-05:00

There's just something about subversion that really gets me going—especially when it's on a corporate dime like Nike's. So news that Wu-Tang Clan's beloved RZA remixed Savannah, GA's dirtbag metallers Black Tusk was certainly intriguing, even if it did take a few minutes to wrap my brain around. The collaboration was created as a soundtrack for the RZA vs. Nike 6.0 video series (in this case,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-26374163635419617622010-11-04T00:50:00.004-04:002010-11-04T08:52:10.340-04:00

I was good for what, two consecutive days, before I took an unscheduled leave of absence? The last few weeks have been pretty packed with New York Comic Con, CMJ, family commitments and day job activities, so there's sadly been a slowdown of posts. But some things, like NYCC, just can't be denied... so here goes. The fifth annual convention has quickly become a destination event for thousands

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-18992196589892841112010-10-05T23:43:00.004-04:002010-10-06T11:18:53.505-04:00

It's been a banner week for dumb shit. Just when I got done reeling from the auto-tune awesomeness of Vampires Everywhere!'s "Immortal Love," another fantastic impossible-to-ignore piece of cross-marketing synergy via Live Nation came through my inbox like a brown baby boy. The concept is simple: Anberlin members Joey and Christian have agreed to be tattooed with a design created by two of

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-44819253610903846572010-10-04T23:55:00.003-04:002010-10-05T08:52:41.720-04:00

Observations and facts based on an otherwise very pleasant press release I received: 1. The above is apparently a real band. 2. They're called Vampires Everywhere! (They somewhat inconsistently use the notated exclamation point.) 3. They just signed with Century Media, making them label mates with Naglfar and Napalm Death. 4. They make the Horrors look quite butch. 5. They use auto-tune (or

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-77874758914887937382010-09-28T20:09:00.000-04:002010-09-28T20:09:00.525-04:00

The fine folks at Adult Swim and Scion A/V have done it again! Not only have they compiled 16 rare or unreleased tracks from some of the best underground metal bands around, they're giving the compilation away FOR FREE!! Head over to AdultSwim.com to get your copy. As if you needed even MORE incentive, check out Adult Swim's video for Skeletonwitch's "Bringers of Death," which features some very

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-29472430993523325142010-09-07T20:34:00.009-04:002010-09-30T00:43:00.373-04:00

While I begin to wrap my brain around my first ATP New York experience enough to write about it in-depth, here's a quickie about the memories that stand out the most. 1. The ubiquity of Jim Jarmusch. He was everywhere: on line checking in, at the food court, chilling by the lake with his family. 2. Helen Money playing an electric cello—replete with effects pedals—in the hall lounge. The

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-51292024046258264332010-08-30T23:01:00.003-04:002010-08-31T14:50:15.261-04:00

 Though I'll be doing my best to hustle my way into ATP New York this coming Labor Day weekend, it almost pains me to know that I won't be around to witness firsthand the cultural mashup that is the Triton Festival, which is set to go down over three nights at Oceana Hall—a Russian nightclub in Brighton Beach. An ambitious festival in its first year, Triton promises three nights of Industrial

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-49212693123020949422010-08-15T17:52:00.004-04:002010-08-15T21:13:40.934-04:00

What is it about New Orleans natives and their obsessions with preternatural creatures? Louisiana-bred Dax Riggs seems to be no exception, and in fact, may be a vampire himself. Exhibit A: The guy doesn't age. Watching him onstage last night at Mercury Lounge in his trademark white T-shirt and jeans, it was hard to imagine that the baby-faced singer/songwriter is in his late 30s—and that Acid

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-88501233085847076182010-08-04T08:48:00.003-04:002010-08-05T23:40:19.861-04:00

Make no mistake, this is not a list of terrible songs—shit, that would take ages to write up. Instead, this list chronicles those songs I never want to hear again (especially in public) because they're utter fucking buzzkills capable of halting good times within a few feeble notes. 1. "Mad World" by Gary Jules - No disrespect to Adam Lambert, but every time I hear this song, all that comes to

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-5656198289014219992010-07-01T00:39:00.001-04:002010-07-01T22:55:30.514-04:00

Check out Parts 1 and 2, then get 'er done here. Which one thing do you wish you knew back then? RM: What we didn’t know back then is you really can’t force lyrics onto an existing piece of work. We went in and recorded a record instrumentally, then Roadrunner’s idea was to get someone to sing on top of what was already there, rather than have us sit down and rewrite all the songs and record

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-83889660529736299292010-06-30T23:53:00.001-04:002010-07-01T00:52:05.557-04:00

Read part 1 first, then get back here. What went through your mind during those weeks between exchanging phone numbers? WM: It was burning a hole in me. [I kept thinking] even if we don’t get back together, I still need to talk to them. It had been seven years since I talked to either of them. But I did it on my terms. What was that first conversation like? WM: It went well. It was something

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-71006131168765884852010-06-30T23:34:00.005-04:002010-07-01T00:55:15.045-04:00

When I first met the guys in Karma to Burn, I wasn't even old enough to drink yet. In fact, in order to attend the SxSW be bonded at, HIGH TIMES had to invest in a fake ID for me (which I was promptly busted with during my second night in town). We were introduced by their long-suffering A&R guy and a long, tempestuous friendship was born—particularly with bassist/ringleader/snake oil salesman

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-41939032685841797182010-06-07T00:47:00.006-04:002010-06-07T00:51:47.436-04:00

Over the weekend, I hit up the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn to check out the wares and see the latest in tattoo fashions. (Also, I can confirm that owls and octopi remain the favorite motifs of sardonic accessories.) The last thing I was expecting to do was fall in love an ironic T-shirt, but something about this design from Paste just spoke to me. And what's not to love? Let's review the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-1238189643328081232010-06-02T00:47:00.009-04:002010-06-02T08:36:03.998-04:00

 The title of this post does not refer to the vanity plates on my Chevy Avalanche. The letters, in fact, represent a unique feature that Eyehategod are offering as part of their VIP ticket package. Yes, you read correctly. Eyehategod are offering a VIP deluxe show experience at select venues on their forthcoming tour with Brutal Truth, Nachtmystium and Black Anvil that includes a BBQ,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-53825889450632909782010-05-24T23:56:00.003-04:002010-05-25T08:10:58.738-04:00

So you're stuck in the NYC area on Memorial Day weekend and don't know how to spend a long, hazy Saturday. Well, have I got a show for you! The first annual Memory Burn Psych Fest will take place at Brooklyn's Glasslands on Saturday, May 29 and features a stellar lineup of psychedelic, stoner rock, trippy music from acts like White Hills, the Black Hollies, Weird Owl, Future Hunter and Revival

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-64560566193899506032010-05-12T11:07:00.000-04:002010-05-12T11:07:52.603-04:00

Here's something truly rare: a Karma to Burn song with vocals! Year Long Disaster's Daniel Davies laid down some magic on "Waiting on the Western World" the first single off of KTB's comeback album, Appalachian Incantation, which came out in the US just yesterday. Go buy it! Better yet, go see the two bands play together on tour, which kicks off this Friday night at Brooklyn's Knitting Factory.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-28646051749718335972010-04-15T08:22:00.000-04:002010-04-15T08:22:42.451-04:00

"Well I’ve got no more reason to live And I’ve got no more love to give Tonight’s the night I’ll paint the town red I’ll put another whole through my head Unjustifiable existence Unjustifiable Unjustifiable existence Now I feel the weight of a world on my back I’ve seen the future The future looks black It’s what I must do I have no reservations Ain’t talk ’bout self preservation

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-69834328530483096702010-04-11T20:54:00.013-04:002010-04-13T21:34:43.773-04:00

Saturday night's Weedeater show at the Studio @ Webster Hall was one of those oddly exalted affairs that was as surreal as it was vaulting, filled with rousing sounds and even better vibes. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of visiting Webster Hall, it's essentially one of NYC's oldest—and most run-down—multi-leveled dance clubs. So while we dirtbags were reveling in the fuzzed-out

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-33954593527647627382010-03-30T22:22:00.004-04:002010-03-30T22:47:18.593-04:00

Where did March go? It dawned on me that it's been almost a month since I posted on here. Coincidentally, it's almost been as long since my last gym visit, but Lost is on soon, so I figured this was the way to go. Work's been busy with all sorts of fun stuff, but somehow I found the time to interview Ratt's Stephen Pearcy for Metal Sucks and got a preview of their stellar forthcoming album,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-25721206242908698842010-02-21T14:31:00.002-05:002010-02-21T14:35:51.784-05:00

Are you a metal fan? How about a beer enthusiast? Well, here's proof that Mastodon Lager exists (outside of Brent's imagination, that is). The private-stock German brew may actually find its way to the States. Get ready to drink up, Atlanta!   *Photo lifted from Darren Sanders' Facebook page.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-46357449991636019622010-02-14T15:27:00.000-05:002010-02-14T15:27:23.825-05:00

 I call this one "Two Postmen in Love."

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-52334243443141403802010-02-03T00:37:00.003-05:002010-02-03T00:39:56.287-05:00

Photo lifted from @KatyPerry's Twitter feed.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-17464897680290322672010-02-01T21:26:00.006-05:002010-02-02T08:01:33.811-05:00

Metal must really be reaching ubiquity because even world beat/avant-garde/indie/folk hipster darlings Yeasayer are mining the brütal font mines for their forthcoming album, Odd Blood.* Am I the only one who thinks it's a little too close to Tyr's Rune-inspired logo? * Also, "Blood" in title = Metal

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-85946894250328811562010-01-22T10:10:00.000-05:002010-01-22T10:10:40.597-05:00

Just when I was hoping it would be in Atlanta again... Read more about it at Brooklyn Vegan.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-21901188739389393582010-01-14T00:34:00.003-05:002010-01-14T00:47:56.419-05:00

Sure, it's only the second week of January. But when this press release dropped into my Inbox tonight, I knew this decade was well on its way to starting off on a fantastic note. Read on, and props to the fine folks at Earsplit PR. WEEDEATER: Dixie Dave Shoots Off Big Toe; Recording On Hold In a message from North Carolina sludge metallers WEEDEATER: "As most of you know, here in the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-83576641824405385622009-12-28T23:27:00.004-05:002009-12-29T00:13:59.065-05:00

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm milking the whole end-of-year list thing. But the Village Voice's Rob Harvilla asked me to vote in their annual Pazz & Jop poll, and with that came the opportunity to pare down my Top 10 favorite singles of the year—which then evolved into a more personal list. (Here's a hint, it has something to do with the above-pictured Yeah Yeah Yeahs.) Quite frankly,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-76051772199265171462009-12-21T01:27:00.011-05:002009-12-28T23:44:09.203-05:00

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz! Though it may not seem like the most obvious choice for album of the year, It’s Blitz! delivered on so many levels that it simply couldn’t be denied. Progressive, dance inspiring and hopelessly chic, the YYY’s third showing is just as explosive and artfully askew as ever. 2. Cursive – Mama, I’m Swollen Sure, it’s arguable that Cursive will never recapture the

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-89621625035605585172009-12-11T12:26:00.003-05:002009-12-11T12:32:20.408-05:00

 I'm still in Texas, which means that deep fried pickles will be part of my high holy holiday meal this evening, as will a screening of Nic Cage's crazy-licious Bad Lieutenant remake at the Alamo Drafthouse. Yee haw and shalom, y'all.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-45015426104026548482009-12-07T00:43:00.003-05:002009-12-07T00:59:32.713-05:00

Back in the day when instrumental-only bands were as rare as Republicans with a sense of humor, Morgantown, WV's Karma to Burn were tearing up stages and blowing through towns like a gang of rock n roll outlaws. And like all good (or bad) volatile creations, the band eventually went out in a blaze of glory, becoming the stuff of legend. Then earlier this year, the trio made peace and decided to

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-73132875578173662562009-12-03T10:00:00.006-05:002009-12-03T10:08:33.951-05:00

Dear Dave Grohl, I'm writing because as I sit here organizing a list of 2010 album releases, I realize that Probot II isn't among them. So I'm thinking maybe you should get going on that now that you got Them Crooked Vultures out of the way. Congratulations on its success, by the way. In particular, I enjoyed the way you sassed the media and your label by withholding music, plus you got to

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-71440459610964369982009-12-01T13:10:00.016-05:002009-12-07T11:28:46.747-05:00

Ultimately, 2009 will go down as the year I got to see a myriad of acts who've helped shape my psyche and meant so much during various stages of my life. A few performances (the Jesus Lizard, St. Vitus) were damn-near transcendent; others—like Nine Inch Nails' and Ratt's—reaffirmed my love for the artists. And some, like Rancid and Mehtallica, were pleasant enough but didn't arouse any

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-7648783859406015572009-11-30T11:22:00.002-05:002009-11-30T21:54:26.697-05:00

I've never had any ambition for fame—power and money, yes—but I'd happily take those two if it meant never having to be recognized in sweatpants at CVS in the middle of the night. Perhaps this is the reason I've been so hesitant to capitalize my journalistic skills on camera, as opposed to the happy anonymity I enjoy with a simple byline. Still, when a special band like Municipal Waste comes

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-43892627585675325472009-11-28T01:09:00.016-05:002009-11-30T14:51:38.079-05:00

The first time I ever heard Ratt’s “Round and Round,” I was 9 years old and spending my summer vacation in a TV-free dacha in upstate New York with my grandmother. It was the summer of '84, and the local Top 40 radio station supplied my only entertainment. I went on to discover a ton of amazing singles that year: Prince's "Let Go Crazy," Depeche Mode's "People are People," and, of course, "

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-36156260338692501282009-11-23T11:45:00.005-05:002009-11-23T14:24:48.739-05:00

What a week I've had: five shows in six days, a third-round job interview (wish me luck, this gig would rule), produced a shoot for the mighty Red Fang with the lovely Justina V., and my cat fell in love with a Juggalo. Oh, and I booked an early December trip to Texas! More details to come, but in the meantime, here are a few iPhone pics from the marathon week. Metallica @ MSG Red Fang @

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-42076977180493849042009-11-19T01:34:00.011-05:002009-11-23T21:58:35.626-05:00

Revolver Magazine’s annual Hottest Chicks In Metal issue never fails to rile up my fellow vagina-Americans. Whether it's something fun and reactionary like Reign In Blonde's Bracket competition, or Grim Kim's quest to shine a light on the most esoteric black/doom/gore metal bands to include females in their line-ups, it's nice to know that my metal sisters are taking it all in stride and turning

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-25891050592890813002009-11-09T00:41:00.010-05:002009-11-19T17:50:26.093-05:00

As a young émigré who moved to the United States from the former Soviet Union during Reagan's first term, rest assured that I caught shit for just about every ethnic stereotype the Rocky trilogy and that prick Yakov Smirnoff threw at you lazy Americans. I'll never forget what my classmate Nick Vourlias wrote in my elementary school scrapbook: "When I write this, don't go running to your mommy:

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-61419615236528454972009-11-04T01:08:00.022-05:002009-11-04T11:37:09.162-05:00

For a while now, I've been convinced that every good band name has already been taken—how else can one account for all the dumbass poly-lexeme monikers going around these days? I'm looking at you, All Shall Perish, All That Remains, and As I Lay Dying (even if I refuse to tell y'all apart). What makes matters even worse is that some of the last few tough, metal-sounding names have apparently

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-75641244190351717342009-10-30T15:10:00.010-04:002009-10-30T15:42:23.148-04:00

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday, and nothing makes me happier than spending it in New York City, where there's always so much to do and everyone gets really into the costumed revelry. This year's plans include a stop by the Village Halloween Parade (an annual tradition), a party ominously titled Abaddon that's set to feature live blood wrestling, and an attempt to cramp into Vice's

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-50990321467351442392009-10-29T12:07:00.023-04:002009-10-30T10:32:08.449-04:00

[UPDATE: Bullshit has been called. Apparently this story—which spread around the Internet like wildfire yesterday—is FALSE. Chuck Biscuits is alive. Not sure to what end this hoax was created, I'm just glad one more bit of my childhood hasn't been marred by a deathly footnote. Read more about the confusion here.]Some of my favorite teenage concert experiences involve a multitude of Danzig shows.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-66283406595775887372009-10-27T22:49:00.030-04:002009-10-28T11:07:09.787-04:00

Though CMJ officially ended this past Saturday night, nothing could have been better* than marking its unofficial close than the metal- and rain-soaked festivities of Friday evening. First off, I attended a Slayer siesta hosted by Metal Insider and scored some fine Simon & Schuster swag courtesy of my favorite quipper, Bram T. And though I'd already been privy to hearing World Painted Blood,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-7167715184390592932009-10-26T23:28:00.011-04:002009-10-26T23:48:27.413-04:00

Dear Nathan,We get it. You were once on a cult TV show called Firefly that some say was unjustly cancelled after only one season. But guess what? You bounced back. You’re on a fantastic new program called Castle that’s just been picked up for a full second season (and hopefully a third season is forthcoming, as well).So it boggles my mind when you constantly hearken back to those days of

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-60658850060255266282009-10-23T13:46:00.010-04:002009-10-23T14:26:21.489-04:00

The weather's taking a turn for the worse, my head is still all sorts of groggy... and I'm about to go do it all again. Yesterday's keyword was "proximity," as in the spacial closeness that connected the Brooklyn Vegan day show at Piano's with the Tee Pee Records event at Cake Shop. Though Hull disappointingly cancelled their set at the latter, I was able to check out FL's Surfer Blood instead.

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-15062466276586226562009-10-22T11:44:00.012-04:002009-10-22T12:29:16.937-04:00

Sometimes it's better to forgo the unknown and stick with a sure bet; and last night's programming at CMJ inspired just that. Though there were a few bands I was curious to see (like Bang Bang Eche and Atlas Sound), I decided instead to go see Saul Williams headline the Afropunk showcase at Gramercy Theatre.For those of you not in the know, Saul Williams is a brilliantly prolific singer, musician

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-51004617214907100832009-10-21T11:25:00.019-04:002009-10-21T12:53:18.382-04:00

New York's CMJ Music Marathon has been an institution for nearly 30 years, originally conceived to help introduce new artists to both the industry and the college radio world. At its height, it was a prestigious event that featured top indie acts like PJ Harvey, Mars Volta, and Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. But then a few years back, the industry's focus really began shifting to Austin's SxSW megafest,

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-60611497949287639102009-10-13T13:52:00.029-04:002009-10-15T23:34:44.653-04:00

It's been some time since I blogged for myself on any kind of regular basis—but that doesn't mean there haven't been exploits worth posting.The increase in social events on my calendar exploded during late September and continues until the end of October. There's so much to look forward to, too: the Big Apple Comic Con, the CMJ Music Marathon, Eyehategod* and St. Vitus (not together) at Europa, a

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-52439922509023520802009-10-05T11:42:00.016-04:002009-10-05T14:18:11.181-04:00

The folks at Vosges Haut Chocolat had my heart when they introduced Mo's Bacon Bar, a high-quality smooth dark chocolate bar permeated with smoky salty bits of applewood bacon. But now, they've assured my lifelong devotion with their skull-shaped Halloween special.Inspired by Mexico's Day of the Dead festival, these three-inch tall solid chocolate skulls include a trio of varieties made with

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-47550727759890767262009-09-28T13:11:00.012-04:002009-09-28T14:03:46.742-04:00

West Coast stoner rock fans, rejoice: the Fog Rising Festival is coming to San Francisco on Saturday, November 7. The brainchild of Tee Pee Records and Secret Serpents, the Fog Rising event promises to be "a celebration of the twisted offspring of the fragmentation [that is the rock music scene]."Among the bands performing are the above-pictured Witch (featuring Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis and my

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-13657293980135518672009-09-17T00:22:00.012-04:002009-09-17T01:42:07.590-04:00

It's been an odd few days. I've been so under the weather that simply sitting in front of the computer for more than a half hour has been fatiguing, and I've been napping even more than my kitty. No, it's not H1N1 (I Googled that shit). Thankfully, I'm on the mend, and while scanning through my overpopulated Inbox, two press releases piqued my interest. Both are for my music people.First and

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-42858665499845913262009-08-31T11:36:00.008-04:002009-08-31T12:13:12.517-04:00

In honor of Twitter's Music Monday, I present to you the grown and sexy Municipal Waste. Buy their new album, Massive Aggressive, immediately!And after you do that, check out this brand-new video for the first single, "Wrong Answer."

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-23822073122231683592009-08-26T11:57:00.006-04:002009-08-26T12:26:45.159-04:00

As summer slips away, I've realized that these past few months have been punctuated by seeing acts that've shaped my youth and remain close to my heart—such as Ratt, Rancid, Hank III, Monster Magnet, and, of course, Nine Inch Nails. Perhaps the latter is the most important... after all, I don't remember listening to Ratt when I was on my way to take the SATs, as I did a well-worn copy of Pretty

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724305331311895228.post-29056989053006792862009-08-20T10:29:00.005-04:002009-08-20T10:38:16.582-04:00

Every time I pass by this Bebe ad on a bus shelter at 23rd St., "When Doves Cry" pops into my head.Fashion is such a fickle bitch...

Zena Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621011684459507569noreply@blogger.com0