tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34592930192843626622024-02-02T15:58:23.084+00:00The Staff BlogThe general rants and ravings of the staff at Swoj.comSteviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-30236899329004225822009-12-13T12:01:00.010+00:002009-12-14T13:56:25.923+00:00Albums Of The Decade: Part 2 (20 to 1)And so here it is, the Swoj Staff top 20 albums of the decade. Some years have been better than others but overall there have been a lot of great moments in the heavy rock world to be celebrated from the last 10 years. No prizes for guessing who our band of the decade is either after claiming 4 positions in the top 15, including #1 and #2!!! Here's to the rock/metal/punk world going from strength to strength in the next decade.<br /><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/audioslave.jpg" border="0" alt="Audioslave"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">20. Audioslave - Audioslave</span><br />On paper it sounded ridiculous, Rage Against The Machine with Chris Cornell, the Black Hole Sun warbler to the backing of rap/rock? Not at all. Audioslave took the storming riffs of Morello and the rhythm groove of Commerford and Wilk, rounded them off more than they had done in the past and added the polished vocals of a true rock singer and unleashed a mighty debut album that hinted at the majesty of Led Zeppelin. Sadly it didn't last.<br /></div><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/contraband.jpg" border="0" alt="Velvet Revolver - Contraband"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">19. Velvet Revolver - Contraband</span><br />The return of 3/5 of Guns 'N' Roses was always going to register some interest but the music did all the talking as Slash, Duff and Matt teamed up with Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland and guitarist Dave Kushner for a blistering collection of heavy rock, the likes of which the world probably hadn't heard since Use Your Illusion. Axl couldn't respond.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/elis-griefshire.jpg" border="0" alt="Elis - Griefshire"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">18. Elis - Griefshire</span></div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/raven-walk-through-fire.jpg" border="0" alt="Raven - Walk Through Fire"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">17. Raven - Walk Through Fire</span></div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/MachineHead-ThroughTheAshesOfEmpire.jpg" border="0" alt="Machine Head - Through The Ashes Of Empire"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">16. Machine Head - Through The Ashes Of Empire</span><br />A return to form that most people did not expect Machine Head to achieve. Following on from the poorly received Supercharger, this album saw Machine Head abandon the 'nu-metal' approach and return to the sound that made them great in the first place. A triumph of an album and a very welcomed return to form for Machine Head.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/SOAD-StealThisalbum.jpg" border="0" alt="System Of A Down - Steal This Album"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">15. System Of A Down - Steal This Album</span><br />Released the year following Toxicity, Steal This Album has the unusual distinction of being the weakest album SOAD has released, yet with the amazing quality of the bands other albums this doesn't mean that the album is not good! SOAD on their 'off' day still manage to trump many other bands out there.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/slipknot-allhopeisgone.jpg" border="0" alt="Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">14. Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone</span><br />Carrying a darker theme than their previous album, All Hope Is Gone continued with the bands energetic style, twisting it in many directions to create something with a more eclectic overall feel. </div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/Megadeth-Endgame.jpg" border="0" alt="Megadeth - End Game"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">13. Megadeth - End Game</span><br />You never know what you're going to get from Dave Mustaine: a foul mouthed tirade or a peace offering; a has been metallers who's had better days or a riff-meister extraordinaire. Whatever it is that makes him tick, he's rediscovered his mojo and with a new band around him is again pushing the boundaries of thrash metal to the absolute limits.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/VikingSkull-BornInHell.jpg" border="0" alt="Viking Skull - Born In Hell"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">12. Viking Skull - Born In Hell</span><br />A real surprise package. Who could have thought that a stop gap band for Raging Speedhorn and their roadies in between tours would reconnect metal lovers with their first influences? Blending Sabbath with AC/DC the debut album was so good it merited the band going full time (albeit with some new members).</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/metallica-deathmagnetic.jpg" border="0" alt="Metallica - Death Magnetic"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">11. Metallica - Death Magnetic</span><br />Eagerly anticipated, like all Metallica albums, Death Magnetic had a lot to live up to as fans wanted to see a return to the Metallica of old. With a layered and complex style similar to '...And Justice For All', this album certainly brings back what we love about Metallica and is a great way for them to see out the decade.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/turbonegro-retox.jpg" border="0" alt=""/><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Turbonegro - Retox</span><br />In an age of neverending reunions and cash ins, without doubt, the best and probably least publicly celebrated reunion of the decade was that of Turbonegro. The good news for fans of classic, down n dirty rock n roll is they get better with each album. 'Do You Dig Destruction'? hell yeah we do!</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/americanidiot.jpg" border="0" alt="Turbonegro - Retox"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Green Day - American Idiot</span><br />They may not release albums regularly now and they may not be punk in the truest sense anymore, but when they do they do come along they are well worth the wait and it's obvious time and care (and a certain amount of genius) have gone into crafting and moulding masterpieces. Possibly the most talked about rock album of the decade.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/rammstein-mutter.jpg" border="0" alt="Rammstein - Mutter"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Rammstein - Mutter</span><br />Another band who have had a superb decade with 4 very strong albums. Rammstein kicked off the decade proving they were no one-trick pony following the worldwide success of the track Du Hast. Mutter is arguably their best album to date featuring the stomping Link 2-3-4 and Feuer Frei.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/machinehead-theblackening.jpg" border="0" alt="Machine Head - The Blackening"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Machine Head - The Blackening</span><br />With Machine Head having found their form again in their previous album, it was still a surprise to hear The Blackening for the first time and realise just how much further the band had climbed. The album had everything you'd want in a metal album, thoughtful songs, amazing guitar work, ferocious drumming and aggressive vocals, all wrapped up in a collection of powerful and epic songs.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/slipknot-vol.3thesubliminalverses.jpg" border="0" alt="Slipknot - Vol 3. The Subliminal Verses"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Slipknot - Vol 3. The Subliminal Verses</span><br />An album made during a turbulent time in Slipknots history, with a great deal of conflict between the band members during its creation. However you wouldn't know it, with the album carrying the trademark energy and aggression that the band are known for. An album packed with great songs and stands out as their best album this decade.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/soad-toxicity.jpg" border="0" alt="System Of A Down - Toxicity"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. System Of A Down - Toxicity</span><br />The second album from SOAD came with very little fanfare but it made an immediate effect. Not just pleasing their existing (and at the time relatively small) fan base and the critics but also winning them legions of new fans in the process.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/ironmaiden-amatteroflifeanddeath.jpg" border="0" alt="Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life and Death"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life and Death</span><br />You can't keep an old dog down. Worse yet, you have no chance with 6 of 'em! This decade saw the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith to the Maiden fold and who could have predicted the impact it would have had? Maiden went straight back from playing bog standard clubs to selling out arenas and A Matter Of Life And Death has been widely regarded as their best album in over 20 years, it's no coincidence that they've since achieved world domination.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><img style="float: right;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/Trivium-TheCrusade.jpg" border="0" alt="Trivium - The Crusade" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Trivium - The Crusade</span><br />Trivium are without doubt the biggest newcomers to the decade. Although all their albums have been well received it was 2006s The Crusade that really took them into the big leagues with it's early Metallica styles.</div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right;padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. System Of A Down - Hypnotize</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. System Of A Down - Mezmerize</span><br /><div style="text-align: center"><br /><img style="width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/soad-hypnotize.jpg" border="0" alt="System Of A Down - Hypnotize" /> <img style="width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.swoj.com/images/albumdecade/mezmerizeSOAD.jpg" border="0" alt="System Of A Down - Mezmerize"/></div>We were definitely excited about System releasing 2 albums in one year but no-one could ever have imagined how brain meltingly brilliant Mezmerize would be, launching with the utterly physchotic BYOB, the pressure rarely let up and it was a thrilling ride of an album. Hypnotize released 6 months later was a slightly different beast, mainly following a trend of 1 typically SOAD insane song, 1 more controlled but equally devastating track, it was more of a rollercoaster and not quite as unbelievably brilliant as its brother but a classic nevertheless.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-91119653118266532892009-12-09T22:32:00.001+00:002009-12-09T22:46:53.036+00:00Albums of the Decade, Part 1 (50 to 21)With the decade coming to a close, it is time to look back and see just what the decade looked like. As we looked back, we could see that there have been a lot of albums that would be in contention for a spot in the top 50... this was clearly not going to be an easy task. With the initial short list featuring around 200 albums, getting it down to just 50 was not going to be easy.<br /><br />After each of the three of us each coming up with our own lists, combining and comparing the results, we've arrived at our final list. We each have our own distinct tastes in metal/rock/alternative music, so the list contains a good representation of our tastes as a group. So without further ado, here is part 1 of the list, covering positions 50 to 21:<br /><br /><br />50: Lars Frederiksen - Viking<br />49: My Dying Bride - For Lies I Sire<br />48: Lacuna Coil - Karmacode<br />47: Ginger And The Sonic Circus - Valor Del Corazon<br />46: Rancid - Indestructible<br />45: Iron Maiden - Dance Of Death<br />44: The Dwarves - Come Clean<br />43: Luna Obscura - Feltia<br />42: AC/DC - Black Ice<br />41: Therion - Live Gothic<br />40: Ash - Meltdown<br />39: Rammstein - Liebe Ist Für Alle Da<br />38: Rancid - Let The Dominoes Fall<br />37: Paradise Lost - Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us<br />36: Trivium - Ascendency<br />35: Mad Caddies - Keep It Going<br />34: Foo Fighters - One By One<br />33: Cold - Year of the Spider<br />32: Queens Of The Stone Age - Rated R<br />31: Cradle of Filth - Thornography<br />30: Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes First<br />29: Ministry - The Last Sucker<br />28: Cradle Of Filth - Nymphetamine<br />27: Cradle Of Filth - Damnation and A Day<br />26: Slipknot - Iowa<br />25: Cradle Of Filth - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder<br />24: Slayer - Christ Illusion<br />23: Septic Flesh - Communion<br />22: Turbonegro - Party Animals<br />21: Muse - Origin Of Symmetry<br /><br /><br />Stay tuned for part 2, covering No.20 to No.1 (aka, album of the decade!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-90321678086564290742009-10-23T17:10:00.002+00:002009-10-23T17:22:10.974+00:00More ZombieSaw some news earlier this week that there is a new Rob Zombie album in the making, with the release date being pushed form this year to early next year. The 'old' release date was a bit surprising given that I did't even know he had a new album in the works at all (what with him being a Hollywood director these days).<br /><br />The new album will be called "Hellbilly Deluxe 2", so hopefully it will follow on in the first albums style (unfortuntely I wasn't very taken with Educated Horses).<br />Two songs have been released online for the upcoming album "What?" and "Sick Bubble-gum", more info on both of these can be found below.<br /><br />On a related note, I was pleased to see that 3 Rob Zombie tracks will be made available on Rock Band next week; "Burn", "Dragula" and "Superbeast". <br /><br />Anyway, the two new songs from Hellbilly Deluxe 2 can found in YouTube format below, so you can judge for yourself how the album might be turning out:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What?</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Lp3hN_8Ilk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Lp3hN_8Ilk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sick Bubble-gum</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bP5h6W1w-ck&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bP5h6W1w-ck&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-85758891913519525952009-10-06T18:29:00.005+00:002009-10-07T16:25:57.241+00:00Ones to watchJust a quick update to highlight some of the upcoming albums that have attracted my attention:<br /><br />12th October:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wasp</span> - Babylon<br /><br />19th October:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rammstein</span> - Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Epica</span> - Design Your Universe<br /><br />26th October:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Atreyu</span> - Congregation Of The Damned<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Halford</span> - 3: Winter Songs <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Paradox</span> - Riot Squad<br /><br />2nd November:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Slayer</span> - World Painted Blood<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Within Temptation</span> - An Acoustic Night At The Theatre<br /><br /><br />The highlight for me is Slayer, I'm really looking forward to that one.<br />On the other hand, I'm still slightly confused at the prospect of a Rob Halford Winter album!<br /><br /><br />Of course, there have a been some interesting releases recently as well, with <span style="font-weight:bold;">Megadeth</span>'s End Game being the best they have released for quite some time - and it keeps growing on me the more I listen to it. A few other albums that are on my radar, but still haven't had time to buy them are:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Evile</span> - Infected Nations<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Paradise Lost</span> - Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Five Finger Death Punch</span> - War Is The Answer<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kiss</span> - Sonic Boom<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-72645004635046500842009-05-28T22:18:00.002+00:002009-10-06T18:44:28.499+00:00Alien and Predator returnAfter the commercial disappointment of Aliens Vs Predator Requiem, it seems that Fox is now looking at these two franchises in a new way, kind of. It seems that each of them is a getting the 'reboot' treatment now.<br /><br />First there was Predator, with Robert Rodriguez being asked to give the franchise a new start. Rodriguez had previously written a potential squeal to the original movie, which he called Predators - it seems that while the movie won't follow this script, the tone/feel of the script is being used a guide for the new script, so this is definitely one to watch for.<br />For more information on this have a look at the follow links<br /><br />News Story: <a href="http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40865">http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40865</a><br />Rodriguez interview: <a href="http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40879">http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40879</a><br /><br />Then, today, news broke that an Aliens 'reboot' is also being pursued. Not so much is know about this one other than the intention is bring back the tension of the first Alien movie by only having a single Alien and, possibly the most important part for everyone wanting a faithful movie, Ridley Scott (director of Alien) is on board as producer for the movie.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/16328">http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/16328</a><br /><br />One thing that let's me breathe a sign of relief about both of these 'reboots' is that it seems that neither of them are trying to start from scratch and ignore everything that has happened already<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-85421119340102805412009-05-02T15:26:00.007+00:002009-05-03T16:21:29.437+00:00Video Rundown; Pantera, Sick Of It All, Steel Panther, Me First and Gimme GimmesWith so much video content out there, it seemed like a good idea to bring you a selection of the music videos that have caught our attention for one reason or another.<br /><br />It could be a great song, a funny video, a great representation of a particular band, or some other reason - or it could be something that you have nominated. If you have seen any good music videos online, then let us know (post a comment below, or visit the Swoj.com forums) and it could be included in a future Video Rundown.<br /><br />The selection this time around is as follows:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Sick Of It All - Step Down</span><br /><br />New York hardcore band <a href="http://www.sickofitall.com/">Sick Of It All</a> have been around for a long time now, over 20 years, and rank as one of the favourites of the Swoj.com team. In all their time they have continued to produce fantastic music while still loving what they do and keeping their sense of humour. We definitely recommend seeing them live if you get the chance!<br /><br />This is the video for Step Down, from their <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000002JSA?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000002JSA">Scratch the Surface</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000002JSA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> album.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6RkyxNa2W9o&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6RkyxNa2W9o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Steel Panther - Death To All But Metal</span><br /><br />From Steel Panther's upcoming debute album <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0024NL40G?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0024NL40G">Feel The Steel</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0024NL40G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, this video demonstrates that as well as providing us with some old school metal, the band obviously has a good sense of humour as well!<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M5tl2_K-d-g&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M5tl2_K-d-g&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Pantera - Cowboys From Hell (live)</span><br /><br />Coming from the album of the same name, this live performance of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000002JNJ?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000002JNJ">Cowboys from Hell</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000002JNJ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> at Ozzfest demonstrates the quality of Pantera's performance, the intensity of their music and is a great legacy for this brilliant band. (note, swearing aside, it's definitely NSFW at 5 minutes in!)<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RkAMtXTEjco&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RkAMtXTEjco&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - I Believe I Can Fly</span><br /><br />This Punk Rock cover band has covered some great songs since they formed in 1995, taking some very unlikely songs and performing them in an energetic punk manner. Some of the unusual ones include; Puff The Magic Dragon, Country Roads, Blowin' In The Wind and (Ghost) Riders In The Sky.<br /><br />This cover of I Believe I Can Fly (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00009LW04?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00009LW04">Take a Break</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00009LW04" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />) is not only lively and fun, but also came with an excellent video - see if you can spot some of the cameos.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vV3XQcCyyPc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vV3XQcCyyPc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Static X - Black and White</span><br /><br />With the new Terminator film coming out soon, this seems like a fitting video to show. Black and White is from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005J79E?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00005J79E">Machine</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00005J79E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> album, released back in 2001, with the video themed around the title of the album and giving tribute to the Terminator.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdzV-uz4HrY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdzV-uz4HrY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br /><br />Remember, if you have any video suggests for the next blog, post in the comments below or in the forum.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-91654628586990913582009-04-25T15:49:00.000+00:002009-04-25T15:50:34.869+00:00Upcoming albums (April 2009)I've been taking a look over the upcoming releases for the next few months and thought it was time to give an update on what to look out for.<br /><br />Coming on Monday (27th April) the new releases that caught my attention are 'Live Volume' from Corrosion of Conformity, 'The Infection' from Chimaira and the anticipated debut album 'The Devil You Know' by Heaven and Hell - who comprise of Black Sabbath members (past and present) Tony Iommi, Geezer, Vinny Appice and Ronnie James Dio.<br /><br />In May we'll be seeing albums from Green Day (21st Century Breakdown), Hatebreed (For The Lions), Black Label Society (Skullage), Marilyn Manson (The High End Of Low) as well as the sound track to the Iron Maiden documentary, 'Flight 666' (which features a variety of live tracks across a double album). I'm hoping the new Marilyn Manson album will be back to their old style as I wasn't too taken with their last album 'Eat Me, Drink Me' - though the return of Twiggy to the band may provide the return to form I'm hoping for. Also showing up in May are a couple of the collectors out there; Janes Addiction are releasing 'A Cabinet Of Curiosities' which comes with 3 CDs and a DVD covering a variety of demo and live tracks, also up are the release of most of AC/DCs back catalogue (again) this time as 'Limited Edition Fan Pack', with each seeming to come with a small collection of merchandise (stickers, key rings, etc).<br /><br />Beyond May the release schedule seems a bit sketchy, with only 'Back From the Dead' by Spinal Tap and 'Feel The Steel' by Steel Panther (both out in June) catching my attention, though I'm sure this will change as we get through May.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-4641803516472332532009-04-13T20:07:00.002+00:002009-04-13T20:10:12.569+00:00Forgotten Classics!I’m currently ripping my entire CD collection to my new backup device and the other day I reached the letter L - I'm one of those sad gits that has his shelf in alphabetical order. As I worked my way through the Life Of Agony back catalogue I had a notion to play their debut album River Runs Red. The very next day I picked it up on my way to work and blasted it out the car stereo – Chris Moyles didn’t get a look in that day!<br /><br />To be honest I’d forgotten how fantastic this album is, it’s an absolute whirlwind of human emotion set to the backdrop of some outstanding hardcore. Strictly speaking I never thought of LOA as an out and out hardcore band, they were always a bit different from the regular scene but I wouldn’t know where to start by putting them into another genre.<br /><br />This Time, Through And Through, Bad Seed, The Stain Remains...in fact the whole damn album. Absolutely brilliant. One of the most criminally unknown albums in the rock world. If you own it, go dig it out and give it a spin, it’ll still sound as great as it did in 1993. If you haven’t heard it before then get it, it’s worth taking a chance on.<br /><br />It makes me wonder though, what other classics exist in my collection that I haven’t listened to for ages and have forgotten about? If you have any suggestions yourself let me know.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Markyboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05778788557339258986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-17839871675011122872008-12-31T14:42:00.006+00:002008-12-31T15:56:17.007+00:00Top 10 albums of 2008Another year gone and another year of divided opinions. In a way they year is most noted for the release of 3 very long awaited (some more than others!) albums from 3 of the best know names in rock and metal. First we had Metallica with the album Death Magnetic, with opinion typically divided prior to release due to fan disappointment with St Anger - we were being promised something that was a return to Metallica's roots, did we get it? Well, we'll come back to that in a minute. Next up was AC/DC, who were getting on the best part of a decade since their last album. Finally, the real surprise of the lot, was Guns 'N' Roses with Chinese Democracy. At the end of the October we were all informed that the latest in a long line of pencilled in release dates (24th Nov) would now actually be the real release date of the album that's been nearly 15 years in the making. That is a long time coming and a lot of expectation to meet.<br /><br />So, just what did stand out this year? Well after much discussion on our views on the year, for us Metallica were the best of the year - Death Magnetic is a distinct jump back to what made Metallica great; epic scale songs, extended instrumental sections and good old head banging music. It's different to the 'classic' Metallica albums, but it's a more modern sound and definitely brings them back to the fore. Coming in second place was Slipknot's 'All Hope Is Gone', marking a more musical effort from them that has gone down well with the team. Third are Trivium, who had previous made 2nd on the list with the great (in our opinion) The Crusade album, for us Shogun is good but doesn't reach levels that The Crusade managed for us; while Soulfly, in fourth place, has scored a distinct improvement over their previous album. AC/DC take 5th place with Black Ice, followed by Cradle of Filth, Therion and The Offspring. Guns 'N' Roses makes it in at 9th place - a tricky decision, while a good album it just doesn't deliver what we'd been expecting after all this time but with a release so late in the year this may need more time to be fully appreciated. Closing out the list with a joint tenth place are Viking Skull with 'Doom, Gloom, Heartache and Whiskey' and Ansur with 'Warring Factions'.<br /><br />The full count down is as follows:<br /><br />1. Metallica - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001FTTY48?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001FTTY48" target="_blank">Death Magnetic</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001FTTY48" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />2. Slipknot - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001BGTWXI?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001BGTWXI" target="_blank">All Hope Is Gone</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001BGTWXI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />3. Trivium - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001CIPU3G?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001CIPU3G" target="_blank">Shogun</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001CIPU3G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />4. SoulFly - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0018RCQL0?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0018RCQL0" target="_blank">Conquer</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0018RCQL0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />5. AC/DC - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001F2W4Y2?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001F2W4Y2" target="_blank">Black Ice</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001F2W4Y2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />6. Cradle Of Filth - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001E18C8G?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001E18C8G" target="_blank">Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001E18C8G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />7. Therion - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0017LWPAO?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0017LWPAO" target="_blank">Live Gothic</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0017LWPAO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />8. The Offspring - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0018OAPAW?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0018OAPAW" target="_blank">Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0018OAPAW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />9. Guns N Roses - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JEO9XU?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001JEO9XU" target="_blank">Chinese Democracy</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001JEO9XU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />10= Viking Skull - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001HAS3T2?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001HAS3T2" target="_blank">Doom Gloom Heartache and Whiskey</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001HAS3T2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />10= Ansur - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001672LAS?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001672LAS" target="_blank">Warring Factions</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001672LAS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><br />However, it has to be noted that we've been left a bit underwhelmed this year. While there have been some good albums, there has not been anything this year that has stood out to the team as a truly great album. Metallica are certainly close, reaching top spot with decisive total score but overall we feel that 2008 has not been the greatest year for metal music releases. On the other side, the year was by no means bad and now we will look forward to what 2009 will bring us.<br /><br />If there albums there that you don't have in your collection yet, then have a look at our <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/swojcom-21" target="_blank">Amazon Store</a><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/s/link-enhancer?tag=swojcom-21&o=2"><br /></script><br /><noscript><br /> <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/s/noscript?tag=swojcom-21" alt="" /><br /></noscript><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-26209913987030776592008-11-30T20:36:00.002+00:002008-12-07T11:24:46.519+00:00Chinese Democracy first impressionsJust like Dr Pepper, Axl Rose got the last laugh on me, it wasn't that long ago I took a pop at Stevie for having the audacity to suggest GNR's new album would be out this year, fortunately I didnt bet a couple of million cans of juice on it :)<br /><br />But now that it's finally here a Grindaar review is most undoubtedly in order and will follow shortly, there's no telling when the next Guns record will come out so we should make the most of this moment.<br /><br />In the meantime though, let me take you through my first impressions. Overall, I have to say I dont think it's a bad album, that might be due to the fact I had such low expectations, but it may be several months or a year before I form a balanced opinion but for now I'm ok with it. My gut feeling though is that this is not a Guns N Roses album. It sounds nothing like the music the band produced in the past and I think this is a major stumbling block for most people. I think if this had come under the name Axl Rose instead of Guns N Roses it would have been far better received. What you get here is a decent rock album, but it's not rock in the sense of say Out Ta Get Me or You Could Be Mine.<br /><br />Stand out track so far: There Was A Time<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Markyboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05778788557339258986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-5881514831852062052008-10-21T20:26:00.002+00:002008-10-21T20:41:59.507+00:00Transformers: The RideUniversal announced today that in 2011 they will be launching a Transformer theme park ride at their Hollywood and Singapore theme parks. Following the success of last years live action Transformers movie, Universal obviously has a lot of faith in the franchise, with the sequel out next year and the third movie probably due in 2010 or 2011 (the latter is more likely in my opinion, since the theme park rides would launch on the back of the movie hype).<br /><br />From the article:<br /><blockquote>The attraction will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The rides are scheduled to make their debuts in early 2011, first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studios Hollywood. In "Transformers," Earth's humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between the friendly Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations.<br /><br />Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "'Transformers' will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies. We're thrilled to be collaborating with Hasbro, DreamWorks, director Michael Bay and the film's executive producer, Steven Spielberg, who has been responsible for so many of our signature rides and attractions." Steven Spielberg serves as creative consultant to Universal Parks & Resorts and has worked closely with the company in the creation of some of the world's most innovative theme park attractions. Those attractions include Jurassic Park-the Ride, a featured attraction at UP&R parks in Orlando, Hollywood and Japan, the E.T. Adventure at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Japan, and the "War of the Worlds" sets at Universal Studios Hollywood.<br /></blockquote><br /><br />Sounds like this this ought to be a good ride, guess I'll have to plan a holiday to Hollywood in 2011 :)<br /><br /><br />Read the full story here: <a href="http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=7751"><br />Transformers Attraction Coming to Universal's Parks</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-79800873830375894932008-10-15T17:51:00.004+00:002008-10-16T09:07:38.984+00:00AC/DC Tour and AlbumPossibly one of the most anticipated albums in years is about to be released. "Black Ice" by AC/DC is the bands first album in 8 years and is due out on the 20th October. Of course, no band as big as AC/DC releases an album with a tour to follow it up. Previous an 18 month world tour had been announced and yesterday the UK dates for the tour we announced.<br /><br />Sadly, there are only 3 dates in the UK (and none of them in Scotland :( ), these are as follows:<br /><br />Tuesday 14th April 2009 - London O2<br />Tuesday 21st April 2009 - Manchester MEN Arena<br />Thursday 23rd April 2009 - Birmingham LG Arena<br /><br /><br />Of course, I did say it was an 18 month world tour, so I suspect that they are doing a quick tour initially to follow the album release with a bigger tour to follow later.<br /><br />Black Ice is available in both <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001F2W4Y2?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001F2W4Y2">Regular</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001F2W4Y2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001F4YH8G?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001F4YH8G">Deluxe (Collectors Edition)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001F4YH8G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-18165269333746623042008-10-10T21:24:00.007+00:002008-11-14T21:25:46.131+00:00Chinese Democracy (finally)Ok, did we really expect it to happen?<br />Whether we did or not, it seems that Nov 23rd is the final release date to be pencilled in for the long awaited Chinese Democracy album from Guns N' Roses. According to the BBC (<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7662833.stm" target="_blank">linky</a>) and The Guardian(<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/oct/10/chinese-democracy-release-date-set" target="_blank">linky</a>), the release date is finally set for the US. The European release date has not yet been confirmed, but we wouldn't expect it to be too far behind.<br /><br />While this is great news for every metal/rock fan, as we finally get to see/hear what 15 years of production is going to give us, however it's not such good news for Dr Pepper - having previously <a href="http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/35433" target="_blank">promised everyone a can of Dr Pepper</a> if Chinese Democracy was released in 2008. Sadly, I think this promise for the US only, so I guess I'm going to miss out :(<br /><br />Update: The online version of the the title track is no longer available online, so the link has been removed.<br /><br />However, you can buy the album from Amazon by following this link: Buy <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JEO9XU?ie=UTF8&tag=swojcom-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001JEO9XU" target="_blank">Chinese Democracy</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=swojcom-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001JEO9XU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-77703625593077110202008-09-11T11:39:00.003+00:002008-09-11T12:45:36.342+00:00News Albums - First ImpressionsThe last month or so has seen some fairly high profile albums hit the stores, with Slipknot, Dragonforce, Motorhead and Metallica each bringing us something new.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone</span><br />One of the more controversial bands in the Metal scene, with peoples opinions being pretty polarised; very much a love them or hate them type of band. With All Hope Is Gone, they probably aren't going to change too many minds. That said, this album does seem more composed that their previous albums and at first I was pretty let down. After listening to it a few more times it's started to grow on me and I'm quite liking it but as yet only the title track has stood out for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown</span><br />After their fantastic Inhuman Rampage album and their sudden boost in popularity from legions of Guitar Hero fans, Ultra Beatdown has been a highly anticipated album. The title 'Ultra Beatdown' is probably one of the best album titles I've come across, so that's a good start. The songs themselves are fast, heavily feature the guitar and most are pretty long, so it looks like Dragonforce aren't straying too far from their familiar territory. There is a lot of energy in the first few times through the album, however on a couple of occasions I've found myself wondering if I'd accidentally put on Inhuman Rampage by mistake as some of the songs sound very familiar. Time will tell if this was just lack of attention on my part, or if Ultra Beatdown is just more of the same (in a not so good way).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Motorhead - Motorizer</span><br />Motorhead and Lemmy return for yet another album (I've lost count of how many have come before this!). As per the usual Motorhead formula, things are fast, energetic and no nonsense (of the albums discussed here, Motorhead are the only ones without a 'Special Edition' version). This is typical Motorhead, fans of past work are probably going to enjoy this. This is more of the same (in a good way), with catchy songs and nothing taken too seriously. I've enjoyed it so far, will see how this stands in time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Metallica - Death Magnetic</span><br />Is there an album more anticipated than this one? Very unlikely. Thanks to HMV putting the album on shelves a few days earlier than the 12th Sept release date I (and many others) have managed to see for ourselves if Metallica have brought back the magic. Based on a single listen through, I'm fairly confident that Metallica are back in a big way. The album may not reach of the 'Master of Puppets' level of acclaim, but this does have all the trademarks of their most popular albums; great riffs, epic songs (most are in the 6 or 7 minute range), strong vocals and great composition. There are a few songs that did stand out and I'm really looking forward to listening to it again (and again).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">More to come</span><br />The next month or so also sees a few more high profile albums come our way:<br /><br />Trivium - Shogun (29th Sept 2008)<br />Having seem huge success following their album The Crusade, expectations are high for the release of Shogun.<br /><br />Guns 'n' Roses - Chinese Democracy (2nd Nov 2008)<br />Delayed for almost a decade now, Chinese Democracy could almost trump Metallica on the 'most anticipated album' front, that is if people actually expect it really come out on it's current projected release date. However, if this does it the shelves this year, it will be huge.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-76061600003505937282008-03-20T13:15:00.004+00:002008-03-20T13:24:10.383+00:00Caprica gets new life!A month or so ago, rumours surfaced that Sci-Fi were struggling in their TV scheduling as a result of the writers strike. The problem was the lack of new material to put on air. The solution, re-assess previously rejected scripts that could go ahead without further writer involvement. One such script that came up in the rumours was Caprica, the spin off show from the Battlestar Galactica remake. <br /><br />Thankfully now, those rumours seem to have been more than just hot air, as TV.com is reporting that Caprica is now confirmed for production.<br /><br />The story will take place around 50 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica and will cover the creation of the Cylons. I'm sure the Cylons rebellion against mankind would also have to feature somewhere in the story line. Let's hope we don't have to wait too long to find out.<br /><br />TV.com story: <a href="http://www.tv.com/story/11030.html">http://www.tv.com/story/11030.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-8981788621302335822008-02-08T23:21:00.000+00:002008-02-08T23:24:33.439+00:00Top movies of 20072007 had it's share of ups and downs as far as movies go, with many films really splitting opinions on whether they were good or bad. For me, movies are about enjoyment. This can come from any (and many) aspects of a film, sometimes from being thought provoking, sometimes for making me laugh, sometimes for delivering adrenaline pumping action, or sometimes something else altogether. At the end of the day, movies can't be rating based on just one of these qualities, so the list of my top films of 2007 is based purely on how much I enjoyed them. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">15. Shoot Em Up</span><br /><br />Does exactly what it says. Relentless gun action through out the film, with Clive Owen finding himself rescuing a baby from death, though is less successful in saving the mother making him the only guardian the baby has from the legions of guns for hire that are in pursuit of the baby.<br /><br />The plot isn't too taxing, and it's not supposed to be. The gun play is imaginative and over the top but the film doesn't take itself too seriously and provides some good entertainment.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">14. Balls of Fury</span><br /><br />Balls Of Fury is a spoof comedy taking place in the world of Illegal Underground Table Tennis. The FBI recruit a former Table Tennis protégée (who embarrassed himself in the Olympic Table Tennis final at the age of 9) to infiltrate the criminal organisation run by Christopher Walken. Sadly, his table tennis skills are no longer what they used to be and he must regain his winning form to succeed.<br /><br />The film provided many laughs in many ways, providing plenty of (sometimes absurd) fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">13. Ratatouille</span><br /><br />Pixar's latest has many great qualities, not only does it make a funny movie from an absurd concept (well, looking at the two films listed above, maybe not so absurd after all!), Pixar has once again raised the bar in the standards of CGI animation. The characters are amazingly details, the rat hair is very real looking and the animation quality is superb.<br /><br />While a really good film, it just didn't grab me in the same way that previous Pixar films have. Not that I'd hold that against it, the preceding films have all been so good and this film is still good in it's own right.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">12. Hot Fuzz</span><br /><br />Doing for action movies what Shaun Of The Dead did for zombie films, Simon Pegg & Co return with another great comedy. Taking a variety of clichés of the genre, Hot Fuzz turns the rules upside down, gives them a shake, then puts them back and delivers what you would expect from an action film.<br /><br />Britain isn't really known for it's action films, however even although this is primarily a comedy, the action is still worth it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">11. The Simpsons</span><br /><br />Long awaited and carrying great expectations, The Simpsons movie has finally arrived. While the original idea for The Simpsons movie had been to be as a way to bring closure to the franchise after the TV series had ended, allowing the family to go out with a bang, their continued popularity (and no doubt an element of greed by those that profit from it) has seen the movie arrive long before the series will be ending. Does this prevent them from going all out in the movie? Yes and No. <br /><br />The plot may be suitably epic, involving the possible complete destruction of Springfield, and there are a few things that happen that would never happen on the TV show, however many people feel that the movie is nothing more than an extended episode of the TV show. While I agree with that to an extent, I think the movie does stand up on it's own, with the greater run time of the movie format allowing for much more development through the course of the story while still providing the magic formula that has made the Simpsons work so well for so many years.<br /><br />Well worth watching in my opinion<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer</span><br /><br />A much hyped sequel to a film that never really stood out from the crowd much. Rise Of The Silver Surfer far exceeds the original film, with the main characters already established and in place, the film is able to get on with what super hero films are all about, Super-heroes and super-villains. Yes, there is the 'personal' stories covered in the film as well, but these do provide some entertainment and diversity from the core story.<br /><br />Much improved over the original, enough to make it to 10 on this list, if you like super hero films, actions films, or even just Jessica Alba, this is worth checking out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. Stardust</span><br /><br />A fantasy story about an average boy that has been chosen by fate to play a part in a very significant adventure. And what an adventure it is! With all the required fantasy features, magic, adventure, evil villains, comedy, a vulnerable heroin and an unlikely hero, this movie delivers a lot, matching the calibre of classics such as The Princess Bride and Willow.<br /><br />An all star cast deliver an amazing film, however Robert De Niro really does steal the show as Captain Shakespeare!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. The Golden Compass</span><br /><br />In a parallel world, the Earth is a very different place, where every person has their own 'daemon', an animal which represents their inner soul an is always with them. Where there is one organisation in charge of most of the world, they seek to stop a scientist who is following a theory that could disprove everything that they preach (no, they don't necessarily believe it!). His niece, Lyra get's caught up in an adventure to help her uncle, have to fend for herself as she learns of other deceit and trickery. Of course she makes some friends along the way who travel with her to help on her journey. And did I mention that there are friendly polar bears and witches?<br /><br />This movie went by so quickly, you barely realise how long has passed by the time it is over. It's an super adventure, which leads you into anticipation for the second film in the trilogy. I just hope that the second film will get the go ahead despite the disappointing box office performance in the USA.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. I Am Legend</span><br /><br />The whole idea of this film really struck a cord with me, I just loved the idea. One man has survived in a world where a disease has either killed everyone or turned them into blood thirsty mutants. Will Smith was brilliant, playing a man who is totally isolated with only a dog for company for the last three years, getting dangerously close the edge of sanity as he continues to hunt for a cure for the disease<br /><br />The movie wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be, I had expected an action movie and while there is action and it is good, it is not the core of the movie. I did find the movie fascinating though and definitely one of the top movies of the year.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. The Bourne Ultimatum</span><br /><br />Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne in the third and (presumably) final film of the series. The quality of this film surpasses it's predecessor, with amazing locations and action scenes, not mention brining a close to the story of Jason Bourne. The story picks up and takes place between two scenes from near the end of the second film, with only the final 15 or 20 minutes taking place after the end of the second film. This worked well and was handled seamlessly.<br /><br />As far as good quality actions films go, the Bourne series has been one of the best and Ultimatum has been a superb ending to the series.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Oceans Thirteen</span><br /><br />Danny Ocean and the gang are back and this time it's all business. The first film, Oceans Eleven, brought heist films back into fashion and although the Oceans Twelve was fairly entertaining it just didn't have the 'purpose' that the original had. Not a mistake that is made this time, the story is there and the gang have a unified purpose that drives them on their biggest job yet. This isn't about getting rich, this is about pay back. <br /><br />The film is focused, yet still maintains the humour and the twists that the series is famed for. It may or may not be the last film in the series, if it is, they have certainly gone out in style.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Spiderman 3</span><br /><br />One of the best Superhero franchises to date, the previous two Spiderman films have been (appropriately enough) 'amazing', both in terms of Superhero Vs Villain action and in terms of quality film making. The third film had promised a lot, a close to the story arc that had ran through the first two films, new characters (including Gwen Stacey, former girlfriend of Peter Parker in the comics) and not to mention 3 villains; Sandman, Venom and a variation of the Green Goblin. Could a film deliver all this without losing the 'character' that had made the previous films so highly regarded?<br /><br />Opinion seems to be mixed on this film, many thought they tried to do too much and dropped the ball, other thought that Peters 'emo' thing in the middle of the film was totally stupid, while others, including myself, though that it all worked and the movie was fantastic. In my view, his 'emo' phase was right, despite being a Superhero, Peter himself is and always has been a nerd. What he got up to is just what a nerd like Peter would think was 'cool' and would impress a woman - the audience might not think it's cool, but the point is that Peter did.<br /><br />If you have seen the first two films, then you do have to check this one out as well. If you haven't seen either of the first two, then watch them first and then watch this. You just have to.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Happy Potter and the Order Of The Phoenix</span><br /><br />Another year and another Harry Potter, hard to believe that this is now the 5th film in the series. Personally, I've been loving the Harry Potter films every since I saw the first one all those years ago. Of course, I've not read the books yet, so this may be why I find the films so brilliant while there are many people that do not (though in most cases the main complaint is about what was NOT included in the film). As with the previous films, the tone continues to get darker and the events taking place are increasingly more serious, while at the same time we are introduced to new wonders of the magic world, new magic spells, new characters and all new developments in the live of Harry Potter and to top it all off the movie ends with two of the most powerful wizards fighting at their best. In short, excellent stuff!<br /><br />If you've enjoyed the previous films in the series, then there is nothing that would prevent you from enjoying this one as well. I await the 6th film with baited breathe.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End</span><br /><br />The 4th film in this list that is the closing part of a trilogy. The Pirates Of The Caribbean films have been something of a phenomenon, the first one came out of no where and surprised everyone that movie based on a theme park ride could actually be brilliant, never mind just good! The wave of hype that has surrounded the two follow up films has been huge, and while Dead Mans Chest was in itself a good film, the closing chapter, At World's End takes the films to a new level, finally answering some of the questions that have lingered throughout the series (such as, Is Jack really mad?). <br /><br />The full cast of characters and some news one take the story in directions you would not have predicted, leading up to a finale of epic proportions. To cap it all off, the movie is brave enough to not quite give the happy ending that everyone would have been hoping for!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Transformers</span><br /><br />The Transformers, once an obsession of my childhood, have finally been given new life in the live action movie I (and many others like me) have been waiting years to see! Ever since adaptations of popular comics have proven that they can be good (witness, Spiderman and X-Men as two of the best examples), this movie has been one has been at the top of my wish list. Despite the heated online discussions all across the internet and the fear that Hollywood was going to butcher my childhood, the release of the first trailer for the movie made my jaw drop. Not only did the Transformers look stunning, they also looked believable, hope brewed and anticipation of the July 4th release date grew every day.<br /><br />Thankfully, the movie came out a few days earlier than expected and I managed to catch it on opening day while on holiday. I tried not to get my hopes up, just in case the movie was a disappointment, but it turned out that my hesitation was unnecessary, the movie was brilliant!!<br /><br />The movie started off with a taste of what would be coming, as Blackout attacks and levels a military base. From there, you are left with no doubt that the action is going to be satisfying. As the movie progresses, there is plenty of humour and the story is built up at a reasonable pace. Although there is only limited action through the first half of the film as all the players are put into position, this allows the second half of the film to really go to town with the action, and it rocks.<br /><br />True, the transformers don't really look like their original incarnations (or really any subsequent version either), with only Optimus Prime really keeping similarities to his original look, however it would be silly to think that the film would work in the same they all looked like they did in the comics or cartoons. They did keep to the spirit of it all and this is why it worked.<br /><br />For me, The Transformers had everything it needed to make it my film of the year, which is more than I ever expected it would. Now we must wait for the next film, due in 2009!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-69548478683047820062008-01-30T22:07:00.000+00:002008-02-08T23:23:22.803+00:00Top Albums of 2007When it comes to the December issue of your favourite magazines you'll notice that they all have "Best Albums of 2007" plastered across the front covers. It strikes us that to publish this list in December you need to have them compiled in November, so really it's the 'best albums of the first 10 or 11 months of 2007'. What would happen if someone was to release something as ground breaking as Reign In Blood or Master Of Puppets or Appetite For Destruction in mid December I ask you? OK, ok, we know that most record companies wont put an album out then because of the Christmas charts being flooded with greatest hits packages intended as stocking fillers but we at Grindaar are patient people, we don't see the need to rush.<br /><br />So we've taken our time, waited until January and compiled our own list of our favourite albums of 2007. Of course we don't have access to every single metal album released in the last year the same way the professional critics do, but as always, we believe that we represent the feelings and opinions of your average rock/metal fan. So take a look, and let us know if you agree or disagree or what your top 10 would be.<br /><br />Our Top Albums of 2007:<br /><br />1. Machine Head - The Blackening<br />2. Turbonegro - Retox<br />3. Serj Tankian - Elect The Dead<br />4. Rush - Snakes and Arrows<br />5. McQueen - Break The Silence<br />6. Bad Religion - New Maps Of Hell<br />7. Epica - The Divine Conspiracy<br />8. Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold<br />9. Nightwish - Dark Passion Play<br />10. Paradise Lost - In Reqiuem<br />11. Priestess - Hello Master<br />12. Ministry - The Last Sucker<br />13. WASP - Dominator<br />14. Megadeth - United Abominations<br />15. Alter Bridge - Blackbird<br />16. Monster Magnet - 4-Way Diablo<br />17. Agnostic Front - Warriors<br />18. Symphony X - Paradise Lost<br />19. Down - Over The Under<br />20. Dropkick Murphys - The Meanest Of Times<br /><br /><br />Machine Head returned with a fantastic album, following on from their impressive (and back on form) Through the Ashes of Empires, and showed us that they can still do great things. Not that they walked away with it, it was a close fought battle for the top positions, with Turbonegro, Serj Tankian and Rush all in contention for the top spot. With old names, new names and some regulars making a showing, overall, 2007 was a pretty good year. <br /><br />Cheers and here's to a headbanging 2008!<br />The Grindaar Team.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-62164478170278159592007-11-21T23:36:00.000+00:002007-11-22T00:25:52.958+00:00The Black Crusade beginsLast night saw the Black Crusade tour kicking off in Glasgow. Would have to say, if you don't have a ticket yet and can still get one, then do it, you won't be disappointed! With Arch Enemy, Dragonforce, Trivium and the almighty Machine Head, you'd be crazy to miss it. Expect a review online soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-33330010168129839542007-10-27T20:50:00.000+00:002007-10-28T22:39:30.148+00:00Battlestar delayedI came across an article (via Ain't It Cool News) regarding the upcoming 4th and final series of Battlestar Galactica.<br /><br />Seems that after initially being delayed from the usual October/November launch for the series to a January launch, the series has again been delayed to an April launch. While that inevitably means that we all have to suffer a longer agonising wait to see what happens next, we may also have the further problem of a mid-season break over the summer, even the possibility of the series spilling over into 2009.<br /><br />After the cliffhanger ending to the 3rd series, it seems we have some time to wait to see the ultimate fate of the Galactica and her crew.<br /><br /><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2007/10/battlestar-gala.html">LA Times article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-45436925363926082352007-09-18T21:36:00.000+00:002007-09-18T21:42:19.996+00:00Upcoming releasesWas doing a little browsing to see what new albums are coming up in the next month or so, so here is a quick run down of the ones that took my interest<br /><br /><br />17th September<br />Down - Down III: Over The Under<br />Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant<br />Ministry - The Last Sucker<br /><br />1st October<br />Nightwish - Dark Passion Play<br />Prong - Power Of The Damager<br /><br />15th October<br />Soilwork - Sworn To A Great Divide<br /><br />29th October<br />Exodus - The Atrocity Exibition<br />Avenged Sevenfold - New Album TBA<br /><br /><br />It's been a while since I've heard anything new from Prong, think the last album of there's that I got was Rude Awakening, so I'm looking forward to giving them a listen again. <br /><br />The other thing to stand out on the list was the lack of the new Guns 'n' Roses album, which has been pushed back again, this time pencilled in for the 11th February 2008.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-43902597254124049362007-08-13T20:59:00.000+00:002008-02-08T23:25:41.611+00:00The Dwarves1 gig down, 3 to go.<br /><br />The Dwarves at Glasgow's King Tuts on Friday night was a good gig. This time we were treated to a full set (all 45 minutes of it) and there was no controversy although HeWhoMustNotBeNamed at one point swung his guitar at someone in the crowd - fortunately he didn't make a connection and the roadies/security stepped in to defuse the situation.<br /><br />As far as music goes it was a good night. First band The Baddies were good. My first impressions of them were they looked like The Hives but they sounded more like The Jam. Good all the same. Next up where The Elvis Suicide with mandatory sideburns. They sounded a bit like The Misfits meets The Cure. Alright if you like that kind of thing. The 3rd support band were Dangerfields from Belfast and they were cool, storming through their set of traditional 100mph rock. There's not many bands can claim to have their drummer as their frontman but The Dangerfields make the music work and their crowd rapport between songs was some of the best I've heard for a while (always like a band with a sense of humour).<br /><br />And finally to The Dwarves. As always the music was fantastic: Everybodies Girl, Better Be Women, How It's Done, Like You Want...all the favourites were there and played with gusto. You just cant help but think that if they weren't so completely wild and uncontrollable they would have been snapped up by a major label and be huge by now...not that I'm saying that's what the fans or the band would want - just pointing out they have the songwriting capabilities.<br /><br />Next up: Napalm Death...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Markyboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05778788557339258986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-35599769961955730012007-08-09T20:36:00.000+00:002007-08-09T21:34:38.444+00:00Gig frenzyStevie and I are hoping to take in 4 gigs in the next 3 weeks:<br />The Dwarves, Napalm Death, The Subordinates and Turbonegro.<br /><br />The Dwarves is tomorrow night, we dont have tickets yet but based on the poor turnout last time they were in Glasgow we're banking on it not being a sell out and we can get tickets on the door. Sadly no new album since we last saw them but their tunes are so great it's definitely worth seeing again, and it's fair to say you never know what you'll get at a Dwarves show!<br /><br />I was listening to the new Turbonegro album <strong>Retox</strong> on the way to work this morning and it's another cracker. I possibly prefer it's predecessor <strong>Party Animals</strong> at the moment but still a very good album with more hilarious lyrics. If you like rock, you'll like this!<br /><br />The Subordinates are an exciting local band led by a very good friend of mine. I'm gutted that I haven't caught them live before now so hoping to make it next week to see what they're like, certainly the 3 songs posted on their MySpace site are very promising.<br /><br />And so to Napalm Death, what is there to say that hasn't already been said about these legends, these pioneers? I spotted a live review in a mag the other day that suggested they still have it so looking forward to my ear drums getting a right good workout. I'm currently downloading my Napalm CD's to the MP3 player in anticipation.<br /><br />We'll keep you posted on what the shows are like.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedwarves.com/">http://www.thedwarves.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.napalmdeath.org/">http://www.napalmdeath.org/</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/subordinates">http://www.myspace.com/subordinates</a><br /><a href="http://www.turbonegro.com/">http://www.turbonegro.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Markyboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05778788557339258986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-15814927497574818752007-08-01T16:26:00.000+00:002008-12-10T11:38:57.480+00:00Cloverfield ('1-18-08') PosterThe last few days have seen a new poster for the mysterious JJ ABrams film going by the codename 'Cloverfield' (and '1-18-08'). Thanks to forum user <a href="http://www.swoj.com/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=564">Hotdogs and Haggis</a> for bringing to my attention, I'm really looking forward to this film and the poster looks really good, so I wanted to let everyone know about it :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://iseerobots.com/2007/07/27/cloverfield-poster.aspx" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none;" ><img style="margin: 0; padding: 0;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvB-4ZiXa9QcO5KhFs305kY_ZCQbf17lwiCe-O15I8rm-jvqfOxnUzKXIiVIy40BUnLx9NrQV_Uzyr7GNrs9Kge_6SXuiMb3HIk8XsdmrSFuYaHcGBbZQ_EZbObp0Wz5Lxn5lqVUZrgFm/s320/1_18_08thm.jpg" alt="Cloverfield poster" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093770724755975122" border="0" /><br /><br />Click to view full size version at iseerobots.com</a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-42090304450331576212007-07-07T15:23:00.000+00:002007-07-07T17:48:51.350+00:00Blast from the pastIn the last week I've had the privilege of seeing two franchises of the 80's make a comeback at the cinema, Transformers and Die Hard.<br /><br />First off, Transformers played more than a significant part in my childhood - not only were they my favourite toys, through the comics and cartoons the characters were so real that they were like family. I know I'm not the only one that felt this way about them, have a read at this good article for more info -> '<a href="http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/ENT04/707050323/1005/ENT">Transformers had human touch</a>'<br /><br />When I first heard that a Transformers movie was finally going to be made, I was both excited and fearful, just how would my childhood heroes be treated by Hollywood? Hollywood doesn't exactly have a reputation for being faithful to their source material, however with the news that Steven Spielberg was involved in the project gave me hope, however while the news that Michael Bay would be directing did not bother me (I loved Armageddon, The Rock and Bad Boys) it brought terror to many other Transformer fans. As the film developed, information came out about it: Bumblebee would no longer be a VW Beatle he was now a Camero and worst of all Optimus Prime was not going to be his usual flat nose truck but instead a different type of truck with flame design paintwork! Then the character designs were released, Megatron looked nothing like his original self, and to add insult to injury, he would no longer transform into a gun!!<br /><br />Things did not look too good, however the trailers were then released (<a href="http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/transformers/">here</a> and <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/trailer">here</a>) and things started to look more promising, the trailers looked good, the transformers themselves looked good. There wasn't too much else to do aside from wait for the movie to be released.<br /><br />I was lucky enough to be in the USA when the release date came (here in the UK, the release is not until the end of July :( ), so there was no chance I would miss it!<br /><br />To say the least, I am so glad that I saw it on release night!! The film is brilliant.<br /><br />The action begins right at the start and sets the tone for the film, the Decepticons are their and they are very dangerous - with Blackout and Scorpnock tearing a military base to shreds. Time is then spent developing the story and human characters, making you realise that this film isn't just about giant robots beating on each other, this film is about the world and the characters (human and robot!) but it's not too serious, there is a good amount of humour throughout, even from the Transformers themselves, which only adds to the fact that they are alive and with personality. Around half way through, the action really starts to step up a pace as the real capabilities of the Transformers are shown and they do not disappoint.<br /><br />What really makes this good, as a life long Transformers fan, is that although they Transformers are not a visually accurate representation of their original forms, this is them brought up to date for the new millennium. The key personalities are intact (Optimus Prime has the same honour and integrity, Megatron is still evil and Starscream still hates Megatron (and vice versa!)), which is what still makes this the Transformers, it's the characters we always loved with a new modern look. I'd recommend this film to everyone that ever knew of the Transformers!<br /><br /><br />Second up is Die Hard 4. Die Hard is one of the classic 80's action movies, already with two excellent sequels. With so long since the last one (10+ years), could the essence of the original be captured again? Thankfully, as Rocky Balboa has already shown, an 80's classic can be updated to the modern day and Die Hard 4 (or "Live Free or Die Hard" as it is known in the States) certainly does that. Bruce Willis is in fine form as John McLean again, with the stubbornness and wit we know and love, not to mention his ability to kill all the bad guys while still staying alive. Justin Long does well as reformed hacker helping solve the mystery of what is going on as the USA starts to shut down. The action is constant and certainly lives up to what is expected of a Die Hard movie!<br /><br />I'd definitely recommend both movies to everyone, both are highly enjoyable blockbusters!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459293019284362662.post-392005678796318822007-03-28T23:35:00.000+00:002007-03-28T23:41:41.516+00:00Getting in the ringI'm sitting right now listening to 'Get In The Ring' by Guns'n'Roses and for a moment I let myself think "Maybe Chinese Democracy will capture the old GNR magic!". Well, we'll all have to wait until September now to find out as it seems most retailers have move the release date from 2nd April to Sept 07. Sadly, can't say I'm too surprised.<br /><br />On the plus side, we've picked up a few good CDs recently, so expect a review or two soon! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />
<a href="http://swoj.blogspot.com/" title="Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog">Visit the Swoj.com Staff Blog</a></div>Steviepunkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335467075275748099noreply@blogger.com0