Helvetica Outbreak: The best thing that never happened to music!

My housemate and best friend from university came to stay last week, and as we relived the old days it reminded me of a little project we sank quite a few hours into - introducing Helvetica Outbreak, the ultimate drum 'n' bass/metal cross-over that sadly didn't make it!

Equipped with a couple of electric guitars and a macbook with Garageband, we had high ambitions which sadly were never realised. However, looking back on our jamming sessions, it doesn't matter that the music didn't travel much further than our ipods, because we had fun.

The Helvetica Outbreak myspace page still exists, so you can listen to our tracks - let me know if you like them!

Kitty loves bass!

stereo skifcha from xgabberx on Vimeo.

Nineteen Eighty Four meets Metalcore!

Check out this awesome music video by As I Lay Dying - combines two of my favourite things: metalcore and dystopia!

What can you play? I play the dubstep!!!

The best music video of all-time!

This is officially my new favourite music video! It combines pretty much everything I love - RPGs, video gaming and Christian progressive death metal! Becoming the Archetype, I salute you!

Do the D.A.N.C.E.!

Nick Pitera - One-man Disney

Classical meets contemporary

'They're much better live' - my gig stats

I'm not the most prolific follower of live music, but I've seen a quite a few bands over past few years. I remember my first trip into London on the National Express to see The Datsuns with a group of mates. There's something about the heat, stench and noise of a gig that doesn't quite translate onto a recorded song or album.

Most Frequent - this is quite a simple category, doesn't need much explanation. The '(s)' symbol means I saw the band as a support act.

1. Enter Shikari x3

2. The Datsuns x3

3. [dweeb] x2, x1 (s)

4. Pendulum x2

5. Verra Cruz x2

Most Surprising - these bands were either unexpectedly impressive or were unknown to me before I saw them live.

1. Shy Child

2. Gojira

3. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip

4. The Eyes Of A Traitor

5. Stereophonics

Most disappointing - not all live music experiences live up to expectations, as these acts demonstrated to me.

1. Dragonforce

2. My Chemical Romance

3. Incubus

4. Delirious?

5. Queens Of The Stone Age

Ambition Achieved - these are the bands that I wanted to see for years or managed to see before they split up.

1. Rage Against The Machine

2. Deftones

3. Fear Factory

4. Reuben

5. Sikth

Best Metal

1. Rage Against The Machine

2. Deftones

3. Fear Factory

4. Metallica

5. Trivium

Best Rock

1. Audioslave

2. Muse

3. Verra Cruz

4. [dweeb]

5. Manic Street Preachers

Best Electronic

1. Pendulum

2. The Prodigy

3. Justice

4. Enter Shikari

5. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip

And The Rest - a round-up of all the other live acts I've seen.

36 Crazy Fists

Black Dahlia Murder

Biffy Clyro

Death From Above 1979

The Devil Wears Prada

Hundred Reasons

Jurassic 5

Norma Jean

Plan B

The Showdown

Skindred

The Sword

I know I've probably missed a few bands out, but that must mean they weren't very memorable. Post your own gig stats in the comments box below, on my facebook page or on twitter!

My top ten electronic albums

10. Badmarsh and Shri – Signs

Mixing Eastern tones and trip-hop beats, this album blends the sublime with the gritty. The instrumentation is what makes this record really shine, using strings and flutes in great contrast to electronic drum sounds. There are some fantastic vocal performances to be sampled here, especially during the chilled-out 'Sajanna', as well as some hectic beats on tracks like 'Tribal' and 'Bang'.

9. Shy Child – Noise Won't Stop

Get your synthesizers out! Keyboard and drums are all that this pair need to get the party started, and they do a very good job. This album contains some great synthpop tracks like the sunny tune 'Summer', but also some pumping aural assaults, summed up perfectly in the pounding bass of 'Kick Drum'. The rhythmic indie vocals fit well with the duo's bright sound, providing you with a tasty sonic cocktail with a pleasant aftertaste.

8. Mad Capsule Markets – OSC – DIS

Time for some punk-techno-metal. Combining raspy distorted bass, d'n'b drum loops, heavy guitars and confusing English/Japanese vocals, this record is an anime seizure for your ears. Although not purely an electronic album, this had to make the top ten for its original use of programmed instruments and beats, shown particularly well in the anthemic 'Pulse' and the high-speed attack of 'Midi Surf'.

7. Mistabishi – Drop

Since I reviewed this album a while ago, I've heard less than positive things about the artist's lack-lustre live performances. However, I'm rating the recorded album, not the performer; and this album is very good. Moving through different genres, such as dance, d'n'b and dubstep, the record is a great example of serene tones clashing with harsh bass and beats. Check out the unique 'Printer Jam' and brutal dubstep tune 'White Collar Grime'.

6. Propellerheads – Decksandrumsandrockandroll

With tracks from this album featuring in two motion pictures (Tomorrow Never Dies, The Matrix), you're probably more familiar with the record than you might have thought. Utilising some great samples and instruments, and with a variety of fast and laid-back tracks, this album features some fantastic nerdy electronic tunes. Highlights have to be the skateboard-sampling '360 Degrees' and the bullet-time classic 'Spybreak'.

5. Chase & Status – More Than a lot

As dubstep and drum and bass have recently risen in popularity and commercial appeal, this duo have successfully broken through into the mainstream (judge for yourself if this is good or bad). Nevertheless, this album is a fantastic achievement, containing some grinding yet soulful dubstep, shown in the tracks 'Eastern Jam' and 'Running', as well as d'n'b classics like 'Hurt You'.

4. Innerpartysystem – Innerpartysystem

Dark and dystopian, this record will take you to a totalitarian future where the party rules your every move – or maybe we're already there? Pumping out distorted bass and heavy beats, this rock/electro crossover album takes the best aspects of both genres and blends them with skill and originality. 'Don't Stop' attacks our contemporary consumer culture and is definitely worth a listen, as is the painful hypocrisy of 'Heart Of Fire'.

3. The Prodigy – Music For The Jilted Generation

Although almost all of this group's albums are absolute classics, I had to pick this record over the others purely on sentimental reasons. I remember hearing this in the common room during sixth form and thinking, I have to own this. Brilliant beats, uncompromising bass, smooth synths and some tasty guitar riffs make this a timeless record, with tracks like 'Voodoo People' and 'No Good' pouring on a healthy dose of electronic anarchy.

2. Leftfield – Rhythm And Stealth

Another record that brings out the rose-tinted spectacles, invoking memories of my not-so-distant youth. I first encountered the track 'Afrika Shox' from this album when the video was featured on a Playstation Magazine demo disc, and was mesmerised not only by the awesome imagery but also by the superb beats and sounds. Other great tracks are 'Phat Planet', famously featuring in a Guinness advert, and the album-opener 'Dusted'.

1. Pendulum – Hold Your Colour

This, my number one electronic album, gave me my first proper taste of drum and bass. As the cinematic opening track begins to play, you know you're in for an epic ride. And then 'Slam' kicks in, razing the ground with its unforgettable synth hook and superb breakdowns. Although this album does contain some more chilled tracks, such as 'Plastic World' and 'Girl In The Fire', it mostly offers the listener a high-octane d'n'b experience. Highlights include the reggae mash-up of 'Tarantula' and pounding club anthem 'Fasten Your Seatbeat'. If you want some powerful, innovative and emotive drum and bass, look no further.

So there you have it, my top ten electronic albums. Here's a shortlist of those that didn't quite make it into the elite.

The Chemical Brothers - Surrender

Daft Punk – Discovery

Gypsy and the Cat – Gilgamesh

Hurts - Happiness

Imogen Heap – Speak For Yourself

Justice – Cross

Leftfield - Leftism

Pendulum – In Silico

The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die

Let me know your own top ten electronic albums by posting in the comments section below.

The heavy metal you SHOULD be listening to!

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding music genres, a lot of stereotypes that don't necessarily hold their water. With this in mind, I want to spend a little bit of time considering 'heavy metal', and why Christians shouldn't dismiss it out of hand.

Metal is one of the genres that is generally avoided by the majority of Christians, the assumption being that this style of music is inherently evil, demonic and immoral. While there may be individuals and groups who use metal as a vehicle to oppose God and his statutes, this doesn't make the genre itself sinful. The whole world belongs to God; he created it - and therefore all music belongs to God. It's up to us as the human race to choose whether we use music to praise God or defy Him. With that in mind, any genre can oppose or worship. All sin is equal, meaning that a pop song by Lady Gaga can be just as immoral as a track by Cradle of Filth.

I personally think that heavy metal is very useful form of musical expression for Christians. While I completely agree that metal may not be appropriate for congregational worship, it has certain qualities that align well with the themes and facts of Christianity. Intensity, power and aggression are the words that I would use to sum up heavy metal, all of which are part of being a follower of Christ. The Christian life is one of conflict - Paul speaks in Romans 8 about a war being waged inside him, a war between his sinful nature and God's law. Shouldn't we therefore display this battle in our musical interests, raising a battle-cry against the darkness that seeks to envelope us? We are told in Philippians 4:13 that we "can do everything through him who gives us strength." Does this phrase invoke a whimper in your mind, a tiny pitiful sound? Or would this verse be better displayed by boldness and strength, by the sound of people standing firm, ready to fight?

There are many fantastic bands that speak God's truth through the medium of heavy metal. Through this genre, Christians can talk about their struggle against the sin that snaps at their heels, about living in a world that is in complete opposition to God, and can bring glory to God by highlighting his power, glory and might. With that in mind, here are a few bands defined as 'Christian Metal', that I suggest you should sample.

As I Lay Dying - taking their name from the title of a William Faulkner novel, this metalcore band from San Diego were formed in 2001 and have recently released their fifth studio album, 'The Powerless Rise'. AILD's musical style is a combination of furious guitar riffs and soaring harmonies, breakneck drum beats and varied vocal styles, mixing guttural screams with anthemic melodies. The band's religious beliefs are summed up perfectly in the FAQ on AILD's official webpage when Tim Lambesis states,

If you truly believe something, then it should affect every area of your life. All five of us are Christians. I believe that change should start with me first, and as a result, our lyrics do not come across very “preachy.” Many of our songs are about life, struggles, mistakes, relationships and other issues that don’t fit entirely in the spiritual category. However, all of these topics are written about through my perspective as a christian.

Try this if you like: All That Remains, Trivium

Demon Hunter - combining the speed and intensity of metalcore with industrial rhythms and tones, this Seattle-based band have battled their way into the mainstream US charts, whilst still retaining their uncompromised passion for Jesus Christ. Lyrically, their songs strike out at the fallen state of our world, with tracks like 'Tie This Around Your Neck', from the album 'The World Is A Thorn', highlighting the hopelessness of trying to live without God's power and direction. DH's musical style unites modern technical riffs and licks with classic metal power and swagger, refusing to be defined by cliches or stay stagnant in the past.

Try this if you like: Killswitch Engage, Fear Factory

Becoming the Archetype - if you're looking for progressive heavy metal that glorifies God, then look no further. Hailing from Dacula, Georgia (great town name!), this group push the boundaries of musical skill and experimental praise, displayed best in their reworking of the hymn 'How Great Thou Art' into a death-metal masterpiece. The band's unusual name is taken from the Genesis 1:26, "let us make man in our image," seeing Jesus as the archetypal sinless human who we should strive to emulate. Each of BtA's songs tells a story, with their latest album, 'Dichotomy', focusing on the opposition of biology and technology, of man versus machine.

Try this if you like: Opeth, Chimaira

There are so many other bands that I could have included, such as technical metal band Extol or post-hardcore rockers Underoath, but I just don't have time! If heavy metal is a genre that doesn't turn you on, don't worry, I'm not saying that makes you a bad person. However, what is important is not to limit your tastes in music because of stereotypes. If you like hip-hop or electronica, go and find some Christians who are making it. However, don't think I'm advocating shutting yourself off from secular music and culture - how can you reach the world if you have no connection to it? Hope some of this made sense and that it leads you to listen to some good old-fashioned 'bleeding-from-the-ear drums' heavy metal!

Some musical mini-reviews

As the year draws to a close, I thought I'd provide you with a selection of mini-reviews, summarising my thoughts on a few of the albums I've purchased recently.

As I Lay Dying - Shadows Are Security

The second album from the USA's premier Christian metalcore band, charting their evolution from the raw brutality of their debut album, 'Frail Words Collapse', to a more refined and crafted sonic assault. Although some of the tracks are a little repetitive, AILD still retain their relentless aggression and passion, making this record an effective link in the band's musical progression.

Must-hear tracks: Confined, Empty Hearts

Rating: 3/5

Hurts - Happiness

If melodramatic 80's-inspired electro-pop is what you're after, then this duo from the UK is for you. Hurts debut album features incredibly catchy tunes, crisply recorded instrumentation and innovative yet vintage synths and beats. Pop princess Kylie Minogue also features on the record, giving the experience the authenticity it deserves.

Must-hear tracks: Wonderful Life, Better Than Love

Rating: 5/5

As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise

AILD's most recent release, featuring more piercing guitar harmonies, pummeling riffage, unforgiving drum beats and questioning lyrics. Although there are some great melodic sections to be sampled here, the solos let this album down, feeling unoriginal and bland for the most part. Not a bad record overall, but a step back from the perfection of 'An Ocean Between Us'.

Must-hear tracks: The Plague, Upside Down Kingdom

Rating: 4/5

Gypsy and the Cat - Gilgamesh

Another electro-pop duo for you now, but this time hailing from Australia. Possibly too sickly-sweet for some, but hitting the spot for others, this record features the great combination of lyrical ballads and programmed rhythms and tones. Some of the songs point to the band's influences a tad too overtly, but on the whole this a soulful and original album; I challenge you not to sing along.

Must-hear tracks: Time To Wander, The Piper's Song

Rating: 4/5

Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn

Christianity and heavy metal may not be a natural combination for some, but for US industrial-thrash veterans Demon Hunter, it's a way of life. This, the band's latest album, continues their no-holds-barred musical rampage, using epic riffs, rapid-fire drums and soaring vocals to spread their uncompromising message. As close to perfection as you can get outside of Heaven.

Must-hear tracks: Collapsing, Tie This Around Your Neck

Rating: 5/5

DJ Fresh - Kryptonite

And finally, some British drum and bass. This album features a mix of straight and swung tracks, as well as some dubstep beats for good measure. Although some of the songs aren't particularly special, there are a few absolute gems to be found here, utilising grimy synth tones, deep bass lines and high-speed drums alongside brilliant vocal performances.

Must-hear tracks: Talkbox, Golddust

Rating: 3/5

That's all for now, have a great New Year!

Birthday presents, video games, movies and rediscovering the joy of four strings

I intended to get a post in before my birthday, but other commitments have sadly drawn my attention away. So I'm going to condense all my recent thoughts/experiences into this post, as I can't say whether I'll get to write again before Christmas!

My birthday has come and gone once again, leaving me a year older but blessed with some really cool presents. Lauren covered all the bases by getting me Enslaved: Odyssey to the West on PS3, a Adidas/Star Wars T-shirt and the Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary! If you can't be a kid on your birthday then what's the point of having a birthday? As we both had the day off, we went out and bought a Christmas tree, which was an interesting experience to say the least. When we got the tree out of the netting, we realised it's a little too big for our flat, and had to rearrange our furniture to accommodate it! It looks nice now it's decorated though, so I have no regrets.

I haven't played much of Enslaved yet, but my initial experience has been very enjoyable. Although to start with it seemed to lack risk (impossible to fall off ledges, low damage in battles), the difficultly/danger jumps up quite quickly after the tutorial sections are done, forcing you to use all of Monkey's agility and power, alongside Trip's intelligence and technical skill. The game's visuals are absolutely stunning, with vibrant colours and crisp detail. On the subject of striking visuals, I recently purchased Inception on Blu-ray. What a film. Like The Dark Knight, I think I'll be repeatedly watching Christopher Nolan's latest masterpiece, as its concept generates so much debate and split opinions. Is it all a dream? Does Cobb get back to his family? Am I dreaming right now? Of course not. I got out of the Matrix ages ago...

Over the past few weeks I've got back into playing the bass guitar, as my friend's bass was recently fixed, allowing us to use it for music at church. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to play the bass; it's been great to brush up on my Rage Against The Machine riffs! Having the bass for church has been very useful, because when I've played electric guitar recently its not worked very well with the other instruments (treading on the toes of the piano and acoustic guitar), where as the bass has really added some power and definition. Don't worry though, I'm not abandoning my six-string roots! Got a load of Christmas carols to learn for Sunday, so I'll leave it there. If I don't write again before the 25th, Merry Christmas!

Movie music magic!

Have you ever been watching a film, and a song kicks in that is so perfect for that moment in the story, that it sends a shiver down your spine? I was considering this phenomenon recently, and these were the three examples that instantly popped into my head, defining that special instant when what you hear and what you see couldn't be more faultlessly aligned.

"Omen" by Prodigy, featured in Kick-ass (2010)

As Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), dressed as his green-suited alter-ego 'Kick-ass', watches three gang members lay into an unlucky rival, the eerie synth loop starts to play. Lizewski tries to stop the fight but is pushed back. "It's none of your business," shouts one of the men. "Yes it is," replies the youth, loosing his iconic green batons from their holsters on his back. He joins the fray, the song's main electronic riff screaming into life, the bass-heavy drum track resounding as Kick-ass lashes out wildly, taking hit after hit. This Prodigy track works fantastically with this episode in the movie, drawing you into the action as the have-a-go hero tries to do something right.

"Sabotage" by Beastie Boys, featured in Star Trek (2009)

What band's music would best suit a young rebel without a cause, set adrift in the twenty-third century? A frustrated youth who doesn't play by the rules, but has the potential within him to save the citizens of entire planets - what song would define him best? The answer blasts out of the speakers as a young James Tiberius Kirk (Jimmy Bennett), joy-riding in his step-father's classic sportscar, thunders along an empty desert road. His adolencent roar mixes with the screaming vocal of the song's intro, the distorted guitars, pounding drum beat and dj-scratches spewing anarchy into the viewers ears; the only aural accompaniment fit for this scene.

"Extreme Ways" by Moby, featured in The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

[SPOILER ALERT! PLOT REVEALED!]

Although this track features in each episode of the Bourne trilogy, it is definitely used most effectively in the last installment of the series. In the final minutes of the film a news reporter's voice reveals that the body of the story's possibly deceased hero has not yet been discovered. As a smile creeps over the face of Bourne's companion Nicky Parsons, played by Julia Stiles, the siren-like strings of the song pierce the tranquility. Cut to Bourne's body as it continues to sink under the water, the keys and electric guitar joining the fray. Suddenly he moves, still alive against all odds. As Bourne swims away into the darkness, disappearing from view, a snare-drum fill cracks like a machinegun, ushering in the song's verse as the credits roll. Absolute perfection.

These are only a few of many examples that I could have chosen, so let me know what movie music gets your spine tingling!

My summer cinema selections

This summer has been a very good one for movies. There's generally quite a lot of turd on at the cinemas during the (supposedly) sunny months, but I've managed to see the big three I had down on my list, and enjoyed all of them thoroughly.

Inception was the first of trio which I viewed, and found that it lived up to the hype one hundred per cent. It was hard to see much going wrong when you've got Christopher Nolan directing and actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Cillian Murphy starring. The mind invasion driven plot was complex enough to keep you interested but pitched just at the right level so that the viewer doesn't get lost. The film works on so many levels, excuse the pun, that I'm sure I'll be watching it multiple times on dvd to pick up on all its hidden facets. My favourite scene would have to be the multi-leveled dream climax, which was paced to perfection, keeping the tension up right to the end. And speaking of endings, Inception's was just what I like: unresolved...

Next on the list was Toy Story 3. I remember going to see the first of the trilogy for my friend's birthday when I was at primary school, and it was amazing to feel the same giddy child-like excitement when watching the final installment as an adult. Although it is primarily a kids movie, Disney/Pixar haven't forgotten the big kids like me who feel like the film is really for them, and have made Woody and Buzz Lightyear's last escapade reflect this very well. The overriding response I had to the movie was laughter. Toy Story 3 is belly-achingly hilarious; the moment with 'Mister Tortilla-Head' had me it stitches. I don't know whether I would go as far as the film critic Mark Kermode and say that the Toy Story trilogy is the best movie trilogy ever made, but the third episode definitely doesn't let the side down. I'm still waiting for a bad Disney/Pixar movie, but I think it could be a long wait!

This last film was on my list of 'must-see' summer movies, but I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. The film in question is Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Pros: directed by visionary genius Edgar Wright, responsible for Shaun of the Dead and Channel 4's Spaced. Cons: stars Michael Cera, high-pitched and highly annoying. However, Mister Cera totally makes up for everything previous with this film. Scott Pilgrim is one massive geek-fest; a turn-off for some, but the film rang true for me and my inner-nerd. The movie is very humorous, with snappy dialogue and brilliant gaming and movie references, and the fight scenes are full of high-octane action and amazing visuals. I loved the music too, and I think Sex Bob-omb may now be my new favourite band. I will add a disclaimer here: Scott Pilgrim is not for everyone. I think this film will generate a massive cult following, but also be hated and reviled by many. Definitely a Marmite thing. I say Marmite because it's a good 'love/hate' metaphor, but Bovril is a highly superior product. Anyway...

Not sure whether or not to trust my opinions? Check out the ratings for these films on Rotten Tomatoes, a website that compiles critic's reviews, and awards them a percentage rating based on the amount of positive and negative feedback. Post your favourite summer movies in the comments section!

I have been ever so slightly busy...

The last couple of weeks have been hectic. It was dissertation hand-in time for most people at my uni last week, so both Lauren and myself have been going a bit spare with our academic work. Writing, double-checking, proof-reading, checking again, printing, finding one tiny mistake that means you have to print all over again...you get the picture. But it's over now, both our dissertations are handed in. We've just gotta try to stop thinking about them, or I know we'll find things we could improve.

As well as finishing my dissertation this week I finished a couple of other things as well. I completed Batman: Arkham Asylum the other day, which is a fantastic game. I know what you're thinking: how did he have time to play games when he's got so much work to do? I've relax at some point, or I'll go mad! Anyway it's a great game with an engrossing story, awesome graphics and really fluid controls and gameplay. The voice acting is really good too, especially Mark Hamill's take on The Joker.

I also finished reading Fight Club for my Post-War American Writing unit. What a book. I don't know whether I like it better than the film version, they're both fantastic in their own ways. Chuck Palahniuk, the author, actually said that he thought the film was better than his novel, which I thought was a really humble and honest thing to say. There's a fascinating afterword in the edition I own where he talks about the phenomenon the book created and how he never expected any of it.

Discovered my new favourite metal band the other day; Becoming the Archetype. They're a progressive death-metal band from Atlanta, Georgia; kind of a mix between Killswitch Engage and Opeth. I'm consciously not calling them 'Christian Metal', because I don't believe there should be 'Christian' genres of music. All music belongs to God; whether people acknowledge that with their lyrics is up to them. Let's just say it's metal performed by a group of Christians. I (legally) downloaded their album 'Dichotomy' the other day; it's amazing. The opening track 'Mountain of Souls' thunders powerfully, followed by the epic riffage of the title track, soft keyboards adding extra dimensions to the soundscape. Other songs to look out for are 'Ransom' and the band's cover of the hymn 'How Great Thou Art'; an original and innovative take on a song with truly inspired and worshipful words.

I may have finished my dissertation but that doesn't mean things are any less busy! I'm playing guitar at church tomorrow, so I'll have a very busy Sunday. Then my writing project it due next Thursday, which is almost complete but there's still a fair few things to be done to it. I also have to finish reading Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon by Monday, and I'm at work this afternoon. Phew! And then there's a certain wedding that needs to be planned, although that's all coming together quite well.

And in the midst of all this, Lauren has somehow persuaded me to wait until I've finished ALL my uni work before I play Final Fantasy XIII. I don't think I can wait till the 20th of May! What have I agreed to?!