Feeling Philosophical

We live in a hostile world these days. Not necessarily hostile to our physical well-being. but that depends on your global location. I find myself these days yearning for adventure. Maybe it's because i recently joined the workforce and became a corporate mercenary, selling my soul to the highest bidder. It's pathetic. I know that isn't where my place is, but I also know that for now I must endure. However, if I were to die today, I would certainly have regrets about it. I long for solitude and the open road. That I could criss-cross the land for even a month, relying on my car and myself. But that is not to be for the time being. I find routine dreadfully boring, even though during the school year it becomes somewhat of a necesscity. But to take my closest companions and journey seems so beautiful. I know I'm being idealisitic, but that is how I am.

I'm not meant to be domestic, or tamed...not yet at any rate. I would like to go, and find peace somewhere. Silence, and Solitude would be fantastic. This world, this greed-driven world is hostile. Hostile to our souls. Hostile to the driving force, whatever you believe that to be, it threatens to crush us, and make us just another number, make us work for just another pay slip. It's sad, but we all do it. I'm not saying we should go commie,but maybe that it's time for each of to re-evaluate what it is we want out of life. Sure we all want to be secure, but how secure do we need to be?

It only takes a single voice to start a revolution.

This is a test...

Testing...1...2....3. Testing.Testing. Are we on?

Summertime

1. There is a cure for the summertime blues. It is known as 1977 Firebird + Ashphalt + Saskatchewan Hot Summer Evening. Good times.

2. My car is the hottest thing on wheels. Unless some of the girls I know start using rollerblades. Then it's a draw. Onto the cuddling competition, lol!

3. New song of the moment: The Soul Eclipse by Dark Age. Who knows how to use a violin, with a matching electric guitar melody underneath? That's right, these guys do.

4. Blind Guardian: Vancouver, Nov.14. Who's in?

5. Sub-Zero and Scorpion are the coolest characters in Mortal Kombat history. 'Get Over Here!'

6. Rain, rain go away, come again some other day...or i will whip my self into a righteous frenzy and kick you all the way to Wyoming!

The Secrets of the Heart

The secrets of the heart, lie within the deepest dark of night. Where the light has no dominion, that is where what we truly are hides. Although we show to the world some of those secrets, much of what is known is merely the surface of knowledge, only the surface of understanding. The torrents and storms which lie beneath, that is where the struggle is. Our daily combat swirls within here. If there is a war to be fought, it is to be fought within first. Only then can we escape our inner darkness and come into the light of those around us. To view the outer layer will not bring understanding. How can you understand the depth, by only knowing the surface? It is cruel that all we ever know of one another is merely that surface, and we fail to contemplate that which exists below the seeming randomness of action and word. If we fail to look within and see what truly lies there we will exist at this surface state forever, and never know another human being with any degree of depth.

"I was born to fight in a daily combat
But I found my way to a better day
All that you give will be all that you get
This time it is too late for regret "
Daily Combat by Dark Age

"Cause if you see me weak
You should know me strong
If you think I'm weak
You should know this song
You think that I am weak?
You should know me..."
Know Me Strong by Dark Age

The Warrior's Heart.

The Warrior's Heart Longs for Adventure.
The Warrior's Blood Lusts for Combat.
The Warrior's Mind Yearns for Training.
The Warrior's Soul Fights for Honour.
The Warrior's Hands Kill for Justice.
The Warrior's Feet Stand for Love.
The Warrior's Voice Speaks for Truth.
The Warrior's Eyes Look for Injustice.
The Warrior's Ears Listen for Cries.
The Warrior's Nose Smells for Blood.

The Warrior Lives for Others.

A Snapshot of the Mind

1. I have my first interview for a job tomorrow in town. I'm plenty stoked, and I'm praying it'll go well, so i can start enjoying my summer instead of worrying about money all the time.

2. I found both Dark Age CDs for a low low cost on the interweb. Thank you Century Media!

3. So I picked up Opeth's album Damnation a while ago...and wow, the vocals on that disc are fantastic. So shamelessly...vulnerable. It's quite a departure from my normal mid - high tempo sonic assaults that I enjoy so much. This a very solid album from beginning to end. Beautiful acoustic guitar work, that works so well with the quiet, introspective themes of the album. I give this album 5 tearjearkers out of 5.

4. Honesty = nescessary. But so hard to just stand in and do. Especially when you may take a shot for what you have to say.

5. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey will be released May 23. Wewt! Go and pick up a copy of this fabulous documentary.

6. I'm out of mental go-go juice. Goodnight!

Week 1 At Home: The Boredom Chronicles

So after a longish drive home I arrived at home, where I vegetated for a few days, and then went out of town to begin the annual Job Hunt. Early results are not encouragiing, but apparently I have a few more connections than inittially anticipated so hopefully those will pay off. And there are the local options which I will begin pursuing tomorrow once my pursuit clothes are ready for action again.

On the plus side I picked up a new CD. I got the soundtrack to 'Metal: A Headbanger's Journey' This is a good, long CD action packed with Metal goodness, past and present. My fav tracks so far are Summertime Blues by Blue Cheer. This song is so old-school. Like late 60s old-school. And I love the lyrics, so very, very appropriate. Another one I'm enjoying is Blood Lust by Venom, b/c everyone enjoys songs about vampires. Lots of variety in styles on this disc for sure.

Everyone should go check out www.myspace.com/darkage404 for the German Metallers known as Dark Age. Check out the wicked cool songs 'Dare to Collapse', 'Zero' and 'Suicide Crew' Really cool guitar hooks, and awesome lyrics on those songs.

Other than that have a cool time and stay Metal!

Reflections From The Other Side

The other side of the border that is, lol. I think this will follow the standard Random Musings format, but with some random awards thrown in for shits and giggles.

1. Well I now my home office set-up wewt, but not my home theatre yet. Oh where, oh where will it go? Just call it the Earthshaker!

2. Most Over-Played Song of the Year Award goes to...Valhalla by Blind Guardian! Oh man did we go overkill on that song in dorm this year. Thanks to everyone who made this award possible! Runner up goes to every other Blind Guardian song that we listened to!

3. Driving through Saskatchewan by night is far more entertaining than during the day, especially as you realize your night vision is not what it once was.

4. The Award for _______ _____ ___ ____ ____ ___ ____ goes to: Barwein and Rodimus. Keep up the good work!

5. To order the DV-200 or not to order the DV-200. That is indeed the question. Any input would be appreciated.

6. Who wants to go see Children of Bodom and Mastodon in June? I do! Who else?

7. Home is not conducsive to my wanting to play guitar it seems. Apparently I need the ups and down of dorms to inspire me. Or I'm just tired right now.

8. Holy Crap. I have a lot of stuff in my room. Interesting.

9. I'm going to all the concerts I'm interested in next year, even if I have to pay for people to come with me. Please come back Sonata Arctica (although I missed you for a most lovely and worthy cause), Kreator, Napalm Death, Opeth, Arch Enemy and everyone else I forgot.

10. As I looked through my pics I have from throughout the year I realize how much I came to love everyone (even the jerks, j/k) who had an impact on my life this year. You've been great! We've been Rodimus, Goodnight!

11. And so the job hunt begins on Friday. Yay! Blah. It's all the same.

Thanks to everyone who made this year so memorable!

Musings of Randomness

1. Sociology is so useless. I'd contend that philosophy has better everyday application.

2. Spring is upon us and I'm stuck inside. Yay!

3. I get to drive home on monday. yay?

4. I have decided that Heavy Metal is a bit of an anomaly within the music community. Metal bands seem to command a loyalty from their fans like no other genre of music. And by loyalty I mean 'The willingness to punch a naysayer, or detractor of one's favourite band, straight in the mouth, and then pee on him." I can use myself as an example. I was at my very first Megadeth concert there were these two guys standing behind me who were slamming Dave and Megadeth something fierce. Let me tell you, if they weren't a combined 4 times my size, and if I wasn't standing front row of the balcony I'd have belted them right in the collective mouth.

5. I like my tiger-pig piggy bank. It is cute.

6. Go Riders!

Insomni-omni-omni-a

1. What on earth is this? I'm tired yet, I cannot sleep. I eat and eat and I cannot sleep. What ill omen does this portend?

2. Why? Why the fuck won't you get of my head?! I burned that bridge, and yet you...you are still here. I won't miss you if you just go away! Take all your baggage with you while you burn at the stake!!! I know I've left your mind, so do me a favour and leave mine!

3. Is this what happens when you realize that you left someone over a year ago, but they still haunt your waking and sleeping mind? DAMN!!!

4. What strength of will I have been granted has been robbed by those poisoned memories.

5. "Extreme Aggressions
My Emotions, twisted by your lies!"
-Extreme Aggression by Kreator

6. RRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

7. "Despite all the piety you've been consuming thus far,
A backstabbing motherfucker to the bone is what you are! [...]

A foot away from you is like a bit closer to heaven,
Then again it's like being needled 24/7!"
Needled 24/7 by Children of Bodom

Random Musings XI

1. Easter is upon us. Cool.

2. Finals are upon us. Lame.

3. The Heretic Speaks: "Love and Forgiveness!"

4. 'Metal:A Headbanger's Journey' is one of the best documentary's I have ever seen, not just because of its subject matter, but b/c of its balanced academic approach. So well done. Highly recommended!

5. "I don't know what i'm running from
I don't know where I'm running to
Somethings compelling me
To run into the dark"
- Die Dead Enough by Megadeth

6. These are some pretty weak random musings.

7. I should begin formulating more ideas for my D&D campaign that are sutiably evil.

8. Metal+D&D+Christianity = a Christian. Duh.

Subject Analysis

Case: 1985-PF-10-FR-12-DV
Subject: Rod.
Known Aliases: Rodney. Hot Rod. Rodimus. Pastor Megadeth.
Occupation: Student/ R.A. (for two more weeks).
Status: Single.

Natural Habitat: A room. Filled with enough electronic and sound equipment to shake down a small, poorly constructed house.

Thrives In: Spotlights with prepared material. Spotlights with semi-prepared material. In coffee shops/restaurants with a single (In number and status; although Subject is more than capable of handling himself with larger numbers of the female species) member of the opposite sex. Subject performs admirably in one-on-one encounters, however addition of a same-sex member dramatically decreases Subjects proficiency. Also thrives in darkened settings with extremely loud 'heavy metal' music. Also thrives encased within a vehicle in all forms, densities of traffic and road conditions.

Survives In: Classes of minimal interest. In larger groups settings where the Subject is not the centre of attention (Subject has a natural preference for the limelight it seems). Survives in calmer situations with close friends where there is little or no verbal contact (Subject prefers conversation). Room alone listening to music and reading, although after lengthy stints of social contact the Subject needs these breaks in order to thrive again.

Dies In: Extreme heat and humidity adversly affect both physical and mental functioning. Large conversations where the topic has strayed from the Subject's areas of expertise. Settings where others family's are unsure of how to deal with him. Vast amounts of stress from several different aspects of life although Subject's endurance has increased dramatically within the last Planetary Orbit.

Analysis: Subject is highly versatile, able to survive and succeed in a wide variety of situations. Has the confidence of a frontman, as well as the compassion of a highly-skilled counselor. Could use more support, and acceptance from his father figure, especially after acheiving things thought previously beyond Subjects reach. Rapid influxes of stress still can play havoc with overall functioning, but increased coping, and proactive solutions are decreasing the risk of breakdown signficantly.

Verdict: Highly talented, intelligent, and compassionate. Why this Subject has been unable to find a suitable mate is beyond our analytical capabilites. Subject theorizes he may have fallen victim to the 'Pastoral Barrier'. Further investigation in on-going.

Heart vs Mind: The Ultimate Battle

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, there is a devastatingly long distance between the heart and the mind on all sorts of issues. Examples include jobs, relationships, musical tastes, vehicle preferences etc. And finally I came up with a suitable analogy for the heart/head relationship.

You know that scene in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers where Sam is dragging Gollum through the rocky border of Mordor? Notice how Gollum is holwing at the distress Sam (and the elven rope) are placing upon him. Notice the fury, and seeming cruelty that Sam employs uses to keep Gollum heading in the right direction, although Gollum's cries threaten to bring down fire and ruin upon their heads.

So in my analogy, Sam would be the mind, rational, knowing the right direction. Gollum is the heart screaming under the mind's cruel whip. And somedays it really feels that way.

However, my analogy fell apart when I realized that if Gollum had not gotten free the Ring would not have been destroyed. Then I realized Gollum was immolated in the process...so my analogy almost stands up, but not really. So yea, Go Team!

Random Musings X

1. School is almost done. Yay!, or Nay? Classes Yay, People, Nay (cry).

3. I'm skipping number 2 because it is useless.

4. When performing (singing in particular) in front of a large group of people, your nerves play a huge factor in your pitch. When singing Death Metal, or Thrash this does not matter much. However when attempting to sing clean vox they can clearly play havoc with what you think you know. Curse you nerves!

5. All hail the Christian Metalheads whom I can count on one hand! RP, QM, BP, KK, DM, (oops i lied two hands) HK, but I don't actually know the last two. Maybe KP too, I'm not sure. Gee, you'd think we were underrepresented or something. (LP, maybe?). If i'm wrong sing out and let me know.

6. Blind Guardian needs to do some hymns of something b/c they rule so much.

7. I can't wait to DM for D&D..muhahaha. Killing Will Be My Business...And Business Will Be Good!!! *insert insane guitar solo*

9. Opeth = Kool. Killer Tracks: Face of Melinda, Benighted, Black Rose Immortal. (Yes, I'm aware 9 preceeds 8 here, but it's my blog, so STFU NooB!)

8. "Will My Weary Soul Find Release for a While?
At the Moment of Death I Would Smile"
- And Then There Was Silence - Blind Guardian

Random Musings IX

1. Words are cheap. A picture is worth 1000 words. Actions speak louder than words. So why then do we place such value on the things that are said about us? It's kind of contradictory don't you think?

2. And so the circle of life continues, but does anything really change? The world has moved on, but do we move on with it? Or are we just clinging desperately to the shadow of who we once were instead of embracing the changes that have occured within since the last time we checked?

3. Do you ever feel that people's expectations of their relationships are too demanding? Isn't it sad when people become so wrapped up in their false standard for a partner in a relationship, that they miss the good around them? Maybe this is just a way of controlling the population of the western world: raise everyone's expectations so high that no one breeds, and eventually we all just die off cursing ourselves for our ridiculous idealism.

4. Does no one else believe that sometimes, maybe even a majority of the time you have to learn to love someone. Isn't that more satisfying than just 'falling in love'? If you learn how to do something you're less likely to forget it, as opposed to falling which always ends with some form of a landing. In my experience love is not about the feeling so much as it about the commitment of the heart and its secrets to someone else to hold them in trust. Love = Commitment. There is no other way to a successful relationship. (P.S. Don't forget a lion's share of forgiveness).

Metal Degree Program.

As it has become rather obvious that people seem to be confused about what I consider metal, and what I consider 'good metal' I have decided to make a small session of albums that everyone should listen to to get my perspective on the subject:

Metal 101: Introductory Metal. A small class designed to introduce listeners to the more mainstream sound and less complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction or Crytpic Writings
Metallica: The Black Album
Corrosion of Conformity: Deliverance
Hammerfall: Renegade or Legacy of Kings
Dream Evil: Dragonslayer
Gamma Ray: A Blast from the Past

Metal 244: Intermediary Metal: A look at both a more aggressive sound, and more complex compositions found within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
Metallica: Kill 'Em All
Demons & Wizards: Touched by the Crimson King
Blind Guardian: Somewhere Far Beyond
Corrosion of Conformity: In The Arms of God
Mastodon: Leviathan
Jaded: Limited Edition

Metal 333: Advanced Metal: A look at more extreme aggression, and even more complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Killing is My Business...And Business is Good!
Metallica: Master of Puppets or . . .And Justice for All
Demons & Wizards (self-titled)
Blind Guardian: Imaginations from the Other Side
Children of Bodom: Hate Crew Deathroll
Dream Theater: Images And Words
Dragonforce: Valley of the Damned

Metal 405: Capstone Metal. A look at the best as well as the classics within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth:Rust in Peace
Blind Guardian: A Night at the Opera
Dream Theater: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Opeth: Still Life
Iron Maiden: Rock in Rio
Dragonforce: Sonic Firestorm

You have your course outline. Get to listening. And in the words of Dave Mustaine from the song 'Rattlehead' - "Rattle Yer Goddamn Head!"

Metal vs. Country

In support of my friend who has made some controversial statements about counrty, I have decided to come and support him, b/c no one should find themselves in a hole alone. And if I offend people, meh, it happens.

Topic #1: New Vehicle.
Counrty: Sing about new vehicle
Metal: Sing about having sex in new vehicle.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #2: New love
Country: Sing about her lovingly in twangy voice
Metal: Sing about the beauty of the relationship in soaring Operatic vocals.
Advantage: Metal.

Topic #3: Broken love
Country: Shoot yourself face down in a pillow.
Metal: Blow up the earth. Blow up other person.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #4: Cheating
Country: Leave it in Mexico.
Metal: Fear the wrath of significant other whilst sneaking into your own house.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #5: Heroes
Counrty: Celebrate with whiskey for men and beer for horeses.
Metal: Dedicate an entire album full of soaring majestic anthems.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #6: Anger, Sadness.
Country: Drown it in beer, and dirty women.
Metal: Drown it in blood and dirty women.
Advantage: Draw

Topic #7: Sex
Counrty: Saves a horse. Whoopty-f**kin'-doo.
Metal: Sensually in a turning ring of fire. (Thank you Jaded!)
Advantage: Metal

So for those of you who are too lazy to read the whole thing here's the final tally:
Metal: 6
Country: 0
Ties: 1

Let the flaming begin!

Cool Band Names

Here's some things that could be cool band names. If they're already in use, then I apologize. I'm not going to go out of my way to see if any of them are being used.

Legislation of Sterilization
Legalization of Sterilization
Reverse Eugenics
Bloody Roses
Thunder & Roses
Covenent of Death
Conformed Deviance
Perverted Lover
Cobra Child
Scorned Beauty
Pale Night's Mask
Retributive Justice

Well, I'm done with that now

Extreme Aggression

Gah. Still mad, still furious, and its totally undirected now since i talked about the one thing i knew was buggin me. Now I'm like a walking cluster-bomb of hate. I think the things that are now in my recipie for hate, were probably just little things that I ignored, or made nothing of at the time, and now have become a semi-lethal concoction of anger, frustration and annoyance. So here's the things I can identify that I'm willing to talk about in a semi-public forum.

1. School work. My hatred for it is now complete.

2. I want my shot at the track. (I'm now speaking metaphorically, and if you can't dig that I'll speak leave-aphorically, scram-aphorically, piss-off-aphorically). I learned a lot from my last run. I've had a lot of time in the pits. I've got the engine retuned, and built to a new specification. I'm running a new fuel mixture. I've let air out of the tires for more traction in the rough parts of the track. I've reset the weight balance to help with traction too. The truck this year is definately not last years truck. I'm ready to go, I'm just waiting to find a track with the right bite, and you watch, I'll go down for a full pull this time. No more running out of power and traction at the 3/4 point.

3. I'm not nearly talented enough on the guitar as to allow adequate expression through it.

4. "I forget your name but I want you (want you). And I think it's gone to your head. And I hang on every word you've said, and you know I think it's gone to your head, because I hang on every word you've said!" - Forget Your Name by Gravity Kills

5. Metal does not make people angry. I was angry, and then I found metal. Too bad for you who would believe otherwise.

I'm out of juice. Curse you juice!

Random Musings VIII

1. What is the one thing everyone wants? To fit in somewhere and belong. It's a great concept isn't it? So far this year I'm succeeding with a higher degree of success than my previous two years here, but I'm still not perfectly content for whatever reason. But at least: Forward Progress!

2. You have to options: Do you want to be safe? Or do you want to be Metal?

3. Talking to people about stuff is a good thing.

4. Politely talking to people about stuff is better.

5. Annihilator seems to be a pretty cool Canadian band. Apparently I'm going to have to pick up one of their albums. Set The World on Fire, or Schizo Deluxe? Shout out people.

6. Is it sad when you see your life in a sit-com? Or is it funny because someone else went through it too?