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Part of the burden of being a music snob is that I am constantly searching for new music. For me, the Swedish contemporary metal scene has more talent than one can begin to understand, and two of the bands I've discovered more recently that I think everyone could benefit from are Witchgrave and Antichrist.

Witchgrave is from the town of Vaxjo, Sweden which is considerably further south than Stockholm or the infamous Uppsala. It started as a duet, but grew to incorporate two more members (one of which is also in Antichrist). Their four song demo/e.p. called "The Devils Night" delivers solid beginning to end. The sound to me is something between Screaming era Judas Priest and Welcome era Venom. My personal favorites are "Satanic Slut" and "Beg For Mercy". Definitely my favorite as of late. Listen repeatedly!


The second band is also from Vaxjo and in fact shares a member with Witchgrave. Antichrist is tasteful metal that for me envokes early 80s Exodus and December era Morbid. Their debut record "Forbidden World" came out last year on the High Roller label which also release "The Devils Night". Everything about this band is well executed (love the cover art). The first two tracks "Dark Sorcery" and "Militia of Death" are of favorites. Enjoy and bang your head!

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The true man in black.

Not only is Ritchie Blackmore the best rock guitarist of all time, but he also managed to maintain style and mystique through it all. Deep Purple is beyond great, but the first three Rainbow records are three of the best hard rock records of all time (particularly "Rising"). Cozy Powell's style to me compliments Ritchie's so much more. His use of double bass and more synchopated fills holds the music together so well. Quite the step up from his previous gig with Jeff Beck... Dio's finest vocal performances are also on these records. It's the perfect combination of operatic and rock. Best lyrics also. Stargazer? A light in the black? Tarot woman? Fuuuck!

New Beginning

Same man. Different blog.

I'm tired of not making music. I intend on making my own music as soon as possible under a yet-to-be-determined name. I'll be picking up basic recording equipment soon and doing it all myself. Expect a dark and disgusting sound that will make you want to ride a chopper into battle lopping off heads at will. So much feeling to express. I will be doing so on my new Flying V and my new S.G. Melody Maker. Pictures soon.

Also, every band I care about is coming in May. First Watain, In Solitude, and the Devils Blood on the 2nd. Then, Ghost opening for Mastadon on the 12th. I cannot wait. These bands, namely the first three, mean so much to be right now. I feel a new spiritual connection to these bands. I have so many questions, and I would love to sit and talk with them.

Speaking of, Sweden definitely has the best metal scene I've ever come across. It has everything that I could ever want in bands. I discover new music daily. Some music as of late.

I never realized until now how phenomenal Reinkaos is. Musically and conceptually. I've read that Jon wrote the lyrics alongside the head of the Temple of the Black Light. Very cool. One last thought:

Lemmy is clearly depicted as God therefore he must be.