Steel Panther - Balls Out (2011)

Steel Panther

Yeah that's right. I said it. Steel Panther a comedy band from Los Angeles, USA. Heavy hair metal band with their profane humorous lyrics recreating music from the 80's and the lifestyles of rockstars from the 80's - Hugely inspired from that of Motley Crue and maybe Spinal Tap even though they were a fake band that used actors unlike Steel Panther with real concerts and fans that are more sly. Huge part of their music is exploiting women and using them as a object rather than respected. You may be thinking why this album? Well when I first heard the album, I really didn't get bored of the album and wanted to hear more of their stuff!

They might be saying a huge fuck you to the female gender and stereotypical roles, but for a male teenager it's pretty funny and cool, the real message is too not take the music too serious and really to have a awesome time with their music and shows. Their humour is just pure rock n roll and saying what their thinking and not being shy to admit it. Strangely enough going to their shows, there were a lot of rock N roll girls attending the concerts and getting involved with the band. It baffles me into how they're attracting these sort of crowds being so insulting, the band is totally attracting fun and partying so it can be only a positive thing for all adult audiences.

Something I love about them is being straight up honest with the camera and the confidence that thrives within the band is such positive energy for them and us as fans. The band officially established it's name in 2008, before that time the band covered hair metal acts of the 80's, like Kiss, Van Halen etc… Behind The Music Documentary - Steel Panther

Left to Right (Stage Names) 

Lexxi Foxx (bass) Not intelligent and really into his looks, slightly gay? Apparently doesn't know how to play bass and is more there for his bitchin looks. He can play - it's an act.

Satchel (Guitarist, 43) Big headed bloke who thinks he gets the most women 

Michael Star (Singer, 48) Same personality as Satchel but fights for alpha male role too

Stix Zadinia (Drums) Slightly a quiet member, but he to gets in on the action as a slut - an act though

The Four piece band that portrays different characters in their stage names, keeping a secret identity for themselves with excellent acting and somehow managing to tell explicit jokes with straight faces. This album being their third released album from the previous successful, "Feel The Steel" record. Thing I love about Steel Panther is being really over the top and offending anyone without a sense of humour being sarcastic and creating rock love ballads. The lyrics in this album is just genius and can make you  laugh instantly by hearing them at how explicit the words are. The best things about this album is the energy the connection with the band, the sing along lyrics and melodic harmonies is just amazing.

Cocktober

Released October 18th 2011

Trivia
The band is managed by Satchels brother.

Balls Out Artwork

Ball Out!

Well first thing I can say about this album artwork is that is got banned here in the UK (Link)
"Overtly Sexual" and Controversial - Very explicit, especially that to a young person, so I don't blame the ASA (Advertising) for banning it. What does annoy me is other albums that are very similar to this are getting through without no complaints. Very erotic sexual album artwork, the title describing their sound as Balls Out really hitting it out there - also coming back into the industry from their so called comeback from the 80's.


Track Listing and the Album! Universal Records

Track 1 - In The Future
Introductory voiceover with Dane Cook, with a deep powerful voice to present the album to get you anticipated with what's about to come next. A god/devil voice if you will, showing dominance and something you fear with the voice. Electric bolts at the start and humorous dialogue being quoted "It's the year 6969" The background sound being intense and gripping describing the homo-sapien species. The epic ending of PUSSY!! It gets me every time that swiftly kicks into the next song.

Track 2 - Supersonic Sex Machine
Really could be a standard rock n roll song but it's even more explosive with intelligent lyrics and high screams, wails and squeals from the singer. Starts off with an awesome guitar riff and awesome air guitar to just go crazy too. The beat and tempo is made fast and it's obvious why they put this first. When i did first check out this song I had to go back every time in the track to understand what he was saying. If you wanna know the visual image of the song, it's a robot programmed for sex, sung in the first person that pleases the female body, with very in detail information on what he's going on and what he's going to do to her. The song is very well structured with lyrics after every sentence rhyming with simple words such as tubes, lubes, regret, cigarette. Chorus is repetitive after the verse singing I'm a Supersonic Sex Machine three times. The build up to the solo just leaves you in awe with Michael Starr  ending the bridge (shall I say) screaming "Let Me Jizz Upon Your Face!' and Satchel cracking into an awesome solo and finger tapping, the rest of the band showing their talents with the instruments.

Track 3 - Just Like Tiger Woods
Really putting a dig into the famous golfer Tiger Woods on his personal affairs with prostitutes. Tongue and cheek much. I really wonder if Tiger Woods has checked out this song because it is really catchy and quite a powerful rock ballad. No one could of thought of happily married Tiger with two kids and being brought up buddhist could do this sort of thing, so no wonder Steel Panther saw this as a influential song.

Tiger Woods divorce - 23rd August 2010
Article - http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20414961,00.html
Public Apology - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA7ty2LQwc0

Track 4 - 17 Girls In A Row
Well what can I say about this song? It's in the title. Totally sexy riff introducing Michaels first line of I fucked 17 girls in a row last night. Totally rock N roll much from the 80's, being in a hair metal band.

Track 5 - If You Really, Really Love Me (Music Video)
Fast acoustic guitar intro with Michael fast pace lyrics get the tempo going.

The only song to have been made into a music video from the whole album, which is a little disappointing because these guys love being on camera and I'm surprised because their should be more.
Performed in a empty warehouse and zooms on members touching their crotches and licking their lips. You get what you expected in this music video with just a standard performance alone with them.

Track 6 - It Won't Suck Itself (Featuring Chad Kroeger from Nickleback & Nuno Bettencourt)
Dumbing down females and just wanting to get your dick sucked. Very manipulating and totally hilarious to say your crotch just got bit by a poisonous scorpion or snake.

Track 7 - Tomorrow Night
Going to a party tomorrow night and knowing your going to get laid. Lush rocky sound!

Track 8 - Why Can't You Trust Me?
Very sweetly sung but being very patronising towards your lover and manipulating her completely with the soft melody but in reality your being a knob and cheating on your girlfriend.

Track 9 - That's What Girls Are For
Sums up the female gender and being very stereotypical towards them by wanting a sandwich on demand. Learning from your dad how to treat a woman.

Track 10 - Gold Digging Whore
Scripted in the title. Nice repetition of spelling out the word towards the end that was frequently chanted out from crowds at the gigs.

Track 11 - I Like Drugs
I like drugs but the drugs don't like me. Very true and you can learn from the lesson in the song maybe?

Track 12 - Critter
Treat her like a critter.

Track 13 - Let Me Cum In
Let me cum in, let me come in, let me come in your house tonight. Very straight forward in what you wanna do.

Track14 - Weenie Ride
Slow fade out song - The vocal range from Michaels singing is incredible in this song. It's such a powerful finale of a song.

Track 15 - Do You Wanna Do Me? (Bonus Japan)

Track 16 - Handicapped Slut (Bonus Japan)

Personally I have seen Steel Panther live and they really know how to put on a show! Through hearing this album and how much it kicked ass, I travelled down to Birmingham to check them out on their Balls Out tour and even got the privilege of meeting the singer Michael Starr on a walk about around the city! I had a awesome chat about him and his music! During the show I managed to catch a Lexxi Foxx pick too so I had quite a good night!

Merchandise
i don't own any merchandise from Steel Panther but their designs are pretty awesome and you have so much selection to pick from. I think I remember there price being around £25 for a shirt, reasonable or not I'm not going to complain. No real message apart from the theme they've set themselves out as. I really do admire this band and I think their destined to go further in this industry. I hope they keep it together. One thing that does bother me is the charge for meet and greets from their fans in their upcoming 2014 tour charging extra to fans that want a better VIP package at the shows. I can just say I'm lucky to have met the members for free before they started to charge people.

Balls Out

I Rate this 10/10

I didn't feel ripped off with this album. Theres a lot of energy in this album and you can pick up something new every time you listen to it in the lyrics. To me it's like one of your favourite comedy movies that you can watch over and over again. I don't get bored with this album and I can stick it on and listen to it the whole way through. Just listening to all the material on Balls Out can really put you into a good mood and spirit for going out. THEY'RE BRINGING METAL BACK!

Let me know your comments by messaging me! Or even tweeting me @Dazzerman06 

My Taste Of Music

Describing my taste of music

How can I describe….

Well I'm intrigued by the sense of relation to me, the natural flow of the song and the mood it brings me in. Music can make you happy and getting put into another world just by putting it on, is something that everyone likes to escape into. My type of music varies from all sorts of genres, mainly my type of music involves guitar, bass, drums and good clean vocals with meaningful lyrics.

Rock Music mainly bands from Pantera to Radiohead to The Cure.

Nothing better than being uplifted, enlightened, inspired, music that calms you, taking your soul and mind away, becoming powerful,  reaching words you can't say, it's a powerful thing.

There isn't a better feeling than finding and supporting a new band that's trying to hit the centre stage and reach the top. Hitting the top can never be the best for both parties, things never work out as well as you think. "Sellouts" a poisonous name aimed at a band that eventually hits the mainstream charts. Something precious to you now becoming exposed and less precious to you. Fan Cultures and that topic sucks. Read Matt Hills book on it. Titled Fan Cultures.

Music I'll be discussing
So far I've up-listed albums that I consider you can listen to the whole way through. Not getting bored from the energy/tempo/pace from all the songs on the album. I don't wanna just talk about the controversial albums that changed society and caused uproar among audiences, but there are a few like NeverMind that despite the controversy they are still amazing albums that should be up-listed on my Greatest Albums blog.

When I type in greatest albums online, theres no modern albums being posted up or being updated, so I like to consider this is my chance to update you lot on some awesome music that I know. Even though I do like artists like Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles I like to introduce you to modern artists that are so rarely getting discovered in this day and age. With small minded people saying their is no good music out there anymore. There is, you just gotta look harder for it!

Nirvana - NeverMind (1991)

Nirvana - NeverMind

Nirvamania

Nirvana. Who doesn't know Nirvana? Three piece Seattle band that created the most revolotionary sound of the 90's. A Buddhism word that means neither suffering, desire, nor sense. The subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. A powerful band name that Kurt Cobain releases in his lyrics through the inspiration of the word. Definitely a commercial successful album! I'm sure many people have reviewed this album online. So here's my review on one of my most favourite masterpieces. Nirvana were definitely the main engine in the "Grunge Movement" even though bands before were fairly big but not known worldwide. This album also has the new instalment of drummer Dave Grohl from previous drummer Chad Channing who was let go. On bass was Krist Novoselic who was the main founder along with guitarist and vocalist Kurt Cobain. Who started out in 1987. I have no idea how Dave Grohl linked in with Nirvana being the opposite side of the USA(Ohio) as the Seattle boys. But he risked a big part of his life to be a success and it paid of big time! Despite not getting much royalties from the band so I've been heard, still made a big load and gave him a hall of fame name.
                               

                                      


Recording of the album was over a month. Signing with big record label of DGC with a $65,000 contract. Recomended from friend Kim Gordon in Sonic Youth the golden idol for the band that inspired to be like. I have no idea if Nirvana just scraped that dollar from the Bleach record which they did previous, the album was successful in sales, mainly from the United Kingdom. Slowly getting a name for themselves they had no idea what was about to happen with this record. Even the record label took a risk with the band as well, not knowing if they'd sell but hoped with a quarter million sales just like the Geffen Sonic Youth album Goo. Inspiration towards this album came hugely from Pixies, R.E.M and the Smithereens. Big key to Kurt Cobain songs were designed to be melodic and simple, designing the music before the lyrics which was a key to his success. The lyrics are strong likely from the connection from his previous lover Tobi Vail which did tear him apart.

http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/spotlight-0502-2011.aspx


NeverMind
Second album released in September 24th, 1991. Originally going to be named "Sheep" something that Kurt had a inside joke about and considered it funny. Somewhere connected to the Gulf War happening at the time, the cynicism about the involvement of it. Months went past and the title name was considered lame and changed to Nevermind because it was a metaphor to his attitude on life and being grammatically incorrect. The album artwork got into huge controversy, which Kurt Cobain did thrive off and didn't know what effects he was letting himself into. He was only 24 at the time so you can't blame him for being like fuck you. Justice to the music industry for getting hugely ignored for the first few months but really picked up momentum from listeners and got attention it widely deserved.

Inspired from watching underwater birth videos together Kurt & Dave. No idea where Krist was but anyway inspired to be put in the album. A circumcised 3 month year old baby alone underwater, going for a dollar note that is on a fish hook to draw him in (Anti-Capitalism). Other ideas were diseased vaginas and other weird outrageous images to get you talking. The original piece went out untouched despite it's huge controversy. No doubt it made the album more successful! Message from Kurt. If you are offended by this, then your a closet pedophile.


Right The Album!

Track 1 - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Theres a lot to talk about in this song. The music video promoted this song hugely with anarchist cheerleaders, the band playing in front of a miserable teenage students that ended erupting in riot and carnage that gets you pumping just by watching it. The mixed emotion you get within the song is extrodinary with such anger, intense energy and the passion through Kurt Cobain's acting and physical presence. The way he gets up close to the camera, it really does get you connected to the band. The song is just powerful with the structure of LOUD/soft inspired from the Pixies sound. The first song to be released to promote the album two weeks before (UK - Nov 18, 1991). 

The song gained momentum across the world at a crazy rate. Nirvanas greatest so called "Hit" was into the mainstream and high in the music industry, globally in 91 and 92 - the time where alternative rock made the impact on chart music. The song won awards all over the world and was giving the band unease with the success and attention they were getting. In years to come it led to the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994 may some say. The song shaped and shifted music history into a new era. Rock artist were coming out of nowhere through the sound of Alternative/Grunge Rock. Underground bands having the chance to be seen in the spotlight unlike heavily invested music artists at the time. A huge inspiration for a underground band to idolise. Coming from a small little town that had no expectations and sleeping in back of vans not knowing they're huge rockstars worldwide. 

Everything is in the song. Just listen to it and you can feel it. Dave Grohls loud drums and hitting them with everything he's got, never eases off and he keeps the same consistency the whole way through. The song blows your mind, if your going to learn guitar, bass or drums play this song and you'll get the club going it's that iconic out there. Title inspired from female perfume being sprayed on him, I think from Bikini Kill member Kathleen Hanna who he was dating at the time. But she was like Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit and was inspired to be the title.  

Okay Structure of - Heavy Intro, Quiet Verse, Repetitive Build Up Pre Chorus, Heavy Chorus x2 - Solo. V, PC. C, Outro.

Some critics liked to fill holes in by saying it's similar to the sound of "More Than A Feeling" by Boston or Kinsgmen's Louie Louie. But obviously is much more different with the tempo, chord progression and anger! Check it out if you haven't. They still play it occasionally in mainstream clubs to get you on the dance floor because everyone knows it and its the most iconic song of the 90's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg&list=PL09094C5C10C78BD1

Track 2 - In Bloom
Dave Grohls thunderous thumping after Kurts instantly recognisable guitar sounds with the use of power chords. The song shifts from quiet verses and loud choruses. The song is obviously about the underground scene and the people turning up to the Nirvana shows that only knew the main songs and ironically, this was a song people can sing along too.   

60's - Black and white inspired music video that starts of sophisticated in suits with Kurt Cobain wearing Buddy Holly glasses, but coming towards the end the band trash the stage and can be seen wearing dresses. Ironically and spontaneously through Courtney Love coming to the shooting and bringing a load of dresses that she just dry cleaned and purchased. So Kurt and the band decided to put them on and put it in the footage. Archive footage being shown from Beatle gigs of screaming women in the audience being included in the edit of In Bloom. Parody to a Ed Sullivan show. Think the initial idea was a girl being brought up as a KKK member but got left behind and was included in Heart Shaped Box's video.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbgKEjNBHqM&list=PL09094C5C10C78BD1

Track 3 - Come As You Are 
Stolen riff from Killing Jokes - Eighties - who stole it from The Damned - Life Goes On - 
Come As You Kurt contradicting the meaning about people. What there expected to be or act like. 
Kurt wasn't sure about the release of this song and it did get debated over being the second track for a while because it did sound like a commercial top song and a parody  Funny enough Kurt was really unhappy with the version released and thought it sounded like Motley Crue? Plus only having one or two takes for the whole song to get accomplished. Kurt accidentally sang the words Memoria and I don't have a gun but spontaneously it stayed in the song. However this song still kicks ass! Just the build up to this song gets you emotionally involved in the song even though the sound is subdued and moody but soon as the chorus hits in the song really gets going.  

The music video has all the band members blurred out because the band were pissed at the hours it was taking to make the music videos with all these different directors. So they wanted a quick video that blurred out their faces and just relate the visuals to the album artwork and lyrics. You can see in the video, the building flooding and Kurt swinging on a chandelier in slow motion and slow scenes of a gun and baby underwater. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabnZ9-ex7o&list=PL09094C5C10C78BD1

Track 4 - Breed
The fast riff from Kurt's makes you know this is going to be another heavy song. Start of with the guitar and then the build up of fast drums from Dave. The lyrics are just simple and in first person relation to yourself and a repetitive melody which makes it another successful song. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee6xkwVucIE&list=PL09094C5C10C78BD1

Track 5 - Lithium
Weird inspiration for a song of a man who turns to religion due to the death of his girlfriend and has thoughts of suicide but hopes religion with saver his life. The song took ages to record and eventually inspired the last track (Endless,Nameless) with Kurt being so frustrated about the recording of this song and how many takes it took to make.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkcJEvMcnEg&list=PL09094C5C10C78BD1

Track 6 - Polly
Previously recorded on the Bleach album at a faster pace. Kurt slowed the song down in the studio and put it in the album as a solo-ish acoustic song. Very gripping song inspired from a 14 year old girl in 1987 who got raped and tortured after a gig in Tacoma near Washington, Seattle, not Nirvana's! Kurt saw the story and was upset from the incident thus creating this song. She flirted with her captives to escape the incident. He heard another rape incident happening at one go his gig singing the Polly song to her. This frustrated him at the people that were coming to his shows and he wasn't liking what was happening behind the scenes of his gigs.

Track 7 - Territorial Poising
Quoted from The Youngbloods - Get Together at the start of the song - Smile of your brother now everybody get together, try to love one another right now. I like to think the rest of the lyrics are inspired from Alien Boy or just significantly The Wipers. A song about being alienated and away from everything. A very heavy song that they always ended up destroying their shows at the end of the setlist.

BBC Jonathan Ross Live Performance which they trashed
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=territorial+pissings+jonathon&sm=3

Track 8 - Drain You
Most of the lyrics in this song were sayings he'd say to his ex-girlfriend - Baby I'm lucky to have met you. Mainly cringe sayings that he didn't mind including in the song. Obviously inspired from his previous lover and the interest in childbirth, abortion and pregnancy. The song could have many meanings from being ill and having his girlfriend to look after him and wanting nourishment from her and maybe not having the mental capabilities to look after himself.

Track 9 - Lounge Act
Another song inspired from a previous lover. Tobi Vail (Bikini Kill) I'm not gonna try to explain the meaning because none of the songs can have 100% accuracy. But anyway such a awesome song that is so catchy! Everything I love about Nirvana is the guitar sound going perfect with the melody of Kurt's voice. Just the variation of different melodies they use within one song and still make the song perfect is just awesome.



"I'll wear a shield" One of Kurt's tattoos on his arm that pissed his girlfriend off. K Records.

Track 10 - Stay Away
Drum intro to make you go berserk from Dave Grohl. Just the build up gets you going and Kurt's Introduction gets you up. Song is loud, catchy and seductive in its anger. Stay Away to the people who don't understand underground rock. Homophobic and hipster people Kurt despised. Conformists. 
Just the energy in the song from Kurt is rememberable, the cracks in his voice is just showing you how much passion is going into this. 

God Is Gay, Burn The Flag. Ends the destructive song. Burn the flag did get taken out though. 

Track 11 - On A Plain
I love the sarcasm in Kurt's lyrics because thats the kinda person he was. The frustration in his life is really brought out in this song. This is probably through drugs (the first time I've said it). Kurt maybe being completely wasted and taken somewhere happy and not caring at all. Another inspiration through this song was a book read by Kurt and was introduced into the lyrics. The Stranger novel by Albert Camus. Another unique melody Nirvana created, it took me personally a few listens to really get involved in the lyrics and sound, it is a awesomely structured song.

Track 12 - Something In The Way
Slow murmuring song that takes you away from the melodic chorus of humming. You can barely hear the lyrics as Kurt mumbles a hell lot in this song and its like he's sensitive of his voice and embarrassed in emotion in what he's going through. A perfect connection you can link together through this song.
People say its about Kurt living under the bridge for a while and being homeless near Wishkah river. I doubt it though and it says so in Heavier Than Heaven a biography published by Charles Cross due to the dangers of being swept away. Apparently Kurt stayed at hospitals and at friends houses as he slowly managed to get a living as a cleaner. Solo acoustic song from Kurt Cobain and too soft and gentle for the rest of the band to get involved. It was left just to Kurt who spilt his heart out with such random lyrics. Kurt whispered the lyrics so quietly producer Butch Vig turned the microphone all the way up. Randomly finding a cello player at a party through friends they got them in on the song.

Track 13 - Silence / Endless Nameless
Explosive, just mental end. I really like the chorus, it remind me of Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. Mama! Don't know why. The song is just being screamed at you from Kurt. You can barely hear what he's saying but anyway you get raw emotion and energy to end the Nirvana Nervemind album. Created through the frustration of making Lithium this was spontaneously recorded. Another reason for putting this on last was just doing the opposite on normal records of being slow fade out songs, this took it to another level not a much melodic sing along song, still packed with emotion and enthusiasm.


Unfortunately I was not lucky enough to see a Nirvana show or witness the presence of Kurt Cobain. I managed to meet people who did and I envy them entirely Nirvana have created such a influence through this album and really brought my frame of mind into alternative hard rock and the underground of music. Due to his his death in 1994 the band has completely disbanded although Dave and Krist still live and breath music. Dave went on to establish his own band Foo Fighters. Towards the end of Nirvana's rein, the awkward tension between the band can be witnessed at the acoustic MTV Unplugged show. Dave Grohl constantly getting shouted at by Kurt who was doing his best to tap the drum kit ever so lightly. Dave had a few songs of his own material that he did show to Kurt, he liked his chorus's a lot and wanted to use it for the band, Dave disagreed and stood firm on personal reasons. Some of the songs can be heard on Foo Fighters first demos and albums. Krist didn't choose to continue with music until a few years after the death of Kurt with small band projects, he went on to a settled life then recently wondered into politics. He formed a Sweet 75 in 1994 as a bassist and guitarist and took one of the lead roles in the band creating an alternative rock sound.

Merchandise
Even though I don't own any merchandise of Nirvana. I'm really not that bothered not to, because I know there awesome and everyone I see wearing one just gets in with the commercial trend. Memories of asking what favourite song on the Bleach album was and the response being like 'Whats that?" I do have quite a few things I like to put forward on the messages Kurt put on the concert T shirts. He was really pro-feminist and with messages like the male seahorse carries the children and gives them birth. Female supporters can really connect with Nirvana and gain trust from the band unlike bands in the 80's that were exploiting woman either on their music videos or at their shows. Nirvana really showed the realism of the world. Something I really admire about the band is because they did have a status in the music industry and should be highly respected for their morales and decency they set out from the start.

I Rate This 10/10….Obviously 
It's that awesome. You shouldn't feel ripped off with this. The energy is pulsating and you can listen to the album the whole way through without getting bored. Well that's how I feel. If you haven't listened to the Nirvana album, do it now!

This is now my second album that I consider a masterpiece and there are many more to come!

Let me know your comments by messaging me or tweeting me @Dazzerman06

If any information I've left out or any more factual information you have please inform me to get updated!!

Charles R. Cross (2001,). Heavier Than Heaven. 2nd ed. Seattle: Hyperion. p.189 

Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010)

Deftones

An American 4 piece California band that began in 1988. Created a unique angry emotional sound, something that was invented through experimental rock over the years. They were the main engine in Nu-metal established in the 90's and influenced so many artists emerging around that time. The band were on the brink of collapse due to bass player Chi Cheng involved in a car crash in Nov, 2008. Before his accident the band were in the process of EROS 08-09. Which has yet to see daylight and will likely be released in 2014. Chi remained in a coma, but unfortunately passed away in April 2013. 

The album was created in 2 months, I have no doubt the anger and passion in the album is through the struggle of Chi. Could I argue through this unlucky occurrence to happen to the band, they could show passion to the audience and create this unique piece of art that is Diamond Eyes. Strongly they stayed together and found Sergio Verga from Quicksand who helped create the album. I don't know how much budget they had and I do wonder if they were investing all there money into this new album when they could of toured until Chi's recovery and wondering if they really would have flopped if this album wouldn't of been a commercial success. The last album being Saturday Night Wrist album 2006, which nearly tore the band apart being so unscheduled and band members not being in the same room of the recording sessions. 

http://www.spin.com/articles/studio-deftones/

Diamond Eyes

Fourth album, being released on May 4th in 2010. Initially it was made to be a later date but was rushed up due to the album being leaked on the internet and fans went for free downloads. By offering fans Rocket Skates on there website for free in Feb 2010, it got fans like myself highly anticipating the sound.

Design of a barn owl spreading it's wings. It shows a magnificent album artwork. Simple piece of art to admire being a majestic creature. I don't know what the message is, but to me it shows dominance, power, beauty and wonder. It makes me want to have a barn owl!!

Right lets talk about the album!

Track 1 - Diamond Eyes

First track to be aired on radio, I don't know which stations they played it on but I doubt they played it on BBC Radio 1. The sound is thunderous with heavy breakdowns of Stephen Carpenters 7 string guitar, bringing in Chinos soothing voice that quickly goes into a catchy chorus. Choruses not involving Stephens guitar well parts but remaining soft. The sound eases of the heaviness for you to stray within your mind into this chorus and for you to relax with the sound that had bombarded you at the start. The chorus has a delicate melody that you can sing back too. With Chinos voice you hear the emotion and passion in his voice. The breakdown ends the song with a thunderous finish.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qksTlo_1Tpw&list=PLX1MBVByJa0_jovuOwGZ8DSIxIW9wYSyf

Track 2 - Royal
My personal favourite Deftones song. The last 30 seconds just tingles my spine with Chino screaming his head off. This man really just pours his heart out on you and thats what I love in his music. I just have to stand up and go crazy because the end is just crazy. The gaps of the music dropping form high to low as they breakdown is indescribable. The song starts of explosive again, you feel like your getting all of your energy through listening to the track. Sound is very dynamic - It's like Chino is having a conversation with himself. One side of him is very angry while the other is very soothing. Split personality could be a good way of describing it. Everything in this song is band orchestrated, bass solos and drum solos - that play a unique part of the song. Again the chorus is left soothing and the heavy part of the song is the verses and bridges. Great thing i love about Deftones there simple with no guitar solos or taking the listener to a different direction with their music within the song.

Track 3 - Cmnd-Ctrl
This to me is a very in your face sort of song. Anger is realised with Chino describing "why it's my fault?" Great song to listen to if your pissed off. Stephens guitar is just heavy again with riffs made to make you jump. Vocals are just loud and clear with Chino releasing his anger. The chorus is again simple with a soothing melody that takes you into another world. Bridge involves a drum solo that you think ends the song but just explodes back into the verse again.

Track 4 - You've Seen The Butcher
Most sexiest song of the album maybe. Start of the guitar on it's own with a simple heavy riff pluck. The sound then explodes into hard drums and bass and carries on the beat. Then the introduction of Chino with his seductive lyrics. His vocal range on the verses his incredibly high. I really do try to sing that high without losing my breath, it's incredible energy and this is the end of every verse. The chorus is talking about the female if you will, asking for her to come over and that she's coming for you.

Music Video - Red Paint Orgy with girls dancing seductively to the music - Awesome Video that starts off in a quiet library and then gets obliterated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woAcXSMyCEw&list=PLX1MBVByJa0_jovuOwGZ8DSIxIW9wYSyf

Track 5 - Beauty School
Song is more focused on single note riffs on guitar making this a slow piece of a song. It's very gripping in the way it was structured, the song is still fast paced with the drums. Seductively sung again with the words that are straight out there. Chino likes to be romantic in his lyrics and he really brings it out in this song. If I was a woman and he sung that to me think I'd just faint. The sound is just relaxing and can really take you away. I'm not sure it's a happy song even though it seems it. Maybe about drugs or a school massacre or giving confidence to your lover or going on some crazy adventure. Whatever it is it sounds like it relates to me and is breath taking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bK4aeahcXc

Track 6 -  Prince
Mysterious song to me. It bring out wonder in the sound. Soft bass sound with the riff of the guitar taking the credit at the end, as it goes into overdrive. The bass takes control again with timed introduction of loud drums, getting the song pumping. Chinos voice comes out so soothing again as the verse kicks in. The song speaks about wanting to be, or appreciating something you can't understand.
The vocals on this song again comes out aggressive in the bridge. Different structure of sound. Verse is very quiet but then Chinos voice builds up as the chorus then comes in. He progressively gets angry coming towards the end of the song where he's just shouting at you with the guitar becoming heavier. Dynamics on this song again is very range and keeping to the style of structure this song has.   

Track 7 - Rocket Skates
First song I heard from the album. Giving this song away on the website I grabbed my opportunity to get a taste of the new Deftones material. Just the start of the guitar gets you going, fast paced strumming  from Stephen. Then use of slow drums hitting at a slow beat to the song then pounding it down the drum kit then hitting the cymbals slowly to end the riff. Drum kit is heavily involved in the sound with the band linking together with five beats each to then realising it to the vocals and then back into it. Vocals vs Band if you will. A heavy verse after the impulsing intro gets straight into the song. Chinos vocal range is incredible in this too, he sings sensitivity in the verse or pre-chorus if you will. It's like he's breaking down and then comes aggressively screaming into the chorus and brings out the excitement just by going WOO at the end of his loud screaming in your face part. The fun he brings into his music makes you excited and can get you moving. The best part of the song is the most anticipated, as there is such a buildup to come back into the chorus where Chino just explodes it out and keeps going. So much energy in this song.

Music video that was really Yellowed and Greened up in the cloud of the video edit. Lush standard band video with them on them on their own and you physically having them to yourself watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woR6ohiFeYE&list=PLX1MBVByJa0_jovuOwGZ8DSIxIW9wYSyf

Track 8 - Sex-tape
Mellow, soft, delicate song, you can get taken away with this song. This song reminds me the time I went to there gig then after the gig I got lost around the city, on my own and was trying to find my way back home. I was walking along a carriageway or a motorway I was that lost. Solo gentle guitar with a sweet riff that starts the song of, then the introduction of Chino's soothing vocals. Soon as the verse finishes the drum comes in and brings in the beat. It really takes you away from your mind. Music video is worth checking out too, in HD too. The colours of two girls swimming around underwater, with beautiful colours of plants and flowers, bringing gorgeous lighting as the water reflects the colours.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0pdwd0miqs&list=PL344F7F0287E07207

Track 9 - Risk
Mysterious heavy sound, with delicate vocals. Powerful verse vocals, nothing aggressive shown in the song apart from the heavy guitar involved in the verses. Chorus is left delicate and melodic. Maybe about Chi - Finding a way of saving him and being confused over the whole situation in how the accident happened. The song is powerful.

Track 10 - 976 Evil
Single noted riffs with a delicate beat, as the chorus kicks in the guitar becomes heavier. Song is gentle and is obviously about Chi. Wanting him to wake up out of his coma. Delicate vocals with the chorus going high in Chinos vocal range. The song is sweetly sung and is still moderately heavy.

Track 11 - This Place Is Death
I know this is a masterpiece album review. Until this song it was. But still 10/11 songs is a quality album and you can't lose with this album. Something about this song makes me uncomfortable and I think that's why they put it last. The song starts of mystical and brings out the explosives of chinos vocals then into the band. I think it's the verse I don't like, having to keep the vocal range that consistent when maybe it would of been better without. Good song to finish on after a mind-blowing album.

I'm lucky enough to see The Deftones live on a Diamond Eyes tour! They exploded my mind and is still my best gig today! I'm lucky enough to have seen them. I've seen them 3 times, also on the new Koi No Yokan tour!

Merchandise
I found the band shirt poorly designed and just a box of the album artwork. I didn't get it and got the shirt with the snake which is awesome! I did want to get the shirt but was slightly disappointed with the quality of design.

I RATE THIS 10/10 

It's that awesome. I don't feel anyway ripped off. Nothing disappoints me in this album and I always seem to stick it on and listen it the whole way through.

Buy It. Stream It. Download It.

Check It Out. My first album review that I consider a masterpiece.

Let me know your comments and if you think differently!!

And Why?

Deftones free downloads links - 

http://www.gunsrazorsknives.com

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deftones-new-song-available-for-free-download/

Introduction

So this is my blog about music.

Albums that I consider masterpieces from great artists!

I shall do as many as possible and try to open a wide range of genres in the process.

Please get in contact with me if you have any recommendations for me to consider and check out!

@Dazzerman06

https://twitter.com/Dazzerman06
Twitter account name. So tweet me?! 

These albums might of not gone platinum in sales, but to me considered personal and emotional.

Here is my list of great albums you can listen to over and over again! Albums I would consider taking with me if I was stranded on a deserted island somewhere. 

Most of my music taste involves guitar, bass and drums and vocals with exploding lyrics that will take you to another place! Nothing grips you more that having something relating to you.

Consider this a rock blog. 

SO ATTENTION THIS IS A ROCK ZONE!