#Steven Salerno

[stevensalerno]

5 new MADELINE picture books & board books

Back in 2020 I signed the contract with publisher Viking (Penguin Random House) to engage in a very interesting picture book project -to illustrate a series of 5 new mini picture books & board books featuring one of the most well known and beloved characters in all of picture book history, MADELINE. Yes that Madeline! The classic 1939 picture book (and still a best seller today) with the famous opening line: “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” (The brave, charming little girl in the yellow hat living in an old Paris boarding school along with eleven other girls, and always under the watchful eye of the towering Miss Clavel.

Read more detail about my involvement with this special MADELINE project.

For these new titles I created all the illustrations in the style of the famed originator of the Madeline character, author/artist Ludwig Bemelmans. All 5 of these new MADELINE titles are written by John Bemelmans Marciano, the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans.

The first four titles in this new MADELINE series have already been completed, published, and released… And the 5th and final title, MADELINE Says Be Kind, was delayed considerably due to the story manuscript not being finalized on schedule, and was not in my hands until Spring 2024. Update: I just recently completed all the final illustrations for this 5th book, and it’s being released by the publisher in Spring 2025.

FYI: For those who don’t know Ludwig Bemelmans (born 1898 - died 1962), he was a well established illustrator/travel writer who had already penned & illustrated a number of picture books for children when in 1939 his little gem of a picture book entitled, MADELINE was first released. It grew into a hit, striking a popular note with both children and adults and over the years became one of the most loved and memorable characters in children’s picture book history. The first Madeline picture book in 1939 was followed by four more Madeline titles before Bemelmans’ death in 1962, then with a sixth title released posthumously.

These MADELINE books were released in the following order:

(1) Love from Madeline -released April 2022

(2) Madeline’s ABCs -released June 2022

(3) Madeline’s 123s -released Nov 2022

(4) Madeline’s SEASONS -released Spring 2023

(5) Madeline Says Be Kind -to be released Spring 2025

[byneddiedingo]

Enrique Irazoqui in The Gospel According to St. Matthew (Pier Paolo Pasolini, 1964)

Cast: Enrique Irazoqui, Margherita Caruso, Susanna Pasolini, Marcello Morante, Mario Socrate, Settimio Di Porto, Alfonso Gatto, Luigi Barbini, Giacomo Morante, Giorgio Agamben, Guido Cerritane, Ferrucio Nuzzo, Otello Sestili, Alessandro Tasca. Screenplay: Pier Paolo Pasolini. Cinematography: Tonino Delli Colli.  Production design: Luigi Scaccianoce. Film editing: Nino Baragli. Music: Luis Bacalov. 

Sandwiched between two epic Hollywood versions of the life of Jesus released in the 1960s -- King of Kings (Nicholas Ray, 1961) and The Greatest Story Ever Told (George Stevens, 1965) -- Pasolini's version looks like the most successful today. It is raw and unfiltered through Technicolor and wide-screen processes, unencumbered with movie stars. Its Jesus is not blue-eyed like Jeffrey Hunter or Max von Sydow, but a darkly handsome Spanish economics student named Enrique Irazoqui, who had never acted before. (His voice is dubbed by Enrico Maria Salerno, a professional actor who also dubbed Clint Eastwood's voice in the Italian releases of Sergio Leone's Westerns.) The film takes no liberties with the story as presented in the New Testament Gospel of St. Matthew, following it virtually to the letter. The dialogue in Pasolini's screenplay relies for the most part only on the words actually spoken in the gospel. In fact, those unfamiliar with the narrative presented there may sometimes find the film's story hard to follow. No elaborate sets were constructed: Pasolini filmed on locations in Calabria and Sicily and other parts of southern Italy, enlisting the locals as cast members and extras. Like Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), it is a film of faces, and seldom handsome ones -- with the exception of the delicately beautiful Margherita Caruso, who plays the young Mary. (The older Mary is played by Pasolini's mother, Susanna.) Irazoqui, with his unibrow, looks strikingly like a figure out of a Byzantine mosaic or a Russian icon. The cumulative effect of the film is plausibly much closer to the actual events than the more conventional dramatizations of them like the Hollywood epics. Pasolini was, of course, an unbeliever, a gay Marxist, and the film is more intellectual than spiritual. The Jesus of the film preaches love, but he can also be harsh and enigmatic, proclaiming that he comes to bring not peace but a sword and, in one of the oddest moments in the gospel, smiting a fig tree for some unspecified offense. There are moments when, by following the biblical narrative so closely, the film falls apart, as in the interpolation of the story of Salome (Paola Tedesco) and John the Baptist (Mario Socrate), and it's clear that, as he later admitted, Pasolini's heart is not in the depiction of such miracles as the loaves and fishes and Jesus's walking on water. The choice of music to accompany scenes is curiously eclectic, ranging from the obvious, Bach and Mozart, to the derivative, a bit of Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky score, to the startling, African-American spirituals. But even when Pasolini's film goes awry, it remains a fascinatingly personal response to the source material.

[denimbex1986]

'Ripley has been one of the most acclaimed Netflix series of the year, captivating audiences worldwide. Just like the '90s film, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Anthony Minghella, the miniseries is almost entirely filmed in Capri, so much so that in some scenes, copies of Il Mattino from the '60s even appear. The TV series is among the honorary candidates for the Golden Globes 2025 in the categories of 'best miniseries or TV film' and 'best lead actor in a miniseries or TV film' for Andrew Scott, the undisputed star of the series. Ripley was among the most nominated series of the year. The nomination for the Golden Globes 2025 is only a logical consequence of a success that has impressed everyone and, above all, has prominently featured Naples, Capri, and Campania. In an excellent year for Italian seriality even at the international level, Ripley's presence in the lineup, alongside products like Disclaimer, True Detective, and The Penguin, only confirms the global appeal achieved by the series. The main filming locations of Ripley were divided between two specific areas of Campania: Atrani and Capri. The former, a small town in the province of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, is a gem as seen in the first episode of the Netflix series. To reach the location, Tom takes the bus from Naples to Salerno. Some scenes were filmed in Capri, among the beloved and famous villas of the island, to depict the '60s and '70s. The 8 episodes of Ripley are directed and written by Steven Zaillian, the 1994 Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay with Schindler's List. Zaillian is also the creator of another series, halfway between noir and crime: The Night Of (2016) with John Turturro.'

[rpmtrish]

NEOPMA/PMRA PRO MODIFIEDS READY FOR EMPIRE DRAGWAY SHOWDOWN THIS WEEKEND

LEICESTER, NEW YORK (June 17, 2024) – The Pro Modifieds of the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA) and Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) will return to Empire Dragway in Leicester, NY this weekend in the first of two scheduled weekend shows for 2024. Last year, Pro Modifieds from both series ran successfully on the New York state eighth-mile drag strip and this year’s event promises to provide more action and cars in this popular door-slammer class. "It is always a pleasure to return to Empire Dragway. The facility is first class and Jerry Scaccia, his family and officials go above and beyond to prepare an excellent racing surface," stated John Mazzorana of the NEOPMA. “We hope to have over 20 pro modified cars attending, breaking track records and giving fans one of the best shows ever. Empire Dragway is one of the best tracks in North America and combined with our two associations, it is the perfect formula for an amazing race.” Expected Pro Modifieds for this weekend’s show include James Beadling, Cedrick Beaulieu, Gary Courtier, Mike Decker Jr., Mike (Hollywood) Decker III, John Glekas/Pierre Chicoine Team, Paulo Giust, Jack Grainy, Andy Jensen, Kenny Lang, Louis Ouimette, Chris Russo, Melanie Salemi, Jay Santos, Mike Stawicki, Claude St. Maurice, Dave Texido, John Vergotz and Derek Ward. Along with a strong Pro Modified presence, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) will also compete at the Empire Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Challenge VI and VII on June 21- 22 and August 16-17, plus a standalone event on September 13-14, 2024. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series includes a Top Sportsman and Top Dragster qualified field of 32 teams and the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) is comprised of a qualified field of 16 quick motorcycles and snowmobiles. Quick 32 Sportsman Series entries include Tim Antinora, Brett Bennett, Jessica Bennett, Craig Chadderdon, Scott Church, Art Cioffi, Charlie Emler Jr., Buddy Forrest, Dan Germano, Andy Gregoire, Bob Jaus, Don Kiekel, Billy Leber, Doug Lynden, Tony Madonia, Gary O'Connell, Anthony Platania, Cody Reome, Mark Romanofsky, Tyler Rudolph, Tom Simone, Bill Stevens and Ron Szewczyk, who will do battle with Dave Burchell, Luke DeJonge, Jeff Gabel, Brooklyn Noakes, Phil Sampson, Kayden Wicke and Wilson & Grey, all of Ontario.  Included in the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) entries is Nicole Albin, Lee Burgess, Josh Costra, Ron Dean, Peter Edwards, Dick Nearhoof, Bill Pippard, Mike Puglia and Bob Salerno. Qualifying for all classes will be held Friday, June 21, at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Saturday, June 22, at noon, with eliminations starting at 2:00 pm Saturday. Empire Dragway will also offer a Box and No Box Eliminator program. Spectators can go to EmpireDragway.com for schedule, admission and camping details. Visit the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association at neoutlawpromods.com, the Pro Modified Racing Association at facebook.com/promodifiedracing, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series at facebook.com/quick32, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) at facebook.com/probikeandsledseries and Empire Dragway at EmpireDragway.com for more information and event updates. For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com   Read the full article

[nerds-in-wonderland]

🌈✨📚Childrens Books Banned For Inclusivity📚✨🌈

PRIDE: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

By: Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno

"In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable - and undertold - story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride."

~Alice 🌌

[fewbat]

The 3rd Annual Davey Awards - The Winners!

Hello and welcome to the big day, the day I announce the winners of the 3rd Annual Davey Awards for Film Excellence for 2022. It's been a long couple of weeks of deliberation and speculation and whatnot, so let's get into it. First, our previously announced award, the Davey Award for “Wow I hadn’t seen you on screen for a while and seeing you again made me feel kind of emotional.” The winners this year are of course, David Lynch for his role in The Fabelmans and Janet Fielding for her role in The Power of the Doctor. Now, on with the show.

The Davey for Best Supporting Actor goes to...

It's a tie! Can you believe it. I can't. The winners are Stephen Lang for Avatar: The Way of Water, Sigourney Weaver for Avatar: The Way of Water, Paul Dano for The Fabelmans, and Michelle Williams for The Fabelmans. Wow! They should swap roles next time they each do a movie. Paul Dano as Quaritch. Up next: The Davey for Best Animated Feature. The winner is.... Turning Red! Wow. What a year for animated pictures. The Davey for Best Production Design is awarded to Jess Gonchor, for White Noise! Likewise, the Davey for Best Costume Design goes to Ann Roth for White Noise! Wow! The Davey for Best Screenplay (Original) this year goes to Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner for The Fabelmans! The Davey for Best Screenplay (Adapted) goes to... Avatar: The Way of Water, written by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, Story by Cameron, Jaffa, Silver, Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. I see you! The Davey for Best VFX is likewise awarded to Avatar: The Way of Water! The Davey for Best Ensemble goes to....the team who brought us so many laughs, tears, and incredible moments of discomfort - Jackass Forever! The Davey for Best Original Score is this year awarded to...Tindersticks, for Stars at Noon! The Davey for Best Editing goes to...Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, for their work on Elvis! Shake rattle AND roll. Now for the The Davey for Best Cinematography, which this year is awarded to...Hoyte van Hoytema, for Nope! The Davey for Best Actor. This year, as always, two performers were recognised for their incredible work. The winners are... for his stunning breakthrough role in The Fabelmans, Gabriel LaBelle, and for her incredible turn in Nope, Keke Palmer! For our penultimate award of the night, it's time for the Davey for Best Director. This year, the award goes to....Charlotte Wells, for her debut feature, Aftersun! And finally...the Davey for Best Picture. Joining Never Rarely Sometimes Always in the pantheon of Best Picture winners at the Daveys is.....Nope! Congrats to Nope. And that's it! See you again in 2024 for the next round of Daveys.

[novelistra]

NoveList's Juvenile Brain Trust is a group of readers' advisory librarians and metadata librarians who focus on books for kids and teens. Once a week, the JBT gets together to catch up and share new books. On 9/19/2018, we discussed:

The Voice, the Revolution, & the Key, Jenny L. Cote

Mustafa, Marie-Louise Gay

Spooked!, Gail Jarrow

Pass Go and Collect $200, Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Steven Salerno

Every Month is a New Year, Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Susan L. Roth

Have you read any of these books? What do you think of them?

For more recommendations (plus printables and readers’ advisory tips), subscribe to the NoveList Book Squad! It's free :)

[confessionsofabingefreak]

Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)

20th Century Fox

Impression: and the series goes back to cheesy and utterly predictable

Collection: no

Overall: ⭐️⭐️

Concept: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Story: ⭐️1/2

Storytelling: ⭐️⭐️

Characters: ⭐️⭐️

Casting: ⭐️⭐️1/2

Visually: ⭐️⭐️

Score/Soundtrack: ⭐️⭐️1/2

Entertainment: ⭐️1/2

Best: nothing stands out for me...

Worst: do we have that much time?

[carmenandcamila-blog]

BOOM! Big, Big Thunder and one Small Dog

What a fun read!

Story is about brave, little dog named Rosie, who isn’t afraid of anything but thunder.

We are dog lovers so we were especially fond of this story.

We will definitely keep this book in our list of library faves!

[twopoppies]

Hey, this is a list of YouTubers who enjoy Harry’s and/or Louis’ music and are respectful to larries/do not mention them (as far as i know):

Steven In Stereo

Michael Beveraggi

Blake McLain

Anthony Aiken Junior

Caitlyn Marie Reacts

Fabrizio Salerno

Jacob Restituto

Sound Vapors

The Bascome Twins

ChaseNRio

Turning the Tables

Yam Haus

Derrik Rockne

P.s if there is anyone on this list that has been offensive or a bully towards larries, or used them for clout and then made fun of them after please feel free to mention them. Maybe we can start a tag #reaction channels ?

P.p.s excuse that they are not alphabetically ordered, its bugging me too but i couldn’t bother its 3am where i live

Hi darling, thank you so much for this! I'm only familiar with the first 4 plus Turning The Tables (although their wonderful Harry's House reaction video got taken down 😠). I'm looking forward to checking the others out!

[stevensalerno]

TAX DAY tomorrow!

Posted here are a couple recent drawings I created reflecting on TAX DAY -the annual (and usually depressing) payment to a host of various taxes… Chin up!

[abs0luteb4stard]

WATCHING

For a movie with Actors from across “24”, “Rescue Me”, “Sons of Anarchy” and “True Blood” you’d think the movie would be pretty good, right? The acting was fine considering… But the writing sucked ass it was almost like a trope-y slasher horror movie where any time a female character removes her shirt someone dies. And this writer is going to be in the team that writes James Cameron’s Avatar 2-5? Oh god help us. The Directing duo of brothers who directed this only made the movie Skyline after this so they’re pretty much done or something. This movie was a major Fuck up. AVP was okay. I’m not a huge fan of cross-franchise ‘VS movies’. Even Freddy VS Jason was “meh”. Steven Pasquale as Dallas (Rescue Me; Sean Garrity) Reiko Aylesworth as Kelly (24; Michelle Dessler) Johnny Lewis as Ricky (Sons of Anarchy; Half-Sack) Sam Trammell as Tim [is killed buy a Xenomorph within the halfway point of the film] (True Blood; Sam Merlotte) ALSO how the fuck did Japan get such an awesomely designed poster for this shitty movie and the US and English countries got the one that looks a 12 year old made it in MS Paint?

[denimbex1986]

'A formidable Andrew Scott brings to life the iconic character created by Patricia Highsmith: Time, Nature, and Evil according to Steven Zaillian, on Netflix

Thomas Ripley, a petty swindler, is tracked down by a private detective on behalf of the wealthy Herbert Greenleaf, who wants to use him to bring back his idle son, Richard “Dickie” Greenleaf, who has been living in Atrani (Salerno), Italy, with his girlfriend Marge for some time. In reality, Tom is not the close friend of Herbert’s son as Herbert believes: he met him only once at a party and barely knows him. However, the opportunity is unique: to fly to Italy, become Dickie’s best friend, take his place, and take over his belongings.

Thomas Ripley, the unsettling character created by Patricia Highsmith in 1955 and the protagonist of five novels by the American writer, can rightfully be considered one of the last literary archetypes of the modern era. From the first big-screen adaptation, the splendid Plein Soleil by René Clement starring Alain Delon, through films by Minghella and Cavani, adaptations of his criminal deeds on both the small and big screen are now numerous. Viewers now approach these adaptations in a philological manner, as one might go to the theater to see Hamlet: not just for the story, but for how it is staged. Central to the discussion, therefore, becomes the viewpoint of the adapter, his fidelity to Highsmith’s original text, and the liberties he has taken. This premise is necessary to understand a fundamental point: you will not find unanimous consensus for this monumental endeavor by director and screenwriter Steven Zaillian (Oscar winner for Schindler’s List in 1993: hardly a newcomer).

Minghella’s Matt Damon is still too fresh in the hearts of the nearly boomers, and even the diabolical John Malkovich by Liliana Cavani has his admirers. Likely, the black and white and the extremely calm pace will disorient many viewers who, after exhausting, hot days of work, tend to doze off on the couch after vainly hoping a thriller would keep them awake. Yet, detractors should not be offended; criticizing this Netflix series for its slowness means having understood very little of the entire operation (which does not necessarily have to be liked, that’s another matter).

Time, in its various facets, is the true protagonist of Zaillian’s Ripley. The year 1960, marked by a caption, seals an era that seems mythical—a version of Italy unknown to people in 2024, without traffic or cars, a primordial nature barely touched by sparse human presence (the outdoor cinematography by Robert Elswit is formidable). An Eden whose tranquility is disrupted by a dark drop of evil, that of Tom Ripley, who is not a son of this world and does not belong to it. Tom’s sole rooting in another world seems to deform the environment, turning it into an expressionist and livid set, or a sick fantasy of Escher. His struggle to take Dickie Greenleaf’s place is also an attempt to merge into a world that rejects his presence from the very first moment—consider the suspicious glances of the servants in Atrani, the bank men, the receptionists. It is even Nature itself that rebels against the infected germ of evil embodied by Tom, when he falls off a boat in Sanremo right after committing his crime, risking his life in turn.

The hieratic slowness of the narrative is even more eloquent in revealing Zaillian’s intentions: Time, in addition to being the protagonist, is Tom Ripley’s accomplice. Accustomed since CSI to ultra-sophisticated investigations supported by the most refined anti-crime technology, the incredible deception of Tom Ripley would have had a very hard time nowadays. But the 1960 of Steven Zaillian allows him to get away with it: the slowness belongs to a daily life different from ours, made of phones, letters, telegrams, very long train journeys to summon witnesses for questioning, investigations that are necessarily very slow, the impossibility of immediately refuting statements or versions of facts. Time Is On My Side, Tom Ripley might sing to the tune of the Rolling Stones, were he not a fan of Mina and Il cielo in una stanza.

Finally, the time of interminable seconds, of nothing happening, is what helps us closely see and desecrate any possible fascination with evil. Ripley will receive no ellipsis to hide a body killed in cold blood in his living room; he will have to wait hours and hours in front of it, waiting for night, to head out at night on the Appia Antica in Rome, and we with him. Taking on this criminal via Crucis, where a single mistake can indefinitely prolong the process, is the delicious torment through which the viewer’s emotional involvement passes, called, despite themselves, to share the frustration and discomfort.

Andrew Scott is formidable, and the latent homosexuality of his character mirrors that present in Highsmith’s novel. Johnny Flynn and Dakota Fanning also perform admirably, and like Scott, they speak excellent Italian, which was not a given. The Italian cast, directed by a foreign filmmaker, is always a bit over the top: Margherita Buy, perhaps, is not quite in her element, or maybe she has been playing the same role for years and this time something different was needed. Always emerging with credit is the inspector played by Maurizio Lombardi, who is truly convincing. All this is supported by a top-notch technical department, from the set designs and costumes to the music by Jeff Russo.

Praise goes to Steven Zaillian, who in an era of bite-sized, disposable series, takes the necessary time for a broad reflection, while at the same time offering us entertainment of cinematic quality. For those who might not appreciate it: tastes vary. And on the couch at home, one can always sleep away from prying eyes.'

[rpmtrish]

STELLAR FIELD OF COMPETITORS EXPECTED TO COMPETE THIS WEEKEND AT EMPIRE DRAGWAY

LEICESTER, NEW YORK (June 3, 2024) – With only a few days left before the kickoff race at Empire Dragway this weekend for the Series, Director Bruce Mehlenbacher is very pleased with the expected Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) entries that are scheduled to participate at the northern New York State facility in Leicester, NY. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) will compete at the eighth-mile track on June 7-8, 2024 and September 13-14, 2024. The PMRA/NEOPMA Pro Modifieds will compete with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) on June 21-22, 2024 and August 16-17, 2024. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is comprised of Top Sportsman, or “door” cars (full-bodied, full-fendered cars) and Top Dragsters. The series will be divided among Top Dragster and Top Sportsman cars. Some of the entries include New Yorkers Tim Antinora, Brett Bennett, Jessica Bennett, Craig Chadderdon, Scott Church, Art Cioffi, Charlie Emler Jr., Buddy Forrest, Dan Germano, Andy Gregoire, Jennifer Guenther, Doug Lynden, Ed McGuinn, Gary O'Connell, Anthony Platania, Cody Reome, Tyler Rudolph, Tom Simone and Bill Stevens, who will do battle with Jeff Gabel, Brooklyn Noakes and Kayden Wicke, all of Ontario. The Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) is comprised of a qualified field of 16 quick motorcycles and snowmobiles and presents the best in E.T. style, dialled-in drag racing.   A partial list of entries is Nicole Albin, Lee Burgess, Josh Costra, Ron Dean, Peter Edwards, Dick Nearhoof, Mike Nearhoof, Bill Pippard, Mike Puglia and Bob Salerno. “We have a great lineup of teams,” added Mehlenbacher, who has worked with Jerry Scaccia, his family and his team in the past and all are instrumental in putting together this show. “With the large number of teams in the Northeast U.S. and Canada, fans will see a great race.” Qualifying will be held Friday at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Saturday at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, with eliminations starting at 2:00 pm Saturday. Visit the Quick 32 Sportsman Series at https://www.facebook.com/quick32, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) at https://www.facebook.com/probikeandsledseries/ and the Empire Dragway at EmpireDragway.com for more information and event updates. Read the full article

[doomedandstoned]

Grave Next Door Drop New Single “As Heavy As Texas”

~Doomed & Stoned~

By Billy Goate

Art by Steven Yoyada

My sleep has gone sideways this week, but it's given me some late nights and early mornings to chill with Michigan dark stoner metal outfit GRAVE NEXT DOOR. Indeed, it's ideal for those quiet, surreal moments of solitude -- and however loud you wish to audit it, for it is the vibe that pervades and creates a kind of dank Saturday night at 1:30am feel.

I intuit the influence of early Soundgarden on a song like "Bloody Nuns" -- you know, back when Soundgarden was raw, uncouth, and entirely underground. "Witch Head" wafts the muddy lo-fi recording ambience of '90s Godflesh and Fudge Tunnel. "Charnel House" gives me the gritted teeth of vintage Kurt Cobain. "Heathen" channels Prong. In fact, every song on 'Sanctified Heathen' (2022) is a romping adventure into another unanticipated situation. You dare not underestimate a single track you meet on these mean streets (stick with "Witch Head" a little longer).

This weekend, Doomed & Stoned is giving you an advance listen to "As Heavy As Texas," the latest single to emerge from the band's debut LP. It begins with some righteous slow shredding (a shot of warmth splashed across my spine at this Sleep-esque moment). It's joined by Travis Soleski's thumping beat, and chanting vocals follow. What's this? A chorus I might be singing on the way to work in the morning.

On the recording, production, and themes the band comments:

Our approach was raw all the way and we achieved that with a very raw '70s and '80s sound, enabling us to capture our live energy on the record. When we started as a band, we said we would never put anything on an album that we couldn’t do live. The common threads throughout the songs are of personal struggles, despair, and various aspects of death. The album is set to release in the spring on Black Doomba Records and we greatly look forward to supporting it with a tour.

Jump-started by Patrick and Anthony Salerno in 2018, the brothers decided to name the band after a graveyard that was adjacent to their house. Did you hear me? IT WAS RIGHT NEXT DOOR. I know, you hard atheists say there's no such thing, but imagine the ghost stories! Grave Next Door describes the resulting sound as "dark and macabre, drawing from the iconic sounds of Black Sabbath, Black Flag, and even Cream."

On Sanctified Heathen the band reveals their powers with old school ethos and ambience, diggable lyrics that touch relevantly on our fucked-up world (and often existence), and a downtuned sound that is often-times intimidating. Grave Next Door is the new face of Street Doom.

Again, the band:

"As Heavy As Texas" is the first song we wrote after COVID cut our tour short to play festivals in Austin in March of 2020. It was a strange time, as we watched the world shut down and one of us became very ill. A friend took us in for three days and we soaked in the landscape and ambiance of Texas. There was this feeling in riff and rhythm that personified our extremely bizarre and positive experience. People at the venues were thanking us for not canceling out as other bands had. The Texas metal community has the most hospitable people on earth. The song wrote itself in literally ten minutes. We even returned to Texas to film the music video for the song.

Heavy stuff.  Sanctified Heathen by Grave Next Door drops March 18 on Black Doomba Records.

Give ear...

As Heavy as Texas (single from 'Sanctified Heathen) by Grave Next Door

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