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[thematmetal]

Introduction

Part 2: The Mat Metal Chronicles or The Metal Mat Chronicals?

Both "The Mat Metal Chronicles" and "The Metal Mat Chronicles" could work as titles for creative work, such as a book or a series. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the intended theme or focus of the work.

"The Mat Metal Chronicles" suggests a story or series centered around a character or group of characters involved in the world of heavy metal music. It could explore experiences, and adventures, or even delve into the history and culture of the metal music scene. This title emphasizes the connection to the music genre and implies that the story takes place within that context.

On the other hand, "The Metal Mat Chronicles" has a slightly different connotation. It could imply a story or series set in a world where metal objects or materials play a significant role. This could be a fantasy or science fiction setting where metal has unique properties or powers. Alternatively, it could refer to a character named "Metal Mat" and their adventures, with "metal" possibly representing a tough or resilient nature.

Ultimately, the choice between the two titles depends on the direction and theme of the story or series.

[thematmetal]

New Beginnings

Part 1: The Mat Metal Chronicles or The Metal Mat Chronicals?

After a long break and procrastinating, I have decided on the identity and the right content. These few years had taught me to be light-hearted and worry less. And of course to go for it.

First off, after brainstorming ideas, it narrowed down to these 2. The Mat Metal: This name places emphasis on the word "Mat" and gives a playful and catchy ring to it, as it incorporates alliteration with the repeated "m" sound. It could also hint at a combination of martial arts and metal music. Overall, "The Mat Metal" has a slightly lighter and more whimsical feel.

The Metal Mat: In this name, "Metal" takes precedence over "Mat." It is a more straightforward and direct approach which is metal music. "Metal" is a powerful and evocative term, instantly recognized and associated with a specific sound and attitude. By adding "Mat" as a secondary element, it suggests a fusion or combination of metal which could spark curiosity and intrigue.

[thematmetal]

A Title For Everything

This crisis I'm facing nowadays through this writing journey is...

Titles!

Writing journals, articles, blogs! Probably almost anything!

[thematmetal]

Photo Link : https://images.app.goo.gl/5MzecF2VQC5QSst47

No. Title Length 1."Defenestration"                2."Abigor"                             3."Open Face Surgery"        4."Serial Messiah"                5."Born Headless"                6."Swine of the Cross"           7."Gravaged (A Cryptopsy)" 8."Memories of Blood" 9."Mutant Christ" 10."Pathological Frolic" Total length:39:42

The first album recorded after changing their name from Necrosis. 

This album is still one of my favourites. The transition between not so slow to sudden thrashing of overloaded death metal riffs, pure technical. Be prepeared to shit in your pants.

This album boasted clarity and gives you everything you wanted from a technical death metal band. The kind that keeps you on your toes, that will pique your senses throughout.

Like the book that you do not want to put down.

[thematmetal]

Minor Threat at The Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. 4/4/1981. Band members left to right: Lyle Preslar, Brian Baker, Ian MacKaye. Audience members: Mitch Parker in the background, Henry Rollins on the lower right.

Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardcore_punk#/media/File:Minor-threat-malcolm-riviera.jpg

When talking about Hardcore (Music), Minor Threat comes to mind. 

Arguably one of the pioneers during the 80s’ ‘new wave’ Hardcore subculture movement besides a few others, they made such an impact in their short lived act together.

[thematmetal]

TRAINING FOR UTOPIA

The Falling Cycle - EP (1997)

Record Label - Solid State Records / Tooth & Nail Records

Track list >>> 1. The Falling Cycle 2. Dead Signal 3. Pretty Picture Of Lies 4. Thoughtless Reminders

Lyrics > http://www.darklyrics.com/t/trainingforutopia.html

I was amazed by the chaotic but yet synchronized guitars, bass and drums with jamming screeching guitar fills and roaring mid-tone hardcore-esc vocals.

Those days, it was hard to find a band with two guitars playing not in tune with each other but yet, what a beautiful noise.

The 90s was definitely the glory years of Christian core.

Read about them from > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_for_Utopia

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Listen to them on Spotify > https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bIONi1B7DWN1Y090pLegM?si=WZAD8RPpQdahWIdcpJa2Ww&dl_branch=1

YouTube Music > https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCebbQcQ_JA7B_xaBGG1qMuQ?feature=share

And if you have iTunes subscription, do stream or download their music. This EP is not to be missed.

[thematmetal]

Getting a record in the 90s.

When I wrote about ZAO previously, I reminisced the time when I accompanied my friend to buy that CD pack, back in 1997, at the famous Tower Records. 

Tower Records was located at Pacific Plaza, Scotts Rd (Singapore). That iconic place was the go to during the 90s, till its closure in 2001. I would going every Fridays or weekends, despite my mother’s warnings.

The place was a haven for a free spirited kid like me. I was into Hardcore, listening to VOD, Earth Crisis, Integrity, Slayer, amongst others. The famous labels like Victory Records, Roadrunner, Tooth And Nail/ Solid State Records, etc. I would browse through for hours till the day ends, and I wasn’t the only one doing it.

I remembered when I was at the second floor podium, I watched people with diverse taste in music rummaging furiously through the different sections to get their hands on rare items, to the latest records of different genres or sub-genres of music. If there wasn’t one they could find, an order could be made at the counter, so long as it was in production, their item would arrive in between two to four weeks.

One of the best memories I had was, bands performing their releases on the second floor podium. It was exciting, intriguing and it motivated me as a teen starting out playing music. 

And people from all walks of life gathered, to watch. Applauding, and cheering on after each completed song. 

Amazing when I realized, twenty years after its demise, Tower Records was a melting pot of different cultures, musical preferences, race, and generations.

Acquaintances and bonds were forged. A simple nod, endless discussions, fist bumps and probably romantic relationships happened from time to time. I would never tire going there, as Tower Records was part of my life.

Alas, I would have no pictures of my time there as we didn’t have camera phones yet, and cameras were a luxury. Probably the reason for the lack of photos on the web.

I will always treasure the memories I had of Tower Records. Because of that it encapsulates my love and appreciation of music, and friendship. 

[thematmetal]

Z A O

The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Separation (1997) Credit link > genius.com (click on the name above)

1."Times of Separation" 5:01 2."Surrounds Me" 4:32 3."Exchange" 3:34 4."Particle" 2:50 5."Repressed" 4:11 6."In Loving Kindness" 3:44 7."Endure" 4:10 8."The Children Cry for Help" 5:31 9."Resistance" 3:01 10."Song 1" 8:21 Total length:44:55

You may find the full track listing inserted with lyrics from the link above.

This was the first full length studio album by ZAO before they fully delved into hardcore metal or metalcore, whatever you wanna call it. Arguably, at least to me, this is a pure classic.

ZAO has been always associated being a Christian band, birthed during the wave of Christian-core era.

This album is filled with emotions, from the nasal screaming/growling vocals, fuzzy metallic guitars, simple yet melodic basslines and drums that alternate between odd beats to hard hitters.

What stood out from this album is the structure and how it moves from one verse to another, filled with emotionally charged breakdowns and screams that feels like telling you a story.

Do find time to peruse the lyrics, while listening, to have a feel of this classic album.

Get to know more about ZAO

http://zaoonline.net/

https://open.spotify.com/album/3lT9kIWzKtrzJIqcrZLbTQ?si=RYQ25PICQUSz4ZU-F_Guug&dl_branch=1

[thematmetal]

R E P U L S I O N

HORRIFIED (1989)

Track list >>>

1. The Stench Of Burning Death 2. Eaten Alive 3. Acid Bath 4. Slaughter Of The Innocent 5. Decomposed 6. Radiation Sickness 7. Splattered Cadavers 8. Festering Boils 9. Pestilent Decay 10. Crematorium 11. Driven To Insanity 12. Six Feet Under 13. Bodily Dismemberment 14. Repulsion 15. The Lurking Fear 16. Black Breath 17.Maggots In Your Coffin 18. Horrified

When I first discovered Grindcore back in early 1995, Horrified was one of the cassettes I was fiddling with in the store. After much fiddling though for a full hour, with the watchful eyes of the store owner, I decided to part with my 3 days worth of lunch money. 

I was not disappointed. From “The Stench Of Burning Death” till the last “Horrified”, which is the title of this record, I was completely glued to my Walkman many times over that Saturday.

I was intrigued by the straightforward raspy mid growling vocals, crusty punkish downtuned guitars and bass, and the drums that sounded like a machine gun. 

To know more about the band, find some of the links below >>>

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Repulsion_(band)

https://youtu.be/BdMyaa6v7iQ

https://repulsion.bandcamp.com/album/horrified

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RTDcE5i7TUMhY4NsmqM4W?si=vGiLrQMZSoS8EBOO708OGg&dl_branch=1

[thematmetal]

Vision Of Disorder (VOD)

Self-Titled (1996)

Track list

1. Element 2. Watering Disease 3. Through My Eyes 4. Viola 5. Liberation 6. Divide 7. Ways to Destroy One's Ambition 8. Suffer 9. Zone Zero 10. D.T.O. 11. Excess 12. Gloom

I remembered being intrigued just ten seconds into “Elements”, and was blown away, twenty four seconds in, when Tim Williams broke into his metallic coated hardcore vocals. It was so unlike any conventional hardcore I have heard or seen before. 

At that time I knew this album was going to be a legend.

Twenty five years on, I am still listening to this beauty.

This debut album was accompanied by metallic hardcore sounding riffs, jazzy bass and powerful groovy drums. 

And there was, the vocals. 

The vocals, the fifth but equally important instrument played an integral part in this brilliant work of an art.

YouTube Music >>>

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kA3NRk-Sy4iCPE7raQpOWE49OVF22SWl4&feature=share

Spotify>>>

https://open.spotify.com/album/5EeQOcInW3Mfo6dtUofKOD?si=Wzu8sIY2Qc6xaYrHw2YjhQ&dl_branch=1

Deezer>>>

https://deezer.page.link/XEiso37VxrSwH4jM8

YouTube>>>

https://youtu.be/yx_RgqNI5aw

[thematmetal]

Back in 1994, when I was in my early teens, this is the record I picked up from the music store. I had never listened to subculture music before and I was looking for one. To be different from my peers, who were into mainstream rock and grunge was the in thing.

When I got that cassette, I had not looked back. My world had opened up and through the years, hardcore and metal had been part of my life.