A few days ago, we published a review for René Aquarius' debut solo record, 'Blight' (read). Like I said in the review "this is the longest and most intriguing drum solo I've ever heard". Yes, the album is all drums but nothing you would expect. But, there's also another side of René Aquarius, the one where he's the heavy hitting drummer for heavy jazz combo Dead Neanderthals. Judging from that diversity, I thought it would be a good idea to ask him about his Songs With Stories. Believe it or not, for a busy man like René, these came in very quickly.
Carcass - Psychopathologist
Good old Carcass. I still love this album and I still think it holds up really well. One important aspect is that I can feel the energy and the attitude of these guys, even after all these years. Furthermore, for me the sloppiness of the entire thing really enhances the experience because I'm basically figuring out what the hell is going on. Just as everybody else. So the same album can become very different for each individual who listens. Killer!
Okkultokrati - Let The Sun Receive Her King
The Okkultokrati records have a special place in my music collection. I don't really know why, but there's something cool to their music. It has all the ingredients of a 'standard' crusty rock band, but they always take weird twists and turns. Direct and in-your-face mix, weird vocals, a synth here and there. Really looking forward to their new Raspberry Dawn album, which will be out in a couple of days. This particular song is my personal favorite off their excellent Snakereigns album.
Celtic Frost - Dethroned Emperor
The early years of Celtic Frost are so cool! Every song is a 10 out of 10 for me. The song Dethroned Emperor has all the elements of the Morbid Tales EP in it. Raging fast parts and headbanging doomy parts. Killer from front to back.
Shining (No) - Healter Skelter
When Blackjazz was released I bought the album and was so impressed that I saw them live maybe 5 or 6 times in the years after Blackjazz. Such an impressive live act and really important for us when we started Dead Neanderthals. We had the pleasure to be the support-act for them 3 times. Absolutely killer and very friendly as well. What more can you ask for? The live version of Healter Skelter captures the spirit of the band perfectly. Enjoy!
Ultralyd - Inertiadrome (full album)
I can't and will not choose my favorite track from this album. It deserves to be heard from start to finish and it is one of my favorite albums of all time. Fantastic songs that are perfectly paced and endlessly rewarding to listen to. Every time you listen to it you'll uncover new details in the mix.
I was gutted to hear the band split up and although the band Staer (also from Stavanger, Norway) did something very similar, it was never quite the same. However, I think this album will never leave my playlist.
I was gutted to hear the band split up and although the band Staer (also from Stavanger, Norway) did something very similar, it was never quite the same. However, I think this album will never leave my playlist.
