(it’s my brother’s birthday, so I dedicate this post to him! I know it’s not my usual posts, but I’ve kissed your asses enough with Iron Maiden, so I deserve to post whatever I feel like. Besides, I’ll get back to the usual with the next post)

Burn, baby, burn!
She’s a witch!
She’s a witch and I’m a heretic!

So learn, baby, learn!
She’s a witch!
She’s a witch and I’m a heretic!
So learn!

Oh, Abigail
How could you do this to us?
You were a product of lust…product of lust!
And now this rope on my neck
Stopped all the blood to my head
So, now Salem, please save me…Salem, please save me!

Wish upon the stars, but they won’t save you tonight
God has forsaken thee to hell, we’re going to hang from the sky
Feel the weight of the stones crush hard on your chest
Confess, confess before you run short of breath
Confess, confess here for your sins

Burn, baby, burn!
She’s a witch!
She’s a witch and I’m a heretic!
So learn!

Oh, Abigail
How could you do this to us?

Oh, Abigail
How could you do this to us?
You were a product of lust…product of lust!
And now this rope on my neck
Stopped all the blood to my head
So, now Salem, please save me…Salem, please save me!

“It’s not on a ship we’ll meet again Abigail
But, in hell…”

I’ll see you when we both meet in Hell

“I say God is dead”!

How could you?
When we both meet in Hell

Motionless in White - Abigail

My brother may have gotten me into a lot of amazing bands (Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Arcturus and, to a degree, Kamelot and Ozzy), but we pretty much went our separate ways after that. While I play Metallica, Black Sabbath, Bathory and Candlemass, he’s got the latest dubstep, metalcore or deathcore band playing on repeat. What’s worse, he has the gall to call me narrow-minded, especially when he’ll play one Johnny Cash song (this one) once in a blue moon, call himself “open-minded”, then go back to listening to all the stuff I mentioned before!

Recently, we’ve been getting into heated arguments over my recent obsession with doom metal. Like with anything I enjoy (viking metal, folk metal and some black metal), he is all against it. Whether it’s Messiah Marcolin’s downright silliness, or the woeful lyrics of some of Candlemass’ best songs, he’s always saying that I shouldn’t call his music “whiny” because doom metal is “whiny” as well…

WTF? Doom metal, whiny? Yes, it’s sorrowful, but there is a difference between sorrowful and whiny, one that my closed-minded brother just dismisses completely.

Take a look at your typical doom metal band, like Candlemass or Cathedral (listed above). They look grown up and serious (though the same, obviously, can’t be said about Marcolin), like they mean business. When they sing, they are actually singing, and most of them have unique…ish voices, which sound mature as well. Their lyrical content talks about a million different things, such as loneliness (“Solitude”), going to Hell (“Demon’s Gate”), sorcery (“Bewitched” and “Crystal Ball”), smoking dope (“Dopethrone” by Electric Wizard) or the Bible (“Black Stone Wielder”, “Samarithan” or bands like Trouble), and other epic things of the sort. They can variate from slow to fast, play epic guitar solos, and their sound almost always rocks. Yes, they do tend to take a very bleak outlook on life (the sorcerer fails in “A Sorcerer’s Pledge” and the last man on earth dies in “Under the Oak”), but what they sing about are situations which are totally and completely beyond their control.

Take The Wizard of Oz for example. In the 1939 film, Dorothy was horribly weepy and helpless and cried over almost everything. In the 1900 book, she was a little more capable, ended up saving her friends instead of being saved by them, and usually only wept when all hope seemed lost. Now that is the essence of doom metal: sorrow at the utmost, when all hope is lost and nothing awaits but death.

And now we come to the newer bands. I know that metalcore, deathcore, post-hardcore and screamo bands are the thing, just like dubstep, but they’re not my thing! All they do is scream, which is as talentless as any kvlt black metal band. Almost none of them play guitar solos, another aspect of talentless black metal shit like burzum: the breakdowns that dominate their songs are not that hard to do, seriously, tremolo-picking from black metal bands is more difficult than a typical breakdown. When they do sing, it’s usually a nasally, high-pitched whine, like they’re 15 or something: what’s worse, most of them sound like this. When they do play guitar solos, there’s no feeling in them. The solos on Candlemass’ “Solitude” and “Black Stone Wielder” are powerful and, perhaps, more emotional than Johan’s voice. When one of these ‘emo’ bands plays a guitar solo (on the rare occasion they do), its like they’re just raping the hell out of sweep-picking.

And what about lyrical content? How is “I feel so dominated” from “Issues” by Escape the Fate better than “Death is my sanctuary, I seek it with pleasure” from Candlemass’ “Solitude”? The latter is a statement that life has lost all meaning, that the singer has nothing else left to live for, while the latter sounds like a wimp who’s letting himself get controlled. “Don’t go, I can’t do this on my own” from Bring Me the Horizon’s “Don’t Go” sounds very weak to the defiant “It’s no fun to burn in hell-fire, but I sure have enjoyed my life” from “At the Gallows’ End.” “What were you searching for when you stabbed me in the back?” from The Word Alive song “The Wretched” sounds like he’s whining about his girlfriend who betrayed him (typical song stuff of these kinds of bands). Now here Electric Wizard’s “Vinum Sabbathi” from the Dopethrone album: “I thought myself a master of the arts, this dimension of misery is my penance.” Yes, there is sorrow, but it is a kind of universal sorrow, one that anyone can relate to, no matter who they are. While Suicide Silence is screaming like a heart-broken 15-year-old “Repent, Repent! The End Is Nigh, Repent, Repent! Were All Going To Die” in the song “Chelsea Smile”, Johan’s epic cry of “I cried for the ones I have lost!” from “Under the Oak” is a thousand times more powerful, and he actually sounds his age.

In the end, it’s all about delivery. Matt Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold used to dress like the kids from metalcore bands, but then you hear “Nightmare” and you can tell there’s no messing around. Likewise, Messiah Marcolin wore monk robes in the video for “Bewitched”, and yet he looked and acted ridiculous. It’s all about the delivery. A lot of doom metal bands pull off, very well, the sorrowful vibe in their songs and make it sound like it’s coming from the bottom of their hearts (pretty much every song on Candlemass’ first album). Even if you dressed these scene kids in all black, they would still sound like little 15-year-olds whining about broken hearts and shit. When doom metal bands sing about sorrow, it feels genuine because they look serious about it (except for Messiah, he just looks ridiculous). When these newer screaming bands sing scream about sorrow, it’s annoying because it sounds like they’re just whiny, angst-ridden teenagers.

(see what I mean? Bible + metal = epic)

This shining city built of gold
A far-cry from innocence
There’s more than meets the eye ‘round here
Look to the waters of the deep
A City of Evil

There sat a seven-headed beast
Ten horns raised from its head
Symbolic woman sits on his throne
But he just strips her and leaves her naked
The Beast and the Harlot

She’s a dwelling place for demons
She’s a cage for every unclean spirit
Every filth bird and makes us drink
The poisoned wine to fornicate it with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great

The city dressed in jewels and gold
Fine linen, myrrh and pearls
Her plagues will come all at once
As her mourners watch her burn
Destroyed in an hour

Merchants and captains of the world
Sailors, navigators too
Will weep and mourn this loss
With her sins piled to the sky
The Beast and the Harlot

She’s a dwelling place for demons
She’s a cage for every unclean spirit
Every filth bird and makes us drink
The poisoned wine to fornicate it with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great

The day has come for all us sinners
If you’re not a servant, you’ll be struck to the ground
Flee the burning, greedy city
Lookin’ back on her to see there’s nothing around

I don’t believe in fairy-tales
And no one wants to go to Hell
You’ve made the wrong decision
And it’s easy to see

Now if you want to serve above
Or be a king below with us
You’re welcome to the city
Where your future is set forever

She’s a dwelling place for demons
She’s a cage for every unclean spirit
Every filth bird and makes us drink
The poisoned wine to fornicate it with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great

She’s a dwelling place for demons
She’s a cage for every unclean spirit
Every filth bird, that makes us drink
The poisoned wine to fornicate it with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great

Avenged Sevenfold - Beast and the Harlot

Avenged Sevenfold - Beast and the Harlot [video]

(“Alright everyone! Chill!”)

I don’t know how to live through this Hell
Woken up, I’m still locked in this shell
Frozen soul, frozen down to the core
Break the ice, I can’t take it anymore

Freezing! Can’t move at all
Screaming! Can’t hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out! I’m trapped under ice

Crystallized as I lay here in rest
Eyes of glass stare directly at death
From deep sleep I have broken away
No one knows, no one hears what I say

Freezing! Can’t move at all
Screaming! Can’t hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out! I’m trapped under ice

Scream! From my soul
Fate! Mystified
Hell! Forevermore

Scream! From my soul
Fate! Mystified
Hell! Forevermore

No release from my cryonic state
What is this? I’ve been stricken by fate
Wrapped up tight, cannot move, can’t break free
Hand of Doom has a tight grip on me

Freezing! Can’t move at all
Screaming! Can’t hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out! I’m trapped under ice

Freezing! Can’t move at all
Screaming! Can’t hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out! I’m trapped under ice!

Metallica - Trapped Under Ice

Austrian Death Machine - Trapped Under Ice

(if you think this song is about you, you’re probably right)

Shh, quiet, might piss somebody off!
Like me motherfucker, you’ve been at it for too long.
While you feed off all those insecurities, you stand in front of me and bite the hand that feeds.

Self righteousness is wearing thin
Lies inside your head, your best friend
Heart bleeds but not for fellow man
Broken glass, your fake reflection

I’ve had enough, it’s time for something real!
Don’t respect the words your speaking
Gone too far!
A clone!

So, how does it feel to know that someones kid in the heart of America has blood on their hands fighting to defend your rights so you can maintain the lifestyle that insults his family’s existence?

Well where I’m from we have a special salute waved high in the air towards all those pompous assholes who spend their days pointing fingers.

Fuck you!

Shh, quiet, might piss somebody off!
Like the heartbeat of this country when antagonized too long
…Damned if you count me in as part of your generous hypocrisy; collected enemies.

Tabloid gossip we want less real
There’s no need for us to bury you
Selfish agenda, once again
Right this way, you dug your own grave

I’ve had enough, it’s time for something real!
Don’t respect the words your speaking
Gone too far!
A clone!

All the way from the east to the west we got this high society looking down on their very foundation.
Constantly reminding us that our actions are the cause of all their problems.
Pointing their fingers in every direction.
Blaming their own nation for who wins elections.
You never contributed a fucking thing to this country you love to criticize!

Ignore the obscene
Ignore the untrue
Depictions we see
Try and get through
And many mistakes can hurt
I’m not the last, and I sure ain’t the first!

Self righteousness is wearing thin
Lies inside your head, your best friend
Heart bleeds but not for fellow man
Broken glass, your fake reflection

I’ve had enough, it’s time for something real!
Don’t respect the words your speaking
Gone too far!
A clone!

Shh, quiet! You might piss somebody off!

Avenged Sevenfold - Critical Acclaim

Avenged Sevenfold - Critical Acclaim [live]

(the original version has epic vocals, KSE’s has epic guitar solos. that’s all i’m gonna say)

Oooh-ooh-ooh!

Yeah, yeah!

Holy Diver
You’ve been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh, what’s becoming of me?

Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he’s clean
Oh, don’t you see what I mean?

Gotta get away
Holy Diver, yeah!

Shiny diamonds
Like the eyes of a cat in the black and blue
Something is coming for you

Look out!

Race for the morning
You can hide in the sun ‘till you see the light
Oh, we will pray it’s all right!

Gotta get away-get away

Between the velvet lies
There’s a truth that’s hard as steel
The vision never dies!
Life’s a never ending wheel!

Say!

Holy Diver
You’re the star of the masquerade
No need to look so afraid

Jump, jump!

Jump on the tiger
You can feel his heart but you know he’s mean
Some light can never be seen! Yeah!

Holy Diver
You’ve been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh, what’s becoming of me?

No! No!

Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he’s clean
Oh, don’t you see what I mean?

Gotta get away - get away
Gotta get away - get away

Yeah!

Holy Diver
Sole survivor
Your armor’s clean!

Holy Diver!
Holy Diver!

There’s a cat in the middle coming after you
Holy Diver

Whoa, Holy Diver!

Yeah! Alright!

Get away!
Get away!
Get away!

Holy Diver
Holy Diver

Whoa, Holy Diver!

Oooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh!

Dio - Holy Diver

Otyg - Holy Diver

Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver

(i usually don’t do this, but these two tracks are a little bit of epic)

Chiodos - Scaremonger

Why are you so loud?
You’ve said it enough.
I’m standing right here, but can you see me?
All of my time, all of my soul.
I want to laugh again, and live again, and love.
My own way.
The lies engraved will never be erased.
The fear and pain embedded in my brain.
The words pushed out all that I am inside.
Manipulating all that I love.
All my desire you took as your own.
All of my sorrow.
Its not enough, not enough for your hunger.
Dismantle my being.
Oh, let me out. let me be free.
Dismember everything, making me doubt what I’m about.
Let me be free.
Can I just float away?
Can I just disappear?
All of my desire you took as your own.
All of my sorrow.
It’s not enough, not enough for your hunger.
I melt down (melting down)
I’m melting down.
Finally there is no sound.
I’m standing in front of you but can you see me?
I’m melt down.
All my desire you took it as your own.
All of my sorrow.
It’s not enough, not enough for your hunger.
It’s not enough, not enough for your hunger.

This…This Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th….

This war will tear apart the sky,
Letting through the light.
And we will survive and we’ll sing.
Marching onward, we’re singing for our freedom.
La la, la la, lala, la la

Chiodos - His-Story Repeats Itself

We the people are gathering to say,
That here this day we’re taking,
Taking what’s rightfully ours.

This war will tear apart the sky,
Letting through the light.
And we will survive

You are the ruler of lies.
I see it in your eyes.
They’re the window to your soul.
And we all know
This is our last chance to overthrow
The king and all his men,
So we can see the light again.

This war will tear apart the sky,
Letting through the light.
And we will survive, and we’ll sing.
Marching onward, we’re singing for our freedom.
La la, la la, lala, la la

Oh, what gave you the power to take the love from the woman?
Oh, what gave you the power to take the laughter from the children?
You can’t blame them.
They’re just doing what they think is right.
You can’t blame them.
They’re just doing what they think is right.

This has become impossible, impossible.
This has become impossible, impossible, impossible…

This war will tear apart the sky.
Letting through the light.
And we will survive, and we’ll sing.
Marching onward, we’re singing for our freedom.
La la, la la, lala, la la