CHILL/BURN: Our unique ways to chill out or burn up…

Next we have the four-piece instrumental Michigan band, ROOTS AND RUINS, with “Future Haunts” from their 2018 post-rock/metal effort, “Die Right”. Suspended between light and darkness we find “Crying on Land” by UK’s shoegazers PYLO, from their 2013 EP “Bellavue”. WAY STATION is an interchange place between the reality and hidden dreams of the deep mind. The Ukrainian dark ambient duo contributing “Clouds Dropped Down”, from “The Way of Minstrel” album, released earlier this year. Also from 2018 is “A Whisper in the Hurricane” from the EP “It’s Time for a Change” by the alternative rockers NUCLEAR WINTER, hailing from Madrid, Spain. The soundscape continues with KENOMA’s doomy “Sleeping Prophet” from their incredible “The Tides Will Prevail” album released in the spring of 2017. Summing up our immersion in the abyss of fragmented dreams and crippled emotion, is no other than Tribulation’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Jonathan Hultén, with the soft folk piece “Leaving” from his acoustic 2017 EP “The Dark Night of the Soul”. Enjoy the music! Emil/UHF

Used by permission. © 2018 by Emil Chiru / UHF

Relaxing, for me, is therefore not nodding along to that Groove Armada song about sand dunes, or whatever people who actually live in this decade listen to.  It’s about blasting the cobwebs away – preferably with the acrid beer breath of a thrash metal gang vocal or the fetid exhalations of a reanimated Egyptian mummy.  Indeed, the likes of Traitor and Akhenaten made it onto my somewhat facetious original list, which can you may find on Spotify here.  But deep down, I have a heart, and here are some pieces of it.  These are five songs which have lived with me for varying lengths of time and have become a part of my story.

1. THE DOORS – The Crystal Ship (The Doors, 1967)

Surely The Doors’ debut is one of those albums that you can call flawless.  While interpretations vary as to the meaning of this song – whether it’s a mystical treatise, a drug trip, or a farewell to a romance (as drummer John Densmore has explained) – it is so simple and dreamlike, with Ray Manzarek’s haunting accompaniment on the Vox Continental, that you don’t particularly even have to know what it means.  It just … means.  And those are the best kinds of songs.

2. MEDIAEVAL BAEBES – The Virgin Queen (The Virgin Queen Soundtrack, 2006)

The Baebes grew out of the darkwave/goth band Miranda Sex Garden, which was active until the mid-90s, and has a rotating lineup of accomplished and usually classically-trained female musicians, led by Katharine Blake.  They have released seven studio albums, along with some additional live and seasonal albums, and have collaborated with composer Martin Phipps on two soundtracks – most recently ITV’s Victoria, and also the BBC’s The Virgin Queen, from which this track is drawn and for which Phipps won an Ivor Novello award.  The lyrics have been adapted from a poem allegedly penned by Elizabeth I.

3. MERCIFUL NUNS – Eternal Decay (A-U-M IX, 2017)

Merciful Nuns was created by German goth rock veteran Artaud Seth (ex-Garden of Delight, Lutherion) and is a three-piece in which he’s joined by guitarist Jon Tmoh and bassist Jawa (also his wife).  Their albums are heavy on bass, drums and often synths, and ‘Eternal Decay’ was the first song of theirs I heard.  I was struck by Seth’s deep baritone voice and the musical similarity with bands like Joy Division and Sisters of Mercy (think ‘She’s Lost Control’ or ‘Lucretia My Reflection’).  The lyrics and overall image are rich in esoteric symbolism, which Seth appears to take seriously.  Anomaly X was the project’s final album, released this year, but someone as prolific as Seth isn’t likely to lie dormant for long.  Check out the bands on his label, Solar Lodge, for other great post-goth stuff.

4. LEONARD COHEN – Everybody Knows (I’m Your Man, 1985)

I’m Your Man was Cohen’s eighth studio album and released when he was 53, after he was brought to his knees by a spell of deep creative and personal desolation.  Feeling he had nothing to lose, he took a change of musical direction and released what many regarded at the time as a return to his old form, but with a renewed authority and intensity (in his words).  Cohen’s wit glimmers beneath the surface of his droll delivery of bleak poetry set against a background of synths and drum machines.  It’s a very dry, subtle kind of comedy he offers, but it’s everywhere on this record, and it’s a lifeline when you identify strongly with his more pessimistic observations.  ‘Everybody Knows’ is a cynical litany, but its upbeat tempo and almost preposterous little flourishes here and there turn it into a work of eminently quotable irony.   

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5. DAVE GAHAN – Saw Something (Hourglass, 2007)

Dave Gahan, better known to the masses as the singer of Depeche Mode, released this, his second and most recent solo album, in 2007.  I hope he does more, because I believe his solo work to be vastly underappreciated.  He’s never been the principal songwriter for Depeche Mode, but he’s made fine contributions since his first songwriting credit on 2005’s Playing the Angel (having served as the band’s lead singer for a quarter of a century prior to this).  Though Hourglass should come with a trigger warning for the depressed, it’s also often beautiful, even romantic, and its second single ‘Saw Something’ is the standout track, featuring John Frusciante on guitar.

View Jordan’s full playlist at:

I shit you not, each and every one of these tracks reduces me to tears!! Such is their genius, I weep man! I revisit them often in order to cleanse the mind, reset and to remind me how important music is to my soul. Christ, it is so glorious!

PORCUPINE TREE – Collapse the Light into Earth (from 2003 In Absentia)
As we know some of the quietest moments in music can be the heaviest! This is one of their heaviest tracks ever written in my opinion. Hell, the emotional weight of this. When I leave this mortal coil, this is my funeral song (my partner has been told) – astonishingly painful, yet incredibly powerful from beginning to end. Ridiculous Steve Wilson genius!

PINK FLOYD – Comfortably Numb (2016 Live at Pompeii).
One of the greatest Floyd compositions ever, but more importantly for me, THE greatest guitar solo ever laid down in the history of laying down guitar solos. I mean, there is no other solo that has been constructed as perfectly as this thing! Period. On this live version, there are multiple moments where Gilmour has my hairs standing on, eyes welling in tears as I’m transfixed to his lead work. I wish it never ended. Seriously, Chills. Goosebumps. Orgasmic!

DIRE STRAITS – Telegraph Road (From 1982 – Love Over Gold)
It’s my father’s fault that I love guitar riffs (AC/DC 1975) and it’s also his fault that I love early Dire Straits. The Alchemy Double live cemented it no question. But emotionally, it is the bleak, haunting, powerful 14 minute story of ‘Telegraph Road’ that I can never get enough of…I probably return to this track 6 times a year, every year.

Live Version 1983

GARY MOORE – Over the Hills and Far Away (Live in Sweden, 1984)
The first guitar shredder I really took notice of in the early 80’s (remember Rock School?) – Like Gilmour, possibly the most emotive guitar player of all time. Gary simply FEELS every goddamn note. I could have chosen loads of tracks that go back to for a reminder of his genius, but the energy of this ’87 live in Stockholm version of ‘Over The Hills..’ is ridiculously good. Again, I have no shame in admitting that this shit brings tears to my eyes every time! Gary Moore has that effect. The Power. He makes me feel awesome! R.I.P brother!

Live in Stockholm 1987

JAMES MURPHY – Touching the Earth (from Convergence 1996)
This is a regular revisit chill out track for me. One of James’ most beautifully constructed and stirring pieces he has even written. The opening acoustic refrains to Chuck Billy’s impassive vocals are pure magic. Then it opens up with riffs and percussive heaviness only to return to serenity (so to speak ) again. At 4.20 the magic only amplifies further with TWO stunning riff and lead solos that – yep, you got it – drops me to my knees! Chuck and Michelle Rae Dean trade emotive chorus vocals throughout before returning to the opening acoustic riff to fade out! This has Soul. Simply beautiful.

ENCORE:

MY DYING BRIDE – For My Fallen Angel (from 1996’s ‘Like Gods of the Sun)
For when I really want to chill out and dip into absolute emotive sadness! Again, one of the heaviest pieces of music ever constructed. Lump in the throat shit! This piece is so fkn amazing it is bullshit!

“Loves Golden Arrow
At her should have fled
And not Deaths ebon Dart
To Strike her dead”

It allows me to find that place we all need before a busy day with family and a busy work week that takes its toll. Saying all of that please enjoy these half dozen songs as much as I do and will today as well…

THIN LIZZY – Still In Love With You 

Originally done in 1974 for the “Nightlife” release, we see Phil Lynott with a major assist rumored from Gary Moore (Two of my All-Time performers by the way). However my favorite version of the track is the 1983 Live version with John Sykes in the band. Still in Love with You was actually redone as a B-Side for the Thunder and Lightning single from that same album. The “Live and Dangerous” version is also quite good, but the “LifeLive” release had in my opinion an incredible sound and that 8:50 version is definitive!

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – Song of Yesterday

In 2010 the supergroup Black Country Communion was formed and released their debut. Song of Yesterday is on the record, but it’s the live version from “Live Over Europe” that really captures the emotive playing from Joe Bonamassa and his voice backed up by the incredible Glenn Hughes makes this a simply fantastic song.

FLOTSAM & JETSAM – Escape From Within

Released in 1988 “No Place For Disgrace” is a great recording! Escape From Within tackling the age old question of Euthanasia in quite the stirring way. This is a beautiful song about the patient here really begging to die from his incurable and painful disease. A powerful track delivered by the band and really one of my favorites when it comes to the lighter side of thrash releases.

Now kill the power, become partners of sin.

Alone in our decision to unlock the door,

And escape from within.

TOXIK – There Stood A Fence

Toxik in 1989 put out their second long player in “Think This” which followed the aggressive  “World Circus” debut. Charles Sabin took over the vocals and with an additional guitarist added to the mix the results were outstanding, as “Think This” is the bands shining moment in a brief catalogue that only reignited with a 2017 EP. There Stood A Fence perhaps the out of place ballad on this album? I don’t believe so as it displays the bands range in song writing and technical performance which had always been superb.

CANDLEMASS – Solitude

Having such a dramatically different vibe and sound from anything else “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” was released in 1986 pioneering the Epic Doom Metal genre. Solitude being the opening track from the debut and still one of the bands and genres signature tracks! Clearly dark dealing with depression, loneliness and the willingness to die Solitude takes its toll on the listener, but like most of us we keep coming back for more and have been for thirty-four years.

WITCHFINDER GENERAL – I Lost You 

The acoustic wake for one lost to suicide was a surprise track on “Friends of Hell” way back in 1983, but has continuously made my playlists over the years which is obvious today. Witchfinder General’s Zeeb Parkes showing he could really sing here and his performance on I Lost You is moving. Definitely one of my favorite slower tracks from the NWOBHM.

MIKE OLDFIELD – Exposed (live), Virgin Records, 1979
Source: Vinyl

Mike Oldfield is practically a household name since his debut album ‘Tubular Bells’ that was released in 1973. However, he has a large catalogue of albums that are overlooked – notably ‘Hergest Ridge’, ‘Ommadawn’ and ‘Incantations’.

‘Exposed’ is a collaboration of tracks from live tours in 1979 that promoted ‘Incantations’, an album that is mostly based around classical music style compositions with world music influences. This album is spread across 2 LP’s, that features the ‘Incantations’ set on one LP, and ‘Tubular Bells’ on the other. The album is absolutely captivating, and one of the best mastered live recordings you’d ever hear. A full orchestra with strings, brass, and a choir combined with the shimmering guitar licks of Mr Oldfield is the stuff that sends chills down your spine.

Pro tip: Find a clip of ‘Exposed’ that was ripped and uploaded to YouTube. Watch for the complex musical collaboration, and have a giggle of the period dress involving dodgy flares and women with Farah Fawcett haircuts.

OZRIC TENTACLES – Erpland, Dovetail records, 1990
Source: Vinyl

Ozric Tentacles are a long established psychedelic rock band that has been active since 1983, the brainchild of Ed Wynne who is the esteemed creator of such glorious hallucinogenic noise. There are numerous albums to pick from without a single duff one amongst their discography, but ‘Erpland’ is one of their jewels in the crown. Melting together blistering guitar riffs, middle eastern influences, warbling synthesisers and samples, dub reggae bass, and hypnotic tribal drumming is the perfect chill album to blast on a Sunday – or in fact any day of the week. The opening track ‘Eternal Wheel’ is a thing of sheer shimmering beauty.

PORTISHEAD – Live In Roseland NYC, Go! Discs/London – 1998
Source: CD

Portishead have practically burned into the subconscious memory of many people without realising it since their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Dummy’, released in 1994. Several months after the release of their self titled second album in 1997, Beth Gibbons and her troop performed a one off concert at the Roseland Ballroom with a full orchestra. Coming across like the soundtrack to a 1970s obscure black and white French art house film; where surly men smoking thin cigarettes in pinstripe suits drive black Citroen DS’es – with a complicated plot based around espionage, gangsters, and mini clad skirted women in nightclubs – a new interpretation to their darkened mysterious style is formed. Sunday chill par excellence, and one of the best ‘post coital cigarette’ albums ever to grace your ears.

KATE BUSH – Never Forever, EMI/Harvest – 1980
Source: Vinyl

Already establishing the unique sound and themes in her first two albums ‘The Kick Inside’ and ‘Lionheart’ to critical acclaim – Kate Bush further refined her art further with ‘Never Forever’ as an incredible musician, vocalist, and story teller in her own right. Featuring songs such as a wife’s desire to test her husband’s loyalty (‘Babooskha’), nuclear war (‘Breathing’), and the futility and aftermath of war (‘Army Dreamers’)  – ‘Never Forever’ is an enchanting baroque pop album featuring a complex blend of styles and themes, and using new musical technology such as the Fairlight CMI that broke new grounds in creativity. An album that has survived the test of time, becoming timeless and discovered by new generations of music fans since.

TORI AMOS – Under The Pink, East West/Atlantic – 1994
Source: CD

For her second album, Tori Amos chose a more stripped down approach in comparison to her debut ‘Little Earthquakes’ that was released in 1992. Mostly based around an acoustic piano based set, the ‘less is more’ ethic adds layers of emotion and depth to make for a spectacular album the likes of which until that point hasn’t been heard since Kate Bush. The album evokes a fragile captivating beauty that draws the listener further down the rabbit hole with the opener ‘Pretty Good Year’, the idiosyncratic groove of ‘God’, the delicate and haunting ‘Bells For Her’ and the hit single ‘Cornflake Girl’ . One to listen to in solace, to tune out the worries of the world.

OXBOW – Other People 
I remember once reading an interview with Carl Hyde from Underworld where he said that listening to Captain Beefheart made him feel his musical limitations. I feel that way when I listen to Oxbow. One of the qualities I love most with music is have a feeling like “what the hell was that?”. A band that makes me annoyed like “how could I ever think up something so strange but equally thrilling?” I can put on any Oxbow record and feel that way. Sometimes it’s jarring, sometimes it’s energising, it’s always interesting. This song from ‘The Black Duke’ is one of their more lovely offerings. Oxbow, you thrill me.

SWANS – Her
In my life, nothing can ever take the place of the music I latched onto in my teens. That time when my spirit was desperate for something to believe in. It’s importance to my life is undeniable, but generally these days I don’t want to be reminded of how it felt to be 15, no matter how important it was to making me who I am today. The next stage in my life when I suppose I was at my most vulnerable was my mid 20s. I finished studying, didn’t know what to do with my life and left everything and everyone I knew to live in the middle of nowhere and wipe bums for a year. It was a strange time, but key to everything since then. The band that defined and carried me through that time was Swans. I love them at every stage of their strange and sometimes torturous history, but the early 90s era of ‘White Light From the Mouth of Infinity’ and ‘Love of Life’ connects with me the most. There’s something so deeply sorrowful, but simultaneously magical about this era. Like love that you know can’t last. From what I understand the girl talking on the track is ‘Jarboe’ and the song was written as a love letter to her from Michael Gira. A love affair that burned out. And this song remains.

KILLING JOKE – My Love of this Land
I’ve moved around a lot in my life so far, never staying in any one town for more than 10 years. When I look back on the times that have defined me they usually inhabit my mind alongside particular relationships (of a lack of them) and certain music. In my 30s I spent 2 years in Cardiff. This was the time of Killing Joke. I’d listened to them before, but in this time I was immersed and when I listen to them now, I remember the streets, the rain, the women. ‘Outside the Gate’ would probably be the last of their albums I would recommend a new gatherer to approach, but nothing the band has done should be discounted in my eyes. This song is a rare occasion where the fury was entirely set aside for a moment and in its place a thing of sheer beauty. 

THE WALKER BROTHERS – The Electrician 
During my year in the wilderness, living in the smallest hamlet you can imagine in Northamptonshire I was in the midst of my fascination with true crime, Swans and other such dark things (like Scott Walker). My biggest release at this time was running. And then I injured myself and had to stop running. I chanced upon a book by the infamous English prisoner Charles Bronson (not THAT Charles Bronson). His ‘Solitary Fitness’ book (an exercise routine you can follow even in solitary confinement) came at the perfect time for me. And then the movie with Tom Hardy came out and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. As I first set down to watch the movie and the opening scene began and the ominous tones of this track first began I thought “Wow, The Walker Brothers?!” I knew at that moment this movie was made for me. It was. And from that moment, this song was even more powerful for me than it had been before. 

DEPECHE MODE – Higher Love
“Songs of Faith and Devotion” came out when I was 13 years old and I remember how fascinated I was by the darkness, but pop accessibility of the music. Maybe it isn’t their best album, but it will always be the one that feels most important to me. I remember going back to Australia soon after to visit relatives and staying one night in some cheap motel. A place where in the morning my parents and I had to somehow break out because no one was awake to open the back door in the morning. The night before we’d been in the bar and I’d been delighted by the jukebox having the video for ‘I Feel You’. The whole album grips me, but nothing is so lush as the final track. I could float far away on this. 

To view Tom’s entire playlist, check the video below. 

SKY SHADOW OBELISK – The Alogon

All over the place. The beginning use of minimalism to Opeth-esque melodic death with symphony elements thrown in for good measure, all while keeping a somber mood make for a great way to lose oneself on a reflective Sunday.

NIGHTMARE – Lord of the Sky

This whole album really does it for me. The dreamy atmosphere, the strange serenity in the vocals – all presented in ernest as soaring, still yet melancholy,  heavy metal make for a strange and welcome feeling of warmth and hope despite the almost sorrowful delivery.

PAGAN ALTAR – Highway Cavalier

Few songs evoke the spirit of hitting the road and leaving it all behind like this one. What says living free and easy more than a Sunday afternoon?

PENTAGRAM – Starlady

Ok, I’ll admit it. The earliest days of heavy metal hit just right on Sundays. Whether it’s something in the tones, or just the remnants of blues in the music (the most likely explanation), bands like the aforementioned Pagan Altar or early Pentagram hit that sweet spot. The build to the solo in this one is so emotive!

MANILLA ROAD – Avatar

From what is possibly the greatest outlier in Manilla Road’s discography – the scrapped then rereleased Mark Of The Beast, “Avatar” captures the spirit of the Kansas legends in an epic cacophony of guitar work. It shows shows a side of the band not often seen in other releases, a more open and free jamming side that fits right into a slightly hungover Sunday morning.

Calm, in the correct meaning of the word I consider myself a calm person, Happy… I’m a happy person that is for sure. lol.

So… My playlist can be very miscellaneous.

I just need to feel the music and it must means “Something” to me.

DULCE POMTES – Canção do Mar
I remember when she started to release albums with a new approach in Fado. Fado is a very traditional music style with Origin in Portugal. When she appeared she tried and succeeded in my opinion to manage that with new sounds, new mixes, more modern. In the beginning not so respected, but at this moment she is one of the most respected names in the Portuguese music.
 

MADREDEUS – A Vaca do Fogo
This band and this song… I had 10 years when this was released. Madredeus does a mix with Fado, classical music and some traditional music. The voice and musicians behind it… Everything is good.

LED ZEPPELIN – Immigrant Song
This song is older than me. lol.
Led Zeppelin is one of the best bands in the world. Since I was a little boy I remember to listen to Led Zeppelin with my beloved Dad. Good memories, and them… Relax me too.

Anthrax – A.I.R.
What a better way to start this album. Eheheh
Thsi album is very very very very good. I love it.

DEICIDE – Dead but Dreaming
No, I’m not dead but can I be a dreamer? Yes, I can…
In the correct meaning of the word, relax… No this not relax me. LOL
But the quality of the song and the album is so good that gives me a lot of pleasure when I listen to this.

View and listen to the entire playlist here:

Over the past almost 21 years the running helped me in good and bad, made me stronger physically and psychically, gave strength to endure the biggest shit. That’s why my selection of tunes today will include some of the most enjoyable tracks for running, which have always given me power boosting my performance in order just to go forward. Resting and chilling out? – I’ll rest when I die, I guess it is my destiny…

If you are a runner, and since you are reading this – you love metal music, then check them by yourself on you next long distance. No loneliness, just us and the music. 3, 2, 1…GO!

EXODUS – Wrapped in the arms of rage
Now on contrary to the common opinion, this is my favourite Exodus album. It is a fantastic thrash record with glorious riffing. I play this record in full when I go running. Super appropriate with it’s punching tempo and aggressiveness. Massively kicking ass tune, pure fire!

SKULL FIST – Hour To Live
We have an hour to live, go faster, go…Worshiping this band I must say that all by them is good for running. Head Of The Pack and Chasing The Dream are superb albums with dose of nostalgic feeling and full of energy. Speed! Hey, Skull Fist’s new one is coming on 26 October, don’t miss it. (Despite it contains a song entitled No More Running)

MESHUGGAH – Born in Dissonance
The heaviest freight train is here. There is NOTHING like Meshuggah on this Earth. So if you are into them as much as I am, you know the uneven rhythm and the hammer bass with the lowest tuned guitars possible, are crushing all on their way. Now take “Violent Sleep Of Reason” or “Koloss” with you on the track.

 

DESTRUCTION – Curse the gods
Same reason as Exodus and Skull Fist. The thrash gets me going, especially when it is high quality. And this classic tune by Destruction is very powerful tune. In general “Eternal Devastation” is huge record and also very good to play in full while running. Same goes for Thrash Anthems II record.

DECREPIT BIRTH – Diminishing Beteeen The Worlds 
This is my favourite album by Decrepit Birth. Intelligent, multilayered – it is a never-ending expedition into the depths between so many worlds. Great for running.

Bonus Track:

Well for bonus track I could add in this post another thrash classic like Sodom’s Nuclear Winter, Skinned Alive or their Tank cover “Turn Your Head Around”, but I’m sure that you will hear them on your audio systems at home. Same went for Death’s Leprosy full album. Instead, I took the easiest way…

IRON MAIDEN – Deja Vu
Probably one of the best ever songs by IM, from their…ok – my favourite records. By the way the typical galloping Maiden tempo and bass, combined with some good melodies, are always good to run to. Somewhere In Time album is a mandatory to try on your next course.

Listen to the full playlist here