Final_Alerts’ Musical Explorations

So, I’ve been a complete slacker, and let the blog go to the shitter (again), but have some time to revive it tonight.  It’s about time I give Dave and Dimaension X a massive plug having downloaded his new album “Ugotllathath” (quite the mouthful) from the net (yet another FREE release, with a link to be found on Dave’s official blog)

Now I know those who have heard DX’s material in the past, will be expecting another metal journey, but they will be suprised. The “open minded” metalhead, who is willing to expand their listening outside the thrash and bang of metal into other genres, will be able to appreciate the avante-garde nature of this release, that sees a fusion across many genres (jazz improv, jazz fusion, experimental) to create a musical adventure. Hell, old school gamers might even see similarities to some old school DOS game soundtracks.

The twelve track album lasts for just under an hour, and is a journey across the genre landscape. Whilst there is a fusion of many genres throughout the album, the metal undertone is still there. Massive drumming, droning guitarwork and haunting melodies all helping to form one stunning release (with all track names coming from Seventh Sanctum)

There are no standout tracks. There are no disappointing tracks. No amount of superlatives will be able to describe this album, without doing it justice. It’s just an excellent release. I emplore metalheads (and rockers alike) to click 4 buttons, and get a copy of this album. If you don’t like it, put it in a folder seldom used. If you love it, turn it up and rock out. Hell, get it, turn it up and send a big “fuck you” to the bigshot executives ruining the music industry!

Visit the blog to be linked to the Internet Archive section, and be sure to leave Dave a comment with your opinions on the album.
The album is available for free download in accordance with Creative Commons Licensing.

If you are quick, and can get to the Open Grave Records site, the heroes there have decided to put up 9 albums for FREE (absolutely) download (as long as you respect the “do not distribute” request) 9 albums from their catalogue. This is absolutely amazing, and sees OGR conform to a similar state of thinking as the fellas down at Hi.Arc.Tow (similar, because they don’t ALWAYS put music up for free, let alone their entire catalogue).

In an age were many in the recording industry are interested purely in money (the “American Idol” scourge is an example of this) and where music is a passenger to economics, moves such as these bring music back to it’s roots, and what it really should be about - enjoyment. Many bands these days are getting underpaid, while the bigwigs at the top are raking in the cash (according to Viventi, Universal Music raked in nearly 5 billion euros (~A$8.5B) in the last financial year.), bands are getting screwed over. Now, I admit, releasing music for free isn’t helping anyone make any money, but it is providing individuals with a taste of what’s on offer (and in this instance, all 9 CDs are stunning!), gives the customer insentive to go buy CDs! Hell OGR even have a massive list of CDs up for US$6 on their website.

The titles that are up for grabs (for a few more hours)  are across the genres of death metal, grindcore, black metal and thrash metal (Primative Graven Image the most notable). Get clickin’ and get your free music!