0ber0n the Neko

[quote name='Jakehammaren']Kelly Clarkson's music sounds just like it was lifted straight out Tool's "Lateralus" because it uses bass and drums. Remember this rule? It was covered earlier in the thread.[/QUOTE] Yeah, because DID YOU KNOW, Maynard is god and went back in time to CREATE MUSIC. Anyone who doesn't agree with me obviously has bad music taste and can't appreciate multi-faceted lyrics about sex and also having gay sex. *sigh* philistines...

Boris is an interesting band, spanning the range between hyperactive heavy metal and slow, heavy drone. Being a fan of drone myself, I appreciate a lot of their slower stuff, but I still have to say my favorite album of theirs is "Pink". While a few of the tracks are unmistakably amplifier worship-era drone, the vast majority is an interesting cross between thrash, stoner doom, and post-hardcore. While somewhat messy and unfocused when compared to their other albums, Boris tries to do something new with this album, and you have to appreciate that. Aside from "Pink", they've also collaborated with Sunno))) and Michio Kurihara on "Altar" and "Rainbows", respectively. Both albums excel (but those who aren't fans of drone might want to steer clear of "Altar"...), and are most certainly worth a good listen. "Altar" is very obviously on the drone end of their musical spectrum, the track "The Sinking Belle" is surprisingly calm and melodic. It adds a very interesting and well-placed dynamic to the otherwise bottom-frequency self-indulgence on this album. "Rainbows" is an interesting album that incorporates the musical talents of solo artist Michio Kurihara. More towards a light and rocky sound, "Rainbows" is fairly accessible, as well as extremely good.

[quote name='Panache']I remember some critic saying that Tool sounded like Janes Addiction or something like that. I don't know where the hell he hears a resemblance. Anyway they are pretty good. They inspired a few bands I really like(Aic,Soundgarden ect...)[/QUOTE] Early Tool was, in all essence, hard rock/grunge. Ever since then, they've been compared to every band in existence. Hell, I hear someone tried to say the new Primordial sounded like Tool (which, might I add, is a DIRE mistake.) I personally prefer Alice in Chains. Also, holy crap. I just found one of my favorite songs from my childhood without even knowing it! Witchy Woman by the Eagles is the name of the song, and I remember the melody being one of my favorite ever. What things you find at the radio station!

as much as I hate to admit it, I'm sort of looking forward to being the nihilistic curmudgeon. [quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]Actually, by the end Chirstiany won't exist for this poor world. In the RPG, the point is to bring down the church, because deep down all the beliefs have became tainted[/COLOR][/QUOTE] You make that sound: a. like that's a bad thing b. like it's not already happening

For ****'s sake, can everyone just chill out? I fail to see how Panache was being intentionally disrespectful to norse culture. He merely said: [quote name='panache']Nah they wrote it on the toilet smokin a joint Inside the deepest depth of of the Naglfar whilst the souls of the damned wailed in pain as they approached the citadel of agony[/quote] Yes, it's annoying and makes him look like damn fool, but he's not spitting on norse culture. If anything, he kenned those who rode on naglfar to something that all of you find despicable. However, to those who were offended, (seriously... on the [i]internet[/i]?) I, too, have a deep respect for my scandanavian heritage, and feel that the bastardization of the precepts of its mythology is hurtful and rude. Panache, I respectfully ask you to learn your **** before you post irresponsibly. Premonition, stop being so sensitive. For ****'s sake, it's the [i]internet[/i]. If you want to see something worth being offended over, go to ****ing 4chan. Now... We were talking about Heavy Metal? Anyone ever heard Boris?

[quote name='Jakehammaren']It has nothing to do with musical genres. Smoking joints on toilets is for lesser-minded philistines who have no self-respect or ability to make themselves useful - quite contradictory to the might and glory of the Norsemen. Do not be so foolish as to disrespect as carelessly as you have. You and those of your bloodline will pay dearly at the hands of flame and thunder if you do so again.[/QUOTE] Side note: Many of those who make the choice to smoke weed actually DO have self-respect and often do make themselves useful - especially when it comes to community service and the arena of music. Plus, you do realize that a lot of norsemen embraced the use of hallucinogens and stimulants in battle and attainment of prophesy... right? The norse were unique, however, in their self-control in such applications. Side note: Flame and thunder don't have hands. [quote name='panache']Nah they wrote it on the toilet smokin a joint Inside the deepest depth of of the Naglfar whilst the souls of the damned wailed in pain as they approached the citadel of agony.[/quote] Also, you fail.

[quote name='Inculta_Bellum']So this is essentially another world in which the term 'Christianity' is applied to a religion with only somewhat similar beliefs to our own but is plagued with magic and technology? And I don't mean plagued in a bad way.[/QUOTE] it's more like a world with magic and technology that's plagued with christianity, and i do mean "plagued" in a bad way.

[quote name='Jakehammaren']Electric Wizard sucks because they don't record in frostbitten forests beneath the ancient Northern fullmoon amidst weeping oaks and silent pines that are cloaked in the white robes of winter while the wolf howls cryptic tales of forgotten misery to eldritch gods upon astral thrones of antediluvean grandeur. Have you all learned nothing? And don't steal any of that. I think I'll use it as lyrics.[/QUOTE] Didn't you hear? Their album was recorded in the monoliths of antarctica's ice as the mist receded, revealing a wasteland of frozen white, pale and untrodden by man as Odin smiled down from Asgard, crying out heathen mockeries to the new moon's black splendor, and the last light of day disappeared from the land, covering all in darkness eternal as silence swept like wind through the frost. But, then again, I guess it wasn't frostbitten forests beneath the ancient Northern fullmoon amidst weeping oaks and silent pines that are cloaked in the white robes of winter while the wolf howls cryptic tales of forgotten misery to eldritch gods upon astral thrones of antediluvean grandeur. Shoot, Jake'd again.

[quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]No, the church doesn't hold authority over the Terraprim, it is just the biggest religion so it has the biggest impact. Politics is better there than here, as the whole world hasn't been in a war since the Revoloution of USA, which BTW is a lot different from the real revolotion. As I said, the world is in a tech-era, tecnology is advancing, and releligion isn't as big as it was. Politics before religion here in Terraprim, but the story we in the RPG is around teh religios aspect of Terraprim. BTW, I didn't want to mention this until the sign-ups, but there will a connection to our universe, which will change the POV of the cahracters. In other words, our Christianity will make the Christian's in Terraprim question their faith. For the beggining the characters will be boys and girls at church school, and regular school, that way a little history can be taught.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] You underestimate the ability for a christian to completely disregard other modes of thought. They will question their faith...because on earth have a different book about the same fictional events? If there wasn't any war on their world, and there was war on ours, wouldn't they take that as a sign that maybe the texts from this world aren't as reliable? How can it be christianity if they have the wrong texts? Are ours wrong? Do they really have jews on terrapim, or are they extinct because everyone believes they killed jesus? Unfortunately, when you base a fictional RP about a fictional world that believes in fictional events and is having their faith tested by another world's book about events that are also fictional... oh, nevermind. Can I be a militant nihilist if i join? [quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]Ah, you see, in this universe, Chirstianity is not the way it is in our universe. Everything about Christianiy is toppsy-turvey here. The bible is different, as is the history surrounding it. Of coarse, this is the backstory that will be revealed throughout the RPG. This RPG is a big "WHAT IF" question. As for the science not surviving, there is corruption deep within teh church that could spell the end of the world. In this universe, armeggedon is brought by religion, not by machines. It's a vice/versa situation here. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] 1. Everything about christianity is already topsy-turvy. 2. There has been corruption in the church since its inception. 3. "WHAT IF... christianity plagued another planet with its lies?"?

[quote name='Panache']What song? Was it something from Witchcult Today? Because that album is great...[/QUOTE] Dopethrone, IMO, is their best. Check out Vinum Sabbathi and the title track. Slowest and heaviest stoner doom out there.

[quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]Well, I've decided I'm going to do something different for my next RPG. It's set in a fictional Earth, and deals with Christianity. But it's oh so different. There will be monsters and magic here. Take into consideration though, I'm Christian myself. And if you haven't figured it out, this is purely fictional. This is also going to be my first RPG of 2008. A fresh start on OB is what I'm aiming for. Now I already have a little background cooked up. So here goes... There you have it, it's going to change in the final run, but that's the just of it. But in this RPG, the characters will reveal secrets that could change Terraprim forever. Anyways, I don't ant to reveal too much until this is out. But I thought I'd give a head's up and see what everybody thinks. There will be factions, races and other religions to go through in order to give the world of Terraprim diversity, and a more fantasy/sci-fi feel than our earth. The names of places and continents will be spelled differently, but still pronounced the same Yurope is still pronounced Europe. So, any thoughts?[/COLOR][/QUOTE] If I may point something out - isn't christianity direly opposed to magic? I think I remember a verse - "suffer not the sorceror to live". But, then again, they were pretty into killing people from the start. "Cursed be he who does the Lords work remissly, cursed he who holds back his sword from blood."(Jeremiah 48:10 NAB) Anyways, if I sound overly pessimistic, I do so because christianity couldn't really incorporate magic into their texts. Like, at all. And if christianity had magic, i doubt they'd let science survive for very long...

[quote name='Jakehammaren']Nope. You're wrong.[/QUOTE] Aw, shoot. I got Jake'd. XD [quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]No Panache, no. Not all good metal bands are satanists. And who siad soome of them are, it could just be a scene thing. Who knows, there could be a super good band out there and the message they send is love Jesus.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] Yes, but unfortunately, loving Jesus makes me want to stop listening to them. Immediately. [quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]Anyways, enough about what makes good metal, time to talk about a metal band. Ahem, I bought Blood Mountain today, even though I procrastinated most of the time, I finally got it, with a DVD too. Right now I'm half way through Capillarian Crest, and teh whole album is amazing so far. Can't wait for the last song which is clocked at 22 mintues and counting. I'll post a full review when I'm finished.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] Mastodon is a decent band, but their Blood Mountain album, for me, was very hit-or-miss. Some of the songs were well-written and performed, but most of them got boring after hearing the first few seconds.

[quote name='2008DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Well what do you want me to say? 'they were influential' that's about the discussion that I hate THE most out of all discussions ever. EDIT: I.... got my hands on Diadem of 12 Stars by Wolves in the Throne room and it's pretty ****ing incredibly awesome. I didn't really know what to expect sicne I couldn't find ANYTHING by them, but I gotta say, this **** is incredible. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] Diadem of 12 Stars is one of the most amazing black metal albums I've ever heard. I'm sure I'll catch some flak for saying that. I used to love Slayer. I still like a lot of their songs. It doesn't need be pretentious and written in a frostbitten northern forest to be decent metal, after all. In my opinion, Slayer had to exist for extreme metal to happen. If it wasn't that specific group of people, it would have been another group of people, similarly pissed off and similarly talented in their craft. Just because a lot of hot topic bands like them doesn't mean they're any worse than they were when they were scaring midwestern housewives with their "fast music and satanic lyrics". They weren't just influential, they were a necessary element of metal's musical evolution. It just seem like Slayer gets a bad rap from pretentious metalheads because they're so finicky about who else listens to their music. God forbid some retarded nebraskan slipknot fan be listening to the same song as they, the only ones who can [i]truly[/i] appreciate it.

I suppose nobody was really all that interested, considering I only got a couple of PMs... I'll start writing one today, and hopefully have it up and functional by tonight. Look out for it if you were really interested.

[quote name='Shy'][size=1]I've done a number of period RPGs, each to varying degrees of success. Viking don't really interest me, but I've always been very interested in Norse mythology. In Sandy's RPG, [b]The Ragnarok[/b], we had some fun doing our own interpretations of Gods and Goddesses, and although that wasn't the focus of the game it was definitely my favorite part. If someone were to take a unique approach on Norse in an RPG, I'd love to hear it. Having another chance to play as Loki would be great. You seem to be interested in taking a more straightforward approach on your RPG. While I'm very fond of Westerns, Romance and Fantasy I find that it's very difficult to put together a project without it seeming cliche. Still, there are a few ideas floating around in my head that I'd love to get out there someday. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. -Shy[/size][/QUOTE] (sorry about the double post. forgot my OB etiquette.) Hmmm... I was actually looking to be less straightforward. I think it's very easy to make one's interpretation of something, but it's much harder to remain within a stereotype. After all, it's much easier to have an opinion about something than it is to know everything about it. Not to belittle your experience - I'll have to check that RP out. I've had my share of divine-themed RPs, and they're always interesting. Though, I'm not really looking for divine in this RP.

[quote name='Neuvoxraiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]There's a silly irony to you getting angry about people not doing fictional creatures [i]right[/i]. They're figments of imagination, of course each person is going to do them differently. And besides that, those that don't get them 'right' persay usually are the people who can't string twelve words together in a coherent sentence anyway. But I like the Viking idea quite a bit. If only so I can wear a cool hat, braid my hair a million times, wield a spear and say things like: "Argh! Show me your booty!" Well maybe not that exactly, but it gives you good options. There can be warriors, sailors, fierce menopausal Viking women, fainting sexy slave girls, and the list goes on...[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] However, I'm kind of a die-hard when it comes to mythology, especially that of the norse/celtic variety. Vampires are normally just a poor RPer's excuse to be immortal. Either that, or they completely ignore they mythos, making them simply more sexually hyperactive human beings. Vampires have been a very confusing mythological creature since the rise of christianity, simply because the christian invaders wished to lump all stories of such creatures together into one "evil" category. Witches and vampires and elves and demons all became part of the same convoluted stories, and they eventually mixed into four things that are often considered very similar. To trivialize such iconic mythology with the sexual frustrations/fantasies of prepubescent tweens is, to me, unfair. So, basically, I'm an elitist prick who puts way too much stock into folktale mythology. :animesmil Also, in the viking vein, there's a lot more there than beards, awesome hats, and gruff nordic accents. Warriors, sailors, wenches, and valkyrie are only the beginning. Norse mythology is rich with many epic and interesting ideas, from runecasting sorcerers to storyweaving poets. You could be a follower of Thor, steadfast in your faith in the gods, sent across the sea to discover new lands. Clutching at the pendant at your chest, you know that there's always a chance you will never see your family again - your wife with her piercing blue eyes and raven black hair, your sons with strong arms and fair skin, your daughters full of blossoming beauty. Yet, you leave it all behind to bring honor to your name, to set an example for your sons, to protect your daughters, and to bring gold and jewels from the plunder to adorn your beautiful wife. If you should fall in battle, though, you will be carried to glorious valhalla, where food, drink, and battle are plentiful, and where you will be called upon to serve Odin when gjallrhorn sounds to signal the coming of Ragnarok. Anyways, yes. I keep hearing that people would be interested in a viking RP, or at least that one would be interesting. However, if you're really interested in the idea, send a PM my way telling me as much. If I can get 5 solid commitments in any one genre, I'll get writing immediately. [quote name='demonchild781'][FONT="Arial Narrow"][COLOR="Green"]Ok so I'm going to try [I]not[/I] to take offense to some of the things on this thread [I][B]*Vampire/Demon/Angel/Lycanthrope (This is because nobody ever gets it right, and that pisses me off for some reason.)* [/B][/I]Being that I have ran some very successful and long running RPGs with this theme. That said. I have tried the western approach, basing it off of a very popular novel probably hindered its success but none-the-less I love this idea! I have seen the attempts for a viking theme but they've never seemed worth signing up for. And you have to be careful on how much control you take over the RPG too. I know a lot of players don't like following set rules (such as predetermined posting orders) ect. A couple of ideas, I'm not sure if they would ever work would be maybe a Alien invasion theme or pirates/buried treasure sort of thing. I have been in a few RPGs that had a pirates sort of theme too but the creator didn't have the sort of stamina or structure the rpg needed. I could see you doing well with either (and all ideas) since you seemed determinded to have dedicated players. Though that's hard to find in itself. Alright now that I've rambled on forever. I'll leave ya be. I hope to see a new rpg up from you soon :-)[/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE] Posting orders are completely ridiculous. I have no idea why anyone would think that's a good idea. I'm not going to be setting many rules (save for the fundamental "no god-modding, no pking without permission, etc"), because I think a strong story is more important. A premise can be more powerful than the most rigid set of rules. Alien invasion sounds interesting... but it seems like there would need to be somebody actually running that. I want to help write this thing, not be the invisible hand of God. Buried treasure is a tired, tried idea. As refreshing as a well orchestrated story about such can be, I hate pigeon-holing the players into a set objective. It's better if they can come up with their own hopes, dreams, and methods towards their own goals. Saying "No, you're on a ship to find treasure" is a little restrictive imo. I hope to have your help writing it! Let me know if you're interested.

[quote name='Jakehammaren']A scrutinizing BM fan is obviously something you aren't, or you wouldn't be spouting such misinformation. Burzum's music is not NS. All the lyrics deal with fantasy, sorrow, despair, etc. Yes, Varg is a crazy Nazi nowadays, but Burzum's lyrics had nothing to do with politics. Plus, Burzum is amazing. "Jesus Tod" and "Dunkelheit" are some of the best black metal songs that have ever been recorded.[/QUOTE] Sorry, I meant to say "Varg, the man behind Burzum", but I was a little loopy at the time I wrote this. And yes, I agree, Burzum has put out some excellent tracks, definitely worth listening to.

Another idea was posed to me in a PM. [B][U]Western[/U][/B] (a genre where action is plenty, but firmly tied to drama. a genre where death is common and extremely dramatic. though the pacing would be rigid and very boring for many writers, an interested and involved group could make a powerful and epic story.) Also, in regards to the above statements, I think I made myself a little unclear. The ones I mentioned an interest in have definitely been used before. In fact, I was extremely interested by the steampunk RP that Sandy started. It looks well thought out, engaging, and interesting - set in a world that's vivid and well illustrated. That's what I want to do with this RP. I want to have a world that's actually interesting, and not written on the spur of the moment. Then, those who choose to enter into it can be as immersed as they choose to be! I've heard a lot that the viking RP hasn't been done before - I've actually tried a few times (on this forum or another), but my attempts almost never garner any interest. In fact, given the feedback I've received, it seems doubtful that the Viking RP will ever become a reality. I'm not really very surprised. Anyways, keep sending me feedback, good and bad. I'll be checking my inbox periodically, so I'll try to get a response out to any who contact me as soon as possible. -HG

I know this is very brief, but there are a few things I need help with. [color=slate]First, I've toyed with the thought of an in-depth RP, either in a Victorian setting, a Steampunk setting, a Space Opera, or specifically the Viking Age. However, running an RP like this requires a lot of commitment, interest, and writing ability. I'm looking for a group of experienced to semi-experienced RPers who'd be interested in a somewhat less free-form setting with an emphasis on an epic scale. If anyone would be interested in an RP of this sort, PM me and I'll try to see if I should even bother putting out an Audition thread. Secondly, if you are indeed interested (and if you've read this far, [b]something[/b] must have caught your attention), send me a PM with a suggestion from one of the following- [B][U]The Victorian Age[/U][/B] (generally, this variation is non-magical, and is unique in its social intrigue, not its action. though a startling amount of action can happen in the right kind of setting, the victorian era is more about wielding diplomacy.) [B][U]The Steampunk Setting[/U][/B] (generally, this is a different take on the Victorian Age - Industrial Age setting, where magic, high technology, and imaginations tend to run wild. This could be fun to play, but would require me to sit down and compile a mythos. additionally, this setting is much less action-based, as it is quite steeped in social intrigue.) [B][U]The Space Opera[/U][/B] (This one is especially interesting to me, combining the drama of other settings, and putting it in an epic scale. While many other RP settings are limited to a single scope, the Space Opera can encompass many genres and can have many forms. The only drawback with this setting is that the pace can change rapidly, and could cause many to lose interest very quickly.) [B][U]The Viking Age[/U][/B] (I threw this one in because, interestingly enough, I want an excuse to research it more. This setting would have an epic, exploratory setting. Most of the drama would mingle with the action, and this is, perhaps, the most battle-oriented setting. However, this is also the most restricted. All roleplay will need to fit the Viking template [which I will, undoubtedly, linger on], and magic would be either non-existent, or omnipresent.) However, if you have a setting in mind that's been burning a hole in your head ever since you came up with it, PM me with that, too! I'm always open to new settings and ideas, and while I'd rather try one of these templates out, if it sounds interesting, I'll make it an RP![/color] Lastly, you will note that the following are respectably absent from my list. (This is where I am going to lose a lot of interest) [B][U]Vampire/Demon/Angel/Lycanthrope[/U][/B] (This is because nobody ever gets it right, and that pisses me off for some reason.) [B][U]Modern[/U][/B] (This includes anything like an academy/business/what-have-you RP. I already live in the modern world. I think you live in the modern world, too. If you want to RP this setting, do it in real life.) [B][U]OH EM GEE SEX HIGHSCHOOL ANIME[/U][/B] (No.) [B][U]High Fantasy/Swords and Sorcery[/U][/B] (Unless it's REALLY good, high fantasy is really overdone and structured.) [B][U]Fanfiction[/U][/B] (No, Naruto isn't interesting to me.) [B][U]-Insert Random, Half-Baked Fantasy Template Here-[/U][/B] (-insert sarcastic, demeaning statement here- It needs to be well thought out.) [B][U]Anime[/U][/B] (i just figured we'd touch on this one again. No.) Aside from that, it's up to you. I promise this is not as restrictive as it seems. I just don't want to run an online D+D campaign. [color=green][B][U]Things to send me:[/U][/B] A message telling me you're interested Ideas you liked vs ideas you didn't like Ideas for an RP aside from any mentioned above Ideas for a variation on an RP I mentioned above Ideas for a system you'd like to see implemented[/color] [color=red][B][U]Things NOT to send me:[/U][/B] "But Vampires are the coolest!" "But why can't we play NARUTO?" "I don't like your ideas" "You made a spelling error" "I have an idea for an OH EM GEE SEX HIGHSCHOOL ANIME RP" "I have an idea for an Anime RP" Any variation on the above six lines.[/color]

OOC: Hey, I came back, and just in time to miss my character's first romance, I see! If you're still willing to have me, I'll wade through the sea of plot and story and start posting again!

[quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Mm, most of those names I happen to recognize because my mom had all of the albums of all of those artists burned to 4 DVDs that ate my old computer alive XD But at least it looks like my mom listens to all of the right black metal bands, and she had a lot more, too. I hated all of them. I tried several songs by any and hated every ****ing one. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] Your mother is awesome. Hmmm... What ones do you remember listening to? I remember BM was a very hard sell for me. You can just ask Jake. :animesmil

[quote name='Kam'] Next, try Immortal. [i]Sons of Northern Darkness[/i] is a good one.[/Quote] Also check out Immortal's [i]Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism[/i]. I have not been able to stop listening to it. [quote name='Kam'] And the cream of Hell's crop, in my opinion: Emperor. I sing the praises of anything Ihsahn and company have ever done. [i]In the Nightside Eclipse[/i] is their best. [/quote] I'm not sure why, but I really can't stand Emperor's later works. Though noteworthy, if you find yourself erring towards the more grim and minimalistic BM, check out Emperor's earlier albums which, I must agree, are CLASSIC. [quote name='Kam'] There are others, of course. Burzum, Satyricon, Impaled Nazarene, Marduk, and Enslaved, just to name a few. But after all these bands, and a few others, the Second Wave ends. [/quote] Note for the scrutinizing BM fan: Burzum is outspokenly NS, and Varg's later stuff isn't even really BM (no matter how good it is) Enslaved is sinfully good. I'm personally a fan of their Isa and Ruun albums, but their earlier works are also incredible... for different reasons, of course. Weakling, a now-defunct BM band from california, is absolutely killer, and "Dead As Dreams" is an unfairly overlooked album. Get it. Also, find Wolves In The Throne Room. Find them now. Not only are they one of the best BM bands I have ever heard, their sound is very distinct and interesting. If you like BM even just a little, get both of their albums. It will be the best (insert dollar amount here) you ever spent.

[B]Hammers of Misfortune[/B], "Trot out the Dead". But, because that was just finishing up, I suppose I am by extension listening to "Verne" by [B]Novembre[/B]. Both of them are really incredible. Check them out.

I will play the soprano ukelelephoneaccordion. I'll be the one who dresses in a completely incongruous hawaiian flower-print shirt and gallops around the stage on my imaginary horse. Then, after we put out our first album, I'll leave the band, claiming it does not fulfill my artistic vision, starting a solo project that is 60 minutes of pure silence on an excel spreadsheet.

To Jake: I'm sure you already knew this, but I'm of the "The Mantle" camp. It's mostly because I have a very strong emotional attatchment to the songs, and they all have that sweeping, "leaf-falling-in-the-wind" type song structure. I have to agree, "Ashes Against The Grain" is, perhaps, their most focused album. It's well done, has its heavy moments, and still manages to shine. "Not Unlike The Waves", "Limbs", and "Our Fortress Is Burning II - Bloodbirds" all manage to convey a sense of sublime, amber emptiness that makes me absolutely adore this album. "Pale Folklore" is probably the reason why I feel bad about saying "The Mantle" is my favorite album. It's just proof that ALL of their material is solid, artistic, and worthy of a careful, studied listen. Also, I must agree. Agalloch is mandatory. However, Blind Guardian still sucks. There's nothing pretentious about them. Maybe you should listen to some Meshuggah?:p