My headbanging journey around the world begins at home, almost. In Australia's second most northern capital city (Darwin, where I live is the most northern). Brisbane is home to a metalcore band called A Breach of Silence. Formed in 2010, they consist of Matt Cosgrove (guitar), Kerrod Dabelstein (guitar), Blair Layt (bass, vocals), Rhys Flannery (lead vocals), and Daniel Trickett (drums). Their latest album, titled Secrets, was released in February 2017.
Click here to see and hear them in action Falling Away
My journey to the heavy side of music began in the late 70s when I was a tween who used to hang out in my room and listen to the top 40 countdown each week. It might have been on Sunday nights - I forget- but I was more attracted to crunchy guitars and drums than I was to lighter stuff. I guess you could say I was born to rock.
Ironically, the first album I bought, which was in fact a tape, was Dynasty by KISS. They toured Australia that year, but at the age of 11, I was too young to go see them. I've seen them since so, and I'd still count myself a KISS fan. (I say 'ironically' because KISS's biggest hit in Australia was criticized by some as being a disco track.)
When I read "headbanging" I was a bit put off--like doesn't sound like my kind of music. But listening to "Falling Away" put my head to ease. Pretty good stuff if my mood is right. Wouldn't take the place of classical music or 70's rock for me, but I can handle this.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be making some musical discoveries with your series.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks Arlee. Heavy metal is much more diverse than most people realize. Speaking of classical music, did you know that Bach is considered by many to be the 'godfather' of heavy metal music? It is said that he was one of the 'heaviest' (darkest) of the classical composers. Black Sabbath, for example, credit Bach, as a significant influence on their music.
DeleteThe new A to Z system seems to be working well. I much prefer it. Good move.
I haven't heard much of heard banging but surely your post made me reconsider my choice. Interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteGood Ramya...that's the idea. There is much more to heavy metal music than most people realize. It's not everyone's cup of tea, that is true, but it is often unfairly criticized for being 'just noise' when in fact the level of musicianship and artistry can be very impressive. Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to comment.
DeleteI had "The best of the solo albums" by KISS. Do you remember listening to Casey Casum's american top 40?
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the 80's I had every record KISS had made up to that point in time. The sole albums were generally speaking pretty ordinary. Casey's Top 40, yes that's the one. It might have been on 2UW or something like that. No FM back then. I remember when Triple M was launched. So exciting to have a dedicated rock station broadcasting on this cool new thing called FM.
DeleteSome heavy music is technically good - this is. I like extremes, quality rock and classical. Both different, both enjoyable in their own way.
ReplyDeleteClick HERE to read today's 200-word story
A man with broad tastes. Good on ya, mate. Some of the musicianship is truly mind blowing. I hope you'll stay tuned, Keith. Thanks for visiting Square Pegs and for taking the time to comment. Good luck with A to Z. Funny how we get a rest day after the first day.
DeleteNot hardcore, but have a little Van Halen (Runnin' with the Devil) going as I type. Your post inspired me to seek it out again after all these years.
ReplyDeleteThis is gonna be fun. Thanks
Wendy of the Rock is OFF the Rock
Thanks Wendy. Van Halen's 1984 was one of the early hard rock, heavy metal records I bought as I began my journey to the heavy side. I still rate Eddie Van Halen as one of the best guitarists I've heard. And what can I say about such classics as Jump, Panama and for a hormone charged 15 year old...Hot for Teacher?
DeleteI was made for lovin' you, baby... Ah, as a kid in Australia in the late 70s, I'm delighted by the bands you reference!
ReplyDeleteA is for… abortion/Parenting in the Wilderness
Thanks Asha. KISS have been popular in Australia since Dynasty achieved chart success in 1979. They have never matched that since, in Australia, but a legion of fans joined the KISS Army, and the band and their army are still marching on.
DeleteThough I am not a hardcore, I do have some inclination towards such music!
ReplyDeleteLaunching SIM Organics Shortly
*Menaka Bharathi*
*SimpleIndianMom*
Thanks Menaka. Good to hear from you. You have an inclination towards such music? Sound like you are ready to be converted.... ha ha. Bang your head! For sure you will find some genres of metal quite to your liking.
DeleteMy middle son became a lover of heavy metal having started off by loving boy bands (which now embarasses him hugely when we tease him about it) On the whole it doesn't really interest me but the track you featured here was quite listenable :) Playing along with A to Z at http://ozzypipquilts.blogspot.com.au/
ReplyDeleteThanks Ozzypip. Funny about your son because mine did a reverse conversion; he started as a metal head, following in his father's footsteps (including a period of complete obsession with Metallica). He now loves Kanye. (I shake my head) Where did I go wrong? Ha ha. Quilting is not my thing, though I appreciate the artistry. Metal is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but thanks for visiting. Good luck with the challenge.
Delete