Mind Over Metal - Latest Comments

Re: Review : CANNIBAL CORPSE – ‘Torture’

MetalMattLongo — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:47:59 -0000

Per Cole's request, slight modifications were made in paragraphs three and four after posting (one error on my part; one his). No big deal, really, but I wanted to mention it, in case anyone noticed and wondered. See if you notice the difference! :)

Re: Review : TARJA – “What Lies Beneath”

MetalMattLongo — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:22:46 -0000

Define "bias" in this context please, because I think you are mistaken. This review provides a bit of backstory, my reaction to the album musically, speculative thoughts on lyrics, and a logical conclusion which reinforces my main points. How does "bias" come into play here?

Re: Review : TARJA – “What Lies Beneath”

Kaiku Elrihor — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:56:14 -0000

But a good musical reviewer must know to separate music from personal musicians' lifes, and only relate to them when it's strictly necessary and only in some certain cases. This review is just biased.

Re: For Those Anemic, Three Bands with Lots of “IRON”

Piet — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:55:11 -0000

Hey Matt,

I get the point, that you didn't want to be disrespective or insulting on purpose even though your terms and the way they have been used do imply that. Lets call it careless and a bit rude then. Anyhow, I do not cry my eyes out about this. I have been faced with stuff where this compared to is woreshiping me, haha! So let's take out the seriousness a bit.

I do respect your work and your opinion about mine. And if you'd find a nicer way in communicating this, I'd respect it even more.

Lyrics in general:
Just like the previous two albums "The Landing" in NOT a concept album and therefore does NOT deal permanently with the Iron Savior plot. After doing concept albums 4 times in a row, I felt just too strangulated by it, which hasn't changed so far. That's why I opend up Iron Savior to also non Sci-fi lyrics, down to earth and - yes - generic themes. For those fans, who really still go for the IS plot I usually do 2-4 songs continuing the story. Those songs are "The Savior" and "Starlight". The rest is just about stuff, that I think is cool. Not more, not less...

RU Ready: shure I know "Made In Hell", but I don't get the point... is Halford the only one, who is entiteled to express his personal history and affection for metal...? This sounds a bit like, hey there has been a song about love before, so why are you singing about love... Well, the world is full with songs about love... I'd say a million times more than about metal... are all these artists and lyrics useless just because somebody else talked about this issue before? I am aware, that there have been lyrics about the history of metal before, but none has looked at it through my eyes before. And again, as a "veteran" I felt entiteled to do this, haha

Faster Than All: yes, it's that simple, haha. I really go for Clint Eastwood!

Best,
Piet \m/

Re: For Those Anemic, Three Bands with Lots of “IRON”

MetalMattLongo — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:30:48 -0000

Hails, Piet! I'll clarify.

First, I mean no disrespect when I write reviews; they are reactions to music. You have dedicated many years to your craft, and I appreciate anyone who lends their life to Metal.

This article was written and edited as a complete piece, even though each review is self-contained. I gunned for ~200 words per segment, and in that time you need to choose a path, where only so much may be said. If it were a longer article, I would have mentioned how you, Piet, specifically remind me of Hansi Kürsch and that I like your vocal delivery through much of the album. The first three songs proper are pretty damn catchy, too. But I expected a clearer story, and like you just said, "Heavy Metal Never Dies" is about the downfall of your record label. It may ALSO apply to your overarching story, but THAT was my biggest issue: Much of the lyrics in the album are so generalized and cliché that they could apply to anything, when you could have enriched fine details about this larger grand tale that you obviously care so much about. Sometimes I do read interviews when reviewing, but it shouldn't necessitate my understanding, and Iron Savior does not seem like an obtuse band.

You did misunderstand some things. 'Self-empowerment' is not a derogatory term, and you kinda took it out of context. 'Shamelessly' is also not necessarily bad; in fact, I just noticed it's positively used in my Iron Mask review! All that said, it's true that both terms are used negatively in my review of 'The Landing'. Again—the music is good and harmonies are strong, but something is missing. I'm sorry that you felt offended, but I, too, stand by my work and have no obligation to soften my arguments for anyone.

Shoot, Piet… as long as I have you here, I may as well ask some questions. Okay, take "R. U. Ready" for example—it mirrors "Made in Hell" from Halford's 'Resurrection' (you MUST know that song), and how does it fit into your album as a whole? Then "Faster Than All" …space cowboys, maybe? Is this a 'Cowboy Bebop' or 'Outlaw Star' or… I dunno… 'Firefly' thing? Is it just that you like Westerns and/or Clint Eastwood and/or 'Pale RIder' the movie? And once more, how does it fit into the album as a whole? I know it was over four years since 2007's 'Megatropolis' and there was probably push for a full-length, but seriously, Piet—this feels half done. No disrespect; a matter of opinion.

Re: For Those Anemic, Three Bands with Lots of “IRON”

Piet — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:04 -0000

Hey Matt,
well, power metal is a wide field. If you go for 'Ravenlord' and not so much for 'Landing' that's fine with me. I guess it's been the lack of respect that I found the most disturbing issue about your article. Matt, I think that terms like "self-empowerment", "devoid of subtance" and "shamelessly" are rather insulting to all artists, who put all their passion and heartblood in their music. It imputes a rather negative and careless attitude towards creating music. In fact HMND for example is the exact opposite of your criticism. If you would have investigated a bit more detailed, by checking out at least one ore two interviews, you would have known that this is about the most personal lyric I wrote so far. It's about the downfall of my record label, the hell I have been going through and my way out. Same goes for RU Ready. I am 47 years by now and I grew up on this stuff. I guess that somehow gives me the right to sing about it and let the world know, how much it means to me. If I did not reach you, that's ok with me. But it does not give you the right to disrespect and insult me. Same goes for Iron Fire and Iron Mask btw.
I don't know if you have kids, but a song or piece of art to any artist is something like a child. So if you think the kid looks ugly, find a more subtile and less hurting way to say it.
Best,
Piet

Re: Review : LES DISCRETS — ‘Ariettes Oubliées…’

Nunobelo — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:43:48 -0000

Ariettes Oubliees is far from mediocre. This review, on the other hand...

Re: Review : CORMORANT – “Dwellings”

Sdfghg — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:04:36 -0000

Spectacular cover...

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

LUCY — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:37:32 -0000

this is completely fucked off without bill ward hey it was them that touted the reunion of the original 4 only to find out there just a bunch of OLD FUCKING GREEDY CUNTS who will do anything sharon tells them to fuck this ' there not going to make this right because they dont really give a fuck about anybody but there fucking selves ' yes im done with this cunt of a band fucking traitors'....

Re: For Those Anemic, Three Bands with Lots of “IRON”

MetalMattLongo — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:13:07 -0000

Hello, Piet — thanks for visiting! I actually enjoy many power metal bands. You need only search the site… or simply check out the album reviewed here the following day: Mystic Prophecy - 'Ravenlord'. I may tend towards certain genres, but ultimately it comes down to band-by-band preference.

What do you think I misunderstand? Are you upset because of my lukewarm reception to the first two bands here?

Re: For Those Anemic, Three Bands with Lots of “IRON”

Piet — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:40:04 -0000

Matt, one question: why do you write about power metal if you obviously don't like it or have no idea about it? I also don't need the world to know, that I don't like black metal... and I would never dare to write anything about it, because of my lack of knowledge and understanding for this music.
Matt, be a more positive person and write about stuff you like and understand.
Best, Piet
PS and fur sure I do respect your opinion

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Abe — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:01:12 -0000

Ozzy's drummers would be the worse fit for Sabbath.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Puzzled and Saddened — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:32:24 -0000

I didn't buy an advance ticket 'cause I've always had in the back of my mind the Reunion tour where Vinnie Appice was present in case Bill couldn't perform that night due to health issues. I did not want to see Sabbath without Bill (as I am a drummer and think of him as beyond incredible) so I had decided that I would buy a scalper ticket the day of, especially after Tony's health issues arose. To be perfectly honest.... these guys are staring death right in the face. Put the bullshit aside, and make it a 4 way split.... none of them would be here without each other. If this goes through without Bill, I hope some clever legal types launch a class action suit against the band for not coming through with the "original" lineup and everybody that bought a ticket gets a refund of some value. And of course, nobody should by a new cd without Bill. That goes without saying....

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Maloryknox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:20:21 -0000

You kow what the sad fact is? We can all boycott as much as we want but I have a sneaking suspicion that this tour will go the way of VHs, aimed at the older 'classier' crowd who will pay top dollar for tix. VH teamed with Amex and sold tix for 4 days to only Amex card holders and seats started at almost $100 a pop for nosebleeders. Sharon, in her determination,will most likely lean toward this and lure in the 'I don't care about the ethics of it' crowd who WILL pay top dollar to see them.There is no integrity here, only money. I guess everyone forgot the simple fact that if it weren't for us die-hard fans they would never have gotten this far in the first place. I feel that out of respect to you, me and every other metalhead on the planet the right thing to do would be to make it happen for us, for the fans, no matter what it takes. Sharon wouldn't be living in her mansion with her designer dogs and outrageously priced area rugs if it weren't for Black Sabbath's followers. She could learn a thing or 2 about loyalty from us. And shame on Ozzy, Tony and Geezer for letting her start this circus in the first place.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

MetalMattLongo — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:51:09 -0000

So how much are those going for anyway?

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Pipes — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:48:38 -0000

Already bought a ticket, bastard. I feel fucked 'cause this is not what i
payed for. I wanted to see Bill play those songs 'cause he's fucking
essentual to the sound. If they bring in a replacement its a big fucking rip-off.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Chris Chapman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:47:24 -0000

I will give no support if ALL members are not there and if a gun was pointed at my head I would ask for the trigger to be pulled before I suggest a replacement.I have all ORIGINAL line up Black Sabbath albums. I have ALL Dio albums and same with Ozzy's albums. I do not however have any Sabbath albums with Dio or any other replacement artist. A band is a band and is not like one person who's backup band is made of a number of musicians. Lita Ford is a front runner, Ozzy is a front runner. Ronnie James was a front runner as well.BANDS such as Deep Purple, Y&T, Rainbow were never the same after a member left and the same goes for Black Sabbath. Bill Ward is original and deserves to be treated fair and involved. A boycott of Black Sabbath is the way I will go.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Jimmy Jamz — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:25:07 -0000

When Ozzy left or Ousted or whatever after "Never say Die" I purchased Heaven & Hell not knowing until it was to late.It was a great album but it wasn't Ozzy's vocals.The magic was missing.I never purchased or went to see Sabbath after that. But I would do the same for all the original members! Now Tony has lymphoma in it's early stages and feel so bad about that and hope and pray he beats it!
Now the unsignable contract for Bill Ward who wants to do it so much but doesn't want to be treated unfairly and be respected by corporate big wigs we'll say cause we don't know exactly what is going on there and quick to jump to conclusions and we don't blame Bill a bit! Bill Wards Awesome! We love him!

But I'm with everyone backing him! No Bill Ward and I and many won't be purchasing the Albums/CD or buying tickets to go see them.It's not all about Ozzy. It's about the Original lineup of band members!
The Metal Gods we grew up with. I don't want to see a replacement Drummer or the 3 Sabboteers!
We want Ozzy Geezer Tony and Bill only! "Please"! Work it out Corporate Big Wiggies

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Chupacadabra — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:12:51 -0000

william the wizard for the win.

appice with the band renaming, if there has to be replacement.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Kevinpaddle — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:06:37 -0000

No Bill = No $$Bills. That is what will eventually see this resolved and see Bill Ward being offered a respectful contract. If this turns out to be a money grab by Sharon Osbourne as has been speculated all true Sabbath fans should completely boycott to the point that she loses money.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Captionten — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:02:13 -0000

In 100% agreement, It's a one off event so it has to be the original line up.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Mottow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:59:23 -0000

someone should suggest Lee Kerslake to Sharon!

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

SherryJ — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:54:21 -0000

I wholeheartedly agree with you. If it isn't the whole, original band,then it isn't a reunion-period.

Re: A BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour without Bill Ward is an Unarguable Atrocity

Spazyguitars — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:53:25 -0000

Great article...and i have already voiced that if there is no Bil then no bills will come out of my pocket for tickets

Re: Review : ALCEST — “Les Voyages De L’Âme”

Mbernier71 — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:38:07 -0000

I cannot wait to get this album. They were brilliant live in Boston, MA!