Rammstein

No German band has ever penetrated the metal music industry scene like Rammstein. Wherever they perform people are taken by their heart-pounding tunes in an Industrial metal genre or tanz-metal as they would like to put it. Audiences and fans all over the world chant the lyrics even without understanding as most of their songs are written in German.

Rammstein is a psychedelic concoction of everything that makes up one hell of a metal band. This, taken figuratively and literally. Every concert or live performance is made explosive not only by the overpowering stage presence and voice of their front man, Till Lindermann but also of the pyrotechnics. Rammstein is made popular not only of the pyroworks but also of their outlandish costumes. This led to the fitting description from the fans: "Other bands play, Rammstein burns!" and the New York Times of Rammstein's music as a "powerful strain of brutally intense rock… bring[ing] gale-force music and spectacular theatrics together".

Rammstein comprise of Till Lindemann (lead vocals and licensed pyrotechnician), Oliver "Ollie" Riedel (bass guitar), Richard Z. Kruspe (lead guitar and backing vocals), Christoph "Doom" Schneider (drums and Electronic percussion), Paul H. Landers (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Christian "Flake" Lorenz (keyboards).

Here's Rammstein with my favorite song-- Du Hast...




And another fiery performance..

Marty Casey

Also a finalist in the first season Rock Star: INXS, Marty Casey was my favorite among the male competitors.

Born Martin Xavier Casey, Marty started his musical career in 1988 while he was attending Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Illinois. Initially called the Swinging Lovehammers, the Lovehammers comprises of Marty Casey on lead vocals and guitar, Billy Sawilchik on lead guitar, Dino Kourelis on bass, and Bob Kourelis on drums. His good relationship with this circle of original bandmates became one of the key elements that have caused his talent and artistry to evolve to the supernova that it is now. A 2004 Chicago Sun Times interview discloses his feelings on the best thing about being Marty Casey: “Being in a band with my three best friends. Most friendships fall apart after a certain age. Best thing about being in a band: getting to record with amazing people, see different parts of the country and sell out places like the Viper Room in L.A.”

What sets Marty apart from the other performers not just in the competition but in the whole rock industry is his enigmatic stage presence, whatever the tune he’s carrying out from soft ballads to rock classics. He finds his own style within whatever piece interweaving everything to come up with an intense pull. This charisma was remarked on by Dave Navarro, “You are totally relevant in music today...Being a rockstar is not about hitting notes. It’s about having the intangible magnetism that you already have. In my opinion, you’re already a rockstar.”

Here are some of the renditions he made during the performances of Rockstar: INXS with his original "Trees":

Jordis Unga

Was browsing through some Beatles articles when I thought of the Imagine mp3 I have in my mobile phone. It’s a version done by a fave rocker, Jordis Unga.

When I still had ample time to watch TV to end the day, (that would be more than a couple of years agoJ), one show that really got me hooked was CBS’s Rock Star: INXS. Viewed on Channel 2, (now TV5), the episodes were quite outdated but nevertheless I had fun each and everytime I get to watch

it. From the start, Jordis has been among my bets. Aside from her unusual look, her voice was that to match what I’ve always thought to be of exemplary quality.

Born Jordis Losana Sikahema Unga of Ameriacn and Tongan descent, she got her shot at world-wide fame through Rock Star: INXS where she eventually finished 5^th place.

Before having to perform on TV, Jordis with her band The Fighting Tongs was part of the “Riverfest” concert tour. After the

disband last 2005, still with some of the band’s members, the Liars Club was borne.

Though digital tracks of Jordis Unga’s versions to various songs are already out, via iTunes and other digital outlets, her debut CD is yet to come.

The song by Hoobastank, The Reason, was not at all that attractive to me, specially when it got really popular and I would be hearing it everywhere.. I just didn’t like it. But after the rendition made by Jordis Unga, I’ve come to like it.

Here are several tracks by Jordis Unga:

Charles Manson

Yes, you've read it right.

Charles Manson who, according to Wikipedia is an "emblem of insanity, violence, and the macabre" is the 'who' I'll be talking about.

Unknown to many, the infamous Charles Manson known for his murderous spree done with the aid of his growing hippie followers known as the "Family", was also a would-be Hollywood musician.

Charles Manson is known to be amongst the most popular criminal of all time contributing great influences not only in the savage area in history but also in the Rock N' Roll arena--the decades following his arrest and trial for multiple accounts of man-slaughter, Guns N' Roses and Marilyn Manson have covered his songs. He was also a household name in the underground communities from where the group of his followers christened the 'Manson Family' was founded and countercultures of the '60s. In the following years, even up to the young generation of today, his legacy of notoriety lingers.

Though he grew and lived most of his life going in and out of correctional institutions and finally in jail, Manson was a huge fan of the Beatles. And when you see through his biography or the story of the Family, you'd readily recognize (if you are familiar with the songs of the Beatles) the use of many song-terms in Manson's teachings (as the hippie guru with his rise-of-the-black premonitions) and even the horrid crimes committed.

Manson, now 73 years of age remains unrepentant at the Corcoran State Prison. Luckily, his neck was saved by the abolition of the death penalty and instead he got the verdict of life imprisonment. He has stayed ineligible for parole until this coming year 2012.

An enigma of a man claiming to be a 'nobody' but just happened to terrorize Hollywood for years sings:

Sublime

“It all comes back to you, you'll finally get what you deserve
Try and test that you're bound to get served
Love's what I got
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot

Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that..”

These are bits of the hit song "What I Got" that, together with other hits like "April 29, 1992 (Miami)", "Santeria", "Wrong Way" and "Doin'Time", made the third self-titled record of sublime an all-time success. What's unfortunate is the death of their front man--Bradley Nowell (guitar and vocals)just two months before this album's release. In May 25, 1996 Nowell was found at the Ocean View Motel in San Francisco dead of a heroin overdose.

Just as the song goes, I sure remembered that: 'Try and test that you're bound to get served'.

Sublime is an American reggae, ska and rock punk band that originally comprised of Brad Nowell, Eric Wilson on bass and Bug Gaugh on drums. Once an average underground punk band, their success became one hell of a wild ride starting with their first gig in the summer of '98. It was said that the band's performance was what incited the infamous "Peninsula Riot" in their hometown- Long Beach, California. The rise to fame caught fire as they teamed up with the legendary SKUNK RECORDS to do their first recording. And band's career was all uphill from there.

Through their soar to success, temporary members got to get on with their gigs. Kelly Vargas was chosen to play drums while Gaugh was out doing time in rehab. And for a short time, Michael Happoldt, in guitars, has also jammed with the group for quite a short time.

The death of Nowell caused the disband of Sublime but their legacy lives on. Earning themselves and their music a place in the industry, and in the faves of their and even up to today's generation.

The Toyes

I should've been writing about Sublime today but throughout my research, I discovered one thing. The song “Smoked Two Joints” that was popularized by Nowell and the rest of the band was actually an original of The Toyes.

This pic was taken in 1983 (typical). See their latest pics below and spot the difference. Hehehe

Obviously, I've (and surely many others've) never heard of them, but again, this doesn't mean they're not good. I've listened to the original and it was, I think, fantabulous. The song was mostly and mistakelny attributed to the late Bob Marley. And this was what I was thinking when I picked to write about Sublime next. I thought “Smoke Two Joints” was done by Marley.

The Toyes plays traditional reggae that can be described as a fusion of the music of Marley and the Barenaked Ladies. Though the cut by Sublime was made more influential, the original track was actually recorded way back in 1983 and released just in 1993. The Toyes has also made a mark in the music scene through their strong advocacy to propagate their support to the legalization of marijuana.

The Toyes at the Seattle Hempfest in 1999>>

B-dub & Mawg at World Hemp Festival 2000 photo by Sue Byrd>>

Listen to their version..

Kewl.. (You'd even think they've

been influenced by Asin.. check intro)

;)

Bob Marley

Another famous figure that spreads activism through music is the widely renowned reggae artist Bob Marley. His music speaks of artistic and political insights on power and repression, gangland warfare and different eras of mystical wilderness.

Born Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley, he is largely credited in popularizing Jamaican music. Bob leads and plays various roles in the band: The Wailers, including singer, guitarist, and songwriter to the pulsating tune of fused reggae, rocksteady and ska. Nearly 30 years dead, his music still strives and inspires many musicians, artists and other people in different walks of life, whatever generation.

Bob Marley’s best-selling album—Legend reached platinum ten times selling over 12 million original copies, after its release in 1984, three years after his death. The album comprises of all-time favorite tracks from the legend himself and several songs from the Bob Marley and the Wailers' collection.

Reggae was borne out of the Rastafari movement culture with which Bob Marley was a firm believer. His life and legacy continues to live on in the wide-ranging audiences that his music attracts. His sons and daughters, many following his musical footsteps are also making a mark in the industry.

Long-live the Reggae Legend.

RATM - Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine has long since been a favorite. I still even have several of their albums released in cassette tapes. I also had a great crush on their front man earning him a part in the high school project we once had. In that bibliography, we were asked to write about how we see our lives to be years from that time. I had Zack to be my first husband hahaha. Ambisyosa.

Back to the topic at hand, RATM or just Rage is an American rock band that fuses hard rock with funk metal, alternative metal and rapcore. Though disbandment has occurred, the original members comprised the band all throughout their careers, together. Zach de la Rocha fronts the band on vocals, Tom Morello plays guitar, Tim Commerford as bassist, and on drums is Brad Wilk. Their music is made extraordinary mainly by the rhyming style and energetic stage presence of de la Rocha and the eccentric guitar techniques of Morello. Their lyrics hold powerful messages that led to them becoming among the most influential political bands in the scene of contemporary music. Through their music, the band voices their revolutionary political views greatly criticizing the US government specially in the issues if foreign and domestic policies.

Their mainstream success was ignited with the release of their debut album, Rage Against the Machine, that reached triple platinum. The first album's core message was well promoted through having uncensored versions of the songs explicitly played on radios and through tours, including their participation in the 1993 Lollapalooza. Soon after, more albums, songs, appearances and concerts fueled RATM's sizzling popularity.

Among my favorite songs by them is “Bombtrack”which is a track in the debut album released in 1992. RATM discography includes:

1992: Rage Against the Machine
1996: Evil Empire
1999: The Battle of Los Angeles
2000: Renegades

Moving on, Zach de la Rocha has formed a band called One Day as a Lion, with Mars Voltas former member will be releasing a self-titled debut this month.

Apocalyptica: A Revelation

Some weeks back, a day at a Karaoke bar made me remember one of my all-time favorites—Du Hast by Rammstein. But I'm not gonna be writing on Rammstein today. Reading on them, I discovered another band which caught my interest. Though they've been rocking years back from 1993, I really have not heard of them until that time. Not that they're not good, in fact, I find their music really powerful. And what better topic to write about in my new blog than Apocalyptica.

The band name alone spells of an unusual revelation. And true to their name, Apocalyptica may be regarded among the most unique Rock bands. Original in every aspect, the band alludes with that genre-shattering appeal, hypnotizing rockers with a music that is unlike any others.

Elegantly classic and metal. If you find it hard to imagine the fusion of such terms. Then that's what Apocalyptica perfectly represents. Apocalyptica is a cello metal band from Finland. With their classical instruments and incredible arrangements, they've come up with heavy metal sounds featuring musical elements from neo-classical metal, classical music, thrash metal, and symphonic metal that pierces even the soul.

Apocalyptica consists of three cello players that have attended the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki with a recent addition—a drummer. Current members include Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso, and Mikko Sirén. Among the band, my personal favorite would be the sexy Kivilaakso who plays a German 19th century cello which he adoringly nicknamed "Der Herzbrecher". Click on the picture to see enlarged image of Perttu...

To know more about the band and their music, visit their official website http://www.apocalyptica.com/.