Strongwater - Black River

The Norwegian band, Strongwater, has a new cd out called Black River that is a must for all metal fans.

Here's a little video I did about it:

Post Modernism and Metal - random notes

The title of this post is too obvious and cliche (and a bit outdated) I know. But I've been playing with the idea of signifier vs. signified in the names of metal bands (of all genres) and in getting to their deconstructed remnants, I am reminded that Metal - in it's essence, it's history, and in it's divisions, is a perfect example of what is post-modern and even more so, post-post-modern. Metal (in its very practice) has the element of the undefinable; it is more than just an expression of disenchantment; it is more than just a way of life. The elements of Metal overlap and conflict at the same time. It can be interpreted and described, but it cannot be explained.

For example, can you tell me what is (or is not) a metal band? Certainly it would be easier to assign what is NOT Metal than what is. But that doesn't tell me what is Metal. It is in the layers of genres, sub-genres and sub-sub-genres that this is evidenced so clearly - all of them social constructs on the context of what we think we know about Metal. In the end, the only common narrative we have of Metal is the assigning of the word "Metal." What that word means depends on the user.

And should we define Metal by what it is not, knowing that that will only fail in making it a set explanatory system? And do we want that kind of absolute truth anyway? Well, I don't. I want Metal to be the product of individual expression. I want it to constantly challenge me. I want it to remain contextually and subjectively incomplete.

Looking for CD Reviewers and Bands to Review

Reviewers:

I'm looking for CD reviewers for my website. If you love metal music and would like to volunteer your time as an official Prophet for the website, send me a quick EMAIL with your name, location, favorite genre of metal, and how many reviews you would like to do per month. Your reviews will appear here and on the Annie Christ Blog. You will also be featured (and sometimes interviewed) on the Annie Christ Metal Monday Radio Show! And sometimes you will get FREE CDs!


Bands:

Would you like to have your band's CD reviewed by a Prophet of the Annie Christ show? All CD reviews will be featured on this website, the Annie Christ blog, and the Annie Christ Metal Monday Show. Annie will sometimes play songs from a reviewed album on the radio show (with permission from the band). Send a quick EMAIL for details and address to send CDs!

Two Projects for 2010

Over the past few days, I’ve been giving serious thought to the direction I want to take in 2010. As most of you know, my main priority for the year is the Mike IX Williams biography. The book will be done by the end of 2010 – with a companion screenplay as well.

Along with the research on Mike, I would like to start an academic conference on Metal in the South. I’d like to host the conference in New Orleans with panels of scholars and musicians. The conference would include documentary viewings, paper presentations, musical showcases, and spoken word performances.

Here’s where you come in:

If you have any personal Mike IX stories, I would love to interview you for the book.

OR

If you would like to be involved in the Southern Metal conference – as a volunteer, presenter, or vendor, please contact me at stamplify3@gmail.com

I’m looking for a venue in New Orleans to host the conference. I’m also looking for sponsors for the event.

Thanks for helping me make 2010 a great year for Metal!