"Christmas is Dead"

You know that awkward moment, when you're sitting in a taxi and you're trying your best to stir up a conversation, because ya'know it's polite (and it'll shave a few euro off the fare hohohoho). Well today I decided to bring up the topic of Christmas time, as we drove through a busy Longford Town!

He told me he was looking forward to Christmas day, spending time with his family and eating like a king. He seemed a little disappointed though. As he rambled on ( and boy did he ramble) he finally caught my interest when he uttered the words: "Christmas is Dead" . Instantly I thought, how could Christmas be dead? I started to notice around the town that there was no Christmas atmosphere at all. The town, despite being busy, felt kinda dead. The christmas lights looked nice and all but it just didn't feel like it was near Christmas time!

People should be out on the streets playing Christmas songs, busking. Busking for my pleasure! It would really add to the atmosphere. Alot of people would probably disagree with me on this, but I think it'd be nice to be reminded that Christmas is around the corner.

Well I'm not gonna let this christmas be spoiled by Longford Town, that's for sure! I'm going to County Cavan, WAHEY! Turkey sandwiches galore. I'm sure my family and friends will create the perfect Christmas atmosphere :)

I wish it looked like this outside!

The Death Metal Blues.

It's been a long time since I picked up a Death Metal new release and in the past two years I've found myself listening to less and less Death metal. When I would choose to listen to Death Metal it wouldn't lead to a search for new Death Metal talent, and why is this?


I think Death Metal is one of those genres that just became a little stagnant for me. There's alot of bands flying the Death Metal flag,  and most of the new bands that I've heard don't grab me at all (with the exception of Decrepit Birth, The Faceless, Obscura and a few others).

Death Metal in the early 90s was pushing boundaries with acts like Death,  Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel at the forefront. The first time I listened to Spiritual Healing by Death I was blown away. Excellent guitarwork coupled with great lyrics and the harsh vocals of Chuck Schuldiner sent chills down my spine. I just don't get that with modern music any more. I'm probably overlooking alot of great talent out there but I can't imagine a new death metal album that doesn't sound familiar.



Bands like Nocturnus, Pestilence and Death started to edge towards a different sound. Pestilence would go on to combine Jazz with Death Metal with their 1993 album "Spheres". Nocturnus were heavily focused on the technical side of the genre and with Gorguts, would become pioneers in the Technical Death Metal  sub-genre that is still going strong today. Death continued to evolve with every album, edging towards a more progressive sound with their swansong "The Sound of Perseverance". These albums held my interest and continue to do so .

 "Diminishing Between Worlds" by Decrepit Birth is one of my favourite modern  Death Metal albums , it's fantastic, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgrc6Ch3Exo


I wish I could get into new death metal bands but it's hard to find originality these days. I think I'll stick to the classic Old School albums for now. :)

A Glass of Vimto and a half-tin of Pringles.

So, I woke up today to find a note on the table "Gone for the weekend here's a few quid" something along those lines, anyway. I knew today was gonna be one of those days where I don't eat right and when I'm surrounded by total darkness, face illuminated by my laptop screen. I'm currently writing this blog entry in total darkness!



I just finished reading a friends top 25 albums of the year and it reminded me that Christmas is fast approaching and I love it. I love Christmas and everything about it! Yes, even the cheesy songs, the cheesy movies and the cold weather. This is my favourite time of the year and it's where I usually tuck into my favourite video games and albums, wrapped up in a blanket! I'm looking forward to spending time with my family and friends. A few pints will be had :) .

I was also reminded today that I need to learn to cook, badly. Of course I can use the oven but I'm sick of making chicken fillets and chips! Next year one of my resolutions will most definitely be to improve on my cooking skills.
Guess what I had to eat today? A half-tin of pringles. That's it. No wonder I always feel sick!

Hopefully things will pick up later on and a game of poker might happen with my friends but I can't see it happening at this stage!

Anyway, that's all for now. Stay Classy!

PS. The X Factor suckkkks!