JESU - LIVE IN JENA (2006)

JESU isn't exactly typical G.O.M.E. fare, but I thought I'd share this performance anyway. I'll be seeing JESU with the great ISIS on March 27th. I'll try to get some good flicks and post them here for those who are interested. Over the next couple of days, since I'll be listening to a lot of JESU and ISIS anyway, I'll post some more of their music here. This is a great performance from JESU, recorded in Jena last May. There are brief improvisational interludes between most of the tracks. Hope someone out there enjoys it.

1. We All Faulter
2. Interlude
3. Silver
4. Interlude
5. Friends Are Evil
6. Interlude
7. Tired of Me
8. Interlude
9. Walk on Water
10. Your Path to Divinity

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PAGAN ALTAR - VOLUME I (1982)

Here's a special treat for the G.O.M.E. faithful...at least those unfamiliar with PAGAN ALTAR. This is a fantastic offering of SABBATH-inspired rock, and don't let the copyright date fool you. This band received absolutely ZERO mainstream attention in the '80s. Give the eponymous opening track about 30 seconnds and it becomes quite clear: This ain't KIX, and it sure the hell ain't DEVO. The true highlight of the album, at least for me, is the closer, "Reincarnation". The whole LP kicks ass, though. Rather than run off a string of superlatives, I'll simply say HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, DOWNLOAD IMMEDIATELY, and leave it at that.

1. Pagan Altar
2. In the Wake of Armadeous
3. Judgement of the Dead
4. The Black Mass
5. Night Rider
6. Acoustics
7. Reincarnation

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EYEHATEGOD - TAKE AS NEEDED FOR PAIN (1993)

If you're checking G.O.M.E., you probably already have this, but if not, here's a southern stoner/sludge classic. Honestly, it took me a long time to really get into EYEHATEGOD. My first exposure to them was 1996's Dopesick, and while that one eventually grew on me, it's still not my favorite. I dig this one a lot. Strong MELVINS influence, sick vocals, deep CROWBAR-esque grooves...the whole package. Take as Needed for Pain was reissued last summer, digitally remastered with six bonus tracks.

1. Blank
2. Sister Fucker, Pt. 1
3. Shoplift
4. White Nigger (G.O.M.E. note: these lyrics DENOUNCE, rather than condone, racism)
5. 30$ Bag
6. Disturbance
7. Take as Needed for Pain
8. Sister Fucker, Pt. 2
9. Crimes Against Skin
10. Kill Your Boss
11. Who Gave Her the Roses
12. Laugh It Off

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ASTEROID/BLOWBACK - SPLIT (2006)

Ahhhhhh, nothin' like a solid split release! As a rule, I generally disapprove of split releases. There are exceptions (Acid King/Mystick Krewe, Goatsnake/Burning Witch, etc), but I usually feel like these splits are money-making schemes with very little attention paid to the actual music. You spend $10 on an EP you could've got for $5 had it not featured a side of some band you could give two fucks about. The ACRIMONY/CHURCH OF MISERY split is a great example. But I digress.

Let's start with the ASTEROID half: Get past their semi-generic name and you'll find a side of EXCELLENT rock and roll. This band isn't your usual one-trick stoner pony. There's a lot to dig here. I've found that I dig their side more with each listen. "Supernova" is classic fuzz, and sure to be a big hit among the G.O.M.E. faithful. It's followed by "Anagram", which you have to hear believe. It's definitely a love-or-hate track. It reminds me of both QOTSA and FAITH NO MORE. In fact, the FAITH NO MORE/QOTSA/FATSO JETSON influences might be what saves ASTEROID from being just another band. Well, that and excellent songs.

The BLOWBACK half: Despite my love of Swedish stoner rock and the fact they have one of rock's cooler band names, I'm not a hundred percent in love with (© Geico Caveman) BLOWBACK's half of this split. That's not to say it's bad, or even unenjoyable. ASTEROID is simply a hard act to follow. It's a good enough soundtrack for twisting one up while you think about starting the CD over, but it sounds sloppy to me, and we've heard it all before. BLOWBACK obviously didn't contribute their best tracks to this split CD. The majority of it is just derivative...and not in a bad way, just in a "blah" way. Those with more patience, or less discriminating tastes, might find it quite enjoyable. They start taking chances around "Cosmic Dust" or so, and "The Arquitect" is damn good. Unfortunately, the side closes with a pretentious acoustic piece that not only borrows its title from a terrible GENESIS tune, but drags on about three minutes too long.

ASTEROID

1. Supernova
2. Anagram
3. Hexagon
4. Sim-Sala-Bim
5. Walk Alone
6. The Big Trip Beyond

BLOWBACK

7. Holy Skies
8. Autumn Leaf
9. Fairy's Dance
10. Cosmic Dust
11. The Arquitect
12. Invisible Touch

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ACTIVATOR - BOTH BARRELS (2004)

Here's a gem from one of Austin, Texas' finest - ACTIVATOR. Truth be told, I don't know a whole lot about these guys, and information is scarce. Anything the G.O.M.E. faithful can add would be appreciated. All I know is this record kicks ass, and looks destined to end up in the "Whatever Happened to That Band?" file. Don't mistake this for some typical one-off bar-band demo tape. Both Barrels is a stellar collection of killer riffs and contagious grooves. These guys clearly attended the KYUSS/ACRIMONY school of rock. In fact, ACTIVATOR is one of the better post-KYUSS bands I've heard. My sole criticism would be that, at times, the band treads dangerously close to being a knockoff, or a second-rate KYUSS (see: "Booger Sugar" and "Popeye Drive"). Still, even at their worst, they do it better than most. "Cadillac" is the hard-driving rock G.O.M.E. regulars Gavin and the good Cap'n crave, while "Bashtari" recalls the absolute best of KYUSS, all in five minutes, shifting riffs and tempos with reckless abandon yet somehow tying it all together. I can't say enough good things about Both Barrels. SUPER-HUGE-FUCKIN'-OUTRAGEOUSLY-HIGHLY recommended to fans of KYUSS, ACRIMONY, SASQUATCH, GRAND MAGUS, and DAREDEVIL.

1. 16 Ohm
2. Cadillac
3. Booger Sugar
4. Bashtari
5. Man's Plans
6. Bowl Control
7. Ozzy
8. Popeye Drive
9...the Whole Fuckin' Village

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MELVINS - HONKY (1997)

Released a mere 10 months after Stag, Honky marked THE MELVINS' return to the indies, this time on Amphetamine Reptile. While the band went through a brief mersh period (by MELVINS standards) upon their arrival to Atlantic with Houdini and Stoner Witch, the experimental Stag was their ticket out of town. Honky takes the experimentation of Stag and pushes it about a million miles further. With the exception of Prick (THE MELVINS' pevious AmRep album, which was more of a rib), Honky is, at least in my opinion, the least "accessible" MELVINS record. That's not to say it's not a rewarding listening experience, because it most definitely is. It's just more of a do-what-we-want experimental project. In hindsight, Stag is the better representation of where THE MELVINS would take their sound over the next ten years. Honky is simply the fruits of one of rock's most creative and unpredictable bands rediscovering its freedom after a stint in the big house...err...big time.

1. They All Must Be Slaughtered
2. Mombius Hibachi
3. Lovely Butterfly
4. Pitfalls in Serving Warrants
5. Air Breather Deep in the Arms of Morphius
6. Laughing with Lucifer at Satan's Sideshow
7. How --++--
8. Harry Lauders Walking Stick Tree
9. Grin
10. In the Freaktose the Bugs are Dying

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MELVINS - STAG (1996)

Wow, this MELVINS kick at G.O.M.E. is getting a little out of control! Stag marked the end of THE MELVINS' Atlantic Records trilogy when it became clear to the label that King Buzzo and company were never going to match the mainstream success of their buddies in NIRVANA. While the other two Atlantic releases (Stoner Witch and the classic Houdini) are experimental in their own right, Stag is defiantly non-conformist and practically reeks of a kiss-off to the majors. Not surprisingly, it's also no longer in production.

1. The Bit
2. Hide
3. Bar-X-The Rocking M
4. Yacob's Lab
5. The Bloat
6. Black Bock
7. Tipping the Lion
8. Goggles
9. Soup
10. Buck Owens
11. Sterilized
12. Lacrimosa
13. Skin Horse
14. Captain Pungent
15. Berthas
16. Cottonmouth

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MELVINS - YOUR CHOICE LIVE SERIES VOL. 12 (1991)

Another MELVINS set in anticipation of what should be a great headlining performance at Roadburn '07. This is another official release from Your Choice Records' live series. The sound quality is far superior to that of Alive at the F*cker Club, and the setlist draws from the first three MELVINS albums.

1. Heather Moves and Eyes
2. At a Crawl
3. Anaconda
4. Eye Flys
5. Koolegged
6. Tanked
7. Let God Be Your Gardener
8. Revulsion

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MELVINS - ALIVE AT THE F*CKER CLUB (1997)

I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to THE MELVINS' headlining set at this year's Roadburn Festival. As a primer, I thought I'd post this brief and increasingly rare Amphetamine Reptile release. Released in 2001, the set was actually recorded in 1997 in Australia. I appreciate any and all MELVINS performances, but the sound quality here leaves a bit to be desired. It certainly isn't worth the $50 USD it currently commands. Still, it's a solid performance from one of the world's greatest bands, and needs to be in your collection.

1. Boris
2. It's Shoved
3. Bar-X-The Rocking M
4. Antitoxidote
5. The Bloat
6. Lizzy
7. Mombius Hibachi

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DAREDEVIL - 3RD DEGREE BURNOUT (1999)

I'm posting this EP primarily for the benefit of the good Captain, of Inner-Head Flight Royale fame, but I recommend it to everyone else as well. While DAREDEVIL didn't take as many chances musically on this EP, I feel like it holds up to Big Block Rock quite favorably. It rocks a touch harder, and the hooks here are stronger and more memorable. EPs are interesting projects, as there is no room for error/filler. Backed into a corner, I would probably say that Big Block Rock seems to be more popular, but I personally prefer 3rd Degree Burnout. "Geezer" is easily my favorite DAREDEVIL tune.

1. All Fucked Up
2. Circle Work
3. Jesse Custer
4. Geezer
5. Go!
6. Concrete

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GRAND MAGUS - LIVE AT THE 2004 ROADBURN FESTIVAL

Another fantastic Roadburn performance, this time from the mighty GRAND MAGUS. Maybe this will inspire some G.O.M.E. guests to help me record this year's sets? Regardless, this is a hell of a performance. Brief (naturally), but excellent. Enjoy.

1. Brotherhood of Sleep
2. Gauntlet
3. Never Learned
4. Ulvaskull (Vargr)
5. Lodbrock
6. Baptised in Fire

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(and not to be rundundant, but...)

***ROADBURN NOTES***

This year's Roadburn Festival is still about six weeks away, but I'm hoping I can count on a couple of you to help out G.O.M.E. Assuming the festival is webcast again, I'd really appreciate some help recording a few of the sets. I'll try to capture as many as possible, but with the festival in Holland, and Big Jack in the States, I might have a hard time. Any and all help will be appreciated. If you're interested in helping, but you're new to capturing streaming webcasts, email me at elevatedradio@gmail.com for a free program and a quick tutorial. Whatever you're willing/able to contribute, I'll convert and edit the files, post them here, and give you full credit. The lineup this year is incredible, and I think we should capture as many sets as possible. You can check out all the particulars at roadburn.com, and if you have any questions or you want to volunteer to record some sets, you can reach me at elevatedradio@gmail.com.

THE OBSESSED - THE OBSESSED (1990)

Is it possible that I'm the only diehard WINO fan that's a bit disappointed with The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote? Not that there's anything particularly WRONG with the album...I think I just set my expectations a little high. It opens and closes strong, but I don't find much to remember in the middle. Maybe it'll grow on me. I'd be interested in the G.O.M.E. faithful's thoughts.

Anyway, for all the other Wino fans out there, I present to you the eponymous 1990 release of THE OBSESSED. This record is long out of print. This particular version is a reissue which is also out of print. The reissue includes a 10-track live performance from 1984. Personally, I don't consider the live tracks essential. If you're a fan of Wino and THE OBSESSED, you've heard much better performances. Still, it's very raw, and some people seem to really dig it. Plus, I don't like the idea of someone tracking this down, just for the live tracks, and getting torched by some eBay bloodsucker for an outrageous sum of money. Enjoy.

(Original LP)

1. Tombstone Highway
2. The Way She Fly
3. Forever Midnight
4. Ground Out
5. Fear Child
6. Freedom
7. Red Disaster
8. Inner Turmoil
9. River of Soul

(Live Performance)

10. No Message
11. Neatz Brigade
12. Concrete Cancer
13. Mental Kingdom
14. Feelingz
15. A World Apart
16. Free
17. Bling Lightning
18. Indestroy
19. Kill Ugly Naked

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ELECTRIC WIZARD - LIVE AT THE 2005 ROADBURN FESTIVAL

Here's another ELECTRIC WIZARD set, this time from Holland's 2005 Roadburn Festival. It's a hell of a performance, and the sound quality is tops. G.O.M.E. visitors that dig WIZARD's earlier work will be delighted by the two-guitar version of "Return Trip". They jam it out for all ten brutal minutes before doubling that on the closer, "Supercoven". Crushing.

1. Eko Eko Azarak
2. We Live
3. Dopethrone
4. Return Trip
5. Supercoven

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***ROADBURN NOTES***

This year's Roadburn Festival is still about six weeks away, but I'm hoping I can count on a couple of you to help out G.O.M.E. Assuming the festival is webcast again, I'd really appreciate some help recording a few of the sets. I'll try to capture as many as possible, but with the festival in Holland, and Big Jack in the States, I might have a hard time. Any and all help will be appreciated. If you're interested in helping, but you're new to capturing streaming webcasts, email me at elevatedradio@gmail.com for a free program and a quick tutorial. Whatever you're willing/able to contribute, I'll convert and edit the files, post them here, and give you full credit. The lineup this year is incredible, and I think we should capture as many sets as possible. You can check out all the particulars at roadburn.com, and if you have any questions or you want to volunteer to record some sets, you can reach me at elevatedradio@gmail.com.

SAINT VITUS - DIE HEALING (1995)

Here's some more of the great SAINT VITUS. Die Healing seems to polarize VITUS fans to this day, nearly 13 years after its release. I personally blame (the previously posted) C.O.D. Once Wino re-formed THE OBSESSED, the mighty VITUS was left in limbo, and I think C.O.D. alienated a lot of fans. The band did the logical thing, took some time off, and brought back original vocalist Scott Reagers. Still, I don't think a large part of the old fanbase was interested in hearing VITUS or Reagers in '95 after the C.O.D. debacle. Fickle fans aside, Die Healing is actually a hell of an album, and a true return to form for SAINT VITUS. Unfortunately, it would prove to be the band's swan song.

1. Dark World
2. One Mind
3. Let the End Begin
4. Trail of Pestilence
5. Sloth
6. Return of the Zombie
7. In the Asylum
8. Just Another Notch

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DAREDEVIL - BIG BLOCK ROCK (2000)

Another smoked-out classic from Down Under. It's a damn shame this album isn't more readily available (at least in the States). Even after you get past the cool album cover (one of my favorites), the music speaks for itself and stands up favorably to the rest of the genre. While the hidden track stashed at the end of the album is a sure highlight, every track is solid, with "Stone Cold Groove" being my personal favorite. Highly recommended to fans of FU MANCHU, PUNY HUMAN, and even THIN LIZZY!

1. Revolution 666
2. Blown Away
3. Shadow Woman
4. Stone Cold Groove
5. Supernova
6. Words Fail
7. Scarecrow
8. Slow Me Down
9. Barely Leagal
10. Throw the Dice

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GRIEF - COME TO GRIEF (1994)

Sticking with the doom genre, though spinning the VITUS influence in a completely different direction, I thought I'd post GRIEF's 1994 release Come to Grief. Right off the bat I should probably warn you warm & fuzzy KYUSS/QOTSA fans - this shit is not for amateurs. GRIEF is super-depressing (as their name and song titles might indicate), and generally refuses to settle into a groove or even tease a melody. If you're like me, you'll probably agree that there's a time/place/state of mind for GRIEF, but it's unlikely you'll keep it in extended rotation. Unless you are Bubba Johnson, of Overland Park fame. Then it's right up your alley. Recommended to the aforementioned Mr. Johnson, as well as fans of SOURVEIN and people who listen to Dopethrone to "chill out". Download at your own risk.

1. Earthworm
2. Hate Grows Stronger
3. World of Hurt
4. I Hate You
5. Ruined
6. Fed Up
7. Stricken
8. Come to Grief

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SLOW HORSE - SLOW HORSE (1998)

This obscure slice of melodic doom is the eponymous debut of New York's SLOW HORSE. Highly recommended to fans of SAINT VITUS and THE OBSESSED. Much like the aforementioned, what separates SLOW HORSE from the pack is a top-notch vocalist, Dan Bukszpan. Bukszpan actually reminds me a great deal of Wino, riding the immense riffs and grooves with a clean and melodic delivery (without sounding "operatic"). Highlights include the eight-minute warhorse "All Good Intentions", featuring lots of melodic wah guitar and extended instrumental breakdowns, and a cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game". The whole record is solid, and should be a big hit among the G.O.M.E. faithful (the majority of whom seem to really enjoy downloading the albums, but neglect to leave comments...tap-tap...is this thing on?).

1. Lick My Wounds
2. All Good Intentions
3. Wicked Game
4. When Are You Coming Home?
5. No One Wants You When You're Down
6. What's the Use?

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GRAND MAGUS - GRAND MAGUS (2002)

My bum is on the Swedish! ©Tom Green

Sorry 'bout that. I'm not sorry for sharing yet another stoner classic from Sweden, though. This time it's the debut of GRAND MAGUS. If you're not familiar, prepare to be blown away. I'd put Grand Magus up there with Tumuli Shroomaroom and The Great Divide as one of the GREAT post-KYUSS albums in the genre. If I had to compare GRAND MAGUS to any current band, it would be the great FIREBALL MINISTRY. Both bands specialize in slow, melodic, pummelling rock n' roll. They are also both known for excellent vocals, though GM's Janne probably has a bit more of a Chris Cornell bug than the aforementioned FM's James Rota. Synopsis: GRAND MAGUS' debut is packed to the rafters with memorable grooves and hooks, HUGE riffs, and soulful vocals. An all-too-overlooked contribution to the rock n' roll cannon.

1. Gauntlet
2. Legion
3. Never Learned
4. Black Hound of Vengeance
5. Coat of Arms
6. Generator
7. Wheel of Time
8. Lodbrok
9. Black Hole
10. Mountain of Power

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DESERT SESSIONS - VOLUMES 5 & 6 (1999)

If you're here on purpose, you already know THE DESERT SESSIONS. These volumes are noteworthy for a couple of reasons: For starters, Nick Oliveri somehow twisted Josh Homme's arm and convinced him to include THE DWARVES. Of course, the usual suspects abound (Josh, Nick, Brant Bjork, Mario Lalli, Fred Drake, Dave Catching, etc.). Second of all, while "Millionaire" obviously made it on to Songs for the Deaf, that's not the only preview of what was to come. MONDO GENERATOR included "I'm Dead" on A Drug Problem That Never Existed, though it's entitled "Day I Die". Others have popped up randomly during QOTSA and MONDO GENERATOR sets. More of the same, yeah, but also damn good.

1. You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire
2. Letters to Mommy
3. I'm Dead
4. Punk Rock Caveman Living in a Prehistoric Age
5. Going to a Hanging
6. A#1
7. Like a Drug
8. Take Me to Your Leader
9. Teens of Thailand
10. Rickshaw
11. Like a Drug [instrumental]

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BUFFALO - VOLCANIC ROCK (1973)

BUFFALO was a hard rock band from Sydney, Australia. Formed in 1970 and releasing their proper debut in 1972, they actually preceded better-known Australian bands like AC/DC and ROSE TATTOO (of which BUFFALO bassist Peter Wells was also a member). Their sophomore release, Volcanic Rock, is widely considered to be the band's crowning achievement. Eschewing a great deal of the juvenile silliness and rootin'-tootin' that would plague subsequent releases, Volcanic Rock relies primarily on sludgy riffs, extended jams, and a bizarre side-long suite based on Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. The album is actually very comparable to BLACK SABBATH. In fact, BUFFALO opened a tour for the mighty SABBATH, and by some accounts, blew them off the stage. Listen with an open mind and I assure you, you'll find this piece of history a rewarding addition to your collection.

Oh, and while I've said it before, it must be re-emphasized in regards to this album: IF IT'S TOO OLD, YOU'RE TOO LOUD!

1. Sunrise (Come My Way)
2. Freedom
3. Till My Death
4. The Prophet
5. Intro: Pound of Flesh
6. II: Shylock

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GREENLEAF - REVOLUTION ROCK (2003)

C'mon, you know G.O.M.E. has to put its spotlight on a band called GREENLEAF at least once! Seriously, though, this album kicks ass. These guys have definitely sipped (smoked?) from the chalice of KYUSS with their feet firmly planted in the '70s. What is it about Sweden that enables it to field such stoner heavyweights as GRAND MAGUS, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, GREENLEAF, and countless others? Revolution Rock is an unsung gem. One highlight in particular for me is the production itself. The requisite fuzzed-out guitars are present and accounted for, but the recording is mixed to showcase the organ as well (in true '70s fashion). The swirling organ becomes part of what carries the songs, rather than simple accompaniment. Highly recommended to fans of all drugged-out heavy psychedelia.

1. Vat 69
2. Devil Woman
3. Status: Hallucinogenic Phase II
4. You Got Me High
5. Red Tab
6. Shipbuilder
7. Electric Ryder
8. Hexagram
9. Monostereowhatever

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NEBULA - BBC SESSIONS (2001)

Looking over G.O.M.E., I couldn't help but notice the conspicuous absence of the great NEBULA. I thought you desert-heads might appreciate this session. I'm always a sucker for BBC sessions. You get the studio sound quality, but maintain the raw live performance feel. For my money, Eddie Glass (formerly of FU MANCHU) is one of the genre's greatest guitarists. He really gets a chance to shine here, especially on "Sonic Titan". Another highlight is a kickass version of "All the Way".

1. Do It Now
2. Sonic Titan
3. This One
4. All the Way
5. Freedom

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