Surprise Wrestling Post (For A Friend)

Hey fellow Otaku & Metalheads, got a bonus post to round out the year.

A couple months ago, a friend of mine asked if I could make a picture collage of all the wrestling stuff he’s gone to over 2019. I was happy to oblige, and right below is everything if not almost everything he went too. Also, he asked if I could some advertising for some small wrestling promotions, and put in a little blurb courtesy of my friend. In any case, enjoy!

“It's been a great ride these past few years getting a chance to meet the best talent in the professional wrestling world. to going to live shows and watching it all unfold before you. With help from my friends, and a phenomenal Independent Wrestling Promotions, and A great photographer, I bring to you a slideshow of events I went to and events I couldn't make but got help in seeing what happened. Safe to say I can't be anymore happier with my group of Wrestling brother's.”

Meet And Greets:

WM35 and Summerslam:

Indy Photos (Including Nzo In The Indies):

On a finale note, if you have some spare time, please check out Immortal Championship Wrestling and World of Hurt Wrestling. They’re both great independent organizations, and put on some spectacular shows.

Immortal Championship Wrestling: https://www.immortalwrestling.com/

World of Hurt Wrestling: https://wohwrestling.com/

And with those final words, I am now truly done with posts for 2019. I need a break for a few weeks, but I hope to see all of you in 2020!

(All Photographs were taken/provided by Tim Beagle And Justin Largetau, Mr Dan The Photo Man, Immortal Championship Wrestling and World of Hurt Wrestling.)

(If you’re curious about my friend, check here: https://www.facebook.com/byron.fonda)

Album Review: Everfrost's Winterider

Hello fellow Otaku & Metalheads. Pretty damn cold outside isn’t it!?

Normally I’d get out a holiday-themed anime review out, but I didn’t think of one. Finding a Christmas anime is somewhat tricky, and the ones I do want to take a look at are pretty difficult to locate. However, if you’ve paid attention to my prior 2 lists, you may have noticed me gushing about a new band from the icy reaches of Finland. A band that just so happens to be inspired by anime & manga, and contains a little bit of Visual Kei within it’s notes. That’s right, I’m gonna be talking about Everfrost!

Ever since early October when I discovered this band, I was immediately hooked. There have been plenty of metal bands (Power Metal or otherwise) that have at least grazed the land of the rising sun, but to sit down and listen to a group that have outright embraced Japan and it’s nerdy glory just warms my heart. I was fortunate enough to pick up the subject of today’s review weeks after I discovered it completely by accident thank’s a review of it from the Lair Of The Bastard music blog (Read here). Now normally I structure my reviews pretty tightly, but because of the nature of the album, but with how it affected me, I’m going to go a more “Loose” approach to the review. I’ll still have some form to things, but overall I’m going for a considerably more personal approach to how I look at this album. Anyways, shall we dive into the blistery world of Everfrost & Winterider!?

So let me start off by saying that this album......is deceptive. Highly deceptive, if I’m being honest. Right away, the cover of Winterider gives off an incredibly weeby vibe, and to be honest the music does continue the weebiness as it plays. However, that’s the genius of the deception. Yes, the music is weeby....but it’s the good kind of weeby! From my understand, the music that Everfrost plays takes place in the world that the band created. As stated in an interview (See here), Benji Connelly always wanted to combine Heavy Metal with Japanese anime and manga influences, and the rest of the band seemed to go along with this as well. The end result are albums that are quite detailed in terms of story & characters, and are also immersive as well. It obvious that a lot of care is put into the story & characters, and while I have a tiny issue with one aspect of the story (More on that later), I enjoyed it overall!

Even if you’re not big into anime, manga, and Visual Kei, you are still getting a hefty Power Metal package! You got the keyboards that conjure all kinds of noise, you got the soaring guitars, you got the bass that adds personality to the music, and you got some fantastic vocals from main singer Mikael Salo & guitarist/vocalist Markis Laito. Both put in a lot of work with their voices, as Mikael stands pretty tall when he sings, while Markis is like the loyal friend that knows how to kick some ass when he needs to. All together, these five beautiful Finnish dudes have come together, and somehow.....someway, created audible anime. Either they made a deal with Otaku Satan, or they’re really that nerdy, I don’t know. All I know is that even without their source of inspiration front and center, it’s obvious that these guys bust their ass in making some pretty unique Power Metal. I’ll be repeating this by the end, but I sincerely hope that Everfrost get popular enough here in the states. There are plenty of metalheads & Otaku that would just devour each and ever single track, and grab as much merchandise as humanly possible.

Now before I talk about some of the songs, I’d just like to give a quick apology to the band. Everfrost, I know I've left comments on your Facebook page. Hell, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you’ve replied to my messages, and even put some of my stuff up front & center for people to see. However, I need to apologize because the first time I listened to your music, I was thinking to myself “This can’t work. This shouldn’t work. How does this work!?”. Upon realizing I was being a tad judgmental, I decided to take a step back, and assess the music in front of me. Almost immediately I came to the conclusion that sure, Power Metal mixed with anime & manga is completely natural! Hell, I had already been listening to such when I came across Battle Beast over 2 years ago thanks to their self-titled second album. Kicking myself for ever thinking this (Though I admit I still do just a tiny bit), I would just like to say......I’m sorry.

Picking the best song of Winterider was easy, and it has to go to Actraiser! All throughout the song there’s this sense of melancholy, and while it’s not overwhelming, it is easily felt, and creates a kind of tension as the song progresses. This is balanced out by how warm & fuzzy the track is at the same time. If I was to describe how I felt, I’d say that Actraiser is audio Shonen. The kind of song you’d hear in something like Naruto or Bleach, or maybe even Yu Yu Hakusho. We find that the main hero out of this little group of characters loses confidence with himself & his ability to protect his friends, but they don’t care. They’re with him, and they’re gonna stick it out no matter what. Sure that sounds stereotypical....but there’s something comforting about it at the same time. I like it!

Actraiser

So with all of the positivity out of the way, it’s time to get to the negative. Ironically enough, there actually isn’t all that much I can say about Winterider that’s bad. For starters, A Whisper In A Frozen Tale is the only song I’d say that isn’t good, but even then it’s only because of it’s running time. Seriously, 15 minutes!? Despite it’s running time, it’s actually constructed really well. A little jumbled in some small spots, but overall it’s crafted nicely. If the track had be lowered to 11 or 12 minutes, I probably wouldn’t have complained much.

A Whisper In A Frozen Tale

No, my biggest issue with Winterider is that the whole thing....is an emotional gutpunch. To give it credit, it does earn said gutpunch. Where as Blue Eyed Emotion (Their prior album) took a sledgehammer to your head & stomach in terms of emotional impact practically right off the bat, Winterider at least gives you a cushion to fall on after you’ve been punched in the feels. I will fully admit that I like a lot of my stories to have a happy ending, and given the nature of some of the tracks, I see why some listeners would expect this to happen. However, I listened to Winterider first rather than second, as the events that took place on the first release kind of reveal what was going to happen. Still, I will give Everfrost credit, and say that they softened the blow for listeners of this record. I only hope that the third release is a considerably happier affair than what came before it.

Winterider easily gets a 9 out of 10. I was close to giving it a perfect rating (Really close if I’m being honest), but those two things kept me from doing so. Still, I highly recommend this record to any metalhead who travels down the Otaku path like myself, and even if you’re just a Power Metal fan (Or fan of metal in general), it’s still one to seek out!

Well, everyone, this was my final post of 2019. I wanted to end it all on a surprise, and I hope that it was surprising for all of you. As for Everfrost, I just want to say thank you. Many bands have surprised me, and many bands have gotten me to turn around after some thinking....but you have managed to do both at the same time really quick, and because of that you’ve earned yourself quite the rabid fan! I sincerely hope you make it to the United States soon, cause I would like to shake your hand & buy as much merchandise as humanly possible.

Actually, I do have one last post I need to get up. It’s for a friend. Regardless, stay warm, stay safe, and always have the right people around you. Life is so much more easier when you have the right friends, and the right kind of family.


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If you’re curious about this hidden gem of a band, right below are links to their albums & their websites. Enjoy!

Blue Eyed Emotion: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k9EudCouSneglNeimIaR_CiZkhWpU7kVM

Winterider: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mtMX3ZoCnbFHYAjB5Az0lyGynkTARscTk

Everfrost Website: https://www.everfrostband.com/

Everfrost Bandcamp: https://everfrostfinland.bandcamp.com/

Everfrost Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/tailsthefox241194

Also, I’ll be taking a look at Blue Eyed Emotion next December for it’s 5th anniversary. I definitely have some opinions on it......that’s for sure!

The Top 10 Albums Of The 2010s

Hey fellow Otaku & Metalheads.

With the 2010s ending in just a few weeks, I though I’d make one last list and talk about what I think are the best albums of the decade. The 2010s were a great year for Heavy Metal, with legends putting out some of their best material ever, and newer groups planting a firm flag into metal’s bosom, claiming a piece for their own. Some of the choices might seem strange at first, but trust me when I say that I’ll explain my picks as best as I can. That said, here are the 10 best albums of the 2010s!

2010) Ozzy Osbourne - Scream (Song)

Let’s start off this list with a classic staple. Ironically I was close to putting the Scorpion’s release in 2010 here instead, but I confess I never listened to it, so instead I’m giving it to the Prince of Darkness instead! I do admit that my love for Ozzy goes all over the place: some days I like his older & rawer music, and other days I enjoy his more commercially accessible work. Scream definitely is more accessible, and the hooks & riffs can be considered commercial at times, but I’ll bet a bunch of you younger Ozzy Osbourne fans like his newer material. It also doesn’t help the fact that after nearly a decade, he’s gracing the public with an all new record next month supposedly. Praise Ozzy!
                   
2011) Iron Savior - The Landing (Song)

A bit of an oddity on this list to be sure, but I think it earns it’s spot. The 6th release from one of Germany’s hottest Power Metal acts, The Landing is what I want from the style most of the time: hokey, goofy, cheesy, and most importantly lots of feel good vibes throughout the listening experience. There are times were I don’t mind my Power Metal to have a serious bent to it, but more often than not I want to be laughing and smiling (and maybe crying just a tiny bit) as this style of metal is playing. Speaking of a serious bent.....

2012) Sabaton - Carolus Rex (Song) & Devin Townsend - Epicloud (Song A/Song B)

True story: I had known about Sabaton as far back as 2010, and even listened to them on & off for a few years, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I became a dedicated fan (Hint Hint). In the case of 2012's ode to Sweden by the name of Carolus Rex, I’ve only owned it since 2017 after I got it from seeing my first Sabaton show.....and that’s certainly a mistake on my part! Though I still stand by the fact that it’s my least favorite out of their entire discography, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it, nor does it mean that I don’t understand why fans of the band enjoy it so much. Power Metal to a certain degree always had some trouble really sticking here in America, but when this tribute to one of Sweden’s most powerful rulers came out, plenty of people in my country devoured it like candy from a holiday stocking. It might not be an album I actively seek out when I’m in the mood for Sabaton, but it’s always there when necessary. On the other hand.....

One record I always go for is HevyDevy’s monolith, Epicloud! I had known about Devin Townsend since his SYL days, but it wasn’t until 2012 where it really clicked for me. For a long time I thought that Devin was a bit pretentious, and I can easily understand why newcomers would think this. However, that’s an incredible disservice to this man & his musical talents, as his imagination is constantly shown off in some of the most beautiful music created in the early part of this decade! Simultaneously heavy & emotional, there’s never been a guy that could be brutal with instrumentation, but have meaningful and touching lyrics. It’s all thanks to Epicloud that HevyDevy gained me as a fan, and maybe it’ll do the same for all of you!

2013) Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam (Song)

Opinions are gonna vary among Ghost fans as to what is the best release of the band. Some would say Opus Eponymous, others Meliora, and there’s probably some that go for Prequelle from 2018. For me, I’m in the camp that says Infestissumam is the best thing that’s been put out by the spooky band. Release a few years before Tobias Forge’s ego seemed to spiral out of control, Infestissumam is an album that’s equal parts creepy, scary, cerebral, and somehow fun at the same time. From the sinister nature of Year Zero, to the notes of Secular Haze that just worm into your brain, this record will put you into the cult of Ghost, and you’ll be a nameless ghoul in no time!

2014) Septicflesh - Titan (Song)

Out of everything that came out this decade, Septicflesh’s 3rd entry in the realm of Symphonic Death Metal is an album that impacted me a lot. Despite not being a massive fan of the genre, the first couple singles & eventually the full album helped me open up my eyes as to why people like the style. Titan, at least for me, is a perfect balance between the wonderfully done symphony elements, and the absolutely brutal Death Metal. Coincidentally I never actually bought it upon it’s original release, but instead nearly 2 years after it’s release in March of 2016. Still, if there was ever a gateway into the realm of Septicflesh, or Death Metal for that matter......it’s Titan.       

2015) Motörhead - Bad Magic (Song)

I don’t think it would have been right to leave off one of the absolute legends of Heavy Metal off this list. Despite it not doing anything really different from their 2013 album Aftershock, it may very well be one of the most consistent records Motörhead in terms of quality. Hard Rock, Blues, Punk, and Heavy Metal. Each of those flavors of music can be found on this release, and coupled with the health scares that Lemmy was going through before & after Bad Magic was released, it made the music that much stronger. It’s a shame that he passed away right at the end of 2015, but before he did, the old geezer showed us one final time that he & his band of metallic misfits will always be around.

2016) Sabaton - The Last Stand (Song)

Part of me didn’t want to put a band on this list twice, but at the same time I couldn’t help myself. The Last Stand wasn’t just the first Sabaton album I ever owned....it was the first time that things ever clicked for me about this band. Like I said earlier, I knew about this guys all the way back in 2010, but didn’t really get into their discography until 2016 due to the simple fact that I couldn’t comprehend how historical warfare and Power Metal could ever get along. Then the first 3 singles for the album came out, and for whatever reason they just worked for me. When the last single was released, that when I knew that I found something special. Since then, The Last Stand is one of my go-to Sabaton albums for when I want a pick me up, and I look forward to the day where my kids (If I have any) can sit down & listen to this with me.
       
2017) Kreator - Gods Of Violence (Song)

Hordes of Chaos charted at no. 165 on the Billboard 200. Phantom Antichrist made it to number 130. Gods of Violence? It is Kreator’s highest charting album here in the United States, reaching no. 118 on the Billboard 200. That is one of the reasons it made it onto this list, but the other reason is like many of the other albums on this list: it made a huge impact on me! I was always a huge Thrash fan before I discovered one of the cornerstones of German Thrash Metal, but was always a little hesitant to dip my toes into the water (German Thrash always seemed more aggressive for my tastes). Low & behold, I loved it from the first few notes of the first song. Hell, I loved the singles when they came out seemingly immediately! Given that it came out mere weeks after we elected what may very well be the worst president in my country’s history, Gods Of Violence unintentionally became the best protest album of 2017. So, to Millie Petrozza & the rest of the Kreator crew, I salute you!

2018) Judas Priest - Firepower (Song)

2018 seemed like a kick in the pants for Judas Priest. Nostradamus from 2008 was seemingly hated by many fans of the band (Excluding myself), and while Redeemer of Souls from 2014 was a big improvement in many aspects, there were some that still didn’t seem to love it. Well, those people absolutely blown away by Firepower! Scrapping the Fantasy/Power Metal like nature of the previous two albums, this release seemed to return the band to their Hard Rock/Heavy Metal roots. Thunderous, anthemic, and most importantly.......HEAVY! Even Rob Halford’s voice goes back to that classic screech he’s so famous for on older works on many of Firepower’s songs, despite maintaining his more modern baritone in other tracks. Despite issues with the band leading up to the release, Firepower is just another feather in the cap of a household name in the world of Heavy Metal.

2019) Rammstein - Rammstein (Song) & Everfrost - Winterider (Song)

So we’ve reached the end of the decade. The 2010s, once again, were a great decade for Heavy Metal, but 2019 may have had some of the best releases of the entire time. There were a ton of choices to pick from this year, but I wanted to be a little different than some, and give some love to the old guard & the new guard. For starters, let’s talk about one of the biggest comebacks in the world of metal with what may very well be Rammstein’s final release. I stated it back when I updated the overview, and I said it a few days ago, but I’m going to say it again: listening to this album felt like meeting an old friend you haven’t seen in a decade. An old friend who’s changed a lot, and in all the right ways. Everything that these Teutonic titans have done in the over 2 decades of experience have been sharped to a fine edge, and in the process have crafted what is most likely the best thing they’ve ever done. No song seems low quality, the production is phenomenal, and the whole package is enjoyable! I can’t say anything more, other than to listen to this industrial gem.

And then there’s the new guard, and what a curious case these Finnish fellows are! If you were to tell me a year ago that there was a Power Metal that was inspired by Anime & Manga, I would have laughed hysterically. Fast forward to 2019, and I’m not laughing at all! Ironically, I sorta had a similar situation with Everfrost like I did with Sabaton: I simply could not believe this combo worked.....but it did! Winterider is literarily from top to bottom songs you can put in just about any anime, and it would work! There’s happy songs on here, sad songs on here, and then there’s songs that just take a sledgehammer right to the feels! This really was a surprise for me, and I think it was for anybody that discovered this album. It might be hard to track as far as a physical copy is concerned, but I’m not joking when I say that this is one of the most essential metal albums for Otaku & Metalheads all over the world!

And that’s what I thought the best albums of the 2010s were. A diverse list to be sure, but one that’s filled with something for everybody. I can only hope that the 2020s still keep the light of Heavy Metal alight, but until then I still have one more treat in store. See you all really soon.

The Top 5 Albums of 2019

December marches on fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

I have to laugh at this list. Unlike what I did for 2018's album ranking, this year was actually pretty damn easy! In fact, some of the records on this list were actually announced the year before, and automatically made their way onto here. A couple others throughout 2019 also arrived onto this list, and it made my work much simpler this time around. About the only amount of work I needed to do was figuring out how to order them. So with that said, here are my top 5 albums of 2019. Enjoy!

5) Musmahhu - Reign of the Odius (Song) & Waldgeflüster - Mondscheinsonaten (Song)

We start off this list with a pretty new Death Metal monster. Despite actually being just one guy, the melodic Musmahhu put out an EP last year (Which you can listen to here), and then the real first course came out literally at the start of the year (The 11th of January, if I’m correct). From the first few notes of the beginning track, I knew I was in for a ride.....and a ride I got! It’s always great to hear solo artists come up with great music, and Musmahhu definitely does. The more I discover people/bands who know what the hell they’re doing, I’m liking Death Metal & Black Metal more and more. Speaking of which......

There’s also Waldgeflüster, another band I’m glad I discovered! Taking the normally ugly & heavy style of Black Metal, and somehow making it beautiful, these Germanic wizards continue to surprise any who listen. Their release this past April is no exception: though their previous release was the first I sat down & listened to, the first single off of this album got stuck in my brain, and in turn convinced me to pursue this release. Upon my first listen, it helped me realize that Black Metal can be a little more versatile than I once thought. It’s amazing at how emotional Mondscheinsonaten was, and I recommend it to anyone who wants something more with their Black Metal.

4) Korn - The Nothing (Song)

The most relatively recent album on this list (It came out near mid September on the 13th), I had actually forgotten about it for a bit, till 2 weeks after the release of the album’s first single. I loved the hell out of it, and then the 2nd single came out, and that was pretty damn good too. Finally, the album came out, and I can say that it was worth the wait. In a way, The Nothing is perhaps the rawest & most personal record of Korn’s career, what with the agony of frontman Johnathan Davis seeping into every single track. This isn’t a record that’ll help you find your happy place, although to be fair none of the band’s releases are. Still, this is one time that the number 13 isn’t bad luck, and The Nothing easily kills that myth.

3) Devin Townsend - Empath (Song A/Song B)

At this point, categorizing Devin Townsend into a single musical style seems silly. Though his roots will always sprout from the Progressive Metal tree, he has seemingly branched out into just about everything one can think of. Transcendence from 2016 was certainly spectacular & one of the best releases that year, but Empath might have actually managed to surpass it. The first time in ages he released a record under his own name, Empath can be best described as a musical & emotional rainbow. So many different styles, and so many ways to feel while you listen. If you want you metal more on the awe-inspring/third-eye opening/illuminating side of things, then you need to get this!

2) Beast In Black - From Hell With Love (Song) & Sabaton - The Great War (Song) & Everfrost - Winterider (Song) & Hammerfall - Dominion (Song)

This year, we got 3 significant Power Metal releases. Battle Beast’s 5th CD (Despite it’s issues), Sabaton’s 9th, and relative new comers Beast In Black with their 2nd smash success, From Hell With Love. Taking the title of cheesiest Power Metal band away from his former compatriots, Anton Kabanen assembled a band that proved to be even stronger, even more beastly, even more 80s, and even more geeky than his prior group. Berserker proved to be a fantastic starting record, but it’s From Hell With Love that completely gives them the title of “Beast”! From the opening notes of Cry For A Hero, and to the concluding beats of No Surrender (Not to mention the two fantastic bonus cover tracks on the special edition), it’s obvious that this new band is what BB should still be. This was one of the albums I was considering to be no. 1, but there was one that absolutely floored everybody on here. Regardless, From Hell With Love is a massively happy treat, and it’s one you should indulge in!

And then of course there’s the Sabaton release, The Great War. Being announced the day after April Fools, fans thought it was a belated joke....then it turned out it wasn’t. The previews/singles then showed up, and they got people pumped. Finally the album came out this past July, and.....as usual, Sabaton delivered! Despite it’s considerably darker nature, this is one of the best albums of the year. As usual they continue to try new things with their music, and the end result is nothing but genius. Like Beast In Black’s second offering, I was considering having The Great War be the number one album of 2019, but as with From Hell With Love......something else managed to get past it.

Oh wait.....there’s one more! Out of everything that came out this year (Or for that matter, maybe even this decade), nothing has surprised me much like this release. On the cover it looks like it’ll just be some highly weeby music, said weebiness hides what it actually some incredible Power Metal. Yes, the album has lots of anime & manga inspiration, but it works on Winterider incredibly well. This isn’t an album that you can just listen to once: you actually got to get a few sessions with it to understand how incredible it genuinely is. It might get a bit heavy towards the end emotionally, but it somehow earns that emotional gut punch. To be genuinely honest I almost considered dethroning my no. 1 spot with Winterider, but in a weird way I couldn’t. Still, this second masterpiece of weeby (In a good way) Power Metal from one of Finland’s newest stars is one I would recommend to any Otaku who wants to get into metal!

I think that’s.......crap, we got one last one, and for real this time! I had the privilege of going to one of the final shows of Sabaton’s tour here in the United States. Coming along for the ride were the equally iconic Hammerfall, who I actually didn’t fallow beforehand (Despite being a huge Power Metal fan). That all changed once I got my hands on their 11 album, Dominion.....and I’m sure glad I did! From top to bottom this album is Power Metal of the highest degree, but with a nice dose of Hard Rock thrown into the mix, and the end result might be one of the rawest records within the genre. I’m definitely a fan of Hammerfall now, and it’s all thanks to number 11.

Now before I talk about my number one album of 2019, I wanted to briefly speak about some honorable mentions. The two releases that have taken these spots this year couldn’t be further apart in terms of quality & style, but they still stood out enough that they deserved to at least be commented on. So let’s see the honorable mentions of 2019!

HM1) A Pale Horse Named Death - When The World Becomes Undone (Song)

I didn’t want to put this album here. I really didn’t. When I found out that the spiritual successor to Type-O Negative was finally getting a 3rd album out close to 6 years after the last one, I jumped out of my seat! Then the album finally came out, and kind of like Paradise Lost’s 2017 album Medusa, I sort of got what I wanted. A Pale Horse Named Death definitely called upon the gothic energies of one of the greatest bands in the world with their first two records, but When The World Becomes Undone doesn’t use said energy quite as much. This release almost feels like a Grunge band experimenting with Gothic Metal, rather than a full-blown GM band. In theory this isn’t a bad thing, but APHND are Gothic first & foremost. Regardless, When The World Becomes Undone is most definitely enjoyable, but it’s not as strong as what the band’s first 2 releases were.

HM2) Battle Beast - No More Hollywood Endings (Song)

If I didn’t want to put the above mentioned album in my honorable mentions section, then there was no other place for this record but here. I stated it back when I updated the overview in March (Which you can read here), and I’m stating it here: Battle Beast finally sold out. There’s hardly any drive, any punch, any power, and most certainly, there really isn’t any beast on this record (Said beast has now been claimed by their more recent superiors). All that hope & excitement built up, only to almost immediately be demolished. That said, the few remnants of their older selves are most certainly the highpoints, and for that reason alone No More Hollywood Endings barely makes it onto this list.

1) Rammstein - Rammstein (Song)

There were plenty of albums in 2019 that were really anticipated. Empath, The Great War, you name it. However, I don’t think there was an album in 2019 that was quite as hyped up as Rammstein’s long awaited 7th studio album. Having waited for nearly a decade since their last record, you can be sure that fans were expecting Industrial Metal of the highest quality, and Rammstein easily delivered! Having 2+ decades of experience under their belt, the band created what is mostly likely to be their swan song, but it’s a powerful, loud, and Industrial swan song! I stated it in the update to my overview of the band (Which you can read here), but every damn track is top notch, and it felt like meeting an old friend after years of not seeing & hearing from them. If there was one album that deserved to take the no. 1 spot, it’s definitely this one.

And those were my top 5 albums of 2019. Again, this list was pretty easy to make in comparison to what I did in 2018.....Maybe more so than the lists from 2017 & before. Every album on here (With maybe the exception of No More Hollywood Endings) is worth listening to at the very least, or buying if you’re really into their singles. So with that said, It’s time to post up some holiday goodies, so I’ll see you all soon!



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If you’d like to look at what I thought the best albums were of last year, check out the link below:

Top 5 Albums of 2018

The Top 5 Movies of 2019

Welcome back fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

With my games of the year list released a few days ago, you know what time it is. It’s time to talk about what I think the best movies of 2019 are, and this year is strange indeed. No, it’s not going to be like my top 5 albums list from last year, but the choices I’ve picked are.....surprising to a certain degree. Some you’re not going to be surprised at, while others definitely will be. With that out of the way, here are my top 5 movies of 2019!

5) Aquaman (Trailer) & Bumblebee (Trailer)

Kinda like Dusk from my games list of this year, I’m starting off with two films that came out in 2018, and watched last year (Technically, I watched one last year, and the other in January this year). Both were an absolute blast to see. In the case of Aquaman, we got another one of the terribly few live action DC movies that was fun from beginning to end. Jason Momoa chewed up scenery in every single moment he was given, the rest of the cast was great, and unlike the forced morally grey Superman movies, this one knew how to be both fun & serious.

In Bumblebee’s case, we got what is perhaps the best of the Transformer movies. With Michael Bay nowhere near this movie, and Steven Spielberg instead taking the reigns as Executive Producer, not to mention a new director & writer. There is not a single trace of what plagued the previous 5 movies (Even though I apologize for some of them), and in place is a surprising amount of heart. The explosions were still there, the scenes that had them were earned.

In the end, it was great seeing the both of these, and if you haven’t for any reason....check them out!

4) Spiderman: Far From Home (Trailer)

I had an absolute blast of a time watching this movie! If the 1st after-credit scene didn’t bug me (Along with something else I can’t remember), I might have actually placed Tom Holland’s second time as Peter Parker a little higher on this list. Despite that little dent in the armor, Far From Home might actually have been better than Homecoming from 2017. The scale seemed grander, the emotions a little stronger, and even the acting seemed to have a little more oomph behind it. It’s a shame that we might not be getting any more good Spiderman movies due to Sony & Disney’s issues, but at least we got this one to fill the void.

3) The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (Trailer)

There was, for a brief time, that The Lego Movie 2 was going to be at the no 1 spot. I loved the original film, Lego Batman was hilarious, and Ninjago was weak but still entertaining. With the Second Part, there were a couple things I didn’t think were as good. Some of the jokes weren’t as strong, things were a little more predictable, and there were musical parts.....I’m not fond of musicals. It’s a genuine shame that I’m putting this movie here, as I love the original Lego Movie just as much! For as flawed as it can be, The Second Part has far more good than bad. It still feels like my Lego collection came to life, I still laughed at lot, the characters are still engaging, and overall I didn’t feel like my time was wasted. If the movie at the number 1 spot showed up later in the year, The Second Part may have very well taken it. However, due to it’s issues, not to mention how massive the next film is, The Second Piece gets set here.

2) Avengers: Endgame (Trailer)

For basically a decade, my generation (Along with prior & newer generations) has grown up alongside the films of the Marvel Universe. For a decade, we’ve grown up alongside Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and embraced them as pop culture icons & heroes we wish were real. Endgame brings together past, present, and future in one film. Everything I didn’t like about Infinity War (Which was little but major) was completely gone, and for 3 hours I was getting hit in the head with the nostalgia hammer in all the right ways. Hell, I even cried a little cause of how hard the film was tugging at the heart strings. If there was one movie in 2019 you shouldn’t skip, it is without a doubt Endgame.....although there was one other that managed to take the number one spot....and you won’t be surprised by what it was.

Now before I talk about my number one movie of 2019, I wanted to briefly speak about some honorable mentions. The two titles that have taken these spots this year couldn’t be more different. One’s a movie, and the other isn’t. They’re both flawed in some ways, but I don’t think they’re abominations. With that out of the way, here are my honorable mentions of 2019.

HM1) Men In Black: International (Trailer)

“Meh” is the best word to describe this movie. When I first saw the trailer, I was simultaneously glad to see that we’d be returning to the world of Men In Black, but at the same time I didn’t feel compelled to go see it. Come Father’s Day this year, and we took my Dad to see it, and me & my folks basically all had the same reaction. It wasn’t offensive by any stretch, as some of the jokes got us to chuckle, and the more recognizable cast members certainly did a nice job. On the other hand, I don’t have an urge to ever see it again (Unless it eventually comes to TV), and it’s nowhere near as stuck in my head as the prior 3 film are. Certainly not an offensive movie, but it’s a rental at the very least.

HM2) Wrestlemania 35 (Video)

Kinda like Evolution from last year (See my review here), plenty of fans were surprised by Wrestlemania 35. Despite it’s numerous issues, there was plenty to enjoy. The spectacle was big as usual, the wrestling was great for the most part, and the right people won in a majority of the matches. Though the issues it had were rather obvious, the things that were good kept the whole show afloat. It’s not one of the network era wrestlemania events I’d recommend, but give it a watch if you’re curious.

1) A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (Trailer)

Like I said earlier, Endgame was number 1 for a huge chunk of the year. It hit hard in a lot of ways, and managed to eclipse Titanic miraculously enough. However, I would be hard pressed to say that Tom Hanks’s take on perhaps the most beloved children’s icon of all time took more precedent. Ironically enough, the movie is very deceptive, as it’s not a documentary on Mr Rogers (That was done last year). Instead, it’s actually a redemption story of sorts, and Mr Rogers is there to help. Based on a true story, it’s obvious that a lot of respect went into the writing and characters, and it shows. Given how awful 2019 was in places, it’s nice to know that the neighborhood is still open to everyone who wants to pay a visit.

And those were my top 5 movies of 2019. Definitely a fun bunch of films, each of which have something for everybody. I only have 3 posts left, so stay tuned.....and stay warm!


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If you’d like to look at what I thought the best movies were of last year, check out the link below:

Top 5 Movies of 2018

Also, if you want to read my review on Wrestlemania 35, click on the link below:

Wrestlemania 35 (Review)

The Top 5 Games of 2019

December is here fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

I always look forward to this time of year. The tree, the snow, and just the more lighthearted attitude of the month. This month also let’s me reflect on the games I played, the movies I saw, and most importantly the music I listened to. As I’ve been doing since 2014, I’ll be showing off the top 5 best of each list (Not to mention some Honorable Mentions, which I introduced in 2015 across all my lists), and suffice it to say, I got some surprises this year. With that said, here are my top 5 games of 2019. Let’s play!

5) Dusk (Trailer)

We start off this list with a game that technically came out last year (December 10th to be exact), but I managed to finally play in 2019, and holy crap was this fun! In recent years there been a revival of old-school FPS games. 2016 had Duke’s tour around the world & the return of the Doom Marine, and last year we got this little gem. It’s absolutely incredible as just how much was made with an engine normally used with cheap B-rated horror games released on Steam, yet it doesn’t feel cheap in any way. The nostalgia factor is pretty incredible too, as it doesn’t rely on the player’s prior experience. Dusk opts for a more natural approach to 90s FPS nostalgia, and it’s because of that approach that the game has been rated so high among gamers. If you need a blast from the past, or if you’re not familiar with FPS games in the classic style, Dusk will certainly be worthy of your time.

4) Amid Evil (Trailer)

If Dusk was an homage to Quake & Blood, then Amid Evil is an homage to Heretic & Hexen (Minus the horrendous switch puzzles in Hexen). Coincidentally released by the same studio that did Dusk (New Blood Interactive, with Andrew Hershult returning to do the soundtrack), Amid Evil is further proof that the old-school FPS formula is still a valid gaming style even in this age, and is welcomed by anyone who’s even remotely interested in it. Perhaps even a faster experience than what’s at no. 5, Amid Evil has some of the most breathtaking levels, atmospheric music, wild weapons, and colorful enemies & bosses that I’ve ever seen in this decade. If you wanted to play Dusk but in a fantasy setting, then Amid Evil is the game for you!

3) Ion Maiden/Fury (Trailer)

Even the spirit of Duke Nukem could not escape the nostalgia rebirth. 2013 gave us the Megaton Edition (Base game & 3 Packs, which can’t be bought anymore), 2016 had the World Tour Edition (Updated graphics & brand-new episode), and 2019 gave us the first game made with the Build engine in 20+ years in the form of Ion Fury (Originally Ion Maiden, but Iron Maiden blew a gasket). Dusk & Amid Evil definitely felt nostalgic, but Ion Fury really tug at my nostalgia strings. Fluid movement, stunning & fun levels, secrets that are a challenge to find, gameplay that’s equally fun, and voice work from John St. Jon as the main villain.....what’s not to love!? If there was one nostalgia-based FPS game you can’t miss, then Ion Fury is for you.

2) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (Trailer)

If I didn’t pull out so much hair, or suffered so many near heart attacks & adrenalin rushes, or almost ruined a few pairs of boxers......then Sekiro may have taken the no. 1 spot on this list. From Software’s newest game takes the Dark Souls formula, and chucks almost all of it out the window, leaving scraps of it that reinforce the new system introduced. Gone is the quasi singleplayer of the previously mentioned games, and instead is now purely single play (Forcing players to get good even more than before). Combat is now a cautious mix between offense & defense, stealth is encouraged when it’s required, resource gathering is even more important than before, and you have to be careful with how often you die. Despite this, I actually welcome all of these changes, as I find it incredibly refreshing. I don’t hide my love for Dark Souls 3, but I found Sekiro to be a strangely welcoming change despite continuing to play DS3 alongside it. Maybe it was the new formula that was put in, or the fact that the new world was fully Asian (Japanese to be specific), but I thought that it was cool that FromSoft could craft something completely new, yet still harkens back to their past. If you wanted a game that’ll make you grow hair on your chest, and toughen your skills as a FromSoft player, then Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is something to play.

Now before I talk about my number one game of 2019, I wanted to briefly speak about some honorable mentions. The two releases that have taken these spots this year are.....odd, to say the least. In terms of quality & style, they couldn’t be any different, yet they aren’t awful in the slightest......so let’s see the honorable mentions of 2019!

HM1) Borderlands 2 - Commander Lilith And The Fight For Sanctuary (Trailer)

I was genuinely shocked when I heard that Borderlands 2 was getting some free/not free (Depended on when you downloaded it) content nearly 7 years after it’s release. For a while it was just rumor, but then the news came out, and finally we got the DLC. It was a perfect excuse to traverse the Pandoran wasteland one last time before we traveled across the universe in search of the vaults. I don’t know how, but I found the story in this DLC to be perhaps the best thing that’s ever been written for Borderlands. I felt way more connected to the characters and story this time around more so than anything within Borderlands 2 or The Pre-Sequel........oh, and the guns are always a plus. My only gripe was that this took place after Tales From The Borderlands, and I never played that game. Regardless, if Amid Evil didn’t come out this year, then it would be entirely possible that Commander Lilith And The Fight For Sanctuary might have taken the no. 4 spot on this list. Still, this DLC was a lot of fun to play, and is a nice sendoff to one of the best FPS titles of the early 2010s.

HM2) Blood: Fresh Supply (Trailer)

Flawed. That’s the best way to describe this remaster/re-release from Night Dive Studios. News about a remaster of Blood had been circulating for a little bit, and the anticipation was pretty damn high. As one of the big 4 of the Build Engine fps games of the 90s (Duke Nukem 3d, Shadow Warrior, and Redneck Ramage are the others), it has a legendary reputation that’s still pretty strong even in the end of the 2010s. With Fresh Supply.......well, it’s not perfect. It had quite a number of issues upon it initial release, but just a week later Night Dive Studios released a patch that fixed some of the issues, and proved that they weren’t going to abandon it. That being said, I loved Fresh Supply! Compared to the One Whole Unit re-release from a few years ago, this was considerably smoother, faster, and despite it’s issues I felt incredibly engaged. Not only that, but this re-release included the Sunstorm Interactive made & produced expansion Cryptic Passage (Something that One Whole Unit didn’t have). With the patches it’s received, it’s considerably improved from it’s inaugural debut, but it’s that factor that prevents Fresh Supply from getting onto the main list....but it’s not a bad game in any way!

1) Resident Evil 2 Remake (Trailer)

Back in 2017, I fell in love with Resident Evil 7. It practically revitalized the franchise with it’s take on the world the older games established so long ago, yet added it’s own little bits here & there to create something new. RE7 was tense, scary, atmospheric, and filled with great combat & gameplay . Enter the remake of Resident Evil 2 (Which I got back in July)......and holy hell was it great! I never played the original version of RE2 back in 1998 (I’m almost always exclusively a PC player. More so back in the 90s & 2000s), so it was a real treat to basically experience it for my first time. Not only does it treat the history of Resident Evil with respect, it also encourages the player to go through it again thanks to the addition of a 2nd character. Said 2nd run also changes up certain aspects, making it not quite a 100% repeat of the 1st playthrough. If there was one game from 2019 to not miss, it’s this one.

And that was what I thought the top 5 games of 2019 were. A bit heavy on FPS titles, but this year treated that genre well. Sekiro & RE2 were the lone exception, but it was so good I couldn’t leave it off here. Join me in a few days, when I’ll be talking about the best movies of this year. Until then, game on everybody!




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If you’d like to look at what I thought the best games were of last year, check out the link below:

Top 5 Games of 2018