JOSE PALAFOX
Struggle, Swing Kids, Yaphet Kotto

This man is an extremely influential drummer for me. He's a complete madman. Full energy. Hits the shit outta his drums. Too excited to sit down a lot of the time. And he's usually screaming along with the lyrics, without a mic. Anyone who knows me...well yeah. Jose came to me at a pretty good age. I was finding myself more and more disassociated with being straight edge and the scene that came with it, and looking for aggressive music outside the realm of hardcore. Searching, a friend suggested the Swing Kids. It's a 9 song discography. One song is a cover of Joy Division's “Warsaw”. But it's a really good 9 songs. They killed it, but were short-lived. The guitarist would commit suicide, putting this band to rest as well. I would go on about his other projects, as they are all equally as good. Meeting him was an absolute pleasure, as anyone who saw Yaphet Kotto at the French Broad house could tell you. Quite an amazing show. But his drumming...listening...its just fucking bonk bonk. He makes an art out of muscle spasms with drumsticks. He knows how to play, and how to go completely crazy at the same time. I suggest anything he has done. Worship.
 Here are some reviews I did for the Nomadic Subject. Check em.

GHOST
Opus Eponymous

I love my friends, I really really do. But some of them are fucking assholes. Case in point. This record. I fucking love this record. I'm listening to it as I write this "review". Ive tried introducing this piece of awesome to many friends in different circles. One of my favorites was on the road after a night of partying after we played a show. I was pumped on the record, and thought my friends would share in its sheer metal sincerity of pure rock and cheese. The lyrics are all about Satan and doing biddings for him. But its sooooo poppy. Its as if Blue Oyster Cult had it out with King Diamond, with some Priest influence in there. 30 seconds into putting it on, I was heckled of my lack in musical taste and why would have I ever thought said friends would love this record. I changed the Ipod quickly for the whining to the right and back of me was a little too much for my hangover to try to comprehend. Fine I don't know anything about music. I'll live with that.

So fast forward 5 months, back in the van on the way to a show. We arrive at the club and like, as soon as we get through the frickin door, this album comes on. So stoked! Oh but what of my friends who hated this record just a few months ago? This time they are actually listening to it, kinda diggin it. I went up to them and explained that this was Ghost, and they all said "from Japan?". Sure I said sarcastically. No, these guys are from some place in Europe that doesn't have sunshine for about 2 months a year. Should explain their look. But then I began to explain the experience mentioned above. They had no recollection of hearing this record. Maybe it was the stereo quality, or the fact that our hangovers were so raging. But I explained how for 30 seconds of their melched out minds that I had tried to get them into this band. Now they weren't terribly into it, but they didn't whine either. I think they began to understand what I was trying to have them pick up on, and this time it was registering. So where do i go from here? I feel good. I win. Kiss my ass. Stuff like that.



On on less bitter note, I have met one man who loves this record as much as I. Matt Casteel and Tony Plichta's wedding will be on the Ides of March, 2012. Dustin Gingrow will be the master of ceremonies. And yes, it is a Ghost themed wedding. Bring offerings.



These aren't the Floyd's you're looking for.
GOATSNAKE

Pfffhtt. If you dont know you just dont. This band is an incarnation of four dudes all from other totally rad bands playing in a band that is influenced by Black Sabbath. Ok, so at first its not so original sounding by description. But then I think of all the narcs out there trying to give penance and failing miserably. But when you have two members of the Obsessed, Pete Stahl on vocals, and Greg Anderson of SUNN fame, I think you got a little more to dip your nuts into. It's fucking mindblowing. They are loud as fucking dick, and Black Sabbath would be a proud father by all means. But dont take my word for it, just lay back and accept the grease....


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