Wednesday, 6 May 2015
A Metalhead lost in a sea of politics.
Anybody that knows me knows that I am a very lazy person.
Lazy, something of an asshole at times
and a bit of a loudmouth pisshead too. That’s fine, I can live with who I am.
But in the last few weeks, I have been the most passionate, the most driven and
the most excited about something than I have ever been. I would like to explain
why.
It was teaching Media in 2010 that started me thinking about
things. Understanding bias and seeing the difference between truth and spin has
always been something that has interested me. A good friend of mine often loves
to send me wild conspiracy theories, and sometimes its fun to find the original
sources and rebuke them.
I remember seeing a news article about climate change and
its possible ability to cause long term damage. I found it truly difficult to
find any kind of realistic source to rebuke it.
It was around about this time that a news article came out
that said that 85 people had as much wealth as the poorest half of the planet.
I have never been wilfully naïve, I have always known that the world is a
vastly unjust place on the whole, and the fact that this news wasn’t surprising
was what shocked me the most. I decided, a good two years ago now to start
buying New Scientist. I don’t see spin in this magazine, I see factual basis
and scientific anaylsis. When they touched on the link between inequality and
climate change, I saw the dots connect just as the scientific community already
had.
I have never been a fan of politics or politicians. Despised
it for a long time, and I still do. Difficult to find myself being involved in
it, I once thought. The link between the climate change problem and the
inequality problem is an issue bigger than simple politics. It angered me, It
made me more interested in the social deprivation being dolled out onto my own
country and people. I wondered, what can I do, as one person? Just sharing
articles on Facebook isn’t enough. Just being on twitter and doing the same, sharing
information with strangers, isn’t enough.
The damage that’s been done in the last five years has been
surmountable. I have seen true stories of disabled people kicked out their homes,
suicides due to welfare reforms, the poorest and most vunerable in society being
hit by the harshest of sanctions and cuts. I have seen public services ravaged
and turned into private businesses. The privatisation of the railways when Maggie
was in was nothing compared to the rampant destruction that has been caused in
the last 5,even 10 years. All of it is in the name of economic growth and the ideology
of trickle down economics. Make the rich richer, and it will flow down the rest
of us. This doesn’t work, and hasn’t worked. Scientific studies, Reports,
surveys, and research has been done that proves this to be the case. Capitalism
isn’t inherently evil, but when its allowed to be completely unregulated as it
has, we see the wreck it leaves behind.
It was as clear to me now as it was then, something needs to
change and we can only change a system that’s broken by fixing it en masse.
Revolution, of course, was the topic of a lot of media, made pliable by the
irksome, marmite character of Russell Brand.
We have to thank for him for bringing ideas of social
justice and change into the public consciousness. No matter whether you like or
loathe him, his presence HAS been effective for the better. Ridiculous really
considering his recent about turn, but no less true.
How can we change the system? Without pulling it down with
firebombs and riots? Reverse the power and influence this richest 0.01% have?
I researched the current political parties. I didn’t want
to, but figured it was an obvious choice. When I got to the Greens, it became
clear they offered something different. I didn’t know how different at first,
and ill get to that.
I joined a year ago now. When I first joined I had barely
any money to scrape together but felt like I wanted to make a point, it was
summer 2014. A few weeks after joining and going to a meeting, it became clear,
and no disrespect to any member, it was something much smaller than I expected.
A bunch of good friends, campaigning on local issues.
I had met Terry white a few times. We were at a party for the
Eurovision song contest, we often do them. I told him to join the Greens, he
had a political background, and I suggested it would be good for them and for
him, a point for him to rally behind. He joined, and became the candidate, and
the rest leads me to the point when the manifesto was launched.
That Manifesto for the Green party….I don’t see this as a
political manifesto in the same way that the other parties do things. If you
look, at this 84 page document, there are changes in almost every aspect of
human life that would benefit us for the long term, reduce inequality and ensure
climate change is kept at bay. Its like all the social justice movements of the
last couple of years have been connected together and joined together under one
name.
In education, members have picked policies from the best
education system in the world. In health, they have looked at research on every
topic needed to ensure it makes our health service the strongest it can be. In Travel,
they aim to invest into public services to eventually, longterm, have less cars
on the road, reduce our carbon footprint. In Economy, they wish to make banks
more accountable, stop them being able to create their own money, another
research based policy chosen by members. That’s just a few examples. When I joined,
I never thought id end up voting on policy at a conference, and I did. Any
member can submit a change in a policy and as long as its voted in, it becomes
actual policy. That’s real people power.
We have seen a massive uprising across the world in global consciousness,
I never realised how linked it all was. I was spurred on further when I saw how
Syriza took Greece, and how Podemos have risen in Spain. There is a clear
people power movement being built across the world. When I read this document,
it became clear to me this was the only logical answer to the issues we face
here in our own country and that this is part of this global movement.
Since this election period, I have worked my nuts off. I
have barely seen my wonderful, long suffering partner. I have worked everyday
at the school, sometimes under a lot of pressure due to the coursework, finished
at 5,gone out leafleting. I have leafleted, delivered posters,delivered
billboards, attended hustings events, ran the social media presence (risen
twitter from 400 to 1,290) and basically made sure as many people in our town
have seen or met their candidate Terry. Its been like doing two jobs..but its been amazing fun.
I have never seen myself so driven, so passionate and so
determined.
Politics is something we should all do. Not something that
should be thrust upon us.
By Voting Green, you are using the system you hate against
them. You are exercising the one small right they have given you, to take back
what is yours. True People power, True Democracy, True change.
And that is my view on this election. Take it or leave it, I am glad ive made a mark.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Lyrics - musings - Bits n Bobs
Revolution
Message Received loud and clear
We dont want change,we want fear
Why let us hope when its easier not
Whats the point if it goes against the plot
No more talking, lead us into action
No more lying, truth is gaining traction
Planet wide now we see a change
Consciousness in rearrange
Biocentrist
Is this all illusion of hive mind
Is this all made up by mankind
Is this all connected by the soul Is this all linked by some control
Collective awareness
Matter simply lossless
Chance is predetermined
Fate is part of dreaming
As a race we ask no questions
As a race we lack a direction
It's time to ignore our clocks
It's time to think outside the box
Reality is dawning
Mass effect of waking
Force of life surrounding
Mysterys unravelling
As a race we ask no questions
As a race we lack a direction
It's time to destroy the clocks
It's time to think outside the box
Time and space is all relative
Time to get Meditative.
Ancient Beast (not finished)
From the depths he rose
carrying vast tomes
laying waste in his path
bringing forth the aftermath
demon they shouted
beast was benevolent
knowledge was his aim
fear and violence overcame
Beauty of death (Poem)
The beauty of death is that its never really the end
Doesnt matter what you believe
Memories mean you live forever
Even if theres more to what we see and what we feel
The beauty of death is real.
Drag me to Hell
Spectral arms clasp my neck
Pulling and dragging
Spectral arms cant protect
Falling and forcing
Spectral demon bursts my eyes
Spectral demon cuts my time
What I did was worse than feared
What I did was beyond my tears
I deserve this graceful death
I deserve my final breath
I chose to cause pain, it was all my fault
I chose to judge and kill, by default
Spectral demons take me down
Spectral demons throw me around
Spectral demons righting wrongs
Spectral demons dont take too long
Sins to atone, truth be damned, curse on my soul, take my hand.
Vessels of Flesh
Energy Dictates form
Body vessel weathers storm
Function of space and void
Body vessel sadly devoid
Atom within the vessel of man
Atom makes matter not the plan
Corrosion of flesh, seperate from soul
Corrosion within, stress takes its toll
Release thyself from material desire
Release thyself from being higher
Flesh and bone is that alone
Pure energy is behind the cloak
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Academisation.
Today I taught a class that I can only describe as Feral.
In the last year, I have worked in over 20+ Schools within a 40 mile radius of Rugby as a cover/supply teacher. I have finally found a place I like, so i'm chuffed (And in this post I am not explicitly criticising my current place of work) .
When you turn a public service, such as a school or a hospital, into a business, there's something inherently lost. Perhaps its a duty of care towards its staff or kids, or perhaps its its beating heart or soul.
Whatever the case may be, so many of these Academies are suffering massive turnover of teaching staff. Unhappy with new demands placed upon them, or unhappy with the general attitude these new business led schools give towards them, or just generally angry, so they leave. This is not one school, but practically all of the ones I went into that were turned into Academies.
So what happens when kids are constantly having different teachers?
Inconsistency. Which then in turn, leads to Disinterest. Which in turn, leads to poor behaviour. Which in turn can’t be turned around, because good teachers go in and face this torrent of poor behaviour, and then leave. Vicious circle that seems to be worsening. But who suffers?
The Kids.
I actually find it extremely concerning, and consider the possibility of there being an entire lost generation of young people, I also think when they are older and they realise they were screwed over by the system, not their own ineptitude, you’re going to have a LOT of angry young people. The balance of power has shifted in two ways in our schools. The first, which is technically the most damaging is the transfer of the administration, from public to private, people power to capital power. The second, which is actually the more damaging to those on the frontlines is the transfer of power from the adults to the students. The more teachers leave, the more kids take control of the schools. This happens because when a teacher leaves the worst kids take it upon themselves to wear the responsibility for it as a badge of honour. Thus, good kids are left behind and the vicious circle continues.
In the last year, I have worked in over 20+ Schools within a 40 mile radius of Rugby as a cover/supply teacher. I have finally found a place I like, so i'm chuffed (And in this post I am not explicitly criticising my current place of work) .
However, Something I have noticed has to be discussed.
A lot of the schools I have worked in have been turned into Academies. And essentially, it means they are no longer ran by the local Council, for the benefit of the public and the kids, but ran by private businesses, who tend to own several schools. I even worked in one owned by the Carphone warehouse...
A lot of the schools I have worked in have been turned into Academies. And essentially, it means they are no longer ran by the local Council, for the benefit of the public and the kids, but ran by private businesses, who tend to own several schools. I even worked in one owned by the Carphone warehouse...
When you turn a public service, such as a school or a hospital, into a business, there's something inherently lost. Perhaps its a duty of care towards its staff or kids, or perhaps its its beating heart or soul.
Whatever the case may be, so many of these Academies are suffering massive turnover of teaching staff. Unhappy with new demands placed upon them, or unhappy with the general attitude these new business led schools give towards them, or just generally angry, so they leave. This is not one school, but practically all of the ones I went into that were turned into Academies.
So what happens when kids are constantly having different teachers?
Inconsistency. Which then in turn, leads to Disinterest. Which in turn, leads to poor behaviour. Which in turn can’t be turned around, because good teachers go in and face this torrent of poor behaviour, and then leave. Vicious circle that seems to be worsening. But who suffers?
The Kids.
I actually find it extremely concerning, and consider the possibility of there being an entire lost generation of young people, I also think when they are older and they realise they were screwed over by the system, not their own ineptitude, you’re going to have a LOT of angry young people. The balance of power has shifted in two ways in our schools. The first, which is technically the most damaging is the transfer of the administration, from public to private, people power to capital power. The second, which is actually the more damaging to those on the frontlines is the transfer of power from the adults to the students. The more teachers leave, the more kids take control of the schools. This happens because when a teacher leaves the worst kids take it upon themselves to wear the responsibility for it as a badge of honour. Thus, good kids are left behind and the vicious circle continues.
What is the solution to this? We have an election in May, and after reading up on the policies for schools for all the main parties this is what I’ve found on their official websites:
Labour - Want more qualified teachers, new directors of school standards for local areas, new vocational qualifications
Lib-Dem- Have a petition to stop privatising schools, with 70 signatures, and say they will increase spending into pupil premium
Lib-Dem- Have a petition to stop privatising schools, with 70 signatures, and say they will increase spending into pupil premium
Tory - Securing a good school for every child, ensuring Apprenticeships. Pro academy, pro free school
UKIP - Support free schools, bring back grammar schools, make Offsted sign a petition before they can visit a school, introduce apprenticeship qualification.
Green - Scrapping Offsted, turning all academies back to local council, revitalising the education system
UKIP - Support free schools, bring back grammar schools, make Offsted sign a petition before they can visit a school, introduce apprenticeship qualification.
Green - Scrapping Offsted, turning all academies back to local council, revitalising the education system
I consider the issue to be drastic, and I also think it needs to be fixed and soon before more kids are lost to this system. After a recent rise in profile, I think its obvious to me only Greens offer a solution in their manifesto, Labour seem keen to fix a broken system but make no mention of scrapping academies.
Things need to change, and quickly, before we lose the future generation to this desperate situation.
Sunday, 3 August 2014
I have decided it might be fun to try and compile a Comprehensive list of the bands ive actually seen live since i got into rock, this is to go along with my own memory,because i often forget who ive even seen, and just to see it written down in a long blog form. In the last 2 or 3 years i can probably cut it down a little because i actually have the tickets in a book for every band...but the festivals is where it gets hazy and i forget. I forget how many times ive seen certain bands too..But hey, i started making a list a few years ago (2001 i think), and deposited it into a notepad file..As far as i can see it includes Reading Festival 2001, Ozzfest 2002, and Download 2003 and everything in between.so heres that list:
hedpe x 2
papa roach x 2
staind
fear factory
queens of the stone age
boy hits car
system of a down x 3
marilyn manson
the cult
Eminem
Ill nino
machine head
american head charge x 2
in flames
one minute silence
slipknot
Autonomy
dillinger escape plan
pulse ultra
Black label society
Skindred
mad capsule markets
danko jones
cradle of filth
lost prophets
Slayer
kittie
Tool
Ozzy osbourne
Opeth
Arch enemy X 2
Withering surface
The Darkness
The Wildhearts
Alec empire
Eighties matchbox b-line disaster
Lightyear
36 crazyfists
Five pointe O
Killswitch Engage
Millionaire
Queens of the stone age
Dogs D'amour
Quireboys
Thunder
Alice Cooper
Tangaroa
Mistress x 3
JOR
The Great Deciever
Napalm Death
Little Hell
Amen X 2
The Haunted
Stampin ground X 2
December
Satyricon
Khold
Johnny Truant
27
ISIS
Madder mortem
Opeth
Zimmers hole
Devin Townsend band
Strapping young Lad
Dragon Force
3 Stages of Pain
Palehorse X 2
Chimaira
Reef
Sepultura
Funeral For A Friend
Ministry
Deftones X 2
Iron Maiden
Revolution smile
Insane Clown Posse
Beecher
Cult Of Luna
Dillinger Escape plan
Desecration
Abgott
Amputated
Funeral for a friend
Iron Maiden
Capricorns
DJ speedranch
Aeroegramme
ISIS
Mistress
Defiled
Cadaver
Mayhem
Opeth
Viking Skull
Akercocke
Burst
Ikara Colt
The International Noise Conspiracy
Cradle of Filth
Sum41
Powder
Breed 77
Turbonegro
Soulfly
The Black Dahila Murder
Machine Head
Slipknot
Slayer
Metallica
Cathedral
Broadzilla
Orange Goblin
Tokyo Dragons
Winnebago Deal
Textures x 2
Alchemist X 2
Cult of Luna x 2
Watain
Dissection
Arcturus
Enslaved
Grimfist
Red Harvest
Neurosis
Wow, now this list is old. this list ENDED in begining of 2004 by the looks of things, and it seems to have started in 2001 when i went to reading.so ive got a full list there up to download 2004 and just after starting in 2001. i can base this on tickets ive found. ill start the next bit from 2005 onwards
[b]2005[/b]
This is Download 05:
Queen Adreena
Fozzy
Lordi
Megadeth
Paradise lost
Napalm death
Mad capsule markets
Open hand
Anthrax
Lamb of God
Chimaira
In Flames
Black Sabbath
3 Inches of Blood
As I Lay dying
Killswitch Engage
Nightwish
Slayer
80s matchbox bline disaster
Funeral for a Friend
MC5
Therapy?
Motorhead
System Of a Down
[u]After and before download in 2005 i saw:[/u]
Edguy
Paradise Lost
Children Of Bodom
Black Sabbath (At Aylsbury with 1000 others)
Danzig
Megadeth
Mindless Self indulgence
Static-x (in florida)
Diamond Head X 2
Witchfynde
Bronz
Jaguar
Preying Mantis
Mastodon
Nine Inch Nails X 2
Opeth (again)
Akercocke
The Haunted
Electric Eel shock
The Answer
Tokyo Dragons
The Sound Explosion
Dragonforce
High on Fire
Winnebago Deal
Paradise Lost
Octavia Seperarti
Leaves eyes
Vader
Lost Soul
The Prodigy
Enslaved
Dio
Isis
Iron Maiden (at hammersmith)
[b]2006[/b]
At download 06 (according to a timetable i had created) memory serves this is who i saw that year:
Amplifier
Gojira
Strapping Young Lad
Clutch
Cathedral
Tool
Down
Satyricon
Arch Enemy
Opeth
Killing Joke
Metallica (think i watched killing joke instead but caught the end)
Zico Chain
In Flames
Lacuna Coil
Lordi
Sick of It all
Guns and Roses
Ok, so 2006 also had seperate gigs:
Paradise Lost
Anathema X 2
HIM
Cave In
Pelican
Zico chain
Whitesnake
Isis X 2
High On fire
Broadcast
Final
Una Corda
Thrones
Circulus
Cathedral
Electric Wizard X 2
Nebula
The Sword
Helloween
Stratovarius
Down
Church of Misery
Moho
Unearthly Trance
Ramesees
Soilwork
Keep of Kalessin
Insomnium
Satryicon
Mogwai
Abominable Iron Sloth
Gentlemans Pistols
Jecano
Cryptopsy
Aborted
Grave
Enslaved
Zyklon
Dismember
Entombed
Grave
Unleashed
Orange Goblin
Anathema
Wolverine
Motorhead
Clutch
[u]
2006 also included Wacken and Bloodstock:[/u]
Wacken:
Arch Enemy
Atheist
Celtic Frost
Children of bodom
Danko Jones
Emperor
Fear Factory
Gamma ray
Korpiklaani
legion of the damned
Ministry
Morbid Angel
Mortal Sin
Motörhead
Primal Fear
Rose Tattoo
Soilwork
Whitesnake
Wintersun
bloodstock 06:
Atheist
Metal Church
Edguy
Ensiferum
Bal Sagoth
Turisas
Callenish circle
Stratovarius
Gorilla Monsoon.
[b]2007[/b]
wow, 2006 was a big year. i was at university though so i saw a lot of bands. theres probably more, theres gigs i went to and didnt get tickets for. 2007 was a big one too, but i skipped download and went to sweden rock. ill list the festivals first, then the seperate gigs.
Sweden Rock 2007:
Amon Amarth
Axel Rudi Pell
Black Oak Arkansas
Blind Guardian
Dark Tranquillity
Dimmu Borgir
Focus
Heaven & Hell
Iced Earth
Kreator
Krux
Meat Loaf
Motörhead
Pretty Maids
Quiet Riot
Quireboys
Scorpions med Uli Jon Roth
The Answer
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Trouble
Tyr
U.D.O
Wacken 2007:
Benedictum,
Blind Guardian,
Destruction,
Dimension Zero,
Dimmu Borgir,
Enslaved,
Gutbucket,
Grave Digger,
In Flames,
Iced Earth,
J.B.O.,
Moonsorrow,
Municipal Waste,
Overkill,
Possessed,
Rose Tattoo,
Sabbat,
Sacred Reich,
Secrets of the Moon,
Sodom,
The Answer
Stratovarius,
Subway to Sally,
Suidakra,
Swallow the Sun,
Therion
Type O Negative
Bloodstock 2007:
Firewind
Testament
Korpiklaani
Nevermore
Dark Tranquillity
Lacuna coil
Benediction
finntroll
Dream Evil
Sabbat
Arch Enemy
In Flames
Hard rock Hell 2007:
Finntroll, My Dying Bride, Turisas, Tesla, Diamond Head, Girlschool, ChthoniC, Sabbat, Grand Magus.
Seperate gigs:
To-mera
Celtic Frost
Kreator
Watain
Isis
Oxbow
Napalm Death
Trouble
Unsane
Fu Manchu
Truckfighters
Divine Heresy
Hacride
Lucero
Taint
Desecration
Warning
Imindain
The River
Jesu
Mono
[b]2008[/b]
so now we hit this year. Festival season hasnt begun, so this is easy to compile.
My Ruin
Dark Tranquillity
Municipal Waste
Primordial
Grand Magus
Mael mordha
Orange Goblin
Dillinger Escape plan
Between the buried and me
Boris
The Sword
Saviours
Down
Sahg
Trouble
Today is the Day
Jucifer
Impaled
Origin
Alanis Morissette
Morbid Angel
Black Sun
Guapo
Thrones
Justice Yeldham
Oxbow
The Heads
Orthodox
Asva
Earth
Red sparowes
Arnocorps
Gravetemple
Trigger The Bloodshed
Meshuggah
Stone Gods
Airbourne
Anathema
Haxan
Esoteric
And thats it. up to date, probably missing a few...but as comprehenisve as i can get it.
Wacken 2008:
Mustache
Nashville Pussy
Primordial
The Rotted
Children Of Bodom
Avantasia
Massacre
Van Canto
Corvus Corax
Cynic
Obituary
Exodus
Kreator
At The Gates
Lordi
Bloodstock 08:
Helloween
Akercocke
Praying Mantis
Communic
Swallow The Sun
Eluveitie
Nightwish
At the Gates
Overkill
Grand Magus
Alestorm
Crowning Glory
Heaven's Basement
Witchsorrow
Ted Maul
Serotonal
Adam Bomb
[b]2009[/b]
Wolves In the Throne Room
Taint
Napalm Death
Judas Priest
Testament
Megadeth
Dornenreich
Agalloch
Church Of Misery
Firebird
Unearthly Trance
Witchcraft
Graveyard
Faith No More
The Subways
The Answer
AC/DC
[b]Hellfest[/b]
Watertank
Squealer
Melechesh
Kylesa
Entombed
Wasp
Anthrax
Heaven & Hell
Saint Vitus
Motley Crue
Vader
Clutch
Amebix
Gojira
Enslaved
Killing Joke
Adagio
Volbeat
Wolves in the throne room
Destruction
Ufomammut
Orange Goblin
Queensryche
Mastodon
Electric Wizard
Manowar
[b]BOA 09[/b]
ARCH ENEMY
CARCASS
MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD
SAXON
KATATONIA
MUNICIPAL WASTE
ENTOMBED
CANDLEMASS
KREATOR
EUROPE
SATYRICON
ANATHEMA
TURISAS
[b]2010[/b]
Nazareth
Oliver Dawson Saxon
Tygers of Pan Tang
Mick Taylor Band
Praying Mantis
Saint Vitus
Orange Goblin
Imogen Heap
Obituary
Persphone
Cathedral
Church of Misery
Gates of Slumber
Lord Vicar
Mono
Rose Kemp
Eyehategod
Anathema
The Eighties Matchbox Bline Disaster x 2
Converge
Gaza
Kylesa
A Storm of Light
Winterfylleth
Wodensthrone
Sigh
Crippled Black Phoenix
UFO
Helloween
Jaguar
Stratovarius
Marseille
Airbourne
Saxon
Neurosis
Saint Vitus
[u]]Roadburn[/u]
Altar Of Plagues
Comus
Church of Misery
Eyehategod
Death Row
Darkspace
Enslaved
Goatsnake
Garcia Plays Kyuss
Jarboe
Jex Thoth
Witchcraft
Trypticon
Moss
Nachmystium
Pagan Altar
Sarke
Sons of Otis
The Machine
Samsara Blues Experiment
The Wounded Kings
YOB
[u]Download Sunday[/u]
3 Inches of Blood
FM
Switchfoot
Saxon
Cinderella
Napalm Death
The Damned Things
Dillinger Escape Plan
Porcupine Tree
Airbourne
Aerosmith
[u]High Voltage[/u]
Cathedral
Saxon
Heaven & Hell ‘A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio'
ZZ Top
2011:
Uriah Heep
Girlschool
Larry Miller
Fu manchu
Kyuss lives
Anathema X 2
Saxon
Rush
DRI
Goatsnake
Godflesh
Witchsorrow
Church Of Misery
hedpe x 2
papa roach x 2
staind
fear factory
queens of the stone age
boy hits car
system of a down x 3
marilyn manson
the cult
Eminem
Ill nino
machine head
american head charge x 2
in flames
one minute silence
slipknot
Autonomy
dillinger escape plan
pulse ultra
Black label society
Skindred
mad capsule markets
danko jones
cradle of filth
lost prophets
Slayer
kittie
Tool
Ozzy osbourne
Opeth
Arch enemy X 2
Withering surface
The Darkness
The Wildhearts
Alec empire
Eighties matchbox b-line disaster
Lightyear
36 crazyfists
Five pointe O
Killswitch Engage
Millionaire
Queens of the stone age
Dogs D'amour
Quireboys
Thunder
Alice Cooper
Tangaroa
Mistress x 3
JOR
The Great Deciever
Napalm Death
Little Hell
Amen X 2
The Haunted
Stampin ground X 2
December
Satyricon
Khold
Johnny Truant
27
ISIS
Madder mortem
Opeth
Zimmers hole
Devin Townsend band
Strapping young Lad
Dragon Force
3 Stages of Pain
Palehorse X 2
Chimaira
Reef
Sepultura
Funeral For A Friend
Ministry
Deftones X 2
Iron Maiden
Revolution smile
Insane Clown Posse
Beecher
Cult Of Luna
Dillinger Escape plan
Desecration
Abgott
Amputated
Funeral for a friend
Iron Maiden
Capricorns
DJ speedranch
Aeroegramme
ISIS
Mistress
Defiled
Cadaver
Mayhem
Opeth
Viking Skull
Akercocke
Burst
Ikara Colt
The International Noise Conspiracy
Cradle of Filth
Sum41
Powder
Breed 77
Turbonegro
Soulfly
The Black Dahila Murder
Machine Head
Slipknot
Slayer
Metallica
Cathedral
Broadzilla
Orange Goblin
Tokyo Dragons
Winnebago Deal
Textures x 2
Alchemist X 2
Cult of Luna x 2
Watain
Dissection
Arcturus
Enslaved
Grimfist
Red Harvest
Neurosis
Wow, now this list is old. this list ENDED in begining of 2004 by the looks of things, and it seems to have started in 2001 when i went to reading.so ive got a full list there up to download 2004 and just after starting in 2001. i can base this on tickets ive found. ill start the next bit from 2005 onwards
[b]2005[/b]
This is Download 05:
Queen Adreena
Fozzy
Lordi
Megadeth
Paradise lost
Napalm death
Mad capsule markets
Open hand
Anthrax
Lamb of God
Chimaira
In Flames
Black Sabbath
3 Inches of Blood
As I Lay dying
Killswitch Engage
Nightwish
Slayer
80s matchbox bline disaster
Funeral for a Friend
MC5
Therapy?
Motorhead
System Of a Down
[u]After and before download in 2005 i saw:[/u]
Edguy
Paradise Lost
Children Of Bodom
Black Sabbath (At Aylsbury with 1000 others)
Danzig
Megadeth
Mindless Self indulgence
Static-x (in florida)
Diamond Head X 2
Witchfynde
Bronz
Jaguar
Preying Mantis
Mastodon
Nine Inch Nails X 2
Opeth (again)
Akercocke
The Haunted
Electric Eel shock
The Answer
Tokyo Dragons
The Sound Explosion
Dragonforce
High on Fire
Winnebago Deal
Paradise Lost
Octavia Seperarti
Leaves eyes
Vader
Lost Soul
The Prodigy
Enslaved
Dio
Isis
Iron Maiden (at hammersmith)
[b]2006[/b]
At download 06 (according to a timetable i had created) memory serves this is who i saw that year:
Amplifier
Gojira
Strapping Young Lad
Clutch
Cathedral
Tool
Down
Satyricon
Arch Enemy
Opeth
Killing Joke
Metallica (think i watched killing joke instead but caught the end)
Zico Chain
In Flames
Lacuna Coil
Lordi
Sick of It all
Guns and Roses
Ok, so 2006 also had seperate gigs:
Paradise Lost
Anathema X 2
HIM
Cave In
Pelican
Zico chain
Whitesnake
Isis X 2
High On fire
Broadcast
Final
Una Corda
Thrones
Circulus
Cathedral
Electric Wizard X 2
Nebula
The Sword
Helloween
Stratovarius
Down
Church of Misery
Moho
Unearthly Trance
Ramesees
Soilwork
Keep of Kalessin
Insomnium
Satryicon
Mogwai
Abominable Iron Sloth
Gentlemans Pistols
Jecano
Cryptopsy
Aborted
Grave
Enslaved
Zyklon
Dismember
Entombed
Grave
Unleashed
Orange Goblin
Anathema
Wolverine
Motorhead
Clutch
[u]
2006 also included Wacken and Bloodstock:[/u]
Wacken:
Arch Enemy
Atheist
Celtic Frost
Children of bodom
Danko Jones
Emperor
Fear Factory
Gamma ray
Korpiklaani
legion of the damned
Ministry
Morbid Angel
Mortal Sin
Motörhead
Primal Fear
Rose Tattoo
Soilwork
Whitesnake
Wintersun
bloodstock 06:
Atheist
Metal Church
Edguy
Ensiferum
Bal Sagoth
Turisas
Callenish circle
Stratovarius
Gorilla Monsoon.
[b]2007[/b]
wow, 2006 was a big year. i was at university though so i saw a lot of bands. theres probably more, theres gigs i went to and didnt get tickets for. 2007 was a big one too, but i skipped download and went to sweden rock. ill list the festivals first, then the seperate gigs.
Sweden Rock 2007:
Amon Amarth
Axel Rudi Pell
Black Oak Arkansas
Blind Guardian
Dark Tranquillity
Dimmu Borgir
Focus
Heaven & Hell
Iced Earth
Kreator
Krux
Meat Loaf
Motörhead
Pretty Maids
Quiet Riot
Quireboys
Scorpions med Uli Jon Roth
The Answer
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Trouble
Tyr
U.D.O
Wacken 2007:
Benedictum,
Blind Guardian,
Destruction,
Dimension Zero,
Dimmu Borgir,
Enslaved,
Gutbucket,
Grave Digger,
In Flames,
Iced Earth,
J.B.O.,
Moonsorrow,
Municipal Waste,
Overkill,
Possessed,
Rose Tattoo,
Sabbat,
Sacred Reich,
Secrets of the Moon,
Sodom,
The Answer
Stratovarius,
Subway to Sally,
Suidakra,
Swallow the Sun,
Therion
Type O Negative
Bloodstock 2007:
Firewind
Testament
Korpiklaani
Nevermore
Dark Tranquillity
Lacuna coil
Benediction
finntroll
Dream Evil
Sabbat
Arch Enemy
In Flames
Hard rock Hell 2007:
Finntroll, My Dying Bride, Turisas, Tesla, Diamond Head, Girlschool, ChthoniC, Sabbat, Grand Magus.
Seperate gigs:
To-mera
Celtic Frost
Kreator
Watain
Isis
Oxbow
Napalm Death
Trouble
Unsane
Fu Manchu
Truckfighters
Divine Heresy
Hacride
Lucero
Taint
Desecration
Warning
Imindain
The River
Jesu
Mono
[b]2008[/b]
so now we hit this year. Festival season hasnt begun, so this is easy to compile.
My Ruin
Dark Tranquillity
Municipal Waste
Primordial
Grand Magus
Mael mordha
Orange Goblin
Dillinger Escape plan
Between the buried and me
Boris
The Sword
Saviours
Down
Sahg
Trouble
Today is the Day
Jucifer
Impaled
Origin
Alanis Morissette
Morbid Angel
Black Sun
Guapo
Thrones
Justice Yeldham
Oxbow
The Heads
Orthodox
Asva
Earth
Red sparowes
Arnocorps
Gravetemple
Trigger The Bloodshed
Meshuggah
Stone Gods
Airbourne
Anathema
Haxan
Esoteric
And thats it. up to date, probably missing a few...but as comprehenisve as i can get it.
Wacken 2008:
Mustache
Nashville Pussy
Primordial
The Rotted
Children Of Bodom
Avantasia
Massacre
Van Canto
Corvus Corax
Cynic
Obituary
Exodus
Kreator
At The Gates
Lordi
Bloodstock 08:
Helloween
Akercocke
Praying Mantis
Communic
Swallow The Sun
Eluveitie
Nightwish
At the Gates
Overkill
Grand Magus
Alestorm
Crowning Glory
Heaven's Basement
Witchsorrow
Ted Maul
Serotonal
Adam Bomb
[b]2009[/b]
Wolves In the Throne Room
Taint
Napalm Death
Judas Priest
Testament
Megadeth
Dornenreich
Agalloch
Church Of Misery
Firebird
Unearthly Trance
Witchcraft
Graveyard
Faith No More
The Subways
The Answer
AC/DC
[b]Hellfest[/b]
Watertank
Squealer
Melechesh
Kylesa
Entombed
Wasp
Anthrax
Heaven & Hell
Saint Vitus
Motley Crue
Vader
Clutch
Amebix
Gojira
Enslaved
Killing Joke
Adagio
Volbeat
Wolves in the throne room
Destruction
Ufomammut
Orange Goblin
Queensryche
Mastodon
Electric Wizard
Manowar
[b]BOA 09[/b]
ARCH ENEMY
CARCASS
MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD
SAXON
KATATONIA
MUNICIPAL WASTE
ENTOMBED
CANDLEMASS
KREATOR
EUROPE
SATYRICON
ANATHEMA
TURISAS
[b]2010[/b]
Nazareth
Oliver Dawson Saxon
Tygers of Pan Tang
Mick Taylor Band
Praying Mantis
Saint Vitus
Orange Goblin
Imogen Heap
Obituary
Persphone
Cathedral
Church of Misery
Gates of Slumber
Lord Vicar
Mono
Rose Kemp
Eyehategod
Anathema
The Eighties Matchbox Bline Disaster x 2
Converge
Gaza
Kylesa
A Storm of Light
Winterfylleth
Wodensthrone
Sigh
Crippled Black Phoenix
UFO
Helloween
Jaguar
Stratovarius
Marseille
Airbourne
Saxon
Neurosis
Saint Vitus
[u]]Roadburn[/u]
Altar Of Plagues
Comus
Church of Misery
Eyehategod
Death Row
Darkspace
Enslaved
Goatsnake
Garcia Plays Kyuss
Jarboe
Jex Thoth
Witchcraft
Trypticon
Moss
Nachmystium
Pagan Altar
Sarke
Sons of Otis
The Machine
Samsara Blues Experiment
The Wounded Kings
YOB
[u]Download Sunday[/u]
3 Inches of Blood
FM
Switchfoot
Saxon
Cinderella
Napalm Death
The Damned Things
Dillinger Escape Plan
Porcupine Tree
Airbourne
Aerosmith
[u]High Voltage[/u]
Cathedral
Saxon
Heaven & Hell ‘A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio'
ZZ Top
2011:
Uriah Heep
Girlschool
Larry Miller
Fu manchu
Kyuss lives
Anathema X 2
Saxon
Rush
DRI
Goatsnake
Godflesh
Witchsorrow
Church Of Misery
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Lyrics.
Land of Blind -
This is the age of deceit
This is the time of lies
we see our freedoms demise
What can we do?
Nothing we can do.
Time to start anew
In the age of the blind
its cruel and unkind
in a time where choice is free
but we are ruled by apathy
in a time of lies
illusions cause demise
nothing we do
Time to start new.
As we tear down the old
to bring us out from the cold
everyone must be involved
In this time of lies
freedoms swift demise
in the land of the blind
A world turned unkind
This crazy land of the blind
Find a way to free your mind
Black Books
It started when man was young
It infected every tongue
It was carried through the years
Its been the cause of many tears
Evil comes in many forms
Even if a page is torn
It grips you with its promise
forces you to acknowledge
The power within these Black books
Is like nothing else on Earth
The power within these black books
Is the biggest evil on the earth
The power within the black books
Sinks in with its hooks
The power within the black books
stays with you on your time on earth
until you try to break the curse
Free yourself
The Eyes are watching
The eyes are always watching
Too ignorant to care
The eyes are always watching
Its become a full on stare
The eyes are always watching
Nowhere to hide
The eyes are always watching
Your free when youve died
When you walk
And if you talk
You must expect
They will inspect
When you walk
And if you talk
You must expect
They will inspect
Problem is you cant be sure
Who or what it is they saw
So try to always be aware
Of that terrible stinking
Invisible stare
Invisible stare
Invisible stare
The eyes are always watching
The eyes see everything.
Comes from Inside
It comes from Inside
Its a Nations pride
It comes from Inside
Innocence has died
Fear is the aim
Its all a big game
The purpose is clear
We cant avoid being here
It comes from Inside
Freedom has died
It comes from inside
Nowhere to hide
Many believe the lies
Its the perfect disguise
Nothing can be done
They want us all to run
It comes from inside
The perfect place to hide
It comes from inside
Lets blow it open wide
Shadowplay
Everybody its getting worse
Plucking into the peoples purse
whats it called when we are made to pay
for the mistakes of those who control shadowplay
Forcing the weak
into being more meek
battering the poor
till they struggle no more
shadowplay is the way
its how its played out
shadowplay is the way
there is no more doubt
Bonecrusher
Like the Grinding of Bone
there is something to atone
they are crushing the weak
they havnt hit their peak
Whats next when all are gone
whats the next target to move along
whats left when all stripped bare
only the mind is left to repair
the human soul is put behind
green is all on their mind
like the grinding of bone
there is a penance to atone
in matters of love and life
all are stabbed with a knife
the human condition is sick
we arnt in on the trick
like the grinding of bone
there is something to atone
time to rise and fight
use all our power and might
make that grip less tight
Fight!
Peace through Tyranny
There are ways to do what needs to be done
ways to benefit everyone
peace through tyranny
sacrificing the needs of many
there must be a better way
we have the power to make them pay
using the hearts of the good
just like the old heroes would
we can help those in need
we can help those who bleed
we must unite in peace
we must let heroes say thier piece
it runs thick in our blood
but we can fight through the mud
to come out on top, together as one
we can undo the damage thats been done
Disclosure
Keeping it quiet for many years
saving mankind from all the tears
do they have our best interests at heart
maybe they should ask us, thatd be a start
beliving in something has become a crime
lets all come out with it and do our time
at least there are some willing to say
we all know the truth together one day
Gold future
Faceless drones fill our screens
Manless drones cause mass screams
something has to give
something has to break
something to shudder us awake
we lost without a care
our future children must beware
and uprising will come one day
we will have to make them pay
they will go too far in our name
to them war is just a game
you can find your path to the light
you can join together in might
you can learn to read and write
you can find the real truth despite
no more faceless drones
no more manless drones
Sickness
You hurt others cus they aint the same
Small minded views help you place blame
You think your always in the right
You miss the point from a great height
we should all be free to live our own way
differences between us are like night and day
your own sickness is preaching hate
love is stronger, open your mind before its too late
Death of Autonomy
Corruption of the soul for monetary gain
Destruction of the mind for control minus pain
Autonomy of the self, wrapped up in lies
Freedom of thought, cutting all ties
Power and lust is not the real aim
Being one with nature, thats the real claim
Minds Eye
They poison our kids minds
They start wars based on lie
They take away rights
They distort our minds eye
Who will stand up
Who will say no
Enough is enough
They have to go
We are the young and angry
We are the young and awake
We are here to fight back
We are here to retake
We are not the only ones
We are the real power
We are not alone
This is our final hour
Sad Future
Do you recall when the world was free
History tells us it wasnt meant to be
First they took away our rights
Then they took the will to fight
Here and now its too far gone
We didnt stop them before it was done
Back then the choices were clear
Rise together as peer to peer
Now its too late, the fight has been lost
The future isnt ours, that was the cost
I wish we had awoken to the powers that control
Risen and changed the path for all
Our future is dead we are lost souls
Slaves to the powers, empty shells
I look back and hope the future can be changed
I wish this path was rearranged
Ashes
Ashes of the old life
Ashes of the lonely ones
Ashes of the innocent
Remnants of that day
Ashes of the Dead
Ashes of the left behind
Ashes of the life that was
Remnants of that day
Bodies scattered across the scape, bones and dirt left awake
Burnt and sordid crumbling flesh, frozen in time, Nothing left.
Tainted Legacy
It runs deep in his blood
It Cannot be broken
It goes against his will
It goes unspoken
Tainted Legacy
Hidden Within
Tainted Legacy
Evil to Begin
Acts of Horror
Grimly Devised
Acts of Horror
Past Revised
Can he break the chain
Can he be free
Seeing the mistakes of old
Is the only way to be
Cracking the Shell
Cracking the shell
Let the poison sink in
Cracking the shell
Flowing evil within
Green Machine, Swallowing whole
Green Machine, Dirty black hole
Corruption at high level
Making friends with the devil
Demon in the system
Clockwork like a piston
Can we save it now
is it too far gone
Can we save ourselves
Reverse whats been done
Green machine, War machine dirty black hole
Green machine, War machine, swallowing whole
Crack the shell
Break the cycle
Bring forth hell
End of lifes circle
Smear and Blacken
Smear and blacken
Distort and twist
Filthy animals
Karma exists
Above Morals
Above taste
Power corrupts
One more case
Innocence forgotten
The victims of sin
Innocence forgotten
The hatred within
Untouchable by law
Hiding from sight
Treated like a whore
Using all their might
Fear will catch out
Witchhunts will win
Karma exists
Innocence within
Cosmic Annihilation
Fragments of Dust
Specks in the air
cosmic matter
visually impaired
smaller than belief
affairs so pointless
drops in the ocean
we let anger define us
What unites us destroys us
What leads us poisons us
there has to be a unity
some will call it mutiny
we feel it build up
the end is coming
feel it in our souls
the pain is numbing
Let it come
Let fire sweep clean the earth
burn away this evil, this race, this curse.
Endless Battle
battle for millenia
battle for autonomy
battle without end
battle with philosophy
both sides fight for peace
both sides fight for land
deception in the channels
autonomy is at hand
senate was corrupt, lost thier way and sold thier souls
senate was corrupt, overthrown by the proles
Violence breeds violence
no side free from guilt
violence breeds violence
ties are cut, links are built
warriors fight for freedom
warrors fight for peace
til all are one
He who Walketh
He who Walketh
Follow the crowd
he who walkth
gets lost in the crowd
he who declines
to take own path
he who declines
signs own epitath
he who judges
chooses to blame
he who judges
plays deadly game
This is the age of deceit
This is the time of lies
we see our freedoms demise
What can we do?
Nothing we can do.
Time to start anew
In the age of the blind
its cruel and unkind
in a time where choice is free
but we are ruled by apathy
in a time of lies
illusions cause demise
nothing we do
Time to start new.
As we tear down the old
to bring us out from the cold
everyone must be involved
In this time of lies
freedoms swift demise
in the land of the blind
A world turned unkind
This crazy land of the blind
Find a way to free your mind
Black Books
It started when man was young
It infected every tongue
It was carried through the years
Its been the cause of many tears
Evil comes in many forms
Even if a page is torn
It grips you with its promise
forces you to acknowledge
The power within these Black books
Is like nothing else on Earth
The power within these black books
Is the biggest evil on the earth
The power within the black books
Sinks in with its hooks
The power within the black books
stays with you on your time on earth
until you try to break the curse
Free yourself
The Eyes are watching
The eyes are always watching
Too ignorant to care
The eyes are always watching
Its become a full on stare
The eyes are always watching
Nowhere to hide
The eyes are always watching
Your free when youve died
When you walk
And if you talk
You must expect
They will inspect
When you walk
And if you talk
You must expect
They will inspect
Problem is you cant be sure
Who or what it is they saw
So try to always be aware
Of that terrible stinking
Invisible stare
Invisible stare
Invisible stare
The eyes are always watching
The eyes see everything.
Comes from Inside
It comes from Inside
Its a Nations pride
It comes from Inside
Innocence has died
Fear is the aim
Its all a big game
The purpose is clear
We cant avoid being here
It comes from Inside
Freedom has died
It comes from inside
Nowhere to hide
Many believe the lies
Its the perfect disguise
Nothing can be done
They want us all to run
It comes from inside
The perfect place to hide
It comes from inside
Lets blow it open wide
Shadowplay
Everybody its getting worse
Plucking into the peoples purse
whats it called when we are made to pay
for the mistakes of those who control shadowplay
Forcing the weak
into being more meek
battering the poor
till they struggle no more
shadowplay is the way
its how its played out
shadowplay is the way
there is no more doubt
Bonecrusher
Like the Grinding of Bone
there is something to atone
they are crushing the weak
they havnt hit their peak
Whats next when all are gone
whats the next target to move along
whats left when all stripped bare
only the mind is left to repair
the human soul is put behind
green is all on their mind
like the grinding of bone
there is a penance to atone
in matters of love and life
all are stabbed with a knife
the human condition is sick
we arnt in on the trick
like the grinding of bone
there is something to atone
time to rise and fight
use all our power and might
make that grip less tight
Fight!
Peace through Tyranny
There are ways to do what needs to be done
ways to benefit everyone
peace through tyranny
sacrificing the needs of many
there must be a better way
we have the power to make them pay
using the hearts of the good
just like the old heroes would
we can help those in need
we can help those who bleed
we must unite in peace
we must let heroes say thier piece
it runs thick in our blood
but we can fight through the mud
to come out on top, together as one
we can undo the damage thats been done
Disclosure
Keeping it quiet for many years
saving mankind from all the tears
do they have our best interests at heart
maybe they should ask us, thatd be a start
beliving in something has become a crime
lets all come out with it and do our time
at least there are some willing to say
we all know the truth together one day
Gold future
Faceless drones fill our screens
Manless drones cause mass screams
something has to give
something has to break
something to shudder us awake
we lost without a care
our future children must beware
and uprising will come one day
we will have to make them pay
they will go too far in our name
to them war is just a game
you can find your path to the light
you can join together in might
you can learn to read and write
you can find the real truth despite
no more faceless drones
no more manless drones
Sickness
You hurt others cus they aint the same
Small minded views help you place blame
You think your always in the right
You miss the point from a great height
we should all be free to live our own way
differences between us are like night and day
your own sickness is preaching hate
love is stronger, open your mind before its too late
Death of Autonomy
Corruption of the soul for monetary gain
Destruction of the mind for control minus pain
Autonomy of the self, wrapped up in lies
Freedom of thought, cutting all ties
Power and lust is not the real aim
Being one with nature, thats the real claim
Minds Eye
They poison our kids minds
They start wars based on lie
They take away rights
They distort our minds eye
Who will stand up
Who will say no
Enough is enough
They have to go
We are the young and angry
We are the young and awake
We are here to fight back
We are here to retake
We are not the only ones
We are the real power
We are not alone
This is our final hour
Sad Future
Do you recall when the world was free
History tells us it wasnt meant to be
First they took away our rights
Then they took the will to fight
Here and now its too far gone
We didnt stop them before it was done
Back then the choices were clear
Rise together as peer to peer
Now its too late, the fight has been lost
The future isnt ours, that was the cost
I wish we had awoken to the powers that control
Risen and changed the path for all
Our future is dead we are lost souls
Slaves to the powers, empty shells
I look back and hope the future can be changed
I wish this path was rearranged
Ashes
Ashes of the old life
Ashes of the lonely ones
Ashes of the innocent
Remnants of that day
Ashes of the Dead
Ashes of the left behind
Ashes of the life that was
Remnants of that day
Bodies scattered across the scape, bones and dirt left awake
Burnt and sordid crumbling flesh, frozen in time, Nothing left.
Tainted Legacy
It runs deep in his blood
It Cannot be broken
It goes against his will
It goes unspoken
Tainted Legacy
Hidden Within
Tainted Legacy
Evil to Begin
Acts of Horror
Grimly Devised
Acts of Horror
Past Revised
Can he break the chain
Can he be free
Seeing the mistakes of old
Is the only way to be
Cracking the Shell
Cracking the shell
Let the poison sink in
Cracking the shell
Flowing evil within
Green Machine, Swallowing whole
Green Machine, Dirty black hole
Corruption at high level
Making friends with the devil
Demon in the system
Clockwork like a piston
Can we save it now
is it too far gone
Can we save ourselves
Reverse whats been done
Green machine, War machine dirty black hole
Green machine, War machine, swallowing whole
Crack the shell
Break the cycle
Bring forth hell
End of lifes circle
Smear and Blacken
Smear and blacken
Distort and twist
Filthy animals
Karma exists
Above Morals
Above taste
Power corrupts
One more case
Innocence forgotten
The victims of sin
Innocence forgotten
The hatred within
Untouchable by law
Hiding from sight
Treated like a whore
Using all their might
Fear will catch out
Witchhunts will win
Karma exists
Innocence within
Cosmic Annihilation
Fragments of Dust
Specks in the air
cosmic matter
visually impaired
smaller than belief
affairs so pointless
drops in the ocean
we let anger define us
What unites us destroys us
What leads us poisons us
there has to be a unity
some will call it mutiny
we feel it build up
the end is coming
feel it in our souls
the pain is numbing
Let it come
Let fire sweep clean the earth
burn away this evil, this race, this curse.
Endless Battle
battle for millenia
battle for autonomy
battle without end
battle with philosophy
both sides fight for peace
both sides fight for land
deception in the channels
autonomy is at hand
senate was corrupt, lost thier way and sold thier souls
senate was corrupt, overthrown by the proles
Violence breeds violence
no side free from guilt
violence breeds violence
ties are cut, links are built
warriors fight for freedom
warrors fight for peace
til all are one
He who Walketh
He who Walketh
Follow the crowd
he who walkth
gets lost in the crowd
he who declines
to take own path
he who declines
signs own epitath
he who judges
chooses to blame
he who judges
plays deadly game
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Bioshock Infinite
I expected to write a really long article and review for this. So much has already been said about this game, there are a multitude of positive reviews, debates around the story meaning, and all round buzz about this game. Kotaku in particular seems to put up a new pretentious article about this game everyday.
But you know what? Im going to buck the trend. Ive played Bioshock Infinite. Start to finish. and I didnt rate it as high as its being lauded. Right off the bat I had a vague stench of familiarity. Having played System Shock 2, and Bioshock, and Bioshock 2, for me....it was more of the same. And to be perfectly honest here, I felt that Columbia was more limiting than Rapture.
Bioshock Infinite places itself in the world of Columbia, city in the clouds, a very interesting propostion. But it became clear to me very quickly that the environments are actually very linear. I distinctly remember exploring Rapture in every nook and cranny, Here, your limited due to the fact that the buildings are seperated by thin air. Much has been mentioned about the skyhooks, and the amazing combat. And Actually, thats the one thing I cant fault. When you did get to use the skyhooks, it was invigorating and fun. But There wasnt skyhooks everywhere, as you may think there is from the adverts...
Much has also been said about Elizabeth. and how intelligent her AI is and how much of a personality she is. Personally, ive had better experiences with Alyx Vance, in every single replay ive done of Half Life 2 and its episodes. Elizibeth sends you items sure, but I noticed repeated dialogue and sometimes she would stand there and stare into space, rather than react or move out of your way like Alyx vance does. I see no reason here to critically consider Elizibeth any better than Alyx.
The debates about the violence being too much....Well, This is a first person shooter. A linear one at that, and the story, as pretentious and overwrought as it ends up being, is out of place and at odds with the occasionally extreme violence. I do agree with this view, but only in the fact that the game is trying to be somewhat more intelligent than it really is.
A lot of people are going to disagree with me for this review. The story presented here in Infinite IS incredible and well written, but it doesnt fit the game. I think its trying too hard to meld a string narrative thread to whats essentially room after room of people trying to kill you. Bioshock Infinite is more of the same, with some neat bells and whistles. Even the fact that you meet other residents that go crazy and send enemies at you just echoes the original game. There is less exploration involved, a poor attempt at adding in extra side quests, generally....Its a step down.
I cant say I didnt enjoy the game though, its far better than the Call of Duty shit-a-thon we are regaled with every year, It just isnt the best thing since sliced bread. If you never played Bioshock and do not have the experiences from that, then I can imagine Infinate being far more impressive.
But you know what? Im going to buck the trend. Ive played Bioshock Infinite. Start to finish. and I didnt rate it as high as its being lauded. Right off the bat I had a vague stench of familiarity. Having played System Shock 2, and Bioshock, and Bioshock 2, for me....it was more of the same. And to be perfectly honest here, I felt that Columbia was more limiting than Rapture.
Bioshock Infinite places itself in the world of Columbia, city in the clouds, a very interesting propostion. But it became clear to me very quickly that the environments are actually very linear. I distinctly remember exploring Rapture in every nook and cranny, Here, your limited due to the fact that the buildings are seperated by thin air. Much has been mentioned about the skyhooks, and the amazing combat. And Actually, thats the one thing I cant fault. When you did get to use the skyhooks, it was invigorating and fun. But There wasnt skyhooks everywhere, as you may think there is from the adverts...
Much has also been said about Elizabeth. and how intelligent her AI is and how much of a personality she is. Personally, ive had better experiences with Alyx Vance, in every single replay ive done of Half Life 2 and its episodes. Elizibeth sends you items sure, but I noticed repeated dialogue and sometimes she would stand there and stare into space, rather than react or move out of your way like Alyx vance does. I see no reason here to critically consider Elizibeth any better than Alyx.
The debates about the violence being too much....Well, This is a first person shooter. A linear one at that, and the story, as pretentious and overwrought as it ends up being, is out of place and at odds with the occasionally extreme violence. I do agree with this view, but only in the fact that the game is trying to be somewhat more intelligent than it really is.
A lot of people are going to disagree with me for this review. The story presented here in Infinite IS incredible and well written, but it doesnt fit the game. I think its trying too hard to meld a string narrative thread to whats essentially room after room of people trying to kill you. Bioshock Infinite is more of the same, with some neat bells and whistles. Even the fact that you meet other residents that go crazy and send enemies at you just echoes the original game. There is less exploration involved, a poor attempt at adding in extra side quests, generally....Its a step down.
I cant say I didnt enjoy the game though, its far better than the Call of Duty shit-a-thon we are regaled with every year, It just isnt the best thing since sliced bread. If you never played Bioshock and do not have the experiences from that, then I can imagine Infinate being far more impressive.
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