Embers has received a great deal of support from independent and underground blogs since we started our page at embers.bandcamp.com where you can listen to and download most of our music. This has been especially helpful since we launched our pre-release of our upcoming album Shadows.
We've been able to track the blogs that have generated the greatest amount of traffic to our music and these are the top blogs. We are flattered to have such eclectic support.
Metalsucks
Number of hits on Embers bandcamp page: 468
http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/05/24/freeloader-embers%E2%80%99-shadows/
As the name implies this blog covers metal with an infusion of humor and tounge-in-cheek style. The substance does not suffer from this. Although there is a good amount of humor, much self deprecating, this blog covers a wide array of underground metal. The reviews are in depth. The interviews are good, especially if you want insights into the music writing, recording, and performing processes of your favorite underground artists. The interviews do not get political or philosophical, but they do try to unearth behind the scenes information.
Embers was originally featured on a recurring episode entitled "freeloader" where metalsucks features something they recommend that you can enjoy for free. Later Shadows was given an in depth review.
Invisible Oranges
Number of hits: 381
http://www.invisibleoranges.com/2010/03/sign-them-already-embers/
Invisible Oranges covers new and old music. There is a lot of coverage of extreme and underground metal projects. Many of the articles also cover issues regarding the metal culture, metal identity, and social trends. There are record and show reviews as well as interviews, but there are also articles on gender, age, race, as well as other topics of a more philosophical bend. This eclectic blog has something for everyone. You can read some thought provoking articles or find the latest on festivals, new releases, and news.
It was due to a suggestion from Cosmo of Invisible Oranges that Embers started our bandcamp page in the first place. We were mentioned in articles entitled, "Sign Them Already" (we're still holding out) and "Every Band Should Have a Bandcamp". We are grateful for this advice.
Crust or Die
Number of hits: 318
http://crust-or-die.blogspot.com/2011/04/embers-shadows-2x12.html#links
Crust or Die is a Spanish language blog which focuses on crust-punk but includes a lot of metal with crust and punk influences such as Embers. The blog has tons of music featuring free music. Since Shadows is available for a donation our pre-release fits within this free music focus.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
His Hero Is Gone interview by Dominik Gerszberg (RIP)
There was rumor going around that His Hero is Gone was playing a reunion show soon. Apparently this rumor was just a prank.
His Hero is Gone recorded their last record after Lesser of Two (Kelly and Steve from Embers' former band) recorded at Polymorph Studios. Kelly, Steve, and our good friend Dominik Gerszberg (RIP) met up with them and had this conversation. Dominik never put out the interview in his lifetime, and we just uncovered this tape recently.
If you haven't heard HHIG then you should check them out. Here's a video of them live:
Kelly and Steve
Friday, May 27, 2011
Lidtoker, Insidious, I Will Kill you Fucker, Stormcrow, and a Gatefold Sextuple Album
Lidtoker has members from Stormcrow, I Will Kill You Fucker, Exit Wound, and Insidious. I once saw Lidtoker at Hazmatt, and recall that during a pause in one of their songs the members left the room. They then came back and played the next note.
I tell you this because Lidtoker is one of the most epic stoner sludge doom bands around. The thing that makes Lidtoker interesting is that they don't just stay in one mood. There are numerous changes in tempo and rhythm, albeit all with a drug(ged) out stoner feel. Even the galloping drums seem to lurch more than drive. Of course against the backdrop of a fifteen minute rest between chord changes such lurching gallops seem like blast beats in comparison.
This video is a good example of Lidtoker playing fast:
I tell you this because Lidtoker is one of the most epic stoner sludge doom bands around. The thing that makes Lidtoker interesting is that they don't just stay in one mood. There are numerous changes in tempo and rhythm, albeit all with a drug(ged) out stoner feel. Even the galloping drums seem to lurch more than drive. Of course against the backdrop of a fifteen minute rest between chord changes such lurching gallops seem like blast beats in comparison.
This video is a good example of Lidtoker playing fast:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
FREELOADER: EMBERS’ SHADOWS
Embers has just been given 3 out of 5 horns at metalsucks. Check out the in depth analysis, and let them know what you think in the comments section as well.
FREELOADER: EMBERS’ SHADOWS
If you haven't heard it yet you can stream it here:
Steve
FREELOADER: EMBERS’ SHADOWS
If you haven't heard it yet you can stream it here:
Steve
Friday, May 20, 2011
Laudanum, Brainoil, and Asunder. Greg Wilkinson and Salvador Raya's Unique Contributions.
Laudanum has recently switched bass players. Now this may seem inconsequential to many who worship at the altar of metal guitar and have not developed an appreciation for the artistry of bass guitar. For those who feel this way I encourage you to reconsider this perspective and listen more intently to the intricate nuances and unique contributions of Laudanum's previous and current bass players; Greg Wilkinson and Salvador Raya.
First before I start contrasting Greg and Sal's approach to the instrument it should be known that they both have long musical resumes and are both partners in the recording studio, Earhammer Studios, where Embers has recorded all of our music. In fact Laudanum has also recorded at Earhammer with Greg as the bass player and Sal as the engineer. Because of this both Greg and Sal have been intricately involved in Laudanum for quite some time.
Greg Wilkinson
Greg Wilkinson has been in to many bands for me to name. Actually I admit that he has probably been in more bands than I am aware. Recently he has played in at least four projects simultaneously which include Laudanum, Brainoil, and Lidtoker. Perhaps because of his hectic schedule he left Laudanum last year.
Greg has a very particular style. His bass tone is huge and abrasive. His technique is aggressive bordering on violent. The sound he produces resembles the growl of big truck with someone revving the engine.
He plays melodically. Rather than playing the root notes of chords Greg will play tones in between the chord changes often producing musical lines that could stand alone and imprint itself on ones mind. Often after seeing Greg perform in his band Brainoil I will leave the concert with his bass melodies rattling around in my brain for an hour or so.
Rhythmically Greg plays on the beat. This approach makes the music surge and roll aggressively. This produces a frenetic energy beyond the tempo that encourages one to head bang and fist pump with a great deal of force and vigor.
Laudanum are currently the best doom outfit in Oakland hands down. Greg's contribution to the music gave Laudanum a hard, sludgey feel which showcased the drummer, Becky Hawk's cyclical pattern and the bands experimentation with alternate time and time manipulation.
Here's Laudanum with Greg:
Currently Greg is focusing on his band Brainoil. Listening to Brainoil really helps to get an idea of Greg's background, and how it affects the mood and feel of
First before I start contrasting Greg and Sal's approach to the instrument it should be known that they both have long musical resumes and are both partners in the recording studio, Earhammer Studios, where Embers has recorded all of our music. In fact Laudanum has also recorded at Earhammer with Greg as the bass player and Sal as the engineer. Because of this both Greg and Sal have been intricately involved in Laudanum for quite some time.
Greg Wilkinson
Greg Wilkinson has been in to many bands for me to name. Actually I admit that he has probably been in more bands than I am aware. Recently he has played in at least four projects simultaneously which include Laudanum, Brainoil, and Lidtoker. Perhaps because of his hectic schedule he left Laudanum last year.
Greg has a very particular style. His bass tone is huge and abrasive. His technique is aggressive bordering on violent. The sound he produces resembles the growl of big truck with someone revving the engine.
He plays melodically. Rather than playing the root notes of chords Greg will play tones in between the chord changes often producing musical lines that could stand alone and imprint itself on ones mind. Often after seeing Greg perform in his band Brainoil I will leave the concert with his bass melodies rattling around in my brain for an hour or so.
Rhythmically Greg plays on the beat. This approach makes the music surge and roll aggressively. This produces a frenetic energy beyond the tempo that encourages one to head bang and fist pump with a great deal of force and vigor.
Laudanum are currently the best doom outfit in Oakland hands down. Greg's contribution to the music gave Laudanum a hard, sludgey feel which showcased the drummer, Becky Hawk's cyclical pattern and the bands experimentation with alternate time and time manipulation.
Here's Laudanum with Greg:
Currently Greg is focusing on his band Brainoil. Listening to Brainoil really helps to get an idea of Greg's background, and how it affects the mood and feel of
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Acts of Sedition and Boneblack vs. Catheter and Agents of Satan on 5/20/11
Two amazing shows in one night here in Oakland, California. What to do. What to do. I'll tell you about both of them and let you decide.
Acts of Sedition and Boneblack
at the Swamp
So Acts of Sedition are the current maestros of hardcore punk chaos. They are a cacophonous whirlwind of drums laden with chainsaw guitars ripping your head open so they can scream in chorus directly into your brain. Acts of Sedition is one of my favorites of this genre. If you liked our previous band Lesser of Two then you will love them.
I first heard about Boneblack when Lesser of Two's old drummer Dave Earle's was visititng from out of town. He told me that he was good friends with Boneblack and asked for my help and advice to get them a show in Oakland. After a while I started corresponding with them via email swapping tour stories and booking contacts. It was through this conversation that they got in touch with Clint who booked the showand also drums for Acts of Sedition.
Otherwise I knew nothing of their music except what Dave told me which is that they are Anarcho-crust which is an accurate description. This video shows that they have not only mastered the genre, but play with heart. It's also awesome to see women taking the stage, because no matter how feminist bands in the punk scene may say they are it's still often a sausage party on stage.
This video is encouraging that this will be an awesome show!
Here's the flier that Kelly made for the show:
Catheter and Agents of Satan
Hazmat
I've known Catheter for years. If Acts of Sedition is a whirlwind of chainsaws then Catheter is an avalanche of jack hammers. Cathter plays grind ridden crust core with a whiff of doom.
I first saw Catheter play at Libertatia back in the late 90's. Lesser of Two played many shows with them. Whenever we drove through Colorado Heraldo always made sure we had an awesome show at an auto shop in the outskirts of town. Those are some great memories, and I am truly torn.
Luckily I spoke with Clint and the Boneblack show is starting promptly at 7:30 so
Acts of Sedition and Boneblack
at the Swamp
So Acts of Sedition are the current maestros of hardcore punk chaos. They are a cacophonous whirlwind of drums laden with chainsaw guitars ripping your head open so they can scream in chorus directly into your brain. Acts of Sedition is one of my favorites of this genre. If you liked our previous band Lesser of Two then you will love them.
I first heard about Boneblack when Lesser of Two's old drummer Dave Earle's was visititng from out of town. He told me that he was good friends with Boneblack and asked for my help and advice to get them a show in Oakland. After a while I started corresponding with them via email swapping tour stories and booking contacts. It was through this conversation that they got in touch with Clint who booked the showand also drums for Acts of Sedition.
Otherwise I knew nothing of their music except what Dave told me which is that they are Anarcho-crust which is an accurate description. This video shows that they have not only mastered the genre, but play with heart. It's also awesome to see women taking the stage, because no matter how feminist bands in the punk scene may say they are it's still often a sausage party on stage.
This video is encouraging that this will be an awesome show!
Here's the flier that Kelly made for the show:
Catheter and Agents of Satan
Hazmat
I've known Catheter for years. If Acts of Sedition is a whirlwind of chainsaws then Catheter is an avalanche of jack hammers. Cathter plays grind ridden crust core with a whiff of doom.
I first saw Catheter play at Libertatia back in the late 90's. Lesser of Two played many shows with them. Whenever we drove through Colorado Heraldo always made sure we had an awesome show at an auto shop in the outskirts of town. Those are some great memories, and I am truly torn.
Luckily I spoke with Clint and the Boneblack show is starting promptly at 7:30 so
Saturday, May 14, 2011
"The" Saviours at Elis Tomorrow!
Every time I search for new Embers videos I search for "Embers Oakland", and every time this video by the Saviours pops up. This is because the Saviours are from Oakland and San Francisco and have a song called Embers.
What's more the song rocks. Well actually Saviours rock generally. They are playing tomorrow at Eli's Mile High club.
Now we hate it whenever someone calls us "The" Embers and I bet Saviours get that a lot too. Don't do it.
Also the drummer from Embers lent the drummer from the Saviours a kick pedal years ago and never got it back. We're wondering if the song "Raging Embers"is about the Embers drummer still being pissed off about not getting his pedal back and wanting to get revenge when he goes to Eli's to see them play!
Maybe Scott from Saviours has a crush on Jerry and is keeping the pedal as a memento. Or maybe Scott is taxing Jerry for being such a horrible drum student when Scott gave him lessons.
Regardless, Saviours rock and you should check them out!
Oh, and here's that video that keeps coming up in our web searches:
What's more the song rocks. Well actually Saviours rock generally. They are playing tomorrow at Eli's Mile High club.
Now we hate it whenever someone calls us "The" Embers and I bet Saviours get that a lot too. Don't do it.
Also the drummer from Embers lent the drummer from the Saviours a kick pedal years ago and never got it back. We're wondering if the song "Raging Embers"is about the Embers drummer still being pissed off about not getting his pedal back and wanting to get revenge when he goes to Eli's to see them play!
Maybe Scott from Saviours has a crush on Jerry and is keeping the pedal as a memento. Or maybe Scott is taxing Jerry for being such a horrible drum student when Scott gave him lessons.
Regardless, Saviours rock and you should check them out!
Oh, and here's that video that keeps coming up in our web searches:
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