Useless Ramblings
BADABING BADABOOM! HERE IT COMES!!!
Welp, you guys! This is it. This is the time of judgement. The time that all things that have happened to come to an end and bring forth amazing new adventures. The end of 2018 could not have come sooner. A TON has happened this year as far as my career goes and I bet a ton has happened for you too. But seeing the end of the year can also mean that nerves come with it along with the expectations that pretty much every human being gets around this year. The resolutions that never get completed, the motivation that gets lost... Here on this post, I will be talking about my personal 2018 journeyed the discoveries I made about myself along the way. I also go into a bit more detail on how to not lose focus on achieving the things you set for yourself for the year. There will be no judgement here. And I encourage you to tell me your goals and stories below in the comment section! :D! Let this post be the thing that motivates you to get your ass in gear and get the ball rolling!
My 2018 Journey started in August 2017 when I took a step I never thought I would...
Starting around August 2017, I saw my hair stylist to get my hair done and she told me about a way she had kept her mind in the positive and drove away the negative. She told me about how she would keep a manifestation book with all the goals she wished to achieve, whether long- term or short. And I thought is was a bunch of hoo- hah at first, but then I went home with a thought in my head, as I had not come up with my goal list, like, ever. I then decided that I would get myself a goal book just as she did and write down the things I wanted to achieve as I thought of them, as my first thought in my head for the 2018 year and beyond was to make my mindset a lot more positive and to immerse myself into making my music career an actual thing, as around this time I was struggling with 2 jobs that were pummeling me mentally and making sure I had no time to work on music. More than anything in the world, I wanted to make sure I at LEAST got a little bit done as far as building my music career from the ground up...
(YES. FUCKING NARWHALS... THE UNICORNS OF THE SEA. because they are bad ass and keep me motivated!) I was very excited to start this notebook, but I was not aware that it would be life- changing for me... This book sparked something in me that I never even thought I would experience. And over the course of the rest of the 2017 year, I wrote all my goals I could think of before 2018. Below is a post I made recently on Instagram to show you all the goals I came up with:
As you can see from eh caption in the post, I accomplished a few of the goals I had written down in this notebook. And I am hoping to accomplish more, including the new goal I added on this same day I pulled it out. But I am saving that goal till the end of this blog. I would like to talk about what happened this year and the things I managed to cross off my little list here. It was quite the ride. And it started off very rocky!!!
Mid 2017, I purchased my hurdy gurdy and waited all of the rest of 2017 for it to be built. So while this was happening, I knew to pay it off, I had to get a job of some sort since my current one was only seasonal and did not pay well. I found 2 jobs. The 2 jobs I found wrecked me. HARD. BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. I worked retail AND food service at the same time. Both my managers were NOT pleased with the other and they scheduled me so much that I hardly had a day to myself. If you flip thru the post above, you can probably tell which posts I wrote around this time, as they were very sad and depressing. Both managers also enjoyed bullying me, insulting me, and humiliating me in front of customers, but I will not go on a rant about that. This was not what I wanted at all, but writing my goals to get out of the mess I was in actually felt liberating.
Doing this cover was the most fun I had in awhile and I SANG MY HEART OUT. It actually got positive feedback too, which I didn't expect, seeing as there are not many ladies who cover Dragonforce. :P. I can actually say that the first lesson I learned as the 2017 year came to a close and 2018 began, I learned that my true passion and calling was making music and that this needed to actually become a full time career for me. Though my computer drove me nuts and my equipment was TERRIBLE for making videos, I managed to poop something out at least monthly. I resolved to dedicate myself to it despite the hardship of making time and the fact that I was dead tired all the time. After this cover was released, I had gathered the funds needed to pay off my hurdy gurdy and I received it in the mail! :D! Here, you can see me stalking the mailman and playing with it for the first time! :P!
One of the resolutions I had made for 2018 was to pick up a new instrument. And the instrument I chose was the hurdy gurdy. Over the year I have made a lot of progress, though I have at least another year till I fully master it. I have tuned it almost to perfection (I still got a few parts to mess with, as my upper notes still sound flat). I can tinker with it and take it all apart and put it back together, and I can say definitely learned music for it. It is the most annoying, challenging, and high maintenance instrument I have ever had the pleasure of learning and I know I have more to learn. Playing the hurdy gurdy has taught me patience and about how to be more proficient in tools. It even made me a few new friends, including my maker! This year in the middle of the year I made the first cover with it to test it out, which was a cover of Angel by Judas Priest. I plan to make more in 2019 when I have fully made the repairs to make the covers possible.
After the production of this cover, I knew I had to step up my game and make the covers and music even better, even if it meant uploading better covers at a slower rate. I did smule videos to make the channel more active, But I researched more on my end. I looked up metadata techniques. I looked up tags that could make the music more searchable. I made new and improved pages. And then I became more active on social media. My music began to get a little more attention than it did before and my Instagram follower count went from only 400 to about 700 in the span of a few months. I learned from this that in order to be heard, I had to work a lot harder. So I did. I sought out the help of others who were already in the industry, I got advice. I even befriended a few people along the way who have given me insight as to how I could better my music. Then around November of this year, this happened:
My good friend, Nathan Castaneda who sings for the alternative band, Valkyrie Missile, introduced me to Morgan Keeney, who is the drummer of Debt to the Deathless and a producer who is starting to gain quite the rep around our town. I was ecstatic to meet someone with this amount of talent. And we 3 formed a collaboration that would turn into my debut single, The Point of No Return. I didn't think this would go this far, but after I made an ad for it, more people started to listen and the view count soared. It hit 8k views as of Today (12/30/18) and I was not expecting it. I also gained 100 new fans from this release. I learned then that I could acieve something if I team up with people and if I just put effort into being seen. Collaboration was a challenge, seeing as we 3 do not share the same goals, but in the end, the piece was amazing and I could not be happier.
This release also taught me how to believe in myself. I am now working toward producing my EP and I am hoping to release it by Mid 2019. But it is gonna be a tough ride. I finally got my hands on better equipment to make the videos a lot better and to produce the music a lot faster, so I am hoping it all turns out for the better. but As I pulled out my book and went thru the list of goals I had made for the year, I realized that I had met a few of the goals... Which was not expected. I also got a violin, which is gonna be my next new instrument to master in 2019!
I lost my dog, Oni, the week before my birthday as well. He was my best friend and one of my biggest fans! He loved to sing with me and always kept his eye on me when I was not feeling well. His passing taught me to be prepared for anything. Being vigilant is the thing that keeps you mentally prepared for the worst. Taking the world around you for granted is never a good idea, as in a heartbeat things can change.
As 2019 approaches, I learned in this year to be vigilant, patient, and to stay driven no matter what. Thus, I am entering this year more determined than ever. So I leave you my next list of goals to conclude my personal story. <3. 2019, here I come. And THESE are what I will strive to achieve!
1. I will make more music and covers this year than I did last year. I WILL BE HEARD.
2. I will dedicate more time to practicing my instruments. 3. I will remain focused and determined and not let any naysayers get the best of me. 4. I will drive out the negative things in my life and bring in the positive things. 5. I will continue to make more goals and pursue my dreams. 6. I will stream more games this year, as this year, I slacked BIG TIME. 7. I will learn to cook even better :) 8. I will live a healthier lifestyle in an effort to fix my image for my upcoming career. 9. I will continue to strive for the best when it comes to my music. 10. I will attend at least 3 shows a year starting this year and bring home a t shirt from each one. I will also make more friends and connections in the industry so I can get better advice andlearn more. 11. I will find my audience and get to know them . I will talk to them and be the most relatable person to talk to. 12. I WILL FIND MY BAND. AND THEY WILL BE BADASS. lol 13. I WILL PERFORM LIVE SHOWS THIS YEAR. So. Now that you have heard my story, there is the question of how YOU will face the new year.
Now for the real reason I have written this post. Because let's face it. No one really gives a shit about my year. Now we move on to YOU. This year has probably brought a lot of new adventures and some major events and life- changing news or decisions you have had to make. What lessons did you learn this year? What can you take away from 2018 to make sure you are driven for success for the upcoming year? Welp, I am about to tell you a secret that I used for this year. It is a list of steps. and I really would like every one who reads this to follow suit. This is the recipe for success . The power of attraction goes a long way.
So the first thing I did in 2017 before 2018 even began was I made a goal book, which sometimes gets put away for a very long time, but it is still there. THAT IS STEP ONE. STEP ONE: WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS IN A NOTEBOOK YOU CAN LOOK AT DAILY!
*I DO NOT ENDORSE THE OWNERSHIP OF A DEATH NOTE TO WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS....
Making the notebook was probably the most useful thing I had done for myself in awhile. It gave me a chance to write out my thoughts and to make my goals visible and able to be seen again in case I lost the motivation. Whenever I felt the slightest bit depressed I would whip it out and write something else down or I would reread it again. This was my fuel to keep myself going this year. I wanted to be damn sure my own feelings didn't get in the way. After all, even if someone has no enemies, they can be their own worst enemy. This was very much the case with me and I know there are many of you out there who feel this way as well. You are your own worst critic. And having the notebook readily available to you during the moments of doubt can really help you keep motivated. And you would be surprised what it can do. In paganism, the power of the pen and of spoken word are very powerful and I am strong believer in this. I encourage you to sometimes try to read your goals aloud to yourself when you are alone and comfortable. Reading them aloud can instill power in the words and invigorate your soul to make it happen. Which brings us to step 2!!!!
STEP TWO: MEDITATE ON YOUR GOALS EVERY MORNING BEFORE RISING OUT OF YOUR COFFIN- I MEAN BED...
ME EVERY MORNING
Before arising from your slumber, you should take the time to ponder your plans for the day you are about to experience. What do you want to get done today? How much do you think you can accomplish? Usually I set my alarm about 15 minutes before I am set to get up and set it to snooze for 15 minutes to wake me on time. It really helps time the meditation... or it can make you sleepy. But that is nothing a cup of coffee can't fix! :D! But the real point of this is to make sure you wake up fresh and positive. Even if you are sick. Ask yourself things like How can I make myself feel better? Do I have medicine? How long can I rest for? What can I watch on Netflix today? :). No matter your mood or your feeling, it is always good to think about the day ahead. It can mentally prepare you and also make you more motivated to get more done!
STEP THREE: DETOX.... TRUST ME.
KEEP IT CLASSY
So have you ever hear the saying "detox your life"? WELP. IT WORKS GUYS. Remember the bullshit jobs I had in my story? Welp, after quitting one of the jobs, the other started to give me abusive shit as well. even going as far as to insult me, call me frumpy, tell me I am ugly and I don't belong... and I even had rumors spread. Work place drama is NOT the shizznit. And Guess what I did after my one year anniversary with the company? I QUIT. After that, I felt AMAZING. Do you know that feeling you get when you shed off a sweater you are absolutely DYING in because it is hot in the room??? THIS WAS HOW THAT FELT. You know the feeling when you get your brows waxed and you feel so smooth and light on your face??? THIS WAS HOW THAT FELT. GUYS. THIS SHIT WORKS. I encourage you to come up with a plan before quitting a nasty job, though. I had another job waiting for me when I quit. I don't want you all to be jobless. But if you can find a job you love that doesn't treat you bad, or find friends that actually care as opposed to stay with those fake bitches you currently hang out with that only want you for pot money, THIS IS YOUR TIME TO ACT. Getting rid of ANYTHING that causes you grief, negativity, and feelings of utter grossness can feel AMAZING. Detox your life. This will keep you motivated. Cause who wants naysayers and douchebags to bring their spirits down? KEEP GOING UP. DON'T LET THE DEBBIE DOWNERS GET THE BEST OF YOU.
STEP FOUR: TRY NEW THINGS. Super Cliche, but this worked wonders!
K. So normally I am no this cliche, but we are going there you guys. There power of attraction works in many ways and this happens to be one of them. Letting go of your inhibitions can be a big relief and better motivate you to get things going for yourself. Introduce yourself to new bands, make new friends. Talk to people! JUST DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID. I SWEAR IF YOU DO SOMETHING STUPID I'M GONNA SMACK YOU WITH A CHANCLA! THIS ONE TO BE EXACT:
Trying new things also feels amazing! Unless you fail miserably at it. Then people can point and laugh at you. But if you're successful at trying the new thing or you think it was worth it, it may well be worth going hardcore into your new year with your goals in mind!
STEP FIVE: KEEP A POSITIVE MINDSET. SERIOUSLY. AND PREPARE FOR THE WORST.
By doing the steps above, you will be on your way to having a more positive mindset! It is great to have this because positivity is the greatest weapon you can ever have (besides the chancla above). Keeping positive and using kindness against those who are naysayers is good to drive them away and detox your life. It is also great to keep your head in the game. Going into 2019 with a clear head on your shoulders will make room for the new events about to happen and it will keep your mind open to new experiences and thoughts as you make way to your goals. I am not gonna lie to you either. 2019 is gonna be a rough ride for everyone. No one can predict the future. The only thing you can do is to remain on guard and carve your own path. Prepare to be hit with a lot this year. And also be prepared with that weapon of positivity. If you're having trouble remaining positive, pop in some metal music. You'll be surprised what listening to metal can do... (REFER TO THE METAL AND CHILL VLOG I WROTE PREVIOUSLY.)
2019 is the year of initiative.
I want you to go into this new year feeling like you are the boss. YOU are in control of your destiny. And you deserve to take your dreams! Go and chase them and take in every new lesson the year brings with a grain of salt. The secret to success is the power of attraction. YOU are the one in control here. Take the wheel and stay safe on this road ahead. Remember that you have support around you and those who really love you will be the ones who stick by your side during your journey. Explore yourself this year. Breathe in every breath of air as though it can be your last. Take a moment to look at the world around you. Empathize with those around you and try to be in their shoes. As you write your own story this year, remember that life can throw many curveballs at you. You just have to be the mitt that catches them. 2018 has been an adventure. I personally learned a lot and gained new insight to take with me as I continue my music journey this year. Tell me your stories in the comment section. I'd like to hear what you have experienced this year! This is a community that is safe and secure. You have nothing to fear. And as for the journey ahead, come what may. As long as you go in with the attitude that you're a badass, you got this. I know you do!
Happy New Year Metalheads! As always, KEEP IT METAL!!! If you'd like, you should check out the youtube playlist below for cool music I personally like to listen to. ;) Introduce yourself to some of the artists in here. They're pretty great! KEEP IT METAL AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!- ArwenStarsong
0 Comments
Hello, internet! My name is ArwenStarsong and I am growing Youtuber who sings metal music. My community is small, but I love metal! This is the first time I make an actual blog post on my own website (So Be Gentle <3... :P) and I wanted to talk to you guys today about something I think should be a real thing! LIKE REALLY! WHY THE HELL HAS NO ONE THOUGHT OF THIS SHIT?!
SO HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS, GUYS. THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD.
ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE METAL AND CHILL. UH-HUH! YOU READ THAT RIGHT! #METALANDCHILL. MUCH LIKE NETFLIX AND CHILL BUT WITH ACTUAL CHILLING INSTEAD OF THE INEVITABLE AWKWARDNESS THAT COMES AFTER THE "CHILL" PART OF NETFLIX AND CHILL (AND YOU ACTUALLY GET TO FREAKING ENJOY THE CONTENT OF WHAT YOU'RE LISTENING TO INSTEAD OF PRETENDING TO!!!). You're probably thinking that I am pulling your leg here, but let me assure you, this is gonna detox that negativity like crazy. as shown in the gif below. :P
So here we are, guys. Stressed... depressed.... You name it, you feel it weighing you down like a hippopotamus that just ate a whole box of Krispy Kreme donuts (Because trust me guize... those Krispy Kremes are a doozy). Well, let me tell ya, it is scientifically proven that during the winter time (especially around the holidays), depression and stress hit a lot harder than they do for the rest of the year. Google it. I am telling you the truth! The holidays and the weather changes that cause it to be darker outside even in the day can intensify these feelings. Luckily there is a cure to the winter blues? And that cure?
METAL!!!
Not everyone would think so, but you would be surprised how much happiness this genre can bring when you feel down. But these losers could't be more wrong. It is actually scientifically proven that those who listen to metal are a lot happier. I seriously cannot make this shit up! Whether you need that song to let out your feelings of anger or tune out the world, or that song to pick you up, metal music has you covered. That is why I decided to share with you my top 15 Metal songs and the reason behind each choice. Sitting and listening to every one of these songs on a bad day can do you a lot of good. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself cause it is about to get LOUD. ;)
Song 1- Havoc by Eluveitie
This song is freaking nuts and it is GREAT. It is one of my favorite Eluveitie songs. Folk metal is a great way to chill! This particular song is very upbeat and will remind you of Irish riverstomp music. The violin riffs are AWESOME. Eluveitie writes a lot of their music based on old Gaulish folklore and this particular song is about raiding villages and causing mayhem. It actually makes a lot of sense why this song would be in this list. A song about plumage on villages is one that can release any feelings of pent up anger that you could be dealing with. I know that after listening to this song, I always feel relieved! Moral of this one? Imagine you're a raider attacking villages. :P. That'll cure ya.
Song 2- Reason to Believe by Arch Enemy
I just HAD to share this song. First off, Alissa has KILLER clean vocals. Arch Enemy has not delved into the clean singing realm, as it is not their norm. HOWEVER, with the talented Alissa White- Gluz on board, they took a dive and ultimately, the song is one of the most popular ones out of their album, Will To Power. This song also has a very good message. The lyrics are incredible and tell the listener assuring things like NOT to loathe or hurt yourself. It is AMAZING and I cannot recommend a better song for times when you're feeling down. This band has repeatedly told us to remember who we are to to not give in to the pressure of society. They are a constant reminder to love ourselves and find our own power within ourselves.
Song 3- Become the Storm by Dee Snider
This is the voice of metal that everyone needs to hear right now. Dee Snider, who used to be the lead vocalist of Twisted Sister, has been doing solo work for awhile now, but his new album, For the Love of Metal, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention, I just frickin LOVE Dee's vocals. The album is chalk full of songs that can make the most depressed person rise. The best song from the album, in my opinion, is Become the Storm. This song is an anthem to get you on your feet. It really hit a soft spot in me, as when this video premiered, I was going through a rough patch. I was instantly feeling better and relaxed after I put this on and it got me through my work day! It is music like this that makes me want to sing even more. PLEASE go and listen to Mr. Snider's album! You will not be disappointed! Every song on it is GOLD.
Song 4- Cry Thunder by Dragonforce
Because Dragonforce has always been a force of good and epicness. They have been around a very long time. But I must say, their new vocalist, Marc Hudson, is both talented and a hunk ;). I love the music this band has been putting out since he arrived on the team in 2011. This song makes my inner warrior burst out... either that or that is the Chipotle burrito I ate earlier. >_> BUT DUDES. I am absolutely behind this band. The fact that their guitar riffs are sick AF and the keyboardist is a maestro. Wanna chill? Let Dragonforce help you with that. JUST LISTEN TO THE SONG...
Song 5- Heart of the Furyan by Dire Peril
I like deez guys and happen to be acquainted with Jason and John. John's voice is like velvet. SMOOTH and soothing. He has the amazing ability to be powerful AND soothing at the same time. Which is not something many vocalists manage. He sings every song with passion. And Jason is a great songwriter and composer! He has a great knack for story telling and I can attest after seeing these 2 interect online that they are a great team! If you like Sci- Fi Metal, this is definitely a band you should check out. Their latest work, The Extraterrestrial Compendium has Britney Slayes and Arjen Anthony Lucassen. An impressive couple of guests, don't you agree? But seriously. Sci- Fi Metal is a great listen on a bad day. These guys will take you on an adventure and make you forget everything. But speaking of Brittany Slayes, the next song is one of hers. :P
Song 6- Tonight We Ride by Unleash the Archers
Dune riding and epic guitar battles???? HELL YES. This is a great song to chill to. :D. The fact that this is a Mad Max themed video just makes it even better! And Brittany is a QUEEN. Her vocal work in every song she does is frickin AWESOME. but this song tops her other work in my opinion and shows the mightiness of her vocal power and range! The guitarists and bassist are in perfect harmony the entire time as well and are a great team! This song in general is a sublime experience and is a great battle anthem. Huzzah!
Song 7- First Kill by Amon Amarth
Because vikings. Amon Amarth is another one of those bands that writes music based on folklore. Their folklore roots are more Nordic/ Viking. This song is more of a venting song. If you feel the need to chill after a fight with your parents, putting this on could probably help you calm down. I love this band so freaking much because every one of their albums has a story to it and is not just a pile of music. This song is about a man who commits murder, which set the events of their album Johmsviking. The man runs away and joins a group of outlaws called the Johmsvikings. The rest of the album is the story of his journey. *I DO NOT CONDONE MURDER. HOWEVER, IF YOU NEED A SONG TO HELP YOU GET YOUR FEELINGS OFF YOUR CHEST, THIS IS A GOOD ONE. JUST DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID. THANKS.* This song is also a great song to work out to. Just throwing that out there.
Song 8- Stand Up and Fight by Turisas
Probably the most cliche of my choices on this list. But who doesn't love a good war song? This Finnish Folk Metal band knows how to invigorate a stressed soul. I love the fact that they also incorporate accordian and violin into the music. Blending traditional instruments, like how Eluveitie also does, is pretty freaking awesome and blends very well! Folk metal is definitely a genre worth looking into if you're an adventurous one! The album, after which this song was named, is based on the history of Varangian Guard, which was the group of elite Norsemen army men in service during the Byzantine Empire. The album unfolds history and is a good listen if you're looking for a good distraction from your woes.
Song 9- Keehauled by Alestorm
Yo ho, yo ho, A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR MEEEEEE! Alestorm is freaking WILD. lol! These guys are another great band that incorporates traditional instruments into their music. Their music is also downright HILARIOUS and is definitely a good listen to beat the blues and chill! Christopher Bowes is a freaking GENIUS when it comes to "Pirate Metal" in fact, they are one of the bands that started this genre. :D Since they came to the scene, other pirates have come from the shadows to bring forth this crazy branch of Folk Metal! They even sometimes incorporate Black Metal roots into their music on some songs as well, which is both totally random and RAD. I highly suggest listening to this song while drinking rum. If you do not have rum, you are not listening to this song OR THIS BAND right.
Song 10- Beyond the Burning Skies by Battle Beast
I LOVE NOORAH AND HER AMAZING ROARING VOICE. No one can even come CLOSE to matching the power of her voice, except, perhaps, Doro Pesch. Noorah has a gift beyond imagination with the amazing things she can do with her voice! I also love this particular song because it has inspiring words and is a great listen to get you back up and empowered. This song is about glory and honor and is a great song to chill to. The soothing piano riffs and guitar riffs are a good clash and the whole piece altogether is just a great composition. They touch the soul. I highly suggest giving Battle Beast a listen in general.
Song 11- TriggerPulse by Kobra and the Lotus
I love this band and their singer, Kobra Paige. I will always look up to Kobra. Not only is she an encouraging ball of sweetness, the music she creates with her team is beautiful and always spreads good vibes. They may write hard music, but don't let the intensity of it deceive you. Their music will make you bulletproof. Kobra's soothing voice and beautiful words are a great way to cheer up in the winter. If you want encouragement and light, look no further than these guys. They are beautiful people inside and out and always convey a message of love and hope.
Song 12- Victims of Contingency by Epica
Epica is one of the first metal bands I got into. The fact that they have evolved so much over the years of their being together is AMAZING. The reason I chose this particular song is because this one is a great song to not only vent anger, but it reminds you to not blame others for mistakes and failures. It is a reminder to also look within ourselves to find our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. The music Epica writes is a reminder of what metal is about. Metal is not only about being the outsider. It is also supposed to bring forth truths that people are too afraid to observe. Keep this in mind when you're feeling down and out of it.
Song 13- Last Hope in a World of Hopes by Temperance
Temperance is a good epic metal band. The music they write is beautiful and the harmony between Michele, Alessia and Marco are a good mix! Michele and Alessia sing the clean vocals and Marco the harsher vocals. But the fact that 3 completely different voices can come together in this way is great! It reminds me of my days in choir. This particular song has a nice balance of metal and folk music and it is very relaxing to listen to. If you need a break, pop some Temperance on your computer/ phone/ mp3 player. :)
Song 14- Kings by Frozen Crown
Frozen Crown just made their debut and they are already a hit. I just HAD TO put them here. They are also cool people to talk to and very active in their fan community. :). Giada's voice is unique and brings a new crispiness to the power metal genre. She also harmonizes well with Federico, the male vocalist. Thalia, the female guitarist of the band, is a freaking MANIAC and brings riffs that will light the torch in your heart! Not to mention she is also left- handed, which is something you do not see too often anymore! I dig it! If you listen to their whole album, The Fallen King, it will take you into an epic journey about tyrants and war. It is a great listen when you're down in the dumps and need a distraction. I suggest hearing this one while you lie in bed with ear buds and shutting your eyes. It will help you get a better picture of the story. :D
Song 15- Over the Hills and Far Away (Originally by Gary Moore) Covered by Nightwish
Gary Moore was a legend and is influence on many bands such as Nightwish, Powerwolf, ReinXeed, and Sonata Arctica, who all did covers of his music. I love this particular cover that Nightwish did of his song, Over the Hills and Far Away, which is about a man who is framed for murder and robbery and put to face the death penalty, but the alibi ( he did not commit murder because he was out sleeping with his best friend's wife) he has would also ruin his life. This is also the album that lead to Marco Heitala becoming the bassist and Male Vocalist for Nightwishand has backing vocals by Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica. :D This version was dubbed to be too karaoke like by Gary himself, but I dig it. I like the way Nightwish put their little spin into it. If you want another story to get your mind off feeling blue, this band is your place to look! Their music is what got me into this genre in the first place and though I do not care for Floor Jansen as their current vocalist, I do hold this band in my heart and Tarja is still one of my favorite vocalists! Speaking of Ex- Nightwish vocalists, here's a bonus for you!
Bonus Song- My Sweet Mystery by The Dark Element
Annette Olzen is another ex- Nightwish vocalist and she along with ex Sonata Arctica Guitarist Jani Liimatainen started the band, The Dark Element, as a collaboration. Their self- titled debut released in 2017 with their Self- Titled song The Dark Element kicking it off. And people were BAMBOOZLED. The fact that these 2 came together and wrote this music (and they did not even meet till the filming of My Sweet Mystery) is ASTONISHING. The music they write is music about love, hard times, and rough experiences, but they write in a way where it inspires you to really listen and think about your own life. Inspiration comes from their own experiences. So if you're experiencing a bad day, chill out to The Dark Element. You'll be surprised. TRUST ME. I know I sure as hell was when I found out the news of this collab! I am also SUPER STOKED that Annette came back to music with this project!
So there you have it, folks. I have given you 16 songs to help you gain your "holiday spirit" or whatever back. Personally, I think you should sit down in your room and whip out Youtube, Mp3 Player or Spotify. Then you should go through your music and see what songs motivate you. What moves you? I want to know your opinions in the comment section. give suggestions. HELL! Show me a playlist of your blues battle music. In this community, it is never about who is a better band or who is more metal than the other. In this community, it is about raising each other's spirits. Being encouraging. Listening to the music together and enjoying a good time with your friends or relaxing to the sound of blaring guitars. Guys. Take this moment to reflect your own life and your favorite bands. Have you told your friends about your musical tastes just yet? Welp. I have one more suggestion for you. Give me 3 more songs in the comments. And make a friend in the comment section. And show your friends your favorite music. Music has a beautiful way of bringing people together. It is a great way to bond with those important to you. Every musician I have met will tell you the same thing. Music should be a shield. A sword. A way to make it through the rough times and amplify the good. Spread the love and good vibes, everyone. As I will always say in these blogs-
KEEP IT METAL! Yours Truly, ArwenStarsong |
AuthorArwenStarsong is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, Youtuber, and multi- instrumentalist from Fresno, California. She is an enthusiast of the metal genre, and a lover of poetry, art, and writing. She also livestreams video games for fun sometimes. She is an artist of the Symphonic/ Power metal genre that is beginning to bud in the community. She recently helped found a new Symphonic Power Metal band called Sun Lay Silent. Archives
September 2020
Categories |