ABORT Magazine™

DVD Review: The Puppet Monster Massacre – Directed by Dustin Mills

August 27th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – The Puppet Monster Massacre
Directed by Dustin Mills
MVD

Once in a very long while a film is released directly to DVD that not only defies all common categorization, but also rides that fine line between true epic and cultural phenomenon.  This, unfortunately, is not that film.

What this film is, however, is a flagrant attempt at entertainment using low brow humour, gratuitous violence and plenty of gushing blood geared towards the discerning viewer who is easily confused by big words like flagrant, gratuitous and discerning.

Mirroring the plot of countless other horror movies, The Puppet Monster Massacre finds five teenagers invited to the haunted Wagner Mansion, enticed by the million dollar reward being offered to the one who can survive the entire night within its foreboding walls.  Unbeknownst to the horny, foul mouthed, wise-acre teens is the fact that a madman and his “creation” have invited them to their doom with plans of revenge so sinister and cruel that it makes The Texas Chainsaw Massacre seem like a tea party… with chainsaws and blood and stuff.

The difference between this and countless other cut-rate horror/comedy movies is the fact that the entire cast is made up of puppets.  Other than blood splattering slayings and a rather graphic sex scene that gives all new meaning to the term “felt up,” the true star of this movie is the inventive plot that finds our “victims” at the mercy of the Puppet Monster and its sadistic creator.

An obvious love of 80s slasher movies is evident in every frame of this surprisingly good DVD. The Puppet Monster Massacre and its inventive ways of dispensing with hapless teenagers, peppered with bloody carnage and hilarious scenes of “puppet angst,” is an inspired ride through the demented mind of its creator Dustin Mills and well worth checking out.

The Puppet Monster Massacre

By Grimm “There Goes My Pulitzer” Culhane

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DVD Review: The Rolling Stones – STONES IN EXILE


January 17th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – STONES IN EXILE
Directed by Stephen Kijak
Eagle Rock Entertainment

Stones in Exile, produced by Jagger, Richards, and Watts’ and released by Eagle Rock Entertainment is a 60 minute documentary that candidly captures the lives of The Rolling Stones during their exile in the South of France. During this infamous interlude, they were able to produce enough raw material to generate the epic double album Exile on Main St. which is hailed by the industry, musicologists, and fans alike as one of the most influential albums of all times.

The documentary chronicles the epoch in time when the legendary rockers were forced to leave England, emigrating to the South of France due to overwhelming tax issues. After finally settling for the convenience of Keith Richards’ rented villa, Villa Nellcote in Villefranche-sur-mer, The Stones set up in the basement and used a mobile studio which they parked in the driveway next to the house and began recording. Actual vintage film footage, images and sound bytes were used in the production of this film which makes this project quite unique.

Throughout the film Director Stephen Kijak manages to capture the essence of “the making of” Exile in an artistically intrinsic way. He does this by using a mass of black & white images fused together with vintage film while narration occurs in the background, accompanied by original audio recording clips of the band. It is clear to see that the experiences they shared in effect shaped the classic album. Although sometimes appearing fragmented and random, the documentary gives it’s viewers an explicit view into the band during this time; the excessive lifestyle certainly, but also the creativity and the musical fortitude that kept them moving forward as a band. A rare gem included in the footage is a seldom heard tune, “Cocksucker Blues”. The film and out takes for this segment were directed by Robert Frank. Frank recorded the film with a small Super 8mm Canon camera which lent itself well to the artistic dimension of the piece.

The DVD packaging includes a tri-fold with photos of the band; highly disappointing is the absence of liner notes. There are however, about 85 minutes worth of bonus material which help to make the documentary a more cohesive whole. There are extended interviews with the band, as well as Jagger and Watts’ return to Stargroves and Olympic Studios. Another bonus feature includes Exile celebrity fans such as Martin Scorsese, Jack White, Sheryl Crow, and Liz Phair, to name a few, recounting how the album impacted their lives. An interview with the producer of Exile’s re-release Don Was is an added plus.

As a collector, this DVD will make a perfect companion to your copy of Exile on Main St.; as a Stones fan, you will appreciate seeing what went into the making of one of the best albums of all time.

BUY IT HERE

By Karla “KHAOS” McLeod

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DVD Review: Down – Diary of a Mad Band: Europe in the Year of VI

January 13th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Down
Diary of a Mad Band: Europe in the Year of VI
Down Records

Despite legal issues that prevented the band from keeping with the anticipated release date of their first DVD Diary of a Mad Band, Down has prevailed. This 130 min DVD is an important one for the New-Orleans based quintet as it chronicles their 2006 return after a four year hiatus. Considering their super group status –attributed to the fact that each member has been or is currently in another successful metal band- its no surprise that they would go all out to mark the occasion; in this case embarking on their first ever European tour. With the camera in tow for each date on the tour, Diary of a Mad Band, presents a set full of hits (including “Lifer”, “Ghosts Along the Mississippi” and “Hail the Leaf” to name a few) performed in venues across Europe. An added bonus is the behind the scenes footage, titled “Tyrades and Shananigans” that documents the lighter side of the band with some hilarious backstage moments.

For those who have not yet had the good fortune to catch Down’s live show, Diary of a Mad Band is a prime opportunity to witness at least in a detached, third-party observer kind of way, the blood, sweat and pure energy that they bring to every performance. Of course there really is nothing that compares to actually being there and this DVD will, above all, encourage fans to check out a live show next time the band’s in town, if they haven’t seen them yet. For those of us who last saw Down in 2009 sans Rex Brown (ex-Pantera), who had to sit the bench due to acute pancreatitis, this DVD is an anticipatory omen of what’s to come now that he’s healthy again and back in action. To drive the point home, in one backstage scene infamous front man Phil Anselmo (ex-Pantera) confirms that they’re not through yet, declaring himself and the other members lifers; playing metal is what they do best and they’re not giving up on it any time soon.

down-nola.com

By Alxs Ness

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DVD Review: GG Allin & The Aids Brigade – Live In Boston, 1989

January 3rd, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – GG Allin & The Aids Brigade
Live In Boston, 1989
MVD

Folklore can do a lot to inflate the legend of an artist. It’s a question of a rumour’s dichotomy next to  hyperbole.  Kurt Cobain didn’t really live underneath a bridge. GG Allin, however, did smash his teeth out on stage with a microphone and shit in his hand to then throw into the crowd.

Looking like Axl Rose if he gave up crimping his crimson mane and bathing, GG Allin and the Aids Brigade are first seen rehearsing for their now famous Boston show, where they had to dress in drag disguise to sneak into the bar they’d been banned from in order to play. Unsurprisingly, the band cleverly titled the Aids Brigade, weren’t aloud in any venue in the Boston area.The DVD also takes a look at things one would want to see off the stage. One gets a good look at actual personalities as the boys are made up for the show, and discuss lyrical content, as well as thoughts about the upcoming show. The band actually comes of as….human.

Once they hit the stage, though, humanity is far from present. “We’re the prettiest girls in Boston, I’d say…” says Allin. “And we fuck.”

The band then launches into the Ramones-tinged “Cunt on the Loose” to properly set the tone of the bands performance, followed by slimy renditions of “Hanging out with Jim”, “I Wanna Fuck Myself”, “Kill the Police”, and about 18 others.

The music is not really the point of the DVD, though. The interesting part of this release is seeing an infamous figure who stubbornly stood for nothing, and would die for it. The man was actually very charismatic, and while most people wouldn’t be able to identify with the depths of his self-destruction, it’s interesting to watch from a distance, and this is the attraction.

Included as bonus content are two full concerts, one in Seattle and one in Portland in ’93. This is the perfect companion piece to ‘Hated’, the GG Allin documentary that came out a few years past, and gives more perspective on the man and the band than a cd would. This should be educational material handed out to any kids sporting Hot Topic-brand Green Day.

Track Listing
•    Rehearsal #1
•    Rehearsal #2
•    Cunt On The Loose
•    Expose Yourself To Kids
•    Gypsy Motherfucker
•    Hanging Out With Jim
•    I Wanna Rape You
•    Bite It You Scum
•    Outlaw Scumfuc
•    I Wanna Fuck Myself
•    Cunt Sucking Cannibal
•    Look Into My Eyes And Hate Me
•    I Kill Everything I Fuck
•    Highest Power
•    I Live To Be Hated
•    Kill The Police
•    Terror In America
Bonus Materials
•    GG Allin & The Murder Junkies performance footage from May 26, 1993 at Under The Rail, Seattle, WA: GG sets the stage on fire and defecates before the first song
•    GG Allin & The Murder Junkies performance footage from May 27, 1993 at The Roseland Theater, Portland, OR: GG sets the stage on fire again and gives himself a turkey baster enema

By Kevvy Mental

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DVD Review: 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s – Dir. By Gary Weis

October 23rd, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s
Directed by Gary Weis
Five Day Weekend/Traffic Entertainment

Gary Weis started his career as an in-house filmmaker for Saturday Night Live, and in 1977 after reading an article in Esquire Magazine by journalist John Bradshaw entitled “Savage Skulls” decided to make a film about the already legendary NYC street gang of the same name.  After meeting and befriending Bradshaw, Weis and Director of Photography Joan Churchill, took the perilous trip to the notorious South Bronx to meet the contacts that were made riding with cops on the beat while researching the Esquire article.  Through these contacts, Weis and crew managed to meet, interact with and interview members of both the Savage Skulls and Savage Nomads gangs, as well as former gang members, cops, community activists and others who simply lived in a community where violence and retaliation were fast becoming routine.

This is truly a document of a lost world, a New York City that would soon be forever transformed by the power of Hip Hop culture, whose hallmarks are already apparent in the styles, slang, fashions and music of 1977 South Bronx.  Hip Hop’s Godfather Afrika Bambaataa was once a Black Spade gang member himself, and much of the organizational structure and sense of camaraderie of the gangs was directly transferred to the emerging Hip Hop ethos.  “Fly” of the Nomads is innately Hip Hop in his manner, and represents for the gang member as G – a man to be admired and respected for his service to the community and ability to deal with “problem” situations.  The fact that what this amounts to in reality is a whole lot of violence, and the maintenance of his own personal “jail” is part and parcel of the paradox of ghetto culture.  And while reformed gangsters like Apache and Comanche can smugly smile in recollection of their past indiscretions, the boys in the Savage Skulls clubhouse are not playing around, proudly displaying their neo-nazi regalia (which seems utterly bizarre when worn by Latino and Black American youth), and the “flags” from their “conquered enemies”.  The opening quote from the NYPD rings throughout the whole film – “these guys think they’re really doing something, but I think they’re just bums!!!” – perhaps through the eyes of privileged white men, but given their environment one wonders.

While Fly excitedly catalogues the extensive list of guns he has personally seen in the ‘hood, it’s important to remember that these guys are not “gangbangers” in the modern sense, that most of the violence is hand to hand combat, and the crack epidemic has not yet turned gangsters into hustlers with lined pockets.  While the violence that people of this era faced was a direct result of the desolation and abandonment of whole neighbourhoods, what was to come with the 80′s would make the 70′s look like the 50′s.

As a document of a lost age where the seeds of our modern reality were sown,  “80 Blocks From Tiffany’s” is a priceless film worth watching over and over, both to witness the roots of the sociopathology endemic in the modern urban experience, and of the nascent roots of the Hip Hop culture that would transform desolation into inspiration, through the irrepressible spirit of the people.

BUY IT HERE

By Dave “Corvid” McCallum

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Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD/CD Review: Immortal – Live at Wacken 2007- The Seventh Date of Blashyrkh

October 19th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD/CD Review –  Immortal
Live at Wacken 2007- The Seventh Date of Blashyrkh
Nuclear Blast

Immortal’s latest release The Seventh Date of Blashyrkh documents the band’s epic performance at the Wacken Open Air festival back in 2007. Having temporarily called it quits in 2003 due to personal issues, their Seven Dates of Blashyrkh mini-tour in 2007 was an important comeback; reasserting the band’s dominance in a genre that has had a strong resurgence with an increase in media attention and various documentaries over the past 5 years.  This package is pretty straightforward- live performance on the DVD, live audio on the CD, no bonus features, just straight-up Norwegian Black metal the way the legendary Immortal’s been doing it since 1990.

The current line-up consisting of Abbath (Vocals/guitars), Apollyon (bass) and Horgh (drums) stormed the stage to greet the 70,000 + fans in attendance. Though they had most likely suspected it from the start, those present were in for a treat. With the exception of Blizzard Beasts, Immortal played at least one track from every album in their discography including favorites such as “At the Heart of Winter,””Wrath From Above,””One by One” and “Blashyrk (Mighty Ravendark).” To top it all off, the pyrotechnics and lights added a nice touch and coupled with the high sound quality of the recording made for an entertaining and seamless audio/visual combination.

Just like the CD/DVD package, their performance was pretty bare bones, no surprises here. Realistically this is for the best-fans attended the performance with certain expectations in mind and while Immortal didn’t make history here, they met those expectations without letting anyone down. One of the highlights on stage was Abbath’s showmanship which always somehow contains brief moments of hilarity- need I mention his infamous ‘crab walk’? It’s nice to see a band kick ass on stage all the while not taking themselves too seriously.

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DVD Review: Janes Addiction – Live Voodoo

September 27th, 2010 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry, Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Jane’s Addiction
Live Voodoo
Eagle Rock

Bring the spooky magic of theatrical hard rock lore to your living room with the glowing performance of Jane’s Addiction – Live Voodoo. It was All Hallow’s Eve in New Orleans, 2009. The band’s original line-up of Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins reunited at the Voodoo Experience to bring back a long lost spectacle that tickles the tender memories that live in the hearts of those who remember what rock was like when rock was still great.

The stage set is murky and rustic but with a fashionable flare that is the perfect platter for the costumed and charismatic Farrell in his gleaming raiment. The tracks blend seamlessly into one another until one is haphazardly found phasing in and out of a dream trip featuring scantily but stylistically dressed maidens of burlesque fantasy.

Farrell runs wild with maracas as Navarro shreds spasmodically through the epic climax of “Three Days.” But as “Whores” pushes forward with the Jane’s agenda of rad, one starts to sober and realize the poor quality of Farrell’s pitch. Fortunately his technicians and audio engineers are aware of his lack of piping prowess and they mix him a little low to take the edge off of his high tenor shrill. Farrell then drinks wine from the bottle and toasts the crowd to death. Navarro smokes a cigarette and plays the mellow prelude to “Then She Did…”. Avery’s plaid pants clash with the drama of the backdrop. Perkins hammers with his half shaven head down to glue the glory together as he rotates his way through a variety of ghoulish masks. In short, the performance is a beautiful testament to the days when rock still had something to offer people that really left a lasting impression on their lives and memories.

It is a joyous memento for a group of individuals who beyond the trials of time managed to come together to recreate a feeling decades after it was first conceived. The track listing is primarily picked from the first and second Jane’s albums and will not disappoint anyone who remembers how great alternative rock really was in its glory days.

BUY IT HERE!

Eagle-Rock.com

By ninjoelspy

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DVD Review: Breaking Her Will – Dir. by Bill Zebub

March 11th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Breaking Her Will
Directed by Bill Zebub
Bill Zebub Productions/MVD

Bill Zebub would have you believe that the villain in Breaking Her Will is indeed “one of the most twisted villains ever to appear onscreen” like the DVD jacket says. For sure, the villain is quite villainous and does quite villainous things, he kidnaps a young girl and tortures her, both physically and psychologically, but does it at such a slow and boring pace that you just want him to kill her already and get it over with.

The main character does do awful and abhorrent things to the poor girl. He ties her up, blindfolds, and gags her and proceeds degrade her, force her to fellate him, rape her, and prick the bottoms of her feet with pins. But in this day and age, it just isn’t shocking. Anyone who’s ever seen a film from the Saw franchise or Hostel would find Breaking Her Will’s attempt at shocking behaviour laughable, as the protagonist slowly overacts his way through one of the least compelling story-lines ever conceived. Granted, Bill Zebub was probably not shooting for high drama when he set out to make Breaking Her Will but if he set out to make a truly shocking sleaze film that deserved quotes on the cover like “… I thought it was impossible for a film to make me uncomfortable and nervous. I was wrong” like his does then he should have tried harder or given up entirely.

Breaking Her Will should be a great sleazy ol’ time, it really should be. It’s got copious amounts of nudity, a weirdo villain, the sexual domination of women, and more nudity. It should really be a great joy to watch but it’s paced so poorly that it all comes off as horrifically boring.  Things that only take a moment in real life and should only really be given a passing mention on film like the villain talking to himself or eating a sandwich take up minutes upon minutes of agonizing time.

Breaking Her Will does have some fairly funny moments at least but they were certainly not done on purpose and occupy only a smidgen of the hour and a half of mostly mind-numbing boredom.

billzebub.com

By A.W. Reid

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DVD/CD Review: Exodus – Shovel Headed Tour Machine

March 11th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD, Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

DVD/CD Review – Exodus
Shovel Headed Tour Machine
Nuclear Blast

Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken and other Assorted Atrocities is a 3 disc CD/DVD package that features Exodus’ full live set at Wacken 2008 in both CD and DVD format. The live DVD captures their 1 hour, high energy performance with exceptional sound and picture quality. What’s great about this DVD is the fact that, despite the level of care that’s been taken to ensure quality, it’s not over produced; it’s an honest representation of what Exodus sound like live. For those who have seen Exodus in a club or theatre, there’s definitely an air of the familiar with this set. Not only do they bust out their classics, but they manage to summon that same kind of intensity and audience interaction despite the immense crowd of over 80,000 people.

While the live DVD provides an exciting performance, the highlight of this package is definitely the 2nd DVD which features the Assorted Atrocities documentary. With plenty of stories, drunken antics and live footage, this DVD provides an in-depth look at the band and their fans. Reminiscent of the Pantera home videos, focus shifts from one band member to the next offering insight into their individual personalities and idiosyncrasies. Just like the live DVD, this documentary leaves out the bullshit and hype and tells it like it is. There’s no “rock star” machismo here, just the sometimes funny, sometimes disgusting, sometimes sad portrayal of a hard working, touring band.

One of the biggest highlights of disc 3 is hearing Rob Dukes and Jack Gibson admit mistakes they’ve made onstage. It’s nice to know that even professional musicians are susceptible to the same kind of fuck ups as the rest of us. Another highlight is the photo gallery which contains over 350 photos divided into separate categories and displayed in a slide show format. While priority is given to the last 5 years of the band’s career, they’ve done a good job touching on their past –through the photos and stories- in a way that doesn’t take away from their present endeavors, but works to give them a clearer context.

Contrary to other bands that’ve been around for almost 30 years, what’s made evident front to back with Shovel Headed Tour Machine is that there’s no pretending or going through the motions with these guys; they sweat and bleed right alongside their fans.

exodusattack.com

By Alxs Ness

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CD/DVD Review: Meshuggah – Alive

February 25th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

CD/DVD Review – Meshuggah
Alive
Nuclear Blast Records

They have travelled far and endured much, but they are still… Alive!!! Swedish mathcore favourites Meshuggah are back from the road and bringing the show to you with Alive; a DVD/CD collection of live performances from their latest tour in support of 2008’s release Obzen. Featuring performances from Tokyo, New York, Montreal and Toronto, this collection takes fans on the road and around the world to get a glimpse at the life and chaos that is Meshuggah.

With utmost intensity and power, Meshuggah unleash a selection of their finest material in spectacular sound and clarity. The set list ranges from such new hits as “Bleed” and “Combustion” to older favourites “New Millennium Cyanide Christ”, “Rational Gaze” and “Humiliative”. True to form, these live performances highlight the technical prowess and thunderous design of Meshuggah that will keep fans entranced as even their most difficult songs are played to their fullest. This set is more than just a live album as it offers an in depth and behind the scenes look at the band at life on the road through the eyes and experiences of the band members themselves. These candid clips, as presented between tracks, take the fans through various interviews and commentaries which each member as they talk about how the band has matured and what matters to them most at this point in their careers. From talks on family to the pressures of the road, one can’t help but identify with the band and the extended family that they call their crew.

The bonus material doesn’t stop there; however as fans are treated to a number of additional features, including the music video for their new hit single, “Bleed”. This video is also given special behind the scenes attention in “The Making of Bleed” section. In this feature, director Ian McFarland of Killswitch productions walks viewers through the making of the new video, from its inspiration and conception to its final dark reality. Any fans who are also musicians will appreciate the in depth discussion of the bands gear as guitar tech “Micha” and drummer Tomas Haake give piece by piece explanations of the gear they are using on tour and in studio.

All in all, this is a DVD that is a direct reflection of the band. Heavy, powerful, personal and informative, Alive leaves nothing at the gates. This is full on metal. This is Meshuggah.

Meshuggah.net

By Matt Snow

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DVD Review: Banshee – Directed by Colin Theys

February 19th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – BANSHEE!!!
Directed by Colin Theys
Synthetic Cinema International

Low-budget, “grindhouse” horror flicks generally rely on three main staples, three basic, fundamental features that lie at the core of everything that is film-based horror entertainment: violence/gore, cheap laughs, and titties. These three ingredients must be fused in perfect harmony for it to work properly and be entertaining. Now some films may go with one over another, feeling they want to really hammer home the violence/gore, cheap laugh, or titty aspect of their movie to suit their purposes but they generally still have all three in the movie. Not BANSHEE! Oh no, the geniuses behind BANSHEE!!! decided they were going to throw one out the window, just completely toss it by the wayside like a cheap piece of trash. And which one did they cut out? By far the most important god-damn one: titties. There isn’t a single titty in the entire piece of crap douche-fest.

Oh there are breasts, of course. Oh yeah, they parade those damn things around for pretty much the entire 80 soul-crushing minutes in the form of the pretty redheaded cop “Julia” or something, the sassy “smart” brunette chick, “Veronica” or “Vicky” or whatever the hell the name of the buxom blonde was, and some other brunette chick whose bra the filmmakers were charitable enough to let us see for all of twenty seconds. But what they don’t do is give us the goddamn common courtesy of even a whiff of an areola. Not one! Now, “What about the plot?” you may be asking. Well, gee, there’s a banshee… and it’s killing people. And there are some college kids camping near where the banshee lives… and it kills them. Music and loud noises seems to kind of hurt the banshee… but not really. Some of the kids put cotton balls in their ears as protection for some reason that is never really explained, but the banshee kills them anyways. There’s a wise old man and his nephew that help the kids but the banshee fucks them too.

In between there are some surprisingly good special effects and some pretty nice gore(a guy’s head gets ripped in half, another guy’s head explodes, the banshee owns this dude with a pretty sweet javelin shot to the throat) but nothing really that over-the-top, nothing we haven’t seen a million times before in movies made by people with the common human decency to put some goddamn titties in their films.

Bad acting and stupid plots are a tolerable, even sought-after part of low-budget horror flicks. But to make someone sit through 80-plus minutes of bad acting, stupid plot, and uninspired violence without titties(!) is torturous and simply unforgivable.

By  A.W. “Did I mention there’s no titties?” Reid

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DVD Review: Pagan Metal: A Documentary

February 15th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Pagan Metal: A Documentary
Directed by Bill Zebub
Bill Zebub Productions/MVD

Director Bill Zebub who’s brought us such hits as Jesus Christ: Serial Rapist and The Worst Horror Movie Ever Made is back with Pagan Metal: a Documentary. With interviews from top Pagan/Folk metal bands such as Primordial, Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum and Turisas (to name a few), this documentary provides extensive information from the horse’s mouth about a metal genre that’s taken the world by storm since early 2000.

What’s great about this documentary is the fact that Bill Zebub is willing to go beyond the regular, cliché type questions common to interviews and delve into more touchy subject matter. Questions about nationalism and cultural pride are definitely relevant, especially considering most Pagan/Folk metal bands are comprised solely of white Europeans. It’s also interesting to hear a bit about a rivalry between countries; for instance when one of the members of Korpiklaani proclaims that the best, most diverse folk metal bands have come out of Finland while bands from other European countries, especially Germany, sound generic. While some of Bill Zebub’s questions seem to be an attempt to draw out racist sentiments, most of the bands express an open-minded attitude. For instance Primordial front man Allan Averill and Turisas’ Mathias Nygard give down-to-earth responses; explaining that their music is not solely about their own culture but include content which people of other cultures should be able to relate to.

The only real downside to this documentary is the duration. Rather than ask the important questions and call it a day with rich material and a healthy dose of live footage, there’s a certain point mid-way where things really start to drag on. While Bill Zebub has some very intelligent questions at the beginning (many of which infused with humor), he sabotages his credibility with unnecessarily immature questions. For example, during his conversation with Alan Averill he becomes focused on racist notions of penis size and nationality. What’s funny about this is despite his ridiculous questions, he’s unable to faze the eloquent front man who responds without skipping a beat. Another example is his interview with Finntroll which he runs into the ground with an obsession over their drinking habits.

Despite the downsides, this DVD is still worth watching. Fans of Pagan/folk metal will most likely enjoy the in-depth interviews, while fans of Bill Zebub will no doubt appreciate the presence of his distinctive brand of humor.

billzebub.com

By Alxs Ness

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Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD Review: Suicidal Tendencies – Live at The Olympic Auditorium

February 6th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review -  Suicidal Tendencies
Live at The Olympic Auditorium
Suicidal Records

Suicidal Tendencies’ Live at Olympic Auditorium is the first-ever DVD released by the band. Recorded in 2005, this DVD’s been a long time coming. Without any bonus features to act as filler, all the pressure is put on the live performance to carry the release. This one stands on its own offering a fitting, no-bullshit glimpse at why many fans have stuck around and stayed true despite various changes in style since the band’s inception. Luckily, original member Mike Muir (vocals) put on a killer, high-energy show despite persistent back issues which manifested in partial paralysis the day of the show. The fact that Muir was still able to do what he does –running around the stage, pushing the pace for over an hour- without letting on that he was having severe medical problems, is a testament to his drive and determination; essentially what’s been keeping the band going on and off for almost 30 years now.

The set begins with “I Shot Reagan” (AKA “I Shot the Devil”) and includes many other early tracks such as “Institutionalized,” “Subliminal”, “I Saw Your Mommy” and “War Inside my Head.” The line-up featuring Mike Clark (rhythm guitar), Dean Pleasants (lead guitar), Steve Brunner (Bass) and Ron Brunner (drums) (who was since replaced by Eric Moore) does a great job of churning out these old tunes, adding their own touch in certain spots and helping Muir keep the energy going. What’s interesting about the way the performance is shot is the “amateur” quality. While the camera work is good, there’s an overall “real” perspective created which gives the impression that it was shot by hand-held cameras. Again this adds to the no-frills aspect of the DVD and gives the feeling that we are seeing it as it was, not an over-produced, cleaned up version.

European fans will get a chance to see Suicidal in all their glory during their European tour with Mike Muir’s other project Infectious Grooves this March.

suicidaltendencies.com

By Alxs Ness

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Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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CD/DVD Review: Mayhem – Pure Fucking Mayhem

January 29th, 2010 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

CD/DVD Review – Mayhem
Pure Fucking Mayhem
Prophecy Productions

As one of the most controversial black metal bands in the scene, Mayhem is a household name for many metal heads; fans and non-fans alike. Their story has been told around the world for almost 2 decades; most notably through documentaries such as Lords of Chaos (book- 1998/2003), Cult of Aggression (2004), Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey (2005), and Until the Light Takes Us (2010). With the imminent release of Lords of Chaos- The Movie (set for release later this year), there is certainly still much interest in the Mayhem story specifically and Black Metal history in general.

What makes the documentary included in the Pure Fucking Mayhem CD/DVD set different from many of the others listed above is that the story is told directly by current and former Mayhem members including Necrobutcher (bass), Attila (vocals) and Manheim (ex-drums). This is actually a follow-up to Cult of Aggression, also directed by Stefan Rydehed. What’s questionable with this one is, like Cult of Aggression, the glaring absence of ex-bassist Varg Vikernes. While Vikernes was not a member of Mayhem for very long, his contribution to the band has played a huge part in defining their current infamy. From church burning to the murder of Mayhem guitarist Euronymous, the actions of Vikernes have brought international attention to the black metal scene in Norway.

While the documentary portion of Pure Fucking Mayhem is fascinating, the DVD itself leaves little to be desired. The production is minimal and the “live footage” includes for the most part scenes of pure darkness interrupted with the occasional photograph. In addition, the CD, which features 8 tracks of piano music inspired by various black metal songs, is quite obscure and boring, working more to fill some kind of marketing requirement than any sort of significant contribution to the quality of the set. Despite these drawbacks, Pure Fucking Mayhem offers a candid look at one of metal’s most notorious bands and is definitely a worthy addition to any black metal fan’s collection.

myspace.com/officialmayhem

By Alxs Ness

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Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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CD/DVD Review: Protest The Hero – Gallop Meets The Earth

November 3rd, 2009 Filed under: Made In Canada, Reviews - DVD, Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

CD Review – Protest The Hero
Gallop Meets The Earth
Vagrant/UMG

Protest The Hero releases their first live album, Gallop Meets The Earth, as a two disc CD/DVD set. The CD is a live recording of a show in Toronto and the DVD includes a HD video of the band performing the same show along with music videos, a small documentary based around the day of their show and small clips like “Wake And Funnel [beer]” of the band’s adolescent mischief and gross frolics.

Gallop Meets The Earth is a great representation of experiencing the band’s live show. The sound is recorded with such clarity you’d think it was a studio album: every screaming fan can be clearly differentiated from the music, none of Moe Carlson’s rapid-fire blast-beat drumming is muffled in what could have become a swamp of noise with Tim Millar and Luke Hoskin’s intricate and fast picking guitar style, but every note is easily heard making it all sound significant. What makes the tracks on Gallop Meets The Earth different from the original recordings are the interludes of banter between lead singer, Rody Walker, and the audience. It’s hilarious how fast he can switch from pumping up the crowds to brutally insulting them and pull it off with a sense of humor.

Unfortunately, the two-disc set doesn’t include any new band material, but its powerful track list is played flawlessly. Songs like “Nautical” and “Limb From Limb” off of the band’s preceding albums, Kezia and Fortress, are performed seamlessly into each other leaving no down time. The whole performance maintains a pulsing intensity with fast tempo songs, unstoppable energy from all five band members, and a style reminiscent of British power metal that’s incorporating technical death metal.

Now you can watch over and over again the attitude, talent and sense of humour that has built Protest The Hero’s reputation.

By Brandon Siemens

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Copyright © 2004-2009 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD Review: Flyin’ Cut Sleeves – Dir. by Rita Fecher & Harry Chalfant

October 28th, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Flyin’ Cut Sleeves
Directed by Rita Fecher & Harry Chalfant
Sleeping/MVD

For everyone who has marveled at the intricacies of early 70′s NYC gang culture, and wondered just how true to life such pre-Hip Hop shock action flicks like “The Warriors” really are, this is the hard edged testament to a time long buried beneath wave after wave of street culture, with ever increasing armament.  This hearkens back to an era of baseball bats and lead pipes, of hand painted “colours” on denim and leather, of funk, rock and heavy metal, before there was money in crime, which means essentially pre-crack.

Co-Producer Rita Fecher taught in the poverty stricken schools of the South Bronx from the late 60′s into the 70′s, becoming almost a family member to many of the kids who went on to become the most deeply involved in gang activity – and family is the operative word, for that is exactly the slang used for these collectives.  Lacking support and discipline at home, these youths turned to each other, and with many of their leaders being veterans already, the structure became essentially military.  Yet even though most initiations involved “jumping in”, or getting beaten on by all other members, many gangs went on to become organs of community support, influenced first by the Black Panthers and Latin Kings, and then by the Young Lords, whose constant presence on the block is likened by one observer to a host of Native Americans constantly watching from a ridge.

These are stories of waves of Puerto Rican immigrants whose ready cash, made by selling family landholdings back home, quickly disappeared in the barrios of New York;  of the Ghetto Boy’s Black Bennie, killed while trying to broker peace between two rival gangs; of kids caught in a deadly turf war while trying to improve conditions for their people.  While conditions for the present generation have become steadily worse, with community centers closing down and an arms race that now has pre-teens strapped with semi-automatic weaponry, it’s amazing to see how many survivors of the 70’s have become community leaders, teachers and role models to youth caught in the streets, able to counsel kids without judging them for choosing the gang life.

This era of pre-Hip Hop, pre-“gangsta” gang culture is worthy of much further study, as it marks a turning point from the methodical politicization of the people through the Black Panther Party and other revolutionary organizations, to a time when the potential for gang culture to destroy whole communities by keeping them in a state of constant warfare became the State’s preferred method of oppressing its underclass.  While groups like the Latin Kings became increasingly political, only to be ruthlessly persecuted by the police, most gangs seem to have become agents of personal aggrandizement and civil destruction with the arrival of crack money.

By  Dave “Corvid” McCallum

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DVD Review: ZZ TOP – Double Down Live: 1980-2008

October 12th, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review - ZZ TOP
Double Down Live: 1980-2008
Eagle Vision

The last time I remember listening to ZZ Top was the night I got shit-faced in the basement of the Zanzibar tavern in Toronto with 2 of the band members. The boys had just played a sold out show at Maple Leaf Gardens and had ventured forth into the legendary Yonge St. abyss of sin, where the manger promptly shut the bar down 1-½ hours early to let the boys enjoy themselves. While rushing perverted patrons out the front door, the Brother of Beards: Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill (minus the non-bearded Frank Beard) found their way to the basement area bar, which had nothing. Just a bar. No girls, no distractions…no nothing. That’s exactly what they wanted.

Even though the entire strip club upstairs was at their disposal, they wanted nothing more than a bottle Jack Daniels and some good ‘ol boy conversation. “Scott! Fetch us some tunes” yelled Billy, I shat myself at the mere thought of being ordered by a living legend of Blues Rock Royalty and ran to get a ghetto blaster while pocketing the first CD I could find within an arms reach. “The Sky is Crying by Stevie Ray Vaughn?”  I said looking for a seal of approval “Perfect!” said Billy, “Now we can drink” and drink they did. A few road stories told, some reminiscing about Stevie Ray and it was off to Hamilton for another sold out show with George Thorogood as support. Wicked.

However, on the way out they stole the infamous “NO HARLEY-DAVDISON WEAR OR INSIGNIA OF ANY KIND” sign on the wall. It had been a fixture in the bar since the 70’s and now it was gone. Better them have it than it going in the garbage during the renovations that came later that decade. What does has to do with the DVD you ask? Plenty. That experience not only proves that a trio of shit-kicking barroom bravado inducing musicians truly live and practice what they preach, but are real rock stars in all their glory, and prove that through every track on this DVD, plus I needed an excuse to tell that story.

The first DVD “Then” was captured live Germany on the Rockenpalt TV show in 1980, the band showcases their musicianship with younger more energized renditions of classics such “I’m Bad I’m Nationwide”, “Heard it on the X” (done brilliantly) and more. The grey hairs are not showing, but the world’s most famous rock and roll beards are and you cant help but think back to a time when true blues still had a mainstream following, instead of an older obscure one.

DVD 2 showcases the “Now” with footage on the road during their 2008 European tour and has the gents still kicking more arse than ever before. Kicking off with “Got Me Under Pressure” from the their best-selling album Exterminator. Of course “Tush” is there, as is “La Grange” and a bevy of classics that will more than satisfy any ZZ Top fan although the nostalgic Disc 1 is a rare and thoroughly enjoyable throwback, that leaves you craving for more the true Kings of Outlaw Rock n’ Roll.

zztop.com

By E.S. Day

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Copyright © 2004-2009 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD Review: GNAW – Dir. By Gregory Mandry

October 11th, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Gnaw
Directed by Gregory Mandry
Dark Sky Films

Yorkshire blood pudding anyone? Young adults go on a trip to the countryside, the characters unfold, the snob, the bitch, the Goth, the geek, yes it’s all been done, but the Brits have put their own twist on it and it works. For the most part.

Buried in the forest lurks a sinister evil, one who takes the subtleties of Hostel with its “torture reigns supreme” attitude and churns out some fleshy ground round. They could have called this “Gnawstel”. At least the Hollywood cheese has been left off this bloody burger and we get pure Grade “A” gore. Our killer is unmasked early in the picture so no guessing and that’s a good thing as we can get down to business.

The kids nestle in the Bed & Breakfast and it brings back memories of Farmer Vincent in Motel Hell as a good chuckle/reference and it all comes complete with a comfort-food cooking mum to keep you all warm at night. Directed by first-timer Gregory Mandry, surely he and the writers wanted you to save plenty of room for dessert as there are more than enough Steak & Kidney jokes to go around as food intently plays a “roll” in this. A maggoty buttered one at that.

Texas Chainsaw Comparisons will most certainly be made as a bit more as an influence, but not a rip-off and the Dark Sky Film team actually pull this off.

Time to sop up the gravy!

DVD Bonus:
Audio commentary by director Gregory Mandry
“Making of” Featurette

Gnaw is in Stores October 13th

By E. S. Day

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Copyright © 2004-2009 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD Review: Seventh Moon – Dir. by Eduardo Sanchez

October 9th, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Seventh Moon
Directed by Eduardo Sanchez
Ghost House

Here we have director Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project series) taking a stab at an Asian-inspired look into what could be a part of The Descent franchise. Pale-white ghastly ghouls who are bald and like flesh and who live in caves, are prancing about rural Chinese provinces, snatching up live offerings from the locals, which occur every seventh moon. Amy Smart and Dennis Chan star as the newlyweds who decide to hoof it over to China for some cultural awareness on their honeymoon, and get caught in the “Hungry Ghost Festival”. Nothing exceptionally original here, effects are minimal, but the spook factor gets a 6 as far as, well…spookiness.

Great little rental if you have your missus in tow, however the plot thins quickly, the storyline is predictable and the blood does not flow nearly enough. Nocturnal cave-dwelling skinheads who are doused in Robin Hood flour has The Descent comparisons come to mind more than once. Shame, as this could have been a keeper had the script let itself run wild, beyond her trying to rescue her soon-to-be kidnapped husband. Love is in the air, but the horror is not. Not much more to be said without spoiling. Also the “too-dark-use your imagination” bit (as with Blair Witch) is quite present and quite annoying, as you already know who and what – the goblins are . So this becomes useless, almost instantly.

Hopefully it will be 7 more moons before Sanchez decides to steal the public’s money during the ‘Hungry Director for Dollars Festival”

By E. S. Day

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Copyright © 2004-2009 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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DVD Review: Know Your Mushrooms – Dir. by Ron Mann

August 29th, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - DVD by Editor in Chief

DVD Review – Know Your Mushrooms
Directed by Ron Mann
FilmsWeLike

Twisted Toronto documentarian Ron Mann, who previously directed the brilliantly elucidating “Grass”, now approaches the humble and misunderstood mushroom from a similarly lighthearted angle, to enlighten the world to the reality that our fungal friends are a) the biggest life forms on the planet, b) the key to detoxifying and healing the world and ourselves, and c) the real catalyst for human consciousness (at least according to psychedelic guru Terrence McKenna…).

Centering around the Telluride Mushroom Festival in Colorado, an annual event that draws together fungophiles of all types – from yuppie gourmands, to burnout hippies with eyes like fishbowls who munch psilocybes for breakfast – “Know Your Mushrooms” first delves into the wide world of edible mushrooms, featuring species not commonly found on grocery store shelves. In fact, the “button” mushrooms sold commercially may be the least safe of all, carrying hundreds of toxins that have nothing at all to do with ‘shroom production and are used only as preservatives. Mushroom expert Larry Evans, the “Indiana Jones of Mushrooms” takes greenhorns on bushwalks, stalking the elusive chanterelle, while waxing poetic on the intoxicating qualities of morelles, boletes, and truffles.

Fungophile Gary Lincoff tells of his first experience with psychedelic shrooms – crazily enough an amanita muscaria (classic toadstool) that he shared with a gun collecting drug fiend who transformed into a wolf before his eyes. After opening a wormhole to outer space and travelling to the Andromeda galaxy, Gary’s previously conventional mind realized that the ‘shrooms do in fact open doors to other worlds, regardless of the sketchy nature of ones surroundings.

A little slow to begin with, “Know Your Mushrooms” could probably have started with some of the more controversial material, as the first twenty minutes or so leave one wondering if this is just a quirky version of “Antiques Roadshow”. Also some of the CGI animation is a little corny…Oh well, this is still a highly entertaining romp through a world whose secrets may be the key to our survival on this planet. Too bad the last trip I had, found me alone in my room, wrapped in a bed sheet in fetal position, screaming something about caterpillars.

BUY IT HERE

By Dave “Corvid” McCallum

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Copyright © 2004-2009 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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