Just give me the truth

 
I have never been a particularly political person, but I vote. I do my own research and cast my vote, hoping for the best. Living outside the U.S. 2001-2005, I gained an whole new appreciation for our country and how others view us. (Especially during and after 9/11.)

Over the last decade, technology has given the public and the media a little too much "insight"...and things seem to be getting worse. Everyone has an opinion, but the "facts" those opinions are based on are very suspect. You certainly cannot trust the candidates to tell you the truth, they are too busy trying to make you like them and, as a result, get elected. And, since the news media now picks sides... where do you turn?

As I watch my Facebook news feed fill up each day with vile, nasty and more importantly, untrue statements made by my politically minded friends (on both sides), I look for sources of truth amid the crap...someone had to be checking the fact-checkers, right?

Well, I found this Pulitzer Prize winning site launched in 2007, who seems unbiased in their attempt to find the truth amongst the B.S.. And like a breath of fresh air, things become a bit clearer.

Visit http://www.politifact.com if you want to know what is real versus manufactured, no matter which side you support.



Off my soapbox and back to rockin'...

Kamelot - Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife) [Official Music Video]

Tampa's Kamelot return with a new album (featuring a new vocalist, Tommy Karevik) next week! So far, Silverthorn sounds quite tasty!

Here is the first track and video:



I will review the album as soon after it arrives as possible!

Cheers

Christian Älvestam: And now for something completely different (audio)

Being a fan of music, I enjoy all types and styles.  Well, most.  But, I really love it when an artist steps out of his or her comfort zone, in any genre.  The results are not always revolutionary or evolutionary... but sometimes these forays into other styles can be entertaining and even enlightening. This is a short blog about Swedish vocalist Christian Älvestam

Metal fans know the names Scar Symmetry and Solution .45. These technically amazing, hard driving progressive metal bands are two of my favorites for many reasons, not the least of which is the vocals.  From 2004-2008, Christian Älvestam did all the vocals in Scar Symmetry, easily switching from a melodic, clean singing voice with incredible range to death growls...and back. He co-founded Solution .45 while still in Scar Symmetry in 2007.  (and when he left Scar Symmetry they replaced him with two vocalists! talk about "big shoes to fill".)

Christian Älvestam is now trying something completely different. Not only is he showing off the fact that he can sing ANYTHING but that he also has very varied interests in music! I will post some of his metal work below, but first, check out what he is doing on his new solo EP Self 2.0:




Out today, you can pick it up here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/self-2.0-ep/id553728714

or here: http://www.amazon.com/Self-2-0/dp/B009QFV3BK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1350660447&sr=8-7&keywords=Christian+%C3%84lvestam




Sometimes when you see blogs like this, they are sponsored or something.  I posted this, and everything else, because I am a fan... and I enjoying sharing the things I like in music, movies, games, etc.  Here's hoping you enjoy!




And now for some of his earlier work! Prepare yourself...

Solution .45


Check out the change :36 seconds in!



Scar Symmetry





Impressive, eh? I have no idea how he does both!


It's Friday #RockYourDay

Preparing for The Hobbit!

My inner geek is extremely excited about Peter Jackson returning to Middle-Earth in the upcoming Hobbit movies!



As the release of the first of three Hobbit movies looms, we are planning to re-watch the LOTR trilogy...this time, the extended versions in HD for the first time!


But, to make things just a little bit more interesting, I found this little game:

 

I will let you know how it goes. If you try it, feel free to post your results!

Cheers

Interview: Thomas Youngblood of Kamelot

Thomas Youngblood co-founded the Tampa, FL based Kamelot in 1991, but it wasn't until the 21st century before the band started to explode.  Set to release Silverthorn on October 30th in the U.S., I sat down with Thomas before their October 13th show at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale.

While the audio from the interview did not turn out, here is what I can tell you from the conversation:

-Silverthorn IS a concept album. Thomas refused to explain much more than it's the story of a family in the 19th century and strange things happen. "It's the story of a young girl who dies in the arms of her two twin brothers, taking the three siblings' big secret to her grave. The songs on Silverthorn talk about despair, a sense of guilt and the pursuit of truth. In this context, the silver thorn in the album title has a mysterious meaning, but it's up to the listener to unveil this secret." The "secret" opens up to the listener who picks up this luxurious package:

The limited edition version of Silverthorn comes in an Ecolbook with a bonus CD full of 60 minutes of music, a 44 page book and an exclusive poster. Thomas said about the art:

“Artist Stefan Heilemann captured the true essence of the story and the main character. The booklet and 44 page book is packed with amazing images!”

-Although the band has been around quite a while, they feel like they are "just getting started"!

-After they take a break in December, they will kick off a massive headlining tour in 2013.

-They are talking about recording a new DVD/Blu-ray but want to make sure it tops their 2006 live DVD, One Cold Winter's Night. (which is an amazing concert video by anyone's standards, you should seek it out!)

-Yes, the new guy rocks.  Thomas said the excitement Tommy Karevik brings was infectious to the whole band.  (After seeing him live, you will not be disappointed, he fits the band perfectly!)

Oct 13, 2012 Photo: Paul Blonde @ http://thoriumphoto.com/

Currently on a tour of Europe, expect more when Kamelot comes back around headlining the U.S. next year!



Thanks for visiting RockfileOnline.com  I have just re-started blogging and have a LOT more to come!!