After the charm of the New Year holidays passed, I decided to post such a entry. I decided to write some thoughts about my future activities in 2019.
Since I live in Russia, my prospects are very bad. Get a job on the main specialization is possible only in Moscow. In my region, this is impossible - a follish financial system encourages only theft and corruption. But I don't say that it was wasted - the knowledge of physics (which is similar to musical theory and philosophy) in general, and electronics, electrical engineering in particular, is very useful.
As for making money on additional specialization: blog has no future - a specific topic has a very limited growth potential. I don't want to say that I will close the blog - I am interested in writing reviews, and also I see that it's interesting to people. But I see no reason for the repetition of the June 2018 attendance explosion.
This year, I would like to finally create my own musical project. Not because it's my whim, but because in my region it's impossible to apply such knowledge in another way. And also I have a large number of ideas of a liberal sense. I also have some drafts for instrumental parts that are similar to Thrash / Groove Metal. I could bring a lot of use in this area - readers have long noticed that I appreciate in music. However, for me it's impossible - from the equipment I only have a guitar in poor condition and a laptop in 2011, which barely support the DAW. But revenues of 220-240 USD (per month) don't even allow to take an extra day off. I don’t even dream of acquiring something after paying the bills. Yes, it can be done on samplers - I already discussed some of them on this blog. But a sound card, a microphone, a guitar for performances are all expenses. I don't get anything for blogging despite advertising and an open donations page (here).
I also tried to keep the channel on Yandex Zen platform. But the number of views is too small. I don't see other sources of income from such knowledge.
Future is sad, but I don't give up. And I hope my readers will support me.
Showing posts with label author's opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author's opinion. Show all posts
January 15, 2019
December 30, 2018
My opinion about my influence
Recently I wrote that previous review was the last one this year. But it was not last entry. At the end of year there is a great temptation to sum up not only the year, but also the work as a whole. An occasional guest, who will come here from a indexer or my twitter, will surely ask himself the question: “what have you achieved”? For many artistic personalities, this is a sore subject, because art and related topics are irrational things.
As you may have noticed, this blog is run by an ordinary listener who is well-versed in music for ordinary listeners who are not well-versed in music. However, my influence has spread not only to ordinary listeners.
Specifically, there are a lot of views for this format: since June, the number of views has never been lower than 4000 per month. However, the responsiveness indicators are extremely low: if for a similar topic the CTR is above 0.5% - this is something supernatural, then you can forget about h-index. However, I quite often find traces of my thoughts on specific forums.
Now specifically about my influence. Here you can remember Rina Akegami. She had an album Mirai Chizu, where I pointed out the flaws: a bad idea for vocal parts in the first track, very predictable instrumental parts, strange drum patterns, ect. Review can be found here. Next single - One Chance - has already sounded much more interesting. And I also noted this.
You can also remember new band of drummers from Galmet. After my sharp entry about new MV, it became noticeable that they had changed something. Also, many Russian-language resources began to copy the name of this MV from my entry, rather than doing Hepburn transliteration.
You can also remember band Velatria. I very harshly criticized the first single, but at the same time I paid attention to presence of a great talent. And later they released an album, the publishers of which were very serious guys - Black-listed label. I didn't listen to new album, but the fact of cooperation with Black-listed is a serious indicator. I don't know, maybe I just guessed it, maybe someone from the staff saw it, but I was right.
I can continue write my thoughts on this for a long time - a lot has accumulated over the year. But that's enough.
As you may have noticed, this blog is run by an ordinary listener who is well-versed in music for ordinary listeners who are not well-versed in music. However, my influence has spread not only to ordinary listeners.
Specifically, there are a lot of views for this format: since June, the number of views has never been lower than 4000 per month. However, the responsiveness indicators are extremely low: if for a similar topic the CTR is above 0.5% - this is something supernatural, then you can forget about h-index. However, I quite often find traces of my thoughts on specific forums.
Now specifically about my influence. Here you can remember Rina Akegami. She had an album Mirai Chizu, where I pointed out the flaws: a bad idea for vocal parts in the first track, very predictable instrumental parts, strange drum patterns, ect. Review can be found here. Next single - One Chance - has already sounded much more interesting. And I also noted this.
You can also remember new band of drummers from Galmet. After my sharp entry about new MV, it became noticeable that they had changed something. Also, many Russian-language resources began to copy the name of this MV from my entry, rather than doing Hepburn transliteration.
You can also remember band Velatria. I very harshly criticized the first single, but at the same time I paid attention to presence of a great talent. And later they released an album, the publishers of which were very serious guys - Black-listed label. I didn't listen to new album, but the fact of cooperation with Black-listed is a serious indicator. I don't know, maybe I just guessed it, maybe someone from the staff saw it, but I was right.
I can continue write my thoughts on this for a long time - a lot has accumulated over the year. But that's enough.
September 7, 2018
My opinion about my blog statistics
Recently, in form "ask me a question", I noticed a question that concerns my traffic. That is, how many views I have, which countries and my opinion on this matter. I can understand this, since I don't install various widgets to display statistics. However, I usually have a separate topic for questions, but now I will answer this question separately. I will describe my situation approximately and express my opinion on this. Maybe it will be too obvious to somebody, but I will do it.
It's easy to guess that most of my visitors are from USA (1st place) and Canada (4th place). Not only because most of the search bots from the USA - 6000 views per month can not be explained only by bots. As you may have noticed, I don't know English well, but I try to describe my thoughts as clearly as possible for a wide audience, and also using persistent expressions. By the way, it can be found on "Disclaimer" page.
But then the fun begins. In second place - Germany. Moreover, most of the time falls between the announcement of Lovebites performance at Waken Open Air (it's held in Germany) and directly this event. I had at that time two reviews of their albums and a little later I wrote a third. That's what it means to successfully guess the moment.
Next is Russia (3rd place). Not only because I have enough projects from Russia, but also I sometimes discuss some Russian bloggers. I have a special style of narration, a special handwriting, which is typical only for residents of Russian Commonwealth countries. It's difficult to express in words, but it's so.
And the fifth place is Japan. You may think that I have a lot of Japanese projects, so I have a lot of views from Japan. But this is only the fifth place. They have enough information about such bands. And I also describe Japanese bands with the help of Western standards. It's very difficult. Therefore, I have many views from the West.
At the moment my statistics look like this. Yes, I have described not all: there a some of shades I want to keep a secret. Well, I hope I did it right.
It's easy to guess that most of my visitors are from USA (1st place) and Canada (4th place). Not only because most of the search bots from the USA - 6000 views per month can not be explained only by bots. As you may have noticed, I don't know English well, but I try to describe my thoughts as clearly as possible for a wide audience, and also using persistent expressions. By the way, it can be found on "Disclaimer" page.
But then the fun begins. In second place - Germany. Moreover, most of the time falls between the announcement of Lovebites performance at Waken Open Air (it's held in Germany) and directly this event. I had at that time two reviews of their albums and a little later I wrote a third. That's what it means to successfully guess the moment.
Next is Russia (3rd place). Not only because I have enough projects from Russia, but also I sometimes discuss some Russian bloggers. I have a special style of narration, a special handwriting, which is typical only for residents of Russian Commonwealth countries. It's difficult to express in words, but it's so.
And the fifth place is Japan. You may think that I have a lot of Japanese projects, so I have a lot of views from Japan. But this is only the fifth place. They have enough information about such bands. And I also describe Japanese bands with the help of Western standards. It's very difficult. Therefore, I have many views from the West.
At the moment my statistics look like this. Yes, I have described not all: there a some of shades I want to keep a secret. Well, I hope I did it right.
August 15, 2018
My blog has 1st birthday
Today, August 15, my blog has a birthday. Of course, it was created several months earlier, but it was exactly a year ago that my first entry appeared on my blog. It was a year ago that I decided that I would leave behind a large and interesting heritage.
I every weekend (and not quite a weekend) wake up and start writing. I always do this when I have free time. To this day, I am moved by the thought that it's someone who needs it. And every day I'm more convinced of this. A year ago I could not imagine that I would collect 6000 views per month. Today this is reality. At the same time, I did not spend anything on advertising.
For this year I did a lot - to prove myself as a good and honest reviewer, pretty much affect the major thematic Internet resources and some artists. And I want to say, it was not difficult. Someone will say "just took your niche," but that's not entirely true. I just apply my knowledge where I can do it - in real life there are very few opportunities for implementation.
Of course, this is not just a stretching phrase "I (not) liked" for 3 thousand characters - I wrote about this earlier. This lesson also has a diplomatic side. I used to have to negotiate with someone about early access to listening, ask to share a CD (or copy). But, I want to say, it was fun. I learn something new about people and it's nice to know.
I will continue to work on improving the content. No, there will not be less honesty here. I'll just keep track of the accuracy of the information.
And finally, I list reviews that I think are the best. Not by popularity (number of views), but by the precise and honest expression of thought. So, 10 best reviews for the year.
I every weekend (and not quite a weekend) wake up and start writing. I always do this when I have free time. To this day, I am moved by the thought that it's someone who needs it. And every day I'm more convinced of this. A year ago I could not imagine that I would collect 6000 views per month. Today this is reality. At the same time, I did not spend anything on advertising.
For this year I did a lot - to prove myself as a good and honest reviewer, pretty much affect the major thematic Internet resources and some artists. And I want to say, it was not difficult. Someone will say "just took your niche," but that's not entirely true. I just apply my knowledge where I can do it - in real life there are very few opportunities for implementation.
Of course, this is not just a stretching phrase "I (not) liked" for 3 thousand characters - I wrote about this earlier. This lesson also has a diplomatic side. I used to have to negotiate with someone about early access to listening, ask to share a CD (or copy). But, I want to say, it was fun. I learn something new about people and it's nice to know.
I will continue to work on improving the content. No, there will not be less honesty here. I'll just keep track of the accuracy of the information.
And finally, I list reviews that I think are the best. Not by popularity (number of views), but by the precise and honest expression of thought. So, 10 best reviews for the year.
March 13, 2018
10 guitar riffs that changed my life
Recently saw Jared video, in which he talks about the 10 guitar riffs that changed his life. Today I decided to tell you about it too. So, 10 guitar riffs that changed my life.
I will not describe all causes and consequences - this will not be enough for one blog entry. The only thing I notice is that at first the complexity gradually increased, then the notion "genre" ceased to exist for me at all.
- X-Japan - X (Power Metal/Speed Metal).
- Slayer - Black Magic (Thrash Metal).
- Trivium - Pull Harder On the Strings Of Your Martyr (Thrash Metal/Groove Metal).
- In Flames - Artifact Of The Black Rain (Melodic Death Metal).
- Lamb Of God - Redneck (Groove Metal).
- Bullet For My Valentine - Hit The Floor (Metalcore).
- Bullet For My Valentine - Ashes Of The Innocent (Thrash Metal/Metalcore).
- Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade (Metalcore).
- Periphery - Insomnia (Groove Metal/Progressive Metal/Djent).
- Kino - Peremen (Post-Punk, New Wave)
I will not describe all causes and consequences - this will not be enough for one blog entry. The only thing I notice is that at first the complexity gradually increased, then the notion "genre" ceased to exist for me at all.
March 4, 2018
My Hall Of Fame
At this moment I wrote 22 reviews. And I had an idea to write which of these releases I liked the most. Link will be on right screen side.
February 9, 2018
My blog - My rules
In the face of stricter legislation, it's more difficult to speak without violating anyone's rights. So I decided to add a disclaimer. Link to disclaimer page will be located in right column.
Now you can confidently say - "My blog - My rules."
Now you can confidently say - "My blog - My rules."
December 18, 2017
How i write reviews
After a several reviews, I decided to write how I do it. That is, what and how I value. But first I want to clarify one important point. Criticism - is not just stretching the phrase "I did't like" for three or four thousand symbols. Criticism is a very valuable tool for musicians and listeners. Criticism creates understanding. What the musician(-s) did, how he did it, how it looks from the outside, what the overall structure looks like - this is also a large amount of work.
So, let's begin. First we have an introduction. There may be some prequel here. There can be a story about what led me to listening this release. Here there can be reflections on various genre shades (especially if it does't enter into my personal preferences). There can be reflections on thinking / behavior of project members. Or maybe some stuff that first came to mind.
You already noticed, I use rating system. Rating is measured in parrots. For those who don't understand - this meme from this cartoon. It matters "an intuitive assessment that is not attached to strict standards."
And I also mark my assessment with different colors. You could notice the green and yellow. But I will use more.
Yes, your eyes have not deceived you. "Green" segment is just 15 points. There is nothing surprising. Average ("yellow") rating is a very wide variety, and "green" rating is not a frequent occurrence. I have so far evaluated only four releases. And I also try not to listen to releases that I can estimate lower than 30. My favorite music is that it's rather complicated and interesting, and turning it into something completely unintelligible - you have to try to do this. I can also refuse evaluation. For example, if result of work is priceless, or there may be great difficulties in evaluating an extremely specific work .
But let's return to our musicians. Introduction somehow smoothly flows into evaluation of the whole work. I try not to make harsh statements and categorically evaluate this or that element. I understand that people can't be the same, everyone thinks differently. Nevertheless, first composer work is evaluated: general sructure, subject of the narrative (if any), setting of artistic task, methods of its implementation, variety of these methods.
Then voice is evaluated. Statement of breathing, pronunciation (if the language is not native), a variety of vocal techniques. If there is good hearing and good headphones, then this can all be heard.
And also instrumentalists are evaluated. Instrumental parties are of varying complexity. Depending on complexity and interest of instrumental parts, you can evaluate separately each instrumentalist, individually each subgroup (lead and rhythm section) or just write a few words about everyone. There is a lot of space here, so I don't stick to any narrow patterns.
Conclusion is also a separate story. There necessarily will be an opinion on general intellectual value, assessment of the perspective and some advice (if required).
Love of art is not the only thing that moves me: art can be loved in silence. I also want to convey to musicians and listeners what they lack. I hope I succeed.
So, let's begin. First we have an introduction. There may be some prequel here. There can be a story about what led me to listening this release. Here there can be reflections on various genre shades (especially if it does't enter into my personal preferences). There can be reflections on thinking / behavior of project members. Or maybe some stuff that first came to mind.
You already noticed, I use rating system. Rating is measured in parrots. For those who don't understand - this meme from this cartoon. It matters "an intuitive assessment that is not attached to strict standards."
And I also mark my assessment with different colors. You could notice the green and yellow. But I will use more.
- From 0 to 24 - Red. Absolutely unlistenable shit.
- From 25 to 49 - Orange. Project is trying to do something, but there is not enough of something significant.
- From 50 to 84 - Yellow. Quite a diverse category. There are wonderful talents here, which were not enough for something. It can be completely devoid of talent persons, who put their best to the limit of their abilities. Or another doll with serious support from the outside.
- From 85 to 100 - Green. Excellent masters work, in which everything was fine.
Yes, your eyes have not deceived you. "Green" segment is just 15 points. There is nothing surprising. Average ("yellow") rating is a very wide variety, and "green" rating is not a frequent occurrence. I have so far evaluated only four releases. And I also try not to listen to releases that I can estimate lower than 30. My favorite music is that it's rather complicated and interesting, and turning it into something completely unintelligible - you have to try to do this. I can also refuse evaluation. For example, if result of work is priceless, or there may be great difficulties in evaluating an extremely specific work .
But let's return to our musicians. Introduction somehow smoothly flows into evaluation of the whole work. I try not to make harsh statements and categorically evaluate this or that element. I understand that people can't be the same, everyone thinks differently. Nevertheless, first composer work is evaluated: general sructure, subject of the narrative (if any), setting of artistic task, methods of its implementation, variety of these methods.
Then voice is evaluated. Statement of breathing, pronunciation (if the language is not native), a variety of vocal techniques. If there is good hearing and good headphones, then this can all be heard.
And also instrumentalists are evaluated. Instrumental parties are of varying complexity. Depending on complexity and interest of instrumental parts, you can evaluate separately each instrumentalist, individually each subgroup (lead and rhythm section) or just write a few words about everyone. There is a lot of space here, so I don't stick to any narrow patterns.
Conclusion is also a separate story. There necessarily will be an opinion on general intellectual value, assessment of the perspective and some advice (if required).
Love of art is not the only thing that moves me: art can be loved in silence. I also want to convey to musicians and listeners what they lack. I hope I succeed.
August 22, 2017
What albums I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100
After my first review, I want to tell you which metal albums, released from 2001 to 2016, I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100. Before starting, I want to clarify: this list is very long. Here I want to talk about music that I listen.
Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.
Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.
Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.
Alhambra - Fadista (2007)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.
Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)
Genre: speed / power metal
The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.
In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.
Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.
Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)
Genre: progressive / power metal
I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.
Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)
Genre: thrash / power metal
You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.
But
You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.
But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.
Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)
Genre: melodic death metal
Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.
Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.
Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.
Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.
Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.
Alhambra - Fadista (2007)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.
Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)
Genre: speed / power metal
The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.
In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.
Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.
Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)
Genre: progressive / power metal
I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.
Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)
Genre: thrash / power metal
You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.
But
You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.
But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.
Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)
Genre: melodic death metal
Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.
Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.
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