dj weiser

New Beer Blog Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Calabaza Blanca White Ale

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Opening a tab, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is the brewery that is being featured in this blog.  The beer is Calabaza Blanca White Ale.  Jolly Pumpkin was founded in Dexter, Michigan in 2004 by Ron Jeffries.  They have a brewery which is located in Dexter and two pubs in Ann Arbor and Traverse City, Michigan.  They brew several different beer styles, however, they are best known for their sour ales.  They are also known to age their beers in wine or oak barrels.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy yellow strew color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell of this light body has a chai tea along with other species. The taste is like Chai Tea without the hot cinnamon to it. There is no aftertaste to the beer. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Calabaza Blanca, an artisan white ale brewed in Belgium’s biere blanche tradition.   Spiced with orange peel and coriander, you’ll find it refreshingly tart, with a wonderfully dry finish.  A year round favorite for sure!

Please enjoy our beers in good health, Cheers and Mahalo plenty!

Here is a description from the website (www.jollypumpklin.com):

Calabaza Blanca– Aged in large oak casks and refermented in the bottle, Calabaza Blanca is a Belgian Biere Blanche. Spiced with orange peel and corriander, you’ll find it refreshingly tart, with a wonderfully dry finish.

Year round production 4.8% Alc./Vol. 750ml bottles – 12 case

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.jollypumpkin.com

Twitter:  @jollypumpkin

Closing out tab, this is one of my first beers from Jolly Pumpkin on this blog.  I have heard several things about this brewery when I lived in Michigan and now in the Chicago market.  This is the first beer from this brewery that is not my favorite beer style.    I have to say I was pretty stun on how it came out.  I was pretty interested in a brewery that ages all their beers in barrels.  I would not say this is not favorite beer but I will put this in the middle of the pack if I had to choose from beers at a bar or a store.  I will pick this beer.  I will give this beer a look at the liquor store when picking beer for the weekend.  It has a nice refreshing and easy drinkable taste.  I highly recommend you trying this beer that is coming from a guy that does not like wheat ales.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Evil Twin and Local Option Plastic Man

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Starting a new tab, we are going to get into another brew from Evil Twin Brewing.  If you read my earlier beer post on Evil Twin Brewing, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post.  However, this beer has Local Option teamed up with Evil Twin Brewing to brew this beer, Let us get into the history of Local Option.  There is really no history on the internet for Local Option.  They are based in Chicago.  Let us get into the beer.

It is cloudy peach color with a constant white head. It is like they put whole peaches in the bottle without the skin. The smell has a peach aroma to this Saison Style Ale. The taste is a slight carbonated peaches with peach aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Taste the Colors, Hear the Aromas, Smell the Carbonation.

Here is a their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.eviltwin.dk and www.localoptionbier.com

Twitter:  @LocalOption and @EvilTwinBrewing

Closing out, this beer was something else.  Local Option and Evil Twin teamed up and did a great job on this beer.  I am pretty impressed with this beer.  I have not had too many beers from Local Option.  I will be heading down to check out their brewpub.  Evil Twin, I had several different brews from Evil Twin Brewing.  I am not a fan of peaches but the peaches in this brew are awesome.  I highly recommend this beer and I want you to hunt this beer down.  Please, let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Evil Twin Brewing Aun Mas Cafe Jesus

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first brew on this blog ever from Evil Twin Brewing.  The beer is their Aun Mas Cafe Jesus Imperial Stout.  Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø founded Evil Twin Brewing in 2010.  Evil Twin Brewing started out as a rogue brewery, which means he would use other people’s brewery to brew his beers.  There are several breweries like that out there in the market.  To-Ol and Stillwater are two other popular craft breweries on the market right now.  The state of Denmark beers styles made him and a few of his friends to start brewing their own beers.  Evil Twin was not the only craft brewery to pop up in Denmark.  He knows and is friends with the founder from Mikkeler Brewery.  Evil Twin has teamed up with several different breweries to make brews together.  They also brew several different beer styles and pushing the limits of classic beer styles.   Two Rogue Breweries or they like to called themselves Gypsy Breweries has teamed up to build their own brewery together.  I do not know how true this right now.  It is all a rumor and I cannot find any facts on this rumor.  It is an Urban Legend and do not hold this to me, however, Evil Twin has been working moving more brewing to The States.  Let us get into this brew.

This Imperial Stout has a jet black color with a nice tan and light brown constant head. The smell is slight toffee and chocolate with some coffee bean. The taste of this full body beer is a chocolate and toffee with a heavy coffee notes.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the bottle:

On a pilgrimage for immortal craft beer we tripped on these heavenly coffee beans – threw them in and created damn good aromas, a thick fudge-like body, pitch black color and obviously only made it in limited amounts.  And the taste… furthermore jesus!!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.eviltwin.dk

Twitter:  @eviltwinbrewing @twelve_percent

In closing, I am speechless on how good this beer is and was in my beer glass.  I have had some great Imperial Stouts and Coffee Stouts in my time on this planet.  This is one of my favorite beer styles.  I have to say this beer from Evil Twin is up there in my top ten in the stout styles. In every sip, that I take from my beer glass I pick up something new and exciting from this beer.  There is a nice balance between the stout and the coffee beans itself.   I will have to explore more Evil Twin brews in the near future.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Stillwater Artisanal Existent

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from Stillwater Artisanal.  The beer that will be feature is Existent.  Brian Strumke founded Stillwater after retiring music producing.  Brian did not own a brewery so he traveled to several different breweries and brew his beers using their equipment.  He just like many other brewers like Evil Twin became rogue or gypsy breweries.  He just brews Farmhouse Saison Ales.  He would use different yeast or malts to make different Saisons.  Brian has team up with several different breweries to make brews together.  Stillwater has done a beer with Stone Brewing and Evil Twin Brewing.   Let us get into the brew.

It is has a black color or dark deep brown color. There is a tan to light brown color head. The smell is a chocolate to farmhouse to it. The taste has a slight spicy to some chocolate notes. There is a slight dry coco or chocolate aftertaste finish. It is extremely drinkable.

Here is a description from their website (www.stillwaterales.blogspot.com):

Existent
Existent represents the philosophy behind Stillwater Artisanal. We strive to define ourselves through our passion and sincerity while accepting that not all aspects of life are readily explainable. To manifest this ideology we present an ale of intrigue. Deep & dark though deceptively dry, braced by a firm yet smooth bitterness and accented with an earthy hop and mild roast aroma. This is an ale for you to define..’and if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.’ –Nietzsche

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stillwaterales.blogspot.com

Twitter:  @stillwaterales @twelve_percent

Closing out, I am pretty big fan of Saison Ales.  I was pretty interested in this brewery and I have had several of his beers in the past. I do not know why I have not write on any in the past.  The problem I have with this brewery is the fact he does one beer style.  If you are good at one thing, you better stick to it.  I love how he keeps doing different styles of the one beer styles.  I also love the fact he teams up with other breweries to make other beer styles.  I love this beer and this is why.  It is dark and still has the Saison taste to it.  I love the slight chocolate to smoke malts in this beer.  I love the spicy notes.  I highly recommend this beer and it is now available in 4pk 12oz bottles along with their Cellar Door and Stateside Saison.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Filter The Sun Comes Out Tonight

In this Music Monday Blog, Filter is the feature band and the new record called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.”  Filter is well-known in the 1990’s for their huge hit “Hey Man Nice Shot,” which everyone thought they were talking about Kurt Cobain shooting himself.  It is still mystery of what they were singing about.  Filter had several hits in the 1990’s and I have been a fan since.  Let us get into the history of this band and then the music.

History

Richard Parker, who is one of founding member of Filter, played guitar in a band called Nine Inch Nails.  He tour for NIN record “Pretty Hate Machine.”  Richard left the band after the tour and began a new project which would be called Filter with Brain Liesegang.  Filter signed record company in 1994 with Reprise Records.  “Short Bus” was released in 1995 with the big hit “Hey Man Nice Shot.”  They had another hit off that record called “Dose.”  Filter went back into the studio in 1998 to start working on their second record which would be release in 1999 and it was called “Title Of Record.”  They had a three singles which are “Welcome To The Fold,” “The Best Things,” and the huge hit song “Take A Picture.”  Filter went into the studio in 2001 to begin work on “The Amalgamut.”  It was released in 2002 with hit songs like “Where Do We Go From Here,” and “American Cliche.”  Sales of the record were short because of Richard Parker entering Rehab which led to lack of touring and support for the record.  Filter took a break from touring and recording.  Richard Parker team up with members of Stone Temple Pilots to form the supergroup called Army Of Anyone.  Army Of Anyone put out their first record and did not sale very well.  Richard disappointed with the success of that Supergroup project which lead to their break up in 2007.  Filter finally went into the studio to record their fourth record in 2007 and their first since 2002.  The record was called “Anthems for the Damned.”  It was a more serious record than the rest that was released in the past.  The record was finally released in 2008 and had hits like “Soldiers Of Misfortune” and “What’s Next.”  In 2008, Filter started to work on their fifth record called “The Trouble With Angels.”  There was no singles off this record, however, this record brought Filter back to their first three records.  The fan base holds this as their cult classic.   The band enter the studio to record their sixth record which is the one that will be reviewing in this blog and it is called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.”  The band put out their first single called “What Do You Say.”  Let us get into the music.

Track List

We Hate It When You Get What You Want

The open track has that classic Filter sound to it.  The programming and sampling is awesome.  Richard Parker sounds great.  The drumming and bass work is right there with the old school sound.  Richard has some great lyrics on this song.  Filter keeps it going after their last release, which was “The Trouble With Angels.”  This is a great opening track.

What Do You Say

The first single off this great record is “What Do You Say.”  Just like the opening track, “What Do You Say” starts out like the old Filter sound.  I believe this band never really loss its sound.  They were experimenting on their fourth record.  There is nothing wrong with that and still was a pretty good record.  Richard is singing is solid with some awesome lyrics.  He has his screaming going on in this song.  The music from the guitar, bass, and drums are solid.  I love the music breaks in “What Do You Say.”  This is a perfect first single off this record.  It also has a nice ending.

Surprise

I love the start of this song with the samples and acoustic guitar.  Richard’s singing is really good on this song.  This song reminds me of “Take A Picture.”  He has out did himself on this song.  The drums are really good.  This song right now is my favorite song off this record so far.  I really enjoyed the build up towards the end of the song.  “Surprise” has a nice and fitting finish.

Watch The Sun Come Out Tonight

I love the effects on the samples and the vocals.  Richard comes in with an awesome guitar riff that turns out to be the main riff.  Once again, I tip my hat to him for having some solid lyrics and music.  I am loving the drums and bass on this song.  It is a perfect back up to the singing and guitar.  I love the ending of this song.

It’s Got To Be Right Now

I love the guitar effects on the one guitar.  The other guitar is same riff but really solid.  I love the singing and the lyrics.  This song seems like it could have been part of their 1990’s records.  The drums and bass are simple but this is perfect for the song.  It is what the song is calling for in its theme and process.  This is not the best song but not the worse on this record.  The lyrics are to the point and love the build up for the ending.

This Finger’s For You

The drums kind of has a flare from Led Zeppelin but a little bit heavier at the beginning.  I love the guitar and programing while Richard sings.  There is some pretty solid music and lyrics on this song.  The drums and bass are about where they need to be with the process of this song.  The music is awesome and this can be turn up without leaving anything behind.  The title of the song explains everything.  I love the music break with a semi guitar solo.  I love the sampling drums at the end of the song.

Self Inflicted

I love Richard screaming at the beginning.  It brings me to the old school of Filter.  This song seems like “Hey Man Nice Shot.”  I love the lyrics.  They are straight to the point and have some meaning.  I love the verses music and then the pick up for the chorus.  Parker has written some great music for this song.  I love the pace of this song.  It has a nice ending.

First You Break It

I love the acoustic guitar and pace at the beginning of this song.  Once again, this song reminds me of “Take A Picture.”  For programming metal band, their Ballard or slow songs are really good.  They make sense and not what you expect from them.  The lyrics and music are solid.  This is up there as one of my favorite songs off this record.  The drums move this song not the singer or guitar player.  The drummer leads us to a nice journey of music.  I love the singing towards the end and the build up.

Burn It

I love the programming at the beginning of the song.  The guitar in the background is a nice touch.  When it comes forward, it is right in your face.  The lyrics are pretty solid for the theme of this song.  I love Richard’s singing.  He is on it like back in the 1990’s.  I just wish and hope this band gets some looks from this record.  There is a nice pace to music and the drums are really solid off this track.  Richard has a nice guitar solo towards the back half of the song.

Take That Knife Out Of My Back

The sampling and programming is slow and nice to the point.  The lyrics are simple but perfect.  I believe this is the last song they wrote for the record.  I love the guitar riff in the song.  Richard’s screaming is perfect along with the drums and bass playing.  There is a nice pace to the song.  This is a pretty solid song towards the end.  I believe this should be the second single off this record.  It has a nice ending.

It’s My Time

I love the piano action at the beginning of the song.  I love the lyrics along with the music.  This is thinking music but to me this is thinking about growing up listening to this band.  Damn, time has went by pretty fast.  Richard has still has it as a song and lyric writer.  These songs make me want to get back into music.  This is a great song.

It’s Just You

The beginning of this song reminds of something off Owl City record.  However, Filter put their twist on it. There is some solid music and lyrics.  I am so proud of this band of what they are and what they have become in the world of hard rock and metal.  I love the lyrics and it comes straight from the heart.  I love the ending and this is a perfect ending to this great record.  FILTER is BACK!!!  Last record is the same thing.

Here is original Line Up:

  • Richard Patrick – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Programming, Drums, Producer, Engineer
  • Brian Liesegang – Programming, Keyboards, Guitars, Drums, Producer, Engineer
  • Matt Drvenkar – Answering Machine Vocals
  • Kevin Hanley – Additional Guitar Noise

Here is their current Line Up:

  • Richard Patrick – Lead Vocals, Guitare
  • Jonathan Radtke  – Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Phil Buchman – Bass Guitar
  • Jeff Friedl – Drums
  • Elisa Mallin – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.officialfilter.com

Twitter:  @OfficialFilter @RichardPatrick

In closing, I have not been disappointed with this band’s music since they started.  They have not put out a bad record.  I am not a huge fan but I will say I have becoming more and more of huge fan.  I believe this record has put me to the point I have become a huge fan.  I have grown up listening to this band and I was too stuck in the past,which meaning like the 1970’s and 1980’s.  I believe their was nothing wrong with that. I still follow this band like Candlebox, Stone Temple Pilots, Cold, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains.  There are band I wish would have kept on going but this band I am glad is still going.  They put out a solid record and you need to support them.  If you are new to this band, please, go back and check out the rest of their music.  I highly recommend this music.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Credit Source:  (I pick up the history part from wikipedia.)

New Beer Blog Widmer Brothers Brewing Alchemy Ale

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Starting a new tab, Widmer Brothers Brewing Alchemy Ale is the brewery and beer that is being featured in this beer blog.  If you read my beer blog post on their beers, you know history of this great brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color without a head on the beer. The smell is citrus. The taste of this full body has a sweet carbonated citrus with a dry hop finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Alchemy Ale turns hops, water, malt and yeast into liquid gold.  It’s the purest expression of our beliefs about great beer.  perfectly balanced, perfectly hopped and perfectly refreshing.

Here is a description from their website (www.widmerbrothers.com):

Alchemy Ale
Unlock the Mystery.

We practice alchemy every day turning water, malt, hops and yeast into liquid gold. Alchemy Ale melds years of experimentation and our special Alchemy hop blend, in a pure expression of brewing art and science. Join us in unlocking the mystery to the perfectly balanced, perfectly hopped ale. Alchemy Ale has a bright, distinct hop character balanced with hints of caramel and a remarkably smooth finish.

Availability Bitterness Alcohol by Volume
Year-round 40 IBU 5.8%
Original Gravity Malts Hops
13.8 Plato Pale, Caramel, Munich, Vienna Extra Special Alchemy

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.widmerbrothers.com

Twitter:  @widmer_brothers

Closing out, Alchemy Ale is great and made very well.  They put some thought behind this beer.  There is a nice balance between the hops and the malt.  It is pretty drinkable beer and it will get you in trouble if you are not paying attention.  This is a great beer however, I am pretty disappointed that they dropped and stop making their Drifted Pale Ale.  I will be honest.  I was not a fan of this beer right away but it grew on me.  I am not saying this beer made me forget the Drifted Pale Ale and it will not.  I recommend you trying this beer.  Go get some!  Drink i!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Furthermore Brewery Knot Stock

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Starting a new tab, we are going to get into another brew from Furthermore Brewery and the beer is called Knot Stock.  Just what I said in yesterday beer blog.  I could not find any history on this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a slightly cloudy amber color with  a white constant head. The smell is black peppercorn. The taste is a sweet malty pepper with black peppercorn aftertaste. To me, it is not drinkable because of the pepper in the beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Beer brewed with black pepper.

Here is a description from their website (www.furthermorebeer.com):

Availability: Year-Round

ABV: 5.5%

Black, cracked, stuffed in a sack, boiled and cold-infused. The real treat of our A.P.A. is the tangle of flavors that fresh cracked pepper and Northern Brewer Hops create. At 65 IBUs (bitterness units) there’s plenty of zing for the Hop Heads or Bitter Bettys, but not so much to overpower the tingle of the black pepper as it slowly kicks in. Likewise, the 15° Plato malt bill features a healthy dose of caramel malt meant to soften (but not stifle) the play of pepper and hops on the palate.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.furthermorebeer.com

Twitter: @FurthermoreBeer

Closing out the tab, this beer is worth it.  It is has a ton of flavors and I love the peppercorn that is in the beer.  The beer is full body and comes with a ton of flavors.  The black pepper is not overpowering to the rest of the beer.  It has a nice balance of the pepper and the hops that are being used in this beer.  This beer is worth the price.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Furthermore Brewery Proper

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a new brewery, which is called Furthermore Brewery, and the beer is called Proper.  There is no history on Furthermore Brewery.  There is nothing on their website.  The only thing I know this brewery is from Spring Green, Wisconsin.  Let us get into the brew.

It has a slightly cloudy golden color with small constant bubbles. It has a constant white head on the beer. There is really no smell to this English style ale. The taste of this medium body is a carbonation malty to almost hazelnut to it. The aftertaste is dry with a slightly hazelnut to it. It is drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Our classic, Light-bodied ale is proudly crafted in honor of American Players Theatre, our friends and a Spring Green cultural treasure.

Here is a description from their website (www.furthermorebeer.com):

Availability: Year-Round

ABV: 4.5%

It’s not just about the best beer, but the best places to enjoy it. APT and its festive, open-air venue have inspired us to craft an elegant, light-bodied and “proper” English Ale. At 12° Plato, the Proper is fairly light, with subtle toasty notes and a slight sweetness garnered from a touch of Munich and Caramel Malts. 15.5 IBUs (bitterness units) is enough to sharpen the mouthfeel without coming across as bitter. The hop bill is at its core, English—Kent Golding being the dominant player but we’ve employed “Brewer’s License” and thrown in some very non-English Tettnang hops—because it tastes good. Furthermore Proper is a toast to APT, a Spring Green gem.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.furthermorebeer.com

Twitter:  @FurthermoreBeer

Closing, this is pretty good beer and well made.  The problem is the price.  I just feel  the price point devalues the beer in the bottle.  It might be just me but I just feel this beer is too light in body for my taste buds.  Asides all that, they did a great job on the beer and this is a perfect beer for the American lager drinkers.  Just because, I did not like this beer.  It does not mean you might like this beer.  I recommend you trying this beer because of that fact.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Capital Brewery Mutiny IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a new brew from Capital Brewery and it is their Mutiny IPA.  Capital Brewery started in 1984 by Ed Janus in Middleton, Wisconsin.  This brewery is based on the on German brewing styles, however, they have moved into non tradition German Styles like this India Pale Ale, pale ale, and wheat ale.   This brewery is trying to do different things with hops in their IPA to give series of hoppy beers to beer market.  They are best known for their seasonals and their two different Doppelbock, which are Blonde Doppelbock in the spring time and Autumnal Fire in the fall time.  Let us get into this new brew.

It has a clear golden color to a slight copper tone without a head on the beer. The smell is of a mango. The taste is mango but bitterest is over bearing. The aftertaste is hoppy finish. It is drinkable.

Here is a description from their website (www.capital-brewery.com):

Mutiny IPA

Capital’s first India Pale Ale has a bright amber hue with an upfront florally citrus hop aroma. Mutiny packs a punch yet remains remarkably drinkable. It’s time for a MUTINY from one of Wisconsin’s largest independent craft breweries.OG – 16.2%

IBU – 70

ABV – 6.2%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.capital-brewery.com

Twitter:  @capbrew

Ending, I will have to say that I am very impressed with this brew.  Capital has done a great job finally on one of their everyday beers.  I have talked to several of my craft beer drinker friends and we agreed that their everyday beers are not very good.  They are average to below average.  I am happy that this brewery is taking steps to improve themselves on their everyday beers.  We did agree that their seasonals were extremely good.   I am a huge fan of their Blonde Doppelbock and Autumnal Fire.  This India Pale Ale is well-balanced between the hops and malt.  I recommend you trying this beer and give me your thoughts on it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Black Sabbath 13

In this special Music Monday blog, we are going to take a look at a record many of us have been waiting for in years.  We are talking about the new music from Black Sabbath.  This is the first new studio record from Black Sabbath with Ozzy as the lead singer in about 35 years.  I have to say this record has went over really well with everyone in the world.  This record went #1 in the first week in 50 countries.  Let us get into the history of this great pioneer metal band and then the music.

History

Black Sabbath was founded in 1968 under the name of Earth.  As they have learned later on they found there was another band under the same band name of Earth in England.  Earth changed their name to Black Sabbath in 1969 from 1963 horror movie Black Sabbath.  They wrote their most haunting and evil song after their band name.  Black Sabbath was signed to Warner Bros in the states.  They release their debut record of Black Sabbath in 1970.  The record companies push Sabbath back into the studio in June of 1970 to record their second record.  It was supposed to be called “War Pigs.”  Warner Bros changed the name to “Paranoid” and lead with the title track as their first single.    “Paranoid” was released in early part of 1971 and went to #2 on the music charts.  In the early part of 1971, the band enter the studio to record “Master Of Reality.”  Following the World Tour of “Master Of Reality,” the band took break from touring and recording.  However, in June 1972, the band was back in the studio recording “Vol. 4”, it would be released in later part of 1972.  In the summer of 1973, they enter the studio, which was a house outside of Los Angeles, to record “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”  The record was released in the later parts of 1973 after a long and beat up time to come up with music and ideas for “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.’  Sabbath went on a World Tour for the year of 1974.  In the early part of 1975, the band started working on “Sabotage.”  It would be released in July 1975.   Also in 1975, the record company put out the band’s first greatest hit, which was called “We Sold Our Souls For Rock And Roll.”  In 1976, Black Sabbath added a keyboard player, who was Gerry Woodruffe, to their next record, which was “Technical Ecstasy.”    It was released on September 1976.  In 1977, Ozzy quits the band just before Sabbath was supposed to be entering the studio.  Dave Walker was brought in to replace Ozzy on vocals.  They performed live with their new song “Junior’s Eyes.”  Ozzy had a change of mind on leaving the band and wanted to rejoin the band in January 1978.  Ozzy was welcome back but all the new songs they wrote with Dave Walker had to be tossed because Ozzy could not sing those songs.  “Never Say Die!” was released later part of 1978 and it marked the last studio recording for Ozzy in Sabbath for a while.  The band return to LA area to start working on new songs but the band was doing too much drugs and drinking way too much.  Ozzy had no ideas and did not want to practice. Ozzy was busy getting drunk and doing drugs. Tony fired Ozzy and had Bill Ward his buddy and lead singer he was not the singer of Black Sabbath anymore.  The band went through several line up changes in the 1980’s.  Ronnie James Dio replace Ozzy on vocals and this was the most success the band had in the 1980’s.  They also had Ian Gillin, who was from Deep Purple fame, on “Born Again” record as the lead singer, which to this day it is cult classic.  Then the band had Tony Martin and Ray Gillan, who replaced Glenn Hughes.  Glenn Hughes was on the record “The Seventh Star.”  Glenn to this day still does not remember recording that record with Tony.  At this time in Sabbath, Tony was the only original member of the band.  This record was supposed to be Tony’s first solo record but the record company said no to the idea.  Finally, in 1997 Black Sabbath with all four original reunited for a tour on the Ozzfest.  They would play along the side of Ozzy’s solo band.  The band did several recordings in Europe for their live record called “Reunion” that was released 1998.  It also mark the first time in years that the band recorded new music in a studio with Ozzy.  They recorded three songs but only two made the live record.  In the spring of 2001, the band went into the studio with Rick Rubin to start working on new record with Ozzy on vocals but Ozzy was called away to finish up his solo record “Down To Earth.”  Black Sabbath reunited with the Heaven And Hell line up and toured with Dio.  The band later started to work on new songs for the new Black Sabbath.  The band released the new record, which was “The Devil You Know,” under the band name of Heaven And Hell.  The band toured the world until Dio received some bad new about his health.  Ronnie James Dio pasted away on May 2010 from stomach cancer.  The Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund is still active to this day and please support.  Rest In Peace Dio!  In November 2011, Black Sabbath reunites with Ozzy on vocals in the studio with producer Rick Rubin.  Bill Ward could not play the drums because of other things going on in his life.  There are several different stories out there about this situation.  Brad Wilk of Rage Against Machine was called in to play drums on the record.  “13” was released last week in the United States.  It has mark the first studio record from Black Sabbath in 18 years and the first with Ozzy in 35 years.  Let us get into the music!

Track List

End Of The Beginning

The classic dark dooming guitar riff from Tony at the beginning.  It is supported by some great drumming and bass playing.  This song reminds of something off the early Black Sabbath.  This is really creepy.  I love how Ozzy is singing over the guitar playing.  This song is extremely haunting and awesome.  I love the lyrics.  This is a great opening track to this great record.  I love the pick up towards the middle of the song.  I also love the fact that Ozzy has no effects on his vocals.  He also sounds really good on his singing.  Tony has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I love how they let the drums and bass fill the spaces during the guitar solo.  I mean there is a rhythm guitar but it is not over the top like most rhythm guitars with the solo.

God Is Dead?

God Is Dead? is  the first single off this record.  Just like the opening track, this song is pretty creepy.  They have found the fountain of youth on this record so far.  I love the guitar work.  The drums and bass is pretty solid.  They have out did themselves on the music.  Once again, Ozzy has no effects on his vocals.  He sounds like old school Ozzy.  I love the pick up for the chorus and then the music pulls back to the background during the versus while Ozzy’s vocals are pushed forward over the music.  The band has written some great lyrics and music.  This is a great song for a single.  This record seems like it could be forty years old.  Tony has a great guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I love the time changes on this song.

Loner

I love the start to Loner with the solid guitar, drums, and bass.  This song seems like it would have been part of “Master of Reality” or “Vol. 4.”  This is classic Ozzy singing and lyrics.  I am really loving the fact there is no effects on his vocals.  I am really enjoying this guitar solo and I love the effects that are put on the Tony’s guitar.  Brad has done an awesome job on the drums.  Tony did a pretty good job on the ending guitar solo to finish up the song.

Zeitgeist

Tony has the Planet Cavern acoustic guitar sound going.  Bard playing the congas is a very nice touch.  This is the only time that Ozzy has effects on his vocals and it is perfect.  The bass is just right from one of the best in the business.  I love the lyrics on Zeitgeist.  Tony has some great guitar work towards the end of the song.  It is a nice touch for the song.

Age Of Reason

Brad has some awesome drumming and the bass and guitars are solid.  Ozzy is singing is solid and lyrics are really good.  I am loving the pace of this song.  I love how this song developed with the some keyboard action in the middle of the song.  I love the music on this song.  There is awesome guitar riffs throughout this song.  Tony puts together a pretty good guitar solo in the later parts of this song.  It has a perfect ending.

Live Forever

The guitar riff is pretty solid with the drums and bass at the beginning of  “Live Forever.”  The main riff is classic Black Sabbath.  Ozzy has his classic singing with some great lyrics.  Once again, it seems like this song could have been off one of their earlier records.  This is one of my favorite songs so far off this record.  Tony has a solid guitar  solo towards the back half of the song.

Damaged Soul

I love the sample or sound effects they use at the beginning of the song.  I love how the drums, guitar, and bass comes into the song.  The music is pretty solid.  Ozzy has some reverb on his vocals but it fits where they are taking this song.  Classic Tony’s guitar riff bleeds throughout this song.  I love the double vocals from Ozzy.  It gives you the crazy feeling that the song is trying to get out.  Tony has some pretty awesome guitar breaks and solos throughout this song.  The music is awesome on this song.  I am loving the ending guitar solo.

Dear Father

“Dear Father” is the final song off the record before we get into the bonus tracks from special edition from www.bestbuy.com.  There is classic Black Sabbath music and Ozzy singing and lyrics are solid.  I am loving the pace and the feeling on this song.  It is a perfect song to finish this comeback record.  Brad is killing it on the drums.  He is not Bill Ward but if someone told me Bill Ward played on this record, I would have believe them.  I love Ozzy’s melody on this song.  The rain storm is perfect and echoes the time in the past and the record that put them on the map.

Methademic

I love the start of this song.  Tony has a nice acoustic guitar riff.  It is a thinking music.  It then slams right into your face with the distorted and evil guitar riff.  The bass and drums are solid.  Ozzy is solid on his vocals and lyrics.  This song has a good pace to it.  Tony has an awesome guitar solo in the later part of the song.    It has a nice ending to the song.

Peace Of Mind

“Peace Of Mind” has an awesome guitar riff.  It is deep, dark, and thick.  Ozzy has some awesome singing and lyrics also on this song.  Brad drum beat is simple but it is to the point.  I love how the guitar and drums echo off each other.  I love how this song ends.  It is perfect.

Pariah

I love the beginning of Pariah.  There is an awesome main riff.  Bulter is all over that bass along with Tony’s guitar work.  Dear lord, this has to be the best song of the bonus tracks and maybe the record itself.  This has to be a song they never used back in the day.  This is a great song.  I love how they moved the guitar down to an acoustic in the later part of the song.  It goes back to distorted and Tony has guitar solo that fits this song.

Naivete In Black

“Naivete In Black” is the finally song from the bonus tracks and the record.  I love the fast pace of the song.  Ozzy has been pretty solid throughout this record.  The lyrics are done up really well.  I love the movements of the riffs.  Tony has a nice guitar break in the middle of the song.  I love the ending to this song and the riff going out.

Current Line Up

  • Ozzy Osbourne – Lead Vocals
  • Tonny Iommi – Guitars
  • Geezer Bulter – Bass

Special Guest Drummer

  • Brad Wilk – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.blacksabbath.com

Twitter:  @OfficialSabbath

In closing, I am glad Sabbath reunited and put out mind-blowing new record.  It seems like they never broke up and all the music between did not happen.  Geezer Bulter did a great job on the lyrics and bass playing.  Ozzy did a great job helping write the music and the singing.  Tonny Iommi was off the charts good on the guitars.  Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine was as close as you are going to get on drums to Bill Ward.  I was pretty sad to see Bill Ward was not playing drums on this record.  I do not understand why but I saw the reports and stories.  It is funny to think that Ozzy was picked on by Geezer and Tony in school would end up fronting one of the pioneers of metal music.  “13” was a solid record from start to finish that is including all the bonus tracks.  I do not know which one is my favorite or favorites.  I enjoyed listening to all the songs.  I am looking forward and hoping to hear more new music from this line up of Black Sabbath.   I highly recommend this record from the old school metal guys or the new to the music of metal.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Credit Source:  (I pick up the history part from wikipedia and some from stories I heard throughout the years.  Most came from Talking Metal and Eddie Trunk.)