Incessant Ramblings of Cardiac Tom

It's Alright...

2011-09-23T14:05:00.005-05:00

You digging how I'm interweaving these Black Sabbath songs? I thought it was clever. But then again, I'm always drunk...

So, Jim is no longer in the band and the line up has been compromised for the first time since I joined in 2006. Five years...that is a pretty long run for stability in bands these days. So what the hell were we going to do?

We had a couple of options...Jim set us up with someone. This someone had already learned some of the tunes. Ok, why not try him out? I also had Danny from my other band Severed in mind too. Danny and I have jammed together since 1995 so we more or less share the same brain. Decisions decisions.

Ok, so we tried both out. Since we wanted to keep things quiet, we did not put out any adds or go posting all over the internet. We just wanted to test the waters with these two guys and see what happened. We had the time. If neither would work out, well, we would worry about it then.

So we played with both drummers for the next few weeks. And we made a decision. It wasn't Danny. And this is not a slight in any way. Danny just could not commit to our schedule. We had a lot of things coming up, and it caused some conflicts with his family life as well as his other bands. So Danny and I will still be doing Severed together at some point.

We had our first show coming up in Milwaukee on May 13th...so we continued to practice and tighten the screws...

Oh...and the new guy is.......

...going to be revealed soon!

We're Going Through Changes...

2011-09-22T23:26:00.003-05:00

Yup...

So, where did I leave off...Oh yeah...a great local show here in Chicago and finishing up in the studio...We got everything done in January and were planning to keep things moving...Them, the bomb dropped in February...

Jim, the Cardiac Arrest drummer since 2005 had to leave the band. I'm not going to get into detail about this, but I will say it was not an ugly thing. Yes, it sucked for us, but Jim did what he had to do. This was not dick thing, nor a high-school drama thing. We are on good terms and wish Jim the best of luck in the future.

So, why did we keep quiet about this and why did we keep quiet for so long? Well, in my opinion, there is just too much information on the internet these days. We have Album #4 (I'm still not saying the title) done, we have a bunch of shows booked throughout the year, and frankly, we do not cater to drama, and it is none of anyone's business why a member left. Also, I don't believe people (especially on the internet) need to know every single detail about a band. There is no mystique left anymore and I don't think everything needs to be broadcast. Call me old, since I was around back in the day when information was not so readily available, but whatever...This is the way we chose to handle the situation and Jim agreed with it...

I guess I can be called a hypocrite as well since I am talking about it now...but it is almost 8 months later...We kept all of our show commitments and are working the new guy in (more on that in another post) and all is fine...I guess I just did not want Jim's absence to be the focal point of our future...Is that fair??

I Dropped The Ball Again!

2011-09-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

I guess it takes the new Facebook changes to make me seek out other outlets on the interwebs...I have slacked off yet again keeping this thing updated...I kept saying this would not happen again, but life gets in the way sometimes.

There will be a ton of stuff to update here...I won't do it all at once...I'll just post some stories here and there...then I should be able to update more frequently...

So, I'll get cracking if you want to read this stuff...

Cheers!

Studio Day 9

2011-01-18T22:13:00.004-06:00

Well, on Sunday, 1/16, Adam went into the studio to do leads. Don't ask me what happened other than they got done...I wasn't there...I will be hearing them for the first time tomorrow...

We go back to the studio tomorrow morning...I hope the damn snowing and blowing stops by then...You know it has to snow when I have to go to the studio...Let's make the long drive that much more difficult...

Anyway, we will be doing vocals tomorrow...Bright and early...My guess is we will wrap up recording tomorrow...

Update then...

Studio Day 7 and 8

2011-01-10T23:52:00.003-06:00

Another weekend and more progress made on Album #4...We did bass tracks this weekend...Got a great sound, although we ran into some equipment problems mid-way through on Saturday...Either way, we got what we needed to get done...

And low and behold, I knew I had to go to the studio on Sat morning, and what happened Friday? You guessed it...snow...Although it was not that bad, it still pissed me off...It takes me an hour to get to the studio from my house...

Recording is not an easy process...You don't hear what you hear at practice or live...Issues can pop up from time to time because while we think we are playing the same thing (and yes, we are) each person has a different variation to what they are doing and the others are hearing that in the studio for the first time...So there will be discussion and compromise to deal with...Not to mention getting a proper headphone mix to be able to perform...While we all went in prepared, it is still tricky...it's not like we record every week...

So, we got the bass done in two sessions...David finished on Sunday and he kicked ass...The bottom end on this album will split skulls...All we have left is leads and vocals...So far, I think we spent about 24 hours total recording time...Leads and vocals will be done in no time...Then on to the mixing...

But, it is safe to say that Album #4 is practically in the can...

And my beer can collection is getting quite impressive...Ha ha!!

January 2nd...First Cardiac Show of the Year!

2011-01-03T20:22:00.004-06:00

Let's see how this works out...in the past, I have thought about doing write ups for our shows, but end up forgetting about it. Either that or I am too hammered to remember what happened...

A little back story...I was approached some time ago by Renato, a local promoter, to have my other band Severed play a show with Johnny Vomit and Eyegouger. Why not Cardiac? Well, most people who know us know that we will not play shows in the Winter time...Usually from November through March, we are rehearsing for the studio, in the studio, then writing and making plans for the next year...Of course there are always exceptions, but par for the course is to simply not play. Why you ask? To be honest, it is a fucking pain in the ass! Snow and cold simply just suck and we are not a Black Metal band who seem to thrive on the stuff...no thanks! So I agreed to have Severed play this show...

There is a problem though...Severed has not played together since March...And we could not schedule any time to get a practice in or two to be ready. There is also some other drama going on that I'm not going to bother getting into...long story short...Severed was unable to play...

Not wanting to be a tool like many "scene" people are, I did not want to leave Renato hanging...So a few weeks before the show, I asked the Cardiac dudes if they wanted to do the show...we discussed the pros and cons and we decided to go for it if Renato would have us...

It was at The Empty Bottle, a great divey place here in Chicago...I have seen several shows there in the past and there was always a great turnout and sounded great in there...And beer prices were cheap! Besides, we were going to be playing with Johnny Vomit, who have been friends of mine for years and we have never shared the stage with them. And Eyegouger was an added bonus. They are doing their Pornus Grindus thing again which is very welcomed by me. See, these guys were doing the porn grind thing well before kids with drum machines...They are very punked out, crude death metal...Look them up...I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Here is the flyer...

So, it was going to be a long day...It was an early show, which required being at the venue early...3pm early...The bands had to soundcheck and get organized...Everyone was there right around the scheduled check in...hows that for pro??? Eyegouger would soundcheck first and of course, we all stood around and listened...Great hearing them again!! We were next, but we skipped...It made little sense for us to set everything up and tear down again, then reset up...We would just use Johnny Vomit's sound as the template and the soundguy could make adjustments during our first song...

Went to eat next door and then it was time to drink...Half off for the bands!! Sweet! Watched Johnny Vomit and talked to friends, old and new. The place was filling up nicely and it looked like we were going to have a great crowd...

And indeed we did...We played all new songs off of our upcoming album and they got a great response...This is tricky because people familiar with us are unfamiliar with the new material...So you never know how it is going to go over...

We played for about 35 minutes and had a great "million dollar" ending...Just a wall of noise and feedback that the club let go on for over 5 minutes...most kill the mics as soon as the set is over, so this was extra cool. And Adam got carried off the stage by the crowd which was just surreal and a first for Cardiac...Hopefully there is video of it around...

Eyegouger was up next and they were great. As said during soundcheck, it was great hearing these guys again. I missed out on ever seeing them live back in the day, so it was great to finally see them, let alone play with them.

Overall a great night and a great show...I guess I have to give slack to Chicago now because since March, we have done a total of 5 shows here and each one of them were excellent. We got treated right and the crowds were all great...But, I'm sure something else will happen in the scene here to screw that up...

Thanks to Johnny Vomit, Eyegouger, Renato, the staff at the Empty Bottle, and all who came out to make this such a great show!!

Well, now it is rant time...

Ok promoters...this one is for you...

Imagine this...an early 7pm-10pm show on a Sunday night with 3 bands...There were 163 people paid...Not bad, eh? Which again, makes me stress...STOP TURNING EVERY LOCAL SHOW INTO A FEST!!!! Four bands tops...3 bands preferred...Each band got paid well, got half price drinks, and were treated like we were supposed to be treated. Do not act like it is you doing us the favor...There is a lot of work for bands to do shows, so please understand that going forward...I'm sure you won't though...it is all about your greed until you move on to the next thing...And if you ever want us to sell tickets, I will tell you to shove them up your ass as well...Other bands need to do the same thing...but of course, they won't either...Of course, this is not every promoter, so don't get your panties in a bunch if you read this and think I am referring to the true promoters...If I know you and work with you, you are cool...

Other than that, not much to complain about...I would have liked to have seen certain friends and peers at this show, but oh well...Just like I said on Facebook, you have to give support in order to get support...This was an early, $3.00 show on a Sunday, so excuses don't cut it...Whatever...As much beer as I drink, I still have an excellent memory...

Anyway, a great way to start the year...We will be wrapping up recording of our 4th Full length (the 2nd on Ibex Moon), getting some new merch, and planning some shows...I do know we are playing the Evansville Deathfest in June and there is talk of a Milwaukee date in June as well...Hopefully we can get on an established tour as well...Ve Vill See...

Studio Day 5 and 6

2011-01-03T20:01:00.004-06:00

First off...Happy New Year to everyone...2011 has to be better than 2010, correct? Or in my case, better than 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 too...At least I hope so...so far so good though...

So as usual, I fell behind again...

Ok, so we were under a bit of a time crunch here...We had to record Adam's main tracks and had to get them done before our show on Jan 2nd...We also had to set up mics for Adam's rig...

Which we did and is all we did on Day 5...Our special helper was not available until the evening and it is a haul from the Southside to Polymorph, so no recording would occur that night...The plan was to get together on Friday morning (New Years Eve) and have a marathon session. Otherwise, it would be a mess having to break down the gear and reset up to record at a later time...Mic placement is precise and sound would change if moved. So Adam had to get all his rhythm tracks done...

And on Day 6, he did just that...We got together around 10am and started around 11am. We finished around 4pm if I am not mistaken. Adam just killed it like we knew he would. And the stress of moving the gear for the show was now eliminated...

All we have left is bass, leads, and vocals and Album #4 is in the can...and no, I'm still not revealing the title yet...So far, it has been an easy process and sounds amazing. Raw and sick and it should really sound like how you would hear us live.

More updates as soon as they happen...

Studio Day 3 and 4

2010-12-22T22:23:00.005-06:00

I'm running behind again...so sue me...It is a busy time of year which I hate...

Anyway, on Saturday, I started recording my guitar tracks for the new album. I was actually up early that day, yet I was still late. But, at least it didn't snow that day...and our, um, helper was in tow to assist with mic placement and general consulting...

We spent about an hour fucking with mic placement. I was told he would have spent more time with it, but everyone else was happy with what was coming through the headphones, so we just went for it...

As I mentioned before, I'm not a fan of the studio...while we record live in a sense, we still have to piece things together...I'm not a fan of posers that go into the studio and record a riff and just cycle it throughout thanks to digital technology...I do my best to play the whole song all the way through...if I like it and the band likes it, it remains...there may be stuff to punch here and there, but overall, I am playing to the drums that were recorded in a live setting...hell, I even stand up...I move around...and I headbang...well, not too much because of the stupid headphones...and I get drunk as well...what else is new??

And for the record, I play simple...no gay effects or anything like that...A Gibson Explorer straight in to a Marshall JCM900 with an EQ (MXR) in the Effects Loop...oh, and a Volume Pedal...That is it...So stick your Pods or whatever cheater stuff people are using up your ass!!

I recorded for about 3 hours on Saturday and got 6 songs done. I felt pretty good about everything. It sounded like me, which on albums past, I never really felt that way...So that is another plus...

Fast forward to Tuesday morning...Back in the studio...And guess what?? It fucking snowed here again!!! But at least it was overnight, so the roads were fine...I just had to do the snow for my place and some of the neighbors...

I got there around 10am...Ate a Crossandwich (first time I was up that early in awhile to eat a lovely fast food breakfast) and slugged down a couple of beers while listening to what I did on Saturday...since everyone was happy with my shitty playing, it was time to knock the rest out...

I felt a bit better and comfortable today...Maybe it was the morning drinking...I dunno...I knocked out the last 5 tunes relatively quickly, although I am my own worst critic and start getting nitpicky...But so be it...

At any rate, my tracks are done...I spent a total of about 6 hours when all was said and done...Same with Jim...So 12 hours total so far...Too bad it spans over 4 sessions...

Adam will be up next...he will record his main tracks...My guess is he will knock them out in one session because he can play rings around me...After that, it is leads, bass...then vocals...Which reminds me, I still have lyrics to write...ha ha!!

Because of the holidays, we won't be getting back in until the next week...then we have a special show on Jan 2nd...Either way, this is going much quicker than past albums and we are very happy with the results so far...It can only get better!!

Here is the studio damage so far...

Studio Day 2

2010-12-14T23:45:00.002-06:00

Welly, well, well...

The studio is going better than imagined. I'm not a fan of recording...it can be a tedious process, and to be honest, kind of boring. I prefer playing live and raging...which we kind of do in the studio...but it is still not the same...

We returned to Polymorph on Saturday...I was fashionably late as always...had to get beer and food, and I took a different way there and there was nowhere to stop since I was in the sticks, so I had to take some extra time to get my supplies...And I dodged another snow storm again...Seems like every time we record, we get stuck with shit weather...Snow and cold...Yes, I'm aware it is winter fuckos, but it can be cold without the snow...Maybe we should switch to black metal??

We reviewed the drum tracks from the previous week and were quite satisfied. Again, Jim did an amazing job and just killed it. The drums sound massive.

So we finished what we needed to do...5 more tunes...Done...

Yes, drum tracks are done!!

Again, kudos to Jim...

So we start guitars this week. We plan on taking a little different approach this time around. No trickery or bullshit...we would never do that. We always want to capture our live performance in the best way we can. Live sound, intensity, and just our crazy sickness.

We will have a close friend lending his ears and assisting with mic placements and stuff like that. It will be a big help because he knows our sound and what we should sound like when recording. Extra ears will greatly help as we have always just did things on our own...while we have always been happy with our past recordings, I think this will kick this release up a notch...

Curious on who is helping? Well, I'm still not telling...

So, that is all for now...So far, we spent about 6 hours recording total...not bad...We are hoping to whiz through the rest. The songs are well rehearsed and everything feels great...Part 3 coming soon...

Here I Go Again...

2010-12-10T00:11:00.006-06:00

...On my own...

Oh, sing it David Coverdale!!

Eh, yeah, I know...it has been awhile...Life has been busy...finishing up school, feverishly looking for work, playing in a rock n roll band...Busy busy...

So a bit of an update...

The New Jersey Deathfest was fun for us...a lot of work and we were kind of trapped out there (shuttles and cabs, which is very expensive) but nonetheless, fun times...

We did our last show for the year in November with Incantation, Funerus, and Fatalist here at Reggies in Chicago...Great show...We debuted 5 new songs at this show...They appeared to go over well...Kristoff (Afterparty Massacre) viddyed it and there is a soundboard recording as well...When it will surface is TDB...There are plans...

As most of you who know me know I hate playing in Chicago...It is very fickle and thankless...This year was really good to us though...We did 4 shows, 3 of them with established bands, 1 was the tour date...

April=Deceased @ The Redline Tap
July=Tour Date @ Nitecap with our bros Gravehill
August=Destroyer666/Enthroned @ Reggies
November=Incantation @ Reggies

All shows went great and we were treated the way a band should be treated at all of these shows...The majority of shows we did this year were about the same...Well, all except one maybe...Not gonna mention it though...why bother??

So what is going on you ask? Oh, you didn't ask...well, I'm gonna tell you anyway...

Cardiac has just started recording our 4th album...I'm not going to tell you the name yet, nor the song titles...My old ass still believes that there should be some kind of mystique about a band...Too much information flies around out there...

Says me who is writing a stupid blog...ha ha!!

I will say that Jim (drummer) got done 6 drum tracks last Saturday...And I must say, the drums sounded fucking intense!!! No bullshit and no tricks...Massive!!!We will be in again this Saturday...5 more songs which hopefully he can knock out...And there will be a cool surprise when we start guitars...and I'm not letting the rabbit out of the hat on that either...

No pics just yet...Jim has some drum cam footage...Go look on his or the Cardiac Facebook page if you really want to see it...

So it snowed last week...and i had to clear snow around my neighborhood before making the trek to the studio and I was late as always...And it is supposed to snow massively this Saturday, so I'm sure I'll be late again...Ugh

I started a beer pyramid at the studio...I'll post pics of the progress...Fun fun!!

What's going on with Severed you ask? Oh yeah, my other band...To be honest, I really don't know...I'm so busy, I'm not thinking about it much...Maybe time to call it a day?? Maybe not? I don't know...I hate to stop because I have been doing it since 95...Seems like a waste if I don't keep going...Decisions, decisions...

Till next time...Cheers!!!

Tour Day 4--Oui, oui!! Montreal, Quebec Canada!

2010-09-20T12:09:00.008-05:00

A little bit of time lapsed since my last entry...things have gotten way cool in my personal life so I have been kind of preoccupied...I start school again tomorrow, so I wanted to wrap the the tour blog...

So after a very successful show we are on the road headed to Montreal...The plan was to drive a few hours so we would be at the half way point. So I drove a bit and with everyone else crashed out, I started getting tired. I was maybe about 2 hours into the drive and said hell with it and stopped at the next exit...Cool, a Best Western!

Which was fully booked...fuck!

Back on the road I went and drove for awhile...Exits are not as frequent where we were at and I was limited in using my phone (GPS/Google Maps) because of data roaming so I was kicking it old school!! Also, there are not a ton of highway signs like here...you know, the blue ones that tell you where McDonald's is?

Another exit, and look at that...another Best Western...Went in...no one at the desk...Waited for 5 minutes...rang bell...still no one around...Goddammit!! I just wanted to go to sleep...

Back on the road again...found another seemingly populated area after a few miles...Got off and looked for hotels...The ones I found were not appealing to the eye...They looked like those fishing cottages you see in rural areas of Wisconsin...I got a total Deliverance vibe and decided we would stick with the chain hotels...

Back on the road again...And at this point, I'm starting to get mad. Mad because I'm tired and want to go to sleep. Mad because I am starting to see double while driving. Mad because I can't seem to catch a break with hotels. Mad because the three other insensitive assholes in the truck are dead to the world sleeping. Mad because...

Oh snap!! A Motel 6 up ahead!! Fifth times the charm?

As I said, I was seeing double at this point so I was having a hard time navigating...David woke up as I passed the turn off few times...the motel was in this "off" area and I just had a hard time finding where to go...David successfully was my eyes and I pulled onto the service road that lead me into the lot...

Got out and attempted to check in...Yes, they had rooms...however, there was a caveat...I dunno if Motel 6 is considered a 4 star hotel in Canada or not, but the price sure was...$125.00!!!! Ok, not exactly 4 star, but you know what I mean. Hell, I can find them around here for $40.00 a night...I begrudgingly payed and headed back to the truck...I just wanted sleep! So here I am steaming pissed as I went and parked...Went to the trailer to get the bags...The lock was not on there right meaning the trailer was unlocked for the last three or so hours...Not too big of a deal, but it was just enough to trigger the Tom Temper!! Stuff was flying around the trailer as I searched for my bag...I tossed everyone else's out, slammed the door shut, locked it properly, yelled out the room number, and headed up...

It was a nice Motel 6 though...Brand new. But fuck it...it was 5am and I just spent $125.00 for a four hour nap...Ugh...With every attempt I try to be frugal on the road, it never fucking works out that way. I am always keeping mad track of the band money and I get miffed when it starts depleting. Seems like we never get ahead.

We had to be at the gig at 3pm...I figured we were about three and a half hours away...We could get a nap and head out around 11 and be fine...And that's what we did after waking, getting our showers on, and stopping for gas/food...

As I was driving, I still felt like we were behind...the mile signs seemed longer than I had thought...Oh wait, they are in kilometers...Duh!

We get into Quebec...at that point, everything turns French! The signage, everything...Weird. We keep plodding along and the directions put us on this highway that turns into a regular city road for awhile...We laughed when we saw a KFC...There it is called PFK...

The road turns back to a highway and we are getting close...I noticed a shit ton of graffiti on the overpasses which seemed odd to me. I always think of Canada as this pristine place...It looked like we were back home in Chicago.

Jim did good with the directions. I am terrible about navigating once we get close...cities always screw with me. After a massive traffic jam, we find the exit. And sure as shit, the place is located in a busy downtown area. In a very steep area. With a festival of some sorts going on. And tons of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicle...And I overshot the club. Fuck!

Wasn't that bad though...was able to circle around and get there...After a bitch of a time backing in the trailer next to the bus, we met up with everyone and began unloading.

The club, Katacombes was pretty cool, although set up kind of weird. It was all circular and the stage was kind of small. There was not a lot of room to store gear. There were going to be two opening bands this night, so the room was really filling up with gear. We also wouldn't be able to backline due to the small stage and the openers.

I must say this...Jim was a trooper for this show...He put up with a lot of shit. David went to the truck to sleep, Adam went and did whatever Adam does, and I kind of wandered around, drank, or hung out with Ian from Destroyer. Jim attempted to set up his kit, work with the stage manager, dealt with the opening bands, etc. It was kind of an odd situation, which I wanted no part of. I just wanted to go get some Poutine!! Which I did...and it was everything I thought it would be!!

Upon my return to the club, I ran into an old friend, Annick Giroux. She did the zine, Morbid Tales and most recently, the super awesome cookbook, Hellbent For Cooking!

We played catch up a bit and it turns out she was DJ'ing at the club in between bands! Awesome, as she has great taste in music...

I was allowed to drink without limit today...David said he would handle the first leg of the trip home. He napped on and off in the truck throughout the night. Awesome! And drink I did...In fact, I sampled so many different beers...It would be a good night.

A pretty big line was forming outside. Everyone in Toronto said this would be a great show for us and it was sure shaping up that way, minus the logistical problems...The first two bands played to a pretty packed house. A very good sign. We were up next and our goal (as always) was to destroy the place. We were uncertain as I think we were unfamiliar to many, but it seems we won them over based on the merch sales after the performance. We about sold out of everything we had. Also we more than recovered from the previous hotel and then some, so I was feeling better.

Here is a video from the show...

Again, the metal fans there are great. We met a lot of cool people and made a lot of new friends. Sure there is a bit of a language barrier. However, their English is 50 times better than my French, so no complaints. If you are in a band, I highly recommend adding Montreal to your list of places to play.

Not much to say about Destroyer and Enthroned. They both killed it yet again. In fact, KK made mention that it was the best show of the tour. I would concur, even though I was not there for the whole tour. But the metal fans in Montreal are crazy and fucking dedicated!!! The place was packed.

After the show, we all hung out. The club was opened till 3:30am, and we finally got the chance to hang out without worrying about anything other than going home. Annick played some great tunes while the typical sing-a-longs, drinking, and debauchery occurred as always. We were having a blast, yet we were kind of sad as we would be going home. We did not want it to end and we made that clear to both Destroyer and Enthroned...

They were playing the Hostile City Deathfest in Philly the next day. We had tried to get on when we found out we were on the tour to no avail. Ian suggested we just go with anyway as there are always cancellations. Since we had their backing, it may have been worth a shot, but we decided against it. It was decided that we would make plans in the future though as we all really hit it off...

The bar was closing and it was time to leave. We had a 14 + hour drive ahead of us. David, as promised, took the first shift. I stayed up with him awhile until he got out of Montreal and on the main highway we would be taking all the way back.

The conclusion/aftermath coming soon...Stay tuned!!

Tour Day 3--Take off, hoser!--Toronto, Ontario Canada!!

2010-09-08T22:02:00.002-05:00

Yeah, sorry, but I had to throw a Strange Brew reference in...

Ok, so we head out of Detroit after a pretty decent show. I was hammered, so David drove...I figured it would be best since he was sober...I doubt it would be in our best interest if I pulled up to the border in an inebriated state...So the keys to the war beast (read: Chevy Trailblazer) were relinquished...

David drives really well...It is tough hauling a trailer and he handled it with ease. Hence is why he is on the approved driver list for road shows...that makes only two of us...However, two is better than just me...Ha!!!

Our plan was to get through the border and drive a bit...It was a shorter drive than we were used to (about 4 hours) so if we could get through and make it some of the way, we should be golden. We had to be at the venue at 3pm. So time was on our side once we would (could) make it through...

We get to the border and it was a bit intimidating...I kind of sobered up instantly. The border guards were really polite, asked the random questions, and instructed us to pull up and check in. The check in area was pretty empty...Hopefully that is good, because I was worried about Jim getting in since he didn't have a passport. Doing some research before I left, I learned that you don't really need one to get in...It speeds things along and you may have a bitch of a time getting back to the US without one, but we would worry about that when it was time...

We pretty much breezed right in...I think we were there for 20 minutes...Next thing you know, we were heading towards the gig...Yay us!!!

David drove for awhile longer and gas was running low so we decided to get a room...By my estimation on where we stopped, it would be about a 3 hour drive to the venue...Lets get a good night sleep and something decent to eat in the morning....Sounds like a plan stan!! I want to say it was around 3am...If we were on the road by noon, we should be fine...

Sleep never goes well...With four of us in one room, sleep will not bode well...However, we are not rich so we have to deal with each others quirks...Mainly...snoring! Ugh!! Jim used to be pretty bad, but now Adam is the one that takes the cake...I went in and out of sleep throughout the night...Finally, around 9am, I got up and started getting ready...everyone else followed suit shortly after...

We stopped at the overpriced hotel restaurant and had a decent meal...We gassed up and headed out. All this time, dealing with American vs Canadian money, gallons vs liters, and miles vs kilometers...Yes, the first time we have had to deal with it...

We bought cigarettes...could not get Marlboros there...We got whatever Canadian equivalents...and the packaging is brutal...picture of a limp cigarette saying smoking causes impotency, a picture of a brain that had a stroke, pictures of blackened lungs, etc. That shit would not fly here at all...you know, because that is improper, offensive, and whatever else the moral majority deems fit for our eyes and brains...

So I drove to the venue...So far, everything was fine...Until we got to the Toronto area...The traffic was nuts!! I mean, crazy. I am used to traffic, but maybe being in an unfamiliar area stressed me out more...Either way, we finally made it and we were on time...

We get to the venue, which was The Opera House. We pull up behind the Destroyer/Enthroned bus...here they were, ready to help us again...No fucking shit!!!

The place was bigger than most places I ever played. For the Chicago readers, think about The Vic Theater...it was not as big, but it was close...We loaded in and started setting up...Met the sound guy and he started moving right away...There was a ramp installed from the floor to the stage to facilitate loading...Nice!!

The tour manager asked for a favor...he wanted to put the bus driver in a hotel to get some real sleep and wanted to save cab fare...Problem was, I am lazy, just drove through the gridlock, and really did not want to leave...especially with an empty trailer...However, I understood the predicament and the saving of cash, I just did not want to drive...David stepped up to the plate and I detached the trailer from the truck to make things easier...

Traffic sucked because they were gone for about 2 hours...Either that, or they all went to a strip club or went joy riding in the Trailblazer...Ha!! No one said anything on return...But they returned safely and all was well...we were all ahead of schedule...

We were the lone band to do a soundcheck...Destroyer and Enthroned trusted us enough to handle it I suppose as they did not soundcheck the entire time we were together...

We then find out Pathology did not make it through the border...I found that odd since they were on tour and made it in at Vancouver a week or so prior...I guess different borders, different rules?? Bummer as those dudes were cool. I'm sure we will share the stage again in the future...

There was a local opener though, which made me happy because we did not have to play first for once!! And they were nowhere to be found yet...

I went walking around to find a bar...which I did...and I happily planted myself there...

Jim and I did an interview...I drank...Just hanging out before the madness would begin...

Get back to the venue and there was a nice line forming outside...Nice!!

The opening band, Sepulchre was all set up and ready to go...Merch was set up and I was just wandering and hanging out...People were already buying stuff from us...A great sign, especially since it was our first time there....

Sepulchre were up and they were really good. I am unfamiliar with them, but I liked what I heard. They played a strong set to a good response...

We were up next...We stormed through our set...Someone passed out during one of our songs and he was right up front...Luckily, it was towards the end going into the next song, so I was able to do a pause and get this poor guy some help...we was carried away, and the show went on...It sounded great on stage, so I could imagine it sound great out in the crowd...

We get done, helped the Destroyer guys get situated, and off to the merch table...No shit...there was a fucking line!! Adam and I were scrambling because people were just throwing money at us...I want this shirt, this CD, can you sign this can you sign that...It was insane!! I still did not sign a set of tits, but I signed just about every bit of merch or concert ticket that was put in front of me...Weird...Someday, I will sign tits!!

Destroyer and Enthroned killed it as they did the last couple of days...I spent the rest of the gig hanging out at the merch table and talking to everyone who wanted to talk...Everyone was very cool and very appreciative that we played...We kept being told that the show in Montreal would kill...they are nuts there...To be honest, I thought this show killed...and it is going to get better??? Wow...I hope I am not getting set up for a letdown...

One funny point...I never seen so many Blasphemy shirts in the same place at once...It seemed like 1 out of 5 people were wearing one...Which is cool in my book...I love that band...

The only bummer of the night is the venue took a percentage of the merch...We knew this going in, but it was still a sore spot. I can see both sides...Here we are, a struggling band just trying to make ends meet, and a venue is going to take money from us...On the other hand, this was a big operation...multiple sound guys, security, the whole nine yards...And they only charged us for shirts, patches, and that sort of stuff...Not music...And since that was the majority of what we sold, we did not get hit for too much...Destroyer and Enthroned on the other hand were not too happy about it since most of what they sold were shirts...And they also stuck up for us because we were the struggling band...A bit of waves were made, but nothing real bad...Nick (tour manager) settled a lot of it...But I really appreciate being stuck up for...Again, these guys (Destroyer and Enthroned) looked out for the little guy (Us) and when most bigger bands could give a fuck, they did...Fucking massive!!!

We all loaded out and hung out a bit...We were invited to a bar by the locals, but we thought it be best to get on the road and make our way to Montreal...It would be a little over a 6 hour drive and I wanted to get at least half way there...Destroyer and Enthroned wanted us to hang at the bar and on the bus, but they respected our choice..."True Professionals" is the term I heard, and that really meant a lot. It also shows that we don't fuck around on the road...We are in the proving stage right now, and word of that will spread...

I was cool to drive as I did not drink a whole lot for a bulk of the night...We headed out, drove a bit, and stopped for gas and some vittles...got back on the road and I proceeded to drive as far as I would be able...3 days and no Tom Temper Tantrum...Things are good...Or would the Tom Temper show it's ugly face???

Tour Day 2--You Gotta Lose Your Mind in Detroit Rock City

2010-09-01T19:18:00.003-05:00

Or so Paul Stanley so eloquently put it...

So I woke up around 8:30am, still kind of buzzed I think...and the burrito I devoured before going to bed didn't sit right...Oh well...lessons learned...I had to pick up the trailer at 10am...So I packed, shit, showered, and shaved, and headed out the door...

I got there a little late...no biggie...Got stuck with a 5x8 though...I much prefer the 4x8 because with those, I can still see out the back window a bit...Details, details...

I headed over to the practice spot and everyone was waiting for me...Loaded up and hit the road. Well, tried to. Seems like everywhere in our area is under some sort of pain in the ass construction. I think we finally got on the Interstate around noon...

It is roughly a 5 and a half hour drive to Detroit, which should put us there around 5:30...Kind of cutting it close I thought...I speed and the speed limits are a bit higher in Indiana and Michigan, so I thought I would be able to shave some time off...

Oh wait...I forgot about the time change into Eastern...Fuck...Now we would be really cutting it close. As far as I knew, the show was starting at 6pm. Ugh...Maybe the show will get pushed back like the Chicago show did...We could hope...

So, with me being quiet and focusing on the task at hand, I sped across Michigan with only one gas/piss stop...We got to the club, Blondies, and 5:45pm...We made it!!! I guess the Destroyer/Enthroned bus just got there shortly before us, and the Pathology van was nowhere to be seen, so I guess we were doing alright...

Being in a hurry because we still didn't really know what was going on, we quickly unloaded the trailer...But what's this? Members of Destroyer and Enthroned coming out to help...No shit! We got everything in the club and on the elevator in minutes...

We were about to get everything to the stage area, but not before we got to eat...There was a catered meal of chicken, potatoes, and cole slaw!! Awesome...Free food always rules...

So we get everything set up on stage (with more help mind you) and met some of the staff...We sound checked, set up merch, and had a lot of time to relax because the show did get pushed back to around 8:30. Beer time!! Then again, when isn't it beer time for me?

Pathology rolled in as they also forgot about the time change...Glad we weren't the only ones...

The place started getting a bit of a crowd. It was nothing like the Chicago show the night before, but it was respectable...We went on to a great response. More and more people were moving up to the front as we played, which is always a good thing...We get done and felt pretty good...Also sold some more merch after we played, which is another good sign.

Pathology was up next and they killed it. Like I said, not really my thing, but I found myself getting it into it more today. They also threw a song out to us...We'll have to return the favor tomorrow for sure...

Destroyer was up next and again, killed it...What else would you expect? They are a great band and they just took over the place...

Throughout all this time, I was hanging out in back and drinking beers with everyone...getting to know everyone more and just shooting the shit and telling stories...Finally met the tour manager for this leg, Nick, who was super fucking cool.

Enthroned was next and were great as well. I noticed the crowd would thin a bit after Destroyer, which kind of sucks because Enthroned is really good. Maybe people (like myself) were unfamiliar with them since they haven't been to the states in quite a few years...Either way, they slayed...

After quite a few more beers and hanging out, we started to load out...and get this...more help again!! As you can see by all of the mentions of this I make, I am very appreciative with help loading...

Loading got done quick and we were going to head out...Toronto was the next stop and since we never crossed the border before, we figured it would go quicker late at night...Besides, Jim did not get his passport on time, so we thought we would have a tougher time, so may as well get it over with as soon as possible...

Tour Day 1--Spoiled In Chicago

2010-08-30T20:37:00.004-05:00

Has a nice ring to it...sounds like it could be one of those light-hearted chick flick comedies...or the name of the newest shit metal-core band...

So Day 1 was at home here in Chicago...It was at Reggies, which is one of the premiere places to play here now. I have been to over 100 shows here now, but have never played there, so this is a happy first...

We all met up there...saved money on a trailer this way and I did not want to drag around those pain in the ass things more than I had to...

Things were weird though...The show was supposed to start at 6pm, which never bodes well for a local band...while we are on the tour, the fact is, we are still a local band when we play here...There were no other openers scheduled either...So there is a good chance that many people would not be getting there till later...Work schedules and travel and all...

Luckily, in the morning, I found out the show got pushed back to 8pm...Better for us!!!

I got to the club around six and there were already some people there hanging out...Apparently word about the time change did not get out...Still, good for us.

The staff there is excellent. They make you feel very welcomed and there is not any bullshit to deal with. Adam was already there and Jim and David showed up shortly after...We loaded in and was trying to find out what was going on. Destroyer and Enthroned were to use our cabinets and the drum set was supplied. Pathology was using their own stuff and they would just set up in front...Problem was the provided drumset...It was missing a floor tom, a throne, and it was just not that good. Perra (of Nominon who was the touring drummer for D666) asked if we brought our kit...was too late to go get it, but we decided that we would bring it for the next three dates since we had the room in the trailer...That was really the only setback for our portion of the tour was that kit...Even still, instead of whining and crying about equipment, professionals make due and use what is there...And that what all three bands did...

So we set up and do a soundcheck and things sounded great on stage...We were ready to slay a hopefully full room...We hung out for awhile and got to know the Pathology guys, the Destroyer guys, and the Enthroned guys...We all really hit it off...This was going to be a fun tour.

So after the hang out and getting to know each other, it was time to take the stage. The place was filling up nicely and we has seemed to get a good response...We raged through our set in about a half hour. We always plan for that as we don't want to cut in to the other bands time. If we finish early, so be it...better than over staying your welcome...

Here was the setlist for the tour...

-Insanity's Grip
-Among Us
-Against Their Will
-The Blade That Reaps
-Embrace The Aftermath
-Paralyzed With Fear
-Affliction of the Beast

Yes, mostly Haven material...we do need to push the new album you know. And it is very difficult coming up with setlists for shows now...With 3 full length albums, the Demo EP, The Beast 7", there is a lot to choose from.

I felt really good after our set. Two really great turnouts for Chicago shows in a row for us now (See the Gravehill tour post for more info on that) and to be honest, I don't want to play Chicago for a long time now for fear of getting disappointed...The last two shows we did here will be hard to top...

Didn't have to break anything down as Pathology was setting up in front of the backline. Went to drink beer, and lots of it...Hung by the merch table and watched Pathology. They are really not my thing, but they were really good. Our friend Shawn Whitaker (Insidious Decrepancy) was doing vocals for this tour...

Destroyer 666 was up next...Went up to check if they needed anything or had any questions about gear. All was well and they went on and about killed the place. I had seen them in Chicago in 06 and I remember the intensity and turnout being better for that show, but this was still a killer set.

Enthroned was up next. Now, I was never a black metal fan, so I have never heard these guys. After checking with them regarding equipment, I went back to the merch table and paid attention while they played. They were really good. Again, I am unfamiliar with their material, but I was digging what I heard.

Here is a review of the show from The Punk Vault. Contains some cool pics too!

Time to break down the gear...and get this...We actually got help with load out from members of Destroyer and Enthroned...Take note on this bands we have played with before that used our gear and then would just stand around while we loaded everything out...

Said bye to everyone and headed home...Ate a burrito and got a few hours of sleep before our trek to Detroit...

Another Tour Already?? The Backstory...

2010-08-30T00:45:00.005-05:00

Well, sort of...It was only four days...I'll get to that in a minute...

I was going to write about Central Illinois Metalfest and our show in Akron, Ohio first, but I wanted to try and write about this most recent jaunt with everything fresh in my mind...

Ok, so a couple months ago, we were asked to be part of the Destroyer 666 and Enthroned US Tour...This was an extensive US tour that lasted nearly a month...Long story short, we were asked to do the whole thing in the beginning, which we accepted...Things kept changing though (as I'm sure it sometimes does) and we ended up on the tail end of the tour. About 2 weeks before the tour would launch (and about a week after we got home from the Gravehill/Hod/Caridac tour), I got a call from John McEntee (Incantation and Ibex Moon Records) asking if we could fill in a chunk of dates for our friends and label mates Estuary who were now unable to do the tour. We looked at every way possible, but there was no way we could have done it, which sucked, but that's what happens sometimes...Besides, the notice was too short and contrary to popular belief, people in bands do have lives and responsibilities...

We would be on the Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal dates...Not too shabby, especially since it was three markets we have never played, with two being in another country...Yes, I can say it now...Cardiac Arrest is now an International live band! Yay us!! Only took me a little over 20 years playing death metal to do that...

While I generally never get nervous about this kind of stuff (stressed is more my style) this tour was kind of eating away at me...I was nervous about the whole border thing...None of us have anything to hide or prevent us from going, but in our case, if something can go wrong, it will for us. We have a lot of "pie in the face" moments and this tour could have had the potential for a lot of that...This tour was organized and we would be working with the booking agent and various tour managers, something we have not experienced. Also, I get nervous about bigger bands...How will they treat us? Will we get along? Will we be able to sell stuff at our prices? Will we be able to sell stuff at all? Are we going to get screwed on our guarantee? This is the kind of stuff that rattles around my empty skull...

Things looked to be on the up and up though...The booking agent was cool and kept in contact...things were getting organized and plans were being made...All we had to do is show up and kick ass...

We really put everything into our rehearsals for this tour...I mean, we always do regardless, but I think we were paying real close attention...These would be important shows for us. We would be playing for people who may not have heard us before...Also, several genres would be represented on this tour...Black, War, Technical Brutal Death (Pathology was on this tour as well) and our mix of what we do so there would be different fan bases. How would we go over on this?? Another bout of Tom nervousness...

Some things tour wise were working in our favor though...Everyone would be using the same drum kit...Awesome! Less to lug around and it helps in the set up time. We had a half hour set, so the more time saved, the better...And we were getting decent guarantees...I had the trailer secured, so that was one less thing to worry about...We had some more merch en route as well...Everything was lining up...

But I still had an unsettling feeling about the tour...To be honest, I think I was scared for the first time in my band life...

Goodbyes suck!

2010-08-24T13:05:00.001-05:00

Well, I get home when most people are getting ready for work...I crash out in a drunken coma...

My phone wakes me at around noon...It felt like I had just closed my eyes when I laid down and now I was up again...It was Scott...The Gravehill guys were getting ready to make their long trek home to California...I throw some water on my face and head out the door...

I walked over this time...I should have walked home a few hours before, but common sense waved bye bye to me at some point in the night of debauchery...not a bad walk at all, except it was really hot out...

Al Famine was still over and everyone was just hanging out...either groggy from the long two weeks we had or hung over...or both...

And of course, Renee corrupted me once again...There was one lone beer in the house...And that was a Sam Adams Imperial White...They pack a punch...especially when I think I was still drunk from the night before...

And that folks is what is in that coffee cup I'm clutching here...

We say our goodbyes and watch Gravehill take off...I know Scott has a pic of the Gravehill-mobile and that shit awful trailer departing...

So now I am mega-bummed...While I was bummed on the road during certain times, it hit me bad now...While I keep in touch with everyone from Gravehill, it is not the same as hanging out. Who knows when we will see each other again? Sooner than later I hope...The point is, I'm already missing my friends...

Since Scott and Renee were off for the day, we hung out...went to a killer hot dog stand that I never knew about in all the time I lived here...Highly recommended, but daylight dining is suggested...It is also Anthony Bordain approved!

Of course we got beer afterward and just hung out and drank through the evening...I split around 8pm though...an early night...One of the few...

When I was home, I didn't know what to do with myself. This feeling is still going on, weeks after the tour commenced. I never knew if I would enjoy touring or not. But, as I was home, all I wanted to was be out playing. I guess I was meant to be doing this.

We had a few days off now to relax and decompress...Next stop...The Sickest Fest in the Midwest...Central Illinois Metalfest!

After Tour Celebration--Sweet Home Chicago Part 2: Electric Boogaloo!

2010-08-18T14:35:00.017-05:00

Yeah, I guess you could call it that...While we had to end it early, we still felt a great sense of accomplishment. For Cardiac, it was the first time we have ever did something this extensive...We all got along, no major melt downs, we gave 110% every show, dealt with the downs, and relished in the ups...We proved to ourselves that we could tour...

I had phoned Scott of Cianide before the Indy show to see if his offer (see Tour Day 8 entry) still stood...Good news...it did...and he even took Friday off. Preparing for debauchery...that's what us drunks do!

We left the Indy show probably around 3am...We stopped at a Denny's to grub and finish the drive back to Chicago...I couldn't tell you who drove...I think it was David...with me being drunk and a stomach full of awesome breakfast food, I went into drunk/food coma and crashed hard...Next thing I know, it was daylight and we were back at our rehearsal spot and gear was already being unloaded.

Still half asleep, I did what I could...We also had to put the damn extra seat back in the van...What a pain in the ass...

Everything got unloaded, so I took Adam back to his place...Came back and closed everything up and headed back to Casa de Knizner for the second time this tour. Works for me! Jim and David had to ride along since Jim left his car by Scott's after the Chicago show...But we weren't going there to party yet...Come on...It was like 8:30 in the morning...I'm bad, but not that bad...Ok I am, but Scott and Renee were at work...When I dropped Jim and David off, I noticed Al Famine's car parked there...Must have partied the night before...Hopefully he would still be around for this evenings festivities...

We get to my place about 2 minutes later...Had to search for a parking permit for the Gravehill-mobile (zoned parking and revenue collectors love finding non compliant vehicles) and we just chilled here...Matt and Corpsie went straight to the basement to crash...Rhett did laundry and he, myself, Bob, and Mike just chilled out and watched TV...We had a lot of time to kill and it was nice to just relax...

I had to take the van back at some point today, and luckily, the place was right down the street...I'll worry about it later because I wanted to clean it up before I took it back...

In the early afternoon, hunger started to kick in...I suggested my favorite junk food joint, Jacky's, which is right across the street. However, I was outvoted in favor of Deep Dish Pizza. Yes, the last time the Gravehill guys were here, we really did not have time to do much of anything Chicago-wise and they got shafted...Not this time though...I took them right down the street to one of the more famous establishments here on the South Side...

Disclaimer: Let it be known that we here in Chicago do not just eat Deep Dish Pizza like all those food shows lead you to believe...We mostly eat thin crust that is cut into squares...Deep Dish is a nice treat once in awhile...Got that???

Corpsie and Matt stayed behind and slept while the rest of us gorged on Deep Dish Pizza...I'd like to say that we were dicks and didn't bring them back any, but we are not like that believe it or not...They got leftovers that were still hot (that's how close this place is to the house)

Bob, Mike, and I cleaned the van while the others ate, took showers, etc.

Took the van back without any issue. I was a bit worried about it because of all the goofy things that we went through with the change over and turning it to a different city, but all was well...

Went and loaded up on beer and some food for the night...Drinking and grilling would ensue.

We got to Scott's around 7pm...Besides myself, David was the only Cardiac member in attendance for the bash...And Al Famine showed back up to partake in the bash...and what a bash it was...I'll let the pics do the talking...

Yup...that's how we roll...This went on till about 5am...I can't even fathom how much booze was consumed...I know I brought a 30 pack, David brought a 12er, Al brought beer, I believe some of the Gravehill dudes bought some beer, Scott's house is ALWAYS well stocked, and that bottle of Maker's Mark was full when we got there...The bash is what the kids now call, epic!

It was getting light out when I made my way home, which thankfully is only a few blocks away...David had left already and the Gravehill guys were crashing at Scott's...I would see them again in just a few hours...

Tour Complete--The Aftermath

2010-08-18T12:12:00.003-05:00

Well, as I said, I will explain....But first, here is the press release that went out on what was to be the final day of the tour...

Ibex Moon Records has announced that the last four dates of the "Campaign For Death Metal Purity Tour", featuring GRAVEHILL, CARDIAC ARREST and HOD, will not go on as planned.

Though HOD dropped off the bill after the July 7 date in Austin, Texas, other factors led to GRAVEHILL and CARDIAC ARREST canceling the final dates.

Commented CARDIAC ARREST drummer Jim "Grindhead" Deabenderfer: "We in CARDIAC ARREST and GRAVEHILL are disappointed to be in this position. Canceling shows is not something either of our camps are accustomed to. We are forced to drop these dates for purely logistic reasons, not financial. This should not reflect on any of the promoters for the dates in question — our plans simply had to change with the situation. Both CARDIAC ARREST and GRAVEHILL are committed to make up these four dates as soon as possible."

The affected dates are as follows:

July 15 - Buccaneer's - Memphis, TN
July 16 - Downtown Music - Little Rock, AR
July 17 - Walters - Houston, TX
July 18 - Ten Eleven - San Antonio, TX

The "Campaign For Death Metal Purity Tour" will conclude tonight in Indianapolis, Indiana at The Melody Inn, with GRAVEHILL and CARDIAC ARREST playing alongside Abyss Records acts MAAX and CHRIST BEHEADED.

So, what were the logistical problems...Well, I'll tell ya...

Ok, Hod is the one that secured the van. We had taken over said van. Hod provided a lot of the gear being used, so when they left, so did the gear...We scrambled to get ours to finish out the dates we could...

Now, Indianapolis is about a 4 hour drive from Chicago. Get where I'm going to with this? No? Keep reading then...

We also had to return the van. We were already getting hit for the different driver fee now.

We had two options at this point...

1--Finish the tour as planned

2--End the tour early for said logistical reasons

Option 1 sounds great, don't it...I thought so...Here is the problem with that...

We finish out the dates and play Memphis, Little Rock, Houston, and San Antonio...we return the van in San Antonio and we fly home from there (remember, we have plane tickets as this was the plan from the get-go) and everything is peachy, right?

Ok, how do we get our equipment home?

"Oh Tom, just ship it back home!" you say...

Yeah...2 4x12 cabinets, 1 Marshall Head, and Jim's monster drum kit...

"Just fly home with it!"

Yeah, right...

"Just rent a car and drive the stuff home!"

Won't fit...have to rent a van again...

"Gravehill has the trailer...they could take the gear back with them and work out shipping arrangements!"

Ain't gonna happen...room in the trailer was limited as it was and the van was being used for storing stuff as well...Now, no van with extra storage for their ride home...

"Go back to Chicago, dump your gear off and just use other bands stuff!"

Ok drive away from our next city, dump the gear off, and then do double the drive back to Memphis.

Believe me, I may sound like a smart ass, but we did try to examine every option to continue on with the tour...Nothing would work for us. We really did want to continue on, but ultimately decided to end it in Indianapolis since we were pretty close to home.

So that folks is what happened...No drama, no bullshit not getting along with Gravehill (or earlier, Hod)...We were just stuck and going home was the only way...

We knew we were beat...

It was all decided as a group (including Gravehill) that we would end in Indianapolis. We all put our heads together to try and make this thing work to no avail.

The plan was to go back home to Chicago, dump the gear at the practice space, return the van (which we also get a hit on for turning it in another city, but with turning it in 5 days early, it kind of offsets) and relax and party before Gravehill had to make their long trek back to Los Angeles...

Kind of anti-climatic, eh?

Tour Day 13--Indianapolis, Indiana

2010-08-17T13:12:00.002-05:00

Yeah, that's right...I can't think of anything catchy for this one...Maybe some kind of John Cougar Mellencamp thing, but I'm drawing a blank...

So we left New York probably around 3am to make the 12 hour haul to Indy...Mike started out the drive in getting out of the city. Not bad. My foot was now killing me so the best thing for me was sleep...I slept through the night, through a lot of storms, and a change in driver. Yes, David stepped up to the plate and got us through the storms...I am told he did damn good too, so he is now on the driver approved list for upcoming shows...

We gassed up around 8am and I took us the rest of the way...My foot was feeling a bit better now and I just wanted to get there...The ride wasn't too bad, just long and really nothing to look at. We were making excellent time though...

We were about an hour and a half ahead of the Gravehill-mobile as they had stopped at a truckstop for a classic truckstop shower...We chose to marinate for the day...

We got into Indy about right on schedule...we found the club and decided to get something to eat. We were in a very ghetto area by the looks of things and I think we were all wondering how this show would go. Cardiac has played Indy 3 times prior and turnouts have always been on the low side.

He grabbed something to eat down the road and I was deciding whether or not to stay the night...In the meantime, Gravehill rolled into town and was getting kind of lost...Their war machine needed an oil change as well. Luckily, there was quick lube place within spitting distance from where we were currently at...Problem is, my sense of direction is worth a shit and they went the opposite way...They finally met up with us about a half hour later...They pull into the oil change place, and the shitty thing was we had to detach the trailer...Dammit...It wasn't as bad as one would think though...So, oil change is done, and now they want to eat. It was around 5:30 at this point, so we would skip the hotel and head to the club. We also had to out our plan into action, which I will explain in detail in the next entry...I stopped at a store and picked up a 12er while I waited for everyone to finish eating...

We played The Melody in...Our friend Dano is the one that booked and promoted the show. He has never done us wrong, hence is why we will always work with him. The line-up was sweet...Our buddies Maax were the openers...We have played with them quite a few times now and they are a great band and cool dudes. Christ Beheaded would play after. Awesome black metal band consisting of Iron Bob of The Gates of Slumber fame...Then it would be us and Gravehill...

We hung around for outside for awhile and started staging the gear outside...the place was pretty small, so there was not a lot of room for gear. I drank beers in the van for awhile and checked in. The door guy looked really familiar to me, but I couldn't place him...Oh well...

People were really starting to show up...Our friends from Leproso came out to support and see the show. I also remember some other people from past Indy shows...But the place was filling up and I was pretty impressed.

Maax and Christ Beheaded set the pace...both bands were killer...In between the two bands, it finally dawned on me who the door guy (and sound guy) was...It was Karl from Gates of Slumber...It had been a couple of years since we hung out (they play Chicago all the time, and I have missed their last bunch of shows here) and my appearance has changed considerably sine then, so that's why we were both stumped...So we played catch up for a bit, and I started getting ready for load in...

We went up and did our thing...I was floored by the crowd...I think it is safe to say that Indy was one of the best shows of the tour.

Gravehill was up next and finished the assault...I believe they even got to encore...not sure if that happened throughout the tour because I never pay attention since I was usually three sheets to the wind and running merch...but for some reason, I remember it happening here...

We hung out after the show for a bit and took over the juke box again...we were in good company though since Karl and Bob were loading it up and playing good songs...

We said our goodbyes to everyone once the place closed and loaded out...We got an offer from Iron Bob to stay at his place, but we were heading back to Chicago...Yup, that was what was irking me since Hod dropped off the tour...We would not be able to complete the last four dates...Hence, the tour was now over...As promised, I will go into detail in the next entry...

Tour Day 12--I Want To Be A Part Of It...New York, New York...

2010-08-16T11:10:00.011-05:00

Digging deeper into the well and out comes an "Ol' Blue Eyes" reference...Look that up if you are confused kiddies...

Where was I? Ah, ok, we wake several times in the morning...Why several times...Because the fucking staff of the hotel kept knocking on our door asking us about when we were checking out...Um, at check out time, which was noon I think...This started at 9am...Note to self...don't stay at that hotel again...

We finally got moving around 12, but it was important to continue the mini Food Network tour...Which led us right down the road to here...

We eagerly await our feast...

Awesomeness! The food was great and cheap...and they gave you a lot of it...Highly recommended...

We had to look for a place to get an oil change for the Gravehill-mobile...Not to be...That area of Jersey seems to not have convenient places...I had a bitch of a time finding cigs, no oil change place, and gas stations tended to be scarce...

So, we head off to our next destination, New York City...which was only a half hour away...I didn't drive because I fear big city driving other than Chicago, so Mike did it and I was relieved. My mood was a bit better today...Good, I'm getting out of my funk...

Getting into New York was not as bad as I imagined...I had been there once before, but I was with people who knew the area so it didn't really phase me...Don't get me wrong...it was a bitch, but not real bad...

Next, we had to find the club then worry about parking...

That wasn't so bad either...Easily found the place and found relatively close parking...Even the Gravehill-mobile with the trailer...Just had to feed the meters...

The club was Fontana's and it was right in the middle of Chinatown...Not much to do there. It was really congested and kind of unpleasant...garbage was everywhere, so the smells were not that great either...Parking right in front of the club opened up at 7pm...No lugging stuff if we played our cards right...

Hey, look...we are tourists...

We had a lot of time to kill...Matt and Bob wandered around. Corpsie and Adam took naps...Jim and David walked around...Mike, Rhett, and I stayed in the club. I drank beer and played Golden Tee...Did much better on that then I did in Portland with pinball...

Oooohh...We made it on a poster at the venue...

Yes, we were playing with Goreaphobia tonight, who I was looking forward to seeing again...

Mike and I decided to go walking around a little bit...Load in time was getting close, so we had to be back...not to mention being ready to move the vehicles for the optimal spots...

Luckily we found a pizza joint a couple of blocks down...I was thankful for that because I am not too big of a Chinese food fan...and there were tons of those places obviously...

Look at the Creep at the Pizza Joint!

So we get back and start the load in...My foot was hurting real bad so I was kind of crabby...but, work needed to be done...There's no crying in metal!

People were starting to show up...Ran into Danny and Ron of Malignancy...Jeff Zornow and Bridget showed up...Ross and Bob of Immolation also came by along with some other friends...Coolness!

I ended up with lots of drink tickets since most of the other guys don't really drink...So I enjoyed my free Iron City beers all night!

Animals Killing People were up first. Not bad, but not really my thing...Kind of that New York Brutal thing...They were super nice guys though!

The crowd was great for us and Gravehill...The stage was kind of small so we were pretty cramped so we did the best we could with limited movement...

Goreaphobia was next and they kicked ass. But, for some reason, the club started to thin out quite a bit...It was a Tuesday and late, but I thought New York was one of those cities that never sleep...Guess not...

I mentioned my hurt foot before...I think it was due to the way I rest my foot on the gas pedal while driving...The only way I can describe it was that it felt like the top of my right foot was cracked...Anyway, I aggravated it more when loading out...there were steps, and the first one is real low...almost like it is not there...When I was going down to get more stuff, I missed that step and the middle of my foot came down on it...PAIN!! I was hobbling around like a fucking idiot after that...They all told me not to worry about loading out, but I'm not like that...I'll deal with it after everything is secure...

We hung for a bit and got ready for the long haul to Indianapolis...This would be another long run of 12 hours and a through the night drive.

Tour Day 11--Can't think of anything witty to reference--New Jersey

2010-08-13T14:11:00.009-05:00

Well, other than Jersey Shore stuff...and no, I am not a Snooki fan, but I would do a lot of things to J-Woww...I mean, come on...she's hot!!

See...

So we wake up and check out of the hotel in Allentown...The first order of business was getting to Jersey and going to Rutt's Hut for hot dogs...But, we had some business to take care of which required a Western Union...So the Gravehill guys headed out and we putzed around Allentown a bit...

There was an amusing little back and forth between Mike and Jim and a Dunkin' Donuts drive through...The high point of my morning...

My depression was getting worse...I didn't even want to drive, so Mike took one for the team. I believe I sat in the back seat just dwelling on, well, a whole bunch of things...But, I was quiet for the whole trip...

It took us a little over an hour to get to our destination...Ta da!!

And this is what I had...Two Rippers!!

I kind of glopped on the mustard and special relish, so the pic looks a bit messy...But these things were awesome! And this is coming from someone who has eaten Chicago style dogs all his life...

The Gravehill guys had already come through there and were now looking for a hotel. We would get word back shortly...

This time, we stayed at an over priced dump of a hotel...They seemed pretty strict there so we had to "sneak" in...Thorgrimm was able to get the price down a bit, but this place was so shitty...ugh...I noticed the lobby was uncomfortably hot when I was checking us in...

We get to the room and wonderful...the air works, but not really good...Fuck it, I didn't care at that point. I took a shower and then relaxed...we had a lot of time to kill. Everyone else slept while I messed around on the computer a bit (Yes, Mafia Wars and catching up on all the Facebook junk)

I went to get something to drink...I searched all over this dump for a vending machine...Success...had to go all the way down to the lobby though...Apparently, the third floor is the "no frills" floor...

I needed smokes so I went for a walk...you guessed it...nowhere around to get them...Sigh...depression gets worse...

Mike and I went over to the venue around 5:30 to check in...In the mean time, everyone else was getting ready. The club wasn't open yet, but ran into someone who worked there and he told us to come back around 7 to 7:30...

Finally got my smokes after looking all over the place and getting lost in the process...Mike was a trooper putting up with my ass since he was driving...

We all go back to the club and meet up with some of our friends...Roy Fox and Gutter, who booked the show were there with their crew and they took care of us well...

We played at Dingbatz which was a really cool place. Another short show as there was only one local band playing. Since I was in such a funk, I went across the street to their other bar Dingo's and had a beer and a burger. Bob went with me, but I was just off in my own world.

I kept to myself most of the night. I watched the opening band, Carnal. At first, I was not into them...It was that brutal slam death style, so I kind of wrote them off. But then the next song was basic death metal...then the next one had a lot of thrashy elements. They were pretty diverse and ended up winning me over.

We were up next...time to get out of depression mode and play. Yeah folks, I can change my mood at the drop of a hat when I need to. So many things were really eating at me, but you would never know it when I am on stage.

The sound at Dingbats was amazing! Jim checked his bass drums and the about lifted me two feet above the stage...Holy shit!!

We did our thing to a great response and I was starting to feel better...The beers started flowing a lot more...

Gravehill was next and they kicked the usual ass! They had played the New Jersey Deathfest last year and they had a decent following in the area. They sounded so massive there...I can't say enough good things about the sound in this place.

We loaded up and Thorgrimm and a couple of others went back to the hotel. The remainder of us stayed at Dingo's, hung with Gutter, and took over the jukebox. Matt and Bob led a great Merciful Fate sing-a-long...My mood was steadily improving thanks to those guys...Matt also found an interesting article of clothing that he got out of the lost and found box...and we wore that part of the costume the rest of the night...

We partied in the Cardiac room well into the night. My mood was better and I was looking forward to playing in New York City tomorrow...

Besides...great friends, beer, and Family Guy always makes things better!

And yes, I actually slept in the bed this time!!

Tour Day 10--Well We're Living Here In Allentown...

2010-08-12T14:54:00.005-05:00

Ha! Remember that Billy Joel song? Don't bullshit me...if you are around my age or older you do...And if you don't you are lying!

After a day off of driving detail, I took the wheel. I was a little bit nervous once we left Ed's just because of the screwy roads in Pittsburgh...But, we made it out of there in one shot as robo fuhrer did us a solid...

Again, it was about a 5 hour drive, so this was going to be pretty easy. We were on the turnpike and decided to stop and get something to eat. He hit the first travel plaza that we came too...

Mistake...This appeared to be the only travel plaza on the turnpike apparently because it was jam packed. The gas lines were like 7 cars deep at each island and I didn't even bother going into the food court area...It was nuts. Abominator got a few souvenirs for his lady and we took off...

I figure we'd find something along the way.

After driving for awhile, most of which were mountain areas and driving through the tunnels, which scare me to death, we started seeing signs of population...I asked if they wanted to stop, but Jim said to just keep pressing on to stop in Breezewood, where there is this big truck stop and travel plaza...

I don't know why I keep listening to Jim...Apparently, everyone on the damn turnpike had the same idea and it took us forever to get off the damn ramp...We get to the truck stop and it is packed too...Ugh...We'll we're here, I guess we'll make the best of it. Besides, Jim needed some stuff anyway and he was able to find everything he needed there...I can't remember if that is where he bought his butt doughnut or not...

Yeah I know it is a neck pillow...But Jim was all proud of that thing and was gloating about it so I told him he mistakenly picked up the butt pillow that hemorrhoid sufferers use. It provided hours of laughter for the remainder of the tour...

We sit down in the only restaurant that ain't packed...We order food and I am starting to sink into one of my depression stages. Why, I don't know...I guess I am getting burnt out, worn out and kind of missing being home...And the fact that it took forever for our fucking food didn't help my mood any...I mean, seriously...There is not many people in the place...How long does it take to cook a chicken sandwich? I think Jim sensed my mood as I was just getting snippy with anyone and anything...Once I got my food, I wolfed it down and left to go get gas while everyone finished eating...Figure I would save some time, since we were there for about an hour and a fucking half...

We settle up and take off after sitting through the longest traffic light I've ever encountered and headed toward Allentown...We still had a couple hours to go and after the near 2 hour truck stop fiasco, my mood was worsening because I did not want to be late again.

We are going along and getting close until I have to deal with an idiot driver. I had to deal with this asshole for about 20 miles and I could not shake him...First off, when getting the highway from a ramp, Yield does not mean slam on your fucking breaks...Also, speed limit is 70, not 40. Seriously, I was losing my shit here...then we enter a construction zone...Then there is an accident up ahead and I can't fucking get away from this dick. I think everyone knew I was about to blow my top so they all just stayed quiet...I finally got away from this dude and never looked back...

We finally make it to Allentown and directions seem fairly easy, but we still have a bit of trouble finding the place. Once we do, I was getting in a better mood. I met with Skip who was the promoter and gave him the rundown...Gravehill was about an hour behind (I think they also stopped at that dumb ass truck stop) and everything was pretty much on schedule.

The place was pretty cool. It was called Jimmy's Place and it was pretty big. Had a lot of pool tables and there was a separate room where the bands played. I got to meet another online friend, Oz, who was cool as hell.

Skip had a full spread of food there that a kilt wearing chef buddy of his did up and was getting us beer! Nice! Gravehill showed and they decided to chow before we unloaded. I just wanted to drink, although I did partake in some of the food later...

Opening bands played and there were not a whole lot of people here. The PA was vocals only...We played and then Gravehill and did our best and had a lot of fun. Skip took care of us pretty good as well. Sunday night in Allentown I guess is not the ideal day for a show. But the people that were there were into it and we all got a lot of compliments. I was also shocked when someone in the crowd yelled out Dogod (my old band that played back in that area in 92 or so) during our set...Abominator also blew out the PA during their last song...That's fucking metal!!

We hung out after the show for awhile and just took our time loading out. We hung at the bar for awhile and I think we were now on the second case that Skip got for us...He got us Yuengling, which I never liked, but I loved them that day...

We load out and decide we are going to get rooms. The next show was in Clifton, NJ, which was only a little over an hour away...We find an awesomely cheap hotel nearby and we party for most of the night...I was Portland loaded, but at least I wasn't playing now...And I finally got a fucking bed...although it didn't do me that good since I passed out on the shitter...

Off to NJ tomorrow but I still have something in the back of my mind that is really bothering me...

Tour Day 9--When There Is No More Room In Hell, The Dead Will Go To Pittsburgh.

2010-08-11T20:50:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I had to drop a George Romero reference in here...We are heading to the zombie capital after all...

We take off from Scott's in Chicago around 4am by my estimation...Bobybag Bob is riding along with us this time as well. Figure we had the room in the van, we may as well take whoever wants to ride along. Plus, it gives the riders in the Gravehill Durango a bit more room...

I crashed again. Have you been keeping track? I slept in the van every day so far during this tour...Mike drove a part of the way and when we gassed up, Bob took over...It was nice to not have to drive for awhile.

The drive was not bad, but then again, I slept through it all...We make it to the Pittsburgh area, and that's when the "fun" began.

I don't know if anyone reading this has driven in Pittsburgh before...It is a clusterfuck...It is not on a grid system, people there drive like shit (Jim is from that area, so his driving skills make sense now) and areas are just really crowded...Plus, there was a lot of construction which added to the confusion.

As stated, Jim is from that area, so I figured we would be fine. Turns out, Jim was not familiar with the area we were going to. And now his robo fuhrer (GPS) was not cooperating either...

We were somewhere in this hilly area. Bob is still driving...He is doing fine, but there were so many short stops, turn arounds, twisting, turning, etc. I was getting fucking sick. I used to get motion sickness a lot when I was a kid, and I have not felt as miserable since then...

We were all going to stay at my friend Ed's house. And we were just having a hard time finding it.

And, now for Tom Tour Freak Out #3

As said, the directions were just taking us everywhere...Jim is navigating and a turn comes up too quick and he tells Bob to turn, but it was too late...He attempts the turn, couldn't do it and my stomach got jostled for the last time...

"STOP THIS FUCKING VAN RIGHT NOW!!"

At this point, no one knew what was going on with me. I was sick, miserable, and cranky because of it. Jim thought I was fucking with him, but I wasn't...I needed to get my feet on the ground...Besides, I was going to call Ed and see if he could give us better directions since it is his city...And it is difficult to do this when we are moving. I just wanted to stay put somewhere...

We find a parking lot in a particularly seedy looking area in Pittsburgh...I fly out of the van. Had a bottle of water and was much better. No folks, I did not blow chunks...But someone did before the night was over... :)

I called Ed, and he figured out where we were at and came and met us. This way, we would just follow him back to his pad. As we were waiting, I get a call from Thorgrimm and they are at Ed's...Jim's mom was also at Ed's waiting on her loving son...Awwwwww :) Go figure...The knuckle heads from California find Ed's place without a problem and a former Pittsburgh area resident can not...Score one for the Gravehill robo fuhrer!

So Ed meets us, and I ride back with him to his place while the van followed...I noticed that Ed picked up a 30 pack of Rolling Rock and a 30 Pack of Busch for us. What an excellent host!

We get to his place and Jim takes off for the day to spend time with his mom. We all hang out at Ed's. Another great break in the travel as we had several hours before we had to get to the club. Those that wanted to sleep did just that...others did laundry, showers, etc. We watched Night of the Creeps on Blu Ray, which was awesome. Ed and his wife Romina also cooked for us. I just want to say this...it is awesome to eat real food when on the road...After the last two days now, we were getting spoiled...

A funny thing happened too...Mike was out of stage blood...He asked Ed if there was a place to get any around...Are you kidding...in the Zombie Capital?? Of corpse!! Romina took Mike to get the blood, which I believe Mike bought what was left...

Ok, now on to the gig. It was dubbed the Ibex Moon Fest. It was at Belvidere's, which was not too far away from Ed's place.

Incantation
Gravehill
Cardiac Arrest
Funerus
Abysme

What a line up!!

As soon as we pull up, I see my friends Bryan (Burn), his wife Nikki, her sister Kory and her hubby Brad. This is my Cinema Wasteland crew and I was stoked to see them. But, I had work to do (unloading) so our reunion would have to wait...

Lots of friends at this show...The Ibex Metal Family as I now call it...It was great to see Jill, (John's wife and bassist/vox of Funerus) again as well as all the other cast of Ibex characters...And Jill even brought food for all the bands! How cool it that??

All goes well and the show is delayed a bit, but we still needed things to run smoothly. I was restringing my guitar, so I didn't get to watch most of Abysme or hang with my friends...I heard them though and they sounded crushing. I was glad to be able to hear them as I have known their bass player Michael for some time now as he is another Cinema Wasteland regular...

I did manage to get done and caught their last two songs...During the break, I hung out with Burn and crew...Anthony Matthews showed up (another Wasteland regular and director of the upcoming Revenge Is Her Middle Name) and it was great to see him...Ed was around, but we all noticed that he was loaded...lol...Other friends that showed was Tony Mollick, who made Adam's Custom V and Timmy Aymar (singer of Control Denied, Pharaoh, etc)

Funerus is up next...I was really looking forward to seeing them again...Every time I have seen them they have kicked my ass. This time was no different. Fuck, one of the heaviest death metal bands around in my opinion.

We were up next, and both bands were a tough act to follow. I think we did well and had a great time. The response was awesome and I really couldn't ask for more.

Gravehill was next and they did their thing as always. You would think by now, I would be sick of them, but it was not the case. They continued to impress me night after night.

Incantation was next...What do I really need to say? They killed as they always do. I always have a lot of fun watching them...

Throughout the night, I was hanging at the merch table and wandering around. Kyle had a set up to show the trailer to the upcoming Afterparty Massacre, he and Kristoff Bates' debut horror film...

But I was in a great mood and just felt really good about things...3 awesome shows in a row...

When Hod decided to drop off the tour a few days prior, I pleaded with them to stay...Kansas City was unexpected, but I knew that Chicago and Pittsburgh would have been great...and they were...We were getting better off financially and the crowds were awesome. Again, 3 awesome shows in a row and we were all in great spirits...

But where was Ed?? We were going back to his place to crash and he was nowhere to be found...

Well, Ed was loaded as I said and got even more loaded, so he was in no shape to drive. Remember what I said about someone loosing their lunch earlier? There ya go!! We had to get him home. There was no way I could because I had been drinking all day and night. David, Adam, and Mike were the only ones that did not drink in the Cardiac van...Mike had to drive the van, so that left David and Adam. David stepped up and got Ed home...We finished loading out, said our goodbyes to everyone, and headed back to Ed's...We had no problems getting back. I actually rode back in the Durango this time for a change of pace.

We get back and had to find parking...It is difficult, but doable...just quite a few blocks down...Some slept, some partied. Tony showed up at Ed's and hung with us a bit. I then got a "what for" from the cops that drove by. I was standing on the sidewalk drinking a beer and they stopped me. I got the whole Pittsburgh law thing and public intoxication threats, as I gingerly and kind of sarcastically tip toed onto the bottom step of Ed's porch and apologized saying I wasn't from here and didn't know...They just told me to stay on the porch...Cool, I suppose...

After another night of debauchery, it was time to crash. David opted to sleep in the van. What?? I was not sleeping in the van??? Surely you jest!!

No bed or couch, so I ended up on the floor...I guess that is the problem when you stay up all night drinking...you can't stake a claim!

I woke up (first one again) and grabbed another shower. Ed's wife Romina was up next and we hung out for a bit as I have not seen her in awhile so we played catch up. Everyone else started waking and getting ready. I think Ed was the last one to rise and with good reason! Ha ha! Now worries Ed, it happens to the best of us!

I got tired of waiting around, so I thanked Ed and Romina and we headed out to the next gig, which was in Allentown, PA. Only about a 5 hour drive, so another easy haul. This time, Corpsie rode with us...All is well!!

And now, the special thanks for this entry...

Ed and Romina. You guys were just so great to us. Thank you for letting me and 8 other people you never met stay at your place. Thanks for the beer and the food! Thanks for the showers and the use of the washer and dryer...In short, thanks for everything!! It is super-mega appreciated by all of us!!!

Tour Day 8--Sweet Home Chicago

2010-08-11T13:06:00.005-05:00

You had to know I was going there by now...heh heh...

Heading home...we were now at the half way point of the tour and no one killed each other...Very cool!

Like I said, I wanted to stay overnight, but we had an 8 hour drive ahead of us...So, my poor 30 pack was ignored on the way back to Chicago...

Mike and I worked out a plan since he was riding with us now...He would handle the night driving and I would do the day driving. Why did I not drive at night? Um, I drink...he wasn't...That is called being smart and safe...

I gave Mike the rough directions and stayed up with him a little bit...I was really wiped out and I would be asleep soon...I made it for about an hour until I zonked...

Next thing I know, the sunlight awakes me...I look over and Jim is now driving...Fucking wonderful.

It is no secret that I think Jim is one of the worst drivers on the planet...Add to that, me being the world's worst passenger, that is not a very good mix. I tried to go back to sleep, but I was too nervous...And that van is not the easiest thing to handle either...

I gave it about an hour and I had enough. That occurred when he checked is Blackberry and drifted a little too close to the car in the next lane...I believe that led to a short little exchange between us...After that, I spotted the highway sign for gas...

"Pull over at the next gas stop so we could gas up."

As we did and I filled up, I grabbed the keys...I got it from here...

And now we were all safe...

So this was the new plan...I had to drop Jim off in Aurora...We would then meet at the Cardiac practice spot and get our gear to provide for the remainder of the tour...Drum set, my Marshall Head, and two cabinets...Using our gear factors on another decision that was made as the tour went on...I will talk about that then....But for now, we were in business.

I took Adam home so he could chill and do what he had to do...David rode with Jim to do the same at his pad...We would all meet at the club...

It was around 3pm now and we had some time to kill...We didn't have to be at the club till 8 and it was a 3 band bill now...the club is only 15 minutes away from my house, so time was on our side for once...

So, what is a band to do with free time in Chicago...Party at Casa de Knizner of course...

We got to my house around 4pm thanks to the wonderful area traffic. This was a great pit stop. Everyone was able to get a shower and do laundry if they needed. I also went and got a bunch of burgers and brats and I grilled out for everyone. It was a nice day so most of us hung out in the backyard. The few that wanted to nap did so.

We really needed that little escape.

Around 6, Scott from Cianide gave me a buzz and he was carless for the night. He wanted to go to the show (!!) so I went and picked him up...We all hung out and finished feasting and drinking and got a move on...

Got to Nite Cap and was feeling really good about things...Loaded in and got situated. The show could have started at any time since it was a short night...Another relax session. Awesome.

The place was filling up nicely. It has been awhile since I seen Nite Cap filling up like this...I think the word I used was shocking. And it was great to see a lot of our friends show up to support...also noticed some absences...Too bad...you missed a great show.

Lord Blasphemer was up and they ripped as usual. They plowed through their set pretty savagely setting the stage for Gravehill.

Yes, we switched it up again. The thinking behind this is that Chicago crowds are always fickle. They come for who they want to see and then don't pay attention to anyone else or they simply leave. So we wanted Gravehill to play for the biggest crowd, so we jumped on the sword and played last.

This was Gravehill's second time in the Chicago area. As mentioned way earlier, we did a few Midwest dates with them back in 08. I think they were hungry to come back...And, par for the course, they killed it again. I watched most of their set and I was just floored by them...

We were up now and I'm figuring there is going to be a mass exodus...Well, I'll be the first to admit when I am wrong, and boy was I glad I was...No one left, no one was hanging outside and the place was packed...If there is video from this show, you would probably see a shit eating smile on my face for the whole set. I was stoked.
Our triumphant return perhaps?

Ok, so the night ends and I think we were all on some kind of high...We load out and even that didn't seem so bad now. Maybe we were just getting used to it...

We had to head out to Pittsburgh after the show...we had an 8 hour drive, plus the time change into the Eastern Time Zone...We stopped at Scott's for another beer or two and a bathroom break before we left. He invited us all back to party and cook out when the tour was over...Not sure if he thought we'd hold him to that...

But, a picture of the Creep Patrol from that night...Thorgrimm must have taken this picture...

So off to Pittsburgh we went with two back to back awesome shows in a row...Will three in a row be too much to ask??

Another special thanks needs to be mentioned to Danielle (Viva La Muerte Prods) for setting up this show. She did everything that she promised when we set the show up. This was probably the biggest attendance of any of the shows we played on the tour, so it was promoted properly too. I think both Cardiac Arrest and Gravehill both agree that this was THE best show of the tour and we are grateful for you did for us Danielle! Cheers!!!!

And also, thanks to all of our friends that showed up. It really meant a lot to us as this was an important show for us, and I think a lot of you knew that. You won't be forgotten!!

Tour Day 7--Kansas City Here We Come...

2010-08-10T13:35:00.003-05:00

Think of that old song...Ok, I'm digging deep now...Running out of cheesy headings...

So, I get awoken from my two hour nap by my ringing phone...It was McEntee. For those that don't know, John is in Incantation and the owner of Ibex Moon Records.

He was concerned and wanted to know what was going on. Explained the situation and assured him that Cardiac and Gravehill would be moving forward.

It was around 8:30am and we had to get moving. I went in the house and woke everyone up. Once everyone got up and moving, we split...But not before I sampled the Orange Cake that Ly made for me!! Ha ha!!

So Cardiac takes off. Mike Abominator rode with us, which was cool. I needed an extra driver, and that was the ticket. The van was a lot more comfortable now too...No one sitting on each other.

Ok, we had a 13 hour drive to KC...It was after 9am. We had very little equipment. We had to think quick.

Clawhammer PR to the rescue!

Jim was in touch with Scott and Ryan while we were making our way up. We would be cutting it close again. Based on raw time with no stops, we would arrive at around 10pm. Not good...

They were able to secure gear for us and have the opening bands start later and play a bit longer to stall...

Now, I was on a mission. I was going to us get there, both bands were going to play full sets, and we are going to make the best of the situation.

The drive was not that bad...just long. And we hit quite a few nasty storms (first time of the tour the weather was bad) but plodded along. Gravehill was about 45 minutes behind us. The only stops that were made was for gas and piss breaks...And a 30 pack at the last stop...Figure I would need it for later. Not to mention, I was served my the most rude, unattractive, and unpleasant woman I have ever met...I believe I dropped the C word when I came out of that place...

I drove straight through, minus the stops of course, and we arrived at the club around 10:30. We would have been there sooner, but my robo fuhrer (GPS) was messing with me. Well, it wasn't its fault...The street was weird there and it was a dead end that wasn't supposed to be. Oh well.

Time for Tom Freak Out #2 of the tour. We were playing The Riot Room. It looked like it was in a pretty trendy bar/downtown area. Which means parking can be tricky. We pull up and the van piles out.

"Find out where I can park"

"Ok"

Did that happen...no, not at first. Everyone was getting their schmooze on while I was sitting in the fucking van with the hazards on...Scott and Ryan were out there and everyone was grab assing around while I am waiting. I did the next logical thing...

I rolled down the window, laid on the horn, and proceeded to cuss everyone out...lol

They finally told me where to park.

You have to appreciate the situation here. I just drove 13 hours straight. I did not take a shower in the morning. I had to unload gear when Gravehill showed. All I wanted was to go in the club, sit down in a seat that wasn't in the van, have a couple of beers, and relax a bit.

Gravehill showed and we unloaded what little gear we had. We borrowed the rest from the other bands, which we were grateful for. We set up merch and got ready. I caught a few songs from the last band whose name escapes me. I was in such a daze, I'm surprised I remembered my own name.

So we played then Gravehill played. Both bands killed it again. A lot of the crowd stuck around and were really supportive. After having such a horrible night the night before with all the shit that happened, we felt a lot better about things.

I actually wanted to stay the night and sleep in a bed. It was not to be though. We decided to plow through the night and head in to Chicago. That was probably the best idea...Plus we had to put our new plan in action.

A special thanks needs to be mentioned to both Scott and Ryan of Clawhammer for majorly helping us out when we were in a bind...You guys rule and went above and beyond for us. Cheers!!

Tour Day 6--The Stars At Night Are Big and Bright

2010-08-10T12:48:00.007-05:00

*CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP*

Deep in the heart of Texas

Sorry, could resist...

So we make out way to Austin...People always told me it was a music city, and they weren't shitting...We get to the club and it is just bar after bar after bar, all which had live music going...Hmm, this won't be good...

We played at at place called Beerland...Appropriate for me, don' ya think??

Load in as painless and good vibes were plentiful...We got some drink tickets, so I was a happy camper...Jim, David, and Adam went to do another interview with Darren. Are you wondering why I never do interviews? Well, that is a rant for another blog...I did let Darren know my reasons though...it's not like I am saying fuck off to underground media or anything like that...

Here is said interview at Metalship

I got to meet a couple of friends finally...Ly, who was supposed to have us over for a big cook out, but we could not make it...also offered us a crash spot too, which is always appreciated. Gravehill was staying there as well. I also finally met Tom and Eloisa Stevens too. It is always cool to finally meet people in person that you talk to in the world of social networking...Place had a respectable amount of people, so things were turning around...

Birth AD was up first. The are from Texas (Houston, I believe) and they were to be playing the other Texas shows at the end of the tour. They were really good. Great crossover type thrash! Also, it was someone's birthday, so some cake smashing occurred...

We changed up the order a bit...We played next, then Gravehill, the Hod...All bands put on a ripping show. I think we were all in the groove as the kids say...or do they? I don't know...I'm old...

We had something funny happen on stage...during our last song, David's hair got caught in my headstock...See, I was not on my normal side of the stage...When you look at the stage, I am normally on the right...Because of the amp situation, I was on the left...No biggie, although a bit awkward. Anyway, David and I move around a lot and we moved at the wrong time...The last song ended with us standing back to back still playing...I mean, I didn't want to rip his hair out...Maybe I should of...More metal perhaps?? So that was our "Spinal Tap" moment...

Here is a link to the show review

Show went really well and we were getting ready to load out...

This is when the extra seat in the van reared it's ugly head.

Ok, I'm not going to get into extreme detail with what happened next. This is also not a shot against our brothers Hod in any way. So please don't take it that way...

With the extra seat now in the van, we lost storage room. We figured that the gear Gravehill off loaded back in LA would free up some space. We were also getting a driver for the remainder of the tour, so we now had another body. Stuff would not fit in the trailer...We had to figure out something...Gravehill took off and I thought we'd figure everything out tomorrow...

Instead, what happened was something I didn't expect. I don't think any of us did. Hod wanted to drop off the tour. We all tried talking, but we were at an impasse. We got ahold of the Gravehill dudes who were staying at Ly's...After a lot of phone conversations, they showed back up to the club to offload Hod's gear because they were intent on staying.

Fuck.

What the hell do we do now? The van is in their drummer's name. They provided most of the gear. Why is this falling apart? What do we do with our plane tickets home? Fuck, fuck, fuck. We took the van and we'd get the paperwork stuff figured out later...It was now around 5am and we should have been on the road. We hugged and said our goodbyes, majorly upset and bummed out. I puked several times I was so upset (and no, I was not drunk) but they made their decision concerned for their best interests and we made ours...

We were carrying on...

We followed Gravehill over to Ly's place...Jim, Thorgrimm, and I talked a bit trying to get a plan together...We got a plan going and then needed to get some sleep...It was 6am...We had to be in Kansas City for the next show, so we would have to leave by 8am...Wonderful.

So, once again, since Ly's house was pretty much full, David and I slept in that fucking van again!!!

Tour Day 5--A Day Off and Still No Goddamned Bed!

2010-08-08T17:32:00.002-05:00

We left Prescott, AZ around 2am by my estimation. Dennis drove through the night. I actually slept pretty good all things considered. It was around 7am when I woke for the first gas stop...

That's all this part of the trip was folks...driving and gassing up...

We went through AZ, New Mexico, and finally Texas. Originally we planned to play El Paso, but we could not secure a venue. I think most of us were glad for the day off.

We kept pushing through. Trans-Am drove a shift, Carl drove a shift, then I drove a shift. Beer took over after me.

I will say this...there is not much to look at in Western Texas. Not much out there at all. I got flashbacks from movies where they have those "Last Chance" gas stations...The speed limit was 80MPH here, which I never seen. Texas is so vast you need to go fast to get through it...

Had to go through Border Patrol, which was not to big a deal. There is always that thought in the back of your head that they are going to fuck with you though. At least for me anyway.

So after all that driving, we get to Beer's place in San Antonio around 9pm. Yes, we drove straight through...2am to 9pm...

Trans Am went back to Austin that night, which was only about an hour away. Dennis and Carl went home to rest. We (Cardiac) stayed at Beer's. Time to relax!!

There was a convenience store right by the house, so off I walked to get beer! We watched a few flicks, and went to sleep...We gave David the spare room since he is a slight sleeper. So, no bed for me yet again! Although the couch was comfy and it sure as hell beat the van I was sleeping in since Friday...

Wednesday rolls around and I was up early. Watched a little TV and went to the store to get some stuff. Jim edited the little mini doc from the last post, David and Adam slept still, and Beer and I went to the record store he works at, Hog-Wild Records...

We got back and everyone was now up. We went to grab something to eat at this great Mexican place. After that, we went grocery shopping to stock up on water, snacks, lunchmeat, and other necessities. While I thought things were going well, we really had to watch how money was spent. Things were tight as it was so we had to nickel and dime.

After that, we did laundry.

Exciting, eh?

Well, that's what bands have to do on days off. At least bands with good hygiene anyway...

We are getting ready to leave for Austin soon after this relaxing day. Gravehill had arrived in Austin early and were staying with our friend Ly...we couldn't make it there unfortunately because of the Hod guys being spread out. Carl and Dennis showed up and we got ready to take off for Austin.

We put the seat (remember, the one that Hod removed for the trip out) back in and headed to the gig. That seat was a big cause of the trouble that will greet us after the Austin gig...

Tour Day 4--Raising Arizona!

2010-08-08T14:14:00.008-05:00

Yeah, I had to give a nod to one of my favorite movies with the title...How very non-metal of me...be glad I'm not spitting out quotes from the movie...

Thanks to Beer wanting to get the hell out of LA the night before, we were now an hour ahead of schedule. He took the first driving shift and all was well. It would only be another short run...about 5 hours now.

Scenery never ceases to amaze me...we went from thick forests, to mountains, to hilly dry areas, and now, deserts in 3 days...I apparently need to leave the Midwest more...

So we get through most of California and stop for gas. I finally took over on driving for the first time of the trip. Since I am always driving, and do the driving for Cardiac, I have no problem with it. I said I would do the bulk (Dennis and Beer did a majority of it already, not to mention they made the drive from San Antonio to Portland before the tour started) of the driving for the trip once San Fran and LA were done, because simply, those places scare me to death in regards to driving. Yes, I am from Chicago, one of the worst places to drive and the high traffic, but at least I am comfortable here.

Another hilarious bit happened while we were waiting in line for gas...Again, damn Jim and his lack of camera-readiness...This family in front of us is gassing up...One of their kids come out of the store and goes to the car. He had to be about 12 or 13...Old enough to not be doing what he was doing...Think of the Family Guy bit where Peter is yelling "BUTTSCRATCHER!!" That's what this kid was doing...He had his hand and arm down the back of his shorts up to his elbow...We were fucking dying laughing...

So I take over and am nervous a bit...The van is huge and since the back is loaded up with luggage and some gear, I can't see out the back window, which I need...I backed out hoping I would not hit the EMO band that just stopped to gas up (ok, secretly, I wish I would have backed into them)and we hit the road...The van is kind of tough to handle at first...With the wind, the van could get blown out of the lane if you are not paying close attention.

We get in to AZ and coolness...75MPH speed limit. Nice. So I go along with the speed limit since I am still getting used to this beast.

Better music was playing now too...

Pretty pleasant drive really...We get off the interstate and follow the direction to Prescott...It was about 70 miles from that point. Taking two lane highways, I for sure got the best portion of the drive. Or did I?

We went through a lot of small towns...small towns that did not look like they were functioning...No where to really stop for a bathroom break or to get smokes...So I keep chugging along and I noticed we are going straight into the mountains...

Shit...

As stated several times, I'm a flat-lander (read Illinois resident) and hence, I have very little experience driving through mountains. The last time I drove in the mountains was back in 07 when Cardiac did a little jaunt out east. However, that was with my own vehicle, and even though I was towing a trailer, I was comfortable because I knew my truck.

So I take a breath and go for it...the road just continued to spiral up these mountains. I just took my time and read the speed limit signs as law. In other words, if the speed limit was 20MPH, I fucking did 20 MPH...And I tried not to look over the sides either because I just would get visions of the van going off the road thus meeting our demise...

Well, that wasn't so bad...shit...more spiraling roads going up...That is how it seemed to go...Once I thought I was out, the upward action would start again. I was getting ribbed by everyone in the van at this point, but I was getting more comfortable with the vehicle and we continued to plod our way up...

We finally make it out and next thing you know, we are in Prescott...It is actually a cool resorty town...we find the bar we are playing with ease...We talk to Gravehill and they are about an hour out...we inform them they are about 2 hours out with the mountain roads, and they were hauling the trailer...

We are playing a bar called The Drunken Lass. There were lots of bars and lots of restaurants in the area. This was a pretty cool place...And dog friendly as there were several hanging out with their owners. We meet the owner of the place, Mark, and he is really nice. Although I was a bit bummed because Monday is trivia night, but it is canceled because of the show. I think they should have left it because more people may come in. I start drinking (of course) and I am nice and relaxed. Everyone pretty much splits off to go eat. Beer, Trans-Am (Hod) and I stick around. Beer is buddying it up with some of the local women. He also finds a poster of the gig in the bathroom. I wish I had a picture of it...but it looked like it was done by a kid in 2nd grade art class...I think there was even figer paints and glitter on it. It is in Beer's possession...Ha ha!!

EDIT--Trans-Am just sent me a picture of said flyer...Ok, so I embellished about the finger paints and glitter, but you get the idea...Without further ado...The most metal flyer ever made!!

TA and I find Jim and we take off to eat finding a Mexican joint that had a cheap special on hamburgers. We have a winner!!

While we were gone, Gravehill showed up and unloaded without us...I felt pretty bad about that because I am always one to hustle when doing that kind of stuff...They in turn, took off to eat now. I'll make it up during load out.

This place was not really set up for a metal show like ours. Small stage which more or less acted as the drum riser. A PA with 2 mics only. We made due with what we had though. Rock star bands would throw a fit and complain. Professionals always find a way to make the best out of a situation.

No local openers. Just locals hanging out. Beer did well in buddying up with everyone because most of these locals stuck around. And since we were playing for the bar, and people were drinking, that is good for us.

I was outside whoring myself out...Trying to get people to come in and have a beer or two. Some Hot Topic looking dude seemed scared but came in...

Hod played first this time. This was the first time I really got to watch them. They smoked!! This was just raw sound as the PA was vocals only. I only hoped we sounded as good.

Hot Topic dude said it was too loud for him and left...Figures...There were some cuties that stuck around, but Beer already staked his claim...

It was cramped and had to make some adjustments, but all went well...It was getting late, so all the locals were starting to split. Rats!!!

Gravehill was next...and again, the first time I was actually able to watch them. And in the rarest of rare, they did not do the blood and armor. It was almost like "Gravehill Unplugged" imagery wise. I don't know if that makes sense, but it does to me...

Folks, this show was what I like to call "practice on the road" It happens to all bands at some point. You know, that show that only 2 people show up to? No one compromised though and we all put 110% into our performances. We all played for each other essentially, and we all had a blast. Although the turnout was non existent, we were all loosened up for the first time and had fun.

At the end of the night, the owner bought merch from each band, ripped up the numerous tabs we were running, and gave money for gas for each vehicle...He said metal shows do well in his bar, but this was the day after July 4th, and a Monday no less. Can't win em all. Still, I chalk that show up as being successful...

I would actually like to play that place again. Sometime when we are out that way.

Load out time and I kept to my word and busted ass...Gravehill was going to get a hotel. For some reason, I had this image in my head that they were bummed that they didn't do the blood and armor so they got to a hotel and put on all their stuff in their room and acted like the creeps they are...The verdict is still out on that though...

We opted to drive through the night. The Hod guys wanted to get back home to Austin and San Antonio and while we had a day off the next day (we were playing Austin on Wed) we had a 17 hour drive ahead of us.

Here is the little mini doc that Jim did showing the tour up until now...Just a lot of goofball stuff...Dig the Night Train sing-a-long near the end...That was in Prescott, so you can see we were having a good time there...

Good times! But will they last??

Tour Day 3--I Love L.A.----Not!!

2010-08-08T12:47:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I know the "Not" thing is old and cliche, but it fits for my thought pattern...

I just never been a fan of Los Angeles...I spent quite a bit of time there when I was a corporate drone, and while I remained positive for future visits there, the negativity and distaste I have for that city is always in the back of my head. The last time we were the was for LA Murderfest back in 2008. The most fun I had that weekend was the first day I got there and Jim, Kam Lee, and I hung out out the Gravehill practice bunker in Hellheim. The crowd for Murderfest was great, but I just did not have a good time.

So, will LA change for me?

This was an easy haul. About 5 hours and we were at the venue. The Gravehill dudes headed for home the night before to get some rest and to downsize some of the gear they brought to allow for easier loading and more room. While it helped, it was still tight if not loaded properly.

So no traffic problems whatsoever and we are at the venue early for once. This had to be good.

We were in East LA...Funny thing is, every time I have been in the for a "fun" visit, I have never been in the same place twice.

Another missed camera opportunity (Jim) occurred when we got off the interstate and was driving through the neighborhood heading to the venue. This was funny, or maybe you had to be there, but we all got a much needed laugh...

We look to our right and there was a school...the school had a basketball court...And inside this basketball court were a bunch of nuns shooting hoop. They were not playing "HORSE" mind you...No, they were involved on a full on, 5 on 5 game...It just hit me so funny seeing their habits flying around and them jumping and running for the ball...You had to see it to believe it...I wonder if any of them could dunk??

So we get to the venue and park. And the venue is padlocked of course...Gravehill is not around yet, and the doors are supposed to open at 7pm...I think it was around 5:30.

This show had two tours smushed together...I knew two of the bands on the other tour...Disfigured and Insidious Decrepancy, both from Texas. They were at the venue waiting all afternoon. We hung out and played catch up a bit until I eyed a corner store...And guess what? They sold beer!! Yeah!! So off I went...

So I brown-bagged it in front of the club...32oz Budweisers in cans for the win! I kept going back to the store until the club opened and still opted for the brown bag method since it was cheaper...

Fatalist shows up and I hung out with them...This was their last day of the tour, and since we were all somewhat ahead of schedule, it was nice to just hang out and shoot the shit...

Gravehill shows up and the unloading process starts...There was a bit of an issue because Fatalist was supposed to play second, and they were using some of our gear which just showed up...Even though I didn't agree with that (I'll get there in a minute) we got them what they needed and they went on...

Ok, now for that point I just mentioned. They were on our lineup of the tour...They got put on like they were a local opener and sandwiched in some of the other bands from the other tour. I'll never understand promoters I guess.

So Fatalist plays and killed it again! Then the other tour package played. I watched some of Disfigured, but generally I was going back and forth from the merch area to hang with Lilly (Lilith's Vault) since I have not seen her since 08 and going outside to buy cheap beers. Jim and a lot of the other guys were participating in an interview as well at some point, so I was more or less on my own. Corpsie bought me one of the best Taco's I ever had and the taco joint next door.

Here is something else that bothers me, and I have noticed this quite a bit. What the hell happened to metal camaraderie? All too often, people just go there to see the bands they want to see and then split, not even bothering with everyone else. Once Insidious ended, about half the venue took off. I understand it was July 4th and people probably wanted to go back to the BBQ's and what not...Eh, whatever.

Now was time for our package...I can't remember if we went first of Hod did (we took turns) but all three bands did our thing. The people who remained there were into it so that is always a good thing. I was a little bummed because several friends that I have in that area were nowhere to be found. Again, I can understand though since it was a holiday weekend.

So, did my opinion of LA change? Let's call it a draw this time...Not bad, but not good either...

Show's over and time for load out once again. Since Gravehill is local, they got to go home. Said our goodbyes to Fatalist and we headed out towards the next gig...I crashed...Next thing I know, we are at a hotel about an hour out of the city...The Hod guys get a room and I was going to do the same...Yes! I can sleep in a bed...

Nope...Their system went down so we could not get a room...Dammit, looks like I am sleeping in the van again!! Will I ever get a bed??

This time, Beer, Jim, and I slept in the van. Hotel security was not too keen on that idea and we got a "what for", but we had informed Mr. Rent A Cop that we had a room which was filled and was not able to get another because the system was down...He let us be.

So, we got some sleep and I woke early again...Spotted a (yikes) McDonald's across the street and got an egg sandwich. Beer also followed suit. Everyone else was still sleeping. Beer had a key to the room so I took it and grabbed a shower...Early bird gets the worm, right??? Jim and Beer also had the same idea after I was done.

We had to find a place to get an oil change before we hit the road again...I found one, right by the hotel, so we took off and let the other guys sleep. We get there, and they literally just opened. Not for the day...They just opened for business...They actually had to go get oil to do the change. So we had to wait a while...It was kind of humorous though...Our receipt was handwritten since they didn't even have the computers set up. The employee there said the boss was all rush, rush, rush, and open and they obviously weren't prepared.

So after that, everyone is up and moving...We check out and head to the next show in Prescott, AZ. Where?? Yeah, that's what I thought too...

Tour Day 2--San Francisco??

2010-08-07T11:39:00.005-05:00

As said in the last entry, I was beyond hammered the night before...The term as it is so affectionately called is "Knizner-ized"...So I awake in the van in the hotel parking garage totally disorientated and didn't have a clue where I was at...Luckily Dennis stayed in the van as well...If no one was there, I would have freaked...Now, another problem surfaces...I had to piss like a racehorse...So I walk around the garage, then into the hotel...No public bathroom and the attendant was no where to be found. And I had no idea what room the Hod guys were in...So I pull a Seinfeld and go in the garage...And unlike the show, I did not get caught...

We figure things out and got my shower on, which helped somewhat...I was still out of it...I had no idea what time it was, even though I am wearing a watch and have a phone. I was also in Central Time Zone mode too...

Here is the other problem...Hod is all accounted for...What about the rest of Cardiac and Gravehill...and Matt? We were all scattered around the greater Portland area...

Finally, everyone meets up...Time for Denny's! Yeah!! However, not to be...it was packed and we didn't want to wait...So we hit the road.

It took forever to get out of Portland...We were following Thorgrimm and I guess their Robo Fuhrer (GPS) was not cutting the mustard...Lots of one ways, street closings for 4th of July festivities, etc.

We finally find the Interstate and head towards the gig...We find a Denny's about a half hour out and stopped there...Not as packed as the other one. Lots of "are you guys in a band?" questions when we roll in...So we all order and wait...then eat...And you guessed it, my order was wrong...I wanted the Grand Slam...Two words...Easy, right? Nope...Pepe the waiter brought me the All American Slam...At least my eggs were the right way...I gave my pancakes to Abominator because, simply, I don't like the fuckers...

Ok, so that took an hour and a half...

We hit the road once again...Now, this was probably the worst run of the whole trip...See, we had Bodybag and Matt riding along with us. Hod did remove a row of seats when they got the van back in Texas. So lets do a headcount...

Hod=5
Cardiac=4
Gravehill Memebers=2

A 15 Passenger Van with a row removed...Yes, we were sitting on each other basically...Not to mention that Matt and I were very tired, out of it, hung over, and just plain cranky...Dennis was driving and had control of the stereo essentially and (no offense) listens to a lot of shitty, BrOOtAl death metal...Matt dubbed the van "The Blast Beat Express"...It is funny now, but it sure wasn't then...My band mates know this, now you all do, but I hate listening to really any forms of death metal when driving...

We make our way through Oregon...Lots of great scenery, that's for sure...I napped on and off. We made a stop for gas at some point, and here comes the Bad News Thorgrimm (Sorry...had to use that one again)

We are running extremely late and there is a chance we may not make the show...We had like 8 hours to go still...This was not good...The show was to start at 9pm...It was like 4:30...Shit...

We gun it, but still had to stop a few times. A stop that stands out was this private resort right on a lake with mountains...Dennis had to shit or something...So we beg to use the facilities...they reluctantly let us in...2 super hotties were walking around the lot with dental floss bikinis...And of course, Jim did not have his video camera at the ready...Bad Grindhead!!

Back on the road, we continue to gun it...Northern Cali is very awesome to look at too...Here in Illinois, us flatlanders see nothing...So this was a treat...

And apparently, you can't bring in cherries or other fruit into Cali...there is a checkpoint where they ask if you have that stuff. Checkpoints are never good for a band...Not to mention an overloaded van. But the checkpoint guy was cool as hell...He asked us if we had anything (fruit) and started laughing...

"Ah, you guys are in a band...don't seem like the fruit type...Beer and Chips is more your thing! Have a nice day and safe travels!"

Well, it is now 9pm...Officially late...We still keep pushing...Thorgrimm finally got ahold of the promoter and he just said, keep on going and you'll make it...Ok, so that helped...No local openers on this show, which kind of sucked because they could have helped delay things...

So we get to the club around 10:30...We made it!! We unload the gear at a record pace thanks to help from some friends of Gravehill...Fatalist gets up there and kills it! They sounded great today! We were up next. The stage was small and it was kind of cramped, which always sucks...We move around a lot, and so there was no room to move...

Now, remember, I am totally sober (probably a first) and we played a shortened set due to time constraints...I was on a mission due to my terrible performance the night before...I think I made up for this time...We were loud and sounded great (or so I thought)

I did not watch Hod or Gravehill that night, but they sounded good. I was running merch for all the bands, I was even more tired after the set, and I just wanted to sit down and relax...

Pretty decent crowd there though...I got to meet my online friends Ranarchy and Jose, both who are awesome artists...I had to apologize to them because I was ran so ragged throughout the day, I was not the most social person...They understood which was cool...

Both days, we sold quite a bit of merch and was running out...Not good...We put in an emergency shirt order that we would pick up in LA to get us through until Pittsburgh...

We hang out a bit after the show and break down everything...It was a whirlwind day for sure...The Gravehill dudes headed back to LA while Hod and us stayed put in San Fran...We crashed at some dude's place in Oakland...Carl (Hod), David, and I opted to crash in the van...Boy, starting to like this van now...That's a lie, but I wanted some peace and quiet and that was the place...

Woke up early and wandered around the area...Found a BK and got a breakfast sandwich...I was up and wanted to get moving...Problem is, no one else shares my same internal clock...So I had to wait and smoked a lot of damn cigarettes...Adam and Jim went to get something to eat and I told them where to go, but they still got lost coming back...Seriously folks, the BK was 2 blocks away...

Once everyone was up and moving, we split out...LA was only like a 5 hour drive, so this would be a breeze compared to the day before...

And I wanted to drink again!!!!

Tour Day 1--Portland, Oregon

2010-08-05T23:41:00.005-05:00

So, with the previous night of debauchery, one would think I got that all out of my system, right? Yeah, fat chance...I woke pretty early as always and some of us went down for the free breakfast. Adam basically aborted a waffle in the waffle machine. It looked like hell, but I'm sure it tasted fine. After breakfast, some of the guys crashed again...Not me...what did I do? You guessed it...I started drinking...And did some school work...and played Mafia Wars...yes, I am a geek like that. All we had to do was wait...Wait for Hod and Gravehill to show up. We had to check out, so where did we end up? The hotel bar. The other guys are fine with that...I'm not...If I'm in a bar, I drink...and boy, did I...

Losing track of time, I got a call from Corpsie...he finally arrived. I drunkingly told him to hop the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. He made it safe and sound and without a charge (hotels have a problem with people taking their shuttles when someone is not a guest)

The rest of the day I don't remember much. Hod showed up and according to Corpsie, we were all in the bar. Apparently, I went to puke at some point (I don't remember that, but if Corpsie said it, it must have happened)

The Gravehill dudes show up. We are all out in front of the hotel organizing everything in the trailer. Ugh...We need UPS workers to make this happen. 14 guys between a 15 passenger van and a Dodge Durango seems kind of comfortable...Yeah, well, try it and get back to me...The trailer was not that big so the van had to take some extra stuff...

We get situated and head off to the club, which was only a few minutes away...

Easiest thing now is to talk about what I remember...

I was still drunk...

I was hungry...

I was drinking Pabst at this point since those were our drink ticket beers...

Tiff and Kelli showed up with a fucking feast...They made these killer meatball sandwiches for all of us...That so ruled...Or as Matt Harvey would say, "That was rad!"

We hung with the Fatalist dudes...They were playing the first three dates of the tour...I hadn't seen Neil or Art since Murderfest in 2008, so it was great to hang with them again, as well as meeting the rest of the guys...

Ok, the rest is really fuzzy now...Fatalist played...Then Ritual Necromancy played...I ran into Jason from Splatterhouse...

The rest of the night was somewhat of a blank for me...We played...Well, I should say, the rest of Cardiac played...I sat their and blew a goat. I was so fucking drunk, my hands were not doing what they should have been doing with the guitar. I made the best out of it, and my bandmates ruled because they did not fuck with me...I did the old Cronos trick (yeah, I know I don't play bass) and did my best that I could, with a whole lot of slides!!!

Like I said, everything at this point was a blur. I don't remember a thing about Hod or Gravehill...Did we play before Hod? I honestly don't remember...

I do remember the end of the night...Drunkingly assisting Dennis from Hod and Thorgrimm loading the trailer...Tripping over stuff. I got confused at one point and next think I know, Jim Rainbowsherbertherder is hollering at me about spliting out. I believe at that point, I quit the tour, yelled I'm fucking going home, and threw my cord bag at his flat top...I was a fucking mess!!

I ended up with the Hod guys and Matt...We went to Jason from Splatterhouse's place...seemed like a weird vibe though, so we took off to find a hotel...The last thing I remember was making Beer (Hod) stop at a gas station do I could get cigs...

The next morning, I woke up in the van (Dennis was there too) in a parking garage and had no idea where I was at...I think I was still drunk...Eventually, I found their room and was lucky enough to get a shower...

And off to San Francisco we would go...or would we??

A Roadblock?

2010-08-03T00:02:00.002-05:00

I have some time on my hands after finishing a massive paper for school (yes, an aging metalhead who is still seeking higher education...surprised?) and I am bored so I may as well knock out more of this tour experience out...

So, we are getting ready for the tour and I get a call from Thorgrimm...things fell through with funding and we were now stuck...Either call the whole thing off or figure things out...We decided to figure things out...

Corpsie talked in detail about this...no need for me to rehash...Just check out Corpsie's Blog for the detailed info...

Now, I truly believe most bands would have said "fuck it" and stayed home...Maybe a wise decision. However, after playing music for over 20 years in the underground death metal scene, this was just too close...I have never toured and really wanted it. I'd be damned if I was going to be a quitter...So I figured out a way on our end. We will see if I will regret my actions...

So fast forward another week and I get yet another call from Thorgrimm (Jezze...the way I talk, you would think he is the prophet of doom or something...Bad News Thorgrimm!! ) Anyway, I had to get ahold of the Hod guys because of the rental van situation...One thing was said at first, but that didn't happen...So, more self funding to get our transportation in order...Again, this was just too close...I did everything in my power (on our end) to insure this tour would happen...

Ok, all is settled now...

Cardiac was rehearsing our tour set for about a month now. We were ready!!! Last practice involved going through the set a couple more times and the breakdown of gear that was going to be taken. We traveled light since we were flying to Portland. In Portland, we would be meeting up with Hod and Gravehill. This would be on Friday, June 2nd, the first day of the tour...

Cardiac decided to fly out June 1st...Why?? Well I'll tell ya...

You can never trust airlines...Flights get delayed, canceled, baggage can get lost...I figured we should have just a day of travel. I used to do that when I actually worked...Day of travel, go to work the next series of days, day of travel to get home...Besides, I knew we would be roughing it the next few weeks, so I sprung for a decent hotel (which included a bar...c'mon, it's me) so we could all hang out and relax before the tour started...

I flew separately since I am a primadonna like that...Heh heh...Actually, I wanted a direct flight...didn't matter to the other guys how they flew...So I got to Portland and got everything secured on the ground awaiting the arrival of my Cardiac brethren...

So, I had alone time...What did I do? Wouldn't you like to know...Actually, surprise, surprise, I hung out in the hotel bar. And something really cool happened to me...I'll never forget this...

So I am sitting there eating lunch...And I was talking to the bartender and asking about the area. A military recruiter (I think he was a recruiter...seemed to be a lot of military based stuff in that area) came in and sat near me at the bar. I was talking to the bartender and of course, the band question came up. So I oblige and talked about the band a bit. As the military guy was about to leave, he addressed me...

"Excuse me...I don't want to bother you, but I overheard that you are in a band?"

"Yes"

"Metal?"

"Yes"

"Like what? Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel?"

Ok, I was shocked...I hate describing to people what kind of band I am in...most never heard of metal bands other than the super mainstream...When I heard Morbid Angel, my interest was really piqued...

"Yeah...so you are familiar with death metal then?"

He proceeded to tell me that he had been playing guitar for a number of years and he really enjoyed playing death metal. He would never be able to do it in a band because he felt that he was not good enough a player to pull it off...I told him to not worry about that and just play...If I can play guitar, especially in a band, anyone can...

We talked for a bit longer, but here was the really cool part...He asked if he could buy my lunch and a beer...I was dumbfounded...He said he could imagine touring was rough and wanted to save me some cash...I told him he didn't have to but he insisted...I agreed, but not before I ran back to the room to grab him a Cadaverous CD...I would have gave him the Haven CD and a T-shirt, but those were not in my possession as they would be arriving in the evening...He seemed thrilled as hell though...He split and the bar was closing for the afternoon...Which sent me on my next mission...Find beer and smokes within walking distance...

Which I did, thanks to my GPS...

So I was well stocked and had quiet time until the other dudes from Cardiac showed up...Once they did, it was party time...All night...Our new merch arrived, probably drank the bar dry, we were joined by Tiff and Kelli (who brought more beer) and just partied in the room...Truth be told, I don't remember much...and the tour would be starting the next day...Ok, I'll get some rest and behave during the day...Yeah right...

Next post will be the start of the tour...I promise!!

The Campaign Begins...

2010-07-28T22:17:00.003-05:00

This will be somewhat short because there are a lot of logistical minutia that even I don't care about...Just want to keep up on things while they are somewhat fresh...

So, we get the name for the tour, dates and venues are getting secured, artwork by the ever so awesome Jeff Zornow is completed, vehicles are secured (or so I thought...more on that later), word is being spread all over the interweb, etc. I, along with the rest of Cardiac was feeling really good about things. We about finished the writing process for the 4th Full Length (!!) and now, we had to pick a setlist and just practice the hell out of it...Again, things were moving along...

The next part of the story is something only very few know about...It is really cool, so I wanted to include it...

One day, out of the blue, I get a call from Thorgrimm (Gravehill drummer if you weren't aware) wanting to shoot the shit a bit...We get to talking and he informed me that their last guitarist was no longer in Gravehill...It was an amicable split, but now they were stuck without a second guitarist. I was asked to fill in for the tour, which I reluctantly accepted. Don't read into that reluctantly part too much...It is hard enough playing in one band on a given night, let alone two...especially with how nuts I get on stage...I have done back to back sets with Severed and Cardiac...It is not something I totally enjoy. So anyway, I started learning the Gravehill tunes and the plan was for me to fly out to LA a week before the tour to practice with them...So, what happened??

Matt Harvey (Exhumed/Dekapitator/Repulsion to name a few) happened...and let me tell you, it was for the best. I was on eggshells and really nervous about filling in. I don't think I would have done Gravehill justice if I played with them. It was a relief and a pleasure watching them play every night...They for sure made the right decision...

Ok, not so short I guess...I tend to ramble, hence the title of this blog...Next up will be a major wrench thrown in that would make 95% of the bands out there say "fuck it!" Not us...Good thing or not?

To be continued...

Pre Tour Preface

2010-07-27T12:09:00.005-05:00

Need to go back a bit to kind of put this into scope...

Back in 2008, we had our brothers in metal, Gravehill, up here in the crappy Midwest...We did three shows over Halloween weekend in Dekalb, Milwaukee, and Mt. Prospect (no, that does not count as Chicago). We had a blast hanging together for those three days and the shows went quite well considering...We vowed to share the stage again in the future for something a lot more extensive, the idiots that we are...

In 2009, we played the Indy Necrofest where we met our other brothers from other mothers, Hod...Not H.O.D., but Hod...It does not stand for anything...look it up...To say we hit it off is an understatement...and I was always grateful for them sharing their stash of Lone Star Beer with me (hard to find up here)and their friendship...

In Late 09, Gravehill did some dates in Texas with Hod...kind of the same thing they did with us a year prior...The wheels were put in motion as they say...

Also in late 09, Cardiac signed with Ibex Moon Records...Wow...what a coincidence...Gravehill just signed with Ibex Moon too...And, Hod was already on the Ibex roster...Hmmmmmmm...

Now we get to 2010...Earlier in the year, Cardiac planned a mini tour with Hod, again, in the Midwest...we have already committed to quite a few shows throughout the summer, so we felt a late spring/early summer jaunt would work just fine...

Ibex Moon was to release the new Cardiac Arrest album, Haven For the Insane in early June...we had to get out there and move it...Everything seemed to be lining up until I got a phone call from Jim (Cardiac drummer)...

Jim: Dude, the Hod tour is off...

Me: (Still kind of groggy from waking up with a buzz still) Um, really...that sucks...What happened?

Jim: Well, John (Ibex Moon) wants Cardiac, Hod, and Gravehill to do a US tour together in June...Can you do it?

Me: Really?? Um, yeah, I guess...

The ball started rolling and plans started being made...all we had to do is wait and prepare for...

The Campaign for Death Metal Purity...

Here we go again

2010-07-27T11:48:00.002-05:00

Yeah, in February, I said I was going to keep up on this...dropped the ball yet again...

This time I will keep up for real...

I'm planning on a series of write ups on what Cardiac Arrest has been up to the last month, mainly The Campaign of Death Metal Purity and Central Illinois Metalfest...As much as I drank, I still remember everything pretty vividly and figure I would jot down some stuff for those who care to read my ramblings...

First installment coming later today...

Duh...

2010-02-26T23:02:00.001-06:00

Heh, I forgot I had this...lol

Guess I should start updating it...not that anyone cares...

Been Awhile

2008-09-02T21:18:00.002-05:00

Not much to say really...things have been going well I guess...Will finally be working again...

Cardiac had a lot of great shows since the last post...Got some cool things coming up too...and we'll begin recording the third album soon...fall/winter it looks like...

Severed is kind of in limbo right now...More on that later...

I guess I'll write more when I am motivated...

Cinema Wasteland Weekend Spring 2008 Show Final Thoughts

2008-04-09T14:34:00.003-05:00

Another Wasteland over...And the funny thing is, I get so bummed, for like two days after the show...It is such a great time, but it goes by so damned fast...However, this was probably the funnest one for me yet...don't get me wrong, I have had a blast at all the other ones, but this one was really special with all the cool folks that came to this...so here is my "Thanks and Thoughts List"

Burn and Nikki--We have been doing this a long time now (10 for you, 8 for me, not to mention the other cons we have been together at) and I can't think of two other people I would rather be doing this with...You guys have been great all these years, especially the last year, which you know has been extremely tough for me...it is because of you that I can go to Wasteland and I greatly appreciate your generosity!! Thanks also for the goodies!!

Sly and Nickolle--First off, great hanging with Sly all weekend. I hope you had fun at your first Wasteland. We'll be doing some more stuff together in the coming weeks for sure! Thanks for the shirt and the poster...it really meant a lot!! I'm glad you both rode with me...and Nickolle, you are more than welcomed to hitch a ride every time I go...

Gregg--A first time Wastelander, hope you had a blast!! We'll get stuff going with both Gangulated and Convulsions very soon...things have just been so crazy this year and it sucks we don't live right near each other anymore...One thing I miss about not living up north...But, well have stuff down soon enough...

Steve Eggs--We have hung out at Wasteland quite a few times now, but with each one we get cooler and cooler, which is great in my book. For sure keep in touch because hanging out twice a year just sucks...we need to hang out more!! Thanks for having us over and for the awesome dinner!! It is something I will never forget!!

Billy--Was great hanging with you again all weekend. I am really glad you make it out and hope you plan on returning again. Hope you had a blast and that you weren't disappointed in any way...Thanks for the CD's and stickers, especially the Internal Bleeding one...lol...oh yeah, SLaM DeTH iZ br00TaL!!!

Slasher Dave and Dez--Nice hanging with you guys again as well. We spent a little more time together than last time, and I'm sure glad I did...I'm guessing you will be regulars and be at every one now, correct?? Hope so!!

Zornow--You rule bro!! I always have a great time with you...crazy times!! Thanks for personalizing the prints I bought...they will be framed and hung soon...keep me posted if you will be in my area and I will come and hang out...

Putrid--We didn't hang out much this weekend, but the time we did was a blast...keep in touch and we need to hang out more...another Metal Haven Friday perhaps??

Ed Fantom--Another Wasteland regular!! Glad you made it out again. Hopefully next time Romina will come with...she has been absent the last two now...anyway, hope you had a great time with us and look forward to seeing you in October...

Brian and Donna--More regulars who are always a pleasure to be around. It was great to see you again and play catch up. I'm sure I will see you again in October!!

Splatterbeast and Ruth--I hope your first Wasteland was a fun one and that you return again. It was so awesome hanging out with you guys!! Please keep in touch!!

Tanya and Kevin--I was shocked when Billy told me you guys made it. Now that you know you can, please make sure you keep coming back. I was bummed when you told me that you had to leave on Saturday...never do that again!! lol It was great hanging out with you guys!!

Erik--Nice to finally meet you...I'll get them CD's out to you as soon as they are ready. Hope you had a good time and that you also plan to return.

Greg--We met briefly, but it was nice to finally meet you as well. We talk quite a bit on EF, but it is nice to finally be able to put a name to a face...Cheers buddy!!

Jones--You are nuts!! You got me drinking whiskey, which I never do!! It was great hanging with you as well. Keep going with the sick art and hope you also return...

If I forgot anyone, I am truly sorry...it was s long weekend and it is hard to keep track sometimes...

To sum up, that is what Wasteland is about to me...all the great friendships that are made. Sure, all the celeb stuff is cool, but to me, that is secondary. To coin the phrase that came out of the Chainsaw reunion a few years back: The Wasteland Is Family!! Hopefully everyone who went agrees...

And for the people who didn't attend, I really don't know what to say...It is not an expensive con in the grand scheme of things, although I understand about travel costs and stuff...however, the next Wasteland is in the first weekend of October, which is plenty of time to start saving up...and if anyone has any questions about Wasteland, I'll be happy to answer them...

Cheers for a great weekend with excellent people!!

Cinema Wasteland Weekend Spring 2008 Show Day 3

2008-04-09T14:01:00.002-05:00

Well, my streak for the first to wake at Wasteland is over...christ, did I feel like crap...and we had check out time to contend with, although we were ahead of schedule...Greg came up to the room and was getting ready to leave...I had some stuff his room, so I had to go down and get it...hang out a bit with him, Billy, and Eggs, then I took off to get ready...damn, that shower felt great!!! Packed up the car, and headed over to the convention for the final day...

Sunday is the day I do all my autographs and celeb pics...why I do this, I don't know, because sometimes Sunday is a slow day, and celebs will split early...but all was good and got everything I wanted...

Catriona MacColl The Beyond 8x10
John Morghen Cannibal Apocalypse 8x10
Tom Towels "Otis" 8x10
Mink Stole "Dottie Hinkle" 8x10
Dyanne Thorne Harem Keeper 8x10

Sly and Nickolle also got me a kick as John Morghen T-shirt and a Cardiac Arrest one sheet...

Went over to Zornow's table and bought a bunch of prints from him which I made him personalize...

Blood Freak Scared Stiff
C.H.U.D.
Freudstein
I Want My Cake

Did I mention I was still drinking beers throughout this?? OF course, you already knew this...

And Sunday, is always the sad day because it is the last day...some had left us already, others were soon to leave...Burn and Nikki were heading out as well, which is a bummer, because they always stay the distance...but they had an excellent reason...they missed their kids...so they are excused!!!

Wandered around and took more pics with people and was getting bummed that it was almost over...

Steve Eggs to the rescue...he had invited a bunch of us over to his house for a spaghetti dinner!!! Awesome!!

After the convention, we headed over. Splatterbeast and Ruth rode with Sly, Nickolle and I and had a fun ride over as I had a 70's station on and was singing the ABBA and Barry Manilow tunes that were on. Guess I have to turn in my metal membership card now, eh??

We get over to Egg's place and I was taken down to the dungeon!! Talk about awesome stuff. I felt like a kid in a candy store there...lots of cool tapes, CD's movies, memorabilia, Star Wars stuff...Awesome!! As was dinner!! And Steve's mom was very cool as hell, especially for having us dirtbags over!! Very much appreciated for sure! We took more group shots on the porch and headed back to the hotel for our final goodbyes...

And this is always the funniest part...no one wants the weekend to end...a lot of us stood around and talked, and no one wants to split...but eventually, we did...and we took off, back to Chicago...and the ride home is always more somber...did not talk as much, probably from being both bummed and fried from the weekend...Got back to my place around 11pm, unloaded everything, and Sly and Nickolle took off...I'll be seeing them soon enough though as Sly is still here for a couple of weeks...

Got in the house, organized everything and tried to crash...but at this point, I was so tired and burnt out, that was even tough to do...eventually, I drifted off...

Final thoughts coming soon...

Cinema Wasteland Weekend Spring 2008 Show Day 2

2008-04-09T13:28:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure what time we woke, but I was the first one awake, which is a Wasteland first...lol...Burn and Nikki were in rough shape, so I got ready and left them alone for awhile...I headed down to Billy, Eggs, and Greg's room for awhile...We started talking about Convulsions and I showed them a few of the riffs I was working on. They seemed pleased with the direction I was heading with it...I wish I would have had more jam time with them, but I know so many people at Wasteland and there is so much to do, that it is near impossible to focus on band stuff. But nonetheless, things are finally getting solidified, so that is a good thing...

Burn finally got up and moving, but Nikki was still down for the count...we let her rest, as hanging with me drinking can be a dangerous thing...Burn and I headed over to the convention because there was another panel we wanted to check out...The ILSA Panel!!! In this panel, Dyanne Thorne, Howard Maurer, and Don Edmonds would be talking about the Ilsa films and a few other things. Another interesting panel for sure. Dyanne Thorne seemed pretty awesome and happy to be there...she does not really like doing conventions from what I had heard over the years, but she seemed right at home here. Don Edmonds is always a trip. This was my second time hearing him speak, and he was great again. He had a ton of stories and was very entertaining. Score a win for another great Wasteland panel!!

After the panel, I met some more online friends...Tanya and Kevin made it from Canada!! Splatterbeast from California and his girlfriend Ruth from England!!! Also met Greg from the Exploited Filth board. And Jones, also from Canada!! We went out in back of the hotel and took a whole bunch of group pictures. Fun times!!

The rest of the day is kind of in a haze for me...I did buy a killer Cat In The Brain shirt from Ed and Damien. I never seen them have that design from them before, so I had to have it. I also ran into Ash and Zdenka from Estuary/Faith Xtractor, as they were in town for the Acheron show that night...talked with Kyle and Vince from Acheron as well...Wouldn't have minded going to the show, but I was drinking all day at that point, and I never like leaving the convention site...too risky...

Burn and I went back to the room for awhile and Nikki was doing much better. Hung out, partied, did the con thing a little more, but then finally decided it was time to eat real food...Ordered dinner from some place that was really good...had it delivered of course...but then, back to the outdoor party in from of the Holiday Inn...

At this point, I don't remember anything...where I was, who I was with, etc...I know I was having fun though hanging with everyone...and I honestly don't remember going back to the room and going to sleep...

Cinema Wasteland Weekend Spring 2008 Show Day 1

2008-04-09T11:21:00.005-05:00

Ah, my favorite two times of the year...Cinema Wasteland, in Strongsville, Ohio!! I have been to several horror conventions, and Wasteland has always been my favorite...sure, it is not a super huge convention, but there is always a quality guest list, a very inexpensive weekend pass, tons of included activities, great vendors, and a nice host hotel. Not to mention, it is not a "corporate" show...The Spring 2008 show was show #8 for me. So, my return attendance should speak for something...

A bit of a disclaimer: It is no secret that I drink heavily at Wasteland...but when don't I right? So some details may be foggy and if I forget some people or situations, please don't take it personally...

I was going to be leaving for Strongsville at noon on Friday, April 4th. It is an approximate 5 hour drive for me, plus there it is in the Eastern Time Zone, so that would roughly put us there at around 6pm...Sly from Fondlecorpse and Nickolle was going to be riding with me. And they got to my place at noon on the head!!! I had the car all packed, but just needed to get beer for the weekend...Ran into Mike from Cianide and we chatted a bit before we took off...Pleasant drive as always...I made that drive so much that it is like second nature to me now...but we chatted about the excitement of the weekend. We couldn't wait...

So we get there right around 6pm...time to get settled into our rooms...I was staying with my friend Burn and his wife Nikki as I always do...always my convention room mates as we get along super well...But in the parking lot, waiting for Burn to come over from the convention, Dez, Slasher Dave, and Tim show up...First time meeting Tim, very cool guy...Then I realize I was parked next to my bro Gregg's truck...shit, his room must be around somewhere...Sure enough, I look to my left, and there he is standing in the doorway...Went into his room to grab some stuff he had for me, and then Burn showed...hung out for a bit, but then went to our room so I could get settled...Burn, Nikki, and I played catch up for awhile, but then decided it was time to go to the convention...At 8pm, there was a panel featuring Catriona MacColl and John Morghen that was only happening once the whole weekend, so we did not want to miss it...

So, we walk over to the Holiday Inn so I could pick up my pass, and I run into Billy from Razorback Records...last time I seen him was at the Central Illinois Metalfest back in July, and although I talk to him online all the time, it is always better to talk face to face and just hang out. It was great seeing him again. We chatted a while and he had some cool stuff for me...a Decrepitaph shirt from Wayne (Thanks again Wayne!!), the new Gruesome Stuff Relish CD, as well as a Frightmare CD I didn't have yet. Mega thanks for the discs bro!! My broke ass eternally appreciates it!! Steve Eggs was hanging around, so we played catch up as well. I also met Erik, aka Riki O, from the Exploited Filth board...All the while, Burn is trying to get me into the convention so we would not miss the panel...so, I took off and got my pass and then ran into a few more friends...Ed Fantom, Brian and Donna, and a couple of others I can't recall right now...

We finally made it to the Euro Panel just in time...and I was glad I did not miss it. Burn taped it as he always done, but it was an interesting panel...It was great hearing first hand accounts by Catriona MacColl and John Morghen regarding Lucio Fulci and the films they worked on with him. They both seemed very nice and answered all the questions thrown at them. Art from Ultraviolent Magazine always moderates the panels with Ken, and they do a great job and keep things moving along. But the hour flew by fast...too fast I think...just a lot of interesting comments and stuff...

So after the panel, I make my pass through the dealers rooms saying hi to the people, vendors, and guests that I haven't seen since the last show...Amy Lynn Best, Mike Watt, Ultraviolent crew, Ed and Damien, Jill, Synapse Dudes, Tony from Xploited, Michael Felsher, Uncle Lloyd, Toe Tag crew, Putrid, Jeff Zornow, etc...Wandered around for a bit, scoped out the celeb tables and tried to get a plan going for the weekend...

Ended up leaving the con and was back in full party mode at this time...Hanging outside the hotel is a lot of fun...lots of cool people hanging out getting their drink on...After that, was in Eggs and Billy's room for quite awhile, before settling down in our own room...We were all crazy hammered...Saturday would be interesting...

Ace Frehley Show Review-Chicago-4/1/08

2008-04-02T12:36:00.003-05:00

Just want to start this entry out by saying Ace Frehley is the reason I (and I'm sure thousands of others my age) play guitar. I saw Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park on TV when I was about 4 or 5 years old and I was hooked...a couple of years later, my parents started letting me get their albums, and believe me, I would save my allowance and I bought every Kiss album I could, along with other memorabilia (which I wish I still had...comic books, lunch boxes, dolls, posters, garbage can, etc.) I was a fan until they took off their make up and by then, Ace was gone...I did follow him to a point in which I had the first Frehley's Comet album, but my tastes were changing at that time, so I quickly lost interest...

But any rate, he is my biggest influence as a guitar player...and I have always stood behind that.

So, a few months ago, I found out Ace was going to be touring the US...I instantly wanted to go. They announced a Chicago date, and it was to be at House Of Blues...I figured I would have to get a ticket ahead of time, just in case...Rodney from the Chicago Metal Factory to the rescue...by chance, when Cardiac Arrest DJ'ed The Exit, I had asked him if he had any Ace tickets, which he did...Score!!!! Again, Thank You Rodney!!!!

The show was to start at 9pm so I took my time and hung around the house till about quarter to...it was only a short walk and train ride, and I never heard of the opening band, so no harm no foul...I got there and the opening band just finished...I had heard good things about them from some of the people there...but c'mon...who really cares about an opener when Ace is playing??

Ace went on around 10:15 I think...wasn't really looking at my watch...While waiting, ran into Larry from November's Doom and we chatted for awhile. Also ran into Big Bill and Rich, who are always at every show I am at...great supporters of the scene for sure...

So, the big screen goes up and the lights go down...Ace has a real cool intro...cool lasers and a rocket number fire up/spaceship countdown...he then goes into the set...

Rip It Out
Hard Times
Parasite
Snowblind
I Want You (very short version)
Rock Soldiers
Breakout (dedicated to Eric Carr)
Into The Void
Strange Ways
Medley
--Torpedo Girl
--Speedin' Back To My Baby
--Five Card Stud
--Trouble Walkin'
Stranger In A Strange Land
New York Groove
2000 Man (a personal favorite)
Shock Me

Guitar Solo--Ok, at this point, Ace switched to his smoking guitar...but it was not working...he swapped guitars and kept playing, and then swapped back, but it was still not working...the drummer came out and yelled April Fools!! At that point, it starts smoking and Ace did not have it strapped on...It was pretty funny, and I'm not sure if it was a joke or malfunction, but Ace just went with it and laughed it off...Then he says, April Fools...me or on the crowd? Well then, this will be a special one then..and goes into...

Fractured Mirror (another personal favorite)

Ace then closed the normal set with

Rocket Ride

A couple of minutes goes by and they come back out to do the encore set...

Deuce (complete with Kiss shoulder/guitar sway at the end)
Love Her All I Can
Love Gun
Cold Gin
Outro to Black Diamond

Band all leaves, but comes back out and take a bow...

What a show!! Ace played pretty spot on. I mean, no one is perfect, but I did not catch anything out of the ordinary. He seemed very comfortable, had a lot of relaxed quip filled banter, was funny, and told a few little stories about some of the songs...His new band is great too...both the drummer and bassist looked like Nikki Sixx lookalikes though...lol But they both did a lot of singing and sounded great, not to mention very high energy...

This show easily moves up to the Top 3 of the shows I have attended list (and I have been to a lot)and I am still buzzing about it...The only downfall was the beer prices at HOB, but I had a free ticket so I shouldn't complain too much. I combated my need to drink by moving into the crowd towards the front of the stage. I just had to be closer...plus, he was throwing picks out left and right, and I desperately wanted one...not this time though...I did manage to take some pics with my moms cell phone...I need to figure out how to transfer them and see if they even turned out...

It is safe to say that Ace is still my guitar idol...and I will never forget this show as long as I live...I hope he comes back, because I will go in a heart beat...and be in the front row next time!!!

Just A Quickie!!

2008-04-01T15:19:00.002-05:00

Same old shit, different day...

New Cardiac album will be out in a couple of weeks...Severed is in writing mode and the promo should be ready in a couple of months...Convulsions is still getting a plan together...

Now for the fun stuff...

I am going to see Ace Frehley tonight. I can't frigging wait!! Ace is my guitar idol and I have been into him since I was a kid...He is the reason I play guitar. So it will be super cool to see him in a small venue finally!! I'll post a review at some point...

And this weekend will be the ultra cool Cinema Wasteland in Cleveland, Ohio...so many of my friends will be there this time it is going to be such a blast!! This will be my 8th CW with many more to come I'm sure...Hopefully everyone I rave to about this con will feel the same way as there will be some CW rookies this time...I will be doing a weekend write up when I get back with plenty of stories and pics...

More Band Stuff

2008-03-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

Been very busy on the band front, which is a good thing...I posed this on the Severed My Space...

I find it funny that I do an update once a year...why? Well, we are the most cursed band in existence I think...basically, without going into much detail, 2007 was filled with some unfortunate happenings for us...But rest assured, we are still around...Is that good or bad?? You can decide...

We have been very active for the last month in a half. We are now on a regular practice schedule, which is a good thing. We are getting ready to start doing some shows again. We recently played in Milwaukee with Speed Freaks, Toby Wong, and No Slogan. It was an excellent show for us. I can’t believe how packed that bar was!!! Thanks for having us out there and we will return the favor when ready!!

So, what about the release??? Ok, here is basically what we are going to do...we will still be releasing Free Cuts (and yes, it will still be free) in the very near future. We are currently figuring out what songs we are going to put on there...So, it will be out in the next few months...

And now, since we are on a regular practice schedule, we began writing again...we have two brand new songs completed, both untitled still...

There is the yearly update...I’ll try to keep this more updated as things happen (to which you say, yeah sure...you said that last time)

Cheers!!

On The Cardiac Arrest front, Cadaverous Presence will be out by months end...it is up for preorder on the Epitomite Website (link is in the Links section)...we are only doing 4 live show so far this year...

LA Murderfest (Hollywood, CA)--April 18-20...we are playing on the 20th
Mayhem In May (Louisville, KY)--May 17-18...we are playing on the 17th
Central Illinois Metalfest (Urbana, IL)--July 18-20...we are playing on the 20th
Monster Fest (Toledo, OH)--Nov 1-2...we are playing on the 1st

There may be a very few local shows this year...depends on if the right show/promoter comes around...We will see...

We are working on a design for a Cadaverous Presence shirt...and live shows going forward will focus more on the Cadaverous tunes...

And, we are again in writing mode...we have three new songs that we are putting the finishing touches on. Two titles are "Rage On, Fuck Off!" and "Extinction Endured"

Other than that, business as usual...

In Convulsions news, I should be getting the riffs for the planned songs from Stevo very soon...basically, I'll begin learning and perfecting them...then I'll record my parts...At least that is how I think it will go...as always, more news as I get it...

Expect a huge blog regarding Cinema Wasteland next month...it is going to be one hell of a party!! Lots of my underground friends will be making the trip for this, as well as the regular Wasteland gang of pals...Personally, I cannot wait!!! This will be the 8th Cinema Wasteland I'll be attending, with many more to follow I'm sure...

2 Days In A Row?

2008-02-19T11:22:00.002-06:00

Ha ha...Guess I am done slacking...

Just added a couple of new reviews...they are in the November section of the blog...

Also, there is a pretty cool Immolation/Rotting Christ show review located at Metal Temple in which we were mentioned...the writer mentioned some incorrect songs, but he must have been using our my space for reference...Either way, he had some great things to say about us...Cheers and thanks for the review!!

Also, some very big news will be announced soon...Regarding both Cardiac Arrest and Convulsions...Just think back to 1983...

Rotting Christ/Immolation Show Review

2008-02-18T11:45:00.002-06:00

Well, our first show in the Chicago area since September...And it was a great one!!

We had to be at Logan Square at around 2pm. Show started at 7pm. I really did not mind this at all. When playing shows, I like to get there early, just basically to unload and then relax...I am usually very crabby on the day of a show, until I get to the venue and everyone else in the band is there and accounted for...then I tend to chipper up...

I was the first one there, and the touring bands were there as well. They began unloading, and I offered to help. Why not? They are people too and did not have a crew, so I figured they would be grateful to have an extra set of hands...which they were...

Anyone familiar with Logan Square Auditorium knows that there are stairs...lots of them...three flights to be exact...and no working elevator. It was tough, but we got the job done. With lots of huffing and puffing and laughter. It is kind of cool though when people take a shitty situation and make the best out of it...

I was kind of worried about this show...not about our performance, but Logan Square is a huge, well, square room that reminded me of a high school gym...sound bounces around all over the place...I remember seeing the Vader/Destruction show there and all of the opening bands sounded like shit because of the room...And because of this, we decided to play a majority of our mid paced songs...Amsterdamn suggested that last week, and it worked out to our benefit!!

Another great thing was that the touring bands were sharing the backline...this really saves time in set up/tear down and make the show run efficiently.

We all kind of split off after load in...I more or less hung around, the other guys went to grab food...I did find a bar and had a beer...Came back and listened to Rotting Christ's soundcheck...Keep in mind what I mentioned above about the room...it took them a while, but it seemed to get dialed in. Of course, that could all change when people are in there...I talked to Sakis after their soundcheck...we used to write each other back in the late 80's early 90's...I have a few of their demos, which I always liked, but I lost touch with them and never did keep track of them after that...But, Sakis seemed to remember me and asked how all was going, where I disappeared too after all those years, etc. Very nice guy...

We were up for soundcheck so we got everything loaded on stage and did a couple of songs...did a majority of Underworld Hate...it sounded real muddy on stage, but it was workable...Jim asked for a couple of tweaks and we did some of Make Them Die Slowly...everyone seemed satisfied, and people were starting to get in at this point...We were ready to go...

So we took the stage a little before 7pm...which was fine by me, because we only had a half hour to play...and while our set was just under a half hour, sometimes shows don't run smoothly and bands get cut short on time...Here was our setlist for the night...

The Inevitable
Cadaverous Presence
The Haunted Remnants
Beyond Trauma
Beast Among Many
E-Viper-ate
Stiffs In The Basement
Carnage Your Fate

We were able to play our whole set...all went off without a hitch and we had gotten a great response...Thanks to everyone who got there early to catch us...

Tear down went fairly smooth...I missed most of Adverse Seferia's set because of loading out...they are a black metal band. I don't know too much about them as the first time I heard of them is when we got announced on the show two weeks ago...

Belphegor was up next...another band I am not real familiar with. I did see them back last year when they toured with Unleashed. They do that death/black metal cross...it is not bad, but the way the room was, everything sounded like a blur...

Immolation was up next...I really used to be into them, but have not kept track of them...I have one of the newer albums, and it is just kind of there for me...but nonetheless, they put on a great show, and they were cool guys. No ego bullshit or anything like that.

Rotting Christ was next and again, I have not kept up with them over the years, so I was clueless to every song they played. But they did sound really good and the crowd was into them.

I basically was working the merch table all night. Which I like doing. Lots of people will come up and talk and hang out. Nowadays, shows are all about the hanging out and bullshitting with people for me...It sounds bad, but many times I could care less about bands that are playing...it is all a social thing for me...

A couple of disappointments though...Um, Logan Square really sucks on beer prices...$5.00 for a domestic bottle...Ugh. I tried to get some freebies, but of course, I get fucked again and it did not happen. Oh well...Thanks to the few who bought me beers that night. Much appreciated!!!

Timing is everything...and that is why all ages shows really suck for me...a lot of people missed us, which I totally understand...For an every day working stiff, it is damn near impossible to get to a show when it starts...all ages shows have to be done by curfew, so you can't really win either way. But anyways, I just want to thank everyone who talked to me and apologized for missing our set...Hopefully you can catch us the next time, whenever that will be...

Back to merch...we are officially sold out of Morgue Mutilations T Shirts...I don't know if we are getting any more, since now, all of our focus will be on Cadaverous Presence...And speaking of CP, we will be doing the DJ thing at The Exit on March 2nd. Hopefully more friends will come out for that...

I ended the night up at Metal Haven...took a little ride to hang out with Mark, have a few beers, and let him know how the show went.

Thanks to Frank and FM Entertainment for putting us on the show. And also, thanks to his crew, Mike and Adam, for all the assistance throughout the night. You guys are all top notch in my book!! You run shows the way they should be run...And we can't wait to work with you guys again!! Thanks also to everyone who caught our set and got into us!! And for all the folks who bought stuff from us that night. Thanks to everyone who left the great comments on our My Space page as well!! We really appreciate the support!!

Slacking Off

2008-02-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

Yup...did not bother to really keep this thing current...lots of stuff going on...

I'm still a bum...no change on the job front...and I had to get rid of my truck...seems that in this neighborhood, a disabled vehicle is a target and an open invitation to fuck with it even more...So I junked it...Got $150.00 for it...It was old (12 years) and had 200K on it, so I wouldn't have got much for it anyway...My other vehicle (a 93 Saturn) is getting repaired as I type this...it has been sitting in my old town since I left as I really didn't need it at the time...so I will have wheels again soon...

Very busy on the band front...

The new Cardiac Arrest album, Cadaverous Presence, should be out in March sometime...The master is ready and in our hands and I am told it sounds great (I have only heard a sample track) so looking forward to getting that tonight. We are just waiting on final layout stuff and it will be off to the label right away. Keep your fingers crossed for a quick turn time in printing...Also, we got a call last week to open for the Rotting Christ/Immolation gig in Chicago...Our first Chicago show since September...and maybe our last one if I have anything to say about it...We will also be doing the DJ thing at The Exit on March 2nd...We were hoping to have the album in our hands by then, but sometimes things don't go as planned...So, we'll be teasing that night...Lots of shows planned for the year...mainly fests...With the big ones being LA Murderfest in April, Mayhem in May (KY) in May, and Central Illinois Metalfest in July. Should be a fun year...We also have begun writing again...2 new songs with a third in the halfway point...

Severed is going once again. Our CD is completed and we have began practicing again. Regarding the CD, we have no idea what we are going to do with it. Our goal was basically to record everything we had since 1995, just to have it...We wanted to release a free promo, but I really like the way it turned out. There are still a few tweaks that need to be made, but overall, I am very happy with the end product...We may pick a few songs to do as promo, but I may end up shopping something...We have a show in Milwaukee on March 1st...playing with No Slogan and Speed Freaks...should be fun!!

Gangulated Pus does not have much going on...we put one of our songs on the My Space page and it has gotten pretty decent response...we have another one that is done for the most part, but I'll be damned if I remember it...lol Gregg and I plan on getting together at some point...But busy time is coming, so I'll see...

Convulsions...Yes, Stevo (Impetigo) asked me to be a part of his new project, Convulsions...I am stoked!! We have been friends for a long time now, but I never thought I would be in a band with him. This will be a work in progress...from what I know, I will be getting stuff sent to me to learn...where it goes after that is anyones guess...but I am so looking forward to doing this. Here is the Convulsions My Space.

Now on to some of the live shows I have been to...and mind you, it has not been many as I am trying to lay low and save some cash. Plus, I am just getting sick of all the damn drama going on...

Deceased @ The Double Door--This was a pretty great show. It was Mike LeGros' 40th b day, so he threw a kick ass show featuring all of his bands (Hell's Corspe, Disinter, Earthen, Metallian) and had Half Gorilla, Dead For Days, and the mighty Deceased on as well...Adam played in Hell's Corpse and they played 4 tunes that night. It was strange seeing Adam in a different band, but it was also really cool. He had a blast and learned them tunes pretty quickly...sounded great. Deceased was a highlight for me...this was the first time seeing them live. I have always missed out for one reason or another. But they did not disappoint...Played quite a few from Luck of the Corpse, which made me happy. They were super tight and flawless!! Not to mention cool...I finally met King after all these years. We used to write each other back in the day, but never met personally. So that finally happened!! Great show, great night!!

Anal Blast @ The End Zone--Their farewell tour. I have known Don for a number of years, and his health is in pretty bad shape. So he is calling it a day and doing one last tour. I actually wasn't going to go to this show, but changed my mind at the last minute. It was all the way in Aurora and I don't really like driving far anymore. Plus, I thought there were too many bands on the bill. Makes for a less memorable show experience...I can't keep track...But AB kicked ass as always. I'm glad I went.

Superchrist @ The Brauerhouse--One of my favorite bands. Take old Iron Maiden meets Motorhead and you pretty much got it. They played a great set and there was a decent turnout. I picked up their new 7" (on blue vinyl no less) and hung out with Chris most of the night. Can't wait to see them again.

Jungle Rot @ Reggies--Pretty fun night although the turnout was disappointing. Jungle Rot kicked ass as usual...they never disappoint and are one of my favorite bands in the scene. I have not seen most of the guys in awhile, so it was a nice little reunion. Another great band on the bill was Infinite Missiles...great crossover thrash in the vein of DRI without sounding gay, like many of these beer drinking zombie thrash bands that are out there today...I suggest checking them out...

Well, that about covers it for now. I'll try keeping this up to date more. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to type...

A Boring December

2007-12-27T22:14:00.000-06:00

Been awhile since my last update...the Christmas season has been putting me in a bad mood for the last bunch of years...I always get kind of down around the holidays. So hence, I end up in super lazy mode...But, with each passing day, shit improves...Bring on 08!!

So, last entry I wrote about my truck...still sitting there as I have no cash to fix it...and to make matters worse, a couple of weeks ago, some dickless fuck stain put a brink through one of my windows...So, more shit to fix...On the upside, the busted the side that is already trashed...

On the Cardiac front, the new album is about ready for mastering. The second mix was a real winner...just a few more tweaks and it is ready to go...The layout is about 95% done as well. We are projecting a mid February release, but don't quote me on that just yet...

We'll be playing in Milwaukee on Saturday night with our buddies, Face of Ruin...I am sure this show will go a lot smoother than our last Wisconsin trip (read the Sept blogs for the excitement that happened) At any rate, we are looking forward to the show...It will be our first one since Sept and we will be playing mostly new material...I'm sure I'll do a write up on it on Sunday sometime...

I'll have another update soon on some shows we will be doing in 2008...We are already confirmed on three fests...More details as the become available...

On the Severed front, Free Cuts is mixed...Our drummer Danny and studio guru Alex done it as I am kind of immobile right now. Can't wait to hear it. Almost there!!! It's a long time coming!!

Hope everyone had a good Xmas!! Be safe on New years as well!!

Updates And More Bad Luck For Yours Truely...

2007-12-03T13:11:00.000-06:00

Well, December rolls in again with more shittiness for myself...More on that later...I'll talk about the good stuff first...

Cardiac had our first practice since the recording process started. All went well, although Jim seemed too charged up and played a bit too fast...But at any rate, if felt like we never missed a beat...We got through all the new material as well as a few older tunes...

I should be getting a burned copy of Cadaverous Presence today. Jim and Kai worked on the mix over the weekend. Basically, we will all listen to this CD and take notes on if anything sounds out of whack...So basically, almost ready for mastering...

I was supposed to start mixing the Severed songs yesterday (Sun)...however, not to be. I got in an accident Downtown Chicago on the way to pick up Vinny (bass) My truck was pretty trashed...Gonna get it driveable first...I'll worry about the caved in door later...Here are the pics of the damage...

Yay for me, eh?? It seems like every year in December, something happens to the poor Tahoe...Last year, the fuel pump went...the year before that, the transmission went...And I remember my windshield cracking in December before that...Onward and upward though...

Next blog will have some better stuff...there are a couple of bands I want to talk about and recommend as well as a possible rant in regards to the so called "scene"

Morgue Mutilations Reviews

2007-11-21T22:01:00.001-06:00

Well, here we are on Black Wednesday...the most busiest bar day all year from what I hear. Why am I not at the bar? Easy...it is amateur night. All the people who think they can drink go out, and it makes for an annoying night for us pros...Not to mention, cops know that this is the biggest drinking day of the year...so instead of getting pissed off and pulled over on Black Wednesday, I just stay home and drink. Safer and cheaper...

So, since I am bored, I wanted to get all the reviews of Morgue Mutilations together in one place. We have them posted in the Cardiac Arrest My Space blog, but that blog entry is buried somewhere, and I doubt anyone would search for them...This is just for ease of reference...

From Guttural Zine (GER)
www.gutturalzine.tk
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

After I rated the CARDIAC ARREST MCD as well as the 7" as very positive it now is time for their 1st full length album as usual decorated with an awesome gore zombie artwork reminding of bands of the likes of FRIGHTMARE, GHOUL or GOREROTTED and released via Will Rahmers little label "Redrum Records". But this has nothing to do with Mortician in any way. I can only say, that the fans of this band won't be disappointed, and those who bought the earlier releases already will for sure be entertained very well. The sound from this band has been improved a lot again and the production is much more clear now and doesn't sound like it has been affected that much. I personally would not have expected Cardiac Arrest to put up such an awesome work of art with “Morgue Mutilations” as it is 100% ass kicking death metal containing old school elements as well as some modern influences, making me think of bands like Impaled, Ghoul, Grave, Autopsy or Unleashed. The main ingredients are consisting on stomping mid-tempo riffs which are scattered with some blastbeat attacks and it does not get boring as well due to a few tightly rubbed guitar solos, totally fitting into to the rest. "Morgue Mutilations" gives you everything making DM interesting. Unfortunately 3 of the songs aren't really new. “I See Red” for example was already release on their 7” EP and the songs "Carnage Your Fate" and "As The Dead Pillage" are from their MCD, but screw that because in 2006 they sound better than ever. Especially drummer Jim gives an excellent job here. This band has developed nicely, and I can recommend this album to any death-metal head, who is into some old school brutality and not only here looking for some ultra brutal guttural slam death, should make sure not to miss this killer album! 93/100

From Unbound Zine (CAN)
www.unboundzine.com
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

Now this is what I like to hear. After an impressive debut MCD, Cardiac Arrest is back with a full length of old school death metal that kicks a whole lot of ass. Think vintage Carcass mixed with Bolt Thrower and possibly even Massacre. You have fast blasting sections, thrashy sections, and pounding sections where I hear the Bolt Thrower influence. There is definitely a slight modern feel to the album as it does have a bit of a goregrind feel to it at times. In fact I would say that the album almost has a Razorback Records feel to it. I know that most of the bands on Razorback do sound different, but this is an album that would have fit in quite well with the usual sound of the label. I have to say that this album pretty much takes everything about Cardiac Arrest and improves on it greatly. The MCD showed a lot of potential, but this album is tighter, faster and just plain better. The songs are memorable and filled with some of the best old school flavored riffs I have heard in a long time. The production is also actually quite impressive. It has a powerful sound with thick guitars, natural drums and well balanced vocals. There is no mistaking that this is an underground release and I wouldn’t expect or want a different sound. It fits the band perfectly with just the right amount of rawness. This is one of the best underground metal albums I have heard in a very long time. It’s awesome to see bands keeping the more old school style of death metal alive. Sure I like some of the hyper fast technical bands, but for me this is what death metal is all about; memorable riffs, powerful vocals, and heaviness to spare. 4/5

From Metal Domain Magazine (US)
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

Cardiac Arrest is the Death Metal act to listen to, not for the speed and blast beats, but the rhythmic brutality within. With one look at the cartoon-made-violent album artwork, it is obvious that Cardiac Arrest are not the ones to fuck around with. The poser-repelling Illinois Death Metal group released a new record, Morgue Mutilations, to fuel the central Illinois Metal scene. The new album features earthquake bass riffs and heavy guitars that keep you listening from start to finish. By the first track “I See Red”, it becomes clear that songwriting plays an important role in the band’s work. When most Death Metal bands think that speed is the key, Cardiac Arrest go more melodic than rushed. Don’t think that this stops the razor-sharp snare beats from raping your stereo system! The drums on tracks such as “Riding As I Carve” and “Carnage Your Fate” are beyond your typical Death Metal snare slamming. Most songs on Morgue Mutilations are compressed into a 3 ½ minute blast of insanity. However, the album’s closer, “Breathing in the Dirt” brings a full 6-minute melodic Death Metal feast for the ears. Any band can slap together an album with some intestines on the cover, but Cardiac Arrest makes it worth your while. B-

From E Metal Reviews (US)
www.myspace.com/emetalreviews
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

Cardiac Arrest really blew me away! I knew by their site, and what I had heard they would be good, but they surpassed all my expectations. Old school influences from both the early 90's Swedish scene (Dismember) and most of the early 90's Florida gods. Extremely well thought out and played guitar chords and solos. Drums that are played at mid paced but keep the heaviness intact. Vocals are growls but the vocalist has his own style and doesn’t really copy any one vocalist (this could be said for the entire band though). Definitely a must have if you're like me and you've been into death metal for along time and your tired of all the copy cat bands in the scene. Cardiac Arrest will be huge in 2007.

From The Wormwood Chronicles (US)
www.wormwoodchronicles.com
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

Boasting a cover of cringe-inducing cartoon carnage, "Morgue Mutilations" causes even necrophiliac Dr. Mality to turn away in disgust. How these guys avoided winding up on Razorback Records is anybody's guess, because they have every trademark of the Horror Hive on them. Well, I saw these maniacs upstage Waco Jesus and destroy the Rock Hollow Gun Club in Freeport a little while back so I knew what they were capable of live. Happily, I can confirm that these sonsofbitches are equally revolting on disc as this little piece of plastic will surely put a ghoulish grin on the face of every fan of Obituary, Massacre, early Death and many others.
Fuck all trends in death metal, this is the real deal. It is MORBID! It's all about low-tuned sludge, skull-evaporating blast beats, lurching zombie-like doom and sewer-trench vocals. This thing is produced PERFECT and sounds like what Death might have come up with after "Leprosy" if Chuck hadn't decided to go progressive. Narration from an H.G, Lewis gore flick kicks off "I See Red" and already the dead begin to mosh. Things don't let up and get even more heavy and oppressive as Adam Scott leads his zombie troops to war. As much as I love the fast stuff here, it's always those super-chunky mid-paced riffs that cause me to froth at the mouth. Some of the best arise on "As the Dead Pillage", "Stiffs in the Basement" and "Into the Woodchipper". Another good thing is how "live" it all sounds, with no obvious ProTools or drum machine fuckery....kinda ironic, ain't it? A "death" metal band sounding live? HA!
You can hear some ripped off riffs throughout ("Breathing in the Dirt" nips one from Cianide's "Divide and Conquer" album) but I can surely forgive this, as Cardiac Arrest is bone-crushing, vomit-inducing OLDSCHOOL death metal of the most sinister kind. So grab those greasy grimy gopher guts, french fried parakeets, insulated monkey feets and prepare to EAT IT RAW!!! ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!

From ISK Webzine (Bosnia)
www.isk.int.ba/rec61.htm
CARDIAC ARREST – Morgue Mutilations – Full Length – Redrum Records

OMG...here comes that poser sentence that Bosnian metal community likes to yell out loud, but this review wouldn't be worthy without it - YOU MUST OWN THIS ALBUM IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A DEATH METAL FAN! This is truly unbelievable, when I heard Cardiac Arrest's debut album, I almost got killed by their name - this is fucking old school death metal, no modern influences! You wanna Old School Cannibal Corpse in 2006? You want Num Skull in 2006? You want Bolt Thrower in 2006? Well, with CA, you got 'em all! Cardiac Arrest is following the trail of great American (and British) death metal with simple and brutal riffs, accompanied with effective solo parts which will suit you perfectly, and will never bore you to death! I could play this album for days and months, which is actually what am I doing for the past 15 days!

Let me make a little comparison system here - remember the first time you've heard some death metal album, and you said to yourself - this is it, this is DEATH metal? I remember the first time when I heard ''Seven Churches'' (Possessed), ''Slowly We Rot'' (Obituary), ''Horror of the Zombies'' (Impetigo), ''Spiritual Healing'' (Death) and ''Grind Bastard'' (Benediction), which are my all time favorite death metal albums till this day. Well, the same great feeling embraced my body and soul when I heard ''Morgue Mutilations''! CA captured the essence of fear, and that good ol' horror feeling, which I remember very well from Impetigo songs...and just, wait a moment, maybe a coincidence, but these guys are also from ILLinois...

I am very sorry you don't have a chance to see larger picture of MM cover, which was painted perfectly by artist named Putrid, but jump to www.putridgoreart.com to see Putrid's works! His style and technique blended perfectly to the music surroundings of the album, and made the whole puzzle complete!

Now, forget about any modern, new death metal album, and go back to the golden age of Death Metal! Get this as fast as you can! OLD SCHOOL DEATH METAL!!!

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH: Sharan is banging his head off... 5/5

From Voices From The Darkside Magazine (Germany)
www.voicesfromthedarkside.de
CARDIAC ARREST-Morgue Mutilations-Full Length-Redrum Records-40:00min

The tenth installment of Roger and Will’s (MORTICIAN) label Redrum Records, violently heaving forth this Illinois meat wagon, a now four piece of grim Death/Grind. Featuring within its ranks an old penpal of mine, who also plays in the band SEVERED, Tom Kninzer. Quality old style brutal Death Metal is on the toe tag for this Wheaton / Chicago outfit. Delivering blood soaked regurgitated remains from the late 80s / early 90s bands like BOLT THROWER, BENEDICTION, CARCASS, MASSACRE and DEATH. With each passing blast, chunking riff and hateful growl it’s no wonder at all why the casket Gestapo of MORTICIAN chose these sickos to represent them. If any band right at this very moment needs your attention and support it is CARDIAC ARREST. This CD is like a virtual time machine taking me back to the days when Death Metal was new, hard to obtain, dirty as Hell and meant all the world to hear blasting out of your Boom Box! I am more than pleased with this album and can’t wait to hear more from the band! Go CARDIAC! Contact: info@cardiacarrest666.com or 1855 Brentwood Lane, Wheaton, Il 60187 U.S.A or www.cardiacarrest666.com

Wes Rhodes

From Global Domination Zine (Sweden)
www.globaldomination.se
Cardiac Arrest: Morgue Mutilations 24/01/08 || Eric Wright

What is the difference between good death metal… and the bad? To me, good death metal is made by people passionate about the music, good musicians, and when they write songs that are all unique from each other. Cardiac Arrest fits all of those categories, not only does their album have great musicianship, but every song can be picked out from one another.

Tom, the new member of the band, not present in this recording, had sent me “Morgue Mutilations” to review, which I was happy to do as I already knew/liked the band already, received the album in the post, but was not able to sit down and give it the attention it deserved until just now. To start off, the album artwork done by the wonderful Matt “Putrid” Carr, known for his horror artwork, doing a lot of album covers for Razorback Records, this one really evokes a sense of unavoidable horror, tied down and forced to witness things that would break anyone with a sane mind, which really sums up the music.

As soon as the album starts, it kicks out a creepy sample, then the warped guitars and ultra-fast riffing takes you into a seedy world of murder and mayhem, with music that has the atmosphere of death, unlike any of the bands playing for brutality sake. The productions are muddy but still sharp as a razor, the drums are loud and destroying but do not overpower the music, the bass hits you like a sledge hammer, murky yet visible in the toxic sludge of the sound.

The riffs are all extremely good, catchy without becoming too melodic, you can hear some Cannibal Corpse here, some Bolt Thrower there, with a modern sound that really destroys most of the bands in the scene right now. Highly, HIGHLY, recommended for people who like brutal death metal without overdoing the brutality. A must have.

9 blood soaked well aged riffs out of 10.

From Burning Misery Webzine
www.burningmisery.com
Cardiac Arrest - Morgue Mutilations 2006

Alright motherfuckers check this out, this release from Cardiac Arrest is a sick, grinding puppy!!!! From the start of the gruesome opus Cardiac Arrest grind you with technical death metal in a gory, but old school kind of way. If you listen closely you can feel the swedish influence (bands like Entombed, Dismember, Carnage) in the music. You can also hear the american old school influence in the music as well on certain tracks. "forbidden Passage," "Beyond Trauma," and the last track, "Breathing in the Dirt." Throughout the whole cd it's a beautiful mix of talented death metal in new and old school way, that's the best way to describe "Morgue Mutilations!" So fans of entombed, Death, Dismember, and newer death metal bands should eat this shit up real good!!!!
Added: July 10th 2007
Reviewer: Alex
9/10

Days 13 and 14 = Completion!!

2007-11-18T22:12:00.000-06:00

Well, Cadaverous Presence is finally done. We wrapped up recording yesterday. 14 songs, 14 studio sessions...not bad!!

Last Sunday, we were to finish vocals, but we were kind of short on time. Adam completed what was left of his parts. I did some of mine, but was not really happy with some of what I was doing. Amsterdamn had to leave early as well, so we firgure why rush through it and not be happy with the performance...

Amsterdamn got to the studio yesterday about an hour before me (yes, I am always late) and got started...he had some great last minute additions here and there which we added...we did a lot of the backing accents and the screams...Went much smoother that the week before...

So, what is next??? Well, we should have a near complete mix ready in about a week. We'll all listen to it and recommend what levels needs to be fixed (if any...Kai is pretty good)...Once we are happy, it will be off to Patrick Bruss for Mastering...For those that don't know, Patrick is the madman behind Crypticus...He is also responsible for the excellent remasters for the Impetigo re-issues from Razorback Records...So, I think it is safe to say, we are in good hands...

We will begin practicing again in the next week or so...We will have to basically shake the rust off...we have not practiced together since this studio thing happened...we should be fine though...we have been playing these songs know for quite a while, so it is just basically getting back in the groove...Basically, we will be putting together a set list which will incorporate the new material, which we want to focus on live...Of course, there will be a couple of the faves present as well...Once that is all settled and tight, I am sure we will be in writing mode again. We have a lot of strong riffs in the "riff storage bin" but we are not going to rush into anything...

More updates to come...I'll probably spill the beans soon about track listing and maybe post a sneak peek of the awesome artwork by Putrid...I also know there will be some press releases coming soon...

Also, we will be announcing some big shows for 2008 shortly...

Cheers all!!

Another Compilation Appearance

2007-11-09T10:50:00.000-06:00

IN GORE WE GRIND volume III -comp CD- OUT SOON

Bootleg Records and Buriedinhell Records are splitting the release of the 3rd installment of the "In Gore We Grind" compilation series.

This release will be a pro CD release and will feature full color artwork by LOU RUSCONI

There will be 1,000 pressed.

Bands confirmed so far on the comp:

ALTER OF GIALLO
BALLGAG
F.K.U.
BIRDFLESH
E.T.T.S.
HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL
CARDIAC ARREST
BLOODBASTARD
TO SEPARATE THE FLESH FROM THE BONES
FONDLE CORPSE
MINCING FURY AND GUTTURAL CLAMOUR OF QUEER DECAY
PUTRID PILE
NASHGUL
KURU
STUMP
SPLATTERHOUSE
EXHAUSTED PRAYER
HAEMORRHAGE
NASHGUL
OFFAL
STUMP
METHADONE ABORATION CLINIC
MOISIEND DECIPLES
KAK MADAM
COLLAPSED BOWELS
KNIFE THROUGH HEAD
TORSOFUCK
DECOMPOSING SERENITY
PLASMA
BLACK PATHOLOHY
UROPHAGIA

Our track will be an unreleased song from our pre production sessions from earlier in the year...

More details on when this will be available...

We like doing Compilations...it is a chance to release some unreleased tracks and also, appearing on comps may get people who don't know us to check us out...We like doing exclusives for comps , but when we got asked, we didn't have time...The song that will be on the comp is the pre-production version of "Make Them Die Slowly"

Day 12 Studio Report

2007-11-09T10:27:00.000-06:00

We got together on Wednesday to start on vocals. Adam was the man with the plan and knew exactly what he wanted to get done...6 songs later, we called it a night...Vocals are always fun in the studio, and we had a lot of great laughs...Only 7 more songs to finish and the recording of Cadaverous Presence will be complete...We will be getting back in the studio on Sunday and should be able to finish up...There are three songs that I sing the bulk of and hopefully I nail them come Sunday...the last time I recorded vocals, was with my other band Severed, and that was not a fun experience, mainly because we tried to cram and get 18 songs done...plus, I was getting used to re-written lyrics...

Here are some pics of Adam doing vocals...

In The Studio...Day 10 and 11

2007-11-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

Finally, back on track...on Saturday and Sunday, Amsterdamn completed his bass tracks...We spent some time on Saturday dialing in his tone...think Scott Carlson of Repulsion...bass sounds like a damn buzzsaw!!! He got through about 5 songs before we hit burnout mode...It was a pretty long day...but, in a good way...

On Sunday, Amsterdamn flew through the remaining tracks...even had a couple of one takers. I think this recording experience has been much better for him compared to the Morgue sessions...He seemed pleased with his performance and really strived for perfection...

Here are some pics of Cardiac's Elusive Member :)

All we have left to record are vocals...which we may actually begin today. We are hoping to have them done by the end of this coming weekend...

On the layout front, things are going well...saw what the back cover tray will look like and the booklet is getting formatted. Again, the artwork was done buy the ultra cool and freakishly talented Putrid, so it will be eye popping for sure...Some who have already seen the artwork were floored!! Let's hope they like the songs to go along with it...

Studio Report...Day 9

2007-10-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I took a break this weekend and did not go into the studio at all. Amsterdamn was to record his bass tracks this weekend, but he came down with that nasty flu that was going around. He did not want record when he was sick, and I can't say I blame him...So today, Adam ended up recording his leads. Jim told me over the phone that all went smooth though. And since I am not a lead player, I'll take his word for it...

We will be recording bass tracks during this week depending on availability of Amsterdamn and Kai...one evening will be dialing in tones with a bulk of the tracks to be recorded over the weekend...I'm guessing it will go as well as our parts did...

I found out today that the layout for the CD is coming along...can't wait to see the awesome work Sly (Fondle Corpse) does!!

Studio Weekend...Day 7 and 8

2007-10-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

Well, on Thursday night, I ended up partying all night for the most part...So needless to say, I was running on empty Friday...we had decided earlier in the week to meet up on Friday to plan the layout of the new album...we pretty much agreed on everything. Just like any band, we have our disagreements here and there, but overall, since I had joined the band, we never had any super huge conflicts...So in other words, it is a pleasant working environment...We did decide to do a photo collage in the booklet...so, if you wave taken pictures with us at some point, there is a pretty good chance you will be seeing yourself in the next CD...

Which brings us to Saturday...time to record my guitar tracks...finally!! I got to the studio around noon with 12 pack in hand...set up my stuff, let my amp get nice and warm, and warmed up a little myself...then, started recording. This studio experience went much better for me this time around. I felt very comfortable and felt very good while playing the songs. Had a few punch ins here and there, and I made myself do things over here and there, but I pretty much cruised through everything...the goal was to finish the first seven songs on the list...everything after that would be a bonus...I had time to do more, however, I was pretty loaded at this point. I tried getting through "Out From The Womb..." but I could not get through the first riff...After several tries, I said fuck it...was not feeling it anymore...

Showed up Sunday around 1pm...had 7 more songs to do. Jim did not show up because he hurt his back earlier in the week and suffering from what I was told. I missed him because I had no one to fuck with. Ha ha!! At any rate, this session went as smooth as the previous. Got everything done. Just hearing the raw recording (so far drums, Adam's guitar tracks, and now mine) is making me feel very optimistic about this next release. It sounds really thick, and Adam's and my sound blend nicely together...

This Friday, we will be starting bass tracks...Amsterdamn plans on setting up and playing around with his sound. He may record a few of our shorter songs to get a feel for everything, but the bulk of the recording will be done on Saturday and Sunday...We're in the home stretch!!!

In The Studio...Day 5 and 6...And Some Other Stuff

2007-10-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

More accomplished over this past weekend...plus, a lot of other stuff was going on as well, so if you're reading this, sit back, crack open a cold one, and enjoy!!

On Saturday, we started recording Adam's rhythm tracks...All went pretty smooth. He got a pretty killer tone to boot and so far, everything sounds great...I believe on Saturday he got through 7 songs...Not bad, not bad...

After we wrapped up on Saturday, Adam and I headed to Cafe Lura to check out a show...Malas, Ares Kingdom, and Midnight were playing. Everyone that knows me know that Malas and Severed share the same drummer...so it is obvious that I try to see every show they play. Danny was unable to make it, but they had him on CD...sounded really decent. I always think that drummers provide a lot of stage energy. A big majority of the drum machine bands bore me do death...But in the case of Malas, Erik and Alex really kept things moving along...Lots of headbanging going on, so the crowd was into it...Ares Kingdom was up next and they did not disappoint. I have always been a fan of Order From Chaos (if you don't know who they are, look them up) so it was great seeing these guys finally. I know they have played in Chicago a few times, but I always missed them because of me living so far away at the time...So, they kicked ass!! Finally, Midnight was up. Great band...kind of a mix of thrash and black metal with a Mentors attitude. Lots of fun and surprising as well, as I did not know what to expect. Sorry I am not too descriptive, but I was pretty hammered that night (what else is new?) so there is no way I can remember songs they did...But anyway, it was a great show, the turnout was very good, and the venue was cool. Thanks to everyone who bought my poor ass beers that night (The Triplets especially!!)

So on to Sunday...Adam finished his rhythm tracks of the remaining 6 songs. Jim was a tad hungover so we had fun ripping into him. We are all pleased at our progress so far...

After the studio, I decided to head up to The Pearl Room...Overkill was playing and Mark from Impetigo and Dave from Lividity were heading up there so I figured, what the hell...I got there and the second band was just starting...their name escapes me, but it probably don't matter anyway. I think they had a hot chick singing...I did not pay attention as I was talking to a lot of my friends that were there...I finally caught up with Mark, Dave and Mark's buddy Paul and was with them the remainder of the night...Just shooting the shit and all that. Always great hanging with them...The third band of the night was up...they were called After Forever...here is my take on them...Hot Chick in leather singing...one guitarist played in a death metal band at one point...other guitarist played in a poser band at one point. No opinion on the drummer or bassist. Gothy looking keyboard player. Operatic type vocals mixed in with other stuff. They were good as far as talent and had some heavy parts, but not my cup of tea...I did want to do nasty things to the hottie singing though...heh heh

Overkill was up next. I was never a big fan of theirs. Musically, I dug them, but I just could never stand the singing...just grated on my nerves...I had their early albums at one point and they would get played from time to time...I admire them for their tenacity...I mean, shit, they have been around, doing the same thing more or less since 1981 or so...Very hard working band that never gave up. Well, yesterday, they blew my ass away...color me impressed. Being a musician myself (duh) you can tell which bands have their shit together and which ones don't...Overkill obviously did...they were flawless...Plus, they played quite a few old tunes, which I appreciated. Blitz is such a great frontman. Even though I am not into his vocals, he just commanded the crowd...plus he is frantic on stage...so much energy...I mean, not to sound mean, but he is no spring chicken...But props where props are due...he'd kick my ass for sure!! Great time last night and I'm glad I went...

Finished up the night at The Exit...hung out and talked to some pals and called it an early night as I had some important shit to do today...

So, I will be recording my rhythm tracks starting this Saturday. I can't wait to get them over with. I am not a studio person...I find the whole process to be too tedious...plus I am not a precision player so it usually takes me a bit to get used to the environment. Just watching and listening to Adam by himself this weekend is making me feel pretty positive. There is some different things that we do which does not come across live or in practice...just our playing styles, nothing major...I think they will blend together nicely...So, look for another update over the weekend...

Oh yes, just got word that our pins are almost ready...hopefully we'll have them next week!!

In The Studio...Day 3 and 4

2007-10-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

Now that I got all my Wasteland thoughts down, it is time for a Cardiac Arrest Studio Update...The guys got together on Friday to finish up the majority of the drum tracks...All went well from what I was told, and we had one more song to finish, which would happen on Monday...

On Saturday, Jim and Kai took the time to check over everything and tweak what needed to be tweaked...They saved a lot of time apparently, which is great!!

Yesterday, I got to the studio late as always (Traffic)

We decided to redo "Make Them Die Slowly" which we did without any problems. Had a few discussions about some possible changes and some other ideas, but everything is still the same as we intended...We also finished the drum tracks for our new song "Among Us"...I requested to be there since I wrote a good portion of that song...so I felt my energy was need when tracking the drums...Which everyone agreed with...And we got it done...

So, drum tracks are now completed!!!

Adam will be recording his tracks on Saturday...If he finishes, I will be doing my guitar tracks on Sunday...We are way ahead of schedule, so if it does not happen that way, I won't be heartbroken...

Next studio update will be over the weekend...Cheers!!

Cinema Wasteland Fall 2007 Show: The Final Chapter

2007-10-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

I was awaken around 10:30am...time to get ready and check out. We still had all day to hang out though...I literally fell out of bed. I was still drunk. And I was in a surprisingly good mood and not very tired...

Everyone was surprised to see me not hungover...what they don't know is that I rarely get hangovers...so I wandered around the dealers room and it was time to start getting some things...I did have a bit of money, but I really need to conserve...Which I did...

Ultraviolent Magazine (Thanks Art!!)
The Redsin Tower DVD (Thanks Anthony and Fred!!)
Spooked DVD (Thanks Bill!!)
Two Zornow prints (Thanks Jeff!!)
Wasteland Shirt (Nikkole got that for me...thanks a bunch!!)

Not a bad haul for being dead broke!! Hopefully next time I will be in better financial shape...

Ended up taking a picture with William Forsythe too...

I finally caught up with director and all around cool guy, Andy Copp...I don't know how I kept missing him over the weekend, but weird things like that happen. We shot the shit for a little while...Cardiac Arrest had written a song from Andy's last film, The Atrocity Circle...just wanted to give his some updates and ask for some of his input. All is great with that. I gave him our last CD as well...

The convention was winding down, and everybody, including me, were basically running on empty...Wasteland is always sad on Sunday...no one really wants it to end...it will be another six months till everyone gets together again...in my case, it will be a year...as I have already told everyone, I will be forced to miss the April show due to band obligations, on which I am sure I will be talking about more in the next month or so...it is a big show we will be doing, so it does take the sting out of missing Wasteland a bit...Nikkole and I said our goodbyes to everyone and eventually split...we gased up and headed home. We were both fairly braindead, but still talked a lot and we made great time coming back. Pulled in my driveway at around 9:30 pm. It was good to be home, but Nikkole would have to wait a bit longer as her battery was dead in her car...And I had no jumper cables...needless to say, we were able to get a jump, and she headed home...

What a weekend!!! Most fun I had in a real long time, and I needed it. It was great to see all my old friends. And I made a lot of new friends as well. If I didn't mention you by name in these blogs, I apologize...it was a long, fast paced, drunken weekend, so it is difficult to remember every detail. Just know that we will be hanging out again in the future...And I hope more and more cool people come out and take part in a Cinema Wasteland!!

Pictures will be posted on my My Space page...I didn't take that many, but others did, which I will snag and put up in a new album. Feel free to do the same with mine when I post 'em...

Cinema Wasteland Fall 2007 Show Part II

2007-10-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

So, I awaken around 11 am...I am still feeling loaded...ha ha!! Must...keep...buzz...going...so naturally, the first thing I do is reach into the cooler and crack open a beer...guess the second thing? You got it...go downstairs to smoke a cigarette...still in my jammies, I go outside...Steve Eggs is out there hanging out!! We just seen each other at CIM but we still have a million things to talk about...he shot the shit a bit, then I went upstairs to get ready...

Bryan, Nikki, and I headed down to the main room...I made the rounds to all the various dealers and friends that I know there...First stop was Mike Watt and Amy Lynn Best...I have known Mike and Amy since 2003 now and they are a lot of fun to be around. Continuing on, next stop was the Ultraviolent Magazine guys. I saw main guy Scott a bit the night before, but did not get a chance to see Art Ettinger or Allana...Great seeing everyone again...I made my way down the aisle...Damien from Unearthly Possessions/Living Dead Dolls (Ed was at Chiller), Jill from Lix, Joe Knetter, Tony from Xploited Cinema, Uncle Lloyd and the Troma Crew, Jerry from Synapse (Don was at Chiller), and many more fiends and freaks...I always love these reunions...

I walked through the Celeb section. The there of this Wasteland was a Michael Myers reunion...almost all the people who played Michael were there. Not really my cup of tea though...I was only a fan of the first three films, so the only one who really piqued my interest was Tommy Lee Wallace...Other guests included, William Forsythe, Leslie Easterbrook, Ted V. Mikels, and Kyra Schon among a few others...I moved on though...I didn't have the cash to really get anything, so I more or less wandered aimlessly talking to pals and what not...Non of the panels or screening for the day really appealed to me, so I just hung out and drank throughout the day...Bounced around through various friends rooms and hung out...See, there is a lot more to Wasteland than the convention itself...there is really a camaraderie happening there...I went upstairs to the room for a bit to refill and recharge...

When I came back down, ran into more of my pals and met Slasher Dave's girl, DeZ...instantly, another part of the extended Wasteland family!! I staggered (yes, I said staggered...I was quite drunk by now) outside, where I ran into Jim Sadist from Nunslaughter/Schnauzer...we hung out and chatted for a bit and Putrid joined us...took some pics of Jim's Nunslaughter mobile...He wad to split, so I took off back into the hotel...the con was winding down at this point, so it was time to relax, eat, and rest up for the evening party...

Details for me are hazy...I know we got downstairs around 9pm...And I had been drinking basically since I got there the night before...All I know, I was having fun...I remember a lot of Hula Hoop action, a guy breathing fire, myself and Nikki making fun of Bryan, Bryan and Bill Zebub fucking with me, going to the gas station to buy more beer, some little Asian chick kicking some jerk in the face, William Forsythe hanging out with us again, Steve Eggs kick ass Schnauzer slippers, and maybe a few other little things...I had to ask Nikkole about a lot that night because I simply was too drunk to remember anything...I'm not sure when I called it a night, but I believe it was around 5:30am...I was out like a light...

Cinema Wasteland Fall 2007 Show Part 1

2007-10-08T23:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, I survived another Cinema Wasteland show. In my opinion, Cinema Wasteland is the best run, most funnest show out there. This was the 7th show I attended, and it is always a blast...So here is my weekend recap and some history...

I always try to go to conventions with my pals Bryan and Nikki. We always hook up and stay together to save costs. We get along great, and with all of the conventions we have attended together, we pretty much share the same brain. It just makes things that much simpler...it is always good to room with well prepared like-minded people...When we go to Wasteland, we usually arrive a day early. It is just much more relaxing just being able to hang out and chill the day before a big weekend. Not to mention, the party usually starts on Thursday night, with most of the celeb guests hanging out and not very many others...

Well, due to my current situation, I can only afford to do so much. I was not even sure I would be going this time. I missed last April due to lack of fundage as Cardiac was getting ready for some shows out east...I did not want to miss, because I have many friends at Wasteland that I have not seen since last October...Bryan and Nikki told me not to worry about money and just come. They convinced me...I mean, how could I turn that down??

So, I would be leaving on Friday...I had to take an aptitude test for the job I applied for that day and Ms. Gnome (Nikkole) had asked me earlier in the week if she could ride up with me, which was great, because 5 hours in the truck alone gets boring...So, I took my test and it was long...I was there for 3 hours...Got back home and finished packing...had to do some laundry and some band business, but was ready to go...Nikkole got to my place around 8pm due to stupid Chicago area traffic and Mapquest screwing up...No bother though...the Wasteland party goes well into the night...

We got beer and took off...the ride was not so bad. We talked pretty much the whole trip...music, movies, real life stuff, etc...It went by quick...The only thing that is a drag is losing an hour going into EST...But it makes the return trip better because we get that back...Anyway, we arrived at the hotel around 2:30am...As we pulled in, I pointed out the crowd standing at the front doors...Yup. No smoking rules hit Ohio too...the party was outside and looked to be in full swing...Bryan met me in the parking lot. It was awesome to see him again. Nikki had already retired for the night as she is 6 months pregnant, so she had an acceptable excuse...The first thing I did was open the cooler and sucked down two beers...As I was doing that, some dorks came up to us...ha ha!! Just kidding...It was Putrid, Jeff Zornow, and Slasher Dave...I just seen Putrid about a month ago, which is too long if you ask me...I mean, shit...we live in the same city...But at any rate, it is aways great to see him...This was my first meeting with Zornow and Slasher Dave...We had talked online a bit in the past, and it is always great meeting people for real...We all hugged like we knew each other for years...At this point, some other familiar faces started showing up (keep in mind, I was still at my truck in the middle of the parking lot)...Ed Fantom staggered up...it was nice to see him again. I don't talk to him much online these days since our (Bryan and mine)website ended...he looked like he was having a lot of fun...you know...fun with adult beverages...But that is the whole point. Anthony, from Toe Tag wandered over. He is another great guy...we kind of fell out of touch since the last Wasteland, which sucked...But life had been in a tailspin for me since our last meeting, which he totally understood...We started making our way towards the sea of people at the front doors to put my stuff in the room...as we got there, Brian (of Brian and Donna) was hanging out, partaking in the boozing. Another great guy and always a pleasure to be around...Bill Zebub was also hanging out, and of course, he is alway a blast to hang and party with...Made my way up to the room to drop off my stuff, and then it was back to the party downstairs...Nikkole and the gang were headed to their hotel, which was a few miles away...Meanwhile, I grabbed as many beers as I could carry and we headed across the parking lot to the Motel Six, where the Toe Tag crew invited us to hang out...

We were all hanging outside one of the room just drinking and bullshitting...Playing catch up for the last year, ya know?? As were were talking, I noticed that William Forsythe was standing right next to me...I shook his hand and told him that it was great to meet him. For the next two hours, we talked about a lot of his different film roles, and how much we respected his work. I mean, shit, the guy is a chameleon who can play any role, and he has been in a lot of great films. He was awesome to talk to, and he really seemed to enjoy hanging out with us...When he found out what time it was (I think it was like 5:30am at that point) he politely excused himself and told us the he would hang out again tomorrow, but it was time to retire for the night...We still hung out, and I finally came across Fred and Jerami of Toe Tag in one of the other rooms. Great to see them again...we always have a good time hanging out. We played a little catch up and thankfully, they gave me some beers, because I had already drank up what I brought over...We hung out a bit longer, then decided to call it a night...We got back to our room around 6:30am...Bryan and I talked for a bit as I did not want to stop drinking just yet...Nikki joined in the conversation a bit as well...She rules!!! Most people would be pissy about losing sleep, but not her!!! She's a trooper!! Finally, around 7:30 am, I crawled into bed to get a quick nap, as Saturday would be a busy day...

In The Studio...Day 2

2007-10-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

Another recording session in the can...we were not as productive as we wanted to be and we only had a couple of hours, so we more or less took our time and had some fun...We did trace our technical problem from the day before, which is a good thing...We ended up finishing three more drum tracks today...First three on the list...

Not really much more to talk about...I'll just post some pics that we took...

Did I mention that we had fun last night??

Next day in the studio will be on Friday. I will not be there because I will be at Cinema Wasteland this weekend hanging out with all my horror friends. Jim plans on completing the drum tracks this weekend...We will start guitars next week. Expect a Cinema Wasteland report and more studio stuff next week as well...

Cardiac Arrest Studio Report...Day 1

2007-10-01T00:09:00.000-05:00

Ok folks, the first day of recording our second full length, Cadaverous Presence, is in the books...Not a bad first day...I think the guys learned a lot from the recording process of Morgue Mutilations back in early 06...and my first recording experience with Cardiac was in late 06, when we did the 3 pre-production tracks...We are very focused on the task at hand...we will be basically using the same process we did the pre-production tracks with...it was comfortable and fairy simple...

So we got to Polymorph around 4pm...I was late as usual...Jim had brought all his stuff over the night before and was all set up, miked up, and had his drum sound dialed in...

Adam and I got our stuff hooked up and got situated...got all the proper levels through the headphones and did a few tests...When all sounded right, we were ready to go...Here are the drum tracks we wanted to get completed today...

Before we started though, we had to get a picture of Jim being a whore... :)

Most of the tracking went fairly smooth...there were a few do overs, but I think it was just a matter of getting comfortable recording again...It has been awhile...

A rather humorous moment happened toward the middle of recording...Jim was having a bit of a hard time finding his high hats in "In His Name They Spill Blood"...After several attempts and me making fun of him, this picture was the result...

We finished up around 8pm...We may redo the drum tracks for "Make Them Die Slowly" as a bit of a technical problem popped up during that track...Since it was the end of the day, we'll try to diagnose the issue tomorrow...We will be recording the drum tracks for the remaining songs as well...So look for another report tomorrow...

Getting Ready...

2007-09-26T13:06:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well...Cardiac Arrest is going to the studio again...We will be starting our next full length CD, Cadaverous Presence...It will contain 13 tracks and will be released by Epitomite Productions sometime in early 2008. Track listing has been decided and the artwork is completed. We will be recording with our buddy Kai Kauffman at Polymorph Studios...I'm sure I will be doing a detailed "studio report" as it happens...Jim will be recording his drum tracks this weekend...

On the merch front, we will be getting 1" Pins...We have ordered them through Bearded Lady Buttons, who was recommended to us by our metal brother Sly of Fondle Corpse...Many cheers to you bro!! Anyway, check out Bearded Lady if you need buttons...They are great people and their prices are ace!! Here are the designs we are doing...

Vinyl Stickers will also be coming soon...I had a company in mind, but they seem too busy for us...so if anyone in a band wants to plug who they use, please let me know...Here is the sticker design...

Now for some Severed news...well, there is no news...We are still on a hiatus, but we should be back working again in another month or so. Our hopes was to have our free 10 song promo, Free Cuts (ha ha...get it?) out this year, but that may not happen. It is recorded and roughly mixed, but we still have some tweaking to do. In time...we ain't going nowhere...More updates as they happen...

And finally, I may actually start working again. Don't want to jinx myself, but I may have a sweet job coming up soon. I have been unemployed for the last year and a half and have not been able to find anything. Previously, I was a corporate manager and got laid off after 12 years of busting my ass due to a buyout and outsourcing...some thanks...And I am in kind of a rough place because of my experience (too much, in which companies think I will be expensive) or that I do not have a Masters Degree (seems like every company wants that in management now...so much for the hands on that I have, eh?) This job will be much different...I applied to be a Union Electrician. I take an aptitude test in a couple of weeks. Now I am chasing around getting college transcripts, past work history, letter of recommendation, etc. If I get in, I will go through a 5 year apprenticeship program in which I will attend classes and work under people. In my family, there are a lot of electricians who all did well, so why not?? I should have did that after high school like I wanted, but noooo...family wanted me to go to college...that really worked out, eh? So, keep your fingers crossed for me...I could use it...

Bored and Pissed On Friday...

2007-09-14T23:57:00.000-05:00

Just a few random things...

Gotta love Chicago traffic. I moved back here in April and was getting used to it...but this week, it was horrible. The band generally practices at 7:30pm...we practice in Aurora. It is 37 miles door to door...on both days, it took me like 2 hours to get there...Ugh...I asked to bump practice to 8pm now...that way I can leave a bit later and hopefully miss most of the rush hour traffic...

We are getting some more merch...We are working on some pins finally. We want to do three designs...one for sure will be a logo...the other will be the Morgue T Shirt design...the third will be the zombie dude from the Heart Stopping Death Rot MCD...

I also picked up some more Beast Among Many 7" They are officially OOP now, so snatch them up while you can...$5.00 gets you one...

Logo Stickers will be coming soon as well...

That's all for now...time to indulge in a beer or ten...

YOTI Madness

2007-09-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Our show on Saturday night at YOTI went pretty well. Much smoother than the night before, thankfully. As usual, I was the first one there...I think I got there around 7:30pm. And of course, ordered my first pitcher of beer. I was so damn exhausted from the day before, that I was really spacing out...next thing I know, I dosed off at the bar. Adam came in and more or less woke me up. We began loading our merch and distro in to set up. A few people then showed. I met Nev, who I post with on Exploited Filth. We hung out and talked for awhile about, what else? Horror films and metal!!! Very cool guy and hope to hang out with you again soon... Nikolle (Ms. Gnome) showed up wearing a Morgue Mutilations T and her pockets jingling...no shit...she had all quarters for the cover!! That's fucking dedication!!! She starts a new job today, so good luck to her. Since there were only three bands tonight, Jimmy (From Jungle Rot/booker at YOTI) and I decided to drop the cover to $6.00...If we could only drop the beer prices there...

I also met a dude name Roger, who is in the band Splatter Whore. He just relocated from the St Louis area. Very cool guy and talked about quite a few bands. I hope to see him around some shows in the future...

The Mordrid guys came in, and shortly after the Moral Decay guys showed. Said our hellos and bullshitted a little while. Ian from MD gave me some stickers and a copy of their new release, A Face Full Of Guts. Pretty damn killer stuff. More people were coming in. Saw a lot of familiar faces and a lot of new people, which is a good thing. Maybe we are doing something right??

I retreated to my truck, where I had a fully stocked cooler waiting for me. Matt and Rick from Dead For Days was hanging out with me and we put a hurt on the cooler. After awhile, it was time to play. It sucks, because I missed both bands. I really like both Moral Decay and Mordrid. I just get "metalled out" easily these days, especially after what I went through the night before...

So we set up and began our set. Pretty much a carbon copy of the previous night...

1) The Inevitable
2) Cadaverous Presence
3) Beyond Trauma
4) Beast Among Many
5) E-Viper-Ate
6) As The Dead Pillage
7) Into The Woodchipper
8) Make Them Die Slowly
9) The Haunted Remnants
10) Carnage Your Fate

James from Dead For Days came up to sing some of Carnage with us. He about knocked me over several times. I said it before and will say it again, James is one of the most craziest people on stage. He just goes nuts. He is such a great front man.

I never like over staying my welcome on stage. When we plan our set lists, I always shoot for 30 minutes, 35 tops. The guys usually agree with me. But, since this show was only three bands, there was still some time. And everyone there wanted more...so hence...

11) Underworld Hate
12) In His Name They Spill Blood

We seemed to go over well. And everyone there got a pretty decent snapshot of the new album, as we played 5 songs from it. We relaxed and talked to a lot of the people there. John and Nick from Kommandant were there and their feedback was awesome. See, I knew John for years and years. And he is very selective musically. He has seen us before and likes us, however, on this night, he said a lot of great things. My friends don't blow smoke up my ass. And when certain people give us feedback like that, those are the opinions that matter to me.

So thanks to everyone who came out to support us. As we keep saying, this is probably our last local show for a long time. To those who missed out, guess you shouldn't have, eh?

Adventures In Cardiac Land

2007-09-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

And so it continues...We played a show last night in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin...for those that know me, you know that I absolutely hate playing shows. Well, I mean, I love playing, seeing the other bands, and drinking and bullshitting with people. However, I loathe loading up, driving to the show, unloading, sitting around, loading back up, then driving home...If there was a way that I could warp everywhere, I'd be a happier person. But since that won't happen anytime soon, just expect me to be kind of distant before a show...I get more comfortable and relaxed once I get to my destination...

Which brings me to last night...Fond Du Lac is about three hours from my house...we were all driving up separately due to work schedules and such. My plan was to leave here around 1:30, which would put me up there around 4:30. They wanted bands to be there at 5pm, so no prob. Some traffic jams here and there getting out of Chicago, but overall, pretty smooth sailing. Got to the venue pretty much at 4:30 as planned. So far so good. Went back into town to find somewhere to buy beer (For those that don't know, I always travel with a cooler...I am too broke and unemployed to be paying bar prices for beer)and ice and cigarettes...Got that stuff and headed back to the venue...by then, Adam showed up. So we went in and scoped things out. Not a bad place. It was called Marghael's and it was on the edge of town, pretty much all by itself. Of course, I got a beer as soon as I walked in. Nice and cheap at $1.25 (those prices I can afford!!) Talked to the bartender for awhile and Lethal Weapon 2 was on the TV behind the bar. Not bad, not bad. The Face of Ruin guys showed up shortly after...we all introduced ourselves and Ed (who booked the show) filled us in on what was going on...like 4 or 5 bands canceled, the soundguy screwed up his schedule and was unable to show...But alas, Ed got another guy and a couple of other bands to fill in last minute. Very cool. The Face of Ruin guys were really cool and laid back. The night would be fun for sure...

Adam and I set up the merch table and I was very relaxed. Even attempted to play Mario Bros. a few times, but since I suck at video games, and I was beyond sucking at Mario Bros, I quit while I was ahead...Drank a bunch more beer, talked to some of the other bands and the others that were walking in and was just waiting on the other guys to show...

Then, the call came. Adam had a voicemail. It was Jim informing us that his alternator in his truck shit the bed. He was at a gas station in Highland Park, IL.
Fuck!!!! He was trying to work out a rental, but most places were closed already. We exchanged voicemails for a bit (service was not so good out there)and were trying to figure out what to do. Finally, I made the decision that I would go get him. Got ahold of him and said I would be coming. Told Ed of the situation. I think he was afraid we would cancel, which we try never to do. I was more worried that I would not make it back in time to play. It was about 7:30. Ed assured me we would play and not to worry. So I left. And I drove. Fast. Real fast. Like 90-95 MPH fast. I made it down to where Jim was at in about 2 hours. Put his stuff in the truck, called Adam to let him know we were on are way...the goal...be there before midnight. Had to stop for gas along the way, but we finally made it back. At 11:50pm. Damn, I'm good!!

Rictus Grin just got done playing which sucked, because I really wanted to see them again. Cool band and great guys. We appreciate you guys working with us and swapping times. Much appreciated!! Adam and Amsterdamn were getting nervous though as people were starting to leave. We hurried to get unloaded (which I did in record time...you should have seen me running at full sprint carrying a Marshall 1960B cabinet) Got all set up, very quick level check, and off we went. Very cool. Lots of people ended up sticking around. Some decent pit action as well...We got to play our full set as well...which was...

1) The Inevitable
2) Cadaverous Presence
3) Beyond Trauma
4) Beast Among Many
5) E-Viper-Ate
6) As The Dead Pillage
7) Into The Woodchipper
8) Make Them Die Slowly
9) Carnage Your Fate

By the time we were done, I was wiped. And my buzz was non existent. I was more or less on autopilot the whole time. But, everyone wanted more (which was a first I think) So, we busted out The Haunted Remnants. After that, I was done. Relaxed for a bit. Sold some merch (always a good sign when you sell stuff after you play) and began loading. Kicked back for awhile, drank lots of water, and it was time to call it a night. Thanked all the staff at Marghael's and headed out around 2:30am. Took our time this time. Cruise set at 65MPH and just rolled. Got back to Jim's truck around 5am so he could get a few more things and then went to look for a hotel for him. After driving around for a bit (which at that point, I did NOT want to do) and seeing a lot of No Vacancies (Honestly, I'm glad, because they looked like fucking dives anyway)we finally found a place. Dropped him off and headed home. I believe I walked in around 6am. I set my trip odometer when I left...when I got home, it read 642 miles...

So, anyone who thinks being in a band is all fun and games, think again. It is a lot of hard work. And, in situations like we had yesterday, I honestly think most bands would have said "Fuck It!!" Not us. That would be too easy...

We play again tonight, locally. Should be a smooth one. Playing with our friends Mordrid and Moral Decay. Hopefully it will turn out decently. Probably our last show for a long time locally.

I'm sure I'll do another entry tomorrow...I'm sure it will be happier in tone as well...Till then...

Coasting...

2007-08-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

Not much going on the last few days...had to run up to my old town and pick up a few things out of storage...went to my old bar and played catch up with a few friends which is always cool...After that, headed to band practice...we were figuring out the set list for the shows next week...Our practice schedule changed slightly now...we practice on Monday and Friday...it's still two days a week, I just don't like the span of time in between. Plus, Friday is usually a busy day when it comes to shows coming through and whatnot...Oh well...

Other than that, just hanging out and damaging my liver...

May watch some horror stuff tonight...If inspired, I'll throw a review up...I may also post my Top 5 with some commentary about each...

Cheers!!

My Horror Movie Obsession

2007-08-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

Where to start? Well, I have been into horror movies for a good chunk of my life. It all started when I was 6 years old. Here in Chicago, we did not have cable till well into my teen years. But we did have this service called ON-TV. It was a converter box that, well, you just turned on. And it ran movies. And late at night, it ran pornos...but that is for a different blog...

So, my mom (who is not really a horror fan) was watching the Brian DePalma film, Dressed To Kill. Was a very giallo/Hitchcockian thriller starring Michael Caine, Nancy Allen, and Angie Dickinson...I came in the room just as Angie was about to get slashed in the elevator (sorry for the spoiler, but the damn film came out in 1980...you should have seen it by now)...My mom tried to get me out of the room to no avail...I told her I could handle it...Well, sure enough, the scene goes down and I freak out...I ran out of the room screaming and crying...LOL...Anyway, my mom calms me down and gave me the whole "movies vs reality" speech, which, even at that young age, made a lot of sense...So basically, I was hooked.

Over the next couple of years, I had seen various horror movies such as Salem's Lot, Carrie, The Shining, Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Halloween 1 and 2, Friday the 13th 1 and 2, etc. My parents were always cool with me watching horror movies as long as I didn't act up. It kept me in line actually...because if I fucked up, bye bye horror movies...So I guess they figured I could handle it...Even though they both hated horror, it was pretty cool of them to let me keep going with it...

Then it happened...I saw what became my favorite movie of all time...The Texas Chainsaw Massacre...My mom actually watched this one with me. See, we had this great "mom and pop" video store across the street...I wish it never went away, but thanks to greedy corporate scumfucks like Blockbuster and Hollywood, most have went the way of the ghost...So back to TCM...fuck was I blown away. Never did a film scare the shit out of me, tense me up like it did, yet make me laugh...and I still get into arguments with people who diss the movie as a mindless gore fest...um, yeah...there were like three drops of blood in the whole film...but that was the beauty of it...your mind ran away with it...Amazing!!!

Later in life, when I finally upgraded to DVD, can you take a wild guess what the first DVD I bought was? You got it...And I can't tell you how many times I watched it...sometimes back to back, the second time with the commentary track going...

A few years ago, I saw a TCM reunion at Cinema Wasteland in Cleveland, Ohio...it was so great meeting the cast that was there, listening to their panel, asking them questions, taking pics, the whole thing...Then they did a screening in the film room...the people that were with me were cracking up as I was either mouthing the words during the film or just sitting there with an ear to ear smile on my face...No other film did this for me...In fact, I may go watch it again now...

And don't even bring up the Remake to me...

New Cardiac Arrest T Shirt Available

2007-08-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

Epitomite just made these for us not too long ago...

These are 2 Sided--The back says:

True Death Rot
The Way Its Meant To Be

$15.00 US

We also have Logo Shirts through Warlord Clothing

Why A Blog?

2007-08-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well, for one, I am getting kind of sick of My Space. I never want to get too personal about things on there. Not that I will here either though...I think most people are there to have some kind of pseudo-popularity contest. Besides, a majority never read what I post anyway...

So, on here, I will just be ranting as I see fit. Also I'll be writing about band experiences, maybe some film reviews, show reviews, promoting bands I like, etc...

We'll see how it works...