Times Like These...are for rock

So I've been long overdue for a new blog post.  I moved again which took up my whole August vacation.  Then I had to get adjusted to a new job and if that wasn't enough I kept my Saturday job and added two college classes teaching a Senior Seminar in Biology.  Even though the first major grading deadline is rapidly approaching and I should be grading lab reports and writing student comments I find myself compelled to write about music instead.  Two main reasons: one is the sadness over the Paris shootings @ Bataclan on November 13, and the subsequent tour cancellations.  Second, I continue to find reasons to believe that rock is alive and well.

My music blog isn't the forum to get political about the aftermath of the tragedy in Paris.  I just want to say that, first of all, my heart goes out to all those that lost their lives or lost loved ones due to the senseless violence.  89 people were killed at the concert!  Second, though the major events took place in a country I've never been to and have no familial ties to, this one hit home because it was an American rock band, the Eagles of Death Metal, that were playing when the terrorists struck.  Contrary to the name, the band does not actually play death metal music.  That doesn't really matter though.  Nobody deserves to be the target of deadly attacks and especially not people that were peacefully gathering for a concert.  Third, there has been a largely inspiring swell of support for the victims and the citizens of Paris.  

Ok, so what is happening as a result?  Some bands on tour in Europe immediately suspended shows in the days and weeks after the attack.  Some did so out of fear, others out of respect; some had no choice because the venue or city chose for them.  Other bands continued to play shows where they could.  Sadly, now there have been more terroristic threats that are shutting down tours from the likes of Papa Roach/FFDP, Lamb of God, and many more - even in places like Germany and the UK.  Bands want to be there as an outlet for fans and it is a huge hassel and financial loss to cancel, but they can't risk the safety of band members, crew, and fans.

Now for the positives.  First, the ever-so-lovable Foo Fighters have just released a free EP of new songs.  That's right, free music!  It is called Saint Cecilia and is available through distributors at foofighters.com  The band is suggesting donations to the victims of the Paris attacks instead of paying for the songs.  They are pretty rocking tracks too.  They remind me of their There is Nothing Left to Lose days circa 1999.  Just when you thought Dave Grohl couldn't get any cooler, he plays shows with a broken leg and then releases new tunes for free and it is better than Sonic Highways.


Last but not least, some evidence of the continued revival of rock and some music suggestions:

A Skylit Drive - ASD:  They continue to reinvent themselves and impress me with their versatility and edge on this one.  At times they sound like Issues, Atreyu, and Bring Me the Horizon in the same song!

Black Tide - Chasing Shadows:  Like Burn Halo on crack.  Clean singing, riffs, and solos for days!  Do your self a favor and look them up.

Bullet For My Valentine - Venom:  Their sound changes every album, but it is always in your face.  This may be their most complete album.

Buried in Verona - Vultures Above, Lions Below:  My new favorite heavy band.  No other commentary necessary.

Burn Halo - Wolves of War:  Their hardest hitting release yet.

Clutch - Psychic Warfare:  Old band sounds revived and relevant . . . and gets back to rocking out!

Five Finger Death Punch - Get Your 6: They continue to carry the torch for heavy music and despite the prolifery, they haven't lost anything.

Sleepwave - Broken Compass:  Ex-Underoath singer brings elements of post-hardcore and post-numetal with energy and passion.