Death Magnetic

DEATH MAGNETIC

Category:	Music
Genre:	Hard Rock & Metal
Artist:	Metallica

In an age of piracy, downloads and free online music, musicians would be hard-pressed to experiment or at least radically change their sound or technique lest their followers become alienated. But some fans also want something new from their favorite bands or else they get tired of what their hearing (listen to AC/DC) and just console themselves by listening to their old collections when metal is METAL and rock is ROCK. This album thankfully brings back the Metal in Metallica. Frankly, if you like this kind of music you wouldn't be disappointed. This is the perfect marriage of good old Metallica and it's newer perspective of the world. Classic Hetfield lyrics, hooks and chugging riffs are the main elements of this album. Also skinbashers would like to study Lars' drumming here. Thankfully they didn't use that annoying tin-can sound.

This 10-song disc contains music that harkens back from the days of Master of Puppets and Ride The Lightning (The End Of The Line sounds like an off shoot of Creeping Death) albeit more watered-down and less cerebral. Surprisingly with the current political environment in the U.S. I'm disappointed that they did not made another ... And Justice For All album instead. The album sleeve continues the death motif with the coffin-like hole punching through most of the pages. I miss Pushed's artwork here. My gripe in this album is the layout of the lyrics is chronologically wrong if you base it on the back cover. Hence, the first song That Was Just Your Life's lyrics is found on the second page while My Apocalypse, the last song is found on the first page. Wow! That's fucking artistic. They could have made my life more simple.

Almost all of the songs are pretty much worthy of replay value but (because I only got an 1MB MP3 player) my top picks are:

ALL NIGHTMARE LONG - Most useful for people who drives fast.
CYANIDE - Because Kirk Hammett is a Wah-wah baby. Listen to the guitars at the chorus.
BROKEN, BEAT & SCARRED - I love the dueling guitar intro. Probably the best cut of the album together with Cyanide. Rise, Fall, Down, Rise Again!
JUDAS KISS - Corny opening but plays out hard. Like hard candy.
SUICIDE & REDEMPTION - Almost 10 minutes of instrumental greatness.

There's also an Unforgiven III song here but I never cared for the second version and you probably wouldn't miss this either. Unless you think the first Unforgiven is Metallica at it's best then nuts to you.

Death Magnetic is not their greatest album but at least they are again on the right track. Putangina!

(Originally posted on  http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 30, '08 2:27 PM)

Watchmen

WATCHMEN

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Alan Moore

Author: Alan Moore
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Higgins
Publisher: DC Comics
Original publication date:
September 1986 – October 1987
Number of issues: 12
TPB Price: Php1000,00

OK. Most of you are aware of the upcoming movie (might be delayed by legalities) but before watching that, and if you've got the time and resources, I recommend that you read this first before the movie ruin it for you. Touted as a unfilmable comic book by it's author and co-creator, Alan Moore re-imagines our view of the costumed adventurers in a world where superheroes or masked vigilantes exists and lives under the shadow of 1980's nuclear clock, when the Cold War was in it's hottest.

This tale of imperfect and complex characters opens up with an investigation of a dead hero's murder, beautifully drawn by Dave Gibbons and are replete with details and recurrent themes throughout it's entire 12-issue run. If I tell you more I'm going to spoil it. There is a reason why this is the only graphic novel to win a Hugo Award and appear on TIME magazine's list of 100 best English language novels not to mention being taught at schools.

This is 1000 Pesoses well spent.

If you can't understand my drivel above, here are some links that can explain more coherently than I can. Beware. Some contains SPOILERS:

Reading Watchmen for the first time (Slight hints on the story):
http://www.whiterose.org/howlingcurmudgeons/archives/011219.html

Wikipedia Page (SPOILERS on the Plot Summary!):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen_(comic)

Movie Trailer to Comic Book comparison:
http://www.geektyrant.com/2008/07/watchmen-comparison-trailer-to-comic-book-pics/

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 2, '08 10:12 PM)

'Tangina Mo Andaming Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Parin

'TANGINA MO ANDAMING NAGUGUTOM SA MUNDO FASHIONISTA KA PARIN. (TIMANSMFKP)

Category:	Music
Genre:	Rock
Artist:	RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT

One of the problem of being an independent band that has a somewhat independently produced album is that it's hard for the ordinary Pinoy to recall you even exist. This recording was released sometime last year and it only occurred to me to buy it this May after remembering hearing it much earlier at my co-workers car. And I consider myself a fan and follower! To their credit, SAGO's third album rocks in a jazzy-trumpet sort of ways. And isn't it calming to hear Lourd's spoken-poetry instead of that Rocks Teddy Bullshit wannabe out of your speakers? Buy this album. You might have to look for it a lot harder than that shouting-kid Pempengco album. TERNO Records is not known to glut the market with their releases.

My top picks are:
Wasak na Wasak
Alak, Sugal, Kape, Babae, Kabaong
Superhatdog
For Adult's Only <-- Listen to this. You'll be glad you did. Putangina!

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Sep 12, '08 12:24 AM)

ATX

ATX

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Reginald Ting

ATX
"Revelations"
Atlas Publishing Co., Inc.
January 2003
Php55

This comic book deals about the life of a superhero. It's glory and adventure but also it's hassles and complexities. It's not everyday that a hero needs a regular job and a family to take care of. The guys of Avalon Studios (before they were Avalon?) lent their skill in this book with Jim Jimenez (of J Brothers fame) on art and Gilbert Monsanto designing the main character and also taking care of the colors.

The story opens up predictably with the hero, Mr. Atlas (real name: Eddie Valdez, a blue collar worker) foiling a bank robbery then coming home to his wife who then inadvertently finds out his secret identity. This 40+ page komiks introduces us to Promiteyo (real name: Gregorio Emmanuel Perez IV), a mechanical genius made legless in an accident by our hero who eventually used his robotics and weapons development skills in helping Eddie in his fight for peace. ATX also contains mystical elements indigenous to Filipino folklore such as Malindig a spell caster and her undead son, Damon. Filler stories makes these characters immediately familiar to readers and having a world class art team doesn't hurt either. Yup, this comic book and I spent countless times in the toilet. That's how much I enjoy this book.

The back pages gives previews of other upcoming comic books like RAM by Gilbert Monsanto, BELLADONNA with art by Rodel Noora and ALAGAD Inc. drawn by Kriss Israel S. Sison. Needless to say a soft porn mag will have an easier time being published than the above comic books with a publisher like theirs since I don't remember them being released.

Great art. Interesting characters. A promising book. Which probably you'll never get to read.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Aug 12, '08 1:08 AM)

Bless Our Trip

BLESS OUR TRIP

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Edwin Ybabao Estioko

BLESS OUR TRIP
Chapter I Daan
Gawa ng Layason Studios
Marikina, Philippines
Php100


There couldn't be anymore Pinoy word than Bless Our Trip. More often than not you can find it anywhere on the road and in any PUV you ride on. It's sounds like a prayer but also used as a curse depending on the need. And just like any PUV ride you might have some misgivings on this book or you might even say that this is one ride you may want to be in again.

This graphicomiks (what a term) will satiate your appetite for a good story and by that I mean OK lang. Plot holes and typographical errors abound in these pages not to mention the amateurish artwork that encompass this A4 bound black & white book. This holds a lot of promise if the author just polished up more on his writing. The presentation is there but in terms of story development you might want to read it a few more times to get a full understanding of the characters. Not that the characters themselves are that complex but they almost look like the same person added to this is the placing of captions and word balloons on the lay-out.

It's strength is also it's weakness. We are introduced to a lot of interesting characters whose story overlaps each others story. It's complicated but I bet it could have been more beautiful. Some parts of it is engaging and some of it makes you ask the author, "Ma, sukli ko?".

The story opens up with a shot of a busy barrio street complete with public vehicles and local population. I like this opening shot where you are introduced to the characters who for the most part are nameless with the exception of about two. Nameless people but through the magic of balik-tanaw we are offered their back story. A student who is longing for a fellow passenger; The father and his lost son; People looking for forgiveness and a new life. You might want to give this book a chance.

Did I like it? Yup. Did I enjoy it? Nope. Basta, It could have been better. A gracious 3-stars because the author has the guts to publish this.... this.... his work. It's A4 size makes it hard to read in the can by the way. So would I go for a ride for the next issue? Bet your ass I will. As long as the next destination is better.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Jul 28, '08 4:16 PM)

Trese

TRESE

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Budjette Tan

Author: Budjette Tan
Artist: Ka-Jo Baldisimo
1st issue: November 2005
Publisher: Alamat Comics


I guess it’s time that I support our local comic book creators… with a review.

There sure is a lot of local crap out there and by this I mean locally produced comics, specifically independently produced comics. What’s with all this manga/anime fluff flying about, I am in desperate need of rough and dark comic book that I can relax and enjoy to and take with me to the toilet. Yup, I’m proud to say that I enjoy reading while taking a shit.

And I enjoyed reading Trese.

First off I’m not really familiar with the creative team but their imprint is familiar enough for me to buy the whole collection. Trese is Alexandra Trese, a paranormal investigator. The go-to-girl whenever a whatthefuck happening are uh….happening in the Metro and is too much to handle by the Police. Escorted by her twin bodyguards/henchmen they are often knee-deep in crimes involving white ladies, kapres, agimats, dwendes, kaluluwas etc., etc. You get the idea. Don’t get me wrong, it might sound corny but read any of the seven issues and you’ll be in for a dramatic and different imagining of our local malignos and tiyanaks and aswangs. The artwork falls short to my discriminating and maarte (read: impossible to define) standards but it works in this black and white book. It might fly off at some point and rough (akala ko ba gusto ko ng rough?) on some pages but Ka-Jo’s composition, mood and lighting draws the story along. I think sinadya niya? I also blame the printing.

If you are a fan of Chris Carter, Warren Ellis, Underworld, Mang Kepweng or if you enjoy seeing leather-loving trenchcoat-wearing chicks shooting off characters straight out of Lola Basyang’s stories then this mini-comic (mini-series?) is for you.

You are better off buying the whole 7 issues. Believe me. That’s 200Php well spent.... more so if you are a maligno. Awoo!

Now if only Gerry Alanguilan can finish his Elmer series. I’ll be much happier.

*Might still be available at comicbook shops anymall. I got mine at Comics Odessey, Robinson's Galleria, 2nd floor. Katabi ng bilihan ng baril!


UPDATE: Trese collected editions 1 & 2 is now available at specialty shops and bookstores. Php 140 each. Released thru Visprint. Check out Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria. If you ask nicely you might get a free promotional poster.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Feb 22, '08 2:38 AM)

L na L

L na L

Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Author:	Karl Kaufman

L na L Isang nobela ng lihim na libog
Author: Karl Kaufman
Publisher: LitEROTIKA-PhilSprint Publishers
R-18

Pag ibig o libog. Love or lust. A question for the most part and in times hard to distinguish. Mostly if you are one of those red-blooded, ever ready for sex, testosterone-driven male. It is one of those stories that will play with your emotion and after putting this book down you'll love the story rather that the characters. That's not saying that the characters are dull which they are not, on the contrary, these characters are rather realistic and for the most part believable. While turning the pages you'll think, "Hey, I know somebody like this." On some levels they are believable. They can be no different from the people you walk along with on the street, the guy sitting at that Starbucks sipping his frappe latte or that busty babe at the office that you always try to catch a glimpse of. Or maybe this could be you.

I remember a former office mate's high school story of a male classmate, when asked on how would he know that a girl was really in love with him, her classmate answered without hesitation,"Kapag nakipag-sex na siya sa akin." That's male hormone for you, girls. At least the guy doesn't beat around the bush. He, he. This is a story about Luis, your typical successful Makati-type playboy which in regard to his pursuit of women any man can relate to and Chloe, his sophisticated and sexy new officemate. Think of the sexiest officemate you have.... that's Chloe. Which is more that what she seems. Ever had a darkest secret? What would you do if you found out that the girl that you are after is more that what she seems or what she appears to be? If I write more about the story I'm giving it all away. Love or lust? It is the ultimate question where sometimes there is no black and white answer and sometimes the answer you get or you think of (dreamed of?) is insufficient.

For those who enjoys reading I highly recommend this book specially if you buy only one locally produced book out there give this one a try. Of course there is that cancer of guilt on buying this book as seen fit by our oh, so high and mighty morality police. You know, that part of your brain that tells you what to do and tells you what is right and wrong, seeing it as another cheap alternative to porno. Which by the way it isn't. I should know. Believe me. What I like about fiction is when it reads like real life.

About the author:
I've known Karl for about half my adult life and I know the frustration he, better yet he and our friends went through to have that sexual experience. Not that we never had any before college (not just because we are losers back then doesn't mean we never had any encounter. Are we losers still?) it is just that we never had as much as we wanted to. You should see the blisters on our hands back then. The empty nights that pass. The longing you get when thinking about your latest crush or that sexy kolehiyala that you sat beside with on the jeep. Yeah, we know depression. I'm not saying that we thought of fucking too much but for you to know where we, specifically Karl is coming from and how this book came about and that is not taking anything away from Karl's vivid imagination. If you are like us and knew what we've been through you'll understand and I sympathise and if you are anything like Luis, the conyo, pogi, gets-all-the-sex-he-needs lead character in this novel, then fuck you!! But buy the book.

So throw your inhibitions out of the window and keep your dicks in your pants and get ready for an emotional roller coaster you'll surely enjoy. Although Karl might greatly appreciate a wank of approval from you guys. So buy the book and let's make Karl rich.

About the picture: I can't find any. Tangna, pati mismo sa site ng Philsprint. If anyone of you concerned citizens have an image of the book cover please paki-publish naman sa net.

Pic Update: That's Karl with his book at National bookstore.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Jul 27, '07 10:28 AM)