NOW PLAYING: BLACK METAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LIFTERS IN 2016.

you can be apart of it or....you can be it.

"People overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in a decade."

 I was a guest on episode 4 of the Rockwell Barbell Strongcast a few days ago. Lawrence Scott the shot caller/owner/acting first sergeant/close friend is the host. Lars is a solid, strong, blue collar, dude with over 10 years of experience in powerlifting, personal training, and corrective training. Tune in and listen to him and I discuss the roots of Black Metal Fitness, training mentality, importance of mobility, and share stories/examples of our weightlifting journey. Subscribe to the podcast if you like what you hear because I will be featured on a few other episodes of the podcast in the very near future. Links are below.

ROCKWELL BARBELL EPISODE 4: BLACK METAL FITNESS  

iTunes Podcast page for Rockwell Barbell Podcast  

I have been on a self imposed ban of black metal and most genres of extreme metal. I do this because it consumes so much of who I am and my energy that I find myself in an endless wormhole of music. Like a junkie needing a fix looking for the next high. To combat this I taper of off music to build my tolerance back up. I find it cathartic to step away for an undetermined amount of time. Black metal sincerely resonates with me and is truly my favorite kind of music. It has a reaching impact into my daily life both positively and negatively. Surely some of you can relate. This is why I haven't posted any music recommendations or playlists in quite some time. The break allows my ears and head to clear, so when I dive back into the abyss I am able to experience it as a first time listener all over again.

 

You may be glad to hear I have lifted my self imposed ban and have resumed channeling my mental energy and thoughts back into the music. I expect this to have a profound impact on my weightlifting. I feel my inspiration and intensity reappearing. My violence of action in the weight room and in life has sharpened. So while I put the finishing touches on the Vol. III Black Metal Fitness Playlist I will share with you what albums have been in heavy rotation for me.

Cloak - 7"

This 7' is only 2 songs but they are reeeeeeally fucking good songs. Their sound is hard to pin down because it transcends genres. Watain, Khold, Tribulation, In Solitude, Shining, Reinkaos-era Dissection, Midnight.... If you like just one song from any of those bands, then you will like this band. It is already being pegged as"occult rock" but its much more than that. This is not that soft, "look we have a girl in the band", vaguely satanic but actually PG-rated new-age pagans with floppy hats and vests, pentagram-n-catholic candles garbage. This is sinister. These men practice the craft they sing about. Sean, their drummer, is a long time, basically childhood, friend of mine and has kept me in the loop about the workings of Cloak since its inception. I have been frothing at the mouth for tracks because I know how talented and sincere they are. I cannot stress enough how many times I have listened to both of these songs back to back. Its hypnotic, crushing, borderline arena rock anthems about all things Satanic are unmatched. It's littered with hooks, riffs, headbanging, and dark melody. This entire description still makes me feel like I sold this band short of what they truly offer. Its difficult to put into words how memorizing this 7' is and I firmly believe that is their intention. To pull you in and leave an impression that is felt not heard. They literally signed to Season Of Mist records last week so join the circle of Cloak now. Do not be late to this invocation.

CLOAK on Bandcamp
CLOAK on Facebook

Plaga - Magia Gwiezdnej Entropii

Polish black metal. I shouldn't have to say anything else. Hard to find anything about this band since this record came out a few years ago but I hope they are in hiding creating another masterpiece for us black metal ultra nerds.

Furia - Nocel

Seriously the best kept secret in all of black metal. I cant seem to find anyone who is tracking this band. Once again Poland proving that they are ground zero for relevant black metal these days. Furia have many albums to choose from because they have been around since like '96. This is their most recent LP and is on rotation because of its high production value. Don't let the cover fool you this is not some arthouse, atmospheric, post black metal, interpretive garbage. This is punishing black metal. If you like Mgla this record this will curb your withdrawal symptoms. They have some connection to Massemord but I cant figure out exactly. They both promote letting the world burn with a shared logo.

Tragedy - Vengeance

The greatest opening track of any album ever recorded. It will give you chills. That down tempo shift half way through will give you a salted erection. The 3rd track is highly recommended.

Shining - V. Halmstad

One of the hardest album covers ever. Fitting for this flawless record of the most memorable riffs in black metal. You will want to kill yourself because its that depressing or because its that fucking good.

 Shining - Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends

Some questionable tracks on this album but the ones that stick hit hard as fuck. Plus the title of this album is fucking grim. I want that on a T-shirt.

 Inquisition - Bloodshed Celestial

Their brand new record. Didn't think it was possible to top Invoking "The Majestic Throne Of Satan" but I was wrong. This is Inquisition's best work to date.

I leave you with this is a short video from the YouTube channel The School of Life on how death is an important part of living a meaningful life. A life filled with uncertainty but ultimately enjoyed by understanding your insignificant place in this cosmic infinity of nothingness. I found it incredibly moving. It was exactly what I needed to hear during this incredibly challenging part of my life where many paths are crossing in front of me and the difficult decisions I must make. Its grim, its dark, and its very accurate.

"REASONS TO REMEMBER DEATH"

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A Broken, Shattered Heart

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Grieving the Loss of a Parent

This is such a difficult write and I have been away from my blog for several weeks spending time with my family and my beautiful Mother-in-law who passed away June 18.

She was my second Mom, I loved her dearly and I still struggle with the realism that she is no longer here physically.  I miss her…

Life holds such beauty and pain. And it's in the experience of death, being present during that last breathe of a loved one that brings even more appreciation to this gift of life. How important it is to spend each moment with loving intention. 

My Mom-in-law is in heaven now, able to breathe, walk, laugh, and exist in the perfect form of her spirit. In the presence of God and those who have passed before her that she so loved.  At the same time, I struggle with my human feelings of grief and sadness. I still expect to go over for a visit looking forward to one of our many girl talks.  I can still see her and hear her in my mind, and the sound of her laugh will remain forever in my memory. 

The loss of a parent hits very hard to the core of our being. As I watch my adoring husband process his feelings of saying goodbye to his Mom, my heart aches for him.  We are a close-knit, loving family who supports each other through the good and difficult times of life.

This is such a bittersweet time for him and our entire family.  There are tears and so many stories, and through those, we also laugh and capture the very essence of Mom still with us. 

I understand that it comes down to time. And healing from one of the greatest losses in this life will never be about acceptance. How can it be?  I would say it will be about change and learning to live with the loss of such a special woman in our life. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and daughter. 

I understand how one generation carries into the next, and going through this journey of losing my second Mom makes me think about my own mortality.  I am fifty now and even though my health is good, there is still no guarantee of life tomorrow.

Age and even illness are not always the deciding factor of death, which in this blog I hope to bring home loud and clear that everyone please appreciate life, your body, family, friends, and all things that are cherished.  It will not be money that carries you through emotionally difficult times, or even having the fittest body around.

I will say that being emotionally healthy is helping me go through this process. I am thankful my healthy state of well-being keeps me balanced through difficult times. We are made to go through the feelings of joy and sorrow and that is part of life, and you need to be healthy to experience both sides of the journey. 

One last Christmas Time together Dec 2013

I dedicate this Blog in loving memory of Rhoda Leal, my beautiful second Mom and friend.  I love you always and until we meet again, I will carry your laughter and wisdom in my heart and mind forever. 

Cherished Final Moments Together

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