It would seem that The Dojo is saved. It will be relocated to 2207 N. College Avenue Indianapolis, IN. This is a very good thing for Indy's DIY scene. It is good to see people take initiative and keep an affordable, all ages, community based space open and viable. Spaces like this are often not permanent fixtures within a given community, but an ongoing outlet for an idea or belief in DIY ethics. Hopefully, this new location will not have similar problems that plagued the original Dojo. For a space like this to succeed there needs to be a collective effort of support. Whether that comes from donations of money or time, or just supporting shows, this new incarnation of The Dojo is yet to be up and running. There is a benefit show on 8-3-2010 with all the proceeds going towards the new space. This show features Religious Police, Indianapolis Forever, and Will Power at Clubhaus Z (4810 E New York Street) at 6:30 with a minimum dollar at the door donation. When new information becomes available on the new space, then you'll see it here. Let's hope this space has a healthy and productive lifespan.
New Dojo contact info:
www.diydojo.com
dojoindiana@gmail.com
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
show review: Deadmen 7" release show--7-25-2010
To begin it must be known that mother nature's dirty rag has been draped over the entire state of Indiana in terms of sweltering heat and almost impenetrable humidity this summer. But this did not stop the faithful from coming out to support and bask in the raucous uptempo thrashing that the Cocaine Wolves, Chaotic Neutral, Sweet Cobra, and Deadmen provided the Melody Inn's patrons on an easy going Sunday night. This was a grown folk affair between bands and followers. It was a cathartic occasion to celebrate the Deadmen's 7 inch release, Possession Of the Void, as well as to see them off as band for their second to last show as a band. The Man can wait one more day. This was a time to raise beer cans high, work up a sweat, enjoy some drunken antics, pump fists, and revel in the energy being transmitted from bands to audience back to the bands. A break in the heat and humidity saw a positive atmosphere grow from the pre-show cookout and metal dj sets until the Cocaine Wolves took the stage. The Cocaine Wolves played a lively set of hard rock, Thin Lizzy style, easily warming up the crowd. Next up was Chaotic Neutral. A newer band from Indy, Chaotic Neutral did not disappoint with their brand of hardcore bluster. Their on stage energy was dynamic as the musicians pulsed and churned with each ringing note and percussive hit. The music relented only at the end of each song. By the end of their set, Chaotic Neutral had worked themselves into a frenzy of sweat and swagger, and primed the audience for one of Indy's favorites: Chicago's Sweet Cobra. As always, Sweet Cobra stepped up and did what they do best. They laid down a raw blend of hardcore and metal with the intent to stack riff upon riff as they tried to peel the audience's collective face off. Playing without their recently deceased and missed guitarist, Matt Arluck, Sweet Cobra ran through a set of new material and few older favorites. The crowd was more than happy to pay homage to the band as only they could by singing along, ebbing and flowing with the music, and finally demanding more songs from the band as they finished their set. Happy to oblige, Sweet Cobra played a one song encore to cheers and drumming applause. Finally, the Deadmen took the stage with the audience ready to explode, and made a fast start by ripping into a set filled with their complete catalog of songs. With the Grave Opener in hand (a customized pick ax with web detailing and bottle opener at one end), vocalist, Nate Olp preceded to shred his vocal chords and hurl himself into the crowd as his band mates focused all their efforts into pummeling the audience with their brand of hardcore infused metal. Their set was a towering riff fest of raging pleasure only outdone by each subsequent song. With the band thoroughly feeling all the energy in the room, the crowd writhed and begged for more. At the end of their set and convinced by the audience, the Deadmen ushered in an encore of the entire 7" release in the order that the songs appear on the vinyl. This was an encore of songs that neither band nor audience had not grown tired of. The Deadmen could have played their set over in its entirety without one complaint as onlookers groaned for more music. At the completion of the four song encore the crowd was spent and pleased. After all, this was a night for grown folks to indulge and see a band off as only a hyper-charged group of mutual friends and fans alike can. The Deadmen will be missed. The Melody Inn was left standing, but all in attendance witnessed the Deadmen at the top of their game capping the night's festivities in a rowdy and rompingly intense way.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
something unfortunate...
It would seem that the still fairly new DIY all ages space, The Dojo, is doomed. Disgruntled, insidious, and flat out bitchy neighbors have likely pressured and complained enough to the owners of the space to shut it down. This means if, as of now, that all shows booked there will need to be moved, or run the risk of being canceled. If anyone out there can help with moving or rescheduling shows, then that would be a great asset to save some all ages shows in Indy. Also, this may be a good time for a younger generation of DIY musicians and artists to step up and open another space to keep an all ages DIY space open in Indianapolis. With so many spaces dying off in 2010, The Cracked Skull truly hopes the situation at The Dojo can be resolved or the shows find slots at other venues. Ultimately, if The Dojo goes, then it would be a great thing for this city to see another all ages DIY space open and continue in the tradition of The Dojo. When news about The Dojo's future is known then it will be posted.
The Dojo is officially dead. RIP.
www.myspace.com/diydojo
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diydojo?ref=ts
The Dojo is officially dead. RIP.
www.myspace.com/diydojo
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diydojo?ref=ts
Thursday, July 1, 2010
july shows of interest...
*7-3-2010, the tip top tavern (1341 n. captial ave), sleepbringer (indy/bloomington), the gates of slumber (indy), and place of skulls, 9 p.m., $10.
*7-4-2010, the dojo--collective benefit show, world eater (indy), livermortis (indy), rat storm (bloomington), and chaotic neutral, 4 p.m.--food, 6 p.m.--bands, $5.
*7-7-2010, the dojo, kata sarka (indy), just die, and religious police, 7 p.m., $5.
*7-9-2010, the melody inn, stand and deliver (indy), maravich (indy), no enemy (chicago), 9 p.m., $5.
*7-9-2010 and 7-10-2010, dudefest, http://festdude.com.
*7-14-2010, the casa, medusa (bloomington), the dockers (indy), bezoar (ny), and wizardy (ny), 8 p.m., $5.
*7-14-2010, the melody inn, christ beheaded (indy), maxx (muncie), hod (tx), gravehill (ca), and cardiac arrest (il), 7 p.m., $8.
*7-23-2010, the hoosier dome (1627 Prospect, indianapolis, in 46203), black arrows of filth & impurity (indy), kata sarka (indy), rat storm (bloomington), graves of valor (sc), and phobia (ca), 7 p.m., $10.
*7-25-2010, the melody inn, deadmen (indy--7" release show/cookout), sweet cobra (chicago), the cocaine wolves (muncie), and chaotic neutral, 5:30 p.m., $5.
*7-30-2010, the melody inn, apostle of solitude (indy), earthride (maryland), bible of the devil, and valkyrie, 9 p.m.
*7-30-2010, the vollrath, red shadows (indy), beings, and torche, 9 p.m., $10.
*7-31-2010, the casa, deadmen (indy--last show), the dockers (indy), and slam dunk (bloomington), 7 p.m., $3.
*7-4-2010, the dojo--collective benefit show, world eater (indy), livermortis (indy), rat storm (bloomington), and chaotic neutral, 4 p.m.--food, 6 p.m.--bands, $5.
*7-7-2010, the dojo, kata sarka (indy), just die, and religious police, 7 p.m., $5.
*7-9-2010, the melody inn, stand and deliver (indy), maravich (indy), no enemy (chicago), 9 p.m., $5.
*7-9-2010 and 7-10-2010, dudefest, http://festdude.com.
*7-14-2010, the casa, medusa (bloomington), the dockers (indy), bezoar (ny), and wizardy (ny), 8 p.m., $5.
*7-14-2010, the melody inn, christ beheaded (indy), maxx (muncie), hod (tx), gravehill (ca), and cardiac arrest (il), 7 p.m., $8.
*7-23-2010, the hoosier dome (1627 Prospect, indianapolis, in 46203), black arrows of filth & impurity (indy), kata sarka (indy), rat storm (bloomington), graves of valor (sc), and phobia (ca), 7 p.m., $10.
*7-25-2010, the melody inn, deadmen (indy--7" release show/cookout), sweet cobra (chicago), the cocaine wolves (muncie), and chaotic neutral, 5:30 p.m., $5.
*7-30-2010, the melody inn, apostle of solitude (indy), earthride (maryland), bible of the devil, and valkyrie, 9 p.m.
*7-30-2010, the vollrath, red shadows (indy), beings, and torche, 9 p.m., $10.
*7-31-2010, the casa, deadmen (indy--last show), the dockers (indy), and slam dunk (bloomington), 7 p.m., $3.
Monday, June 28, 2010
a snapshot: sleepbringer --compendium
Sleepbringer's name tends to evoke images of a slow, down-tuned head crush. With Compendium, Sleepbringer brings forth their latest release of eerily earth shaking doom. A charged swelling of misanthropy is the backbone for Sleepbringer's distrust and gloomy tumult. Willing to take their time, Sleepbringer purge lost souls with gravel throat vocals, the clamor of war drums, abyssal bass bombardment, and the demolition of dual guitar passages bent on nuclear winter. This is a lament in pursuit of descending desolation. At times bluesy, cold, and forlorn, Compendium is a haunting and stark collection of grimy dirges. At just over an hour, Compendium is a continual transition from one song to the next that relies on patience and a lingering sense of ruin. Sleepbringer build layers of riffs, tempo changes, and solos only to drop you to the depths of humanly woe. At the end of it all, you will know their morose tale of suffering and ultimate redemption: everything you know is a lie.
You can download Compendium at this link.
http://sleepbringer.bandcamp.com/
www.myspace.com/sleepbringer
You can download Compendium at this link.
http://sleepbringer.bandcamp.com/
www.myspace.com/sleepbringer
Friday, June 4, 2010
Raining black arrows of extinction...
There is a rumor, a grimy rustling that stirs only a few times a year down the crumbling streets of Indianapolis. It is the building rumble of a band that simply cares not for the collective existence of humanity in its current condition. They are a band that only springs forth a few times yearly to anoint their followers with nihilistic live rituals. This band is Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity.
Their name alone sets the tone for the band, conjuring immediate images of all things negative doused with depravity. The members of the band, vocalist Dave Britts (Coffinworm, World Eater), drummer Dustin Boltjes (Demiricous, The Dream is Dead, Transgression), bassist Todd Manning (Coffinworm), and guitarist Tony McGuire (Coffinworm) assault anyone listening with their blend of experimental grind and death metal rooted firmly in hardcore punk.
Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity’s sound is potent, defiant, and filled with sonic dissonance. It is a visceral challenge to the listeners. It is music spawned from the musicians trying to challenge each other within the band. It is the unexpected that keeps the Black Arrows' annihilation machine rolling forward. If they clear a room along the way, then the listeners failed the challenge.
Coming together as equals, the member of Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity take their time when writing new material. In March 2009 their debut album (1984 (Eternal)), was rereleased on CD by Gilead Media. The Cracked Skull spoke to Tony McGuire about the inner workings of the band, their writing process, and the band’s future.
How long have Black Arrows been around, and how did you all get together? Was (is) there a central idea or aesthetic you’re trying to achieve? If there is a particular aesthetic then how close do you feel that you’re getting to it?
We’ve been playing together since sometime in 2003. I had known Dustin from going to shows, and then I answered an ad that he and Todd placed online looking for a guitarist. We got together in late 2003, and the rest is a sweet romantic poem that we have all lovingly crafted since. I don’t know if there is a specific aesthetic other than pushing things as far as we can musically while all keeping our sanity, which rarely happens while we are writing. As far as the lyrics go, Dave is pretty straight forward, so they are all self-explanatory. I guess, overall, we agree that the current state of humanity is one that needs to be extinguished, but that tends to be the norm with most grind bands past or present. The stuff we are working on now is going to be more concept-oriented, and I feel like we have been paying more attention to cohesion while writing the music. We do take our time while writing. I feel our new releases are actually going to delve deeper into the human experience, specifically the future of human experience. But then again that could all change.
There seems to be a political slant to the music. How much does local, national, and international politics influence the music?
I think we, as most bands of the hardcore/punk/grind variety, are products of our environment. I know it sounds cliché as fuck, but the things that we have all witnessed growing up in an environment like the Midwest come out in our music and especially Dave’s lyrics. We didn’t exactly grow up being fostered for our differences and unique outlooks on life, and modern day politics seems to try to keep these same ideas and status quo in place. We will hopefully be there to jab a rusty fork in its eye.
Is there a sense within the band that Black Arrows is always pushing for the most extreme reaches with the band’s music? The music is a continual onslaught. Any plans on slowing down or speeding up?
Honestly, we all just want to piss each other off when we are writing. We are always trying to do the unexpected. Anything to challenge ourselves while playing. Challenging the listener is definitely a plus. I’ve always kind of wanted to play in a band that clears the entire room out while we are playing. Maybe we need to get a show at the VFW? As far as speeding up or slowing down, that will just be decided as needed. Ideally, our fast shit will get faster and our slow shit with get slower.
Who are the main song writers within the band? Or do the songs come together as a collective group effort?
We come together pretty equally on all fronts. We’ve always said that if one of us quits the band then it’s over. I can’t imagine trying to write any of these songs with any other people than these three dudes. We all understand how each other thinks now when it comes to writing. It’s almost kind of scary. Todd, Dustin, and I write all the music together, and then Dave comes in and usually has ideas for structure and the overall feeling of the song. Then the lyrics are all Dave.
The record has been out for some time now, and released on CD by Gilead Media, but is there anything coming up recording and release wise?
If we can ever find the time to make it in the studio between all the other shit that we do, then we have more than enough unrecorded material to put out a pretty massive release or a couple of different things. The dates tend to keep getting pushed back, but hopefully we can make it in the studio this year.
In terms of Indy’s music scene, what are some of the bands you feel you have a kinship with or have similar views?
The Dream is Dead and World Eater, not just because we share members, but I feel like we are all sonically and lyrically raw as fuck. Plus, we tend to view society and politics in the same light. That’s not to say that there aren’t other bands around that we share these views with. There are so many awesome bands here that it’s silly. I could sit here for a good ten minutes listing bands that we feel a kinship with.
Black Arrows is a band that rarely plays out. Is there a specific reason for this or is it due more to conflicting schedules?
It’s more just because we all have too much other shit going on. Unfortunately, life tends to happen in the meantime. I wish I could devote everything to bands, as do all of us, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Plus, it seems that when a local band plays out all the time people tend to lose interest. This works in our favor because when we do have a chance to get out and play people will make an effort to come out since it doesn’t happen too often.
**Your next chance to see Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity comes at 2010’s Dudefest July 9 and 10.
www.myspace.come/blackarrowsoffilthimpurity
http://www.gileadmedia.net/
http://www.festdude.com/
Their name alone sets the tone for the band, conjuring immediate images of all things negative doused with depravity. The members of the band, vocalist Dave Britts (Coffinworm, World Eater), drummer Dustin Boltjes (Demiricous, The Dream is Dead, Transgression), bassist Todd Manning (Coffinworm), and guitarist Tony McGuire (Coffinworm) assault anyone listening with their blend of experimental grind and death metal rooted firmly in hardcore punk.
Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity’s sound is potent, defiant, and filled with sonic dissonance. It is a visceral challenge to the listeners. It is music spawned from the musicians trying to challenge each other within the band. It is the unexpected that keeps the Black Arrows' annihilation machine rolling forward. If they clear a room along the way, then the listeners failed the challenge.
Coming together as equals, the member of Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity take their time when writing new material. In March 2009 their debut album (1984 (Eternal)), was rereleased on CD by Gilead Media. The Cracked Skull spoke to Tony McGuire about the inner workings of the band, their writing process, and the band’s future.
How long have Black Arrows been around, and how did you all get together? Was (is) there a central idea or aesthetic you’re trying to achieve? If there is a particular aesthetic then how close do you feel that you’re getting to it?
We’ve been playing together since sometime in 2003. I had known Dustin from going to shows, and then I answered an ad that he and Todd placed online looking for a guitarist. We got together in late 2003, and the rest is a sweet romantic poem that we have all lovingly crafted since. I don’t know if there is a specific aesthetic other than pushing things as far as we can musically while all keeping our sanity, which rarely happens while we are writing. As far as the lyrics go, Dave is pretty straight forward, so they are all self-explanatory. I guess, overall, we agree that the current state of humanity is one that needs to be extinguished, but that tends to be the norm with most grind bands past or present. The stuff we are working on now is going to be more concept-oriented, and I feel like we have been paying more attention to cohesion while writing the music. We do take our time while writing. I feel our new releases are actually going to delve deeper into the human experience, specifically the future of human experience. But then again that could all change.
There seems to be a political slant to the music. How much does local, national, and international politics influence the music?
I think we, as most bands of the hardcore/punk/grind variety, are products of our environment. I know it sounds cliché as fuck, but the things that we have all witnessed growing up in an environment like the Midwest come out in our music and especially Dave’s lyrics. We didn’t exactly grow up being fostered for our differences and unique outlooks on life, and modern day politics seems to try to keep these same ideas and status quo in place. We will hopefully be there to jab a rusty fork in its eye.
Is there a sense within the band that Black Arrows is always pushing for the most extreme reaches with the band’s music? The music is a continual onslaught. Any plans on slowing down or speeding up?
Honestly, we all just want to piss each other off when we are writing. We are always trying to do the unexpected. Anything to challenge ourselves while playing. Challenging the listener is definitely a plus. I’ve always kind of wanted to play in a band that clears the entire room out while we are playing. Maybe we need to get a show at the VFW? As far as speeding up or slowing down, that will just be decided as needed. Ideally, our fast shit will get faster and our slow shit with get slower.
Who are the main song writers within the band? Or do the songs come together as a collective group effort?
We come together pretty equally on all fronts. We’ve always said that if one of us quits the band then it’s over. I can’t imagine trying to write any of these songs with any other people than these three dudes. We all understand how each other thinks now when it comes to writing. It’s almost kind of scary. Todd, Dustin, and I write all the music together, and then Dave comes in and usually has ideas for structure and the overall feeling of the song. Then the lyrics are all Dave.
The record has been out for some time now, and released on CD by Gilead Media, but is there anything coming up recording and release wise?
If we can ever find the time to make it in the studio between all the other shit that we do, then we have more than enough unrecorded material to put out a pretty massive release or a couple of different things. The dates tend to keep getting pushed back, but hopefully we can make it in the studio this year.
In terms of Indy’s music scene, what are some of the bands you feel you have a kinship with or have similar views?
The Dream is Dead and World Eater, not just because we share members, but I feel like we are all sonically and lyrically raw as fuck. Plus, we tend to view society and politics in the same light. That’s not to say that there aren’t other bands around that we share these views with. There are so many awesome bands here that it’s silly. I could sit here for a good ten minutes listing bands that we feel a kinship with.
Black Arrows is a band that rarely plays out. Is there a specific reason for this or is it due more to conflicting schedules?
It’s more just because we all have too much other shit going on. Unfortunately, life tends to happen in the meantime. I wish I could devote everything to bands, as do all of us, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Plus, it seems that when a local band plays out all the time people tend to lose interest. This works in our favor because when we do have a chance to get out and play people will make an effort to come out since it doesn’t happen too often.
**Your next chance to see Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity comes at 2010’s Dudefest July 9 and 10.
www.myspace.come/blackarrowsoffilthimpurity
http://www.gileadmedia.net/
http://www.festdude.com/
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
june shows of interest...
*6-4-2010, the dojo, black breath, give, stick together, lion of judah, and thought crusade, 7 p.m., $10.
*6-5-2010, upland radfest (bloomington, upland brewery), coffinworm (indy), deadmen (indy), humans (bloomington), bible of the devil, webcam teenz, and kiss army, 5 p.m., $25 in advance $30 at the door.
*6-6-2010, bear's place (1316 e. 3rd street, bloomington, in), junker (indy), rat storm (indy/bloomington), and lockstep, 8 p.m., $5.
*6-11-2010, the melody inn, sleepbringer (indy/bloomington), devils of belgrade (indy), devil to pay (indy), and lo pan, 9 p.m., $5.
*6-13-2010, the vollrath (118 e. palmer street, indianapolis), junker (indy), off with their heads, and dear landlord, 9 p.m. $7.
*6-16-2010, the dojo, chaotic neutral (indy), coerced (boston), and veloz, 7 p.m., $5.
*6-23-2010, the dojo, floor, and slam dunk, 7 p.m.
*6-25-2010, the melody inn, racebannon (bloomington) wrap the body release show with jill from we are hex, red shadows, and small arms fire, 9 p.m., $5
*6-5-2010, upland radfest (bloomington, upland brewery), coffinworm (indy), deadmen (indy), humans (bloomington), bible of the devil, webcam teenz, and kiss army, 5 p.m., $25 in advance $30 at the door.
*6-6-2010, bear's place (1316 e. 3rd street, bloomington, in), junker (indy), rat storm (indy/bloomington), and lockstep, 8 p.m., $5.
*6-11-2010, the melody inn, sleepbringer (indy/bloomington), devils of belgrade (indy), devil to pay (indy), and lo pan, 9 p.m., $5.
*6-13-2010, the vollrath (118 e. palmer street, indianapolis), junker (indy), off with their heads, and dear landlord, 9 p.m. $7.
*6-16-2010, the dojo, chaotic neutral (indy), coerced (boston), and veloz, 7 p.m., $5.
*6-23-2010, the dojo, floor, and slam dunk, 7 p.m.
*6-25-2010, the melody inn, racebannon (bloomington) wrap the body release show with jill from we are hex, red shadows, and small arms fire, 9 p.m., $5
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