Justin

I'd have to say from being in a band somewhat in the same field as yours, Rifles, that bringing in the brutality that we want next to the technicality that we want is our biggest problem. It's also difficult to get a group of musicians to subscribe to one sound once that sound is crafted. If you listened to the stuff on our myspace, and then heard us live tomorrow, the change-without-changing, if you will, would probably make you question your life. Basically, where we're at now...we've found an interesting niche between Bleeding Through and Job For a Cowboy. Complete with melodic hooks that transform into blast beats. It works, we've seen some fair success and all. But it's not exactly what I want to make. My next band with probably a straight Cannibal Corpse/Morbid Angel/Napalm Death death metal band. No melodic chorusi, and drum work that only sometimes leaves the blast beat--gallop--death beat realm. The difference between all trill death metal bands and my next prospective project will be this: No screaming. No growling. Straight singing. Pretty sure that'll mess somebody's day up somewhere.

I know exactly where you are coming from, my friend. The redundancy of this popular surge of hip hop is bound to kill it just like the one-fast-song--one-ballad formula eventually wore out glam metal. It's going to be interesting when metal makes a come back to popluar culture. -Justin

"So you want to change the world, do you? Good." Magneto's form floated high over Ryan's head, blocking most of the light in the cramped chamber. Ryan already didn't like this Magneto character. He thought long and hard about just yanking him down out of the sky and then laughing in his face. "That's why I'm here, I guess." Ryan answered open-ended. "But you could've gone to CHarle's school. In fact, you did. Why did you leave?" Magneto lowered himself to the ground. "The Professor's methods weren't my methods. I prefer action. I don't think sitting around waiting for humanity to figure out a way to kill us is the answer to the problem." Ryan stooped down to tie his shoe. "What, then, is the answer to the problem?" Magneto began walking slowly towards the door as he spoke. "We fight back." "In order to fight back, you must be able to fight. Can you fight, boy?" Magneto turned, catching Ryan's gaze. "Oh, I can fight." Ryan answered, sensing some kind of trap about to spring. "Let's see it, then." Magneto didn't break his stare with Ryan. A moment passed of silent staring when suddenly, Ryan heard a creaking sound above him. He looked up to see a giant steel beam had come off it's rivets and was now falling toward him. Ryan didn't flinch. The beam was falling uninhibited down, down, down. It's path would end dirctly on his position. He returned a confident gaze to Magneto. Then, just as the beam had finally closed the gap between itself and Ryan, it stopped. But not only did it stop fallling, the steel plates along the floor beneath Ryan lifted up, followed by the concrete foundation. Beneath Ryan was now a crater where the floor had once been. Above Ryan was the large steel beam, along with all the remnants of the floor and foundation. Ryan floated effortlessly inbetween. "Good, young man. Most impressive." -Justin

[quote]Black Dahlia Murder is one of the biggest Death Metal bands around right now, actually. For some reason, they've gotten huge in the hardcore scene as well, thus expanding their audience[/quote] I think the reason BDM has such weight in the hardcore scene is that they aren't really pure death metal. Not in the Cannibal Corpse/Nile way, anyway. They incorporate a lot of hardcore structure into their music, such as the breakdowns and other mosh-pit-friendly pieces. If you're a fan of BDM, try out Through the Eyes of the Dead. They kind of pick up the same thread as BDM, but they put a different spin on it. It works out quite amazingly. -Justin

Is there anyone on the boards who is [i]in[/i] a band? If so, what kind? Where from? Who are your influences? And other generic band information would be appreciated. I'll start: Name: Scarlet O'Hara Genre(s): Death metal/Metalcore/Hardcore Location: AlaGa, US Influences: Bleeding Through, Mortal Treason, The Black Dahlia Murder, Bury Your Dead, (old) underOath. We're kind of the standard deathmetalcore lovechild that has become a popluar choice amongst low-level hard music ensembles in the last two years. That is to say, we have a vocalist(myself), two guitarists, one bassist, one drummer, and a synth player. We're also Christ-oriented, though we don't make a huge deal of it, leaving the music to simply be a reflection of who we are--thereby letting whatever content emerge that will. We're increasingly trying to develope our own sound; one distinctly combining the technical end of such acts as Through the Eyes of the Dead, The Black Dahlia Murder, and even Bullet for My Valentine with the bludgeoning brutality of Bury Your Dead and Bleeding Through. All wrapped up in the angst, humor, and faith of a bunch of stupid scene kids from multiple musical backgrounds. Now, let's hear about you. -Justin

I find it interesting. I can see plenty of plot twists in what I'm imagining as a potential match for Evangelion in the form of an RPG. I look forward to it. -Justin

[quote name='different ki']An experiment that lasts someone's whole life?[/quote] I would think placing both terms in ' ' would signify that I was not refering to those who commit themselves for life. -Justin

I see. We simply have a different interpretation of what's mainstream. -Justin

HTD has lost their original frontman. I saw the Truth tour when it came to ATL, and I was VERY satisfied with Jimmy's replacement. His vocals are far more aggressive. -Justin

I think it's a matter of acceptance. The people who don't embrace it gradually grow used to it, growing tolerant of it, and over time, they become accepting of it. By that general acknowledgement of homosexuality as a general part of our culture, more people become open to it. More people become open to it, and more people take part in it, and do so openly in the light of general acceptance. Having said that, I think the majority of 'homsexuals' and the VAST majority of 'bi-sexuals' are simply, as previously suggested, experimenting. On the matter of choice v. birth, I believe it's a bit of both, depending upon who you are. I won't get deep into what I think from that aspect, as it would drag this thread into the quagmire of theology. If anyone is interested in a serious session on this, you may PM me. I'd be happy to discuss it. -Justin

Maybe this thread is now the perfect example of what I said earlier, lol. -Justin

Barron quickly found his way back to the door that they had entered through. It was uncovered now, and standing wide open. He made a purposeful glance at his two companions, then stepped in. No sooner did he stepped in through the door way than a flash on blinding energy strike him in the chest, sending him flying into a wall. He reached for an arrow, but as he diid, another wave struck him, and suddenly he felt warmth flowing throughout his body. He looked at his hands and watched as they grew deathly pale. He saw locks of bright, white hair fall in front of his eyes where his brown locks had been. It took a moment, but he then raised his eyes to see Jyan--that sorcerer--was his attacker. He knew then what to do; and in an instant, he was already at Jyan's throat with an arrow's tip. Jyan looked at him and smiled. -Justin

You'll have to tell where the heck is the Black Dahlia Murder mainstream? They're a rare play on even my satellite radio, they'd never be seen on MTV, and if you asked the average rock fan about them, you'd likely get a strange look. Granted, they're big in the underground, but unless they're mainstrema in some other country, I don't know what you're talking about. Thoough, I must say, I'd like to live in a country where the Black Dahlia Murder could be mainstream. They're certainly one of my band's biggest influences. -Justin

Retribution, you've still misunderstood me. What I said was that we(society at large) once believed that social progress (ie: education) would cure all human ills. This has been proven to be wrong by society's current status. This is the transition from [i]modernism[/i] to [i]post-modernism[/i]. As I said, this is a secular line of thinking, and the "punch line" if you will, of this thinking is this: "We once said, 'If we educate the crooks, they won't need to be crooks anymore.' Well, now we've educated them, and we have nothing but educated crooks." This is what I was alluding to when I said "Progress in society has only produced progressed evil." Perhaps the reason you saw no argument for seeking God for social change in the quoted post was because I did not make any such argument. I merely made a statement that is proven by society. You put wings on that statement and flew it to somewhere I did not intend for it. I think you've labelled me in your head as some religious fanatic shouting "God wills it!" from behind the pulpit. As for my point on degrees of sin: If you'll read my post, I clearly stated it has nothing to do with you; I just used your last post on that subject as a reference point for the purpose of inserting myself into the debate. I think I'll leave this debate alone, though. It's pretty clear to me that something I said has been far misunderstood, though, I do not think I misstated anything. -Justin

What, then, is the measure of a man? [INDENT]Is it[/INDENT] [RIGHT]...is it just the measures he himself has gained?[/RIGHT] [CENTER]Or can there be some yardstick...[/CENTER] silly as it sounds [INDENT]...some scale by which to weigh his life?[/INDENT] What, then, is the measure of a man? [INDENT]By how much ground he puts his transient name on or,[/INDENT] [RIGHT]...or maybe by how many regrettably mortal women he thinks he's conquered?[/RIGHT] [CENTER]I do not believe man is capable of measuring himself.[/CENTER] For if he measured himself by what he measures his brother with... [INDENT]He'd find himself coming up short.[/INDENT] What, then, is the measure of a man? [CENTER]Can you tell me[/CENTER] What, then, is the measure of a man? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'll probably be tweaking this one for months, but I wanted to go with what I had going on. -Justin

Science was a good idea; then the scientists got ahold of it. I certainly think the existance/lack thereof of certain elements of fantasy is, however, easily explained. Of course, amongst you all, I probably have the oddest opinions on pointless facts of science and history. -Justin

I honestly think dragons are dinosaurs. I think society, of course, put their own spin on dinosaurs and slowly they evolved into the mythic dragons we know today, but their origins are far more logical. I do not, however, think it is because people uncovered dinosaur fossils, though. I think it is because we once walked with dinosaurs. -Justin

The only song I've heard off it is "Hot Topic is not Punk Rock." As you say, it's a light-heart criticism, but it is not light-hearted in a cheap way. It's some of the best punk music I've heard recently. -Justin

Mine is a line from "Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste" by Norma Jean. EDIT: My new signature is a quote from a Parkway Drive song. The rest represents my standing in a secret order that [i]none[/i] of you is allowed in. Hah. I rule you all. You're allowed in, of course, if I say you are. But you are not. -Justin

[QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]So what do you expect to happen? We all stop trying to solve our problems and expect God to take care of the work? Do you honestly think that if we all become God-fearing Christians things will change? You basically just said that progress in society is all evil. The claim is ludicrous. Now, I have nothing against Christians at all -- I'm one myself -- however, the "God will take care of your problems" is a naive way of looking at things. I honestly don't see any societal problems being solved through strictly prayer and a cease to societal progress.[/size][/QUOTE] Whoa, friend, you've taken me far out of context. The opinion I stated is, in fact, a secular one; not a Christian one at all. As I said the humanist view we're discussing is/was a view of [i]Modernism[/i]. This should be seen as a movement begun in some degrees as early as the Enlightenment Period, but primarily in the era that the theory of evolution attained a popular status. More recently, the [i]Post-Modern[/i] attitude has taken hold of modern society. This new social movement is one of disillusionment with society's systems. It's one where culture is seeking spiritual fulfillment, because it recognizes once again its need for something greater than itself. However, my criticism of [i]post-modernism[/i] is this: Why is it that we seek a form of God, but there is no desire to follow in his footsteps? I think you misunderstood my method of communicating a very valid point for ignorance coated with faith. I assure you, I do not expect anyone to stop trying to better themselves or the world. Very much contrary.What I expect(maybe "wish for" is the better term, I do not expect it) is for people to [i]seek[/i] betterness-- not simply comfort; and to realize that we can't find God within our own means. Sorry for the misunderstanding. [QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]Yeah, I know, the example was pretty [B][I]dutch[/I][/B] in retrospect. It works though. I'm saying, there's certainly degrees of wrongness. It's technically wrong to decieve, but it's deception to save a life. Amelia was saying that there's no difference between sins. A sin is a sin, and I don't think that's right at all. How would the given example be equivalent in God's eyes to double homicide for personal gain? Go jump off a tree, Booster.[/size] [B]>: )[/B][/QUOTE] I also want to address the 'degrees of sin debate.' I don't want you to think I'm picking on you Retribution, but yours was the last comment I saw on the subject. Looking at Mosaic Law and the Gospel's effect on it, an individual act of sin is not what Christian doctrine teaches we can be saved from. It is a preexistant condition of the human nature, introduced through the original sin of Adam. The Gospel teaches primarily that Christ(who must be seen as God himself in this instance) submitted to the will of the Father(who must also be seen as God), recieved the Holy Spirit(also the character of God), and as God took the full punishment for ALL of humanity's sin nature. This punishment had to be dealt out for humans--God's most precious creation--to be able to be reconciled to their Creator, King, Father, Mother, Lover, and Friend. The beauty of this portrait is that in Jesus, God gave Himself to take that punishment once and for all time. And that because of Jesus, God gives Himself to us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Now, this does not represent three different Gods, nor one God who takes three different forms. It is one God who is all three at one time, acting seperately and together of one will. This is a difficult concept, but I can't say God would be worth much if we could understand everything about Him. -Justin

Barron looked around in a field lit by the bright noontime sun. An hour ago, no, twenty minutes ago he'd been on a fishing ship making the final checks and preps before embarking. Now, he was in a massive field with a bunch of people he didn't know. The field was surrounded by an even more massive wall, but the citadel in the distance dwarfed everything. He looked back to the small bunker they had emerged into this field of enormousness from, only to see that vast schrubs covered the entrance completely. Guards surrounded him, and a pretty, young girl who called herself 'Mikaze.' To her they gave a thin rapier, and to him they gave his bow and his arrows. "This is an odd match." Barron said aloud. "So it is." Mikaze echoed. "Do they want us to kill each other?" The guards snapped to attention, and one of them stepped forward. In a short speech he layed out the training regiment we were to follow for the day. No sooner had his mouth shut, than the earth had begun to quake, bringing Mikaze and Barron to their knees. From a crag that developed in the field emerged a coal-black, slithering wyrm; twenty feet in length, with fangs as long as a man's forearm. "It's a dragon!" Mikaze exclaimed. "Not quite yet. It's a youngling, though. They need all the food they can get to mature, too." As if he was commanded, the wyrm slithered quickly toward Mikaze, but without hesitation she drew her blade and struck him across the eye. This sent the wyrm writhing in pain, and gave Barron ample time to place several well-aimed shots into the wyrm's throat. The wyrm rose up like a viper, a steady river of dark red blood flowing from his throat, nostrils, and mouth. He gaped open his massive mouth, his fangs were dripping with blood and poison. He drew back to strike, but he wavered from loss of blood and pain. When this happened, Barron took another shot that hit beneath his jaw and stuck his lower jaw to his upper jaw. The wyrm fell backwards, spasming in pain and expelling blood through his nostrils. A moment later, his movement stopped. Barron turned to Mikaze, "Now what?" -Justin

[QUOTE=Transtic Nerve]With the exception of Zebrahead, every single one of those bands is a "mainstream - band"... If they get radio play on a regular basis, then they are mainstream... My favourite non-mainstream bands: I would say 10 Years but theya re mainstream as of the last 4 months. - Death From Above 1979 - Darkest Hour - Opiate For the Masses - Fischerspooner - .... And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Dead Poetic - Godhead - Econoline Crush (they're Canadian) - Trust Company (althought they may be very close to mainstream) - The Zutons[/QUOTE] Your musical taste, TN, interests me. The interesting thing about bands like Coheed, TBS, and basically all those bands listed original is that they all have strong ties to the underground--even if they aren't underground anymore. The Free World is moving into an interesting era of musical ecclecticness. I'll just give a list of bands I like. I don't care much at all for mainstream music...though, that's begining to change: Norma Jean. Bleeding Through. AFI(one of the few mainstream bands I enjoy). As I Lay Dying. God Forbid. Chasing Victory. Bury Your Dead. the Used(another). the Bled. Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. I could, like most such as myself, go on forever. -Justin

[QUOTE=Retribution][size=1] You don't need religion at all. All you need from religion is the message to love your neighbor, to help your neighbor, and to live a good life yourself. What's so wrong in believing that humans can solve their own problems through making progress (which is what humanism boils down to, essentially)? Humanists don't believe in an [i]actual[/i] God that loves everyone -- they believe that a figurative 'God' is within all of us, and that we can all be agents of change. The whole point of humanism is that you shouldn't expect anything, you shouldn't believe in anything outside of what (collectively) you can do.[/size][/QUOTE] But that aspect of humanism (that man can solve his own problems through progress), as I stated, has been shown to be null and void. Progress in society has only created progressed evil. [QUOTE=Ziggy Stardust][FONT=Times New Roman] [COLOR=Sienna] Ever wonder why the Dead Sea Scrolls (Pre-Constantine) are so completely different from the commonly accepted bible (Post-Constantine)? It's because they were heavily edited so that Constantine could control the population. In order to NOT write a novel on the subject, I'll simply state that, in my opinion, Christians believe in propogandga that some ancient Roman ruler used as political leverage.[/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE] I challenge you to produce evidence of that claim. Because the intelliectual problem presented by the Dead Sea Scrolls is that they [i]verify[/i] the Bible we accept today as very much the same as the texts written in the first century, not that they [i]contradict[/i] it. That fact has made the intellectual challenge to Christianity shift from 'what does the Bible really say' to 'what does the Bible really mean.' Now, I will agree that Constantine himself was a nasty--and likely, unconverted--pagan dictator who used Christianity for political purposes; but he did not change Christian doctrine, nor did he change predominate Christian writing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In response to the question of cussing: The problem with cussing isn't even religious. The problem lay in the very term 'cussing.' What most people don't realize and what some even try to avoid is that the word 'cussing' is an idiom. It is an accentual slurring of a different word--[i]cursing.[/i] Therefore the act of 'cussing' is also the act of 'cursing.' Now, I don't know/care who you are or what you believe, but out of respect for all, I won't be one to curse anyone. [QUOTE=Amelia][FONT=Arial] The problem with my church is that their are too many elderly people, too many social, trendy, ANNOYING teenagers, and I'm way too different from all of them. If I could find a church with punk rock Christian music (which is sort of an oxymoron), or gothic or whatever, with people who actually have things in common with me (other than being living, breathing, human beings), then I might actually enjoy going to church. This weekend is Disciple Now, which is a retreat in which the youth stay at host homes and indulge in the Bible and other activities, a live Christian band, and some big game/activity. The first year I went, we had a video scavenger hunt and some people from church play music. The next year was the best, with it's electric band and Mess Fest (sort of like a food fight, but in an organized fashion). Last year, we had an acoustic band and worked at a charity. I'm hoping that I'll get as close to God as I did two years ago (I felt Him in the sanctuary as we had the final worship service. Everyone cried, even the skater boys and adults). I'm just not really looking forward to it. x_x;;[/FONT][/QUOTE] Heh, punk is a genre, in reference to music. It's simply a fashion of playing instruments and a form of music. If you want punk bands that happen to be Christians as well, PM me, and I'll give you lists upon lists. The same goes for any genre of music you want--music is just art, and art is just a reflection of the artist. -Justin

You'll probably get tired of it quickly. You have to have the patience of a saint to continue holding on to a 'hawk for very long, in my opinion. -Justin

The question of faith has become oh-so-very important in this post-modern world where the modernistic idea that "education(not God) will solve all society's problems" has been shown to be void. In fact, mass education only made smarter criminals. We now have a world hungry for the answer to the question, "What/who then, can solve our problems?" The largest fault that exists, though, in humans is humanism. We believe in ourselves, so why should we need God? This is nothing new, it's existed ever since man existed; whenever you believe that was. So, my questions are these: Why have a religion, when you already worship yourself? Why invent something you claim to be bigger than you, but at the same time, it conforms to your wants? Who is this God that you say loves everyone? If he exists and has the power to truly love everyone (a miracle far greater than that of creation or anything else) why then do you expect him to be what you want from him? Love requires action. No, more than that; love requires self-sacrifice. A perfect God who gives of his perfection for even one among us humans is worth a bit more than "religion." If he truly exists, he's worth looking for, most definately. My probing mind can't even imagine the depth of an entity such as that. -Justin