Justin

This thread blew up in the last twenty four hours. And I'm getting a certain satisfaction from seeing James post in a metal thread. Just not something I ever expected to see. Meh... Messhugah...meh...chugga chugga. And Holy Diver the is the best song Killswitch never should've covered. Give me some intelligent reviews on the following albums: 3 Inches of Blood- Fire up the Blades Arch Enemy- Rise of the Tyrant the Black Dahlia Murder- Nocturnal Exodus- The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A Candlemass- King of the Grey Islands The Absence- From Your Grave I've also just read that both Carcass and At the Gates are confirmed for reunion tours in 2008. My metal dreams are closer to fulfillment. -Justin

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!' I love beer. Liquor? Most doesn't do much for me. Tequila every now and then sets me right. Petron, specifically. But if I want to get hammered, just give me a shot of Jack and a Heiny to chase it with...over, and over, and over. No sense spending big money for something that won't burn anymore after a few shots. Wanna get [i]real[/i] Alabama hammered? A shot of ole' stumphole and chase it with a Schiltz. Now, that'll make any rebel yell. -Justin

She's a sell-out. Her plan for universal healthcare isn't as good as John Edwards', in my opinion, and she's been accepting money fro pharmaceutical lobbyists for close to a decade now. How can I buy into that? Colbert? Hilarious. But no. Vote Justin. -Justin

I can't imagine you seing Raphsody as cheesier than Dragonforce. They have Mario sounds written into their music. That just ain't right. I think Avenged should probably leave this discussion alone. Being that it is for metalheads( and you are self-admittedly not one), and here you are getting ill with people who understand the thing better than you...I think you should probably take a hike before you work yourself into a fit. I'd still really like to know where everyone pictures the metal underground heading in the future. This is a subject that greatly interests me. -Justin *EDIT* I just caught the comment about the Acacia Strain. My opinion of them is two-fold: They are not metal. Not at all. However, they are interesting in that they are essentially a hardcore band in the vein of Bury Your Dead...but they do appear to actually know something about tone. Strange, you say? Indeed...I'm pretty sure that their tone is the source of their sudden popularity. -Justin

The reason I brought up Trivium(and, as I predicted, Dragonforce came from that) was because of their attempt at real metal with The Crusade. Amongst thrash albums, it is ****. Just like Inhuman Rampage is insulting to the power metal genre. Trivium, in their own small way, inspired me. It made me say to say myself "Self, one day, I'm gonna do that. But for real." It makes me wonder what can succeed in the modern day. As previously mentioned, this isn't the 80s anymore. Anyone who listens to a local rock stations has heard some vague attempt at pseudo-extreme vocals. One barrier partially down. The way I see it, all it'll take is Dragonforce to break out with a radio hit(and I don't think that's far off) and then the barrier of speed and technical prowess will be down. So, what then? And, hypothetically, if some vague form of extreme metal were to gain some real commercial success, where then does extreme metal go? It's in the nature of the core metal community to forsake pop culture. We simply do not get along. I asked my friend that question one day. He answered simply, "Grind." I hope not. I hate grindcore. I respect everything it descends from. I even respect it, from a technical respect. But that's just not my thing. My thought is it has to go somewhere. And, of course, most things never will get further than a short major record deal. Bands like Sletchvalk will never be on MTV. But regardless of hypothetics, where are the frontiers of metal going to go next? Folk music is one avenue a lot bands explore that I enjoy. But many would argue that when metal mixes with lighter musical forms, it loses its metalness. I think that's ignorant. If you want references, Black Sabbath used harmonicas and flutes from time to time. And that's pretty much the base of the metal tree. Eh...but what do I know? -Justin

Like I said, Groove metal is just a thing for me. In terms of originality, it really is only two shakes above metalcore, but...meh. Groovey **** is what i was raised on. And Pantera, as I said, are the very epitome of Southern Groove. Which makes them appeal even more to me. Now for this: What do you guys think about Trivium? Intelligence, coherence, and information, please. -Justin

That's all ********. It went from one way to the other at least four times without me focusing at all. It's just programmed to switch at less-than-predictable intervals. -Justin

It's a thorn. A cancerous cyst can kill. And [i]you can't kill the metal.[/i] As for Lamb of God, I do enjoy them. They appeal strongly to my love of groove and Southern mentality in metal. Blame Pantera...golden gods of Southern groove. Lamb of God ain't the best. And I think they're a major contributor to the metalcore problem; but I think they're also a major face of a different metal scene in America to most of the Christianized Hot Topic circle. A slightly abrasive and scary one. So, now...I'll re-ask this question: Metalcore; will it evolve into a new pop metal to be digested, not just by the mallcore and 'scene' kids, but by the public at large? If so, is that more of a good thing for metal at large, or a bad one? Thoughts? -Justin

I imagine if there were an Otaku Guiness or something, there'd be some incredible records that have been set over the years. I've notice just in my casual observance that the quality of the RP's and RPers has increased dramatically since the RPG forum days I recall best. It's no surprise, considering the significant changes made when it came to post quality and rules after the switch to v3. I had always imagined then that OB would be fairly similar to what it is now. much les netspk u no wut i meen??? -Justin

I replicate to nominate Sara. She's bleeping ancient. And...she's balls. -Justin

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]Discussions are all fine and good, but I pretty much agree with Sandy...it's the creative work on OB that makes the site historically worthwhile on the internet. The thought of all of those stories and RPGs disappearing is very sad and I hope it never happens; they are worth preserving. Some of the RPGs on OB are far more entertaining to read than even some of the best fan fictions I've seen on the web.[/color][/QUOTE] Again, I agree in full. I've gone back re-read many a RP from days gone by. They are good fun. The minds that have come together here, past and present, are at times, astoundingly imaginative. It's a good thing to have participated in. -Justin

[quote name='Sandy'] Honestly, I've searched the internet over the years, but I have not found any place that would have as varied, creative and qualified selection of message board RPGs. We should all be very proud of the place as it is now (and of course this whole message board in general), and not long back to old times so urgently. After all, it was we, the active members of old and new, who have changed the place, not anybody else. ;D[/QUOTE] That's the damned truth. I imagine those are the only reasons I still clock in at OB anymore. I've said it before, it was a major part, in some weird way, of my development through my early teens. I'd like to contribute now as I did then, but...meh...maybe I will one day; maybe not. It was easier then, I think. Not just because of time, but because of a sense of duty. Even when I wasn't on one of my two or three staff stints, I felt I had a job to do in keeping things straight; mainly right here in Otaku Lounge. It came from taking part in the formative years of OB. And also, from OB taking part in the formative years of my individuality. That sounds good, anyway. Yep, I love this little place. It's got magic. -Justin

I thought I specifically asked that this discussion be intelligent. Reading this **** just pisses me off. The ONE answer to my original question was pathetic, and there's been precisely one intelligent statement in all three pages of this: [quote name='Jakehammaren'] Secondly, NEVER LEARN ABOUT MUSIC THROUGH WIKIPEDIA. [/QUOTE] That is metal gospel my friends. Wikipedia is not God. And it is notoriously incorrect when it comes to metal. The very nature of metal is that most people can't, won't, and don't want to get it. Clearly, this thread has proven much of that fact. AC/DC, while an active and direct influence on many metal bands, are not themselves a metal band. Nor are they southern rock. They're not even ****ing American. They're style is far too blues-based and simplistic to be considered a true metal band. The same 'proto metal' status goes to them as to KISS, Led Zeppelin, Blue Cheer, and many other such acts. The Misfits are more to metal than just an early hardcore punk band. They helped define how far punk could tread into metal waters before becoming thrash or crossover(predecessor to metalcore). This subsequently lead to them being a large influence on the development of thrash and crossover. Other notable examples are Minor Threat, Black Flag, and the Dead Kennedys. Now, please stop your uninformed ranting and oneliner postings and think before you post. Do some goddamn research or something. -Justin

I'd like to launch the official Otaku heavy metal discussion thread. This is a comprehensive thread, to discuss all things metal; but I'd like to focus on broad subjects. Subjects such as 'the nature of metal and where it came from'. Or, 'where it's going'. Another example would be 'why is it so misunderstood?' Perhaps, "what would you consider (un)acceptable as metal?" I say that to avoid wasteful album reviews or band reviews such as: "Arch enemy's new record sucks." Or, " I like the old Trivium style better than the new." Reviews and opinions are of course welcome, but I'd like to see them be intelligent, in depth reviews. Preferably from someone who has studied the music. All that said, I'll kick it off with a burning thought in my mind: Where, by your estimation, do you think metal is headed? And, do you like that direction? I'll also answer first: The genre itself is ever-changing. Even in the last five years, it has evolved into new, or at least altered, sub-genres. In America, the vast majority of these progressions, or digressions, have occurred within the almost exclusively American sub-genre of metalcore. Some noteworthy contributors have been the infamously popular Killswitch Engage, their Christian and, in my opinion, more metal counterparts As I Lay Dying, the newly radio-ized Atreyu, and a slough of others that have sprung up based on the success of this popular genre. I think that metalcore is, quite literally, the forebear of the new pop metal. I can't say what the aesthetics of this new wave will be, but look at the fashion oriented scene surrounding it. Now, remember hair metal. There you go. The signs are there. The popular rock bands of today generally fall somewhere between nu-metal and metalcore, and they'll soon start to get stale. The bloated hip-POP culture is not far off from its final days as a dominant force. And I think metalcore with be standing right there to replace the two. That's with two-tone hair, tight pants, and eyeliner in toe. Thoughts? -Justin

Yeah, Hot topic ruins many a metal thing. I had a long discussion about Metalocalyse with a buddy of mine a couple of weeks ago, and we basically came to the same conclusion: It's a mainstream show. It's meant for mainstream kids who pillage Hot Topic with their parent's money and would otherwise spend that same money on a HIM 'heartagram' hoodie. The references to true metal culture are, however, appreciated. It gives it that extra value for people who can get it. But aside of those few, things like Grishnackh or Burzum are just funny-sounding names. And the differences in black and death metal are astounding. Not only the music and themes, but also in the culture. You have some superficial melding of the two more recently, but when that happens, a lot of peculiarities and particulars of the individual genres are lost in translation. Very few can pull of either genre right (though not for lack of trying), and even fewer have the vision to melt the two togther in a way that will hold any real merit. Much of heavy metal is presentation. Too much, I think. And the further you stand away in terms of interest, the less and less detail you can see. So, if you openly admit you have little interest, it's better on your part not to argue details with those that do. -Justin

Please, allow me to revise then. ;) Immortal Name: Iah Mortal Names: El, Buddha, Melchizedek, Allah, Tetragrammaton, Wotan, Great Spirit Area of Godhood: God of Righteousness Manifestations: He normally appears as a benign old wanderer. Most often regard him as crazed, but to those that honor him, he has shown himself in many forms. Most often, a blinding celestial warrior, a raven, a hooded serpent, unquenchable flame, and an adorned monkey. Power Card: [IMG]http://a428.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/87/l_31fe525bdf38a68d710af27d8a1fe51b.jpg[/IMG] Holy Fire- It gives the user invulnerability to all negative effects. But it [b] causes temporary madness to[/b] [i]any[/i] souls (to include party members) in the user's immediate vicinity when activated. -Justin Lil' better?

Well, make it a complete short story. Just don't murder me with it. Let' say no more than 1,000 words, give or take.

I was in ninth grade, in Algebra 1. Like most, my teacher (who's now commanding a battalion in Iraq) turned on the TV shortly after the first plane hit, and we watched live as the second plane hit, and as both towers fell. I've never been one to panic, and true to myself, I thought all the panic surrounding the time following was silly and selfish in light of the lives broken and lost in the actual event. It was then, though, that I understood one thing: Evil men prevail, only when good men fail to act. The many should never have to fear the few. Terrorism is a real threat in this world, posed by a few. As is totalitarianism. Having said that, the largest threat to this country at this point is wholly domestic. -Justin

Ah, I don't think many people are getting this. It's not a guilt thing. That was far too long ago and I was far too young to feel guilty now. It's more of an observative thing. An expose', if you will, on my mind at fourteen. Done moreso for my own benefit than anyone else's. Chalk one up to misinterpretation. -Justin

So, I dove headfirst into an old story written by myself and the former OB Moderator BabyGirl, and after finishing it, I decided to bring up the idea for a new Star Wars EU novella here. I'm doing this publically only because so many members have changed names or left completely that I now have no idea who could possibly help me in this endeavor. My requirements are simple: If anyone is interested, they should be have a greater-than-average prior knowledge of the Star Wars universe, a mature writing style, and a healthy amount of creativity. I want no more than two other co-authors, though one is just fine. Please provide me with a short story set somewhere in the following timeframes to give me something to judge by. Possible timeframes I'm looking into are 5-10 years after KOTOR II, 600 years BBY, or 65 years after the Battle of Endor. [URL="http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=12175&highlight=star+wars"]http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=12175&highlight=star+wars[/URL] That's a link to the story Jenna co-wrote with me some four or more years ago. It's good, but thank God for a few more literature classes since then. -Justin Please note: This is not intended to be an RP. It's a story. While one character may dominate your writing, you're free to develope all characters involved. We will build off of what each other writes before.

It's not really a guilt thing. Just a shocking realization of how weird a kid can be. If I step back and look at it as though it were someone else, it's laughable. But to now that that was indeed [i]my[/i] own actions is a bit stranger. I guess it's not really something anyone else could understand, having not been sitting in that dingy old table chair, in that dirty denroom, in that quiet house, and in my own cloudy 14-year-old mind. I have no guilt for it, really. It's just an odd journey life takes us on. That all-important religious turn has now turned back again. It's all just kind of coming back to me as I near the seven year mark (I think it's actaully been four years since I told the staff). I think I should post an actual picture of the real me. If for nothing else than for Charles to put alongside "Justin the Hottie." -Justin

You know, maybe it's not such a big deal to more regular Otakus, but I'm having a mid(or late) board-life crisis after reading my article in this Otakupedia Charles has manged to fashion. It highlights primarily two major happenings in the first half of my membership here: Firstly, it highlights how I spent neary that entire first half, and certainly the only part of my board-time that ever mattered, under the guise of a much older, much indulged version of myself. For some two years, I'd say, I literally created a new person for myself. An avatar, if you will, that I assumed the role of, and the responsibility of the developement of every day when I signed on my now retired AOL account. I could become so engrossed in it that still, to this day, I could probably just as easily become that character again. A character who would now be 23. I concocted stories about this man's daily exploits, his childhood, his philosophies about life, love, and politics (and it was in these three areas where my own 14-year-old mentality often slipped through). I became a new person, and judging by the reaction to my confession that this person was not myself, I fooled a good number of people rather well. Why should they have believed any differently than what I, their friend, told them? Why'd I do it? Charles writes that who could blame a young, dumb kid for loving the idea of oline anonimoity. To a certain extent that is true. I suppose in a way, it's totally true. But I didn't join this place as a super cool 17-year-old with a big truck and a house to himself. I joined it as a nerdy 14-year-old DBZ/Star Wars fan. Something sparked the thought in me that I'd be better off seen as who I wanted people to see. This brings me to the second great occurance in my time here: That spark, it had a name. It's name was Jenna Winter. To say I was obsessed with her would be ridiculous. I've never been one for obsession. I was intrigued, and I new she'd be much more likely to talk to someone her age openly. I think I was right, for I often witnessed (and supsequently feigned) a certain wall of disinterest with many (though, not all) that were not possessed of our 'mutual' numeric value. That openess became falsely mutual. She greatly befriended someone who did not exist. And in a way, through this character, I befriended her. It wouldn't be until age's honesty set in that I realized she had really become something akin to a 'bestfriend'; such as that could be. Then, my religious awakening. It would be also ridiculous to say that this was an overnight change. I had actually been converted for a couple months before I 'came out', as it were. The idea that people I had come to care about couldn't possibly care about me because they didn't know I really existed tormented me. By people, I mostly mean Jenna. We could dive into make believe together. I was, in some fashions, advanced somewhat beyond my age. And she was blessedly able to cling to creative passions and a certain innocent charm many older people would probably consider childish. But I found it all to be just what I needed, and so we related well. That is, she and 'Justin' related well. But the time to kill 'Justin' came. I knew it, and weird as it sounds to a mind grown accumstomed now to the warmth of 'real' friends, I cared too much about her to let her go on thinking I was someone I was not. So out I came. The worst part about it, and the part which probably sealed the lid on my taste for living fantasies was her reaction. It was belated. Much belate compared to the more immediate reactions from others in the Staff Lounge. They all, for the most part, expressed their shock but overwhelming support in light in my honesty. Honesty...hah. She also expressed these feelings. But she said the following, "I actually lost sleep over this last night." By that time, I think I was in or around the age of fifteen. And that, the fact that I had caused her to slip into a trust that she suddenly realized was ridiculous, broke something small in me. I've lost a lot of friends in my 20 years. Many very close, to time, location, death, and life. She was a lot of things to me; Sethi, BabyGirl, Jen, Jenna, Crimson Goddess, more than I can likely recall. And I will always remember her. -Justin

Yeah. I'm trying to tell you...that new As I Lay Dying...son, that is [i]exactly[/i] what metal oughtta sound like. I'm still put-off about your feelings towards Meshuggah. I mean, c'mon. Who doesn't like to feel like they're wading in a cesspool of re-rejected Lamb of God riffs and used Six Feet Under guitar strings? Geez... On another note, one more something-metal band with a new record this year: Iced Earth. I'm just gonna keep adding to this list. Oh, yeah...Dethklok. This one's important. -Justin

Oh, but Meshuggah=metal. By the way, I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you. My internet has been off. I'm sending you some lyrics tonight or tomorrow night. I have one thing to say here: Has anyone noticed the prolific amount of metal(ish) bands that have put out new albums this year? Just a few- 3 inches of Blood(amazing) the Black Dahlia Murder(amazing from what they have online) Through the Eyes of the Dead(the music pretty much rips tBDM, and the vocals are a bit out of place) Throwdown- Pantera raped Throwdown, and there was a child. It's called Venom and Tears. the Red Chord- yessuh. Job For a Cowboy- Ah, yes. The infamous Myspace pillager. Chief among false metal and Lord of Scenesters. All that is totally true...on the last record. Genesis is totally solid for fans of true, brutal death metal. As I Lay Dying- They tried, and they failed. Half the album is a good effort at real, thrashy goodness. The other half...I'm not sure what the hell it is. But it's ******. Nile- Hails yeah. Behemoth- *spooge* I'll be back after I clean up... .... ... .. . Ozzy- What? Ozzy? Yes. Ozzy. Aight. I've had enough. -Justin

You guys should've been moderators back when the site wasn't so well organized. Aye... Anyway, I've got six years under my belt here at OB, and I think that tops everyone. Or at least, everyone I know of. 'Cept Adam. I could write a book about the first two or three. I remember Shinji and the 'take over.' I worked my way in with him, got full Admin status then totally shut him and his buddies out of the Board. That was back in the days of theotaku.com/boards, though. Then, I was a SuperMod. I think that's called a Catagory Mod now or something. Then, I quit. Then, I came back as a Mod of General Discussion(Otaku Lounge). Not long thereafter, Jenna(BabyGirl) sort of dropped off, as I had begun to. She being my only close friend on the Boards at that point, and with life offline calling, I basically left. I made several comeback over the years. The most recent being the most stable. And here I am. I just kind of wish I still knew who some people were. Either many names have changed, or I'm one of about five or so still around from the ye olden days. Favorite OB moment? The stories me and Jenna used to write together. ...and the bebbies... -Justin