Blog — Page 167 of 284

Black Metal has always been synonymous with Norway and with its anti-establishment take on things combined with the demonization of Christianity, it has never ceased to be one of the more fascinating and obscure constituents of the partisan metal cosmos, which reached its peak during the late 1980ies.

The genesis of the movement can be boiled down to a core of disenfranchised Norwegians who made headlines with not only their musical emissions but particularly via their less savoury acts like church-burnings and murder, a group of people whose stories director Jonas Åkerlund focuses on with his drama.

Åkerlund, known for producing videos for a range of artists ranging from Madonna to Rammstein, zeros in on the aversions, animosity, inter band rivalries and relationships of the individuals who founded the band that became known as Mayhem.

Given Åkerlund’s pedigree and involvement in the black metal scene, i.e. being the drummer for the pioneering constantly envelope pushing cult outfit Bathory, he has the ability to strike the balance between an insider’s view and a more objective portrayal of the matter and he manages to go a bit further than what had been previously reported through mainstream media.

Based on Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind’s non-fiction book Lords of Chaos, Åkerlund has infused Lords of Chaos with ample irony and humour to make it more than a mere glorification of the ascent of suburban teenagers to become and transform into world renowned anti-heroes.

The focus is firmly on the twisted relationships between band members Euronymous, Dead and Varg, the emergence of the band Mayhem and the transition to what to this day still operates under the banner of Burzum under the guidance of Varg.

The “interesting”, in the best way possible, choice of Sigur Ros to provide the soundtrack creates an interesting counterpoint to the subject matter and adds another dimension apart from the shock value the mainstream audience would expect.

In essence, the merit of Åkerlund’s work lies in not merely showcasing the horror movie elements and revelling in the violent acts that lie within the story but the portrayal of extreme angst, personal demons rather than the ones informing the lyrics, the ominous atmosphere and underlying factors that caused what ultimately eventuated, i.e. murder and mayhem.

The Water of Life – Old Kempton

It comes with the history of Australia that it does not have a history that is particularly long in harking back, so it is nice every now and then to come across an entity that found its inception in the nineteen hundred not unlike Old Kempton Distillery , which is located in Dysart House, a colonial mansion in Kempton, which is nestled between Hobart and Launceston.

Now, while “Old” Kempton usquebaugh is certainly a telling name, it does certainly not have to rely on its heritage and rich history as what I am about to wax lyrical about is something else:

Having originally originated as the producer of single malt whisky, with each ingredient harvested on the original site on the Plenty Highway/estate and with those operations going until 2015, the attention to detail and assurance of quality of the ingredients reverberates on throughout Old Kempton’s current operations that have seen the distillery not only move to a new site but elevated its status into becoming a veritable player on the ever competitive global stage of quality whisky distillers.

Clocking in at 64% ABV, their limited run Sherry Cask matured Strength is something to be experienced.

Without an iota of artificial colouring, this sweet and robust little double distilled number was channelled through copper pot stills, which makes for a real sherry treat.

Saying that it is a solid drop would be an understatement par excellence.

While my first exposure to Old Kempton’s spiritus frumenti was certainly not underwhelming, their individually numbered Pinot Small Cask Single Malt Whisky small batch single malt whisky blew both my mind and palate.

What was meant to commemorate the convict William Henry Ellis, i.e. the founder of Dysart House, encapsulates and showcases the essence of why Tasmanian whiskies are held in such high esteem.

Handcrafted at the hoochery and matured in specially-selected ex-pinot oak casks, the subtlety of gives it nuances that feel almost too dear to be just swallowed down.

While I usually am not averse to swirling a good drop for an ample amount of time around my palate, I find it hard to let this one go down the hatch.

A visit to Old Kempton seems mandatory when we are visiting Tasmania later this year to cover the 2019 incarnation of the Dark Mofo festival.

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Photo courtesy of Old Kempton

Eddie Izzard

State Theatre

Sydney, Australia

February 23, 2019

Eddie Izzard, not unlike every great man, exists in multitudes.

Conferencier.

Marathon runner.

Comedian.

Cunning linguist.

Cross-dresser.

Entertainer par excellence.

Activist.

Actor.

Possible London mayor candidate.

In the context of a comedy show, Eddie Izzard has transcended localities and pursues a global approach and views on humanity and history at large. Izzard manoeuvres his way through juxtapositions, comedic elements based on anthropomorphic grounds and slapstick routines.

What shines through is that what you get to experience is only the tip of the iceberg and a facet of the persona and that makes and the competence that underpins Eddie Izzard.

I personal enjoy his history and language related bits and given that Eddie performs his show in numerous languages, phenomena in world history along with pop cultural content prove to be the common denominator that forms the core of his sharp and witty performance that is not devoid of touching moments when he lets down his guard every now and then to share personal insights.

Naturally at home in front of a live audience, him expanding on his surreal views of life, love and his musing on the need to be are testament to the nature of his ‘Wunderbar’ show, which had its genesis in Paris where it derived from a whimsical steam-of-consciousness show he originally had scripted in French.

‘Wunderbar’ is a show that is intentionally all over the place and by that breaks down barriers – both literally as well as metaphorically, and one that is nurtured by Izzard’s charm and stage presence.

A formidable evening with the thinking man’s comedian and a show that is unique without being niche and never falls prey to appealing to the lowest common denominator of mainstream comedy.

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Image provided

Quantum Art and Uncertainty

Paul Thomas

Intellect Press

Art and science.

A quest for answers.

Creativity.

There are a range of similar approaches and synergies that apply to all of the aforementioned.

Quantum Art and Uncertainty explores what could be described as inbetween-ness and hard to define middle ground meandering between hammering on the gates of nothingness and the often soulless forward motion that propels our fast-paced life and has accelerated to a devil’s pace over recent years, i.e. it challenges binary thinking and advocates to rethink the way what we perceive to be our natural positioning.

Life is seen as nothing but a flickering light with art being the suspension mechanism and a tool to assess what we are and serve as an anchor.

Each chapter of Quantum Art and Uncertainty deals with one "property, dimension or aspect of quantum phenomena" and the impact of inconstancy, illustrating it using both physics and art and exemplifying the oeuvre or artists or genres like e.g. surrealism with scientific principles and the parallels that are drawn are fascinating if often unintended.

The book points to directions in which a rather new art stream that has evolved over time might weave its uncertain way and examines the performative aspect between the act and the emissions that come with it.

In essence, it elaborates what Brian Green must have had in mind when he stated that exploring the unknown requires tolerating uncertainty, the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers, with art being the lantern in the dark.

Sounds all too heady?

It is but on the same token it is never not relevant to your day-to-day operations as at the end of the day life is nothing but particles and an enormous wave coexisting at all times that comprises the oneness of the universe.

High Adventures in the Great Outdoors

Accessories and Traveling

Traveling internationally and the daily humdrum that comes with it, especially when it comes to packing and organising one’s essentials can be a chore. I like traveling light yet need sturdy gear to rely on, so the more valuable electronics do not get battered in transit.

After a lot of trial of error with gear – some gear looked fantastic but was not functional and did a less than mediocre job – I came across the fine folks at Ridge following a  recommendation from the ever industrious Jamey Jasta, one that roams the world and aims to streamline what he lugs around.

A first transition I did was using their front pocket wallet for personable valuables.

Again, been trying lots of different models throughout ever since I was lucky enough to have money on me, most of which filled up quickly resulting in an overstuffed lump comprised of spare change, receipts, rubbers, etc cetera, that materialized in the back of my pants interfering with my ability to sit straight, let alone fashion faux-pas like baggy pants and the wallet chain thang of the 90ies.

Given that most transactions these days can be conducted without any cash, Ridge Wallet’s capacity of holding up to fifteen cards along with the feature of RFID Blocking (hashtag “Wireless Identify theft”) are ideal. The wallet comes with the feature of either a money clip or a cash strap, so you Americans can still cling a wad of strip club currency to it if need be. Fans of coinage beware – you are out of luck.

The Ridge wallet does not look like a wallet, which at least for me is part of the appeal. You slide your cards by pushing an indentation, which slightly exposes the cards already in the wallet.

This makes it easier to insert the additional card into the top tapered groove.

Same goes for access e.g. middle cards which separate accordingly and spread out nicely with the push of a borderline non-existent button.

Now, after the wallet proved to do a fairly good job, I ventured further into Ridge territory and got myself one of their waterproof backpacks, which I mainly use for commuting.

The beauty of the thing is that it comes with a built-in USB charging port and a shockproof compartment for laptops, bottle holders, an RFID-blocking hidden pouch and looks great as well. Form follows function par excellence without any gimmicks.

Eventually, I also got one of their phone cases. Now, while the wallet and the backpack do not look bad, the phone cases are veritable things of beauty as they not only hold cards but come in oil waxed grain leather that develops a nice patina the longer you use it. As a matter of fact, the more battered it gets, the cooler it looks.

Now, let’s consider accessorizing.

Traveling a lot and need to dress smart casual every now and then but would not consider yourself the ineptest luminary when it comes to fashion?

Yeah, I hear you - there are tons of curated services out there that are pretty much useless when it comes to offering quality.

If you like easy access and do not only not mind but prefer for the curation to be done for you, an offering by the name of Menlo’s Club could be what you’ve been looking for.

The premise is straight forward: You fill in a questionnaire about your style preferences, sizing and other info that help them pick the gear for you and they will put together a monthly curated package drawing from the illustrious collections of menswear, athleisure wear), or New Republic by Mark McNairy (foot gear) products, with each month being different.

What I like about them is that they are flexible with their offerings as sizes can easily be exchanged, there is free shipping and membership can be cancelled any time.

Taking it a step further is another curated accessory service going under the name of Sprezzabox.

If you sign up for their monthly curated package you receive a box the contents of which are comprised of a neckwear item, i.e. tie, socks, pocket square, a tie clip or cuff links, a lifestyle item, e.g. something to assist with you imbibing habits and a grooming item. In essence, a departure from your Sid Vicious and Crass buttons to more gentlemanly accessories that assist in looking dapper and not the worst way to keep your look fresh and dynamic without having to overhaul your entire wardrobe.

Aight, going deeper – as in Steel Panther territory - Balls out!

Let’s delve into the neither regions of your corpse and not beat around the “bush” any longer, shan’t we? Punny, innit?

Not sure what your regimen is when it comes to the grooming of the private parts, e.g. if you are an aficionado of the 70s, but chances are you are using an off the shelf body wash containing an array of chemicals that merely masks instead of something that eradicates odours.

I tend to travel quite a bit through hot and humid territories and that’s where Ballwash ( https://ballwash.com/ ) comes in handy.

Sounds like a novelty thing? Well, it surely sounds like it but it ain’t – there is more to it than a mere marketing ploy.

In a nutshell, the objective of ridding funk off your junk is achieved by combining natural ingredients with activated charcoal, the benefits of which assist in eliminating your bodily excretions, rid your corpse of toxins and neutralize bacterial remnants and other nasties from the surface of your beloved skin.

Best thing is that the whole shebang comes in a neat “trifecta” box with the main product, i.e. Ballwash (nut, butt and body wash), a Nut Rub Solid Cologne and to round things out, and a “Sack Spray”, which delivers a refreshing pH balanced blast to the nuts that neutralizes odour while helping deodorize, sooth and moisture your most prized possessions.

Sick of the puns and allusions? I hear you.

Bottomline is that if you are looking for garbage free chemicals, devoid of sulphates and parabens, it sure is a nice alternative that does its job and has both an edge and a nice fragrance to it as well.

Read previous installments of High Adventures in the Great Outdoors here.

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Lead photo from Ridge website, other photos by T