Men as Trees
Weltschmerz
Daijoubu (2008)
Richard "Dick" Proenneke died in 2003 after living alone in the Alaskan wilderness for roughly thirty years. He built his own furniture after constructing a cabin for himself, was attacked by bears, and almost tamed a wolverine. Proenneke's naturalist life and journalistic observations at Twin Lakes is an obvious influence for Men as Trees' third release on Daijoubu Records, as the band uses his quotes throughout the course of the album and dedicates this release to him, their "hero." Weltschmerz (pronounced "velt-shmerts"), is a German word that means "a feeling of melancholy or world-weariness," but I've felt no sort of sorrow after listening to the album numerous times. In fact, when I saw Men as Trees play the Bullet Fest in Baltimore, I don't think one person in the room was sad to hear what was to be heard. Men as Trees play a blend of screamo and ambient instrumental music. Their lighter side, which opens most songs and gives them their length, has an air of Explosions in the Sky. For instance, "Germinal" starts with eight-and-a-half minutes of instrumental guitar banter before transforming into the progeny of La Quiete and Yaphet Kotto. If you aren't familiar with these bands, … Read more
Bongripper
Hate Ashbury
Independent (2008)
It's easy for people to dismiss a band like Bongripper. Instrumental doom metal isn't the most glamorous business out there, … Read more
Bar Kokhba
Lucifer: Book of Angels Vol. 10
Tzadik (2008)
On the heels of Xaphan: Book of Angels Vol. 9 (well, preceding it, if you wanna get all chronological with … Read more
Nine Inch Nails
The Slip
The Null Corporation (2008)
My first ever disclaimer: I like Nine Inch Nails. I thought the little 'Art is Resistance' campaign made for Year … Read more
