1:46AM — Friday Night/Saturday Morning — Hotel Mercure, Tilburg

I was trying to find a clever MacGuyver way to open a bottle of Palm Dobbel from the sixer that forum member StevhanTI was kind enough to bring me, but there’s no opener in the hotel room and so I have no means of doing so. I suppose I could go downstairs and work that out, and maybe I will by the time this is posted.

Tilburg is jumping tonight. Through the open window, I hear cheers, chants, periodic death growls. It’s a culture clash between the nightlife crowd and the Roadburn weirdos. I like it. I enjoy this place. Today was long, but I have no regrets for taking it on. I might even sleep tonight, if I’m lucky. It’s already later than it was when I started my post last night, but Voivod‘s set got me all full of energy — because it ruled — so I should hopefully manage to not fall asleep as I type, which would be a boon at this point.

When I got back to 013, the main stage room was already mostly full for Winter, and rightly so. The reunited New York trio were suitably momentous, and suitably loud. It was awesome. There’s something extra misanthropic about that early ’90s brand of death-doom; it was made so opposite the trend of its day, and Winter managed to carry that feel over. They didn’t have a stage show to speak of, just the three of them standing there (well, the drummer sat). Not about the show, just about the music. Just about the heaviness. And in that, they were devastating.

In a scene so varied, it’s easy to lose track of that mentality and get caught up in the fun side of a band like Ghost, who can deliver both a solid musical aesthetic and an engaging live show. But ultimately it’s the music that matters, and Winter brought that out. On that level, it was the essence of doom. It’s not about the show, it’s not about entertaining. It’s about not fitting in, and even among the weirdos, Winter were their own entity. Unmistakable.

The Green Room was accessible for Beaver, so I went in there and got a much-needed dose of rock. Between Winter and the likes of Keiji Haino and Year of No Light, the day had thus far been pretty grim. The change was welcome. There wasn’t much room to stand or get any decent pictures, but I made up for it by hitting the merch area and buying an exclusive wood-box boxed set of everything they’ve ever recorded for 50 Euro. Next up on my plan was Earth at the Midi Theatre — their set switched with Circle with Pharaoh Overlord, if you’ll recall — but I missed it and the Animosity lineup of C.O.C. in the name of getting dinner. Sorry. Man’s gotta eat.

After failing to get a table at Koi Sushi across the street from the Mercure (I’m pretty sure if I’d showed up in a suit and a Eurodouche haircut, I’d have gotten seated, but I’m always sure of that), it was off to a Mexican place down Weirdo Canyon, that had a beer spiked with tequila called Desperados that I had two of before I realized why I was getting so buzzed off it. So much for knowing what you’re getting into.

The food was decent, though, and much needed. If I’m lucky, tomorrow I’ll wake up in time to get some eggs for breakfast. After the “flautas” — which was actually a burrito — I went back to the 013 main room for SunnO)))‘s set. They took their sweet time getting on stage, as you’d almost have to expect, and I waited impatiently in the photo pit, crowded in with the same pushy group of people who’ve been around all weekend. I saw members of Evoken up front in the crowd on the other side of the barrier. Looking forward to their set tomorrow. Another killer Jersey band — totally opposite end of the spectrum from The Atomic Bitchwax — representing my home state. Jersey Shore my ass.

I probably should have stayed for more of SunnO))), but I wanted to catch Hooded Menace in the Green Room, and knew that doing so meant I had to get over there early. They were already on when I rolled in, and killing it. I was glad to see they captured the tightness of their studio sound live with a formidable vitality to complement. They look like a young band on stage, and forsaking the cloaks of the main stage act on at the time, they wore hoodies to cover their heads and evoke their moniker. It was clever, and even if they did look like they belonged at a Madball show, they certainly didn’t sound it. Fucking killer death metal with doom riffs. I dug it and felt lucky to see them.

My night ended with Voivod, which was fitting. I was right up front at the Midi Theatre for the start of their set — having gotten there and been pleasantly surprised to catch the tail end of Incredible Hog‘s performance — and it was well worth the push of the crowd. Incredible Hog had hit the old-man-rock nail right on the head, and Voivod, a generation younger, injected punk rock energy into classically progressive heaviness. I’d never seen either band — never heard of Incredible Hog — so it was awesome to see both acts and close out my Friday night with such a meaningful set.

I know Voivod‘s days as a live act are numbered after the death of Denis “Piggy” D’Amour and their subsequent albums featuring the riffs he recorded prior to passing, and I appreciated having the chance to see them. Having Snake sing “Forlorn” from Phobos (on which Eric Forrest originally performed) was the icing on the cake, and the band as a whole rocked. There was no pretense about it, no bullshit, just rock and roll. It was a joy to watch.

Tomorrow begins with Candlemass performing Epicus Doomicus Metallicus in its entirety — basically a headlining set opening the day — so I’m stoked for that, but for tonight, it’s getting on 3AM and time for me to upload my pictures to go with this post and get the hell to sleep if I can. Breakfast and all the rest of it depends mostly on my getting a decent night’s sleep, so here’s hoping. My Palm Dobbel now open, Friday has a fitting (and delicious) end.

More pics after the jump. Click to enlarge any of them and/or the ones here.

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You know what I think is cool about the list of bands announced today for SunnO)))‘s curated event at Roadburn 2011? Yeah, it’s got the Southern Lord stuff like The Secret, Earth and Attila Csihar, and I think we all saw that coming, and a couple other cool acts, but then there’s Beaver. That’s right, Beaver.

Once Josh Homme‘s purported favorite band, they’re the little-known Dutch stoner outfit who got the shaft in 2001 when Man’s Ruin folded after releasing their album, Mobile and haven’t put out a record since. They’re playing. I can’t wait to see them. I’ll bet you anything in the world they fucking kill it.

Here’s the news off the Roadburn site, which if you’re not checking regularly for updates, you should be, as there are more bands being unveiled every day:

Legendary doom pioneers Winter, along with Earth, Scorn, Beaver, Aluk Todolo, Menace Ruine, Hooded Menace, The Secret and Atilla Csihar’s Void ov Voices, have been confirmed for SunnO)))‘s curated event at Roadburn Festival 2011, set for April 15 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.

As curator, SunnO))) (Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley) are personally selecting the bands that will play during their special event, as well as performing a headlining show. SunnO))) is Roadburn’s fourth curator, following David Tibet in 2008, Neurosis in 2009 and Triptykon’s Tom Gabriel Warrior at this year’s festival in April.

SunnO))) comments: “SunnO))) is honored to present the first part of our guests for the curated day at Roadburn, April 15, 2011. They represent a broad range of bands we are fans of, and in many cases some of our closest friends and collaborators. We hope you appreciate the selection, and look forward to announcing more of our selection and allies…”

For the life of me, I don’t know how Boris manages to stay so prolific. For example, within the next two weeks, the core unit of the band will be playing shows not only as themselves (concluding a US/Canada tour), but also as collaborative outfits with the likes of SunnO))) and Ian Astbury of The Cult. We should all be blessed with such a work ethic. I can barely take out the garbage without feeling like the world owes me an ice cream sandwich.

The PR wire has the specifics as to how Boris continues to make us all look bad:

As Boris wrap up their latest month-long North American tour with two California shows this week, they’re also prepare to join forces with several allies for their upcoming live work with Altar and BXI performances scheduled in New York.

First up, Altar (comprised of SunnO))) and Boris as one group) will perform at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival in Monticello, New York alongside Sleep, Iggy & The Stooges, Sonic Youth and countless more in a massive outdoor space. Two days later Altar will make another appearance, this time alongside the first official performance of BXI (Boris and Ian Astbury of The Cult), which will all go down at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple, which has been unarguably dubbed “the loudest room in NYC,” and presented by All Tomorrow’s Parties and The Blackened Music Series.

The debut release from BXI is a four-song self-titled EP, which was released by Southern Lord on Aug. 17. The EP is quickly surprising fans of both The Cult and Boris, as well as journalists across the globe, and has listeners taking this new collaboration quite seriously, making this official first concert together an exceptionally special performance for the unit.

Live Performances:
Boris
8/26/2010 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA w/ Red Sparowes, Helms Alee
8/27/2010 El Rey – Los Angeles, CA w/ Red Sparowes, Helms Alee
8/28/2010 The Glass House – Pomona, CA w/ Red Sparowes, Helms Alee
Altar
9/05/2010 ATP Fest – Monticello, NY w/ Sleep, The Stooges, Sonic Youth, more
Altar and BXI
9/07/2010 Brooklyn Masonic Temple – Brooklyn, NY w/ Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter

Down through the PR wire today comes the news that SunnO))) — Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson — are set to curate a day at Roadburn 2011. They’re in great company, as you’ll see from the release below, and what this means, other than that Eagle Twin is likely to perform, is that Roadburn is probably going to be more diverse than ever before, as these two dudes are all over the map, from KTL to Goatsnake.

Walter from the festival checks in with the following:

Roadburn festival is thrilled to unveil the curator for the 2011 edition: SunnO))). The band, to be specific Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley, has agreed to curate our festival on Friday, April 15th, 2011 and host a special event.

As curator, SunnO))) will personally select the bands that will play during their special event as well as perform a headline show. SunnO))) will be Roadburn’s fourth curator, following David Tibet in 2008, Neurosis in 2009 and Triptykon’s Tom Gabriel Warrior at this year’s festival.

We are truly looking forward to the new ideas and visions that the crossover drone duo will bring to the festival next year. When asked to sum up Roadburn in one word, “progressive” would be a fitting choice. Evolving and improving are part of this. The festival is a tribute to the open mindedness of its bands, curators and audience. The joy comes from expanding musical horizons, and with SunnO))) acting as our curator we’ll definitely be in for some artistic surprises.

Roadburn 2011, including SunnO)))’s special event, will run for three days from Thursday, April 14 to Saturday, April 16 at the 013 venue and Midi Theatre in Tilburg, Holland. There will be an additional Afterburner event on Sunday, April 17, 2011.

In a pathetic bid to live vicariously through anyone who was lucky enough to see it, the next day found me asking nearly everyone I talked to at this year’s Roadburn in Tilburg, Netherlands, how Goatsnake‘s set had been the night before. The response was universally positive. About the only person I didn’t ask was Goatsnake guitarist Greg Anderson, who also played the fest with Thorr’s Hammer — he’s also in dronely lords SunnO))) and founded Southern Lord Recordings, in case it wasn’t clear yet of whom I was speaking — though I had more than one opportunity to do so. If there’s anything more horrific than the sounds SunnO))) crafts on their latest album, Monoliths and Dimensions, though, it’s the thought of human interaction with someone I don’t already know, so you can pretty much figure that was out.

Goatsnake never actually broke up. There was no press statement, no talking of shit between former band members (at least not in public), no tour dates canceled. They just kind of petered out, first after 2000′s Flower of Disease full-length — just reissued on Southern Lord — and then again after 2004′s Trampled Under Hoof EP, and with Anderson, who was the principle songwriter, head-first involved in SunnO))), fans were more or less left to assume the days of Goatsnake‘s Crisco-thickened grooves were through. Vocalist Pete Stahl continued his work with earthlings? and bassist Guy Pinhas, who had been replaced by Scott Reeder (Kyuss, The Obsessed) and who had also played in The Obsessed with drummer Greg Rogers, part-time filled a vacant slot in Acid King. That was that.

And of course, owing to what Anderson refers to in our interview as “The Kyuss Syndrome,” once Goatsnake was no longer active, the band’s legend began to grow, eventually getting to such a fervency that not only were they asked by Roadburn to play, but also to headline on the main stage the first night of the festival. Pretty fucking impressive. In our discussion, Greg Anderson talks about the process of putting Goatsnake back together after nearly a decade of not playing with this lineup, his nervousness about the performance, and updates on SunnO))) and his Ascend project with Gentry Densley of Iceburn and Eagle Twin fame.

As always, Q&A is after the jump. Please enjoy.

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I know it’s eating them up inside, but being professionals above all else, drone gods SunnO))) very kindly don’t mention the fact that I didn’t see them on this most recent tour with Pelican and Eagle Twin and how disappointed they must have been when I didn’t make it to the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia in time. Carry on, guys. That’s all you can do. And yes, I got your flowers.

Instead, Greg Anderson, speaking on behalf of himself and Stephen O’Malley, focuses on the positive, writing through his tears that this was their best tour yet. But read between the lines and what he’s really saying is, “It would have been the best tour yet, if only H.P. Taskmaster had come to the Philly show.” I know, Greg. And I’m sorry. We’ll get ‘em next time, right?

Here’s the tour wrap and some nifty vinyl news courtesy of the PR wire:

“Last week SunnO))) triumphantly completed its first ever comprehensive US tour by demolishing the Mercy Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee. Of particular note was the show?at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn where we played with our brothers in Eagle Twin, Pelican and Earth. This show was sold out (1200 folks) making it the biggest SunnO))) show ever in the USA!?Fortunately the majority of these shows were properly documented and written about by several publications both physical and online. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts for your support.”

SunnO))) are also proud to announce that the mega-deluxe, 180-gram?vinyl version of the latest?album, Monoliths & Dimensions is now available!?SunnO))), Stephen O’Malley and Southern Lord have all gone to great lengths to make sure that the vinyl version of the album is of the utmost quality in both audio and packaging presentation. This is truly how we wish this album to be heard, seen and felt. The album?s jacket is a heavy-weight cardboard “tip-on” style that contains two printed inner-sleeves and a fold out “poster” with the lyrics and album credits. This jacket is then encased by a printed velum dust jacket that resembles a dust jacket you would find on a hardcover book. Order at: http://www.southernlord.com/store.php.

Dude, Greg Anderson totally has a man crush on Gentry Densley. First they put out the Ascend record together, then Anderson signs Densley‘s band, Eagle Twin, to Southern Lord and puts out their album, The Unkindness of Crows, and now Eagle Twin and SunnO))) are touring together. Get a room already.

Shows are as follows:

9/17/2009 Mr Small’s – Pittsburgh, PA
9/19/2009 AS220 Broad Street Studio – Providence, RI
9/20/2009 First Unitarian Church – Philadelphia, PA
9/22/2009 Brooklyn Masonic Temple – Brooklyn, NY w/ Pelican, Earth
9/23/2009 Sonar - Baltimore, MD
9/24/2009 Bijou Theatre – Knoxville, TN
9/25/2009 The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC w/ Faust
9/26/2009 Legends Banquet & Special Event Center – Atlanta, GA
9/27/2009 Seney-Stovall Chapel – Athens, GA
9/28/2009 Seney-Stovall Chapel – Athens, GA
9/30/2009 Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN

Normally I don’t buy into the whole vinyl-sounds-better thing. I agree there’s something to the experience of purchasing a record and certainly the artwork is bigger, but in terms of the actual sound, while I’ll grant that analog and digital sound different, since most turntables run through a digital amplifier before they reach the speakers anyway and even if not, the disparity is negligible, usually I chalk it up to marketing bullshit or a reactionary hipster trend flying in the face of the rise of digital media. Take that, Apple.

That said, there’s a feeling of self-infliction you get when putting the needle to any of the four sides of the 2LP version of SunnO)))‘s Monoliths and Dimensions (as ever, on Southern Lord) that I genuinely don’t believe would carry over with a CD, mp3 or whatever other format you choose. Aside from each of the four tracks demanding you to make sure you’re on the right speed (it goes 33, 45, 45, 33rpm) — if nothing else a clever way to make sure the listener is paying attention to what they’re hearing — the ritualistic feeling of quietly changing sides after each song makes you feel more of a part of it, like you’re in your very own grimmrobe, or at very least in a room filled with smoke-machine fog.

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Taken from the DVD Such Hawks, Such Hounds and posted by the good hardworking folks at the Malleus Rock Art Lab comes this clip focusing on the visuals of modern psychedelia and stoner rock. In it we get to see Malleus, Arik Roper, Stephen O’Malley and more. Pretty killer. Enjoy, and when you’re done, head over to suchhawkssuchhounds.com and buy a copy of the movie. It’s all about education, man.

When I pulled up to the driveway of the house way back up on the top of the hill, none of the lights were on. I got out of my car and before I could press the button on the remote to lock it, I was hit with the chloroform and out in a matter of seconds. The last thing I remember before waking up was the feeling of the February air coming through that cloth as I sucked in the chilled chemicals.

It was a punch to the back of my already aching head that brought consciousness with it, though I might as well have still been out, for all the light there was to see. None, in other words. The room was pitch black and I could feel the zip line tight around my wrists and ankles before I even tried to move them. Ball gag in my mouth. I tried to scoot my chair in one direction or another, forward, wherever that was, and met with another fist, this one from the side, at my jaw. No one spoke. I started to cry.

Then I heard it.

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Looks like it’s time to get the robes out. The following came in on the wire just a bit ago and is some killer news for drone heads out there:

SunnO))) is proud to present their seventh studio album, after 10 years of existence, Monoliths and Dimensions. The album showcases the core guitar duo — Stephen O?Malley and Greg Anderson –? incorporating influences from a plethora of guest musicians, bringing the SunnO))) sound to epic new levels. The band also collaborated with composer Eyvind Kang (notable for his work with John Zorn, Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell, etc.) on various acoustic ensembles, in addition to the Helios-fueled electric guitars and basses. Key players on the album include Australian guitar genius Oren Ambarchi, enigmatic Hungarian vocalist Attila Csihar (Mayhem, Tormentor, etc.) and slow music godfather Dylan Carlson (Earth), as well as Julian Priester (worked with Sun Ra in the 50s, John? Coltrane?s African Brass, and Herbie Hancock?s Sextet) and new-music horn player Stuart Dempster. There?s also an upright bass trio, French & English horns, harp & flute duo, piano, brass,? reed & strings ensembles, and a Viennese woman?s choir led by Persian vocal savant Jessika Kenney.

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