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Every Time I Die - "The Box Set" (Ferret Music, 2007) [key tracks: The New Black, Apocalypse Now and Then, Floater]

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"Are we baiting the right hook to get your attention? The media needs another blackout... we’ve been calling, flooding hot lines. We’ve applied mascara to the radio, but that’s just a quick fix and we need a little more. Does it matter to you at all? Are you listening or have you tuned out? We’ve gotta get it together... but first we drink and we take it all apart. Because everywhere we go 'we’re the local boys and we’re back in town'... well that’s just the way it is, and it breaks my heart."

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Wow, Spring break is half over. And all I have managed to do is pick up a pile of papers, have lunch with Matt, and work. Go me!

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Every Time I Die released this box set for its fans, as a collectible and a "thanks for getting us this far." It contains their three studio LPs, which covers the bulk of their repertoire except their debut EP "Burial Plot Bidding War." If you listen to the 3 LPs in order, you can hear the subtle evolution of the band... which is really more of a reallocation of resources that were always there. The band is as brutal and punishing as ever, pumping out a Bronx/Zeke post-hardcore-crust-metal assault (never once does it sound Nu, by the way). They call this "mathcore" or "metalcore," but we all know it either rocks or sucks. It rocks. Anyway, the shift from "Last Night..." to "Gutter..." is in the lyrical delivery, which became less stressful (ala Unsane) and more playful (like Louis XIV, but more intelligent, less sexy). The take-home fact here is that this music gets you hyped. Unlike other metal, played fast or with hip-hop beats, or with growling and screaming, this music gets into your blood. It does make you want to fight, want to get in someones face, makes you want to grab that hot girl at the bar by the arm and "make out on her." This is adrenaline on vinyl. So suffice it to say that there is no good way to slide someone into Every Time I Die... either they are beckoned by the attitude and and energy, or they hate it. Believe it or not, Mark hates it. Mao eats it up. Other facts: the box cover mimics the deluxe reissue edition of "Gutter Phenomenon," the record sleeve for "Last Night in Town" features the original cover, "Hot Damn!" is drawn in lipstick not blood (the back side has two women about to kiss), the vocalist and lead guitarist are brothers, the vocals are often written and recorded well after the songs are established, and the band is currently on their 10th bassist. Take that Spinal Tap!

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So I found myself swimming in religious debate lately. I sort of miss it. Except for the morons that refuse to think out a position, belief, or statement before they share it. Unfortunately they are on both sides. Worse yet are those who feign a position. Not just playing devil's advocate, but pure straight fakin' the funk. It all started because I watched 3 hours of Discovery Channel coverage of the "Tomb of Jesus" and then proceeded to stay on the message boards for another hour and a half beyond. When I woke up Monday I had a glut of emails from strangers as well, and I answered as many as I could. This morning, more emails. Wow. So, rather than share my views, I invite you to email me (only if you aren't a moron), and PLEASE quit quoting DaVinci Code as if it was part of the Apocrypha.

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DNA tested horns wayyyyy up!

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