Bear

Some exciting news for fans of good music: Triumvir Foul - Spiritual Bloodshed Their demo is a masterpiece and one of my favourite death metal releases in recent time, and while the debut album didn't quite manage to deliver the same magic, it's still excellent. Dark, mean and filthy death metal with hints of classic american death metal (Autopsy, Necrovore), as well as classic Swedish death metal (Nihilist, Dismember), as well as recent stuff like Teitanblood, Swallowed and The Haunting Presence. Bith members also delivers quality music in Ash Borer, Serum Dreg, Urzeit and Uškumgallu. Dødsengel - Interequinox Dødsengel have manage to create quite the name for themself in the underground, and with releases like Mirium Occultum, Alongside Choronzon, Ecstatic Horror and two and a half hour long masterpiece Imperator it's easy to understand why. We're talking black metal much in the vein of Hetroertzen, Nightbringer and Saligia, but with their own twist to it all. Evil - Rites of Evil This Japanese horde plays mean and evil black/speed/thrash metal in the vein of old Sodom, Bulldozer, Abigail, Sarcofago and Vulcano. Aek Gwi - Hideous Dreams Dark and eerie South-Korean black/ambient. Very horror-esque atmosphere, a bit like early Pyha. Top quality band! Really looking forward to all these. Should be goooood!!

So Heretoir just released a new album. I kinda thought they had split up to be honest. I was really into this band back when they released their debut album back in 2011, but since then they only released a compilation back in 2012. I can't say I have listened to Heretoir a lot since 2012-13, though. Probably not a single time. While the debut album was good musically, the production is just way off. But back then I was really into the whole black metal/depressive rock scene with bands like Amesoeurs, Lantlos, Lifelover, Apati, Dopamine, Dernier Martyr and so on, and the vast majority of these type of bands really pleased me. Anyway, with their new album, The Circle, Heretoir seems to have really found themself. The production is miles ahead of the debut album, and they seem to have much more control over what they are doing. They seem to know exactly where they want to go with their music, unlike with their debut which is a bit all over the place. It has a lot bigger focus on the black metal-side of things, and the black metal sounds a lot better. It's not original or anything, but it's good. Clearly draws a lot of inspiration from Alcest, Amesoeurs and Lantlos, and I am also tempted to say Les Discrets. Will be playing this a lot in the time to come. Beautiful artwork by Fursy Teyssier and brilliant vocals by Neige on Laniakea Dances (Soleils Couchants), which is by far the most Alcest-esque song on the album. It also happens to be the best song of the album after one listen.

Started watching Black Mirror yesterday and right now I just can't get enough of it. Just three episodes left. I've always enjoyed the anthology format, and especially series which is just a bunch of short films, and not entire seasons. And this series is doing it really well, much like a modern-day The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. It'd diverse, with episodes covering different genres (drama, horror, thriller, black comedy), with different type of atmosphere and whatnot, but at the same time it's all conected through everything being sci-fi at the botton and thematically based around technology. Great satire all around, and overall very bleak and dark. On it's worst (The Waldo Moment) it's really fun, at its best (Fifteen Million Merits, Be Right Back) it's absolutely mindblowing. And the rest of the episodes are much closer to Fifteen Million Merits and Be Right Back, than The Waldo Moment as far as quality goes. Says it all really. Gotta point out that White Bear was fantastic. And please tell me I am not the only one who gets a folk-horror feeling of this one? At times it made me think of The Wicker Man, Kill List and so on. Did not expect that.

Sure, but that goes for all countries. Though, I can imagine it being much more of a thing in asian countries like Japan and South-Korea. But that doesn't take away all the fabolous actors in Japan, both of the past and present. Watch films like Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, Love and Honor, Dolls, Love Exposure and Departures and tell me that's not some serious, top class acting. I cannot praise Twilight Samurai enough btw. Well, all of Yoji Yamada's Samurai Trilogy (Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, Love and Honor), but Twilight Samurai is the highlight of these three fantastic films. Everything about it, from the way it is shot and set to how it's told and acted are just beyond superb. Beutiful!

That's a bit of a tough one. Or, it kinda isn't. But it depends a lot on what you like. I could go on recommending Seven Samurai which is one of the greatest films ever as far as story, directing and acting goes, but unless one is actually into jidaigeki and is up for a four hour long epic adventure drama it's easy to become a bit biased, which would probably make it a bit harder to appreciate the greatness of the film. But fuck that, I will recommend it anyway: Seven Samurai (Toshirô Mifune and Takashi Shimura) Harakiri (Tatsuya Nakadai) The Sword of Doom (Tatsuya Nakadai) Lady Snowblood (Meiko Kaji) Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (Tomisaburo Wakayama) A Colt Is My Passport (Joe Shishido) Sonatine (Takeshi Kitano) Twilight Samurai (Hiroyuki Sanada) Samurai Reincarnation (Sonny Chiba) Just to mention a few, and I've tried to mix it up a bit as far as genres and stuff goes. Some of these, especially Harakiri and Twilight Samurai, might be way too slow for many, especially Harakiri and Twilight Smurai, but they're absolutely brilliant films with top, top actors and performances. Should also be noted than Tomisaburo Wakayama, Meiko Kaji and Sonny Chiba which are fantastic in a different way than e.g Toshirô Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai, which is the reason why they played in way different films too. And so on.

That's quite surprising, I have to say. Especially the years 60's through the 70's they had an immense collection of fantastic actors, and many whom I personally consider to be among the best actors ever. 60's and 70's Japan 20's and 30's America 50's through 70's England 20's Germany These countries in these eras produced the best actors IMO. Now don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean that these countries have been weak outside of this eras, or that other countries didn't deliver great actors, but during these times these countries just couldn't stop pumping out brilliant actors, one after another. It was amazing. I am also a huge fan of Takeshi Kitano, both as a director and actor. A huge, huge man in the world of cinema IMO. And I will have to admit that he is the only reason I am gonna see Ghost in the Shell, because everything else looks like complete dgshit in this film, judging by the clips and images I've seen. But I am drawn to the film becuase I love the shit out of Takeshi Kitano. I kinda hate that.

I can't wait to see this film. Supposedly a big, fat homage to 60's horror and I am hearing rumors that it nails absolutely everything from direction og cinematography to acting, atmosphere, set and costumes. It sounds great and I have faith that this can match the very best of post-80's horror films, and I expect it to be up there with The House of the Devil and The Call of Cthulhu. Can't fucking wait!

Mirai's been learning to play the flute for the upcoming album, Heir to Despair, and it's really cool to see him already play it live.

Are you serious?

It's an anime for sure and of all the anime's I've seen this is easily up there with Angel's Egg as far as originality and uniqueness, but even more so because of the striking visuals. Beautifully drawn, and the use of watercolours really sets it apart. I love the beautiful, grotesque, surreal and erotic imagery which makes the entire film somewhat nightmarish. This film more or less sums up this entire thread and its subject. A must-see for sure, but not for everyone. I have not seen the two first films of the "trilogy", tho. Anyone seen A Thousand and One Nights and Cleopatra? As far as I know these two films are way different in style and tone, being very standard visually and being more regular pornographic in nature? Anyone know this? Also, rewatched Berserk this week. It's so fucking good. Dark, grim and gritty dark fantasy. I also love how the animations are so flawed throughout the series. It just really adds to the atmosphere. Hate the intro and outro songs, tho, but the rest of the soundtrack is neat as fuck. How's the films, and how's the new series? I've understood it so that the two first films are basically remakes of the series, while the third offers something new? But how about the new series? Never heard about it before today. A bit sceptical because of the CG animation, tho. Not a fan of CG animations at all, unless it's used sparsely. I rarely manage to fully appreciate full CG animations.

Since I'm home I'll throw in a few more recommendations for Takashi Miike: The Happiness of the Katakuris Really weird mixture of horror, comedy and musical. Surreal, odd and weird remake of Kim Jee-woon's cult classic The Quiet Family. This is actually one of the best remakes ever, just so it's said. It's different from the original, but at the same time very familiar (if you've seen the original). Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha Ultra-violent, bizarre, wild and fucking crazy. Yeah, watch this gem of a film! The Bird People in China While not my favourite film, this is probably the man's best films as far as script, dialogue, characters and direction goes. It's quite the opposite of what he's known for, but it shows that he's got some serious skills. Deadly Outlaw: Rekka One of his many yakuza films, and a great one as well. It's a very typical Miike film. Over the top and wild. The entire soundtrack to this film is Satori by Flower Travellin' Band, which is cool as the album is a proper masterpiece. Shinjuku Triad Society, Rainy Dog and Ley Lines (also known as Black Triad trilogy) Some very early Miike crime films. Classics! Graveyard of Honor Great remake of Kinji Fukasaku's 1975 film of the same name. If you've not seen the original I would recommend getting into that one first, but this is a great remake of a classic yakyza film. Sukiyaki Western Django A film you'll most likely hate or love. Doesn't seem to be anything inbetween in Miike's western, which combines plenty elements of Sergio Leone's Dollars trilogy and Akura Kurosawa's Yojimbo. It's in English (or, engrish if you want), and that's something that bothers a lot of people as the majority of actors seems to concentrate more on pronnouncation than acting. I like it a lot, and the engrish just adds to the fun. Young Thugs: Nostalgia Brutal violence, comedy. Yeah, a very Miike-esque film from the late 90's. Young Thugs: Innocent Blood I believe I have seen this film been called "a violent comedy" and a "cinematic bloodbath", which is spot on. Yakuza Apocalypse Absurdity level 10,5. Vampire yakuzas, a guy dressed up as a frog. A love/hate type of film. Agitator Yakuza! Great film. But as you can see, there's a lot to choose from. From around 95-04 (or something) he seemed to be obsessed with yakuza tales. Often very bleak, gritty and brutal, but a lot of them are quite different from eachother nonetheless. He's a great director with his own thing going on. But the further back you go, the darker, grittier and more fucked up it gets in many ways. His characters, plot and overall look used to be a lot less slick and polished. There's something so very perverse about the way he shows and present his violence on screen, and I absolutely love and adore it . If I had to recommend a few to begin with: Fudoh: The New Generation Gozu The Happiness of the Katakuris Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha The Bird People in China Shinjuku Triad Society Visitor Q Not necessary because these are my favourites (even though some of these are his best), but because they all are great films, but they show some very different sides about him.

I don't talk about Play Dolls, but I listen to it quite often and I have done so since it's release. Think it is a brilliant album and on par with Not Obtain, if not better. Two of the darkest, most depressing VK/jrock albums I've heard, and that's something I appreciate a lot. Really despise everything they've done after Play Dolls and Not Obtain, though. Cool topic. Will come back to this later.

Visitor Q is really good if you'd like to watch something quite fucked up. His remake of 13 Assassins is very good, but the original is way better. Gozu and Foduh are both masterpieces. Full Metal Yakuza is great. Three Extremes are excellent. Both Crows Zero filmes are great, but a bit too boyband-esque for my taste. Always wish that they was a bit tougher around the edges with less pretty boys. And that's all I bother now on my phone. He's got some remakes to his name and while some, like 13 Assassins, are very good, the originals are in all cases way, way better. Always watch the originals first. Will come back later. Magnificent, unique director who's really managed to find his own style.

Which is understandable. It's a heavy film that really requiers and asks a lot from the viewer, but I think this film is pure magic. Repeated viewings are probably not a bad idea for a film like this.

Best thing about going to concerts or clubs/bars in Trondheim is the bus home at 3am. 9 out of 10 times it's just brilliant. Most times I'm actually laughing for the entire ride (60-90 minutes, depends a bit). Unlike in Oslo where there's always some shit going on on the bus or among the people waiting, here there's only joy. Overly drunk people who do stupid shit and make fools of themself, some nice people and just good atmoshere all the way, all over the place. Even the hour and half wait for the bus was amazing. One drunk, pessimistic dad of three, one overly drunk mom of three and me. And some people who come and go of course. Hilarious!

Plenty great recommendations so far, but don't be afraid to start discussions about these type of films/series, guys. Seen a lot of 'em, and while most of what I have seen are series I really like, they're different from what I'm mostly into at the moment. The visual style of them just aren't what pleases my eyes at the moment. They're a bit too flashy, too colorful and too cute looking. Metropolis, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade however are exactly the kind I prefer myself at the moment. The way the stories are told, the visual style of them. Love it! Especially Metropolis hits the bulls eye. Brilliant film! While Higurashi no Naku Koro nistory-wise has a lot of what I am into at the moment, the overall visual style is just too cute and colorful for me at the moment. The look of this series is like the upbeat, happy music of An Cafe and Sug. Personally I am looking for films and series with a darker, more gritty look. Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is another one that fits my taste, especially the visual style of it. Good show, this. Seems to be very overlooked.

Nah, I am calm. So don't go there, brah. But you were right. It was a poor title that gave the wrong first impression and was easy to misunderstand.

If it was about hentai I'd have called the thread "hentai". But I'll change the title.

By the way, Angel's Egg is an overlooked masterpiece. Slow-burning, surrealistic and poetic anime with barely any dialogue at all. It's not as much about plot, characters and all that, but rather an atmospheric trip, or just an experience, that offers something different. Probably the most unique anime I've ever seen. It's not even 80 minutes long, but 85% of everyone who watch this will be bored to death and the 80 minutes will feel more like 578 minutes. But this is perfect IMO. Highly recommended for people with some patience who appreciate atmosphere, visual style and the artsy side of things.

I couldn't find a better title for this thread, but I would like to have an own thread for anime that are suited for adults, rather than kids/teens. Because whenever I've started talking about this in the anime thread it's kinda dwoned in the talk of everything else which is probably more popular. And with "adult" I am basically thinking about anime that is much darker and psychological, more violent and gory, features erotica, or deals with themes that'll go way above the head of most teens. It's a bit vague I guess, but I think you'll get what I mean when you see the lists of examples. Series: Cowboy Bebop* Ergo Proxy Serial Experiments Lain Neon Genesis Evangelion Elfen Lied Hellsing Gungrave Cyber City Oedo 808 Berserk Films: Perfect Blue Akira Ninja Scroll Ghost in the Shell Angel's Egg Memories Wicked City Vampire Hunter D Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust *I understand that Cowboy Bebop might seem a bit out of place to some here, but its touches of neo-noir, sophistication, philosophical concepts of boredom and loneliness and more adult themes such as drugs and homosexuality makes it a very adult series. Anyone ever see anime that's either Lovecraftian or very cosmic horror-inspired? Would be real cool!

I have been able to vote for 10 years, yet I have never placed a vote. Fuck politicians, fuck pilitics and fuck anyone involved in politics, both from the outside and inside. They're all awful liars. Fuck 'em all.

Was the same with me. Bought it 4-5 months ago or something, but I've only played Rocket League since then and haven't found the time to play this. But I've found out that playing an online, competetive game like Rocket League while drinking isn't a good idea, so today I decided to start on this while getting drunk. So far, so fucking good. Excellent so far! Also have a lot of other games I'll have to play which I bought right before christmas or so. But Rocket League have prevented me from doing so

Started playing Odallus: The Dark Call today. 40 minutes in and it's totally neat. Like a mix of Castlevania og Metroid, with a brilliant soundtrack on top. It's nothing revolutionary, but so far it's a real fun action-adventure platformer.

Sounds neat! After hearing two tracks this album is already better than their debut album and EP. Way ahead of both! I'm surprised by how epic this song sounds, but it still sounds like it's from the same album as the first, more Nifelheim'esque track. Diggin' this, and the cover art is just beyond rad.

Seeing Ram-Zet live today. Ram-Zet isn't a band I listen to anymore, but back in the day I was a massive fan. They're from the same area as me, one of the first band I saw live and I sitll have my old Ram-Zet tshirt, bought at a hippiestore with tons of posters with Bob Marley and cannabis and whatnot. I think the tshirt must be something like 12-13 years old not. I haven't really tried to get into their last two albums, but I've heard them a few times. Much more avant-garde and playful than their earlier, schizophrenic stuff. But I am excited anyway. It's a small scene with the capacity of 150 people, and even 150 is pushing it a lot. 50-80 of those will have a terrible view of the scene. So yeah, we're talking a real intimate concert here. Hopefully they'll just go full retard with the theatrics, because I am expecting something theatrical and over the top here. Also, I am sure I would still enjoy at least their three first albums if I play them again. A mixture of avant-garde black and goth metal with focus on atmosphere rather than riffs. I always liked the schizophrenic feeling of their music. It's weird.