Some writing music: Part 117

Good day inmates!

Happy new year! I know it was a few days ago, but that was for everyone I hadn’t got the chance to wish well. I hope you all had some grand celebrations. I think you all deserve it after the last couple years eh? Did many of you have to nurse a monster hangover afterwards? I’m genuinely curious. I had a bit of a quiet one myself. Not due to lack of invitations, but rather a distinct lack of energy. As it happens, it was also my birthday on the 2nd as well. Happy birthday to me and all that. Another year closer to the grave eh? Haha!

So, it’s time for the first edition of the Harlequins writing music of 2022! I wish I could claim I’m going to do something special, but alas, not this time my friends. It’s going to be a pretty standard showing. I hope that isn’t the negative it sounds in my head. Did anybody see the clue earlier today? I quite liked that one as I’m rather fond of that kind of artwork.

Well, now for the “big” reveal! Todays musical theme is the macabre! I don’t know if you knew this, but the generally grisly, morbid and darkest things have informed much of my creativity for years. Poetry about the undead, monsters, death and yes, those darn serial killers. Sure, much of my work is political, philosophical, satirical or just generally wacky in nature but I find it hard to conceal my interest in the macabre. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but the darker aspects of the world and human experience are not to simply be shirked. They are as real and unavoidable as the reaper itself. Art is not always aesthetically pleasing. I watch a lot of horror movies and shows alright? It’s not my fault. So, want to hear some music inspired by the darker aspects of the mind? I knew you would!

So, join me as we delve into the musical minds of ghastly artists the world over!

Gothminister – The Sun
https://www.gothminister.com/

Brothers Osborne – Skeletons
https://www.brothersosborne.com/

Ghostemane – Bonesaw
https://www.ghostemane.com/

Rammstein – Stirb Nicht Vor Mir
https://www.rammstein.de/en/

Ghostfire – Vaudevillain
https://www.youtube.com/c/ghostfiremusic/

And there we have it once again! Some interesting artists there no? I actually tried to avoid the obvious macabre choice of just loads of gothic bands. That would have been a little too easy I feel. Cradle of Filth, Tiamat or Behemoth wouldn’t be bad choices if you’re into those kinds of bands. Also the Tiger Lillies and Creature Feature! I hope you find something that you enjoy here anyway. Check them all out, they all deserve the attention you know!

Speaking of attention, mind if I have some? I have social media sites you know! The asylum has a page over on Facebook, an account on Instagram and a page on Twitter as well. Please consider checking out those pages for random stuff! Also, if you enjoy what I do here at the asylum, please consider supporting me over on the Ko-Fi page too! Thanks for everything!

Until next week, have a very crazy day inmates!

King Diamond and the Puppet Master

In the last few days I discovered a new band while i was trawling Youtube as i often do. This band being ‘King Diamond’. At first the only notable thing about the band was the costume of the singer (who is the eponymous King Diamond). It reminds me much of my own face paint designs. These designs were inspired by bands like Marilyn Manson, KISS, Ghost, The Shanklin Freak Show, Gothminister and Alice Cooper. However, i think i can now add King Diamond to this list.  The music did hook me as well in the end. It’s also great, full of dark stories and heavy riffs. Some pretty amazing solos in there too. Awesome songs like “Give me your soul” or “Abigail” in particular caught my attention. I love it!

“Howdy!”

Anyway, that is not actually the point of this post. While i was checking out some of the bands various songs i came across one of their albums in particular. The album in question is called “The Puppet Master”. This album was released in 2003 and tells a thrilling, yet chilling story of a psychotic puppet master in Budepest and his satanic practices. The songs are sung from the point of view of King Diamond himself, a man who has been been turned into a horrific puppet (along with his love Victoria) by the Puppet master and his wife. The thing that intrigues me  so much about this album is how much it comes across more like a horror story rather than a metal music album. It’s quite disturbing and nightmarish throughout with a depressing and thought provoking end.

I could tell you a lot more about it but i feel listening to the album (and buying it) would get my point across better.

The band also made a video with King Diamond himself telling the story in a more traditional around-the-campfire kind of style. I think it’s worth watching both videos. He’s an amazingly capable story teller!

This album and band just go to show that music (yes, even metal music) can still be used to actually tell stories. I wish there would be more bands that would take this approach. For the record i must say that King Diamond have gained a new fan! I’ll be buying the physical album in the next few weeks!