So, While I've Been Studying...

... my brother and his mates have been doing this:

Crazy Music Happenings Resulting In "Existence Zero: Definitions of a Heresy"

Apparently, it's classed as Cosmic War Metal (generally in all caps, but I'm not really as shout-y as metal-heads), and as much as it's not my brother's usual creative style, it's not my primary go to genre for listening. However, it's the sort of music to play during global war, and when I'm revising that's what my head thinks is happening, so last week was a convenient release date in that I was in the right mindset to receive it and give it a hearing.

Without experience of metal in general, I can't really compare it objectively on the basis on conformity to musical convention, but from an outsider's perspective it seems pretty good. Although there is an overall theme and consistency of style, there is enough of a melodic, rhythmic and temporal range across the record which creates an entry point for a variety of listeners depending on their metal pedigree or tastes. For myself, I have discovered that vocals aren't really my cup of cha in this area, but the examples here seem well produced for those for whom this is not the case, and, since the record is not too vocal-heavy, this did not detract significantly from the listening experience.

I will probably listen again properly when my exams are over, to give a more detailed review, and perhaps to see if the lack of stress alters my perceptions, but for now, I recommend a listen and would have to say it is the best cosmic war metal EP I've heard, although it may help to know that this is the only cosmic war metal EP I've heard...

Hmm...

My boots are dying and I will soon have to replace them, but unfortunately, the prospect of shopping, particularly shoe-shopping fills me with an acute sense of dread. At times like this I am tempted to think that I might be better off if I were slightly more akin to the prototype of my gender. Or, preferably, just a little less agoraphobic.

Usually, I am able to avoid trips to physical places of trade by resorting to t'internet and sites such as Amazon, but I have a feeling that buying heavy-duty footwear which will be in everyday use (and thus must be as comfortable and hardy as possible) without first inspecting it is probably a bad thing.

Is anyone else who has suffered from this problem able to provide a solution - or, alternatively, willing to be my minder - because any useful advice would probably be received with my purchasing you the beverage of your choice?

Also, my coursework is nearly at an end, so the likelihood is that when revision starts in earnest, so will the blogging. (Delete any RSS feeds now!)