A big happy birthday to Mr. Deathshade from all the victims of the Gallows of the Imperial Executioner. May your reign of darkness and onslaught continue in all its splendor for another year.

A little bragging

Last night my budget for the church/school was passed by the congregation without any changes. Weighing in at just under $3 million, it was quite a project.

Game Review for Warlords Battlecry 3

Is now up under

Game Reviews - Warlords Battlecry 3

Shrek 2 Review

I have put up a new review for Shrek 2 on the 'Movie Reviews' section of the website. I give that movie a 9/10 it was a ton of fun.

Cable Modem News

So the Time Warner representative showed up today to look at the cable modem to find out why I was dropping off so often, well we found the issue.

Basically on the back of my place where the cable line runs from the central box to my place is a splitter. One going upstairs to where the computer room is and one going to the living room for the TV. The line going from the distribution box and the splitter at the splitter end was almost completely deroded. Instead of being a copper wire, it was a black nasty wire. So although I was getting cable connectivity, it was very easy to disrupt and wasn't nearly as clean as a cable modem would desire.

We replaced that connection with a new one and internet is faster than ever on my systems.

Thanks Time Warner! ;)

Rammstein

Rock Hard magazine is reporting that RAMMSTEIN's follow-up to 2001's "Mutter" is set to be released September 20, 2004. The first single, entitled "Mein Teil", will arrive on June 21 — one week later than the originally announced June 14 release date. Rock Hard has also reportedly stated the following about the album's musical direction: "Less 'industrial' and more organic, and with frontman Till Lindemann and drummer Christoph Schneider stretching themselves further than ever before, this is RAMMSTEIN honing their craft to the very finest of points... as on first single 'Mein Teil' ('My Part') , which spectacularly shows off the band's trademark blend of musical power, haunting melody and willingness to deal with issues that many would find too difficult or disturbing."

Networking: Can't connect to www.symantec.com (everything else is OK):

"If you take this file, http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt and put it in place of your hosts file (removing the .txt) then it will block A LOT of advertising, spyware, viruses, malware, and general cr@p. "

Hank

Punk rock icon Henry Rollins will be taking over the airwaves of Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 on Mondays in the 7 to 9 p.m. slot beginning on June 7. Rollins will reportedly offer opinions and music from his own collection on the program, which debuted on May 17. To listen in, click here.

In other news, Rollins recently confirmed plans to participate in a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour of the Persian Gulf as part of May's National Military Appreciation Month activities, according to Billboard. The singer, author, actor and monologist, who traveled to Afghanistan and Qatar last December as part of a meet-and-greet with troops, will again offer a boost of encouragement to soldiers stationed in the Gulf.

Comments

I've done more changes the comments section. It is working better now I believe. When you click on the Comments link it will open a new page. Instead of a back to main link at the bottom I replaced it with a button to close the new window. When you click post a comment it will redirect to blogger. I believe the frames was breaking the login and it works now.

You see, the cable modem was actually a distraction so that the FBI guys would know where you were in the house. The rest of your house is probably bugged now.

Outage

My Apologies this morning.. My cable modem had a little outage so I had no website connectivity from approximately 9AM - 12:30PM.

Alienware doubles up, twice - News at GameSpot

Can you say EXPENSIVE!!! But extremely awesome architecture...

Alienware doubles up, twice - News at GameSpot

DISCover unveils new partners, console prototypes - News at GameSpot

I think this is an awesome idea. Basically a small console like machine that has built in software to manage game libraries and driver updates and security patches all without you ever having to do anything...
I would keep my standard desktop for doing stuff like development work, but it sounds like an awesome idea for a dedicated gaming machine for the PC. And if it ushers in a new era of PC Game Titles than the more power to it.

DISCover unveils new partners, console prototypes - News at GameSpot

New Dragon Age details emerge - PC News at GameSpot

Seems to be interesting...

New Dragon Age details emerge - PC News at GameSpot

Has everyone seen the new Artwork gallery

This is written with dynamic file resizing and grabbing. Hopefully to
allow my Wife to post more pictures up this summer with little effort.

Comments...

I played around with it and it appears to be working now.

Go ahead and try publishing comments again.

Love the new template! Don't love the new Blogger site, but I s'pose I'll get over that.
Back to work.. :-P

The new look

Feedback? Screw feedback! This looks so dark, cold, and organized. Its perfect. Just for that, I'll let you know that Oratory finished pre-production for a new album, as yet untitled.

[Shade's Page]

For those of you who are blind, I changed the template on my blog. I like this new one it has a lot of features like, comments, and better archiving.

I'll definitely take feedback!

For those of you who like Real Time Strategy...

Empire Earth was a revolutionary game for RTS in general, it introduced multi-era gameplay, going from pre-historic to post-modern times. You had anything from stone throwers (gimps) to Cybernetic Battlemechs (ouchie). So hearing that they are continueing the series, and hearing what they are planning for the sequel, this is looking very good.

Empire Earth 2 Impressions - Empire Earth 2 Previews for PC at GameSpot

Broken 1000 hits huh? Get down with your bad self.

Here's some stuff from Blabbermouth:

Swedish black metallers LORD BELIAL have scheduled a release party for their fifth album, "The Seal Of Belial", on June 18 at FATclub in Malmö, Sweden.

Due on June 21 through through Regain Records, "The Seal Of Belial" was engineered by Nicklas Rudolfsson and Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND) at Los Angered Recording studios in Gothenburg, Sweden and was mixed by Andy. LORD BELIAL were recently rejoined by original drummer Micke Backelin following the departure of Daniel Moilanen

-----

DIO have set "Master of the Moon" as the title of their new album, according to www.gryphonmetal.ch. The follow-up to 2002's "Killing the Dragon" is currently being recorded at a Los Angeles studio for a tentative July release through Sanctuary Records in the U.S. and SPV in Europe. The U.S. tour is expected to kick off on August 22 in Seattle and conclude in New York.

In other news, the second installment of Ronnie James Dio's "Hear 'n Aid" project is reportedly in progress, with Ronnie having already completed work on the basic tracks. A release date for the CD has yet to be announced.

In a brand-new interview with the Dio Message Board, DIO guitarist Craig Goldy spoke about the new album in progress. "Right now things are good," he said. "It's an interesting time with [bassist] Jeff [Pilson] finishing up and Rudy [Sarzo] coming in. We've all known both of them for many years so it's fun and exciting. We're in the studio working as quickly as we can."

With regards to the "Killing the Dragon" album, which contains some material written by him but with guitars done by Doug Aldrich, Goldy said, "I think it's a great album. Would it have been different [with me]? Probably, simply because Doug and I are different players. Not to say better or worse — Doug is a fabulous player. Just different."

Sony Fully Editable Remote

I'm suprised this isn't the one you're jumping at..

Visual Basic: Visual Basic At The Movies

If anyone is interested you can go to http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/atthemovies/ watch a bunch of movies about visual basic, review them, then get a free copy of visual basic . net 2003.

You know, I don't dislike the new Blogger layout but it is definitely different.

In other news, I will definitely be watching closely on that new Iron Savior album. Their last album was excellent.

Here is a nifty new gadget I'm looking into, found it on CNet...
Harmony H688 Universal Remote

With the 5 remotes I have right now it would be a very useful item.

Ewww, what a funky new design for Blogger.

Anyway, hails to you all. Iron Savior is coming out with a new album called Battering Ram with a European released date of June 21. US release date will probably be a few weeks later.

From Blabbermouth:

A brand new MEGADETH song, entitled "Kick the Chair", has been posted at this location.

"Kick the Chair" comes off the group's as-yet-untitled new album, tentatively due in September through Sanctuary Records.

Commented MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine: "This is for the 95% of the people here who are my friends — the people who, even if they don't agree, they are still decent. This is for the people here who set us apart from the rest of the net, all of the fan sites, chat rooms, and forums.

"This is for you, my fans — because after this, there will be no more doubt who I am.

"This version of 'Kick The Chair' is a final mix, but is not the 'master' that will be on the new record.

"Please enjoy this and know that I love you all, even the assholes."

Interesting concept. A 3d user interface for Windows... I like it.

Not all will see Longhorn in 3D | CNET News.com

A review of the upcoming Therion double CD album...well, its two albums they say, but the first run will have them both together.

Wow this is insane, how did this guy survive?

Man with Nails in head

In Order:

• I don't like Live CD's. Why would I want to purchase the music I already own, in worse quality format, without imaes. Now Live DVD's can be fun.


• I wouldn't mind seeing Evanescence in concert, but having to wade through the prep's would suck.


• I'll have to check out those MP3's when I get home (work blocks them) Although I'm getting tired of Metallica rip offs


• Now that person is messed up. I just don't understand why you would say to yourself. I want to go to jail, so I'm going to beat this person.

I guess I'll have to wait a while for a new album...

GORGOROTH singer Gaahl was sentenced Tuesday (May 4) to 18 months in a Norwegian prison on charges that he beat a 41-year-old man in what the victim called a ritual attack.

The 28-year-old black metal vocalist, who has several prior convictions including one for assault and battery, was sentenced at Sunnfjord court in Forde, Norway. In addition to the prison term, Gaahl was ordered to pay 75,000 NOK (approximately $11,000) to the victim, plus an additional 29,000 NOK (approximately $4,300) in damages.

The court's sentence matched the recommendation from prosecutor Ronny Iden, who took into account the fact that Gaahl had a prior conviction for assault. In that 2001 incident, Gaahl brutalized his victim for hours and was sentenced to one year in prison without the possibility of parole. In addition, he was ordered to pay 158,000 NOK (approximately $23,000) in punitive damages. "Two people have had their lives irreparably shattered by the defendant's actions," the court said in the written sentence.

Gaahl, who appeared in court wearing a black GORGOROTH t-shirt, a leather jacket and a Thor's Hammer necklace, was accused of performing ritual violence that included collecting blood from his victim and drinking it. The victim, whose identity hasn't been revealed, was hit and kicked several times in the face and head and needed stitches to close cuts in his head. His nose was broken and he suffered major dental damage.

BEATALLICA, the Midwestern band which "covers BEATLES songs in the style of METALLICA, infusing the lyrics and arrangements of Fab Four standards with wonderfully unsubtle references to METALLICA's songs and a spot-on imitation of James Hetfield's distinctive vocals" (Ice magazine), will be making their live debut on May 31 at BalloonFest in El Paso, Texas. The show, which is being hosted by KLAQ-FM, will be "the first gig out of hopefully many more to come!" according to a posting on the band's web site.

As previously reported, BEATALLICA recently uploaded their new eight-song EP at this location. The self-titled effort contains the following track listing:

01. Blackened the USSR
02. Sandman
03. And I'm Evil
04. Got to Get You Trapped Under Ice
05. Leper Madonna
06. Hey Dude
07. I Want To Choke Your Band
08. We Can Hit The Lightz

From Blabbermouth:

EVANESCENCE's major label debut album, "Fallen", has been certified quintuple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) for sales of five million copies. Worldwide sales of "Fallen" have surpassed the 11 million mark, with more than 400,000 of those copies having been sold in Japan, according to Sony, which handles the album's international distribution.

EVANESCENCE wrapped 14 dates in North America in February, playing 5,000- to 7,000-seat venues, according to Billboard. When the band return to North America for a tour that runs July 7 through Aug. 15, they will be solidly at the arena/amphitheater level.

Considering that they just put out a giant 2 CD live album, it probably won't be anytime soon. At least they are working on an e-store for their site so we can finally sport some proper Freedom Call gear.

That definitely sounds awesome. But what I want to know is when the next Freedom Call album is coming out...

A review of "Beyond the Gates," by Cans...lead singer of Hammerfall posted on Digital Metal. This is his first solo album in addition to continuing to work with Hammerfall.

It’s no secret amongst anyone who knows me personally that I have a strong distaste for the band Hammerfall. They just never struck me as anything special or anywhere near deserving of the oceans of hype that come surrounding them. I’ve always thought of them as barely average at best. So, suffice it to say that I was less than enthused at the impending release of the debut solo release from Hammerfall vocalist Jocaim Cans. IN fact, Cans was one of the main problems I had with the Hammerfall. His voice, while always in key and sporting decent melodies, always sounded weak and thin to me. I couldn’t avoid it, though. I had to put it in the player…if for no other reason than out of respect for Mat Sinner (Sinner / Primal Fear) and “Metal” Mike Chalsciak (Halford / Pain Museum), both of whom contributed to Beyond The Gates. After letting the album sink in a bit, I have to admit, somewhat against my will, that it’s actually pretty decent. Ok, fine…it’s good. There, I said it. It’s a lot darker and more intense than anything I have heard from Hammerfall, and as a result comes off a lot heavier. Cans’ voice? While he still comes off a little thin, it’s this reviewer’s opinion that he is more at home in this material than in Hammerfall. It’s hard to explain. He sounds more serious and intense on the Cans material, he just sounds weak and cheesy in Hammerfall. Maybe it’s the music he’s singing on…I don’t know. At any rate, this is a strong, heavy record of melodic Heavy Metal. The riffs are big and thick, sporting a heavy “wall of sound” type of tone. The keys are equally big, but not overbearing. In fact, on a sonic level, this record is stellar. I love the mix. The songs are strong and catchy, with good melodies and choruses. As I already stated, Cans (the man) sounds totally at home in this heavier material. He sounds like he’s injecting more “oomph” in his delivery. Opening track “Fields Of Yesterday” is a good sign of what’s to come on the remainder of the record. It’s got an epic vibe without losing any of its heaviness or becoming too musically overbearing. ”The Key” is a melodic, dark, moody track. A heavy, plodding riff coupled with a strong vocal melody make this one memorable. The chorus is almost choir-like in delivery. “Silent Cries” is another highlight of the record, with its melodic, mid-tempo intro and staccato, chugging verse riff. Other highlights on the record include “The Soul Collector”, the power ballad “Forever Ends” and the excellent title track “Beyond The Gates”. All in all, I guess I am eating a little crow on this one. Despite my perpetual animosity toward the hype machine that is Hammerfall, Cans (the man and the band) has something to be quite proud of with Beyond The Gates. It’s a strong release and worthy of any metal fan’s attention.
[Shawn Pelata]

The Gallows of the Imperial Executioner are now hosted by Deathshade at the following link:

http://www.deathshade.com/Executioner/index.html

Many hails to Deathshade for providing a new home to the Gallows.

Keep having lots of sex.

This is amusing in the scope of me looking at the pricing on BMW's last week.

MSNBC - Survey finds BMW drivers have more sex