Wicker Basket Coffin

     Approximately two days ago I finished the story mode of L.A. Noire. I had put it down a while back after the story got a little slow, I had a change of living arrangements, and I got wrapped up in other games (i.e. Batman Arkham Asylum). But turns out I was actually only two missions away from beating it. So I got through those kind of quickly and enjoyed the ending.

     So since I’ve finished the story I’m now running through the side-quests. There is some really sweet extras and bonus missions for this game. You have to find 30 historic LA landmarks, 50 gold film reels that are named after actual noire films from the era, hidden badges, and you have to drive all the cars in the game. I’ve got through most of the extra stuff as well. The only thing I have left is driving all the cars and then I’m going to go back through certain story parts to get some achievements I missed.

     But if you guys enjoy Rockstar games, or you’re a fan of the booming Hollywood 40-50s era then this game is a must play. The graphics and look of the game, the gameplay, the voice acting, and the depth of the game all make it well worth the cost of the game. The storyline does drag it’s feet a little here and there, but if you’re a fan of good narrative in games then you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Now it’s back to waiting for Arkham City.

Zach

I yearn to one day control words.
No, not worlds, words.

Words to speak.
Words to scream.
Word to whisper while you sleep,
So you hear them in your dreams.

Words that are short.
Words that are long.
Words for everyone to enjoy,
As they all sing along.

Words for the wise.
Words for the not so wise.
Words that will open hearts,
And help us all realize.

Words for all that and
Words for just this.
Words that bring honor,
But more so justice.

Words for me and
Words for you.
Words that help you believe in me,
And find my mind is true.

Words for one.
Words for all.
Words that know no boundaries,
And words that break down walls.

My goals are clear.
My dreams, understood.
I yearn to control words,
I yearn to control words for the greater good.

     This may sound dumb, but I am really stoked and kind of proud of how this just turned out. I made up the first line and went with it. This poem just happened in about 5min. I’m not bragging or trying to sound cool (that wouldn’t work anyway). I’m just really happy with how this came out. This is probably one of my best poems ever, if not actually the best. I hope you guys like it as much as I do.

Zach

I finally uploaded pictures that I’ve had for a couple months or so. My next posts will be almost entirely comprised of all these pics. I’ve been waiting a while to get these up so I hope you enjoy.

Here we go…

I had a really good day yesterday.

I went to Hastings and picked up Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Miller is one of my favorite comic writers. His style is very dark, very gritty, and sometimes over the top but it retains realism. He did the Sin City series, 300, Ronin, Batman Year One, and more. I’m three parts into The Dark Knight Returns and loving it. From the writing to the art and coloring it’s all high quality stuff.

I also visited Barnes & Nobles and bought some poetry books. I’ve never read books dedicated strictly to poetry (except for Dessa’s Spiral Bound, which also contains short stories). I bought Sylvia Plath’s The Colossus, and a Robert Frost collection. I figure if I’m going to write better poetry then I need to brush up on my knowledge of good poetry and good poets.

I’m going to write, and draw more I promise. I may even have to jump onto Stephen’s Pokemon A Day to see how I can hang with my talented friends.

Have a good day everyone. Take care and God bless.

Zach

I think I’ve said this before but if you guys are on Facebook then you should go and like Four The Taking!

Use this link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Four-The-Taking/168531609891080

“Like” us and “Share” us with your friends. We appreciate any and all support from you guys and girls. It means a lot while we’re in these early stages of getting our foundation built.

Thanks everyone!

ZN & Four The Taking

     It’s been two years since we’ve had a full length release from American Metalcore act The Devil Wears Prada but with Dead Throne the guys are, “back for the fourth time around and still meaning every word.” (Untidaled)

     WRAABB was TDWP’s best example of their melodic-heavy Metalcore style, but with 2010’s Zombie EP we heard an evolution in style and structure. Dead Throne continues the process with a beefier, faster, louder Prada. If you heard their work on Zombie then imagine that in full length form with more melodies, their spiritual focus, and you’ve got the basis of Dead Throne. But that’s not to say Dead Throne is a re-hash of the EP with new lyrics, although you can easily hear what the albums have in common. Of all the similarities the easiest to pick out are the heaviness, and the more frequent use of Hranica’s booming lows.

     The new album starts out in your face and never backs off. There’s even an instrumental song that’s heavier than some of their older material. “What you hold dear offers no salvation” from ”Dead Throne” is the first line to give you an indication of the subject matter. The album as a whole deals with idolatry and the idea that people are more concerned with themselves and the world around them than they should be. But false idols aren’t the only issue dealt with. Hranica also deals with more personal struggles such as in “R.I.T (Rest In Torment)” where he says, “You see me for what I am: damaged.” and also, “I will bask in the blackness of my darkest days.”, giving you the idea he’s gone or is going through some internal conflicts. Depression, love lost, insomnia, and copy-cat musicians are all addressed. They’re all handled well but no message stands out more than that of anti-idolatry. “Mammoth”, “Vengeance”, and “Born To Lose” face the challenge head on. These tracks are among my favorites as well as “Constance” which is about a fear of insomnia and also includes guest vocals from Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying.

     Of the catalogue TDWP has produced thus far, I keep WRAABB and Dead Throne in high regards (not to say I don’t love all their stuff). Dead Throne is another great release but I do have a couple minor grievances. One of the elements I enjoyed most about “pre-Zombie” Prada was their “melody before heavy” formula (if that makes sense). The songs weren’t as continuously heavy as opposed to building to a climax midway through the song or in the end (or starting with one : “Big Wiggly Style”, “Danger: Wildman”). But with Dead Throne the album is so consistently heavy that the breakdowns or “mosh parts” are blended in with everything else. I love the heaviness but it leaves no room for the breakdowns to stand out. My other small complaint has to do with the vocal work. Although Mike and Jeremy are great as usual, I feel that there is almost too much going on vocally. There are Mike’s signature highs, lows, and some new stuff from him, Jeremy’s singing/yelling, and even some background screaming/yelling from Chris Rubey (guitar). I respect the guys trying new things but they sometimes sound cluttered or repetitive. As good as the new music sounds it’s almost unfair to cover it with all the vocals.

     With those minor things aside I really like Dead Throne and from what I’m hearing so does everyone else. In typical TDWP fashion the guys bring substance filled lyrics over their new, not so typical TDWP style. They challenged themselves musically and lyrically while also challenging you, the listener.

“It all comes back full circle.” (Mammoth)

Zach

You can get the album from iTunes or anywhere music is sold.