MoMM (67): Refined Storm

Had been listening to this since Friday. This is my favourite / go-to Dimmu Borgir's album while the rest of the world worship Death Cult Armageddon (2003). Not to be confused with the original version of Stormblast which was released in 1996, this is the re-recorded version (2005) with essential contributions by Mustis (keys) & Hellhammer (drums). Mustis did well in DCA & his musical arrangements there helped polish this re-recording. Hellhammer, well his flagship drumming, which in my opinion exists almost independent of (any) band's expectations, helped put malevolence back into the music. These days, the bands that claim a stake in black metal always forgot what the genre is all about to begin with. Also, Stormblast represents the formative days of Dimmu Borgir unlike the band's incarnation today that sounds like a competitor in demure black metal.  Will be Stormblast-ing till further notice.

TOD - non-black

The non-black TODs are in at Swee Lee. Despite the colour changes (yes, everything else stay the same), price stays put at $999.

Pic: Ibanez

 

To the RB

Off to the recycling bin; 5 month's worth of guitar / bass / ukulele-related activities.

Good bundle

I consider this a good deal. The MT-130 itself retails for $450. For an additional $50, you get the necessary essentials which are especially meaningful for newbies. The guitar cable & bag here are winning inclusions because we know how it is these days: 1) If you buy a new guitar (the entry level ones especially), there's no bag included 2) Those default, complementary cables are very repulsive to say the least. That desktop LANEY amp is an acceptable performer. I prefer this one to any Marshall / Fender novelty amps. Strap, pick-holder & capo are nice inclusions.

Pic: DAVIS GMC

Snag

I re-strung / set up this bass not too long ago. The D-string wasn't that responsive upon tuning. Naturally, the nut slot was to blame but after sorting this out, issue persisted. Something told me to refer to the picture of the headstock featuring the old strings. Took me a while but I finally got it; this new set featured those red braiding seen in the pic above. The D-string's braiding did not fit properly into the string retainer slot. The said slot was filed a wee bit & problem solved. So it pays to actually have picture documentation of what you are working with.

Legend Series: KE-1

This one's obviously intended to tug your emotional heart strings. Intense tugging, mind you. Jackson had released some re-issue of sorts featuring well-known signature models. This Kelly KE-1 was famously propelled by Marty Friedman who went full circle when it comes to brand name endorsements. That lone SD JB & Kahler fixed bridge are stern reminders for shedding excessive features to focus on ability, yes?

Pic: Jackson