Two Energies

I've never connected with a person as I have with you.

Our energies twisting and dancing , embracing each other.

Akin to wisps being carried on the gentle wind. Or,

light beams racing through time and space.

Our souls, playing a friendly game of chase;

Like two children playing on a grassy knoll.

Though apart, I can still feel your glow.

Like, a radiant light that warms up my soul.

That helps to bring healing , a reminder of ;

What was, and can be,

Because of the connection between you and me.

So, let us heal, and come back as one.

Let our passion grow as hot as the sun.

Entangled together we make love in the sky,

while the laughter of two children can be heard

As the wisps float on by.....

Top releases for 2019

I found it hard keeping up with music releases this year. Between working full time and being a single dad half the week it's been hard to keep track with the sheer amount of releases that have come out. I have listened to a quite a bit of new music, but I feel most of the stuff that has come out is just rehashed versions of stuff that came out twenty years ago. Anyway here is my list of my favorite releases for 2019. Some are full lengths, some are EPs. I'm interested to hear your thoughts. Keep in mind I didn't rank these, so they are in no particular order.

Fuming Mouth- The Grand Descent
BBB Records
This album is brutally heavy. Not in the sense of breakdowns, but in a noisy atmosphere combined with harsh vocals and some incredibly heavy riffs. This is a fiery combination of Death Metal, Hardcore and D-beat. Killer stuff.  

Mamiffer- The Brilliant Tabernacle
Sige Records
It goes without saying that I have been a HUGE fan of ISIS for the last twenty years. So knowing that Aaron Turner of ISIS fame has been part of this project  always has me intrigued. Another beautiful release by his partner in crime. beautiful piano passages, ambient noise, and haunting vocals on this record were captured. However I find this album to have a over all bright feel to it. 

Glitterer- Looking through the Shades
Anti Records
Holy shit. what to say about this record? The twenty year old Matt would have hated this album. It's short. It's Ironic, and fucking catchy as hell. This is a masterpiece of punk-ish synth pop, with simple bass lines. This is one record I cannot get out of my head this year.

Fiddlehead- Get my mind right
Run for Cover 
This band helped me through some really hard times. Coming from a deep rooted love of the New England hardcore scene I have the utmost respect for Pat Flynn. Although only a single, this became a easy top favorite release. Think a modern version of Fugazi. 

En Minor- On the Floor
Housecore Records
Great single release by Phil Anselmo, as well as Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod / Down fame. Mellow , depressive, hazey. I feel that this could have a been a b-side on the first DOWN record.

Baroness- Gold & Gray
Relapse Records
Another good release by these guys. The album received some negative reviews because of the mixing and mastering. Artistically these guys have always done what they want, they are clearly moving in a direction opposite of the Red & Blue records. This record is decent effort on their part. I was excited to hear this when they announced it was coming out. 

OM- Live at the BBC
Drag City 
Sure it's been a long time since the release of any studio stuff from OM. however, with the resurgence of interest in Al's other band SLEEP, it made sense to capitalize on serving a new offering to his fans. There was some push-back on this release as they thought it was a money grab. Say what you want this release captures an incredible live studio sound. The mix is great, each instrument has their own space to breathe without over powering each-other. Some great bass tone. The songs have taken on a life of their own developing and changing over time. excellent release.

Sleep- Live at Third Man Records
Third Man Records
What a juggernaut of a release. 4xLP spanning Holy Mountain through The Sciences. Massive sounding record. This album was mixed and cut live. If you want to know where the wall of sound for 2019 is, here it is. This record will not disappoint. 

Vials of Wrath- Dark Winter Memories
Flowing Downward
The newest release from solo Un-black Metal artist. Solid record. Nothing genre defining, but it is well done.

Falls of Rauros- Patterns in Mythology 
Gilead Media
Maine based Black/Folk metal outfit hit us with another great release.  Abrasive and cold, again, nothing genre defining, but these guys do it well. They have stepped up their game with their lead guitar work. some seriously good solo work, and excellent guitar tone through out. 

Alcest- Spiritual Instinct
Nuclear Blast
Pioneers of the Black Gaze genre. These guys did an excellent job of conjuring up heavy atmosphere and emotion on this release. Everything that you have come to expect from the french metal band. 

Items in a paper bag

Items in a paper bag,

my clothing smells like you.

Inhale sweet memories,

candle lights, and the melding of two.

A way with words,

right straight from our hearts.

Culminating in that electric spark

of a first touch on that couch,

so long ago.

The mending of hearts,

their journeys entwined.

moving hand in hand,

the final lines of

two finished chapters,

are written.

A new book started,

together as one.

Do you remember, making love?

Third floor window,

under moon and stars

above.

Taking down walls,

to nurture, so pure.

To cover those scars

that we have endured.

Together. 

How did it go wrong?

An angel let down.

Words cannot undo

what has been wrought.

Ashamed.

You cried for help,

and I did not hear.

How did I let what we had

get ruined by fear?

Blinded.

What was I afraid of?

too deep in my head.

I should have taken your love

that you gave me instead;

for courage.

You needed strength,

A rock to support.

A foundation to hold

and not to warp.

Broken.

My heart aches 
for what could have been

I have failed you dear

and for that, I regret.

Deeply.

The tears that you show,

that stream down your face

are because of me,

and my ghastly mistake.

I'm sorry.

I will become a stronger man,

because it is a need.

I want to have a family, 

and I want it to succeed.

Happily.

Reflecting is not easy, 

and for this I take the blame
One thing that I do know is 

I hope that we can rise again.
Strong. 

Although it may not happen,

and you may build up your wall,

What we had was special

and we should not forget at all.

Hope.

.

.

.

Little Eyes

Have you ever felt the pain
The type that drives you insane
Feels like black clouds and rain
Makes you suffocate for days
But you don't crack, you don't break
Because little eyes are watching

But inside you are dying
Though it's not for lack of trying
You keep the line a towing
But deep down you feel broken
And the sadness, it keeps growing
So you keep people from knowing
Because little eyes are watching

You put that smile on so well
But from your eyes they can tell
You're in your own personal hell
In black tar you dwell
But you want to stay well
A piece of your soul you'd sell
Because little eyes are watching

Then they give you that smile
The kind you can see for a mile
Which warms up your heart
And brings you back to the start
Makes the clouds go away
And you survive one more day
For those little eyes that are watching