Aaron Lewis and Staind

Heavy metal is great, but I cannot deny hard rock

Everyone knows me as the girl who loves heavy metal. Usually my motto is ‘the heavier the better.” Well the music I love does vary and most people don’t know this. I absolutely love heavy metal; however, I love hard rock and alternative rock just as equally.

Staind could be classified as hard rock and they are my favorite band of all time. The few times I have met Aaron Lewis, front man, he was extremely kind and genuine. He is of the most genuine people in this world – everyone who meets him says the exact same thing.

There are a few main reasons why I am in love with Aaron Lewis… Not only does he have an amazing voice and do I find him incredibly sexy, but he is also genuine. With all of that said, I still have not touched upon the number one reason why I love Aaron Lewis and Staind.

Lyrics

The number one reason Staind is my favorite band is because of their lyrics. Aaron’s solo albums and Staind’s albums have gotten me through really hard times in my life. Their lyrics are beautiful, relatable, and creative.

Believe

I went through an extremely hard time in my life. It’s too personal to discuss online; however, one day during this time I turned on the radio and Staind’s song “Believe” was playing. I knew right then and there that someone up in heaven was sending me a message that I was going to be okay. I got the word “believe” tattooed on me and I look at it every single day. This song is a reminder to me of how far I have come and how far I will continue to go. Here are the lyrics:

“Believe”

I sit alone and watch the clock
Trying to collect my thoughts
All I think about is you
And so I cry myself to sleep
And hope the devil I don't meet
In the dreams that I live through

Believe in me
I know you've waited for so long
Believe in me
Sometimes the weak become the strong
Believe in me
This life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams

All the smiles you had to fake
And all the shit you had to take
Just to lead us here again
I never have the things to say
To make it all just go away
To make it all just disappear

Believe in me
I know you've waited for so long
Believe in me
Sometimes the weak become the strong
Believe in me
This life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams

It’s my life
It’s my choice
Hear my words
Hear my voice
And just believe

I sit alone and watch the clock
Trying to collect my thoughts
And all I think about is you

If you believe in me
Life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams

Believe in me
I know you've waited for so long
Believe in me
Sometimes the weak become the strong
Believe in me
This life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams

Now, to all of my die-hard heavy metal listeners, can you honestly say you blame me for having a soft spot for slow rock songs after reading those lyrics?

Killswitch Engage

Love or Hate?

Killswitch Engage is a band I have been meaning to get into for years now. I only know a few of their songs – “My Curse” and “Holy Diver” are the only ones I can name right off the top of my head.

Wracking my brain

I was sitting here for at least 25 minutes trying to figure out where I saw the band and when…I knew I had seen them before. Then after looking through pictures I finally remembered! They were at the Trespass America Festival in August with a bunch of really awesome bands. I don’t remember much from the show except for Five Finger Death Punchs’ show (they were the band I was there to see). Yet, I do remember when Killswitch Engage played “My Curse” and I was so excited that I knew one song!

Upcoming show

A guy that I have been talking to has an extra ticket to a Killswitch Engage show in a few weeks – and OF COURSE I said I would go. I just downloaded one of their albums – somehow I have all of their albums on my Itunes but don’t know any of their music…

Time to learn some lyrics

I am really good with knowing bands but not knowing more than one song. So what I tend to do, is if I know I am going to a show and I don’t know that many songs, I will get the most recent set list from the internet and learn all of those songs so I am prepared for the show. No one wants to go to a concert and not know any of the songs! I’ve been there and done that with many bands – one that sticks out is All That Remains. I saw them twice, and the second time I made the mistake of not learning their new album. I only knew their old stuff and they basically only played songs from their new album. Tisk Tisk right?

My issue with the band

I don’t have a specific issue with the band or their music, it just annoys me because my ex-boyfriend was obsessed with this band (I think that’s how all of the music wound up on my laptop). Anyway, it’s not that it reminds me of him, but it’s the fact that this is his favorite band that it just gets on my nerves. That is probably why I have stayed clear for so long. Well, it’s time to get over that. No one “owns” a band, and I’m ready to give them a fair chance!

I am really excited to go to this show. First, because I have been meaning to really get into this band and learn their music for years now. But second, and I think more importantly, because the guy I am going with is super cute! The show is a few days after Christmas and now it is going to feel like forever until the day of the show! I hope I learn enough songs in time…

Asking Alexandria Concert Review

From excitement to disappointment

I went and saw Asking Alexandria with As I Lay Dying this past Friday night. I was excited for this show for months and was literally counting down the days until Friday finally arrived.

Preparation

I woke up pretty early on Friday because I had an appointment to get my hair dyed. I have been so excited to dye my hair back to dark colors for a while now – I have been blonde since the beginning of the summer and absolutely hated it. I made my hair appointment for the day of the concert so it would look awesome for the show…if this doesn’t show my excitement, I don’t know what will!

Getting Ready

I went and picked up my friend Dena around 3:30 in the afternoon and we started getting ready. We put together crazy outfits, had a few beers and got extremely pumped up for the show. My friend Alex came over around 5 and we left around 5:30. Here is a picture of us all ready: 

The Venue

When we got to the venue the line was wrapped around the building and they were just beginning to open the doors. It was cold outside and my friends didn’t want to wait in the ridiculous line. Even though I was dying to go in, we got a few drinks at a bar next-door and waited for the line to die down. A few of my other friends met up with us as well and we all headed in together.

Showtime

The opening bands did not impress me and in my opinion, there were WAY too many. We were bouncing around from the bar back into the crowd for a while. As I Lay Dying came on and played a great show as usual – they are fantastic performers.

Asking Alexandria

My band FINALLY came on and I would not contain myself. The place went wild – the there was so much screaming it was insane. The band came on stage and they played their first song. Everyone seemed a little confused because the person singing was not their lead singer. After the first song, they made an announcement that the lead singer blew out his vocal cord and would not be able to perform – other people would fill in for the night.

Overall

Some of the songs were terrible (especially when the sound-check guy sang), but others were pretty good… (depending on who was singing).

Despite everything, I had a fantastic time at the show because I was surrounded with great friends and great music; however, I just wish I could have heard Asking Alexandria in their prime. 

Tattoos

Judge me on my character, not my ink

Something that really bothers me in this society is the disgust and disproval for tattoos. I’ll never forget when I came home with my first tattoo and my one aunt asked what I was going to do at my wedding – as if it is something hideous that I need to hide by letting my hair down.

I got my first tattoo only weeks after I turned 18. I got it for my aunt who passed away and it is extremely personal. It’s a gorgeous tattoo and both of my parents supported me and loved what I did for my aunt. The rest of the family wasn’t so supportive. However, many, many tattoos and crazy hair colors later, my family has learned to either keep their mouths shut or smile and pretend to like whatever it is I do.

I have 6 small tattoos, and my side and my leg done. I absolutely love tattoos and the meaning behind every single one of mine. I feel it is a beautiful way to showcase your beliefs and what you love. Tattoos are body art that will forever be with you. I don’t understand people’s hatred for tattoos. If you don’t like them, keep your opinions to yourself. Oh, and don’t trash other people’s passions!

One thing that really bothers me is the fact that tattoos are starting to affect whether or not people get jobs. Hair color, tattoos, and piercings all make a difference when you apply and interview for a job. In my opinion, none of these things should matter. How should my appearance affect someone’s decision to hire me for a position? My tattoos or hair color have nothing to do with my 3.84 GPA. It makes me sick to think that overqualified and extremely intelligent people aren’t given jobs simply because they do not “look” the part.

How are we supposed to look? Are we all supposed to wear skirts and Hollister shirts, have blonde hair, and be perfect little princesses? It is a load of crap. People need to stop judging people based off of what they look like and start judging them on their character. People are so harsh in judging others – I see people every day being judged for being overweight, unattractive, a different race, etc.

Just because someone has a lot of tattoos does not mean they are a serial killer. One of my tattoos is for my aunt, one is a mother daughter tattoo, and the rest are either song lyrics or have symbolic meanings. People who look at me don’t assume I am a very intelligent college student. If I am on the beach, the only thing people see are my tattoos exposed and assume I am bad news.

I hope I am still alive to see the day when it doesn’t matter how many tattoos people have, what hair color or how many piercings people have while working. Things are getting better now in 2012 – more people are open to tattoos and such, but we still have a long way to go.

Three Days Grace

Album Review - Transit of Venus

Three Days Grace are not necessarily a heavy metal band, they are more on the alternative rock/hard rock spectrum; However, I have been listening to them since I was young. I grew up listening to their self titled album, Three Days Grace, and their other early album One-X. They released another album back in 2009 called Life Starts Now. When I heard they would be releasing a new album this year I was ecstatic.

The day it came out

Transit of Venus came out on October 2, 2012, and I know this still because I went to best buy that day after class to purchase the album. Excitement surged through my body as I couldn’t wait to break open the package and listen to the album. After my first listen through the album I was extremely disappointed; I only liked two of the songs.

I threw the album aside disappointed in how boring it seemed. I was frustrated that the album lacked heavy songs. I miss songs like “Riot” and “Animal I Have Become” from One-X, “I Hate Everything about You” from their self-titled album, and “Break” from Life Starts Now. Those songs are among their most popular and probably their “heaviest” songs.

After a second and third listen at the album, I started to appreciate the music and lyrics. Listen after listen I have fallen in love with the album. Even though the album is not very heavy at all, the lyrics are beautiful and have really connected me to the lyrics.

My three favorite songs

1) “Chalk Outline” – This has to be my favorite song on the new album. These lyrics really hit me hard when I went through a bad break up a few months ago. Here are some lyrics:

“You left me here like a chalk outline. On the sidewalk waiting for the rain to wash away. You keep coming back to the scene of the crime. But the dead can't speak and there's nothing left to say anyway. All you left behind. Is a chalk outline….I've been cold in the crypt. But not as the cold as the words across your lips. You'll be sorry baby. Some day. When you reach across the bed where my body used to lay.”

This song reminds me of a breakup and then the line “you’ll be sorry one day” really picks me up every time I listen to it.


2) “Expectations” – I really love the message behind this song. Basically it says to throw away and get rid of expectations because they don’t mean anything. The refrain states: “expectations, go to hell!”


3) “Misery Loves my Company” – When I was going through my break up I really got attached to this song, especially this refrain:

“I am not alone, not beaten down just yet. I am not afraid of the voices in my head. And down the darkest road something follows me. I am not alone This misery loves my company.”

I became obsessed with this song and listened to it over and over again until I memorized every line.

Overall, I have learned from this that first impressions aren’t always accurate. We should all learn to give people, things, and even albums, second chances. I never used to give anyone second chances; I am a very cut and dry person. But over the last few years, I have changed my mind about second chances and I have been very surprised at what has come of these second chances.

Meet & Greets

Great experiences that are worth the price

Even though certain VIP packages may be more expensive than others depending on the band, most music lovers can agree no price is too steep when it comes to purchasing a meet and greet ticket. Meet and Greets are such great experiences. You are able to meet your idols and depending on the VIP package, sometimes there are other surprises that come along with that shiny lanyard. Here are some of my favorite Meet and Greet experiences I have had over the years...

Shinedown

As I mentioned in a previous post, back in July 2008 I went to Asbury Park to see Staind and Shinedown. I waited in line 8-10 hours and it paid off because I met Aaron Lewis when he was strolling down the board walk (I posted a picture in a previous post).

Not only was I able to meet my all-time idol, but we met some really great people in line and became good friends; what else is there to do with 8-10 hours? As it turns out, these two women behind us who we spend the whole day getting to know, had two extra VIP tickets to meet Shinedown. Because we were so friendly, saved their spot in line when they went to get food or use the bathroom, they gave my ex-boyfriend and I their extra tickets. It was a kind and amazing gesture. I was able to meet the band, get autographs, and a picture. Here is a picture from that day:

 

Aaron Lewis from Staind

Aaron Lewis has been my idol for as long as I can remember. His lyrics speak to me and have gotten me through really hard times. I have lyrics of his tattooed on my body; I have seen Staind a few times and I have also met Aaron twice. The most amazing thing about Aaron is that not only is he amazingly talented, but he is a down-to-earth, genuine man.

Back in February 2010 I went to see Aaron Lewis play an acoustic show and I bought the VIP package. We were allowed in to meet Aaron, to take pictures and to get autographs. Then we were able to listen to Aaron perform his sound check before the show. The small group of VIP ticket holders had our own private little concert. It was the most amazing day of my life. Here is a picture from that day:

As I Lay Dying VIP

Last summer my ex got us free VIP tickets to meet As I Lay Dying and free tickets to see the concert, which included Asking Alexandria, As I Lay Dying, and Slipknot. My ex-boyfriend use to work at a radio station and he could basically call up his old boss anytime and get free tickets to anything he wanted. It was pretty awesome when he surprised me the day before with the tickets. I was more excited to see Slipknot for the first time than for the As I Lay Dying meet and greet; however, it was an amazing experience.

It was a small group of VIP ticket holders. We were brought to a private area with picnic benches and we were given free dinner, t-shirts, and other small collectables. After we all ate, the band entered and spent their time walking around talking to everyone. I had not really listened to much of their music previously to this meet and greet, so I felt pretty stupid when I didn’t know any of their names. This meet and greet was amazing – a band that I barely knew or listened to, were the nicest people I have ever met. They were all so friendly and really down to earth. I was able to get pictures and everything with the band. This experience made me decide I need to get into their music. They are extremely talented and insanely kind, which is something really important to me. Here is a picture of me with the band: 

 

If you have a little extra cash in your pocket when you are searching for a concert to go to, pay the extra money and meet your favorite band. Chances are, it will be the experience of a lifetime, and something you will never forget. You can’t take money with you when you die, so you minds well spend it in the best way possible – and in my opinion, that would be to meet my favorite artists!

Asking Alexandria

My New Discovery and New Obsession

Back in November 2010 I went to see All That Remains and one of their opening bands was Asking Alexandria. I had never heard of them before and had no clue who they were. I honestly don’t think I really paid attention to the band much and never really thought much about it. However, just over the last six months, I have gotten really into the band.

Free Tickets

Over the summer my ex was able to get us free VIP meet and greet passes to meet As I Lay Dying. Also at the show Asking Alexandria was playing as well as Slipknot. I met As I Lay Dying and they were all fantastic guys. I don’t really know much of their music but this day made me want to learn more of their songs.

As I Lay Dying played on stage first followed by Asking Alexandria. I had only just started listening to their music and I only knew one of their songs; however, they sounded fantastic live. After their performance I knew I had just discovered a new favorite band. After Asking Alexandria played, Slipknot came on and played the show of a lifetime.

Over the last couple months I have really been listening to Asking Alexandria and have fallen in love with the band and their music. What amazes me most is the talent in the lead singers singing voice, and also how he can then create those high pitch screams, and extremely low screams. The talent he has is unbelievable.

Upcoming Concert

I am going to see Asking Alexandria a week from tomorrow and I am really excited. They are playing with As I Lay Dying and it is expected to be a great show. I am extremely excited to finally see these bands again now that I know their music.

I will post pictures and rate the concert after I attend.

To my readers:

·         Do any of you listen to Asking Alexandria?

·         Do you prefer their first or second album?

·         What songs are your favorites?