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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 6, 2019 17:59:29 GMT -6
I LOVE the vocals--totally sounds like some kind of dark fantasy creature shouting out a warning to unwary travelers. Thank you! The guitar sounds are really weird and take a while for me to get used to. Yes, they are really weird. If someone thought they weren't even guitars, I could see why they came to that conclusion. ...but they are in fact guitars. :B The custom tuning, strange chords and their progression, effects/reverb - make them what they are, and they did turn out the way I wanted them to. Sure, Orationem is black metal, but the last few albums, I wanted to go more for a "melodic wall of horrific distortion" more-so than a "wall of guitars" type black metal that thousands of other one-man bands already do. Guitarists who have an affinity for black metal have been disappointed with Orationem guitars. I can see why - they're almost mired unrecognizable. ...but I've also got the attention of other people who otherwise have little to no interest in black metal. I haven't exactly had this debate yet, but if someone classified Orationem as "black noise" or "black grind" more than "black metal".... well, I wouldn't exactly disagree with them too much there.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Dec 6, 2019 21:14:07 GMT -6
I've noticed "grind" influences in Orationem before, but I never thought they were prominent enough to, say, actually call Orationem black/grind. Though if you like, I can add like "with grind influences" to UA.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 7, 2019 9:18:06 GMT -6
Though if you like, I can add like "with grind influences" to UA. You don't have to add it for me bro, but thank you. :B Perhaps I should clarify - I wouldn't call Orationem "black metal with grind influences" myself, anymore than I would call it "black metal with doom influences" or "black metal with ambient influences" (intros/outros on the first 4 albums)... ...I just wouldn't disagree "too much" if someone made mention to these and other elements if they personally saw Orationem as a hybrid. XD
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Post by exo on Dec 8, 2019 15:42:32 GMT -6
To chime in for the first time in a bit on this thread....Orationem is just “blackmetal”. It needs no more descriptor than that.....
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Post by julienbakerfan on Dec 8, 2019 22:12:05 GMT -6
To chime in for the first time in a bit on this thread....Orationem is just “blackmetal”. It needs no more descriptor than that..... I disagree. I think "ambient black metal" or "experimental black metal" is a better descriptor. It doesn't sound like your typical Darkthrone worship to me (although I'm not super familiar with Darkthrone). Honestly, I don't mind all the ridiculous sub-subgenres of metal because they usually give me a good description of what the band will sound like and keep me from wasting my time. While it might seem silly to describe a band as "progressive blackened doom" or something, I know exactly what I'm getting if I listen to that band, whereas a band tagged as "indie" or "alternative" could sound like A N Y T H I N G !
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 12, 2019 11:49:01 GMT -6
Orationem is just “blackmetal”. It needs no more descriptor than that..... I disagree. I think "ambient black metal" or "experimental black metal" is a better descriptor. As weird and as it sounds - I agree with both of you. ...but what this is identified as, is very small potatoes in the continuum. I mean, if I called it "blackened jazz fusion", its not like it would change the sound one bit. (for the record, no, I do not think Orationem is blackened jazz fusion LOL) Also, Vision of God Records made this for Orationem. I dig it!
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Post by exo on Dec 12, 2019 18:07:44 GMT -6
Orationem is just “blackmetal”. It needs no more descriptor than that..... I disagree. I think "ambient black metal" or "experimental black metal" is a better descriptor. As weird and as it sounds - I agree with both of you. ...but what this is identified as, is very small potatoes in the continuum. I mean, if I called it "blackened jazz fusion", its not like it would change the sound one bit. (for the record, no, I do not think Orationem is blackened jazz fusion LOL) Also, Vision of God Records made this for Orationem. I dig it! TBH.....my “honest thoughts” are that I need to shut up, rather than ruffle feathers about the overall scale and “reality” of “our scene”. We’re all just better served to keep creating the music Our Creator has called us to make, rather than worry/debate the minutiae of” “what type” of “black/death/extreme” metal we create. If your music appeals to ONE person other than “yourself”....count it as a victory........
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 14, 2019 9:38:10 GMT -6
I don't think anyone really gets too worked up over what genre/subgenre/madeupgenre music is. At least, I haven't seen it. (worked up =/= disagreeing) I've been pretty clear that I'm not a fan of the term "unblack", but if someone wants to call my music that, well... they're not exactly wrong, because I know what they mean. I don't feel that I myself, can adequately assess this scene. I base this on seeing quite a few people "come out of the woodwork" to be seen. (heh, seen in the scene) That being said - how many more are there? I think there's a silent majority who have an opinion and support artists that the internet may never see, or at least haven't seen yet. The underground Christian metal scene isn't going to survive on compliments, likes and upvotes. Likewise, I don't think it would die being trolled or flamebaited. No one is quitting their day job to make this music. I think if Christian metal did not exist or never existed, Christians would be just fine. They'd just listen to what they like (some other metal) and continue to love their Lord. I'd say that this is not only a labor of love, but also a sacrifice. Bands work for weeks/months on minutes of music knowing up front that most of the world will hate it. Why? Because they love their Lord, and have SOME hope that their art will either minister (to the lost), or inspire (the found). ________________ Side note, strangest secular criticism of Orationem on Reddit that I've had so far. Most of the time its "this isn't black metal" - because black metal can't be Christian, and Christian can't be black metal. Whereas this person, is definitely saying this is trve black metal, but I've committed blasphemy because "trve black metal" with lyrics reciting Psalms, can only be desecrating Psalms.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 19, 2019 10:00:47 GMT -6
I actually filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I was actually impressed that they said they would reach out to the business for me, for resolution. Its sad when they won't reach out to the customer, but hopefully the BBB contacting them will get them in gear. When the BBB reached out to the company (who made Orationem shirts) on my behalf, they never responded to the BBB. Looks like its not just me they won't respond to. Obviously, a return or a refund is out of the question... but "In the case of your complaint, the company's failure to promptly give attention to the matter will be reflected in the Business Reviews requested by consumers."
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Jan 10, 2020 10:49:38 GMT -6
I mentioned in the Prayer Request thread about computer issues with my laptop. My laptop battery is fried, and scans still show that there are errors on my hard drive that cannot be fixed. Because of this, I've been really dragging my feet on reinstalling my recording software after the fixes I implemented. Resolution is on the way though. I got some $$$ for Christmas from my parents and my late grandmother as part of my Christmas. My parents stated that I'm free to spend this on what I want, but... considering that I work from home and I record music from the same laptop, they suggested (multiple times) that I invest in a new PC. I ordered a new laptop and I'll have it next week. It will be a few steps up from what I was using. Part of me feels like I should be more excited about this, and while new is nice, I'm not looking forward to whatever learning curves I have to teach myself for this new laptop that I will have soon.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Jan 11, 2020 11:48:53 GMT -6
Part of me feels like I should be more excited about this, and while new is nice, I'm not looking forward to whatever learning curves I have to teach myself for this new laptop that I will have soon. I think that's understandable. If it helps, I started using a new computer recently and it's taken surprisingly little time to get used to. Not nearly as much of a learning curve as I feared!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Jan 11, 2020 14:08:03 GMT -6
I hope so bro. Especially since my current PC is a Dell Inspiron and my new PC is a Dell Inspiron. Just one is 2014, the other is 2020. XD I think where my reluctance is, is with Windows 10. Specifically, the compatibility with my same recording software which is from... heh... 2006. I'm fully expecting that I'll have to get newer recording software, and therein would be the REAL learning curve I'll encounter. -_-
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Jan 11, 2020 19:25:39 GMT -6
The last computer I had, had Vista installed on it. So if you have one from 2014, you shouldn't have much at all to worry about.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Mar 18, 2020 10:41:02 GMT -6
A few weeks ago, I requested more copies of the "Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet" CD from Duane. I had to wait... because all the copies that pressed, sold out. After more were pressed, Duane sent me the CDs I requested. Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet should have full digital distribution today. (Spotify, iTunes, other MP3 stores, etc.) Duane felt the message on this album, was applicable to our current trying times. That said, this entire album can be listened to on YouTube, and the "Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet" playlist can be streamed on the Orationem Official YouTube channel.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 23, 2020 15:33:15 GMT -6
*taps mic* Is this thing on?
Currently working on new music. Doing something a little different with Orationem instead of just "an 8th album". I'm going to expand on the idea that died with EverSoul. (that black metal stuff I did based on the Book of Enoch, where I ran out of ideas pretty much after 6 tracks.)
Anyway, the idea is to release tracks, one at a time, over time, to form a collection. How many tracks? I don't know. If everything goes well, it will be larger than what a CD can hold. Its going to release through Vision of God in the long run, but to help another growing label (more on that later), a few tracks will be available there first. (I think its cool VoG is cool with helping other growing "ministries")
I shouldn't run out of ideas with Orationem taking the verbatim scripture route. I prayed long and hard about this, I really was considering switching gears to something else because I was out of black metal prayers to pray. But I really feel driven now, to continue with lyrics of other prayers from scripture.
So uh, this new recording software is yielding some good results, IMO. I guess I didn't realize how much the Orationem formula sounded like "black grind" when the production is a little less lo-fi and more polished. (I still did what I could to keep it quite raw and sick sounding though. LOL)
If you've checked the Christian Metal Underground Records Facebook recently, you may have noticed there some Trve Holy Black Metal and Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet shorts available. (yes, they're not cheap, but, special order and all)
New shirts coming soon too. :B
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 27, 2020 14:06:32 GMT -6
I had one of these "progress setbacks" yesterday. (a setback because the work I did, I ended up undoing, but I still consider it as moving forward) Yesterday, I recorded and mixed my clean vocals for the "choir effect" for this first new song. (same thing I did for Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet) I listened to it a few times.... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand ended up deleting them from the song. Yeah, it sounded good, but it didn't fit as well as it did on the YWIALTMF album. This newer sound, is a tad more crisp and clear. Yes, I think a choir added to ie: Marduk album could sound good, but I could also see it distracting "some" away some from the spinebreaking black metal. Kind of the same thing that happened here. I'm probably going to record this first new song's vocals AFTER my oncology appointment on Wednesday. (routine yearly) My worry is that recording vocals today/before, I could be a tad hoarse for my appointment, and that may or may not result in additional things. I'm not looking to "additional" ANYTHING with oncology so... I'll wait.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 27, 2020 14:15:33 GMT -6
Double dip because I forgot. I got my Korg Legacy Collection all setup on this new PC. I used it for the new Disgyblaeth, I also used it for the intros and outros for the first *I had to count in my head* 4 Orationem albums. "That" will be making a return to Orationem. There's thousands of "sounds" and "effects" and well, there's not already thousands of Orationem tracks so....
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Post by jazzhead on Oct 28, 2020 7:22:30 GMT -6
I got my Korg Legacy Collection all setup on this new PC. Curious what you're using for recording software on your new PC. I just got a pretty nice free laptop from my work and my goal this winter is to finally get some of the music in my head out of my head and on to a hard drive.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 28, 2020 18:56:49 GMT -6
Curious what you're using for recording software on your new PC. I just got a pretty nice free laptop from my work and my goal this winter is to finally get some of the music in my head out of my head and on to a hard drive. I'm using Audacity. It's completely free. You can download it from audacityteam.org/ The last 2 Orationem albums, I did use Audacity algorithms for editing and mixing. But this is the first time I've recorded Orationem using Audacity. While I don't have a metal production comparison, I still have one between my old software and new. Disgyblaeth Revelation was produced only from my old recording software. (Cakewalk Sonar 6 Producer Edition - yes, I know, it's old LOL) ...and Disgyblaeth Romans was produced only with Audacity. (anyone else who isn't aware of the sound differences, I have both albums on the Orationem YouTube) Well, I shot me working more on this song in the foot today. I ate some pumpkin seeds last night, and they DESTROYED me today. Laying down and resting. Will try again tomorrow...
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Post by julienbakerfan on Nov 1, 2020 22:14:38 GMT -6
I just started really listening to the new Disgyblaeth album and very much enjoy it. It's creepy, unsettling, and atmospheric. Have you ever considered scoring a horror game before?
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Nov 2, 2020 12:31:42 GMT -6
Strangely, I find Disgyblaeth more "relaxing" than "creepy", though it does have aesthetics and techniques that are typically used in "creepy" music.
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Post by julienbakerfan on Nov 3, 2020 21:37:06 GMT -6
I find that a lot of "creepy" music is very relaxing to me. Nothing like going home, sitting by the fire, and putting on some relaxing My Purest Heart For You.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Nov 4, 2020 16:06:40 GMT -6
I just started really listening to the new Disgyblaeth album and very much enjoy it. It's creepy, unsettling, and atmospheric. Have you ever considered scoring a horror game before? I'm glad you enjoy it! I can fully relate to the creepy/relaxing. That's definitely what I was going for. :B As for game scores, I've done a few. Not major releases of course. Barely minor releases actually. (freeware) XD ________________ As for the new Orationem and my idea to release individual tracks as part of a collection, VOG and myself thought it would be best to start growing this idea as YouTube videos and free "single" downloads, rather than available only as "sold" download. One track down - many more to go. If anyone has any scripture ideas (I'm looking for prayers in scripture) I would love any contributions. Between the last album and this single, so far I've only covered (part) pf Psalm 119, and also Psalm 3. This is on the Vision of God Records BandCamp, YouTube and also the OrationemOfficial Youtube.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Nov 4, 2020 21:51:10 GMT -6
Not sure if it's 100% what you're looking for, but I've always liked Isaiah 6:5-8.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Nov 13, 2020 18:07:05 GMT -6
The last few days, I got the music done for another song. I'm going to have to wait until next week to finish it though, most likely. I can't record vocals with a sore throat.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Nov 19, 2020 12:14:45 GMT -6
I think this track turned out great. This new software is very easy to work with, now that I've got the hang of it.
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Post by barabbas on Dec 7, 2020 23:50:20 GMT -6
If anyone has any scripture ideas (I'm looking for prayers in scripture) I would love any contributions.
We did a series on the prayers of Paul at church a while back. Some of them are more prayer reports (he's telling his readers what he has prayed for them). Here are the passages we used: I Cor. 1:4-9 ; II Cor. 1:3-7 ; Eph. 1:3-14 ; Eph. 1:15-23 ; Eph. 3:14-21 ; Col. 1:3-14 ; Phil. 1:3-6; 9-11 ; Romans 15:5-6; 13; 30-33 ; Philemon 4-7 There's some in I and II Thess. that we didn't use, I think. Some other possibilities: Deut. 9:25-29; I Kings 8:22-53/II Chron. 6:14-42; Ezra 9:6-15; Neh. 1: 5-11; Neh. 9:6-38; Job 42:1-6; Jonah 2; Lam. 5
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 9, 2020 16:25:16 GMT -6
Thank you barabbas! I will review all of those. I didn't have a chance over Thanksgiving, or this last week to work on the next track, but today I got the drum tracks laid out for the 3rd "collection" track.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Dec 11, 2020 14:09:53 GMT -6
I went verses 3-10 for this track. Great feedback. Thanks again bro,
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Post by barabbas on Dec 12, 2020 16:45:22 GMT -6
I went verses 3-10 for this track. Great feedback. Thanks again bro,
No prob! It's a win-win, since the rest of us get new music! I always appreciate your faithfulness in using your creativity for the kingdom. I've been noticing that there are several blessings/prayers/praises in the Christmas accounts in the first couple of chapters of Luke.
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