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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 1, 2018 8:57:53 GMT -6
I gave the Orationem YouTube channel some love a few days ago.
- uploaded Trve Holy Black Metal.... finally.... - uploaded a sample of the new album (same clip as the + sample above) - organized the channel into sections
As far as the upcoming Orationem, the drums are laid out, only 2 tracks left to do on guitar. Not sure on the other instrumentation how long things will take - since I'll be feeling around in the dark more than ever with it. Lyrics and vocals never take that long for me.
I mentioned on TBL Discord - I do have a surgery coming up, September 10th. I won't finish the album before then, but I think it would be nice if this could be done in September.
Also, I'd like to have another Official Music Video from this album as well. I'll just have to see where that goes though....
Most likely, I'll go back to doing single (YouTube) tracks after this album is completed.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 5, 2018 14:39:39 GMT -6
I have one track left that needs guitars. I will finish that tomorrow come hell or high water.
Some of these riffs that sound pretty darn good to me, I give them a little extra time to play out.... but I've stayed true to my goal for this album. Once a riff changes, the prior riff never returns...
It makes this album feel like there's a lot more to listen to!
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Post by Bartimaeus on Sept 5, 2018 14:44:36 GMT -6
It makes this album feel like there's a lot more to listen to! I can't wait to listen to it!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 7, 2018 11:21:32 GMT -6
I finished the last of the guitars yesterday. I spent some time standing back and listening to what's essentially the meat-and-potatoes of the entire album's music.
It sounds GREAT. I'm very satisfied. I nailed the production consistency. The entire album sounds EXACTLY like that most recent sample.
There's a few riffs that sound "similar" to other non-Orationem things I've written, but - definitely not a leeched riff clone and definitely not from someone else's work - and may probably only be recognized by myself. Meh. I know I stated I don't return to riffs after they're played. That's true, but there's a couple tracks that in ONE SPOT repeat "a different version" of a riff a section or 2 later. Meh-Meh.
Man, I forgot how GNARLY some of these guitar riffs are. Some of the guitars are easy to follow. Some whiplash me and even I had to listen to it a few times to "get it". (but once gotten, its quite good) Some of the melodies are mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm scrumptious; definitely my best. Some of the melodies are horrifyingly dissonant - in a anti-melody Xasthur kind of way. Its all black, but I see some pretty major "hat tipping" to doom, thrash, death, grind and even ROCK (black-n-roll).
If it were just one thing (ie: all easy to follow riffs) it would be kind of meh, but since there's so - much - variety.... I'm quite happy!
My "auxiliary instrument" didn't pan out in the testing. Its a nice idea, but too hard to work with. ....but.... I got a plan B and so far, its just delicious and should work just fine.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 8, 2018 14:16:09 GMT -6
The music is done.
What's left? Lyrics. Vocals. Mix them in the recording. Master. "Interludes" ....then what's heard for this album is DONE.
I just can't work on lyrics/vocals before my surgery Monday. I just can't.
....but pain adds to the quality of the vocals in my opinion.... God's will and time, this work will be my best to date....
In His name,
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 11, 2018 16:42:18 GMT -6
I've got too much pain brain going on right now to write proper lyrics. I'm sure I'll strike when the iron is hot as soon as my head clears up a bit.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 15, 2018 12:42:16 GMT -6
I've written almost half the lyrics for the album. Just like the music variety plans panned out - the lyric approach is panning out as well.
New territory to have CONFRONTATIONAL lyrics with Orationem, but each song will still contain a prayer. I'll elaborate more on the themes for each track once I finish them.
I work until Wednesday, and I've got a pile of appointments this upcoming week too. (I'm counting my wife's prenatal appointments as mine as well) I'm confident the lyrics will be done by then.... I HOPE to get the vocals recorded before I start work next weekend.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 18, 2018 23:06:09 GMT -6
After I got to unwind from work and my scan, I got the lyrics done.
Naming the tracks won't take long - I've already got a few tracks named already, but I'll share all that later.
The lyrics have a "statement to <group> → prayer to God" type format. In no particular order yet, here's the lyrics in a I-typed-this-kind-of-quick nutshell.
To the church; warning against division because of doctrine, prayer for unity To the christian metal scene; warning against being "anti" and warlike lyrics, prayer for love To the black metal scene; warning against judgement and bias, prayer for acceptance To the politically driven; warning against division and rage, prayer for respect To those in despair; expressing there is hope and answers, prayer to carry the wounded To "ripoffs"; warning against irresponsibility and crime, prayer for empathy To "bullies", trolls; warning against being belligerent, prayer for compassion
Wednesday I will have OFF - from work and appointments. I will record the vocals and possibly conclude the recording. Wish me luck!
Prayers would be appreciated...
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Post by Bartimaeus on Sept 19, 2018 9:00:10 GMT -6
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 20, 2018 0:47:36 GMT -6
The recording part is complete. The album name is "When We Are Wounded".
Its very possible not many will like the intro/outro stuff - but I totally dig it so..... sorry. XD XD XD
I sunk the whole day into vocals. I think I ate 3/4ths of a bag of cough drops. At one point I was so wiped out from recording, I went upstairs and crashed for a few hours. Talk about a 2nd wind when I came back! As for the results, better than I could have imagined....
I've got an oncology appointment tomorrow, but I'm sure I'll have some time to share an "album preview" video in the morning... I'm just too tired to make that tonight...
EDIT: The album running time is 35m31s. I was really hoping for 40 minutes, but obviously, that didn't pan out - but man is there way more variety than anything else I've written....
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Post by jazzhead on Sept 20, 2018 5:25:17 GMT -6
REALLY excited about this... can't wait to hear/buy it!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 20, 2018 11:25:36 GMT -6
I like that this thread is basically a journal of production of albums. From June to September in the making - wow - I never took 3 months to complete an album before, but you can't rush something good and in my opinion..... this is GOOD. Orationem.com got a complete design overhaul. (I'm in love with the twitchy new header) Information on this album and all the lyrics are on site. Here it is! Finally - the album preview. Its about a minute-ish or so from the beginning of each track. I hope you all like what you hear! There has been a tradition the last few album releases, that I will continue for this album as well. EXCLUSIVE to The Blackest Light forum and Unblack Metal Amino members ONLY - if you give a $5 donation (donation button is on orationem.com), as a token of my gratitude, I will private message/email/whichever-you-prefer, a direct download link for 320kbs tagged MP3s of Orationem "When We Are Wounded". I still look a little rough from surgery and I want a new picture of me for this album (I do a new pic of myself every album - :B derp) so I most likely won't be able to send the master/artwork over to Vision of God Records / Christian Metal Underground until the middle of next week. That being said, this offer will be OFF the table once I send everything over for distribution/CD production. Questions? Comments? Do you like?
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Sept 20, 2018 20:41:45 GMT -6
See if I were you, I would specifically take this opportunity when you (claim to) look rough, to get a new picture. About the music. Dude, these vocals are insane. I LOVE this style of vocals you're going for on this one. The music is also pretty much how you described it. A bit more ... I don't know what words to use. "Structured", compared to previous albums that seemed to be a bit more "atmospheric". I was kind of afraid from what you were saying, that the emphasis on creating different guitar riffs, would take a lot away from what made previous Orationem albums so enjoyable, but this is definitely still an Orationem album. Building on the formula, but not adding so much that it becomes unrecognizable in the process. And I'm really glad about that. Overall I really enjoyed these samples, definitely a thumbs-up from me
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 21, 2018 9:39:11 GMT -6
See if I were you, I would specifically take this opportunity when you (claim to) look rough, to get a new picture. Never thought of it that way. LOL You good sir, have inspired me - got a pic I like. Dude, these vocals are insane. Overall I really enjoyed these samples, definitely a thumbs-up from me Thanks bro. I'm glad you dig it!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 21, 2018 11:24:35 GMT -6
jazzhead - check your messages bro. I hope you enjoy this release! I got the master/CD layout done and am sending it over to VoG/CMU so he can get started on it. My offer still stands with the "MP3 gift for a donation" for 1 week. (Until September 27th)
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 22, 2018 11:26:41 GMT -6
I think I'll leave my avatar here as is because its animated.... but I think I might replace that pic with this one of me on the Orationem website. EDIT: I did replace it on the site. Looks good!
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Post by jazzhead on Sept 22, 2018 17:49:31 GMT -6
You look pretty badass for a chump 😉 Seriously though, the updated site looks great!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 24, 2018 13:24:39 GMT -6
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 25, 2018 14:08:03 GMT -6
I've been told, a tentative release date for the "When We Are Wounded" CD is October 10th and the 2 lyric videos should be out before that. Also, a new Orationem shirt coming out soon.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 26, 2018 6:17:52 GMT -6
grendel - check your private message bro.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 29, 2018 13:41:55 GMT -6
jazzhead grendel Bartimaeus - any initial thoughts on the "When We Are Wounded" album? Man, I keep listening to this.... I think I finally pinpointed what I've wanted with this project with this release!!! In my opinion, this is the closest to "nailed it" I've come in making extreme metal.
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Post by jazzhead on Sept 30, 2018 7:09:04 GMT -6
I replied to your DM, maybe you hadn't seen it yet... Personally, I love it! It takes a few listens to get your head around musically, but I really dig this new direction. I think your altered tuning really adds an orchestral quality in spots ~ the chord voicings you use don't always sound like guitars. Lyrically, I really love how Orationem is always about prayer, but this one is more specifically directed in each song. My favorite release of yours so far!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 30, 2018 11:04:14 GMT -6
I replied to your DM, maybe you hadn't seen it yet... Never got your DM bro. Glad this is your favorite of my work. Mine too!
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Post by Bartimaeus on Oct 2, 2018 10:20:43 GMT -6
Thomas EversoleNow that I have had the chance to listen through a couple times, I really enjoy it and I like the direction you've gone! This is by far the most "progressive" you have been on an Orationem album. I loved the little curveballs here and there that make you listen just a little bit closer. I think this is the most complex of your albums as well. I, too, like the intro/outros you do but I'm not sure I liked the midsong "breaks". The drums are great, your calling card, but the guitars are solid and the rasp is on point! My favorite part, though, are the lyrics. For me, having great lyrics in a song or album elevates it from enjoyable to an experience, even worshipful at times. On the flip side, having bad lyrics (looking at you, Narnia/Seventh Avenue/a lot of Christian metal) makes it hard for me to even enjoy the music. Your lyrics move this album from an enjoyable listen to something that I want to revisit over and over again. I felt convicted and also uplifted, that's difficult to pull off for anyone. You've availed yourself well, Mr. Eversole. Bravo!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 2, 2018 13:29:16 GMT -6
I'm glad you dig it bro! BartimaeusThere are times I feel like the lyrics on this album are too confrontational/opinionated, but.... I just didn't have the steam to do a 6th album of "just prayers". I was running into the same topics over and over trying to stay in that box. I took risks on this album - production, lyrics, music writing approach - and I think for the most part, it REALLY paid off. (if anything, I was more driven and it was fun. I just can't really make an album if I'm not driven.) The "midsong breaks" are a mixed bag for me too, but some of that has to do with the "noise" I used to make them and the intros/outros. Its actually a royalty free recording of EM (electromagnetic) noise from Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons. On some speakers - it just sounds like the song just stopped, like something went wrong in the recording perhaps. Other speakers - I can REALLY hear it well, and that's more of what I was going for. (EM noise has some sonic nuances to it which I'm not familiar with so.... that's a production minus on this album) I'm gonna be brutally honest here. Part of my reasoning for the mid-song breaks is for filler.... to make the track seem longer than it really is. Cheap trick I know, but that's truth. I wanted "noise breaks" more than I wanted a running time of 30 minutes flat. The other reason is because I actually get some sick twisted joy out of the thought of ripping or tearing "the jam", right out of the listeners ears, including my own. I have no idea why I like this, but I started to see this happen in my music starting with Ankou Awaits, with some riffs just whiplashing the listener to a "what just happened?". Even to myself its a mixed emotion of "hey I was listening to that!" and "ooooooooo... I did not expect; good show." I'm not planning on making another album but.... how many times have I said that before? I am driven though to work on individual tracks for the YouTube channel though - given the cooldown necessary to enjoy this release launch and recoup mentally from the recording grind.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Oct 2, 2018 16:16:01 GMT -6
The other reason is because I actually get some sick twisted joy out of the thought of ripping or tearing "the jam", right out of the listeners ears, including my own. I love all the creative ideas people have in the underground. Reminds me a bit of when one of the guys from Reverorum ib Malacht talked about "silence to accompany the sounds". Who would include silence in a musical work, other than that 4'33 guy? Who would think to "rip the jam right of liseners' ears" during a metal song? Yet it's all interesting and, more often than not, tends to sound quite good.
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Post by jazzhead on Oct 2, 2018 19:15:00 GMT -6
I really liked the intro/outro EM sounds. It feels to me like a thread running through the whole recording, tying everything together. Super-cool that it's sounds from outer space!
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Post by grendel on Oct 3, 2018 14:46:31 GMT -6
I have listened to the album for a few times when I had eventually some time to spend - and I would call it: really interesting! It is not in any way background music that you could just listen to while doing something - harsh, chaotic, diverse and not predictable. The lyrics take a position, they spot a light on problems within the (Christian) music scene - and even if one does not agree 100%, they are "food for thought", deep; and they lead into prayer, what I like the most: feeling that intense relation to God, our Saviour. Sometimes, vocals and music don't feel as a unity for me, they seem to work against each other for me - again, that is not just "Background-music", that is not the every-day-BM, you have to stay in the experience. I was a bit upset about the "silence" parts - but my computer said that there was sound, I just could not hear it - now I know that it is not just my problem and what were the backgrounds
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 4, 2018 10:14:53 GMT -6
I have listened to the album for a few times when I had eventually some time to spend - and I would call it: really interesting! It is not in any way background music that you could just listen to while doing something - harsh, chaotic, diverse and not predictable. The lyrics take a position, they spot a light on problems within the (Christian) music scene - and even if one does not agree 100%, they are "food for thought", deep; and they lead into prayer, what I like the most: feeling that intense relation to God, our Saviour. Sometimes, vocals and music don't feel as a unity for me, they seem to work against each other for me - again, that is not just "Background-music", that is not the every-day-BM, you have to stay in the experience. I was a bit upset about the "silence" parts - but my computer said that there was sound, I just could not hear it - now I know that it is not just my problem and what were the backgrounds Thanks for the feedback bro! Yes, I assumed there would be some listeners would not like the interludes, hence my remarks here: Its very possible not many will like the intro/outro stuff - but I totally dig it so..... sorry. XD XD XD It is slightly frustrating to me that what is intended to be heard isn't heard well in all systems. My intros/interludes in the past, I normalized their volume in the tracks to a set amount. Strangely enough, when I tried to normalize this EM noise to the same levels, it actually made it QUIETER - so - I left it as it is.... I can hear the interludes through my earbuds while I'm pushing my mower (they even overcome that noise), but from my PC - it just sounds like the song just stops. I'm glad you like the lyrics, and yes - I definitely did not intend this release to be "background music" or something to wash over the listener while they doing something else. XD I don't think I really know how to make music where the parts aren't "fighting with each other" actually. I think I've always been fond of songs where the individual instruments/vocals fight for my attention, but its definitely not something I can properly digest if I'm doing something else instead of just listening.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Oct 4, 2018 13:06:48 GMT -6
Click the image to see it larger! Orationem "When We Are Wounded" Shirts are now available. (to the 48 contiguous united states - sorry! If you live elsewhere and REALLY want a shirt, email me and we can work something out. ) Is it weird to say this is now my FAVORITE shirt? Sizes X-Small to XXX-Large They can be ordered at www.orationem.comHoly smokes there's 5 different Orationem shirts for sale on the site now. : O
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