Activision has finally announced that they will be releasing standalone wireless controllers for all four versions of Guitar Hero III early next year.

Bit of a bummer that they couldn’t get it together for the holidays, but I’m sure they won’t mind if you choose to pick up a full bundle of the game instead of waiting.

An animated tribute to the internet people of the world, wherever you may be:

Animated by Dan Meth, with music by Dan Meth and Micah Frank.

Step under the street light – let me see your face
There’s a madman loose in this neighborhood
He draws blood ’cause he likes the taste
Carries a knife, carries a gun
Run for your life ’cause he’s having fun
Life to him is a four-letter word
So hold your mother’s hand and hide your eyes

He talks to his own reflection
Laughs at his dirty thoughts
He’s a student of his own philosophy
He applies what he’s been taught
So he licks his lips
Pulls his fingers through his hair
Doesn’t have a reason
‘Cause he doesn’t have a care
It’s one man’s world and he’s in charge
As far as he’s concerned you’re better off dead

Don’t take candy from a madman
Don’t look too deep into his eyes
Don’t take candy from a madman
Sweet bait always lies

It’s the coldness of his blade
Deadly power of his blow
Dripping blood from wounded flesh
Insanity starts to flow
Twisted thoughts inside his head
Make it easier to kill
Fear entangled in his mind
But show it never will

As he dances with his shadow
As he feverishly grins
As he buttons up his jacket
With cold and icy hands
As he sharpens up his blade
As he laughs about his pain
As he wipes his runny nose
As he walks into your room
Goodnight

Why “heavy”? Why “metal”?

The music that stirs our Dark Selves… existed long before our feeble attempt to define it in modern English. Before it had a “name”…

It thundered down from the black skies into lifeless seas.
It came spewing from the volcano at Pompeii.
It howled in the dungeons of the inquisition.
It threw back its head and laughed at the antics of Charlie Chaplin.
It has always been ever with us… and ever shall be.

It was only when rock ‘n’ roll came along (November 1954) that we “humans” had an interface with all this nameless cosmic energy and an opportunity for some bright lad to come up with the designation “Heavy Metal”.

Some reject the phrase as too limiting. Some reject the clothing as to confining. Many refuse to comment… but admit it… isn’t there one track you put on really loud when you’re the only one home? And isn’t that just the best?

Good old nameless cosmic energy, that’s all. We call it “Heavy Metal” now but that’s just a name…

Oh look, a post with lots of anger and profanity in it:

In one ear – out the other – why bother?
This is not – for my health – it comes from anger
My bite – worse than my bark – so don’t try me
Ball and chain – stuck like a leech – untie me!

I fight – to keep my soul free
Who the fuck are you – to bark up my tree?

You take the cake – you fucking traitor – don’t talk down to me
When push – comes to shove – you’ll be on your knees
Beg for my hand – for my help – I’ll keep walking man
One time around – is all you get – so stop the cycle

I fight – to keep my soul free
Who the fuck are you – to bark up my tree?

Turn coat – walk away – don’t look back!

When I was younger, I based the amount a band “rocked” by thunderous crashing guitars and drums. Well, this simply isn’t the case anymore… so what has changed? Me.

In recent years, I’ve experienced a great collection of music I wouldn’t have given a second chance 13 years ago during my MetalGlamMulleted Days in Southern California.

There are so many multi-talented musicians and clever songwriters with an on-stage energy that rivals any huge, impressive sound and light production around. That’s what is impressive to me now.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love thunderous crashing guitars and drums but there’s a lot more to music than just that. Just my two cents.

Now back to your regular scheduled program… oh and ROCK ON!!!!