http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/rTlBua7mfao&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0
The honeymoon is over for Barack Obama. Many are questioning the effectiveness of a President elected on virtually messianic terms. I believe he is doing the best he can under difficult conditions. A hole eight years deep cannot be fixed in one. But grumbling has begun. Where are the jobs and the change that he promised? This discontent has even bubbled up in metal — see these comments by Devildriver vocalist Dez Fafara. People have stopped wearing Obama t-shirts.
Coroner’s “Masked Jackal,” from 1988’s Punishment for Decadence, is relevant. It describes a leader with false promises and ulterior motives. (See lyrics here.) I don’t think Obama fits that bill. But the song expresses a disillusionment with public figures that remains timely. Elected officials have forever disappointed their constituencies. Either constituencies have had poor judgment forever, or power corrupts absolutely. But that is another metal song.
The video for “Masked Jackal” is perhaps the archetypal ’80s metal video. Its blue tint instantly dates it. The shadows in blue lights are eerily similar to the cover of the Ramones’ Too Tough to Die (which referenced this scene from A Clockwork Orange). Perhaps backlit blue was the color of the ’80s; I’m thinking of countless sci-fi and action movies. Coroner may be shadowy, but their shadows are long. “Masked Jackal” will remain relevant for a while.
The last thing anyone should do is pay attention to whatever the guy from Coal Chamber has to say about politics. Hell, I would never pay attention to anything any musician has to say about politics. Sure, metal is the right spotlight for spreading your anti-political whatever message to a captive audience, but an informed metalhead is one who reads the news, reads the books and has his/her own mind, not one who nods in acceptance to whatever dumb ass Phil Anselmo or Christ-freak Dave Mustain has to say.
hopefully some good re-issues of coroner's stuff will come out. under-rated band.
Dez is a douche.
Coroner is possibly my favorite metal band, period. Had to get my chops up to learn this tune on bass. So glad you posted this, Cosmo, props.
As for reissues, that's doubtful– Sanctuary records did represses before it went under, though.
Fafara's comments weren't as numbskulled as I thought they might be. Definitely disagree that throwing a big election party is a sign of his moral bankruptcy, but I doubt that that's Fafara's main gripe.
On a related point, I was just reading this post from a conservative blog about how a strong republican presence in the White House is good for metal:
http://www.amconmag.com/postright/2009/08/20/in-the-age-of-obama-will-heavy-metal-suck-again/
Interesting idea, if totally wrong. I've also heard the theory that pop stars with strong features tend to be more popular during times of political turmoil.
I love the first Coroner record, one of the most underrated thrash albums ever.
DBC FTW!!!
well damn on the re-issues as most places are out-of-stock…ergo they ain't getting it back. damn.
i am as unlikely to to listen to Dez Ferrara's opinion as I am Cosmo's; I personally don't come here for the "political commentary", i come here for the Coroner videos.
That Coroner album is amazing. If you see live footage of them playing…it's kind of disgusting.
They were a great band.
Ha Ha. Cosmo keeps up with Coal Chambers political views. Be sure to keep up updated with what Fieldy thinks about Cash for Clunkers.
Favourite Coroner song.
Seriously, listen how a power trio sounds like five dudes or something. And if 'studio magic' comes to mind (these guitars are certainly double-tracked) then check out the live material from the Coroner/Kreator live shows.
I always enjoyed the politically related posts on this blog, personally. Discussions about music (or any art) are always more interesting to me when they're connected to the real world in some way.
Dez Fafara's comments don't seem inflammatory so much as lame. He doesn't really say anything specific, or voice any specific criticism. He's just unqualifiedly cynical: maybe an understandable reaction to the hype that got built up around Obama during the election, but still a pointless reaction, and possibly one that is harmful to more in depth political discussion.
Coroner, obviously, is better.
Hope that made sense. Dog tired this morning.
Oh, I also remembered: for a more on-point metal song relating to American politics, recall Impaled's "You are the Dead" from their Last Gasp album a couple years ago. It's about unethically high priced medicine and medical care, and it suggests, pretty directly, that the U.S. health care system is busted: "As tens of thousands die/ Your deductible's sky high/ We'll drain your coffers dry/ You are the dead."
Nah, it's the hairline that dates it, hahaaa. Coroner rules though.
I remember this video on Headbanger's Ball in the 80s. I'd joke with my brothers about how they had a 4th member of the band but he was killed in the video (the guy falling in the parking garage or what ever it is).
On a side note, Wehrwolfe (RIP) covered this song and I thought they did a kick ass job.