Pantera

I'm going to talk about my favourite metal band, Pantera.

So what's so special about them? Well, while Metallica or Slayer were in their height of their fame Pantera steps in with a new style of heavy music: Groove Metal.

How to explain Groove metal.. Groove Metal if you mix in with some hiphop influence you get: Nu Metal (limp Bizkit, KoRn, Slipknot). I don't like saying Groove Metal is an early form of Nu Metal because Groove has its own attributes and originality.


Pantera's breakthrough Album 'Cowboys From Hell' features the title song's greatest metal riffs (explosive!). This song got me into Pantera and Groove Metal. Notice the verse riff. Dadad dad dad dad dad dadaadad

Groove Metal is like a more refined heavy metal that defines headbanging like never before. Ok, that's a little hard to understand but just listen to it anyway. With a little southern influence (these guys are from Texas), the bands sound is most unique.


'Mouth of War' from the Vulgar Display album. The revolutional song 'Walk' is also in this album. I like Mouth of War for it's explosive display of metal.

As a guitarist, I have tremendous respect for my idol/influence, Pantera's Dimebag Darrell. His music and playing and sound has been revered by many metal bands. Everyday I listen to his solos and never get tired of them, including my favourite: Floods.


'Floods' from The Great Southern Trendkill album has been my favourite for its whipping solo, with constant pedal changes in the sound creating it into 4 parts (see if you can find it in this video). But the best part in this song is the outro. To me, it was this outro that makes Dimebag Darrell one of history's greatest guitarist. I only posted the solo and outro for you to hear.

So that's it, videos from Youtube.com actually works well here! Other recommeneded Pantera listenings are: Cemetary Gates, Walk, Hollow, 5 minutes alone, Psycho Holiday, Domination and more...

Who Watches the Watchmen?

After reading Alan Moore's V for Vendetta graphic novel (you saw the film adaptation?) I was amazed on the storywriting of this comic. This lead me to love graphic novels.

Then I heard of the greatest comic/graphic novel called The Watchmen.

A story that changes Superhero comic traditions forever.

I finally downloaded all 12 Chapters and was filled with unique cinematic experience of the comic itself. Pulled into panel to panel, the story and the characters grip you to read more of the story.

In the 80's alternate history America, masked adventurers are real and are now illegal and banned. The story begins when one of their own was murdered and Rorschach, the only masked adventurer still active, suspects a mask-killer on the loose.

But the real pull in this story is the lives of these superheroes who, compared to our own, are very human.

With characters like The Comedian, Ozymandias, Nite Owl II, Rorschach, Silk Spectre II and Dr. Manhattan, you will find out what is it really like to be a superhero.

A film adaptation is on the works (don't mind the year, the poster up there is a failed project about to be relived again) with Zack Snyder on the director chair (His latest movie, 300 will be released in March 9th).

There are other movies you can find in youtube.com where Watchmen fans make their own adaptation.

A video version of Page 5 in the comic, featuring Rorschach.

And a mock trailer in 3D. It would be cool if they actually made one.

Finally! I can post PICTURES!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Dean Dime-O-Flage.
One of the rarest guitars in Brunei.

But not anymore, its available through mail order.

My Guitar has Wings

1
I changed the blog's title to match my passion for guitars.

But why 'Wings' you ask?
It so happens that my new Dime-O-Flage (again!) has a Dean logo at it's headstock.
And the logo has wings.

After I got the DOF (BTW, like the rest of my guitars I nicknamed this one 'Spartan') I got this obsession on Dean guitars, especially the ML shaped ones.

My friend once said, "Azzi, you finally have your dream guitar!"
Then I said, "Not exactly"
"Then what's your dream guitar?" he asked.

Well, after going through the list of guitars in Deanguitars.com I fell in love with the Dean USA Razorback (drop dead gorgeous!). It's just so violently cool!
Other guitars include the Dime-O-Flame, Warbird, Dime War camo, and the greatest of them all: The Dean From Hell.

Dean From Hell? It's just a guitar with lightning bolt designs!
Well Yeah, but then it's fitted with a floyd rose and Bill Lawrence pickups.
Plus, not only is because Dimebag Darrell used it in the Cowboys From Hell era..
If you watched the final Battle in Tenacious D: Pick of Destiny, you'll notice that Satan used one while he was singing "Check this Riff it's f&*^ing tasty...!"

So maybe in a few years, I'll find a luthier somewhere and modify the Spartan by fitting it with a Floyd Rose tremolo.

http://www.deanguitars.com/

2
I think I need to change my form 6 subjects from Math to Psychology. Why? Because of this question..

Mom: What is 1/2 minus 1/3?
Me: Uh...
Aira: 1/6 (she said instantly)
Me: Uh.. OH NO! I CAN' T BELIEVE I FORGOT HOW TO CALCULATE IT!!!

Dean ML / Results are in! / PTE

You know, actually I was planning to update my blog around 2-4 times a month. But then I got too lazy and I end up writing less.
Luckily I write alot for each post, then for each event I separate in chapters. Like so...

1
If you still remember, I recently bought the DEAN Dime-o-Flage ML (Lets call it DOF) early this January. Well, I got so into it that I broke two strings in a week.

And for some reason, I finally got better in my shredding (that's playing a solo fast to people who don't know the term) and I discovered how my playing with the DOF made me play better in my TGM Stratocaster (I've made modifications on it over the years and it fits my confort in playing). I was faster, more technically experienced and sounded better than my years with the TGM.

I also discovered my own sound (I remember showing this Bang Zul and he said ,"Extra Crispy"). All I did was messing up the knobs for overdrive on the Amp than combine it with the Onerr Distortion Pedal.
And what do I get? Spicy KFC Extra Crispy, but doesnt smell like one though. Still, it's finger licking (pun intended).

Yesterday I met two friends I haven't seen after a long time, and both of them said ,"Z, I like your guitar. It's really cool!"
Why not'? It's the meanest metal guitar I've played in my life!

2
After a gruesome wait for those results on my O-level exam, they finally came out last Tuesday.

And what did I get?..... 7 Os! Thank you God.
To be precise, it's : 1 A , 2 Bs, 4 Cs, and 1 D.

To be more precise: I got a distinction in English Literature, this is the second time I got an A unexpectedly (last time being an A for Commercial Studies).

To be a little more precise:
Eng Lit : A2
English : B3
Malay : B4
Geo : C5
Math : C6
Chem : C6
Bio : C6
Phy : D7

I've done well in my exams (people were saying congratulations and all that) but I could have gotten 8 Os. (If you remember, I did mention getting a computer when I get 8 Os? That's the only disappointing part!)

3
Today, I finally registered myself to Pusat Tingkatan Enam (Form 6 centre, also a College)

The subjects I'm taking are : English Literature, Sociology and Math (this is for you Mom). The subject recommended to me is English AS (obviously due to my results in English and Literature).

For Math, after checking with my results they had to move me to another teacher for an interview.
It was difficult because the teacher said he doesn't recommend me doing math (since I got a C6) and try a subject that focus on my English results.
At first I wanted to take Psychology, but since my mom insist I take math because of the opportunities I can get in the future, I had to fight back the comments and recommendations they gave.

So finally I got to take Math (Uncle Ahmad commented that I was a very confident speaker during the interview). The teacher interviewing me said that 2/3 of the students with C6 failed while those who pass got mostly Cs and Ds. So I said to the teacher, "Then let's hope I get to the 1/3 successfully."

Imagine all the people

Interesting song I found by downloading.
Before, I never understood why John Lennon was so famous (other than being part of the Beatles) and why his death has caused the world to miss him so much.

Until I listened to this song:
Imagine by John Lennon

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy of you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

Imagine all the people
Livin' for today

Imagine there's no country
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
and no religion too

Imagine all the people
Livin' life peace

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'd join us
and the world would be as one

imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'd join us
and the world will live as one.

For some reason I found myself with tears in my eyes.
Maybe this is why Lennon was missed so much.
How will the world change if Lennon is alive?

Davao & adventures of mom and me

I am seriously trying to make my friendster blog work, but noooooo... it wont!!
And then I forgot to update this blog!

So what did I miss writing about? Oh yes!

1
The Philippines.
Beautiful memories.
The last time being 3 years ago and I still remember the smell of the Mallonga house.
Plus, this time we're bringing along my dad and sisters (Kaka arrived from Japan the day before when we were in Singapore, so it adds to the excitement!)

My journey to Four Malls (NCCC, Victoria, SM, Gaisano)
Our first Christmas celebration
My visit to the Crocodile Farm
My first Paintball (PAINball) game
A Very Lively New Year celebration (In Brunei we let it pass quietly)
The Reunion, the beach, and my (daring) performance of Clapton's Tears in Heaven.

And if you can't join them with alcohol, use caffiene. (After an experience that Coke works as well as Brandy. Works wonders if your about to sing a song you can't sing while your sober).

I think the worst part was the goodbye. I've had an enjoyable experience in Davao and if there is any opportunity to return to the Philippines I'll definitely come back. It took only two weeks to feel used to Davao.
And also took less than a week to miss it.

So how to end this?
No matter if they're different race, different faith, different lifestyle..
Blood will always be blood.

2
Yesterday, I woke up and left my bed and in front of me is a beauty.

A dream? No. But I still can't believe that this excellently made piece is in my room.
IN MY ROOM!!!

Google the image: Dime-O-Flage

Recently bought on Sunday in KB.
Mom planned to buy me a guitar from the beginning (While Zani got his PSP and currently searching ways to use its WiFi).

Here's how I got it (from the beginning)!
-Saturday: Bang Zul, my cousin, said there existed a Blue ML guitar (Z shape+V shape=ML shape) and of course I went to tell my mom that night.

-Sunday: Bang Zul and I went out early to check out every guitar store in Bandar (including Guan Hock Lee, where the ML is). But to no avail.

-Monday: Mom got sick days before and went home early that day. After watcing a movie she turned to me and asked, " when is Guan Hock Lee closing?"
I checked my watch... "2 hours from now (six pm)".
and so we went to the place and sadly the guitar was not there.
"Mom, you can order a guitar from this place"
And so we talked with the manager about the guitars available (and I was CLOSE to getting a USA Razorback!! google image pls). Brought home a list of guitars available for shipping by Dean and there we discussed about what guitars are good. (and that involves a lot of internet research)

-Tuesday: I was looking through all the guitars and researching constantly on them. And there I crossed out every guitar that I dont need, leaving two left:
ML noir XT, &
Dime-o-Flage
And yes, a very difficult decision. It was Mom who helped me with it and so chose the ML Noir XT.

-Wednesday: Mom already called for the order and is due shipping on Friday

-Saturday: 2 days has passed and news on the guitar is unheard of. That afternoon my mom called again to inquire about guitar.
And can you believe this? It's out of stock!! I was disappointed but mom said we can go to Kuala Belait to check out the guitar I saw last raya.
Yes, I remember. The Dime-o-Flage and one of the employees who himself is a guitar fanatic (and like myself very passionate of Dimebag Darrel's music).

-Sunday: We had to ask our uncle the way to the shop (because it was my uncle who brought me here the last time). The Dime-o-flage (Thank God it's still there!) and the same guy was there (BTW, his name is Ronnie). And here's the funny part:
He remembers me from last raya (He said, " It's you!" with a startled look as soon as I entered the place the second time), and..
He now knows my mom is Filipino ("I didn't know your mom's a Filipino!)
Since he's Filipino too, it was easy for mom to talk business.

So after some talk about guitars; effects; amplifiers; and of course, Dimebag Darrel; I finally got my hands on a Dean ML.

And I owe this my mom, who has gone through so much for me. Thank you so much mom! I LOVE YOU!!!!


To all guitarist! I recommend you check out MUZIK BLNADA located in:
Lot 7065, Unit 13 Block B, Bangunan Haji Karim Dan Anak2, Jalan Jaya Negara, Kuala Belait, Brunei.
They sell variety of beautiful sounding amps such as Line 6 and VOX. Do check it out as soon as your in KB!