In The Pit #24 - Dr.Poca

Ok be prepared for some lengthy answers for some of these.

Malice wrote: »

What got you into Rock & Metal in the first place and what keeps you interested in it?

Well my Dad is a big Beatles fan and I would have heard a lot of their stuff when I was younger. I liked some of it and would have enjoyed listening to it. He also had the Early Days best of Led Zeppelin and when I was a little older I listened to that a bit. But at that time I wasn't hugely into music. Just liked some of the songs.
When I was in my early teens I was into skateboarding and the Tony Hawk's games had some rock/metal music I liked. Where my interest really started was hearing System of a Down's "Shimmy" on one of those games. I really, really liked it and later found out that my friend had one of their albums. They were the first band I loved and definitely who got me into music, specifically metal. After liking them for a good while I got Master of Puppets from the same friend and it blew me away completely. It's too long to write about, but it changed my whole view on music completely. And the rest is history! I now listen to a huge range of rock and metal. From Pink Floyd to Gojira

What keeps me interested is the variety of sounds in the genre and how passionate the musicians are. That's what really grabs me. Is that with a lot of bands you can really feel something when you're listening to them. A lot of other music just doesn't capture those feelings for me.

Malice wrote: »

How did you come across the Rock & Metal forum on Boards?

A friend of mine was a member (Pyr0) and he was telling me about it shortly after we gained the wonderful world of broadband in my house back in 2004. I checked it out and have been coming back ever since.

Malice wrote: »

What keeps you coming back to the forum?

It's a great way to keep up with news relating to albums and tours. It's also a good way to come across new bands. Not to mention the nice friendly community

Malice wrote: »

What do you do when you're not rocking out?

Currently I'm a student in DCU studying Genetics & Cell Biology. I also play guitar in a band (who really needs to finish recording some material). Other than that I like computer games, reading and various other wholesome activities.

Malice wrote: »

What album do you feel had the greatest impact on you?

This is an incredibly tough question. There's a number of different albums I could pick for different reasons. As said, Master of Puppets opened my eyes to the depth of talent and atmosphere that metal held. It probably gave me my real appreciation for music.
On the other hand, Dream Theater's Awake is an album I consider flawless. I mean it is phenomenal. The most atmospheric, powerful album I know.

But, without MoP, I would never have discovered the incredible bands I listento now. So I'm gonna go with that, even though I don't listen to it/them much anymore, it had the greatest impact on my taste overall.

Malice wrote: »

Where did your username come from?

I was playing Final Fantasy VIII in a friends house and couldn't pick a name. So I just made up something weird and I just stuck with it. I'd probably change it if I had something good to change it with, but I use it for nearly everything

lord lucan wrote: »

What's the best & worst gigs you've ever attended?

Good question. Best is a toss up between Porcupine Tree and Rush. I prefer Porcupine Tree in general, and the gig last October was incredible. Nice small venue, great setlist, and I completely feel and relate to Steve Wilson's style and intensity. He's a God (as is Gavin Harrison)
But at the same time Rush was amazing. Great set, fantastic sound and exactly what I hoped seeing a legendary band like Rush would be, the perfect show. But I'd probably go with PT, just because their music speaks to me more.
(Honorable mentions to Roger Water's who wins best show in terms of grandeur and display, for the Wall)

Worst gig... Can't think of one! I've enjoyed every gig I've gone too. I love live music, even stuff I'm not normally into

Denny M wrote: »

What has been your favourite album out in 2010 or 2011?

Tough one. I find it hard to think of albums that I got recently, mainly cause I've been going backwards with music and listening to a lot of older stuff. For rock I'll go with Age of the Fifth Sun by God is an Astronaut. For metal I'll go with Surtur Rising by Amon Amarth.

Denny M wrote: »

What band/artist in rock/metal can you not stand the most? (not over-rated, actually hate)

It's hard to think of one when I'm one the spot like this :P I'll try get back to this one.

Denny M wrote: »

What other sections of boards do you frequent?

Games,Playstation, Cool Vids, lurk a bit in tGC

Denny M wrote: »

Do you prefer rock or metal, and which sub-genre of them is your favorite?

I'm gonna say that I prefer metal. Although it is extremely close and I kinda love both equally. But if I had to pick one more of the bands I regularly listen to would fit into metal.
I don't really have a favourite subgenre. It's too hard to box in a band to one sound. Although my most hated is thrash.

Denny M wrote: »

If you could go drinking with 5 people in metal, who would they be?

Mikael Akerfeldt, Steven Wilson, Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Duplantier and Maynard James Keenan (Even though he might be a c*nt)

Denny M wrote: »

What would be the lineup of your dream gig?

Assuming bands that aren't around anymore etc: In no particular order. Camel, Dream Theater (circa 93), Porcupine Tree, Tool, Old school Led Zeppelin and sure Pink Floyd as well

Denny M wrote: »

Assuming you like any of them, which of the big 4 of thrash is your favourite?

Not a thrash fan. Have a couple of Slayer albums but really my choice is Metallica even though they're not really thrash (although I love Kill em All)

Denny M wrote: »

What was the last rock/metal album that really let you down, cause you expected huge things from it?

Another tough one as I'm not really up to speed with recent albums. But maybe Twilight of the Thunder God by Amon Amarth from 2008. I was expecting a hell of a lot after the incredible With Oden on our Side (One of my favourite albums) and was quite disappointed. It's only good. Boring drumming is the biggest let down

Wow, that took a while. Really had to think about some of them. Hope it wasn't too long!

slavetothegrind wrote: »

What songs still make the hair on your neck stand up when you listen to them?

Ah there's loads. A lot of the time it would depend on my mood. But I'll answer with something I haven't mentioned yet as I don't want to be just mentioning the same bands over and over.
Getting into Buckethead lately, mainly because of this song, which definitely gave me goosebumps by the end of it



EDIT After watching some of the Pink Floyd night on BBC4, how could I have forgotten this. Never, ever gets old.

Kess73 wrote: »

Do you play any instruments?

If so, what music do you like to play along to when practising/jamming?

I play guitar. I don't actually do much practicing or playing along with songs. I really just love to write music. I literally spend no time learning or playing along with other songs unless the band insists on doing a cover. But I do enjoy coming up with solo ideas over songs. My playing style when it comes to solos tends to more mellow/Pink Floydish, so I like to play along with anything with a nice calm backing.

Kess73 wrote: »

If you play no instrument, then what would you like to be able to play and why?

I'd absolutely love to have room for a drum kit. I f*cking love drums and think they can add so so much to a song that will otherwise be only average. So I wish I had started on drums and not guitar!
I mean who cannot find this awesome?

There used to be a much better quality version of this, but it seems to be gone

Kess73 wrote: »

Alos who are your favourite musicians that use the same instrument?

I'm starting to sound like a broken record here... But Steven Wilson has to be it. His whole writing style is exactly what I love, emotive and/or atmospheric songs. But from a technical standpoint you have to acknowledge the greats like Steve Vai, Buckethead and John Petrucci.

I personally prefer feeling over technicality though, so I'll stick with Steven (and Buckethead as he can really do both)

Pyr0 wrote: »

If you could have three bands touring the world together, who would it be and why?

I'd probably have a couple different styles to give the night a few moods. I'd have Gojira for the crushing heaviness and power. I really think they're a breath of fresh air in the metal scene. Joe is obviously passionate about his subject matter and it comes across in the songs.
Next I'd have Porcupine Tree for the atmospheric and moody part of the show.
And I'd finish it on an epic note with some Blind Guardian. That would make for a nice tour to me!

Pyr0 wrote: »

Take a very small, intimate venue and have one artist/band play an acoustic gig in it, who would the artist(s) be and why?

The acoustic part of the question makes it a good one. I'm gonna pick something different here and say Audioslave. I really liked the acoustic version of Like a Stone that was on Out of Exile and I'd say they'd do some good version of their others

Malice wrote: »

Who's the most famous musician you've met?

I haven't met any really big name musicians. I did meet Gavin Harrison at his drum clinic in X-Music a few months ago though. That was class as I'm a huge Porcupine Tree fan/
I've met the all the guys from Gojira, Suffocation, Nile. Basically gigs that have been in Whelans and that as it's a tiny venue where its easy to go and meet them after the show.

Malice wrote: »

Who do you think is the biggest idiot in metal and why?

This is another tough one.. I guess I don't have a lot of hate for anyone in particular as I'm struggling to think of someone off hand. Sorry!

Malice wrote: »

Who would be your favourite metal babe?

I don't listen to the band, but Simone Simons is gorgeous



Also, it would be rude to ignore Angela Gossow. She's the archetype metal chick.



EDIT: Forgot the album covers

Some covers I like

10,000 Days - Tool (The 3d art was great)



Pink Floyd - Animals





There's a good few I like. But not too many stand out straight away as a favourite. I guess that's because unfortunately album art doesn't matter very much anymore

Malice wrote: »

Any sub-genre within metal that you just cannot stand?

Really not a thrash fan. I can enjoy the energy at a gig, but I wouldn't be one to stick on any thrash bands. I was never into it, not even when starting to get into metal.

Malice wrote: »

What was your favourite gig this year?

Definitely has to be Rush back in May. It was all kinds of awesome. Historic night, and everything you could want from an iconic band like Rush. Absolutely superb and one of my all time favourite gigs.

Malice wrote: »

Any upcoming gigs you're looking forward to?

Looking forward to Manowar, still need to get tickets actually. And of course Rammstein. I have a feeling there's more, but can't think of them right now. If I do I'll add them in later

Malice wrote: »

Do you keep up to date with the Irish rock/metal scene and, if so, any bands we should watch out for?

Not really,really up to date. But two great bands to look out for are Shattered Skies and Shoctopus. Shattered Skies have a great EP out. Shoctopus are absolutely class live. Like modern, classic rock if you get me. Great, great band live. If you get a chance to see them live do because you'll be singing along first time you hear the songs

Malice wrote: »

Could you name your all-time favourite band?

My music taste has changed over the years and I think it always will. And I really don't think I could pick a favourite band. There's some I love for different reasons and whatever I pick now would probably be different in five years time. So I'm afraid I can't!

Malice wrote: »

What is your favourite aspect of the rock/metal scene and, conversely, what is your least favourite?

Favourite thing about the scene... I like the commitment of the artists and fans to each other. Usually everyone can enjoy the gigs and have a good time. I like that. But I think a lot of metal fans in particular are really judgmental of peoples taste. And sometimes just wanna hear bands play the songs they like. For example I f*cking hate when I got to an Opeth gig and you have these mouthy b*stards shouting at the band during a mellow song to "play metal!!". It's totally disrespectful, and I don't get why you'd go to a gig and do that. Plus you're ruining it for me.

Malice wrote: »

Is there a rock/metal band out there with loads of fans that you just don't get?

Megadeth. I have never been into them and just don't get them at all. Also, Guns and Roses.

What was your first ever gig?
Is there any particular band you would like to see live?
What is your favourite PT album?
Audioslave or Soundgarden?