thrashinbiker

I know what you mean, AS, but I'm for sure not one of those people who obsess over labelling/categorising music of any kind. I mean, I'm a thrasher kid from way back but even it doesn't mean I decry anything that isn't, or that I am not willing to give something new a try. Despite most certainly not ebing a NWOBHM expert, Saracen always stuck with me because I really like the vocals and even to my untrained ear, I can tell the musicianship is of a great quality. I'm glad you are going to check them out further, let me know what you think when you do. I must check out the last couple of albums as admittedly, I have yet to listen to them.

Well, allow me to be first, if I may, since NWOBHM seems somewhat neglected. Saracen, while also being from Matlock (a true biker haunt which is naturally going to appeal to me, as a biker), are a band who truly pushed boundaries and as far back as 1981 (when the album I link to below was released, their first - 42 years ago!!!) was already a true masterpiece that no one who was "into music" knew what to do with. Steve Bettney (vocals) proved not only to have that rocker/heavy metal attitude, but man, he could actually SING. Sure, it may have been like listening to one of your friends being a badass (and not quite knowing how) but he pumped out such energy and enthusiasm that if, even like me, as a lover of the fast and hard thrash, you can overcome the slower pace, but still appreciate the energy and will to experiment and fuck with the norm, you can then surely appreciate Saracen. They were formed in 1976 and released their first album (again, linked below) followed by their second in 1984 (Change of Heart). A third album would require a nearly 20 year wait as it didn't come along until 2003 (Red Sky). Ironically, despite their sound, they would release only two albums in the 1980s and five in the 2000s, possibly attesting to their loyal, if small, fanbase. Many people have opinions about Saracen, and they have also been compared to many bands (my favourite of which, being Yes, which I feel is at least somewhat accurate), but whatever you think, give them a try - they are worth at least a one off listen for the great singing and the heartily interesting and thought-provoking lyrics.

Haha oh for sure man don't think my smaller appetite now is a regular thing, it's only medication related. Prior to that I could chow down like a fucking behemoth. It's funny, because when you are a chef (as I was, I don't do that job any longer and haven't since the early 2000's) people think every meal you prepare/eat is some sophisticated, difficult to prepare, exotic and exciting plate of food, but I have always been most satisfied by the basics - a decent burger, a good pizza or something that someone is expert at making (even if its the only thing they can make proficiently, like a stew or meat with sauce). My go to comfort food is a decent Aberdeen Angus burger (they fucking rock, man) with supermarket spiced curly fries, and some grated cheese lashed on top - yes it really is that simple. When you are a chef and have worked in some pretty high-end establishments, often you don't want highbrow, snotty-nosed shit, you just want a good, simple dinner and I am one of those dudes, even now. I mean, I appreciate talent and quality, but just some good stodgy food (with some good stodgy metal as the musical accompaniment!) is all I desire. Despite my recent lack of appetite I am still a fat bastard, though, so I feel what you are saying!

I have a PC capable of gaming but other than GTAV and RDR2 (to play online with friends who moaned me to get them and then largely abandoned both games) I have pretty much zero experience of PC gaming since the 90s when I used to play Rise of The Triad and a few others. Ah man, Game & Watch! That takes me back! That does suck my brother Fuck's sake, hanging out for a medical miracle on your behalf. Also, I had forgot about Mario Kart. Me and my friend absolutely hammered the SNES version for YEARS after it came out. As in, every night after school and weekends we would CONSTANTLY play. It used to piss him off mightily that I would kick his ass on battle mode, haha. Fun times!

I'm really glad to hear that. I was lucky, in the sense that my parents, while not fully understanding, were always fine with me choosing the music I wanted to listen to and the clothes I wanted to wear (I'd get the odd comment, but more in jest than anything, so it was never an issue). Even though other family members made comments (the usual stuff), it rolled off me like water from a duck's back because my uncle (who introduced me to metal) had taught me that I could (and should) be confident in myself if I was being my genuine self. So, even though I wasn't (and am still not) the most confident person, being a metalhead in my hometown (which was a rarity in those days and still isn't exactly commonplace now) didn't cause me to have any crises of confidence. Even becoming a biker (another family first, save for my aforementioned uncle), while it drew the usual "ooh they are SOOOOO DANGEROUSSS" comments from relatives, I was confident enough in my own skin to let that wash over me. I am so glad you are comfortable with your passions and that you don't let the past determine the future, brother. I have "known" you (in the terms of a forum and in so much as I can know someone in this situation) for such a short time, but you are clearly someone of great intelligence and an inspiration. Thank you.

With being on medication my appetite is way, way smaller than it was, so tonight I just fancied a nice prawn cocktail. I made my own seafood sauce (some shop bought ones are okay, but I prefer to tweak it to my own taste) so I did the usual mix of tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, added some paprika, tabasco (a good dash as I like a bit of spice) and some cognac. Coated the king prawns in the sauce and chilled them for a while, then served on a bed of romaine lettuce with cherry vine tomatoes and a liberal amount of spring onion. It was really tasty and one of the (very few, these days) meals I could have eaten more of.

Beer and Metal Church? Well fuck yeah, they go together like... like... well just fuckin' two things that go together, right? If you want wit and enigmatic metaphor then you'd best not look to the forum's thick as dogshit resident for that 🤣 Metal Church - The Dark (1986) Classic choice. There is NEVER a time when Lääz Rockit doesn't hit the spot, man!

I'm on PS5 so if you ever feel like a game or me showing you some things or helping you earn a bit of cash (If you need it) then happy to do so. Chatting/socialising not required. I've always been a solo player, probably a hangover from the 80's when I first played on Amstrad, Spectrum and Sega Master System etc., when single player was really all there was. I had the PS1 and after that (and some Nintendo system before it), I took a LONG break from gaming as I started my chef training and worked long/odd hours and had little money to spend on gaming (what little I had went on music, of course). A few months prior to the release of the PS4, I bought a cheap, second hand PS3 and GTA V with some money I got for my birthday. I completed story mode before I even dared venture into the online mode. When I did, being a noob and getting shot at etc., I had pretty much the same attitude as you, NC, like why would people find this FUN? Finally, on a gaming page on social media, I met the dude I mentioned earlier that I now play GTA Online with (we both got booted from the page as I think our humour was a little too out there for the admins of the group, even though it wasn't bad LOL) and now, I either play solo, or with him in closed/friend sessions. As I said to ME, earlier, though, if you play solo, even though you are online, it's pretty much like playing single player, no interaction with other players is necessary unless you want to do the multiplayer heists. There's a hell of a lot to do to keep you occupied, that's for sure. Another game I loved the story for is Red Dead Redemption 2, I don't know if you guys have played it. Forgetting about online, which is now essentially abandoned by Rockstar and pretty dire in terms of players, the storyline was amazing and streets ahead of GTAV in terms of story, characters, writing and feeling invested in the characters. I'm a huge fan of great storytelling and, for me, RDR2 really hit the spot for me. It's the only game I have ever pre-ordered, I just had a strong feeling I would fall in love with it when I started reading about it. Amazing to think that it is already five years old.

I'm generally like that too, ME, though I have one mate from Norway I play regularly with and am playing right now, in fact. But yeah, I don't do interaction with randoms. In short, yes, in recent times there is a lot more you can do as a solo player in online - Rockstar finally realised that players want the option to play single player stuff in online, too, a few years back. The stuff I mentioned in my previous post, the chop shop, you can run all of that solo. There is also a heist (Cayo Perico) you can do solo, too. I wouldn't say it's the greatest heist but it's fun enough. There's also an auto shop you can run missions/mini-heists from as a solo player and since last year, you can now run the CEO business/biker missions and sales in solo/closed sessions, too, which you couldn't previously as they had to be in public sessions. If interaction with other players is all you are worried about, then I wouldn't let that stop you as there is plenty to do alone. Happy to talk you through/offer some guidance if you need it, my friend. Have a good evening 🤘

Wow, thank you for the recommendation, Arioch. As I said in my Emperor post, my knowledge and experience of BM is practically zero, so forgive if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about, because, well... I don't I wanted to wait until I had finished listening to the album before replying. I enjoyed it very much, the last two tracks, "Ephilates" and "Incubatio" especially. That long, ominous intro to "Incubatio" put me in mind of being strapped to a trolley/gurney, paralysed but unable to move and being led, slowly and nightmarishly, to have my organs ripped out without anaesthesia. Then those guitars come crashing in and the madness of the vocals are just insane. I also loved the ending, where there is almost a sense of peace after being trapped in some hellish, never-ending, screaming, tortured, pain-filled terror. It's probably irrelevant to mention this under any other circumstance, but I sometimes suffer from sleep paralysis when waking up (if you haven't heard of it, it's where the brain wakes up and brings you into consciousness, but your brain hasn't yet sent the necessary signals to your body to allow it to move). It's often accompanied by a feeling of terror (sometimes called night terrors) and that you are being watched by some sort of demonic entity. I am quite used to it by now, so it's less frightening for me, but for those 90 seconds or so of being paralysed, this music seemed to sum that up. Amazing, and I will definitely give it another listen - thank you, again, for recommending!

Well cycling or motorcycling, still a great feeling either way Ah man, that whole album is my undisputed favourite, it's the first metal album I ever heard and while I know some love it, some hate it, I feel EXACTLY like you do and did back then. Whether I am having a bad day, a good day or a great day, that album just lifts up my mood every single time. I can't praise it enough. Me neither. I've got one friend who I see occasionally (he doesn't live too far away, but he has a wife and daughter so is kept busy with family life) who is heavily into metal, but he's the only one I know "in real life" as it were. That's why this place is great, it brings so many of us together and we can share experiences and learn new things. I am no music expert by any stretch, but some of the recommendations from people I have had in the short time I have been here, have been amazing!

Thank you for your kind words, my brothers. ME, really glad to hear you have been supporting your brother-in-law. It's difficult when you are dealing with your own struggles, but utmost respect to you for doing that. RO, I am genuinely sorry to hear you have had what is clearly an extremely difficult time over the last 10-12 years. Obviously it would be impertinent to ask questions, but whatever went/is going on, I hope you are in a better frame of mind, now. May the future be a happier and metal-filled place for us all. 🤘 🤘

A little bit of easy listening pop to start the day with my coffee. On a serious note, as much as I am most certainly not au fait with much BM, I first heard this when I was about 18 (1996ish) and I fell in love with the chilling, atmospheric coldness of it. It always strikes me as somehow being the perfect accompaniment to a nightmare from which there is no escape. Emperor - In The Nightshade Eclipse (1994)

A little bit of F&J while I eat my cheeseballs (oo-er!) and consider whether or not to head to bed. Flotsam and Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deceiver (1986)

Fair play to him - if he can afford it, why not. I've never been into boats, but the bikes I can definitely understand. Does he like metal, too? I find, having ridden for a number of years and having met many bikers over the years, that there seems to be an expectation that most bikers are into metal/rock but while some most definitely do (I am one, of course) I find the majority don't, or, at the very least, might like the odd bit of Metallica or Maiden etc.

Hello fellow gaming metalheads As some of you may know, the Winter update for GTA Online dropped today, strangely with rather less-than-usual fanfare from Rockstar, though I suspect they are currently basking in the hoo-ha of the recently released GTA VI trailer. You can read about the update here - https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/75k3149ko747ka/gta-online-the-chop-shop-now-available - but, in short, it allows players to purchase a chop shop and steal high-end vehicles which you can either keep, sell or break down for parts and cash. One notable part of this release is that players can unlock the ability to purchase law enforcement vehicles - a longstanding wish of seasoned players of the game and also features an assortment of new cars to purchase, along with drift racing, where spinning the tyres and pulling a rubber melting drift will win the day, rather than crossing the finish line first. I've only just introduced myself to the update and have completed one of the vehicle robberies. It follows a slightly similar vein to the auto shop jobs, which I call mini-heists. There are a couple of set-ups and some optional ones to make the vehicle theft easier. It also features two characters, Liberty City's Yusuf and his cousin, Jamal. Thankfully these characters are somewhat less grating on the ear than the vehicle workshop's Sessanta and Moodymann. My first impression is that, while somewhat consistent with Rockstar's formula of releasing new businesses to buy, is overall positive. It returns GTA to its roots - car theft and taking down anyone who gets in your way (I'm looking at YOU, Merryweather) and I had fun doing the not too arduous setups and driving the Arena Wars made-over Hellcat. To sum up, while I haven't played much of the new update, I am impressed upon my initial try-out and look forward to spending more time playing later this week. If you are playing/have played, would be great to hear any thoughts.

Way out of my price range, sadly. Indian do some nice bikes. I admit to being a fan of the Chief Dark Horse. It looks great in black. And the Scout Bobber that GG posted, above is also pretty sweet.

First of all, I just want to say thank you to all contributors here for what has been a very interesting, touching, funny and insightful read. I'm also thicker than a mustard and beefsteak sandwich, however, I will try to explain what metal means to me. I posted extensively about how I was introduced to metal in the "Music that shivers me timbers" thread https://www.metalforum.com/topic/28247-music-that-shivers-me-timbers/?do=findComment&comment=389982&_rid=10938 - but its a long read, so, to sum up, I was introduced to metal (at first Slayer and Metallica) by my uncle when I was 11 or 12 and I was pretty ambivalent toward music until that moment. I was amazed at the heaviness, the heartiness, the aggression and the super-prevalent fuck-you attitude of these bands. In those formative, pre-teenage years, metal was like embarking on a truly foreign land. It taught me that music can find those parts of your personality that are hidden away and bring them out into the open. It taught me that the melting pot of emotions we experience on a daily basis was normal and that music could be a safe but thoroughly enjoyable outlet for the daily pressures of life, whatever age we may be. I was already an outcast at school so finding metal made no difference, but it helped me to come to terms that being different to the norm was no crime, indeed, that it was fun. Rather than looking on in envy at cliques of people who appeared to be enjoying themselves, but, as I later discovered, were probably far unhappier and dissatisfied with life than I was, I quickly learned to not give a fuck about who was good at sport or who was popular - these achievements, if you can call them that, were fleeting. Thirty-five years or so later, I am still here and so is metal. And, overall, I am still just as happy as the person all of that music helped me to become as I ever was. As I advanced through my teenage years, my passion for metal never waned. My tape/cd collection grew, and so did my appetite for music. Sure, I got funny looks at school and some shade thrown for growing my hair and wearing band tees, black jeans and my leather jacket, but, despite being an introvert, metal had instilled in me some confidence (and that middle-finger attitude, of course) so any insults just rebounded off me and often resulted in a demonic, braying laugh that put the wind up students and teachers alike. It was immensely liberating to realise that I just didn't care what anyone thought and I realise now that being comfortable in my own skin from an early age was a huge benefit to my emotional wellbeing and state of mind. Despite being a loner, sneaking out at night to go to one or two of the few venues in my city that played metal were some of the best I had. I had very little money, but could afford the price of a ticket and would take two hip flasks filled with whatever concoctions I could glean from the drinks cabinet. Heading into the sweaty, belligerent, aggressive mess that is the pit, I felt right at home. At home because of my fellow metalheads, the brotherhood as some might say, and at home with the prevailing emotions of the pit, releasing that anger, the frustration and just succumbing to (and adding to) that massive ball of energy that you only truly get in the pit. I don't mind admitting to you guys that, at forty-five, this year, for the first time in my life I have suffered with some mental health issues. I don't want to sound like I am canvassing for violins, but I live with a good deal of chronic pain due to growth spurts I had when I was 12 and 14 (I'm 6'7") and having to take opiates/nerve-blockers makes me tired and strung out. I have only just returned to work (4 December) after having five months off work due to depression. For the first time in my life, I didn't want music, I didn't want to play on my PlayStation. I was numb, emotionally, for the first time in my life. Even simple things like brushing my teeth and showering felt like the hugest obstacles to overcome. I live with my parents as I have been their carer for a number of years. My mother has mobility issues and had a stroke in September (fortunately it was mild and she is doing well) so (if this doesn't sound ironic) I am grateful that I HAD to get up and make sure the house ticked over with things like cleaning and making meals. I was fortunate to have a sympathetic doctor who provided me with medication and a place to go for support, which I still attend regularly - a centre for men with mental health problems, where you can do activities, anything from jamming nights to yoga, cookery, gardening, playing games. And more besides. Round the end of September, I thought fuck it, let's have some tunes. I returned to the music of my childhood, when I first found metal (or did it find me?) all those years ago. I spent a day listening to Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax, and many more besides. While I can't claim the music instantly healed me, as the next few weeks went by, probably combined with the medication bedding in, I began to feel those familiar feelings again. The energy, that fire in my belly, that spirited rejection of society and I-don't-give-a-fuck spirit that had eluded me for so long. I am now doing well and I finish work this Thursday for three weeks off (I always take three weeks off at Christmas, I don't tend to go away due to caring responsibilities so my "big" block of leave tends to be at Christmas), and, just like it is every day, metal will be right at the centre of enjoying every day. Apologies for the long post and if you made it to the end, thank you for reading.

A little chilling before my shower. Artillery - By Inheritance (1990)

In all honesty, if someone said "I will buy you a bike, money's no object but it HAS to be a Harley", I, too would go for the Fat Boy, or possibly the Street Bob as a second option. That custom one in the video is a beauty and I LOVE the seat, the fender and the split rims. And as you referenced, the V&H exhaust gives it that familiar Harley note that people either love or hate and the black is just awesome. The only thing I wouldn't have done is replace the footboards. Not that I have huge Harley riding experience, but I think the boards are better.

GG, honestly man I didn't take offence or anything, I just have one of those brains where if someone questions/asks something, I feel the need to clarify, lest I be misunderstood. But I can assure you it's never in a confrontational/argumentative way. I try to be funny and fail sometimes, too, so I know what you're getting at. I guess my taste in music would be seen by some as pretty narrow, as I do tend to stick to what I know and love. That's not to say I'm not open to trying new stuff, I have listened to various different artists as posted by members here over the past week than I have in years. But admittedly, my knowledge of all the genres/sub genres/extreme genres is limited, to say the least. If I like something then I like it (apologies for the tautological statement), and it goes on my playlist. The bandit is loud, but certainly not on a par with a Harley, or Intruder, for example. And yeah, I have a bluetooth headset which is surprisingly good and gives clear sound. It's also voice activated so you can make and receive calls, too, not that I make or take calls while riding, you need your wits about you, plus, I like to just focus on me, the bike and the road ahead. The suspension on the bandit is good, it irons out those little lumps and bumps (British roads are horrendous) though it will bounce a little at higher speeds, you never feel like the bike is controlling you rather than you controlling the bike. It's also very forgiving if you are a bit careless with clutch control or muddy up a gear a change. Yeah, it's ugly as sin but so is its (current) rider, so it still gets a huge thumbs up from me. Also, the friend who owns it is only a little shorter than me (he's 6'4"), so he has adjusted the pegs for comfort and it suits me great. Oh, and it's black, to answer question about the colour, though I think RIB red is a good idea! The great thing about the Bandit is that even at low speeds, it still feels like you are riding at speed and if you are going round the twon/residentail areas, you can easily do 20 to 30 mph (even 40 if you so desired) without needing to shift up to second - the engine offers up none of the protestations that many other bikes do. As I mentioned in a previous comment, I suffer with horrendous back pain (sciatica), so it curtailed my riding for a while, but I missed it so much that I am out and about again. Fortunately, despite some pain, I'm not doing too bad at the moment and I plan to save for a bike over the course of the next 12-18 months. As yet undecided on what bike, though I really wouldn't mind a Bandit myself, as it's a fun bike for sure. And yeah, as in the metal world so too does snobbery exist in the biking one. Particularly with Harleys, though there's also the sports vs. cruiser vs. moto etc. Again, I don't subscribe to that (too old, maybe?) if you ride then that's cool, if you don't, then that's cool too, it's not for everyone. The Triumph Bobber is a gorgeous bike and I love Freddie's enthusiasm when he parks up and starts gushing about it - THAT'S what I feel riding does for me. A huge grin, nothing on your mind except the bike and that huge upswing of mood. I love the ape-hangers, the whole arms out/feet out feel on a bike is great. Like you, I would probably go ape (pun intended) for the extras, custom seat, slash cut pipes, floating headlight, custom paint job and all that. If only there wasn't problem of the filthy lucre (or lack of it!) standing in our way! The Scout is a nice bike for sure, but while I love the matte black one featured in part of the video, the Triumph still wins the day out of the two, for me. There's a pub I go to quite often on the bike, only a few miles away from here, where bikers like to meet and chat shit about bikes and music etc. It was built in the 13th century and the guy who runs it is more than happy for bikers to do a bit of fucking about in the rear car park, which is away from the road and has no residential properties near it. There's a guy who goes there who has a custom VZ800 a lot like the one in the video below, which I must admit, I lusted after. This guy's (Toby) bike is a little different, in that it has a shortened front mudguard, bar-end mirrors and a wider rear tyre and the pipes are chrome rather than black. It sounds really good, though. He once did a fucking massive rolling burnout across the car park and man, that engine sounded sweet. Once I'd picked molten bits of rubber off my jacket and coughed up some smoke LOL I had to buy him a drink to reward his efforts.

Ooh I think another coffee is in order and then I will give this a listen, too! 🤘🤘

Who wouldn't want to start their day with a coffee, a smoke and a bit of Sodom? Don't mind if I do! Sodom - Agent Orange (1989)

Hmm. This presents a whole new dilemma. Probably safer to aim for the just cleaned windows. It would be like the first stroke of the paintbrush on a fresh canvas. Surprise the buggers!