Category Archives: Weekly Song

The Weekly Song category.

Clawfinger – Chances

Leave a comment

Here’s an hymn for change if there ever was one! And what’s the best music to stimulate change? How about a couple of rabid guitars riffing against relentless percussion? The occasional synthesizer touch is there to bring diversity to an already good song. Even for those that aren’t fans of rap-metal, the lyrics of this song are an ode to change of fascinating intensity.

There aren’t many metal bands that manage to make good music and write decent lyrics. There are even fewer that make excellent music and write excellent lyrics. Clawfinger is one of them. The band’s lyrics are firmly rooted in the sad realities of the late 20th and early 21st century when social decay at the hands of corporations and corrupt governments caused an immense amount of grief and social trauma. This isn’t the last Clawfinger Weekly Song you’ll see around here! Oh, I’m just gettin’ started :).

“Are you satisfied with everything the way it is
Are you stuck in the conformity of minding your own biz
Does a confrontation make you want to turn and run
and do you think about the things you’d like to have undone
Are you scared of looking back at all the things you’ve said
and do you keep the words you’d like to say inside your head
well nothing changes by itself without some kind of clash
and there’s always gonna be some barriers to smash

Are you scared to be, scared of what you see
Are you scared to change, scared to rearrange
There’s a chance that you never take the chances you get

If you never move ahead you’ll keep on looking back
the only thing you’re doing is just filling out the cracks
Another coat of artificial paint won’t change a thing
unless the whole foundation gets a brand new colouring
What is there to lose except some insecurity
that you replace with faith to not be scared of what you see
‘cos every little risk you take breaks down another wall
the biggest chance that you can take is just to let it fall”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luM-tAqBUy8^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/6pn6sjNmaGG5RznJS2MOCa^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/69934945^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02111-ClawfingerClawfingerChances-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Clawfinger – Chances’ desc=’Here'’s an hymn for change if there ever was one!’]

Carbon Based Lifeforms – Abiogenesis

Leave a comment

It starts slowly enough, with gentle breezy sounds and airy choirs. But do mistake this one for a post-party chill-out tune. Pumping up the volume too much based solely on the first minute might cause problems. That’s because before it reaches halfway through, the melody has built up enough energy to wake up the neighbors (or engage in some serious headphone stress-testing).

Through a beautifully executed buildup, this song becomes a well-rounded journey. The music soars to unexpected heights showcasing sounds with a strong cyclical character. I haven’t often seen a transition from ambient to psybient executed in such a harmonious and fruitful way.

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did purchase Carbon Based Lifeforms’ album :).

https://carbonbasedlifeforms.bandcamp.com/album/world-of-sleepers^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSqwNnnnRls^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/4H1gNQXwVzFN0XkiTUoJLP^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/106967398^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02105-CarbonBasedWorldOfSleepers-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Carbon Based Lifeforms – Abiogenesis’ desc=’It starts slowly enough, with gentle breezy sounds and airy choirs. But do mistake this one for a post-party chill-out tune.’]

Conjure One – Like Ice (feat. Jaren)

Leave a comment

This one starts off with an arguably unremarkable, 1 minute long intro. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad. An intro is valuable to emphasize the part when the melody gets going. I just think that this intro doesn’t really do justice to the song.

The melody is groovy yet dreamy, showcasing the strong, evocative voice of the one called Jaren. She’s accompanied by an army of synths and sparse piano arrangements. Rhys Fulber (of Delerium^ fame) doesn’t waste a beat here (which I measure by thinking if I would like the song if I would listen to the instrumental-only version). Even after a couple of listens I can still find new intricate sound textures. The lyrics are quite good too and that’s always a bonus.

“When the sun was strong
And shadows grew so long
She stole her way
Into your empty heart

And she moved like ice
She was cool and blue like ice
No flaws on her, no imperfections
She changed your direction
What could you do”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy1KQZKl1hA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy1KQZKl1hA^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/0AOzhhZwRRhq2dS84aNoIV^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/85020419^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/02100-ConjureOneExilarch-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Conjure One – Like Ice (feat. Jaren)’ desc=’The melody is groovy yet dreamy, showcasing the strong, evocative voice of the one called Jaren.’]

Zentriert Ins Antlitz – Pasiphae

Leave a comment

A mysterious buildup leads into a red-hot melodic core that fuses orchestral arrangements with powerful electronic textures. It all leads to even more mystery and evocative sonic landscapes. The audio sample used in the song is perfectly chosen, contributing to the melody’s feeling of cosmic adventure.

This one is definitely a body mover, but I prefer the “eyes-closed brain massage” part of it even more. It’s also one of the best songs I heard in 2017.

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the (dark electronica) compilation (by Tympanik audio, a label that has several other amazing dark electronica artists such as Geomatic^ and Subheim^) which contains the song from this same location.

https://tympanikaudio.bandcamp.com/track/zentriert-ins-antlitz-pasiphae^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRFXvAQu_U8^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/3POp3C3pUYt64c9VskLW0e^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/73907200^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/02095-ZentriertPasiphae-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Zentriert Ins Antlitz – Pasiphae’ desc=’A mysterious buildup leads into a red-hot melodic core that fuses orchestral arrangements with powerful electronic textures.’]

Lulu Rouge – Landscape of Love (feat. Fanney Osk)

Leave a comment

Oh, my Music, I’m fascinated by you. Sometimes you blow my mind. This song is like a steady, patient wind that will either freeze or melt anything in its path, depending how you choose to feel it. The flawless punctuation will make sure that whatever path you take will turn into a memorable adventure. Just hit play and you’ll understand what I mean by “punctuation”.

I always had a soft spot for minimal electronica. This melody hit me straight in the headheart. In the seven months that have passed since I discovered this tune, it has not yet been dethroned as “song of 2017” and I’m “losing hope” that I’ll come across anything better. But paradoxically, I also hope I won’t.

After listening to the song for plenty of times, I went and looked for the video. That’s when the song went from “amazing” to “mind-blowing”. I didn’t expect such a gorgeous video. I now consider this pair as one of the best song-video combinations I ever saw. Every time I listen to this song, I roam seemingly-barren lands and challenge myself to find the love hidden among the human detritus.

“My landscape of love
Different patterns all around.
My landscape of love
Seeking for the special vow.
My landscape of love
Lonesome in my soul,
I’ve found.

Down the waterfall
My heartbeat falls.

Oh, my Heart,
I’m fascinated by you.
Oh, my Heart,
I’m fascinated by you,
You.

Bathing passion,
Drifting drops
Over my whole body.
Lust comes with the Sun,
And blows my mind
To the blissful stars.

Oh, my Heart,
I’m fascinated by you.
Oh, my Heart,
I’m fascinated by you,
You.”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGqfSrHTVE^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/082dwf5Qy02NmYyQjj6k3Y^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/115519804^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/02089-LuluRougeLandscapeOfLove-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Lulu Rouge – Landscape of Love (feat. Fanney Osk)’ desc=’This song is like a steady, patient wind that will either freeze or melt anything in its path, depending how you choose to feel it.’]

Jem – It’s Amazing

Leave a comment

This light-hearted song is one that you can easily stumble across on some trendy radio station, but it’s the lyrics that truly make it shine. That, and the beautiful voice that carries them and which also makes the tune (stand out). The instrumental side of the song is quite good as well. There’s a good rhythm featuring deep, juicy piano drops.

I can’t say I like the intro too much. To be honest I find it a bit of a turnoff, but it is a motif of the song and I can understand why the composer put it here. But I still think it doesn’t do justice to what follows. Luckily, it’s very short and after that the song builds up to a satisfying climax.

Whenever you’re feeling a bit down, put this on right after Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” and pick yourself up!

“Do it now.
You know you are
You feel it in your heart
And your burning and wishin’
At first wait, won’t get it on a plate
Your gonna work for it harder and harder
And I know cause I’ve been there before
Knockin’ on door with rejection (rejection)
And you’ll see cause if its meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream
It’s amazing, it’s amazing all that you can do
It’s amazing it makes my heart sing
Now its up to you”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XDxhDbtDak^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/1fpJ7lZ5pNnpsohKLsfzEd^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/17180754^

This Weekly Song entry has been brought from the FaceBook archive of Weekly Song^. This exploration was originally started through a FaceBook page, about 13 months prior to launching Mentatul. Slowly but surely, the entire FaceBook archive will be brought here.

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/02164-JemDownToEarth-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Jem – It’s Amazing’ desc=’There's a good rhythm featuring deep, juicy piano drops but it's the lyrics that make the song shine (and the beautiful voice that carries them).’]

Black Sun Empire – Arrakis

Leave a comment

Building demolition manual. Step 1: install beefy subwoofers around building to be demolished then, garnish everything with yet more powerful speakers. Step 2: play this song and wait until the 2:12 mark. After that, it’ll take, oh, maybe eight seconds for the building to turn into fine particulates.

Seriously though, this song’s bass is nasty. When I first heard this, it was not only love at first listen, but also jaw drop at first listen. Years later, I’m still amazed by just how much kick this thing has.

Ok, bass this bass that, but is this song any good otherwise? Well, d’uh, it wouldn’t be featured at the Weekly Song if I didn’t think highly of it. There’s gorgeous sound construction going on here, wicked textures and merciless pounding. This is drum’n’bass at its best, juiciest, crunchiest and danciest.

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrHCn69rppg^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/7ApiCMv4sX9HjfNjBl2ZKj^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/90431093^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/01743-BlackSunEmpireDrivingInsane-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Black Sun Empire – Arrakis’ desc=’There's gorgeous sound construction going on here, wicked textures and merciless pounding.’]

Sussan Deyhim – Fire Within

Leave a comment

Ritualistic beauty springs from within this passionate work of art. The driven, solemn singing is wrapped in an almost mystical arrangement of strings and air instruments. The percussion is something to behold. One invocation after the other, the magnificent composition keeps pacing in perfect harmony with the enthralling chants.

Eyes-closed listening with good hardware comes highly recommended.

Unfortunately, the song is not available on YouTube or any other no-subscription-required listening platform that I know of. However, you can listen to it for free on Deezer, which usually works just fine (I can use it simply by connecting my Google account).

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/1RiCNRJorb5MOPCHlv3scn^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/23139941^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/01712-SussanDeyhimCityOfLeaves-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Sussan Deyhim – Fire Within’ desc=’The driven, solemn singing is wrapped in an almost mystical arrangement of strings and air instruments.’]

Subheim – Howl

Leave a comment

It takes a while for the gloomy droning to lead to any sort of melody, but it is this exact atmosphere building that dark electronica master Subheim excels at.

Ghostly female voices lead the song into its foggy blossoming. This is as much melody as it is an experiential shard of some distant, unfathomable Universe.

I’m thankful for having shared the same lifetime with artists that have managed to translate the ineffable into sound.

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did purchase Subheim’s album :).

https://tympanikaudio.bandcamp.com/track/howl^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB49oSvLkqs^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/1jlXr5rRYZrA3hj7JTPSUt^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/2572472^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/01748-SubheimApproach-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Subheim – Howl’ desc=’This is as much melody as it is an experiential shard of some distant, unfathomable Universe. Ghostly female voices lead the song into its foggy blossoming.’]

Platonic Scale – Three (feat. ALLA)

Leave a comment

Here’s an audacious and groovy ride, pounding along witty lyrics and diverse instrumentation. Platonic Scale cooked the perfect sound garnish for singer ALLA’s sensual voice to be wrapped in. The only thing missing is a slowed down audio sample from a wrestling match played backwards. And it’s missing for a good reason ;).

Seriously now, if you want to enjoy some high quality synth-pop, check out the other songs on Platonic Scale’s “Out of the Blue” EP, which is freely listenable on BandCamp (the link is below).  The EP landed in my life completely out of the blue last year and I’ve been in love with it ever since.

“But we were always three
While you belonged to me
My body wasn’t cold yet
And she just had you sold

Boy
Boy what have you done
Are you having fun
Boy what have you done to me

Just right through you see
As I crawl inside
Where I want you to be

Now tell me something ‘bout her
Does she make you purr
Does she taste your shame
Where I carved my name”

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did purchase Platonic Scale’s album :).

https://platonicscale.bandcamp.com/track/three-feat-alla^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/5ORuvlggAvqD5pQRcgGqAr^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/117350780^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/01808-PlatonicScaleOutOfTheBlue-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Platonic Scale – Three (feat. ALLA)’ desc=’Here’s an audacious and groovy ride, pounding along witty lyrics and diverse instrumentation.’]