Category: news
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2026 Fire In The Mountains – Saturday
2026 Fire in the Mountains – Saturday Thursday and Friday can be found here. Fierce winds on Friday night and early Saturday morning blew most of the smoke away. Yeah! Unfortunately, extreme winds later Saturday gusted the smoke right back in. Booo! This was the clearest view we ever had at Lower Two Medicine Lake. My nostrils, and … Read More/Discuss on Metal Underground.com -
She’s In Charge | Tomyris: The Nomad Queen Who Broke an Empire
People naturally take pride in their own history. As a Persian, I grew up hearing the name Cyrus the Great with admiration. He founded the first Persian Empire, is often credited with creating the first declaration of human rights, and remains one of the greatest figures in our history. I respect everything he accomplished. But as a woman, there is someone who fills me with just as much admiration. The woman who stood in front of him and refused to let him decide her future.
This is the story of the Massagetae queen, Tomyris, and how she faced the most powerful man of her time and won.
In the 6th century BC, the Massagetae were a confederation of nomadic tribes living across the steppes of Central Asia. They were skilled horse riders, fierce warriors, worshipped the sun, and lived by their own traditions. When Tomyris lost her husband, she became their queen.
She took the throne while Cyrus the Great was expanding the Achaemenid Persian Empire in every direction. Kingdom after kingdom fell under Persian rule, and it was only a matter of time before he turned his attention toward the Massagetae.
Before sending his army, Cyrus tried something else. He sent ambassadors to Tomyris and asked for her hand in marriage. It sounded peaceful, but it was really another way of taking her kingdom without a battle. Tomyris saw exactly what he was doing and rejected him without hesitation.
Her answer clearly wounded his pride. Cyrus marched his army to the Araxes River and began building bridges to cross into her land. Tomyris did not panic. She simply sent him a message asking him to stop, stay on his side of the river, rule his own people, and let her rule hers.
Cyrus ignored her. He knew fighting the Massagetae fairly would come at a heavy cost, so he chose deception instead. He left behind a camp with only a small guard but filled it with wine. The Massagetae had never drunk grape wine before, only fermented mare’s milk. When part of Tomyris’s army, led by her son Spargapises, captured the camp, they celebrated and drank until they could no longer defend themselves. Cyrus returned, slaughtered the exhausted warriors, and captured her son.
When Spargapises realized he would be used against his mother and his people, he chose to take his own life rather than become a weapon in Cyrus’s hands.
I cannot imagine the pain Tomyris must have felt in that moment. Losing a child is heartbreaking enough. Losing one because someone chose deception over honor is something else entirely. Whatever grief she carried, it soon became something much harder to stop.
Tomyris sent Cyrus one final message. She swore by the sun that if he refused to leave her land, she would give him his fill of blood.
Cyrus stayed exactly where he was. Tomyris answered with everything she had.
According to ancient historians, the battle that followed became one of the bloodiest ever fought by non Greeks. Tomyris did not simply defeat the Persian army. She destroyed it. Cyrus the Great died on the battlefield, and Tomyris made sure her promise was fulfilled. She ordered her soldiers to find his body, had his head cut off, and placed it into a wineskin filled with human blood. The man whose hunger for power could never be satisfied in life would finally have his fill in death.
History often remembers Tomyris for that final act, but I think her greatest victory came long before it. She protected her people from becoming another part of an empire that believed it could take whatever it wanted. She preserved the Massagetae, their freedom, and their way of life. After the war was over, she ruled peacefully for the rest of her life. To me, that says far more about the kind of ruler she was than the battle ever could.
In 530 BC, the Achaemenid Empire was the greatest power in the known world, much like the United States is often seen today. Cyrus was a ruler who believed his power, wealth, and military strength gave him the right to force others into submission. Tomyris proved that even the greatest empire in the world could be stopped by someone who refused to give up her own voice.
Most of us will never stand on a battlefield or face an emperor. But we all face moments when someone tries to pressure us, speak over us, or convince us that our boundaries do not matter. That is why Tomyris still inspires me today. Her story reminds me that standing your ground is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. No matter how powerful the person standing in front of you may seem, you never have to surrender who you are.
The post She’s In Charge | Tomyris: The Nomad Queen Who Broke an Empire first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.
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Daniel Troop Wide Open Lies Review
Daniel Troop Wide Open Lies Review
Daniel Troop’s single, “Wide Open Lies,” arrives with a significant emotional impact. The way he delivers his message is particularly intriguing. His style draws comparisons to legendary singer-songwriters of the past. Notable influences in his sound include shades of Neil Young and Bob Dylan. The track embodies an alternative folk-rock essence that carries a sense of magic.
The song begins with an arpeggio, which sets a slightly melancholic tone. This introspective opening creates a moment of reflection within the listener. As the rhythm progresses, the entrance of drums transforms the atmosphere, injecting an energetic pulse. The rhythmic drive of the percussion propels the piece forward with an invigorating force.
Troop’s vocal performance shines, especially during the chorus. His lead vocals are complemented by backing vocals that expand the auditory space. This layered approach enhances the overall impact of the song significantly. The minimalistic style allows the guitar to not only handle the rhythmic strumming but also to interject melodic notes. These elements work together to create an inviting environment for the listener.
Wide Open Lies – Sound and Atmosphere
“Lies” addresses the themes of separation in today’s society, focusing on political divides driven by greed. Troop’s lyrics call out the destructive forces that seek to fragment communities. The underlying message is one of unity and the strength in togetherness amid these challenges. The artist skillfully touches on these timely and relevant issues through his music.
Throughout the track, Troop invites his audience to reflect on the current landscape. At its core, “Wide Open Lies” offers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to think about the impact of unity.
Wide Open Lies – Performance and Production
Musically, “Wide Open Lies” successfully blurs the line between various genres. It marries folk-rock with contemporary influences, resulting in a timeless sound. This blend emphasizes Troop’s artistry and his ability to connect with a diverse audience. Each note and lyric combines to construct a narrative that’s personal and universal.
The production aligns perfectly with the song’s message. It reflects an authentic and raw quality that enhances the listening experience. There are no excessive embellishments; each instrument serves a purpose. The overall effect is a clean and effective presentation that draws the listener in.
Intense
If you love this music: Discover More
For fans of:
Neil Young • Bob Dylan
The post Daniel Troop Wide Open Lies Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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EllyMarD FREDDY Review
EllyMarD FREDDY Review
This song is particularly inviting as it transports listeners back to the 1980s, a time marked by iconic horror films, especially “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Such films, crafted by legendary directors like Wes Craven and John Carpenter, resonate deeply, characterized by their vivid colors and grotesque narratives that define that era. Who could forget Freddy Krueger, the haunting figure that lingers in popular culture?
“FREDDY” features a remarkable blend of punk rock vibes infused with a hint of goth aesthetics. These elements create an eerie yet inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the chilling films it references. The energy in this track is palpable, driven by the powerful vocals of EllyMarD, which draw listeners in. At moments, her style evokes memories of early Gwen Stefani with No Doubt, showcasing a fierce energy and stage presence that is both refreshing and nostalgic.
The song elicits the vibe of going to Blockbuster to rent a DVD, followed by the thrill of returning home with friends to embark on a late-night horror marathon. It captures that essence of camaraderie and excitement that accompanies watching classic horror films. Each note enhances this nostalgic experience, making it not just a song, but a journey through time.
FREDDY – Sound and Atmosphere
The production quality of “FREDDY” is impeccable, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. The instrumentation is well-balanced, allowing the guitars to shine without overshadowing the vocals. The arrangement captures the raw energy of punk rock while incorporating dark, atmospheric elements characteristic of gothic genres.
The accompanying music video, filmed by Jack Woods from WoodsMedia and directed by Elaine and Glen Dubbelaar, beautifully complements the song’s themes. The cast, including Maryann Maguire, Jasmin Yasin, Elaine Dubbelaar, and Glen Dubbelaar, embodies the spirit of the 1980s while presenting it with a modern twist. Vivid colors and retro aesthetics infuse the visuals, creating an authentic homage to the horror genre’s influential decade.
As the video evolves, it maintains the unsettling yet intriguing vibes, culminating in the ominous arrival of Freddy Krueger. This conclusion leaves viewers with a chilling sensation, a fitting tribute to the horror films that inspired the song and the video. It’s a conclusion that ensures audiences are left with an impactful impression.
FREDDY – Performance and Production
EllyMarD’s “FREDDY” is a celebration of nostalgia, blending music that resonates with an audience familiar with horror movie tropes. Yet, it also appeals to a new generation. The song can be a gateway for young listeners to explore these cultural touchstones. It provides a thrilling experience that bridges the past and present, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate both rock punk and gothic elements.
“FREDDY” is a well-crafted homage to the horror films of the 1980s, delivered through an invigorating punk rock lens. EllyMarD’s dynamic performance and the song’s masterful production create an alluring experience. For fans of horror and music alike, this single stands as a vibrant reminder of the powerful connection between cinema and music. With its engaging energy and chilling undertones, “FREDDY” ensures that both fans of the genre and newcomers will find something to enjoy.
Thrilling
If you love this music: Discover More
For fans of:
No Doubt
The post EllyMarD FREDDY Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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Lou Koller, Ambassador of New York Hardcore, Dies at 61
He screamed as much as sang, as his heavy-metal-inflected punk band, Sick of It All, spread the sound of the New York underground to the world. -
Sherane Sign With Roadrunner Records
The band will be touring with concealer. later this month.
The post Sherane Sign With Roadrunner Records appeared first on Theprp.com.
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Blood Vulture Recruit The Black Dahlia Murder’s Alan Cassidy & More For Cover Of HIM’s “Your Sweet Six Six Six”
Blood Vulture’s Jordan “Gwarsenio Hall” Olds has no shortage of experience when it comes to covers.
The post Blood Vulture Recruit The Black Dahlia Murder’s Alan Cassidy & More For Cover Of HIM’s “Your Sweet Six Six Six” appeared first on Theprp.com.
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MOUTH BREAKER’s “Step Down” Music Video Debuts
The track drew inspiration from 90s Meshuggah.
The post MOUTH BREAKER’s “Step Down” Music Video Debuts appeared first on Theprp.com.
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Alabama Shakes – “Garden”
“If you don’t water your garden, I will/ If you don’t show her you love her, I will/ She means more so much more to me than to you/ All of your hard work I’ll surely do.” So goes “Garden,” our latest preview from Alabama Shakes’ comeback album I Must Be Dreaming. It’s a soft and sultry Southern soul track that feels way to real and raw to qualify as pastiche. Brittany Howard sounds genuinely distressed about the way this woman is being treated and even more eager to treat her right. Alabama Shakes debuted “Garden” on Zane Lowe’s show Tuesday, and you can hear it below.
The post Alabama Shakes – “Garden” appeared first on Stereogum.
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Cro-Mags’ Harley Flanagan Casts Doubt on Touring Future
Harley Flanagan says he may scale back from heavy touring in future years. Continue reading…