by Jim
In my opinion, there are three fathers of modern metal. They are as follows: Black Sabbath Blue Oyster Cult Rush Each had their own distinct style and each one gave birth to a different form of metal. Black Sabbath definitely opened the door to some of the heavier stuff like Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrasher Metal, etc. However I think bands like Iron Maiden … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Malmsteen is a man who needs no introduction in the Metal community. Regardless of whether you can actually pronounce his first name, you know his style, music, and look when you hear it. When to Listen: I use this as coffee. A ton of positive energy, a ton of ‘smile’ moments, and plenty of adrenaline-inducing guitar tabs. Use this when you start experiencing burnout but need to … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Disclaimer… this isn’t actually on my playlist, but it’s so ridiculous, I couldn’t not share it. I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. When to Listen: … Brainstorming… nope. General play… God no! Conflict… No. You know what? If you want to add this to your playlist, you figure it out. I can’t write and listen to this song, it makes me laugh … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I know it may be derogatory… but there is a plethora of… what I refer to as ‘Nightwish Knockoff bands’ out there. Some of them are passable… others are blatant in how badly they’re trying to emulate Nightwish’s style and by default, success. This band really strikes me as having that mindset… but God damn it… they’ve got too many good songs to simply … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
To be honest… I’m not always a huge fan of metalized versions of classics. I actually love Bonnie Tyler’s music. That said when its done nicely and respectful to the original material. When to Listen: General playlist. I actually like to play this back to back with the original one. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I really have grown to love these guys. They have no physical CDs to buy, only MP3’s, but I guess that’s okay. They seem to specialize in cover songs, but even their own original music is great! When to Listen: Heavy metal always has a bit of flavor to it that really works best in high-intensity scenes; fight scenes, scenes of high stress, etc. This … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
So I’ve had some people asking me how I’m drawing my inspiration from songs that literally have nothing to do with where I’m recommending them. (A song about a jilted lover somehow being used as a fight song, etc.) Honestly, I’m glad someone brought this to my attention because I wasn’t certain if my original meaning was clear enough. When I make recommendations on what … Read More From My Writing Playlist A Clarification…
by Jim
So this one is a very… interesting song. I stumbled across it a few months ago. It’s got both positive and negative energy. It’s clearly trying to tell a story and really takes you on a journey. When to Listen: This is a world building song. Listen to it, close your eyes, and think of scenery. What comes to mind? I’d be surprised if it wasn’t something elaborate. … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Kamelot has always been kind of a doom and gloom band, but I still love them. This is a great track off their new album When to Listen: Most of Kamelot’s songs fall until the most desperate hour. That moment in time when your heroes hit their low point and have all but lost. This is the song you listen to when all hope is dwindling and more … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Old, but great. I’ve always loved Anna’s growl. In most cases, you can’t tell the difference between a female and male growl, but Anna’s is definitely more feminine and sounds more like a blood-curdling scream/ When to Listen: General playlist. It’s a good song for pretty much any point in the story, though a battle scene might be the most appropriate. Readers, Do you have … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I seem to be on a non-metal trip here. Okay, might as well get this one out of the way. This goes back to my High School days. While the boy band wars were quickly coming to an end… and the destruction of punk rock as we knew it was beginning, I entered a Classic Rock / Techno phase. It didn’t last long, as … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Okay, okay, I know, not metal. So what? Some people say that classical music helps improve cognitive functions. I couldn’t agree more. That being said, classical isn’t just full orchestras in massive concert halls. Quite often it’s the songs of our forefathers. The songs of myths, legends, and adventures past. Also, being an avid lover of Norse Mythology helps. When to Listen: This is a … Read More From My Writing Playlist
James Harringtons Creative Work 