METAL GOODNESS

Been writing a lot of stuff for Strix Nebulosa. I've got five songs fully written... just need drums programmed for one of them, and need bass parts once a session bassist can check things out. I've also got the music for two more songs written (unless I decide to make changes or add more) and just need to get down lyrics and come up with ideas for vocal parts. Vocal melodies are tough, for when I'm not writing death metally vocal parts. Props to all the singers out there who can really sing and write catchy vocal parts.

Today I will be visiting a friend's home studio to see if he might be able to record us. I already visited one studio (as mentioned in a previous post on here), though I will have to keep my options open due to finances.

I am also planning on doing visual art for the first time in a while, in the form of mixed media painting. This will be complimentary to the Strix Nebulosa project, perhaps eventually becoming an album cover. The painting will be fairly silhouette-ish, which will be easy on me, depicting an owl flying above a canopy of tree branches.

I still can't figure out how to describe this music project. It takes most of its inspiration from Ihsahn, Nevermore, Swallow the Sun, and Opeth... bands that are often dark and slow, but not always slow (well, StS is always slow). I guess I would just call it "dark metal," since I don't know if I can accurately call it "doom metal." Some of it is too fast. Can doom metal have blast beats? I'll let you all decide.

-Nick

To Harris

I've been told, by those who are sensitive to these things, that a spirit can be summoned at almost any time. Sometimes it takes a day or two, but that's still pretty good. I can't imagine why a spirit wouldn't browse the web, if they're able to browse the world. Perhaps the mention of their name calls their attention from intangible places.

I still recall things that you may have forgotten. Drawings you've sent me using MS Paint. A day when you, my father, and I were driving through Monroe. A marinated chicken dish you once made that I liked. Meeting up with you in the Stratosphere casino in Las Vegas. Even the unmistakeable sound of your voice on the telephone saying "Hey kiddo."

I remember seeing you on TV in movies and shows that I didn't even know you were in. Imagine a young me, sitting in the family room watching Stuart Saves His Family, seeing my dad's best friend appear onscreen playing the mean old neighbor who confiscates the neighborhood kids' football. This almost became common, watching television and suddenly going, "oh hey, there's Harris."

If only we could say those four words again, it would give some comfort to your friends. If a spirit can visit the living at any time, feel free to stop by. I'm sure I'll at least see you in films once in a while.

I'm fortunate to have known you. Rest in peace, Harris Laskawy.

-Nick


Harris Laskawy, left. Paul Doniger, right. New York, 1969.