Benjamin KasselMar 29, 20223 min"Hail to the King" has always wowed me... and now it also makes me thinkThe tap-filled anthem is one of my 21st-century rock favorites, but its lyrical theming didn't register with me until very recently.
Benjamin KasselMar 18, 20223 minTracking my changing relationship with "Hearts Burst Into Fire"It's a fitting song to soundtrack my return home... but that's a pretty new way for me to approach it.
Benjamin KasselFeb 19, 20225 min"Toxicity" exhibits masterful mediation of contrastMy old System of a Down favorite is extreme in its timbral changes, but musically consistent — a recipe for an intense, engaging listen.
Benjamin KasselFeb 13, 20224 minDiving into "21st Century Schizoid Man" in memory of Ian McDonaldAs I've done twice before, I pay tribute to a recently deceased musician by looking back at one of their works.