Evanescence Vs Within Temptation

Given a choice, I'd pick PS3 over Xbox 360, poems over songs, drama over action, anime over movies. But there's one thing that confounds me completely - Amy Lee or Sharon Den Adel? My brain goes haywire when attempting to come up with a solid answer to this question. These two lovely ladies, the frontwomen of the rock bands Evanescence and Within Temptation respectively, are highly deserving rock Goddesses who unfailingly bring out memorable songs. They've their own unique qualities that are endearing to say the least. They've both been instrumental in inspiring me significantly and they're both friggin awesome! @_@ In this post, I'm going to juxtapose them and make a dissection of their abilities and that of their bands in general, and if possible, make a definite conclusion.

Band name:

Evanescence:

                   Abstract and subtle. I'd like to think that it refers to the evanescence of mortal life, thereby driving home the point that life's too short to let anything get the best of you, and that moral integrity should be maintained notwithstanding dire circumstances because that's how our life will be gauged at its dusk.

Within Temptation:

                   As profound and a tad more objective in my opinion. I'd interpret this as the resoluteness one should have about their morals, the self-discipline that one should have to not to give in to temptations, the loyalty towards one's ideals and what one believes in.

Hey, I'm not being preachy. These were just my interpretations of the band names. Now, for the real deal! 

Music:

Evanescence:

                   EV's music slants heavily towards gothic/hard rock, but what makes it stand apart and shine brilliantly is the amazing piano score that submissively complements the guitar riffs in most songs. There are occasional deviations though. For example, "My Immortal" doesn't have the element of rock in it; Neither does "Forgive me"; In "Swimming home" the electronic music dominates. In essence, the music in Evanescence is far from what the band name implicates. It will stand the test of time and will continue to rock for generations.

Within Temptation:

                   WT's music is relatively more experimental, inclining into symphonic rock territory. It's partly because of the lingering symphonies, but there's a sense of "epic-ness" to their music. I can't discern and validate the secret ingredients, but let me put it this way - WT's music would be fitting for pivotal moments in movies that are set in the medieval era. Get the drift now? O_o There's a sense of fantasy to it, something mystical and outlandish. Something that's incongruent to EV's modern rock which we can relate to easily. However, this "medieval rock" is outright fantastic and the emphasis on symphonies is refreshing!

Vocals:

Evanescence:

                   Amy Lee has this amazing, distinct voice that spans 3.5 octaves and gives the listener goosebumps all over. Although a classically trained singer, she can soothe the senses with hauntingly beautiful vocals that'd waltz to the melodic piano score and flawlessly transition to rocking our innards with a raw, powerful voice. Songs like "Exodus", "Forgive me", "Swimming home", "My immortal" exhibit the ethereal, enchanting aspects of her voice. On the other hand, songs like "Tourniquet" and "Everybody's fool" are cathartic and potent enough to run an entire power plant. Her killer set of lungs, the impressive vocal range and her inimitably angelic voice makes Amy the legendary rock Goddess that she is. Not to mention the invigorating passion with which she sings!

Within Temptation:

                   After months of drowning in Evanescence, I initially perceived Sharon's voice to be too different to instill me, but that half-baked conception didn't last for long. Once my ears were treated to "Memories", I began fanatically downloading WT songs. She isn't blessed with a unique voice like Amy's, and there's a slight feeling of deja vu associated, that's reminiscent of Celine Dion. But, Sharon does what she does best. She handles all the niceties with absolute clarity, and her airy, feminine voice goes well with the symphonic, "Medieval" rock, sending us on raptures. However, that isn't to say that her voice merely suits songs that aren't too taxing in terms of raw energy. She can be almost as adept at singing powerfully like Amy, and that's a huge credit to her versatility!

Lyrics:

Evanescence:

                   I'll make this as condensed as possible. EV's lyrics are dark and mostly depict sad scenarios. But despite its darkness, there's a rich tapestry of uplifting warmth, that's threaded with strong emotions, covering it. It helps the wounded souls find their inner strength, hang in there, persist and persevere with hope for the morrow. The songs, like I said earlier are more easily relatable and the lyrics are quite unequivocal except in rare occasions like in "Secret door" and "Lost in paradise".

Within Temptation:

                   WT's songs are more poetic and they are subtler when it comes to expression. This sense of subtlety embraces the theme of the music and it works like a charm, abidingly casting the listeners under its wonderful spell. Unlike EV's lyrics which are comparatively curt and lucid, many songs in WT leave themselves open to interpretation by the listeners.

So, to consolidate all the above parameters, it's quite safe (and convenient :P) to say that Amy Lee is Sharon's doppleganger who dwells in a different realm where darkness isn't intimidating, but inspiring; Isn't devastating, but constructive. Sharon can be deemed, on grounds of her musical and singing abilities, Amy's sheltered sister who explores uncharted territory in the human mind. Essentially apples and oranges, but then life's impossible without either! 

The journey down the leaf

On the leaf, the nascent droplet slowly grew,

Deriving substance from brothers new,

Eloping with a demure dew drop,

In the lull of everyday they harped.

From their depths did they bare,

Giving the veins of the leaf its fair share.

Past the pores they trudged,

Not to a speck did they budge.

Soon, the drop went ahead in an irredeemable stride,

Aversely drifted from its distressed bride.

Now anchored to the leaf by its tapering end,

To fear of eternal darkness it didn't relent,

For its was a life well spent.

The boisterous sun failed to scorch,

But only added shimmer to its rounded arch.

Not the breeze with its insidious rhyme,

Could pull off its passionate crime.

Silently thanking its kith and kin,

The droplet found strength within.

As it let gravity take the reins,

It hauled off its worldly pains.

Radiant as a pristine jewel, it fell,

At peace with the imminent knell.

It hit the ground to the bell's chime,

And left its mark on the sands of time.

Off it went, back to the cradle of mother earth,

Where it was rocked to sleep till its next birth.

                                                            

                                                      - Ajay Shaan

I fear

I fear, not the fathomless depths of the oceans blue..
Not the astounding altitude of the cotton clouds..
Neither the menacing bats that in dark caves dwell..
Nor the grizzly bears of the forests wild..
Not the way people perceive me..
Not how my convictions resonate..
Not the solitude that accompanies me..
Or the failures that I'd unexpectedly meet..
Neither the gleaming scythe of the reaper..
Nor the monsters masquerading amongst men..
But the oblivion I'm incarcerated in, 
as I succumb to my dreams. 

     
                                                  - Ajay Shaan

Death and beyond

Note to readers: The recurrence of poems about death shouldn't, under any circumstances, shed the wrong light on you. Life is beautiful and is meant to be lived to the fullest. The following poem only exemplifies the depth of love and the estrangement of the bereaved, and not death. 

Hours transpired like every other day.

Perched on the trees, sparrows chirped,

Keeping the dreadful silence at bay,

And sunlight across the land, whipped.

Laid there on the grassy lawn,

Was a lovely lady dressed in a corset.

Smelling the blossoms like a fawn,

Enchanted was she, by nature’s best.

Up the hill ran a hysterical lad,

His face as white as a sheet,

Shattered her heart to more than just a shard,

And made her swoon to her feet.

 Not the serenading birds perched on the trees,

Not the lingering fragrance of the evening breeze,

Not the yellow field gleaming under the sun,

Not the vivacious little children having fun,

Could salvage the amber blaze alight in her,

From the reaping wind’s cold leer.

Her man who relentlessly gave her love and mirth,

No more belonged to this vast, wide earth.

No more could she be held in his chiseled arms,

No more could they make love passionately in the barn,

No more was there a purpose in life.

Alas! She wasn't meant to be his wife.

Minutes rolled to hours, and hours to days,

And there she sat like a stone.

With her eyes so lifeless and cold,

Her once rosy lips now dry as a bone.

Draining her blood was her soul,

Turning her visage as of a ghoul.

Neither did she eat, nor drink,

As she stooped over life’s brink.

Deep down was an endless bottom,

That her rotting psyche couldn't fathom.

The day came when her eyes lit up,

Like a hopeless spark in a dark cavern.

At last, she found the rusted key,

That would let her past the door of misery.

Renouncing her last shred of life,

She let go and set her eyes on the stars afar,

And said “I’ll be there wherever you are”. 


                                                                       - Ajay Shaan

Hajime no Ippo - A total knockout!

            With the profusion of anime shows that focus on intense action, you'd be barking up the wrong tree if you reckon that a muscular, confrontational protagonist with superhuman fighting skills who dons the role of a heroic crusader, a well endowed moll fawning said chap and a cheap plot are all you need to bring about an action packed anime. There's more to that. There's no denying that 'Hajime no Ippo' steers clear off the contemptible stereotypes surrounding this genre and delivers what can only be venerated as a surge of revitalizing energy that can make you punch through a concrete wall with little effort.

The plot isn't elaborate in any sense, but still it gracefully takes the backseat to let the action take the helm. Anyway, the story starts with the diffident Makunouchi Ippo who resigns himself to be a rag-doll for the vicious bullies at school. Try as he may and he never can muster the courage to speak a word against them, let alone fight back. In a chance encounter, Takamura enters the picture and rescues Ippo from a brutal attack by the bullies. Ippo then craves to be strong and powerful, taking inspiration from the self-absorbed, yet good humored Takamura. Thus the stage is set for Ippo to find himself in the gruesome world of boxing.  

                             

In a land where men of colossal muscles thrive with austere expressions that can be outmatched by a wooden plank, Ippo is an appealing aberrant. His decorous mannerisms in real life reflect on stage too. You can't help but chuckle as he bows and thanks the audience meekly before the commencement of a match. But once the bell goes gong, you can start feeling the tension in the air as Ippo becomes nothing short of a powerhouse who can deliver devastating punches! He isn't your stock protagonist with the hackneyed characteristics, but an entirely likable character who can be looked up to in times of desolation. Unless you staunchly refuse to have any preconceptions, you may have pictured Ippo to be a tall, strapping, handsome fellow by now. Brace yourself, for he isn't Adonis incarnate! The pug nosed, spike haired Ippo may not have the striking features to qualify as the man of every girl's dreams. However, if you look beyond those misgivings, you've a charming, positively influencing personality that cuts a fine figure to the mind's eye.    

The supporting cast cannot be simply played down to mere propellants for the story. Takamura takes the lion's share of our attention among Ippo's friends and he wouldn't be caught dead not kicking around the unassuming Ippo. Being the conceited alpha male in the pack, Takamura provides comic relief as much as he gives Ippo useful insights into the nuances of boxing. The opponents that Ippo face have their own backstories that occasionally makes us vacillate over who to root for during the match. Without being consigned to an insubstantial tier, the supporting cast contribute well in molding Ippo in one way or the other.

                             

It hurts to say this, but the character artwork is a bit outdated, and this doesn't really vindicates Ippo's unflattering face. More likely, he was created with intents to break free off the conventions that make an anime protagonist. But the animation is clearly crafted with considerable effort; It's really hard to bowl the audience over when the fights are very much grounded to reality, but then the animation is top notch, even by today's standards. The music is pertinent to the proceedings on screen and though there isn't anything remarkable about the background music in the truest sense, the sound effects pack a punch! Every punch lands with an authentic impact; Every swish of a missed swing, the boxers' stifled groans as they absorb debilitating blows, the squeak elicited from deft footwork, everything sounds substantial. The level of detail towards the fine distinctions of boxing are impressive, though it doesn't come as a surprise because the creator of the HNP anime and manga, George Morikawa is a boxing connoisseur with a very pedantic eye for niceties in the sport. Therefore, needless to emphasize, the matches never lose vigor and are consistently fast paced and thrilling, with every subtlety addressed with great concern.

                             

If you want to be thrilled and amazed like you never were when you watched DBZ, if you are tendentious towards watching action that doesn't involve the fighters inanely screaming out their laughably labeled attacks, if you're piqued by the various shades of boxing techniques and combos, this is one show that's right up your alley. 

Death note - A nail biting thriller to the finish!

                    While old school anime fans may pronounce One Piece, Naruto and Bleach as the collective quintessence of shounen anime, they often tend to relegate Death Note to the lower rungs. By golly, I beg to differ! While the touted three deserve all the attention owing to their intriguing leads and great character development, Death Note, despite its modest number of episodes, is on par with them all. The makers of DN have successfully driven home the point that number of episodes isn't necessarily proportional to character development or a fine story for that matter. Now that's something to be heartily commended! Do the math fellas. An overwhelming 700+ episodes Vs A meager 26 episodes! So, what makes Death note neck and neck with the revered three? Read on to find out.

The story follows Light Yagami, who can breeze through a formidable exam stifling a yawn and who has the looks to make the ladies swoon. One day, his life changes forever when he finds a death note belonging to a death God named Ryuk. As it turns out, Ryuk was bored to tears in the Shinigami realm and decided to spice up his otherwise boring agenda by dropping the death note down to earth in order to study human behavior. Light, being the righteous guy who flouts the crime infested society, begins a precarious quest, passively aided by Ryuk, to eliminate all vile elements in the world. As he feverishly kills the world's most dangerous criminals with a delusional sense of justice, his actions attract the attention of the world's greatest detective L. Thus begins a high octane cat-and-mouse chase between the two that's more of a battle of wills than a display of brute strength.

The main characters Light Yagami and L are absolutely intriguing personalities with their own unique, highly contrasting traits. Though the line of difference between the hunter and the hunted is blurry, Light and L are disparate in characters. Light fears death like anything and is only focused on neatly dispatching all those who oppose him on his way to become "The ruler of the new world". On the other hand, L doesn't have second thoughts about putting  his life on the line and is determined to bring Kira (Light's alias) to justice at all costs. I refrain from going into further details on L, for I prefer that you savor the mystery till the moment he's introduced into the picture. All I can say is, L redefines blase badassery and will definitely blow you away! :D As for Light, it's affecting as we see his intentions go astray and deteriorate into malice. Light's shrewdness and ruthlessness are of fearsome proportions, and makes him utterly loathsome, thus making him an unforgettable antagonist! (Haters gonna hate.. :P) The supporting cast lends themself well to the cadence of the story and is well developed enough to influence the plot arc consequentially. One of my favorites of the supporting cast is Light's unsuspecting father, who goes all out to find Kira, while the culprit plays right under his nose. The rest of the cast can't be brushed aside, for they contribute substantially in the development of the story. It goes without saying that for a crime thriller anime of such stellar caliber, the pacing is appealingly fast.

The background music aids well in accentuating the crucial scenes where L apprises his sagacious inferences to the task force who work under his guidance. Also, the music facilitates a permeation of tension in the air during key confrontation moments between Light and L. The first set of opening and ending songs serve well in depicting Light's unshakable tenacity and greed for power. The English dub is pretty good and wouldn't give any reason, even for a purist, to roll his eyes. L's voice in the English dub is the icing on this awesome cake!

The art design is sufficient and there are no qualms about it. After all, this anime is about Light concocting deadly plans to send L and his ilk to their maker, and L parrying his moves cleverly at every turn as he strides closer to capturing Kira. There are no pompous sword fights or gun fights here. Neither are there any overt exhibitions of supernatural powers. DN sticks as close to reality as possible and yet this conglomerates well with the fantastical aspects of the series. 

Verdict: Death note is deservedly an entry in the altar of the shounen genre of anime. If you're looking for a roller coaster ride that would educe thrills and chills purely from a mental warfare, look no further!

Death defying love

WARNING: Delving into gothic territory!!

When I breathe my last and they bury me in the soft, brown earth, 

Stay behind when all have mourned and left,

Cry with angst against the howling wind, cry with all your might..

Cry as thunder roars and lightning streaks across the dark sky,

Let a teardrop fall on my grave and I shall revive.. 

Back from the dead, I'll resurrect, all healthy and anew.. 

And as we hold each other again, 

I shall assume my earthly self to be with you..

Such is the power of the true love that we share,

So potent that mortal minds can't bear..

                                                                                                                     - Ajay Shaan