Why I Support Ron Paul

This isn't a politically motivated blog,  but I'd like to take a few minutes to briefly go over why I personally support Ron Paul for president, and why I feel he is the only candidate that will have a positive influence on the United States moving forward.

I am currently finishing up my Bachelors Degree, double-majoring in Political Science and Economics, and while I don't feel that this background makes my opinion any more valid than anyone else's, I do feel that I have a solid foundation for why I believe in particular policies. I don't believe in every single one of Ron Paul's ideas (I am more moderate on foreign policy for example, feeling that in some instances,  defense expenditures not directly for defense of our own land can be in the best interest of providing national security to American citizens) but I do find myself aligning with him on most all cases.

I will list just a few of the many ideas Paul holds which I agree with, so I'll try to list the one's most important to me. Coming from an economic background, I always feel that maintaining the economy should always be the most important political goal. While other people are off crying about gay-marriage, marijuana, or abortion laws, I feel that especially today with people as distraught about the economy as they are, it should be every politician's priority to radically change the economic policies that have dominated the last decade.

The U.S. nominal debt is currently around $15 Trillion, a number that exceeds the Real GDP of 2010. Just as it is unwise to live your personal life constantly in debt, a country cannot sustain itself on policies of deficiet spending. Many people consider Ron Paul's ideas on how to cut back on government spending "radical" or "too much too fast", but the simple fact of the matter is without drastic change, we will never be able to dig ourselves out from the hole we are currently in. Things will almost certainly be tough for a few years, and a recession is all but a necessity at this point, but the importance of balancing our budget cannot be overstated. It should also be mentioned that as a Congressman, Ron Paul has never once voted for an unbalanced budget. If only more politicians had done the same, there is no way we would find ourselves in the situation we currently do.

Cuts must be made ESPECIALLY at the federal level, and I agree with Paul that the federal government has grown far beyond what the founding fathers every intended for it. Paul is a strict constitutionalist, and almost never votes for anything unless it is expressly granted by the Constitution. Part of the changes he has propsed are the complete disbandment of 5 cabinet level agencies, which include: Education, Interior, Commerce, Energy, and Housing and Urban Development. He has also proposed large budget cuts to FDA, CDC, DHS, NIH, and EPA. Ron Paul is a strong opponent of the Federal Reserve, and despises their power to freely print new money with no form of commodity backing. Paul wants to return to a hard money policy, such as a bi-metallic gold/silver standard as a way of stabilizing and lowering inflation, which Paul has many times referred to as "the most insidious of all taxes" (Paul).

Ron Paul feels, much like myself, that Social Security is little more than a massive government run Ponzi Scheme, and the fact that government borrows money from the system to augment their budgets is a testament to how corrupt and inefficient the system is. Paul seeks to honor older members who have paid into the system for most of their lives, while offering people under the age of 25 the ability to opt out of the system (a decision I would easily make).

Ron Paul is a strong supporter of all civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, and many of his ideas do not coincide with many of his Republican contemporaries. Congressman Paul voted against the Patriot Act, as well as the REAL ID Act, has voted to end affirmative action (calling it a system obsessed with promoting racial stereotypes, and criticizing racism in general), believes firmly in the Second Amendment as a means to prevent government tyranny, and is against the war on drugs (basically agreeing with Milton Friedman that going after the drug trade only makes things worse, and that citizens should be free to destroy their bodies should they choose to do so).

Congressman Paul defines marriage as between a man and a woman, but he also feels that it should be an issue left to the states to decide, saying that he did not want for any state to have to honor what they do not feel is a legal marriage . When asked if he supported gay marriage though, Paul responded by saying that, "I am supportive of all voluntary associations and people can call it whatever they want."A truly libertariam answer Paul, nice work.

Many liberals have criticized Ron Paul for his unwavering pro-life stance. This is a tough issue, and I won't go too far into it, but I have some slightly conservative views on the issue as well. I believe life starts at conception, but I also try to respect a woman's right to choose what she wishes to do with her body. It is almost hypocritcal that I support a woman's right to choose in many ways, but it is the decision I have made personally. I do agree with the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (2003), and Ron Paul (an obstetrician) stated after witnessing one such procedure being performed during his residency, that it was "pretty dramatic for me to see a two-and-a-half-pound baby taken out crying and breathing and put in a bucket." Are any of us really more qualified than Paul on this particular subject?

There are so many other political issues I could go into, but I've probably already lost most people reading this, so I'll keep it down to these few key issues. If you found yourself agreeing with some of the ideas Paul has held, check out his platform on his website http://www.ronpaul.com/ , and consider making the wise decision this coming election, vote for who you want to run this country regardless of what any news channel or poll says. Democracy is an amazing system, and we all have the right to vote for whoever who wish to vote for, so examine every alternative before voting for the lesser of two evils, because there just might be someone out there running who you agree with more than you might have thought.

   -Chris (Viva la Ron Paul Revolucion!)

Song of the Day 3/01/12

:Of the Wand and the Moon: - "Nighttime in Sonnenheim"

:Of the Wand and the Moon: is my most listened to artist on iTunes by over 1,000 plays. Kim Larsen is the man responsible for creating this beautiful music, and quite honestly there is nothing else quite like it. I listen to plenty of Neofolk, including Death in June, Sonne Hagal, Sol Invictus, In Ruin etc., but no band has the same feel that ofwatm have.

Sonnenheim is the soundtrack to the nighttime hours of my life. If you don't understand how much I love these guys, check my last.fm and you'll see how big of a fan I really am.

http://www.last.fm/user/irontusk90

Song of the Day 2/29/12

Tonight I'm posting what might be my favorite Thrice song. Back in high school, a few of my friends and I used to mock them for overusing what we called the "Thrice Beat" (which is a pounding snare on 1, 2, 3, & 4). We still liked them to be sure, but the band they've grown into definitely has a more mature sound overall, and The Alchemy Index project was a perfect showcase for their newfound musicality.

The Water EP that came out alongside Fire in 2007, was a vast departure from what longtime fans had come to associate with the band. There were hints of this sound on Vheissu, but on Water they completely dropped all conventions and created a slow paced, melodic, ambient at times album.

The "Thrice Beat" was replaced by programmed drums, and the pounding guitars were replaced by interwoven keyboard melodies, the sum of which was a six-track soundscape that really drew me into the band for the first time.

Digital Sea is the first of these tracks, and that might be the only reason it seems to be me go to track from the EP, but either way, I've now clocked in over 90 listens of this one in particular.

I know one of the tracks is called Night Diving, but I like to bring this cd with me when I'm Night Driving. Cracking the windows and driving around listening to that cd is one of the best ways I've ever found to relax. As always, if you haven't heard of these guys, or just this album, go check it out, and help support the musicians out there making awesome music for us all to live our lives to.

   -Chris (Night Driver)

Song of the Day 2/28/12

Tonight I'm going to post what has been my favorite Alkaline Trio song since I first heard it.

Good Mourning was my introduction to Alkaline Trio, and is still my favorite album to date. I heard it in 2003 when it first came out, and even though every song was amazing, Every Thug Needs A Lady stood just a little bit above the rest. Alkaline Trio is not known for being an uplifting band, but this song is perhaps the best exception to that rule.

This is a love song. Vocalist/Bassist Dan Andriano wrote thing song with genuine feelings of love towards his new wife, and the result is arguably the most (only?) uplifting Alkaline Trio song ever. I keep talking about lyrics to these songs I've been posting, and as I've said I'm really not someone to place much emphasis on the lyrics of a song (I tend to let the music speak to me), but this song absolutely requires discussion

"I know it's dark here you know that I'm scared, too
For some reason right now of everything but you
Right now, you're all that I recognize
You know I came here when I needed your soft voice
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
And I'll wait here and sometimes I get one

It's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
You're stuck to me every day
Believe in what I am because it's all I have today
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be

From here I can hardly see a thing
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
For now, forever, for on and on and on

You know it starts here outside waiting in the cold
Kiss me once in the snow I swear it never gets old
And I will promise you I can make it warmer next year
You know I came here when I needed your soft voice
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
Now I'll stay here and everyday I get one

It's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
You're stuck to me every day
Believe in what I am because it's all I have today
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be

From here I can hardly see a thing
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
For now, forever, for on and on and on

So go plug in your electric blanket
We could stay here till our southern summer wedding day
Go plug in your electric blanket
We can stay here"

Songwriters: Daniel Michael Andriano, Derek R Grant, Matthew Thomas Skiba

I feel like the first verse really describes the place Dan found himself prior to meeting his wife. She opened up a whole facet of life to him though, and this song is a direct love letter to her, essentially thanking her for the changes she allowed him to make in his own life. He says that "it's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired", meaning that his love for her does not fade with each passing day, rather it will continue on into the future.

The song brings up winter and cold weather multiple times, in my opinion as a metaphor for hopelessness, danger, and uncertainty. As he surelly said in his wedding vows, Dan promised to love her through the good times, and the bad times. By promising to make the winter warmer next year, he is essentially sayin that he plans to work hard to ensure that every day is better than the last.

The last verse talks about an electric blanket, and I take this both literally and as a metaphor. Literally, I envision him never wanting to leave her side, despite the dropping temperatures around them as they continue to fall more in love with eachother, while it also represents his attempt to protect her from the problems life is sure to bring with it. It is a fitting ending to the song, and I realize some of you might think I sound a little soft after all this. I couldn't care less honestly, as I truly feel this is a beautiful song, and hope to one day feel the emotions Dan felt as he was writing this song.

   -Chris (Longtime Alkaline Trio Fan)

Song of the Day 2/27/12

So I love Mastodon. Absolutely love them. When I found out they were going on tour in support of their latest album "The Hunter", I told myself I'd go see them no matter how far I had to drive. I was pleasantly surprised when upon checking the tour dates, I saw a Reno date listed. Then, as if my day wasn't already good enough, I read that they were touring with Opeth.

Now as I was saying, I absolutely love Mastodon, but I also love Opeth. I've listened to these guys since my freshmen year of high school, and they've released three masterpieces since then. In fact, every album these guys have released, from Orchid all the way to Heritage, has been an instant progressive metal classic. While I like every track on every album, the one I always come back to is Still Life.

This album, originally released in 1999 was the band's fourth album, and first featuring bassist Martin Mendez. The album focused on the story of a man who was banished from the city of his birth for not following the established religion, but returns 15 years later for the woman he loved. The Moor is the first track on the album, and boy is it a doozy. Clocking in at 11:26, it's not the kind of song you put on while brushing your teeth. This is either my favorite Opeth song, or second favorite though (behind Dirge for November). Not only is it extremely well written from an instrumental standpoint, but the lyrics and imagery they paint are some of the best I've seen from any band, let alone a metal band. I'll post my favorite verse from the song:

I was foul and tainted, devoid of faith
Wearing my death-mask at birth
The hands of God, decrepit and thin
Cold caress and then nothing
I was taken away from my plight
A treason bestowed to the crowd
Branded a jonah with fevered blood
Ungodly freak, defiler

That is pretty powerful stuff, especially when you consider these guys are from Sweden. The guitar parts just reach me for some reason on this track especially, and combined with the powerful lyrics that tell a depressing but beautiful tale, they combine to make one of my favorite songs of all time.

   -Chris (Anxiously Awaiting the Mastodon/Opeth Concert)

Mikael Akerfeldt - All Vocals, Guitar
Peter Lindgren - Guitar
Martin Lopez - Drums
Martin Mendez - Bass Guitar

"Still Life", the fourth Opeth volume was recorded at Maestro Musik and
at Fredman Studios during the 15th of April and the 29th of May, 1999.
Produced and Engineered by Opeth
Sound setting and additional engineering by Fredrik Nordström and Isak Edh
Mastered at The Mastering Room by Göran Finnberg
Booklet designed by Travis Smith and Opeth
Photos by Harry Välimäki and Travis Smith
Logo designed by Timo Ketola
All music and lyrics by Opeth

Review: Fringe "The End of All Things"

Just a short word to start off this review, I missed the beginning of Fringe when Season 1 first aired. I saw the television commercials a few episodes into the first season, checked out a random episode, and instantly fell in love. I'm very particular about how I watch my shows though, so I waited until the blue ray came out, and watched it in proper order. The show was incredible, and the direction that Abrams brought it was not only surprising, but completely refreshing as well. I've been watching ever since.

The series pilot, appropriately titled "Pilot", has long been my favorite episode. It was longer than the typical episode meant to fit into an hour slot, but what really grabbed me was the story they were able to tell within the limited time frame. They introduced most of the main cast members, started off with a mysterious case, and introduced the world to what would eventually become the Fringe division. The special effects were amazing, and it hooked me like few shows have done in their first episodes.

Anna Torv, I have been slowly falling in love with you for the past four years.

I bring up this episode because I would like to compare "The End of All Things" favorably to "Pilot". It would be impossible to adequately describe the twists and turns the series has taken between these two episodes, but I can't help but feel that this is THE biggest turn yet. This episode was pure storyline from start to finish, with absolutely no filler. Not only was it fast paced, but it was compelling and intriguing at the same time.

I've evolved past the point of needing eyebrows.

The teaser following last week's episode summed up nicely the main role this episode fulfilled, and that is answering the question, "Who or what are the observers? And why are they interested in Peter?" We don't fully understand either question, but at least now we have a pretty solid idea as to what their overall goal is. There is still plenty left to the imagination though, and I can't wait to see the role Peter plays in what eventually becomes history for the observers.

I think the greatest strength of this episode was in its pacing. No time was wasted introducing a sub-plot, and the episode took off right where last week's left off. Peter has evolved into a complete badass, and Joshua Jackson has offered consistently excellent performances all season long. In fact, I think the entire cast deserves mention here, for it's not often that people commend the actors in this show for the actual acting talents. I think John Noble is one of the most underrated actors on television currently, and when he began to play his second role as the Secretary of Defense, I was completely convinced of his acting prowess.

Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick, and Blair Brown have all impressed me from the very start, but the character I have grown most fond of over the course of the fourth season is Astrid Farnsworth, played by the lovely Jasika Nicole. While this was not the best episode for her to showcase her talents, I've only just begun reviewing the series and felt that it was worth mentioning how much she has impressed me recently.

Season 4 has really seen the growth of Astrid as a character.

 I am saddened by the recent news of Fringe's poor ratings, and all I can do is hope at this point that the show will continue for at least one more season. I'm cautiously optimistic that this will happen, as Fox really has nothing that would perform better in its doomed Friday night time slot. The problem with this show, is that it is impossible to get into without seeing every  episode in chronological order. While this makes it less accessible to the average viewer, it is the very reason that Abrams has been able to create such a brilliant show. I hope at the very least he was prepared for the worst, and is able to reach a satisfying conclusion at the end of the fourth season. I have a terrible instinct however, that he will not resolve the story in a satisfying manner unless he is renewed for at least a partial fifth season. Here's to hoping one of my favorite shows can get just one more chance.

   -Chris (Fringe Unit Special Agent)

Song of the Day 2/26/12

One of the best albums I've heard in the last year or so has been The Color Spectrum by The Dear Hunter. I saw these guys in concert back in high school when they were supporting Circa Survive, and I'm kicking myself for not checking out all their music after the show. This is one of the most talented, and creative groups in rock music right now. The Color Spectrum is their latest album, and a break from their normal "Act" albums.

As you might've guessed from the album title, the song's tracks are all inspired by the different colors of the visible light spectrum (plus black and white), and since there are 4 tracks for each color, this album consists of a whopping 36 songs total, and runs for two and a half hours.

Each song has a noticeably different feel from the others, and I'm not just saying that because I knew about it before going in. If you put this album on for any person who had never heard it before, they would be able to differentiate the different songs from each other. The result is a really cool musical journey that starts from the agressive "Black", and finished on the majestic and beautiful "White".  The song I'm talking about tonight though is "The Canopy" off of the Green section.

Green has a natural, earthy feel to it, and if I had to pick something I visualize while I listen to it, it would be a rolling pasture somewhere, complete with bright blue sky and scattered pure white clouds. Acoustic guitar parts are complemented by the occasioinal strings, and slide guitar licks. "The Canopy" is one of my two favorite tracks from the album, and I'll likely write about the other (Fall and Flee) at a later point in time. It starts off with a simple shaker part that keeps the groove going throughout alongside the upbeat drum parts.

I was spinning through the air when I thought my life was ending
But I was really on the ground and you were lying right next to me
I looked right into your eyes, and I found myself pretending
That we were high above the canopy but tethered to the trunk of a tree

Slow down, take time, and see the forest for the leaves
I know that I should practice what I preach

I was falling to the ground when I felt my body breaking
But I had fallen in your lap, with my head tilted back
So I could see the sun eclipsed by your hair that left a halo hanging
Waiting above so when you go you don't have to wait to get your wings

The Dear Hunter usually talks about problematic relationships in their songs, especially one's regarding girls who screw guys over. While this isn't really my cup of tea, the singer is at least talking about something he feels passionately about. This song takes a completely different approach though, and the emotional drivel of some of their other songs is replaced instead by optimistic words about a guy simply enjoying the view, and appreciating the time spent with the girl spent beside him. I especially like the line, "But I had fallen in your lap, with my head tilted back so I could see, the sun eclipsed by y our hair that left a halo hanging." I wish I could live this song, just enjoying the forest for the leaves, and enjoying life for everything it offers. It's so easy to get caught up in all the craziness that everyday life is for most of us, but when you listen to this song, it's a little easier to take your mind off everything, even if just for four minutes. It is for that reason that this song has quickly moved up onto my list of favorite songs. Do yourself a favor, and no matter how stressed you might be about tomorrow, or next week, just listen to this song, close your eyes, and just enjoy life for a few minutes.

   -Chris (Currently the Media Optimist)

Walking Dead "18 Miles Out" Review

Something I really want to do on my blog here is give short reviews of all the tv series I am watching live. With everything I currently have on my plate, I don't have time to watch all the shows I'd like to, but I feel that the ones I do watch are pretty amazing. The short list of shows that I'm either currently watching, or plan to watch live, includes Fringe, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Hell on Wheels, The Killing, Awake, the Venture Bros., and South Park. I will try my best to review episodes of these series as they air.

So now on to tonight's episode of the Walking Dead. "18 Miles Out" marks the fourth to last episode of the season,  and as is the case with most shows as they reach that mark, the intensity really started to ratchet up. Many people have criticized the second season of the Walking Dead for being a slow paced character driven drama rather than an action oriented thriller. While I can understand where their criticisms are coming from, I feel that the Walking Dead is more about how humanity deals with catastrophe than the catastrophe itself. Make no mistake, this is a show about characters and character development, and what different people's reactions to hopeless situations would be. This is the reason, at least in my mind, for the success the show has had so far.

All that being said it is apparent that the show-runners have listened to the criticism of the fans, and have addressed it in this latest episode, and will certainly continue to do so through the last three episodes of the season. Part of the way they accomplished this was by offering a glimpse of the madness that would eventually come at the very beginning of the episode, and then rewinding to the few events that led to that moment. Every show I've seen on AMC has successfully utilized this technique in at least one episode, and while I did like it, I felt that it was a little unnecessary in this particular episode.

For most of the show, the conflict between Rick and Shane has been at the forefront of the issues facing the group. While it might be easy to just call Rick the good guy in all of this, I think that Kirkman should be commended for his work humanizing every character, leading to numerous moments of sympathy with Shane.Shane has continually brought up his feelings that the old world is dead, and any feelings of empathy should be left with it. In Shane's mind, the collapse of civilization has essentially reverted humanity to an animal nature, and survival at any cost should be the only task concerning anyone. I found myself agreeing with Shane in many of his disagreements with Rick, such as last weeks episode when Rick wanted to stay behind in a zombie infected city to try and save a man who moments earlier was shooting at him. This decision made Rick slightly less believable in my mind, and I found myself angry at him for staying behind. This week's episode addressed my problems though when they expanded upon Rick's ideals, and what he is actually capable of.

In many ways Rick is the perfectly noble character. He value's every person's life, and has no qualms about risking his to protect them. He is the man we all wish we could be, and I think under normal circumstances, any sane person would look up to and respect him. The world of the Walking Dead is different though. The last remnants of humanity do not share Rick's ideals, and people are now willing to take whatever they feel they need to survive by force. In my opinion, Shane is better suited to survive in this harsh new world than is Rick. During the conversation between Rick and Shane at the beginning of the episode though, Rick makes it known that he is no pushover. He is a family man first, and is willing to do anything he has to to protect his family. Because of the way Rick has been developed since the first episode of the series, when he fiercely delivered these words to Shane, I believed him completely.

And as it turns out, Rick is perfectly well suited to survive the apocalypse as well, as is illustrated in the action scene that encompasses the majority of the episode. When he and Shane have a disagreement over how to deal with their prisoner, things escalate towards violence very quickly. Though the two have been friends for the majority of their lives, neither one restrains themselves at all during the conflict. Rick smashes Shane's face in with his fists, while Shane throws a motorcycle on top of Rick, and later throws a massive wrench at him with deadly intent. It was this latter action that started the real conflict, as zombies began to pour out of the now open window.

Rick is overwhelmed at one point by three zombies, but takes them all out, one by one, as the bodies fell on top of his. With no clear shot at the last zombie, Rick geniously takes three shots through another zombies head, in what was easily one of the greatest moments special effects wise for the series (the barrel poking out the opening in the zombie's head was pretty amazing). Meanwhile, Shane was trapped on a schoolbus with a massive pack of walkers trying to claw their way in. Shane utilized Rick's method of luring the walker's to a single spot using his own blood, and stabbed numerous zombies in the skull, while simultaneously praying he might make it out of that impossible situation alive.

In one of the more surprising moment's of the show, Rick and the prisoner leave the area, with Shane still trapped. I honestly thought for a few minutes that this scene might have been the end of Shane, but Rick once again proves why he is better than everyone else (including you and me), and he picks up more weapons, hops in the car, and comes back guns blazing to Shane's rescue. The way the episode ended, I honestly thought that Shane might have been reevaluating his perception of Rick, but as was illustrated in the scenes for the next episode, nothing has really changed. I'm not sure how much longer they can drag out the conflict between these two, but if this episode is any indication of the changes to Rick's character, the problem won't be around much longer. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rick eventually snap and kill Shane himself. While that most likely won't happen (please do it AMC), there is no question that Rick is absolutely finished with Shane's shit.

Overall this was a great episode, and I can't wait to see where the writers take this show in the last three episodes of the season. Everything in season 2 has been a complete downer, especially the episode "Nebraska" when the other survivors shared the state of the world beyond Georgia. I've not read the comics, so I have no idea where this show is going, but my favorite part of it is how it just focuses on the group surviving. And with the current state of the world, there is plenty of surviving to be done.


   -Chris (Amateur Zombie Hunter)

Song of the Day 2/24/12

Who is Lantlôs? I honestly don't know. I found these guys from a list of the Top 10 'Modern' Black Metal Albums of 2010. The link to the site where I found out about these guys is http://www.infernalmasquerade.com/?q=001491-top-10-039modern039-black-metal-albums-2010. I listened to a lot of Metal music back in high school, in fact I almost exclusively listened to heavy music. I've branched out considerably since then, but I still listen to the stuff that has redeeming musical qualities.

One genre I feel is very hit or miss is Black Metal. You have to wonder how anyone could take seriously a genre personified (whether accurately or not) by people who dress like this.

I always felt that when it was done right though, it could be the most beautiful genre in all of metal. There are many bands that incorporate black metal themes without necessarily forming to all the genre conventions. Some notable examples that come to mind off the top of my head are Ikuinen Kaamos, Akercocke, Drudkh, and Wolves in the Throne Room. I was listening to the bands posted on the site I referred to earlier though, and this album really stood out.

.neon by the German band Lantlôs is 40 minutes of melodic metal bliss. To call the album Black Metal is a serious disservice to the variety of styles employed throughout the six tracks. Pulse/Surreal is a great example of their overall style, and I haven't listened to them long enough to adequately explain their sound, so the only way to get an idea of it is to actually listen to the track (or the entire album if you have the time) in one sitting.

I realize my description has been pretty vague, and for that I apologize. I just had to share this band with other people after listening to them the last few weeks. Even if you don't typically listen to metal, give these guys a shot, and if you keep an open mind you'll almost certainly find something to like.

   -Chris

Influence- Akira Yamaoka

Something else I'd like to do on here is pay homage to some of my heroes and influences that have molded me into who I am today.

I'd like to start with one of my biggest musical influences, Akira Yamaoka.This man is essentially Silent Hill. The series would not exist as it is today without him. Silent Hill is not only one of my favorite video game series, but it's one of my favorite works of art in general. And if you think that is going too far, you must not have played them.

I've been playing these games since I was fairly young, and one of my biggest draws to this series in particular over the other, somewhat similar titles, was the music and sound work in general. Akira Yamaoka is singlehandedly responsible for every piece of audio that comes out of your speakers while playing the game, due large in part to the active role he plays as a producer as well. While most composers are content to just write the songs, collect their check, and move on, Yamaoka invests the entirety of his being into each project. As an example, in addition to composing the soundtrack to Silent Hill 2, Yamaoka was also responsible for creating and recording all the sound effects for the game as well. Not only was the game an eventual hit among fans, but many still feel it includes the best use of music in a game ever. While I can't readily commit to any one game as having better music than the others, it is clear in my mind that Silent Hill makes the best use of music of any franchise.

The video above includes my favorite single track, "Room of Angel" from the Silent Hill 4 Official Soundtrack, as well as various clips from the games running in the background to provide a little context as to how the music fits into the games.

When music is an essential part of something's identity, I think you've succeeded as a composer. Silent Hill marries gameplay, story, and music better than any other game, film, or anything else out there. This dependence on a single individual can prove troublesome however, and since Yamaoka's departure from Konami in 2009, the future of the franchise is now in jeopardy.

Silent Hill Downpour will be the first Silent Hill game released since Yamaoka's departure, and in an attempt to fill the very large shoes left behind, Konami has hired Daniel Licht (famous for his work on Dexter and Body of Lies). While I feel that there is no one else out there as uniquely qualified as Yamaoka, I hope for the sake of the franchise that Licht is successful in continuing the legacy of greatness started by Yamaoka. The game releases in March, so we will know soon enough. I'll post a full review of the game after I've gone through it, and I will definitely pay special attention to how the music has been handled in the latest installment. Until then, at least I have the soundtracks of every other Silent Hill game to hold me over.

I should mention at least briefly, that Yamaoka has since moved on to work for his friend and personal hero Suda 51 at Grasshopper. They have only collaborated on one game so far, but the result was excellent. Shadows of the Damned was an incredible game that I will likely review in full at a later date. Yamaoka's style did not diminish with a change in setting, and the music in Shadows of the Damned is once again an essential piece of the overall product. I look forward to his future work, and will continue to be motivated and inspired by his creativity and unrivaled work ethic.

   -Chris (A Huge Silent Hill Fan)