Metal Mixology for September 13: Kaupe

The latest edition comes from the band Kaupe!

Kaupe Playlist link – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5czFwobJwy8yNwQecTmjRm?si=4a83c46ce3684a28

1. “Antipatterns” by Carbomb

1. I want to start by saying that it was incredibly difficult making a 10-song playlist. There are so many bands of all different styles I would've liked to put on here, but kept it metal except for one darksynth group for Metal Mixology. A little late to the game on these guys, but they influenced a few songs on our new album Destroyer of Worlds. “Gratitude” was the first song I heard by them, but “Sets” is what really made me a fan. I later heard “Antipatterns” and the hairs stood on my body when the part at 1:28 came in with the stumbling tempo and ring modulation guitar. Carbomb's approach to song writing puts what we know of songwriting on its head. Nobody that I know indulges in those types of tempos, time signatures, and sound effects. Definitely caused a moment I wanted to throw my guitar in the trash.

2. “Transfixation” by Meshuggah

1. The first song that got me into them. I used to rock the shit out of this song in my car on a mix CD I created. All the seamless transitions, off times, pummeling vocals, and a computer like tap solo on guitar, was way ahead of its time.

3. “Just One Fix” by Ministry

1. When I first saw the music video for this song as a kid it totally scared the shit out of me. I didn't quite know what a heroin junkie was at the time but got the idea that it was something I never wanted to try. With its steady, pounding drumbeat, and guitar riff, combined with all the background sample work, and a reoccurring blood curdling scream, it puts you in a place you never want to be in. I think the parallel drawn from Ministry to Kaupe is that we both try to create a mood.

4. “Sugar Coated Sour” by Dillinger Escape Plan.

1. What can I say about this song other than it was a pivotal moment for a lot of us in the band. I remember listening to the first two seconds of this song over and over wondering how in the hell did they do that. Calculating infinity was a groundbreaking album, and this song was the perfect way to kick it off.

5. “Dogman With Horns” by Bloodlet

1. The Saraphim Fall is my favorite album by Orlando native Bloodlet. This song is another one of those songs like “Just One Fix” that draws you into a dark world. With all its weird time signatures, and jazz overtones, followed by a droney rotary speaker section, it has all the elements of a total head-trip. Bringing back this song was a nonnegotiable when I joined with them for a 2022 tour with Darkest Hour, and Zao.

6. “Rosetta Stoned” by Tool

1. Tool is a big influence on Kaupe for sure. This song is a wild ride and encompasses all the great elements of Tool. The way this song takes you on journey with all its different movements: Maynard babbling into a megaphone, screamy and melodic vocals here and there, and the way the band is able to go back and forth between heavy and softer playing is extremely hard to do. The song finally leads you to one of the most epic melodies in any of their songs at 8:38.

7. “The Becoming” by Nine Inch Nails

1. Again, all about the vibe. Trent's use of layers is top notch, and even if you don't think technically, he's a good singer, his vocals always fit their songs perfectly. I reference this

album a lot when working with our keyboardist when we are trying to find sounds.

8. “Zero Signal” by Fear Factory

1. Love them or hate them, they have their place and their own unique sound. I'm still a fan of Demanufacture, and Obsolete, and love how they incorporated the synth pads into their aggressive sound. This song has all their key elements, as well as a huge melodic ending where the accents bring it over the top.

9. “Reverse Inverted” by Torche

1. This song really got me into Torche and got me to tune my guitar to A on the 5th and 6th string which Kaupe does on several songs. I remember hearing the ending of the song and thinking it was brilliant. Such a powerfully haunting melody, and harmony with the guitars.

10. “Turbo Killer” by Carpenter Brut

1. Another go-to song to reference synth sounds. The thing I love about this song and many of their others are the distinct movements, like a rock or metal song would have. Not slamming other forms of electronic, but a lot of other electronic songs are just centered around a central repeating idea in my opinion. This song has a structure, and takes you on a ride for sure.