These words are ecstacy.

[Releases] Albums – 11/4/2008

definerapture — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:14:14 +0000

While you’re out and about voting for either Obama or McCain, make sure to stop into your local record shop and pick up some of the following albums that come out today.

The Decemberists :: Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series – Volume II
Fucked Up :: No Epiphany 7″
Thursday/Envy :: Split

[Video] Call of Duty: World at War – Zombies

definerapture — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:15:04 +0000

Call of Duty: World at War showcased it’s bonus mode “Nacht der untoten.” Essentially, when a player finishes the main campaign the bonus mode is unlocked. This allows the player to go online with three other friends and battle hordes of Nazi Zombies. Check out the sneak peek below.

[Video] Tomb Raider: Underworld – Thai Temple Gameplay

definerapture — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:57:36 +0000

The video below is a bit distorted, but it shows some gameplay footage from the upcoming game Tomb Raider: Underworld. The game doesn’t look half bad, and it’s definitely creeping higher up on my To Buy List. I might have to hold off until I can find a used copy though, or the game starts getting some spectacular reviews.

[Trailer] Valkyrie Gets One Last Trailer

definerapture — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:28:57 +0000

Bryan Singer’s Valkyrie has one last trailer making the rounds before its release. United Artists’ WWII thriller starring Tom Cruise will be in theaters starting December 26. It’s still a little weird that none of the actors have German accents, but the film does look like it could be decent.

[Review] Cartel – Chroma (Blast from the Past Series #1)

definerapture — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:35:27 +0000

Three years ago, when I was an impressionable 17-year-old senior in high school, I named Cartel’s Chroma my Album of the Year. It’s not that there were songs I became emotionally attached to; I didn’t need Chroma to get through my senior year. It’s not that I found Will Pugh attractive; I don’t let a band’s attractiveness affect my decisions (unless it’s Hayley Williams). No, I fell in love with this album because it’s extremely catchy, has superb production, and Pugh’s vocals are simply amazing.

Since this album came out over three years ago, the first thing I should address is its lasting value. Had you asked my 17-year-old self if I thought I would still love this album in three years, I would have laughed in your face. Back then, my musical taste was in a constant state of change. I have to hand it to Cartel though, they crafted an album that could stand the test of time. It’s been over a year since Chroma‘s sound poured out of my stereo speakers, but I found that I still knew every word and every hook.

Will Pugh can sing, there’s no doubt about that. His range is spectacular and he can hold a note with ease. The lyrics he sings are catchy – they’ll stay in your head for days after listening to this album. Unfortunately, the lyrics are also one of the weakest parts of the album. You’ve heard these lyrics a thousand times before, just in a different order. Chroma brings nothing new to the table lyrically. You can sing along all you want, just don’t expect anything profound to leap out at you.

Zack Odom’s and Kennith Mount’s production is spot on for this album. Chroma is a great example of what talented bands can do without voice modifiers or other foolish enhancers. Kudos to whoever is responsible for the track ordering as well. The album starts with upbeat songs “Say Anything (Else)” and “Matter of Time” and for the first half of this album, the songs generally continue this trend of upbeat, catchy sing-alongs. Things slow down for track seven, the piano-driven “Save Us,” and from there (with the exception of “Luckie St.”) the album is considerably slower than the first half. “The Minstrel’s Prayer”, “Q”, and “A” form together to complete the best ending to an album I’ve heard in quite some time. Some people may not enjoy a set-up like this, but it works in Cartel’s favor. It shows their versatility.

With the effort they put into Chroma, Cartel crafted a time-less pop-punk album. An album that can be put on repeat and enjoyed. An album that doesn’t seem to be fading away into oblivion anytime soon.

Standout Tracks: Say Anything (Else), Matter of Time, The Minstrel’s Prayer, Q, A

Vocals: 9
Musicianship: 8.25
Lyrics: 7.75
Production: 9.5
Creativity: 8
Lasting Value: 9
Overall: 8.75

[Game] Splitter

definerapture — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:51:39 +0000

Splitter is a fun physics-based game where you have to get the smiley-faced ball to the brown spot by cutting through wood or strings. It’s an easy game to get started, but it has its challenges. I don’t know what level I was on when I stopped playing, but it was frustrating.

[Video] The Cab – “Bounce” Music Video

definerapture — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:07:00 +0000

The Cab have released their video for the song “Bounce,” from their debut album Whisper War (out now on Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Records). The video was directed by Jordan Barrow. You can check out the video here.

[Video] Left 4 Dead TV Spot

definerapture — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:00:28 +0000

Left 4 Dead, Valve’s new survival-horror-action title, begins its $10 million marketing campaign with a pair of commercials that will start airing on network and cable television on November 8th. The commercial below is created with footage from the game’s opening sequence. Look for the game in stores on November 18th.

[Releases] Movies – October 31, 2008

definerapture — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:01:25 +0000

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Here’s a list of the movies hitting theaters today.

The Haunting of Molly Hartley (Freestyle Releasing) :: IMDB
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Company) :: Official Site :: IMDB
Splinter (Magnet Releasing)[Limited] :: Official Site :: IMDB

[Video] Shaun White Snowboarding – Multiplayer

definerapture — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:07:50 +0000

A new multiplayer video has surfaced for Ubisoft’s upcoming game Shaun White Snowboarding. It shows four friends interacting on the mountain with some witty banter and jokes thrown around. Looks like a fun time. Shaun White Snowboarding is slated to be in stores November 18th.