Welcome to AK's Blog, where you can enter the portal to my mind, then immediately get thrown out!

9/27/06 *smacks self* For shame! With all the good things to say about the new Underoath album, I have neglected to compliment the Flyleaf album. Anyone who's heard of this native Texan band formerly known as Passerby, will immediately recognize Lacey Mosley's fresh and original voice. Now, I'm all for some loud alternative rock, but it's great to see another female vocalist besides Amy Lee from Evanescence and Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil getting some serious spotlight in the rock world, especially a girl that metal-yells. Flyleaf's debut album is easily one of the newest and most groundbreaking sounds released in a long, long time. The songs are given an emotional drive by Ms. Mosley and are backed up with phenomenal instrumentals from the rest of the band. "Fully Alive" drew me in from the start, but other favorites of mine include "I'm Sorry," "Perfect," and the upcoming single "All Around Me." As someone who's heard many a band in the rock world, Flyleaf is one of the best surprises to come around this year. Excellent job, Flyleaf, your debut album Flyleaf is a success.

Currently Listening to: "The Pot" by Tool

9/19/06 I need a vacation. No, I'm serious, my life is completely packed. But that's expected. I'm working to earn my driver's license, while also balancing school. Quite a bit. Then, I have to pass my next Taekwondo testing to get my 3rd Degree Black Belt, after which I plan to get a job. It's been a long road, but I just don't have as much time for Taekwondo as I used to. But in all honesty, 3rd Degree Black Belt is impressive.

I really can't say enough good things about the new Underoath album. Even months after hearing the single "Writing on the Walls," I'm going back to listen to the album. It's much heavier than They're Only Chasing Safety, but every single bit of instrumentals is emphasized even more. With the second single and video out for "In Regards to Myself," Underoath continues to get excellent reviews and sales. Although "In Regards to Myself," isn't my favorite song, it's still great. I'm hoping the next single is "You're Ever So Inviting," or "Moving For the Sake of Motion," two of my favorites off the album. If you haven't checked out the new Underoath album, you really should, because it rocks to the Nth degree.

Currently Listening to: "At This Velocity" by Thursday

9/11/06 It's been five years since America was attacked. It's been five years since thousands of people lost their lives. It's been five years since the World Trade Center was obliterated. All day I've heard of remembrances of those who were killed and those who offered their services to rebuild New York City. Still I wonder how safe the world is, how much pain and suffering a single moment can cause, and if the world will ever be able to be at peace. I pray that the world will be able to forget their differences and no longer fight, but I know that that day will not be for a very long time. For now, I remember those who have fallen from the towers and I offer my best wishes that they've been able to rest in peace. It's a long and grueling road to peace, and I know that the world is always in turmoil, but I have people on this Earth that I must live for, and before I go, I must fulfill their happiness first. This communion, this crippled salvation, has only reminded the world of how mortal we all are. Seeing the flames, seeing the wreckage, it's all something so unprecedented. If you've read this, consider this a eulogy to the fallen souls and towers. I pay respects to them, and pay respects to peace.

Currently Listening to: "Demon Days" by Gorillaz

8/20/06 It's official. AK has been listening to a lot of Underoath lately, some from their new Define the Great Line album, but mostly their older stuff from They're Only Chasing Safety. I never really liked really old Underoath, before Spencer Chamberlain took the job as frontman screamer, so I started at They're Only Chasing Safety, After listening to "A Boy Brushed Red...Living In Black and White" and "I'm Content With Losing" a few times, I moved on to "Young and Aspiring", which may in fact surpass "Writing on the Walls" as my all-time favorite Underoath song. Yes, I do like the electronica sounds a lot; Chris Dudley is an amazing keyboardist. Underoath is quickly becoming one of my favorite bands, and their sound, though plentiful with yelling courtesy of Chamberlain, is balanced by Aaron Gillespie's vocals and the instrumentals which are downright incredible. Underoath introduced me to the metal-screamo genre, also encouraging me to listen to other screaming metal bands like As I Lay Dying and Bullet For My Valentine. Overall, Underoath rocks.

Currently Listening to: "Young and Aspiring" by Underoath

8/10/06 I've been having some seriously weird dreams lately. While I've had a plethora of dreams ranging from Resident Evil 4 situations to Fullmetal Alchemist, the last few days have seriously put me on edge. You doubt it? Try a dream where humans evolved without skin. Yeah, that's a messed up dream. Last night was a futuristic distopia where a familiar alien force enslaved humanity, limiting nearly everything mankind could do. Manpower was measured with hundreds of gigantic batteries, each one counting down to the Earth's explosive demise, which was happening in less than a day. Even weirder is that the entire event was set up like a tremendous sci-fi movie. I woke up wondering what was going on. Hmm...maybe eating an entire pizza before bed was a mistake. But it wasn't so much a nightmare; it was more along the lines of a amazingly vivid, descriptive, and cinematic dream. It was cool and twisted at the same time. Believe it or not, these dreams have been giving me plenty of inspiration for writing. I'm rather happy with them, while at the same time, oddly interested in them.

On a lighter note, I bought the Disturbed Ten Thousand Fists album with the new Breaking Benjamin album yesterday. Disturbed has yet to let me down concerning their music; an amazing set of melodies and intense lyrics are staples in every Disturbed song. Ten Thousand Fists, despite being out for nearly a year now, is easily an amazing album. The singles, like "Stricken" and "Just Stop", remain amazing. But IMO, the best track is the powerful "Guarded". "Guarded" is a song that I've been listening to over and over and it's downright phenomenal. Disturbed has proven themselves to be alternative metal masters and with "Land of Confusion" already out as a single and video (designed by cover artist Todd McFarlene), there's no better time to pick up this headbanging masterpiece.

Currently Listening to: [see above]

8/9/06 AK returns this time with his verdict on the new Breaking Benjamin album, Phobia. This album has been one of the most anticipated albums ever since "The Diary of Jane" hit the airwaves, scooping up praise before the album even hit shelves. If you're like me, you thought We Are Not Alone was amazing. From "So Cold's" haunting chorus to "Away's" intense lyrics, the entire album was genuinely successful in its presentation. Phobia overall is an improvement, and that is saying something right there. "The Diary of Jane" has never sounded better and the remaining songs echo the deep and mystical musical style the band is known for. From the fierce lyrics of "Evil Angel", to the intense melody of "Breathe", this album stands heads and shoulders above its predecessors while still keeping the haunting, yet intense sound the band has grown a reputation with. It's an amazing follow-up to a powerful sophomore album. Third time is way more than a charm for Breaking Benjamin. I highly recommend Phobia to rock fans everywhere.

Currently Listening to: "Breathe" by Breaking Benjamin

7/30/06 I had a dream a few weeks ago, and it inspired me. It inspired me to write a story. The story is incredibly flat in terms of plot, but I never intended it to be some epic narrative. I used it both as a way to practice my descriptive skills and as a way to get the emotions together. Don't expect a vast storyline, don't expect a ton of character development. It's an experimental piece. In fact, I'm still questionable as to whether or not I should put it up. I'm still thinking about my dream and wondering what it meant. If I can get the courage to tell the world about my dream, I may be able to share it. Out of all the dreams I've had in my life (and that's quite a few) this is one of the most captivating and enigmatic ones. It means so much, yet tells so little. Forgive my tantalizing words; it's just something that I can't keep inside, but am forced to.

Also, I've been writing songs. I can't play any rock instruments and I can't sing well, but I get a melody in my head and the lyrics just begin to circulate. I've been thinking of a triple album focusing around a single story, but it might not happen. I don't plan to make a CD or form a band; these are just some poems that happen to go very well together with music. It's complicated, but important.

Currently Listening to: "Fully Alive" by Flyleaf

7/16/06 To anyone considering the new Underoath CD as a purchase, I have to say that it rocks. If you've seen the band's new single "Writing on the Walls", you've seen how great the music is. Some strong instrumentals and ferocious lyrics make Define the Great Line worth a look. It's truly a worthy addition to any headbanger's collection.

Currently Listening to: "There Could Be Nothing After This" by Underoath

7/9/06 Yup, right when he gets back from the hiatus he takes another hiatus. Yell all you want. Well, I should be able to update more regularly. Then again, maybe not. We'll see. I have been hard to get through the summer. I've been writing a whole bunch of poetry. Some new music has helped. Well, that's it.

Currently Listening to: "Move" by Thousand Foot Krutch

6/27/06 Yes, I'm back. It took a while, but I've returned. It's been a long time, yes. I had to take a much needed hiatus from my site. Forgive me, but now I can continue. Well...uh...okay then.

Currently Listening to: "Go With the Flow" by Queens of the Stone Age

6/14/06 I'm very disappointed with myself. I haven't updated this or my precious site in such a long time. Sorry, but I've had a lot to deal with. I finally got around to filing a blog entry; hope it's good enough. Orichalcum is still in my head; I'm trying to figure out where to take it next. I really enjoy writing this story, revealing the paths of the two main characters. I have some ideas for the future. I just have to tie them all together.

I've recently considered changing the style of my characters in my drawings. After purchasing the Invader Zim DVDs Volumes 2 & 3, I've tried to give AK a new look. A less serious look; one that portrays more emotion. I do like my current style, but if I want to give my characters some personality, I need to change it. I plan to keep my current style for future use, but I'm still working out a change.

Currently Listening to: "Point #1" by Chevelle

6/2/06 By popular request, I put up my pic. I'll take it down soon, but seriously, this was a request I just had to agree to. o_o;

5/27/06 Well, I can say that I'm adjusting okay. My life has gone a bit crazy lately, but I think I'll be able to keep going. I recently heard of the new albums from three bands that I listen to; Linkin Park, Chevelle, and Breaking Benjamin will all release their next album this year. I'm quite excited, especially after hearing BB's new single "The Diary of Jane." For now, I have all my favorites. Summer is ready and raring to go, so life should be less pressured. I'm still writing poetry as often as possible and my fiction should be updated on a consistent basis. Hopefully, that is.

Listening to music has given me great inspiration for writing poetry. It just sets the mood. For all you aspiring scribes out there, I can give you the advice of listening to music while you work. Emotion is the shovel that exhumes the words; music just brushes the earth off it. Don't rely on music to write poetry, however; that is just unoriginality. Let it merely amplify the emotion you use to write poetry. Poetry is an art. Love it, live it, write it.

Currently Listening to: "Mad World" by Gary Jules

5/21/06 I recently wrote a poem called "Reanimator," which expresses my beliefs of those who walk the line of life and death. I have believed that life and death are equal, and so does the person in the poem. In fact, my old Necromancy fic was another example of how the world of the necromancers is so much different than that of humans. But regardless, the dead should be respected just as much as the living. The difference, however, is that the dead have already lived their life. There is no one more experienced in this area than the dead, so they should be respected. I cannot say this enough: respect the dead as you do the living.

Currently Listening to: "Buried Alive By Love" by H.I.M.

5/18/06 I'm quite surprised that I didn't update this blog earlier. Hmm...maybe life is getting better. Well, I do have some things to talk about this time around, mostly around a picture I drew. After drawing it, I realized how everything in it fits perfectly. Believe it or not, but I drew this picture out of boredom. However, I shall explain each component along with each character's coordinating quote that has been selected.

GIR: "Ignorance is bliss." - Anonymous: Expectedly, GIR is made up of a metal body and a mind made of pocket change. There is practically no intellectual properties inside his little body, and yet, people adore him. He has become the poster-child of cute. It's downright impossible to see GIR in his dog costume and not believe that he is cute. However, GIR is constantly in a state of maddening happiness. The method of his eternal bliss is because he has nothing to hate, nothing to make an enemy of, nothing to fear. In reality, he does. He is just too ignorant to notice. His ignorance puts him in a state of utopia, something that very few have been able to achieve. It's admirable how GIR can always be happy, and his ignorance of the world gives him his bottomless reserve of energy and bliss.

Mandy: "Hate heals. You should try it sometime." - Kerry King (Slayer): In complete and total contrast to GIR's utopian regiment, Mandy is the embodiment of darkness, hate, and emotion. It is her dark personality that gives life to emotion. Her quote may sound bizarre, but hate is what keeps the other emotions in check. Without hate, what is love? Love has no other and becomes constant. That which is constant loses rarity, thus losing value. Therefore, love will lose value. Hate is used to keep the value of other emotions, as it keeps itself in check as well. Hate is the healer; the shining luster of the other emotions. Don't be discouraged by hate; for it is just as important as the other emotions. Mandy, the princess of darkness and hate, is symbolic of the controller of emotion. The darkness keeps the value of the remaining emotions level, while also embracing and exploring a separate side of the mind, body, and soul's togetherness.

AK: "Division will unite..." - Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars): It seems contradictory, but this statement is true. Like Mandy, the young keeper of emotion, AK, a character and alias I have grown to know so well, is the unification of the elements. Light and dark, life and death, AK is the unification of the polar opposites. The understanding is that the elements have no dominance over each other. AK represents the combination of them all, giving each a place in the soul. There is no such thing as pure light, nor pure darkness. It is all a manner of expression. Whichever is chosen to be expressed is the "judgment". AK embraces both light and dark, as long as he is doing it for the better. Same with his respect for life and death, as noticed by his scythe, the symbol of death. The scythe represents his respect for death, while his existence in this plane represents his respect for life. It is the balance that is struck by AK, along with the contrasting spirits of GIR and Mandy, that make up the yin-yang unification that all life and death is made of. What results is not chaos, but a balance used to center the spirit into a peaceful state.

I hope this explanation has clarified some of the hidden elements in this picture's symbolism. It's worth investigating a bit more, I think.

Currently Listening to: "Eulogy" by Tool

5/14/06 I have recently begun to adjust to the confusion I've had. I think I'm starting to figure out what my place in life is, although the truth still remains to be found. I know all of you who care about me: my family, Shiore, DS, you all worry for me. Yes, I'm full of a deep sea of emotion. Yes, I do tend to be anti-social and non-conformist. However, I assure you that I'll be okay. Stop worrying about me. I believe that someday it'll all be okay. Someday.

Also, I've recently returned to my Orichalcum story, a story that I've discovered to be my darkest story yet. If you haven't read the first three chapters yet, you should, and look for the fourth chapter very soon. It's dark, it's violent, it's what I believe to be my best story yet. I put a lot of soul into this story, so do me a favor and read it please.

Currently Listening to: "Liberate" by Disturbed

5/10/06 It seems that when I write here, I transcend into another state. I know it sounds weird, but when I write in this blog, I am able to unite with the elements. This is a journal of a cryptic story, shrouded in light and darkness and I reach a transcendence. This is the same person who writes humorous fiction and game reviews, but in another light...or darkness, either one works. 

I have entered a state of confusion; this is a time of my life where my destination is mystery. I am unable to determine how my life will go, or if my presence in the world could make a serious difference. My mind is simply confused. Until I am able to know where my life will take me next, I write here. Many of you worry for me, but I know that someday I will know where to go. For now, I unite with light and darkness and wish to transcend into the nirvana that I seek. I shall search for inner peace, and someday, someday, the confusion will end and I can live happily and at eternal peace.

Currently Listening to: "Faust" by Gorillaz

5/9/06

Elixir of the gate
Flowing from the portal
May the blindness end
And the lies cease
When purity remains
All life will be free
End blindness through pain

I'm upset. Today was an oversaturated and exhausting day, and I have practically nothing to show for it except this inspirational poem and drawing. Anyone who's had one of these days (basically any normal person), I hope you enjoy it.

Currently Listening to: "Edge of the Earth" by 30 Seconds to Mars

5/6/06 I'm back! Over the weekend I went to a huge convention and got a ton of stuff! Yeah, guys, who the ultimate otaku of the group now, HUH? In ur face! Pwnzorz! My girlfriend and her friends also came, making the whole experience even better! Well, I'm gonna have to return to the grind tomorrow, but I'm gonna have some stuff to show off! By the way, this is a shout-out to my girlfriend, who I love lots, and I am truly sorry for acting like such an uber-dork! All her friends too! Well, expect some poetry or other stuff next week. Actually, don't, because I don't have a clue what to do next. Whatever. Take care ppl

5/2/06 Great to finally get this thing up and running. *looks at pic* I took this pic around 8:00 at night, and I like the whole "nothing but darkness" in the back. Makes me look kewl :P. It took me a while to get the shot perfect. I should have some more in the coming weeks, for anyone who cares. (The whole reason I put a new pic up was for a few ppl who kept begging me to update it).

I also put up a drawing of mine. I must say that I cannot draw (my sister got all the drawing talent), but I do like to add some imagery with my poetry. I like the eyes, robe, and scythe, but I also tried to make the scar elaborate. Certain people may understand its meaning.