![[Riffs] Skyrim: AKA How I Learnt To Stop Morrow-Booming and Love The Cat-People.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737381053609-2JK95NVEGTDE49FSCJLJ/image-67.png)
[Riffs] Skyrim: AKA How I Learnt To Stop Morrow-Booming and Love The Cat-People.
A Riff [article] on gaming, originally posted to our now-defunct old website in late 2024 (RIP). In this one, I as your host author discuss the enduring appeal of Skyrim amidst personal struggles and a changing gaming landscape. While critiquing some flaws, I also expressing joy in re-engaging with it after a period of stress and highlight its’ lasting place within the gaming community.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 31: Luna's Cult of Dark Souls - A DM Interview With... A DM.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737374953745-KOOUP7BVQPNHKY8IRE43/image-51.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 31: Luna's Cult of Dark Souls - A DM Interview With... A DM.
My first interview focussed on exploring someone else's expertise and thoughts around a franchise/hobby/series and the community surrounding it, and first interview with a community member around the design of their own RPG! Read on for a fantastic discussion with Luna, a friend of mine from Discord, who goes all-out on Dark Souls lore and discusses her TTRPG adaptation. Which she also provides for free, by the way, in the link!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 29: Dissecting The Perfect Organism - An Examination of Xenomorph XX-121, Part 1.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737370632341-HWO0D4SC4NLWD4KB6FJX/image-14.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 29: Dissecting The Perfect Organism - An Examination of Xenomorph XX-121, Part 1.
Check the link for Episode 29 of the Inner-Strength Check Podcast, and the full transcript of Dissecting The Perfect Organism: An Examination of Specimen XX-121. Over multiple podcast episodes, we’re bringing you a comprehensive, lore-based examination of the infamous Xenomorph from the Alien franchise. The current article explores the Chemical Agent or ‘Black Goo’ , as well as initial encounters with the pathogen as seen in the film Prometheus. Plenty of additional media here, so be sure to check it all out!
![[Riffs] Some Thoughts On: Info-Overload, Option-Paralysis, and Digital Chaos.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737364680985-ZUKYY0BXCGS7HCO5EICR/457036991_8115688801812036_3842076234784244127_n.jpg)
[Riffs] Some Thoughts On: Info-Overload, Option-Paralysis, and Digital Chaos.
Originally posted to our prior now-defunct website (RIP), this Riff (article) is an exploration of technology, information overload/overwhelm, digital minimalism and how this relates to both me personally, but also in the context of directing and managing the Inner-Strength Check Podcast/blog etc. Read on!
![[Heavy News] Turkish blackened death metal band SHRINE OF DENIAL unveil debut full length.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737353159904-VK69KEEV9EUAVTMHOIP5/imoloch.png)
[Heavy News] Turkish blackened death metal band SHRINE OF DENIAL unveil debut full length.
Quoting label Transcending Obscurity: “Shrine of Denial are Turkey's best kept secret. They're blending styles to create beautifully structured songs that are both intense and memorable. After releasing albums by Serpent of Old and Carnophage from Turkey, we're pleased to work with newcomers Shrine of Denial for their debut release.” Check the link for album preorder, singles, cool merch and much more! Keeping it #heavynews for #musicmonday at ISC.
![[Heavy News] GATES TO HELL Announces New Album DEATH COMES TO ALL Out March 21st + New Single, 'Next To Bleed', Streaming Now + Available As 7-Inch Vinyl](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737350790114-99VQK0865MBYA209V9AW/image007.jpg)
[Heavy News] GATES TO HELL Announces New Album DEATH COMES TO ALL Out March 21st + New Single, 'Next To Bleed', Streaming Now + Available As 7-Inch Vinyl
The ground quakes, the surface fractures, and a colossal force rises from the abyss: GATES TO HELL have returned to deliver their undeniable truth—Death Comes to All. The Louisville natives charge onto the heavy music scene with their second full-length which will be released March 21st via Nuclear Blast Records. Check the link for initial single ‘First to Bleed’, preorder links, exclusive merch opportunities and more!
![[Heavy News] BURNING WITCHES Announce May 2025 Debut Australian Tour](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737348379249-Q8EEBGWX60ORZBS6XXVP/bwcover.png)
[Heavy News] BURNING WITCHES Announce May 2025 Debut Australian Tour
Swiss heavy/power-metal quintet Burning Witches bring their coven of traditional heavy metal witchery to Australian shores in 2025! Check the link for tour dates, latest single, artist links and more. For #musicmonday here at ISC, from the #heavynews desk.
![[Archive/Riffs] Beer Factory, A.K.A. InnerStrengthCheck is Off to Froth!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737606951570-JMSJ8BFZYLUUWDRVAYIM/458314957_821529990096799_6768939003107938271_n.png)
[Archive/Riffs] Beer Factory, A.K.A. InnerStrengthCheck is Off to Froth!
Originally posted to our sadly dead-and-gone-unexpectedly old site (RIP 31.12.24), this is nonetheless still worth a read. It’s a pre-festival primer which includes a whole wealth of background on Adelaide itself, promoter/organiser Jason North, the venue/grounds, Indigenous Title of the First Nation of Kaurna Meyetta on which the grounds were situated, as well as a whole raft of additional context and info related to the festival itself. Our huge, extensive two-person review of Froth and Fury 2024 is available on the site and our podcast!
![[Archive - Gig Review] CONAN + BELL WITCH, Max Watt's Melbourne, 08.11.2018](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737196099289-Z3VX5TL0N2071BWLAQHU/conancover.jpg)
[Archive - Gig Review] CONAN + BELL WITCH, Max Watt's Melbourne, 08.11.2018
This was originally published on the now-defunct Overdrive Music Magazine during my time as Senior Contributor, whereby I attended this fantastic gig and reported back thoughts on the Melbourne leg of the 2018 Conan/Bell Witch tour. Thanks to Sebastian for permission to repost in both cases. Check out this retrospective from a great night - can you believe 2018 was that long ago already?!
![[Riffs] I can't stop playing Doom.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737195264871-J48VBFRAR4PSYU6IL41S/image-4.png)
[Riffs] I can't stop playing Doom.
Originally posted to our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) late 2024, authored by fellow contributor Hamza. It’s a great little retrospective on his experiences in the video gaming space, particularly with one of the OG greats in DOOM. Check out some interesting thoughts and custom content he’s discovered via the community in this article. We have plenty more gaming content coming where this one came from, too - old and new.
![[Archive] Review: Alithia - 'The Moon Has Fallen' LP.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737193935694-DM1FU0SP7ZTRKMFD62M2/the-moon-has-falled.jpg)
[Archive] Review: Alithia - 'The Moon Has Fallen' LP.
Note: This review was originally posted on our now-defunct website (RIP), authored by fellow ISC contributor Hamza in 2024. Hamza provides a fantastic analysis of Melbourne-based progressive/post-rockers Alithia by way of The Moon Has Fallen LP. Check the link for the full review, album stream and more.
![[Archive] Review of Februus’ 2024 LP, ‘Surveillance Orgy’.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737173636159-X60N9UPHS7FXEHGKGVXA/451603.jpg)
[Archive] Review of Februus’ 2024 LP, ‘Surveillance Orgy’.
Another archival review painfully extracted from the carcass of our old website (RIP). In this review, Hamza tackles something a little more on the heavier end of his metal-listening wheelhouse in progressive death metallers Februus and their 2024 album, Surveillance Orgy. The album is out now on Transcending Obscurity Records; check link for album stream, Bandcamp links and more!
![[Archive] Review of Rat Lord’s 2024 LP, ‘Blazed In The Northern Sky’.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737172689757-BMYGZVYYSCD0XRT40BF6/ratlordcover.jpeg)
[Archive] Review of Rat Lord’s 2024 LP, ‘Blazed In The Northern Sky’.
Another review exhumed from the archival corpse of our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP), check here for review and associated links for Norwegian crust-grinders Rat Lord and their brutish, fast and fun LP, Blazed In The Northern Sky. It’s quick, nasty, fun and full of snark. Well worth revisiting in 2025.
![[Archive] Review of Hypergiant’s 2017 LP, ‘Father Sky’.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737169965548-3HM57PAPK1DGN1INAFGE/a0290488524_10.jpg)
[Archive] Review of Hypergiant’s 2017 LP, ‘Father Sky’.
Originally posted on Overdrive Music Magazine in 2017 (now-defunct, RIP) and later posted to our also-now-defunct prior website (double-RIP), this is an archival review of progressive Australian post-metallers Hypergiant’s 2017 LP, Father Sky. It still holds up today, and this holds a special place for myself as the first official music-journo album review I ever wrote. Check the link for album Bandcamp links!
![[ARCHIVE - REVIEW]: Phobia - ‘Generation Coward’ LP.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737169012702-4GB94O99UMG0SOUJXQNV/a1264083175_10.jpg)
[ARCHIVE - REVIEW]: Phobia - ‘Generation Coward’ LP.
Another archival review from the carcass of our old and now-dead website (RIP). This is a review of Orange County, US grindcore nutters Phobia’s blistering Generation Coward LP. A caustic take on the cowardice of flamewars and online avarice, it’s an album still well worth checking out!
![[Archive / Riffs]: RIP Dreare, or have a nice hiatus; here’s a very late, very loose review of "Foregone".](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737167988285-DULOGQKNBOQKP5CSAJ3U/dreare-foregone.jpg)
[Archive / Riffs]: RIP Dreare, or have a nice hiatus; here’s a very late, very loose review of "Foregone".
Originally posted on our now-defunct old website (RIP), authored by the venerable Hamza in what I, as your host, feel is one of his best pieces! (They’re all great BTW). Check the link for a review and retrospective of both the album Forgone as well as general musings of related band,Dreare. Some great post-rock word-smithing here; do check it out.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737166933930-0IDD356JFLU6VIGIYXUW/diploidtour.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.
Originally posted to our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) in May of 2024. Diploid are one of Australia’s most interesting underground extreme metal acts, blending metallic hardcore, grind, noise, electronica, post-metal and much more into a fierce live show. I caught up with bassist/electronic noise-maker Reece about their most recent EP ‘Mantra’, touring prospects, band history and much more!
![[Archive/Riffs]: Win: toe is coming.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737096125771-AQXQLOPYY10MWIH7TQXM/toeband.jpg)
[Archive/Riffs]: Win: toe is coming.
Originally posted to our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) by fellow author Hamza Siddiqi on June 12th, 2024. Hamza wrote a fantastic little retrospective/hype piece on critically lauded math/post-rockers toe ahead of their 2024 Australian tour with Dumbsaint. Be sure to check this one out; plenty more from my team’s older posts also incoming! Riff on.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 26: From 2023 to 2024: A Review of Just About Everything, Pt I.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737088171223-J6LNV6EK9FE4LL0402LR/image-16.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 26: From 2023 to 2024: A Review of Just About Everything, Pt I.
Featured Image Credit: @koniaowskyoceanrt on Instagram. Note: This is an archival repost, originally posted to our now-defunct prior website (RIP old site 22.03.2024, sniff). Check the link for a massive retrospective/prospective analysis of 2023 and into 2024 regarding mass burnout, occupational challenges, the socioeconomic and policy environment of mental health and wellbeing in 2023/2023 and my own lived experiences, hopes and challenges in the same regard.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737094866088-U91IOXIINK1RFJ9C9N6I/image-8.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.
Note: This is an archival repost, brought back to life from the bones of our sadly now-defunct prior website (RIP). Check the link for both video and audio-only versions of the fun and insightful conversation with Tony Foresta, vocalist and frontman for thrashers Municipal Waste ahead of their 2024 tour of Australia. We also talk side projects, recording, musicianship and so much more!