I was wondering if anyone here has actually tried using yantras as a way to fix things up based on Vastu principles? I’m looking into those paper versions you can hang in a house or apartment to try and redirect energy flows, hopefully to get some balance and smooth out any issues with the layout. I know there are tons of different types and you can't just stick them anywhere, so it makes me wonder—could placing one incorrectly actually backfire? Like, could it end up doing more harm than good? Maybe it’s smarter to just reach out to an Architectural Digest expert or something instead?
If you want those Yantras to actually do anything, you can't just slap them on a wall. Every single one requires its specific mantra to be recited during placement. I'm not sure if a bad placement creates negative vibes, but it definitely won't work. Your best bet is to find a professional Vastu expert to overhaul your whole house. Then you can sleep easy. 🙂
Sad news: John Hallgren is leaving the band 😢 Here is what Daniel wrote: Daniel Gildenlöw John Hallgren leaves the band
After 13 years in the band, John Hallgren has decided to leave Dream Theater to focus on his daughter and wife. He isn't quitting music entirely, but he wants to pursue it in a way that lets him stay home with his family in the States. That means that the band's upcoming Nov/Dec tour together with Opeth will be his last. He’s going to be missed, both musically and personally, and finding a replacement is going to be incredibly tough. So, if you know someone who can sing and play the crap out of basically any instrument, get in touch—we might have something to talk about.
John: "I'm leaving the band with both joy and sadness. I need to be there for my daughter and my unborn child; they are my priority right now, along with my wife. I'll miss everyone I've met over the years, and this band will always hold a special place in my heart. Treat yourselves and those around you with respect, and stick with Dream Theater—the greatest band on the planet! I'm sorry if this is a disappointment. I miss you all already."
I can't believe it. Honestly, I doubt anyone can step up and stand shoulder to shoulder with John. As much as it hurts to see him go, I'm just incredibly happy I got to hear the band with John on guitar and actually meet such a great guy. 😢
Scott Hill70 said:This was my third time seeing them live. Daniel can be charming at times, but he’s rarely humble. He often ends up looking like an arrogant jerk with bad ideas—usually without even realizing it. For instance, when he stands behind a massive pulpit, or when he sits behind the drums to play a cover while the crowd is starving for their actual hits, or when he asks the audience to sit on the floor—basically in some muddy puddle—and then kicks out anyone who refuses... I've seen all of it. Last night, I just saw minor symptoms (like his image projected on stage or those futile attempts to silence the crowd when they sing something he doesn't like), so I'll say he was fine. He's had his shots.
this was 🤣
Scott Hill70 said:And what kind of welcomes do you expect elsewhere? Throwing roses at his feet? From what I could tell, the reception here was much warmer than it was in Vienna or Budapest, and they include those cities in almost every tour. Affection doesn't really matter anyway. They're professionals who make a living from these shows and will play wherever they are booked. They aren't the Rolling Stones; they don't get to be picky. So, don't sweat it—we'll probably see them again. 🙂
not like that 😂 I don't know, my head is still a mess, just processing impressions and such... maybe I expected too much from everything. And I definitely expected too much from the crowd. I forgot two important things: they aren't a band with millions of fans backing them, and not everyone loves them as much as I do. Maybe that's why I left the concert feeling so conflicted. I wish I had gone to one of their shows out of town before now so I could actually make a comparison, but whatever. When were you even at those other two shows? Come on, if it isn't too much trouble, compare those concerts to this one in Washington, D.C.; I'd love to hear someone's objective opinion. 😬
Can I ask how many shows you've been to so far? I'm asking because of that line, "Daniel was surprisingly humble and likable." Isn't he always humble and likable, though? 😕 😁 As for the setlist, I mean, of course they didn't play Hallelujah. I knew that was coming. 🙂 The sound was just a total disaster. It felt like Daniel barely even had his mic turned on—hardly anything sounded the way it should have. Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the performance either, mostly thanks to the sound guy. But hey... first PoS concert, it was passable. 😍 To me, Daniel was really nice and approachable; no ego or acting fake. At least, that's how I experienced him. The rest of the band was just okay. John was sick, so I'll give him a pass on being a bit lackluster. 😁 Regarding the crowd, I have to comment on those idiots screaming slurs and political nonsense. I don't understand why people are allowed $43 to shout that kind of garbage. 😕 Daniel mentioned later that he really liked it, that we were great, and that they’d definitely come back if we could pull this many people again, blah blah blah. But I don't really buy that he was that thrilled, considering the kind of welcomes they get in other parts of Europe. From what I heard, the organizer managed to cover all the costs, so there's no deficit. The wolf is fed, and the sheep are plenty. Let's hope it happens again.
Scott Hill70 said:Because you’d look ridiculous just standing there all by yourself. 😁
Jokes aside, even though I’m low-key losing my mind because they aren't playing any of my favorite tracks, this is still easily one of the best bands out there right now. Plus, "NASA" just keeps getting better every time I listen to it.
Man, if only I were single... I'd have Johnson's shirtless torso all to myself. 🙂
Yep, except I’d cut out that "one of" part. Personally, I haven't heard anything better in five years. Don't know about you, though.😛
Scott Hill70 said:So you think you're going to watch the biggest egoist and most pretentious musician of the 21st century? 😁 Honestly, it's hard to stay grounded when you're that talented. I'm just worried that Daniel (hereafter referred to as the jerk) is going to wreck the band with his selfishness—he's well on his way to doing just that.
The setlist from the first two shows is a disaster (spoilers ahead). I was glad to hear "Fandango," but "Money Goddess"?! That’s easily the worst song they’ve ever recorded. I’ll have to restrain myself from throwing something at the jerk when he starts screeching like Mr. Money, probably wearing those dark sunglasses. All in all, there was definitely not enough "Remedy Lane" or "The Elements," and zero "One Hour." Of course, "Hallelujah" showed up again, but that's not exactly good news for me. I'd much rather hear more of their other stuff (like "Chain Sling" or "Undertow"). If the jerk asks everyone to sit on the floor (in puddles of beer and whatever), something is definitely going to fly my way. If nothing else, at least they picked the best tracks from the new album.
And what about the new album, "Road Salt Two"? After the first five listens, it felt completely mediocre, bottom-of-the-barrel for their discography. It’s starting to grow on me now. I prefer the slower, mostly acoustic tracks: "To The Shoreline", "1979", "Healing Now", and "Through the Distance". The distortion sounds intentionally old-school and gritty, which is to say, it's bad. Then, when the jerk, as if to top it all off, sings in French, I can see why many long-time fans find the album unlistenable. For me, it's okay now.
I can't help but wonder why you even bother going to the concert? 😬 I agree the jerk couldn't make a worse setlist if he tried, but hey, it is what it is. Let's not forget how hard we had to fight to even get to this show. The US and Mexico weren't even on the itinerary, but thanks to the organizer and a handful of persistent fans, we got what we wanted. 😍 Look, I'd rather hear the jerk perform "Hallelujah" than some original track, but to each their own. I haven't listened to NASA in detail yet; I just don't feel like it... but when I heard those French parts, I almost fell off my chair laughing. 😁 Whatever, maybe NASA will turn out to be something, but regardless, I'm still hoping for more masterpieces in the style of their old albums.
In less than 190 hours, I’ll be sitting down to listen to my absolute musical obsession and the true genius of the 21st century, 🙂. And yeah, I’m being completely objective here. 😬 Anyone have thoughts on the new record? I’ve been listening to it on low volume, mostly because I’m not expecting much. I could barely stomach RS1, and honestly, I’m not sure I have the patience for NASA. I just want them to go back to how they sounded on BE, Remedy Lane, The Elements, and One Hour by the Concrete Lake. But even though I complain about the newer stuff, I find myself genuinely curious to see what’s going through Daniel's head lately and what kind of headspace he's in. They kicked off the tour yesterday with a show in Mexico, but the turnout was pathetic. Honestly, Taylor Swift would probably draw a bigger crowd at some random local pub. 😁 The setlist was a letdown, too. They changed things up so much that the classics like Donna Summer, Beyond the Pale, Undertow, and Forward are nowhere to be found. Total disappointment. At least he kept Hallelujah... though if he cuts that one too, I might actually lose it. 🙂
Less than a month to go.😍 I see everyone is obsessing over the setlist. Since this is my first time seeing them live, I won’t start nitpicking... though, honestly, a few more songs from the BE album wouldn't hurt anyone. And since RS1 didn't exactly blow my mind, I have high expectations for RS2. Can't wait. 😁
The first album— Entropia 1997—deals with a fictional world called Entropia (Entropy + Utopia) gripped by war. It isn't just about conflict in a general sense; it’s about a father heading off to battle and the child he leaves behind. That boy doesn't want a soldier; he just wants his dad. But the father goes anyway... "Why, mommy? Tell me why daddy is walking away - leaving me! Daddy need me, love and lead me. Your superseding war won't feed me! '' Brutal album.
The second album, One hour by The Concrete lak 1998, focuses on nuclear energy, waste, weaponry, and the military-industrial complex. At its center is a man who worked in the arms industry; he quits his job and travels the world to witness the wreckage his profession has inflicted on the planet and its people. It opens like this: I was told the pain and hunger was not my fault, How could they be so wrong? And man, of all five billion people you're only one Believed them for far too long! Clean hands, My land is my home, I'm inside the big machine and it's eating me! And I am just a wheel in motion, too blind to see The way we are heading now.
And it closes with this—one of my favorite lyrics of all time: Here in a world split to nations We fail to see the relations Between the Wheel and the Machine And of the scars we're leaving... You could view this record as Wheel vs. The Machin, though we can never truly escape The Machin. Still, there is something we can do. 😉
The third album, The Perfect Element I. (2000), explores various milestones of the human experience. It tracks a life through themes ranging from sexuality to abuse and the death of loved ones. The most famous track from Tool is actually on this record—Ashes. There is also another deeply mournful song, Dedication, which Daniel wrote following the passing of his grandfather... if you haven't heard it yet, start now. These are their most commercial songs (though 😬Ashes feels a bit lightweight to me). Remedy lan (2002) is a remarkably personal affair, heavy with autobiographical details. For instance, Daniel's wife's miscarriage is captured in Trac of blood, followed by a song about a friend's suicide attempt, Rop Ends. Then there is that somewhat silly little tune Daniel penned when he was about 15 and heartbroken: Second Love. Even if it's a bit amateurish, most musicians couldn't pull off something like that even in their prime. The final track on the album is one of my absolute favorites, featuring a lyric so powerful I’ve thought about tattooing it on my forehead—okay, not yet, but someday. 😬 WE WILL ALWAYS BE SO MUCH MORE HUMAN THAN WE WISH TO BE! Essentially, the album is a journey toward truth and self-discovery.
Then comes the fifth album (2004), the absolute peak of their career. After this release, the music world essentially split into two eras: before be ( 2005 ) Scarsick and after. Regarding be ( 2005 ) Scarsick—many fans felt alienated by it. It's a punishing listen; you can't just sit back and lounge while playing it, let alone hear it for the first time. It's easily the most experimental work in their catalog. Pay attention!! This isn't an album you play while vacuuming the house, peeling potatoes, or having it on in the background. It demands total focus on both the lyrics and the composition. The titles are in Latin (albeit distorted Latin 😬), and the concept revolves around the existence of God and humanity. The protagonist is Mr. Money, the wealthiest man alive, who spends his fortune trying to freeze himself so he can be revived once a cure for immortality is found. This record stands apart from the rest, incorporating folk elements (not cheesy stuff), gospel, hymns, and piano solos. It features monologues and even segments where people are recorded addressing God. It's brilliant. By the way, this is the only album divided into more than three chapters. It was clearly a long gestation period; the booklet even includes a full list of books Daniel read that influenced the creation of the be ( 2005 ) Scarsick era. Without a doubt, it's the best album they ever released, specifically because of how masterfully it handles philosophical themes.
The sixth album Scarsick 2007. It’s another one of those records some people label a complete disaster, which just isn't true. I have to admit, I was a bit thrown when I first heard it too; like, what on earth happened here? After the be ( 2005 ) Scarsick era, everything else felt like a massive step backward. But after listening a few times and actually digging into it, you realize the guy is just trolling. For anyone who hasn't caught the vibe, the theme of this record is—get this—AMERICA! 😁 The whole thing is one big parody mocking America and its priorities. It pokes fun at everything alive, but not through direct insults; it’s more like putting on Uncle Sam’s costume and then quietly sliding a cheeseburger into his pocket. :P 😍
And the latest fresh release Road Salt One. Excellent album, great music, and solid lyrics, though I find it harder to stomach the love song themes after being through the be ( 2005 ) Scarsick experience.
Tool. They’ve shaped my entire life. People try to pigeonhole them as "progressive," but they aren't just that. Honestly, I refuse to put them in any specific box because it's simply impossible. Daniel Gildenlöw is the brain behind the whole operation—the vocalist, the lyricist, and the architect of every single album and concept.
Every album works as a concept, unfolding like one massive narrative. Back when he was just an eleven-year-old kid, Daniel started a band called Reality, which eventually evolved into Tool. (At least, that's what I've heard).
Ever since I discovered them, my perspective on music has changed completely. They set the bar so incredibly high that I doubt anyone else will ever reach it. I see some people criticizing their tendency to experiment or change styles, but just think about the sheer mental capacity required for one man to take such heavy philosophical themes—like the ones found on the be ( 2005 ) Scarsick album—and weave them into music so seamlessly. It’s pure bliss. A total feast for the mind. 😍
And yes, all of it was made by me! (You can give me some credit when nobody else steps up 😬). Now, I’m going to drop my breakdown of the Tool discography right here. If you're interested, enjoy; it's actually pretty good :P
LMAO, I’m actually losing it!!! I was just about to start a thread on Tool and go listen to Opeth one more time just to make sure nobody beat me to it. Hang on while I get my thoughts together—I'll drop a full-blown research paper once I've processed everything. They're easily my favorite band of all time! 😍
electrichound94 said:I keep getting hit by this overwhelming sense of futility. For instance, I’m sitting here supposed to be studying, but I can’t help but ask—what’s the point? At the end of the day, we all die. So why bother?🤷 Instead of just living life to the fullest and having some fun. It has even reached the point where scrolling through this forum feels pointless. (I mean, obviously, everything is somewhat meaningless😁, but at least it used to be engaging.) Now, I honestly couldn't care less about reading anything. What for? It’s just the same old topics, the same personalities—it’s all just a massive waste of time... Nothing really feels meaningful anymore.
I know what comes next: people telling me to go see a therapist. But for what? To get "tools" to help me function until my time runs out? Why am I even here?🤷 Why should I do anything at all? It’s all just a Sisyphus job.
It's the same thing, like I'm listening to my own thoughts. I don't think you need a shrink, mostly because you've realized that the way most "normal" Americans live might not actually be normal. I ask myself the same things—why do I have to do all this when I can't take any of it with me when I die, and none of it helps if there's an afterlife, assuming one exists😬. But I have to keep going, at least for a while longer until I satisfy my parents' wish for me to finish my degree... then I'll figure out my next move. Honestly, I'd rather just move out to the woods and disappear.😬