VISUAL AGGRESSOR

Dead & Buried

2011-07-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

I'm putting this blog to rest since I don't really have time to post stuff in it. To those less than 5 people that actually read this, thanks.

F.O.A.D.!!!!!

Just Sayin'

2011-07-05T09:13:00.001-07:00

Charging bands money to shoot photographs/take video footage of them at shows is fucking stupid. They or a 3rd party (be it a label, PR company, magazine, etc.) will pay you to license your work to be published for an album or dvd, IF THEY LIKE YOUR SHIT, otherwise, they never asked you to be there and they will carry on with the show. If you're only in it for the money, just fucking quit. Just sayin'.

GISM Spice!

2011-06-20T10:26:00.001-07:00

Into The Darkness....Into The Grave

2011-06-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Me and my good friend Jess of Invisible Oranges frolicking around Edgar Allan Poe's gravesite during a quiet moment at Maryland Death Fest in Baltimore.

More photos from Maryland Death Fest here.

Process: The Rio Grande Skull

2011-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Just got back from Baltimore after another fun weekend at Maryland Death Fest.
Before I headed out to Charm City to stalk out John Waters and indulge myself in Tasty Kakes, I recently did a private commission where the themes were centralized over the purchaser's history with the Rio Grande river in the state of Texas. I incorporated a Hokusai tribute element by borrowing his style of waves. This was done as a diptych. I decided not to upload the sliced piece because it would only look good through 2 frames, which I did not have available at the time I shipped the finished project. This piece was done using Canson Artist Series Classic Cream drawing paper, Faber Castell sepia pens, and a Staedler B pencil.

Cat Is The Bastard

2011-05-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

A tribute to all the kitties in the world.

DJ Hank Armadillo Returns to DJ Accrasicauda Late Show

2011-05-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is gonna be a rager of a night! Please come!

Update: due to some asshole at the bar making a false report to the Chicago PD about a member of the audience having a gun, the show was unfortunately shut down during Dresden's set. Luckily, the show was saved by a promoter who helped moved the show to Memories. Fuck that guy and fuck the Chicago PD!

NO FUN, NO MOSH, NO SWEATPANTS

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

2 color versions of the same design inspired by Gaahl's recent interview with Vice Magazine.

More Austin Action

2011-03-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Amber Asylum serenades us with DOOM.

Music blog Crustcake have been recently running some of my (crappy) photography recently. Check their articles out here and here.

By the way, did I mention that I saw YOB twice in the same day?

Portlandia

2011-03-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I cannot get enough of this show.

What I Did On Spring Break

2011-03-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

top: Wino of St. Vitus

bottom: Mike Scheidt of Yob

Unlike a lot of squares who ventured forth to the juiced up wastelands of Florida to get their spring break on, I hopped on a plane to Austin, Texas for my first ever South By Southwest. I got to see a staggering 43 (!) bands during the course of 4 days with a few multiples. Judging by the amazing bands that I saw live, such as Yob (who I saw twice on the same day), St. Vitus (who I saw for the first time), Pentagram, Eyehategod, Kvelertak, The Secret, and more, it was the next best thing to being in the Netherlands for Roadburn. Got to meet some awesome people. Tried new food. I even got to try some good ol' Texas barbeque. Cheers to Will for the hospitality, as well as Andy and Van of Crustcake for being such awesome tour guides! And folks, please tip (Grim) Kim well as she sells merch on the Metalliance tour.

Pics of South By Southwest, as well as some visits to some sites in Austin, here.

No juicy details to be spilled, because what happens in Austin, stays in Austin!

St. Vitus Metalliance Tour Shirt Back Design

2011-03-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to a big city near you!

Crustcast Episode 7 Artwork

2011-03-02T09:47:00.001-08:00

Cassette sized artwork for Crust Cake's "Crust Cast Episode 7" podcast. Watch out for it. It will contain a downloadable PDF file for those of you who want to preserve that digital episode on analog format.

RIP Phil Vane (Extreme Noise Terror)

2011-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

From Pig Killer, drummer of Extreme Noise Terror:

http://grindcore.com/Thread-sad-news

"For those of you who haven't heard, it is with great sadness to tell you
that my great friend and Extreme Noise Terror bandmate, Phil Vane passed away in
his sleep last Thursday. After spending months at a time on the road with him on
the ENT tours, I saw nothing but a good, honest man. Gonna miss him."

New Shit

2011-02-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

This Friday!

2011-02-21T22:17:00.001-08:00

I (Hank Armadillo) will be DJing and probably be taking requests in exchange for beer.

Metropolis

2011-02-21T15:06:00.001-08:00

Fritz Lange's futurist masterpiece, which is a prophetic vision of a post-industrial land where the plutocratis live and play in the beautiful city, while the working class toil in the grimy subterrenean underground.

Sketchbook Drawings: Chinese New Year

2011-02-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, the Chinse lunar new year has already passed, but I got inspired to sketch these drawings out and build off of them.

1) 2011 is the year is the year of the metal rabbit, which I gave a black metal treatment. Not inspired by Donny Darko.

2)My Chinese astrological symbol, the metal rooster (or cock, if you prefer), also given a black metal treatment. Not to be confused with Abraxas, the Gnostic deity.

Sketches were done with a BIC, then the outlines and fills were done with Faber Castell 4 PITT.

RIP Tura Satana

2011-02-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/tura-satana-cult-actress-is-dead/

More Winter Misery

2011-02-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

Blizzard Beasts

2011-02-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

Survived the most extreme blizzard that I experienced since moving to Chicago in 2001. Immortal and Emperor were playing in my head the whole time I braved the frostbitten grimness of the blizzard to go home the night the storm reached its peak, most especially during the thundersnow.

Lydia Lunch

2011-01-26T08:21:00.001-08:00

The Lights Are On/But You're Not Home

2011-01-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Unhappy Holidays

2010-12-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

My holiday card for 2010.

Rebirth

2010-12-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

Dennis Dread was very kind to post one of my photos from my Maryland Death Fest diary as part of his end of year lists. It is a photo of Chris Reifert, before, according to Dennis, "Reifert at MDF just before the triumphant rebirth of Autopsy!" Here is the full photo with Dennis and Chris.

It's a truly fucking honor to be a humble witness to a gathering of artists that have inspired me to realize my rebirth into the world of art. Thank you Dennis, and thank you Chris and Autopsy!

WEREWOLF, SEMEN, & BLOOD

2010-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the 500 year lunar eclipse occuring on the eve of the winter solstice...

Black Metal Swan

2010-12-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

In honor of one of my anticipated films of the year, Black Swan, here is my visual interpretation of Black Swan, if it was made in a black metal context. I did this drawing 2 months ago and the more I let the lines flow, the more involved I got into finishing the piece.

Some of the most powerful black metal albums that I've listened to this year, such as Krieg's The Isolationist (here's an interesting interview with Krieg mainman Neil Imperial) and Agalloch's Marrow of the Spirit, reflect on the dark side of humanity, and how we are drifting towards our own self-imposed self destruction. Self destruction is a major theme in Black Swan, and I felt a connection between the film and black metal as a genre.

Some of you might even be familiar with ballet's connections with extreme metal in the past.

Lock N' Load Cover

2010-12-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

This is a cover for a comic called Lock N' Load #5, a crime noir written and drawn by Columbia College grad Nick Rohr. It will soon be available in limited quantities at Quimby's.

Locrian

2010-12-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in Decibel's December issue that Locrian's Territories is one of my favorite albums of 2010. After seeing Locrian play tracks from their new album The Crystal World last Monday, that makes it two of my favorite albums of 2010. The photo above is also one of the best shots I've ever taken as a concert photographer.

Taking photos of Locrian is a huge challenge. With such dark lighting conditions, I have to balance my attention to the music as well as trying to adjust settings in my camera in the soonest and best way possible. I approach the camera like I do with my work on paper. I am glad to have the opportunity of seeing this amazing band in this city, as well as being among their peers.

The rest of the set can be found here. Please respect the copyright. Thanks.

St. Vitus Winter 2010 European Tour Shirt

2010-12-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

Only available this December on the St. Vitus European tour.

RIP Armando Acosta

2010-12-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.crustcake.com/2010/12/rip-armando-acosta.html

Excellent eulogy by Andy from Crustcake.

"Armando Acosta, the original drummer for Saint Vitus, passed away on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 58. Acosta played on all of Vitus' albums, most notably the 1986 classic Born Too Late. His last show with the band was on April 29, 2009, in Stuttgart, Germany. While no cause of death has been released, he had been struggling with health issues for quite some time. Saint Vitus is one of our favorite groups, and as fans, we mourn the loss of Acosta. "

Even though I have never met Armando, it is a great honor for me to have St. Vitus as a client and I wish all the best to the band.

St. Vitus Winter European Tour 2010

2010-10-29T10:35:00.003-07:00

Incantation Poster

2010-09-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

A poster for the Incantation "Hall of Fame" show I did for Decibel Magazine.

Wear 3d glasses for this one.

Sneak Peak

2010-09-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Drawings (Early 2010)

2010-09-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

From top to bottom: a select collection of sketchbook drawings from January thru August 2010.

Sleep

2010-09-14T07:44:00.001-07:00

Proceed the Weediaaaaaaaaaaaaaan....NAZARETH!!!!!!

More pics here.

New Shit

2010-09-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

Coming soon...

Maryland Death Fest 2010

2010-05-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

This week, I will be in scenic Baltimore, Maryland for yet another year of Maryland Death Fest. I will not answer any contacts during that time. Thanks.

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010)

2010-05-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

RIP Ian Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980)

2010-05-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Killing Of Satan

2010-05-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this video on Justin Bartlett's blog today. I do remember watching this film when I was a kid. The lead actor, Ramon Revilla, was the Filipino equivalent of Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson in terms of badassness. Those people mutilating themselves in the video are called flagellants and they roam the streets on Good Friday whipping their bleeding backs. It's pretty kvlt and br00tal, if you ask me. Yes, evil Filipino villains used to have really bad porn staches back in the 80's. Filipino B-movies are amazing.

Macabre 25th Anniversary Shirt Design

2010-05-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Coming soon.

And oh yeah, if your band wants a killer shirt design, hit me up. I usually do stuff in black and white. Colored prints don't really appeal to me. We'll discuss pricing and such.

I'm Glad I Don't Live In Arizona

2010-05-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

I normally don't post a lot because of my busy schedule, but the events of the recent weeks have gotten my blood boiling.

The paranoid, racist state government of Arizona recently passed Arizona state bill 1070, which makes it legal for law enforcement officers to profile anyone who looks like they're an illegal immigrant. Under the already worn out guise of national security, law enforcement officers can further abuse their power and can deport anybody who is perceived to be an undocumented person. I believe this law racially profiles individuals who look like Latinos and it makes one wonder: doesn't this remind anyone of 1930's Nazi Germany?

I came here 9 years ago from the Philippines, but I do have Spanish blood, which makes my lineage stretch over 2 continents. I'm proud to be an immigrant. I came here legally on my own volition and was able to create a meaningful life for myself. The United States is a nation built on immigration, but unfortunately, a lot of racists such as the Tea Bagger party have completely forgotten that their ancestors originally came to North America illegally and later on stole the land from the Native Americans. I'm glad I live in a big city that celebrates the diversity that is created because of all the immigrants that live here. I never look at people if they're legal or illegal: I judge people's characters if they're nice or not. I avoid people who are assholes, but I can get along really well with people if they're cool. Obviously, these teabaggers are sad, brain dead pathetic twerps who live in small towns and need something to pick on because their lives are so dull and boring. The issue of illegal immigration only came up during the middle of the past decade because George W. Bush needed a scapegoat for the obvious futility of his 2 bullshit wars. Immigration law should be reformed, not regressed into the broken shell that it is.

Here is my response to the that new bullshit law: a parody of Raising Arizona titled "Racist Arizona" with the 3 main proponents of this bill, Russell Stewart, Jan Brewer, and most especially that meathead (closet homosexual?) "tough guy" sheriff Joe Arpaio.

In the spirit of punk, print this file out onto a sticker, shirt, anything, and spread it like it's a virus. Make people aware of the racist bullshit going on in Arizona. Join the protests that are happening around the country. It's time to take this country back from the racist shitheads that are ruining it.

Yakuza Listening Party

2010-05-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

My bros in Yakuza in conjuction with the Chicago Metal Factory are hosting a free listening party for their new album Of Seismic Consequence on May 20 at Liar's Club. See you there.

St. Vitus West Coast Summer Tour Poster 2010

2010-04-19T17:52:00.001-07:00

Laziness Yields Zero Blog Entries

2010-04-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with school lately (I am finishing up the toughest semester I've ever had, 6 classes, holy shit), so my web presence has been put on the back burner for a while. In the meantime, I will be putting out some new shit soon:

a new St. Vitus June/July tour ad/poster
a new Macabre tour poster
a new portfolio website

These should be rolling out in the next few weeks or so.

Printz Not Dead

2010-02-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

A 'zine is in the works. More details soon.

Concert Photography

2010-01-08T11:08:00.001-08:00

Amebix @ Reggie's Rock Club

I rediscovered my love for concert photography 2 years ago after purchasing my Nikon D40 single reflex camera. For a pro-sumer camera, it has a lot of bite. I am looking to upgrade my lens after it came off and hit a concrete floor hard at a recent Weekend Nachos show. Some photos I took in 2009 can be viewed here.

St. Vitus 2010 Euro Tour Shirt

2010-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome

2010-01-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Visual Aggressor. This is my new blog, where I will periodically post artwork and photography that I'm going to keep myself busy on.

Cheers,

Carmelo Espanola