Read my new blog! -Horror Laboratory-

Hey everyone, I know I’ve been gone for a long time. I start medical school pretty soon and well, I haven’t had the time to do my usual art hunting but I have written some interesting horror/science fiction shorts which I’m collecting in an anthology. My first story  the mirror is an innovative short about a scientist who creates a machine that opens a gateway into a parallel universe, in which a certain event in history drastically altered the fate of this parallel universe, let’s hope his German is up to date. 

 Please visit my website on the link and follow. Horror laboratory 

With love, ps. more updates coming soon!

-Leo.  

 

Things have changed.

Well, its been such a long time since I posted on this blog. I remember a time when I couldnt wait for it to be monday (due to our Artist mention Mondays of course). Time to fill you in on whats been going on with me. Well I have decided to embark in Medical school, during this long period of silence I have been focusing on taking the core classes necessary for admission. I took Biology 1 and 2, chemistry 1 and 2, Physics, organic chemistry…YOU NAME IT! I mean just thinking about this makes me wanna puke! I dont have much time to write on this blog and I dont even know why its still active lol. I will try to write during the holidays but it will truly be a long shot. There were a few people that have messaged me, of which I never replied to seeing as to how the messages were sent in October and it is now December I doubt the person is still inquiring about me! hahaha. I miss the easy times when I could sit on the computer looking for brilliant artwork to share with you guys but unfortunately those days are long gone. Any way, lets stray away from the gloom factor a bit because I gotta tell you guys I SAW NINE INCH NAILS LIVE! YES! I saw trent reznor in the Flesh! (i was like all the way in the back but…) still, I got to see trent reznor! Here are some  pictures

My girlfriend kimmy and I while waiting for the next song to play!

ECSTATIC ME right before the show!!

Eating at a mexican restaurant which was literally a hole in wall but it was incredible!

Near the end, of which he returned to play 4 more songs!! this is not the exact picture but I promise you it looked exactly like this!

Anyway, the concert was bought by my lovely girlfriend kimmy. She is the best part of my life and wouldnt give her up for anything on the planet!

Well I shall leave you all (anyone paying attention anyway) not in a sad note but in a happy note. Perhaps, I can still write on the blog…let me get your consensus on that.

 

 

IT’S BEEN A WHILE!

Hey guys, unfortunately Ive been gone for several months and have been unable to attend to LTS’ blog. Ive been extremely busy with schooling and volunteering so I barely have time to sleep, let alone keep in touch with the newest things in entertainment. But I promise you this I will try to do my best and not forsaken you again… Im working on something big that requires a lot of diligence and dedication from my part and Im sure your all right behind me supporting me. In the mean time, lets concentrate on Dead Space 3 which has unanimously taken the “horror suspense” crown away from RESIDENT EVIL. Personally, I love them both and think that both have their moments and excellent back stories. Resident Evil 6 should be out by now? truly I’m not sure, since I havent been able to play games for nearly 2 months now. BUT! THERE IS NO FUCKING WAY IM MISSING THE RELEASE OF HALO OR DEAD SPACE 3. So I’ll leave you for now with a view of Dead space 3.

HALO 4 Finish the fight..AGAIN.

I dont have much time to write tonight so I’ll leave you with a couple of amazing snap shots of the new HALO game. During my absence, I’ve been studying for Biology exams which is a killer…needless to say Im happy to see that people are still coming to the site in support of LTS and our previous content. Thanks to all the fans weve reached 12,000 views…more than I have ever had in anything Ive ever done. So thank you for all the support. Next week I’ll be here with some new content and some great news about the Art community, A NEW UPCOMING independent web series, new live action Halo series and much more. Well I gotta get back to studying, my exam is tomorrow…wish me luck. Take care and enjoy some halo 4

 

Heres the video link to the machinima webseries for Halo.

Here is a new enemy for halo 4.

well guys here they are, be back next week for a prequel review to HALO 4. As always you heard it here first at Lick the Stranger.
LTS. Leo Bazan

The Dark Knight Rises Review *NO SPOILERS!

Dark Knight Rises Prescreening (from left to right) Kenny, Leo Bazan, Kimberly Zavala, Chris Zavala, Jesse

THIS REVIEW IS 100% SPOILER FREE and its from the Heart**
Well the long awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Legendary Batman series has finally arrived..first off I just want to thank Christopher Nolan for allowing me to experience one of the greatest Cinematic Feats in Film history, for that I am truly grateful.Not only is this a true and significantly brilliant end to a legendary series but the triumphant story of the unforgettable characters that we have grown to love for about 70 Years now will continue to echo through time not as a superhero film but as an EPIC. Nolan’s Batman is comparable to histories greatest epics such as the Iliad, Odyssey, A Midsummer Nights Dream and Beowulf all of which have engraved their place in time. Nolan’s Dark Knight truly Rises, Rises to the heavens as an Opera on film. The expressive tone of actor performances, the use of camera filters that vividly acknowledge every emotion scene by scene, indulges you to not only like the idea that your watching batman, but finally feel PROUD THAT YOUR WATCHING BATMAN.

Batman has been a long time hero of mine, ever since I can remember…and tonight I felt that he has impacted my life in an amazing way, Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises reminded me of every reason why I love Batman, and what I would do without him. Let us begin… We waited in line for 5 hours to see the Dark Knight Rises from 2 pm to 7pm. For 2 hours and 45 minutes of run time despite Mixed Critic Reviews on ROTTEN TOMATOES I felt that not a single frame in this film was flawed in any way shape or form.Truly BANE stole the film for me… with a brilliant performance by Tom Hardy. Tom literally  personified the essence of evil…I mean the guy is a down right ASS, well in a GOOD way..because I loved to Hate Bane, he seemed relentless and outsmarted Batman at every turn..by staying true to the comics, Bane earns his rightful place as a physically superior and intellectual villain in the Dark Knight Rises  and has finally put the old stupid mindless Brute Bane from Batman Forever to rest.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake truly inspires the entire cast to take action on most aspects of the plot, A REAL PLOT DRIVER and a GREAT ONE because every frame with Levitt present is pure GOLD! One of the best Characters in the film has to be the most secretive of them all, Catwoman Played by Anne Hathaway who has come close to stealing the movie from Bane…seems accurate seeing as to how she’s a skilled thief, she is truly a gem in the comic book world and her sensuality and seriousness was balanced beautifully. I don’t want to go so far as to say that she beat Michelle Pfieffer’s performance of catwoman (click if you want someone else’s Ballsy opinion) because they are different eras and well Anne Hathaway did great in my opinion. Lastly a tear jerking performance by Michael Caine as Alfred sets the stage for an epic novella to unravel its secrets to its audience. Michael Caine and Christian Bale seem to share this wondrous relationship on camera that remains unmatched to this day…his love for the wayne family is a strong factor in this film and Nolan has given us the opportunity to feel what Alfred feels when Batman takes to the streets. Not only as an all giving ally but as a frantically worried and exasperated father figure that wants nothing but a beautiful life for Bruce Wayne. Harmonious and beautiful…WARNING YOU WILL CRY…

Its honestly too difficult to state all of the things I love about this film, perhaps because its too soon. I will do an in depth video review of the Dark Knight Rises once you’ve all already seen it to avoid any problems with spoilers. But what I do have to say is this…I do not want Batman to end and I know that it probably will never end but the films that Nolan has given to us have set the Bar so high that Batman films have most likely reached their Closure (for now). But thats the beauty of the caped crusader, the fact that batman’s soul lives on and has lived on for more than 70 years through vessels that portray his Morals, ideals and heroic feats in many ways (Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Adam west, George Clooney, Val kilmer) all vessels to the idea that is Batman, each portrayed in their own light. Batman is not just a super hero he is a mortal selfless human that shows the best parts of Humanity. If this is the end as Nolan has been saying(which brings a choke to my throat)…he means an end to his series because BATMAN WILL NEVER END, so long as someone is willing to take on the job of fighting crime.
By the way “I prefer to use my first name… Leonardo” You’ll get this once youve seen the Dark Knight Rises in theaters Friday, JULY 20
don’t forget to RATE, COMMENT and SHARE it keeps us writing !
Tell me your thoughts on the film I hope that you enjoyed this review Have a BLAST!

Dark Knight Rises-Prescreening! *REVIEW ON WEDNESDAY!

Okay so as you will see in our FIRST VIDEO BLOG here at LICK THE STRANGER the word of the day is EXCITED! because I say it a lot O.O a whole fucking LOT. Basically I made a video to share my HYPE for Batman because we got Prescreening Passes to see it THIS WEDNESDAY!! I know its crazy and awesome because I get to tell you guys all about it! So tune into lick the stranger on wednesday to see if Christopher Nolan’s The Dark knight Rises So IM EXCITED AND EXCITED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU GUYS! THIS WEDNESDAY and as always you will HEAR it FIRST here at LICK THE STRANGER! Bringing you Innovation in art of all Forms enjoy our VIDEO! 🙂

Nine Inch Nails New RECORD! lets make a BET shall we?

(**INTENDED FOR THOSE WHO KNOW NINE INCH NAILS, if you DONT know Click the link in BLUE) then read on!
FUCK YES! This ones personal, because its one of my all time favorite artist of all time NINE INCH NAILS. And still going strong, what? stopped touring? farewell tour over and done with? so does that mean NO MORE NIN. Well… wipe your tears and clean your skidmarks because NIN is far from Over. Trent Reznor was “spent” from all the years of being on the road with Nine inch nails, so he decides to do a farewell tour, then sell all his live equipment and call it quits OR SO IT SEEMS! Although everybody deserves a break, trents Breaks consist of various productive and rewarding activities. Such as,  A little Marrying here (Mariqueen Maandig) FINALLY great btw, a little producing there (how to destroy angels *his wifes band) and a couple of oscars and award winning films scores here and there (the social network and girl with the dragon tattoo).HOLY SHIT its like that kid that says “Mom when I get  older Im gonna be a doctor, football player, space cowboy, president and accomplishes every single one of these, as a matter of fact wears a cowboy hat while going to Mars”. Trent has endured tough times through out his life as Nine Inch Nails and took on rampaging hell fires with corporations and Record labels alike that thrived at the idea of milking the “product” Nine Inch Nails for all its worth. Luckly Trent is no puppet and fought swiftly and intelligently through every battle seemingly turning out on top. Now Free of his record contract restraints with Interscope Nine inch nails is on uncharted lands what concoction will Reznor reveal to us next and most importantly WILL HE TOUR AGAIN?

Wave Goodbye tour (Credits to Kimberly for the photo)

This seems to be the last memory of the legendary showman Trent Reznor as we remember him on stage. Sadly Nine Inch Nails took on what was promised to be the last tour for the singer songwriter. During the Golden Globe awards this year Reznor spoke about a new record as a means to express his inner voice which has been silenced for quite sometime now. “I think I have something to say that feels unique to who I am right now, and that’s when it tells me it’s time to do something.” So far the record and its components are pure speculation. Will it be like the Downward Spiral? or something With Teeth. Well lets ask trent, shall we? “It’s all kind of hypothetical right now. When I sit down with a notebook and a little mini-recorder is when my bluff will be called, and then it might not happen at all.” Overall there is littel information as to details of the record but I will reveal more information as we go along. But you wanna know what I think when I hear the possibility of a new record? read on

YEAH BADASS!

You wanna know what I think? you really wanna know? here goes I think its ASS thats what I think, I think that he’s Bluffing about fucking bluffing…Why are all these amazing stars this way? maynard does the samething tool, Smashing pumpkins. Why must they have us pant like dogs to hear their art,  like Tool I mean have you seen their news feed? you’ll get more news from the National Enquirer. I mean dont get me wrong Im stoked to hear the music but Either say “Yeah Ive recorded some song ideas on my iPhone nothing concrete, havent gone into the studio yet but definitely working on it”, no instead we get some cryptic “witty” response that niether confirms or dismisses the idea of a new record! nevertheless heres my reaction to the news…

Heres the answer to this CRYPTIC MESSAGE FOR YOU , YES HES WRITING SOME NEW Material he wont say yes because he doesnt want to rush things..AND ITS PROBABLY THE BEST FUCKING SHIT HE HAS EVER WRITEN SINCE THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL so MUCH SO that our Brains currently cant even begin to fathom the idea of its Amazingness, epicness and godly power it contains. Wanna know how I know? because Im a musician and we say this shit all the time because we think its smart and cool like smoking Al Pacino in the 1980’s

. SO IM EXCITED IM STOKED and by the way WAVE goodbye Tour, yeah more like I have to get a wife, attack other goals and come back to this Later, so yea expect to see NIN tickets for sale some time after the albums release, dont believe me? lets make a bet if he doesnt make an album or a Tour I will literally do any request you make as a video, I will literally EAT DOG DOODY and If he does then whoever bet has to share our PAGE to 100 people for a week!

Hope you enjoyed the review and hope your all as excited for the NIN record as I am, dont forget to subscribe and challenge my BET!

This post goes to you Trent all in good fun! you are my inspiration for writing music without you I would have never become a musician, thank you Trent.
Leo Bazan LTS 

The Amazing Spiderman was truly Amazing

(Long blog post so For those with the attention span of a squirrel scroll to summary at the bottom)
Remember when people dreaded the releases of super hero movies, I mean they were just as good as video game to film adaptations(Amazing turned into hollywood Shit), Yeah you know what Im talking about right? Need refreshers? Supermario Bros, Street fighter, Hitman, Hulk(NOT the Edward norton one) and UGHH and probably the biggest Shitfest out the bunch, I mean this film is straight up NUTSACK! the shitty ass movie based on a top selling legendary series DOOM, Yeah I know even the movie poster makes you go “OH NOOO,WHY? with the ROCK (sorry Dwayne Johnson)?! I mean WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!?! LETS SHIT ON ANOTHER GREAT GAME, PEOPLE WILL PAY FOR IT ANYWAY!!WTF!) . Well anyway lets save the shitty movie rants for another review, lets focus on Marvel Studios’ reboot of The Amazing Spiderman, it seems that marvel has learned from all the prior attempts and extraordinary Faliures that is SUPERHERO FILMS not produced directly by them. Marvel Studios has designed amazing Comic book to film interpretations that continue to exceed my expectations. Marvel studios has carefully given birth to a plethora of great films and with out a trouble pregnancy I might add (no cesarian needed) first IRON MAN, then the incredible Hulk (one of my favorites) Captain America and the avengers, didn’t care much for Thor, great movie Im sure just havent seen it (let the TROLLING BEGIN). I MEAN SPIDERMAN WAS JUST FLAT OUT AWESOME! Andrew Garfield in my opinion fit spiderman in every way shape and form. 

I mean look at that shit, FINALLY a good Peter Parker; sorry Tobey but Andrew destroyed anything that happened in the original trilogy in my opinion. Lets forget that the first 3 films ever happened (lol thats probably what marvel studios said, lets dump Sam Grimmy’s Original SM and make our own I mean is 11 years enough for people to forget 3 films…yeah Im sure it is) well this new adaptation really makes you want to forget you ever saw anything before it. Dont get me wrong I loved the original at the time and Tobey is an amazing actor but Andrew stole the show for me. His physique, his voice, the movement, the face, the wimpiness to superheroness shall I continue? The action was spectacular and the on film chemistry behind Andrew and the beautiful and BLONDE Emma Stone was natural and compassionate, not over exaggerated like the original between Parker and MJ. The less love and more action/story oriented, The Amazing Spiderman really conquers by choosing a cool ass super villain THE LIZARD. Not only is the lizard a good choice but the character development and powerful perfomance delivered by the talented Ryhs Ifans was just enough of the right ingredients to suck me into the movie.
I just want to stare at this picture for a little longer…lets shall we……..Okay so just the cheer badassness portrayed by this drawing is simply indescribable. I mean just think that when Marvel Studios looks at pictures like this they probably tell their staff “Okay so we have a budget now, we need to get the best Cinematorgrapher, director, lighting expert and after effects genius on this right now, I want a literal live action replica of this scene or I am not making this movie” Yeah thats probably how they make movies, meticulously caring about every single scene as it should be. I dont want to talk too much about the plot of the new Spiderman because Its pretty much oversaturated on the internet so I’ll just tell you that its a balls out, sickly intense, stylish and sexy interpretation of a great comic book legend and Marvel Studios releases another successful instant classic yet again. I FORGOT TO MENTION and I LEAVE you with this little fact, remember that annoying indie movie with that emotionless actress that looks like Katy Perry..yea Zoey Deschanel (I mean seriously I think they’re the same person, either that or they’re aliens) yeah you know her 500 days of summer well thats the director of the new Spiderman! Mark Webb might I say its a step up. Anyway this week I’ll be talking about Nine Inch Nails New Record and its gonna be badass so stick around for some more art and fun from LTS.
LTS Leo Bazan

SUMMARY: The Amazing Spider man rocked, Marvel studios is fucking insanely great at making comic book to film adaptations. Theres a lot of shitty movies out there and this isnt one of them. Andrew Garfield beat Maguire  by a mile as the new spiderman. Again BADASS, GREAT and READ NEXT TIME!

Artist Mention Monday on Tuesday only for SID SRIRAM!

Yea its not monday, big woop wanna fight about it ? (new yorker accent) Well ITs ARTIST MENTION MONDAY’s on TUESDAY! and that already makes it special on its own. Before we get to it, I’d like to apologize to my viewers for my short period absence, (NO I didnt abandon you) I was working on other projects that unfortunately required my full attention and was unable to write for a bit, but WERE BACK! and were back with a PUNCH because todays artist is Innovation at its finest. You remember the 90’s? YEAH aside from Britney Spear and back street boys they were BADASS times, remember when you first heard the voice of Brandon Boyd from Incubus in hmm lets say Stellar and you thought holy shit, did my ears just get laid? Well thats the same reaction I got from listening to Sid Sriram lets start by saying that his tonality and ambience utters a surreal and serene feeling that compels one to engage their senses to achieve musical nirvana, believe me its possible. Oh and speaking of nirvana.. Mr. Sid Sriram did a cover of Smells like teen spirit, I know..I know exactly what your thinking “Aw shit everyone covers that song its so overplayed, boring unoriginal” well believe me that you have never heard a version of Smells like Teen Spirit like this one. Dont believe me? check it out

Still think its overplayed? well yes it is BUT wasnt it fucking amazing! there are only two kinds of cover artists, theres A)Cover artists and B) Interpreters, and frankly…he is neither  because he surpasses both definitions. Put simply he’s Sid Sriram he took song interpretation to a whole new level with this one, I mean if the song title wasnt up on youtube you’d have to wait till the Chorus hit to know that your listening to Nirvana.

Known today as one the best uprising artists of 2012 his live performance known as “a conscious mind” is live performances with original and cover tracks. Receiving a positive reception from viewers around the US on Youtube, Sids future in the Arts looks promising all is well with integrity and originality but most importantly innovation. Lets just hope that he doesnt meet Bruno Pluto or Justin Gopher some shit and turns him into the commercialized shit music no different from Heinz Ketchup (STAY TRUE SID!). With songs like Entropy, talk to me , fugitive thoughts and Smells like teen spirit “A conscious mind” can truly sway you to make the conscious decision to download his albums or any future work he may put out in the near future. You can Download Music on his site by clicking on his name here Sid Sriram also if you appreciate artist like Sid then you can helping out by liking his Facebook (YES CLICK THE LINK thats why its BLUE :D) and you could check out more of his music on his youtube channel SidSriramMusic . We here at LTS would like to thank Sid Sriram for contributing wonderful art to our society, lets say it in unison…ready…one..two..Three THANKS SID! Well thats our Artist Mention Mondays on a TUESDAY SPECIAL!!

DOWNLOAD THE PERFORMANCE ITS FREE! and its the GOOD kind of FREE!

This week we are opening up a new featurette called Cover of the Week, where we will bring you the best most innovative covers by artists and interpreters of both new music (SHIT POP turned to Innovative Gold) and oldies (turned into NEW GOOD SHIT). If you have anyone that would like to be mentioned on one of our Artist Mention Mondays or Cover of the Week OR you would yourself feel like an INNOVATIVE ARTIST Click on the link LICKTHESTRANGER Like us and send us a post with your video link or artwork you would like us to talk about or send us a comment here and DEFINITELY SUBSCRIBE to our website. As always you heard it here first on Lick the Stranger. More to come from Artists this Week.
Innovation and Art of All forms..
Leo Bazan. LTS. 

Artist Mention Monday’s CARINA ROUND!

(I’ll let you catch your breath and collect yourself..yeah she tends to have that effect on people)
Now that your finished gazing upon our artist… its time for Artist Mention Monday’s! Ive spent a couple of weeks writing about other forms of innovative art, just to shed some light on some of the different varieties of artistry thats out there. But mainly I’ve spent a good amount of time coaxing y’all to check out Puscifer’s music I honestly couldn’t help it! But today, we’ve got a real special treat that I’m sure your all gonna love. This artist has truly reignited the much needed spark the rock genres been craving; with her brilliant, strikingly gorgeous and inventive image, she is like something out of a 1950’s “girl in the red dress playing on a piano dream”. Well more like girl in a red dress with a Fender from the 1950’s.

I know…I know…your probably thinking “Leo, your just hypnotized”

well yes and so are you dont lie… but its more than her beauty, its her sheer innovative soulful and truly raw emotional music that has got me honestly soul struck. Im proud to say that Its our first true “Artist Mention Mondays” where we feature Music (CMON TOOL or Puscifer dont count their already famous! I mean Maynard had business Card that said “Jesus H Christ” and hes the biggest Celeb we know) no this is the first ever Fresh and Innovative AMM music pick of the week and I’m honored to Present to you Ms. Carina Round. Born in Wolverhampton, England, Carina has immersed herself with quite the crowd here in the United States. During her move to LA she has collaborated with writers and producers such as Dan Burns, Glen Ballard (recognizably worked with Michael Jacksons Thriller and Bad) Carina has found a place among some of the best musicians of our time. Along with a variety of well known and talented Muscians such as Billy Corgan, Brian Eno and Maynard James Keenan, Carinas Fan base has become immersed in her brilliance and indistinguishable voice and image, SHIT I KNOW I HAVE. First thing my fellow composer and best friend Misha said to me in the show as soon as Carina took the stage was “NOW THATS AN IMAGE LEO!”.

Aside from her incredible 1950’s girl in the red dress image, her writing style is unique almost in line with Trent Reznors the Fragile mixed with some of his film scores and cant forget to mention MJK. Just to think working with Maynard James Keenan has to be a trip, its like something enjoyable and almost spiritual at the same time (dont know why maybe its because of that Jesus picture of Maynard…Genius.) Speaking of Maynard (which sorry MJK but Ive talked about you quite a bit its Carina’s day!) its amazing how Carina moves on stage, her surrealistic and animalistic style  had me looking at her even during the parts that Maynard was singing (not to mention being in the forth row we got flashed when she lifted her skirt pretty sweet!) and alone on stage was like..wow Im at a loss for words, I’d say a true natural innately talented professional.

All in all, Carina has truly gained the respect that she so rightfully deserves from a great and faithful ever expanding fan base. I could go on forever as to why I think Carina Round is innovation at its finest but I’ll let her take care of that. Has she inspired Lick the Stranger to write more music? DEFINITELY in the hopes that she will someday think anywhere remotely the same of me as I do of her..in fact the sheer idea that she has inspired me to continue writing and recording songs like our “lifting you up” proves that her musicianship, passion and love for what she does is like an extremely potent inspiration potion that can lure anyone that comes across it. Oh YEA AND DID I MENTION! SHE MENTIONED US ON HER WEBSITE!!!PRETTY BADASS! I’d like to thank Carina Round for taking the time of featuring us on her website on Carinaround.com where you could download and listen to her music as well as on her https://www.facebook.com/carinaround
It means THE WORLD  to me that you would take notice, and as an artist and fan here on LTS we thank you for creating wonderful and beautiful art and hope that you continue to do so. Hope that you like our review.
Ladies and Gentlement without further a due Ms.Carina Round GOOD LUCK ON YOUR SHOW TONIGHT rock the SHIT out of it!!

Innovation and Art of all forms
–Leo Bazan Lick the Stranger