October Reflections: Type O Negative
A bit of explanation on what Type O Negative is, other than a blood type. Type O Negative was a Gothic metal band that gained recognition and popularity after the release of their 1993 album Bloody Kisses. The album went platinum followed by October Rust, released in 1996, which went gold. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who have never heard of the band even with this recognition. The type of music is defiantly not for everyone but I just love it. Dark, intense and just a great a metal experience. Lead singer, bassist and composer Peter Steele passed away in April 2010. His voice was deep and enchanting and conveyed the Gothic, romantic and depressed tone artfully and from his soul. Steele’s talents and tragic life came through in his music to touch the listener with his thoughts and emotions. Yes, I find the music of Type O Negative evocative and it is because of Peter Steele’s voice and lyrics. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the band is very talented and I appreciate the whole group for their contributions to the world of music.
Why is this an October Reflection, what does this have to do with the best time of the year? The lyrics and tone of the music speak for themselves when it comes to how the band fits into the theme with songs like All Hallow’s Eve, Creepy Green Light and Be My Druidess. Really, most of the music just has that melancholic tone that I associate with dying leaves and changing of seasons.
I first listened to Type O Negative in 1993 after the release of Bloody Kisses. The songs have an undertone of vampirism that I was into way back then. Top songs off the album: Christian Woman, Black No.1 (Little Miss Scare-All), Summer Breeze (yes this is a remake but it sounds damn good in the slow, deep tones of Steele’s voice), Bloody Kisses and Blood & Fire.
October Rust (1996): This album also has the vampire aspect but also a hint of Paganism. Top songs: Love You To Death, Be My Druidess, Green Man, Red Water (Christmas Morning) yes I always listen to this on Christmas, My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend, Die With Me, Burnt Flowers Fallen, In Praise of Bacchus, Cinnamon Girl, Wolf Moon, Haunted. So pretty the entire album is kick ass.
World Coming Down (1999): Everyone I Love is Dead, Creepy Green Light, Everything Dies, Pyretta Blaze, All Hallow’s Eve, Day Tripper
Life Is Killing Me (2003): I Don’t Wanna Be Me, Less Than Zero (<0), Todd Ship Gods (Above All Things), I Like Goils, …A Dish Best Served Coldly, Nettie, Anesthesia, The Dream Is Dead
Dead Again (2007): Dead Again, The Profits of Doom, September Sun, Halloween in Heaven, She Burned Me Down, An Ode to Locksmiths.
As I said before, the music is not for everyone but I recommend people give it a try at least. My recommendations for a new listener: Christian Woman, Cinnamon Girl, Creepy Green Light, All Hallow’s Eve, September Sun, Profits of Doom, The Dream is Dead.
Lastly, R.I.P. Peter Steele
Dawning Creates 
The original Summer Breeze was one of my favorite songs as a kid. I used to play that record all day long…. Type O’s remake was kick ass when I was a teen : )
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