The dudes in Ancient VVisdom’s have already put together a pretty impressive resume considering they only got started in late 2009. For starters, the Austinites have put out a split and debut full-length and hit the road with Ghost and Blood Ceremony (and, along with Pallbearer and Royal Thunder, will be supporting Enslaved starting January 30th). Even self-proclaimed misanthrope Frank Lemke (just ask Wet Nightmare) seems to like them.
So with his band’s sophomore record on the horizon (February 5th to be exact), AVV’s own Nathan Opposition passed along his “Old and Enlightened” playlist. According to the frontman, “I chose these songs because they have all played a major part of me becoming a songwriter. They may not be what you may consider ‘heavy’, but I tell you this, these songs are full of useful knowledge and power. Each one of these songs have particular unlocking abilities in the mind that have helped inspire generations of musicians, writers, painters, poets, playwrights, and artists in general. I keep this spirit alive!”
You can listen along here.
The Doors’ “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” (from 1967’s The Doors)
This classic, mind-altering song will open your mind to experience your subconscious. This is a song that has stayed with me through the years and consistently gives me the will to be weird every time I hear it. It is a song that stands the test of time and will transcend generations to come.
The Beatles’ “Think For Yourself” (from 1965’s Rubber Soul)
Unlock the answer within you…or not, your choice. This song kicks off with an absolutely excellent guitar tone that leads into catchy vocal harmonies. These lyrics hold a clear message about true individuality, encoded in melody for the mindful listener.
Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind” (from 1963’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan)
A little mellow I know, but I don’t care, this song has always been a favorite of mine. Stripped down structuring with very powerful lyrics combo in full effect. A commentary of the time I suppose but these things said can still apply today. Words of vvisdom from the wise elder, he’s trying to tell you something here.
David Bowie’s “Life On Mars?” (from 1971’s Hunky Dory)
A portrait of a world gone mad from the genius mind of the master. If anyone would know instinctually how to operate an Unidentified Flying Object and get himself the hell out of here, it would be David Bowie. As I’m sitting here pondering to myself, is there a way off of this island?
13th Floor Elevators’ “Slip Inside This House” (from 1967’s Easter Everywhere)
Pure energy flowing from a stream of consciousness. This song will take you into a metaphysical trance and you will see macrocosmic and microcosmic universes. Seek the path of enlightenment. Roky will help lead you there.
*Pre-order a copy of Deathlike here and check out the “Deathlike” single here.
**We update one Spotify playlist for each new Decibrity entry, so feel free to subscribe to that here. Past entries include:
Holy Grail
Rotten Sound
Ancestors (Part 1) (Part 2)
Kowloon Walled City (Part 1) (Part 2)
Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride) (Part 1) (Part 2)
Early Graves
All That Remains
Bison B.C.
A Life Once Lost
Fight Amp
Witchcraft (Ola Henriksson) (Magnus Pelander)
Vision of Disorder
Grave
Anders Nyström (Katatonia) (Part 1) (Part 2)
“Best of” Rush (Part 1) (Part 2)
Dawnbringer
Ufomammut
Shadows Fall
Horseback
Greg Mackintosh (Paradise Lost) (Part 1) (Part 2)
Torche
“Best of” Meshuggah
Astra
Pallbearer
Barren Earth
Shane Embury (Napalm Death) (Part 1) (Part 2)
