Grayson Hale
My name is Grayson Hale and I’m from Durban, South Africa. I’m an aspiring music journalist who has a great appreciation for many different genres and styles, but remain a true metalhead at heart. My favourite bands include: Converge, Sigur Rós, Swans, Neurosis, Ne Obliviscaris, and Opeth, just to name a few.
Although my musical journey started at a very young age, the first album that really resonated with me on a deeper level was Third Eye Blind’s debut and it hasn’t left my side since. I still regard it as the single most important album in my collection, although Jane Doe and (  ) have arguably caught up to it in the past few years.
I am currently working at my local music store in a futile attempt to remove terrible mainstream pop music from the shelves. Justin Bieber never forgets to let out an almighty guffaw from his number one position on the charts at the start of each day. As a result, I am presently contemplating suicide.
Outside of music, I have an unhealthy obsession with horror films and Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. I’m also very interested in post-modern literature and lucid dreaming.
Thanks to the Echoes and Dust team for having me on board!
Articles by Grayson Hale
Asymmetry is the sound of Karnivool being somewhat uncomfortable in their own skin. – By Grayson Hale
This is one of the best heavy releases of the year so far, and it’s going to be difficult to top an album that manages to be so entertaining and so goddamn brutal all at once. – By Grayson Hale
Grayson Hale found out more about English prog rock band Maschine by asking Luke Machin, who is the creative mind behind the band, some questions.
In this review, I negate my own argument by criticising unnecessarily long-winded and self-indulgent compositions with a meandering 88 word sentence. – By Grayson Hale
The Blackest Beautiful may not go down as one of the most innovative records of the year, but it’s certainly one of the most entertaining. By Grayson Hale
If it is true that great art cannot be created without suffering, this is nothing short of a masterpiece. – By Grayson Hale
After being hailed as one of the most promising black metal bands of the new millennium with the release of 2007’s Il Était une Forêt…, Québec duo Gris have seemed content to simply bide their time with their second effort. This month sees the release of new album À l’Âme Enflammée, l’Äme Constellée…, Grayson Hale spoke with the band about the new album, their relationship with Annatar, and why they don’t perform live.
Gris have exceeded all expectations with À l’âme enflammée, l’äme constellée… and created what is perhaps one of the most ambitious and innovative depressive black metal albums in recent times. For fans of the genre, this is essential listening. – By Grayson Hale
In short, Antiadore serves up mixed results. Many of the songs possess a certain charm that often excuses their shortcomings, but there is nothing truly spectacular on offer either. – By Grayson Hale
Let’s not beat around the bush here; Lychgate’s self-titled debut album is evil… really evil. – By Grayson Hale
Dark Reverence is a sub-par release that really could have been much better, and Noire will need to improve drastically if they ever hope to release something in the same league as one of their influences. – By Grayson Hale
There is beauty here, but it’s carrying a dark blade – By Grayson Hale
While it is certainly difficult to understand Akron/Family, it is clear that their music goes well beyond your standard rock and pop compositions. By Grayson Hale
With slightly more variation this could have been a highly impressive debut. – By Grayson Hale.
