Blood, guts, and kicking butt in France — it’s the age-old story of Shakespeare. Carl F. Gauze once again enjoys the salacious violence and complicated plot points of Henry V, in the moody dark of Orlando Shakes.

Psychic Death Safari (Rebel Waves Records). Review by Bob Pomeroy.

Henry the Second nears the end of his life, and he sets his sons against one another for the crown.

When Above (Wraith Productions). Review by Matthew Moyer.

Mer Morte (Crucial Blast). Review by Matthew Moyer.

Ashes of Angels (Agonia Records). Review by Matthew Moyer.

They Hurt You Everyday (Lavender). Review by Aaron Shaul.

Fas – Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum (AJNA Offensive/Southern Lord). Review by Matthew Moyer.

Along the Quai (Team Love). Review by Aaron Shaul.

M83 (Gooom/Mute). Review by Kiran Aditham.

A documentary about the author of “Story of O”, the controversial novel about sadomasochism. Carl F Gauze unwraps the plain brown wrapper.

Three sub-essays about recent items in the news. It is of paramount importance that YOU read them and respond to me in the appropriate manner.

Carl F. Gauze had the mixed blessing of being in France on September 11, and brings us something of the international view on the day’s events.