u/IgnobleWounds

Hey guys

I was first introduced to this format around 2016/2017 and it seemed to be gaining traction at the time. However, I stopped playing it as the guy I played it with moved away around 2019.

I have been thinking of returning but it seems like it isn't as big as before. THere used to be big tournaments, decklists posted but those seem to be relegated to up to 2017 ? Am I looking in the wrong place?

Where can I find the best decklists etc?

I've been wondering this for a while.

After everything that happened with the Poisoned Ascendancy tour, Bullet for My Valentine pulled out of the remaining dates, and one of the reasons given was to focus on writing and recording the next album.

It's been quite a while now, and unless I've completely missed something, there's still been no new music or even much of an update.

I'm not trying to start another Trivium vs Bullet argument. I genuinely like Bullet's older material and was looking forward to hearing what they were working on. I'm just curious if anyone knows what's going on.

Because Trivium finished the tour, wrote and released an EP AND have a timeline for their new album to drop early 2027.

Was it all just Tuck's ego ? I heard that Trivium blew Bullet out of the water every night?

Hey everyone!

I am a ballroom and latin dancer

For the past three years I've mainly trained on a very smooth floor, but my new partner lives an hour away and her studio floor is much stickier. We've been doing a lot of pivots and rotational actions recently, and although I've tried using talc/cornstarch (and more recently tape on my shoes) to help the shoes release, there have still been a few occasions where my foot has grabbed during a pivot and I've felt my knee twist or stretch.

Over the last few weeks my knee has become a bit irritated. I don't remember one dramatic injury, pop, or swelling episode but rather just a few moments where the foot caught and the knee didn't feel happy afterwards during a pivot where it stretched/pulled a bit.

I saw my physio (who I normally see for my back), and I had a positive McMurray's test. After reassessing it a week later, he thinks it's likely a small meniscal tear and has referred me to a specialist/MRI for confirmation.

The good news is:

• No locking
• No catching
• No giving way
• No significant swelling

I can still dance and recently got through a 90-minute Latin session, but the knee feels slightly irritated afterwards. Not sharp or swollen, just a bit clicky.

pivoting on that side is becoming a little more uncomfortable compared to the other side. Not huegely, just a bit.

I'm honestly pretty devastated because dancing has become a huge part of my life, and after finally learning to manage my back, I'm terrified that a knee injury is going to stop my progress.

So I have a couple of questions for those who've been through meniscus injuries.

1. If it is a white zone tear am I just screwed? my physio thinks it is small but a lateral white zone tear.
2. I heard that lateral meniscus surgery is like 6 to 8 times more likely to have arthirits within 10 years. That sounds dreadful.
3. If it is not locking and catching, is it possible to rehab it without surgery and continue dancing at a high level?

I'm really worried as I don't want surgery as I know removing the meniscus leads to arthritis, less cushioning etc.

I'm trying not to catastrophise before I've even had an MRI, but I'd really appreciate hearing some real experiences from dancers who've been through this.

Thanks everyone.

Hey everyone!

I am a ballroom and latin dancer

For the past three years I've mainly trained on a very smooth floor, but my new partner lives an hour away and her studio floor is much stickier. We've been doing a lot of pivots and rotational actions recently, and although I've tried using talc/cornstarch (and more recently tape on my shoes) to help the shoes release, there have still been a few occasions where my foot has grabbed during a pivot and I've felt my knee twist or stretch.

Over the last few weeks my knee has become a bit irritated. I don't remember one dramatic injury, pop, or swelling episode but rather just a few moments where the foot caught and the knee didn't feel happy afterwards during a pivot where it stretched/pulled a bit.

I saw my physio (who I normally see for my back), and I had a positive McMurray's test. After reassessing it a week later, he thinks it's likely a small meniscal tear and has referred me to a specialist/MRI for confirmation.

The good news is:

• No locking
• No catching
• No giving way
• No significant swelling

I can still dance and recently got through a 90-minute Latin session, but the knee feels slightly irritated afterwards. Not sharp or swollen, just a bit clicky.

pivoting on that side is becoming a little more uncomfortable compared to the other side. Not huegely, just a bit.

I'm honestly pretty devastated because dancing has become a huge part of my life, and after finally learning to manage my back, I'm terrified that a knee injury is going to stop my progress.

So I have a couple of questions for those who've been through meniscus injuries.

1. If it is a white zone tear am I just screwed? my physio thinks it is small but a lateral white zone tear.

2. I heard that lateral meniscus surgery is like 6 to 8 times more likely to have arthirits within 10 years. That sounds dreadful.

3. If it is not locking and catching, is it possible to rehab it without surgery and continue dancing at a high level?

I'm really worried as I don't want surgery as I know removing the meniscus leads to arthritis, less cushioning etc.

I'm trying not to catastrophise before I've even had an MRI, but I'd really appreciate hearing some real experiences from dancers who've been through this.

Thanks everyone.

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've posted.

Some of you might remember that I suffered a small L5/S1 disc bulge about two years ago. Thankfully, I managed to work through it, competed all last year, and have continued training around five times a week.

This year I've started dancing with a new partner who's a couple of grades above me. It's been fantastic for my development, and she's very body-aware and technically strong. Together with our new Latin coach, they've corrected a lot of my biomechanics, including my squat technique and some of my Latin positioning.

The one challenge has been the floor.

For the past three years I've mainly trained on a very smooth floor, but my partner lives an hour away and her studio floor is much stickier. We've been doing a lot of pivots and rotational actions recently, and although I've tried using talc/cornstarch (and more recently tape on my shoes) to help the shoes release, there have still been a few occasions where my foot has grabbed during a pivot and I've felt my knee twist or stretch.

Over the last few weeks my knee has become a bit irritated. I don't remember one dramatic injury, pop, or swelling episode but rather just a few moments where the foot caught and the knee didn't feel happy afterwards during a pivot where it stretched/pulled a bit.

I saw my physio (who I normally see for my back), and I had a positive McMurray's test. After reassessing it a week later, he thinks it's likely a small meniscal tear and has referred me to a specialist/MRI for confirmation.

The good news is:

• No locking
• No catching
• No giving way
• No significant swelling

I can still dance and recently got through a 90-minute Latin session, but the knee feels slightly irritated afterwards. Not sharp or swollen, just a bit clicky.

pivoting on that side is becoming a little more uncomfortable compared to the other side. Not huegely, just a bit.

I'm honestly pretty devastated because dancing has become a huge part of my life, and after finally learning to manage my back, I'm terrified that a knee injury is going to stop my progress.

So I have a couple of questions for those who've been through something similar:

• Has anyone here returned to competitive dancing after a meniscus tear without surgery?
• If you did manage it conservatively, what helped the most?
• If you ended up needing surgery, were you able to get back to the same standard of dancing?
• Has anyone else dealt with sticky competition/practice floors causing problems with pivots, and how did you manage it?

I'm really worried as I don't want surgery as I know removing the meniscus leads to arthritis, less cushioning etc.

I'm trying not to catastrophise before I've even had an MRI, but I'd really appreciate hearing some real experiences from dancers who've been through this.

Thanks everyone.

https://preview.redd.it/s8ld2579fach1.jpg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bd803ec16e6b60a1d4160cacffd814acf256f94

Hey everyone!

My band Ignoble from New Zealand just recently released our debut full-length album, Hollow Thrones & Shattered Crowns!

This record is a culmination of the last 4 or so years of work, and we are so proud to present it to the world!

We spared no expense on the production and we can't be more happy with how the mix and tones turned out!

We're heavily influenced by bands like Sylosis, Trivium, and modern melodic/progressive metal in general.

Thanks for the support 🤘

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3rgb5qMACbHORaETvrXHnW?uid=1711b9f2ab755b7e00a7&uri=spotify%3Atrack%3A3rWDg0gZXVlgHdfOA8Ebx3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignobleband/

Hey everyone !

I'm wanting to take the plunge and learn to do harsh vocals. I am 29 years old and hoping it isn't too late.

My band has released our first album and are going to be doing live shows soon.

Sadly, our vocalist on the album was also our drummer as we never initally intended to play live but now need a vocalist. We have someone in the interim but he is not permanent and I've always wanted to do vocals and rhythm guitar.

I gave it a go back in High School and used to do the vocals but while I could create distorition I had very low projection and I think I recently found out I was screaming from the throat instead of correctly?

Whenever I've tried to begin relearning, I get worried as even if I try and do it "correctly" (or what I think is correct) like using the false cords above the throat, I still have low projection OR I end up with some tickling in the throat or other light symptoms like a slightly weird taste in throat or basically losing ability to project at all. This will happen after like 5 or 10 minutes of trying. I got told that there should be NO symptoms if doing it correctly. I'm frustrated because I've dealt with injuries etc and have an unlucky habbit of being injured/messing things up. I deal with RSI flares on guitar etc and have to manage very carefully so Im afraid ill try vocals, screw my voice.

So, I want to learn correctly and properly with a solid technical foundation from the very start, and I specifically want to scream like Josh Middleton from SYlosis or similar. Very Mid ranged with some pitched elemtns.

Thanks to everyone !

I've always had a soft spot for Mono Black Burn as it was my first deck I made when getting into Pauper.

I enjoy playing it but it can struggle at times.

What do you think is needed to push it to be a more competitive deck?

When I compare to red burn, red has better card draw (which is weird compared to black), more aggressive, and able to burst an opponent from 20 life at times.

To be fair, older mono red burn was fine and fairly fair and my black burn could go toe to toe.

BUT, the combo of guttersnipe, sneaky snacker, grab the prize, lava dart, fireblast are just too strong. Being able to shock an opponent, deploy a 2/1 flyer AND draw 2 is just insane...

I came up with a few cards to make Mono Black Burn a bit stronger? I'm not trying to make it tier 1 meta, but I feel like it is a CLOSE deck that needs something.

Soul Tax seems like something it needs. Early burn, late game draw

https://preview.redd.it/thz5t04hdq9h1.png?width=1832&format=png&auto=webp&s=7ea6785ea736a4177e6f1167388a0cd4e1767f15

With Utrom Monitor, just wondering if Mono Blue Affinity can work?

Or is the untapped lands not worth the loss of 2 other colours?

Hey guys

Just wondering if there is any decent Delver list these days? I love delver especially in Legacy and the tempo.

I've played heaps of terror and a bit bored so want to try something else.

I know without cards like Gush, Daze etc it is a bit harder, but wondering about using

The Modern Age
Delver
Sneaky Snacker
Abandon Attachements etc

Any advice?

Should I go Dimir? Mono Blue?

Hey guys

I am starting to get frustrated with a deck I am playing in Pauper. It is a Mono Blue control deck that run murmuring mystic and campfire and lots of counterspells/draw.

Problem is, even if I am playing extremely fast, yeilding triggers, either the opponent takes advantage and I end up accidently letting something resolve or I win the first game but it takes me like 15 minutes and then the opponent realises and just plays the clock. I'll be in a commanding position game 2 but run out of time and the opponent will just stall through their turns and since my win con takes a while I just end up loosing.

I honestly lose more to the clock than being beaten and it is just so frustrating.

25 minutes is not enough time tbh. SHould be like 30 - 40 minutes

Hey guys

I've played a lot fo black burn a few years ago and wanting to bring it back out.

Problem is, with a lot of new cards have come out and not sure which direction is best.

There's the decisions like

- Do you run NO creatures or do you run Scorpion and Raven

- Black Mage's rod worth a spot or a trap?

- What draw/removal suite?

Would love some help and input :). I want to use it for leagues

Hey guys

So I love the "opps all counterspells" spellslinger token commanders. I ALWAYS try them out and love seeing new ones.

I used to run Talrand with polymorph and Hullbreaker as the ONLY creature. Was fun. But moved to Lord of the Nazgul and that was amazing. Win Condition attached, access to black etc. However, 5 mana sometimes was an issue where if he was removed I would struggle to get back into the game sometimes.

Namor being 3 mana is REALLY attractive and here are some things I am seeing could be a big benefit for him.

1. He is 3 mana which is much easier to drop turn 2 or 3 with protection up.
2. He has solid stats being a */4 and grows very quickly, meaning he is a valid wincon through commander damage especially since he flies!
3. Makes MULTIPLE tokens per spell which is MASSIVE. Cryptic Command? 3 tokens please.
4. He triggers on NON CREATURE not just instant and sorceries.

DOwnsides:

1. The tokens are small and have no evasion. Talrand fly and LOTN Menace

I personally think he will be BETTER than LOTR or Talrand, especially with cards like Lullmage Mentor which is a huge threat.

I'm very excited to try him out!

Hey everyone!

My band Ignoble from New Zealand just released our debut full-length album, Hollow Thrones & Shattered Crowns!

This record is a culmination of the last 4 or so years of work, and we are so proud to present it to the world!

We spared no expense on the production and we can't be more happy with how the mix and tones turned out!

We're heavily influenced by bands like Sylosis, Trivium, and modern melodic/progressive metal in general.

Thanks to everyone who has listened to and supported our EP and also those that have been looking forward to this coming out!

Thanks for the support 🤘

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3rgb5qMACbHORaETvrXHnW?uid=1711b9f2ab755b7e00a7&uri=spotify%3Atrack%3A3rWDg0gZXVlgHdfOA8Ebx3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignobleband/

https://preview.redd.it/am6swr46eg5h1.jpg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=afae5ba9914c59749e9ebb363fe3bd73f9640355

https://preview.redd.it/czr9p351eg5h1.jpg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e9c35c044dac67d539bfc2722b2e98c867de21e

Hey everyone!

My band Ignoble from New Zealand just released our debut full-length album, Hollow Thrones & Shattered Crowns!

This record is a culmination of the last 4 or so years of work, and we are so proud to present it to the world!

We spared no expense on the production and we can't be more happy with how the mix and tones turned out!

We're heavily influenced by bands like Sylosis, Trivium, and modern melodic/progressive metal in general.

Thanks to everyone who has listened to and supported our EP and also those that have been looking forward to this coming out!

Thanks for the support 🤘

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3rgb5qMACbHORaETvrXHnW?uid=1711b9f2ab755b7e00a7&uri=spotify%3Atrack%3A3rWDg0gZXVlgHdfOA8Ebx3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignobleband/

Hey everyone,

I'm a metal guitarist and I'm looking for advice from anyone who's come back from a serious RSI/tendon injury and regained their shredding.

Back in 2012, at age 16, I developed tennis elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome from a combination of guitar, tennis and the gym. I took about 6 months off and spent roughly a year rebuilding. Eventually I got back to full speed and played without issues for years.

From 2016-2019 I could play all the fast stuff I wanted. I then took a 2-3 year break from guitar while doing BJJ, before coming back, forming a band, and spending a couple of years rebuilding my speed and endurance.

In 2024 I had another tennis elbow flare while recording an EP and splitting a lot of firewood. I took a few weeks off, rebuilt, and got back to where I was.

Then in August last year, while recording our full-length album, I had another flare. I took about a month off and spent months slowly building back up while finishing the album.

The weird thing is that I can still play guitar.

I can:

• Rehearse with my band
• Play for over an hour
• Write and record music
• Play rhythm guitar, thrash riffs and pedal-tone stuff

But I can't seem to get my shred playing back.

As soon as I try faster fretting runs, legato, sweeps, etc., I get this feeling that my arm wants to tighten up. It's not necessarily pain. It feels more like tension, anticipation, and a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

I don't think I've physically lost the ability. It honestly feels like my brain hits the brakes the second I try to play fast.

For example, I can play most of Sylosis' Deadwood, but the riff at 2:28 and the solo feel impossible. Same with Slings and Arrows — most of the song is fine, but the faster riff around 2:48 and the lead work are a no-go.

Has anyone experienced something similar where normal playing came back, but fast lead playing didn't?

If you got your speed back, what helped? Was it just time and gradual exposure, or was there something specific that helped you trust the movement again?

I'm about 10 months on from the flare and honestly feeling pretty defeated.

Hey everyone!

I've posted here once or twice regarding injuries and recieved some amazing advice. I've also had a few people look at my technique when I tell them I have very good, relaxed technique and then when they see me play go, yeah that is fanastic technique.

BUT, I'm having a really issue that may be in the mind?

I'm getting pretty frustrated and wanted to see if anyone has been through something similar.

A bit of background:

Back in 2012 when I was 16 years old I developed tennis elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome from guitar, gym and tennis. Took about 6 months off and spent roughly a year rebuilding. Eventually got back to full speed (at the time what my speed was) and played fine for years.

From around 2016 to 2019 I was playing without any real issues and could play all the fast stuff I wanted.

Then I took a 2-3 year break from guitar while I got heavily into BJJ. I barely played during that time. I did play occasionally and I noticed I had more staimina probably because my flexors were strong from BJJ?

When I quit BJJ, I picked guitar back up, formed a band, and spent about 2 years building my speed and endurance back up and landed to approximately 2024 where my band started recording our EP.

In 2024 I had another tennis elbow flare while recording theEP and also doing a lot of firewood splitting which I think aggrivated my tendons. Took about 3 weeks off, built back up over a couple of months, and got back to where I was with no problems.

Then in August last year, while recording my band's full-length album, I had another flare. This one hit me much harder mentally than the others. I took around a month off and then spent months slowly building back up while finishing the album.

The weird thing is that I can play guitar again.

I can:

• Rehearse with my band
• Play for an hour or so
• Write songs
• Record stuff
• Play thrash riffs and rhythm guitar

But I still can't seem to get my shred playing back.

The second I try faster fretting runs, legato, sweeps, etc., I get this feeling that the arm is about to tighten up. It's not necessarily pain. It's more like tension, anticipation and a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

It's almost like I don't trust the movement anymore.

What confuses me is that I don't think I've actually lost the ability physically. If anything, it feels like my brain hits the brakes as soon as I try to play fast.

I can't play ANY of my riffs which require fast fretting movements.

The only stuff I can play is chugging stuff, thrashy riffs moving powerchords, standard pedaltone riffs like Triviums like light to the flies) or SLOW leads.

But as soon as I try to play any riff even eighth notes at 180bpm where I have to move my fingers quickly, or ANY triplets, sixtenths leads etc I can't. My whole left arm and fingers just wont do. And when I tried to just force it, it felt like my elbow was just going to go sharp and start pulling. Not that it was, but in my mind I could feel like it WANTED to. I know that sounds weird.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Did you reach a point where normal playing was fine but fast lead playing still felt impossible?

If you eventually got your speed back, what actually helped? Was it just time and gradual exposure, or was there something specific that got you over that mental hurdle?

Would love to hear from anyone who's been through it because right now it feels like I'm stuck in this weird middle ground where I'm healthy enough to play, but not healthy enough to trust myself to play ANYTHING fast.

WHat makes it hard is I can't play half of my riffs anymore. To give an example of a song if you listen to Sylosis Slings and Arrows, I can play the intro, verse riffs etc no problem, first solo no problem, but the riff at 2:48 in the song or the 2nd solo are just no go.

Or another example, I can play the song Deadwood except for the riff at 2:28 or the solo.

I'm literally at breaking point and feeling like quiting the guitar.

I've dealt with RSI and flares before. Ever now and then for 10 years BUT they have NEVER taken this long to resolve. It has been 10 months, and I feel like a shell of myself.

It is like my elbow has not fully recovered? I have had issues with PINS, some tendon overuse and anconeus area. Basically, that whole area around the tennis elbow area including the nerve has had issues.