I don’t think it matters if you’re still under the confines of the institution that is our educational system, or if you’ve done for years. There’s something about September that has a slight air of sadness, of finality, of, “Oh great, now I have to work?”

Students go back to school, those in the workforce reflect on why they didn’t at least save a couple vacation days to use on those upcoming mornings when it’s just too cold to get out bed, and you can get some really good deals on office supplies, so long as you don’t mind all sorts of funky colours. I just picked up the awesomest shiny dark purple mini magnetic stapler for 99 cents yesterday. I didn’t need one, it just somehow cheered me up. I kinda miss the excitement of just going back to school. Okay, so I like the excuse for new shoes and the sound of freshly cracked textbook spines, but whatever.

But my favourite part about September is the transition from summer to fall. The leaves falling, that gritty perfume in the air foreshadowing flowers dying while tree branches practice their winter laments. It’s calming, and I look forward to it every year.

I’m also looking forward to sharing the September issue of Pitch Black with you. We’ve unearthed two sides of GWAR for your reading enjoyment, while 3 Inches of Blood emerges from their seemingly tireless tour schedule long enough to inject us with all the cool ins and outs of their latest auditory offering. Alberta metallers Reverend Kill just got signed to Painkiller Records (congrats, guys!) and Noctis III is bringing a solid metal education to Alberta, complete with guest speakers from all over the metal map. Kilyakai lecture us about the philosophy behind soon-to-be-released full-length debut, Calculating Collapse discuss the value of self promotion – this month’s topic for Inside the Musician’s Studio – and our gallery is chalk full of hair-defying metal moments from last month’s.

So check it out, enjoy, comment, and good luck to all our readers about to hit the books.

Digging the smell of brand new books,

Mistress Morwyn

The Keeper of the Lair