Whenever the subject of UK thrash metal arises, Bristolian act Onslaught are always one of the first names mentioned. From their 1985 debut to their split in 1991 and eventual reformation in 2005, the band have been one of the leading lights of the genre. Often heralded as the “English Slayer”, like their now defunct US counterparts, Onslaught draw from a history of both punk and classic metal to make their point.
Every now and again, a record captures the mood of an era with such frightening accuracy that even though it might not be the greatest thing you’ve ever heard, it resonates so profoundly that you have no alternative but to sit up and take notice. Not since the ’80s, when the burgeoning thrash scene was fuelled by a world living in fear of murky politics and the threat of nuclear war, has the timing been so perfect for such a scathing indictment of present times. Continue reading
Ghost Cult had the honor of chatting with Willie Adler of Lamb of God recently, to talk all about the brand new self-titled album, due out on June 19th, 2020. Willie was in high spirits as we broke down the new album together, covering topics from the bands’ approach to the new album, his writing partnership with Mark Morton, how many throwback grooves went into this album, D. Randall Blythe breaking new ground asa singer, the bands’ veteran status in the scene, working with guests such as Chuck Billy of Testament and Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed, Willie’s hand in helping create their non-alcoholic “Ghost Walker Beer”, thoughts on 30 years of LoG history, and much more. You can pre-order the album at this link and listen to our chat below. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Ghost Cult caught up with Thrash Metal legend Chuck Billy of Testament by phone to discuss their brand new album Titans of Creation out on April 3rd 2020, via Nuclear Blast Records. Read our review here. Chuck discussed the concept of the new album, his creative process with Eric Peterson, the more collaborative and positive nature of making the new album compared to Brotherhood of the Snake, work Juan Urteaga in the producer’s chair, the history of the band and reflections on Souls of Black which turns 30 in 2020. Buy the album here:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Whenever the time-honoured, if ultimately pointless “if it had been a Big Five…” question raises its ugly head, Bay Area bruisers Testament always find themselves at the forefront of the conversation. Even alongside names such as Exodus, Overkill, and Kreator, such is their… ahem, legacy (sorry), it’s not uncommon to find them as one of the top two preferred choices.Continue reading
In a statement to fans, Testament has announced that vocalist Chuck Billy has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Billy had “been feeling unwell” since returning home to the San Francisco Bay Area last week following the completion of “The Bay Strikes Back 2020” European tour with Exodus and Death Angel. The 57-year-old Billy, who didn’t reveal if he had any idea how he contracted the virus, says he has been quarantined since arriving home. Other members of “The Bay Strikes Back 2020” tour that has reported illness are Exodus founder Gary Holt and Death Angel drummer Will Carroll who is in the ICU in San Francisco and said to be very ill. Continue reading
Thrash Metal legends Testament have shared a new single, ‘Children Of The Next Level’ from their forthcoming Titans Of Creation, which will be released on April 3 via Nuclear Blast. Jam out to the song now! The album was produced by singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson while Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios handled co-producing, recording and engineering. Andy Sneap was responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album. Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new masterpiece of artwork for the cover of this release. The band is currently on its The Bay Strikes Back tour with Exodus and Death Angel! Watch the video now! Continue reading
I wish I could say I knew Jonny Zazula back in the day, but I wasn’t quite old enough. Sure, I had heard all the stories. As a major Metallica and Anthrax fan, Jon and his wife Marsha’s life stories are Metal history as much as any riff, album or chorus. I bumped into Jon about twelve years ago at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey. I was there to see a Testament headline show. Jon and Eddie Trunk, who owes his career to Jon and Marsha to an extent, walked right by and I totally fanboyed out. I’m pretty sure I blurted out something lame like “Holy shit, Jonny Z! Thanks for everything!”, since that what was in my heart. He gave me like a half-pat on the arm, half a “hey dude I need to get by you” move and slipped past me on his way backstage. Trunk just smiled. That was my in-person brush with him, until a recent phone interview (coming soon) for this book release. The book is a memoir about an enterprising music lover who put a genre or two on his back and raised up everyone around him toward greatness.
One of the first things that strikes you about the new album by Californian thrashers Hatriot is just how great vocalist Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza is sounding these days. His trademark high pitched, angry version of Bon Scott sounds so good that it could be someone half his age singing instead. Hang on, what do you mean it is?Continue reading
Metal and rock Supergroup Metal Allegiance kicked off their 5th-anniversary tour last month with a slamming show at The Van Buren, in Phoenix Arizona. Presented by the Murder In The Front Row movie and Loudwire featured the core members – David Ellefson, Mark Menghi, Mike Portnoy, and Alex Skolnick – sharing the stage with Chuck Billy (Testament), John Bush (Armored Saint), and Phil Demmel (Machine Head). Also returning to the MA live show ranks after a three-year hiatus, vocalist/bassist Troy Sanders (Mastodon). Each night of the mini-tour offered a unique experience as with any MA gig. Tonight they were joined by local legends Max Cavalera (Soulfly), as well as members of Sacred Reich and Flotsam and Jetsam. It was a dream come true for music fans, and hopefully a harbinger of more shows to come! Check out this video recap of the tour and our photo set!Continue reading