Everything is cyclical, isn’t it? These days I read numerous think pieces telling me how Nu-Metal is experiencing a revival. There are even young bands like Tetrarch and Tallah that openly identify themselves as being nu-metal acts. Would’ve never thought that possible ten years ago. No way. But yet here we are, and it seems like we all plan to attend the Coal Chamber show.
Metal is allowed to be fun, especially when three heavyweights collide in a tri-split that not only features original songs from each, but unlikely cover tracks which allow for displays of versatility.
We end the year on a chaser episode. Who are the Big Four of Death Metal? If Death Metal had a Mount Rushmore, what bands would be on it? Nik and Keefy rank the best Death Metal bands of all time, checking down from a list of about 30 bands!
#thebigfourofdeathmetal
Crowd at Damnation – Credit: Rich Price Photography
Following the highly successful 2021 post-lockdown return of Damnation Festival to Leeds University, 2022 sees the event move back to its original home city of Manchester, now expanded to take place in the 6000-capacity BEC Arena.
The move, whilst probably inevitable, was always going to be something of a gamble. Some of the smaller rooms at the Leeds, Damnation were getting dangerously crammed, and the festival’s repute, ticket-buying demand, and band-booking clout had outgrown its former venue. But, on the other hand, many had come to regard the Leeds University Union, for all its quirks and eccentricities, as Damnation’s home.
Pantera, Disturbed, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Architects, Behemoth, Kreator, Meshuggah, Gojira, Parkway Drive, Testament, Voivod are among the 103 artists who have been added to the 26th edition of the Graspop Metal Meeting, set to take place June 15-18, 2023 in Dessel, Belgium. Tickets are on sale tomorrow at the links below. Continue reading
We chatted with Damnation Festival Director, co-founder, and booking agent Gavin McInally to preview this weekend’s 2022 festival in Manchester, UK. Gav discussed this year’s festivals, what goes into planning a festival, booking artists to perform exclusive sets (Converge, Godflesh, Pig Destroyer, At The Gates), how the fest pivoted to new headliners when they lost one (Ministry), booking the “Night of Salvation” event, the move from Leeds to Manchester, the current state of the UK heavy music scene, and more!
Recently renovated classic venue Irving Plaza in New York City is the scene for the finale of the US leg of At The Gates most popular album, Slaughter of the Soul. Enforced opened the night. They’re an interesting group to me. They sound like a mix of Death Metal/Thrash with a some hardcore-tinged vocals. Whatever they’re going for, it’s working for them. I dig it.
In a new post, At the Gates has announced the return of founding guitarist, Anders Björler after five years out of the band. This is following the dismal of former guitarist Jonas Stallhammmer, who himself replaced Anders. The band finished tour commitments in the UK and USA with The Haunted’s Patrik Jensen and Atheist guitarist Daniel Martinez. In November, Anders’s first show back in the band will be Damnation Fest in the UK, followed by a tour of Europe with In Flames.Continue reading
Psycho Las Vegas festival previously confirmed itsineup for their 6th annual fest, added a second wave of bands, as well an expected move to a new location. The fest takes place August 19-21 at Resorts World Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Psycho Swim pre-party is set for August 18. Confirming the 2022 edition of Psycho Las Vegas will feature Mercyful Fate (USA-Exclusive Performance), Emperor (USA-Exclusive Performance), Suicidal Tendencies, Mayhem, Watain, Wolves In The Throne Room, Samael, Boris, Mgla, Cirith Ungol, King Woman, Marissa Nadler, Bömbers and Year Of No Light. Now they have announced their stage times for the entire weekend. Continue reading
At The Gates has parted ways with guitarist Jonas Stålhammar. Stålhammar was accused by a fan of carrying on a sexually inappropriate relationship over social media for the last year. The band is seeking a replacement Jonas for their upcoming Slaughter of The Soul anniversary tour. was featured on two full-lengths, several EPs and toured the world several times. He is also a member of ATG side project The Lurking Fear as well as his own band God Macabre. See the social media post from the band, which did not address the allegations, and also public posts from his accuser. Continue reading