After a four-year break, Dutch death/thrashers Legion of the Damned return with The Poison Chalice (Napalm Records), the band’s eighth full-length studio release their inception in 2005. Originally called Occult, only drummer Erik Fleuren and frontman Maurice Swinkel remain from that early incarnation spawned in 1992, the band never deviating far from their original sound, consistently honing their attack into an even more effective riff machine with each successive record.
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.
The blending of metal and horror is perhaps one of the greatest combinations in the universe. There is just something so satisfying about heavily distorted guitars and lyrics referencing seventies and eighties horror films that hits the perfect spot. It’s the perfect soundtrack to your favorite monster movie.
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
Metal Blade Records has just released a new segment on YouTube, Deep Cuts, in celebration of the label’s 40th anniversary. This segment features current artists on the label discussing their favorite unsung bands on the label reminiscing about all the great bands past and presnt. Check out some memories and killer bands name-checked by memebrs of Revocation, Cannibal Corpse, Lizzy Borden, Armored Saint, Allegaeon, Cirith Ungol, Whitechapel, and Goatwhore.Continue reading
Metal Blade Records, the fiercely independent label that launched Metallica, Slayer, Armored Saint, Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, and dozens more iconic heavy metal bands, continues its 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2022 with the release of a new playlist featuring a selection of songs from the label’s 10’s catalog spanning 2010-2020. In conjunction with the release of the label’s 10’s playlist, a brand-new merch design created by American artist Samwise Didier. Samwise serves as senior art director at Blizzard Entertainment, having acted as art director for the flagship games of the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises, the producer of several games, and an artistic contributor to almost every game released under the name Blizzard Entertainment. Check out the Metal Blade Time Capsule, Pt. 1
Cannibal Corpse continues to tour behind their acclaimed 2021 album Violence Unimagined (Metal Blade). Read our review here. The band has now booked a 2023 headline tour of Europe and the UK. Direct support from Dark Funeral, Ingested and Stormruler. The tour kicks off in Hengelo, Netherlands on March 10, 2023, including 5 UK dates and ending at Nottingham Rock City, UK on April 23, 2023
Inferno Metal Festival chas added more great acts to the 2023 festival! Joing the ever evolving lineup for next year are ABBATH, Beaten To Death, and Blodhemn. Taking place April 6th – 9th 2023 in Oslo, Norway, the fest also features Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, Uada, Odium, Sakis Tolis, Harakiri for the Sky, Urgehal, Djevel, Nekromantheon, Mork, Darvaza, Nervosa, 1914, Svalbard, Vredehammer, Lili Refrain, Dwaal, Afsky, Mutilated Tyrant, Godflesh, Urgehal, Cowbar, Vemod, and Gaerea, Masacre, and many more to be announced. For tickets and more info, click the link below!
From the sublime to the ridiculous, Slipknot have been criticised for many things over the years, but playing it safe is one accusation that rarely arises. While it’s true the Iowan nine-piece possess a patented, signature sound, it’s also clear they’ve never been afraid to take chances, pushing the envelope at every turn. Even on their 1996 full-length demo Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. Slipknot were taking risks. Risks that led to the reward of a major label deal and a hugely successful career built on a foundation of unpredictability.
Inferno Metal Festival chas added more great acts to the 2023 festival! Crowbar, Vemod, and Gaerea have joined the bill. Taking place April 6th – 9th 2023 in Oslo, Norway, the fest also features Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, Uada, Odium, Sakis Tolis, Harakiri for the Sky, Urgehal, Djevel, Nekromantheon, Mork, Darvaza, Nervosa, 1914, Svalbard, Vredehammer, Lili Refrain, Dwaal, Afsky, Mutilated Tyrant, Godflesh, Urgehal, and Masacre, and many more to be announced. For tickets and more info, click the link below!