CONCERT REVIEW: Havok – Toxic Holocaust – I AM – Hammerhedd Live at Cornerstone Berkley


 

The night got started with viral youth sensations, Hammerhedd, and their mathematically rhythmic opening act could lull you into a false sense of security if you didn’t know they were the calm before the storm. Hammerhedd reminded me of the classic djent sound of Mesuggah, circa 1994’s None. Their groovy, chonky, hypnotic riffs even gave me Nirvana/ Bleach vibes at times, particularly the angsty tint of the vocals. Overall, their sound was a pleasant warm-up as we eased into the show but their stage presence is still maturing. The trio finished leaving the crowd in a state of anxious anticipation of the chaos to come.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Vio-Lence – Skeletal Remains – Fueled By Fire – Phantom Witch Live and Outside at Line 51 Brewing


It was the second of two days in a row in Oakland for the Live and Outside concert series produced by the Oakland Underworld Metro Opera House at Line 51 Brewing. I had barely recovered from seeing YOB the night before when it was time to head back over to Line 51 Brewing, but this time for some Thrash and Death Metal greatness. Although I ended up getting there early, there were many more people here today than for yesterday’s smaller, but also intense show.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Biohazard – Indecision – King Nine Live at Irving Plaza


Irving Plaza in New York City was the home for what I called the “New Yorkers only night” of the sold-out reunion shows of Hardcore Punk and Heavy Metal Crossover legends, Biohazard. This night kicked off with Long Island’s own King Nine, who were new to my ears. Known for their abrasive, heavy sound, took to the stage with ferocity, that set a ferocious tone for the evening. They proved captivating with their blend of abrasive vocals and abrasive riffs, reminding the crowd why they have earned their spot on the stage tonight.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Power Trip – Live In Seattle


 

It is now coming up to three years since the tragic passing of Power Trip frontman, Riley Gale. A true performer and metal legend from the beginning of the musical career till the end. Acting as both a testament and memory capsule to Gale’s memory and legacy comes a live album from the band’s vault from 2018, deep into the band touring the seminal Nightmare Logic.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Geld – Currency – Castration


 

Despite listening to the genre for close to twenty-five years I am not well versed in the Australian Hardcore Punk scene; that changes now with Melbourne’s Geld and Currency // Castration (Relapse Records), the band’s third album. I have since learned that there is a thriving scene that includes the likes of Primitive Blast and Nerve Damage and clearly, I have a lot of catching up to do.

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Creeping Death Shares a New Single and Music Video for “The Common Breed”


 

Texan Crossover Death Thrashers Creeping Death have shared their new single, “The Common Breed,” with a live performance video. The track comes by way of the band’s Boundless Domain LP, set for release on June 16th, 2023 via MNRK Heavy. Watch it now!

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The Sonic Voyage of Biohazard – Discography Deep Dive 1988-2023


 

The musical journey continues with The Sonic Voyage – the Discography show hosted by Ojayy of Ghost Cult Mag. This episode features the recently reunited Biohazard! The band is playing select headline shows and festivals in 2023 (including Milwaukee Metalfest) and are working on new music too.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Going Off – What Makes You Tick


 

After two EPs worth of hard-slamming hardcore punk since their formation in Manchester in 2019, Going Off are delivering a larger beatdown with their debut LP, What Makes You Tick? (Church Road Records) with a fresh style that mixes older and new hardcore genres with plenty of destruction all around.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Skin Failure – Radillac


 

Nothing about Skin Failure resembles the status quo. The artwork is cartoonishly metal; the band’s logo is metallic spray paint; and their debut is a concept album that follows the travails of an interdimensional Jesus.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Pure Filth Festival at Sharkey’s Event Center, Liverpool, New York


 

Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool, New York hosted the Pure Filth Festival, a one-day outdoor festival featuring both new and legendary metal bands, with a focus on Thrash Metal in particular. The roster included Exodus, Municipal Waste, Voivod, Integrity, and five more bands.Continue reading