FESTIVAL REVIEW: Damnation Festival 2021- Live at Leeds University


In the time since its 2005 inception Damnation Festival has grown to into a four-stage affair that has become a mainstay of the UK metal scene. 2021’s festival on 6th November was significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it marked the event’s return after a year off due to COVID restrictions. Secondly, it sold out in record time; as soon as the UK government announced the end of all restrictions (back in March), all tickets were swept up within a matter of weeks. Thirdly, the lineup had to be dramatically changed, with many major international acts such as Wolves in the Throne Room and Pig Destroyer having to have their appearances cancelled due to then-ongoing uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions. Fourthly and finally, 2021’s Damnation marked the end of its 14-year tenure at Leeds University: 2022’s festival will return to Manchester (where it first took place for two years) at a larger arena venue.

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: March 19th New Music Releases


Purchase And Stream All The New Music Released Today!

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REVIEW: Psycho Las Vegas 2019 – Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino


As far as large multi-day fests go, Psycho Las Vegas is still pretty wet behind the ears having only just had their fourth annual incarnation this August but already it has begun growing into what will likely continue to be the summer juggernaut of partying and music. New this year, to the dismay of many, was the location change from the off the strip and perfectly themed haunt, The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, to the megaplex that is Mandalay Bay. Gone is the feeling of a true fest take over and in its place, a sprawling amalgamation of “psychos” and people from any town USA or abroad there simply to gamble, throw pre-wedding bashes, get drunk or maybe attend a conference (*ahem* “conference”). Once everyone got their bearings and navigated through this corporate mega casino/hotel/shopping mall, pushed back a few drinks or whatever preferred substances they were into, and found the locations of the four stages, the complaining ebbed and instead, people experienced the fest for what it is. A gigantic party with a great combination of bands playing for four days.Continue reading


FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Psycho Las Vegas 2019


Ghost Cult is once again honored to be part of Psycho Las Vegas, a goddam heavy metal casino/beach party extravaganza if there ever was one. The filth of Rock, Sludge, Doom, Trad, Hardcore, Prog, and Stoner Metal genres and the glitz of Vegas- baby, all rolled into one. Headlined by Original Misfits, Opeth, Electric Wizard, Corrosion of Conformity, Bad Religion, YOB, Lucifer, High on Fire, GsY!BE, Clutch, Carcass, Triumph of Death, Graveyard, ASG, Primitive Man, Deafheaven, Kadavar, Vio-Lence, Soft Kill, Andrew W.K., Tomb Mold, Power Trip, Full of Hell, and a ton more bands, it promises to be a rager. Sadly, Oranssi Pazuzu and Rotting Christ have dropped out. Every band is carefully curated and picked, so try to see them all if you can. If you can’t get set with the full lineup, and our “must not miss list” picks for each day!Continue reading


Wongraven Wine Tasting Event By Satyricon Frontman Returns To Inferno Festival


Once again, Satyricon frontman Satyr Wongraven’s Wongraven Wine Tasting event will return to this years’ Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, NO this March. As an extension of Satyr’ Wongraven Wines, he will lead a tasting and discussion exploring his passion and gift for winemaking. These events sell out yearly, so get your tickets now. Inferno Metal Festival is the longest running and most extreme metal festival in Norway and one of the most important metal festivals in the world. Continue reading


Batshuka Cancels Inferno 2019 Appearance, Aura Noir Joins The Line-up


Excellent kvlt metallers Batushka were recently announced for Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, Norway. However, they dropped out with no notice this week. Stepping in to replace their will be Aura Noir. The veteran local thrashers join a lineup that includes Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Hypocrisy, Bloodbath, Taake, 1349, Vomitory, Gaahls Wyrd, Carach Angren and more. The full lineup and ticket options can be seen below. Continue reading


Kniven Bar Stage Announced For Inferno Metal Festival 2019


Already packed with stellar bands, Inferno Metal Festival 2019 will collaborate with Kniven Bar to present their own matinée stage during Inferno Metal Festival 2019, together with DJs and happenings in the bar. Appearing will be Psykopath, Sepulcher, Nekromantheon, and local Oslo band Purple Hill Witch! Kniven Bar is “Oslo’s premier metal dive bar with a heavy focus on craft beer, tasty drinks and lo-fi music.” Tickets for Inferno are on sale now!Continue reading


Bloodbath, Cor Scorpii, And Superlynx Added To Inferno 2019


Swedish death metal supergroup Bloodbath is confirmed to as a new headliner at Inferno Metal Festival 2019, Opeth and Dimmu Borgir. The band consists of members from bands like Paradise Lost, Opeth, Katatonia, and Craft. Also newly confirmed are Cor Scorpii and Superlynx! The full lineup so far and ticket option is listed below. Continue reading


Psycho Las Vegas 2018: Live From Hard Rock Hotel And Casino


Psycho Las Vegas has grown and evolved over the years and has shaken off any comparisons to niche European fests and your traditional US fest, itself having no close comparisons, and being its own beast. Having everything under one roof including your stay can lead to late and debaucherous nights for some, packed and planned diverse schedules for the devout, a little compromise of both for others, but an all around good time for all. For a journalist working the fest, it goes by in a blur but you still experience having those stand out moments as well as highlights of your own. Continue reading


Impaled Nazarene, DVNE Added to Inferno Festival 2019


 

Finnish black metal greats Impaled Nazarene and UK sludge/doom band DVNE have been added to Inferno Festival 2019. The fest already boasts Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, The Black Dahlia Murder, Taake, 1349 and many more. More bands will be announced soon. Check out the full line-up so far below. Continue reading