Following the 2017 death of HIM and a brief hiatus, Ville Valo debuted his solo project VV in the spring of 2020. After surviving on drip-feeding of singles over the past few years, romantics and vampires everywhere can finally rejoice as we’ve been given a feast in Valo’s first full-length record in a decade, Neon Noir (Spinefarm).
Industrial metal — of a recognisably early 90s style — lives on in 2022 in the form of Body Prophecy (20 Buck Spin) by Oklahoma’s Black Magnet. Following up Hallucination Scene — the project’s debut album — this latest release arrives with more than a casual nod to Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Godflesh (from which Justin K. Broadrick even lends his mixing talents on the album’s closing track). Continue reading
It was a perfect spring evening last Tuesday in Sterling Heights when Alternative Metal giants Deftones brought their tour to town. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing when a line of traffic started to form outside the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater. Cars were bumper to bumper as they tried to squeeze their way into the sold-out show at this Detroit suburb open-air venue. The opening act of the tour, VOWWS, could not make the gig so the second band on the roster, the mighty Gojira opened up the night.
The Goth tinged band The Nocturnal Affair opened the night. Armed with the deep and beautiful vocals of Brendan Shane, They are a really heavy gloomy doom band that’s kind of hopeful. A weird mix, I know. Thanks to strong as hell wireless mic, Shane took to the crowd , from up in the seats and to the pit and back again!
Cradle of Filth is known for their melodic tales of gothic horror, striking fear into the hearts of their gleefully morose fan base. However, when faced with truly unfortunate circumstances, the band showed their ability to power through the darkness and give the fans the performance they so desperately craved.
Gospelheim, Blackened Gothic Rockers from Manchester kick things off with a statement of intent with their debut single – ‘Into Smithereens’. Their self-released debut album will follow later this year. Featuring alumni from variety of respected underground Manchester-based metal bands, the group appeals to tastes ranging from Paradise Lost to Unto Others, and beyond. Continue reading
Let’s just face facts, the past year has been grueling. The pandemic affected the human race tremendously, changing life on earth. Musicians, of all genres, have started to release music they made during the shutdown of everything everywhere, and most of it echoes the angst of being on lockdown. Enter Wednesday 13’s newest release, Necrophaze, Antidote (Nuclear Blast). Although the songs were recorded during the recording of Necrophaze (Nuclear Blast), the four tracks were a welcome reprieve from the current melancholy atmosphere of the music industry.
Alcohol
The best Christmas gifts are the most useful ones. Slapping a bow on a bottle of Jack is the easiest gift you can give a metalhead. The great thing about it? Even if they have a preference, they aren’t going to turn down free alcohol. Type any brand and the words “gift set” into Google and you’ll find something. However, premade gift sets have a tendency to be overpriced and generic. You’re better off grabbing an empty box and filling it up with a variety of airplane bottles. It’s kind of like a box of chocolates—But booze.
Italian Goth Symphonic Metal emissaries Dismal are releasing their new album Quinta Essential this Friday the 13th, 2020! The trio shares their penchant of an eclectic myriad of styles from Classical influences, doom metal, darkwave, neofolk, waltz, and much more. All of this combines to create their big concept of “The Waltz Of Mind.”. Stream the album now!
We caught up with Dez Fafara of Devildriver to discuss his upcoming new album Dealing With Demons I, out on Napalm Records on October 2nd, 2020. We chatted with Dez on the state of the word, changes to the bands’ songwriting approach for this new record, considering different angles for lyrics and vocals, his long relationship with Napalm Records, plans for the next album after Dealing with Demons II – already being written, some musings on Coal Chamber, Dez’s many business successes – especially his new record label, and much more. You can order Dealing with Demons I here, and check out our chat! Continue reading
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