DragonForce – Warp Speed Warriors


Before we start, go back and take another look at the cover art.

Go on, I’ll wait.

See, while some bands go for a subtle or even abstract “don’t judge a book by its cover” approach, other bands are Dragonforce. Everything emblazoned on the cover to ninth full length studio release Warp Speed Warriors (Napalm Records) is represented here through the medium of eardrum destroying sound. No room for understatement, metaphor or artifice – just a bold, blinding explosion of light, colour and comic book action.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Traveler – Prequel To Madness


It’s no secret that Canada has a long and storied history of producing quality Heavy Metal. From classic bands such as Anvil, Annihilator, and Exciter to more recent acts like 3 Inches Of Blood, Cauldron and Unleash The Archers, Canadians always seem to hit the traditional Metal mark. Continue reading


FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Festival 2023 – Part 2


 

SATURDAY

With the weather nothing like the crispy oven-cooked hellfire of last year’s Summerpocalypse, Bloodstock is a much happier place this year, and not even the first downpour of the weekend can dampen the spirits. Especially as today is Corpse-paint Day where everyone is invited to daub themselves in black and white make-up and become angry badgers for the next few hours.

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KK’s Priest Replaces Helloween for Bloodstock Open Air, Festival Kicks Off Today


 

Final preparations are ready for this weekend’s Bloodstock Open Air, kicking off today, the 10th of August through the 14th at Catton Park, Derbyshire. Sad news as Helloween has been forced out of the fest due to a last-minute illness. They are being replaced by KK’s Priest, led by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing. BOA ‘s2023 Ronnie James Dio Main Stage Headliners are Killswitch Engage, Meshuggah, and Megadeth. with the full band list below.

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Bloodstock Open Air Sells Out Day Tickets For Sunday, Announces Ten More Metal To The Masses Winners


As this year’s event gets ever nearer, Bloodstock is thrilled to announce that Sunday day tickets for 2023 are now SOLD OUT!! Standard weekend tickets remain available but are going quickly, plus a limited day allocation for Friday and Saturday. Read on for more band news, plus all the details on the RAM Gallery exhibitors, the return of the T-Shirt/CD Amnesty and Planet Rock Signing Tent, plus how to do a one-stop-shop for all your festival essentials.

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FESTIVAL RECAP: Nightwish and In Flames Kick-Off Release Athens Festival Series


Festival season in Athens, Greece has begun with Nightwish and In Flames debuting at Release Athens Festival on June 7th, in Water Square. The headcount featured over 12,000 fans singing along and crowd-surfing throughout the night.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Helloween – Hammerfall Live at The Worcester Palladium


 

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this show for months since its announcement. Helloween and Hammerfall: two staples of the Power Metal movement invaded the Worcester Palladium on a warm clear night. When I arrived, enthusiastic metal heads were wrapped around the building and down the block. After I got my credentials and ventured inside and waited for the show to start.

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PODCAST: Episode 271 – Markus Grasskopf of Helloween on the Return of Touring


 

Fotograf, Photographer, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Heidelberg

We talked to Power Metal legend Markus Grasskopf of Helloween on the eve of their current USA tour. Markus who is an OG Helloween co-founder shared all kinds of gems about his career, the “Pumpkins United” lineup, how he continues to challenge himself on bass, signing with Atomic Fire Records, NEW Helloween music, and more!Continue reading


Bloodstock Open Air Shares Lorna Shore 2022 Full Set Video, Merch Drop and Deposit Plan


 

Catton Park, United kingdom, 13 Aug 2022, Lorna Shore performing on the Ronnie James Dio Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival Credit: Rich Price/Ghost Cult Magazine

Bloodstock Open Air 2023 will be here before you know it! The festival continues to inspire by dropping content. Head over to their YouTube channel to watch full video performances from bands, including a new one from Lorna Shore. The fest also dropped more merch, including Download Mascot plushies on pre-order, and a reminder that their deposit scheme for 2023 closes soon.
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Bloodstock Open Air 2023 Books Candlemass, Tribulation, Royal Republic, Employed To Serve, Witchsorrow, Wytch Hazel, Skin Failure, and More


Bloodstock Open Air 2023 (BOA) has announced a slew of new bands, filling out the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage, and Sophie Lancaster stage. Now on the bill are Candlemass (replacing Whitechapel who have dropped out), Tribulation, Royal Republic, Employed To Serve, Witchsorrow, Wytch Hazel, Skin Failure, Bloodyard, Wolfbastard, Tribe Black Coast, Russkaja, Gaerea, and Striker. Watch the new Bloodstock trailer here. Continue reading