At the time of writing a look out of the window reveals overcast and grey skies, whilst as quick a glance at the news is equally as bleak and miserable. It is hard to pay attention to the discourse in the world right now and not feel some combination of anger and hopelessness.
Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records follows Brian Slagel’s critically acclaimed 2017 book, For the Sake of Heaviness, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music. Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands, and more of Slagel’s musical wisdom. With Swing of the Blade, he delivers. Featuring a foreword by Slayer’s Kerry King, the new book is part memoir, part music-business primer, and all metal – delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about. Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and events, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond and other heavyweights. Swing of the Blade is told in Slagel’s humble but authoritative voice. His view for the last 40 years-from the studio, side-stage and boardroom-offers an unprecedented look into the music, business, and passion that has made both Slagel and Metal Blade champions of discovering and nurturing the best heavy music on the planet.
It seems to be an increasingly common event in today’s turbulent music scene that bands see departures in their ranks; whether this subsequently derails the band completely or becomes a benefit. For Entheos, it is firmly a case of the latter. Stripping to a two-piece consisting of vocalist Chaney Crabb and multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis, the pair have been able to write with less compromise and more focus on their own vision. The result of which, Time Will Take Us All (Metal Blade), certainly feels like fine-tuned creative pairing is a strong step up.
Normally when I hear the term “Supergroup,” I let out a disappointed sigh. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea to have a bunch of your favorite musicians get together and collaborate on something new. The major problem with this however is that it often works better as an idea since the finished product never seems to live up to the hype. Other times, the supergroup offers nothing really new. Siege of Power is to defy that cliche.
San Diego Death Metal greats outfit Cattle Decapitation will release their next album, their tenth, Terrasite, coming on May 12th, 2023 via Metal Blade Records. produced by Dave Otero (Allegaeon, Khemmis, Archspire) and with distinctive and horrifying artwork from Wes Benscoter (Vader, Kreator, Bloodbath, Hypocrisy), Terrasite is dedicated to the memory of Gabe Serbian, former Cattle Decapitation drummer, who died last year. Check out the album concept, artwork, and tracklisting now. Continue reading
Rivers of Nihil closes out their late year mini-tour with Killswitch Engage and Unearth tongith at a sold out show at The Worcester Palladium. Watch a fan site down and meditate during Rivers’ set at The Paramount in Long Island, New York.
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
‘Tis the season for fun festivities and what better way to get in the spirit of things than to attend Battlecross‘ 7th Annual “Battle Christmas.” The much-beloved band hosts a cheery evening with other great groups making it a highlight of this time of year. Hundreds gathered on the west side of Detroit last Friday to join the party. Resting between two Detroit burbs, The Token Lounge is a comfortable-sized venue that has been enjoyed for over fifty years. Hosting a wide variety of acclaimed acts, this delightful destination is a local favorite to catch a show and was the perfect place to host Battlecross’ extravaganza. Not only was this their much-anticipated annual get-together, but it was also their last show before going on an indefinite hiatus. Continue reading
In 2020, Ensiferum released their critically acclaimed full-length, Thalassic, via Metal Blade Records. Ensiferum has now booked a short headline tour through Central Europe for next spring!
Amon Amarth has shared a new single and video -“Oden Owns You All” One!” The track comes from their 2022 album, The Great Heathen Army, out now via Metal Blade Records. Read our review here. The band is wrapping up their 2022 North American Tour with Obituary, Carcass, and their labelmates Cattle Decapitation. The tour comes to a historical close on Saturday, December 17th when the band become the first death metal band to ever headline the legendary Kia Forum in Los Angeles with their full-scale European production, featuring pyro, Viking ships, a Viking helmet drum riser, live battle reenactments, the now infamous “Viking Row!” Read our coverage of this tour here. Watch the video now!