ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH – Mammoth II


 

In October 2020 the world lost a true musical legend when iconic guitar icon Eddie Van Halen passed away, signalling the end of one of the all-time classic American Hard Rock bands. In the aftermath his son Wolfgang Van Halen, himself a touring bass player for his father’s band since the tender age of 15, released his first solo album as Mammoth WVH. The record was in many ways a heartfelt tribute to his father as highlighted on the songs ‘Distance’ and ‘Mr Ed,’ and had been in the works since Wolfgang had started recording in Eddie’s legendary 5150 studio way back in 2015.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Overkill – Scorched


 

Seems like we’re going to have to score another one for the bad guys. And by bad guys, I am referring to some of Thrash Metal’s pioneers who refuse to acknowledge the passage of time and are still melting amp heads like it was 1986.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Ripped To Shreds – 劇變 (Jubian)


 

The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/everything-ist Andrew Lee, US death metal mob Ripped To Shreds has been tearing up the Californian underground scene since 2016 and shows no sign of slowing down with its third full-length studio release 劇變 (Jubian) (Relapse Records). Originally created as a solo project to increase the visibility of American-born-Chinese in extreme metal, the band now acts as a four-piece and flies that flag with just as much pride as before but to a larger audience.

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INTERVIEW: Nik Nocturnal – The Ghost Cult Interview


YouTuber and Metal influencer Nik Nocturnal joined Ghost Cult Keefy for a discussion about his budding music career with Termina, social media, reaction videos, how he got his start in music, shred guitar, cover songs, working with superstars on music on collabs such as Will Ramos and Matthew Kiichi Heafy, listening to your audience, the “Heaviest Riffs” series, and much more! Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Ibaraki – Rashomon


Ibaraki is the new solo project from Trivium’s Matt Heafy, and Rashomon is released through Nuclear Blast, having been over a decade in the making. The name translates as “Wild Trees”, but is also taken from a terrifying Japanese demon of feudal legend, and the concept is a profound affirmation of Heafy’s Japanese-American heritage, incorporating a number of different musical styles. Although the main inspiration clearly sits within the black etal genre, taking influence from the experience of Emperor’s Ihsahn, who co-produced, and whose quirkier ideas from his solo work are peppered throughout the release. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Tetrarch – Unstable


In this day and age, it can be a daunting task for Heavy Metal music fans to decide what music to purchase due to the influx of new music available. Thank goodness there are bands like Heavy Metal powerhouse Tetrarch whose music never disappoints and is always the right choice. The band’s second full-length studio album, and first for Napalm Records, Unstable, unleashing ten tracks of mind-blowing Metal.

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Dumb and Dumbest Episode #455: Interview with Eleanor Goodman of Metal Hammer


Matt Bacon and Curtis interviews Eleanor Goodman of Metal Hammer and discuss the future of print magazines after COVID-19. Dumb and Dumbest #455 is streaming now and it’s an Interview with Eleanor Goodman of Metal Hammer! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Music Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR), and Social Media expert and Ghost Cult Owner, Keith Chachkes (BDWE Media). They are starting a new Music Marketing Challenge 7/27/2020, all about increasing Sales for your band! Email Matt to sign up early for the next challenge at the link below!
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Dumb and Dumbest Episode #454: Interview with Carl Stjarnlov of Diabolical on Songwriting


Matt Bacon interviews Carl Stjarnlov of Diabolical to talk about the mechanics of songwriting, the merits of a “riff soup”, the “Bus, Bed Bath” theory, and more! Dumb and Dumbest #454 is streaming now and it’s an Interview with Carl Stjarnlov of Diabolical on Songwriting! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Music Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR), and Social Media expert and Ghost Cult Owner, Keith Chachkes (BDWE Media). They are starting a new Music Marketing Challenge 7/27/2020, all about increasing Sales for your band! Email Matt to sign up early for the next challenge at the link below!
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Dumb and Dumbest Episode #453: Retargeting And You!


Matt Bacon and Curtis go down the rabbit hole on retargeting. Dumb and Dumbest #453 is streaming now and it’s all about Retargeting And You! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Music Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR), and Social Media expert and Ghost Cult Owner, Keith Chachkes (BDWE Media). They are starting a new Music Marketing Challenge 7/27/2020, all about increasing Sales for your band! Email Matt to sign up early for the next challenge at the link below!
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