ALBUM REVIEW: Avenged Sevenfold – Life Is But A Dream…


 

Avenged Sevenfold are potentially one of the most divisive metal acts out of the US since Metallica. All you need to do is look at their previous two albums, 2013’s Hail To The King & 2016’s The Stage to see the extreme polar oppositions these albums created. The former for how the band wore their Metallica influence on their sleeve, creating their own version of The Black Album, and then the following 2016 release throwing all of their previous influences and sounds up in the air, bringing in outside sources from the likes of Pink Floyd, and creating a wholly new progressive rock/metal experience.

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REVIEWS ROUND-UP: ft. Enforced – Chronicle – Vintersea – Ignea – Burning Witches


 

While paring Enforced’s third album, War Remains (Century Media) down to a violent interbreeding of Seasons In The Abyss and Nightmare Logic may seem a little unfair and reductive, nonetheless, it immediately focuses the mind on the sort of aggressive perfection you have in store on this utter treat of metallic pummelling. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Enforcer – Nostalgia


 

Enforcer has had some solid success in their career with their easily accessible traditional Heavy Metal style. With some many bands going back to more old-school stylings it’s easy for bands to get lost in the shuffle. Enforcer has been able to stand out ahead of the pack with consistent material and commitment to their style. While the band has constantly gone on record to state that they aren’t merely an old-school retro act, their latest album, entitled Nostalgia (Nuclear Blast) seems to beg to differ.

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Jeff Hanneman of Slayer Died Ten Years Ago Today


 

dreamstime_l_14823565 Photo 14823565 Slayer Jeff Hanneman c Tomas Hajek Dreamstime.com

dreamstime_l_14823565 Photo 14823565 Slayer Jeff Hanneman c Tomas Hajek Dreamstime.com

 

Jeff Hanneman, legendary guitarist of Slayer passed away on May 2nd, 2013, ten years ago. Although the band continued for six more years without Jeff, they missed the co-founding Thrash Metal rhythm and lead guitar innovator. Ghost Cult continues to fly the flag of Slayer, high. In the time since he passed, Ghost Cult covered Slayer just as heavily in Jeff’s life, as they released a final studio album with Jeff’s contributions (Repentless), had a legend and friend hold down his spot live (Gary Holt of Exodus), released a comic book with Jeff’s likeness, completed their final world tour ever of two years, released an incredible film/music video trilogy (The Repentless Killogy), former bandmate DaveLombardo wrote a loving tribute to his fallen friend, and we have created two career-spanning retrospectives (read them here and here) on the end of the band. From the time Jeff passed and every night on that final world tour, Slayer honored Jeff during ‘Raining Blood’ with the “still reigning” banner. Hail Jeff and hail Slayer!

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CONCERT REVIEW: Brujeria – Dwarves – Art of Shock Live at Strummers


 

As I show up to Strummers, where Brujeria’s Matando Güeros 30th Anniversary Tour is playing tonight in Fresno, California, a fan ran up to the door and asked the guard if the show will still be happing in an hour. Walking into Strummers saddens me to not see a big crowd, but people spread out and some up close to the stage as Art of Shock is performing.

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Forbidden Reunites With a New Lineup, Set to Perform at Alcatraz Festival 2023


 

After teasing it for a while on social media, classic Bay Area Thrash band Forbidden has announced a reunion. Forbidden’s lineup now features original guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho, guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-Testament, ex-Nevermore), drummer Chris Kontos (ex-Machine Head, ex-Testament), and vocalist Norman Skinner (Niviane). Forbidden’s will perform at Belgium’s Alcatraz Metal Festival in August, as their first show back. Past notable members include founding vocalist Russ Anderson, Robb Flynn (part of the Forbidden Evil lineup and release), Gene Hoglan, Paul Bostaph, Tim Calvert (RIP), Glen Avelais, and others. Forbidden’s last album was the excellent Omega Wave in 2010.

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SONIC VOYAGE: Metallica – The Discography 1983-2023


 

Get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other with our new series Sonic Voyage – the Discography show hosted by the one and only Ojayy of Ghost Cult Mag. For our first episode – Metallica! Whether you’re a die-hard music fanatic, or just wondering how many albums a band has, Sonic Voyage is the new destination for exploring the depths of the music world.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Queensryche – Marty Friedman – Trauma Live at The Marquee Theatre


Queensrÿche brought their Digital Noise Alliance tour to The Marquee Theatre in Tempe, with fellow metal legends shredder Marty Friedman, and Bay Area thrash/heavy metallers Trauma (the original band Cliff Burton was in before he joined Metallica). Locals Show N Tell and Spiritual Suicide opened. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Night Demon – Outsider


 

Night Demon has done a tremendous job of bringing back the traditional sound of classic Heavy Metal back to the masses. Sure there are plenty of other bands that perform various styles of classic NWOBHM but Night Demon does it best.

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Vio-Lence Performs in Los Angeles, Phil Demmel Considers Stepping Back from The Band Following Latest Lineup Changes


 

Vio-Lence performed at the World Famous Whiskey-A-Go-Go this past weekend, their first show with drummer Adrian Aguilar (Exmortus). This comes less than three weeks after co-founder Perry Strickland quit the band. The band recently announced that guitarist Phil Demmel will be unable to make the group’s shows in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand in early March and will be temporarily replaced by Miles Dimitri Baker (Voidbringer, Interloper, Ex-Rings Of Saturn). In a new post to Instagram, Phil Demmel gave a “state of the Vio-lence address”, including telling vocalist Sean Killian he wanted to “shut down the band” following the recent departures, and that he may have limited to no involvement touring with the group in the future. Strickland is the second member to depart the band recently following Bobby Gufstason (ex-Overkill) a few months ago. Continue reading