Brisbane Melodic Hardcore legends WILDHEART are dropping their latest and most searing cut from their brand new EP, ‘We Are‘. The five-track release is out on Friday August 31 2018 and in a twist of fate and perfect timing, the band have been added to the BIGSOUND lineup in Brisbane – Australia’s largest music conference and showcasing opportunity – alongside other heavy music crews BAD JUJU, GRAVEMIND, BARE BONES, THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT, BETTER HALF, ARTERIES, WINDWAKER and more!
Two interviews this week. First up is the vocalist of Nonpoint, Elias Soriano. Elias and I discuss the latest Nonpoint album “X”. We also talk about listening to new music, parents supporting your decisions and making a setlist after all these years and albums.
Next up is Eric Peterson of Testament to talk about his project Dragonlord. Eric and I talk about the latest Slayer tour, playing with Alex Bent and where he would like to take Dragonlord.
Progressive metal band The Contortionist have announced the upcoming Reimagined Tour. This tour will be in support for their upcoming EP and will include two sets. One set will be a full production while the second will be a more intimate set. The entire show will feature two hours of old, new, and “reimagined” music. Coming along the tour will be Canadian prog metallers The Intervals. Continue reading
Apalači folk metal two-piece Nechochwen are based in the dense forest of West Virginia. Nechochwen (Aaron Carey) plays the nylon and steel string guitars, hand drum, flute, lalawas, and vocals while Pohonasin (Andrew D’Cagna) supports the rhythm section with drums and bass. Taking inspiration from indigenous peoples, their music is a blend of modern and folk instrumentation.
Formed in 2005, they focus on their Native American roots both lyrically and instrumentally. Releasing Algonkian Mythos in 2008, Nechochwen wrote and performed all the tracks. Finding spiritual guidance Nechochwen explains, “It was only natural that the mythos of the Eastern Woodland Indians of which I was learning would manifest itself through my other passion, music. There is no central theme to Algonkian Mythos; it is just my attempt to paint musical scenes of Native events that inspire, anger, or sadden me. I hope it somehow will transport you to another time and place.” The tracks on this album vibrate with a spiritual intensity and curiosity. Continue reading
Stone Broken was formed in 2013 after one of frontman Rich Moss’ former bandmates tragically died. Almost abandoning music for 4 years, Moss would form Stone Broken with longtime friend Robyn Hancock on drums, Chris Davis on guitar, and Kieron Conway on bass. Their self-released and self-financed EP, The Crow Flies was released in 2014. They then hit the studio again with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Motörhead, Bring Me The Horizon,Twin Atlantic) to record their debut full length, All In Time. Gaining a local following their first full length, there fan base grew rapidly. With tracks like “Not Your Enemy” and “Wait For You” getting airtime on Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock, the venues became larger and larger. Continue reading
Slayer
Slayer is one of the bands that defines metal, their fan base are full of die hard fanatics. It’s not often you get the chance to go to a show and know it will be the last time you will see the band perform. Sure, other bands have had farewell tours but more often than not bands break up or fade away and you don’t have that opportunity to say goodbye in a live setting. Slayer gave that to me and over 8 thousand other fans on a Sunday night in Nashville, Tennessee. As we rolled up to the venue there was already protesters lurking about warning us of our sins and our eternal damnation for attending such an event. I hate to tell them but with all the flames and fire Slayer had on stage it was probably hotter than hell, and we’d go to straight to Lucifer lair if it meant we got to hear “Disciple” one more time. For this leg of the tour Slayer brought an amazing cast of characters with them. The lineup included 3 of the Big Four of Thrash; Slayer, Testament, and Anthrax. In addition to those veteran acts we also were “blessed” with Lamb Of God, and Napalm Death opening the show while the sun was still high in the sky. Continue reading
*This is part of our “Aftershock Festival 2018 Spotlight” where we branch out and focus on some of the up-and-coming bands that fans can see at this year’s Aftershock Festival on October 13th & 14th. This week, we’re checking out DOROTHY.*
Los Angeles-based Dorothy brings bluesy rock with a sixties and seventies feel to the stage at this year’s Aftershock Festival. With a voice that’s equal parts Grace Slick and modern-day Janis Joplin, namesake and lead vocalist Dorothy Martin sings sleazy dive bar anthems that ooze with sex appeal and rebellious freedom. The band – which also includes Owen Barry (guitar), Leroy Wulfmeier (guitar), Eliot Lorango (bass), and Jason Ganberg (drums) have just released their sophomore album ’28 Days in the Valley’ earlier this year as a follow-up to their successful 2016 debut ‘ROCKISDEAD.’ Check out their highly entertaining music video for “Dark Nights,” directed by industry veteran Chris Marrs Piliero (The Black Keys, Ariana Grande). It’s a great track and equally kickass video that shows the band’s comedic side and even features a surprise appearance from Napoleon Dyanamite’s Pedro. Continue reading
I took a trip to Nashville this week to talk to Gene Hoglan. We sat down before the Slayer show at the Municipal Auditorium. Gene and I discuss the art of filling in for a band last minute, Charlie Benante’s dumming style and his history in Dark (not Death Angel) Angel. Gene talked about his time in Fear Factory. We also went over the inspiration and execution of the art available at genehoglanart.com.
Coming from West Virginia are the one and only Byzantine! With 7 official records they remain their golden yet underrated groovy sound that we call heavy metal. So without wasting anymore time, let’s get into it!
Heavy metal fans all over the world have grown up to their favorite bands’ music and sang along to every word. Sometimes, we form our own bands and cover some of our favorites. Other times, there are new bands which come out and release covers of their own. Some of our favorite metal bands today started out by covering their idols, and now their very own songs are sung by millions.
Sure, there are times we hear a cover that we don’t quite like, but others we end up liking more than the original! The point is, all cover songs come from a place of love and respect for the artist. Our love of metal is what brings us together, so here we’ve put together a list of the top five most covered metal songs to remind you of some old classics beloved by all. Continue reading
