Author Archives: Fist

About Fist

Greetings and salutations. Call me Fist, I'm a proud Kentuckian and I've used metal to help me get through the suffering of living in the bible belt. I am an encyclopedia of metal. I'm a fan of all types of metal. My main goal here is to help people find more music they will fall in love with. Hope you enjoy our words! \m/

Robb Flynn of Machine Head Has A New Hero…..

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Robb Flynn lead singer for one of heavy metals finest bands Machine Head are currently in Australia. The last date of the sold out “An Evening With” tour in Australia ended last night in Perth. After Robb’s flight from Adelaide to Perth he noticed he no longer had his phone. As we all know your cell phone especially when abroad is a life line. It’s your email, social media, gps, well you get the point, it’s everything.

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Robb explained what happened via Instagram:

I left my phone on the flight from Adelaide to Perth yesterday, AGH!! I discovered it missing when we got to the hotel. FUUUUCK!! Thanks to “Find My iPhone” app I was able to track it back to the airport. My TM and I went back re-traced my steps around the coffee shop, bathroom, everywhere I went after I got off the plane, but mysteriously, my phone kept saying it was out on the tarmac. We learned from when someone broke into our dressing room and stole Dave’s iPhone (and eventually got back from thief) that the app s not 100% accurate but pretty damn close. So I took it all with a grain of salt. Eventually we found the dude below, and this guy went way, way, WAY above and beyond the call of duty looking for the phone out on the tarmac, which was a restricted area that we couldn’t go to. He kept coming back saying there was nothing out there, that it had to be wrong, and after 2 hours I was ready to give up, and resign myself to buying a new phone because let’s face it, in this day and age, EVERYTHING goes through your iPhone! He went back one more time, and miraculously, he found the phone!! He kept pinging it with the “play sound” feature (which sets off a ringtone), and where did he find it? Not on the plane, oh no… it was under a fence, in the outside area of the tarmac!!?? Apparently some Qantas Airlines employee in charge of cleaning the planes had found it and rather than turn it into lost & found, stashed it to take home, in hopes I’d forget it or something. Regardless, for the unbelievable amount of effort Mr. Scott Macander put into helping me out, this guy is getting a “DUDE’S A HERO” moniker!!! He stayed an hour after work to keep looking for it, and help a complete stranger, and that was after he’d worked from 4 AM to 4PM! I’m so damn inspired by this guy!! An average person / stranger who helps us out for no reason in particular other than just being a rad person. I tell ya man, in a world where everyone is often too busy helping themselves, and in a fat ass hurry to get on with their own lives, this guy did the opposite, am I grateful he did!!

Hero of the day is Scott Macander!

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Battlecross: New Song “Spoiled” Now Available For Streaming!

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New Battlecross song, “Spoiled” is now available for streaming (Below). The song is the first released from the upcoming album entitled “Rise To Power” which is due out on August 21st via Metal Blade. The new song starts out with this throwback 80’s style guitar riff and then jumps to a more modern thrash sound. It is the Battlecross we have all grown to love since the debut release on Metal Blade “Pursuit of Honor”. They are currently wrapping up a tour with Crowbar, and Lord Dying which will end on July 3rd in Baton Rouge. After that they will have some time off before hitting the road on Gwar’s 30 Years of Total World Domination tour with Butcher Babies.

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8/25 — Millvale, Pa. — Mr. Small’s Theater
8/27 — Des Moines, Iowa — Wooly’s
8/28 — Lincoln, Neb. — Bourbon Theater
8/30 — Lawrence, Kan. — Granada
8/31 — Tulsa, Okla. — Cain’s Ballroom
9/1 — San Antonio, Texas — Kapone’s
9/2 — Baton Rouge, La. — Varsity Theater
9/3 — Mobile, Ala. — Soul Kitchen
9/4 — Birmingham, Ala. — Iron City
9/5 — New Albany, Ind. — Rustic Frog / Befuddled Fest
9/6 — Winston-Salem, N.C. — Ziggy’s
9/8 — Wilmington, N.C. — Ziggy’s By the Sea
9/9 — Jacksonville, Fla. — Freebird Live
9/10 — Chattanooga, Tenn. — Track 29
9/11 — Sauget, Ill. — Pop’s
9/14 — Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — The Chance
9/15 — S. Burlington, Vt. — Higher Ground
9/16 — Reading, Pa. — Reverb
9/17 — Huntington, N.Y. — Paramount
9/18 — Rochester, N.Y. — Water Street Music Hall

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Cover art was completed by Hungarian artist Péter Sallai

Beneath Oblivion

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*This is part of our State Of The Arts series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*

This month’s state is Ohio.

Beneath Oblivion are based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have been together since 2003 and self released their first full length in 2006 titled “Existence Without Purpose”. The album they released in 2011  “From Man to Dust” is an incredible piece of doom from start to finish. The band defines funeral doom. The symphony of darkness on tracks like “Atomic Mother” capture you and have you listening and out of nowhere the vocals take hold of your throat keeping your attention. Each song seems to capture a darkness in its own way. The only way to convey the sound is like feeling each stage of death then hitchhiking your way back from hell. They are expecting another release soon. This band should not slip by anyone the vocals Scott T. Simpson brings to this album are flawlessly combined with the guitar work by himself and Allen L. Scott II. Nothing in the music is overdone, it’s the correct amount of everything. Bassist Keith Messerle and drummer Nate Bidwell play off each other like dirt beating down on a casket. When everything seems unbearably dark they let just a little light in, only so they can again bring you into the darkness again.

 

 

Follow Beneath Oblivion at:

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http://www.beneathoblivion.info/

 

Kadavar Release First Taste of New Album. [Video]

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Kadavar have released the music video for “The Old Man” which will be on the upcoming album named after their hometown “Berlin”. It is the first song released off the album which will be the bands 3rd album. The song is the Kadavar we all know, and if you don’t know them yet you have been missing out. This song just gives us a tease of what to expect out of the new album, which will be some of the best acid rock around. The new album is being released by Nuclear Blast on August 21st.

“Berlin” Track List:

  1. Lord Of The Sky
  2. Last Living Dinosaur
  3. Thousand Miles Away From Home
  4. Filthy Illusion
  5. Pale Blue Eyes
  6. Stolen Dreams
  7. The Old Man
  8. Spanish Wild Rose
  9. See The World With Your Own Eyes
  10. Circles In My Mind
  11. Into The Night
  12.  Reich der Träume (Nico cover) [Bonus Track]

 

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You can pre-order the album HERE!

Follow Kadavar at the following links:

http://facebook.com/KadavarOfficial

http://youtube.com/KadavarOfficial

http://twitter.com/KadavarOfficial

Witch Mountain – Johnson City, TN

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Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Witch Mountain was formed in 1997 and became a household name in the city that keeps it weird, Portland, Oregon. The doom crew had just released mostly likely the best album thus far since the formation of the band in the 2014 release “Mobile of Angels”. Singer Uta Plotkin was belting out all the vocals on the most recent albums. Her voice became the definition of doom to most within the scene. Uta announced she would be leaving the band prior to the release of Mobile of Angels in September of 2014. If that wasn’t already enough bassist Charles Thomas was leaving the band as well. This left only drummer Nathan Carson and guitarist Rob Wrong. Uta left some huge shoes to fill for whoever would eventually take her place. The band had a few months to look around for a singer prior to Uta leaving the band. They were in no immediate hurry to fill the spot and just wanting to ensure they had the right person. Less than a week after receiving a video audition from Kayla Dixon she was to become the new singer of Witch Mountain. Dixon spent some time with the Cleveland based band Demons Within, but the majority of her career was in theatre acting. The 19 year old Dixon was flown out to join the band and newly added bass player Justin Brown from the Portland band Lamprey. Once again the band was complete. A tour was soon announced and Witch Mountain would be opening for the doom power house YOB.

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

   Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Metal Nexus was lucky enough to catch Witch Mountain in Johnson City, Tennessee on March 27th. Just 5 days into that tour. The show was at The Hideaway which is one of the most intimate settings anyone could see a show. The stage is close quarters, up close and personal with very good sound. Kayla seemed very composed and eager to take stage. The whole crowd had yet to hear her sing as nothing had been released, so we were all going into this deaf and blind not knowing what to expect out of the new singer. Once the show started she seemed in her own world, the left handed shredder Rob started in on guitar and she began to sing. Immediately she had everyone in the room’s attention. Her vocals stand out, much different than anything we have heard in some time. Her singing would go from hitting these very high notes in perfect fashion to these deathly growls. After the first song the crowd was more than ready for more of the new Witch Mountain. Her stage presence made it seem like she had been the leader of the band for decades. Not one person in the room could look away. New bassist Justin and Kayla were showing that they belonged in this band. The great partnership of Rob Wrong and drummer Nathan Carson had correctly added an amazing new element to the band in Kayla Dixon. They began to play one of our favorites in the song “Beekeeper”. The song sealed the deal for us. Of course we love the old Witch Mountain stuff, but this new era is here and we love it. We went into this show not knowing what to expect and by the time it was over we were begging for more. Chemistry is hard to build within a band and sometimes takes a long time. The band looked like they had been playing with this lineup for years. For 45 minutes they captured the attention of every soul in the room, and may have even kept a few souls for themselves. Sometimes doom has a beautiful voice…

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

Photo Credit: Wilbur Kilb Hunter

The Great Iron Snake

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*This is part of our State Of The Arts series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*

This month’s state is Ohio.

Cleveland, Ohio is home of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and Lebron James, but most importantly it’s home to one of Ohio’s best rock bands in The Great Iron Snake. The band is a trio of hard rocking guys that have some chemistry when it comes to being in a band together. The comradery and stage presence they have may seem like déjà vu, but that’s only because they are ¾’s of the band Red Giant. The guys have been together sporting this new band name since 2012. You have Damien Perry at the helm on vocals and rocking out his Gretsch White Falcon guitar that sounds absolutely amazing. Brian Skinner is setting the low tones on bass, and behind the kit is Eric Matthews on the sticks. The band recently released a single in February entitled “Pungent Porcelain”. Like a trucker in a roadside brothel, the song gets right to business. The guitar work leads the song through its paces, from start to finish it’s an uphill to downhill rhythm. Playing off every up tempo and downtempo change the song perfectly showcases the talents of the band. They have been playing live shows in and around the Cleveland area with some other bands we enjoy like Trouble, and Black Pussy (and no I’m not referring to the kind of black pussy you can see if you go to www.tubev.sex/categories/1160/black I am on about an actual band called Black Pussy, great choice for a name don’t you think). Presently The Great Iron Snake is unsigned to a label, which we don’t think will last very long. With a unique sound and with as much chemistry Damien, Eric and Brian have together it won’t be long before they are fighting away offers. Other than the one song “Pungent Porcelain” that has been recorded and is streaming on Bandcamp there are a few good quality live videos available of the band as well. The song “Elipsis” (which we will link below) has this great little bluesy groove to it that just has this amazing energy to it. We always say that the best way to see a band is live and in person. We look forward to catching these guys on the road soon.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatironsnake

Bandcamp: http://thegreatironsnake.bandcamp.com/releases

Horns Up Against Cancer!

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Cancer is a disease that seems to have touched every family in America. So many families have to spend their evenings worrying about their family members, looking over things like these critical illness insurance quotes just in case something happens. It’s a horrible time, and not something that people want in their life. But it happens, unfortunately.

People suffering from many forms of cancer, from breast to prostate, experience large amounts of pain from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, although there are pain relief methods that are able to help them such as medical cannabis treatments where there are two different types of THC that they can choose from to best suit their treatment plan. Additionally, for those who are diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of smoking, there are similar methods that can be used. It can be hard to give up smoking, even after being diagnosed with cancer, because nicotine addiction is difficult to beat. But with delta 8 vape carts from OCN, vaping can be a viable alternative and can help you to give up smoking altogether, helping you to beat your cancer and stop it from ever coming back. It’s time to stop cancer from killing people for good! Over 20 bands are donating their time by putting on an amazing show in Louisville, KY at Diamonds Pub Concert Hall to help raise money to fight cancer. Horns Up Against Cancer is an all-day music festival and the money raised goes to the F*uck Cancer Foundation. The foundation uses proceeds to raise awareness, educate about early childhood cancer detection, and help victims and their families deal with the ongoing epidemic through the Dyin 2 Live Program.

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The bands honoring the stage are some great national touring acts. Headlining the show is Primer 55 who have rootd on Kentucky and were formed in 1997 and are a household name with any rock or metal fan. They will be giving “The Big F*uck You” to cancer. They are by no means the only well known band there. X Factor 1 will also be rocking out at the benefit as well. Coming down from Columbus the band has been a regional favorite around Kentucky, West Virginia and their home state of Ohio. Just a few other bands showcasing their talent to help fight cancer are In Virgo, 8lb Pressure, Eye Ov The Storm. There are far too many more bands to name. Remember that these bands are not being paid and are playing this show simply to help in the fight against this horrible disease, one that many turn to budexpressnow.net products to help mitigate the pain and illness that can arise from its slow creep over the body. Other than the bands there are a lot of people behind the scenes that helped this all day music fest happen and they deserve your praise as well. Barring jail or death anyone able should attend this show, Saturday September 19th. It kicks off at 10 a.m. and you can pick up at ticket for $25 bucks. How often can you help out a good cause and enjoy some amazing metal bands at the same time? You can help make a difference! Be there!

Get your tickets at: www.hornsupagainstcancer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/847498302025103/

All Them Witches

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All Them Witches

All Them Witches

 

   Rising out of the country music capital of the world, All Them Witches formed in 2012 and quickly became one of our favorite bands. They released their second album entitled “Lightning at the Door” in 2014 and it’s an album that never grows old. They can be called anything from desert rock, stoner rock, to psychedelic. The sound they create is like a potluck, where everyone in the band brings something to the table. Last year’s release is going to be hard to compete with in regards to a follow up, but they announced they have been working on their 3rd release. Unlike “Lightning at the Door” the 3rd All Them Witches album will not be self-released, as they recently signed with New West Records. They have been making the festival rounds this year as they just played Bonnaroo on June 13th and have been added to the Louder Than Life festival taking the stage on October 3rd in Louisville, Kentucky. They are by far one of the best bands on the bill that is filled with other big names. Not only is the music they play different from some of the rest that will be playing at the festival, but you can expect them to have a breakthrough live performance that will leave you wanting more. They are a raw talent that has a beautiful and unpolished sound that is sure to create fans by the masses. Festival goers who aren’t familiar with the band will be pleasantly surprised and we think All Them Witches will be leaving Kentucky with a much larger fan base. They are just one of many reasons to attend the festival this year as we will continue to showcase the bands appearing at Louder Than Life.

 

 

http://www.allthemwitches.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthemwitches?fref=ts

Get tickets to Louder Than Life: http://louderthanlifefestival.com/tickets/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louderthanlifefestival?fref=ts

Iron Maiden To Release “Book Of Shadows”

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Iron Maiden are set to release their 16th studio album on September 4th worldwide. The new album titled “The Book of Souls” will be a double album and was produced by Kevin Shirley and recorded in Paris, France. He has worked with other well-known bands in the past such as Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Black Country Communion, Journey, The Black Crowes, Silverchair and Rush. Finishing touches on the highly anticipated album from the metal stalwarts was just recently completed, and in many ways answers the questions that were posed when Bruce Dickinson had shockingly released news he had a tumor on the back of his tongue back in 2014. Chemotherapy and radiation have helped and Bruce has been given the all clear from his medical staff, although most recently it has been said the band may have to postpone a full scale tour until next year. The new album contains 11 tracks, and is a whopping 92 minutes long. This will be the first double studio album that Iron Maiden has released. The cover art was completed by 62 year old British artist Mark Wilkinson who is well known for his work on Judas Priest albums Ram It Down, Painkiller, Jugulator, Nostradamus and Redeemer of Souls. Eddie is looking as fierce as ever I might add as well.

Here is the album cover:

 

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Louder Than Life Festival 2015

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The Louder Than Life festival is the event that no one wants to miss. Thousands of people have been anxiously awaiting the release of bands that will be taking stage on October 3rd and 4th in Louisville, Kentucky. This is year two for the festival which had an amazing turn out for its inaugural festival last October. Anyone that visited the festival in 2014 would probably purchase a ticket prior to even knowing the bands playing. Louder Than Life is a collaboration of everything a festival should be, as well as the perfect time of year. Gourmet man food, need we say more? This festival isn’t home to that overpriced hot dog and nachos. You want sushi? A lobster roll? Jack Daniels ribs? Noodles? Or maybe even a doughnut? All of this and more will be there, and I might add that it is also top quality food at an affordable price. Rock and metal festivals have always taken place during the hottest months of the summer. October is by far the best month to have such an event. Not too hot, and not too cold, it’s perfect. Louder Than Life is happens to take place in the bourbon capital of the world, so you can bet there will bourbon available at the show as well. Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, Eagle Rare, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, and Town Branch are just to name a few. They will have the perfect bourbon for whatever your palate desires. If you aren’t a fan of liquor there is also craft beer. Some of Kentucky’s finest breweries will be there pouring pints. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is a favorite of ours. I’m sure by this point you already have your shoes on and are ready to make your way to Champions Park, but remember there is music too!

Louder Than Life 2015

Louder Than Life 2015

Just like with the food and beverage when it comes to music there is also something for everyone. Rob Zombie, Godsmack, ZZ Top, Shinedown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Slash w/ Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators are just some of the headlining bands to grace the stage at the sophomore outing of Louder Than Life. There are 47 total bands rocking out through the 2 day festival. The headliners will close out the show but the other bands on the bill are some of our favorites. We urge everyone to get there early so they won’t miss one of our personal favorites All Them Witches. They released the album “Lightning At The Door” in 2014 and quickly became one of our favorite albums of the past couple years. Another band not as well known to some is London, England based band The Temperance Movement, they have a 70’s influenced rock sound and they bring this energy to the stage that is unparalleled. Anyone seeking a retro sounding band would be thrilled to hear the music they create. Nothing More is a repeat band from last year’s festival, and they definitely earned their spot. The 4 piece put on one of the most interesting stage shows that we have seen in recent years. If you haven’t seen them before you are in for a treat. Newly formed supergroup Saint Asonia is also gracing the Louder Than Life stage after making a surprise performance at Rock On The Range. The band consists of rock veterans Adam Gontier vocalist of Three Days Grace, Mike Mushok guitarist of Staind, bass player Corey Lowery from Eye Empire and Finger Eleven drummer Rich Beddoe. The lineup could not be better.

We were fortunate enough to attend the show last year and it is one of the best festivals we have attended. Louder Than Life brings everything a person could want to one place and the ticket prices remain affordable. If you like to camp there is camping packages available as they have a campground directly beside the Louder Than Life festival grounds for both tents and RVs, so bring your caravan steps and pitch up for the weekend! Weekend tickets and single day tickets are available. We will see you there!

Tickets are available at http://louderthanlifefestival.com/tickets/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louderthanlifefestival?fref=ts