Review: WOUNDVAC – ‘Infamy‘ [Album Stream]

WOUNDVAC is a hardcore/grind quartet from Phoenix, Arizona. The band formed in 2014 The band’s most predominant styles are hardcore and grind, but you also can hear some punk influence within their sound as well. The band has 7 varying format releases so far in short amount of time they have been formed. Everything was started with the bands ‘S/T’ EP that released in 2014, and then followed up with ‘DISGRACED CONVERT’ 7″ in 2015. In 2016 the band had 4 different releases. The first of which was a ‘WOUNDVAC // COLUMNIII Split’ 7″ that featured 2 tracks from WOUNDVAC and one from fellow the Arizona natives COLUMNIII. It was on this release that current vocalist Rich joined the band, taking the place of the bands original singer. The next release was the single “Sentient Cancer” which is features an array of political themed lyrics. Next was another split released in October of 2016, this time released on cassette. The ‘WOUNDVAC // GLITTERBOMB Split’ Cassette which featured 2 songs by each band. The 4th and final release of 2016 was a two track flexi disc release titled ‘They Eat Their Own Young / Rumination’. The flexi disc is a record made of a thin, flexible vinyl sheet with a molded-in spiral stylus groove, and is designed to be playable on a normal turntable. Though the flexi disc was created in the 60’s their popularity was brought back by Decibel Magazines monthly flexi disc series that features exclusive songs. Now WOUNDVAC has started off the New Year strong with yet another release. ‘Infamy‘ was released on February 17, 2017. Drums recorded at Arcane Digital Recording with Ryan Butler (Exhumed, Ghoul, Nightrage), the Guitars, bass, and vocals were recorded and mixed by Kiel Siler and Additional vocal mixing by Zachary Rippy at Sound Signal Audio. The album was mastered by Ronald J. Llewellyn (The Freeze, Destruction Unit) of Welshman’s Pride. WOUNDVAC has not only proven that they have achieved the sound in which they have been progressing towards, but their vast discography in less than 3 years as an active band shows the immense work ethic they have.  Continue reading

Review: Havok – ‘Conformicide’

 

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Havok is an American thrash metal band from the mile high city of Denver, Colorado. Since being formed in 2004 the band has been dominating the thrash scene. ‘Conformicide’ is Havok’s 4th studio album and it was done through Century Media Records. It’s the first album with bassist Nick Schendzielos as well as the first release via Century Media Records. This is also the longest gap between albums, coming 4 years from their last effort. ‘Conformicide’ will be released on March 10th 2017. Relatively speaking, Havok is “new” to the thrash scene. They have been around since 2004 but have really secured their place in the new wave of thrash metal. They drastically change their sound with every record and that keeps them interesting enough to stay on top of other bands coming through the thrash scene. This album is largely centered around politics with another big focus to the record being a religion.

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Review: CULTURAL WARFARE – ‘Future Kill’ [Song Stream]

Artwork by Brian Lewis

From Oakland, California, Cultural Warfare are preparing to debut their first EP from M-Theory Audio, “Future Kill”. This thrashing release will drop this Friday on January 27, 2017. The band has undergone some lineup changes since forming in 2011 but has finally been solidified for their first release. The band consists of long time members Billy Garoutte on the guitars and Kevin Doughty on the drums. Joining the band will be members from the band Taunted, with Jacques Serrano on the vocals and Pete Aguilar on the bass guitar. The EP was produced by Juan Urteaga (Testament, Exodus, Vicious Rumors) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Sepultura). The artwork of ‘Future Kill’ was done by Brian Lewis of Stone Design (DevilDriver, Black Label Society). Having been around since the formation of bay area thrash, the highly experienced members of Cultural Warfare are here in 2017 to conquer the world with their classic thrash sound.

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State of the Art: Idaho – Krystos

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is Idaho

Man! Yet another killer band from Boise! I have been very impressed with the outright talent found in and around the capital city of Idaho and had zero difficulties finding interesting SOTA artists to cover this month. One more Metal scene that appears to be alive and flourishing. This week let me introduce you with Krystos!

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Brazilian Thrashers BLACKFORCE Release Lyric Video For “Downfall” [Album Stream]

Brazilian thrashers BLACKFORCE have posted a new lyric video for the song “Downfall” in support of their debut EP ‘Slaves To Reality’ recorded, mixed and mastered at the band’s home studio. BLACKFORCE hail from Niteroi in the state of Rio de Janeiro – Brasil. They 5 members are all friends and formed the band together in 2014. ‘Downfall’ lyric video was edited by Marcelo Nespoli and can be watched at the following below. Continue reading

WEAKLESS MACHINE Posts New Video For “Tarred With The Same Brush”!

Brazil’s WEAKLESS MACHINE have posted their new music video ‘Tarred With The Same Bush’ in preview of their upcoming debut album (title and release date to be determined). The video was recorded at Studio Black, filmed and edited by Orbit Global Art. After hearing this song WEAKLESS MACHINE is a band we are going to be keeping a close eye on. The band has a tremendous amount of thrash elements within their music. Vocalist Jonathan Carletti adds 2 dimensions of singing to this song. At times he has an aggressive harsh scream and then at other times he has more of a dialed back harsh yet melodic tone. The riffs throughout the track seem almost unfathomable that they are produced by one guitarist. Yet those thunderously heavy riffs are shredded by one man Fernando Cezar Junior. Every aspect of this song showcases each band members talents, and when you put them all together it creates on kick ass cohesive song. We fully expect their upcoming release to be filled with even more incredible riff filled goodness. Stay tuned as we will let you know once the album has a scheduled release date.  Continue reading

State Of The Art: Tennessee’s DAWN PATROL

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is Tennessee!

Memphis, Tennessee’s DAWN PATROL help make crossover relevant again. Their ability to blend thrash and punk influences makes for amazing output from the band. The power trio is comprised of brothers Tommy Gonzales- Guitar/Vocals, Kyle Gonzales- Drums/Backup Vocals, and rounded out with Spencer Martin on Bass/Backup Vocals. The band lists some of their influences as Dead Kennedys, Exodus, Leftover Crack, and Megadeth. The band has released some independent EPs in the past but they consider ‘Democracy Delivered’ their debut as it’s when the band truly started finding their signature sound. The album was released on July 3, 2015.  Continue reading

REAPTER Release Lyric Video For “Useless”!

Italian thrash metal / prog metal band REAPTER released new lyric video for the song “Useless”! The song is from their recent album ‘Cymatics’ which was released on September, 23th 2016 via Revalve Records. The band was formed in 2005 and has toured along side acts such as Testament, Dark Funeral and Sadist. ‘Cymatics’ is the follow up to the bands critically acclaimed debut album ‘M.I.N.D.’ which was released in 2013. “Cymatics” is born from several factors: lyrics talk about the daily life in order to plunge the listener in a specific situation. Each song is a different situation with the individual focused on it. Furthermore, the band says “we wanted to use the 432Hz frequency on the instruments tuning, in order to produce a sound which can be found in nature.” The band not only combines elements of thrash and prog but you can also hear moments of classic heavy metal inspiration as well. REAPTER also tells captivating stories within their music, which you can see a great example of in their new lyric video below.

Follow REAPTER on Facebook here. 

Review Of Flotsam And Jetsam, Helstar, And Hatchet Show At Jack Rabbits In Jacksonville, FL

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Man! When we first got wind that Flotsam and Jetsam, Helstar and Hatchet were hitting the road together, all of us here at MN (particularly Dragon and me) were praying this would stop somewhere within striking distance. Not just to see this collection of top shelf bands but also to get this match made in heaven available to our loyal readers. Who wouldn’t want to see this? Love Hatchet. Been listening to them for since around 2013 when Dawn of Evil hit. Helstar. Hell, I have listened to them on and off for the better part of thirty years. Don’t even get me started on Flotsam and Jetsam. They have ranked among my favorite bands consistently since Doomsday for the Deceiver way back in 1986. Saw them on their tours supporting No Place for Disgrace and Cuatro at Bogarts in Cincinnnati and one other time in Indianapolis in the late nineties. I have relentlessly listened to them even with my long hiatus seeing them live. While I like some of their releases better than others, Flotz is one of those bands that apparently cannot put out a bad album. I can only think of a couple of other bands that I hold in equal regards. To say the least, this was a dream show for me and was elated to find that it was coming to Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville, FL; just minutes from my house! So, you ask: “How was the show?”…

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Metallica Video Binge Continues With “Am I Savage”!

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This 5th installment of National Metallica Video Release day now includes “Am I Savage”. This is the second video today directed by Herring & Herring. The masterminds behind Herring & Herring is Dimitri Scheblanov and Jesper Carlsen. Who are renowned international fashion photographers. The two are the founders of Herring & Herring Magazine. They directed the video released earlier titled “Now That We’re Dead” (6pm). Metallica also gave them the nod on a 3rd video for “Halo On Fire” which will be released at midnight.  Continue reading