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Kerrang! Posts 13 Best Metal Shirts of All Time

David Gagnon — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 23:05:44 +0000

If you know me personally, you’ll know my entire wardrobe is comprised of almost nothing but black metal shirts. I’ve gotten them from all over: shows I’ve been to, finds from thrift shop, and even at a Target one time. The design has to be awesome though. I’ll rep your band for years to come if you not only sound good, but if your merch is just as amazing.

This week Kerrang!, a metal magazine, posted their list of the top 13 metal shirts of all time. Sure I was skeptical at first, but after going through it I’ll admit I’m impressed. I don’t own most of these, but I wish I did after going through this.

You can read their post here, and check out the list for yourself below.

Most metalheads have seen these shirts at some point in their lives, probably at a million different shows. But there’s nothing in this list that makes me want to pull my hair out in anger. Sure, there are some I wish had made the cut (Bathory’s goat head shirt, Guns N’ Roses’s Appetite For Destruction, etc.), but all in all this list is a fine piece of work. What would your list look like? Let us know!

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Five Acts You Should Be Paying Attention To

David Gagnon — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 19:11:44 +0000

While we shouldn’t necessarily be out with the old, we should welcome the new with open arms. Some of these bands have already established themselves within their respective circles, while others have yet to put out an album. Nonetheless, these artists are the future and should be recognized as such.

Khemmis

Formed in 2012, this doom act from Denver, Colorado put out Hunted in 2015 which topped many end-of-the-year lists, landing a place in the rest. While it would have been easy for them to carry on with the sound they made with Hunted, they chose to continue making their own path with their follow-up album, Desolation. Khemmis continues to expand their sound, drawing influence from sounds of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal back in the early-1980s, giving them a more traditional metal sound, while still carrying their doom metal sound.

Ne Obliviscaris

I will sing praises of Australian progressive metal masters, Ne Obliviscaris until the day I die. While they’ve been around since the early 2000s, the band dropped jaws and made a name for themselves with their debut record Portal of I in 2012. With two incredible follow-ups, Ne Obliviscaris should also be praised for their impressive crowd funding efforts and enthusiastic social network. Musically, each member of NeO can be praised from violinist and clean vocalist Tim Charles and guitarist Benjamin Baret to drummer Dan Presland and harsh vocalist Xenoyr. Each one of them are talented artists in their own right and manage to bring it together to form something that is truly incredible.

Tribulation

I didn’t know about the existence of Sweden’s newest black metal act until I saw them open for Behemoth and Cannibal Corpse in 2015 when they were promoting their third album The Children of the Night. Since then, I have been following this group, and was incredibly happy with the success that was their fourth album Down Below. Continuing with the gothic-elements that set them apart from the countless other Satanic acts that dot the black metal genre, Tribulation continues to define themselves with eerie melodies and catchy hooks that invoke images of old castles, rather than another forest full of Satan worshipers.

Greta Van Fleet

Okay, so Greta Van Fleet is the possibly the least metal act in this list, but these kids deserve every amount of attention given to them. Often have I seen them described as, “Led Zeppelin for the next generation”, these kids from Michigan have grabbed the rock community’s attention and have kept it focused on them. It was impressive that they managed to sell out their entire first tour, but it’s even more impressive when they only had one EP, Black Smoke Rising, which featured only four songs. While they’ve since put out a second EP, From the Fires, and plan to release their first album soon, these kids have had their fair share of criticism from people who claim they’re nothing but Zeppelin rip-offs. Whether that’s true or not is up to you, but I’ll keep listening to these kids for a long time.

Myrkur

While she is last, she is certainly not the least on this list. Formerly Amalie Bruun, a Danish pop star, Amalie revealed herself to be the mind behind the band Myrkur and has gone by that title ever since. Though she has had her fair share of criticism for being a woman in the black metal community, she has since learned to harness that directed anger and channel it into her art, as shown in her sophomore album, Mareridt. I’ve enjoyed Myrkur’s more atmospheric take to the black metal genre, and seeing her perform live has shown me that her albums do not hold a candle to what she can do on the stage. Managing to switch between the classic harsh vocals that black metal is known for and an incredible symphonic voice, Myrkur is forging her own path, no matter what those who are against her have said.

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Ne Obliviscaris Announces New Album

David Gagnon — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 15:30:39 +0000

Australian prog metal maestros, Ne Obliviscaris, have announced their newest album ‘Urn’ to be released on October 27. To tease the upcoming album, the band released a music video for the song ‘Intra Venus’, which has all of the marks of a NeO song; tasteful brutality, pieces of progressive metal sounds, amazing melodies, and epic solos. All of these things make me incredibly excited to hear the full album when it gets released.

This is the first album to feature their new bassist, Robin Zielhorst, formerly of Cynic and Exivious. Zielhorst has replaced bassist Brandon Brown, who departed the band after allegations of domestic violence. Zielhorst won’t be a permanent member or a touring member, but it will be exciting to hear him on the upcoming album and hear how his style will fit in with that of Ne Obliviscaris. But if ‘Inter Venus’ is any indication, I have a good feeling.

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Enslaved Is Done Recording New Album

David Gagnon — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:04:51 +0000

Norwegian metal legends, Enslaved, have reportedly finished recording their latest album.

A follow up to their 2015 release, In Times, this will be the first Enslaved album to feature keyboardist and clean vocalist Hakon Vinje after the departure of their longtime member Herbrand Larsen last year. Reportedly, this album has also been dubbed riskier than ever before by the band. According to Blabbermouth, the new album is “a spectacular sound chimera of experimental prog filled with majestic melodies, epic sound landscapes and harsh black metal moments — all united in a massive storm that will reach the coast this autumn.”

“I’m always psyched and proud when we have finished an album recording, and this is no exception!” states Enslaved singer Grutle Kjellson. “It was a really exciting process this time, with the line-up change and everything, so although it wasn’t a dramatic change, the band dynamics were suddenly different. But, it was like a little reboot, a fresh start so to speak. The studio sessions were great, and we all feel that we have done something truly amazing. We hope you’ll enjoy it. Ugh!”

Enslaved stated that the new album is due out sometime in autumn through Nuclear Blast, and will be mixed and mastered by Jens Borgen (Dark Tranquility, Daylight Dies, Leprous) at Fascination Street Studios. You can read the announcement from the band below, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

*** NEWS FROM THE STUDIO! ***
We’re happy to announce that we have now finished the recording process of our 14th, yet untitled album, set for release this autumn on Nuclear Blast! And while Jens Bogren is currently mastering and mixing this more progressive and epic full length release at his famous Fascination Street Studios, we’re putting the final touches to an epic first leg of a European tour that will be announced shortly, so keep your eyes open!

2017 will be the year we move forward with our sound and aim for more progressive and melodic horizons, adding an organic and old school-ish touch – and several courageous experiments. Exciting, right?

We’ll be playing on the following festivals this summer, see you around!
24.06 Halden (N) – Tons of Rock 2017
13.08 Kortrijk (B) – ALCATRAZ Festival 2017 – Kortrijk
24. – 26.08 Bergen (N) – Beyond the Gates
25.08 Moss (N) – Festivalen Sin
16.09 Sao Paulo (BR) – Overload Music Fest
26.-27.10 Stockholm (S) – Close-Up Båten 21

With Opeth
17.11 Belfast (UK) – The Limelight 1
18.11 Dublin (IRL) – The Academy

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Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford Make List of Top Ten Metal Albums

David Gagnon — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 20:15:18 +0000

Not too long ago, Rolling Stone magazine released their list of ‘The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time’. So, as part of the release, Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath and Rob Halford of Judas Priest both released their own top ten lists of their favorite metal albums. While some of these don’t surprise me, the biggest shocker was Korn’s self-titled album on Rob’s list.

Check them out below and let us know what you’re top ten favorite albums of all time are!

Ozzy Osbourne:
10) Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe, (1999)
9) Pantera – Cowboys from Hell, (1990)
8) Motörhead – Ace of Spades, (1980)
7) Metallica – Master of Puppets, (1986)
6) Megadeth – Rust in Peace, (1990)
5) Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV, (1971)
4) Judas Priest – British Steel, (1980)
3) Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction, (1987)
2) Alice in Chains – Facelift, (1990)
1) AC/DC – Highway to Hell, (1979)

Rob Halford:
10) Motörhead – Ace of Spades
9) Slipknot – Slipknot
8) Emperor – Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
7) Dio – Holy Diver
6) Pantera – Cowboys from Hell
5) Slayer – Reign in Blood
4) Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden
3) Korn – Korn
2) Metallica – Kill ‘Em All
1) Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath

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Behemoth, Lamb of God, and Slayer to Tour North America

David Gagnon — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 21:19:15 +0000

Rumors were flying a few days ago about a possible tour between Behemoth, Lamb of God, and Slayer. But now, it has been confirmed! The mighty trio will be touring North America for six weeks beginning in Bemidji, Minnesota on July 12 and ending in Phoenix, Arizona on August 20. Slayer and Lamb of God will also play at Rock Fest in Wisconsin on July 13, and Rock USA on July 15, and then meet back up with Behemoth to play at Chicago Open Air on July 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3.

Behemoth’s Nergal said, “It is with the utmost pride we are announcing the SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD and BEHEMOTH summer tour! We are beyond excited to be joining this bill with these living legends and… our friends one more time! We are also stoked about coming back to North American shores for the last time before kicking off the next album cycle. Come and join this EXTREME metal feast with us!”

Kerry King of Slayer added, “As metal tours go, this is the one that your fellow metal heads will be bragging about if you miss it! Not very often I get to go on tour where we are all friends to start. That being said, the potential for greatness at these events is mind blowing. I look forward to being a part of it, and hanging with old friends’ bands as well as fanatical fans! Let the festivities begin!!”

Randy Blythe from Lamb of God also said, “It’s been a while since we’ve toured with the almighty Slayer and even longer since we’ve hit the road with our friends in Behemoth. I can’t wait! This tour is gonna be the feel-good event of the summer – the gigs are gonna be like the Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love in ’67! Ok, so that’s complete bullshit, it’s gonna be absolutely nothing like that, so don’t show up with flowers in your hair looking for free hugs or anything stupid like that. It will be definitely be a good fucking time though (as long as your definition of a good time means brutal, caustic, and hideously loud music) – see ya there!”

So far the confirmed dates are as follows:

Jul. 12 – Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN
Jul. 13 – Rock Fest 2017, Cadott, WI (Slayer and Lamb of God on this bill)
Jul. 15 – Rock USA 2017, Ford Festival Park, Oshkosh, WI (Slayer and Lamb of God on this bill)
Jul. 16 – Chicago Open Air Festival, Toyota Park, Chicago, IL (Slayer, Lamb of God and Behemoth on this bill)
Jul. 18 – Express Live!, Columbus, OH
Jul. 20 – Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
Jul. 21 – St. Augustine Amphitheater, St. Augustine, FL
Jul. 23 – Electric Factory Outdoors, Philadelphia, PA
Jul. 25 – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
Jul. 27 – Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Jul. 28 – Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD
Jul. 30 – Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Aug. 01 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS
Aug. 02 – 1stBank Center, Denver, CO
Aug. 04 – The Joint, Las Vegas, NV
Aug. 05 – The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
Aug. 09 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
Aug. 11 – The Cuthbert Amphitheater, Eugene, OR
Aug. 12 – WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA
Aug. 14 – Encana Events Center, Dawson Creek, BC Canada
Aug. 15 – SMS Equipment Stadium, Fort McMurray, AB Canada
Aug. 17 – KettleHouse Amphitheater, Missoula, MT
Aug. 19 – Isleta Amphitheater Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 20 – Comerica Theater, Phoenix, AZ

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Top 10 Metal Albums of 2016

David Gagnon — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:57:32 +0000

I won’t lie when I say that I was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of material that came out of the metal scene this year. Veteran bands still blowing fans away with new material, while newcomers set out to make their mark as well. This years top list was a struggle to make, shifting through countless amazing albums by countless amazing bands. But despite it all, I present the Top 10 Metal Albums of 2016.

1. Alcest – Kodama (Prophecy Productions)

This album takes the cake as my number one album of 2016. A fantastic return to their original sound that they deviated from on their previous album Shelter, Kodamahas one of the most calming and beautiful sounds, while still implementing the traditional harsh vocals of the black metal scene. An incredibly complex and imaginative piece of art, inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, this album brings forth an air of calming mystique and wonder.

2. Inter Arma – Paradise Gallows (Relapse Records)

I didn’t hear about Inter Arma until this past summer when they released Paradise Gallows. I was immediately hooked by the opening track “Nomini”, and held captive by the ferocity of the album until the very end. Paradise Gallows is an incredibly diverse album, refusing to by pigeonholed into any one specific genre of metal, something that bands of all aspects of metal should aspire to. If you’re a fan of rock or metal, then this album is for you.

3. Nucleus – Sentient (Unspeakable Axe Records)

Representing Chicago, the boys from Nucleus were abducted by aliens and returned with an amazing album. Inspired by Dan Simmons’ Hyperion series, Sentient manages to bring forth sounds of previous death metal acts, while maintaining an original sound with a more modern production that makes it completely accessible. Not to mention the amazing artwork by Dan Seagraves, known for his artwork on albums like Entombed’s Left Hand Path and Morbid Angel’s Altars of Madness.

4. Rotting Christ – Rituals (Season of Mist)

Possibly one of the darkest albums I picked up this year, Rotting Christ’s Rituals is a malevolent work of art. Much like its namesake, the tracks off of this album sound like they were pulled from a dark book of rituals you would see in a horror movie, with fitting riffs and solos for each one. Rituals is also a continuation with their exploration of sound, different from their earlier releases and it works out brilliantly. Definitely a must listen for any fans of blackened death metal.

5. Gojira – Magma (Roadrunner Records)

A solid follow up to 2012’s Le’Enfant Sauvage, Gojira bears their soft side with Magma, considered to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2016. While it does lack the heaviness of some of their previous albums, this album still manages to hit the spot with catchy riffs and emotional solos. Each song is full of passion and conviction, making this release another excellent addition to Gojira’s legacy.

6. Metallica – Hardwired…To Self-Destruct

I had been waiting since Death Magnetic for the promised release of Metallica’s next album. When they finally dropped the music video for their opener Hardwired, I knew it would describe my feelings towards 2016. Hardwired…To Self-Destruct had me banging my head and reminiscing of their earlier material. Another solid release from these metal veterans, I look forward to hearing news of an upcoming US tour this year.

7. Khemmis – Hunted (20 Buck Spin)

I was incredibly impressed by the sophomore release of Denver doom metal act, Khemmis. This album is a beast of itself, paying tribute to no specific doom metal acts that have come before them. This release amazed me from start to finish with its satisfying riffs and melodic solos, as well as its amazing vocals. Hunted is a solid follow-up to their previous release, Absolution, and continues to promise a bright future for the band.

8. Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas – Mariner (Indie Recordings)

One of the most interesting collaborations I’ve seen this year, doom metal dudes Cult of Luna and the symphonic Julie Christmas. At first, this album was difficult to listen to, and I found it hard to digest. However, when it finally managed to click with me, it latched on. The artists manage to complement each other incredibly, making this an amazing collaboration.

9. Skuggsjá – Skuggsjá (Season of Mist)

The only way I can describe this album is a heavy metal Wardruna. Skuggsjá is a collaboration between Einar Selvik, composer of the Vikings and the frontman of Wardruna, and Ivar Bjørnson, guitarist of Enslaved. For those with an appreciation of the ancient world, Skuggsjá was created as part of the 200^th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution back in 2014. Skuggsjá manages to successfully combine the naturalistic elements of Selvik’s Wardruna and the metal styling of Enslaved, managing to blend ambient guitar riffs with the occasional black metal vocals. In the end, it’ll leave a lasting impression of the ancient Vikings on the imagination of the listener.

10. Ihsahn – Arktis (Candlelight Records)

Another experimental piece from the legend known as Ihsahn. Arktis manages to prove that Ihsahn has more in common with Devin Townsend and Opeth than he does with his original black metal act, Emperor. This release is certainly an impressive feat as Ihsahn manages to communicate with different genres, yet maintain his metal orbit. Along with his compelling lyrics, Ihsahn has another excellent release to show that he isn’t afraid to continue experimenting with his music.

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Chicago Open Air Announces 2017 Lineup

David Gagnon — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 01:15:56 +0000

Chicago Open Air has returned for its second year with the announcement of its 2017 lineup!

The headliners for Chicago Open Air are KISS, Korn, and Ozzy on July 14th – 16th. Like last year, the event will take place at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL. Other acts include Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Slayer, Megadeth, Seether, Stone Sour, Anthrax, Clutch, Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Amon Amarth, Steel Panther, and many more. You can find the full lineup for all three days below.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at noon local time at the official Chicago Open Air website. Tickets prices are as follows:

3-day General Admission Field: starting at $209.50
3-day General Admission Bowl: starting at $119.50
3-day VIP: starting at $425.00
Single Day General Admission Bowl: starting at $50.00

VIP tickets include: VIP entrance lanes to events, access to a VIP lounge area with dedicated food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase), field and stadium level viewings of the main stage, dedicated restrooms, and a commemorative Chicago Open Air VIP-only laminate.

Of course, there’s still more to Chicago Open Air than the music. According to an official press release, Chicago Open Air will feature Gourmet Man Food and special craft beers, a pre-party and after-show event, a metal themed dive bar, and many other events hosted by non-profit organizations. [x]

Let us know what you think of the bands performing and if you’ll be going in the comments below!

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Ex-Agalloch Frontman Announces Pillorian and Debut Album

David Gagnon — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 01:14:25 +0000

2016 has been a rough year. Without warning, and with some debate as to whether or not it would become a one man project, atmospheric black metal band Agalloch split up earlier this year. Don Anderson (guitarist), Jason Walton (bassist), Aesop Dekker (drummer), and Aaron John Gregory (vocalist) went on to form Khorada, leaving frontman John Haughm on his own. This was an unsurprising move considering the breakup seemed to be the entire band against Haughm.

This doesn’t mean that Haughm hasn’t disappeared from the scene. With Stephen Parker (Maestus, ex-Arkhum) and Trevor Matthews (Uada, ex-Infernus), Haughm has formed his new band Pillorian and will be releasing its debut album, ‘Obsidian Arc’ on March 10 through Eisenwald.

Pillorian describes itself as a band who incorporates “haunting melodies with avantgarde structures, dark folk elements and blackened walls of furious sound.” A promising statement.

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Music Elitism Needs to Stop

David Gagnon — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:46:56 +0000

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always heard that metal was the music for the outsider. In the 2004 documentary Metal: a Headbanger’s Journey, Rob Zombie commented, “it’s outsider music and outsider subjects, and as a kid I was an outsider and the loner and I think that’s where it begins.” With my years of being a part of this community, I can’t help but agree. Metal is outsider music. I don’t hear bands like Behemoth or Obituary being played on the radio, and if I did I think it would be a very confusing moment. However, the further I go into this community; I can’t help but see elitism pop up with certain scenes. I see people who enjoy the more extreme genres of metal mock those who like more mainstream bands for their “lack of taste.”

That needs to end. If you alienate those who only want to enjoy the music they want to listen to, then you risk alienating the whole metal community to outsiders looking for a way in. Not only that, but you also give everyone else a bad name as well. Moments where I see bullying makes me disappointed to even be anywhere in this scene, and a part of this culture. Thankfully, my faith is restored in those moments where I see metalheads recommending new bands to people looking for something new to listen to, or when I see them appreciating the tastes of other people instead of shutting them down.

Metalheads need to stop acting like it’s the only pure form of music in the world. I hate to break it to some people, but your favorite band is not that special in the grand scheme of things. It doesn’t matter if you worship Black Sabbath as the creators of metal, or Metallica as one of the most celebrated bands in the world, you should not be putting down someone who enjoys music like EDM, rap, or country just because they prefer those bands over your favorites. Instead, you need to calm down and try to understand why they enjoy those sounds over the ones you do.

It also won’t hurt to stop trying to exclude women from metal. This comes down to basic rules of human decency, but women have every right to enjoy the same music as you do. Take a look at female fronted bands like Arch Enemy, Nightwish, Delain, Epica, and the many others who came before them. Go to any show and watch women rock just as hard as guys do.

Elitism in music needs to stop, and the only person that can stop it is you. If you see yourself shutting down others because of their overall enjoyment of something else, then you need to rethink what you’re doing. Instead, metalheads should be shaking hands with those who enjoy other things, and continue to enjoy metal in their own way. Metal will always be metal, and it will always be there for you to enjoy.

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