The Grammy Awards Suck

Rob Halford: "I'm glad accept this award for the Dissident Aggressor performance..." What the hell is this? 1977?

So right now millions of Americans are checking out what insane outfit Lady GaGa is wearing or waiting for Kanye West to pull some crazy stunt on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

As a life-long fan of music (especially metal music), I have to question what the Grammy's really mean anymore (or ever).

The judges often go with the commercial hits for their choices and the hard rock and metal categories don't even get a nod on the show, although that might be a good thing... AC/DC won the Grammy for "Best Hard Rock Performance" with "War Machine," a track that comes off one of the band's most irrelevant album in years, when they could have picked Alice In Chains with "Check My Brain" as it is a great track and Black Gives Way to Blue was a solid rock record.

As for "Best Metal Performance," Judas Priest's 1977 song "Dissident Aggressor" managed to beat out Megadeth's "Headcrusher". Now I do find Megadeth's live show to be a bit bland, but at least it's a recent song that is memorable and the band has never won a freakin' Grammy before despite being nominated eight times! What the hell? You can't tell me that Rob Halford, while being the awesome vocalist he is, is performing the song better than ever in 2009!

Maybe I'm just overreacting and need to zone out and tune in, but it's hard to watch an awards show that cares more about fancy bling and commercial appeal than the actual music.

If you care you can check out a list of nominee's (and later the winners) RIGHT HERE.

White Wizzard Goes "Over the Top"

It might not be original, but I'll be damned if it isn't good!

White Wizzard's debut full-length album "Over the Top" will be released in the States on March 9.

Rotting Christ's "Aealo" is likely to be EPIC

Rotting Christ - "Noctis Era" from the upcoming album Aealo


In the latest issue of Decibel there is an article about the band Rotting Christ in which frontman Sakis Tolis says the new album, Aealo, has a variety of Greek instruments, including bagpipes and full-blown female choir.

The album sounds like it will be epic, but we will find out soon enough with the upcoming February 23 release date.

I have a limited knowledge of black metal as a whole, but Rotting Christ is one of those bands that has always stuck out to me as being truly unique whether you dig the genre or not (or its message for that matter).

Check out the player and another classic track below.

Fozzy Finds the Holy Grail

While the latest Fozzy disc might not break new metal ground, it does sound like a rockin' effort from the band. Check out another tune below (in addition to one I posted previously) and if you like those, you can stream the whole album here.

Chasing the Grail is out now in a music store near you (if you can find one).

"Let the Madness Begin"


"Martyr No More"

The End of a Legacy: Scorpions Call it Quits

Here is a press release from the Scorpions, which was released earlier today.

"Important message to our fans:

"It was always our pleasure, our purpose in life, our passion and we were fortunate enough to make music for you — whether it was live on stage or in the studio, creating new songs.

"While we were working on our album these past few months, we could literally feel how powerful and creative our work was — and how much fun we were still having in the process. But there was also something else: we want to end the SCORPIONS' extraordinary career on a high note.

"We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we've always had since the beginning. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road. We finish our career with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded and with a tour that will start in our home country Germany and take us to five different continents over the next few years.

"We want you, our fans, to be the first to know about this.

"Thank you for your never-ending support throughout the years!

"We uploaded the very first snippets from our new album for you here. And now… let's get the party started and get ready for a 'Sting in the Tail'!"

The Scorpions have always been one of my favorite bands and I do think it is respectable that they are going out on a high note. Humanity: Hour One is a solid CD for the aged band and hopefully the new one will also be great.

The Scorpions have managed to churn out a ton of hits, including the classic "Rock You Like a Hurricane" (which this host once infamously parodied as "Rock You Like a Titty Bar") and the lesser known epic tracks such as "Sails of Charon".

It's been a good ride for Scorpions and the band will be missed!

UPDATE: Sting in the Tail hits the US on March 23.

Rock Motherfucker!

The new Rob Zombie song, "Sick Bubblegum", is catchy as hell and a great choice for the new Rob Zombie single (even if it does sound similar to "American Witch" from the last album).

Looks like there is a guest appearance from none other than Sheri Moon Zombie in the video, but hey, her poor acting can't ruin the song at least!

The Panic Broadcast

Soilwork set the name of the forthcoming album as The Panic Broadcast. The CD arrives sometime later this year.

Mainly I just wanted to use this news to post the song "Stabbing the Drama," which is probably my favorite Soilwork tune. As for that last album, I don't even remember the name of it...

Charred Walls of the Damned: "Ghost Town"

I already have the new album from the Charred Walls of the Damned supergroup featuring drummer Richard Christy (Death), vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (Beyond Fear, Iced Earth, Judas Priest) and bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Control Denied, Testament) on my home computer and iPod (legally of course!).

What you may be wondering is, is it actually any good? As of right now, I have to say it will definitely satisfy the later Death fans in sheer technicality and Ripper sings his ass off. However, the songs somehow fail to stick into my brain like a good song should.

I feel like this is one of those albums that takes repeat listens to appreciate though. Strangely enough I find myself liking the "slower" songs better than some of the fast ones...

You can check out a brand new video for the first "single," "Ghost Town" below. I can say that if you like this track, there are far better ones on the album.

Wayne's World Moment

It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.

Suggested Retail Price for the guitar: $12,619.56 (in honor of Randy's birthday: December 6, 1956)

Arsis Goes Back In Time...

...AND RECORDS THE GREATEST SONG/VIDEO SINCE THE 80'S!

Burgers and Tech Death Metal

I saw a news story on Blabbermouth.net today about some dudes that drive a Grill 'Em All truck and sell metal-themed burgers.

The new burger they are debuting for a limited time only is the Death-Punch Lunch, and while I don't necessarily enjoy Five Finger Death Punch the idea is cool and I would support these guys if I was in the area (plus they do offer cooler burgers like Behemoth and Molly Hatchet).

Anybody that can find a way to mix metal and business to make money is OK in my book. Check out more about the dudes and their truck at the Grill 'Em All Web site.

In the meantime I propose a perplexing question for you all... can tech death metal be too technical for it's own good? A case study below:

Brain Drill: "Apocalyptic Feasting"
If you do like this: Brain Drill's new album Quantum Catastrophe should be out later this year.

THE RETURN OF THE METAL SHOW ON KRUI 89.7FM!

If you didn't notice the change at the top of the page, The Metal Show will be rocking the airwaves starting next Monday, January 25, from 8 - 10 p.m.

As usual, I will try and keep The Official Metal Show Metal Blog updated as much as possible (and as much as my other work obligations will allow).

News is still pretty slow right now, but hang on tight, because things will begin picking up in the metal world before you know it!

As always you can listen to the metal on KRUI 89.7FM in Iowa City, or stream it over the Web on KRUI's official site.

I will leave you with some music from Chimaira's 2009 album The Infection. I didn't really listen to this CD all that much when it came out, but the last few days it's all I've touched.

It kind of fizzles out about 3/4 of the way through, but the first 5 tracks are so are just heavy slabs of groove. The song below is called "The Disappearing Sun".

METSATÖLL's Folk Metal Art

I noticed the dudes over at Decibel Magazine posted this video on their blog. I don't think I've written much on folk metal and am not as knowledgeable on the topic as some, but this video is definitely a work of art.

Check it out.

Finntroll Frolics in the Forest

It's Friday so I'm about done doin' work. But here is a the new Finntroll video for you all, called "Solsagan".

The video is a bit stereotypical of the black metal genre, but the song is pretty good (and at least it's not completely cheesy). Nifelvind arrives in the US on Tuesday, March 9.


FINNTROLL - Solsagan (NEW VIDEO)

FINNTROLL [NEW VIDEO ONLINE] | MySpace Music Videos

Extreme Metal Thursdays: Obituary

I'm finishing up reading Albert Mudrian's Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal & Grindcore, which I have determined is the most interesting history book ever written.

There has been a lot of name-dropping of Obituary who I got into a little while back now and decided to go have a listen to em'. Now you too can rock out with me to "Turned Inside Out" off 1990's Cause of Death.



If only I had discovered death metal back when I was 3... instead I was probably watching something more along the lines of this which ponders what it would be like to be turned-inside-out for real (note for maximum effectiveness play top video and mute bottom video):



For all current Obituary news check out the band's official Web site or if you are lucky enough catch the band on a tour near you.

Sigh's Black Metal Fiesta

I don't know much about Sigh's background, but apparently they claim to be one of the first Japanese black metal bands, starting around 1990. I remember the dudes at Metalsucks going apeshit for this new album cover, which is cool, but I don't know if it's apeshit worthy.



However, this new video for the song "Prelude to the Oracle" is something entirely... well... different? If you like the zany music in this low-budget vid, make sure to check out Sigh's latest album Scenes From Hell.

Although if this is the music that played when I was going to hell, I might take hell a little less seriously (not knocking Sigh, just saying Mexican-style trumpets are an odd-but-not-terrible twist).

Best metal vocalist of all time?

Saw this on the MetalSucks blog and thought I should spread the love on to others.

Devin Townsend Returns to the Stage

I've been a little busier as of late, so not as much time to update the ol' blog, but here are some cool videos of Devin Townsend's first tour in nearly three years.

Addicted is a really solid album from 2009 and of course Strapping Young Lad is always awesome.

Unleash Your Inner Cookie Monster

New video for "Your Treachery Will Fail You" off of Descending Into Depravity, the latest album from Dying Fetus.


DYING FETUS - "Your Treachery Will Die With You"

DYING FETUS - 'Descend Into Depravity' Out | MySpace Music Videos

Overkill's "Ironbound" on track to be the best thrash album of 2010?

I previously wrote about Overkill releasing a new album on February 9, 2010, making them one of the hardest working metal bands around.

Then I put up a link to the track "Ironbound", which is just badass thrash metal that reminds me of old school Overkill. Now there is word the band is filming a video for the new song "Bring Me The Night". It is a fast paced thrash-rocker and can be heard below.

After listening to these two tracks I think Overkill's new record will be the best thrash album of 2010 and maybe even an early contender for album of the year!

Overkill - "We Are The Night"


Overkill - "Ironbound"

3 Inches of Blood Improves Its Live Show

Just browsing the music news and it is all still pretty slow. However, I did find this cool live performance from 3 Inches of Blood on Fuse. Check out the videos below.

Every time I see this band live, it seems like the mix is all muddied up, but these are the best vids of the band in action I have ever seen!

3 Inches of Blood - "Call of the Hammer"


3 Inches of Blood - "Silent Killer"

Helloween: "Dr. Stein" Then and Now

All in good fun or sad attempt to rehash the past? You decide.

Then:



Now:

Apparently the new video for "Dr. Stein" was not meant for the eyes of the Internet yet. Will replace with proper video when possible / if I remember.

Best Metal Releases of 2009

New Year's partying got the best of me and delayed my year-end list until now. Don't forget to check out the comprehensive Year in Review list for other notable metal releases.

Randy's Top 10 Albums of 2009

10) Obscura – Cosmogenesis



Reasoning: I'm not the biggest fan of tech-death metal, but Obscura does it right on Cosmogenesis, creating an album that is both skillful and memorable.

9) Kreator – Hordes of Chaos



Reasoning: On Hordes of Chaos Kreator proves it still has the balls of steel required to deliver true thrash metal, leather, spikes and all.

8) Revocation – Existence is Futile



Reasoning: I'll admit I only listened to this album all the way through about a week ago, but I'm glad I did. Existence is Futile provides a look back at what made thrash so great, all while advancing the scene forward in terms of heaviness.

7) Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way to Blue



Reasoning: Alice In Chains surpassed all expectations with Black Gives Way to Blue and William Duvall is an excellent musician to boot.

6) Mastodon – Crack the Skye



Reasoning: Crack the Skye may not be my favorite Mastodon album, hell I'd consider it more prog rock, than metal. But to the mainstream this IS metal and it is GOOD. If an album can bring this much attention to the metal scene, while still being unique, then it deserves the accolades.

5) Candlemass – Death Magic Doom



Reasoning: Candlemass provides the sleeper hit of the year with Death Magic Doom. Stoner/doom metal bands of today just can't compare to the greatness of this band.

4) Ace Frehley – Anomaly



Reasoning: Anomaly may not be metal, but it is great rock 'n' roll. Plus Ace Frehley influenced enough metal dudes to be legit in the scene. See why by checking out this release.

3) Cannibal Corpse – Evisceration Plague



Reasoning: I never was all that into Cannibal Corpse, but "Evisceration Plague" may just be the perfect death metal song. Check out my review of the album here.

2) Shadows Fall - Retribution



Reasoning: Although Shadows Fall's latest album Retribution may have the lamest cover of the top albums of 2009, it has some of the best content. I had almost lost hope with one of my favorite modern metal bands, until hearing this release, which is the band's best since The Art of Balance in my book.

1) God Forbid - Earthsblood



Reasoning: Earthsblood is God Forbid's greatest album and my choice for best album of 2009. Why? Because this album is a breath of fresh air in the metalcore genre - containing excellent songwriting that blends heavy and clean vocals to perfection.

Other Random Awards:

Best Local Metal Album:
Dark Mirror – Portrait of Evil(Des Moines)



Why it got the award: Power thrash metal outfit Dark Mirror saw a lot of changes in 2009, but the band's latest incarnation put out its best album yet. Listen to some tracks on the band's Official Web site.

Also check out:
Identity Crisis – Finding Balance (Iowa City)
(Click here for MySpace)

Most Overrated album of 2009:
Baroness – Blue Record



Why it got the award: There's no doubting Baroness released what is possibly the best album of its career. But best album of the year? I think not. Maybe I just don't fully appreciate "stoner metal," but after favorably reviewing the album I didn't feel a need to listen repeatedly.

Biggest Controversy:
Rammstein – "Pussy" Music Video



Why it got the award: Well, those crazy Germans in Rammstein made a hardcore porn video for the first single "Pussy" off the surprisingly good Liebe Ist Für Alle Da. There isn't much else to say. Check it my original post on the video here.

2009 Year in Review

Rumpelstiltskin Grinder - "Nothing Defeats the Skull"


It seems like 2009 was the year of thrash, with solid releases from old and new school bands alike. Although I can see the whole thrash revival getting old fast.

In addition to the thrash revival business, 2009 saw a ton of solid metal releases in just about every genre available. Below is a list I compiled of notable albums in 2009.

As always, there may be a few I am forgetting, so feel free to mention them in the comments.

Titles in bold are personal favorites:

Thrash:
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder – Living for Death, Destroying the Rest
Municipal Waste – Massive Aggressive
Megadeth – Endgame
Evile - Infected Nations
Slayer – World Painted Blood
Sepultura – A-Lex

Death Metal:
Obscura – Cosmogenesis
Nile – Those Whom the Gods Detest
The Red Chord – Fed Through the Teeth Machine
Suffocation – Blood Oath
Dying Fetus – Descend Into Depravity

Power Metal:
Powerwolf – Bible of the Beast

Traditional:
Heaven and Hell – Heaven and Hell
3 Inches of Blood – Here Waits Thy Doom
The Gates of Slumber – Hymns of Blood and Thunder
Skeletonwitch – Breathing the Fire

Black Metal:
Marduk – Wormwood
Behemoth – Evangelion
Immortal – All Shall Fall

Industrial:
Rammstein – Liebe ist für alle da

Progressive Metal:
Devin Townsend – Addicted
The Agonist – Lullabies for the Dormant Mind
Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings
Scar Symmetry – Dark Matter Dimensions
Between the Buried and Me – The Great Misdirect

New Wave of American Metal:
Lamb of God – Wrath
Mudvayne – Mudvayne

Doom:
Kylesa – Static Tensions
Tombs – Winter Hours
Baroness - Blue Record

Grind:
Agoraphobic Nosebleed – Agorapocalypse
Napalm Death – Time Waits for No Slave

Metalcore/Hardcore:
Evergreen Terrace – Almost Home
Converge – Axe to Fall