The Official Metal Show Metal Blog

Chimaira slows down time in "Year of the Snake"

2011-08-11T18:12:00.005-05:00

Chimaira's new song "Year of the Snake" just may be the most groovin' metal track I have heard all year. However, the video could have used some more work, because it uses so many slow-mo effects it hurts the brain.

Maybe they should have just used the slow-mo effect for the breakdown about 3/4 in and went full speed the rest of the way? You be the judge.

Oh, and The Age of Hell will be rattlin' skulls everywhere on August 16 courtesy of eOne Music.

Another Day, More New Music: Opeth's 'The Devil's Orchard'

2011-07-26T22:19:00.002-05:00

The first (and only) time I saw Opeth live - on Gigantour 2 - I thought it was interesting how different this band was from anyone else playing that night, and the crowd reactions the group received as well.

There were obviously the fans loving every minute of the show, but then there were those people who looked bored out of their minds during many of the songs, some of which could run into the 10+ minute mark.

I have always been somewhere in the middle with Opeth, enjoying a lot of the group's music, but feeling like there was something missing to really grab my attention.

Don't get me wrong, Blackwater Park is a masterpiece, however, it can be hard to listen to Mikael Åkerfeldt's ever-shifting clean-to-growling vocals, alongside an insanely high level of musicianship that leans dangerously close to sensory overload for long periods of time.

In fact, every album after this started to feel like more of the same (just take a listen to 2008's Watershed). My favorite Opeth album of the more modern era would have to Damnation, featuring all-clean vocals and mellower tracks.

The whole record was a breath of fresh air from the band's regular format and one of the best albums of that year (2003) and the decade.

With the new track released today, "The Devil's Orchard", it feels like Opeth is taking the melodicism of Damnation and combining it with the aggression of its back catalog (without the use of death vocals). And man does it sound killer.

Have a listen below. This is one of those tracks you can just get lost in and not even realize six minutes just went by (not sure if the actual album version will be any longer).

Heritage will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 16.

Mastodon's 'Black Tongue'

2011-07-25T21:42:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow fans and metalheads,

It has been awhile since I have even thought about updating this metal blog. And I figured a good way to attempt to get back into it is with some brand new music from Mastodon!

This ripping track, called "Black Tongue", comes off the group's upcoming album The Hunter which is due out in stores and on the interwebs September 27 through Reprise Records.

Check out the new song below. I hope to start reviewing albums again and tune up my chops on this here blog in the weeks to come.

Where in the world is Randy?

2010-12-27T13:42:00.000-06:00

So, I have been slacking on this whole writing about metal thing. There are a few instances in my life (besides being metal), that have kept me away for much of the month, and I hope to get back into things here soon. Maybe that should be my metal New Year's resolution!

Before the New Year I do hope to post a year end list and maybe even write about a few other recent topics. As always, thanks for following me over the years/checking back in every now and again.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Headbanging New Year!

Zakk Wylde battles the Overlord

2010-12-05T00:42:00.000-06:00

I don't think I can even begin to explain/analyze this video tonight, so just watch it on your own below.

System of a Down reunited

2010-11-30T00:02:00.001-06:00

System of a Down have been apart for around five years now and now the band is reuniting for some festival gigs overseas.

The big question is, will the band also get together to record a new album and will it be any good? Mesmerize was the last album released by the band I enjoyed throughout. Hypnotize didn't really impress me songwise and continued to feature too much of Daron Malakian's vocals.

Hopefully if the band gets back in the studio, Daron gets off his egotistical high horse and sticks to writing songs and backing vocals, while Serj takes over the lead work. Then I will show some interest.

I do enjoy plenty of System of a Down's back catalog, so since the is a music blog after all, I'll post a few right here.

Oh, and I'll be more interested when Faith No More announces a US reunion tour (although it would be even cooler with Jim Martin, they should at least bring him back for an encore at a few shows, a la Kiss Unplugged, and have both guitarists jamming out).

Metallica to begin writing new album in 2011?

2010-11-08T21:58:00.003-06:00

If Lars Ulrich has anything to say about it, the band will begin writing music sometime in 2011. However, knowing the pace of Metallica, we likely won't see a new album until at least 2012 (if that).

Death Magnetic is surprisingly well written, so lets hope all these Big Four shows have reignited the flame and the band delivers at least one more album to remember them by. I haven't listened to Death Magnetic for awhile, so here's a refresher.

*Video removed, will try and put up a new one here shortly.

Manowar is at it again

2010-11-08T21:45:00.005-06:00

Ever wonder what it sounds like to put gasoline on your balls and light it? Neither have I...

But according to bassist Joey DeMaio, that is the sound of the new Manowar album, Hammer of the Gods.

Here is the actual message from DeMaio taken from a recent official video message:

"A couple of people were wanting to know what's going on with the new album, 'Hammer Of The Gods'. Well, the truth is this: [original MANOWAR drummer] Donnie Hamzik is officially back in the band, and that changed everything for us. So all the songs that were written have been completely fucking thrown out, completely ditched — gone, never to be heard from again. The writing has changed because Donnie's back in the band and he's burning like a mad motherfucking demon on drums. So this album is gonna basically sound like I told you before — like somebody put gasoline on your fucking balls and lit it. So it'll be worth the fucking wait, 'cause when it comes, it's coming back."

Ouch. Sounds painful and like the album wouldn't be very pleasant to the ears, but say what you will, Manowar still delivers metal to its fans, even if the group is overly cheesy at times. That's just part of the charm.

The Misfits are true punk

2010-11-07T14:49:00.001-06:00

Out of all the great classic punk bands, in my mind, The Misfits still stand at the top of them all. I can't say there is much timeliness to this post - I just haven't been able to write much in awhile and have been listening to this album lately. A total classic!

Enjoy and look out for more updates soon.

Everyday is Halloween

2010-10-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

It seems fitting to put up a Type O Negative song to celebrate the darkest of holidays, especially since it's the first Halloween since frontman/bassist Peter Steele's death. Rock on and Happy Halloween!

GWAR releases 'Zombies, March' video in time for Halloween

2010-10-27T12:44:00.003-05:00

GWAR, zombies, pillow fights, what more could you want in a music video?

Helloween asks 'Are You Metal?"

2010-10-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

When Helloween released Unarmed - Best of 25th Anniversary (full of acoustic/symphonic re-recordings of the band's classic songs), I started to lose hope for the upcoming album 7 Sinners.

The whole album was very unnecessary and should have just been packaged as a greatest hits to celebrate the occasion in my mind. Then I heard "Are You Metal?.

This is a monster of a song, full of heavy guitar riffs reminiscent of something found on Dream Theater's "The Glass Prison" mixed with the melodicism you would expect from Andi Deris-era (and most era) Helloween.

It was like the band knew it had to pull out all the stops and deliver a piece of music that could not only satisfy power metal fans, but fans of modern metal as well.

Let's hope the album (set to be released on Halloween, but more likely the Tuesday after the holiday), is equally awesome.

Municipal Waste brings the noise (and humor) with 'Wolves of Chernobyl' video

2010-10-21T12:14:00.000-05:00

I've talked plenty about how much I love Municipal Waste's music in the past. I also love the band's creative low-budget music videos, such as the one recently released for "Wolves of Chernobyl" off the thrashterpiece, Massive Agressive.

Grab a brew, watch the video and have a laugh!

Hail of Bullets gives a wartime history lesson in 'Operation Z' and Triptykon hides in the shadows

2010-10-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

Hail of Bullets new song, "Operation Z" tells of the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan. It's old school death metal and not bad at all. Check out the video below and if you like the track, On Divine Winds is in stores now.

UPDATE: And here's a double-dose of metal, this one is a video from Triptykon, it's very interesting visually, and the music is good too.

Oh Revolver... you've done it again!

2010-10-15T14:29:00.008-05:00

You may have seen the cover of Revolver's latest (and newly named), "The Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock" issue floating around the Internet (apparently there aren't enough "hot chicks" in metal to keep it going).

If not, the magazine features model-turned-hard-rock frontgirl (she's only 17), Taylor Momsen in a steamy Zombie-fightin'-burlesque style outfit.

Tons of blogs have already offered commentary on this cover, and I have to agree, Revolver has hit a new low (even if this girl chooses to dress like a stripper and her parents don't care). Sure, Momsen has a right to do what she wants, but at what point did Revolver decide it needed to flaunt a minor on its magazine to sell copies? Couldn't they at least have picked an of-age-spokeswoman?

I wrote an article about the topic last year for The Daily Iowan, which you can check out here. Also, just to get both sides of the issue, I even talked to Alexia Rodriguez (of Eyes Set to Kill) on being featured in the magazine and she had this to say:

“The people at Revolver really support our music, and they did before they even knew me and Anissa,” Rodriguez said. “I mean if it were in Playboy, I’d have to say it would be a negative thing, but because it’s a well-known metal magazine, I think it’s a pretty good thing.”

The question that this leaves me with, is why would posing for Playboy be any less legitimate than what Revolver is doing? Playboy is known for featuring beautiful women on its cover and within its pages, whereas Revolver is a music magazine. When the articles focus more on a person's looks than the music itself, you have to wonder what the magazine's intentions really are.

Sure if a woman is playing awesome metal/rock music and just happens to be sexy that's awesome, but the music shouldn't be set to the side because of it.

Valient Thorr = Metal AC/DC with beards?

2010-10-15T13:47:00.001-05:00

Valient Thorr is another one of those bands I never really could get into. But this song isn't bad and the video has sort of a Twisted Sister vibe. So I figured I would put it up to help the partying begin on this beautiful Friday.

I also heard the group puts on one big drunken party live, much like AC/DC, but with more booze and members that are hairier/less in shape.

In Flames and Trivium to enter the studio

2010-10-14T14:54:00.003-05:00

In Flames and Trivium both recently announced they will be entering the studio to record new material in the next few days/months. In Flames is now at a loss of longtime member Jesper Stromblad (due to recovery from alcoholism) and Trivium has a new drummer, while retaining the other members.

A pair the two bands in this post, because it seems both are faced with creating career defining albums (or at least damn good ones) to remain relevant in today's metal scene.

I've enjoyed the material In Flames has put out as of late (even though I know many old school In Flames fans have not) and look forward to seeing what the guys will come up with next. However, Jesper was kind of the one strand of validity left in the band among old school fans. The band is going to have to pull out the "big guns," to get the longtime fans to take notice. Then again, the newer fans might not even know Jesper is gone...

Then we have Trivium who has persevered despite being seen as a trendy metal band by many fans. Sure they released an album with heavy Metallica influence and Matt Heafy looks kind of like a hipster, but the man has chops and the last album had some memorable, heavy tracks (apparently the new drummer does the occasional blast beat and is much heavier in sound also, but we will see).

I feel like 2011 is the time for Trivium to release an album that will put the haters to rest, otherwise, the band doesn't have much room to expand its fanbase.

Sorry about the lack of updates!

2010-10-13T00:42:00.002-05:00

I have been Sorry sliding my fans out of metal commentary and news ,
and for that, I am sorry.

Hey loyal followers and random metal heads,

You may have noticed I have once again fallen behind on updating the blog. I've been working and applying for other jobs at the same time, which is essentially like having two jobs, on top of trying to keep healthy, work out, and just live life, so I have been slacking here, even though I also love to write, especially about metal!

I have some things bookmarked I would like to make posts about and my goal is to get some new content up by Thursday. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget about the blog!

Thanks,

Randy

P.S. Here is a cool new metal video from Dark Fortress to hold you over.

Skeletonwitch's new music video has cute fuzzy animals and bloodthirsty zombies

2010-09-29T22:51:00.002-05:00

I'm short on time right now, but I think this video speaks for itself. Enjoy!

New Music: GWAR, Forbidden Evil and Halford

2010-09-27T19:27:00.008-05:00

Halford's album Made of Metal hits stores tomorrow, followed by Forbidden Evil's Omega Wave on October 26 and GWAR's Bloody Pit of Horror on November 9. So, while you are deciding which albums to spend your precious dollars on, you can stream a track from each band.

So far, I really enjoyed the GWAR track "Zombies, March" the most of these three bands. It has a classic GWAR-feel, while nailing down a raw production sound, which actually adds to the heaviness of the tune. And it seems fitting for Halloween.

Forbidden Evil isn't bad, but the song is missing a truly distinct riff, whereas Halford's song is pretty straightforward as well, and also failed to hook me into it. Of course, you can't judge an album by one track (as seen with Dimmu Borgir's new album coming out on October 12, which achieves the full-on symphonic sound the band has been trying to reach for awhile now).

Links are below! Enjoy!

GWAR - "Zombies, March"
Forbidden Evil - "Forsaken at the Gates"
Halford - "Undisputed"

CLIFF 'EM ALL: Tribute to a bass legend

2010-09-27T14:13:00.001-05:00

Growing up, Cliff 'em All was the first Metallica videotape I owned (had the VHS copy), and it still is my personal favorite. Sure the quality was a little weak at times, but there is something special about seeing the members of your favorite band making a beer run in their youth. And the live performances during the Master of Puppets era, while on tour with Ozzy, were very cool too.

Why bring up Cliff 'em All today? Because it is the anniversary of Cliff's death, in which the metal world lost an inspirational bass player and songwriter. Burton's songwriting contribution to Master of Puppets and the entire metal scene is amazing and will never be forgotten. Cliff may be gone, but his legacy will live on with all the metal greats.

Here's to Cliff jamming out with Ronnie James Dio in Heavy Metal Heaven.

Holy Grail is making some kickass heavy metal

2010-09-26T04:04:00.002-05:00

It's late Saturday night, so I'll keep this short. If the single "My Last Attack" is any indicator, Holy Grail's debut full-length, Crisis In Utopia, has the makings to be the best traditional metal album this year (it also looks like the band will tour America alongside Blind Guardian in the Fall).

You can check out the full song below. Crank it up and bang your head! And if you like the track, make sure to support the band and purchase this release.

<a href="http://prostheticrecords.bandcamp.com/track/my-last-attack">My Last Attack by Prosthetic Records</a>

Weekend music video to mosh to: Revocation's 'ReaniManiac"

2010-09-24T17:12:00.001-05:00

I have expressed my love of Revocation in the past, but here is another music video in case you missed the three-piece thrash machine in action. The riff at around 2:10 is total win.

Whatever happened to 'Metalocalypse'?

2010-09-24T17:08:00.002-05:00

For the fans of Metalocalypse, it seemed pretty damn mysterious when the show suddenly stopped showing new episodes about halfway into what would be a normal television season. This is understandable, as not many cartoon show creators also go on tour between episode writing and songwriting, but at least let us know what's up!

Finally, we can rest easier knowing that Metalocalypse will return this Sunday at 11:30 p.m. Central time (12:30 p.m. Eastern, you might want to double check all of these times), on Comedy Central's Adult Swim.

Let's hope for some solid episodes to close out the forgotten third season, with more to come afterwards.

Alice In Chains' gives fans a video twofer - one bad and one good!

2010-09-17T14:13:00.005-05:00

Black Gives Way to Blue is a great Alice in Chains album. However, the new video for "Acid Bubble" is nowhere near as excellent.

The band (or more likely the vid's director) tried to pull together a "groundbreaking interactive video," but instead ended up creating something that is visually boring. You can check out the video minus the interaction below. And the actual version here.

I recommend just cranking the album and avoiding this video altogether.

UPDATE: Turns out Alice in Chains released another music video for "Lesson Learned inbetween the time it took me to make another post! This one is a better video and reminds me strongly of Cantrell's solo album Degradation Trip.

What's in a band name? Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is now The Devil.

2010-09-13T13:36:00.008-05:00

UPDATE: Turns out this all was a hoax. Either the band wanted some attention, or (more likely), someone just wanted to play a practical joke online. My post still stands, but like I said, as long as the band makes cool music, I will keep listening!

Call me judgmental, but there are plenty of times I have held off listening to bands with ridiculous names. I'm not sure what the deal is behind the excellent thrash outfit, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder's name change to The Devil, but I can see why the members would do it (although that name is kind of generic).

While the band's old name may be attention-grabbing to some, it also seems kind of lame. Think about calling a venue when setting up a tour, "I got this band called Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, and it would like to play a show at your venue." Of course there have been plenty of successful bands with ridiculous names to disprove this theory, but I imagine it's harder getting started right out of the gate.

The only weird thing about all this is that the band did have a comedic sort of vibe (the first live album is called Raped by Bears, so I don't even know if this was entirely the band's own decision - could have been lawsuits, other issues entirely).

Either way, if a band like Rumpelstiltskin Grinder wants to change its name to make them more commercially appealing early in its career, then more power to em'! As long as the members keep grinding out awesome thrash, I'll still keep listening.

Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater, thousands of prog-nerds outraged

2010-09-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

But seriously folks, Dream Theater without drummer Mike Portnoy just doesn't feel right. This one's for you, man!

3 Inches of Blood "Silent Killer" Video

2010-09-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

I haven't busted out Here Waits Thy Doom for awhile now, ever since reviewing it back at my old writing gig (a favorable review I might add), but "Silent Killer" is a strong example of the old school metal sound found on the album. Not my favorite track, but still enjoyable.

The video is about what you would expect from a band like 3 Inches of Blood. Check it out below!

Danzig releases 'On a Wicked Night' music video

2010-09-06T21:05:00.002-05:00

Making music videos is still a useful marketing tool for bands, but only when they back a cool song with some awesome visuals. Danzig's "On a Wicked Night" (off the band's latest release Deth Red Sabaoth) has that classic sound that longtime fans will appreciate - but the video is terrible.

Basically Danzig is standing/sitting by his "tree throne" against a red backdrop with a well endowed woman behind him sort of swaying around. This naturally screams Danzig, but then nothing happens the rest of the video. We get some shots of the band jamming out, close-ups of Glenn, and for some reason the chick later decides to wear a skull mask.

I still dig the song, but I recommend enjoying it without the video (which is why I didn't post it on here). However, if you still want to have a look, check it out at AOL's Noisecreep.

The Weekend Roundup: Halford, Immortal and Autopsy

2010-09-04T15:16:00.010-05:00

Well it's the weekend once again, and now that the college football season is underway, the days can be full of beers, brats (yeah, that's the German spelling, not brauts), and metal music.

I just watched my own college favorite (Iowa Hawkeyes) pummel Eastern Illinois). But enough about football, you are here for metal. And I'll sum up your end of weekend metal news right here.

Halford announces release date for new album

That's right, good ol' Halford is back at it again, this time making a legitimate metal album and not some Christmas wreck.

We've already been able to check out one embarrassingly cheesy, yet deliciously heavy, track ("The Mower") from the CD titled Made of Metal, in addition to a live version of the Nascar-ode and title track, and now we can hear the rest on September 28 in the USA (a day earlier for all you European fans and Oct 13 in Japan).

Autopsy streams its new EP The Tomb Within

The legendary gore metal band Autopsy keeps things as bloody as ever on its latest EP The Tomb Within, which hits stores on September 13.

The album provides fans with more of the classic gore-heavy style, and while there may not be too many modern tricks on display here, it does sound like a promising throwback album for those who miss the scene / never got into it in the first place.

You can listen to the full EP on the band's website.

Immortal release video for 'All Shall Fall'

And finally we end our weekend celebration of all things metal, with a new video from black metal veterans Immortal. It's pretty much the standard fare, but it has some cool imagery (I just wish the album of the same name wasn't so mediocre).

Separation of Religion and Metal

2010-09-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been seeing a number of news stories popping up on the various metal sites which feature artists spewing out religious comments or bashing another religion.

Every other day we hear Dave Mustaine give out a Christian rant or __________ (insert black metal band) bashing the blind followers of faith. Just the other day Nergal of Behemoth posted a message to fans while ill, saying that his experience with leukemia would not make him convert to Christianity (which of course it would be stupid to think it would).

And by now most of you have probably heard about Rev Rachel Mann's support of metal music as a release of aggression to make a person more fun-loving and peaceful.

While I respect all of these people's rights to comment on various religions, I almost feel like I'm sick of hearing it all. It's one thing to incorporate these lyrics into your music, but another to send out messages to fans saying how God/Satan/Allah has inspired you to become a better person.

What happened to the days when we could just enjoy music, without all of the religious context? If you are an "anti-Christian" black metal band, bash away in your lyrics, but just entertain when onstage. The whole Bible burning thing is tired now (and disrespectful, as it turns out ironically, there are plenty of pent-up Christian kids that listen to black metal too). And those dead animals onstage are just plain smelly.

Of course there is always the counterpoint in saying that if you take the religion/politics/message out of the music, you're just going to have Motley Crue style metal, but that's not exactly it.

You can still get your views across without alienating your fans offstage and in the live setting. Or at least come up with something a little more original (like Gojira's eco-friendly metal or maybe we can start up some more Mexi-metal and get into the immigration issue...).

Blind Guardian's 'At the Edge of Time' is another solid effort from the German speed metallers

2010-09-01T18:24:00.011-05:00

CD Review:
Blind Guardian
At the Edge of Time
8 out of 10

Symphonic metal is a genre bordering between being breathtakingly awesome and incredibly cheesy.

Bands like Therion and Nightwish helped formulate the style of music by combining heavy metal riffs with operatic sounds. Since then, there have been many bands, mainly from Europe and countries outside of the US, who have further explored this genre.

Blind Guardian started out as a straightforward speed metal band in 1984, then added a heavy dose of folk to create a dynamic sound that would be at home within The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

However, Blind Guardian is one of the few groups that can pull this off without inducing too much cringing, mainly because its members are so damn talented (Hansi Kursch is one of the best touring vocalists out there today).

2002’s A Night at the Opera saw the band taking on a more progressive symphonic direction, which continued on 2006’s A Twist in the Myth and the latest release At the Edge of Time.

The direction wasn’t really a surprise for Blind Guardian’s devout fan base, but every stylistic change comes with criticism.

The good news is, At the Edge of Time successfully combines Blind Guardian’s operatic sound, with its speed metal roots. The songs on the album are at times reminiscent of 1995’s Imaginations From the Otherside and most fit well into the band’s catalog of nine studio albums, although there are still a few issues holding it back from being a truly great album.

”Sacred Worlds” may have made its debut in a crappy World of Warcraft knock-off, but as the first track of the album (clocking in at 9 minutes), it provides a strong introduction to the extreme melodies and vocals yet to come.

Sure the chorus of, “War it’s now or never / We shall stand together / One by one / This world is sacred,” is nerdy, but I’ll be damned if you don’t get chills when Kursch sings the line, “I’m bleeding / I’m fading / Here in my final hour / When long-lost memories return / And a voice keeps calling / “All dead and gone.” It is one of the finest moments on the record.

At the Edge of Time’s final track Wheel of Time is equally epic and one hell of a way to close out the album.

The rest of the disc, while still impressive, can at times blur together. Guitarists André Olbrich (one of the most criminally underrated lead players of all time) and Marcus Siepen perform their trademark speed metal riffage on tracks like “Tanelorn (Into the Void),” Valkyries,” and “Ride Into Obsession,”.

The recent single, A Voice in the Dark should be a fan favorite live and embodies much of the classic Blind Guardian sound. And there are of course the ballads (“Curse My Name,” and ”War of Thrones”), which help break up the speedier tracks, but are no match for past classics ("Bard's Song", "A Past and Future Secret").

Blind Guardian is one of the better symphonic / speed metal bands around and continue to prove this on At the Edge of Time. Despite having a few similar sounding tracks, the album is worth checking out and may even win over some new fans.

Blind Guardian - "Sacred Worlds"

Unreleased Pantera track, "The Will to Survive," available on Facebook

2010-08-30T14:19:00.008-05:00

I remember Vinnie Paul saying he had a whole slew of unreleased Pantera tracks along with another Damageplan album he compared to Vulgar Display of Power (but Vinnie is in the mediocre Hell Yeah nowadays, so don't know whether we can trust his musical opinion...). So it was inevitable these tracks would eventually be released.

Which brings us to today, when the group debuted "The Will to Survive," (a Cowboys From Hell era demo) on its official Facebook page (you do have to become a fan / hit the "I like" button to access the song).

"The Will to Survive" gives fans a look into the transition from 1988's Power Metal to the breakthrough 1990 album, Cowboys From Hell. It definitely feels more like Power Metal vocalwise, but musically, the group sounds like it is developing a sound of its own (although there is still plenty of Judas Priest and 80s metal influence).

Especially note the groovin' bass intro courtesy of Rex Brown and the familiar guitar riff that can also be found on "This Love".

My only complaint about issuing this song by itself, is that it means Vinnie will likely be staggering the release of any additional tracks as the Pantera albums are reissued (which I assume they all eventually will be).

I understand Vinnie wants to keep the legacy of Dimebagg alive, but I would be more willing to buy a box set with the final Damageplan album and a CD of all the unreleased demos, in addition to the unreleased Dimebagg DVD Vinnie still has lying around, rather than a reissue of an album all us loyal fans already own.

Putting all this aside though, it does feel good to hear Dimebagg shred once more.

UPDATE: Well I figured the label would take down that clip of "The Will to Survive", so I guess you will all just have to go the Facebook route to check it out. Old school Power Metal track is now below.

Skeletonwitch "Submit to the Suffering" in new music video

2010-08-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

When I first heard Skeletonwitch in the video for "Repulsive Salvation" I wasn't all that impressed and thought this was the case of yet another overrated metal band.

Eventually I saw the band live and still wasn't impressed, due to the muddy sound quality and similar sounding tracks in the live setting.

And now, after hearing the song / watching the video for "Submit to the Suffering" off Breathing the Fire, I'm actually impressed! Not too long. Cool riffs and vocals. And good imagery.

Maybe I'll give Skeletonwitch another shot... check out the video below.

Not Quite Metal: Killing Joke's influence on the music world

2010-08-27T16:17:00.010-05:00

I'll admit, I didn't even really give Killing Joke a proper listen until I heard Fear Factory's cover of "Millenium" on the lackluster 2005 album Transgression.

I thought enough of Fear Factory's cover to check out the English post-punk band (who had a mix of punk, prog and industrial sounds) and picked up a copy of 1994's Pandemonium.

While this album definitely isn't for everyone, I found it to be captivating, and listened to it straight through from start to finish. On further listens I heard all kinds of elements I missed the first time through in terms of composition and song structure.

Frontman Jaz Coleman really does know how to create a masterpiece alongside guitarists Kevin "Geordie" Walker and Martin Glover (Coleman claims to have an IQ of at least 190 and is an award-winning composer).

Even though it's not entirely "metal," Pandemonium features plenty of heavy riffs and beats. It's no wonder the band's earlier catalog influenced the likes of bands as varied as Metallica, Faith No More, Fear Factory, Tool, Rammstein, Lamb of God and Opeth.

Note: Metallica's 1987 cover of "The Wait" off Killing Joke's debut album.

It wasn't until even later that I actually checked out the critically acclaimed self-titled album, which really was an innovation for all industrial music, which would gain popularity in the years to come.

Hopefully if you've already heard of Killing Joke, this post will bring back some good memories. And if not, do yourself a favor and give the band a listen (I would recommend starting with the self-titled album, before ingesting Pandemonium).

Revamping the Metal Blog

2010-08-27T14:30:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone. I just wanted to say thanks for bearing with me through some infrequent posting. I really do hope to make this blog bigger and better, and have begun making some changes of the small variety.

First off, I finally got around to reviewing Iron Maiden's latest album The Final Frontier. Better late than never right? You can check that out right here.

You may notice that I gave the album an "8 out of 10." I used to use a five-point scale because it worked with the job I had previously at The Daily Iowan, but I always found that to be restrictive. I think I am going to try and keep reviews to whole numbers too.

Also now on the main page, I've switched over to the "jumps" blog format in which on longer posts, you actually click on, "Read More," if you would like to do so. I feel this helps clean up the main page, and it has proven popular on a number of other major blogs.

Next up, I hope to come up with a clever name for the blog at some point in the near future. The Official Metal Show Metal Blog is good for search engines when I had my radio show (just search "metal show blog"), but it is a bit bland and unimaginative. However, just like coming up with a sweet band name, coming up with blog names is difficult, so that might take awhile.

Finally, you probably noticed the site looks pretty different in style. I don't know if I quite like where it's at right now, but the Blogger template custom designer is pretty limited as to what you can change. Hopefully it's not too much of an eye sore (the classic design of this blog wasn't too much better!)

I would like to fix up the design of the blog, maybe give it a new look. Nothing too crazy, and maybe even just another expanded blogger template for now. I would love to hire a web designer to come up with some cool site, but obviously I cannot afford that at the moment (being a recent college graduate).

I hope you will stick around to read the blog, no matter what changes are or are not made. It would be my dream to write about metal for a living (that way I could actually devote all of my working time to interviewing musicians, writing articles, and reviews), but sadly at the moment I have to take on other endeavors to save up money. The magazine/online blogging industry is a tough market to crack.

Thanks to anyone who is reading / has ever visited the site. And if you do enjoy my blog, I would appreciate it if you became a follower / bookmarked the site and checked it out every once and again.

- Eric aka Randy (journalist and longtime host of The Metal Show on Des Moines' KDPS and Iowa City's KRUI)

Bonded By Blood: Wanted By the Crong

2010-08-25T17:00:00.015-05:00

There's one thing about not growing up in the thrash explosion of the 80s that many fans of metal fail to realize - for every Testament or Exodus, there were five more mediocre to poor generic thrash bands in their wake.

Sure, this is a common theme among any "trend" in music (and some trends, such as nu-metal, were pretty much all bad, with atrocious bands following suit), but it seems like it is currently hitting the recent "thrash-revival," of the mid to late 2000s.

I've heard of a number of bands recently that have put out some music that might have been best left in the 80s, but the one that inspired this is Bonded By Blood.

Now, I'm not saying this song sucks. In fact, I think it's decent and you have to hand it to a modern thrash band who writes a concept album (Exiled to Earth) based off of defeating an evil overlord named Crong. The group is definitely not doing this for the money.

However, there is a point where you have to think... "hey guys, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, making this cheesy concept album and video." Make a song about Crong, then move on to other tracks.

I mean, this shit might have seemed cool back in the '80s, but there is so many problems in the world today, you think a band could find something a little more prolific to write about (or at least don't call the bad alien Crong, reminds me of Krang from the Ninja Turtles.)

As much as I am complaining, I do think there is plenty of good music coming out of the thrash revival, but bands have to realize that, like many trends, the thrash thing isn't going to last forever, and unless you are writing at the quality of Megadeth or Metallica, you probably won't be around in five or 10 years.

Bands like Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, and many others have shown they can create a new sound out of their thrash influences that isn't quite so stale.

Below I will post clips of some excellent modern thrash (that way we won't end on a negative note).

Great modern thrash bands:

Municipal Waste

Warbringer

Revocation

And if you are going for the comic-thrash route - Ireland's Gamma Bomb cannot be beat.

Gama Bomb

Ozzy Osbourne "Life Won't Wait" Music Video

2010-08-25T02:12:00.005-05:00

First off, I know I've been slacking on updating the blog once again. But the rest of this week I plan to get things up and running again (and finally write that Maiden review, moreso just to hone my review writing skills at this point).

However, over the weekend, I remember seeing that Ozzy released his new video for, "Life Won't Wait." The video was directed by his son Jack, and while not amazing, it is tolerable.

The track is a one of the better softer ones on the album, but if you still haven't checked out the CD yet, there are better (and more rockin') songs to be found on Scream.

Check out the video below (and don't mind the goofy freeze frame).

Iron Maiden Final Frontier CD Review

2010-08-18T01:21:00.013-05:00

CD REVIEW
Iron Maiden
The Final Frontier
8 out of 10

Iron Maiden’s latest album, The Final Frontier recently made the number four slot on the Billboard Charts in the U.S., while reaching number one in a places ranging as far away as our northern neighbors in Canada to the Godzilla-fearing Japan.

So what’s America’s problem? Are we just a bunch of metal hating music snobs? Not exactly.

Sure, Iron Maiden’s 15th album is a solid offering (and kicks the ass of most anything released in the last few months), but it definitely doesn’t hold up to the classics, and isn’t even the best record the group has released in its “later years,” (that honor goes to Brave New World).

I’ve heard a number of reviews talk about how The Final Frontier is “a grower,” (likely because the majority of the tracks are over eight minutes) but I disagree. There are plenty of tracks I was immediately drawn to and surprisingly enough it's the shorter ones that are mostly forgettable.

After listening to the album I’ve divided it into three sections based on what I like, from worst to best. Obviously, I’ll save the best for last. First is the decent, but forgettable set of songs on the album.

”Eldorado” was the first single off the album and is a powerful track in the live setting. The intro guitar harmony on “Coming Home” is immediately catchy even if the song has a bit of that Bruce Dickinson solo album feel. ”The Alchemist” is straight Piece of Mind era Maiden, just not as good (speaking of solo albums, Dickinson’s The Chemical Wedding also featured a track called ”The Alchemist… weird).

Then I generally break the album up into the section which has good, but not great, songs, consisting of the intro track, “Satellite 15 … The Final Frontier,” "Mother of Mercy,", Starblind, and “The Talisman.”

Many people have complained about the intro track because of the drawn out, “Satellite 15.” It is cool during the first listen, but goes on for longer than needed. It should have been a track of its own.

”The Final Frontier,” is memorable, although it is extremely repetitive and Dickinson chooses to use a more grating falsetto (which pains me a bit because I love Dickinson’s vocal style). He drops in and out of this on a few songs on the album, but give the man a break, he is getting older after all.

And finally we get to the meat of the album, which hardcore Iron Maiden fans will likely eat up – the epic songs (“Isle of Avalon,” “The Man Who Would Be King,” and “When the Wild Wind Blows.”) These songs all have unexpected moments, which make them stand out among the rest of Maiden’s catalog.

“Isle of Avalon’s” intro may be drawn out, but once you get further into the song, the riffs and harmonies verge on all-out prog rock. And ”The Man Who Would Be King,” is a classic Maiden epic.

Finally … the best song of the album. “When the Wild Wind Blows,” is another Maiden masterpiece, that I hope will be a staple of the live set for years to come. The song builds up around a simple melody combined with the vocals, “Have you heard what they said on the news today?”

The track tells the tale of an end of the world scenario and proves Dickinson is still one of the better musical storytellers out there. And the five-minute mark has a catchy harmony and riff that will be stuck in your head for days - the guitars, bass, and drums are brilliant on this one.

The Final Frontier is an album for hardcore Maiden fans, and them alone. And while it is not as amazing as some may have hoped, there are a few incredible moments making the album worth the price of admission.

Tila Tequila, Andrew WK, and Juggalos

2010-08-16T19:27:00.003-05:00

So, I'll briefly mention this, only because I know a lot of metalheads dig Andrew WK and I was interested by this video of him performing at the Gathering of the Juggalos (presented by the Insane Clown Posse).

If you missed the recent news, Tila Tequila was recently "attacked," at this year's annual jughead fest.

Where I come from, if you don't like a performer (even if they suck as much as Tequila), you don't EVER physically abuse them. It's scum like this who give metal, hip-hip, whatever form of music a bad name.

What disturbs me the most, is this isn't just one person throwing shit on stage, it's at least 20 or 30 goddamn juggalos! That would not be tolerated at any metal show I've been to. Just ridiculous. Especially when you think of that bastard who went onstage and took Dimebagg Darrell's life.

On a lighter note, check out Andrew WK performing at 2008's annual gathering and having to be dragged off stage, probably because people were in fear of an all out riot breaking out. Part of me says this is idiotic for him to even try and perform and part of me says, "well done."

Killer of Giants

2010-08-16T18:42:00.005-05:00

These last few days haven't brought in too much amazing metal news, but I did find the setlist for Ozzy Osbourne's first Ozzfest performance.

Osbourne played the staple tracks, like "Mr. Crowley," "I Don't Know," and "Iron Man," but he also broke out some other songs I didn't expect...mainly "Killer of Giants" off The Ultimate Sin and "Fire in the Sky" off No Rest For the Wicked.

The complete setlist is available on blabbermouth.net.

This news inspired me to post the song "Killer of Giants" below. I wonder if Ozzy remembered the words?

Behemoth releases another cinematic video for 'Alas, Lord is Upon Me'

2010-08-11T14:04:00.012-05:00

By now, many of you probably know that Behemoth vocalist Adam 'Nergal' Darski is undergoing treatment for an illness (of which he has not yet revealed).

I'm not going to make any speculations on his condition, just wishing him a speedy recovery. I can't say I agree with all his views, but Nergal has created some interesting and creative heavy music for the world, and hopefully he can continue creating soon.

Despite his sudden illness, Nergal and the rest of Behemoth were able to finish a new music video for "Alas, Lord is Upon Me" off the latest album Evangelion. Didn't follow the video's story too closely in the first viewing, but it is cinematic and I'm guessing Darski could talk for a long time about its subject matter (which is anti-Christian).

UPDATE: I originally tried to post the uncensored version of the video, saying, "I think the uncensored version would be Darski's preference," however, the video embed code won't allow me to do so. So, below is a censored video, but check out a better quality, uncensored video RIGHT HERE.

UPDATE 2: It was announced that Nergal actually has leukemia. I wish him the best of luck in fighting cancer and hope he pulls through to make even more extreme metal.

Slayer performs on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'

2010-08-11T13:50:00.004-05:00

Although I don't particularly like Jimmy Fallon's brand of humor, I do appreciate that he isn't afraid to have metal acts perform on his show (it seemed like Conan used to do this a lot too in this timeslot). Granted, Fallon probably doesn't book the bands, but I imagine he might have some say in the matter.

Check out Slayer's performance of "Hate Worldwide" below off the album World Painted Blood. I haven't actually listened to that record in awhile, so maybe I'll give it another spin.

Cannibal Corpse announces Des Moines stop with support from Dying Fetus

2010-08-10T17:01:00.007-05:00

Is Des Moines the new mecca for Midwest metal shows?

OK, maybe I shouldn't go that far, but it seems someone who books for People's Court has got an eye for metal acts, since both Meshuggah and Fear Factory have performed shows there recently (and don't forget about the upcoming Black Label Society and Children of Bodom gig at 7 Flags Event Center in October).

I've also been able to partake in a variety of cool metal shows here over the years, such as In Flames, Shadows Fall, Exodus, etc.

And now, it was announced that Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Vital Remains and Devourment will all be stopping by for some death metal fun at People's Court on November 12!

How many female's do you think will be at this show? (just a joke, I know there are plenty of death metal fans that are women!). But seriously, should be an interesting night.

After the jump is a complete list of stops for those "out-of-state" readers, with the Des Moines' show in bold, in addition to some music from the bands.

Nov. 05 - Wilmington, NC - The Soapbox Laundrolounge
Nov. 06 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
Nov. 07 - Birmingham, AL - Zydeco
Nov. 08 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theater
Nov. 09 - Nashville, TN - Exit In
Nov. 10 - Lexington, KY - Buster's
Nov. 11 - East St. Louis, MO - Pop's
Nov. 12 - Des Moines, IA - People's Court
Nov. 13 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
Nov. 14 - Madison, WI - The Annex
Nov. 16 - Columbus, OH - Skully's
Nov. 17 - Williamsville, NY - Infinity
Nov. 18 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Nov. 19 - New York, NY - Santos Party House
Nov. 20 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Nov. 21 - Washington, DC - DC Rock & Roll Hotel
Nov. 22 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

Municipal Waste debuts yet another 'horror-themed' video on Fangoria

2010-08-10T16:55:00.003-05:00

I always love me some Municipal Waste, so I figured I should put up the link to the group's new video for the song "Acid Sentence" off Massive Aggressive.

Here is some info on the video straight from the press release:

"Based on the legendary serial killer John Haigh, the song/video center around a serial killer who bathes his victims in acid. The clip was shot over several weeks in May and June of 2010 and features the band as well as plenty of Fangoria-style gore. The gore and body parts were provided by the world-renowned Dapper Cadaver, whose fine gore craftsmanship has graced TV shows like 'Bones' and 'Dexter.'"

Check out the video via Fangoria.com and I'll post the video straight on the blog, once/if it is available to do so.

Randy Rhoads gets a tribute wine

2010-08-10T16:33:00.005-05:00

That's right! For only $53 bucks, you can be the proud owner of Randy Rhoads' tribute wine.

As much as I love Rhoads' guitar playing with Ozzy before he passed away, I can't see myself purchasing this anytime soon (although if I was rich, who knows...).

It looks like a portion of the proceeds go to the "Randy Rhoads Charitable Trust" - to carry on his legacy. It might be more honorable to donate part of the money to another charity... I think the music will preserve Rhoads' legacy just fine!

If you are curious you can check out the D'argenzio Winery's website for more info.

Exodus Release seizure-inducing "Downfall" music video

2010-08-09T19:31:00.006-05:00

Exodus' new video for "Downfall" can be 'seizure-inducing,' - for those prone to get seizures that is (no joke). So if you don't fall into that category, enjoy the video.

I haven't been able to spend as much time listening to the new Exodus album, Exhibit B: The Human Condition as I'd like, but there are some solid tracks on there (some are just still a little too long for their own good, but it's still above average thrash).

As for the video, it's a bit ridiculous towards the end, with death-by-gavel smash, but has a sort of '80s feel with the dudes headbanging on the jury. I also think the song shows off some of Gary Holt's ability to take influences from newer metal genres (like metalcore) and incorporate it into his thrash repertoire. Good stuff.

UPDATE: Oh and as a 2-for-1 video bonus, also below is the latest video from Evergreen Terrace. Yes the music does have a bit of a trendy metalcore feel, but these guys' are really into their music, and after chatting with some of them / seeing em' live, the group puts on an energetic show every time.

CD Review: Black Label Society's "Order of the Black" is a solid stomper

2010-08-09T13:57:00.010-05:00

After checking out blabbermouth.net today (as I always do shortly after waking up), I noticed Black Label Society is streaming its new album, Order of the Black on AOL Music.

Part of me wanted to wait until tomorrow to check out the CD, but my curiosity got the best of me (although I mainly just skimmed the songs with a few exceptions, because I'd rather give it a full listen after picking up a copy).

So, while this is not meant to be a full review, here is my take so far.

Order of the Black is not another "classic BLS" sounding album like Sonic Brew or Stronger Than Death. It also isn't as amazing as 2002's 1919 Eternal.

However, soundwise, it is on par with The Blessed Hellride with elements of Wylde and Co.'s older and newer outputs intermixed. There's plenty of metal stompers this time around ("Crazy Horse," "Parade of the Dead," "Black Sunday," "Godspeed Hellbound," etc.), so those fans who miss the "take no prisoners" style of BLS brewtality, should be satisfied.

There are also plenty of southern-tinged ballads, which seem pretty hit-or-miss, but none are terrible (and "Darkest Days," is actually pretty damn good). There is even an acoustic instrumental entitled "Chupacabra", which is another one of Wylde's homages to Eddie Van Halen's "Spanish Fly" (think "Speedball," off 1919 Eternal).

Order of the Black feels like the album that should have came after 2003's The Blessed Hellride and fits well into the band's catalog of music.

Most impressively, Wylde has shown that a true musician doesn't need to use performance enhancers (in the form of booze or drugs) to create great art. All you need is practice, songwriting ability, and some personality to make a truly brutal album.

Blind Guardian release awesome new song, with slightly cheesy video

2010-08-05T19:04:00.004-05:00

This isn't the first time I've logged in to The Official Metal Show Metal Blog to geek out on Blind Guardian. In a previous post, I even claimed the group is one of the best metal bands of all time (you can check that out here.

However, this time around, I'm just going to let the new track, "A Voice in the Dark," do the talking for itself. This song sounds like something off Somewhere Far Beyond and the new short-haired Hansi still delivers one of the best vocal performances around.

Blind Guardian's new disc, At the Edge of Time, is set for an August 24 release in the U.S.

Watch the video below and enjoy!

Can an Ozzy-fronted Black Sabbath make an album as good as "The Devil You Know"?

2010-08-05T18:53:00.006-05:00

I'm going to pose a question to all of you metalheads. Do you think that Ozzy, if he were to reunite with the other members of Black Sabbath, would be able to put out anything close to the excellent Heaven and Hell release, The Devil You Know?

It almost seems like blasphemy for me to even ask this, after the death of the legend that is Ronnie James Dio. However, it's likely going to happen, assuming Ozzy makes it to the recording sessions (which hopefully he will, don't get me wrong).

While I think another Black Sabbath reunion could be cool, I don't know if a new album with Ozzy's 'processed' vocal styling of today, would go over as well. Maybe I'm just biased towards Dio though...

Below are examples of each band's latest work. And feel free to voice your opinion and leave a comment.

Heaven and Hell - "Fear"

Ozzy Osbourne - "Diggin' Me Down"

Best news I've heard in awhile from Shadows Fall

2010-08-05T18:40:00.004-05:00

In a recent interview with the Rock it Out! Blog, Shadows Fall frontman Brian Fair was asked about plans for a new studio album.

This is what he had to say:

"We've been talking about the new record. We haven't really started writing, but me, Matt [Bachand, guitar] and Jon [Donais, guitar] were talking, [and] we wanna write a really fast, technical thrash record this time around — really just kind of keep it nice, brutal and heavy."

As a long time Shadows Fall fan, I just want to say 'hell yes!' This is the news a lot of us old school fans were waiting to hear, and while I do like a lot of the slower more melodic Shadows Fall songs, the heavier stuff on Of One Blood, The Art of Balance and The War Within is still where it's at.

Let's hope the band delivers on its word. If so, Shadows Fall might just be my favorite modern metal band once more (Retribution was great in my opinion, but it takes a lot to make up for Threads of Life).

A Perfect Circle rumored to reunite

2010-08-05T18:28:00.004-05:00

I was first introduced to A Perfect Circle in what I remember as early high school by my guitar instructor Michael Curry (who worked at the great Ye Olde Guitar Shoppe in Urbandale).

Between goofing around and playing music, we also listened to great number of bands, and Michael was the one who got me into such metal greats as Pantera and Fear Factory. However, a slightly 'less metal' band he got me into was A Perfect Circle. He called it "some dark shit," if I remember correctly, and I would say he was right.

Mer De Noms is a masterpiece of an album in my opinion, which I enjoy almost more than anything Maynard James Keenan has done with Tool. I did like the band's second album, The Thirteenth Step, but can't say I still listen to it regularly, and even the covers album was decent.

I'm looking forward to see what the guys in A Perfect Circle can put together, since they have had time to recharge since breaking up in 2004. This should be interesting, at the very latest, and something I would keep on your metal/music radar.

Children of Bodom set to record new album, perform on Black Label Berserkus Tour in Des Moines

2010-08-05T17:38:00.006-05:00

Children of Bodom has been very 'hit or miss' lately.

Blooddrunk had a few solid songs, like "Hellhounds on my Trail" and the title track, "Blooddrunk", Are You Dead Yet was a little stale, and I won't even get started on the covers album.

The last really great album the group put out was 2003's Hate Crew Deathroll (which is what took the band slightly away from the neoclassical style to all-out-heavy music).

Now, word is the band is preparing to record its next full-length album. If the band can somehow channel the energy and technicality found on the older discs (including my personal favorite, Follow the Reaper, and combine that with the heaviness of Hate Crew, then maybe Alexi Laiho and co. can finally get the respect they all deserve, while making us longtime fans happy.

However, it's not Bodom's job to impress us, so I guess we will just have to wait and see. In the mean time, Children of Bodom will be hitting the road and playing a show in Des Moines, Iowa, along with Black Label Society (whose newest album hits stores on August 10).

It should be interesting to see Zakk Wylde perform sober and Children of Bodom break out some new tracks.

Concert info is below:

Black Label Berserkus Tour
Featuring Black Label Society, Children of Bodom and Clutch.
7 Flags Event Center, Clive, IA
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:00 PM

Randy M.I.A.

2010-07-07T21:56:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone stopping by the blog! I apologize for not updating with the frequency I have been able to the past weeks/months (it was almost daily, at least multiple times a week!).

I am currently serving as arts editor and looking for full-time writing jobs, doing Insanity and rockin' out in the little free time I have, which leaves me little time to blog about the things I would like to.

Hopefully I'll be back in action soon and thanks for all the support of this blog and The Metal Show over the years! I will rock again!

-Randy

UPDATE: RANDY IS BACK! NOTICE THE HUGE AMOUNT OF UPDATES TODAY / TONIGHT, I'LL HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO KEEP AT LEAST DELIVERING A POST OR TWO (IF NOT MORE) A DAY INBETWEEN JOB HUNTING. THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS AND SUPPORT!

CD REVIEW: Ozzy Osbourne proves he is still the 'Prince of Darkness' on "Scream"

2010-06-22T10:08:00.007-05:00

Ozzy Osbourne
"Scream"
**** out of *****

Over the years, fans have come to expect two things from a new Ozzy Osbourne album.

First, the musicianship is always going to be stellar, with an emphasis on grinding guitars and lightning-fast solos. Second, Osbourne will continue to amaze the masses by still being alive and releasing music after decades of binge drinking and drug abuse.

Album quality, however, is generally unpredictable.

Osbourne’s latest record, Scream, is actually a fair addition to the godfather of metal’s back catalogue of legendary albums, such as Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, and No More Tears.

The first thing longtime fans will notice about Scream is the inclusion of Firewind’s Gus G. on lead guitars (no Zakk Wylde on this one, although his influence in the songwriting process is still apparent from time to time).

There is something about Osbourne and his knack for selecting amazing guitar players (the late Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Wylde) that makes for some excellent music — and Gus G. is no exception.

Some will defend Wylde’s integrity as a guitar player and refuse to acknowledge this album’s worthiness. With his overly flashy pinch harmonics and scruffy biker look, there is no question why the man is one of the last true “guitar gods.” As amazing as Wylde is, though, the best thing to happen to this album is the addition of Gus G.

Click here to read the full review.

Black Label Society: "Parade of the Dead"

2010-06-18T23:11:00.006-05:00

As much as it sounds like the latest George Romero zombie flick, "Parade of the Dead" is actually a new song off Black Label Society's forthcoming album, Order of the Black.

I actually think this song is heavier, meaner, and more groovin' than anything Zakk Wylde and BLS have done for awhile. Hell, maybe it was for the better Ozzy didn't work with Zakk on the new record, because now he can concentrate fully on his band.

Listen to "Parade of the Dead" below, and another track, "Crazy Horse", is available for download on iTunes if you just can't wait for the album (due out in the US on August 10).

As I Lay Dying Release "Parallels" Music Video

2010-06-14T19:02:00.005-05:00

Can't watch this right now, because I'm rockin' out while editing articles at work, but I have heard good things about As I Lay Dying's latest album.

Check out the video below, and hopefully sometime soon I can get back to my usual frequent updates, with commentary!

Iron Maiden: The Final Frontier

2010-06-09T22:39:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile since I've found time to update The Metal Show Metal Blog, but what better reason than to announce new Iron Maiden???

From what I've heard so far, the song sounds promising (more commentary to come when if I have time tomorrow). The track can be streamed below.

Another Death Shocks the Metal World: RIP Paul Gray

2010-05-25T18:35:00.009-05:00

Damn. I came out of graduation to hear that Ronnie James Dio passed away and then as I ended my road trip back from Texas I saw that Slipknot bassist Paul Gray died close to home, in Urbandale, Iowa, yesterday.

This is sad news, whether you like Slipknot or not, and I'm sure this is a rough time for both the members of the band, family and all of the friends the group has made while on the road.

Here's to you Paul Gray. May you also rest in peace alongside James "The Rev" Sullivan, Peter Steele, Ronnie James Dio in Heaven ... or Hell (depending on your preference).

UPDATE: Just caught the end of Slipknot's press conference. The whole band (and Gray's wife) were there and seemed very torn up over the bassist's death. Pretty intense stuff and crazy to see all these guys in a room without masks on such a somber occasion.

Rest in Peace Dio!

2010-05-18T00:04:00.004-05:00

I heard the news of Dio's passing right after my graduation ceremony. Talk about a bittersweet moment. Like I said I am taking a week hiatus from the blog, but not without posting this live clip as a personal tribute to the heavy metal legend!

Soilwork releases "Two Lives Worth of Reckoning"

2010-05-17T23:57:00.003-05:00

I am going to be taking a week hiatus from the blog to make a road trip to Texas, so sorry for the lack of metal news updates! In the meantime listen to some new Soilwork.

The Panic Broadcast releases in the US on July 13.

Check out a better quality clip of the song on the band's official MySpace, or just hit play below if you're in a hurry.

New Nevermore Song: "Without Morals"

2010-05-14T19:19:00.002-05:00

Yeah, it was my very last finals week at The University of Iowa (which is why I haven't been updating very much) and now it's time for some finals celebration! However, first I'll leave you with a brand new kickass Nevermore tune called "Without Morals". Gotta love that chugging riff at the beginning!

The Obsidian Conspiracy drops on June 8.

Accept It: "Teutonic Terror" is Damn Good Classic Metal!

2010-05-11T02:45:00.004-05:00

I honestly did not have very high expectations for the new Accept album, but after watching the music video for "Teutonic Terror" all I can say is that this is an album to look out for!

Blood of the Nations will be released via Nuclear Blast on Sept. 14 in a record store near you.

ACCEPT - TEUTONIC TERROR

Accept | MySpace Music Videos

While You Were Studying / At Work: A Heavy Metal News Update

2010-05-11T02:12:00.008-05:00

I had my first final today of my very last finals week at The University of Iowa (and went on-air for my last edition of The Metal Show earlier tonight) and I now am ready to pass out ... but first I wanted to comment on some of the bigs news of the day in case you missed it.

1) It's Offical: Joey Belladonna Rejoins Anthrax

That's right, the crazy-haired metal vocalist with a wide vocal range, that about 50% of Anthrax fans hate and 50% love, is back in the band. Most of the day's talk has been on the topic of Belladonna being the "third choice" for the group and its new album.

If I remember right, it was Belladonna himself that wanted to leave Anthrax after the reunion (although it was probably from the encouragement of Scott Ian and Charlie Benante), so now he is ready to come back because Ian and Benante frankly have no other option.

This means the deal is on Belladonna's terms, which I think works for the band's relationship at this point. This shit is more wild than the Van Halen saga.

Anyways, Belladonna will be joining the band on the Big Four Tour with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer and is set to begin writing and recording an album for an early 2011 release with the band. Who knows, maybe all that tension will make for a hard-hitting thrash record???

2)Death digital albums and the long-rumored second Control Denied album will finally be released.

That's right, Relapse Records announced a partnership with Perseverance Holdings Inc. and Chuck Schuldiner's family to reissue digital releases of the older hard-to-find Death albums (such as Spiritual Healing), in addition to the second Control Denied record (Note: as of this time, not sure when these digital releases will be available in US).

Watch a previously unreleased recording of Death's "Crystal Mountain" below:

3) Twisted Sister's Jay Jay French says band will "never tour again"

The longtime guitarist revealed this news in a recent interview with Noisecreep. Interesting that a band is finally realizing that nostalgia tours aren't always all they are cracked up to be. Although plenty of bands have proven French wrong as well.

Brian Posehn: Fart & Wiener Jokes

2010-05-07T12:52:00.004-05:00

Here's a bit of weekend humor for you, brought to you by metal nerd and comedian Brian Posehn. The first clip "Puppy Time" is pretty damn funny especially towards the end when he compares a puppy to a crazy homeless person: "he'll eat your shoe and shit in your hat." Priceless.

Also posted below, is the "single" "More Metal Than You" from the new album Fart & Wiener Jokes, which is in stores now.

But even more importantly, have a rockin' weekend!

Puppy Time

Brian Posehn - Fart & Wiener Jokes Out Now! | MySpace Video

I like to believe that most Pantera fans aren't redneck racists.

2010-05-04T11:29:00.005-05:00

Today on Facebook, the official Pantera group posted:

"Here is a bit of Pantera trivia for you. What was the original title of "The Great Southern Trendkill"?

The seemingly innocent question, led to a variety of colorful responses specifically from one individual who used a bunch of racist terms, talks of lynching, and more in an effort to be funny. As big of a Pantera fan as I am, I don't know the official original title of the album (although I think it is simply The Great Southern Trendkillers), but I doubt it involves malt liquor and the n-word.

Don't get me wrong, I think racial humor can serve a purpose as social commentary or even just funny incidents where stereotypes prove to be true. But guessing "Shooting Coons" or "Time for a Good Ol' Lynching" as the album title is not funny. Period.

C'mon America, it's time to set the racism of the past aside. And it's douchebags like this that give the genre a bad name. Anyone can enjoy metal.

Listen to Pantera - "The Great Southern Trendkill" below:

Are you frickin' kidding me?!?: Joey Belladonna rumored to rejoin / perform with Anthrax

2010-05-03T13:10:00.005-05:00

I just read on Blabbermouth that Joey Belladonna is rumored to be playing with Anthrax at the Sonisphere gig and maybe reunite with the band in time for the Big Four Tour.

Here is what was on the Sonisphere website: (translated from Swedish) "Who is singing? Let's say this: His initials are J.B. And he has one goal: a mosh, for everyone."

Note: John Bush and Joey Belladonna both have the same initials, but Belladonna is more associated with moshin'.

This could just be a bunch of BS, but if not, the overly dramatic saga of Anthrax continues.

Coming Soon: Forbidden and Exodus Albums

2010-05-03T13:02:00.004-05:00

Forbidden just announced the name of its new album, although there still isn't a set release date (it's likely to be sometime in 2010). The name of the disc is Omega Wave, which sounds cool to me.

Also don't forget that Exodus' album, Exhibit B: The Human Condition drops May 18. Not forcing you to go out and buy em', but should be some solid thrash metal from both parties.

On a side note:

I still am not sure about the whole music industry business model. Some of the labels are putting out reasonable packages like the one below, but if you are selling a straight CD with no bonuses no one is going to buy it at $12 or even $10.

The industry needs to find a way to cut costs and get those prices down or it is screwed. Or instead, reward loyal buyers with cool stuff, like T-shirts, or even just posters or other cool things.

Black Label Society's new album gets a release date and Cavalera Conspiracy finishes up work in the studio

2010-05-01T20:41:00.004-05:00

BLS will release it's currently untitled new album on August 10, 2010. The last couple efforts (Mafia, Shot to Hell) had a few notable moments, but failed to capture the brewtality of Sonic Brew, Stronger Than Death and The Blessed Hellride.

Hopefully, now that Wylde has toned down / gotten off the booze binging and is not in Ozzy he will be able to put out another solid album. I still have faith in the man.

Also in other news, Cavalera Conspiracy announced the follow-up to the Cavalera Bros. self-titled original album is recorded and will be released sometime late 2010. That's a pretty fast turnaround, and if the last album is any indicator, this should be some awesome heavy metal.

I look forward to both releases in 2010, alongside stuff like the new Blind Guardian album. Listen to some of the mentioned band's tunes below.

Ozzfest 2010 lineup not as good as advertised.

2010-04-30T20:56:00.003-05:00

In case you were dying to know, below is the official lineup for the Ozzfest 2010. Nothing really mindblowing here (besides Halford), but I'm sure it would be a fun concert to go to if you have the cash.

Ozzfest 2010 Main Stage:

OZZY OSBOURNE
MÖTLEY CRÜE
HALFORD
DEVILDRIVER
NONPOINT

Ozzfest 2010 Second Stage:

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
DROWNING POOL
KINGDOM OF SORROW
GOATWHORE
SKELETONWITCH
SAVIOURS
KATAKLYSM

The dates are as follows:

Aug. 14 - San Bernardino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheater
Aug. 17 - Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amp.
Aug. 19 - Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
Aug. 21 - Hartford, CT – Comcast Theater
Aug. 22 - Camden, NJ – Susquehanna
Aug. 24 - Boston, MA – Comcast Center

Badass Metal Track Thursday: Anthrax - "Blood"

2010-04-29T21:40:00.004-05:00

One of the most underrated metal CDs out there is Anthrax's Persistence of Time. It contains some of the most complex and rad songs of the group's career. So awesome! Check out one of my favorite tracks off the album below.

Ozzy "Scream" Album Art

2010-04-29T01:55:00.005-05:00

The new Ozzy album went from having a lame album title (Soul Sucka) to an all right one (Scream), but the cover is still pretty damn ridiculous.

I don't know what uncharted land Ozzy is supposed to be claiming, but hopefully the album will be good. Gus G will likely keep things interesting at least.

Ozzy - "Scream"

It's kind of like German Clue: Rammstein releases "Haifisch" music video

2010-04-24T12:46:00.005-05:00

So far Rammstein has released a porn music video for "Pussy", a visually appealing live video for "Ich Tu Dir Weh", and now a murder mystery style video with "Haifisch".

Cool theme and great video. And that's how I picture Till Lindemann at the end too. The mustache suits him.

Check the video out below. Oh, and if you haven't listened to Liebe Ist Für Alle Da, do it! It's actually pretty damn good.

Haifisch

Rammstein | MySpace Music Videos

Metal For Your Brain: Brain Drill's "Beyond Bludgeoned" Music Video

2010-04-22T19:03:00.002-05:00

Not much to add here, other than that this new Brain Drill track is melting my brain! Sure I may feel a bit bludgeoned by the tech death genre itself, but I appreciate interesting music when I hear it.

"Beyond Bludgeoned" comes off Quantum Catastrophe, which is due out on May 11th.

CD REVIEW: RATT "Infestation"

2010-04-21T12:52:00.005-05:00

CD REVIEW: RATT - "Infestation"
Rating: *** 1/2 out of *****

Randy “The Ram” Robinson: “God — they don't make ’em like they used to.”
Cassidy: “F—’ ’80s man, best s— ever.”
…
Randy “The Ram” Robinson: “Then that Cobain p— had to come around and ruin it all.”
Cassidy: “Like there’s something wrong with just wanting to have a good time?”
Randy “The Ram” Robinson: “I’ll tell you somethin’, I hate the f—’ ’90s.”

The dialogue from Darren Aronofsky’s 2008 film The Wrestler — where the two main characters are bonding over the RATT song “Round and Round” and a love of the ’80s — is the first thing that came to mind when listening to RATT’s latest album, Infestation.

While not mind-blowing, the CD (released more than 10 years after the 1999 self-titled reunion album) captures the rock ’n’ roll excess exhibited by Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Dokken, and even RATT itself, that made the ’80s so cool (albeit with some raspier vocals from founding member Stephen Pearcy and cleaner production).

From the opening metal riffs of “Eat Me Up Alive” to the album’s closer “Don’t Let Go,” there are enough memorable moments on Infestation that it may even surpass the band’s early classics, Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy, that helped spawn the hair-metal genre.

Read the FULL REVIEW on The Daily Iowan's website.

Happy 4/20! Now go check out some live music!

2010-04-20T00:00:00.006-05:00

While I won't be partaking in the festivities (outside of the live music itself), it seems like 4/20 is just one of those "unofficial holidays" that screams METAL!

Which is why I am wishing all you loyal readers a Happy 4/20 and, more importantly, informing you of some metal shows going on around Iowa City.

The Mill, 120 E. Burlington, is putting on an event aptly titled "4/20 Fest" featuring music from stoner rock band Snow Demon, the rock juggernaut Superchief and punk-metal hybrid Droids Attack. All of these bands are 100% Metal Show Guaranteed to rock 'n' roll. Best part of it all? Admission is free. Doors open at 9 p.m.

The second metal show on 4/20 takes place at Gabe's, 330 E. Washington, and offers a little more diversity in terms of sound, with the Primus-inspired and bass-heavy Illth, the doomy Dredge and metalcore act Spanish Harlem. Doors for this show open at 8:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. Admission is only $4 for this one.

No matter how you plan on celebrating 4/20, make sure to fit in a little time for some live music and maybe even a trip for some munchies later!

AC/DC Still Got It!

2010-04-19T14:55:00.004-05:00

I'll keep this brief, but the AC/DC show on April 17 in Des Moines, Iowa, rocked! I wasn't all that excited going into the arena and the opening band The Last Vegas didn't do much to pump me up, but then AC/DC came out with "Rock 'n' Roll Train" and never let up the rest of the night.

Brian Johnson still has that swagger to him and Angus Young ran around the stage, signature Gibson SG in hand, like a 12-year-old boy hopped up on caffeine. The fact that he can still go crazy on stage for a nearly two-hour set is just insane.

Anyways you can check out the new video for "Highway to Hell" promoting Iron Man 2 below. And that live track doesn't even do the real show justice.

Peter Steele RIP

2010-04-15T03:32:00.007-05:00

Apparently the rumor of Type O Negative vocalist Peter Steele dying of heart failure may actually be a reality. Like him or not, Steele has one of the most definitive voices out there and wrote some chilling songs.

So, if the rumors are all true, then RIP Peter Steele. Thanks for the tunes. True goth metal at its best.

UPDATE: Looks like Steele's death has been confirmed of what is believed to be heart failure. I figured he must be going through some medical problems, as he has been pretty strong on finding religion and looked weaker as of late.

Here is a great quote on Peter from metal journalist Joe Gausten:

"I met Peter Steele back in 1995, when Jerry and Doyle from the MISFITS brought me along to a show in New York, where they joined TYPE O onstage during an encore. This was the first time those guys has appeared onstage in MISFITS gear in 12 years.

"Backstage, Jerry introduced me to Peter, who looked up at me, handed me a bottle of whiskey and said in his classic deep voice, 'Drink!' Being an 18-year-old wiseass at the time, I immediately started chugging it like it was ice tea! 'WHOA!!' shouted Peter as he snatched the booze away from me. He then pointed to the stack of unspeakably disgusting porno mags piled up beside him. 'Um, might I interest you in some fine pornographic material?'

"Quite a nice host, if you ask me."

RIP PETER STEELE

Global Metal: Lamb of God Plays a show in China

2010-04-14T13:04:00.007-05:00

It's kind of cool how music, especially metal, is such a universal language. It is great to see Lamb of God playing this show in China, and I'm sure the fans there dug it too!

UPDATE: Video not working right now. Check it out on Blabbermouth for now.

Deftones and the Double Down

2010-04-13T15:16:00.004-05:00

So I talked about the KFC Double Down Sandwich on my show last night, but just in case you didn't understand the amazing artery clogging powers of the bunless meat sandwich, it is pictured below.

That's right: no bun, friend chicken fillets, bacon, cheese, and the Colonel's special sauce. Only in America!

Now onto actual music discussion. The Deftones. Never got into em', but if you are a fan you can check out the latest video for "Diamond Eyes" off the album of the same name due out on May 4. Not too shabby for 90's style metal and strangely refreshing from the metalcore stuff.

Deftones - Diamond Eyes (Official)

Deftones | MySpace Music Videos

Gojira In The Studio: Set to record new EP to save whales.

2010-04-12T12:38:00.005-05:00

Word on the street is that Gojira will be heading to the studio this summer to record a five-song EP, with all of the proceeds going to anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd.

My good friend Eric was able to talk to vocalist / guitarist Joe Duplantier awhile back, and I must say, this guy is legit.

The band really does care about the environment and you should too. And you should care about this news, because Gojira rules.

Press release and whale-related song below. And don't forget to check out The Metal Show tonight from 8 to 10 p.m.

Dave Mustaine Steals a Tank in "The Right to Go Insane" Music Video

2010-04-12T00:27:00.004-05:00

While I still don't agree Endgame is as good as some people believe it to be, "The Right to Go Insane," is catchier than I remember and a solid choice for a single.

However, it is a little ridiculous to see Dave wearing a bandanna and riding around in a tank, but I imagine he thought it was a good idea.

Check out the music video below.

Slash Solo Album Review: Pick up some Nighttrain and crank the music!

2010-04-07T23:20:00.005-05:00

CD REVIEW
Artist: Slash
Album: "Slash"
Rating: **** out of ***** stars.

I recently reviewed Slash's new self-titled solo album for The Daily Iowan. Below is an excerpt from the review, as well as a link to the entire article. This is a truly great CD from the former Guns N' Roses guitarist.

"Slash’s curly black hair, top hat, sunglasses, and dangling cigarette are as much a part of the guitarist’s trademark as the riffs on “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” or any other Guns ’N’ Roses hit.

However, no one can say he has let all the fame get to his head. Slash has always been an honest guitar player, one who relies more on emotion than fancy pyrotechnics. This is part of the reason his playing on the latest solo album, Slash, works so well, perfectly complementing the guest vocalists and musicians he invites to perform over his spicy rock ’n’ roll licks.

Almost every song on the album — from the crunchy opener “Ghost,” featuring the Cult’s Ian Astbury (vocals) and former Guns ’N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin, to “I Hold On,” which is led by a vocal performance from Kid Rock — flows better than the listener might expect."

Check out the rest of the review on the DI's website.

Oh, and as much as I hate pluggin' The Tonight Show with Jay Leno after he replaced the mighty Conan, here is a recent clip from the late-night talk show of Slash playing the first single off the album, "By the Sword".

(Note: This is one of the less interesting tracks on the album, but it's still cool)

Lack of Updates: Back on Track Soon?

2010-04-05T12:35:00.006-05:00

You may have noticed there haven't been any posts since last Monday. Last week was crazy and this week is only going to get more intense (actually the worst of it was today). I will try and update when I can, but also make sure to tune in to The Metal Show from 8 to 9 p.m. tonight if I don't collapse from exhaustion!

Oh and I'll be putting a link to my review of Slash's solo album tomorrow too, so check back for my thoughts on that one.

UPDATE: So I ended up passing out from exhaustion and missing my show on Monday night, ha ha. I didn't actually think it would happen!

My week is still very busy, so I am updating this post with the perfect song for a rough week below... "Pisses Me Off" courtesy of Chris Caffery!

-Randy

The Anthrax Debacle Continues: Still no word on what will happen with "Worship Music"

2010-03-29T13:02:00.006-05:00

There's no denying that We've Come For You All is a solid album. And now that John Bush is back in the band, hopefully we can get another one.

So what is the current status of the whole Anthrax debacle? Here's what the Armored Saint/Anthrax frontman had to say in an excerpt from an interview with Metalsucks.net:

MetalSucks: So you think you would be re-recording some of [former ANTHRAX singer] Dan Nelson's vocals?

Bush: That is what they want to do, and it's been a conflict for me, to be quite frank, simply because I kind of felt like I wasn't part of the creation of it. On all the other ANTHRAX records, I was part of it when it happened. I just wasn't involved in this, and it's something that they've already actually completed. I haven't disregarded it completely, and I know it's important to them. I realize they made this record and they're kind of sitting on it. They want to put some of it out, if not everything… at least a single, and we've talked about [releasing] an EP. We're still trying to figure out if we can do that, especially in conjunction with these shows in June. We've just got to kind of iron out some specifics. That's where we're at today, March 15, 2010.

Check out the full interview on Metalsucks.net.

I hope that Anthrax will be able to work things out and release this album, but at the same time, Bush should maintain his integrity and only do the vocals if he actually wants to.

Hopefully Worship Music won't suffer from being left in the cutting room for so long...

Will Nevermore deliver with "The Obsidian Conspiracy"?

2010-03-27T18:17:00.012-05:00

Yeah, that album cover above is the real deal. I think it's cheesy and wish the band would have gone with something different, but then again, I'm not the one making the badass music.

The new Nevermore disc, The Obsidian Conspiracy is coming out in just a few months (June 8) and that leaves me wondering one thing... will the band be able to put out an album to satisfy its fans?

While This Godless Endeavor was a solid return to form for the group, I think that Dead Heart in a Dead World still remains Nevermore's masterpiece. I just don't find myself returning to the last album all that much.

Some of the more recent stuff seems like it is more concerned with shredding guitar solos than the songwriting and riff writing itself.

This sort of relates to my post discussing how tech death metal is almost too technical. I wouldn't mind seeing guitarist Jeff Loomis studying some of his old riffs (and maybe even some of the old Sanctuary riffs, even though he didn't write em') and combine that foundation with his progress skillwise to write some truly awesome heavy metal music for us all.

Below is the greatest Nevermore song ever recorded ("The River Dragon Has Come") as well as some recent footage of Loomis shredding and what is supposedly a new tune!

UPDATE: I got rid of the old video because I believe it only had an older track on there and it loaded slow on my comp. I found a slightly lesser quality of just the new track from the same event which I added below. The song is "The Obsidian Conspiracy".

"Priests of Sodom" is a Cannibal Corpse Classic

2010-03-25T02:39:00.010-05:00

Evisceration Plague is hands-down one of the best modern death metal albums out there (it made it to #3 on my 2009 year end list too).

Cannibal Corpse just released this video of the opening track "Priests of Sodom," which is one of the fastest and most technical songs on the album.

Crank up the music and watch below.

Soulfly Goes CGI with "Omen"

2010-03-25T01:46:00.003-05:00

What is the deal with metal bands putting out crappy looking CGI album covers???

Iron Maiden most notoriously did it with Dance of Death, but there are other offenders out there too. Soulfly's latest though isn't as bad as some, but I don't necessarily think it's good either...

Maybe I am just being over critical anyways. Who even looks at album covers anymore in the age of downloading? And shouldn't it be the music that matters the most?

Say what you will, I still miss cool album covers and I think it's one of those things people will be sad to see go once physical albums die out.

That being said, the new Soulfly record Omen is set for a May 25 release date. I didn't give Max Cavalera's band much time in the past, but after hearing Conquer got some pretty rave reviews I decided to check the band out.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Below is a video for the song "Unleash" off that album.

Geek Out with a Blind Guardian Studio Preview

2010-03-25T01:31:00.004-05:00

Blind Guardian is one of the greatest metal bands of all time. There is no denying it. If you do, then you shouldn't be listening to metal, or you must have had one terrible experience at a medieval festival while the band's music was playing.

The band combines the sounds of power and thrash metal into an epic sound, full of unique guitar harmonies and soaring vocals. Hell, I'll even go as far to say that vocalist Hansi Kursch is one of the best metal vocalists too (and he is the only man that can legitimately pull off Queen covers in my book).

I could hype up the band all day, but it's better if I just post some clips. One heavy, one acoustic, and one previewing the new album, which the band is currently in the studio recording.

Badass!

Roadrunner Finally Picks a Legit Greatest Album Cover In Brujeria's "Matando Gueros"

2010-03-25T01:10:00.005-05:00

Leave it to Fear Factory's Dino Cazares to form a band alongside Faith No More bassist Billy Gould and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, with a specialty in writing sometimes clever, and oftentimes distasteful lyrics about killing white people, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and Satanism.

Perhaps even more shocking than the lyrical content of the album (which contains vocals in Spanish), is the album cover itself - an image of an arm holding up a severed head that was taken out of the Mexican tabloid newspaper,¡Alarma!

To this day, I am a little shocked by the album cover, and most of that kind of shit doesn't bother me. I think it's the fact that this is a real image of a REAL severed head that makes it disturbing.

Especially when you put the image in the context of the current day problems in Mexico. There is a lot of violence going on down there (well around the world and even right here in the U.S. too), which makes the album even darker than ever.

You can read Roadrunner's official post about the album cover here. And listen to a Brujeria jam below.

UPDATE: Full list of the greatest album covers that made Roadrunner's list right here if you are curious.

The Metal Show is back on the air tonight!

2010-03-22T12:44:00.003-05:00

After a semi-relaxing Spring Break it is time to get back to the ol' daily grind, but at least that also includes The Metal Show TONIGHT from 8 to 10 p.m. only on KRUI 89.7FM in Iowa City.

Non locals/radioless folks can tune on online right here (assuming the streams are up and running, which they should be).

While you are eagerly waiting for tonight's show (featuring new music from Armored Saint, Finntroll, White Wizzard and more) you can watch this cool live Overkill video and, if you are in the 80s mood, the latest Ratt music video for the track "Best of Me".

Rock Over London. Rock on Chicago. Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions!

Exploring Metal: Industrial Metal

2010-03-22T01:35:00.005-05:00

I enjoyed writing my last "Exploring Metal" piece on the tech death genre, so much that I decided to do another segment on industrial metal.

While my other article was more of a critique on the style, this post is more an exploration of industrial metal and a look at some of the bands within that area.

I think far too often, we metalheads bash other music without giving it a fair chance. If it seems trendy or cool (which industrial metal has been on and off) sometimes the diehard crowd tends to stay away. But enough of that. Now it's onto the robotic riffs of industrial metal!

Unfamiliar with the genre?

Chugging machinelike riffs are a common element in all sorts of metal, so why not seal the deal with unison drums and loops and samples? That is basically industrial metal in a nutshell. Most obviously dudes like Rob Zombie popularized the genre (as seen in the White Zombie video below for "More Human Than Human".

Zombie's music demonstrates the pulsating groove that is typical in the scene. It is funky music that is almost danceable (which is why Zombie is a common strip club favorite I guess?) and is a good example of a commercial industrial sound.

However, there is one band that arguably did more for industrial metal than any other and that is the almighty Ministry.

While the overtly political rantings of Al Jourgensen can be a bit much at times, he writes cool music that is the definition of industrial metal. And the band is still making relevant music to this day.

Pulsating rhythms and loops galore make Ministry an industrial metal fans dream.

In the same vein of Ministry there is the metal/rock outfit Helmet, who while not always being classified as industrial metal, definitely show some influence of the style is more traditional format.

This music is not only catchy, but that main riff and drum beat just pound into your head. For some the repetitiveness can be a turnoff, but for others, it adds to the style. Sure you might not always be in the mood for this stuff, but you can't say it has no merit.

Next up is Fear Factory who moved the genre forward, by combining more of the sounds of extreme metal with industrial sounds.

Perhaps the coolest thing about this band is that they actually did sound like one big machine at times, as seen in the the recent track "Metallic Division" below (Mechanize kicks all kinds of ass by the way).

Max Cavalera fans should take notice of the frontman's dabbling in industrial metal with the excellent Nailbomb. The band proved that while the song is heavily industrial on the album (Point Blank), this sound can be pulled off well in the live setting, which even adds to the groove of it all.

And while I could keep looking for solid examples of industrial metal, why not close things out with some Prong? One of the greatest groove/industrial bands of all time!

No matter what you think about industrial music, it mixes well with the metal and there is plenty of greatness to be found if you just sit back and open your mind.

HAPPY CELTIC METAL DAY!

2010-03-17T01:37:00.003-05:00

Oh and happy St. Patrick's Day too! Crank some Celtic metal, drink some green beer and taste the rainbow!

St. Paddy's Day Streaming Music Roundup: Dillinger Escape Plan, Landmine Marathon, Brian Posehn

2010-03-17T01:13:00.006-05:00

It's Spring Break. Today is St. Patrick's Day. I've been doin' stuff. So sorry about the lack of posts, but in the meantime here is some music to listen to while you are awaiting me to get back to a "daily schedule."

First off... Dillinger Escape Plan's Operation Paralysis is streaming on the band's MySpace (out March 23).

Next up is the new Landmine Marathon album Sovereign Descent which is out now. You can listen to that one at the Metalsucks blog.

Finally here is a sample of the latest Brian Posehn comedy album Fart and Wiener Jokes (out April 27).

iTunes

Brian Posehn - Fart & Wiener Jokes Coming 4/27 | MySpace Video

New Exodus "Hammer and Life" Demo Online! Have a Metal Weekend!

2010-03-12T16:52:00.008-06:00

If I was a betting man I would say the new Exodus album Exhibit B: The Human Condition is going to kick all kinds of ass. Judging by the new track, "Hammer and Life" that is a fairly safe bet to make.

The new song rips and sounds like it could be a modern thrash classic. Hopefully the whole album will be this good! (Exhibit B is set to release on May 18.

Listen to "Hammer and Life" on the band's MySpace now, or just hit play below and rock out!

And most importantly have a great weekend, it is Spring Break around these Iowa City parts, so I will definitely be enjoying some time off (but will try and keep updating the blog in my spare time.

UPDATE: Another new tune, "Class Dismissed (A Hate Primer)" is now on the band's MySpace. Exodus is two-for-two so far!

Armored Saint cooks up a solid mix of traditional metal with "La Raza"

2010-03-11T11:03:00.006-06:00

The folks at Metal Blade were kind enough to send me a copy of the latest Armored Saint CD, La Raza. So what do I think of it?

Well it is classic Armored Saint at heart. Bush sounds as solid as ever and Vera and the gang put together a catchy and definitely safe album that will please fans.

There are actually a lot of mid-paced to slower tunes peppered throughout, so the record maintains a solid mix in tempo. Although after repeated listens it still feels like there is something missing and I'm not sure why. But I call it like I see it.

Longtime fans can do no wrong by picking up La Raza (it really is a solid traditional metal CD) and if you are unfamiliar with the history of the Saint, I'd recommend starting with the excellent March of the Saint before picking this one up.

P.S. I stumbled across this video of vocalist John Bush and bassist Joey Vera of Armored Saint cooking up some pasta sauce and (briefly) discussing the latest album La Raza which will be released on March 16.

UPDATE: Cooking with Armored Saint Part Deux, available now.

High On Fire Hits Hard With Its "Frost Hammer"

2010-03-10T18:38:00.004-06:00

Don't have much to say, besides that this song is badass and that crazy Matt Pike always be runnin' round shirtless.

Dragonforce (Possibly) Parts Ways With Vocalist ZP Theart

2010-03-09T00:45:00.004-06:00

Dragonforce won over the hearts of many a fan with its cheesy-but-fun mentality towards shred-heavy power metal. However, after awhile, every new album sort of blurred together with the old stuff.

Now the band is going through a big overhaul after the (rumored) loss of vocalist ZP Theart as read in a retracted Roadrunner press release. While I think Theart was a big influence on the band's sound, maybe this could be for the better?

I think Dragonforce could do with a little stylistic change... maybe even get a heavier vocalist perhaps? I'm not saying ditch the power metal vocals entirely, but someone who can mix-it-up a little.

And, hey, there's always Tim "Ripper" Owens.

Iraqi Metal Band Acrassicauda Releases "Garden of Stones" Music Video

2010-03-08T12:43:00.011-06:00

Somehow I have managed to put off seeing, Heavy Metal Baghdad, or even listening to Iraqi metal band Acrassicauda... until now.

After watching the latest video for "Garden of Stones" off Only the Dead See the End of the War, I can honestly say this band sounds cooler than about 90% of American metal bands out there today. And the shit these guys went through just to play the music they love is amazing.

You always hear about all of the violence going on in Iraq, so it can be easy to forget that there are plenty of people over there just like you and me.

Acrassicauda's debut album hits store/cyberspace shelves near you tomorrow.

UPDATE: Now you can listen to the whole album in the player below. I bought myself a copy of the EP, it's not too pricey and definitely worth it.

Exploring Metal: A Look at the Tech Death Genre

2010-03-06T16:34:00.009-06:00

Metal is in a period of transition once again. I think we all can agree metalcore is definitely losing steam (bands have either evolved from that title (Lamb Of God, Trivium, Shadows Fall) or have taken it to its limit (Killswitch Engage)) and now it's only a matter of finding a new way to give metal a kick in the ass.

(for argument's sake we are assuming metalcore did increase metal's popularity and is in some way beneficial).

The way things are looking it seems like the unlikely genre of technical death metal is on the rise. Even to the level that there are now more "commercially appealing" versions of these bands creating music. Case A below (heard of The Arusha Accord byway of the dudes at metalsucks).

I'm not sure whether I can say I really like this band or not, because I've only heard one song by them, but the one positive aspect of the video is that the band is performing with energy (which is my big complaint with tech death bands, unless you are talking maybe The Dillinger Escape Plan who are more tech and not really death). Granted this is music video and not live, but you get the point.

I saw The Faceless live and while I dig some of the stuff on Planetary Duality, the live show was boring and the vocals are completely incomprehensible live (Case B). Not to mention the album kind of blurs together after track 2.

What I'm getting at is that tech death metal (and lots of modern metal) is missing the energy that the old school rockers / metal heads once had (and some still have). The live shows were fun because it was equally as enjoyable to see the band rock out, as it was to hear them play the songs.

That is not the case with many tech death bands today.

Another tech death band that is similar to The Faceless, but more evolved, is Obscura. Cosmogenesis is a great album and they are more fun to watch than The Faceless live, but once again, the music itself is lacking some of the emotion classic bands like Pantera or say Metallica always had.

So what is this post all about in the end? The conclusion that while tech death is cool, bands need to remember that the live show and emotion can be just as vital as playing cool sounding riffs. Maybe Arsis has it right and its latest album is a proper example of where the genre should go?

It's funny because I have heard a lot of mixed response with the new Arsis record, but goddamn if it isn't a fun listen! Is it too much to ask for technicality and emotion in a band's music? And is tech death the new direction metal is going? (you could also make the argument it's going the way of modern doom/stoner metal, which bores me even more). I can't say 100%, but I am interested in seeing how this all plays out in upcoming years.