Revamping the Metal Blog

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.

The Metal Show is back on the air tonight!

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!

Decibel Interview with Bobby Blitz Ellsworth of Overkill

Here is a link to a cool interview I read with Bobby Blitz Ellsworth of Overkill. What a badass!

If you haven't purchased the new album Ironbound, get your ass out there and DO IT NOW!!!

A GREAT Week for METAL!

Not only did Fear Factory put out a Mechanize today, featuring the crushing combo of Gene Hoglan and Dino Cazares (both literally and sonically), but Overkill and Arsis put out great records too!

The new Fear Factory might just be the best thing since Demanufacture (which is still a revolutionary CD to this day).

Overkill's Ironbound is a total metal classic that should be picked up by all true metalheads. Bands don't make albums like this anymore! It's brilliant! (Although, there are a few production flaws with my digital copy at least, hopefully they'll fix come clipping / static issues).

And I haven't spent too much time with the new Arsis CD, Starve for the Devil yet, but from what I've heard it combines '80s metal and death metal into a satisfying mix.

If there was a reason to motivate you to visit your local record shop / online retailer, this should be it! These are three solid releases and you can't really go wrong with any of them.

Watch the new Overkill video for "We Are the Night" below (or just stream the entire album HERE).

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

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

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

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

Overkill - "We Are The Night"


Overkill - "Ironbound"

Overkill is "Ironbound"

Listen to the new song "Ironbound" below. If this is the direction this album is going, I will be pleased.

Overkill: The Hardest Working Band in Metal?

Overkill is probably one of the most overlooked thrash bands that are still around today.

Sure Testament and others may have never gotten the spotlight they deserved, but Overkill got even less. (Maybe it's because of the fact that Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth sometimes resembles a banshee when singing, but hey, just like Geddy Lee once you get into it, it just fits).

To this day the band puts out a new album what feels like every other year (or sooner) and usually the end result is better than what the old school bands take 6 years to make!

Overkill will continue its thrash domination with the release Ironbound, coming out on February 9, 2010.

Also for any listeners in my home state of Iowa, a road trip may be in order for the upcoming show in Chicago.

April 09 - Chicago, IL @ The Metro

While you are waiting, check out a video of one of my favorite Overkill tunes, "Necroshine"!

Metallica Perform Dyer's Eve Live

It's not perfect, but who would have expected this one???



Also check out pictures of this exclusive vinyl release from Megaforce Records of the colored vinyl for "Feel the Fire" coming out on May 12. Also being released is the "Fuck You and Then Some" album. These are limited to 500 copies, so vinyl collectors be on the watch!