Happy birthday to legendary guitarist Vinnie Moore!

The Metal Archives shows that Vincent Moore was born April 14, 1964. Vinnie started out on the Shrapnel Records label, famous for finding guitar heroes, and they certainly found one here. He caught fans' attention with his debut, Mind's Eye, in 1987 (according to The Metal Archives). Vinnie has stayed very busy throughout his career, playing with Alice Cooper and UFO, amongst others. He was actually with UFO for almost two decades! In addition, The Metal Archives shows that he has 10 studio albums that show the many sides of his guitar playing.

Vinnie Moore - Still Waters Run Deep (from the 2022 album Double Exposure)

celebrating the death metal anniversary of WRUST's Soulless Machine

Man, there is something about this death metal album. The combination of death metal, a bit of groove metal, the sound itself, and a bit of melody—it sounds good to me. It feels like this band understood what they wanted to do with their metal from the beginning and delivered it. It's the type of death metal that makes sense right away.

The Metal Archives shows that Wrust formed in 2000 in Botswana. The Metal Archives shows a 2003 demo, but I haven't heard it, so the 2007 debut album was my introduction to them. After that, they did an EP in 2011, a second album in 2013, and a split in 2019. Here's hoping they make more music.

Speaking for myself, I sense a certain type of Pantera and Sepultura energy, and maybe that's why I like it. Of course, there is death metal all over the album, but maybe it's that Pantera-Sepultura songwriting sound that does it for me. The thing is, I don't even know if this band likes those bands. I have no idea what their influences are! Anyway, I still enjoy this album, which I guess is now an oldie!

Wrust

Soulless Machine

Witchdoctor Records

April 14, 2007

1. Soulless Machine 03:33

2. Kill or Be Killed 05:11

3. Just a Sinner 03:41

4. Prophecy of Doom 02:52

5. Run 03:46

6. The Renegade 04:15

7. Why Me 05:51

8. Cleansing Ritual 02:32

Total time 31:41

WRUST-WHY ME

celebrating Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes - Survival of the Fittest Live

Both the official Ted Nugent website and Wikipedia give April 1971 as the release month for this live album. Wikipedia says, "The initial plan for the Survival of the Fittest album was to record one side of the album live and the other side in the studio, but this plan was later scrapped and the band instead recorded an entire live album. The album consists of five new songs written by Ted Nugent, and an extended live performance of 'Prodigal Man', which previously appeared on the band's Migration album. In a review of the band's previous album, Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom, AllMusic said that Survival of the Fittest sees the band embracing blues rock, which had only partially been explored on Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom.'"

This recording is pure rock and roll energy. They are cooking up some live, raw, hard blues rock, and the whole band sounds great. The drumming is such a treat, and there are tons of Ted Nugent riffs, hooks, and leads to make you pick up your guitar or your air guitar.

The live version of "Prodigal Son"! Wow. The studio recording of 'Prodigal Son,' according to Wikipedia, is the second track on the 1969 The Amboy Dukes album Migration, which was their third full-length. The original's duration is 9:09, and this live version is twice that!"

1. "Survival of the Fittest" 6:17

2. "Rattle My Snake" 3:00

3. "Mr. Jones' Hanging Party" 4:55

4. "Papa's Will" 9:00

5. "Slidin' On" 3:03

6. "Prodigal Man" 21:20

Ted Nugent – Guitar, vocals (lead on track 4)

Andy Solomon – Keyboards, saxophone, vocals (lead on tracks 2, 5 and 6)

Rob Ruzga – Bass

K. J. Knight – Drums, vocals (lead on track 3)

Survival Of The Fittest (Live at the Eastowne Theatre, Detroit, Michigan /1970)

celebrating the metalcore anniversary of WAR OF AGES' album Eternal

This album has shredding, melodic soloing, thrashy riffs, breakdowns, and a consistent emphasis on faith and perseverance. The album presents a particular sound of metalcore in which there is quite a bit of classic metal working into the contemporary sound. The vocals and the album's crunch are all metalcore, but what about all those melodies?! That's a bit of a different angle, and the music is all the better for it.

War of Ages - Eternal

April 13th, 2010 - Facedown Records

(according to The Metal Archives)

Steve Brown (Guitars) - Branon Bernatowicz (Guitars) - Leroy Hamp (Vocals, Lyrics) - Alex Hamp (Drums) - TJ Alford (Bass)

War Of Ages - Collapse

remembering UFO keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond (1945-2019)

Wikipedia says: "Paul Martin Raymond (16 November 1945 – 13 April 2019) was an English keyboardist and guitarist, best known for playing in the rock bands UFO and Michael Schenker Group. He also replaced Christine McVie when she left Chicken Shack to join Fleetwood Mac in 1969."

Paul Raymond was UFO's long-time keyboardist and rhythm guitarist who joined in 1976 (replacing Danny Peyronel) because he could play both keyboards and rhythm guitar. This was a game-changer for UFO’s live sound. It allowed them to have that fuller sound during Michael Schenker’s solos.

Wikipedia says that: "He wrote songs for UFO, but because of a previous publishing deal, was not credited for these songs until recent years. When Michael Schenker left UFO, Raymond joined Schenker's new band, MSG, in 1981 and later joined UFO bassist Pete Way's band, Waysted, in 1983. Raymond worked with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, along with Schenker and Way, in UFO from 1976–1980, 1984–1986, 1993–1998 and 2003–2019. At the time of his death in 2019, UFO had just completed the first leg of what they referred to as their final world tour, dubbed 'Last Orders: 50th Anniversary'. For the remainder of the tour, Raymond was replaced by Neil Carter, who was also his replacement from 1980 to 1983."

The Life & Death of UFO's PAUL RAYMOND

(Watch this video. It says that it is 1977. If the year is right, then it is Paul Raymond starting on the keyboards with a guitar strapped on, and then he switches to play the rhythm guitar. There are two guitarists on the stage, not just Michael Schenker.)

UFO - Lights Out - Live at Roundhouse 1977 (Remastered)

celebrating Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father - an inspiration to American patriotic rockers

Wikipedia shows: "Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2], 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and natural rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels."

Jefferson was an accomplished violinist. It is said that he called it the 'favorite passion of my soul.'

ICED EARTH's creative force, Jon Schaffer, has often been inspired by the American ideas of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Jon's solo project, Sons of Liberty, has a song called 'Tree of Liberty' that directly quotes Thomas Jefferson.

TED NUGENT is also inspired by the Jeffersonian ideas of the 'Spirit of 1776,' the year of the birth of the United States of America."

Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty - Tree Of Liberty (from the 2010 album Brush-Fires of the Mind)

Ted Nugent - "The Music Made Me Do It" (Official Music Video)

celebrating the thrash anniversary of HEATHEN - Victims of Deception

When this album first came out, the metal music magazine Metal Maniacs gave it a stellar review. Ever since then, more and more people have come to appreciate the album. Time has been kind to this release! On The Metal Archives, there is a review that gives the album a 92 out of 100 by 'lonerider, December 27th, 2012.' The reviewer makes a strong case for the album, saying, in part:

Ultimately, however, “Victims of Deception” is an album of astounding quality and consistency, recorded by musicians of remarkable technical prowess. It’s safe to say that a band like Metallica – as the most successful band to emerge from the Bay Area scene, they are the perfect measuring stick – doesn’t hold a candle to Heathen in that category, as the drums, guitars and even the vocals are sometimes light-years ahead of what the likes of Ulrich, Hammett and Hetfield have ever been capable of. That in turn allows the band to infuse more melody and progressive elements into the music whilst retaining plenty of speed and aggressiveness. Particularly the riffing on tracks like “Fear of the Unknown” and “Hypnotized” is positively spectacular. Moreover, the stellar production brings out the best in the band’s performance, giving the guitars a massive sound without stifling the other instruments and various little details in the band’s awe-inspiring delivery.

In closing, “Victims of Deception” is the perfect album to demonstrate that the more iconic and commercially successful bands from the Bay Area scene weren’t necessarily the be-all and end-all in musical quality and that some of the more under-the-radar acts were actually just as good or perhaps sometimes even a little better. With an effort like this under their belt, Heathen were definitely deserving of more widespread acclaim and sustained success than they ended up with, but as we all know, life simply isn’t always fair.

Heathen - Victims of Deception

April 12, 1991 - Roadracer Records

Doug Piercy - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 7-9)

Darren Minter - Drums

David White-Godfrey - Vocals, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5-7, 9, 10)

Lee Altus - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5, 6, 9, 10)

Heathen - Opiate of the Masses

celebrating the black metal anniversary of SKALD IN VEUM's album Stridslysten

This album is relentless black metal; its title apparently translates to something like 'battle-ready' in Swedish. The album delivers a high-velocity assault of tremolo picking and blast beats, maintaining a grim sound. While the lyrics focus on spiritual themes, the music remains incredibly aggressive. The priority is energy, intensity, and speed. You won't be able to whistle these songs, but you may need a neck brace. Have your Tylenol handy.

Skald in Veum - Stridslysten

Nordic Mission Records - April 12, 2019

1. Stridslysten 03:56; 2. As Wolves Among Sheep 05:47; 3. En lyra döpt i blod 05:00; 4. Do What Thou Wilt 05:48; 5. Goat**** 04:05; 6. Shards of the Infernal Fall 04:07; 7. Tvinsot (Siaren II) 06:09; 8. Whoremaster 03:32. Total time 38:24.

Stridslysten by Skald In Veum

celebrating the ICED EARTH demo Enter the Realm

Awesome demo! This 1989 release is foundational for the band’s future, capturing the raw and aggressive energy of thrashy heavy metal. It blends the melodic atmosphere of classic British metal with the massive, galloping riffs of Bay Area thrash and American classic rock. The production is great for a demo; the heavy crunch of the guitar tone and the personality of the vocals create a sound that is creative, fun, and serious all at once. Short, moody instrumentals lead into high-speed heavy hitters like 'Colors' and 'Nightmares.' A legendary start in 1989!"

Iced Earth - Enter the Realm demo - April 12, 1989

(according to The Metal Archives)

Gene Adam (vocals) - Randy Shawver (lead guitars) - Jon Schaffer (rhythm guitars, vocals) - Dave Abell (bass) - Greg Seymour (drums)

1. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 2. Colors 05:05; 3. Nightmares 03:42 4. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 5. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 6. Iced Earth 05:33 7. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 8. Colors 05:05; 9. Nightmares 03:42; 10. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 11. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 12. Iced Earth 05:33. Total time 21:43.

ICED EARTH - Colors (original recording 1989)

remembering producer Roy Thomas Baker (1946-2025)

Roy Thomas Baker (November 10, 1946 - April 12, 2025)

According to The Metal Archives: "Producer, active from 1970's to 2025. Baker began career at Decca in England aged 14. Moved to Trident Studios. After co-founding Trident's record company Neptune, Baker began working with Queen whom he produced for five albums including the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Baker has produced and added his distinctive sound to artists such as The Cars, Ian Hunter, Nazareth, Guns N' Roses, The Who, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Foreigner, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, T.Rex, Devo, The Stranglers, Dusty Springfield, Yes, Cheap Trick, Gasolin', The Darkness and The Smashing Pumpkins."

Also, Wikipedia notes: "After co-founding Neptune (Trident's record company), Baker met the rock band Queen. Thus began a relationship lasting for five albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, and Jazz) and a number of awards including 21 Grammy Awards and several Guinness World Records for the hit song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody.'"

On The Metal Archives, some of his most prominent work is: Dokken - 1984 Alone Again / Just Got Lucky (EP) producer (assistant); and Dokken - 1984 Tooth and Nail producer (associate). Also, Ozzy Osbourne - 1988 No Rest for the Wicked producer, recording.

Queen - Stone Cold Crazy (Official Lyric Video) (from 1974's Sheer Heart Attack)

Dokken - Into The Fire (Official Music Video) (from 1984's Tooth and Nail)

celebrating the black metal anniversary of ELDERWIND - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

According to The Metal Archives: Elderwind is an atmospheric black metal band from Yekaterinburg, Russia, formed in 2009. From the information on The Metal Archives, it looks like their focus is on nature, the mountains, and the cold atmosphere of the wilderness. It is a nature-driven sound, blending aggressive black metal elements with sweeping, melodic synth-atmospheres.

The band was founded by Vyacheslav Oboskalov, who handles the songwriting and guitars. Some internet sources say that the name Elderwind was partially inspired by the game Morrowind. I don't know what that is, actually; maybe it is of interest to the people that know. Anyway, there is melody in here, but the harsh vocals—prototypical shrieking, throat-ripping black metal for the most part—might make you not notice the melody. The music can go at midtempo speeds, but don't be surprised when this whole thing all of a sudden launches into frenetic blasting speeds that will blow back your hair.

To end, the band has four albums: 2012, 2018, 2021, and this one from 2025.

Elderwind - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

April 12, 2025 (independent)

1. Intro 01:30 instrumental; 2. Prospectors 08:03; 3. Sorrow for the Past 06:57 4. The Greatness of the Ancient 09:03; 5. Wayfarers of the Wind 09:30; 6. Blood of the Sunset 06:12; 7. The Volga 08:52. Total time 50:07

Древнее Древних/Older than Ancien by Elderwind

celebrating the (belated) anniversary of DOKKEN's Lightning Strikes Again

I like the sound of this album. It's such a fun album! According to The Metal Archives, April 11 is the release date for the tenth full-length from long-running American heavy metal band DOKKEN.

In this particular case, this album features uptempo melodic rockers—the trademark sound of the band—with those very pleasant vocal lines. The rhythm section sounds great, keeping the songs together very well; both the bass and drums are a treat to listen to in the context of the songs. The guitar work is awesome, featuring hard-rock riffs, tons of melodies, and shredding. The songs go from headbanging rockers with driving drums to anthems, with a little bit of variety found in the mellower moments.

A reviewer over at The Metal Archives says about this album: "There’s no attempt at pandering to the mainstream here, no begging for a bigger fan base, just good old fashioned guitar oriented metal with zero apologies." I agree with such a sentiment. It's an accurate assessment.

Dokken - Lightning Strikes Again

April 11, 2008 - Frontiers Records

Don Dokken (vocals) - Jon Levin (guitars) - Barry Sparks (bass) - Mick Brown (drums)

1. Standing on the Outside 03:54; 2. Give Me a Reason 03:52; 3. Heart to Stone 03:58; 4. Disease 03:32; 5. How I Miss Your Smile 04:03; 6. Oasis 03:42; 7. Point of No Return 04:25; 8. I Remember 04:50; 9. Judgement Day 04:04; 10. It Means 04:44; 11. Release Me 05:47; 12. This Fire 04:41. Total time 51:32.

DOKKEN - Heart to Stone

celebrating the anniversary of STRYPER's album God Damn Evil

The Metal Archives shows April 11 as the release date in Japan for this album. Could this be the band's heaviest album ever?! It is an album with massive crunch and features a curveball opening song that might shock you the first time you hear its extreme metal energy: "Take It to the Cross." Throughout the album, the guitars are down-tuned with a heavy crunch, and the drumming has a thunderous, percussive, and weighty feel. Below is what I think is a representative track from the album. This song is the second song on the album.

Stryper

God Damn Evil

Avalon

April 11, 2018 (Japan)

Stryper - "Sorry" (Official Music Video)

https://www.facebook.com/Stryper

remembering 1980s German heavy metal STORMWITCH guitarist Lee Tarot

Harald Spengler ("Lee Tarot") (1963 - April 11, 2013)

Stormwitch is a cult heavy metal band from Gerstetten, Baden-Württemberg, according to The Metal Archives, which shows their activity as follows: 1979-1981 (as Lemon Sylvan), 1981-1996, 2002-present. They have 11 albums listed on The Metal Archives.

The Metal Archives shows: "In 1989, after spending many years as lead guitarist and main composer of Stormwitch, he decided to leave the band to focus on his managing career. He remained with the band as manager until early 1990s." Harald was with Stormwitch from 1981 to 1989 for the following studio albums: (1984) Walpurgis Night, (1985) Tales of Terror, (1986) Stronger than Heaven, (1987) The Beauty and the Beast, and (1989) Eye of the Storm.

STORMWITCH - Rats In The Attic (from the 1986 album Stronger than Heaven)

celebrating the black metal anniversary of MESARTHIM's EP Vacuum Solution

MESARTHIM is an anonymous duo from Australia, formed in 2015, with themes of astronomy, physics, and outer space. On The Metal Archives, the members are listed simply as "." and ".". Their sound is a mix of atmospheric black metal and electronic music, featuring extreme vocals and soaring synth melodies. According to reports, they performed live for the first time in September 2024 at the Cosmic Void Festival in London, wearing futuristic clothing and LED masks. They frequently use NASA telescope imagery and star charts for their aesthetic.

On this particular EP, they blend black metal with electronic trance elements. It is very likely that the EP will offer something new to the first-time listener. It feels like an unexpected and unusual combination, but it's a fun adventure. It is not really black metal per se, but it is not purely electronic/dance music, either. Is it danceable black metal? If you are up for an adventure—and something a bit strange—give this EP a try. The release consists of four songs with vocals and a final instrumental track.

Mesarthim

Vacuum Solution

April 11, 2021

1. Vacuum Solution 07:48

2. Matter and Energy 04:38

3. Heliocentric Orbit 03:18

4. A Manipulation of Numbers 06:44

5. Absence 05:20 (instrumental)

total time 27:48

Vacuum Solution (E.P.) by Mesarthim

OUT NOW: VoidChaser — science fiction progressive metal from Earth

With all the news of people going into outer space, and all the talk of the Moon and Mars—add to that the news of corruption, power, politics, and weaponry—I wonder if VoidChaser is making the music of the present and future all at once. I think I have read that certain bands are ready to play a concert on the Moon or in a space station, but maybe I should give this Human/Canadian/Swedish/Cyborg band a phone call and see if they want to join this new project of playing in space? I can call NASA and see what we can work out. Okay, while I work on those phone calls, why don't you check out the exciting space-story, exploration-corruption metal of this album? It is eight tracks in 48 and a half minutes, but it is actually a ticket for a trip. I recommend a safety belt.

VoidChaser

Interstellar I

9 April 2026

ABOUT THE BAND: Montreal (QC) / Stockholm (SE) - International Progressive Metal band, Voidchaser, have announced the April 9th release of their second full-length album, titled Interstellar I. Depicting themes of technological overreach, mass corruption and personal struggles related to identity, love and survival, the narrative unfolds within a vast, lore infused deep space universe. Interstellar I balances a dense and layered wall of sound with high-energy choruses and memorable melodies, where every moment serves the storytelling. Musically, the album brings to mind the style of Devin Townsend’s Ziltoid the Omniscient and Dream Theater’s Systematic Chaos, while reinterpreting those influences through Voidchaser’s own modern and distinctive sound, also drawing from classic foundations found in Deep Purple’s Machine Head and Black Sabbath’s Paranoid. With this release, Voidchaser returns with a level of maturity that defines their most ambitious and fully realized work to date. Recommended for fans of Devin Townsend, Haken, Dream Theater, Scar Symmetry, Ayreon, Pagan's Mind, and science fiction!

Interstellar I (LP) by Voidchaser

TELOMYRAS (Seattle) — sophomore album out May 8, 2026

The Seattle metal retaliation battalion TELOMYRAS is ready for May 8, 2026, when their second album will be released. I see that right now on Bandcamp, they have the song "Attrition" available for your listening pleasure. This band is from the state of Washington, USA. Today is a rainy, wet, cold, and grey day in our part of Washington State, but cheer up, we have TELOMYRAS to bring the metal! I recommend jogging in the rain with TELOMYRAS music on. Get you in shape for May 8.

Telomyras

Duskfall

8 May 2026 (independent)

ABOUT THE BAND: Seattle (WA) - Heavy Metal bangers TELOMYRAS are back! Three years after releasing their self-titled debut EP, the band is primed for the release of their first full-length album, Duskfall! Since the release of their debut EP, Telomyras have been hard at work honing their unique blend of classic heavy metal and extreme metal with the songs that make up Duskfall. Telomyras delivers a riff driven metallic assault with aggressive guitars in the vein of bands like Sanctuary and Megadeth, and a dual lead guitar attack inspired by classic and progressive metal. SammieGorham’s classically trained opera vocal technique shines through the record with soaring highs, contrasted by her guttural screams that accentuate the brutality of the record. With the addition of the power and technique of new drummer Gavynn Peterson, Telomyras is here to define a new era of heavy metal with Duskfall.

Duskfall by Telomyras

celebrating the black metal ABBATH single "Harvest Pyre"

The Metal Archives shows April 10 as the release date for this single. Taken from the 2019 album Outstrider, "Harvest Pyre" with Abbath’s signature frostbitten riffing and mid-paced driving black metal energy.

Abbath

Harvest Pyre

Season of Mist

April 10, 2019

Abbath - Harvest Pyre (official music video)

in memory of MOLLY HATCHET bassist Banner Thomas (1956-2017)

Published by AL.com (Mobile) on Apr. 14, 2017.

Banner Thomas, a musician who was the original bassist for the platinum-selling Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, died Monday, April 10, 2017, of a heart attack, according to multiple news sources. He was 60. The band, founded in 1975 by guitarist Dave Hlubek in Jacksonville, Florida, is known for its hit song "Flirtin' With Disaster."

The group announced Thomas' death via its official Facebook page: "Molly Hatchet bassist, Banner Thomas passed away this morning. From 1978 - 1983, Banner played on the first four MH albums, including the hit Flirtin' With Disaster. He left the band and was replaced by Riff West, also deceased, who played on the next 5 albums. Tim Lindsey has been the bassist for nearly fifteen years and continues to carry the torch forward. Our prayers and condolences extend to Banners family and friends. RIP"

According to posts on his own Facebook page, Thomas had been treated for pneumonia just days before he died. He had plans to resume playing concerts with his current band, Those Guys, also based in Jacksonville. Thomas, who was born Sept. 6, 1956, in Orange Park, Florida, played on Molly Hatchet's first four studio albums: "Molly Hatchet" (1978), which went platinum; "Flirtin' With Disaster" (1979), which sold more than 2 million copies; "Beatin' the Odds" (1980), another platinum success; and "Take No Prisoners" (1981), which peaked at No. 36 on the U.S. albums chart.

Thomas left Molly Hatchet in 1983, moving on to co-found the group Big Engine. In a 2002 interview, he explained to Philippe Archambeau why he quit the band. "We all started thinking we were stars, and that drove wedges into the cracks that started forming," Thomas said. "I was as guilty as anybody else. I got into an argument with Dave, got mad, and quit. Do I regret it today? Yes and no. I'm sorry I quit the way I did, when I did, but it looks like I picked a good time to get out. Not long after, under pressure from management and the record company to produce more hit singles, the band started to lose its identity, and started to look like Loverboy. I'm glad I wasn't there for that." Published by AL.com (Mobile) on Apr. 14, 2017.

Molly Hatchet - Bounty Hunter - 11/10/1978 - Capitol Theatre

celebrating the anniversary of DEMON HUNTER's True Defiance

Wikipedia and Amazon Music show April 10 as the release date for the sixth studio album by DEMON HUNTER (2000–present). The general consensus is that this is one of their most high-energy metal albums; it's as if the band wanted to get down to the business of metal music and focused entirely on that energy. The next thing you know, they had an album that turned out awesome. Wikipedia mentions that some critics were upset with the band's faith-based lyrics and outlook on life, and it looks like some of them gave the album vindictively low scores. Whatever. It's their loss! I like the album, and it sounds like DEMON HUNTER to me. Here is the music video for the song "My Destiny" from the album.

Demon Hunter

True Defiance

Solid State Records

April 10, 2012

Wikipedia has the following quote by vocalist Ryan Clark:

"This record is without a doubt our most aggressive. Every Demon Hunter record must be a step up from the last. I know that's a goal for every band, but it seldom works that way - especially today, especially in metal. It seems like most band's prime years are long behind them. I refuse to let that be the case for us. We've been extremely underwhelmed with metal for the last five years or so, and that's been the fuel to create this record. With an extreme over-saturation of false, fleeting, trend-hopping noise in today's metal scene, we had to make something we've been longing to hear. Something truly meaningful and artistic. Something our fans would love and something that will turn the heads of those who have ignored us for the past decade." (Ryan Clark, Main Vocalist on the band's direction with True Defiance.)

Demon Hunter - My Destiny

https://www.facebook.com/demonhunter

celebrating British metalcore band CONFESSIONS OF A TRAITOR's "Rai" single

Amazon Music shows that this single was released on April 10, 2020. Amazon Music also shows October 18, 2019 as the release date for the album Guided, where "Rai" appears as track number seven. The song, in my opinion, is a great example of the band's emotional brand of mid-paced metalcore. It appears the band released the single after the album's debut, which likely explains the slight confusion for me regarding the release dates.

By the way, here is something exciting for American fans of metalcore: In May, the band will be touring the USA. See the tour dates in the picture here!

Confessions of a Traitor

Rai

APR 10 2020

Confessions of a Traitor - Rai

https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofatraitor

OUT NOW: IMPENDING DOOM (deathcore) — "Glory and Immortality" single

Amazon Music shows that April 10th is the release date for this new song: a mid-tempo, almost minimalistic groove track featuring guttural lows and piercing high shrieks. The guitar is a brick wall, thick, down-tuned, and locked in with the bass and drums for a massive percussive sound. There is a bit of a dissonant vibe toward the latter part of the track, I would say. Overall, it’s heavy and groovy in a sicko kind of way. The song has a big, simple, percussive beat, a deathcore-meets-industrial style that calls out for physical-body movement.

Impending Doom

Glory & Immortality”

April 10 ", 2026

IMPENDING DOOM - Glory & Immortality

https://www.facebook.com/impendingdoom

OUT NOW: BATTLEGRAVE — fast, ferocious thrashing death from Australia

This album caught my attention because I have been listening to a bunch of new/new-to-me bands that get all weird and experimental—playing music like Pablo Picasso does paintings. But man, I do appreciate metal that gets to the point quickly and stays on point: headbanging metal music. Play fast, be intense, have good riffs, good songs, and good vocals, and avoid the 20-minute bass solo, and I'm good. This is why I immediately liked this album. It’s as if the band said to themselves: "Why don't we make our own Battlegrave version of The Haunted's 1998 debut? Let's play pounding, thrashing death metal and keep it there." Battlegrave brings no-nonsense, fierce death-thrash. That’s what they did. To the point. This works for me. I don't need a 20-minute bass solo, and I don't need any slowpoke songs. Just give me thrash riffs, and we'll call it a good deal. Abrasive.

Battlegrave

Enslavement

10 April 2026

Rohan Buntine - vocals, lyrics

Clint Patzel - all strings

Robin Stone - session drums

1) Soul Chasm

2) There Is Only Death

3) Bonesaw

4) Eyes Of Enslavement

5) Venom

6) The Grand Machine Of Despair

7) Asylum

8) Marked By Evil

9) Under The Banner We March

10) US Outpost 31

ABOUT THE BAND: BATTLEGRAVE are a two-piece death/thrash project from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 2017 following the release of their debut demo track, “Mortar Fire,” which quickly generated strong underground buzz. The duo followed with the EP To Hell with War (2017) and full-length albums Relics of a Dead Earth (2018) and Cavernous Depths (2022, via Bitter Loss Records), establishing a reputation for blending savage thrash intensity with punishing death metal weight.

Enslavement by Battlegrave

The black metal anniversary of APPALACHIAN WINTER's Winter Always Returns

The Metal Archives shows April 9 as the release date for this symphonic black metal album. The Metal Archives also shows that this project began in 2008 and is highly prolific, with ten albums and three EPs released so far. I recommend this album for die-hard fans of solo projects themed around the winter black metal sound and aesthetic!

Appalachian Winter

Winter Always Returns

April 9, 2019

Randy Smith - guitars

Mike O'Brian - midi choirs

D. G. Klyne - all instruments, Vocals

1. Endless 06:40

2. Desolation 06:11

3. Darkness 07:25

4. Coldness 05:46

5. Echoes 07:15

6. Entrancement 05:58

7. Beautiful 06:18

8. Fierce 04:38

9. Eternal 06:54

10. Into the Abode on Wolves (2019) 04:25

total time 01:01:30

Appalachian Winter - Entrancement

Celebrating the anniversary of THE AMBOY DUKES (featuring TED NUGENT) album Journey to the Center of the Mind

Both Wikipedia and the record label Mainstream Records show April 1968 as the release month for this album (although the YouTube channel DashGoTV shows May 8, 1968 as the release date). This was the second album by the American classic rock band The Amboy Dukes (formed in 1964), a pionnering band playing a cauldron of rock music, incorporating the psychedelic rock of its time, but also hard rock and proto-metal. FYI: Wikipedia shows that Ted Nugent (born in 1948) was still in high school at St. Viator High School when The Amboy Dukes played their first show in 1965 in Chicago!

The Amboy Dukes

Journey to the Center of the Mind

Mainstream Records

April 1968

Wikipedia says:

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the Journey to the Center of the Mind album "bridged psychedelia and hard rock". Singers Room described the album as "a blend of garage rock and psychedelic influences" ... The album also showcases Ted Nugent's guitar skills, with Ultimate Classic Rock writing, "His lead on 'Flight of the Byrd' [is] down and dirty, while his playing on 'Scottish Tea' is highly melodic and inventive".

Amboy Dukes - "Journey to the Center of the Mind" - Detroit Music Awards 2009

Journey to the Center of the Mind

celebrating the anniversary of the classic SEPULTURA album Beneath the Remains

This album was Sepultura's breakthrough into the U.S. market. It came out at a time when a new wave of thrash/death metal bands had honed their skills from lower-quality demos and were finally able to make serious albums. By 1989, the technology and personnel were available to make the music sound clearer. Record labels were willing to take a chance on this sound, and people like producer Scott Burns knew how to bring out the music much more clearly so that it didn't sound like one big, loud blur.

By 1989, the Brazilians had come a long way from the demo-like sound of their 1985 EP and 1986 album, sounding even tighter than their 1987 show of force, Schizophrenia. 1989's Beneath the Remains and the band's high-energy live performances created an incredible buzz in the U.S. underground that, within a few years, would have them seriously touring the world, and would leave audiences thinking that they had just watched the best metal music show that they had seen.

Metal Archives shows April 7 as the release date.

Sepultura

Beneath the Remains

Roadracer Records

April 7, 1989

1. Beneath the Remains 05:14

2. Inner Self 05:10

3. Stronger than Hate 05:52

4. Mass Hypnosis 04:25

5. Sarcastic Existence 04:46

6. Slaves of Pain 04:03

7. Lobotomy 04:58

8. Hungry 04:30

9. Primitive Future 03:10

total time 42:08

Sepultura (live) - The Axiom, Houston, TX (Nov. 23, 1989)

It is said that in the old days of making albums, when putting together the sequence of your songs, you should put your "worst" song in the next-to-last position. With that in mind, let's listen to the "worst" song on this classic of classics! If this is the "worst" song, then we're doing more than okay!

Sepultura - Hungry

Happy birthday to GUARDIAN vocalist Jamie Rowe!

Metal Archives shows that Earl Wilson Rowe, Jr. was born on April 7, 1970. Metal Archives notes that he has been with the "Heavy Metal/Hard Rock (early); Pop Rock (later)" band since 1990. He first sang on the band's second album, the arena-rock sounding Fire and Love, which Metal Archives says was released in 1990 but Wikipedia says was released in 1991. The song below is the opening track from the album Fire and Love.

GUARDIAN - POWER OF LOVE VIDEOCLIP HD

Happy birthday to SKILLET singer John Cooper!

According to the band's Facebook page, April 7 is John's birthday! Wikipedia shows that John Landrum Cooper was born on April 7, 1975.

Wikipedia observes about the history of the American heavy rock band:

"Cooper was in experimental rock group Seraph from 1989 to 1995. The band released a four-song demo, titled Silence E.P., before disbanding."

"Cooper formed Skillet in 1996 with Ken Steorts. Both had met while touring for previous bands; Cooper as vocalist for the Tennessee progressive rock band Seraph and Steorts as guitarist for Urgent Cry. The bands disbanded soon after, so Cooper and Steorts' pastor encouraged them to form their own band as a side-project. Coming from different styles of rock music, they decided to name the experiment Skillet. Soon afterward Trey McClurkin joined the band as a temporary drummer. Skillet was only together for a month when they received interest from major Christian record label ForeFront Records and were signed soon afterward. Ken Steorts left the band in 1999 and Trey McClurkin left the band in 2000 leaving Cooper as the only founding member of the band and primary songwriter."

Skillet - Unpopular (Official Music Video)

https://www.facebook.com/skillet

Celebrating the anniversary of OCEANO's album Depths

Wikipedia shows that April 7 is the release date for the first album by Chicago deathcore band Oceano (2006–2025). "Oceano was an American deathcore band from Cook County, Illinois. Formed in 2006, the band signed to Earache Records and released their debut album, Depths, on April 7, 2009. They released three more albums under Earache Records before Revelation was released on May 19, 2017 with Sumerian Records. Their sixth and final studio album, Living Chaos, was released on August 30, 2024." "The band's final show took place on December 6 (2025) at the West Chicago Social Club in Chicago."

Years later, the album still sounds pretty sick!

Oceano

Depths

Earache Records

April 7, 2009

Wikipedia observes about this album: "Depths is the debut studio album by American deathcore band Oceano, released April 7, 2009 through Earache Records. Music videos were made for the songs 'District of Misery' and 'A Mandatory Sacrifice'. The song 'District of Misery' is featured as downloadable content in Rock Band 2 via the Rock Band Network. This album is also the band's only album to feature guitarists Jeremy Carroll and Andrew Mikhail. In celebration for the 15th anniversary of this album, the band toured in early 2024 with The Last Ten Seconds of Life, A Wake in Providence, By the Thousands, Within the Ruins and I Declare War. In 2021, Joe Smith-Engelhardt of Alternative Press included the album in his list of '30 deathcore albums from the 2000s that define the genre'".

Oceano - A Mandatory Sacrifice [Official Video]

Oceano - District Of Misery (Official Video)

Happy birthday to TETRARCH guitarist Diamond Rowe!

According to the band's Facebook page, April 7 is the birthday of Diamond Rowe, guitarist for American road warriors of the groove Tetrarch.

Wikepedia shows about the band: "Tetrarch is an American nu metal band originally from Atlanta, Georgia, now based in Los Angeles. They have released three EPs, five singles and three albums."

"Tetrarch was formed in Atlanta in 2007 by Diamond Rowe and Josh Fore. According to lead guitarist Diamond Rowe, 'Tetrarch began their live shows in the local scene, playing their first show at the 7 Venue in Douglasville, Georgia. They spent the rest of 2007 perfecting their live performance by playing close to 100 shows, which started a buzz in the Atlanta area. They released their first EP, Pravda in the summer of 2008, which was recorded at Ledbelly Studios by Matthew Washburn. To support their first release, Tetrarch continued to play in Atlanta while expanding their reach regionally with mini tours in the south east ...'"

They've been building the band ever since!

TETRARCH - Cold (Live at Resurrection Fest EG 2025)

TETRARCH - Never Again (Parasite) (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Tetrarch - Never Again [Parasite] (Josh Fore and Diamond Rowe Guitar Playthrough)

https://www.facebook.com/tetrarchmusic