this Sunday in Everett, Washington: Iron Kingdom and Fallen Angels

June 5 Iron Kingdom, Fallen Angels at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

Iron Kingdom

Rising Up From Surrey, B.C. Canada, Iron Kingdom Is Leading the Charge of the Rising New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal Movement .

Inspired by the legendary pillars of Heavy Metal such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Blind Guardian, The Scorpions, and Rush, this four piece machine are bringing back the classic sounds and foundations of 70s and 80s Metal.

Iron Kingdom was formed in 2011 by Chris Osterman, along with Leighton Holmes and former drummer Amanda Osterman. The band is well known for their energetic and electrifying stage presence, as well as intricate musical melodies. The current line up features Chris Osterman - Guitar / Vocals, Leighton Holmes - Bass, Kenny Kroecher – Guitar, Joey Paul – Drums.

Chris brings star power and provides some exhilarating guitar work along with hair splitting multi-octave vocal range. Bass guitarist Leighton Holmes brings a poetically dark lyrical style and oversees the bottom end creating a tight rhythm section with his classic finger style playing.

The band released their debut album 'Curse Of The Voodoo Queen' on December 14, 2011, featuring past members Jordan Wright on rhythm guitar and Amanda Osterman on drums. Jordan Wright left the band, after the albums completion and before its release, and was replaced by Kenny Kroecher in the fall of 2011. Kenny Kroecher adds the excitement of duel lead guitars and intricate guitar rhythm work as an excellent compliment to Chris' guitar style. In 2013 the group entered the studio again to record their 2nd full-length release titled 'Gates of Eternity' released on April 26th 2013.

The four then spent some time on the road, heading through Canada, Western USA, and onward to Europe. The European leg included shows in Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. The gigs in Germany included a performance at the iconic KEEP IT TRUE XVII festival. Thus creating some major momentum as now Iron Kingdom were spreading their moniker far and wide in support of the first two releases.

On July 30th 2015 Iron Kingdom released not one but two more albums, 'Ride For Glory' their 3rd full length album, as well as 'Unleashed at the Kraken (Live in Seattle)' a live album recorded on a previous tour. The band set out on tour again in support of the two new releases. The tour was unfortunately riddled with many trials, including a vehicle accident that almost killed the band members. Following the tour, Amanda decided to focus on other things in her life and stepped back from the band to pursue other commitments. Leaving the door open for the newest member of the band, drummer Joey Paul. With a solid new line up, Iron Kingdom is ready once again to take the world by storm, and lead the revival of the mighty and classic sounds of Traditional Heavy Metal.

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Fallen Angels

Bay Area style Thrash from Seattle's premier thrash metal band Fallen Angels.

New album, "World In Decay" out now!

Prepare yourselves for some intense Thrash Metal, shreading solos, intense drum fills, and riffs to bang your head to!

www.facebook.com/ironkingdom

www.facebook.com/Fallen-Angels-Thrash-Band-336737539688752/

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state)

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.

May 31 Corrosion of Conformity, Lamb of God at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA

June 4 Rotten Sound, Wilt, Mercy Ties, Scalafrea, MRSA at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 5 Iron Kingdom, Fallen Angels at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

June 7 CHRCH, Swamp Heavy, Lb.!, Witch Ripper at The at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 9 Here Comes the Kraken, Seeker, Lack of Remorse, The Devils of Loudun, Lb.! at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 Armored Saint, Metal Church, Substratum, Sin Circus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 11 Voivod, King Parrot, Child Bite, Heiress, Sanction VIII, Eye of Nix El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 12 Pygottpalooza, Defenestrator, Muppet Fetish, Ghostblood at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 15 Apothecary, Ice Teeth, Vesuvian at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest: Sarcalogos, Funeral Age, Primordial Atrocity, Dead Nexus, Fools Among Thieves at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 16 Taake, Young and in the Way, Wolvhammer, Addaura at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Into the Storm, Aggression, MRSA, Hexengeist at Substation, Seattle

June 17 Cyborg Octopus, The Last of Lucy, Raiju, The Devils Of Loudun at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Queensryche at Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale,WA

June 17 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia, Inquinok, Slutvomit at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 18 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 18 Obsidian, Rhine, Oxygen Destroyer, Serpentspire at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 18 Aggression at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 19 Unaussprechlichen Kulten, Dire Omen, Drawn and Quartered, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 25 Nightfell, Hallucinator, Serpentine at Substation, Seattle, WA

June 25 Trannysaurus Rex, Gygax, Substratum, Hexengeist at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Profatanica,Demoncy, Fornicator at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Aggression at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 26 InAeona, Immortal Bird at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 7 Wayfarer, Alda, With The End In Mind, Falls Of Rauros Highline, Seattle, WA

July 19 Inter Arma, Withered at Barbosa, Seattle, WA

July 20 Imbalanced, Anthrocene, Defenestrator, Oxygen Destroyer at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 21 Arkaik, Vale Of Pnath, Singularity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 22 Castle, Disenchanter, Year of the Cobra at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 22 Undergang, Spectral Voice, Temple of Abandonment at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 28 Riot V at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

August 5 Come To Grief, Bell Witch, Hissing, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA

August 8 Summer Slaughter: Cannibal Corpse, Nile, After the Burial, Suffocation, Carnifex, Revocation, Krisiun and more at Showbox SODO, Seattle, WA

August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes

August 16 Krallice, Pale Chalice, Addaura, A God or an Other at Highline, Seattle, WA

August 22 Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, The Black Order, VX36, Xoth at Substation, Seattle, WA

August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA

September 1 Cobalt, Mantar at Highline, Seattle, WA

September 16 Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon, Funeral Age, Inquinok at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

October 11 Gojira, Tesseract at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA

October 14 Between the Buried and Me, Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 29 Himsa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 29 Sonata Arctica, Leaves’ Eyes, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

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Highway

Highway's stated purpose is classic rocking heavy metal since they began in 2003 in Colombia. The band's first album is called "Predicción fatal," which was released at the end of 2008. The album delivers on the band's promise of rocking metal music in the style of the bands that influenced them at the start: Judas Priest, Motörhead, Warlock, Joan Jett, Doro, Manowar, Dio, and others. Over the years the band has played shows in Colombia and South America, including what the band says was a 15-city tour in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. They have taken part in various festivals in Colombian cities like Bucaramanga, Medellín, Cúcuta, Barranquilla, Ibague, Cali, Villavicencio, Tulúa and others. Apparently, the band is working on a second album that will be called "Sadismo, placer y odio." So far, they have released two songs from the album, "Aileen" and "Sadismo, placer y odio," both of which are available are free downloads, as are several songs from the debut album. Go to the band's Facebook page to hear the music.

www.facebook.com/highwaygirls/app/6452028673/

www.facebook.com/highwaygirls

www.reverbnation.com/highwaygirls

www.twitter.com/Highwaygirls

Shrouds (Seattle; free demo)

Shrouds

Demo

released March 18, 2016

This is a free recording. It's a "rough unedited demo w/o vocals." They say that they have new music coming soon. They are former members of Unearthly Trance, Madraso, and Evangelist. Shrouds is a band from Seattle and they call their music: "black metal/ doom/ Dbeat voids." This little publication, unfortunately, does not have much information about them. The following information comes from Facebook or from Bandcamp, where they have their demo available for free. They say that the band is: Jeremy Curles, David Huston, Zach Purtell. The recording is as follows: 1.Fashionably Offended 05:42; 2.Damascus 06:22; 3.From Mountains 11:48.

www.shroudsbc.bandcamp.com/releases

www.facebook.com/shroudsband

NEWS: Rabid Flesh Eaters

NEWS:

Rabid Flesh Eaters

Reign Of Terror

independent

Release: 15 April 2016

Old dirty thrash with a punk attitude is the mission and the purpose of Rabid Flesh Eaters, a group of Texas bandido sons of anarchy whose religion is rowdy rock and roll. One day a music business executive had a meeting with them and he suggested that they write some ballads and love songs in order to make it in the music biz. Days later the executive had disappeared and no one was able to find him and he was never heard from again. Some investigators believe that RFE might possibly have something to do with the disappearance, but RFE, in true Texas Lance Armstrong fashion has repeatedly said: "Where is the evidence? It's their word against ours and we like our word!" Anyway, while the investigations are taking place, the band continues its goal of bringing joy to the world by making as much noise as possible wherever they go. When they come to your town, lock up your children because RFE will recruit them to the religion of rock and roll. Whether they are free or back in prison, RFE will always have "rock 'n' roll, it satisfies their soul, if that's how it has to be, they won't get mad, they got rock 'n' roll, to save them from the cold, and if that's all there is, it ain't so bad. Rock 'n' roll."

By the way, get in touch with these bastards and tell them to put up some music on their page so that you can hear what the heck I'm talking about!

OFFICIAL INFORMATION: Arlington, Texas-based speed demons, RABID FLESH EATERS, are pleased to unveil the sonic evils of their latest full-length, Reign Of Terror. Produced by the late great Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis, Ministry), and featuring a guitar solo by Scaccia on opening track, “Lycanthrope,” Reign Of Terror spews forth nine ravenous tracks centered around lycanthropy, societal decline, the psychology of terrorists and serial killers and imminent doom. Killing as one, the current RABID FLESH EATERS lineup features guitarist Mike Taylor, bassist John Hill, vocalist Ricky Wilson and drummer Ed Velez. Loosely forged in 1986 but officially animated in 2010 when the band was asked by Bruce Corbitt (Rigor Mortis, Warbeast) to perform a benefit show for the late Ab Greig, owner of the legendary Fort Worth restaurant-turned-music venue, Joe’s Garage.

www.facebook.com/Rabid-Flesh-Eaters-Official-234202459951868/

NEWS: Zealotry

NEWS:

Zealotry

The Last Witness

Lavadome Productions

Release: 22 April 2016

Dissonant death metal band Zealotry (Boston, USA) has been compared to Immolation, especially in the earlier stage of Zealotry's music. However, now with the new album, that comparison will probably not be as common, but it's not because there is a big change in sound. It is still dissonant death metal, it's very much death metal, with some finger-twisting chords, but it's not weird/experimental music. It's not simple music, but they are not trying to be too weird for the sake of being weird, either. The vocals are gruff and primal, the music often goes at a midtempo, meandering speed, and this is where the band digs down deep and just lets the dissonance take over. Overall, it is still necessary to say that the listener has to be patient because the songs are not immediate. The band itself readily tells you that they like Immolation, Anata, Voivod and Ulcerate, which means it is still left-field music, it's just that it is not jazzy emocore postrock sludge djent stuff. So, where is the band's niche? Well, why don't you listen for yourself at the link below where the complete album is available and see what you think?

www.zealotry.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/zealotrymetal

NEWS: Bestial Deform

NEWS:

Bestial Deform

...ad Leones

release date: March 15th, 2016

label: Satanath Records

Bestial Deform is blasting, brutal death metal from Russia. The band began in 1990 and the first demo is from 1992. This year they have a new album, their fifth album, according to Metal Archives. Besides albums, they have several EPs. Let's cut to the case here: a band with such a history, when they started, have long they have been around, it is expected that the album be a professional, no-nonsense recording for the serious death metal supporters. That is exactly what the album is. The band plays true death metal. Even though the music is extreme and brutal, they focus on writing songs, too. They have riffs that get to the listener, they are metal riffs, the vocals are gruff growling and they have memorable hooks for headbanging and for remembering the songs after the songs stop. The recording is also not too busy: you can hear the instrumentation rather well and it's not too chaotic. If you are looking for true death metal and you also want songs, consider Bestial Deform. You can listen to the complete album at the link below. This band will be a good use of your time.

www.satanath.bandcamp.com/album/sat142-bestial-deform-ad-leones-2016

www.facebook.com/BestialDeform

metal music show ON right now

It is Friday night and the Excuse All the Blood metal show has begun. Listen now, friends!

www.kaosradio.org/listen/

www.twitter.com/EATBRadio

Metal Bulletin Zine 90

with:

Mithridatic

As Darkness Dies

Shadowrise

Katingation

Sisters of Suffocation

Hissing

Blood

Phobous

www.fuglymaniacs.com/pdf-files/MetalBulletin90.pdf

www.fuglymaniacs.com

Seattle area concert calendar

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.

May 27 Anvil, Unleash the Archers, Graveshadow at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 27 Witchburn, Zero Down, Vial 8, Custom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

May 28 Prong, Witchburn, Zero Down, Vial 8, Salem Knights El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 28 Atriarch, Addaura, Huldrekall at Substation, Seattle, WA

May 30 The Obsessed, The Atomic Bitchwax, Karma To Burn, Wounded Giant, Year of the Cobra at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 31 Corrosion of Conformity, Lamb of God at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA

June 2 Discharge, Eyehategod, Toxic Holocaust, Oxygen Destroyer, Shrouds at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 4 Rotten Sound, Wilt, Mercy Ties, Scalafrea, MRSA at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 5 Iron Kingdom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

June 7 CHRCH, Swamp Heavy, Lb.!, Witch Ripper at The at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 9 Here Comes the Kraken, Seeker, Lack of Remorse, The Devils of Loudun, Lb.! at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 Armored Saint, Metal Church, Substratum, Sin Circus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 11 Voivod, King Parrot, Child Bite at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 12 Pygottpalooza, Defenestrator, Muppet Fetish, Ghostblood at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 14 American Wrecking Company at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest: Sarcalogos, Funeral Age, Primordial Atrocity, Dead Nexus, Fools Among Thieves at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 16 Taake, Young and in the Way, Wolvhammer, Addaura at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Into the Storm, Aggression, MRSA, Hexengeist at Substation, Seattle

June 17 Cyborg Octopus, The Last of Lucy, Raiju,The Devils Of Loudun at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Queensryche at Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale,WA

June 17 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia, Inquinok, Slutvomit at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 18 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 18 Obsidian, Rhine, Oxygen Destroyer, Serpentspire at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 18 Aggression at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 19 Unaussprechlichen Kulten, Dire Omen, Drawn and Quartered, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 25 Nightfell, Hallucinator, Serpentine at Substation, Seattle, WA

June 25 Trannysaurus Rex, Gygax, Substratum, Hexengeist at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Profatanica,Demoncy, Fornicator at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Aggression at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 26 InAeona, Immortal Bird at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 7 Wayfarer, Alda, With The End In Mind, Falls Of Rauros Highline, Seattle, WA

July 19 Inter Arma, Withered at Barbosa, Seattle, WA

July 21 Arkaik, Vale Of Pnath, Singularity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 22 Castle, Disenchanter, Year of the Cobra at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 22 Undergang, Spectral Voice at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 28 Riot V at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes

August 5 Come To Grief, Bell Witch, Hissing, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA

August 8 Summer Slaughter: Cannibal Corpse, Nile, After the Burial, Suffocation, Carnifex, Revocation, Krisiun and more at Showbox SODO, Seattle, WA

August 16 Krallice, Pale Chalice, Addaura, A God or an Other at Highline, Seattle, WA

August 17 Periphery, SikTh, Chon, Toothgrinder at Showbox, Seattle, WA

August 22 Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, The Black Order, VX36, Xoth at Substation, Seattle, WA

August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulalip Amphitheatre - Tulalip, WA

September 16 Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon, Funeral Age, Inquinok at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

October 11 Gojira, Tesseract at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA

October 14 Between the Buried and Me, Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 29 Himsa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 29 Sonata Arctica, Leaves’ Eyes, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

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NEWS: Darkestrah

NEWS:

Darkestrah

Turan

label: Osmose Productions

release: 29 April 2016

Masters of epic symphonic black metal Darkestrah return once again with another jewel for the band's supporters: shriek vocalizing, sweeping background symphonics, blasting at times, slower at others, the consistent guitar work and sound that utilizes speed, melodies and riffs that have come to characterize this epic metal band. Of course, at first, it sounds like there is a lot going on in the songs, but that's how this veteran bunch do things. It's not simple songs. Supporters already know what to expect, but new listeners should approach it with a bit of patience. The sound quality is strictly traditional black metal, well within the realm of a chaotic atmosphere. As usual, it is difficult to make fast and extreme music sound very clear to the ear. This album is worthwhile to look into for the public that supports epic, symphonic and folk black metal. Below there is official information about the new album and the band, which no longer has Kriegtalith (1999-2014) on vocals. The new vocalist is Merkith. At the link below you can listen to the complete album and hear for yourself the new work.

At the beginning of the year 2016, DARKESTRAH are writing a new chapter in their history by releasing their sixth opus. The new work, entitled Turan, is a spiritual journey, a shamanic quest for knowledge that leads to endless steppes of Cental Asia, frozen rivers of Ural, dark halls of Erlik-Khan, the God of Death to the fire hidden in man’s soul. It is based on a vast variety of mythological and ritualistic traditions. Musically, the album combines and refines all artistic discoveries the band made in course of the years. Oriental folk melodies are entwined with epic black metal riffing and a touch of gloomy doom metal. Let the hidden light shine from the lands of Turan!

1.One with the Grey Spirit 10:23

2.Erlik-Khan 08:10

3.Conversions of the Seer 07:53

4.Gleaming Madness 06:59

5.Bird of Prey 09:46

6.The Hidden Light 09:13

total time 52:24

DARKESTRAH was formed in mid 1999 by Asbath in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The first demo entitled “Pagan Black Act” was recorded in December 1999. In December 2000 the second demo “Through the Ashes of the Shamanic Flames” was recorded. It was released through German label Curse of KvN Sadistic in 2003. In February 2003 the debut album “Sary Oy” was recorded and released through NCR in 2004. The album gained worldwide response. It contained great melodic parts combined with traditional instruments such as kyl-kyjak, komuz or sygyt. Female Black Metal vocals and throat singing created the atmosphere of a shamanic ritual. The lyrics of three songs on “Sary Oy” are based on ancient Kyrgyz tales about three sisters, the personifications of natural forces. This record has marked DARKESTRAH as one of the most interesting bands within the Shamanic Pagan Black Metal genre.

In September 2004 the limited MLP “The Way to Paganism” was recorded and released on NCR in 2005. In August 2005 “Embrace of Memory”, the second full-length album, was recorded in Blue House Studio. Its final version was released in October 2005. In January 2007 DARKESTRAH have released the third album, “Epos”. This time they’ve changed to “Kick the Flame Studio” (a studio that belongs to the DISILLUSION guitarist). The album consists of one long magical mid-temped Black Metal composition with some acoustic tunes and atmospheric feel. “Epos” is completely dedicated to the lake Issyk-Kul', which is located in Central Asia. There are dozens of legends, histories, myths and fairy tales about this lake. Every aspect of Epos signifies a spiritual, almost pre-historic journey. The album is rich with pagan themes, but they are not represented in a way that seems to be almost a cliché in Black Metal these days. DARKESTRAH’s approach to expression of pagan feeling is based on the use of subtle yet powerful musical accents.

In March 2007 DARKESTRAH have discontinued their collaboration with NCR and one month later have signed a deal with US label Paragon Records. In March 2008 DARKESTRAH have finished the recording session for the new studio album “The Great Silk Road” and the work was released on August 31st 2008 through Paragon Records. In February 2011 the band was signed to the French label Osmose Productions. This is, without doubt, the beginning of a new era for the band. The first work in collaboration with Osmose Productions was an MCD/MLP “Khagan”. This three-track release, dedicated to the great Genghis Khan, saw the light of day on September 24th 2011. In summer 2012 DARKESTRAH have finished their work on a new long-player entitled “Manas” that is to be released in the late 2012/early 2013. This album is inspired by Kyrgyz national epic poem “Manas Destanı”. The band continues to walk the once chosen path of Epic Shamanic Metal.

www.darkestrahofficial.bandcamp.com/album/turan

www.facebook.com/darkestrahofficial

NEWS: Assassin's Blade

NEWS:

Assassin's Blade

Agents of Mystification

Release date: April 29th, 2016

Label: Pure Steel Records

Supporters and loyalists who swear by true metal and traditional heavy metal of the hard-hitting, glass-shattering kind, please turn your attention to this new band. High singing, in-your-face riffs and street-metal attitude is their identity. Call it old school or whatever else you prefer, it is heavy metal from beginning to end. They are a "new" band, but as you will read below in the official information, there is more than meets the eye, and for good reason. There is nothing novice about this band. This band is so unashamed to be heavy metal, so proud to play classic metal, that you will know it from the first song on. You know how some bands try to appeal to whatever is selling lots at a particular period? Ok, so, this band is nothing like that. Some will say that they sound frozen in time, others will say that they are locked perfectly in the sound of the classic metal. Basically, this band is made exclusively for the glory of traditional heavy metal. Some will like it, others will call it old. However, if you cannot get enough of heavy metal, then get ready for more coming your way. One, two, three, hit it! It's the heavy metal that you need.

Ever since they heard the rumour that Jacques Bélanger was working on a new project, the first since his EXCITER days ("The Dark Command", "Blood of Tyrants", “New Testament”), the Metal legions have been expecting a new classic. We soon found out that Bélanger had joined forces with a trio of Swedish musicians, bassist/song writer/lyricist Peter Svensson (Void Moon, TRAP), guitarist/song writer David Stranderud (ex-PORTRAIT, INSTIGATOR, TRAP) and drummer Marcus Rosenkvist (Void Moon) to write some exciting new material. During the recording, Janne Stark (known from Overdrive and author of the Encyclopedia of Swedish Heavy Metal books) contributed with guitar solos on most of the songs. The result is simply amazing. Make no mistake: Bélanger’s voice is as powerful as it ever was, with its typical US-Metal-like high pitched screams! Now first, let it be known that Assassin’s Blade material totally stands up to its Exciter influence, a trait that is most obvious in songs like "The Demented Force", "Transgression" and "Agents of Mystification". In "Autumn Serenade" or "Crucible of War", Bélanger voice might even remind you of Bruce Dickinson, while the song "Prophet’s Urn" will certainly appeal to younger fans of bands like TRIAL or PORTRAIT. Then, it is back to the thunderous mid-tempo "Dreadnought" and to the metallic "Nowhere Riders", in which we hear a perfect mix of EXCITER and AGENT STEEL that will obviously appeal to masses of metal fans. As if it were not enough, those who want epic material will be pleased with "Herostratos", where guitarist David Stranderud shows the World how much of a guitar wizard he really is. This album culminates in the heroic “League of the Divine Wind”, a saga in which the whole band shows its genius. All things considered, Agents of Mystification is a killer album, and finally, it is made available to you, the metal fans.

www.puresteel-records.com/news/view/2863/ASSASSIN_S_BLADE_Agents_Of_Mystification_officially_released

www.facebook.com/assassinsblademetal

www.youtube.com/user/Trapmetal666/

Six Feet Under (review by MMB)

Six Feet Under

Graveyard Classics IV: The Number of the Priest

Metal Blade Records

Release: 27 May 2016

The new recording by growlgroove metal band Six Feet Under is:

"Graveyard Classics returns for an unhallowed fourth installment! This time, Chris Barnes and co. pay tribute to two of metal's most heralded legends: Iron Maiden and Judas Priest! Graveyard Classics IV: The Number of the Priest is comprised of five Judas Priest covers, and six Iron Maiden covers, handpicked by Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel. The selections include absolutely essential cuts: 'Night Crawler,' 'Invader,' 'The Evil that Men Do,' 'Stranger in a Strange Land,' and more."

Here some basic reasons to look into the album.

1.You are curious to hear Judas Priest and Iron Maiden without traditional heavy metal singing, and instead you want to hear it with monotonous woof-woof vocals.

2.You hate singing. That's it. You can't stand the idea of someone using their voice to make melodies and various tones. You hate singing. You like animal growling.

3.You like covers in general. You enjoy hearing all sorts of versions of classic songs. In that sense, you are open-minded.

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Avoid this album like the plague if you:

1.You hate Chris Barnes with a passion. If you wish to hear the news of his death, then do not even bother with this album because, unfortunately for you, he is not dead. Yet. Cheer up! This is 2016 and there is hope that 2016 will take him, too.

2.You hate covers. You think that covers are stupid and you think that bands should record their own songs. This album will not change your mind. It will only make you that much angrier.

3.You think that Chris Barnes is a hack. You are convinced he's just a talentless hack trying to avoid having a day job. You think that he does covers because he has no talent and you think that somehow he has managed to fool people for decades. Well, you won't be happy, big fella, because Chris Barnes is still doing what he does.

www.metalblade.com/sixfeetunder

www.twitter.com/sixfeetofficial

NEWS: Immensity

NEWS:

Immensity

The Isolation Splendour

release date: March 21st, 2016

label: Hypnotic Dirge Records

The new album by melodic doomsters Immensity (Greece) can be heard in its entirety at the link below. The following is the official information about the band and the album.

Hypnotic Dirge Records and Solitude Productions presents the debut album entitled “The Isolation Splendour” from the Greek doomsters “Immensity” Active since 2009, Immensity is a six-piece atmospheric death-doom band from Athens. Since their founding, they have played many shows and in 2012 released the demo “The Lonely Aquarelle” which received favourable feedback including the honour of being named #1 new band in the Clandestine Cut of the Year in Metal Storm Webzine.

A mature sound emanates from the memorable melodies and captivating atmosphere present in “The Isolation Splendour” combining the essential feeling of early 90’s doom metal such as early-Paradise Lost, and My Dying Bride while also providing the melancholic gothic-tinge of bands such as Draconian or The Foreshadowing. filling a thick wall of sound soaked in melancholy and grief. Immensity’s genius is not necessarily in incorporating sludgy, slow, or depressive elements but more in crafting grandiose and memorable hooks contrasted by relatively heavy and deep doom.

“The Isolation Splendour” features five brand new monolithic tracks, and also includes the two tracks from “The Lonely Aquarelle” demo so that the entire Immensity discography will be represented together. With a massive total runtime of approximately 68 minutes, the album can be described as a comprehensive yet intricate journey into atmospheric and melodic death-doom.

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Immensity was formed in the beginning of 2009 in Athens Greece by Andreas Kelekis (Guitars/Synth). In Fall 2010 Leonidas Hatzimihalis (ex Fatal Morgana, Equal Vector, Agnosia etc.) took over the vocal duties. In the meantime new material was written. In the beginning of 2011 Drummer Yiannis Filippaios (Decemberance, Daylight Misery, ex- Ritual of the Black sun) became the next official member. Bass player Giorgos Kritharis (also in Fortress Under Siege) and guitarist Christos Markopoulos came in together with Maria Zvyagina keyboards (ex Wine from Tears) to complete the picture.

Musically influences are literally drawn from everywhere, but following its own path and frame of mind, whether it’s metal or beyond terms the main goal is to evolve, maintain “immense” but also emotional and innovative as possible. The band recorded a 2 song Promotional demo, produced by Kimon Zeliotis and Immensity.

“The lonely Aquarelle” was finally released in spring 2012 and received excellent feedback throughout the metal media (including zines, sites and blogs), but the peak was to claim the title as #1 new band in “Clandestine cut of the year 2012 “ in Demo category by the known “Metal Storm” Webzine.

Around 2013 and after the overall success and well received demo “The Lonely Aquarelle” Maria Zvyagina left the band due to personal and musical differences. After a period of seeking for her replacement, Chryssa Kourenta was found and a period of isolation and new songwriting had begun. In the Autumn of 2013 Immensity appeared for the very first time live in Athens after accepting an invitation from local band Daylight misery (where drummer Yiannis Filippaios also contributes) and British Doom act Pantheist in addition of introducing new material, but at the same time preparing the recordings for the band’s debut album which took place in a period between late 2013 and reaching completion in the beginning of Summer 2014.

Once again produced by Kimon Zeliotis and Immensity. The main plan was to release 5 brand new songs along with the two tracks from “The Lonely Aquarelle” re-mixed and re-mastered. The official title of the album is “The Isolation Splendour” inspired from the band’s “Splendid Isolation” during the period of recordings. “The Isolation Splendour” consists of 7 songs (including the 2012 demo “The lonely aquarelle” remixed & remastered)

Musically influences are drawn by numerous sound fields but mainly move into Doom/Death Metal,Progressive waters and a plethora of inspiration but following its own path and frame of mind, whether it's metal or beyond terms the main goal was and is to maintain “immense” but also emotional as possible.

- Current Status

New member on keyboards is Nora Koutsouri who entered in the beginning of 2015 after Chrisa Kourenta leaving the band in late 2014 due to professional duties, and Nikolas Loukopoulos (session) on bass filling the gap for George Kritharis who is temporarily away.

In October 2015, after a lengthy and careful search, Immensity signed a deal with Hypnotic Dirge Records (Canada) and Solitude Productions (Russia) to co-release their debut album "The Isolation Splendour" around the world, with each label working in tandem to extend the album's reach as far as possible. "The Isolation Splendour" will be released in Early 2016.

www.hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-isolation-splendour-2

www.facebook.com/Immensity-250810974965150/

Infernal Pussy

Infernal Pussy is demo raw black thrash from Colombia. Listen to their demo at the ReverbNation link below. This is the official information: The band was born in mid-October 2010 under the formation of Amazon (drums) and Ms Thrasher (guitar) In December of the same year he joined the training Acid (bass). In early 2011 the band has 4 instrumentals, after a long search binds Mummy Dark (vocal) and gives an aggressive and devastating contribution asii is shaped four themes with names like (Sisters of sin, Daughters of the executioner , Asesinas night, Infernal pussy). In the month of March 2011 Acid Musicales out differences. In May the same year he entered nightmare with new ideas on bass thus giving a good complemento.En December 2011 nighmare out .In August 2012 enters the new bassist Jizeleth Black with his influence and his desire to be in the band providing and devastate their influences.

www.reverbnation.com/infernalpussy

www.facebook.com/infernales

new video from Fleshless Entity

The diehard loveitall brutal death metalheads should check out the new video by Fleshless Entity from El Salvador. The band says that they started in January 2015 and they are proud to play modern death metal to the max. So far, the band does not have much information about themselves on Facebook, such as a bio, but they say that they are all about the extreme metal and they also say that they don't like religion. Their influences are all the usual suspects, such as Cannibal Corpse and Cryptopsy. At any rate, watch the video and pay them a visit at their page.

Fleshless Entity - Devour to Reveal

www.facebook.com/Fleshless-Entity-1668730470023440/?fref=ts

NEWS: Salem

NEWS:

Salem (U.K.)

Dark Days

Release date: April 29th, 2016

Label: Pure Steel Records

Salem is a classic/melodic band that was active in the early 80s and they had a couple of demos. In 2010 the band reunited and has released several recordings, including 2013's Forgotten Dreams. Now in 2016 they have a new album called Dark Days. On the new work the band continues the path of traditional heavy rock and melodic metal. The band is recommended for those listeners that want melody, songwriting and something more restrained than the usual noisy modern metal sounds.

OFFICIAL INFORMATION: Salem was formed in 1979 and built a strong following with their heavy rock based on thundering rhythms, soaring twin-guitars and powerful melodies. The band’s 1982 single sold globally and continued gig across the northeast of England before folding in May 1983.

In 2010, Salem’s original recordings were released on the album “In The Beginning.” This attracted great interest, so the band reformed and played its first gig in 27 years! In 2011, Salem recorded three songs for the "New Tricks" EP and played again for its launch. The band played a number of events in Europe in 2012 including the Heavy Metal Festival V in Italy, Ages of Metal in Belgium, and back home at the Metieval Winterfest in Hull. Salem released the "X Rated" EP for the BROFEST#1 in March 2013 including a bonus new recording of the 1980s song "Reach To Eternity".

The album "Forgotten Dreams" was released in December 2013 by Pure Rock Records and has received excellent reviews. In 2013, Salem played gigs in the Netherlands, Germany and UK, and in 2014 the band played at Play It Loud, Italy, Very 'Eavy Festival, Netherlands, Headbangers Open Air, Germany, Glasgow, Scotland, Rock Diabetes Festival, England, Paris, France, Rock You To Hell Festival, Athens, Greece, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Last year Salem played gigs and festivals including a great slot at Wildfire Festival, Scotland (with Diamond Head, TEN, Empire, Tygers of Pan Tang ...), BäääM Festival in Germany, headlining at the RockWich fest in Cheshire, and British Steel Festival, France.This year Salem plays festivals Headbangers Open Air, Germany and MuskelRock, Sweden, as well as gigs with Diamond Head and kicking off at home in Hull.

The new Salem album "Dark Days" was released on 29 April 2016.

www.facebook.com/SalemBand

www.salemband.co.uk

Sisters of Suffocation

Sisters of Suffocation (Holland)

Brutal Queen

release date: April 11th, 2016

label: independent

This band is modern extreme metal, mostly on the side of brutal death metal. Blasting and growling, they are fixed on creating the magic that mosh pits are made of all over the world. The recording is 19 minutes and it is five songs. Fortunately, there is not much to be confused about here: it is straight dedication to extreme, fast metal and that's the language that any metalhead can understand. Somewhere in between the old death metal and the new forms of death metal, it has the energy to convince the willing extreme metalhead. Apparently, they are a new band formed in 2014 and this is their debut recording, but it does not sound like a demo. It sounds rather serious and professional, which is good news, indeed. Below you can hear the recording and find out more through the official information.

S.O.S is an Eindhoven based Death Metal band determined to spread their love for extreme music and cover the world in pink! In 2014, vocalist Els Prins and guitarist Simone van Straten decided to start playing Death Metal with a twist – that is, with other girls who shared their love of extreme music. Behold the birth of Sisters of Suffocation! They teamed up with drummer Amber de Buijzer and bassist Marjolein van den Nieuwenhuizen, and released their first single 'Boundaries' in 2014. Off to a fast start, they played at Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2014, and continued trashing stages in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2015. In May of that year, Marjolein and the band parted ways, while Puck Wildschut was attracted as the new bassist. 2015 saw more stage action, together with bands such as Prophecy, Rectal Smegma and Malignant Tumor.

S.O.S. Released their first EP 'Brutal Queen' in April 2016, showcasing their love for not only Death Metal, but also Black, Thrash and Progressive Metal, with an Old School edge. They released a video for the titel track 'Brutal Queen' and a lyric video for the song 'Fuck It' followed shortly. They are currently in the midst of many release shows in the Netherlands and Belgium, and will play at multiple summer festivals, such as Antwerp Metal Fest and Stonehenge Festival.

www.sistersofsuffocation.bandcamp.com/releases

www.facebook.com/sistersofsuffocation

www.twitter.com/sosdeathmetal

free recording: Katingation

Katingation (Angola): 2 Legs 1 Arm

This is a free recording that showcases the get-to-the-point, no-nonsense, quick-impact grind of Katingation, a band from Angola. Unfortunately, there is not much information to publish at this point, but the short and long of it is that dedicated grind supporters will need to hear this band. This recording is a few years old now, but it may be new to you. If that is the case, and you are up for some grind, check it out. In addition, it is the right price: free! The recording is about 17 minutes long and it is nine songs.

By the way, given that there is not much information about the band, how cool would it be for you to get in contact with them. If they are still an active band, don't you think that they would enjoy hearing from grind supporters from all over the world?! Yes, they would! Do it. Do it now!

www.katingation.bandcamp.com/releases

www.facebook.com/katingation

NEWS: Hissing

NEWS:

Hissing

Hissing

Southern Lord

Release: 10 June 2016

Seattle's dissonant extreme metal disease carriers Hissing have a new two-song release that is coming up. Right now, the new music is not at their Bandcamp page, but they have other music that you can hear so that you have an idea what you are signing up for with this band. Hissing is a relatively new band, but the sickness-depression that they carry is as old as the western Washington weather: they can go as slow as a snail, then speed up to extreme metal velocity, all the while sounding like a band obsessed with making the listener a bit (or a lot) uncomfortable with left-field sounds: extreme metal + doom + dissonance = a vociferation disturbance upon the ears of the audience. C'mon, let's go, it will be a sexy time!

OFFICIAL INFORMATION: Southern Lord presents the self-titled 7” EP from traumatizing Seattle-based death metal trio, HISSING. HISSING began in 2014 out of a mutual interest between bassist/vocalist Zach Wise, guitarist Joe O'Malley, and drummer Sam Pickelin exploring dissonant and punishing metal. Having forged a more explosive identity since then, the outfit dispatches a gruesome concoction of death metal with pungent blackened atmosphere and scathing sludge-dredging attributes, outputting gnarled death in the vein of Incantation, Autopsy, and Winter, with attributes inspired by the likes of Portal, Blut Aus Nord, Swans, Coffins, and others permeating from deep within. Following a self-released a demo and a self-titled EP, which was recently reissued on CD by Disorder Recordings, the new self-titled 7” from HISSING bears the hymns, “Cairn” on the A-side and “Husk” on the B-side. Hissing was tracked by Rusty Graeff (Bone Sickness) and mixed and produced by the band, with mastering handled by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, and its cover art by Stefan Thanneur (Chaos Echœs), the lyrics of the new EP thematically centered around the effects of the metropolitan environment on the human psyche and explore themes of agoraphobia, urban decay, and incarceration.

www.hissingseattle.bandcamp.com/album/hissing

www.facebook.com/hissingseattle

www.hissingseattle.bandcamp.com

new Metal Bulletin issue: 89

Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state, U.S.) is a free metal music zine that's available online to read and download.

**NEW** METAL BULLETIN #89

Distant Past (Switzerland), NilExistence(U.S.), Allfather (U.K.), Nucleus (U.S.), Distruzione (Italy), Grand Magus (Sweden), Casket Robbery (U.S.)

www.fuglymaniacs.com

Fuglynews at Fuglymaniacs: Tom Araya Leaves Slayer and Forms Extreme Christian Metal Band

www.fuglymaniacs.com

NEWS: Shadowrise

NEWS:

Shadowrise

Escape from Shadow Island

Release date: May 19th, 2016

label: independent

Shadowrise is a Dutch band that plays a mix of extreme metal and melodic metal: symphonic, fast metal with both extreme and melodic vocals. For the record, this is a metal band, not gothic rock, and it is headbanging songs. Clearly, the band considers itself metal and they are not shy about it, so dive in and get on with the show. You can hear the whole EP below. Here's the official information about the band.

In Eindhoven, the metal capital of the Netherlands, Shadowrise is born; a symphonic power metal band inspired by heavy melo-death. With their upcoming debut EP Escape From Shadow Island, Shadowrise will release a storm on the metal scene as we know it!

‘This debut EP Escape From Shadow Island unmistakably shows this is a top act in the making.’ Lords Of Metal

‘By using both low and high pitch vocals in a rather short amount of time, a lot of dynamics are added, keeping the listener very much interested throughout, making them wish for more.’ ‘While the grunts by Roman Potasse make the music so much heavier, the golden voice of Laura brings the mix back to a balance.’ ‘Escape From Shadow Island is the title track of this EP and I have to say that you will be worn out and your neck will hurt after this song. The continuous blast beats by Joris Sevat keep you head banging.’

Metal Nation Radio

Taking inspiration from a wide variety of bands like but definitely not limited to Wintersun, Keep of Kalessin and Symphony X, the band was able to create its own sound. A melodic yet heavy approach to the power metal genre, with beautiful guitar harmonies and riffs, heavy blast beats, thundering bass, heavenly clean vocals and dirty grunts and loads of neo-classical influences added by Shadowrise’s Daniël Boomsma.

With two new band members, Laura Guldemond (Ayreon – The Theater Equation Choir, Robby Valentine) and Yordi Florax the line-up is complete. Their upcoming debut EP Escape from Shadow Island is recorded at Tomsterproject Studios late 2015. The record contains four tracks of epic power metal; catchy melodies, powerful vocals, blastbeats and beautiful orchestra. The online release will take place the 19th of May and will lead you to the world of Shadow Island.

Shadowrise is ready to take the world by storm!

www.shadowrise.bandcamp.com/releases

www.facebook.com/Shadowrisemetal/

NEWS: UNDERGANG and SPECTRAL VOICE tour the U.S.

Coming to Seattle: July 22

"We're finally ready to present this tour for you that we have been dying to publish! Thanks to the depravity of Signature Riff we're excited to announce that UNDERGANG will go on a more-or-less full USA tour this July, along with Denver's new masters of heaviness, SPECTRAL VOICE."

www.facebook.com/undergangktdm/

Seattle area concert calendar

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.

May 19 Widower, Into The Storm, Ice Teeth, Dilapidation at The Highline, Seattle, WA

May 23 Act Of Defiance, American Wrecking Company, Kill Closet at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

May 24 Tengger Cavalry, The Devils of Loudun, Eye of Nix, Hexengeist at the Highline, Seattle, WA

May 27 Anvil, Unleash the Archers, Graveshadow at El Corazón, Seattle WA

May 27 Witchburn, Zero Down, Vial 8, Custom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

May 28 Prong, Witchburn, Zero Down, Vial 8, Salem Knights El Corazon, Seattle, WA

May 28 Atriarch, Addaura, Huldrekall at Substation, Seattle, WA

May 30 The Obsessed, The Atomic Bitchwax, Karma To Burn, Wounded Giant, Year of the Cobra at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 31 Corrosion of Conformity, Lamb of God at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA

June 2 Discharge, Eyehategod, Toxic Holocaust, Oxygen Destroyer, Shrouds at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 4 Rotten Sound, Wilt, Mercy Ties, Scalafrea, MRSA at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 5 Iron Kingdom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

June 7 CHRCH, Swamp Heavy, Lb.!, Witch Ripper at The at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 9 Here Comes the Kraken, Seeker, Lack of Remorse, The Devils of Loudun, Lb.! at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 Armored Saint, Metal Church, Substratum, Sin Circus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 11 Voivod, King Parrot, Child Bite at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 12 Pygottpalooza, Defenestrator, Muppet Fetish, Ghostblood at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 14 American Wrecking Company at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest: Sarcalogos, Funeral Age,Primordial Atrocity,Dead Nexus,Fools Among Thieves at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 16 Taake, Young and in the Way, Wolvhammer at the Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Into the Storm, Aggression, MRSA, Hexengeist at Substation, Seattle

June 17 Perdition Temple, Sempiternal Dusk, Ascended Dead at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Queensryche at Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale,WA

June 17 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia, Inquinok, Slutvomit at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 18 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 18 Obsidian, Rhine, Oxygen Destroyer, Serpentspire at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 18 Aggression at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 19 Unaussprechlichen Kulten, Dire Omen, Drawn and Quartered, Dilapidation at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 25 Nightfell, Hallucinator, Serpentine at Substation, Seattle, WA

June 25 Trannysaurus Rex, Gygax, Substratum, Hexengeist at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Aggression at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 26 InAeona, Immortal Bird at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 7 Wayfarer, Alda, With The End In Mind, Falls Of Rauros The Highline, Seattle, WA

July 19 Inter Arma, Withered at Barbosa, Seattle, WA

July 21 Arkaik, Vale Of Pnath, Singularity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 22 Castle, Disenchanter, Year of the Cobra at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes

August 5 Come To Grief, Bell Witch, Hissing, Dilapidation at The Highline, Seattle, WA

August 16 Krallice, Pale Chalice, Addaura, A God or an Other at The Highline, Seattle, WA

August 17 Periphery, SikTh, Chon, Toothgrinder at Showbox, Seattle, WA

August 22 Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, The Black Order, VX36, Xoth at Substation, Seattle, WA

August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulalip Amphitheatre - Tulalip, WA

September 16 Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

October 11 Gojira, Tesseract at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA

October 14 Between the Buried and Me, Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 29 Himsa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 29 Sonata Arctica, Leaves’ Eyes, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

www.facebook.com/The-Metal-Bulletin-paper-zine-238441519609213/?fref=ts

www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn

NEWS: Desaster announces North American tour dates

German blackened-thrashers Desaster will return to North America this May for four special concerts! Featuring the band's first Canadian performance, plus an appearance at MDF, these rare shows are not to be missed; see below for all dates!

Desaster tour dates

May 26 - Club Garibaldi's - Milwaukee, WI

May 27 - Piranha Bar - Montreal, QC

May 28 - BFE Rock Club - Houston, TX

May 29 - Maryland Deathfest - Baltimore, MD

Desaster comments: "Maniacs, we are proud to be back in the states soon! Headbangers in Houston, Milwaukee and at the Maryland Deathfest, be prepared for a German Black Thrashing RIFF Metal attack! And finally we'll play our first show ever in the land of mighty Razor, Anvil and Infernal Majesty: Canada! Aarrgghh...See you at the bar! BANG OR BE BANGED!" - Inferal, Tormentor, Sataniac and Odin

Desaster will be touring in support of their new album, The Oath of an Iron Ritual. Featuring "...10 vicious jams...that will even have the dead head banging in their graves..." (CvltNation.com), The Oath of an Iron Ritual gives fans a barrage of uncompromising metal, that's been perfected by the German quartet over the last 27 years. To preview and purchase the latest from Desaster, please visit: www.metalblade.com/desaster

NEWS: Between the Buried and Me and Devin Townsend Project announce "Transcending The Coma Tour" fall co-headlining tour

Two of progressive metal's most influential bands will join forces for the "Transcending the Coma Tour" this fall: Between the Buried and Me and Devin Townsend Project have plotted a co-headlining run, with Fallujah as support!

Between the Buried and Me tour dates

May 22 - Columbus, OH - Rock on the Range

Between the Buried and Me tour dates

w/ Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah

Sept. 9 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works

Sept. 10 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm

Sept. 11 - Orlando, FL - The Plaza

Sept. 12 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend

Sept. 13 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring

Sept. 15 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre Of Living Arts

Sept. 16 - New York, NY - Playstation Theater

Sept. 17 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium +Sabaton

Sept. 21 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall

Sept. 22 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall

Sept. 23 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues

Sept. 24 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection

Sept. 25 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom

Sept. 27 - New Orleans, LA - The Joy Theater

Sept. 29 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Live

Oct. 5 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom

Oct. 6 - Los Angeles, CA - The Novo

Oct. 7 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee

Oct. 8 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl * no DTP

Oct. 9 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades

Oct. 11 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory * no DTP

Oct. 12 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

Oct. 13 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom

Oct. 14 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven

Between the Buried and Me will be performing their most recent album, Coma Ecliptic, in its entirety on this tour. This will be the first time the album will be performed live in full. Bassist Dan Briggs offers his thoughts and says: "The songs on 'Coma Ecliptic' came together in 2014 (and some of them even earlier than that), so it feels amazing to finally present the album live in full, the way it was intended to be heard. It's our most theatrical album yet and we'll be looking to bring that element to the stage as best we can; not to mention how great it will be to share the stage with Devin + crew again."

Upon release in July 2015, Coma Ecliptic debuted at #1 on the Hard Music Billboard Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top 200, as well as #1 on the iTunes Metal Chart, Vinyl Chart, Amazon Hard Rock Chart, and Amazon Metal Chart. In addition, the album charted on the iTunes Rock chart (#2), Canada Hard Music Chart (#3), UK Rock/Metal chart (#4), UK Independent Chart (#10), Canada Top 200 Chart (#17), Canada Top 200 Digital (#22), Germany Top 100 (#53) and UK Album chart (#74). Rolling Stone called the record "a 68-minute cosmic opera".

Seattle area concert calendar

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.

May 17 Amon Amarth, Entombed AD, Exmortus at Showbox Market, Seattle, WA

May 17 Pentagram at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 17 Destroy Judas, Dirty Kid Discount, Wilt, A Flourishing Scourge at The Highline, Seattle, WA

May 19 Widower, Into The Storm, Ice Teeth, Dilapidation at The Highline, Seattle, WA

May 23 Act Of Defiance, American Wrecking Company, Kill Closet at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

May 24 Tengger Cavalry, The Devils of Loudun, Eye of Nix, Hexengeist at the Highline, Seattle, WA

May 27 Anvil, Unleash the Archers, Graveshadow at El Corazón, Seattle WA

May 27 Witchburn, Zero Down, Vial 8, Custom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

May 31 Corrosion of Conformity, Lamb of God at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA

June 2 Discharge, Eyehategod, Toxic Holocaust, Ringworm at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 4 Rotten Sound, Wilt, Mercy Ties, Scalafrea, MRSA at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 5 Iron Kingdom at Tony V's Garage in Everett, WA

June 10 Armored Saint, Metal Church at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 11 Voivod, King Parrot at El Corazón - Seattle, WA

June 14 American Wrecking Company at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest: Sarcalogos, Funeral Age,Primordial Atrocity,Dead Nexus,Fools Among Thieves at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 16 Taake, Young and in the Way, Wolvhammer at the Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Aggression at Substation, Seattle

June 17 Perdition Temple, Sempiternal Dusk, Ascended Dead at the Highline, Seattle, WA

June 17 Queensryche at Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale,WA

June 17 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

June 18 Venom Inc.; Necrophagia at Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

June 18 Obsidian, Rhine at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 18 Aggression at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

June 19 Unaussprechlichen Kulten, Dire Omen, Drawn and Quartered, Dilapidation at The Highline, Seattle, WA

June 26 Aggression at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 26 Immortal Bird at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 7 Wayfarer, Alda, With The End In Mind, Falls Of Rauros The Highline, Seattle, WA

July 21 Arkaik, Vale Of Pnath, Singularity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes

August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulalip Amphitheatre - Tulalip, WA

September 17 Necronomicon, Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington

November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 29 Sonata Arctica at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

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interview: Bloodstrike

It does not take very long for Bloodstrike’s death metal to make an impact. They must know something about songwriting! This band is recommended for people who want to death metal that you can bang your head to when you listen. The band’s album In Death We Rot works like a charm for those that want death metal the classic way. After reading this interview with Jeff Alexis (guitars), you will understand why.

Greetings! How are things for Bloodstrike in 2016? You are in Denver, right? How’s Denver treating your death metal band?

Infernal hails, Metal Bulletin Zine! Thanks for your interest in Bloodstrike. Yes, we are located in Denver, the Mile High City. We are deep in the Denver scene and it’s a killer one. We have a huge metal community here with plenty of metal bands, bars, clubs and metal breweries. There is never a shortage of metal events in Denver. We’ve all been in the Denver metal scene for years. Whether it’s out supporting other Denver bands or hanging out at our favorite local metal brewery, we’re there.

How did Bloodstrike begin?

Our history is fairly short. Myself (Jeff) and Holly got our other guitarist (Joe) on board right away in 2013. After just a few tryouts for drums and bass we hooked up with Ryan on drums and an old friend of mine on bass, Rhia. We’ve been at it ever since. Here’s our bio:

The idea for the punishing old school death metal assault that would become Bloodstrike was first conceived by vocalist Holly Wedel (ex-Nexhymn) and guitarist Jeff Alexis (ex-Silencer) in 2013. They recruited Joe Piker (ex-Dripfed) on guitar, Ryan Alexander Bloom (ex-Havok) on drums, and Rhiannon Wisniewski (Moth, ex-Somnus) on bass to round out the band and began developing a collection of massive riffs and crushing arrangements.

Bloodstrike’s veteran lineup exploded onto the Denver metal scene in June of 2014 with their three-track Necrobirth demo. The demo gained instant popularity with the death metal underground and drew comparisons to bands like Bolt Thrower and Entombed for both its ear-catching simplicity and blood-curdling heaviness.

Impressed by the success of the demo and the work ethic of the band members, Redefining Darkness Records signed Bloodstrike to its roster in September of 2015 and quickly released their debut album In Death We Rot.

Bolstered by their new label affiliation and armed with a precise blend of 90’s death and roll groove and modern death metal aggression, Bloodstrike is ready to expand their dominion to national and international audiences.

What does “old school death metal” mean for your band?

I’d describe Bloodstrike as an old school death metal band with a renewed attitude. There are a handful of new bands out there playing a newer style of metal that I like. But overall I prefer the tried and true metal of my youth. It seems like there are a lot of people who feel the same. Both death metal and thrash metal have resurfaced as the leaders again in metal. Being old school to me is just playing good solid riffs. Not a ton of notes and progressions and just trying too hard. Something you can bang your head to, you know? We’re not to say, “Hey we’re the best type of metal” and all that, we’re just playing metal that comes from our blackened metal hearts.

What should new listeners expect from Bloodstrike? What is the total number of recordings that your band has now?

Anyone can stream the entire album. You can find it at the link below. For the new comers you can expect raw old school death metal. Our sound is taken from the famous Sunlight Studios in Stockholm Sweden when bands like Grave and Entombed were cutting their teeth. The guitar tone is very important to this genre. The buzz saw guitar tone is immediately recognizable. In Death We Rot is our first full length release. Previously we released a 3-song demo named Necrobirth. I do all of the tracking for our recordings at my studio (same place we practice). I mixed the demo but we sent out the album to our friend Patrick Bruss who did a great job mixing it for us. The recording process is pretty quick with Bloodstrike. We make sure we have the songs the way we want them and that we’re practiced up and ready to go before we start recording.

What bands really got you excited about music in the first place? How do you feel about those bands now?

Yeah, it’s most of the same bands that still get me excited about metal. I hear people talk about who will be the next big band and that there isn’t anyone waiting in the wings sort of thing and I say it’s because all of these old school bands that I grew up on (Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost, etc., etc., etc.) are still kicking ass and aren’t just going to give up their spot. We just saw Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden and they both just killed it, top notch all the way around. All of these bands still inspire me today. And when death metal hit we never stopped listening to the bands that ‘got us here’ we just added that to the mix. To me the really good death metal still had a lot of the familiar formulas of good fucking old school metal. It was just a lot harder sounding and more brutal vocals.

What drives you to keep making music, even though people say that the industry is not good for metal musicians?

We don’t talk about how successful we want to become playing this style of metal. You’re right, the big cash and fame are not rolling in for us. But we could care less. We bleed metal, it’s total cliché, but it is in our veins. I enjoy every shit hole bar we play, we’ll never change our style or sound. Ever!

What are your plans for the rest of 2016?

We have lots planned for 2016. We’re currently working on a 7” split that may see the light of day by the end of 2016 (if not early 2017 for sure). We are currently booking a short US tour that will take us out East in September. We are also working on our next full length album. We’re about 4 songs in. We have some videos up on our web site. Check them out. We did a brutal video for the opening track of the album, “Abomination.” Check it out (at the link below).

Some bands think of themselves as bringing hope to their listeners. Some bands want brutal, violent imagery. What about you?

We do not want to be one of those bands that need to tell you what is right and what is wrong. We’re not going to tell you who to vote for or any bullshit like that.

Is there anything else that you want to mention about your band or about other bands in the Denver area that you like? Do you have anything to say about some guy in Denver named John Elway?!

Just keep an eye out for Bloodstrike and thanks for the support! As far as Denver bands I like there are way too many to list but I’ll list a few; Zombie Hate Brigade, Crypticus, Nekrofilth, Satan’s Host, Gomorrah, Throne of Belial. I would also like to give a shout out to a local Seattle band, Beltfed Weapon. And one Seattle band I miss, Book of Black Earth. As far as Johnny Boy Elwood, he can go jump off a cliff as far as I’m concerned. RAIDER Nation lives in Denver, too.

Cheers! Jeff

www.bloodstrikemetal.com/disco/

www.bloodstrikemetal.com/video/

www.bloodstrike.bandcamp.com/releases

www.facebook.com/bloodstrikemetal?ref=hl

THE END