Metal Bulletin Zine: June 2017

Friday, June 30, 2017

NEWS: Custard

Custard (Germany) is back with the sixth full-length album called A Realm of Tales. The new work finds the band crafting traditional, hard-hitting heavy metal and power metal with proud, classic-style strong singing, a solid drum sound (we hope it’s real drums!) that packs a punch and the guitars to make you bang your head and play air and real guitars. Custard is a band that has tremendous pride in the music that they execute and they sound like it, and the new album is a complete affirmation that traditional heavy metal is their king and the only king that they have and that they will follow in this life, in the next and the life after that one. Custard does not mess around because they know that the most fanatical supporters of classic heavy metal do not have time for nonsense, and neither does Custard. Be sure to visit their Facebook page to hear some of the new music. The new album hits the mark big time if you are looking a band that is loyal to heavy metal. Below is some official information.

Custard

A Realm of Tales

release date: May 19th, 2017

label: Pure Steel Records

A Realm of Tales:

1.Icy Stare

2.Queen of Snow

3.The Pied Piper

4.Arabian Nights

5.Snow White

6.Snow Away (Intro)

7.The Little Match Girl

8.Daughter of the Sea

9.Witch Hunter

10.Sign of Evil

11.Bluebeard

12.Forged in Fantasy Total

playing time: 55:21 min

Since the beginning CUSTARD were a phenomena in Teutonic Steel. From 0 to 100 they bursted into the scene with great old school Heavy Metal songs. Of course a lot of bands play that style, but CUSTARD always made the "more" in songwriting, power and melody.

Fortunately nothing has changed for CUSTARD these days. Vocalist Olli Strasser and his two guitarists Stefan Absorber and Carsten Reichart still find their own way to create great riffings and melodies based on the concrete of Chris Klapper and Markus Berghammer. The lyric themes vary from catchy to extraordinary and with small -yet precious- ingredients like folky tunes along other little enrichements the songs get this special "thing" to make it a must for fans of HELLOWEEN to JUDAS PRIEST. "A Realm of Tales" leave an overall statement: The masters are back!

[Here is a biography of the band, but it appears that they have not had time to update it because they have been too busy breaking their guitars on the stage.]

Biography: Originally founded as a fun-project in 1987, one was able to see CUSTARD on local stages after only half a year, where the guys from Herne could notch up several reasonable successes. Bit by bit the right musicians were found and the musical quality increased enormously, causing CUSTARD to become a synonym for fine thrash metal on local level.

Afterwards the underground press was persuaded over and over again and even the leading metal magazines had a look at Herne and reported on the interesting development of the band from the Ruhr Area for the first time. That invigorated it was even possible to tour Germany as the support of the genre greats of Skyclad. Contrary to all expectations CUSTARD were received warmly by the audience of the folk metal band, so the guys were able to establish themselves in filled up clubs every night. Inspired by the unexpected success, CUSTARD started to write songs for their first adequate album.

With KINGDOMS OF YOUR LIFE (Point Music) a product was released which, according to the specialist publications, did not have to hide behind the international competition. Also FOR MY KING (BO Records/Last Episode) could win the international press as well as fans in many countries straight away. In 2005 the album WHEELS OF TIME (Mausoleum Records/Soulfood) was created. With best reviews it was possible to play a lot of festivals and even a headliner-tour with the swedish mates of Sabaton was very successful. 2007 was a year of massive changes. With a fresh line up and a new label-deal the album FORCES REMAIN (Dr. Music/Rough Trade) entered the stores in autumn 2008 and once more it is named as a blast for press and fans. ... to be continued !

discography:

1.Signa Inferre (1992, Demo)

2.God Of Storm (1996, EP)

3.Kingdoms Of Your Life (1999)

4.For My King (2000)

5.Wheels Of Time (2005)

6.Forces Remain (2008)

7.Infested By Anger (2012)

8.A Realm of Tales (2017)

facebook.com/custardband

NEWS: Cloven Hoof

Supporters and die-hard fanatics of traditional, classic heavy metal in 2017 will want to take of Cloven Hoof--the long-running British heavy metal band with origins dating back to 1979--and the band's new album called Who Mourns for the Morning Star?, a work that follows 2014's Resist or Serve. Regarding the new album, below you will find more information about the work itself and some changes in membership that have resulted in the current incarnation of the band. You may also find it of interest that there have been some very positive reviews of the album, reflecting the fact that the group has established a reputation for heavy metal and for a devoted cult following amongst the enthusiasts for bands associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, traditional English heavy metal and cult heavy metal in general. Here is some official information about the band and the new album.

Cloven Hoof
Who Mourns for the Morning Star?
release date: April 21st, 2017
label: High Roller Records

Midlands outfit CLOVEN HOOF must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: CLOVEN HOOF. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Air’. A very interesting concept which was far ahead of its time. After recording demos of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker CLOVEN HOOF issued their debut vinyl 12” EP »The Opening Ritual« on Elemental Music in 1982 (today a precious collector’s item). In 1984, the self-titled Cloven Hoof album was released, followed by »Fighting Back« (1986), »Dominator« (1988) and »A Sultan’s Ransom« (1989). After splitting up in the 1990s, CLOVEN HOOF returned with a new line up in the 2000s.

»Resist Or Serve« from 2014 is now followed by the band’s brand new studio album »Who Mourns For The Morning Star?«. Lee Payne added some new blood to the CLOVEN HOOF line-up with American citizens George Call (on lead vocals) and Danny White (on drums), both formerly playing with Aska, being the new guys.

Musically, »Who Mourns For The Morning Star?« carries on where »Resist Or Serve« has left off. Lee Payne comments: “All my life I had a vision in my head what I wanted CLOVEN HOOF to sound like. Musically we had come close but I was never 100% happy with the vocalist. George has a world class voice and range and I want to utilise it fully with the scope of our music.”

Payne thinks that the new album is indeed the best the band ever recorded: “»Who Mourns For The Morning Star?« combines all the best qualities of the trademark CLOVEN HOOF sound but it is played better and the vocal delivery is off the scale. The full band width of the band is explored and there are epic tracks next to more hard hitting numbers that build and cover a whole spectrum of moods and atmospheres.”

1.Star Rider (4:38)

2.Song Of Orpheus (3:35)

3.I Talk To The Dead (4:39)

4.Neon Angels (3:38)

5.Morning Star (6:19)

6.Time To Burn (4:41)

7.Mindmaster (3:58)

8.Go Tell The Spartans (6:01)

9.Bannockburn (7:15)

The present band have been playing together since late 2015 when George and Lee decided the time was right to take Cloven Hoof to a new level. They had played together in Germany when Aska ageed to do a few Cloven Hoof songs after some ex band members decided to leave the band. The chemistry was electric and Danny was so amazing behind the kit that Lee had to ask him to join Hoof one day too. Commitments delayed the union for a time but everyone knew the day would dawn when they would make an album together. The new album was recorded in Dallas and in the UK and the mission statement was to make THE best Cloven Hoof album of all time… and that is exactly what the band have done. A no holds barred tour de force that will shake the metal world to its foundations – you have been warned! Chris Coss and new guitarist Luke Hatton was recommended to the band by the highly respected Simon Lees ex Budgie and ace guitar teacher. Cloven Hoof will begin to tour Europe and America throughout 2017 extensively and the best is yet to come!

the band is:

George Call - lead vocals

Lee Payne - bass guitar and backing vocals

Luke Hatton - lead guitar

Chris Coss - rhythm guitar

Danny White - drums and percussion

facebook.com/clovenhoof1979

clovenhoof.net

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

review by Dee: Solus

Our friend Dee offers her opinion about this Hungarian entity named Solus. Below the review you will find links to more of Dee's writings on music.--MMB

Solus – Solus (Album Review)

Hungary’s Solus send strong, expressive and melancholic signals through a charming black metal/ambient channel. The project is led by an instrumentalist and vocalist who goes by D, and he’s capable of treating our ears to some tasteful melodies. Solus’ self-titled release hit the scene back in 2015, and there’s a lot to enjoy here.

The first track, “Visszatérés,” is like a slow descent into nothingness. Along the way, we meet dim shades of sorrow and despair. The backbone contains satisfying strumming and the pulse of the percussion. A few desperate lamentations give a voice to the melancholia.

“Világok közt vándorló” arrives next. We’re introduced to blast beats and more aggressive vocals, showing the varied tricks Solus has up its sleeve. Emotions are heavy on “Elfeledett utak,” and glorious tones float within the track’s scowling expression.

The beginning of “Az örök körforgás,” sneaks up on your ears with a little mystery and a touch of evil. That’s all right because that’s what we need at that point in this album. The rest of the track parades its low spirit, and it eventually ends up along the outskirts of the next song; you can tell from the start of “Path of Wisdom” that it’s simply delectable. Heavy guitar riffs fall down from a sorrowful place. There is something effective in the drumming, which keeps a steady beat throughout the majority of the song. “Lebegés” ends the album with an experimental mood, creating an abysmal plane. Its presence grows and swallows the listener.

“Solus” is a fine take on the black metal/ambient style. The tough, standoffish personality of black metal is present. At the same time, mists of tone and emotion seem to be longing to spark confrontation. I am infatuated with “Path of Wisdom” (a surefire remedy for life’s miserable moments), and I highly recommend it. Only five other tracks are found on “Solus,” but they leave a lingering impression. Trust something here will speak to the very core of you.

twitter.com/metalmellowdee?lang=en

metalmellowdee.wordpress.com

review by Matt Spall: Iced Earth

Our friend Matt Spall has reviewed the latest Iced Earth album. Matt says that he has not always loved every Iced Earth album. Will the new one change his mind?

Below the review you will find links to more of Matt's writings on music. --MMB

Artist: Iced Earth

Album Title: Incorruptible

Label: Century Media Records

Date Of Release: 16 June 2017

The phrase ‘only time will tell’ features a lot in music reviews, certainly in mine. Over the years, I’ve had to listen to hundreds of albums and put pen to paper in double-quick time to submit my thoughts in time for the deadline. All too frequently, I have to make a snap decision about whether I like something and sometimes I’ll add in the caveat ‘only time will tell’ to buy myself a little breathing space regarding a record’s long term status and whether it’s a classic or the band’s best. Sometimes, I get my reviews right and sometimes I get them wrong.

When it comes to Iced Earth, I have to hold my hands up and admit to getting it very wrong. I’m a long term fan of the Indiana metal band, discovering them in the late 90s via ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’. This is the album lauded by many as the band’s best and I certainly hold it in high regard. However, with interest piqued, I delved into the back catalogue and I also enjoy the vast majority of their earlier material, favouring ‘Night of the Stormrider’ if my life depended on it. In terms of the post- ‘Something…’ era, I lapped up ‘Horror Show’ and ‘The Glorious Burden’, both of which are fabulous records. Their unique blend of classic metal, power metal and thrash has proved to be a potent formula amongst their ever-growing army of fans, myself included.

More recent output, beginning with 2007’s ‘Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1’ and ending in 2014 with ‘Plagues of Babylon’ garnered very positive reviews from me in the pages of Powerplay Magazine. However, as time has told, I don’t return to them as frequently as I thought that I would. If I want a fix of Iced Earth, I’ll tend to go for something older. In fact, as I type, I’m hard-pressed to remember very much from any of these more recent albums.

Many will point to the instability of the line-up and, in particular, the frequent changes of the vocalist. However, I think that’s unfair. Matt Barlow will remain a fan favourite since he stood front and centre over some of the best material of the band’s career. That’s unavoidable. However, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens did an excellent job on a couple of records including the aforementioned ‘The Glorious Burden’ and then, after a brief return for Barlow with ‘The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2’, Iced Earth have since 2011, turned to ex-Into Eternity vocalist Stu Block to deliver their diatribes. And make no mistake; he does a very good job, sounding very similar to both Barlow and Owens when delivering in the lower and higher registers respectively.

The revolving door syndrome that has affected almost every other position within the band is not entirely to blame either, although it can’t have been the most conducive atmosphere in which to create high quality music. Neither can Schaffer’s ongoing medical problems which fortunately have never drastically curtailed his endeavours. At the end of the day, this is Jon Schafer’s band; he founded Iced Earth and he remains the central creative force, creating most the material and having a say in just about everything else.

With that said, all of the albums between 2007 and 2014 have some very good material on them and I’m in no way saying that they are bad. It is just that they haven’t stood the test of time with me.

This time around however, with no deadlines or time constraints, I could listen in more detail and form a much firmer opinion over the material. And the material in question is the ten songs that feature on ‘Incorruptible’, the twelfth album in the Iced Earth discography.

The accompanying press release sees the ever-confident and bullish Shafer referring to this album as one of their strongest and whilst I approached this hyperbole with caution, I now must agree with him. Having allowed this album to burrow deeper into my brain than many others, I feel much more confident in delivering a very positive review of ‘Incorruptible’. I shall go so far as to stick my neck out and venture that this record is the best material to emanate from the Iced Earth camp since ‘The Glorious Burden’, possibly even longer. Indeed, alongside vocalist Stu Block, in-out drummer Brent Smedley, bassist Luke Appleton and new lead guitarist Jake Dreyer, Schaffer has clearly hit a rich vein of form with ‘Incorruptible’.

What I like about this album so much is that it manages to blend powerful riffs and heavy music with plenty of melody and strong choruses to make the music truly memorable and rather addictive. Add in to the mix a sense of theatrics, drama and storytelling for which Iced Earth have become known and synonymous and suddenly things start to stack up in the right way.

Given the dark album cover complete with the ubiquitous Set Abominae character, I was expecting something more along the lines of ‘The Dark Saga’ with this record. But what I actually get is more of a ‘Something Wicked…’ vibe, where just about every track delivers something that makes me bang my head, smile or reach for the repeat button. There will no doubt be some who suggest that Iced Earth are cynically trying to recapture the magic of ‘Something Wicked…’ but I humbly disagree. Of course there are some similarities but on ‘Incorruptible’, I hear some of that magic that has imbued all classic Iced Earth material, whatever the era, whoever the clientele.

Kicking off with a dark and theatrical, almost cinematic intro, ‘Great Heathen Army’ offers fans of this band a thoroughly rousing and raucous opening salvo. Block screams and croons with gusto, the rhythm section pounds away and those trademark fast-picked rhythm guitars of Schafer create some tasty riffs. The chorus is a bit of a grower too, blossoming into a full-blown anthem after a few spins.

One of the most ear-catching aspects of Iced Earth on this record though, is the lead guitar work of newbie Jake Dreyer. His lead breaks litter the opener but they have a genuinely melodic edge to them, transforming the solos into something more nuanced than just a gratuitous shred-fest. To further illustrate this point, just check out the fabulous ballad-esque ‘Raven Wing’, complete with lush acoustic guitars. It is here that Dreyer indulges in some lead work that is full of depth, subtlety and bluesy soul, as well as the necessary all-out shred. It doesn’t do any harm that the entire song itself is a well-crafted monster, but it is the lead work alongside the changes in pace and heaviness that leaves the greatest impression.

The variety of the music is also a definite strength of ‘Incorruptible’ too. This is not a one-dimensional album and it benefits greatly as a direct result. You get the mid-tempo stompers like ‘Black Flag’ which in itself is a muscular metal track laced with plenty of melody. And there are the more sombre and brooding compositions like ‘The Veil’ which arguably features my favourite chorus on the record, one that I find myself humming at the most unexpected of times, unable to dislodge it from my head.

Then there’s the short, sharp and intense thrash blitzkrieg of ‘Seven Headed Whore’ with its intro riff that’s instantly reminiscent of Slayer in their prime followed by the potent combination of machine-gun drumming and matching riffs. In contrast, ‘Brothers’ is imbued with a satisfying groove that’s infectious as hell.

‘Ghost Dance (Awaken The Ancestors)’ is an instrumental but far from being a snooze-fest, it is actually one of the most intriguing tracks on the record. I find the tribal vocals fascinating and a really nice touch whilst I’m genuinely taken by the pronounced, powerhouse drumming that is a firm feature of the track.

And ‘Incorruptible’ ends in fitting Iced Earth style with a slightly longer track, ‘Clear The Way (December 13th, 1862)’. At just shy of ten minutes, it isn’t the longest epic that Schaffer has ever penned but it does still pack a punch. Complete with occasional Celtic overtones, a certain amount of quiet homage to Iron Maiden and the sounds of war, it tells a story within the Battle of Fredericksburg to great effect. It’s a glorious romp and the perfect way to end such a glorious album.

Mind you, I’m struggling to pick out any of the songs on ‘Incorruptible’ that demonstrate a lessening of the quality as I genuinely like them all. In that respect, this has to be the most consistent record from Iced Earth for a significant number of years. In fact, as I alluded to earlier, this is without doubt their best release since ‘The Glorious Burden’ and it pushes the likes of ‘Horror Show’ and ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ as one of their best ever releases. In short, ‘Incorruptible’ is unmistakeably the sound of Iced Earth firing on all cylinders and I love it.

The Score Of Much Metal: 9.25

Matt Spall online:

twitter.com/ManOfMuchMetal?lang=en

manofmuchmetal.wordpress.com

Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a quality band playing extreme metal focused on songs that you can remember. The band has a complicated history dating back to their 1990s demos. Having overcome a very long period of inactivity, the current incarnation concentrates on tunes based on traditional extreme metal, while also adding a bit of melody through the guitar. While you may see the term "melodic extreme metal" associated with the band, as you will notice by listening to the complete album at the Bandcamp link below, the sound of the band as displayed on the album is based on the tradition of, say, classic Dissection, amongst others. As a result, the bigger conclusion to draw here is that quality is important, tradition is key, and musical skill is a requirement.

Sarcasm

Within the Sphere of Ethereal Minds

release date: April 28th, 2017

label: Dark Descent Records

SARCASM (Swe) Scars of a Land Forgotten (Official music video 2017)

SARCASM (Swe) - In the Grip of Awakening Times - Lyric video 2017

For your information, below are excerpts of some reviews of Sarcasm's new work.

The Metal Gamer has written about the new album: "This stormy past has probably influenced the band a lot in creating music. Raging speed and hard as a rock death metal, that’s the first thing that comes to my mind when listening to Sarcasm’s opener Bloodsoaked Sunrise from their latest album Within the Sphere of Ethereal Minds. Sarcasm delivers a great mix of melodic death, your classic Swedish old school death and even some black metal elements in there. It’s like At the Gates, Dissection and Necrophobic joined forces. Some of the best from the Swedish metal scene that is. There is a track here for fans of any these bands as the songs do differ a bit in sound and that’s also what makes this a great album. There is variety and a sweet old school feeling to Within the Sphere of Ethereal Minds that a metalhead who loves this sound will find right at home with."

Teeth of the Divined opined thusly about the new work: "Closing with “The Drowning Light at the Edge of the Dawn” is back to the more up-tempo thrashy feel that a majority of this album has. Overall, Sarcasm is a unique throwback to a sound that they never really lost. This is a solid release start to finish and in a catalog that continues to seemingly grow by the second Sarcasm are not a group to forget about on the Dark Descent roster. Highly recommended!"

Voices from the Darkside has observed about the new title: "Sometimes very old school Death Metal and close to Black Metal, sometimes very melodic like IN FLAMES on “The Jester Race” but never poppy or wimpy. Songs like ‘From The Crimson Fog They Emerged’ or ‘Scars Of A Land Forgotten’ have really the potential to become memorable classics and keep me positive that this genre with new outputs of SARCASM, ABLAZE MY SORROW and THIS ENDING stays alive. I hope the bad circumstances will not stop the band to continue writing and releasing another album in future."

darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/within-the-sphere-of-ethereal-minds

facebook.com/sarcasmsweden

darkdescentrecords.com

Zafakon (Puerto Rico) in Everett, WA on Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Last night Zafakon played in Everett. This was the second time that they played in Everett. The band's take on extreme metal--sometimes thrashy, sometimes groovy, with melodies and a guitar-focused approach to the music--is fun to watch. They have worked on their live performance a lot and it shows. They are not a band "jamming" on the stage, they are musicians who know what everyone is doing and work together well. They can go from fast speeds to melodic segments rather smoothly. The guitar playing is important for Zafakon and the lead work shows a lot of skill and a lot of time spent working on the musicianship, as does the whole band, really. They delivered a professional performance and they seem very much like a band on the rise!

Below are some amateur pictures of the band in action. Below is the announcement of the band's summer tour in the United States, an announcement that this publication has already posted. Next for the band is shows in the West, Midwest and East Coast.

OFFICIAL: We will be playing this summer around the United States mainland. Prepare yourselves for an explosive show that will cover material from both of our albums "War As A Drug" and "Release".

We will share some dates with California's Anger As Art and Puerto Rico's Damaged.

Dates listed below:

6/10 - Club 77, Rio Piedras PR

6/22 - The Merrow, San Diego CA*

6/23 - Shamrock Chino Hills, Chino Hills CA*

6/24 - Toot's Tavern, Crockett CA*

6/26 - Twilight Bar and Cafe, Portland OR

6/27 - Tony V's Garage, Everett WA: Zafakon, Thou Shall Kill, Method13

REMAINING SHOWS

6/30 - Streets of London Pub, Denver CO

7/01 - The Riot Room, Kansas City MO

7/02 - The Wisco, Madison WI

7/05 - Slash Run , Washington DC**

7/06 - The Fire, Philadelphia PA**

7/07 - FAT BABY, NEW YORK NY**

* with Anger As Art

** with Damaged

discography

Fall EP 2011

War as a Drug full-length 2013

Release full-length 2015

Zafakon / Deus Inc. split 2016

www.zafakon.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/zafakon

Thou Shall Kill (Seattle) in Everett, WA on Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Thou Shall Kill, the traditional extreme metal alliance out of Seattle, will be celebrating the official release of a new album at El Corazón on August 19th, 2017. Below the pictures is the announcement that this publication posted recently.

Last night Thou Shall Kill delivered another great illustration of their no-nonsense death metal. Here are a couple of amateur pictures of the band in action. Thanks to Thou Shall Kill for coming to Everett on a Tuesday night!

OFFICIAL: Tonight, with the announcement of our CD release show on August 19th at El Corazon, we share with you all the track list and artwork for our upcoming CD "Death King Enthroned".

Track List:

Epitaph

Judas Behold: The Scourge of the Nazarene

Kingdom Of Shadows

Weapons of War

Buried Beneath

Doomsday Creation

Many of these songs you have heard us play live in the past and now they have finally been recorded for you to conjure the blasphemies at any time as you so wish. So join us on August 19th at El Corazon and welcome the demons to your world.

August 19 Thou Shall Kill, The Morning After, Dilapidation, Urdr, Religicide at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

facebook.com/thoushallkill

Monday, June 26, 2017

NEWS: BMG to publish new book, 'For the Sake of Heaviness: the History of Metal Blade Records'

OFFICIAL: Metal Blade Records and BMG are proud to announce the upcoming release of For the Sake of Heaviness: the History of Metal Blade Records on August 29th. Written by label founder and CEO Brian Slagel with Mark Eglinton, the book features a foreword by Metallica's Lars Ulrich and celebrates the storied label's 35th anniversary.

Slagel comments: "I have been asked many times about doing a book about the history of Metal Blade and it just seemed like a cool thing to do to document the 35th anniversary. You never really stop to think about a lot of this stuff, so doing the book is a great way of looking back at how many awesome things have happened to me and Metal Blade. We have had a long relationship with BMG and with their new move in book publishing, it all seemed like perfect timing. Being able to work with their team really made the final decision to actually do the book. I am really happy with the way it came out and I hope everyone out there enjoys it as well!"

For the Sake of Heaviness is an inside look at how Slagel built Metal Blade from a one-man operation in his mom's non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today. The book recounts the early beginning of a metal-obsessed Southern California kid who launched a fanzine and landed a record store job, before cobbling together what he assumed would be a one-off compilation of fledgling bands from the L.A. scene. Released in 1982, the Metal Massacre LP included the debut recordings of local groups such as Steeler, Malice, Ratt, and Metallica.

For the Sake of Heaviness pulls back the curtain to reveal the definitive look at how Metal Blade began, what they've accomplished, and where they're going. Slagel reveals the early advice he gave that helped guide Motley Crue's career; how he helped Metallica replace their bassist - twice; his detailed work on Thin Lizzy and Alice Cooper re-issues; his behind-the-scenes role in the careers of Slayer, GWAR, Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Goo Goo Dolls, and Lamb of God; and his unlikely ventures with kindred metal heads - from hockey star Ken Baumgartner, to celebrity chef Chris Santos, to The Howard Stern Show's Richard Christy, to comedians Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson and Jim Breuer.

metalblade.com

NEWS: Tony MacAlpine tour dates for the U.S. and Canada

Legendary guitarist Tony MacAlpine has announced some tour dates for the United States and Canada. See the official information below.

OFFICIAL: Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. "Edge of Insanity", one of fourteen solo albums, is still considered one of the top ten shred guitar albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati, PSMS,(Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian) as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years in Steve Vai's touring band playing both guitar and keys and duplicating Vai’s formidable guitar leads.

Venezuelan guitarist Felix Martin plays like no one else....literally! Martin is the only guitarist the world over to fuse two guitars into one creating both a style and sound unlike anything heard before. Mixing rock, metal, Latin, and progressive styles with jazz chops firmly plants Martin as the preeminent king of 14 and 16 string guitar.

OFFICIAL:

Hello Friends!

I’m excited to announce my upcoming Fall North America Tour, with special guest Felix Martin! We’ll be returning to some of our favorite cities and venues, and some new cities too – including shows in Canada! Here are the tour dates announced so far. We’ll be confirming more in the days and weeks to come. The tour kicks off in early September through mid-October.

Special VIP Soundcheck packages will be available as a separate add-on to your regular ticket. We’ll update you with more details on that soon.

– Sep 13: Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club

– Sep 14: Chicago, IL – Reggies

– Sep 15: Detroit, MI – Token Lounge

– Sep 16: Niagara Falls, NY – Hard Rock Cafe

– Sep 17: Toronto, ON – The Garrison

– Sep 18: Montreal, QC – Cafe Campus

– Sep 19: Quebec City, QC – Le Cercle

– Sep 21: Boston, MA – Sonia

– Sep 22: New York City, NY – DROM

– Sep 23: Philadelphia, PA – Voltage Lounge

– Sep 25: Raleigh, NC – The Pour House

– Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

– Sep 30: McKinney, TX – The Guitar Sanctuary

– Oct 01: Houston, TX – Acadia Bar & Grill

More dates coming soon!

facebook.com/tonymacalpineofficial

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Seattle and Washington concert calendar, updated June 25, 2017

Friends in the state of Washington,

Is there a metal music show in your area that is not listed in this calendar? Does your local metal band have a show coming up and is not listed here? Is your band's name spelled incorrectly? Are the dates wrong? If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine.

June 26 Symbolik, Accidentally Murdered, Born Without Blood, Dilapidation at Substation, Seattle, WA

June 27 Symbolik, Accidentally Murdered, Reign of Ashes at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 27 Zafakon (Puerto Rico), Thou Shall Kill, Method 13 at Tony V's, Everett, WA

July 28 Chapel of Ghouls-Metal DJs at Obsidian, Olympia, WA

June 29 Sammy Hagar at Tulalip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA

June 29 Witch Bottle, Samara, Isenordal (acoustic) at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 29 Limegoat, Sons of Donovan, Whythre at Substation, Seattle, WA

June 30 Wilt, Askevault, Fetid, Hidious Creep at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 30 Product of Hate, Ikillya, Jahai, Prey the Hunter at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 30 Crud Guns, Mother Root, Sonic Erotic at The Bindlestick, Snoqualmie, WA

June 30 Felled at Thirst for Light IV, Red Hawk Avalon, Raymond, WA

June 30 Violent Hallucinations, Oxygen Destroyer, Born without Blood, Drug of Choice at Stonegate Pizza, Tacoma, WA

July 1 Better Shred Than Dead, Episode I: The Accused AD, Misuse of Power, Oxygen Destroyer, Hostilgato at Black Zia Cantina, Burien, WA

July 1 Adrenaline Mob, The Wild, Anti-Hero, Pagan Country Rebels at Tony V's, Everett, WA

July 1 Goat Fest IV: Pill Brigade, Crud Guns, Sacrament ov Impurity, Infrablaster, Kömmand, Noceur, Draconian Summoning at 2129 Stevens St, Seattle, WA

July 1 Transcribing The Necronomicon, Dismembering Mary, Big Idiot, Primordial Atrocity, Evil Awakening, Arrowhead, Countless The Dead at Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA

July 1 Innumerable Forms, Acid Feast, Cerebral Rot, Mortiferum at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 1 'Til Skies Fall, Hungry Hearts, Eyas/Luna, The Ford Theatre Reunion, Down the Scope, Visceral Embodiment at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 2 Beyond Theory, Darky Dark and the Junkie Bunch, Chemical Asphyxia, Sun Mother at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 2 Fit for an Autopsy, Tombs, Moon Tooth, Heiress, Breag Naofa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

July 2 Isenordal at Thirst for Light IV, Red Hawk Avalon, Raymond, WA

July 5 Castle, Bruja, Zorlac at The Pin, Spokane, WA

July 6 Transcend the Realm at The Pin, Spokane, WA

July 7 Beyond Theory, Darky Dark and The Junkie Bunch, Chemical Asphyxia, Deathbed Confessions at Louie G's Pizza, Fife, WA

July 8 Antichrist, Kömmand at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 8 Progenitor, Ghostblood, Primordial Atrocity at Rock Loft Music Lounge, Tacoma, WA

July 8 Odyssey 10 Year Anniversary at The Pin, Spokane, WA

July 8 Crimson Guardian, Fifteen Stitches, Halcion Halo at Obsidian, Olympia, WA

July 9 Thou, Cloud Rat, False, Moloch at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 10 Thou, Cloud Rat, False, Moloch at Real Art, Tacoma, WA

July 11 Numenorean, Wormwitch, Un, Blame the Wizards, Ireshrine at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 11 The Munsens, Slut Penguin, PissWand at The Kraken, Seattle, WA

July 11 Voltumna, Xoth, Noceur, GraveWitch at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 11 Bermuda, Armed for Apocalypse, Filth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 13 Acid Feast, Cartilage, Succumb at The Kraken, Seattle, WA

July 14 The Iron Maidens at Capps Club, Kenmore, WA

July 14 Dead Lakes, Blood And Thunder, Groundfeeder, For the Likes of You, Odyssian, Arisen From Nothing at Anchor Pub, Everett, WA

July 15 Xoth, Krystos, Weaponlord at Lucky Liquor, Seattle, WA

July 15 July 16 Hell's Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Charlie’s Bar & Grill, Olympia, WA

July 15 After the Fallout at The Backyard Festival (2 days, 2 stages, 40 bands) at Louie G's, Fife, WA

July 15 Wounded Giant, Dangg, The Devils of Loudun at The Kraken, Seattle, WA

July 16 Starkill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

July 16 Hell's Belles (AC/DC tribute) at The Eagles, Bremerton, WA

July 16 Wounded Giant, Sir Mark the Poet, Toecutter at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

July 18 Wounded Giant at Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA

July 19 Parasitic Ejaculation, Angel Splitter, Visceral Embodiment at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 20 Terror Universal, Hades Machine, Toxic Zombie, Ghosts in the Graveyard at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 21 Rhine, Black Bone Exorcism at McCoys Tavern, Olympia, WA

Jul 21 Terror Universal at The Pin, Spokane, WA

Jul 21 The Munsens, Bruja at The Pin, Spokane, WA

July 22 Rhine, Rat King, Black Bone Exorcism, Great Falls at Substation, Seattle, WA

July 22 One Master, Winter in the Blood, Serpents Chalice, Kömmand, Kihalas at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 22 Zero Down, The Plot Sickens at Zippy's Giant Burgers at White Center Jubilee Days, WA

July 23 Wednesday 13, Invidia, Gabriel and The Apocalypse, Prey the Hunter at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 24 Metal Mondays at Substation, Seattle, WA

July 25 The Sword, Big Jesus at Neumos, Seattle, WA

July 26 Undergang, Necrot, Hissing, Fetid at Highline, Seattle, WA

July 27 Crimson Guardian, The Randy Savages, Reverent Circle, Eroder at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 28 Edge of Paradise, American Wrecking Company at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

July 28 Jesus Wears Armani, Whythre, Mandamus at Obsidian, Olympia, WA

July 29 Zeke, Acid Teeth, Boxcutter PNW at The Shakedown, Seattle, WA

July 30 Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Spike and the Impalers at The Tulalip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA

August 2 Wounded Giant at The Pin, Spokane, WA

August 2 Lungs, Serial Hawk, Witch Ripper, Githyanki at Highline, Seattle, WA

August 3 Wounded Giant at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

August 5 Wounded Giant at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

August 5 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Capps Club, Kenmore, WA

August 5 Wounded Giant, Year of the Cobra, Swampheavy, Toecutter at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

August 7 Hemlock, Jesus Wears Armani, TwasmonauT, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

August 9 Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Gojira at Century Link Field, Seattle, WA

August 10 Gojira, Pallbearer at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

August 12 Phantom Fears (Rush tribute), Odds & Sods at Tony V's, Everett, WA

August 12 Slayer, Lamb of God, Behemoth at WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA

August 12 Inter Arma, Atriarch, Addaura at Barboza, Seattle, WA

August 13-18 in Seattle: Guitar Workshop Plus with: Tony MacAlpine, Rik Emmet, others

August 17 Summer Slaughter 2017: Headbang for the Highway, Lorna Shore, Betraying the Martyr, Rings of Saturn, Origin, Slaughter to Prevail, Oceano, The Faceless, Dying Fetus, The Black Dahlia Murder at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

August 19 Voodoo Death Gun, Convergence, Fifteen Stitches, The Bare Minimum at Louie G's Pizza, Fife, WA

August 19 Thou Shall Kill, The Morning After, Dilapidation, Urdr, Religicide at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

August 24 Diamond Head at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

August 28 Metal Mondays at Substation, Seattle, WA

August 31 Decapitated, Thy Art Is Murder at The Pin, Spokane, WA

September 1 Queensryche at Walla Walla Frontier Days, Walla Walla, WA

September 3 Decapitated, Thy Art Is Murder, Fallujah, Ghost Bath, Dismembering Mary, Aethereus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

September 9 Blaze Bailey at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

September 9 Versus, Dead Crown, Follow the Lights, Down the Scope, Rucker, Vesuvian at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

September 9 TitanFest 2017: Motograter, Chronological Injustice, The National Guard - Music, Invasive, Bleed The Stone, Syztem7, Jesus Wears Armani, Vial 8, Heart Avail, Salem Knights, Hammerz Down, Voodoo Death Gun at Louie G's Pizza, Fife, WA

September 11 Epica, Lacuna Coil, Insomnium, Elantris at The Showbox, Seattle, WA

September 13 Venom, Inc., Goatwhore, Toxic Holocaust, The Convalescene, Rutah, Dysfunktynal Kaos at The Pin, Spokane, WA

September 14 Venom, Inc., Goatwhore, Toxic Holocaust, The Convelesence, Noctium at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

September 18 Orphaned Land, Pain, Voodoo Kungfu, Wythre at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

September 22-23 Famine Fest Seattle: Witchtrap, others at Highline, Seattle, WA

September 25 The Casualties at The Pin, Spokane, WA

September 29 Dark Tranquillity, Warbringer, Striker, Last Bastion, ReEvolution at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

September 30 Scorpions, Megadeth at Tacoma Doma, Tacoma, WA

October 2 Bat, Savage Master, Bewitcher, Substratum at Highline, Seattle, WA

October 3 The Devils of Loudun at The Pin, Spokane, WA

October 4 Cerebral Incubation, Cordyceps, Angel Splitter, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 10 Soulfly does Nailbomb performing "Point Blank"; Cannabis Corpse, Noisem, Lody Kong, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 17 Tony MacAlpine at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

October 24 Aura Noir, Mutilation Rites, Weregoat at Highline, Seattle, WA

October 28 Vale of Pnath, First Fragment, Virvum, Aethereus at The Pin, Spokane, WA

October 29 Vale of Pnath, First Fragment, Virvum, Aethereus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

November 4 Narcotic Wasteland, Dreaming Dead, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

November 17 Washington Deathfest at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA: The Charleston (Monsters Brawl Main Stage) 6pm: Embryonic Devourment, Violent Hallucinations, Sacrament Ov Impurity, Progenitor, Whythre, Ghostblood, Nihilist Nation, Ashen Pyre, Oxygen Destroyer. High Fidelity lounge (The Chaos stage 2) 4pm: Monsters Among Gods, Abiosis, Inside Defiance, Prey The Hunter, Noceur

November 18 Boycott the Baptist at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

December 2 Ghoul, The Plot Sickens, Crud Guns, Misuse of Power, Kömmand at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

December 4 Ghost Ship Octavius, American Wrecking Company, Avoid the Void, Omnisight at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

December 22 Black Bone Exorcism, Thou Shall Kill, others at Substation, Seattle, WA

December 29 Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

March 19 Udo Dirkschneider, Zero Down, Children of Seraph at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 6 Nightwish at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

metalbulletin.blogspot.com

Metal Bulletin Zine

P.O. Box 1339

Lake Stevens WA 98258 USA

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

www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn

issue 124 of Metal Bulletin Zine

Read online as a PDF issue number 124 of Metal Bulletin zine, out of the Washington state, U.S.

Nox Coven (Chile)

Wrust (Botswana )

Zafakon (Puerto Rico)

Lucifera (Colombia)

Thou Shall Kill (WA, U.S.)

Moribund Scum (Germany)

Demon Hammer (U.S.)

fuglymaniacs.com/pdf-files/MetalBulletin124.pdf

issue number of Metal Bulletin Zine

Read online as a PDF issue number 123 of Metal Bulletin zine, out of the Washington state, U.S.

The Seeds of Datura (Kenya)

AlNamrood (Saudi Arabia)

Santa Muerte (Brazil)

After the Fallout (WA state, U.S.)

Hypnos (Czech Republic)

Power Trip (U.S.)

fuglymaniacs.com/pdf-files/MetalBulletin123.pdf

Friday, June 23, 2017

Necrot wants you alive!

In case the death metal old fanatics have been living under a rock, here's all the hype and pomp about the latest work by the death metal cemetery workers Necrot, from the state of California, U.S. This information is a bit old now, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Don't forget to listen to the complete album at the link below.

Necrot

Blood Offerings

release date: June 9th, 2017

label: Tankcrimes Records

1.The Blade 05:58

2.Rather Be Dead 04:42

3.Shadows and Light 03:54

4.Blood Offerings 05:35

5.Empty Hands 04:22

6.Beneath 05:02

7.Breathing Machine 04:57

8.Layers of Darkness 05:28

total time 39:58

A reviewer at Metal Archives praises Necrot: "Emerging out the Oakland war crust scene, Necrot evolved away from mud caked crust and towards more blood spattered death metal. I've described them to friends as a 'more grime besmeared Dismember circa Where Ironcrosses Grow' and I stand by that description, though Necrot have grown slightly past it now. The grim-n-gritty buzzsaw with heavy bottom end sound is still there, the occasional flourishes of melody still arise, the no-fear approach to vile yet catchy song craft is as apparent as ever, but Necrot have added a few new wrinkles to it."

OFFICIAL: This June, Oakland, California-based classic death dealers NECROT will unleash the fetid fruits of their Blood Offerings full-length. Set for release on June 9th, 2017 on CD, LP, and digitally via Tankcrimes and on cassette in partnership with Sentient Ruin Laboratories, the eight-tracks comprising Blood Offerings were captured by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer (Vastum, Graves At Sea), mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Nails, Gatecreeper), and will come sheathed in the unholy cover craftings of Marald Van Haasteren (Bolt Thrower, Baroness).

“Blood Offerings is the result of six years of hard work and is our first full-length record to be released by Tankcrimes,” relays drummer Chad Gailey. “The songwriting and performance on these eight songs is a step up from what people have heard previously. We feel that with this album, we have accomplished what we intended to create many years ago. It is always a great experience working with Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer and Scotty Heath at Tankcrimes because of the hard work and care they both put into each project they are a part of. We are thankful to everyone who has supported NECROT to get to this point.”

Guitarist Sonny Reinhardt agrees, “We made the best album ever made and can’t wait to hit the road and kill you all.” Adds bassist Luca Indrio, “This is a death metal classic and you should f## have it!" Forged in 2011, NECROT features current and past members of Acephalix, Vastum, Saviours, Watch Them Die, and Atrament. The band unleashed the audio bone-crush of their The Labyrinth full-length last year via Tankcrimes Records. Spewing forth eight tracks amassed from three hard-to-find and long out-of-print demo tapes, the record reaped critical acclaim from fans and media alike compelled by the band’s unrepentant Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, and Sacrilege worship. Decibel Magazine hailed NECROT’s, “classic, bursting-at-the-seams, crawling-from-the-grave-still-decaying sound,” while Invisible Oranges wrote, “NECROT are as old-school death metal as old-school death metal gets. Their songs would have been welcome presences on early classics by Master, Bolt Thrower, and Autopsy and yet, NECROT has a punk rock soul that refuses to die.” Last Rites concurred noting, “Death by pitiless decimation is the principle mandate here.”

necrot.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/cyclesofpain

Necrot wants you moshing and banging your head, America

The extreme metal criminals Necrot (U.S.) have a new album called Blood Offerings and they believe in themselves so much that they are taking their zombie death metal on the road throughout the United States of America and they're going to do their best convince you to rock and roll in the name of Necrot. The band's own Chad Gailey, who is one of the best drummers in Necrot, is not shy about letting you know what is what and what is two by four: “This is a death metal classic and you should f## have it!”

There you go, it's official. It's time rock, USA, you wanted the best, you got the best!

Listen to the entire rotten album at the first link below.

OFFICIAL: Forged in 2011, NECROT features current and past members of Acephalix, Vastum, Saviours, Watch Them Die, and Atrament. The band unleashed the audio bone-crush of their The Labyrinth full-length last year via Tankcrimes Records. Spewing forth eight tracks amassed from three hard-to-find and long out-of-print demo tapes, the record reaped critical acclaim from fans and media alike compelled by the band’s unrepentant Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, and Sacrilege worship. Decibel Magazine hailed NECROT’s, “classic, bursting-at-the-seams, crawling-from-the-grave-still-decaying sound,” while Invisible Oranges wrote, “NECROT are as old-school death metal as old-school death metal gets. Their songs would have been welcome presences on early classics by Master, Bolt Thrower, and Autopsy and yet, NECROT has a punk rock soul that refuses to die.” Last Rites concurred noting, “Death by pitiless decimation is the principle mandate here.”

NECROT Make America Death Again Tour w/ Undergang:

6/30/2017 Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA

7/01/2017 5 Star – Los Angeles, CA

7/02/2017 Tower Bar – San Diego, CA

7/03/2017 Yucca Tap Room – Phoenix, AZ

7/04/2017 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM

7/05/2017 Sidewinder – Austin, TX

7/06/2017 Satellite Bar – Houston, TX

7/07/2017 Siberia – New Orleans, LA

7/08/2017 The Earl – Atlanta, GA

7/09/2017 The Brass Mug– Tampa, FL

7/11/2017 Slim’s – Raleigh, NC

7/12/2017 The Camel – Richmond, VA

7/13/2017 Sidebar – Baltimore, MD

7/14/2017 Gooski’s – Pittsburgh, PA

7/15/2017 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY

7/16/2017 Dusk – Providence, RI

7/18/2017 Corktown Tavern – Detroit, MI

7/19/2017 The Summit – Columbus, OH

7/20/2017 Quarters – Milwaukee, WI

7/21/2017 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL

7/22/2017 Lookout Lounge – Omaha, NE

7/23/2017 Hi Dive – Denver, CO

7/24/2017 TBA – Salt Lake City, CO

7/26/2017 The Highline – Seattle, WA

7/27/2017 High Water Mark – Portland, OR

7/28/2017 Starlite – Sacramento, CA

7/29/2017 Eli’s – Oakland, CA

necrot.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/cyclesofpain

right now, Friday night, Excuse All the Blood metal music show

Listen to the live broadcast right now, Friday night:

radiofreeamerica.com/station/kaos

Excuse All the Blood is a metal music show from the state of Washington, U.S. The show features black metal, heavy metal, death metal and other metal genres, too. The show is on Friday nights, but it is also available any time here: www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/seamus-o-reilly

Friday night, 10pm to 1am Pacific Time (Seattle), listen to Excuse All the Blood metal music, out of Olympia, Washington state, U.S.

www.kaosradio.org

www.twitter.com/EATBRadio?lang=en

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Seattle's Thou Shall Kill new album artwork and track list

Below is the announcement by the Seattle extreme metal band Thou Shall Kill. Below you will find an older post by this publication with useful information about upcoming shows.

OFFICIAL: Tonight, with the announcement of our CD release show on August 19th at El Corazon, we share with you all the track list and artwork for our upcoming CD "Death King Enthroned".

Track List:

Epitaph

Judas Behold: The Scourge of the Nazarene

Kingdom Of Shadows

Weapons of War

Buried Beneath

Doomsday Creation

END OF ANNOUNCEMENT.

This is a recent post by this publication about Thou Shall Kill.

Seattle extreme metal band Thou Shall Kill will be returning to Everett, WA on the 27th of June at Tony V’s. This time around they will be sharing the stage with Puerto Rico’s Zafakon. The band has been working on a new album and they say that soon they will release it. In the meantime, catch them live in action in Everett soon and also in Seattle at the dates listed below. They will probably play more shows, but this is the information available so far.

June 27 Zafakon (Puerto Rico), Thou Shall Kill, Method 13 at Tony V's, Everett, WA

August 19 Thou Shall Kill, The Morning After, Dilapidation, Urdr, Religicide at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

December 22 Black Bone Exorcism, Thou Shall Kill, others at Substation, Seattle, WA

OFFICIAL: The time has come once again for a new reign of power. From the north through rain, wind, and storm comes a new breed of death metal. Bringing back what was once lost in today's death metal. The art of creating dark and spiritual music that enpowers the listener with a sonic soundscape of the past, present, and future. Thou Shall Kill are visionaries, not followers of trends but in fact creators of a new & truly different style of sheer apocalyptic destruction. This art of extreme metal will see new horizons as we strive to work hard and continue to bring quality yet devastating metal to the masses. Showing extreme technicality and memorable songwriting skills and show no mercy attitude to create memorable song's. Bringing back the sound, the attitude, the darkness of 90's European/ Florida death metal with a modern day touch. Releasing the 2006 demo " Penance Of Death." Then releasing the 2008 "Feeding Christians To Lions" and 2009 "True Evil" promo songs. Started as a one man project founded in 2004 in Los Angeles Ca. The living entity of founder guitarist/vocalist Dragonis Khan stopping at nothing and never compromising to change. Staying true to the the spirit of death metal and it's legacy. Danny Uther Pendragon on vocals the screaming dead voices from the north. Frank "Freak" Kattner the headhunter on bass lows from the darkest depths of earth. Releasing the "From The North" four song E.P. Aprill 2011 release. Then the hunt begins for a label And the debut album to be released by 2012. Circle pits will become the new coliseum of blood elbows, ears, and necks will never be the same again. The new kings of Seattle death metal and the assassins throne are ready to rise, rule, and dominate.

facebook.com/thoushallkill

free metal music: Demon Hammer

Demon Hammer is black thrash from California, U.S. This EP is a very good indication of the band’s style: emphasis on thrashy riffs and black metal vocals. The recording quality sounds good and appropriate for the genre. The quality of the band looks good and the EP is a reason for black thrash fanatics to search this band. If a thrasher looks at the song list below, you might notice the title of the fifth song and you’d be right. It is a cover taken from Destruction’s 1985 album Infernal Overkill. It’s a good cover, of course. The cover also shows you where the heart of these Californians is. They have it in the right place.

Demon Hammer

Throne of Chaos

release date: October 24th, 2016

label: independent

1.Trance Meditation 03:46

2.Opposition to the Cross 04:29

3.Enforce the Code 04:54

4.Legions of Belial 05:08

5.Bestial Invasion 04:24

total time 22:41

demonhammerthrash.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/DemonHammer

free metal music: Moribund Scum

Moribund Scum is thrash from Germany. Back in 2013 they did a demo, but they have a more recent recording called Into the Void. It is a free recording at Bandcamp. They have recorded a serious album of honest thrash. The music is relatively raw because this is meant to sound like real music played by people, not computers. The band prefers to call themselves metalpunks and the music is thrash with semi-growled and crust vocals and songs for headbanging. Listen to the complete album and download it at the first link below.

Moribund Scum

Into the Void

release date: January 23rd, 2016

label: independent

1.Faint 02:12

2.Away 04:07

3.Join the Cult 04:13

4.Fools Theater 03:12

5.Into the Void 04:35

6.Compulsion 06:54

7.Wundgelebt 04:10

8.Binary 07:34

total time 36:57

moribundscum.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/moribundscum/

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Thou Shall Kill returns to Everett, WA

June 27 Zafakon (Puerto Rico), Thou Shall Kill, Method 13 at Tony V's, Everett, WA

August 19 Thou Shall Kill, The Morning After, Dilapidation, Urdr, Religicide at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

December 22 Black Bone Exorcism, Thou Shall Kill, others at Substation, Seattle, WA

facebook.com/thoushallkill

Monday, June 19, 2017

Lucifera

by MMB

The new album by the Colombian band Lucifera is black thrash practiced at a high level of quality and experience. The fateful alliance of longtime vocalist Blasfemia and composer HellRazor is turning out to be a great combination of skill and understanding of how Lucifera music should be. Fortunately, the album shows that they are able to make their vision come to life. The recording sounds good and professional for the genre of raw black thrash and black metal, and songs that hit the ground running. The memorable riffs, and we're talking about major headbanging riffs here, and the possessed vocals makes for an irresistible work for the audiences that want black thrash, black metal and raw thrash metal. The music has some melodies in places that they have carefully selected, and the drumming, which is also a highlight of the album, goes from thrash speeds to blasting speeds in some segments for maximum headbanging action. The blasphemous lyrics are in the Spanish language interpreted through the voice of the black metal witching spirit, and the music is in the universal language of heavy metal. If this is a style of metal that you live for, then you will find this album a most pleasing experience. Hear the complete work at the first link below.

OFFICIAL: Morbid Skull Records presents the latest release of the black/thrash metal sensation LUCIFERA from Colombia. With a sound firmly rooted in the old school style, they whip up a storm and deliver a dozen extremely potent and acerbic tracks. Alejandra Blasfemia's vocals are veritably hateful and vile, and coupled with the fact that they're delivered in a native language exacerbates things greatly. Given the nature and tone of the primitive music, they go very well with it and sound like fierce incantations belonging to an ancient black art ritual. 'Preludio Del Mal' is scathing yet laden with catchy riffing and exudes a fantastic vibe throughout. LUCIFERA are a revelation indeed and anyone who can appreciate vicious old school black/thrash metal will find a new favourite in this one.