I got home from Detroit at 1:00 AM this morning… and turned around and left for Boston at 4:30 also this morning. Tired! Sad!

• Let’s start with the obvious stuff. The Metal Blade version of Batushka (see also: “Faketushka” or “Bartushka”) has canceled seemingly all international tour plans. The reason stated is the ongoing litigation regarding the band name, but the reason not stated is probably ticket sales and fans not falling for any of the drama. I was actually planning on shooting this show. Oh well.
• How about some good news? (I say that and am very much aware many consider the above also good news.) Dave Mustaine appears to have completed his throat cancer treatments. There is still very much a recovery process, but it seems like the outlook for both Dave, and Megadeth, are positive, and we can hope for a new album sometime next year.
• Updates from Moloken are things I like. The Swedes are taking their unique blend of black/doom/death metals to The Sign Records roster, and are preparing for a new album release on January 31st called Unveilance of Dark Matter.
• Alcest released Spiritual Instinct last Friday, and having listened to it a few times to this point, I can say with confidence that it’s a great album. If you want to learn a little bit more about the lyrical themes and artistic direction, check out this trailer they dropped today.

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb