This past year has seen some of the most exhilarating and emotionally deep metal that I’ve seen in a while, but what about the non-metal side of things? Well, fortunately we’ve had just as many pleasant surprises on that front, and just as much music that will ultimately be talked about for years to come. It bears repeating that I am humbled that I am in the position to be able to talk at length about all of this, and boy there sure is a lot to talk about. From deep, brooding atmosphere to technical wizardry to lo-fi indie glory, polished folk and everything in between, there’s a lot to get into, so strap in as we bring you the very best of all things non-metal and metal adjacent.
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CANTO: Soilwork, Tribulation, Allegaeon, and More
Saturday post because SO many things happened yesterday.
- Allegaeon released a new digital single, Concerto in Dm, which features that title-track and B-side “In Flanders Fields”. Those tracks date back to the Apoptosis days, and you can check out a play-through and documentary here.
- Trivium’s Matt Heafy has teamed up with social media person/human/whatever Jared Dines to create the Dines X Heafy EP. Watch the video for the single “Dear Anxiety” if you feel so inclined.
- Tribulation opened my Friday with a pretty substantial lineup change. Jonathan Hultén has made the decision to pursue other paths, with Joseph Tholl taking his place. There appears to be no negative feelings in any direction… but this is still weird for me.
- And finally, Soilwork released a new video for “A Whisp Of The Atlantic”, the title-track from their new EP which dropped Friday through Nuclear Blast.
“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb
CANTO: Khemmis, Paradise Lost, Tour Updates, and More
More cancellations coming your way today (to no surprise I’m sure). I’ll make sure to include some fun stuff to balance things out.
- Alice Cooper is going to postpone his Spring tour, with dates hopefully moved to the Fall. Meanwhile, Devastation on the Nation (Borknagar, Rotting Christ, etc) is being moved to early 2021, and Killswitch Engage is also postponing their tour with August Burns Red and Light The Torch until a later date.
- Onto the lighter stuff. Khemmis have revealed details behind their next release. It will be a live mini called Doomed Heavy Metal and it drops on April 17th through Nuclear Blast. Check out this video for their cover of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark.”
- Also emerging from Nuclear Blast is an update from Paradise Lost, who have a new album dropping on May 15th. The album will be titled Obsidian and you can get a very brief taste of what’s to come right here.
- Finally, in celebration of the release of Chants From Another Place, here is the animated music video from Jonathan Hultén for “Where Devils Weep”.
“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb
Album Review: Jonathan Hultén — “Chants From Another Place”

Illuminated only by the stars in the night sky, a spirit dances out of a forest to guide you on a mystical journey through barren valleys, sparkling waters, and quiet mountain tops. Jonathan Hultén‘s latest work of art and debut solo studio album, Chants From Another Place, brings listeners to magical places on an adventure filled with darkness, hopes, dreams, life, death, and rebirth. The album is full of emotion and rises and falls in gentle cascading currents. Continue reading
Album Review: Tribulation – “Alive & Dead at Södra Teatern”
Fog creeps across a modest stage, four silhouettes take form amongst the shadows, eerie organ music swells while a crowd softly murmurs, cheers, then falls silent—anticipating the next booming ballad. Tribulation‘s first live album and latest release, Alive & Dead at Södra Teatern, will bring you to the theater in Stockholm, Sweden applauding with the fans. Tribulation puts on an incredible live show and if you have not had the opportunity to see them in concert, this album will give you a clear idea of the band’s powerful presence and performance. Continue reading