Whenever someone mentions the term supergroup, I can’t help but think of massive ones, like Ayreon or Avantasia, and the way they are able to create stories while incorporating a revolving door of vocalists and musicians that play major parts as characters. However, supergroups don’t need a huge group of people to be considered as such, which brings us to the band Howling Sycamore, whose members have various degrees of expertise across the metal spectrum, making this one of the more ambitious groups I’ve encountered. But, that doesn’t mean that Seven Pathways to Annihilation works like a total charm. Continue reading →
Atlanta Georgia’s Paladin released their debut full length, Ascension, last month on Prosthetic Records and it’s a raging beast of thrashy power metal with enough adrenaline to fuel the next forty MMA pay-per-views. The Nine Circles water cooler talk has been dominated by this album, how thoroughly we’ve all enjoyed it and, on multiple occasions, the discussion is in regards to just how memorable it is amongst the many great albums this year has bestowed upon us. As such, our newest member Matthew Buchan — many of you know him as Buke — chatted up guitarist and vocalist Taylor Washington about Ascension, power metal in general, touring, NASCAR, video games and so much more. Head below to hear how it all went down and don’t forget to click the included links for direct support of the band. Continue reading →
Do you still get that rush when you find a new band that just does it for you? Or how about a new album from an old favorite that does the same? Each week these lists offer chances to experience that and this one is no different so let’s get the ball rollin’.
Darkthrone chose to let the fans hear new album Old Star, in its entirety, before anyone so Friday is the day to hear what will surely be the next chapter of black n’ punk that we’ve come to expect, love, and crank as loud as possible. Italian death metallers Fulci return with their second full length Tropical Sun, which is based around the movie Zombi 2, and it’s freaking great and nasty and vile but most of all it’s just wicked good death metal – family fun in the tropical sun. Speaking of wicked good death metal, Nekroí Theoí gets all up in the brutal side of the genre on debut Dead Gods but expect many surprises well beyond just sheer brutality – that’s all I’m giving up, go check it out. And rounding out the top slots this week is Gloryhammer with Legends From Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex which continues their forward march of damn near single handedly taking power metal to a whole new level.
There you have it but way more awaits immediately below so go find that rush.Continue reading →
Literally no one said ‘hey, I want to read this lengthy ass intro of blah blah’s and yada yada’s’ when there’s a mountain of metal to get to. So, shall we?! I know, it’s Monday. But still, LET’S DO IT.
When I think of power metal, what I really think of is the thrashy classic metal leaning sort that Atlanta’s Paladin provide on debut full length Ascension. After being head over heels with their previous pair of shweeet demos, this surpasses my expectations and brings a mile wide grin. Weeping Choir, the fourth full length from Full of Hell, touches on nearly every facet of the band’s busy history and is one of their most ferocious outings yet; grind, death, noise, experimental, the list could go on but you get the idea and you know they rule so, do that – choirs will definitely weep. Lo-Pan just continue to be one of the most exciting bands in heavy rock today and on Subtle they put an exclamation mark on that statement and are anything but subtle. Last up top is the legendary Saint Vitus with their first full length in seven years and ninth overall, Saint Vitus, AND with Scott Reagers back behind the mic. Personally, I was stoked for this thing and even though it’s not one of their best it is very good and I’m enjoying it. Your mileage may vary, etc etc.
Receiving the Evcharist is our weekly feature where we pair choice albums with our favorite libations. Drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offering: Venom Prison’s Samsara and Allagash Brewing Company’s White Ale. Continue reading →
