Kim Kelly
From the Depths: Scythian, Grave Miasma, Urgehal, Coffins
NEW BLOOD: UK black/thrash warriors Scythian unleashed their debut full-length, 'To Those Who Stand Against Us ...' on the inauspicious date of Sept. 9 (that's 9/9/9, for the numerically challenged). Produced by Leon Macey (Mithras) and released by Greek extremists Necroterror Records, the album features full-color artwork by Manuel Tinnemans and includes eight war songs of blindingly technical, y
Endstille Set the Record Straight: A Lot of People Think We’re Nazis
Protest songs and politically-charged lyrics have been a part of our musical canon since before the White House was painted white, and the same is true of any country. In more recent times, the practice of mixing politics with music has been called into debate, with some questioning whether musicians had any right to incorporate their political views or agendas into their art...
Ahab Worship the Waves — and Porcupine Tree
Teutonic funeral doom maestros Ahab recently launched their latest foray into the world of the down-tuned via Napalm Records. The nautically-themed band has followed the sea trail they first embarked upon with 2006's 'The Oath' EP to deliver 'The Divinity of Oceans,' a melancholy yet crushing masterwork...
From the Depths: Nazxul, Maniac, Merrimack
THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: Legendary Australian black metallers Nazxul have been confirmed for the 2010 edition of the Maryland Death Fest, marking the band's first-ever performance on North American soil. They are currently plotting a full North American tour in support of their new album Iconoclast, the band's first full-length since their classic debut, 'Totem,' in 1995...
More Bands Announced for Maryland Deathfest 2010
The madmen behind America's biggest heavy metal party, Maryland Deathfest, have recently announced that the reunited Gorguts have confirmed an appearance at this year's festival. In addition, the following bands have recently been confirmed for MDF 2010, including Possessed, Asphyx (Netherlands), Necrophobic (Sweden), Sadistic Intent and the Chasm...
From the Depths: Gaahl, Gwynbleidd, Dark Funeral
END OF AN ERA: Norwegian black metal icon Gaahl has announced his decision to retire from metal music, leaving his new bandmates in God Seed in the lurch and bringing a very definite end to the Gorgoroth vs. Gorgoroth name dispute's legal proceedings of the past year...
Bloodstock 2009 Festival Report
As long as there are a few solid headliners (or even second stagers) at a festival to hold down the fort, I'm happy to spend a few hours braving exorbitantly-priced beer, acres of pale, exposed flesh and hordes of mall-metal saddos and grizzly old bikers in pursuit of the almighty riff...
Hellbastard, Resistant Culture to Play Chicago Apocalyptic Crust Fest III
Shaman Records is the benevolent force behind Chicago's Apocalyptic Crust Fest. Shaman have been shredding eardrums and supporting the underground crust/grind scene for over a decade now, and their yearly gathering of like-minded souls is nothing short of Mecca for fans of all things fast and the dirty...
Syrach Frontman Offers Doom Metal ‘Starter Kit’
Of all the subgenres of doom metal that have reared their hoary heads over the decades, one of the most interesting has to be the small, but potent, hybrid we call 'death/doom.' Over the years, death/doom has separated itself into two very distinct camps: On the one side, you've got the bands like Swallow the Sun that aren't afraid to inject melody into their compositions and take cues from old Pa
Necrophobic Say ‘Death To All’ Is a ‘Damn Strong Release’
Alongside Marduk, Dissection, Nifelheim and Naglfar, Sweden's Necrophobic are part of the old-school Swedish black/death metal vanguard, and have been carrying the torch for evil heavy metal for decades. Leather, spikes, and fire, Satan, razor-edged melodies, and icy cold spite are the hallmarks of the style, alongside the total "don't give a f---" attitude that many old-school metallers