XxxManiak

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll, and while some musicians are content to focus all their energy on one project, many others find themselves saddled with a crackling excess of creative energy that leaves its bearer no choice but to invest their (usually limited) free time into other ventures...

Philadelphia's underground metal scene is nothing if not incestuous (in the best possible way, of course). Take for example up-and-coming black metallers Woe, who boast members of Infernal Stronghold, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, Absu, the Green Evening Requiem, Krieg and XXX Maniak amongst their ranks -- and there are only five dudes in the band...

Thrash-prone hardcore outfit Cobra Clutch is mourning the loss of guitarist Pat O'Brien, who, according to police in Maryland, died in his sleep Friday (May 29) night. While a cause of death has yet to be determined, the results from toxicology tests conducted by local medical examiners are expected back in the coming weeks, and may shed some light on what led to O'Brien's unexpected passing... Re

PUTTING THE WEST COAST UNDER THE STENCH: Japanese death-doom-sludge trio Coffins (at left) have announced a west coast tour to precede their appearance at the 2009 LA Murderfest on May 9. The tour hits markets in Washington, Oregon, and California...