yakuza

It somehow makes all the sense in the world that Chris Bruni, the proprietor, sole employee and prime mover behind Profound Lore, one of the most prolific labels on today's metal landscape, is also a conservatory trained pianist. "I've never played in a band but I have an understanding of music," says the soft-spoken Bruni from his home outside of Toronto, Canada ...

Bruce Lamont is perhaps better known for his work in the progressive metal band Yakuza, where he plays saxophone -- you read that right, a saxophone in a metal band. Bruce had an opportunity to flex his experimental muscles even further in 'Feral Songs for the Epic Decline,' where he ports over the dark ambience heard in his primary band...

Mastodon guitarist and vocalist Bret Hinds appears in the latest video by Zoroaster, 'White Dwarf,' which comes from the band's 2009 album 'Voice of Saturn.' The clip features an abstract Mastodon-worthy concept about a white dwarf star that crashes into Saturn, causing aliens to seek refuge on Earth...

Lava-spewing volcanoes look pretty damn cool on album covers, but the past week has taught us that volcanoes and metal don't always mix so well. As anyone who doesn't live in a torch-lit cave knows by now, an Icelandic volcano erupted April 15, spreading clouds of ash across much of Europe and grounding hundreds of planes...

Prosthetic Records started with a seven inch and founder EJ Johantgen's ambition. After "seeing how major labels didn't care and continued to f--- up metal, and music in general," Johantgen put thought into action and the Los Angeles-based label was born...

If you're looking for metal at South by Southwest 2010, then consider the Profound Lore/20 Buck Spin showcase. This SXSW party features a whole lot of metal on March 19 at Headhunter's in Austin, Texas. Who's playing? Dark Castle, White Mice, Liturgy, Salome, Coffinworm, Yakuza, the Atlas Moth, the Endless Blockade and more...