The Hatchet Job of Jan 9-13

Jan 9.

I HAVE FOUND MY SPIRIT ANIMAL

Not all is fun and kawaii in the land of Sanrio. The Japanese company that brought us Hello Kitty have created the super relatable red panda Aggretsuko who struggles with the peskiness of adulthood and a horrible day job…BLEH! Instead of going postal, Aggretsuko does what any sane individual does and blasts some good ol’ heavy metal and has a beer… or three. For my eligible and single red pandas reading this, she is 25 years young and is single and ready to mingle! Oh…what’s that Aggretsuko? Still no luck in finding a decent suitor? Join the club sister. While Aggretsuko and I go drown our sorrows together, give her some love and check her out.

 

Jan.10

‘Sacrificial Kill’ Will Make You Want To Be The Offering

Six Feet Under gave us a taste of what to expect from their Feb.24 release of their upcoming album Torment via Metal Blade Records. If Chris Barnes’ signature barks didn’t make your skin crawl with excitement nor tickle your fancy, Barnes announced in his Twitter account two days before about a song “on the new album that, lyrically, was a sequel to Fucked With A Knife…” I’ll give you a minute to process that and while you’re at it, check out the single to accompany your squeals of excitement.      

Jan.11

We Went ‘Beyond The Matrix’

Nope, no Neo this time. Simone Simons’ powerful vocals, along with the rest of Epica, blasted us through an unforgettable and inspiring journey with their latest music video for “Beyond The Matrix.” The track comes off of their latest album The Holographic Principle which was released on Sept.30 and will guarantee transcendence. I know you’ll be adding “Beyond The Matrix” to you new year, new me gym playlist, and the cherry on top? You can sing along to it once you catch your breath in between your workouts! ‘Cause the powerful lyrics splash on to this cosmic treat.

A Night At The Opera With Dimmu Borgir

Okay, I lied. No opera but an orchestra which is just as bitchin’! The Norwegian black metallers will FINALLY release their anticipated live DVD/CD collaboration with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra &Choir titled Forces of the Northern Night on April 14 through Nuclear Blast Records. This beauty was filmed in Wacken Open Air 2012 and brought to life and according to their official Facebook page the band stated  “And beware… this is not the only gem that the year 2017 holds for DIMMU BORGIR.” YASSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Jan.12

WE “BLEED THE FIFTH”

Iron Reagan show us how a real good cop and bad cop ought to be! The crossover thrashers released their official music video for “Bleed The Fifth” from their upcoming Feb.3 release of Crossover Ministry via Relapse Records. This fun video is one hell of a ride where you probably won’t be calling shotgun…JK! You know you like the abuse, enjoy it 😉

Jan.13

Me And That Man’s NSFW Video Will Have You Saying Hallelujah!

The highly anticipated Blues project from Behemoth frontman, Adam “Nergal” Darski and British-Polish songwriter John Porter, have finally given us a taste of what they’ve been brewing in secrecy with “My Church Is Black.” This naughty and sacramental offering will be featured in the debut album titles Songs Of Love And Death which will be release in March 24 through Cooking Vinyl. So bust out your best bourbon and prepare to go on a journey.

Soulfly Reigns at Brick By Brick

Max Cavalera and bassist Mike Leon of Soulfly kicking ass!

On May 21, Brazilian Metal god Max Cavalera finished off his Archangel tour in this website’s home away from home, Brick by Brick. The night featured an array of up and comers and established bands which has become a tradition for Cavalera.

Contortion wasted no time to perform and show those present what they are all about opening with “Faceless Enemy”. Brian Stone’s vocals pierced his message through his songs about the frustration and angst present amongst young Americans, regarding the one-percent and the current status quo of the country. The quartet finished the night with a brand new song that will officially debut on their forthcoming album.

Local metallers Contortion warm up the crowd and look sharp!
(L to R: Bassist Brett Reynolds, vocalist/guitarist Brian Stone, drummer nick Jackson, and guitarist Andy Seratto)

The following act were local legends from the underground Hardcore Punk scene called Santa Claus. Don’t let the name fool you, these guys can bring any hardcore punker the gift that keeps on giving, whether you’re naughty or nice.

Another unique feature to note about this trio was  Paul Massaro, who is not only the skinsman of the group but also the lead vocalist who occasionally trades vocal duties with guitarist Mike Lucero. Dave Quinn, the bassist was a one man show by poking fun at himself because of resemblance to Saint Nick and his age. This act was certainly no lump of coal and proved to be a diamond in the rough.

From left to right are guitarist Mike Lucero, drummer and vocalist Paul Massaro, and bassist Dave Quinn from local crossover thrash legends Santa Claus.

Santa Claus’ performance was a stocking stuffer for both the loyal and potentially new fan base. Their night capped off with “USHate” and “Politically Corrupt,” reminding those that the Punk genre was originally about the politically frustrated 99 percenters.

The night shifted gears when none other than Cavalera’s sons, Igor and Zyon took the stage with their band Lody Kong. This quartet from Phoenix, Arizona showed fans that they are a force to be reckoned with. Igor Cavalera’s raspy but thick vocals and heavy guitar shreds demonstrated that he was definitely a chip off the old block. When Lody Kong kicked off with “Venomous Kool Aid”, sounds similar to the hardcore band Nails laced with sludge/doom undertones.

Frontman/rhythm guitarist Igor Cavalera Jr. of Lody Kong shows off what his papa gave him along with drummer/sibling Zyon Cavalera
(L to R: Bassist Noah Shephard, frontman/rhythm guitarist Igor Cavalera Jr., drummer Zyon Cavalera , and guitarist Travis Stone)

The co-headliners Warbringer, soon took over the stage, turning the pit into a battle arena. The band kicked off their act with “At the Crack of Doom”. John Kevill’s vocals along with Chase Becker and Adam Caroll’s guitar riffs created a powerful combination matching their sound to legendary bands such as Death Angel and Anthrax.

Throughout the night, an array of new songs from their latest album such as “Hunter-Seeker” and “Tower of the Serpents” charged the atmosphere with vigor, converting attendees into warriors.

Warbringer unleash their battle cry!
(L to R: Vocalist John Kevill, guitarist Adam Carroll, drummer Carlos Cruz, and guitarist Chase Becker)

As the battle cleared, the mood settled for the highly anticipated Brazilian tribal god of metal to take place upon his altar of instruments. Once Cavalera took his rightful place front and center, he kicked off with the befitting song “Sold Our Souls to Metal”,  transforming a plethora of old and new fans from mere spectators to tribal warriors.

Knowing that a Sepultura reunion would never take place, Cavalera threw fans a bone when he unleashed the classics “Refuse/Resist” and “Roots Bloody Roots”. Cavalera may have closed the show with legendary riffs from Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, but much like the bands Soulfly paid homage to, it was evident to attendees the quartet has reached that respected status and why Cavalera was king.

Legendary frontman and guitarist from Soulfly, Max Cavalera, closing out the show with tributes to Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath.