The Trials of October 20, 2017

Veil Of Maya Releases Albums For their Nonbelievers

The Chicagoan quartet has returned with their sixth release False Idols through Sumerian Records. The contemporary marks the end of their 2-year hiatus and unlike the years prior, the band has decided to feature more DJent than the metalcore brand they’re used to strutting.

The album opens with the brief intro “Lull” and immediately transitions with “Fracture.” The song is a prime example of the DJent subgenre adopted by the band and the song features erratic guitar play and programming by Marc Okubo with some double kick action from Sam Applebaum. Another good example of docile DJent influences are  “Whistleblower” and “Graymail.”

The band returns to metalcore with “Doublespeak” which featured Lukas Magyar clean vocals a bit more. The same could also be said about “Overthrow” and “Echo Chamber.” The bassist Danny Hauser shines really bright with the tracks “Pool Spray” and “Manichee,” his bass sounds similar to that of Meshuggah’s Dick Lövgren.

The latter features Magyar performing nothing but clean vocals as opposed to incorporating some growls in between. “Follow Me” has the band feature some subtle deathcore. This album caps off with “Livestream” which has the group featuring more metal than DJent but still features some core nonetheless.

This album was a bit of a surprise since it showcased the band experimenting a bit before completely taking the DJent banner. The Klown is definitely not a fan of VOM but will admit that this contemporary was alright. The Klown felt like this album was used as a lure for those who are legit fans of DJent but also made sure not to exclude their faithful fan base. You can check this out on Spotify or take the plunge and get it here.

3 out of 6, The Veil Has Been Lifted for the Nonbelievers

Hail Dali?

Trivium Shall Punish The Non-Metalheads

Last year the Klown featured this quartet’s EP/reissue. Now they make a return this year with their eighth album titled The Sin and The Sentence which was released through Roadrunner Records. For those still suffering from the In Waves PTSD, this album features more of Matt Heafy’s screaming vocals mixed with his strong thrash and groove style.

“The Sin and The Sentence” is a really great example of this return and happens to be the first track of the album and so were “Betrayer” and “The Wretchedness Inside.” The former would contain clean chorus vocals from Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto.

“Beyond The Oblivion” feature some groove metal which is something that the band is not normally known to do. In “The Revanchist” the band takes on thrash and Heafy lays out aggressive clean vocals but, for the most part. The backing vocals, on the other hand, features growls and other range of vocals. The album caps off robustly with “Thrown Into The Fire” and features Beaulieu’s powerful opening guitar riffs and some awesome solos.

The album, aside from the tracks that were mentioned, doesn’t feature much that stands out. The one thing the Klown can say is that Heafy and company may have decided to revisit the old sounds from the Shogun album combined with Silence In Snow. For the dedicated Trivium fan, this is good news. The Klown actually enjoyed the album and it felt nice to hear some new Trivium. You can get your copy here and check out this potential comeback.

4out of 6 Move Over TriviuT, Trivium Has Returned

Not sure what that is but TriviuT is oust!

Xipe Totec Are On a Role with Their Newest

The Aztec death metal duo known as Xipe Totec have been on a releasing spree as of late. The Klown regrettably didn’t get the chance to check out their previous release four months prior. So without further ado, the fifth release is titled Axomimitl  through Defox Records.

The album kicks off with some Nahuatl spoken word with the sounds of tribal drums courtesy of Martin Martinez which would transform straight into some brutal death metal with “Cihuateteo.” The song would feature Martinez’s all around instrumental prowess with Alejandro Camacho’s aggressive growling vocals. The same concept is featured “Ahneli Tlahtolnemiliztli” but instead of Nahuatl, it would be a Spanish narrative instead.

“Axomimitl”  and “Tonalyecantoc”on the other hand, turns a 180 and feature sounds similar to that of Behemoth mixed with Aztec flutes, drums,  a rain stick, and a killer guitar solo. The band features deathcore in “Cuauhxicalli” and “In Mimiqueh in Tlatohl,” the latter would feature some tribal drums. The band showcases some brutal death metal with “Miquitohtl.” “Tlachihualiztli” was more on the technical death metal side and featured  Aztec flute aside from the tribal drums.

The album closed with “In Tequihuahyotl Itlantica” which was an outro that featured Spanish and Nahuatl narratives with the same native instruments mentioned earlier and included soothing acoustic guitars. This album was a pleasant surprise and totally different. Usually Ugh Metal is pretty good at finding you a link  to purchase these albums, depending on your perspective,  BUT this band has this album available digitally through all major sources such as Amazon, the Apple or Google store.

6 out of 6, No Human Sacrifices Needed

Not Even Trump Can Stop this Mexican export

GWAR Has Emerged from Metal Valhalla with Latest

C: The Klown isn’t entirely 100% for this but he supposes he can share this segment. This album, The Blood of Gods,  is and was highly anticipated. After all, GWAR’s future was uncertain since the unfortunate passing of frontman Oderus Urungus because of Mr. Perfect… the futuristic creature, not the late great wrestler Curt Hennig.

J: Sharing is caring, ya filthy Klown! GWAR is back baby!! And no force, nor selfish Klowns nor evil creatures are gonna hold these scumdogs back or the J-Ohster from throwing in her two cents! The scumdogs from Planet Home are ready for battle right in the beginning with “War on Gwar.” I especially love those Black Sabbath-esque riffs Pustulus Maximus slapped on this track.

C: Talk about the soundtrack to our doom. Either way, it sounds kinky as hell. The Klown loves the catchy and groovy sounds of “Viking Death Machine.”

J: Ah yes! This track was on fire! It was a lot more lit than my mixtape! And my mixtapes are pretty bitchin’ and totally available if any of you want ‘em *winks* Hey Klown, GWAR gives a little shout out to your fave rancid Cheetoh humanoid.

C: Ah yes… the clown president gets a tribute song “El Presidente.” You know greatness is yuge when the scumdogs of Planet Home already made a song celebrating the greatness that is his duty!

J: Giving rich Cheetohs like him “taco salad” induced diarrhea? That is true! Like we need more reasons to crash in his golden pad when we were on our fancy Vegas trips. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear orange toupees. But enough about your clown in arms, and let’s talk about the legends. GWAR took a stab at ACDC’s “If You Want Blood (You Got It)” which we had the pleasure of seeing it live at this year’s Warped Tour. Also, I gotta say this Klown, but their latest hit “I’ll Be Your Monster” is an instant classic and dare I say it reminded me of a rougher version of a Lordi song.

C: One of the things the Klown enjoyed about this album was a revisit to their punk rock roots with “Auroch” which was pretty awesome. To quote the old timers,  you can “slam dance” to this. They even picked up the pace for a Sunday special just for us heathens with “Crushed by the Cross.” Of course, they provided a perfect song for when we feel like when we no longer live on this planet anymore.

J: Speaking of revisiting, GWAR pumped out another beautiful ballad “Phantom Limb.” *Tears up* This is an ode Oderus would approve. Oh gaaaawd! It was love at first “Play,” who said these Scumdogs don’t have feels?! Hands down, one of my fave songs from this album.

C: Yeah… it was the first time GWAR made the Klown feel the feels. The Klown was glad he waited to see what meaningful tribute the fallen leader would get with adequate time. This album was worth the ear, the wait, and emotional investment. The void is there, sure but Blothar did Oderus proud filling in and leading the pack to further glory. If you want to disprove the exaggeration and be a good bohab and look up Metal Blade Records Bandcamp to really check out The Blood of Gods.

6 out of 6, There Will Be Blood!

Nectar of the Gods!

The Quest At The Q: Vans Warped Tour Pt.2

GWAR hath cometh to slay us all!

*Editor’s note:

 Dear security,

Thanks for saying “Fuck you!” to the heat, staying sharp throughout the day, for being rad, and protecting all of our sorry asses. Extra points for those that enjoyed the shows but stayed alert and chatted with us. We love you long time k!

Sincerely,

The enthusiastic hooligans/fans XOXO*

Previously on our quest in the Q, we got fucked up by Municipal Waste while we started a punk “Revolution” while making a trip down to “Mexico” where we had three margaritas and a taco before doing that quasi mosh fighting alongside the mighty Candiria. Now that the dust had settled, Jenny Oh was searching for the best spot on the rail for the GWAR show while Chuggo was sulking because he missed his first future ex-wife’s performance. Wait what? You don’t know what the hell we’re talking about? I guess you should read part 1 then huh, buddy?

Jenny Oh: Future ex- wife? First? What are you blubbering about Klown?

Chuggo the Klown: Okay, first of all you are over exaggerating. It’s future ex- girlfriend! Who happens to be New Years Day’s, Ash Costello.

J: Oh man, not this again. *massages temples*

C: Secondly, as for the next future ex-wife, we’ll get there when we get there. At least I already have a future plan with my future relationships instead of you and Shane West!

J: You leave Shane West out of this you loser! Now enough about our respective allures and more about…..

Emmure

No vape or Mutant was spared in Emmure’s set

C: Very well sibling o’ mine! We shall discuss more about your future sister in laws some other time. Now let’s talk about Frankie Palmieri and his…

J: THE CLAW! He seems to have been chosen to stir the young and lively masses circling under the sun. Palmieri wasted no time or Red Bull…

C: Uhh you mean Mutant? *whispers* You wanna get sued again?!

J: Oh! Umm…yeah. No Mutant was spared … we didn’t get to have any but I’m glad Palmieri and his faithful fans did… because “You Asked For It” Emmure started with this intro track that hyped up every vape in that pit.

C: Yeah apparently he started his set by stating that he was a “Shinjuku Masterlord,” and then things got “Smokey.”

J: The slow burning “Torch” caused a choreography of head bopping while he moved around the stage. That man was bursting with energy!

C: Speaking of fire, Emmure sang the most metal song of their set “Flag of the Beast.” Most importantly, the Klown has to give credit where credit is due. Palmieri really knows how to get his fans going and has the charisma to back it up. Major props to guitarist Joshua Travis, he is an unpredictable force of nature. When Travis wasn’t strumming his killer riffs, he was kicking major ass through interaction.

J: Yes, yours truly is not an Emmure fan at all but it was a fun experience watching them. Travis’s playful interactions with bassist Phil Lockett and their fan acknowledgement were entertaining as hell.

Hatebreed

And remember…DESTROY EVERYTHING!

C: As much as the Klown had fun watching the string duo of Emmure kicking ass, the Klown was fortunate to see the embodiment of ass kicking once again and next door.

J: Jamey Jasta and company never let anything get in their way to kick some ass! Not the heat, not the shortened time set not nothing! They cut the foreplay and laid it all on us with their hits “To The Threshold” and “Destroy Everything.” *sigh* Those take me way back.

C: Heck yes, Jasta took the Klown to a special therapeutic place in his mind once “Looking Down The Barrel of Today” started. The Klown knew then what was going to take place and immediately identified the song once Frank Novinec’s opening riffs began. This gave this sack of sleaze goosebumps.

J: Gee willikers old man Klown! You didn’t need expired cough syrup to go to your therapeutic state this time?! What progress! And you know what, Hatebreed were not only crisper than ever, but they gave the sunburned crowd more reasons to breathe and succeeded with the motivational anthem “In Ashes They Shall Reap.” How else would we find the motivation to find the freshest nachos in town without this song?

C: I dunno, “J-Oh-ster” we haven’t gotten any nachos in a while. In fact Jasta capped off his performance with the lack of nachos and the driving force behind the Klown, “Driven By Suffering.” It truly was a spectacular moment since it has been years since the Klown has seen Hatebreed in San Diego. The difference being that this time around, it was more metal: in the beating hot summer sun, a bigger, younger, and energetic crowd and lest the Klown forget the pit it garnered.

J: We may not have been in the close proximity of these badasses for the sake of securing our spot on the rail for the wet and wild adventure awaiting us, but damn! Just damn. It was amazing to see Jasta, his bandana and the rest of Hatebreed kick major ass. Though their set was obviously short, they didn’t let that deter their showmanship. Till next time Hatebreed! After Hatebreed we came down with a brutal new strain…

The Acacia Strain

We came down with a strain…The Acacia Strain!

J: And straight from Massachusetts…well actually they were on the road in the Warped Tour but that’s beside the point. The point was that even though I wasn’t foaming at the mouth and counting down the hours to see them, I was heavily intrigued. I wanted to see Adam Sandler’s younger brother’s band since one of them had to taste success and relevancy. Amirite Klown?

C: Ugh… again with this Adam Sandler comparison!? He looks like Bob Clendenin… a younger and tatted up version of him. Enough of this image comparison, and on with the performance because it was quite unique and rather fun.

J: Yes enough about people we don’t know! Vincent Bennett, AKA Adam Sandler’s successful lil bro, did the impossible.

C: Call Guinness boys and girls! He demanded the world’s smallest pit, a pit for ants, an oompa loompa smash…

J: Are you done yet?

C: Almost…A Chihuahua showdown! A….

J: Anyway, the crowd delivered! Bennett demanded that the smallest pit encircled two dudes in the center of the pit, it’s worth noting that one of them was wearing a neat straw hat.

C: Another one got his ass handed!

J: No he din’t!

C: I see you picking up the kids lingo! The Klown will admit he liked Bennett’s chemistry and showmanship. He interacted with the crowd and…

J: HE WAS FUCKING FUNNY! *Laughs* He didn’t take himself seriously, ‘cause come on man we were all having a good time…minus the heat and dehydration.

C: You can say he killed it, and we were on time for a burial….get it?!

After The Burial

We made it in time for After the Burial…

J: We didn’t know we were bearing witness to their final tour of this year. After The Burial vocalist Anthony Notarmazo announced that they would be taking a long break after the Warped Tour, which has been a while as of now. They unloaded “Lost in the Static” to get this party rolling.

C: Yeah, the Klown believes that the 8-string guitarist Trent Hafdahl was the spectacle of that time, especially his color coded guitar arsenal!

J: Now that After The Burial were here in our home turf, they paid homage to our hell hound, Brydoh, and performed the “Berzerker.” She will be pleased when she goes in berserker mode!

C: Yes, it would have given her some further “Aspiration” to be the berserker had she heard it. But the Klown sometimes sees her as “A Wolf Amongst Ravens” especially when she goes in to her epic beast mode!

J: You know what surely set the pit in beast mode? Not that it needed to be poked and prodded any further, “Anti-Pattern.” Dan Carle took us all the way to pound town, literally, with that sweet drum intro before unleashing the beast. Now that we’re in the subject of beasts, the sun was setting in planet Earth and was rising in Planet Home!

GWAR

GWAR busted out the big gun.

C: Yeah… Earth… “Fuck This Place!” Oderus left us stranded on this world of pus!

J: But at least he left us Blothar and the rest of the GWAR ghouls so that we may blissfully suffer together for all of our natural lives! The drought was finally over and so they began their ritual by sacrificing a plastic emo-man child and gave us a bloodbath with the instant classic “Sadam A-Go-Go.”

C: Pustulus Maximus joined in on the fun and briefly overshadowed Blothar. Especially with his incomplete dick joke… it was too long!

J: *dumb dumb dumb* Pustulus didn’t need to sway us with his dick jokes or his hilarious vet joke… that I forgot about, he had already won us over earlier in the day. We got give him a bro shake and hug their human slave which for legal purposes they call roadies. We had already established a connection with him man. A connection the GWAR virgins in the crowd, didn’t have! WE WERE SPECIAL. Oh and they got us all wet again by the way, making the parking lot look like a “Genocide.”

Move over McGregor and Mayweather, Bonesnapper vs. Sawborg Destructo is the new fight of the galaxy!

C: Yes, the Klown too accomplished that. In fact, his white GWAR tee got to pregame during that moment! After all, we stuck out like sore thumbs in the sea of GWAR virgins especially the ones who seemed confused by our moment. Speaking of bloodbath aside from getting a courtesy bloodbath from the Scumdogs from Planet Home, The Klown wanted blood…

J: YOU GOT IT! *shakes red Faygo soda and splashes the Klown with it*

C: What the hell… we went to GWAR not an ICP show, you fool!

J: Shut up Klown! Sing me a bad rap song!

C: Speaking of clowns, the Klown had wondered how America’s first clown president’s blood would look like, he just wasn’t expecting an explosion of orange displeasure to come out. But it was still a treat to see the commander –in-chief pay us a visit during the show. The Klown didn’t know he was a fan of GWAR.

The crowd rejoiced when the clown Prez joined the Scumdogs of the universe on stage! Who said our prez wasn’t cool?!

J: After sacrificing the clown Prez and bathing us in his orange blood and zapping us with their green gun o’doom, the Scumdogs took a bow with this unforgettable AC/DC cover. We looked prettyful with ALL the colors of the bloody rainbow and thus creating a strange parallel of bohabs and regular peeps as we waddled away after this unforgettable performance. Can’t wait to catch them at the House of Blues again on Nov. 21! Stay metal Warped Tour! And till next time …or not? *DUN DUN DUN*

Fin?

The Hatchet Job: April 17- 21

April 17

Tye Trujillo Debuts His Band

Let’s face it, 12-year-old Tye Trujillo is the real star of this Korn tour and good for him! The son of Metallica bassist (Robert Trujillo) made his live debut after Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu literally dropped the bass and was unable to join Korn on their South American tour. Footage of the young Trujillo quickly went viral, and he handles the bass and the spotlight like a pro. Trujillo is on his way to build an impressive resume and is sure to surpass his old man. Now if you excuse me, I’m gonna go and reexamine my pathetic life but while I do that, enjoy this pro footage of Trujillo kicking ass.

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April 19

Dat Riot Fest Line up Tho!

The lineup to the annual music festival in Chicago is impressive to say the least. Wha? You calling me a liar?! How does Nine Inch Nails, Bad Brains, Queens of the Stone Age, Ministry and GWAR sound like? OH and that’s just the tip of the iceberg by the way, I haven’t even scratched the surface in this mother of a fest! Riot Fest will take place from September 15-17 in Chicago’s Douglas Park and tickets are on sale now through Ticketfly. Undress this poster with your eyes, bb.

Prepare to ‘Die On My Ride’

Tengger Cavalry debuted the lyric video for “Die On My Ride,” a battle song that will certainly resonate in your head. Though frontman Nature Ganganbaigal doesn’t dish out his signature throat singing, he does something different and shows off cleaner but deeper vocals with remnants of his trademark style. Beneath the battle scars this track proudly displays, a pained and subtle hopelessness bleeds through sending the quintet into uncharted territory we can’t wait to see!

“Die On My Ride” will be featured on Tengger Cavalry’s first album, as a signed band, titled Die On My Ride via M-Theory Audio on June 2. The announcement comes a few months after the nomadic warriors joined the burgeoning record label helmed by Marci Barbieri, who was the former president of Century Media and Nuclear Blast USA. Tengger Cavalry will announce dates of their North American raid in the coming weeks and will take over European festivals in the summer. So, grab your axe and pre-order digitally on their bandcamp or physically on M-Theory Audio’s site. Check out my slave intern’s (who’s obsessed with me) “professional” take on this story on Metal Assault.

Internal Bleeding Tragically Lose A Founding Member

One of the founding fathers and drummer of Internal Bleeding, William “Bill” Tolley, has passed away after a fall while on duty as a firefighter. According to CBS New York, Tolley had finished ventilating a burning building and attempted to step back in to the basket when the aerial ladder shook, causing him to plummet five stories. The 42-year-old succumbed to his injuries in Wyckoff Heights Hospital and leaves behind a wife and an 8-year-old daughter.

“Our drummer, the heartbeat of the band, William Tolley died today. There are ZERO WORDS to describe the loss. He was a good, decent and honorable man who loved his friends, his family and the people he served.” The band stated in their Facebook page. “There will never be another like him. There are no words to describe the utter sadness and despair we feel right now. We love you Bill.”

Guitarist Chris Pervelis and Tolley found the band in 1991 and created the death metal subgenre known as “slam” which has more of a distinct and slower breakdown and rhythm than your average death metal. Internal Bleeding is set to hit the road in the summer with Vader and have yet to make a statement regarding any changes. Our deepest condolences to Tolley’s family, friends and Internal Bleeding. Thank you for 26 years of brutality and thank you for your service, Mr.Tolley.

When Bill Tolley wasn’t tearing a new one in your ear holes, he was out in the streets of NYC saving lives.

April 21

Internal Bleeding Commemorate Fallen Brother With Music Video

The New York death metallers kept on slammin’ despite the sudden loss of their drummer/founding member William “Bill” Tolley, releasing their music video for “Final Justice.” The video kicks off with the firefighter portrait of Tolley with a heartfelt message from the band and is ended with “Slam On.” Aside from this being a sick and brutal song, this simple music video became more meaningful, and shows the guys doing what they love alongside Tolley. The single is now available for purchase through bandcamp.

Alestorm Raises A Glass To Themselves

After finding their way out of the Gay Dolphin, our favorite inebriated buccaneers have released a fun little ode to themselves with the music video for their latest single “Alestorm.” Getting lost in the Gay Dolphin was the least of their worries and must now fight themselves to gain their rightful place in drunkenness, though I know you must think I must still be celebrating 4/20, watch the video and see what I mean! And if you like what you hear, pre order their May 26 album No Grave But The Sea which will set sail via Napalm Records.

 ‘Seraphic’ Will Reel You In

Ghost Bath lures you into the depths of harmony and despair with their latest music video for “Seraphic.” The video is filled with holy imagery and is embedded with images of the band jamming. Beware! If you’re expecting a relaxing instrumental piece, Dennis Mikula’s anguished screams will come right at you! This track will be featured in their April 21 album Starmourner and will be released through Nuclear Blast. Though individuals with an acquired taste will love this, this is a nice track someone can enjoy if they’re open to it.

 

The Hatchet Job: Feb.6- Feb. 11

Feb.6

Obituary Gives Us A New Song For Our Metal Karaoke

Obituary have now contributed to our growing metal karaoke playlist with the lyric video for “Turned to Stone.” Not in the mood to sing to this? That’s cool but be careful! It will make you headbang and click that replay button… you’ve been warned. If you’re left wanting more, be sure to keep an eye out or pre-order their March 17 self titled album which will be released through Relapse Records.

Feb.7

The Ocean Caught Us On Camera!

Ugh Metal’s Grate Debate may not have been recorded in front of a live audience but the subjects of the epic slap fight did! The Ocean released their outstanding and professionally shot performance of “Rhyacian” from their Nov.8 show at Brick By Brick. Normally we’d be miffed knowing they used the image of our personal unpaid slaves (which we’re legally obligated to call them “interns”) without our permission, but they’re lucky they were so damn good. We forgive you but next time boys, please contact us so that we can exploit our interns together 😉 Experience the intensity of The Ocean!

Feb. 8

GWAR B-Q Jumps to 2018 And Promises To Make America Bleed Again

Though GWAR postponed their annual BB-Q slaughter fest and left their faithful bohabs blue balling, it’s all with good reason. According to their official statement, the band will focus this year on producing a new album for 2018 and promise to destroy North America all year long! GWAR has decided to keep the details on the album under wraps to keep the mystique going and ‘cause they’ve been nursing a Pokémon Go addiction. The new record will not only be the first one five years but will also be the first without vocalist/founder Dave “Oderus Urungus” Brockie.  Till then, these lucky cities will have a chance to be invaded!

GWAR with the horny and uddered wonder, front man, Blothar ready for battle!

Six Feet Under Will Have You Tearing Your ‘Flesh From Bone…’

…With excitement, silly! These death metal titans have unleashed another lyric video for the track “The Separation of Flesh From Bone.” Instead of being greeted by riffs a la Cannibal Corpse as heard in “Sacrificial Kill,” Chris Barnes’ bark comes at you, giving your ears a welcomed pounding. Couldn’t get enough of ‘Seperation…’? Save the date of pre-order their Feb.24 album Torment which will be released through Metal Blade Records.

Feb. 9

Iron Reagan Strike Again!

I know, I know! Another Iron Reagan entry, but it’s not my fault these guys keep cranking out fun and thrashtastic treats. This time they give us the ultimate and nostalgic gift of CLAYMATION… and a music video, I guess. It should be a crime that “Fuck the Neighbors” is only two minutes and nine seconds long, but man is it fun!!! Can’t get enough of the song?! Then pick up their latest album Crossover Ministry which is out now. Iffy about getting it? Check out what the Klown had to say about it!

Feb.11

Jasta Is Back AND Brought a Friend Along..

When Jamey Jasta isn’t tearing shit up with Hatebreed, he’s tearing shit up with his solo project Jasta. Jasta teamed up with ex-Killswitch Engage/ current Devil You Know vocalist Howard Jones in the single “Chasing Demons” and, man, it induces a bit of nostalgia. Aside from the grit Jasta never fails to deliver, Jones’ vocals blast you back to the old Killswitch Engage days. The balance between this overall sentimental single is great  and will make you wonder what other trick Jasta has under his sleeve.

http://jastahq.bandcamp.com/track/chasing-demons-feat-howard-jones

The Trials of November 25

A note from the Klown: My fellow Americans, Happy National Fatfuck Day aka Thanksgiving. For the shopaholics, happy Black Friday! Without you the Klown wouldn’t enjoy the most brutal moshpits he has ever seen. The Klown still wishes to see it happen in real time with metal blasting through the speakers through those crowded aisles but he’ll digress. On that note, that same Friday was also record store day. With that said on to business!

Oni’s Debut Is Indestructible

Oni is the hottest commodity to grace the metal scene since Megadeth released their own beer. The sextet from the Cayman Island (not to be confused with the Icelandic trio) capitalizes their ever growing popularity with their debut album Ironshore. Although the band claims to be Prog metal, after the Klown finally surfaced from the Ironshore one thing was clear, if the Klown listened to this type of “Prog” mosh pits would be commonplace in these generally mellow shows. Nevertheless, don’t get the Klown wrong he still liked what he heard and now understands why the steam they gained became white hot! The tracks “The Science” and “Spawn and Feed” give a dose of that Prog sound Oni claims to be. However, Meshuggah-like influences could be heard from these guys through the tracks “The Only Cure” and “Kanvas.” The rest of the album is a mix of different influences that the band shows off such as “Chasing Ecstasy,” which gave the Klown a glimpse if Nekrogoblikon did metalcore while other tracks contain more groove metal.

5 out of 6, A debut strong as iron!

Oni prove why they are indestructible with “Ironside”

 

Martyrdöd have completed their ‘List’ before the year’s end

The Swedish crustcore band is back with their seventh studio titled List and this album was anything but crusty. List was borderline grind blended with some early Norwegian Black Metal sounds. Tracks such as “Wipeout” and “Harmageddon” definitely had the signature punk sounds that originated from the crust subgenre, others such as “List” nearly made the Klown think  he was listening to the opening track to a lost track of Bathory or Rotting Christ. “Handlost Fallen Angel” and “Intervention” definitely had the reminiscent sounds of Darkthrone making this album feel more like an unholy time capsule.

4 out of 6, The ‘List’ is complete.

You’ll be rushing to sign up in Martyrdöd’s “List”

 

Witchery Spawns Its Sixth And Sinful Album

The Swedish quintet of blackened thrash/speed metal is back and has delivered a service befitting to that of anyone donning the stereotype of the metal head. In His Infernal Majesty’s Service is Witchery’s sixth installment so wicked, even the staunch would line up to join the service. Hell, our own pug from hell especially loved the opening track, “Lavey-athan.” (Poor bastard thought it was about him… don’t correct him if you see him.) The Klown’s personal favorite is “Netherworld Emperor,” but “Nosferatu” and “Burning of Salem” tracks can become fan favorites because it resembles a thrashy version of Watain or a new coming of Bathory. “In Warm Blood” and “Escape from Dunwich Valley” fashions itself as a serious version of Ghoul. This was fucking awesome and well done!

6 out of 6 Enlist Us Now!

Witchery binds us to “In His Infernal Majesty’s Service “

 

GWAR Conquer With ‘Black Friday’

C’mon… does the Klown really need to introduce the Scumdogs from Planet Home? But if he must, GWAR has graced us again with a four track EP vinyl titled Black Friday. This album will bring joy to all the loyal scumdogs, and for the sentimental bunch, a bloody tear to their eye. The reason for that bloody tear is that this is technically Eddie “Oderus Urungus” Brockie’s final album. Although, originally filmed and covered on The AV Club’s Youtube channel years ago, this album is still a treat. Side A comprises of Brockie’s famous vocals and his cover on Billy Ocean’s hit, “Get Out of My Dreams” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” On Side B, current front man Michael “Blothar” Bishop takes over and perform a revamped version of Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls,” which they rename “West End Ghouls.” Much like Side A, Gwar transition in to their version of The Jim Carroll Band’s “People Who Died.” This album was awesome and a real treat and not just because it was Brockie’s final recording but because it was showcases GWAR’s ability to reinvent themselves and the songs they slaughter.

6 out of 6, Thank You and Godspeed Oderus!

GWAR bring the real meaning of “Black Friday” with Side A showcasing the late and  great Oderus Urungus, and Side B shining the light on the new leader Blothar.

Let There Be MORE GWAR!!

GWAR with their  horny and uddered lead singer, Blothar, who is front and center and thirsty for battle!

The earth cracked open and Gor-Gor rejoiced after CEO and founder of Metal Blade Records, Brian Slagel, announced GWAR has reunited to record a new album on May 24 on his Instagram account.

“Yes, GWAR has united itself to record yet another disasterpiece and it has been secretly in the writing phase in a crack house of seclusion in the north side of Chicago.” Slagel wrote on his Instagram account regarding the forthcoming album.

“A due date for the record has not been decided but the band is grinding out what may prove to be their most savage and bloodthirsty tracks to date.”

The 14^th studio album will be a follow up to the 2013’s Battle Maximus, which was not only one of their most brutal albums to date but was also the last one front man and mastermind, Dave Brockie, recorded before his untimely death in 2014.

Michael Bishop, who stepped in as the new vocalist and gave life to the horned and udder decked wonder named Blothar, will have the chance to reestablish and really make this notorious band his own.

Bishop along with his scumdogs, debuted Blothar in Chicago’s Riot Fest music festival in 2014 and toured stateside, not only promoting the new character but also celebrating their 30th anniversary. Though GWAR kept the degenerate and fluid soaked party going, they paid tribute to Brockie’s Oderus Orungus character by adapting a new story line in their mythos.

Bishop is no stranger to the band by the way, and certainly did not need to be taught the delightfully perverted ropes of GWAR. The former bassist was a member of the band since 1988 before going on a personal hiatus after 1999 as the Roman- armored humanoid, “Beefcake the Mighty.”

With Blothar fully taking the reins in the upcoming album, it will surely have bohabs thrashing in the slave pit with joy, eagerly waiting to witness the new era in Scumdogia and Earth. Another thing that can be confirmed here at NAMS, is that not only are we stoked but we are so ready to ruin our only white shirts with questionable fluids.