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.
*Editor’s Note: “First Impressions” had an existential crisis and embarked on a personal quest for a new meaning to reinvent itself and so on. From now on this weekly recap shall be reborn as the Hatchet Job! Stay tuned for “First Impressions” return and its countless stories of self discovery and enlightenment and such.
Jan.23
A New ‘Era’ Is Upon Us
We took an insightful stroll with Opeth in their new music video for “Era” where shit gets real. Now I’m not one to be picky on a first date but I was hoping these Swedes would have invited me to a walk among the flowers or a food truck festival but I suppose their proggy charm would suffice. The crispness and mesmerizing imagery will have you drooling with wonder and it will also bring a smile to your face when you see No-Face from Spirited Away slay his cameo.
Jan.24
Cryptopsy Tour
These brootal Canucks along with Metal Sucks will be taking by storm the U.S as the headliners for this year’s Devastation on the Nation Tour. The technical death metallers will begin their rounds on May 19 and will be joined by throughout the tour by Decrepit Birth (5/19-6/4), Rivers of Nihil (5/19-6/4), The Zenith Passage (5/19-6/4), The Kennedy Veil (5/19-5/29), Visceral Disgorge (5/30-6/11), Gloom and Seeker (5/30-6/11). Stay tuned for the dates!
Jan.25
You Can’t ‘Deny’ This Powerful Video
Ugh Metal has had the pleasure of experiencing the intoxicating rawness and gloom of King Woman, and for those that have not been exposed to this doomy quartet, you are missing out. Still think I’m exaggerating? Well, experience the power of their latest music video for “Deny.” For those that have surrendered to Kristina Esfandiari’s hauntingly beautiful vocals, stay tuned for their sophomore album Created in the Image of Suffering out on Feb.24 via Relapse Records.
Jan. 26
Mastodon FINALLY Put Out
…The deetz on their upcoming album! After trolling and teasing us so much they finally gave in to temptation and unveiled the sick ass artwork and tracklist for Emperor of Sand which will divide and conquer in March 31 via Reprise Records. Speaking of dividing and conquering and debauchery, be sure to catch these colorful Georgians on tour along with Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles starting on April 14.
Someone give this man a Gatorade.
Jan.27
Bewitched with the ‘Sultan’s Curse’
Though this may be shaping up to be the unofficial Mastodon edition of this segment, how could I resist sharing this baby!
Kreator Reigns In ‘Totalitarian Terror’
The trilogy comes full circle with this music video. I will miss that horny devil and his Colgate worthy grin. Mad props to Polish production team Grupa 13 for weaving another masterpiece and Kreator for kicking ass. Half-assed acceptance speeches and statements aside, the fun doesn’t have to end! Why, you ask? ‘Cause the generosity of Kreator continues with their release of Gods of Violence which is out today!! Stay tuned for Chuggo’s review on this baby!
WWE’s Wrestling Branch Will Feature Papa Shango’s Band
Only 90’s kids will remember Papa Shango and his WWF days… I sure don’t but that’s okay! Don’t hate me ‘cuz I was too young and beautiful but enough about me, WWE’s NXT Wrestling branch will use ballsy music (in terms of mainstream) in their Pay Per View event “Takeover: San Antonio” on Jan. 27. Papa Shango’s successful project called Ghost [citation needed] will be featured along with Memphis May Fire, Starset and NF. To NXT’s credit, they’ve featured other metal bands in the past such as Motorhead, Halestorm, and Babymetal. According to my intel *cough* Chuggo*cough* what started out as a failed reality TV project, it blossomed into WWE’s fun and badass younger sister.
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’sService 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.
The Ocean made waves at the Brick By Brick on Election Day. (L to R: Guitarist Robin Staps, vocalist Loïc Rossetti, bassist Mattias Hägerstrand, drummer Paul Seidel)
A note to our reader: On November 8, it was a crucial time in the United States. We went from worrying over what type of beer we wanted to being heavily concerned about an uncertain future. Not all was bleak that night, however, because it was a night of PROGress for us. As people were sitting in their homes collectively losing their shit watching our elections unravel, we were in our panic room known as Brick By Brick.
Though we weren’t immune to the madness outside of the Brick, we began debating important issues of our own like, what beer should we get? Does this look infected to you? Is the Carpathian Forest real!? Most importantly, with crazy times ahead of us, who will lead this site!? The Ugh Metal staff assembled and organized THE debate to end all debates to find our new leader, and found a worthy and stellar moderator. All of that made us Sleepless…
Chuggo Frump: UNDER THE EARTH! Like the mole men!
Jenny-Oh Flimpton: You leave the mole men alone! They are prosperous people and have contributed to the economy…
Moderator, The Earth: Whoa, whoa! What the fuk are you both on!? There are no mole men, I would know.
C: YOU’RE THE PUPPET!
J: Yeah! *High fives Frump*
The Earth: It is a wonder that anyone would elect either of you to run this site. But back to the important matter at hand, what did you think of the local band Sleepless Under The Earth? Mr. Frump, you go first.
C: Well I thought…
The Earth: AND NO INTERRUPTING!
C: *Frump glares* As I was saying…
J: *Giggles*
C: As I was saying, it was a Prog night. As in through them I saw progress.
J: What does that even mean!?
The Earth: Mr. Frump, please clarify.
C: It was Oceanside’s own that made me see the light of things I am championing.
The Earth: Mr. Frump, what are you talking about?
C: I’m talking about clown’s rights!
J: He’s diverting again! You said no diverting!
C: THAT MOVIE SUCKED!
The Earth: Settle down you two! Mr. Frump, Divergent is the title of the movie and the book not diverting.
C: Tomatoe, tomato. Furthermore…
The Earth: Your time’s up! Ms. Flimpton, your turn.
J: Thank you, Earth. Well, I thought that much like this modest and young generation, they have great potential and can make a difference.
Sleepless Under The Earth are anything but a snooze fest. (L to R: Guitarist Josh Walter, vocalist Ross Warren, drummer Chris Heinberger, bassist Hunter Weintre)
C: What does that even mean!? Are you saying they sucked?
J: What!? No! Leave it to Frump to misconstrue my words again!
C: If I were elected to moderate this site, I will…
The Earth: Mr Frump! Allow Ms. Flimpton to finish uninterrupted! Ms. Flimpton, please continue.
J: Oh. That was all I had to say but they were bitchin’. They can be San Diego’s very own melodic Lamb Of God. Ross Warren’s vocals are eerily similar to Randy Blythe’s, it’s like Lamb Of God decided to dabble in Prog.
The Earth: Thank you, Ms. Flimpton. Now for our next quest…
C: *Cough* Bullshit *Cough*
The Earth: Mr. Frump, are you okay?
C: Yes. I’m sorry my allergies are acting up, you know, it is bullshit season after all.
The Earth: Mr. Frump! I will not tolerate profanity in this debate! For that, Ms. Flimpton will go first on the following question. Freebies aside, what did you think about Orange County’s Sorizon?
J: I was impressed to say the least…
C: *Cough* Fuk you Earth *Cough*
J: Anyway! I enjoyed their sound a lot! Their songs took me in to an epic odyssey and I will be blasting them while I fight the Kraken… and ISIS of course.
Sorizon won the intimate crowd over with their charism AND freebies. (L to R: Guitarist Danny Mann, vocalist Keith McIntosh, bassist Kevin Vickers, guitarist Tim Hall)
C: I’ll be damned if you take over with “The Twisted Hand of Fate!”
J: Your propositions and your rants make me want to “Slumber into Death.”
C: Whatever, betch… this is just another response for the ones who don’t want to approach The Gorge!
The Earth: What the… Mr. Frump….!
J: You leave The Gorge out of this!
C: No, it is time we bring The Gorge in to this conversation!
The Earth: If you insist…
C: I DO!
The Earth: Very well… Ms. Flimpton you begin.
C: But…
The Earth: Ms. Flimpton, you begin!
J: Well…They… these bald men extraordinaire, came to us from St. Louis and… that is a milestone! Progressive, if you will.
The Earth: Okay… Ms. Flimpton, would you care to elaborate further?
J: Balds rights!
C: If I may?
The Earth: Please do… for the love of Gaia!
The Gorge offer a ballsier take on Prog and Flimpton will fight for their right to be bald! L to R: Bassist Chris Turnbaugh, vocalist/guitarist Phil Ring, and guitarist Joe Bowers)
C: That album from the Dave Matthews Band…
The Earth: Really? We’re on a metal site and you want to talk about Dave Matthews?
J: What’s wrong with Dave Matthews? He has soul and that’s pretty metal!
The Earth: I will go on record and say that I hate you both!
C: Haha, Earth hates you! *points at Flimpton*
The Earth: That includes you too, Mr. Frump.
C: See… this is what I’m talking about. Clowns’ rights! Clowns are…
The Earth: A waste of existence! Could we please just discuss the band named The Gorge.
C: Fine…! Let’s do what you want to do! The Gorge, to me, sounds like if Between The Buried and Me grew a pair and ditched the keyboard! There… I said it! Someone had to!
J: I… actually agree! They did not bore me. Furthermore, it was a fun and bumpy ride. That is all I have to say.
The Earth: Are you serious? You still have some time to…
J: About The Gorge. Happy, now?
The Earth: … Let us speak about North.
C: Yes, the mystical lands of the Canádas saw an influx of…
The Earth: Mr. Frump, please stay on the subject.
Vocalist/bassist of North, Evan Leek, releases his battle cry.
C: I am, if you would let me finish! As I was saying, it was the moment where the Frump saw the miracle of a clown was winning the presidency! *grinning with tears of joy, clown makeup running down his face* with that victorious milestone, I saw Americans rushing to the North.
The Earth: *stern look*
J: Rush is from Canada. Which happens to be in the North. They won a lot of awards too.
The Earth: Ms. Flimpton, we are on the subject of the Arizona band named North.
J: … Fine. They sound like an edgier, sludgier and ballsier version of Mastodon.
C: I kind of disagree but maybe it’s just my “Weight Of All Thoughts.”
The Earth: Mr. Frump, what you just said made no sense. Let us move on to The Ocean, while I…
C: Again… with this hippy talk!
J: If I win this debate, I promise to reward each Orca with three orphan seals to nurture them.
The Earth: Uh… are you serious?
C: Our public education system at its finest! Anyway, Dutchland’s …
The Earth: You mean Deutschland?
J: Number one! That’s what I would be if I were to win this debate. But I have sailed many oceans but The Ocean is unlike any other I’ve seen.
The Ocean swallows San Diego whole on Election Day. (L to R: Guitarist Robin Staps, vocalist Loïc Rossetti, bassist Mattias Hägerstrand
C: Agreed! For this one I happened to be “The Quiet Observer.” Especially when they announced that a clown was officially elected to the head office. Still dunno why The Ocean felt sympathy for us.
J: It was especially hard to look away when the lead singer, Loïc Rossetti, would crouch and slowly pace the stage like a predator with the instrumentals. Then, BAM! Rossetti would spring in to his spazz attack and lose his shit with the climactic part of the songs. Rossetti was also the David to Warren’s Goliath. Poor guy took quite a TUMBLE when the tiny Rossetti dove himself in to his arms.
C: Is this what we are calling the moment?
J: What moment?
The Earth: *Sigh* Clearly you both lost your shit. Thank Gaia… I mean, unfortunately we’re out of time. Let’s have the closing statements, Ms. Flimpton, you go first.
J: The Ocean was full of surprises, much like the ocean. Just when you think it’s going to be a smooth ride, you’re whacked by a rogue wave of heavy riffs… and spazz attacks. Opeth would be proud!
The Earth: Thank you, Ms. Flimpton. Mr. Frump, your statement.
C: I would like to say that The Ocean and their company were a treat. All they proved that night was that no matter the circumstances, as artists and performers, integrity was key and the show simply must go on.
The Earth: Uh…wow! That was… good. And that concludes this debate. This is The Earth letting you know to keep moshing and make metal great again! The real winner here was me, for listening to this lunacy. Good night, everyone!
Vocalist of The Ocean, Loïc Rossetti, rises! Poseidon’s got nothing on him.
Tengger Cavalry invade Brick By Brick for a second time. (Pictured left to right: Bassist Alex Abayev, vocalist Nature Ganganbaigal, and fiddler Uljmuren)
One awesome night after the Goatwhore performance, Ugh Metal got a second chance to attend another unforgettable show and join the raid led by the Tengger Cavalry. Tengger initially conquered Brick By Brick on May 27, which we couldn’t attend making us settle by watching Netfilix’s Marco Polo. Luckily on September 24, the spirit of the Khan smiled upon us as Tennger Cavalry ravaged America’s finest city again.
The first wave of the invasion was kicked off by the local Prog trio known as Old Man Wizard. I don’t know what it is about Prog and its ability to sound different… at times. The Wizard did just that, casting a spell on you leading listeners to a state of nirvana… not the band. Though Old Man Wizard was not “metal,” it was rather soothing. The local trio definitely charged things up a bit towards the end of their performance with “Forevermore,” which resembles a metal Muse song. These not so old guys knocked ‘em dead!
Once the Wizard cleared the stage, the quartet from Phoenix known as Incite took over. This was Ugh’s second time witnessing Ritchie Cavalera’s band performing at the Brick. The first time we saw them, they toured with Devildriver about two months ago *cough* https://ughmetal.com/2016/06/22/devildriver-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-in-san-diego/ *cough* as a supporting act in their tour.
Incite returns to the Brick to raise some hell! (Pictured left to right: Vocalist Richie Cavalera and guitarist Dru Rome)
This time around they joined the Khanate in the second wave and got shit started with “No Remorse.” Once Dru “Tang” Rome’s riffs clashed with drummer Derek Lopez’s symbols, Incite treated us once again with “Stagnant” and “Life’s Disease” from their latest album Oppression.
In the spirit of our ongoing clusterfuck of propaganda and political turmoil we’re calling a presidential electoral race, Cavalera treated us to “Tyranny’s End” and “WTF.” Incite ended their performances with “The Slaughter” and “Army of Darkness” from their studio album debut The Slaughter. Incite lived up to their name and set up the crowd for the kill.
Mongolian folk metal band Tengger Calvary swooped in for the final blow in their conquest. First, we were treated to “Golden Horde” which thrived with a plethora of oriental influences combined with some metal. On the second half of the performance, the Cavalry donned a traditional Mongolian/Chinese attire befitting for a Khan.
Tengger Cavalry vocalist, Nature Ganganbaigal, along with fiddler ,Uljmuren, command the stage.
Front man, Nature Ganganbaigal showed off his wide array of musical talent and his strong connection to his roots when the Cavalry performed “Hymn of the Earth”. Ganganbaigal’s not only showcased his incredible ability to throat sing but also showed off his talent for playing the tobshuur, an instrument best described as a Mongolian lute. The combination of these two elements made “Hymn of the Earth” an awesome and interesting song to listen and headbang to.
Tengger Cavalry raided the venue with “Cavalry in Thousands” with the help of their fiddler, Uljmuren, as he busted out his trusty horsehead fiddle known as the Morin Khuur. The Cavalry performed “Horsemen” and got some intense moshing started because it wouldn’t be a conquest without some friendly violence.
Although the band was set to conclude their performance with “Mountain Side,” bassist Alex Abayev along with the rest of the band, gave in to the deafening ovation and demand for “one more song.” Tengger Cavalry appeased the intimate crowd with the bonus song called “The Struggle.” And a struggle it was! Knowing that the benevolent conquest was over.
Yes, The Klown is well aware that their 13 album was released a little over 3 years ago. What the Klown is talking about is about the SoCal legends 13th installment World Gone Mad. Right from the start, Suicidal Tendencies kick off this album with a burst of energy! “The New Degeneration” will get you hyped and will compel you to start your own mini pit. “Living for Life” starts off with a bit of a stoner rock vibe and go straight to good ol’ fashion hardcore punk. “The Struggle Is Real” and “This World” are two songs that are part of the infinite soundtrack to the challenging but beautiful story we call life. Whether front man Mike Muir decides to call it quits or not, this album definitely would leave SxTx on a high note.
6 out of 6, If It’s Truly The End, Then Our Tendencies End On A High Note
Suicidal Tendencies deliver their 13th and possibly final album (?) We certainly hope not!
Epica Establish Their Principle
Dutch symphonic metal band, Epica has returned and seen the future by releasing their seventh titled The Holographic Principle. The track “Universal Death Squad” not only spoke to the Klown but was rightfully chosen as a good hook to promote the album. It is very metal and melodic with Simone Simons vocals, proving to be powerful and graceful. ”Edge of the Blade” was another great track chosen by the band to be their current single. Simons’ vocals will captivate you with the rest of Epica’s male counterpart especially, drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek’s growling vocals. This album was compiled much better than the Klown anticipated and definitely recommend it, especially for those Nightwish and Within Temptation fans that are hankering for a quick fix.
6 out of 6 This Hologram Will Not Bankrupt You and Will Inspire You
Epica makes a grand appearance with their 7th album ” The Holographic Principle”
Lordi Compiles their eighth Monstereophonic album
The Finnish monster collective known as Lordi have returned after a two year hiatus, proving that the spirit of metal can be monstrous. The current installment, Monstereophonic (Theaterror vs. Demonarchy), brings a rather unique aspect to this current concept album by splitting it in two. Much like the infamous Planet Home natives, Mr. Lordi incorporates some humor in his music. None are much more evident like the track “Let’s Go Slaughter He-Man (I Wanna Be the Beast-Man in the Masters of the Universe)” in the first half. The second half presents us with edgier titles and a mix of hard rock and power metal. “And The Zombie Says” not only is an awesome track but it also made it in time for Halloween. Who better to champion and capture that spirit of All Hallows Eve than Mr. Lordi and his band of monsters?
6 out of 6 Oh, Lordi, lord…It’s a grand Monster-piece!
Lordi invades Earth in time for Halloween with “Monstereophonic (Theaterror vs. Demonarchy)”
Asphyx Breathes Life Into Incoming Death
Dutch death metal band, Asphyx has rejoined the living with their ninth album Incoming Death. After a four year hiatus, this album features the band’s usual MO: a lot death metal mixed with doom making a HEAVY and brutal album. The track “Wardroid” champions the combined sound for this album whereas “The Feeder” features more of a doom element. “It Came From The Skies” decided to stick out from the rest of the tracks by focusing on a death metal sound. Although this album was good, The Klown just wasn’t feeling this album. For the lack of a better description, it felt a bit too much with its lack of smooth transitions. The mixes of heavy death metal overtones immediately jump in to some really heavy doom undertone, slowed my solo mosh pit a lot. This album, for sure, is for the Klown’s naysayers and diehard Asphyx fans.
3 out of 6
Dutch Death Metal dudes Asphyx come back to life in “Incoming Death”
**Super Special Verdict From Jenny Oh!**
Opeth Puts A Spell With Sorceress
Let’s put our insatiable desires to hear Mikael Akerfeldt growl again aside, and appreciate this new and enchanting masterpiece Opeth has released. Though it’s painfully obvious what I think about this album, let me tell you why. The Swedish Prog rockers bring a type of magick that can instantly make those who listen into their wide eyed companions. Sorceress is bursting with a fresh energy that is heightened with a psychedelic eclecticism much like “Strange Brew” but if you’re craving a bit of an edge on this journey, crank up “Chrysalis” and “Sorceress.” Opeth downplays the melancholy on this album and that’s okay! Though I am not much of a prog enthusiast, this brand new and exciting journey full of magick and acid… I mean, wonder, is an adventure I’m down for. Now if you excuse me, adventure calls! * Blasts “The Seventh Sojourn” as I ride away in my unicorn. *
Local supergroup Wovenwar is back with their first single “Censorship” on September 7. The quintet has followed through with their promise and plan to release their second album Honor Is Dead on October 21. Though the title of their sophomore album IS NOT the title of a Game of Thrones episode, it’s safe to say the anticipation for this second coming is just as outstanding. Check it out and you be the judge.
Zack de la Rocha Returns With A Vengeance!
Former front man of Rage Against the Machine and activist wunderkind Zack de la Rocha drops his first single in a decade! After 10 years of radio silence and fighting the man, de la Rocha released the catchy and very electronic “Digging for Windows” on September 8. Though the new single comes from De La Rocha’s anticipated solo album that has yet to be announced, he still has that burning rage that makes you want to just… GAAAHHH FUCK THE MAN!!! AND because he’s still very much against the machine, the single is FREE through BitTorrent cause FUCK THE MACHINE!
Dream Theater Build A New World With Lzzy Hale
Prog legends Dream Theater partner up with front woman of Halestorm, Lzzy Hale for a revamp of their track “Our New World” on September 9. Though the original Hale-less song comes from their album The Astonishing which was released early this year, it adds more heart to the wide eyed ballad… but it still relatively sounds the same. Whoa there! Before you maroon me in an island full of hipsters bragging about *insert super hipstery hobby/interest here* for soiling Dream Theater or Halestorm’s honor, it was a pleasant song and easy on these decrepit ears.
A Day To Remember has released their sixth studio album Bad Vibrations. For those WWE Network subscribers and aficionados, their first hit single “Paranoia” was featured as one the main theme songs for the company’s segment “WWE NXT Takeover: The End” back in June. Another fun fact the Klown dug up about this album was that rapper Rick Ross WOULD HAVE made an appearance on their track “Turn Off the Radio” but refused to collaborate with them because he was swayed by the rumors the band was in league with Stan. How unfortunate, I suppose. Their second big single was the opening track “Bad Vibrations” and takes back fans to memory lane when the band was under Eulogy Recordings. For those unaware of ADTR before now, they were very metalCORE; Emphasis on the core and the album is a mix of old and new.
4 out of 6, good but not the Klown’s cup of bourbon
The album cover for A Day To Remember’s latest album “Bad Vibrations”
Kerasphorus Have Unleashed Their First Full Length Album
Angelcorpse fans rejoice, for the band is back but under the name Kerasphorus! To clarify the previous sentence, Kerasphorus released their self-titled debut album under the black metal banner as opposed to their usual death metal MO. The trio from Tampa, whether to let out some creative juices or probably moving on from the death metal genre, have released a kvlt album and it is quite brutal. The album is basically early Belphegor meets Angelcorpse, the tracks “Through the Spiral Void” and “Aesoth Paradigm” are the great testaments of that sound. “Disturb the Furthest Stars” and “Swarm Intelligensia” are great adrenaline fueled tracks that really capture the old school black metal with the help those killer riffs. Definitely worth giving it a good listen to, especially if you’re feeling kvlt or just want to fill in your black metal craving.
6 out of 6, LEGEDARY
Death Metal band Angelcorpse come back under a new moniker and dive in to black metal with their new band Kerasphorus.
Slomatics’ Future Is Now In the Present
The North Irish doom metal trio known as the Slomatics are back with their fifth studio album Future Echo Returns. And this new bad boy sounds heavy AF… in the literal sense and also has some prog influence incorporated. A great example of that union is the final track of the album, “Into the Eternal”. The track “Electric Wave” is a great track from the band and despite their sludge/doom sound, it definitely gives you a burst of energy to headbang and enjoy this current release. Although the album has two instrumental tracks that serve as intros for the latter, the blend of cinematic instrumentals for the track “Ritual Beginnings” serves as a perfect intro for the “Rat Chariot”. This album was definitely a gem, which The Klown was fortunate to stumble upon.
6 out of 6, It’ll be a legendary ride!
Slomatics return with their fifth album “Future Chaos Return”
Devin Townsend Continues to Transcend His Music Career with Current Release
Although Strapping Young Lad is never coming back, diehard fans know that Devin Townsend’s music genius knows no bounds. And Mr. Townsend didn’t disappoint one bit. Devin Townsend Project has released Transcendence to add a seventh album to their discography and became a whopping 17th album for Townsend himself. “Failure” is a great example of Townsend’s vocals as he switches his voice from a falsetto to baritone in this harmonic masterpiece. “Higher” and “Stars” sounded like they were tracks made for a soundtrack about some inspirational film. “Offer Your Light” gives off a little of Strapping Young Lad with a touch of synths and a harmonic chorus making the title of the track rightfully chosen. “Offer Your Light” along with the overall album, proves that there are no limits in music and it may just go above and beyond expectations with the right time and inspiration. Prog enthusiasts as well rockers will definitely have a ball with this album and this title speaks for itself.
6 out 6, LEGENDARY!
Devin Townsend Project achieves and spreads enlightenment with their seventh studio album “Transcendence”
Ugh Metal 