The Trials of February 23, 2017

Honorable Mention

Dimmu Borgir Give an Epic Tease to their Upcoming Album

Dimmu Borgir is one of the Titans and innovators of the symphonic black metal sub genre. They are also one of the names most people think of when it comes to associating Norway and black metal. Anyway, after a long 8-year hiatus since Abrahadabra, they have returned with a two-track EP titled Interdimensional Summit with Nuclear Blast Records.

Plain and simple, “Interdimensional Summit” sounded epic and symphonic as Dimmu knows how. It starts off with some keys that sound reminiscent of the sounds of an old scary movie. It also features a chorus with some effects to compliment the song. It also featured a pretty sweet solo from Thomas “Glader” Orre. This EP finishes with a live version of “Puritania” which originally comes from their 2001 Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia.

The Klown was totally stoked to hear this brand-new gem. Much like you, the Klown is anticipating the release of their latest LP Eonian due later in the year. If you haven’t heard it check it out on Nuclear Blast’s Youtube channel. If you are a collector of vinyl or fancy yourself a huge Dimmu fan, you can get your copy right here.

The temporary look of symphonic black metal

Destroyer 666 Release a Wild Teaser

When you think of Down Under and metal, few names pop up. AC/DC is usually the go-to for most. On the Aussie hierarchy, however, Destroyer 666 is also a recognizable name when it comes to metal. Although this release is not a brand-new LP, the innovators of Australian black metal have returned with an EP to keep you entertained. The contemporary release is titled Call of the Wild and it was released through Season Of Mist.

The brand-new call to arms commences with “Violence is Golden” which starts strong and aggressive with R.C. and K.K. Warslut’s power guitar riffs which then meets up with Per “Perra” Karlsson’s drumming. This combination will remind listeners of the heavy thrash, black metal sounds that they are known for much like Venom. “Stone by Stone” follows the track  and takes more of a speed metal approach while “Call of the Wild” mixes both speed and thrash. The track also features an awesome, wailing guitar solo from R.C.

The album finishes with “Trialed by Fire.” It was lengthy but also a bit of a throwback to the days when Bathory added some folk to their brand of black metal. This EP was pretty good and does a good job  matching sounds from other known bands that also are a part of the same early black metal family tree. All the Klown can say is that he can’t wait till the next album is released. The Klown threw out plenty of names to convince you, and if you need more convincing check them out in the label’s Bandcamp for a convincing nudge.

5 out of 6 Prepare to Destroy your Heathen Ears!

Black Metal from Down, Down Under

Schwarzer Engel Teases No More

The name Schwarzer Engel should come to you as of no surprise if you kept up with us. After all, last year in December, the lone wolf known as Dave Jason released the EP Sinnflut in anticipation of the new album the Klown is about to talk about. Flash forward to now and the LP has now come to fruition. The latest studio album from this industrial mainstay is titled Kult der Krähe and it was released through Massacre Records.

“Krähen an die Macht” kicks off the album with some brooding but immediately picks up strongly. Jason gets a bit tender with the “Gott ist im Regen” which also contained some resonating keys which added ambiance to the song. The track is then followed by “Sinnflut” and “Futter für die See” which the Klown won’t bother going over because they were both featured in the EP prior to this album’s release. “Mein glühend Herz” and “Ein kurzer Augenblick” were a bit slow but felt sentimental and features resonating keyboard solos.

Schwarzer Engel revisits the gothic industrial metal sounds it is known for with “Meerflucht” and also featured string samples, sound bites and brief guitar solo. The same can also be said about “Unheil” minus the guitar solo and sound bites. “Requiem” takes the Gothic tone a bit further which made for a brooding but soothing song. It is worth noting that you can listen to the predominantly piano version of  “Requiem” in the  EP as well.

The contemporary ends with “Wenn mein Herz Zerbricht.” The song was a ballad which featured a men choir chorus which would resonate perfectly with a church and had a keyboard solo. This album was pretty good and felt rather sentimental. If you love goth, darkwave and/or industrial metal especially of the German variety, the Klown recommends it. If you need further convincing Spotify or take the plunge here.

5 out of 6 Currently Indoctrinating Potential Followers

The Cult of the Black Birds Await!

Megaherz Newest Soars Across

When people think of Megaherz they most likely think mispronunciations and the measure of electricity. Sometimes too much can cause an electrical fire. You wanna know what else is on fire? A Komet which the German quintet known as Megaherz has released via Napalm Records.

Crappy jokes aside (the Klown was never a comedic clown), this latest album has this collective reminding you that the Neue Deutsche Harte brand isn’t just a monopoly controlled by Rammstein and Oomph! The album starts off with some industrial in the form of “Vorhang auf.” The song starts off with Christian “X-Ti” Bystron’s programming and heavy guitar riffs which are accompanied by Tobias Derer’s drumming, and Alexander “Lex” Wohnhaas‘s  vocals.

The collective tones it down with the ballads “Scherben bringen Glück,” “Von Oben,” “Tieferausch” and “Heldengrab.” “Von Oben” had more of a tender approach than “Scherben…” and utilized the sounds of the piano while maintainig the hard rock element. The collective even managed to make a song for the clown president in the form of “Horrorclown.” While keeping the Neue Deutsch Harte sounds, they incorporate Trump’s sound bites from his speeches. Wens Weninger’s  bass opens “Schwarz oder Weiss” which becomes a catchy industrial metal song.

They continue with industrial metal with “Nicht in meinem Namen” and “Trau Dich.” The album finishes with “Nicht Genug” which contained a pretty bitching solo from Bystron and some keys that enhanced the song a bit. This album was pretty good especially if you don’t mind German lyrics. Aside from the earlier names that were already mentioned, the Klown recommends this album for fans of Gothminister and Schwarzer Engel. You can check the album out in Napalm’s Bandcamp if you need some convincing.

6 out 6 Armageddon Never Sounded Better

Bringing a Full Charge of Industrial

Thy Antichrist Unleash It’s Second Coming

The Klown’s interest piqued when this band popped up on the Ugh Metal radar. Why? The reasons being that this happens to be another black metal band from the land of parsas, arepas and coffee. On the same day of this contemporary’s release, the Colombian collective known as Thy Antichrist joined symphonic death metal titans, Septicflesh and Swedish black metal powerhouse, Dark Funeral at the Brick By Brick. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, the Klown shall talk about the band’s sophomore album Wrath of the Beast which was released through Napalm Records.

The album kicks off this breakthrough with some flamenco style acoustic guitar strings to open “Desolation.” The song then transitions to some heavy and fast-paced black metal that gets accompanied by Andres “Antichrist 666” Vargas’s harsh screaming vocals. The song is followed by the awesome and the new metal anthem “Metal to the Bone,” which was really fast-paced and have you enjoying the erratic drumming from Chris “Orricuss” Stropoli and the riffs from Robert “Abyssvs” Coronado. The same can be said about the album’s current hit and the Klown’s other  favorite song “The Great Beast,” which contained narrative sound bites mixed in.

“A World Burn to Ashes” and “No Place Like Hell” not only sounded robust but also had an array of guitar action such as  electric and more acoustic. The album finishes with “The Last Breath” which was a soothing acoustic guitar outro with a chorus. This album was a great follow up and really met the hype especially if you fancy black metal. The Klown recommends this album if you are a fan of Nile, Behemoth, Deicide and Dark Fortress. You can check this album in your streaming service of choice or take the Klown’s word and get it through Napalm’s Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 The Soundtrack of the Second Coming

The Wrath of the Beast and the Second Coming of the Dark Master’s Child

Necrophobic Returns!

The underrated Swedish black metal band known as Necrophobic have returned at long last. Those who have kept up with this quintet’s discographic journey would be the first ones telling the Klown that it’s been five years since the release of Womb of Lilithu. That’s right kids, this band has been away for that long. Now the trve collective has released their eighth installment Mark Of The Necrogram through Century Media Records.

This album begins strong with their title track which starts off with some fast-paced guitars and thunderous drumming from Joakim Sterner. Necrophobic keep it going with “Odium Caecum” which also had a pretty awesome solo. The Klown took a liking to the “Tsar Bomba” because aside from being an awesome track, the lyrical content was superb and kind of inspirational. This song also had a sweet and kind of psychedelic guitar solo.

The band slows down a bit with “Requiem for a Dying Sun” which also contained an awesome solo, was pretty heavy, and reminded the Klown of a Watain song. They immediately pick up the pace with the Klown’s other favorite song, “Crown of Thorns” and “From the Great Above to the Great Below.” The latter is one of  the only song to not feature a solo. The final track of the album, “Undergången,” was a slow and brooding instrumental that was soothing. The Klown can only say that this album was great and, most importantly, recommends this album for those who love Swedish black metal. You can check this out on Spotify or take the plunge here.

6 out of 6 The Soundtrack that Brings Back the Dead

Bow to the Kingdom of the Dead

Tengger Cavalry Unleash its Last Crusade

Tengger Cavalry should be familiar to you whether or not you follow Ugh Metal. After all, they’ve graced our page multiple times… sort of. Despite that, it is a real bummer that their saga would end the way it did. But before the prolific Nature Ganganbaigal officially put up his cavalry’s reins, he made sure to give us one more journey for the books. The latest is titled Cian Bi and it was released through Napalm Records.

The album begins with “And Darkness Continues” as a morin khuur instrumental intro track which serves as a great catalyst for “Cian Bi (Fight Your Darkness).” “Cian Bi” begins with some heavy galloping bass drumming from Zaki Ali and features an array of instruments from the morin khuur, jaw harp and the topshur blended with some really heavy guitar riffs. The same can be said about “Ride into Grave and Glory (War Horse II)” and “The Old War.” The Cavalry would do something similar with “Our Ancestors” but replace the jaw harp with some wind instrument. Ganganbaigal not only features more vocal ranges from his throat singing and clean baritone vocals, but also mixes his voice with some auto-tune.

“Strength” will certainly give you that because it was one of the roughest tracks in the whole album. The song also showcases a sets of instruments such as the jaw harp, Ali’s fast-paced drumming, some piano, some strings, and the sounds of the shamisen. If you need a motivator for your morning runs, the Klown definitely recommends the fast and heavy paced instrumental “Chasing My Horse” which also contains more awesome wailing guitar solo, wind and strings instruments with traditional Mongolian throat singing. “Electric Shaman” take a page from industrial and used samples to  incorporate the sounds of folk and metal for a unique type of instrumental.

“Redefine” lives up to its title and was one of the Klown’s favorite tracks which featured some distorted guitar play to accompany Ganganbaigal’s throat singing. The vocalist also treats us to a ballad which doesn’t drift away from the folk and metal sounds. The album finishes with “Sitting In Circles” which was a minute long and filled with soft instrumentals.

This album was great and the band applied more dynamism to an already dynamic band. Although the Klown, among many, are bummed out that the Cavalry has called it quits but he’s glad that they have done so on a very high note. As always you can check out on Spotify, Apple Music or take the plunge in Bandcamp.

6 out of 6, The Ride May Be Over but the Conquest Shall Live On!

The Last Ride? Let’s Hope Not!

The Trials of Oct. 27, 2017

Butcher Babies Release ‘Lilith’ On To The World

These feisty metal vixens are ready to slay with their latest album Lilith released via Century Media Records. In their single and title track “Lilith,” Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey give us the best of both worlds by interchanging from clean to grit! The songstresses continue to offer these two flavors in “Headspin” and “The Huntsman” which the J-Ohster really enjoyed.

“Burn the Straw Man” paints the sky red with their no clean vocals and “#iwokeuplikethis” takes off its makeup and shows you its bare face with fangs and all. Another song the J-Ohster must admit that stuck with her is “Oceana” not just because Shepherd and Harvey continue to play with their vocals but also because Henry Flury’s devious riffs show off the popular groove metal style riffs from the late 90’s.

Lilith is a different kind of fiend where the quintet lets loose and makes you feel their need for adventure. This album may not be up in your grill and burgers like the previous releases, but it is still a subtly volatile and misunderstood album. It will pique your interest and will make you wonder what these gals and gents will want to experiment with next. Check out the album on Spotify and get you copy here.

5 Out 6, Praise ‘Lilith’

Pink Mass Puts Out With ‘Necrosexual’

The bondage clad quintet are not only heating up New Jersey, they are warming us up for their latest installment Necrosexual released independently. Before Pink Mass spits out their pervy grindcore, they invoke all that is unholy with the synthy intro before they flay you with their opening track “Hedonist’s Lament.” Oh yes, it’s gonna be that kind of party once you are done listening to this opening track.

“Extinction of the Breeders” not only is rough and will make you tumble, but it has a nice little breakdown from Van Lee Tassels the Obnoxious. Wut? You want more roughness? Pink Mass will whip you stupid with the erratic “Vorefied” and “Altar of Domination” which sounds like an ultra aggressive Midnight track with a mixture of guttural growls.

“F.O.A.D N.S.B.M” has another great breakdown and…who am I kidding, the riffs in this song in general are boner/lady boner inducing because it will make you scared and aroused at the same time. Pink Mass will satisfy your dirty grindcore needs, no games nor emotional unavailability for once! Get your copy in Bandcamp and lock this mother down here!

6 Out 6, They put out!

Winds Of Plague Slay With ‘Blood of My Enemy’

The deathcore quintet are back to drench the masses with blood and deathcore and more metal stuff with their latest Blood of My Enemy which was released via Entertainment One Records. The album starts off with “Nameless Walker” where there is quite a bit of harmonic influences mixed with the brutality. Another great track is “Kings Of Carnage” which will strike fear in to your enemies especially when Johnny Plague warns you that this is a warning and he’s about to lose control…You don’t mess with Johnny man!

The title track “Blood of My Enemy” is a battle song that develops a sense of tragedy with keyboardist Adrienne Cowan lending her vocals for the chorus. “5150” picks up the pace and Johnny Plague opens a can of whoop ass! ”Either Way You Lose” will make you feel like a winner because you will be singing that to your enemies the moment you are turning them in to wieners!

Winds Of Plague have been a fascinating band to observe and have certainly changed since their debut Decimate The Weak. Winds Of Plague have continued to follow the symphonic path and are ready to show the masses that they are not just another deathcore band, the J-Ohster feels like they’ve come into their own. Listen to this album in Spotify and get your copy here! 

6 out of 6, Let the ‘Blood’ Flow

‘Nordkarpatenland’ Awaits!

Time to crack open a fresh cask of black metal from the Slovakian quartet known as Malokarpatan. These kvlt warlocks have conjured up their sophomore album Nordkarpatenland via Invictus Records. Warning! Malokarpatan will lure listeners with instrumental intros that seem to have been crafted for a Disney fairy tale before it flips into a song that can be featured in a Grimm fairy tale. Hang on to your cloaks lil red riding hoods, ‘cause we’re going balls in!

“Ked svetlonosi započnú v močariskách nazeleno svícit (When will-o-the-wisps begin to shine green in the bogs)” adds traces of doom and some stoner rock riffs to this black metal blend and the mixture is divine. Malokarpatan continue to be the masters of curve balls by kicking off some of their most brutal tracks with upbeat, orchestra, folk intros before giving you the good black metal stuff which is best heard in “V hustej hore na stračích nohách striga chalupu svoju ukrýva (Within the dense woods, the witch is hiding her hut on magpie legs),” which is the J-Ohster’s favorite track, and “Na horárni ve folvarku šafári rohatý jáger (A horned jaeger governs the gamekeeper’s lodge in the uplands).”

Malokarpatan continue to mix other influences such as the old school heavy metal riffs courtesy of guitarist HV and if you’re dying to see what I mean check out “V okresném rybníku hastrman už po stáročá vyčína (In the provincial pond, a water goblin has been raging for centuries),” and “Ked gazdovi upeleší sa v chyži nezdoba zmok (When a bugger kobold settles down in the farmer’s household).”

Temnohor’s vocals will give you a serious case of nostalgia and will remind listeners of the late 90’s wave of Norwegian black metal. Malokarpatan weaved together a black metal fairy tale that is darker than the charcoal ice cream all the kids and foodies are raving about but much like that ice cream, it is very flavorful and teeming with so many great melodies and stories. And this is only their second full length album y’all! But these seasoned metallers know just what they’re doing. Fall in to this rabbit hole and listen to it at Bandcamp and get your copy here!

6 out of 6, We’re headed to ‘Nordkarpatenland’

Ne Obliviscaris Open The ‘Urn’

Melodic extreme metallers Ne Obliviscaris will team up to lure you in to the other side and make you submerge yourself in to their latest Urn released via Season of Mist Records. The quintet from down under continue to let the symphonic and extreme elements dominate this album. If you are not butt hurt about their ongoing direction, good! We can continue.

Tim Charles will soften any blow with his beautiful clean vocals and his faithful fiddle especially in the first track “Libera, Pt.I: Saturnine Spheres” and “Intra Venus” which has a balanced amount of growls from Marc “Xenoyr” Campbell. Another nice song where you can really appreciate the high notes from Charles is in “Urn, Pt.I: And Within the Void We Are Breathless.” Random note, the J-Ohster appreciated the Apocalyptica like opening violin in “Urn, PtII..”

Like yours truly mentioned in the beginning, Ne Obliviscaris continue to fully embrace the melodic side of things and it continues to work for them. Also these songs may not be predominantly “Prog” but they were sure to keep the length of Prog songs meaning 6+ minute songs so that you can enjoy these tracks longer. Not every track is pure melody and mellowness because lead guitarist Benjamin Baret, guitarist Matt Klavins, and Xenoyr team up and sprinkle some great riffs and growls into this batch. You can listen to Urn in its entirety on Spotify now and get your copy here!

5 out 6, Can you hear the music, Mr. Krabs?

The Trials of Sept. 22, 2017 (Part 1)

Monarch Are Determined To Reign With ‘Never Forever’

French doom metallers Monarch are here to guide us in to a darker and deeper extreme of doom with their latest album Never Forever via Profound Lore Records. The ambience is real and potent in “Of Night, With Knives” which is appropriately followed by the soft and slow “Song to the Void” which will ease us in to other worldly territory. You ready for this? Hold on to your metaphysical crystals ‘cause he we go!

Emilie Bresson continues to be our sludgy spirit guide and will entice us in to the rest of this doomy Forever with her silky and growling voice. Bresson switches to that sweeter side yours truly mentioned and sticks to clean vocals in their cover of Kiss’s “Diamant Noir” where she makes us feel her pain.  “Lilith” treads carefully and Bresson continues to mix her screaming vocals while her angelic chords which are complimented by the dark and steady riffs from Shiran Kaïdine and Stéphane Miollan.

Monarch continue to put the doom in doom. Bresson’s tortured screams mixed with Kaïdine, Miollan and bassist MicHell Bidegain riffs amplify the grimness in this genre, lest we forget the precision from drummer David Hemery. For my doom enthusiasts who are ready to submerge themselves to the next darker level of this subgenre, this ambient baby is it. Blacken your doom dosage and get your copy here.

5 out 6, Forever and ever

Satyricon Rise From The ‘Deep’

We like our comebacks and our coffees just like our metal…legendary! Sigurd “Satyr” Wongraven and drumming extraordinaire Kjetil-Vidar “Frost” Haraldstad are back despite the few hiccups life threw at them. The iconic black metal duo has released their ninth studio album Deep Calleth Upon Deep via Napalm Records and it was just what the witch doctor prescribed.

Satyricon crack open their signature riffs and style in the track “Blood Cracks Open the Ground” but experiment a little in “Dissonant” and briefly add a trumpet! Whoa…But just super briefly in the intro so before you get your pleather gauntlets in a bunch, it’s still a Satyricon song. MORE COWBE…I mean trumpet… please! Want another uber Satyricon song with a little bit of vintage black metal elements? “Black Wings And Withering Gloom” will soothe that craving.

“To Your Brethren in the Dark” adds an extra drop of black before carrying you off in to the cold embrace of the title track “Deep Calleth Upon Deep” to whisk you away… to hell! JK! More like a nice gondola ride in the river Styx. Another thing worth mentioning about the title track is that it lives up to the simple but poetic artwork this album proudly wears. Satyricon keeps the faint theatrical ball rolling with “The Ghost of Rome.”

Deep Calleth Upon Deep is somewhat of an elegant beast, but it will unexpectedly envelop you with a calculating darkness much like death. What too grim? You’re  actually right for once… Okay, this album will swallow you up at a steady pace with a sweet darkness that will make you see the Norwegian stars in the dark forest. Better? Does this sound more positive? Is this possibly a love letter? I don’t know but what the J-Oh’ster does know is that you MUST check it out. See how you feel about it at our Spotify and when you fall in love with it, get your copy here.

5 Out 6, DEEPER!

 Archspire Continue Their ‘Relentless Mutation’

 Ya know who was in overdrive? Archspire. But that’s not surprising from these technical death metallers who are ready to melt our brains and eardrums with their latest Relentless Mutation which burst out of its cage via Season Of Mist.

Are you ready for this mother of a ride? Strap on you strap-ons tightly everyone! ‘Cause Oli Peters ain’t slowing down especially once you get him started in “Human Murmuration” and “Calamus Will Animate.” Peters’s rapid vocals can power a big ass steamboat or train, which to be fair, can be heard throughout the whole album, not just these tracks.

“Relentless Mutation” cranks down the dial just a few decibels and allows you to bask in the amazing riff work from Tobi Morelli and Dean Lamb. “A Dark Horizontal” caps off with an elusive and somewhat turbulent ride that will take you out of this world! Right before the final track reaches the half way point, we’re treated with some nice acoustic fluff before launching back to the stratosphere.

Archspire’s rise is sure to continue with their third full length album because much like the title of this album, they are continuing to evolve and dominate in this genre. The instrumental work and Peters’s impressive interchanging range of growls and squeals is a talent any metal head will appreciate. Give in to this latest mutation from Archspire and get your copy here.

6/ 6, You can’t stop this evolution

Vacivus Will Convert You To Worship Their ‘Temple’

Looking for a new addition to your music library? Vacivus is here to fill in that void with their debut LP Temple of the Abyss which rose out of Profound Lore Records. These Brits will guide you down to blackened death metal’s basement by adding extra blackness to darken this album. I’m sure Spinal Tap would be pleased by this darker shade of black. Are you salivating yet? Surprised I used a big word? Me too but once you give in to this album you’ll see why.

Vacivus still maintain the same speed from these genres in “Summoning Apophis,” and “Cosmological Necroticism” which shines with more black metal elements, not to downplay the rest of the album. This Temple needs a chant right? “Black Flame Serpent” will make you kneel and throw your horns in the air especially when Dan Rochester and Ross Oliver lay out that breakdown and that final grand riff.

Vacivus delivered a strong debut potent with black metal magick that’s seething with brutal death metal. Nick Craggs’s vocals will certainly give you the best of both worlds that blend in so great with the fantastic and ruthless instrumentals from the rest of Vacivus. It’s only a matter of time till these British imports are dominating our American ears and metal scene. Join the Temple of the Abyss and get your copy here.

6 out of 6, You’ll worship this album

The Trials of September 8, 2017 (Part 2)

Editor’s Note: Y’all actually thought that Team Klown was down and out for last week? Ha! The Klown had not yet begun to fight! Representing Team Klown is none other than the Klown himself. Please hold your applause till after this review. The Klown felt like these albums should have been featured by the “J-Oh-ster” but she apparently said “Nah.” So now the Klown shall crack open these cold ones before they fizz away!

Comeback Kid Come From Behind and From Behind

Sorry “uber-metalhead” but the Klown has NF2G on what your thoughts are on the Comeback Kid. Seriously, no fucks especially you, sister dearest. If Nuclear Blast Records thought they were worthy of being snagged so be it. This import from the mystical lands of the Canadás has managed to bring back their brand of hardcore with Outsider. The band starts off with “Outsider” which has sounds of hardcore punk and features the sounds of lead guitarist Jeremy Hiebert, bassist Ron Friesen which are immediately joined by Andrew Neufeld’s harsh vocals and riffs for the extra bit that it needed.

This contemporary also features fellow Canadian and musical genius Devin Townsend as a guest vocalist for their latest single “Absolute” which really added some extra oomph to an already good song. “Hell of a Scene” and “Somewhere, Somehow” take you on a melodic hardcore trip that’s radio friendly. Speaking of radio-friendly, “Consumed the Vision” was rather soft on the ears but it had more of a punk influence and also featured Scorpio’s Chris Cresswell lend his vocals to the track. The band really highlights Hardcore Punk with “I’ll Be That,” “Outrage (Fresh Face, Stale Cause)” and “Throw That Stone.”

The Kid takes the path of Punk in terms of speed with “Blindspot” and “Livid, I’m Prime.” The band finishes this album rather melancholically at the start with guest vocalist Matthew Goud of Northcote and his signature brooding like indie style music combined with CBK’s hardcore punk sounds. With all that said CBK lived up to their name and made the original comeback kid (and inspiration for their name) NHL Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux proud. You can get a copy of this comeback right here and see what the Klown is talking about.

6 out of 6 Comeback from Outta Nowhere

The album that comes from the mystical lands of the Canadás and a big comeback indeed

Living Colour Returns with Different Shades 

Living Colour… let’s face it guys, when you think of them you think of one song. “Cult of Personality” shall always be relative to this band, gamers will remember because of GTA: San Andreas’ Radio X and combat sports enthusiast because of ex-WWE/UFC competitor CM Punk. The band that Mick Jagger invested on has comeback with a brand new installment titled Shade which was released through Megaforce Records. The album kicks off with “Freedom of Expression (F.O.X)” which can be best described as vintage Living Colour doing Hard Rock.

It is then followed by “Preachin’ Blues” which, if you haven’t caught on, contains some Blues and makes a really awesome Blues-Rock track and features some guitar play and solo from Vernon Reid. They would do that again with “Invisible” and with a cover of “Inner City Blues” from the legendary father of Soul and Funk Marvin Gaye. “Program” features some Rap blended with the bands famed Hard Rock sound. Speaking of Rap, Living Colour pays tribute to a Rap legend and adds the Hard Rock element by covering the late, great Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace with “Who Shot Ya?” They also feature some Funk with “Blak Out.”

Reid creates a Blues-Rock solo and transitions with some Jazz in “Who’s That?” Reid also blends some trumpets, hip-hop, and Funk in the form of an organ-keyboard, and lay out the rest with some Hard Rock. This album closes out with “Two Sides” which, albeit slow, feels like a nice closer to an album that contained a medley of musical influences. This album was a pleasant surprise and felt like a comeback album for this famous group.  Check it out and get your copy here to see what the Klown is talking about.

6 out of 6, 50 Shades of Awesome

This Album had Shades and was a Cult of Personalities

Cannabis Corpse Reveal their Newest Stash

Ah, Cannabis Corpse. The band originally founded by members of Municipal Waste, GWAR and Antietam 1862 which is also a name that has confused inattentive metalheads since 2006. The stoner themed death metal band from Richmond, VA has officially released their fourth album Left Hand Pass through Season of Mist Records. Let’s just say that this album kicks off in a blaze of glory with “The 420^th Crusade.” Ray Suhy starting off this track with a slow guitar riff that paces a bit with some reverb and immediately picks up speed for some death metal bliss.

Phillip “LandPhil” Hall showcases a bit of Muni Waste’s influence in the beginning and continues with some death metal depth afterward to “Grass Orbit.” Going back to the Cannibal Corpse bit, the trio features some of those sounds and that of Nile’s with “Left Hand Pass” and “Effigy of the Forgetful.” Speaking of Nile, the band, in comedic fashion, take a page from Nile in the sense of storytelling with the short titled “Papyrus Containing the Spell to Protect Its Possessor Against Attacks from He Who Is in the Bong Water.”

This album finishes with “The Fiend That Come to Steal the Weed of the Deceased” which was a pretty good closer. The track starts off rather slowly and remains at the same pace toward the last minute which picks up a bit of speed towards the middle of the song. This album made a good impression on the Klown and has met the hype that the album was receiving prior to this. Lastly, you can check it on the label’s Bandcamp to check it out for yourselves.

6 out of 6 This Album is Brutally Lit!

Warning: This Album was Lit and Will Leave YOU Hungry for More

The Missed Trials: Hellfire Deathcult, Eths, and Temblad

Hellfire Deathcult Released an EP to Soothe Fans

The Klown and his semi-likable sibling have had the privilege of seeing this Chi-Town trio perform at the Brick by Brick once. So naturally they must have had some albums because logic! On February 22, 2017 Hellfire Deathcult released their Death Worship EP Our Ancient Future Records. Allow the Klown to state that this album has Reyes Perez’s vocals giving you an idea how Satan would sound like if he stubbed his toe and will take you on a ride of pure adrenaline. No f’n joke. The following three tracks really stood out to the Klown.

Right after the introductory track “Prayer ov Unholy Black Death” the gloves come off. “Abysmal Hate ov Christ” features guitarist/vox Alejandro “Quetzalcoatl” Alcantara’s gnarly but brief guitar solo towards the end which came as pleasant surprise adding more character to the song. “Anti God War ov the Apocalypse” features E. Rodriguez’s cymbal clashing, Perez’s powerful bass and him sharing vocal duties with Alcantara. Although “Ov Death and Hate” is the final track , it does a good job leaving you wanting some more and looking forward to what the group may bring out next.  It is also worth noting that although Rodriguez’s drumming and cymbal clashing shined the brightest on this track, the rest of the guys don’t tread far behind.

This album left the Klown wondering how the band brainstorms for their ideas mainly because it felt like a jam session. The members worked off of each other to create the songs, leaving you wanting more. The Klown absolutely recommends these gents if you really are looking for some black metal of energetic proportions or if you need a soundtrack for summoning demons at your next exorcism. You can check these guys out at their bandcamp.

5 out of 6, This will make you workout like a DEMON!

Eths Emerged with Fourth

The Klown has always liked the female fronted French ensemble known as Eths. The Klown was ecstatic and sad when their breakthrough III was released in 2012. Ecstatic because the group had signed with Season of Mist and were no longer a European exclusive act. He was sad because it was also the beginning of a long hiatus due to the sudden departure of front woman Candice Clot. Nevertheless, the Klown was shocked when Eths had another album out, he naturally wanted to check it out.

On April 22, 2016 the quintet released Ankaa and starts out strongly with “Nefas” by mixing some ambient samples with metal and having frontwoman Rachel Aspe doing justice to Clot’s vocal style. “Nihil Sine Causa” follows up powerfully by giving a heavy dose of metal featuring guest vocalists Jon Howard of Threat Signal and Sarah Layssac of Arkan.  Howard indulges this song with his metalcore vocals while Layssac softens things up with her harmonic voice. The song also features some electronic based sounds after the breakdown which would also be a recurring theme in this album.

“Seditio” gets experimental with the piano, heavy double kick drums from Soilwork’s Dirk Verbeuren.  Aspe adds her growling vocals into the reverb and dub step mix. “Nixi Dii” starts off really heavy and aggressive but tone it down a bit towards the middle with Aspe’s clean vocals after the breakdown, and turns it around with harsh vocals. This song gets a little experimental too with the use of samples of babies crying.

“HAR1” also features Ugh Metal’s most prolific, vocalist Bjorn Strid of Soilwork. Strid adds his distinguished vocals making this track sound like a Mushroomhead song, to the Klown anyway. “Kumari Kandam” and “Alnilam” will take you back to the classic sounds of Eths vocals and instrumentals without the samples. This album finishes with “Mintaka” which sound like classic Eths but with ambient tones added to signify the end.

This was all over the place but was still enjoyable and makes the diehard Eths fans understand why they needed to end the project. The band took a final bow on their final tour in May 2017 with the original lineup. You can check out this album on the label’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, Au revoir ma reine et mes chevaliers

Temblad Crowns Their Debut

Our local quartet Temblad has graced the Ugh Metal site twice before this moment. Now is the Klown’s turn to  feature these gents again but this time we’ll talk about their studio album debut Nevercrown which they released independently on April 26, 2016.

The album starts off strongly with “Caress the Rabid” right after the intro called “Daesh.” Right from the beginning you know you’re in for a treat of the extreme variety. “The Murderous Fifth” gives you a bit of groove without straying away from their established sound. “Stratageddon” features  Lorenzo Kemp sharing vocals with drummer Marlon Matthew while he struts his kicks, cymbals, snares and all.

“Paralytic,” “Ship of Traitors” and “Mockery of the Fanatic” are the Klown’s personal favorite on this album. Aside from being really aggressive, it feature everything the band has to offer including Kemp’s vocals. “Seeding Derision” spotlights Kemp’s skills on the guitar by showing off some playful riffs that are reminiscent to local powerhouse Cattle Decapitation. The best part about this album is also the fact the Matthew and Kemp decided to include most of their 2011 EP Mockery of the Fanatic and finish strongly with “Geist.” The song had great and fast drum beats, an awesome guitar solo and leaves you clamoring for more.

The Klown can confidently say that he can’t wait till the next album is released. You guys should check it out especially if you like Decapitated, Cattle Decapitation and Norma Jean. Lastly, you can hear and obtain this album through Temblad’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, This album will give you chills

The Trials of June 16

Igorrr Brings Back the Weirdness With His Latest

The man known as Gautier Serre has returned with one of his well known projects Igorrr. The newest installment Savage Sinusoid has been released through Metal Blade Records. If you are familiar with the man, then you are in for a treat. If you aren’t, allow the Klown to tell you that Child Bite makes more sense. The album starts off with the very experimental “Viande” which sounded like DJent on acid with repetitive, remixed screaming vocals.

The following song “ieuD” starts off with some harpsichord with Serre’s deep baritone vocals sounding like sniveling cries of pain which are then accompanied by some female soprano operatic vocals and mixed with some dubstep after the breakdown. “Houmous” starts the song with some accordion mixed with some electronic and clarinet which sounded like an erratic remix of a Russkaja song and finishes the song with a brief 8-bit version of the song. “Opus Brain” starts off with more of a house style EDM and features some more female operatic vocals before transitioning to brooding and remixed black metal elements and harsh vocals.

“Spaghetti Forever” begins with some acoustic guitar before the breakdown unleashing some dubstep with female chorus line, classical strings, double bass drum pedaling and screaming vocals. “Cheval” will take you to a demented version of Paris because it takes the sounds we associate with Paris and puts them in a mix and adds a bit of metal. The albums caps off with “Au Revoir” which starts and ends rather slow and tender with  the use of the piano, high female operatic vocals and choir. This track also features some symphonic metal and dubstep after the breakdown. If you are high on Electronic Dance Music style or experimental, then the Klown highly recommends this album to you. Lastly, you can check this album out in the man’s bandcamp.

4 out of 6, Drop the acid..LITERALLY! You don’t need it for this album

Mirrored In Secrecy Surprise their Fans with Latest

The former quintet known as Mirrored In Secrecy has returned with a second brand new album titled Solitution independently. The now sole member of the band, David Timsit, presents the diehard and potential fanbase of the Goth metal genre a showcase of his talents. Timsit starts this album with “Bittersweet” which was rather slow which was to be expected due to the fact that it’s supposed to make you feel the feels. The Klown, at one point in time, felt like he was listening to some lost Moonspell song but if Fernando Ribeiro showcased cleaner vocals. The Klown took a real liking to “Song of the Dead,” “Solitution” and “The Kill” aside from really sounding like Moonspell, Timsit featured a one-two vocal combo of clean and aggressive growling vocals.

The Klown also took a liking to “Megrim” and “Autumn Breeze” because it sounded like a young Septicflesh that was instrumentally combined with clean harmonic vocals. The difference between the two is that “Autumn Breeze” sounded more like attempting to do a rough dark ballad. “Ravenpath” was a dark, acoustic song one for the ladies and features Timsit’s clean vocals making things intimate, his voice was like a vampire seducing its victim before it feeds. Former bandmate Julia Kahlert takes over vocal duties for  “At The River” where Timsit briefly adds some of his vocals in the background to create an intimate duet. This was album was pretty good and chill for the most part. This album is strongly recommended for those diehard Goths who indulge in metal and diehard Moonspell, Septicflesh and Swallow The Sun fans. If you want to check out this album you can do so in the MIS’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, Gothify yoself!

Iced Earth Is Incorruptible

The quintet from Tampa has released their 12 installment Incorruptible through Century Media Records. This album was full of surprise even in pre-production starting with founding member/rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist Jon Schaffer going under the knife after their 2015 tour and the band becoming somewhat inactive, Iced Earth’s long time skinsman Brent Smedley reuniting with the band, lead guitarist Troy Steele leaving the following year and being replaced by current lead guitarist Jake Dreyer. Despite all that, it didn’t stop the band’s determination to put this baby out.

The band starts off strongly with “The Great Heathen Army” and though it was a bit slow at first it set an epic mood before transitioning to their signature epic power metal sounds. For metalheads who love Pirates of the Carribean, good news “Black Flag” will definitely be the song you want to check out! Aside from it being a sung narrative about the piracy, it tells a very bitchin’ perspective on both privateering and piracy but it also paints an epic battle scene of clashing steel, powder kegs blowing, and barrels of rum because it wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t any rum. For the ladies and gentle men, the group treats you to not one but two power ballads with “Raven Wing” and “The Veil.” “Raven Wing” features a bitchin’ solo from Dreyer and a very manly chorus to accompany frontman Stu Block’s vocals. “The Veil” is much darker and soothing, and the vocalist has hope about rekindling what was lost whereas “Raven Wing” is a standard power ballad.

The band picks up the pace with “Seven Headed Whore” and features Block’s interchanging vocals which switch from clean, harsh and even adds a few falsettos to the chorus. Also worth noting that Smedley made his presence known in this track by really thundering his drum like a thunder god! The band also features the bromantic song titled “Brothers” which feature several wailing solos from Dreyer. The band closes this album by revisiting the US Civil War with “Clear The Way (December 13^th , 1862)” retelling the Battle of Fredericksburg and the horrors and romanticism of war from a first person perspective. This was a great comeback for this metal giant. Lastly you can get your hands on this album here.

6 out of 6, What a comeback!

Carach Angren Latest Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

The Dutch black metal trio known as Carach Angren has released their latest, spine tingling album Dance and Laugh Amongst the Rotten through Season of Mist. The current masters of terror start this album with a melancholic piano intro to set the mood and acts as a catalyst for the infamous “Charlie” song. If you haven’t indulged in it, the Klown recommends that you do because “Charlie” is about an evil imaginary friend attempting to kill the protagonist staying true to the horror aspect. The song also features the signature screeching violin sounds used in scary movie and the rest of the band as a ghastly chorus.

“Blood Queen,” which happened to be the album’s first hit and a love letter to history’s most notorious blood queen Countess Elizabeth Bathory, was not only a bad ass song but also feature some symphonic sounds, piano, feminine whimpering, and ghastly struggling breaths adding some creepiness to the song. “Charles Francis Coghlan” follows right after and happens to be the current hit and pays tribute to the Anglo-Irish playwright/actor that would be the equivalent of Sylvester Stallone minus the action flicks, face paralysis, and huge muscle mass (by modern day standards) who entertained in both the UK and US theaters.

“Song for the Dead” set the tone and really represents the morbid approach of the group and feels as if you’re listening to a funeral song. The rest of the album from “In Da Naam Van De Duivel” finishes the album ridiculously strong and for those who mind orchestra, this track really gives you some pure extreme metal that the group is known for. The Klown could seriously give more deetz on this album but he may as well just talk about the entire album. Seriously, the Klown recommends this album if you fancy yourself a horror fiend and kvlt. Lastly, you could get your ears on this bad boy here.

 6 out of 6, Scary Terry has Found his Album, Bitch!

The Trials of June 9

Foscor Will Enlighten You with Their Fifth

The Barcelonan trio known as Foscor has returned after three years with their latest album Les Irreal Vision through Season of Mist. For those unfamiliar with these Catalonian’s work, they present you a dose of progressive/avant garde black metal like Oathbreaker. “Instants” and “Altars”strongly supports the Klown’s description. The songs were beautifully sung by frontman/ bassist Fiar, the fast drum beat from studio drummer J.F. adds some intensity to really compliment the speed this group sought out. The Klown understood why this song was chosen to carry this album’s banner “Ciutat Tràgica”. The song was much like the previous song in terms of intensity but ambient. Fiar adds a bit of autotune to his vocals and guitarist/pianist Albert “A.M.” Martí adds some piano to beautifully cap off the song while adding meaning and intimacy.

“Encenalls de Mort” really has guitarists Falke and A.M. shine, especially with the ambient but soothing guitar solos. The group also shows some signs of Opeth with “Espectre Al Cau” by giving you fast paced prog but, in this case, Fiar features some growls in between to add some fierceness to the mix and some piano and accordion effects to give a calming end. “De Marges I Matinades” was rather intense and featured heavy cymbal clashing and Fiar flaunting some howling vocals in lieu of his clean ones. The album closes with “Les Irreal Vision” which is an appropriate ending for this ambient sounding album. It was soothing not just because of  the guitars’ atmospheric riffs but it also featured a lot less drumming. The Klown highly recommends this album for fans of Oathbreaker, Opeth and Dark Tranquility. You can also check out the album in the band’s bandcamp and judge for yourself.

5 out of 6, The Darkness Seems a bit Bright

“Come into the Foggy Darkness” Foscor said “We got Metal!”

Dawn Of Ashes Emerge with their Seventh

The dark quintet known as Dawn Of Ashes have risen like a phoenix and reemerge with their brand new release Daemonolatry Gnosis through Metropolis Records. They release their fury with “Gods of Antinomian Path” and will leave you with a lasting impression of things to come in the album. The song is a great starter especially if you really love the symphonic and dramatic overtones of Dimmu Borgir.  “Smash Thy Enemies” features the same dramatic effect the Klown mentions but incorporate some Industrial which happens to be their primary genre. The Klown, however, loved “Guardians” because the track sounded like if Septicflesh and Dimmu Borgir were planning to have a baby and Fleshgod Apocalypse was chosen to be the surrogate mother of this song.

“The Ritual” was not only a great introductory track but the overture with howling wind sound effects set the tone for an epic transition to “Augoeides.” “Augieides” was not only epic but it had major Industrial overtones combined with melodic black metal sounds making it a very strong track and reminded the Klown of Dark Fortress. “Sermon of the Horned God” features the band’s symphonic take on the album which had the Klown thinking that he may have listened to a lost Septicflesh track. The song had frontman/keyboardist Kristof Bathory’s powerful vocals resemble Septicflesh’s Spirou Antonious’s, and had a great melodic guitar solo from Ken Raum and features some electronic effects towards the end  efficiently closing the song.  “Magick for the New Aeon” not only was it well rounded with some Industrial and symphonic influences, it also featured Cradle of Filth’s keyboardist/vocalist Lindsay Schoolcraft adding a woman’s touch. This was a great album to hear and pulled no punches. If you don’t believe the Klown, you can check out his exaggeration on the label’s bandcamp and hear it for yourselves.

6 out of 6, the Black Metal Phoenix has Soared Above

Reborn from the Ashes with Great Power

Rancid Releases a Fresh New Album

The legendary quartet formerly known as Operation Ivy has returned with their ninth studio album Trouble Maker through Hellcat/Epitaph Records. Much like most Rancid fans, the Klown too has been waiting for a new one since their 2014 release of Honor Is All We Know. The album starts fast and strong with the introductory track “Track Fast” and immediately transition with “Ghost of a Chance” which also kept up with the speed that “Track Fast” had started. The same can be said about “An Intimate Close Up of a Street Punk Trouble Maker.” “Telegraph Avenue” was a great song because it was melodic and complimented  legendary guitarist/vocalist Lars Friederickson and bassist/vocalist Matt Freeman’s chorus. Frontman/guitarist Tim Armstrong’s famous vocals kept the American punk spirit alive through a first person anecdote of a teenager going through changes of self and environmental due to political unrest.

“Where I’m Going” feature the Rancid signature mash of ska and punk. “Buddy” seemed like a memoriam with a message of not taking life for granted because of the short time we have. “Farewell Lola Blue” pays homage to WWII pilots, who went off to war young and reference the pin-up girl painted on the side of the planes. “Bovver Rock and Roll” gives a quick history lesson of a moment that is nearly unknown to most people: US invasion and bombings of Cambodia during the Vietnam War. While “Make It Out Alive” revisits the Civil War and follows a veteran who fought in the Battle of the Wilderness, lost his leg, saw hell, and paid his respect to a late president Lincoln. The track features Friederickson, Freeman and Armstrong sharing vocal duties. “Beauty of the Pool Hall” features some rockabilly influence and it’s a love song for the unconventional since the setting and the girl aren’t traditional.

If you happen to get your hands on the deluxe edition of the album the band treats you to two extra songs “We Arrived On Time” and “Go On Rise Up.” The Klown enjoyed this album but not as much as the diehard fans and punkers. Don’t get the Klown wrong, if you are a huge punker or love Rancid this is definitely a must-have but if you happened to be a casual listener still stuck on “Time Bomb” and “Ruby Soho” you may not enjoy it as much. You can get this album here.

5 out of 6, You’ll Still Wanna Do Bad Things With It 

Punk has never been seen so fresh

Suffocation Bring their Eighth Into the Light

One of the godfathers of technical death metal are back with a vengeance after a four year hiatus . The quintet known as Suffocation have released …Of the Dark Light through Nuclear Blast Records and is ready to destroy your eardrums. The New Yorkers start really strong with “Clarity Through Deprivation” and features Frank Mullen’s signature growling vocals and a really cool guitar solo from Terrance Hobbs towards the end. “The Warmth Within the Dark,” “Some Things Should Be Left Alone” and “Caught Between Two Worlds” has the band featuring some brutal death metal with Mullen’s vocals shifting gears to more guttural, growling vocals and speeds up the tracks towards the end after a brief breakdown.

“Some Things…” also features bassist Derek Boyer setting the foundation for the song and strumming that bass like legendary bassists Alex Webster and Ross Dolan. “Return to the Abyss,” “The Violation” and “… Of the Dark Light” has the band getting technical with and features guitarist Charlie Errigo complementing Hobb’s solos making the songs strong in terms of foundation. Lastly, “Epitaph of the Credulous” had the best of both the brutal and technical style of death metal and featured a really awesome solo from Hobb and some superb heavy bass slapping from Bower. It is also worth noting that the song features the vocalist of The Merciless Concept, Kevin Muller as lending his screams as backup vocals. This was a pretty awesome comeback from the quintet and the Klown can’t wait to see these guys when they come to town with Morbid Angel. The Klown highly recommends this album for the dedicated death metal aficionado and fans of Suffocation. You can get your hands on this badass return here.

6 out of 6, Breathing Easy because the Wait Is Over

Fans can now breathe again because Suffocation is back

The Hatchet Job: May 16-19

Editor’s Note: It’s so easy to be absorbed by the stigma and the shame society ingrains into people’s minds regarding mental health and its emotional counterparts. It’s also very easy to condemn those that have succumbed to their silent battles rather than to have empathy, learn from it, and create a safety net for others. But please, always remember that regardless of who you are and what you do for a living, what your musical preference is, your gender, your religious believes, or what your sexual preference is, your life matters. You matter. End of story.

We are all human with complex emotions and minds and there is no shame in that. Above all, we are irreplaceable. If you or someone you know needs a life line, don’t be afraid to reach out for it and get the help you need.

May 16

Oregon Venue Axes Shining Show, Vocalist Competes With Bobby Liebling In The Scumbag Olympics!

Not long ago we talked about how the Crypt Keeper who happens to be the vocalist of Pentagram and goes by the stage name of Bobby Liebling, pregamed for mother’s day by assaulting his octogenarian mother. Now Liebling faces a new and promising competitor that threatens his gold medal status in the scumbag Olympics. Who can this be?! Well it’s none other than the batshit crazy eccentric frontman of Shining Niklas Kvarforth!

You’re probably wondering just how he’s a threat to Liebling, especially since Bobby has an impressive résumé. Well Kvarforth joined the games when Tonic Lounge in Portland axed their May 17 show after he left quite the impression at The Shredder in Idaho on May 14. According to Toilet Ov Hell, the vocalist was not only accused of drugging a woman’s drink and threatening audience members, but he is also caught on the security camera outside of the venue making a gesture resembling the Nazi salute while attempting to attack an attendee.

“After booking them, it was brought to our attention that Shining’s singer has done and said many things that could be considered offensive, dangerous, or destructive.” Said Tonic Lounge on a now deleted statement on Facebook justifying their decision. “We were also told that later, while performing at The Shredder, he used many blatant racist and homophobic slurs on stage, threatened audience members with rape, slapped audience members in the face, and was sieg heil saluting repeatedly throughout their performance.”

Though the Ugh Metal team has seen Kvarforth in action before, and it was interesting to say the least, it was family friendly compared to the show at The Shredder and definitely this one. For those that have been to a Shining show will confirm that Niklas is a little screwy. Other venues didn’t seem to mind and Shining is on course to wrap up their tour with Wolvhammer and Revenge at the Rail Club on May 24. Check out Tonic Lounge’s full statement here and read all the dirty details and while you’re at it, check out the infamous video and you be the judge. After all of that, get your score cards ready! Who deserves the gold medal the most? Team Liebling or Team Kvarforth?

May 17

Time Do Things ‘The Ski Mask Way’

Ever wonder how GTA would be with a little bit of Body Count? Well, wonder no more and Body Count does just that in their latest music video for “The Ski Mask Way.” Minus the boring characters and the hookers *sigh.* This get-rich-quick anthem is featured in their latest album Bloodlust which is now out via Century Media Records. If you this song does not convince you to add this album to your collection, perhaps the Klown can persuade you.

May 18

Farewell, Mr. Cornell

One of the forefathers of grunge and vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Chris Cornell, has passed away at age 52. News of this tragedy broke in the early hours of May 18 after the vocalist’s bodyguard Martin Kirsten found him unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his hotel room at the MGM Grand Hotel Detroit. Later in the day, a medical examiner confirmed the rumor that Cornell took his own life by hanging himself making this already unfortunate incident more heartbreaking.

Cornell performed with Soundgarden earlier in the night at Detroit’s Fox Theater and was slated to headline at Pointfest in Missouri which has been cancelled, and Rock on The Range in Ohio which will still run accordingly. Several fan videos of Cornell’s last performance is going viral creating a bittersweet effect on fans offering a last glimpse of this great artist in action. Cornell leaves behind three children and his wife and an amazing musical legacy.

Our deepest condolences to Chris Cornell’s family, friends and bandmates. And to you Mr.Cornell, thank you for everything you gave to the world and for serving as a beacon for all the angsty youths. May your music offer a light at the end of the tunnel to someone that is stuck in their darkest hour.

Carach Angren Reign With ‘Blood Queen’

Melodic death metallers Carach Angren bring a visually haunting tale to life with their latest lyric video for “Blood Queen.” All that she wants is to have a behbeh, dammit! Either way, this is a bloody good ride that Guillermo del Toro would be proud and I’m sure Dario Argento would love that opening sequence. Check it out and get ready to Dance and Laugh Amongst the Rotten which will be released on June 16 via Seasons of Mist Records.

May 19

Decrepit Birth Release New Song From Upcoming Album

California technical death metallers Decrepit Birth released a fancy 360° video for their latest single “Epigenetic Triplicity.” The time off has not wavered the quartet’s brutality to table and will be releasing their first album in seven years on July July 21 titled Axis Mundi via Nuclear Blast Records. Take this video for a spin and don’t be a wiener and pre-order Axis Mundi now especially ‘cause this track will have you feeling all sorts of things.

Iced Earth Enlist On The “Great Heathen Army”

The white walkers may have the army of the undead but power metallers Iced Earth have the “Great Heathen Army” on their side. The lyric video showcases great artwork to accompany this battle song will surely please inhabitants of Valhalla and Hel. Be sure to preorder their June 16 album Incorruptible which will commence its raid through Century Media.  

The Hatchet Job: April 24- 28

April 24

Feels A Lot Like 1999

Adding to the nostalgia is KMFDM who not only announced the release of their June 23^rd five song EP Yeah!, but also a new studio album in August. Though the industrial band has left us in the dark regarding their upcoming album, they did surprise fans by announcing a tour! What year is this? Well whatever Doc and Marty McFly say, this is becoming an awesome year for music. KMFDM will hit the road here in North America with fellow industrial band Lord Of The Lost and OHGR. They will be making a stop here in San Diego on Oct.20  at the House of Blues and tickets are available now! Also be sure to keep you OG cool kid status and pre order Yeah! Which will be released via earMusic Records.

 

With OHGR & Lord Of The Lost:

10/01 Chicago, IL – Metro (‘Cold Waves VI Festival‘)
10/02 St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
10/03 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
10/04 Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
10/05 Falls Church, VA – The State Theatre
10/06 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
10/07 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
10/08 Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
10/09 Baltimore, MD
10/11 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade – Heaven
10/12 New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
10/13 Austin, TX – Mohawk
10/14 Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Live!
10/15 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
10/17 Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre
10/18 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
10/19 Las Vegas, NV – Fremont Country Club
10/20 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/21 Los Angeles, CA – TBD
10/22 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
10/24 Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
10/25 Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
10/26 Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
10/27 St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar and Hall
10/28 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II

April 25

Here Comes ‘Charlie…’

Carach Angren have summoned a new kind of classy but deadly beast with their latest single “Charlie.” The symphonic black metallers weave their net and pull us in to this haunting chapter from their upcoming saga titled Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten which will haunt us silly on June 16 via Season of Mist Records. I guess our new friend “Charlie” will have to keep us company till then, be sure not to anger him and take home this new chapter and pre order.

April 26

Songs To Fight Off 8-Bit Villains

Yeah, yeah , yeah, before you go off that this is not metal and blah blah blah, everyone can appreciate a nice video game soundtrack per se. Jimmy Urine may not be making eccentrically danceable music with Mindless Self Indulgence but he is back making eccentrically danceable music of the 8-bit kind. Urine has decided to embark on his own adventure and help you conquer that one stage you can’t get past with his solo album The Secret Cinematic Sounds Of Jimmy Urine which is now streaming on The End Records’ YouTube channel. Urine’s solo album won’t be unlocked for the masses till April 28 via The End Records, but for now indulge on the entire album. Excuse me, I have some ass asses to kick! *Puts on bright helmet and hopes on neon tricycle*     

April 27

‘Amateur Sketch’ Will Fuck You Up!

I guess we’ll allow Municipal Waste to paint us like one their French girls after listening to their latest single “Amateur Sketch.” The crossover thrashers will be making their festival rounds this summer in the Van’s Warped Tour this summer and will finally lather us with their June 23 album Slime And Punishment via Nuclear Blast Records. Get ahead of the game and pre-order this bad boi!

‘Never’ Say Never

You think Decapitated has been lounging and doing other things metal? Well you’re half right! The quartet has been doing other things of the metal variety such as making and releasing this brand new music video for “Never.”  The quartet not only let this baby loose, but they also announced their next album titled Anticult which will pour down all that Kool Aid on us on July 7 through Nuclear Blast Records. Another fun fact about “Never,” is that it’s their first single, so stay tuned for more and pre-order this gospel.

Feeling A Little ‘Blood Sick’

Man, this day been pretty eventful with so many videos to binge watch and albums to squeal to. In fact we are so excited, we feel a little sick with giddiness but luckily, Wednesday 13 gives us a little cure with their latest music video for “Blood Sick.” This video taps in to conquering your fears and having your sweet revenge on soulless arachnids, the type that devour your heart assuming you have one. Anyway this song will have you singing along, just like Wednesday knows how and if you just gotta have this song in your collection, be sure to pre-order Condolences which will comfort our blood sickness on June 2 via Nuclear Blast Records.

April 28

Come Alive With ‘Astralive’

Helsott unite and conquer with their music video for “Astralive,” which is now available on their April 28 EP The Healer via M-Theory Audio Records (OMG! That’s today). Get your battle axes ready and prepare to charge deep in to the woods, but not too far ‘cause we don’t have those fancy Norwegian park rangers that retrieve lost metal bands/people. Die with honor and joy after being part of this epic campaign and did I mention The Healer is out now?! Well go ahead and snag your copy!

 

The Trials of March 17

Note: The Klown would like to wish, especially to his Irish peeps, Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day! As you all know, this is technically the Klown’s Christmas! After all, the Keg part in the Klown’s full name wouldn’t be part of it! Enough about yours truly, don’t forget to bump som’a these new releases when you get shit faced. Most importantly, the Klown recommends Dropkick Murphy’s “Kiss Me I’m Shitfaced” or Flogging Molly’s “Drunken Lullabies!” So drink up me lad and lassies and, for fuck sake, please be responsible!

Demon Seduction Debuts their Studio Album

The German death metal quartet known as Demon Seduction, has released Dissolution independently and a day before St. Paddy’s. Right after the intro track, “…Through Fire” they immediately give you to some mellow death metal bliss. Kevin Leyendecker’s death metal growl resembles a younger Chris Barnes when he was still in Cannibal Corpse or a smoother and melodic version of Ross Dolan’s signature growl. A perfect example of these growls can be heard in “Over and Done,” by the end of this track you’ll think these legendary vocalists made a guest appearance. “Treasure in my Hand” had the Klown thinking, what if Wovenwar had guttural vocals? The Klown dug “Get What You Deserve,” although it was rather slow at the beginning, it picks up a bit as it progresses. The Klown really dug “Never Back Down” because it reminded him of Thick As Blood, if they decided to trade hardcore for a bit of brutal death metal. This album was not a bad start for the up and comers from East of the Rhine. This album is recommended for fans of Dethklok, Thick As Blood, Six Feet Under and Immolation.

5 out of 6, This Inauguration Was Still Better than Trump’s!

The Charm The Fury Sophomore Album Unleashes Euphoria

The Dutch quintet known as The Charm The Fury has released The Sick, Dumb and Happy through Nuclear Blast Records. Right from the start, “Down on the Ropes” is anything but that! It had more of a fight than the Klown anticipated. “Echoes” really showcases Caroline Westendorp’s interchangeable vocals and octaves which went from growls and screams to melodic and harmonic. “Weaponized” was an awesome track and really features the band’s talent for making a groove metal song fast paced and aggressive. In “Blood and Salt,” Westendorp comes at you with some harsh vocals but soothes you with a clean chorus to compliment the instrumentals much like Gojira. In “Silent War,” however, Westendorp stays clean, producing a lullaby that has the ability to tame a beast and gives you the feels. “Break and Dominate” was not only fucking awesome but it was a great closer for the album and leaves you hankering for more. This album was just fucking awesome in general and feels like the perfect breakthrough. If for some reason you’re not convinced by the Klown’s words, he recommends this album for fans of Eths, Arch Enemy, Straight Line Stitch and DevilDriver.

6 out of 6, Their Charm Will Soothe Your Fury 

Dodecahedron’s Sophomore has Finally Graced Us

Proving that the pentagram isn’t the only metal shape out there, Dodecahedron has released Kwintessens through Season of Mist after a five year hiatus. The Dutch black metal quintet proved that if patience is allowed the rewards will follow. This brand new installment was the tits! “Tetrahedron – The Cutting of the Unwanted from the Earth” took the Klown to some black metal similar to that of Dark Fortress. The Klown can say the same about “Hexahedron – Tilling the Human Soil,” while “Octahedron – Harbinger” gave the Klown a high. “Dodecahedron – An Ill Defined Air of Otherness” gave the Klown a good dose of Avant-garde style of black metal by having an aggressive start and winding down in the middle of the track to set a tone and building for a finale best suited for black metal enthusiasts. “Icosahedron – The Death of Your Body” will leave you with a blissful, ambient black metal sound as an ending. This album was a great comeback for these Dutchmen. The Klown highly recommends this album for Dark Funeral, Dark Fortress, Belphegor and Carach Angren fans. You can check this bad boy out through their bandcamp.

5 out of 6, These Dutch Are Not Scum!

Fit For An Autopsy Forks Over their Fourth

Proving that Overkill isn’t the only good thing outta Jersey, Fit For An Autopsy have now released The Great Collapse through EOne Music. Right from the start, “Hydra” gets in your face and gives you an idea of what to expect from this album. Joe Badolato’s vocals along with the rest of the bands instrumentals sound like a really pissed off Whitechapel which be heard in “Iron Moon” and “Too Late.” Speaking of Badolato’s vocals, he shows off his talents with “Heads Will Hang” by interchanging between growls and clean vocals during the chorus. Relax, staunch deathcore heads, this isn’t a sign of things to “go down the shitter” like Suicide Silence. “Black Mammoth” was fucking awesome, in general and rightly chosen to represent this album and while “Empty Still” sounds like a death metal ballad, it doesn’t compare to “Spiral.” Unlike “Empty Still,” “Spiral” was more up tempo and more death than core, despite the fact that it was still a ballad. The Klown recommends this album if you’re a fan of Whitechapel, Lamb of God, Carnifex and Despised Icon. If you’re not convinced by everything the Klown said you can check’em out on their Youtube page.

 6 out of 6, The Album Title Best Describes the Day After St. Paddy’s and the Lightweights 

Obituary Continues to Keep Death Metal Alive

If by now you’re not familiar with Obituary, you’re either a child or a bad metal head. But the Klown will digress and indulge you a bit on these pioneers of the death metal genre. Since 1984, this Floridian quintet alongside with the legendary Death, ventured further during the height of thrash metal. These pioneers experimented with the sounds of thrash, punk, hardcore along with the vocals.

Flash forward to now and the legendary quintet have released their 10th and self titled album under Relapse Records. The album opens with “Brave” track which feature Kenny Andrews kick ass guitar solo and smoothly transitions to “Sentence Day” which is a great following track. Andrews’ solo continues to steal the spotlight and shine in “Betrayed”. “A Lesson in Violence,”“End It Now” and “Straight to Hell” give a nod and a retouch of Back from the Dead album. Speaking of old school, John Tardy brings out his legendary death metal vocals for “It Lives.” This album also features a bonus track for the diehard Obituary fans titled “No Hope.” This was an awesome album and great comeback to compliment the Inked in Blood album. The Klown believes that you if you really love death metal, then you will have no problem loving this new album.

6 out of 6, They’re Still Alive and Kickin’