The UK's Most Dedicated Metal Blog
You simply cannot be a fan of European metal without having heard of Blind Guardian. The band are such a staple in the continent’s heavy diet, that now you could find German elders in the street knowing a couple of songs from the band at least. Blind Guardian are massive, and their current tour has justified that nothing is stopping them from getting bigger. And we had to travel to the USA to find a moment of their time.
Secret Boulder passages, hidden bathrooms and of course the high society living. Wiping the sacred parchment whilst eating what could be seen as an entire farm, Homer, not the Greek literary genius but the balding yellow charmer is banished from The Stone Cutters forever. Thankfully our Duff drinking main man hasn’t anything happen to him but not all are so lucky. Tackling the idea of secret society’s within this world we know Testament invite you into the belly of the beast to join The Brotherhood Of The Snake.
Tomorrow, October 28th.
No pressure. Two words that when applied cause the absolute opposite of their desired effect. Holing themselves away to write the follow up to 2012’s Dark Roots Of Earth, Testament began crafting their next chapter in the band’s history. Appearing sporadically for tour opportunities the band were somewhat biding their time. Knowing that their new record would be entitled The Brotherhood Of The Snake there was some form of narrative the band could follow. Speaking with the booming and entirely delightful, Chuck Billy we found out that, to quote the band there was more than meets the eye with their new release. Scheduling in studio time without being entirely prepared, something the band had never done before, their backs were firmly up against the wall. Nevertheless like the proverbial snake, when cornered the animal can become fierce, enraged and most importantly incredibly dangerous. With that in mind we’re let into the world of Testament and how with their strongest line up in years they came to write one of their most vicious records yet. No pressure.
Sweden’s prestige industrial output bring some sharp-edged ingenuity into the London live arena.
As the final breaths of summer come to a close the metaphorical demise of the year begins. The autumnal greeting of cold sees our trees dishevel, leaves fall and wind blow. Turning an amber glow the leaves serve as a reminder of the past, organically fading away to be born anew in the beginning of a new summer. Celebrating their decennium of The Great Cold Distance, Lachrymose romantics, Katatonia return to their wistful memories to deliver a set consisting of the album in its entirety along with a second set following each era of the band’s astonishing twenty five year lifespan. Spanning three hours worth of music before this mammoth undertaking however we were made privy to premiere talent in the new bloods.
Strength can be manifested in many different forms. From the most literal take on the subject of the physical act of lifting to something far re demanding, emotional strength. Resolving to carry on despite the passing of their friend and band member Piotr, Riverside rally together their collective musical strength to bring to the world their final release as a four piece. Presenting to us Eye Of The Soundscape it’s clear that Riverside will never truly be the same band again as we move into a new chapter in the band’s life cycle.
Amaranthe have become my favourite punching bag as of late, but they really set themselves up for it with that last release of ‘Massive Addictive‘ that was nothing more than Abba on acid…at best. With 2016 having such a rich array of excellent metal albums, we gotta find something rotten right?