DR’s partially-tan editor had the good fortune of attending the Burgettsown, PA stop of the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival recently, holding it down with a throng that was mostly kids, some old-timers, and the spare odd duck in the bunch (one dude had a Hannibal Lector-type mask on all day). Sure, some of the acts on the bill were questionable (Butcher Babies, Emmure, FFDP), but the fact the under-21 crowd was in full-force bodes well for our scene. There doesn’t appear to be an age drop-off on the horizon, something that hurt metal significantly in the 90s. This means the odds will remain strong that bands such as Amon Amarth and Children of Bodom will land this gigs such as this, making those who first stumbled upon said acts in the late 90s/early 00s a bit prideful. We found them first, but are glad to share. – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
We are running a giveaway for Omega Reign’s new album, Arise. Check it on out!
Features
Canadian thrashers Fatality were kind enough to grace us with the second installment of the North American tour diary.
Emerging Swedish guitarist Ola Englund talks about his new gig with The Haunted, and his love for guitar gear.
Norwegian Goth metal crew Sirenia chatted it up with DR, professing their love for physical product. As in, CDs.
Australian noise-mongers The Amenta recalled a time when the soundman was asleep at the board during a gig in Pittsburgh.
Reviews
Goregrind forefathers Autopsy return with their second post-comeback album, The Headless Ritual.
Victory Records has entered the black metal derby with Montreal’s Erimha, whose Reign Through Immortality effort proved to be admirable.
Finnish grinders Unkind kick up a storm on their new (and Relapse debut) Pelon Juuret.
Pest are receiving all sorts of good press for The Crowning Horror. Why not DR too?
The Meads of Asphodel’s new Sonderkommando is their most sobering effort yet. And their best.
De Arma weave a magical 80’s dark rock spell on Lost, Alien, and Forlorn.
Classic metal troupe Witches Mark charm the pants off of our Matt Coe with Witching Metal Ritual.
One-man black metal outfit Carrier Flux bypass all sorts of negative stereotypes on Objection.
Swedish death/thrash giants Darkane are back with The Sinister Supremacy. As expected, it’s awesome.
Swedish motley rockers Sister Sin had their debut, Dance of the Wicked, receive the ‘ole reissue treatment
The news in ten
1. California thrashers Warbringer have hit the studio and posted a video of their progress.
2. Metal Church have set Generation Nothing as the title of their new album
3. Slayer posts the first shot with Gary Holt and Paul Bostaph entrenched in the ranks.
4. Artillery signs with Metal Blade Records.
5. Sepultura completes recording of their new album.
6. Pirate metal gang Alestorm announces a fall North American headlining tour.
7. Carcass unveil the artwork for the much-anticipated Surgical Steel comeback.
8. Mercenary posted a new jam, “Generation of Hate.”
9. The Todd La Torre-fronted version of Queensryche have posted the video for “Fallout.”
10. Dream Theater announces new album details…and it’s going to a self-titled outing.