Coming back from a brief vacation before the new school year kicks in, a few days away brought forth a wealth of top-notch metal releases waiting to be listened to. None more entertaining though than the new Sanctuary track released a few days ago (see news bit at the bottom of this page). Bringing a modern recording sound to the legendary band and a welcome return of Warrel Dane’s vocals to my speakers, The Year the Sun Died is now poised to be one of the most anticipated of the season at this point. A number of solid contenders at this point; who will get the crown of ‘best comeback’ here in 2014? – Kyle McGinn
General Housekeeping
Last call for our Unspeakable Axe 2 cd giveaway!
Photo gallery from the Philly stop of the Summer Slaughter tour, featuring Decrepit Birth, Dying Fetus, Fallujah, Goatwhore, Origin, The Faceless, and Morbid Angel.
Also check out some photos of High on Fire from Toronto.
Features
Matt Coe goes in-depth with Wolf’s Niklas Stålvind with this two-part interview. Part I and Part II.
Halcyon Way’s Steve Braun gives us the skinny on their new album, and how he made Barbara Walters cry.
Se Delan’s Justin Greaves tells us all about The Fall.
Reviews
Matthew Bowling states, “magic awaits” with Opeth’s Pale Communion.
Fans of unique technical death metal should tune in to Solace of Requiem’s Casting Ruin.
Hammerfall brings fans more of what they want with (r)Evolution.
Epicenter bring the thrash on Grab the Reins.
The Re-Arrival is a worthy compilation for new and old Deadlock fans.
Daniel Keating says that Winterfylleth’s The Divination of Antiquity is, “a well-balanced and masterful album.”
Malpractice provide some quality progressive metal on Turning Tides.
“A host of future beer drinking festival anthems” await with Striker’s City of Gold.
The news in ten
1. Iced Earth mainman posts update on neck surgery recovery.
2. Nero di Morte unveil Derivae cover art; teaser video now available.
3. Opeth: New album streaming in its entirety.
4. Superjoint Ritual to reunite and be called Superjoint.
5. Gwar announces “Gwar Eternal” fall tour dates.
6. Ex-Megadeth lead guitarist Glen Drover collaborates with current Queensryche vocalist.
7. At the Gates reveals cover art for comeback album.
8. Sanctuary streams new song “Arise and Purify.”
9. Obituary releases first album trailer for Inked in Blood.
10. Nuclear Assault to release new album; gears up for final tour.