No bit of news this week carried more weight than the rumored retirement of AC/DC. The Aussies – who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year – are slated to enter a Vancouver studio in May to begin work on a new album, yet word broke that a member was seriously ill (Malcolm Young), threatening not only the production of said album, but the band’s career as well. Two days of speculation gave way to a prepared statement from the band stating Young would be taking an indefinite leave AC/DC. Certainly not the ideal situation, it does prolong the band’s career a little more, one that has influenced virtually every metal band under the sun. Plus, is there really anyone on this planet who actually dislikes AC/DC? – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Our 15 Reasons + Nami + Viza, and Cultfinder giveaways roll on. Enter them here, and here.
Live shots: Destruction, Krisiun, and Cauldron tear up Toronto.
Features
French post-metal mongers Dirge have an excellent new album in the form of Hyperion. The band was too kind to discuss its contents and more via this interview.
Goatwhore frontman Ben Falgoust sat down with Bridget Erickson prior to the band’s San Francisco. So productive was the chat that we divided it into two parts, here and here.
Long-running Finnish extremists Impaled Nazarene have cultivated a steady, yet sometimes controversial career. Nobody can speak better to it than vocalist/founding member Mika Luttinen.
Reviews
Speaking of Impaled Nazarene, their new Vigorous and Liberating Death effort is an inspired, vitriolic display. No surprise, really.
The fiercely independent Cormorant return with their third album, the quite enjoyable Earth Diver.
Created solely for Record Store Day (which is today), Ghoul’s Hang Ten sees the ugly thrashers try out some “surf rock” jams.
The cover art of Castle’s Under Siege should reel one in immediately, but according to our Matthew Bowling, it’s the best most accomplished work to date.
Russian folksters Arkona take another romp with Yav.
Pure, mid-90’s inspired black metal has a new face via Tortorum’s new Katabasis.
Animals as Leaders continue their instrumental dominance with The Joy of Motion.
More fascinating cover art: This by way of Chicago sludge-doomers Lord Mantis, who on Death Mask, create an album that’s “not for the faint-hearted.”
The Godfather of Power Metal, Kai Hansen, along with his Gamma Ray merrymen have released their best album since 2001’s No World Order with Empire of the Undead.
One of the year’s true black metal surprises, Vanhelga’s Langtan has a flurry of savory twists and turns.
The news in ten
1. New Vallenfyre song streaming, “Odious Bliss.”
2. Edguy streams new album, Space Police – Defenders of the Crown in full.
3. In Flames reveal the cover art for their forthcoming Siren Charms album.
4. Unisonic to release For the Kingdom EP this May.
5. Mastodon streams new song, “High Road.”
6. Carnal Forge streams two new songs.
7. Agalloch announces North American tour dates for this summer.
8. 1349 releases lyric video for “Slaves.”
9. The Black Dahlia Murder to release Fool ‘Em All DVD.
10. Aborted releases “Coffin Upon Coffin” lyric video.