With all the hoopla surrounding the induction of Kiss into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it begs, in some way, the question of who will be the next legitimate metal band to get in behind Black Sabbath and Metallica. Judas Priest or Iron Maiden seem to be the most likely, but given the Hall’s propensity to ignore bands with a major grassroots following, it doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. And while Revolver Magazine has started some sort of faux hall by way of their Golden Gods awards, the “ultimate” induction is through the official Hall. Then again, methinks neither Maiden or Priest are too worried about being inducted…and neither are a lot of metallers. – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Two giveaways launched this week: One for three bands (15 Reasons, Nami, and Viza), the other for Culfinder. Check ’em out.
Defunct Australian depressive rockers Grey Waters are a band you may have missed.
Caught in the act: Live shots of Kataklysm, Aborted, and Hallows Die in Toronto; The Dillinger Escape Plan in Philadelphia.
Features
Kyle McGinn wades into the world of Bandcamp for his April edition of Sifting Through Bandcamp.
Napalm Death guitarist Mitch Harris recently launched a new project, Menace, of which he was more than willing to discuss in this interview.
Bolstered by the acquisition of two former God Dethroned members, Netherlands-based melodic black metal band Winter of Sin are enjoying some new-found popularity. Here to discuss is guitarist Ricardo Gelok.
Former 3rd and the Mortal vocalist Kari Rueslatten has returned with her first solo offering in nine years. Read what the super-nice songbird had to say here.
Reviews
Dio’s This is Your Life tribute doesn’t disappoint, even if “Caught in the Middle” was spared from the track listing.
Elusive French black metal outfit Aurvandil have a new effort in the form of Thrones on their hands. Get the scoop here.
Italian practitioners of power metal Battleroar keep it steady on Blood of Legends.
German metal goofballs Edguy make a semi-return to form via Space Police – Defenders of the Crown.
Lacuna Coil continues to release unremarkable albums. Black Crown Halo is the latest in a rather disappointing line.
A sour-sounding name, but quite the enjoyable album, Nux Vomica are described as “gnarly, insidious, wicked, and ingenious.”
German thrash supergroup Noneuclid go the unconventional route via Metatheosis.
Seattle post-black metal troupe Sol Negro show they’re a band to watch via Dawn of a New Sun.
Triptykon’s Melena Chasmata is a possible Album of the Year candidate.
The ever-visible A. Nemethanga of Primordial keeps the quality material coming by way of his new doom band, Dread Sovereign, whose All Hell’s Martyr’s has some merit.
The news in ten
1. Kataklysm officially part ways with drummer Max Duhamel.
2. In Flames to release Siren Charms in September.
3. Surviving members of GWAR launch the Dave Brockie Foundation.
4. Judas Priest to unveil new album details soon.
5. As I Lay Dying members clear the air on their situation.
6. Revocation joins the Metal Blade Records roster.
7. Johan Edlund to leave Tiamat.
8. Opeth to release new album, Pale Communion, in June.
9. Mayhem streams a new song, “VI. Sec.”
10. Insomnium releases “While We Sleep” video.