Dead Rhetoric.com Week in Review: August 11 – August 17, 2013
Saturday, 17th August 2013
This week, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler hinted the band’s days of full-scale touring might be a thing of the past. With the respective members of Sabbath well into their 60’s, there is no way touring doesn’t take a toll on the band. Compounded with years of drug abuse and the wear-and-tour that comes from being on the road for an extended period of time, it’s no wonder Sabbath are able to dutifully perform the shows they have lined up now, let alone the spare one-off dates. If Sabbath is the first legendary metal act to bow out of the touring circuit, then Priest, Motorhead, and eventually Iron Maiden won’t be too far behind. It’s going to be a weird (and sad) sight… – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Quite the busy week in our Photos section, so check out shots of Anthrax in Israel, a solo Phil Anselmo, Wintersun, Summer Slaughter, and more.
Our vintage video pick is Meshuggah’s “Humiliative.” Sweet hair, Jens Kidman.
Features
German black metal pair Imperium Dekandenz talk to DR about what it’s like to be nostalgic, as well as how they get by in a power/thrash-dominated world.
Canadian thrashers Fatality check in with their 8th North American tour diary.
From the ashes of Akercocke comes Voices, who plan to carry on their previous band’s tradition of challenging and avant-garde extreme metal.
Danish melodic death metal masters Mercenary were on the promotional trail for their new album, Through Our Darkest Days. Guitarist and longest-tenured member Jakob Mjolberg did the talking.
Reviews
Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie’s third solo album Impermanent Resonance might not have the girth of its predecessor, but it’s a solid body of work nonetheless.
While she waits to get the nod as permanent lead singer of Nightwish, singer Floor Jansen has released the second album from her new band ReVamp, Wild Card.
Retro thrash’s time has come and gone. Someone tell that to Fueled by Fire, whose Trapped by Perdition sounds old, worn, and tired.
Phil Anselmo’s first solo effort Walk Through Exits Only is a mixed bag indeed.
Norma Jean have enjoyed a mid-career burst, capped off by their new album, Wrongdoers.
Chicago thrashers Diamond Plate come across as workmanlike on their second album, Pulse.
Looking to lose some brain cells? Then listen to Wilson’s Full Blast Fuckery.
Canadian cult death metal heroes Gorguts return with Colored Sands.
Indian trad-thrashers Kryptos demonstrate promise (and Coroner-like vocals) on The Coils of Apollyon.
The product of long-time PR guru Curran Reynolds, Body Stuff is certainly an obtuse listen, but enjoyable nonetheless.
The news in ten
1. Katatonia post the lyric video for “The One You Are Looking For Is Not Here.” No guitars = no problem.
2. Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler says some “surprises” are in store. Any guesses?
3. Testament will release The Dark Roots of Thrash CD/DVD in October.
4. Anthrax posts the first band photo with recently-inserted lead guitarist Jon Donais.
5. No more Black Sabbath tours? Geezer Butler thinks so.
6. The Black Dahlia Murder and Skeletonwich team up for a North American tour.
7. Iron Maiden’s “Trooper” beer lands in the U.S.
8. Carcass’s U.S. tour has already sold-out.
9. Jazz metal kingpins Shining announce plans to hit North America this fall.
10. Therion posts the video for “Mon Amour Mon Ami.”
