Labor Day weekend is here, and you know what that means. Back to school! Teachers get to wake up early, and parents get to celebrate that their child(ren) won’t be bugging them the entire day. It also means that we are at the start of a very busy and crowded tour season, with much to choose from, regardless of your taste in metal. Let the ear-ringing commence! – Kyle McGinn
General Housekeeping
Our latest giveaway continues! Win yourself a copy of Ion Vein’s fine self-titled cd and a t-shirt.
Features
The latest Sifting Through Bandcamp focuses on the smaller EPs you may have missed.
Matt Coe discusses Accept’s latest album with Wolf Hoffmann.
We discuss all things Eluveitie with Anna Murphy.
Robert Stjärnstöm of Machinae Supremacy tells us about the band’s intriguing approach to their “SID-metal.”
US black metal institution Krieg gives us the low-down on Transient.
Reviews
american’s Coping With Loss is not for “those reveling in bliss.”
The Haunted are back to being pissed off on Exit Wounds.
According to Matthew Bowling, YOB’s Clearing the Path to Ascend is “glorious.”
Vedic death metallers Dying Out Flame show major potential with Shiva Rudrastakam.
Fans of classic heavy metal should check out Bullet’s Storm of Blades.
Joshua Overbey says that Fornicus’ debut, Storming Heaven, is “meticulously crafted.”
Funereus’ Return of the Old Goat is “a well-done work of furious funeral hexing darkness.”
Pallbearer’s Foundations of Burden is a “riveting journey.”
The news in ten
1. Isis alters Facebook page after being mistaken for terrorist group.
2. Ensiferum to begin recording new album in September.
3. Shadows Fall taking a break following final European and North American tours.
4. Cannibal Corpse release Bible of Butchery details and excerpts.
5. Obituary streaming new song “Visions in My Head.”
6. Anaal Nathrahk release Desideratum album details; streaming new song “Idol.”
7. Watch Exmortus perform US national anthem at minor league baseball game.
8. Stream the new Crimson Shadows album Kings Among Men.
9. GWAR declares 2014 GWAR B-Q a success.
10. Exodus announce Blood In Blood Out track listing.