Speculation points to a reunion of Megadeth’s classic Rust In Peace-era lineup, one that aside from Mustaine and Ellefson, featured guitar maestro Marty Friedman, and underrated drummer Nick Menza. Friedman has enjoyed a massively successful solo career in Japan, which would almost take him out of the equation, while Menza has been asking for his job back through the media for years. But with Megadeth’s career entering its twilight portion and their popularity having leveled off since 2013’s underwhelming Super Collider, a reunion with Friedman and Menza might do the trick… – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
The latest and greatest from Bandcamp in this very column.
Features
Unquestionably one of the most exciting, young German bands to emerge of late, Alpha Tiger spoke with Matt Coe on their continued development, and hopes for touring the United States.
Portland sludge behemoths Lord Dying appear to have hit their stride with Poisoned Altars, something guitarist/vocalist Erik Olson was kind enough to share with Kyle McGinn.
The venerable Venom are back with a new album in the form of From the Very Depths. Guitarist “Rage” gave DR the scoop.
Reviews
Finsterforst given Moonsorrow a run for their money with Mach Dich Frei.
Russell Allen dives into another project, this time with Primal Fear’s Mat Sinner in Level 10.
Swiss metallic weirdos Kruger keep it linear on Adam and Steve.
Fans of Daylight Dies and classic Katatonia would be advised to check out Atten Ash, whose The Hourglass effort is a winner.
Would-be French supergroup One-Way Mirror continue to disappoint, this time with Capture.
The mighty Blind Guardian are at their grandiose best with Behind the Red Mirror.
The above-mentioned Lord Dying bring the sludge on Poisoned Altars.
The news in ten
1. Melechesh teams up with Max Cavalera for “Lost Tribes.”
2. Nighwish releases yet another making-of video for their new album.
3. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler arrested in California.
4. Behemoth to release official autobiography via Metal Blade.
5. Barren Earth reveal new album details.
6. Voivod releases a new jam, “We are Connected.”
7. Shadows Fall bassist Matt Bachand to assume bass duties in new Chris Broderick/Shawn Drover project.
8. Paradise Lost to release The Plague Within this June.
9. Winds of Genocide streams their new album in full.
10. The Sirens release video for “Fearless.”