Roughly a year has passed since the dissolution of Queensryche. In a split that has played out a little too much in the public (raise your hand if you’ve read the depositions), the metal scene’s voice should speak loud and clear when the sales results for the Todd La Torre-fronted version are released. It’s one of the few moments in which units sold can help determine the fate of a band, for there’s no doubt these figures will play a critical role come November when the two parties will duke it out in the courts. Our bet is that Geoff Tate will leave with his tail firmly tucked between his vest-wearing waist… – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Our Jungle Rot giveaway is entering its final week. Click here for a chance to win!
Features
Our resident horror movie fiend Ken Gallant has penned the June installment of his Horror Metal Sounds column. This month, he spoke with noted crime author Corey Mitchell, who is teaming with Phil Anselmo in the inaugural Housecore Horror Film Festival.
Matt Coe connected with legendary Savatage mastermind Jon Oliva to discuss his new solo album, and of course, the legacy of Savatage.
Highly influential Swedish producer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Swano caught up with us for an interview that stretched into two installments. Here’s the first. And here’s the second.
Reviews
Palms, he highly anticipated project between former members of Isis and Deftones singer Chino Moreno is every bit as good as predicted.
Japanese sludge masters Coffins throttle some eardrums on their new platter, The Fleshland.
Heralded Israeli metallers Orphaned Land return with All is One. Time to feel good and spread the love.
On the eve of their appearance on this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, female-fronted thrashers Huntress take a step up on their sophomore album, Starbound Beast.
Exotic Taiwanese trope Chthonic create yet another cinematic and thrilling adventure via Bu Tik.
Folk heroes Fejd are doing what they do best on Nagelfar.
Super-popular Viking metallers Amon Amarth return with Deceiver of the Gods.
Finnish swamp metal lords Kalmah strike big again with Seventh Swamphony.
The aforementioned Queensryche recall the glory days of 1983 – 1994 with their self-titled album. Oh how we missed thee…
The Roland Grapow-led (ex-Helloween) Masterplan put on a rather predictable, but wholly enjoyable display of FM-ready power metal on Novum Initium.
The news in ten
1. Canadian hyperblast lords Kataklsym have completed the recording of their new album, Waiting for the End to Come.
2. Nachtmystim hits the studio, expecting different results than last year’s Silencing Machine.
3. Iron Maiden’s London 02 show sells out in 12 minutes. The biggest metal band in the world? Definitely.
4. Dream Theater completes mixing of their second album with drummer Mike Mangini.
5. A true WTF moment: Andrew W.K. picked to open Black Sabbath’s North American tour.
6. Emerging thrashers Battlecross post the lyric video for “Flesh and Bone.”
7. Alcest and Anathema team up for North American tour. DR’s editor will be down front, probably swooning. Or something like that.
8. The Haunted bring back Marco Aro and Adrian Erlandsson. Made Me Do It Part II? Sure thing.
9. Machine Head performs live for the first time with new bassist, Jared MacEachern.
10. Dave Mustaine and Kenny G spoof The Men’s Wearhouse.