The 2013 installment of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival launched this week, making us recall the halcyon days of Ozzfest and the rise of nu metal. Ozzfest’s breakout year was 15 years ago in 1998, when the nu metal brigade was in full form, with the likes of Limp Bizkit, Soulfly (yes, they were nu metal when they started), Sevendust, Coal Chamber, Snot, Ultraspank, and Monster Voodoo Machine ushering in a new era of “metal.” Of course, this wasn’t the tried-and-true metal that any punter can easily identify; it was dudes with frosted tips, wife-beaters, turntables, really baggy pants, and rapping accompanying really stupid riffs.
The nu metal cronies dominated Ozzfest bills until 2004 when the style finally and thankfully ran its course. So, when a big North American festival comes to your town, have a little imagination and remember, 15 years ago, a band like Limp Bizkit was passing as metal. All for the nookie, right? – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Which band survived a big-time singer switch the best? Vote in our poll to decide!
Mexican melodic death/doom champs Majestic Downfall are streaming the new song, “Lifeless” on the site. Check it out!
Features
Toronto thrashers Fatality were kind enough to pen a tour diary of their North American tour for us. Read about their road mis-adventures and more.
Norwegian metallers Tristania are no longer a Goth band, and they want to make sure you aware of this fact. Their new album, Darkest White is pretty good, so consider them in the clear.
New Queensryche vocalist Todd La Torre phoned DR to give the scoop on the band’s new album and offered up some choice words about some vest-wearing, bald-headed singer.
Reviews
Septicflesh’s seminal 1995 album Esoptron got the reissue treatment..and it rules.
Scott Olivenabum isn’t buying the hype on Kylesa, panning their new Ultraviolet album.
Underrated Finnish melodic death metal maestros Noumena are back after a seven-year layoff with Death Walks with Me.
The Ocean’s new Pelagial is a step out of the post-metal box and into unchartered (and watery) territory for the Germans.
Boston thrashers Ramming Speed thrash the pants off our own Greg Lenzo with their sophomore Doomed to Destroy, Destined to Die album.
Midwest doom crew Stone Magnum has a big supporter in Matt Coe, who firmly backs their From Time…To Eternity release.
Michigan thrashers Battlecross are currently on the Rockstar Energy Drink tour, and probably laying souls to waste with tunes from their new War of Will platter.
From the ashes of Ackercocke comes Voices, and their impressive debut, From the Human Forest Create a Fugue of Imaginary Rain.
Swedish wackos Grandexit confuse and confound on their new album, The Dead Justifies the Means.
Promise abounds on Forlorn Path’s debut full-length, Man’s Last Portrait.
The news in ten
1. Iron Maiden have posted a tour video, making us all want to fly across the globe to see them…and Eddie.
2. Gorguts main dude Luc Lemay expresses his appreciation for the positive feedback regarding the band’s forthcoming Colored Sands comeback album.
3. Wacken Open Air wants attendees to take part in their 3D movie.
4. Polish death mongers Decapitated post the video for “404.”
5. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Swedish power metallers Civil War have posted the song of the same name.
6. Ghost post the video for “Monstrance Clock.”
7. Another nice chart showing for Amon Amarth, with their new Deceiver of the Gods.
8. Megadeth post the video for “Super Collider.” And Mustaine plays the bad dad very well…
9. Motorhead is forced to cancel European summer tour dates due to Lemmy’s health issues.
10. Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe inks deal for his own book.