The excitement over a new In Flames album, once the ballyhooed event for melodic death metal, has turned into a non-event. The band’s gradual shift away from their cornerstone sound has alienated a vast portion of their fanbase who latched on during the trifecta years of The Jester Race, Whoracle, and Colony. Based on an advance song stream the band released this week, In Flames sound neutered, and hopelessly modern. Their forthcoming Siren Charms album won’t be released until later in the year, but based on early indications, In Flames are rapidly becoming personas non grata. – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Our Darkest Era CD giveaway rolls on. Enter here.
Perhaps no band better defined 90s Euro power metal than Finland’s Stratovarius, which is why “Black Diamond” is our vintage video pick of the week.
These live shots of Deafheaven in Philadelphia are quite entertaining.
Features
Cape Fear, North Carolina crew Hadea are a band you should get to know.
The aforementioned Darkest Era have quite the excellent new album on their hands with Severance. Guitarist Ade Mulgrew checks in to discuss.
Belgian black metallers Enthroned have largely avoided controversy unlike their peers. That, and their new album, Sovereigns, was up for debate when guitarist Neraath checked in.
Reviews
After a seven-year layoff, seminal Norwegian black metallers Mayhem are back with the combustible Esoteric Warfare.
Terracide’s Existence Asunder is melodic death metal done right, according to Kyle McGinn.
The Kiske-Hansen combo in Unisonic sets themselves up nicely for their forthcoming full-length with the For the Kingdom EP.
Another unsigned band to watch: Son of Aurelius, who turn some heads with Under a Western Sun. (Nice cover!)
Swiss post-metal devoid of melody. That would be Herod on They Were None.
Swedish power metal holdovers Falconer do their thing on Black Moon Rising.
Ageless wonders Holy Moses keep it going with Redefined Mayhem.
Bridget Erickson’s gives Velnias’ Sovereign Nocturnal the folk once-over.
Overshadowed by the rest of the retro death metal brigade, Autopsy manage to turn in a winner with Tourniquets, Hacksaws, and Graves.
New York black metal champs Imperial Triumphant keep things off balance with Shrine to the Trident Throne.
The news in ten
1. Judas Priest streams a new song, “Dragonaut.”
2. Swedish rockers Bullet to release Storm of Blades later this year.
3. Eyehategod release video for “Medicine Noose.”
4. Arch Enemy and Kreator team up for North American fall tour.
5. Former Slayer skin basher Dave Lombardo joins Amen.
6. Mastodon releases the video for “High Road.”
7. Sanctuary to release comeback album in September.
8. Rob Dukes comments on his split from Exodus.
9. My Dying Bride bring back an old member.
10. Steve “Zetro” Souza rejoins Exodus, then gets to work on the band’s new album.