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Category: Reviews

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The Top 8 Things You Need To Watch On Thunderflix

For those of you in the metal community living under under a rock, Thunderflix, the first streaming service thats been dubbed the metal Netflix is full of great content. There are new things being added on a weekly basis including documentaries, live concerts and feature films. Creator Samuel Douek has created a metalhead oasis where you can escape the mundane and immerse yourself in metal culture. Below Metal Lair’s list of 8 things you need to watch now!

1. Death – Death By Metal: Released 2016 and Directed by Felipe Belalcazar Produced by Mental Pictures.

This documentary follows the story of how legendary founder and front man Chuck Shouldiner, founder of the band Death broke boundaries and created a whole new genre of metal. You hear the boundary-crushing metal he wrote and performed for his band Death and follow his never-ending pursuit for musical perfection.

Born May 13, 1967, he was an American musician from Orlando, Florida. He founded his band in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001.

We hear commentary from musicians, label executives, bandmates, friends and family. There’s candid footage of Chuck. We see interviews, hear entertaining anecdotes by those who knew him well and see Death live in concert. A very interesting and intimate look at his life.

2. Until The Light Takes Us: Directed by Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell. Released 2018.

A grim and frostbitten documentary that touches on the history Norway’s infamous, artistic and cultural black metal underground music scene. This is a subgenre of music born from figures with lifestyles and back stories that rival the Nordic folklore often associated with the style.

The film is framed around how the real-life deaths of Mayhem’s Aarseth and Per Yngve Ohlin contributed to the reputation of black metal.

Directors Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell gain access to Burzum’s Varg Vikernes, Darkthrone’s Gylve Nagell, Mayhem’s Jan Axel Blomberg, and Satyricon’s Kjetil Haraldstad. The film covers rituals and violence within the black metal mythology and reveals what these artists are raging against. The documentary closes with a performance art suicide by Satyricon’s Kjetil Haraldstad.

3. God Bless Ozzy Osbourne: A 2011 film Directed by Mike Fleiss, Mike Piscitelli. Written and produced by Jack Osbourne.

The documentary chronicles Ozzy Osbourne’s life with footage of the Sabbath days. His rise, to fame. The Randy Rhoads days. Candid interviews with band mates, friends, musicians and family members. His struggle with sobriety and everything else in between.

Its definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already seen it.

4. Powerwolf The Monumental Mass: A cinematic metal event. Release date: July 8, 2022.

At the end of 2021, POWERWOLF – the most successful German metal band to date – fascinated with a streaming event of unprecedented dimensions. Those who thought they had seen everything in the live sector were instantly proven wrong with unmatched audio production and visuals that can only be described as simply breathtaking.

The concept of THE MONUMENTAL MASS – A CINEMATIC METAL EVENT was conjured by POWERWOLF mastermind Matthew Greywolf, who is also involved in the screenplay, while Jörg Michael is responsible for the cinematic production. The artwork was once again created by Zsofia Dankova, with audio production, mixing and mastering by Kristian “Kohle” Bonifer.

5. Truth To Power: Released 2020.

Serj Tankian — lead singer of System of a Down uses music as a voice for social and political change. Serj Tankian, the Grammy-winning lead singer of System Of A Down leads with exclusive interviews, adventures, and original footage personally filmed by Serj, TRUTH TO POWER allows audiences backstage access to an international rock star whose faith in music not only revolutionized heavy metal, but also world events. Throughout his life, the musician has pursued social justice, harnessing the power of his songs and celebrity for real political change. Serj’s voice is equally likely to take on American corporate greed as lambast the corrupt regime of his homeland. His decades-long campaign for formal U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide was finally approved by Congress in 2019.

Set to an original soundtrack composed by Serj, his critically acclaimed solo work, as well as the iconic music of System Of A Down, TRUTH TO POWER is also an artist portrait with a revealing look at the musician as he writes music—from inception to recording—and pursues ambitions outside of the band.

6. Megadeth – A Night in Buenos Aires

A live concert event from metal legends Megadeth performing in Argentina 2005 before a thousands of adoring fans! Founder/ vocalist Dave Mustaine leads his band through several of Megadeth’s best loved tracks including

“Symphony Of Destruction,” “Tornado Of Souls,” and “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due” PLUS several tracks from the then brand new album The System Has Failed!

7. Mötley Crüe – The End – Live In Los Angeles: Released 2014, Directed by Christian Lamb.

On January 28, 2014, Mötley Crüe held a press conference at Beacher’s Madhouse Theater in Hollywood, where they announced a final tour. The band became the first to sign a binding legal document known as a “cessation of touring” contract, preventing them from touring under the name Mötley Crüe past the year 2015.

The tour eventually ended with three nights at the Staples Center in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles on December 28, 30 and 31st of 2015.

The visually stunning and final concert of Mötley Crüe’s final tour, Mötley Crüe: The End was captured with 30 cameras in Ultra HD 4K in front of a sold out crowd of die hard Mötley Crüe fans.

The film, which features documentary footage shot by “Jackass” Creator and Director Jeff Tremaine and the full concert performance directed Christian Lamb (Madonna, Rihanna, Taylor Swift) is a one of a kind and unique experience for Mötley Crüe fans and beyond!

8. Super Duper Alice Cooper: 2014 Canadian biographical documentary film about shock rock musician Alice Cooper, written and directed by Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen and Reginald Harkema.

Super Duper Alice Cooper is the twisted tale of a teenage mad scientist whose cloning experiment ran amok. It is the story of Vincent Furnier, preacher’s son, who struck fear into the hearts of parents everywhere as Alice Cooper, the ultimate rock star of the bizarre. From the advent of Alice as frontman for a group of Phoenix freaks in the sixties to the hazy decadence of celebrity in the seventies to the winking comeback as glam metal godfather in the eighties, we will watch in wonder as Alice and Vincent battle for each other’s souls.

The story is told in the from of a “doc opera”, a dizzying blend of documentary archive materials and rock opera. In a culture marked by defining figures, Super Duper Alice Cooper will cement the myth of Alice Cooper.

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Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs List

Welcome to ‘Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs’ series where we go down the rabbit hole and feature seven metal songs from all over the world past, present and future.

Acacia Strain – Untended Graves. Genre: Metalcore/deathcore
Origin: Chicopee, Massachusetts
Label: Rise

The Acacia Strain are having a Deliverance and Damnation moment by dropping not one but two albums, both in stark contrast of each other. Vocalist Vincent Bennet has an explanation of both records here. They have different sounds. One is slow and sludgy (Failure) while the other (Light) is heavy and fast.

“This is a split timeline between both albums. Which side of the coin did you end up on?,” says Bennett.

Incredible love for the new TAS material has been intense and copious! The band “goes harder than absolutely everybody else.” Both albums show the massive talent and diversity The Acacia Strain possess within their wheelhouse. Buy Failure Will Follow and Step into The Light here:

Cattle Decapitation – A Photic Doom. Genre: Technical death metal. Origin: San Diego, California
Label: Metal Blade

Cattle Decapitation’s new album Terrasite is both melodic and blistering but this is largely the heavy beast that Cattle Decap always are. Travis Ryan wanted to go from doom to “daylight horror” and the album delivers that.

From total annihilation to rebirth, “Terrasite”takes you on a journey from anthropogenic ecocide, (Death Atlas) to a new beginning, (Terrasite).

Terrasite is an intense and provocative album that continues Cattle Decapitations tradition of exploring environmental and animal welfare issues through their music. The bands unique signature blend of death metal, grindcore, and progressive metal is on full display. A Photic Doom is the latest video installment from the album. Buy Terrasite here:

Blackbraid – Moss Covered Bones On The Altar of The Moon. Genre: Native American Black Metal. Origin: Adirondack Mountains, US. Label: Independant

Sgah’gahsowah the indigenous one-man Native American black metal band has a new single “Moss Covered Bones on the Altar of the Moon”. The single is off his sophomore album Blackbraid II due out July 7. The song is an ambient, Native American, black metal blend thats cohesive. The original sound this artist puts out is nothing short of beautiful and magnificent. Purchase Moss Covered Bones on The Altar if The Moon here:

Devildriver – This Relationship Broken. Genre: Groove Metal. Origin: Santa Barbara, California. Label: Napalm Records

Devildriver have released their new album Dealing With Demons Vol. II. The new album represents celebrated frontman Dez Fafara’s psyche and the final purging of his demons that have long haunted the band’s music. Devildriver delivers metal ferocity and continues to keep their fans satiated with amazing music. Buy Dealing With Demons Vol. II here:

Feuerschwanz – Berzerker Mode. Genre: medieval comedy” band. Origins: Erlangen (Franken), Germany. Label: Napalm Records

Feuerschwanz kicks off with outstanding opening track “SGFRD Dragonslayer”. Lyrical references to the legendary Siegfried Dragonslayer combine with heavy riffing and Nordic mythology. The band continues to deliver stunning medieval renaissance style music coupled with lush instrumentation of the highest caliber. The new Album, Fegefeuer, is out July 7, 2023. Get Your Copy of Fegefeuer NOW.

Conquer Divide – WelcomeToParadise2. Genre: hard rock, metalcore. Origins: Us, Canada & UK. Label: Mascot Records

Conquer Divide is an all girl metalcore 5 piece with vocals ranging from clean, hypnotic melodies to deep, guttural growls. Instrumentally they are extremely talented and hold their own. As an up-and-coming all female metal band in a male dominated industry these women are role models for girls who dream of being in a band. Musically Conquer Divide possess talent, perseverance and adrenalin pulsing aggression. They have released a new song, Welcome To Paradise 2 off their up-coming album Slow Burn out September 8, 2023. The song touches on the detriment humans are inflicting on our planet. Preorder Slow Burn Here:

Walk With Titans – Herakles. Genre: Power Metal. Origins: Montreal Canada. Label: Rockshots Records

Walk With Titans is an epic power metal outfit with a twist of Greek Mythology. They will be releasing their debut album “Olympian Dystopia” on May 26th, 2023 via Rockshots Records. Preorder Olympian Dystopia here: Efficient, well executed, heavy, and mythical, this is what power metal fans hunger for and this band dishes it up in spades. Check out their newly released single Herakles below.

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“Eco-Metal Mayhem At Its Finest: CATTLE DECAPITATION’s ‘Terrasite’ Emerges From The Ruins of Post-Apocalyptic Earth”

As the repulsive creature with a twisted, insectile form and human-like intelligence emerged from its ootheca stage, it felt an insatiable hunger gnawing from its insides. Its limbs, elongated and grotesque, twitched with newfound power, and its once human eyes shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence. As it took its first trembling steps, the hybrid, sentient being was startled by the eerie silence that surrounded it. It could feel the weight of a thousand eyes on its back, and it knew it was not alone. A primal rage surged through its body, and it roared in anger, sending shockwaves through the desolate wasteland that was once Earth. The nymph stage had just begun, and it was already a force of nature.

Terrasite (noun)
“terra-“ (Latin = “earth”) + “-sitos” (Greek = “food”) Definition:
1. A devourer or destroyer of land or earth.
2. Post-Anthropocene humanity

The title is a word invented by Ryan that brings together “Terra-“ meaning “earth” and “-site” derived from the Greek word “-sitos” which means “food.” “The combination of the two means ‘earth-eater.’ It’s a metaphor for humanity’s role in the destruction of the planet and is a play-on-words of the very fitting word ‘parasite.”

Fierce Cacophonist’s Cattle Decapitation are a five piece metal faction. Their niche is death-grind with a lyrical emphasis on activism. Their career encompasses almost 20 years of consistant mastery. The band have released a brand new album, Terrasite Via Metal Blade Records.

From total annihilation to rebirth, “Terrasite” takes you on a journey from anthropogenic ecocide, (Death Atlas) to a new beginning, (Terrasite).

Terrasite is an intense and provocative album that continues Cattle Decapitations tradition of exploring environmental and animal welfare issues through their music. The bands unique signature blend of death metal, grindcore, and progressive metal is on full display. Their sound on this album is so unique, its as if they’ve spawned a new genre altogether. From the opening moments the listener is immediately plunged into a world of unrelenting brutality and unyielding aggression.

What sets Terrasite apart from the bands other works is the emphasis on melodic atmospheric sound while perduring incontrovertible savagery.

One way the band distinguishes itself is through the vocal technique of frontman Travis Ryan which involves a form of tunnel throat with an interesting spin of melodic banshee wails and glottic distortion. Travis smoothly transitions from raspiness to dinosaur screams. His elocution abilities are unparalleled. Travis captivates the audience by drawing them in through strong song writing, compelling vocal delivery and emotional depth. He projects clarity and conviction through his lyrics. The spectator is able to connect to the music on a personal level which creates a powerful musical experience.

The guitars provide a subtle, textured, ambient fusion thats meant to create a divergent sound. Josh Elmore’s leads are known for his technically skilled and innovative approach to guitar. Theres a combination of intricate layering and solos with high gain tones that cut through the mix. The tapping and legato strategies add depth and complexity.

Belisario Dimuzios adds palm-muted power chords and intricacy that perfectly felicitate Elmore’s leads. One of the stand out aspects of Belisario’s guitar playing is his use of dissonant chords and atonal melodies, which add to the albums overall sense of unease and atrocity.

The craft of Olivier Pinard’s bass playing style is characterized by proficiency, versatility and his ability to create a thick and heavy foundation. The rapid-fire bass lines are one of many stand out aspects. The range of tonal textures and dynamic coupled with his use of effects peddles apply contrast and helps to anchor the music and drive it forward with relentless energy.

David McGraw’s ferocious drumming with use of polyrhythms, odd time signatures and unconventional phrasing add a sense of unpredictability. The blast beats, double bass and fills create a sense of chaos and vociferousness. He’s known for his impeccable timing, use of dynamic range and seamless transition from quiet, sparse sections to explosive full-throttle sections.

Lyrically the album emerges from total annihilation to rebirth although what has risen is very disturbing. The soaring choruses and haunting interludes add an extra layer of depth to the album’s already powerful music.

Lyrically “Terrasite” is as biting and incisive as ever, with the bands recurrent themes taking aim at everything from climate change denial to factory farming. A searing critique of humanities destructive impact on the planet.

Terrasite is a fantastic addition to the bands already impressive discography. With its combination of musical virtuosity and social commentary, its an album that demands to be heard.

Overall Cattle Decapitation’s album Terrasite is a powerful and stimulating work of art that’s a cautionary tale aiming to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges facing the world today, and to inspire people to take action to protect the planet for future generations.

ORDER TERRASITE HERE

CATTLE DECAPITATION will support Dark Funeral on the tenth annual Decibel Magazine Tour. The journey will commence on May 11th in Santa Ana, California and run through June 10th in Los Angeles, California. Additional support will be provided by 200 Stab Wounds and Blackbraid.

CATTLE DECAPITATION w/ Dark Funeral, 200 Stab Wounds, Blackbraid:
5/11/2023 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
5/12/2023 The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
5/13/2023 El Rey – Albuquerque, NM
5/15/2023 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
5/16/2023 Empire Control Room – Austin, TX
5/17/2023 The Warehouse – Houston, TX
5/19/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL
5/20/2023 Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
5/21/2023 The Underground – Charlotte, NC
5/23/2023 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
5/24/2023 Irving Plaza – New York, NY * No Blackbraid
5/26/2023 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
5/27/2023 Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
5/28/2023 Crofoot Ballroom – Pontiac, MI
5/30/2023 The Metro – Chicago, IL
5/31/2023 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
6/02/2023 The Summit – Denver, CO
6/03/2023 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
6/05/2023 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
6/06/2023 The Vogue Theater – Vancouver, BC
6/07/2023 The Roseland Ballroom -Portland, OR
6/09/2023 The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
6/10/2023 Regent Theater – Los Angeles, CA

CATTLE DECAPITATION ONLINE

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“Stream The Lightning: Thunderflix’s Resounding Call for Quality Metal in The Mainstream”

Thunderflix is the latest platform to hit the streaming scene, catering specifically to metalheads. Let me tell you, as a music aficionado, Thunderflix does not disappoint.

Spanning across all metal sub-genres the platform offers a vast selection of music, documentaries, behind the scenes footage and concerts. Its the worlds first on-demand metal streaming service. The best part is that its all ad- free!

Thunderflix is the conception of mastermind Samuel Douek who’s worked in film most of his life. Samuel is a die-hard metalhead who has been passionate about the metal genre since his teenage years. Growing up in a small town in Mexico City with limited access to metal music, he turned to the internet to discover new bands and connect with other metalheads. It was through this online community that he realized the need for a streaming service that caters specifically to metal fans.

Samuel spent years researching and studying the music industry, learning about the challenges faced by metal bands and their fans. He took note of how the mainstream media often overlooked and ignored metal and how metal fans had very limited resources to access their favorite bands and content. This led him to the idea of creating Thunderflix, a stage that would provide a space for metalheads to celebrate their love of the metal genre.

Thunderflix is a subscription based model aptly priced at $6.66 a month and they are always adding new content. Thunderflix can be streamed from any mobile device or TV with streaming access. Explore and download the app on the Thunderflix website here:

The platform’s interface is sleek, and easy to navigate, making it a joy to browse through the extensive library of metal content. Thunderflix has not forgotten about the importance of quality. The audio is top notch, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the metal experience.

One of the many stand out features of Thunderflix is their selection of live performances. The platform offers concerts from some of the biggest names in the metal industry such as Metallica, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Behemoth and Iron Maiden just to name a few. They also have performances from up-and-coming bands. This gives everyone a chance to experience the energy and excitement of live shows from the comfort of their own homes.

For metal connoisseurs, having a premium rostrum such as Thunderflix is essential for several reasons. Firstly, metal music is a genre that demands high-quality sound. The intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drums and mastery of soaring vocals need to be experienced with crystal clear audio to truly appreciate the power and intensity of the music. Thunderflix is a touchstone that provides just that.

Secondly metal is misunderstood and misrepresented by mainstream media. Metalheads have been subjected to lack of exceptional metal content for far too long. Thunderflix addresses this issue by setting the stage for metal to showcase the diversity of the genre and offers a wide variety of content that has been overlooked by other streaming services.

In creating Thunderflix, Samuel Douek sends a powerful message about the inequality and lack of metal. He is challenging the mainstream narrative that has neglected metal for far too long.

Overall, Thunderflix is an excellent podium that delivers on its promise to provide a quality streaming service catered to metal fans. Thunderflix emphasizes on metal content, high- quality sound and video, and its user friendly. Thunderflix is a must have for any metal fan.

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Metal On The Margins: Exploring The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Ongoing Snub of Metal

It seems like The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has forsaken metal. The Rock Hall has inducted only three metal bands during their almost 40-year tenure, Metallica, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. Iron Maiden has been nominated twice and snubbed and there’s been many other metal bands that have failed to make the cut.

Has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame become an antiquated mausoleum? Some people may argue that the institution has lost its relevance over time and is no longer an accurate representation of the current music landscape. Others may view it as an important establishment that continues to honor the legacy of prestigious bands and artists.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s selection process and criteria for inducting artists are determined by a nominating committee composed of music industry professionals, historians, and journalists. While the Hall of Fame has included several deserving acts in the past, there’s been wide spread criticism in the last few years over bands and musicians being over looked and under represented.

Additionally, there has been vituperation of the Hall of Fames approach with partisanship against certain genres, most notably hard rock and metal. There’s also a tendency to favor established, commercially successful artists over critically acclaimed ones.

One possible reason for this could be that the Hall of Fame’s focus has historically been on artists who have had significant impact on the development and evolution of music. While metal is undoubtedly part of the broader spectrum, there are also distinct sub-genres with their own unique sounds, histories, and cultures. Some critics argue that metal has been marginalized in the Hall of Fame because they are often associated with more extreme and controversial subject matter, and have been seen by some as being less influential or important than other music genres.

Another factor to consider is that the Hall of Fame’s selection process is somewhat opaque, with decisions made by a relatively small group of industry insiders. This can lead to accusations of bias or favoritism, particularly when it comes to genres or artists that are perceived as being outside the mainstream or not widely understood or appreciated by the general public.

Ultimately, the reasons behind the Hall of Fame’s discerning bias against metal bands are complex and multifaceted. This likely reflects a combination of factors including industry politics, cultural prejudice and subjective judgements about what constitutes “good” or “important” music.

The metal communities percipience of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame varies. Some fans and musicians view the Hall of Fame as a meaningless organization that doesn’t properly represent their music authentically.

Others in the metal community acknowledge the significance of being recognized by the Rock Hall, but still believe they still have not done enough to honor the contributions of metal and the profound impact the genre has had on music.

Its difficult to predict how the future will look with regard to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and metal music. As the genre continues to evolve and gain favor, its possible that more metal acts will be recognized and inducted.

  • Kate Bush
  • Sheryl Crow
  • Missy Elliott
  • George Michael
  • Willie Nelson
  • Rage Against the Machine
  • The Spinners
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Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs

Welcome to our “Seven Deadly Songs” series where we feature a song from different bands each week. We go down the rabbit hole exploring metal both past and present. Enjoy the trip!

Deathcore Massachusetts metal band The Acacia Strain’s new tune “FRESH BONES” off the album STEP INTO THE LIGHT via Rise Records. Theres a powerful message to be heard here about the dark side of humanity and decay of morality. Not that we need reminding of this fun fact but none the less the lyrical content is very well written. Musically this song is brutal with sludgy breakdowns and Vincent Bennett’s signature vocal stylings that we have come to love over the years. Overall Im never disappointed by anything this band puts out.

Belgian sludge/doom metal band PREDATORY VOID – ‘Endless Return to the Kingdom of Sleep’ off the album ‘Keys to the Discomfort of Being’ via Century Media Records. Dont let Lina’s angelic voice fool you, shes luring the listener into a psychosis fueled dimension filled with nightmares, sleep paralysis and subconscious fears. As the song progresses the singing goes from melodic to tortured guttural screams. The narration takes you down a rabbit hole of despair and fear. This is not a happy tune. This song reminds me of watching the movie ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ where eventually you will do anything to keep from falling asleep. Its dark and heavy and should definitely be on rotation.

Alabama metal band Gideon share the new song ‘Take Off’ from the album ‘More Power More Pain’ via Equal Vision Records. This song is an experimental fusion of groove, funky beats, nü-metal which is seeing a huge insurgence, and a dash of electronic hip hop flavor to add to the mix. It sounds a bit strange but it really works. As the vocals layer into the fray, the evolution of the breakdown progress and is insane. The monstrosity of Daniel McWhorter’s crooning is the perfect pairing with the high octane formula of the band. Listening to the song ‘Take Off’ transposes you into a conceptualized auditory getaway.

The band Strigoi dropped a new tune on us this week titled ‘The Construct of Misery’ via Season of Mist records. Its an exclusive stream on the Decibel flexi series only at Decibel Magazine at THIS LOCATION. The new song is an unsettling barrage of blackened death doom frills and shrills that take the listener on a rollercoaster ride of eccentric riffs, chaotic vocals and grizzly themes. Fasten your seat belt.

Japanese Gore-specialists FESTERDECAY’S new album Reality Rotten To The Core via Everlasting Spew is an explosion of metal. FesterDecay formed in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan in 2015. The song Rotten Fester Decay is a deadly goregrind track with an intro that sounds like someone has just stumbled into a bloody disgusting crime scene to their great horror. As the climactic build-up progresses there’s screaming, ear piercing guitar riffs that lead into something that surprises you (is this Dimebag Darrell guitar influences Im picking up?) which is no easy feat when you’re submerged into metal every day. The vocals are guttural and ferocious. This band is a force du jour and I foresee them becoming huge in the metal scene.

DUSK – Agnes of Rome off the album Spectrums via Dusk studio. Dusk is a one man band with Saudi Arabian artist and architect Meshari Sangora. Spectrums is the debut full-length which features 10 guest vocalists by Saudi and Kuwaiti musicians. The song Agnes of Rome features a collaboration with ABZY, a self taught singer-songwriter from Kuwait city. The talent and arduous work that was put into this album collectively is impressive. The international flavors and languages in which each song is performed I find irresistible. Im a person who enjoys all genres of metal and if the piece of music in question is well done even better. I dont shy away from diving into metalcore or any other genre to experience a piece of music. This album is uniquely designed with multiple genres, styles and influences. Agnes of Rome is no exception and the bridge is a beautifully written piece of music with clean melodic vocals. The subject matter is a very interesting piece of literary history. The whole album is worth digesting.

Witchrot band, ‘Burn Me Down’ off the album Live in The Hammer. This band is one of those hidden gems you stumble across. An avant- guard, psychedelic rock meets doom metal outfit. They are a twist of retro and modern music. Lea Reto’s contralto vocals are reminiscent of early Grace Slick as she belts out powerful Sirenic and hypnotising lyrics. The musical theme is dark and disturbing as they unravel a tale of woe and despair.

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Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs of The Week

Welcome to our “Seven Deadly Songs” series where we find out how deep the rabbit hole really goes and explore metal both past and present. Enjoy the trip!

1. Swedish powerhouse metallers In Flames, ‘End The Transmission’ off their new album Forgone via Nuclear Blast. This song takes you on a journey into another realm of a bleak existence of hopelessness that seems to uncannily run parallel to current times. Fantasy or existential crisis is the real question. Musically this song is a beast and happily dances around in my head on repeat. The band proves to be a champion heavyweight contender in the metal scene by taking no prisoners.

2. Coming in second is Arch Enemy with their theatrically stunning rendition of Poisoned Arrow off their new album Deceiver via Nuclear Blast. Renaissance meets metal in this dramatical production. The lyrics are a well written roadmap of a relationship gone awry and the female heroine has been stabbed in the back by a poison arrow. The song itself is full of rich layers and tones textured with Alissa’s signature death metal growls. The song is well written and the video is well done. This is what really great musical art looks like by professional musicians. Bravo!!!

3. Coming in third is Distant with their new song Heritage via Century Media featuring the multi octave extraterrestrial guest vocals of Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos singing the chorus. The song has a very dark lyrical theme ranging from memories of past abuse that soon morph into something sinister. The band pummels through your speakers with the ominous force of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. This is a band to pay close attention to.

4. Suicide Silence, Dying Life off their new album ‘Remember…You Must Die’ via Century Media. The lyrics ‘under a dying sun’ speak of a dying planet. This is a recurring theme among many artists who are very vocal about the cataclysmic effects of climate change and the desire to create awareness so we may make the necessary changes. I applaud them for using their platform for change. Eddie Hermida’s vocals are powerful and you can hear the passion and anger behind the message. Keep up the good fight guys!

5. Symphonic Deathcore giants Downfall of Mankind hailing from Portugal comes in at number 5 with this absolute beast of a song God of Nothingness via Lacerated Enemy Records. The lyrics ask an age old question and the vocals and band deliver a searing assault to your senses. The material produced by this band are extremely impressive. Downfall of Mankind is ferocious and I suspect we will be hearing quite a lot from them in the future.

6. UK death metal titans Memoriam, Rise To Power via Nuclear Blast. This is a super group founded by former Bolt Thrower singer Karl Willetts and Benediction bassist Frank Healy. The formula works very well and the music speaks for itself with these incredibly talented death metallers. Rise To Power reaches a level of new styles and moods weaved in to create a beautiful piece of music. This is the bands fifth album release. Feast your senses with Rise To Power and thank me later.

7. Last but not least, heres our seventh deadly pick of the week. Portuguese death doom band Oak have released Disintegrate off their new album titled the same via Season of Mist. Its haunting melodic intro leads into a plumage of deadly riffs, thought provoking lyrics and machine gun style beats. You can hear the classical influences in the featured song and thats what makes it so beautiful. Its a 44:28 minute escape from reality.

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Metal Lairs Seven Deadly Songs of The Week

Welcome to Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs. A weekly series where we go down the rabbit hole and feature seven metal songs from all over the world.

1. ‘Bring Back the Plague’ from the album ‘Death Atlas’ by Cattle Decapitation via Metal Blade Records. The band’s seventh studio album from 2019 is one of their most highly regarded releases so far, the band really came into their own with this one. ‘Death Atlas’ contains all the aspects we’ve come to know and love about the band like their insane blast beats and groovy riffs, but they also really brought home the more chilling and melodic side to Travis Ryan’s vocals that makes this band so unique to the genre. ~Tom Alan

2. ‘New Found’ from the ‘Fortitude‘ album, the most recent release from Gojira in 2021 through Roadrunner Records. The band creates an incredibly groovy blend by combining all of their classic sounds and tricks that they’re so well known for with their more experimental and themed aspects from the previous release, ‘Magma’. This album has an excellent combination of heavy and chill. ~Tom Alan

3. ‘The Infernal Resurrection’ by Skeletonwitch, from their 2011 album ‘Forever Abomination’ released on Prosthetic Records. A beautiful fusion of melodic death and thrash, one of those songs that makes you really wish there was a mosh pit in the immediate vicinity. ~Tom Alan

4. ‘Survival’ from the album ‘Serial Urbicide’ via ‘Amputated Vein Records’ brought to you by the Russian Slam experts, Extermination Dismemberment. You want heavy? Here it is. Heaviest thing you’ve heard all week, guaranteed. It’s also worth noting that the outro to this track is particularly good, check it out. ~Tom Alan

5. Waters Run Deep from the monster album Malicious Intent by Malevolence via Nuclear Blast. Malevolence is a band to watch, they are making waves and putting out incredible music these days. The video for Still Waters Run Deep, follows the bands incredible journey from dive bars to arenas. Its an intimate look inside the bands climb through the UK underground scene. “This video is a deep dive into the history of Malevolence,” says vocalist Alex Taylor. “We dug through hours of old archive footage and picked out some highlights from over the years as the song is a tribute to the journey we have set upon together, and the bond it has formed between us. ~ Christy Lee

6. ‘Cancer’ off the album ‘Color Decay’ by The Devil Wears Prada via Solid State Records. Jonathan Gering said that lyrically, this song is about how many people he’s looked up to and idolized that ended up committing suicide. Musically its gritty, somber and poignant. The backdrop is dramatically dark to match the songs overall theme. It’s metalcore in its purest form. With aggressive highs and moody lows the band lets you get an intimate glimpse inside the meaning behind the song Cancer. The band will be on tour this summer. Check for tour dates near you. ~Christy Lee

7. NORMA JEAN, ‘1994’ off the album Deathrattle Sing For Me via Solid State Records. This is the bands ninth full-length album. The first thing that comes to mind when watching this video is vintage heavy metal meets modern metalcore mixed with classic hardcore punk vibes. It looks like we are watching a montage of home videos spliced together in pure chaos. This is my favorite track on the album because its a wonderful oddity. The difference is the precise musical formula that I find very enticing. Check out their new album and thank me later. This band is currently in tour. Check for dates near you. ~Christy Lee

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Metal Lair’s Se7eN Deadly Songs of The Week

We have curated a list of the best songs for January 28th 2023. Without further adieu here is our inaugural list of deadly songs.

1. Screaming Suicide by none other than Metallica off their highly anticipated new album, 72 Seasons which will be released on April 14, 2023. It will be the second album to be released through their own Blackened label. Props to Metallica for helping keep metal alive. This new song really slaps.

2. The Summoning off the album This Place Will Become Your Tomb via Spinefarm Records by anonymous British collective Sleep Token. Other than the fact this band is taking the internet by storm and gaining massive popularity, the song ‘The Summoning’ in particular seems to be making everyone horny. Aside from that, the vocalist has a very distinctive voice and possibly one of the greatest singers in modern history. We think its pretty good.

3. Pestilence by Arched Fire via Wormholedeath Records featuring Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens. This song is literally fire. It screams of classic heavy metal Judas Priest meets modern day metal. Its a fun musical collaboration to head bang and play air guitar to. The members of Arched Fire keep up with Tim’s crooning with blazing hot instrumentation.

4. Violence No Matter What, a powerhouse Duet With Avatar and Lzzy Hale. This is an exciting metal collaboration with the masked marauders and the fair maiden who goes hard in this song. Both Johannes Eckerström and Lzzy Hales vocals mesh well together to create a high octane power ballad fueled with angst.

5. Lucyfer Prime Evil by Lordi off their latest effort Screem Writers Guild via Atomic Fire Records. LORDI are one of the major Finnish rock/heavy metal acts of our time. Mr. Lordi and his monster clan have created a devilishly delicious new track and we are looking forward to hearing the rest of the album this spring.

6. Exorcism by Belle Morte off the album Crime of Passion via Wormholedeath Records. Exorcism is in the category of symphonic metal but its more of an auditory vacation! This song is opulent, and beautifully layered with exquisite Eastern inspired soundscapes.

The unique and skillful instrumentation of abowed stringed instrument called mornin khuur and subtle khuumei (throat singing) in the backdrop both performed by Ulziisaikhan Khoroldamba are nothing short of next level musicianship. Ulziisaikhan’s much welcomed addition to this composition brings this piece to a melodic climax and quantifies the brilliance with imagination. We are in love with this piece!

7. Propaganda Machine by Demonstealer featuring members of Kataklysm, Ne Obliviscaris off his new album Monolith of Hate via Black Lion Records. Demonstealer, India’s premier metal musician Sahil Makhija’s (of Demonic Resurrection) solo venture is full of a stellar line-up of metal musicians across the globe. Demonstealer is one of the hardest working people in metal today and it clearly shows when you listen to the music. Propaganda Machine is a heavy hitting brutal death metal song with thought provoking lyrics and a barrage of intense metal riffs and beats.

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Extreme Sludge Doom Metal Band RAUM KINGDOM Breaks Barriers With Their New Single ‘Red Admiral’

RAUM KINGDOM are:
Dave Lee – Vocals
Andrew Colohan – Guitars
Niall Gregory – Bass
Mark Gilchrist – Drums

Irish atmospheric Post-Metal, Sludge and Doom quartet RAUM KINGDOM has a new and very Impressive EP coming out titled Monarch to be released January 27th 2023. Dave Lee leads the pack with his unreal and haunting vocals.

After the tragic and sudden passing of bass player Ronan Connor in March 2021, RAUM KINGDOM wanted to release music to honor Ronan’s memory.

The song Red Admiral is a tale of woe and regret, the antagonist is in a self imposed prison dealing with intense guilt and angst. The intro is a utopian dreamscape sound that carries the listener deep into the trenches of misguided sadness and fear. The song hits in waves of melancholy despair and peaks of ferocious hard hitting metal.

This is an album you must have in your collection. This album is well written and composed. Raum Kingdom adeptly maneuvers the listener into a auditory hallucination.

Grateful and humbled by the inundation of positive reviews and attention from music critics, webzines and fans from across the globe, haunting, fearful, Raum Kingdom continue to create hype in the community by doing what they passionately enjoy doing.

RAUM KINGDOM started out in late 2013 on the east coast of Ireland when singer Dave Lee and guitarist Andrew Colohan set out to create a soul crushing experience of sonics. When long time friends, bassist Ronan Connor and drummer Mark Gilchrist joined the line up, the project was ready to express itself.

Exploring their collective passion for all heavy genres of music, the four-piece began to channel that energy into what would turn out to be RAUM KINGDOM’s first, self-titled five track EP, self-released in April 2014. Taken unawares by the instant and positive critical response, RAUM KINGDOM‘s ability to resound with their audience comes from their heart for turning negativity into positivity and the ethos of having a blast doing what they have a passion for. To date, the band has completed numerous shows on the Euro circuit, and released an EP, a split EP with Belgian group All We Expected, and their much acclaimed debut album ‘Everything & Nothing’, a one hour sonic journey of redemtion and hope.

After the sudden and sad passing of bass player Ronan Connor in March 2021, RAUM KINGDOMwanted to release their last recordings and writings in respect for Ronan’s memory. 

Their new effort is something beyond everything: emotive, melodic, atmospheric and hypnotizing. A musical journey for our deep senses.

Pre-order Monarch here:

Tracklist:
Red Admiral
Hairstreak
Swalowtail
Comma
Gatekeeper
Pieris

RAUM KINGDOM ONLINE:

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Merry Shredmass! Metal Lair Celebrates 16 Virtuoso Guitar Shredders

Written By Mick Daniels

I have compiled a list of guitar shredders for my Merry Shredmas list for light reading on your Christmas holiday. I hope you enjoy it and happy holidays from Metal Lair!

PAUL WARDINGHAM

Paul Wardingham is an English-born Australian musician and producer. He’s been described as an instrumental cyborg guitar player. His style combines 7-string & 8 string riffing, melodic choruses, industrial synths and otherworldly solos to create visions of a futuristic world.

ANGEL VIVALDI

Angel Vivaldi (born June 13, 1985) is an American guitarist, songwriter and producer. Vivaldi is known for his virtuoso guitar playing style and cinematic music videos. He delivers heavy, pure modern shred Effects.

LUCAS MANN

Lucas Mann is the guitarist for American deathcore band Rings Of Saturn. Lucas is known for his otherworldly, advanced alien technology guitar performances which sound impossibly difficult to learn but he masters this style effortlessly.

ALES CAMPANELLI

Ales Campanelli is a super talented bass player. He’s known for fast paced metal playing and executes perfection. He delivers furious blistering alternate picking, exhibiting his dexterity and skill as a fully rounded player.

JEFF LOOMIS

Jeff Loomis is an award winning guitarist known for his progressive metal shredding abilities. Loomis exhibits distinctive rhythmic style, smooth technique and breakneck speed during his live performances. Not only that he possesses song writing prowess and has had an impressive career.

BUCKETHEAD

Brian Patrick Carroll, known professionally as Buckethead, is an American guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Buckethead is one of the most bizarre and enigmatic figures in underground and experimental music. He’s received critical acclaim for his innovative electric guitar playing.

NITA STRAUSS

Nita Strauss is an American musician nick named the hurricane after her powerful shredding abilities. She’s one of the most visibly talented players out there. She’s still underappreciated by the mainstream even though she tops lists of the best female guitarists.

Mio Jäger

Japanese lead guitarist Mio Jäger, shreds at a relentless pace that could give anyone a dose of whiplash. Shes a guitar warrior who plays with an amazonian ferocity taking the empowered female angle in a war like and cinematic experience.

GRETCHEN MENN

Gretchen Menn is an American guitarist and composer who has her own original instrumental work. She performs the music of Led Zeppelin all over the U.S. in the all female Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella. Guitar Player Magazine’s editor-in-chief, described Gretchen’s solo music best saying she “seeks the unknown by blending disparate jazz, prog, and world-music influences into a tasty, guitaristic thrill ride.”

JOE DUPLANTIER

Joseph Andrew Duplantier is a French-American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist of heavy metal band Gojira. Joes shredding skills are heavy and jagged, Gojiras music always has a stellar arrangement. Joe gets plenty of nasty tone out of his Telecaster.

THOMAS BETRISEY

THOMAS “DROP” BETRISEY
Producer / Engineer / Arranger / Mixer / Mastering
Accomplished songwriter, producer, engineer, remixer and guitar shredder. Thomas’s attention to detail. He has been a former member of the swiss band Sybreed and is now in the electro/rock band MXD.

CHARLES CASWELL

From Minnesota, Berried Alive consists of a husband and wife duo Charles and Kaylie Caswell with focus being placed on guitar by Charles Caswell and is a carefully curated world of adventurous music and multi-sensory goodies. Charles Caswell provides shredding guitar work, vocals and songwriting for the band.

JOSH ELMORE

Josh Elmore is the guitarist for the American death grind Band Cattle Decapitation. The band is from California. Josh Elmore’s shredding guitar techniques open up in these lengthy, ethereal chords providing a barrage of power chord solos. His tight knit choreography of guitar builds depth in passages determined by irresistible riffs and hooks.

CHRIS WISEMAN

Chris Wiseman is the guitarist for the American deathcore band Shadow of Intent. Chris’s interestingly catchy riffs have landed him on this list of shred masters. Shadow of Intent is getting a lot of buzz over their new album of late reaching critical acclaim and praise. This a band and guitar shredder to keep an eye on.

ZAKK WYLDE

Zakk Wylde has had one hell of a career so far as a shred master. He’s played with Ozzy Osbourne, fronts his own band Black Label Society and is currently providing lead guitar for Pantera on tour. Zakk’s weapon of Choice is a Gibson (Bullseye) Les Paul. He’s famous for his pentatonic runs and pinch harmonics. He has many hits under his belt and possesses melodic prowess.

WES BORLAND

Wesley Louden Borland is an American rock musician. He is best known as the current guitarist and backing vocalist of the rap metal band Limp Bizkit, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative and industrial rock band Black Light Burns, and the co-founder of experimental metal band Big Dumb Face. Wes Borland is an incredibly talented musician and has earned his place on the list of shred masters.

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RuinThrone Takes You On A Tolkien Adventure Through Their New Music Video “I Am The Night” Off New Album “The Unconscious Mind Of Arda” Out Jan 2023 Through Rockshots Records

RuinThrone are:
Vocals: Haedus
Drums: Francesco Comerci
Guitar: Nicolò de Maria
Guitar: Luca Grossi
Bass: Alessandro Finocchiaro
Keyboard: Giorgio Mannucci

If music has a medieval theme with a castle as a back drop and you throw in a dash of anything Tolkien you immediately have my attention. Power metallers RUINTHRONE really broke the mold when they created the video for “I Am The Night.” Its exquisitely pulchritudinous and bewitching. The video is a visual and auditory peregrination.

Vocalist Haedus does an excellent job from start to finish. His singing is confident and powerful. He carries the song with charisma. The chorus is an epic maelstrom and the band works well together with skilled surgical precision.

When you’re listening to them you’re immediately transported into another realm filled with magic and mythology touched with stardust. This band has the goods to go very far in their music career and I very much enjoyed the song ‘I Am The Night.’

With a month until the release of their new J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired sophomore album “The Unconscious Mind Of Arda” due out this coming January 2023 via Rockshots Records,Italian fantasy power metallers RuinThrone are sharing with fans their latest music video for the single “I Am The Night”. In this song, the band tells the fair approval brought by those who dare to go in the opposite direction. The song is dedicated to those who bring divergence, for those who have the courage to be a dissonant voice. Morgoth is the symbol of all this; in the Iluvatar theme he refused to play music, which was supposed to be well-tuned with the others, instead, he played a dissonant melody. This daring action will be a messenger of new creations. Banished in the void, alone, the song imagines Morgoth laughing at his punishments while completing his work.

The band adds about the track:

“Talking about which song would every one of us would have picked as a single, everybody agreed we needed at least one to be a kick-ass power metal song. That kind of song that, while playing live, you can see people flying in the venue and head banging till the end. So the choice was between this one and Blessed By Loneliness. It wasn’t easy to choose, but eventually, we choose I Am The Night. The chorus is so epic, Haedus reaches the highest notes of his vocal extension and it’s also easy to be sung by the audience. The guitar and keys solos are so rad and fast, the double bass drum, the duration of the song…there was no other choice, but pick this one.”

Digital at https://bfan.link/i-am-the-night​

Ruinthrone‘s “The Unconscious Mind Of Arda”is the follow-up to their 2013 debut album “Urban Ubris”. “The Unconscious Mind Of Arda” is composed of storied songs inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s poem, “Legendarium”. The band hopes the concepts they wrote can be “messengers” of reflection for their listeners, turning in a better awareness of their daily life.

“With this album, we think we reached our own identity. Back in the early years, we started with a classic German power metal style, but year by year we changed and matured musically. This is why we use 7-string guitars with 1/2 step-down tuning, extreme vocals, etc. For this new record, we also focused on an alternative point of view of some stories written by Tolkien. We thought it would have been interesting to explore not only some interesting characters and heroes but also the mind of the main villains.” adds guitarist Nicolò de Maria.

“The Unconscious Mind of Arda” is mixed and mastered by Giuseppe Orlando (sound tech for Rhapsody of Fire) at the Outer Sound Studios.

The album is due out on January 13th, 2023, and is available for pre-order at the following link – https://bit.ly/RuinThrone_CD​

Previous singles:

Music Video – “Earendil” –https://youtu.be/Wr9PXgAgm64​

Music Video – “The Past Is Yet To Come” – https://youtu.be/rjemjwlMLZ8

Track Listing:
1 – Prologue – 2:19
2 – The Dreamweaver – 5:14
3 – I Am The Night – 4:50
4 – Earendil – 4:49
5 – The Past Is Yet To Come – 8:00
6 – Where Wise Men Stop – 1:17
7 – In Penumbra – 6:38
8 – The Eldest – 5:24
9 – Blessed By Loneliness – 4:23
10 – For Those Who Remain 9:54
11 – Where You Belong – 2:34
Alum Length: 55:26

For more info:​
​https://www.rockhots.eu​
​http://ruinthrone.altervista.org​
​https://www.facebook.com/RuinThrone​
​https://www.instagram.com/ruinthrone.official​

RuinThrone was founded in 2009 in Rome, Italy by Adriano Strinati, Haedus and Alessandri Finocchiaro. Soon after, Giorgio Mannucci (keyboards), Nicolò De Maria (guitars), and Francesco Comerci (drums) joined the band. The sound of RuinThrone is inspired by German and American metal bands like Blind Guardian, Helloween, Iced Earth, and Nevermore, but they have their own distinguishable dark and modern character.